THE
MESSENGER
volume 49, number 4 April 2011
PHOTO: DREAMSTIME.COM
www.emconference.ca/messenger
Inside: Jesus, Easter, and Karl Barth p. 8 The Greatest Event Ever! p. 10 Love’s Transformation p. 12
$2.00
a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference
editorials
Of first importance
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or what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Peter and then to the Twelve” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5). Easter reminds us of our crucified and risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It calls the Christian Church to unite around our central confession of Him and to welcome others. “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son” (1 John 5:11).
CBC Radio recently told of an Anglican priest in Trail, B.C., who gained a PhD exploring the relationships among snowboarding, being “spiritual” and being “religious.” What caught my attention, however, was when he conducted a worship service, intoning great words of Christian faith. However we relate to modern society, the separation of spirituality (personal faith) from religion (faith in community) is challenged by Christ, who calls society to find its community, its collective life, in him. Our Lord’s desire is for
CMU, PTS, and EMC
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tudents are graduating this month from Canadian Mennonite University and Providence Theological Seminary. For the EMC, with more than half of our churches in one province, the proximity of two seminary programs in southern Manitoba is a blessing. In Winnipeg, CMU has two Master of Arts offerings; a certificate program is offered through the Winnipeg Centre of Ministry Studies, connected with two U.S. Anabaptist seminaries. In Otterburne, PTS has certificate programs, several MA programs, two MDiv programs, and a DMin program. More EMC ministers have graduated from PTS than from all other seminaries combined. Many Steinbach Bible College faculty
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members have graduated from PTS. This is significant! CMU’s program strengthens EMC options for graduate study. For instance, MacGregor EMC’s current pastor and his predecessor have both studied there. PTS is seen as more Evangelical than Evangelical Anabaptist; CMU, more Anabaptist than Evangelical Anabaptist. Therefore, neither fully serves our denomination, which has both Evangelical and Mennonite in its name. Wherever EMCers study—at PTS, CMU, or elsewhere—we need exposure to an Evangelical Anabaptist perspective. How is this best done? PTS might offer courses in Anabaptist history and thought,
humanity’s renewal in him, the Second Adam (Romans 5). As Christians, let us reject a faith that does not centre on Christ and defines itself by vagueness or separation, while remaining alert to ensure that our common life is shared in Christcentred, rich ways. Christians, rejoice this Easter season because of Christ our Lord who makes our eternal togetherness possible by his grace. Terry M. Smith
For the EMC, with more than half of our churches in one province, the proximity of two seminary programs in southern Manitoba is a blessing. social justice, peace and war; CMU could better appreciate Evangelical Anabaptism. Could CMU and PTS further relationships so students can take additional courses at either institution without penalty? There are financial realities better spoken to by those qualified, but this much is clear: our conference wins when CMU and PTS cooperate. We lose when they do not. Some cooperation does happen. Will more? Terry M. Smith
contents Features 8
Jesus, Easter, and Karl Barth
8
– Michael Welton
10 The Greatest Event Ever! – Dr. Pierre Gilbert
12 Love’s Transformation – Cameron S. McKenzie
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A Reader’s Viewpoint
Who cares? – Murray Barkman
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Archives Alcove
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An overstuffed suitcase! – Terry M. Smith
Writings Shared
Families on the move: Growing up overseas and loving it! and Beliefs: Mennonite Faith and Practice
19 Missional and Multiplying
The Holy Spirit still speaks Low German! – Ward Parkinson
33 Focus On...
What is the strongest influence? – Tim Dyck
34 Pictures of God
Relationships and wedding plans – Joanna Plett
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Editorials
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Pontius’ Puddle
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Letters
22 Births
With our missionaries 15 Madagascar: Learning for life
Columns
Departments
16 Mexico: The benefits of ‘being there’ 17 Costa Rica: Part of our heart stayed
30 Shoulder Tapping 31 In Memory 32 Calendar 33 Poll
18 Burkina Faso: Silence, clicking, and crystal clear
News
With our churches
26 SBC offers Administrative Assistant Day
20 Abbeydale Christian Fellowship: Incarnating the gospel in Calgary
26 Japan needs your prayers! 26 MCC welcomes donations for Japan
20 Island Gospel Fellowship: IGF hosts Romanian believers
27 MHSC launches MCC Canada history and database
21 Crestview Fellowship: Crestview back in full swing!
27 The world has moved on, but Pakistan is needy
21 Anola Fellowship Chapel: Anola gains seven members
28 ‘What does it mean to be Anabaptist?’
22 Mennville EMC: Serving in Haiti and closer
28 The EFC intercedes for Christian on death row
23 Straffordville EMC: The presence of Jesus here
29 Debit cards spell relief for Pakistan flood victims
23 Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel: Winter fun at Prairie Grove
29 EMCer serves with MCC
24 Roseisle EMC: Lessons in joys and sorrows 25 Heartland Community Church: 2011 begins with mission opportunities
31 More hunger as food prices climb
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35 Stewardship Today
Are you ready? – Kevin Davidson
36 Kids’ Corner
Who is God? – Loreena Thiessen
THE MESSENGER | April 2011
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THE
MESSENGER
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. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement. THE MESSENGER is published by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main St, Steinbach, Man. Subscription rates: 1 year $24 ($30 U.S., $45 foreign) 2 years $44 ($55 U.S., $85 foreign) 3 years $65 ($82 U.S., $125 foreign) Manitoba residents add 7% PST. Digital only subscriptions: $15 per year. Single copy price: $2 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 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 Registration #09914 We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Periodical Fund, for our publishing activities.
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 www.emconference.ca/messenger
Messenger Schedule: No. 5 – May 2011 issue (copy due April 21)
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letters We need to pray and share
March issue especially appreciated
Re: The Muslim Mosaic by Dr. Arley Loewen (July 2010). This was an informative article, providing insights into differences within the Muslim world. Our concern is that several mentions were made of Muslims’ belief in “God.” However, no distinctions were made between the “God” of Islam (Allah) and our One True God of the Bible. There is an implication that Muslims and Christians may believe in the one and same God. This may be viewed as offensive by our Muslim friends and neighbours because the Koran is clear that Allah did not have a begotten son (see the Koran, chapter 17:111, chapter 4:171 and chapter 9:30—accessible online). Conversely, Christians worship the God who sent the only Saviour, His only begotten Son, into the world to save us all. If we do not know and acknowledge this difference, there is the danger of loss of motivation to evangelize our Muslim friends and neighbours. We point this out because we have noticed tendencies in the evangelical world to “smooth over” or minimize the differences between Christianity and other religions. This cannot be done without misrepresenting God and His Word. With all of our differences, we must still “love our neighbours as ourselves” and agree with the article that our calling is “to bear good fruit among the nations, including the Muslim nations.” But more specifically, we need to pray for them and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ—the Way, the Truth and the Life. David and Elaine Fehr Clairmont, Alta.
I want to express appreciation for The Messenger generally, but especially the March issue. Specifically, let me highlight three aspects of it. Firstly, Terry, thank you for reminding us of the ministry of my uncle, Dr. Archie Penner, who served our conference and the Kingdom well in his many years in the classroom and in the church. May we in the conference continue his legacy of being committed to peace! Secondly, thank you, Ray Hill, for your excellent article on the importance of Anabaptist teaching material. Often it is the issues that are not addressed that weaken a curriculum. As Ray says, devotional content is useful to a degree, but the tough issues which set Mennonite theology apart from generic evangelical faith are often overlooked, resulting in a weakness in our understanding of Christ’s teachings. Like Ray, I enjoy teaching the Adult Bible Study curriculum from Mennonite Publishing Network. Finally, like Randy Hiebert, I too enjoyed Abe Warkentin’s perspective on music in the church. As a friend of Abe’s, and as one who has always enjoyed his writing, I resonated with Abe’s gentle plea for balance in our selection of songs in worship services. This area of church life can be rich if we choose to harmonize in a variety of styles. Thanks for much good work on the part of many saints. Ron Penner Winnipeg, Man.
Letters (250 words or less) are generally to comment on issues raised in the magazine; the focus is to be on issues, not personalities. Views and opinions expressed are that of the writers. A handwritten or electronic signature and an address are needed. Letters are edited for length, style, legality, and taste.
a reader’s viewpoint
Who cares? by Murray Barkman
“W
PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM
e give a damn,” proclaim the bold letters on a brochure designed by the John Howard Society of Winnipeg, an advocacy agency for prisoners. The language may be startling, but it is an attempt to state a sentiment not shared by many today. The fact is the direction we are heading in today’s social and political climate is creating a sense among prisoners and others that things are about to get a lot tougher. Does anyone care? Our political leaders sense that their constituents want them to take a harsher approach to crime. Most people laud and applaud. So we do care—we care that our sense of safety and security is threatened by crime. When our sense of security is undermined, we become fearful and react, often with very negative consequences. We have seen plenty of evidence of that since 9/11. The good sign is that we still look to our police and judicial and correctional systems to address our fears. When we resort to taking the law into our hands, we quickly become offenders ourselves. In fact, most of us are only one bad decision away from becoming offenders, which would then require that we be held so as not to endanger the lives of others. We need to care, but we must also take care that our efforts are not misdirected. Many in prison have never experienced care. Many,
because of their actions, have been abandoned by family and friends. How do you keep caring when no one else does? Hopelessness becomes a natural and constant companion. Through the Open Circle program and chapel services, volunteers demonstrate that someone still cares for prisoners. This expression of caring rekindles hope, and with it a desire to claim or reclaim lost opportunities for a better life. But this is often where life gets complicated and perplexing for an offender. When prisoners are released, sometimes with great expectations (and always with fear), they come into a world that is not welcoming. In the face of hostility and rejection, the easiest thing is to return to what is familiar and where they will
Would we consider welcoming the stranger, an ex-offender?
be welcomed. This invariably results in bad choices. Churches commonly welcome refugees into our country, providing them with basic necessities, a support group, and even a celebration. Like refugees, offenders returning to our communities after long periods of absence are confronted with a foreign, strange world. They, too, are coming out of a setting where they lived in constant fear with their personal safety always threatened, and into an unfamiliar environment that appears unfriendly and frightening. When fear is the predominant emotion, they become fearful and react, often with negative consequences. We provide refugees with all the assistance possible. Can we see ourselves doing that for the prisoner returning into our midst? Would we consider welcoming the stranger, an ex-offender? The apostle Paul, a murderer, was welcomed into the church upon the recommendation of Barnabas. Perhaps you won’t be welcoming another Paul, but you can be certain that you will be welcoming someone dear to God. For information on how you might become involved and informed in either providing support to a prisoner or someone being released from prison, call Krista Wiebe at 204-925-1912. April 18 to 24 is Volunteer Week within the Correctional Service of Canada. Murray Barkman (Aberdeen) is a former probation officer and director of Open Circle in Winnipeg, Man.
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archives alcove by Terry Smith
An over-stuffed suitcase!
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magine the EMC national archives vault as an over-stuffed suitcase! What will the future hold for the EMC Archives? There seem to be three options: build more space, rent or buy more space, or transfer materials (not ownership) to a larger archives. Steinbach EMC graciously allows the Archives Committee a basement room as storage space for secondary materials. This is appreciated, but it is a temporary arrangement. Cramped quarters and temporary additional space does not speak to the major issue: the need for a larger safe storage area for irreplaceable historical materials specific to the history of the EMC. Gathering, organizing, and safeguarding these materials are within the central mandate of the EMC Archives.
donor arrangements (whether materials were loaned or donated), and his “finder binder” (a cataloguing system). More members have served on the Archives Committee than can be mentioned. Henry Fast, for many years of involvement, deserves special mention. Currently the Archives Committee consists of Robert Goertzen, LeRoy Barkman, Don Kroeker, Doris Penner, and Loren Koehler. Volunteers are involved in many ways. For instance, Betty Koop organized many photos, Bernardine Plett and Lorna Hiebert worked with
Cramped quarters and temporary additional space does not speak to the major issue: the need for a larger safe storage area for irreplaceable historical materials specific to the history of the EMC. The Archives Committee is considering options and is to make a recommendation to the Board of Church Ministries. Rev. Dave K. Schellenberg, archivist emeritus, was likely involved in the archives for as long as he served at the national office (1963-1988) and for 20 years after that. He was researching shortly before he went to be with the Lord in November 2008. With the death of Rev. Schellenberg also passed our best knowledge of the archives’ contents, 6
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books, and Michael Zwaagstra and Agatha Rempel worked with files. Loren Koehler has worked in organizing and with the website. Paid part-time organizers include Julie Friesen (past) and Erica Fehr (current), but they were not the first. The Archives Committee is grateful for the German to English translation work of Bernardine Plett, Lotti Prokott, Esther, Wiebe, Harvey Plett (formerly of the Bahamas), the late Carmen (Janzen) Kwirant, Jasch and Luella Giesbrecht, Jake Balzer (of the MB conference), and others.
D TO: PH O
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If you can read older German script, can translate it into English, and want to volunteer, contact us. Erica Fehr, whose service is possible because of a Plett Foundation grant, has been reorganizing the 300-plus archival boxes of materials. While additional donations remain to be organized, they are safe in the fireproof vault. Likely Dr. Royden Loewen of the University of Winnipeg, lay historian Henry Fast, committee member Loren Koehler, archives worker Erica Fehr, and executive secretary Terry Smith are most familiar with the vault’s contents. Our knowledge together does not match what Rev. Schellenberg knew by memory, heart, and “finder binder,” but this is another important reason to organize the materials. Congregations and families, we welcome copies of your materials. How important is it to preserve EMC history? If measured by stated concerns, it is important. If measured by what the EMC has spent in the past 20 years to organize and house the materials, the answer would be different.
writings shared
Families on the move: Growing up overseas and loving it! by Marion Knell (London: Monarch Books, 2001), 173 pp. $14.95. ISBN 9781854245236. Reviewed by Jocelyn R. Plett (Prairie Rose), missionary.
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’ll take malaria over furlough any day! The EMC sends out many missionaries abroad. Do you know what it’s like as a missionary living and working overseas, raising a family in a strange and foreign land? Do you know that for many missionaries returning to the place they used to call home is the most stressful, emotionally and mentally draining experience of their service? What is it like for a missionary kid being moved (schlepped) between worlds, not really knowing where they belong or which place is home? For those interested in learning
more about how to support families living abroad and how to relate with children growing up overseas, this book is a thoughtful, yet easy, read written by a British woman who teaches on the subject of families living overseas. It gives practical advice to families and their supporters remaining in the sending culture. The chapter questions can spark family and support team discussions with the goal to create better support before and during furlough or re-entering their sending culture after their term of service. Knell writes, “Most [local
Beliefs: Mennonite Faith and Practice, by John D. Roth (Herald Press, 2005), 169 pp. $12.99. ISBN 9780836192704. Reviewed by Wes Kroeker (EFC Steinbach), minister and Board of Church Ministries chairperson.
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hat is a Mennonite? Here is an extremely useful book for someone looking beyond southern Manitoba, a colony in a warmer climate, or the few moments of media attention given to Mennonites. This is not an in-depth text for scholars. Rather, it is an introduction or overview to the Christian faith as practiced by Mennonites. It outlines beliefs, why they are held, how they are challenged; and it suggests what kind of on-going discussion would be useful. The author begins by establishing that the Mennonite faith is a legitimate expression of orthodox Christianity, and then proceeds to examine
the larger categories of interpreting Scripture, baptism, discipleship, and the visible church. Roth does a good job of anticipating and interacting with those who come to these categories with questions. His goal of creating a “framework for ongoing conversations” is achieved.
This is not an in-depth text for scholars. Rather, it is an introduction to the Christian faith as practiced by Mennonites.
For those interested in learning more about how to support families living abroad... this book is a thoughtful, yet easy, read. churches, sending agencies, extended families and supporters] do not really understand what it means to leave home and take a family overseas. The hardest time for families serving overseas is the time they return home. “They need advocates with all the above and mentors to see them through the experience. If you have no one to do that for you, then you need to start training someone” (169).
Those who want to defend a Mennonite system of beliefs will be disappointed by the lack of backbone (authority) and proof texts. Scripture references are provided, but are not exhaustive and there are no footnotes to engage the scholar. The author has not appealed to the particular emphases of different Mennonite, Anabaptist, or Brethren conferences, but has chosen that which is core to this expression of faith. Offer this book to newcomers in your church, use it as a guide for a Bible study group, start an “exploring the Mennonite” discussion group, or use it refresh your own understanding of how the Mennonite faith is constructed. This book is a good antidote to the profusion of fundamentalist and postmodern material to which we are exposed.
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Jesus, Easter, and Karl Barth by Michael Welton
Jesus Christ is the Yes of God
A comprehensive turning point God does not just rule over us As Creator and Lord He does this, but more He gives Himself To be the humanly acting and suffering person Wondrously, He, the Subject Becomes the One acted upon, humiliated Without losing himself Abdicating His Deity Yet in this humiliation of the cross God remains supremely God In his death supremely alive And this reconciling act It cannot be restricted in time and place The whole world is reconciled This is a comprehensive turning point In the history of all creation 8
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The good news of Friday That God has intervened in person This the good news of Friday For in the suffering and dying of Jesus Christ He, the judge, delivers himself To be judged We on the other side We cannot make ourselves right He reaches across the divide We can become partners The broken covenant, renewed and restored God Himself is for us This is the faith we proclaim In faith we believe unreservedly in Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Yes of God Spoken into world-history Itself now part of its unfolding Jesus Christ Is the yes of God Spoken into world-history Itself to reconcile us Jesus Christ This second Adam He took the place of the first He put right what he had perverted Jesus Christ He is the end of the old aeon The beginning of the new He is the righteousness Dwelling in the new heaven The new earth We wait for him At the turning-point of the times We wait for this new heaven and new earth Jesus Christ makes all things new He is the Alpha and Omega He, this righteous man
It was not self-evident Should he drink from this cup? This decision, not taken lightly Only with great difficulty He himself had to win through Had God forsaken him? What do we think— Of the darkness that came at that Hour The rending of the veil of the temple The earthquake which shook the rocks Opened graves! Anticipating its own end The cosmos shuddered At the strangeness of this event It had to take place It did take place What a scandalous reversal! The Son accepted in fear and trembling The hard thing that He must do To deliver us from divine judgment
God speaks on His terms The One who comes to us Speaks on his terms Not ours! He makes the first move We are on the dark and silent side of the Abyss We’re too busy running away To the far country He comes for us Rescues, then straightens our backs Cleans us up, clothes us In fine fresh linen
The sin forgiven is now the old thing The sin forgiven is now the old thing The essence of all that is old Something which is past, done with No longer present Without any future Forgiveness of sins This is the central meaning Of the divine action of Jesus Christ Forgiveness of sin requires His passion
Ode to the theologian PHOTOS: DESIGNPICS.COM
The strangeness of this event
Dear theologian You cannot begin with method Setting the standard To measure the steps to God The Church gives this standard You don’t You must recognize this It is given in its own peculiar way As Jesus Christ is given God in revelation gives Himself to faith Dear theologian It is given It is complete in itself No discussion is needed It stands by its claim There’s your certainty You don’t need to invent anything Only constant prayer will suffice Every dogmatic work is conceivable Only as an act of faith
Karl Barth (1886-1968), a Swiss theologian in the Reformed tradition, is considered to be among the greatest of theologians in Christian history. Michael Welton (PhD, educational history) is a historian and part of a United Church congregation. The poems are mostly based on Barth’s Church Dogmatics (CD), vol. IV.1—On Reconciliation. The 14-volume CD totals more than six million words. Recognition and thanks are given to Presbyterian Record (March 2011), from where Dr. Welton’s poetry became known.
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The Greatest Event Ever! by Dr. Pierre Gilbert
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f Jesus rose from the dead—and he did!— then Easter must mark the greatest event ever to have happened in history. In comparison, everything else is as exciting as corn flakes in a bowl. One would think Christians would never cease to be amazed at this astonishing claim. And yet, not only do some of them downplay the resurrection, some, in fact, express a significant degree of embarrassment at being associated with the Christ of the New Testament.
Jesus is embarrassing! Now to be honest, the Jesus of the New Testament is, indeed, a tad embarrassing. He demanded exclusive allegiance from his followers. He spoke a great deal about sin and judgment. He had much to say about truth. Not just your truth or my truth as we so often say these days. But absolute and overwhelming truth. Truth that shines in your face and Who is Jesus? Is burns your eyeballs. he the redeemer The Jesus of the Bible makes of the world before us cringe. And so we do today what whom all knees many have done since the early will bow or is he a days of Christianity: We either try to change who Jesus claimed cuddly and lovable to be, or we attempt to make him version of Barney? disappear altogether. This is nothing new. Who Christ is has always been the major battlefield of the Christian faith. Those who are offended by the Jesus of the Gospels, but still wish to retain some trace of Jesus, increasingly present him as a beautiful composite portrait: He is peaceful and gentle like Gandhi, green like Al Gore, friendly and cuddly like Barney. A Jesus fit for our times. I call him Teddy Bear Jesus. You’d think Teddy Bear Jesus would be a best seller. That people would rush to churches where they preach him. Right? Wrong! 10
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Churches that preach Teddy Bear Jesus die and their communities with them. Overall and globally, churches that preach Jesus the redeemer thrive. Who is Jesus? Is he the redeemer of the world before whom all knees will bow or is he a cuddly and lovable version of Barney? Let me be blunt. Like Barney, Teddy Bear Jesus is and will always remain a fictitious character. Two inescapable obstacles stand in the way of Teddy Bear Jesus. The first is logical. The second is historical. Logic objects! As for the logical objection, C. S. Lewis said it best in Mere Christianity: “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher but a lunatic, on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg.” In the Problem of Pain, he adds: “Either he (Jesus) was a raving lunatic of an unusually abominable type, or else He was, and is, precisely what he said. There is no middle way.” Jesus cannot be reduced to the level of a gentle teacher. Not because he was not in some sense a gentle teacher, but because of the claims he repeatedly made—claims that would sound utterly outrageous and preposterous in anybody else’s mouth. Who else, for instance, could credibly declare to be “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6)? What other man could seriously broadcast the notion that the dead who hear his voice would one day come to life (John 5:24-25)? History objects! Ultimately, Teddy Bear Jesus must remain but a figment of an overactive postmodern imagination. Why? Because of a particular claim that points to the single most important event of human history: the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, not everyone fully comprehends the earth-shaking significance of this claim. When I was about 10 years old, I was listening to a radio talk show on Saturday morning just before Easter. The question of the day was straightforward: would it change anything to your faith if it could be
proven that Jesus did not rise from the dead? relationship with Jesus Christ. That was the most Most callers were adamant: to discover that the important decision I ever made—a decision I have whole thing was just an elaborate hoax would have never ever regretted. no impact on their faith. The callers could not see It changed my life in ways I can barely describe, why anyone would hold such a minor thing against and it will forever affect me in ways I can’t even such a good man. imagine yet. The notion that the resurrection is inconseChrist is risen indeed! quential is as goofy as a Doberman in a ballerina Dr. Pierre Gilbert is Associate Professor outfit. While Christianity boasts a wonderful set of Bible and Theology at the Canadian of inspiring teachings, the resurrection of Christ Mennonite University represents the absolute foundation of the Christian and Fresno Pacific faith. Biblical Seminary. Whether it actually occurred or not makes all He is the coordinathe difference in the world. tor of the Winnipeg If Christ did not rise from the dead, everything Centre for Ministry we are and do in following Him is ultimately Studies and the author meaningless (1 Corinthians 15:19). of Demons, Lies & But Paul will not accept their skepticism about Shadows. A Plea for Christ’s resurrection. Why? Not because he is a Return to Text and blind, just wants to believe, or is gullible. Reason (2008). No, Paul knew Jesus was alive because he had met the Risen Lord on the road to Damascus (Acts 9). The apostle knew of many other people who had met the Risen Lord—and he lists many of them (1 Corinthians 15:6-7). Paul’s encounter with our Risen Lord turned him from being an attacker of the Church to being a proclaimer prepared to die for Jesus—and he did! In spite of what secular humanists might believe, death is not natural to us! We resent it, because deep down we know we were meant to live forever. But there is a way out. Jesus Christ is the first of a great company of men and women who will Paul’s encounter with our also rise from the dead and live for ever in a Risen Lord turned him new world and with a body that will never be sick or grow old. from being an attacker “But Christ has indeed been raised from of the Church to being a the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22). proclaimer prepared to die
for Jesus! PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM
A promise that motivates! For those of us who are followers of Christ, this promise must motivate us to live each day in the service of our Lord as best we can. Until the Kingdom is ushered in, we are dying anyway. We might as well live and die for something worthwhile. Over thirty years ago, on a cold Wednesday evening in a church basement, I entered into a
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PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM
PHOTOS: DREAMSTIME.COM, DESIGNPICS.COM
Love’s Transformation by Cameron S. McKenzie
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hey were there when Joseph wrapped the lifeless body in a clean linen cloth and placed it in his own tomb. They had watched as the covering stone rumbled down its grooved channel and settled, with a final thud, over the entrance. Only a crew of strong men could open it now. I imagine the women spent that Passover Sabbath much as any of us might spend the hours following the death of a loved one: speaking in low voices, reminiscing, crying, and lost in thought as they pondered the change that had been thrust on their lives. The Sabbath passed into night, and, as the faint glow of dawn warmed the sky, these two disciples
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returned to the garden, set in their purpose to honour their dead master and to continue their vigil of grief. The two Marys were not alone in the darkness of those days. Another had also spent this time in grief, someone who, though not mentioned in the Gospel’s narrative, was nonetheless there. Jesus had cried out to him as he hung on the cross, consumed by the agony of his perceived abandonment. Of course, the Father had not abandoned Jesus at all. He had been there, as God always is, when we least expect it. The Father had been there, not only as the Son had died, but as he had descended into hell.
People were unwilling In the agony of prayer in the garden Jesus had implored his Father for another way. Could we have been saved simply by embracing him as our Lord and living as he decreed: loving God with all our heart and soul and mind and strength, and loving not only our neighbors as ourselves, but also our enemies; laying aside our anger, hate, violence, and greed? Unfortunately, none, not even his closest followers, were willing to do that. There was something about them and us that would not allow it. And so Jesus continued, even as the most important and respected among Jesus’ people formed a murderous coalition with their occupying enemy to see to it that he was crucified. “Not my will but yours….” Sent as an act of love to reveal the true nature of God, born in human flesh to draw people back into relationship with their creator, the Son had been scorned and rejected. They murdered him and sent the body back as their final answer to divine love. And the Father had watched the calamity unfold, unwilling to intervene against this greatest of all acts of human rebellion, so that the very worst they might do could be done and then absorbed into his love. Thus, in the aftermath of this violence, that allencompassing love for his unruly creatures flooded through the Father to find expression in a stunning act of new creation. As long ago his divine breath had brought Adam to life, so now, he breathed his Spirit into his Son, shattering the bonds of death, calling him back from the halls of Sheol, and raising him to life. Story could have ended there I wonder if you have ever contemplated the fact that the story could have ended there. In all of the popular skepticism about the empty tomb, it is easy to forget that the resurrection could have taken place and not a word about it spoken. Jesus could have been raised and sat again in his place of honour at the Father’s right hand without so much as a hint to us about it. But this is not God’s way. Easter is about more than some supernatural spectacle that happened to Jesus in the secrecy of a
Easter is about more than some supernatural spectacle that happened to Jesus in the secrecy of a tomb. This is a shout-it-outloud event for the ages!
tomb. This is a shout-it-out-loud event for the ages! Easter is about God’s love for the world, about divine love’s incursion into human history to transform it, from top to bottom, from back to front, and from beginning to end. An angel is commissioned to perform the ancient task of angels—to be a messenger of God. Like at Sinai of old, the ground shakes as he descends and sits on the stone. The guards, pathetic props of a cynical establishment, are overcome with the terror of the moment and pass out as though dead. Addressing the women’s fear, the angel proclaims the divine word, the message that stands at the heart of Easter: “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples he is going ahead of you to Galilee” (Mark 16:6-7). The women, like all true disciples, do as they are commanded. Running from the garden, in a muddle of fear and joy, they encounter Jesus himself. In the ecstasy of the moment they hear Jesus repeat the angel’s instructions. News for his “brothers” Well, almost. One word has changed. No longer is the good news of the resurrection for his “disciples.” It is for his “brothers.” So utterly transforming are the events that have (continued p. 14) THE MESSENGER | April 2011
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transpired this Easter day even, especially, those who had denied and betrayed him, have been not only forgiven, but granted a new status. Now they are brothers and sisters of the one who was crucified and is now risen. Christ’s resurrection is the active dynamic which resurrects all believers.
The resurrection is more than the transformation of a tragedy into a victory for the one who “kept faith to death.” This is about love’s transformation of tragedy into victory for those of us who have not been faithful. God has loved us with an everlasting love. In the triumph of Easter, God gathers not just the Son, but all humanity, in order to brood over and breathe into us his powerful, creative, life-giving Spirit. Just what this means for the Church is spelled out by the apostle Paul in his letter to the Colossians: “So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory” (Colossians 3:1-4).
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Christ’s resurrection is the active dynamic which resurrects all believers. God did not raise Jesus from the dead as an exceptional act of divine mercy. Rather, in the power of Christ’s resurrection, God brought life to all his people, those who have lived and will live. Easter is not just a moment long ago when a solitary tomb was opened by divine love. It is about that love making its way into your life and mine, into the lives of anyone who dares call Jesus “brother” and obey him as Lord. Easter is about God’s power to open the tombs in which our own sin has left us for dead, and breathe God’s life-giving Spirit into each of us, so that we might have life now as well as eternally. What God has done for Jesus, God promises to do for each one of us. Christ the Lord is risen today! Hallelujah! Cameron S. McKenzie is a minister at Fort Garry EMC (Winnipeg) and is associate professor of Old Testament at Providence Theological Seminary (Otterburne), both in Manitoba.
with our missionaries
Learning for life MADAGASCAR The MAF Madagascar program’s Safety Officer, Patrick Keller (from Switzerland), organized and hosted a first aid course for the national staff this week. Everyone who was not required to stay behind, like Josh—left alone at the hangar to answer phones and continue booking flights—were required to attend. They learned basic first aid in response to accidents involving burns, electricity, acids, cuts, falls, and lifting heavy objects. The information was taught from a curriculum by managers within the program. We suggested that our house staff should attend the event as the information deals with everyday accidents that could happen and because we know that most Malagasy, in treating themselves, are at the mercy of highly erroneous information. Irene and Fanja, the two ladies we employ to look after the boys and clean the house, took us up on the offer and came back the following day with eyes wide with the information they had gleaned from the free halfday of lessons. Irene, not totally fluent in French
(and I’m not by any means fluent in Malagasy yet!), tried to express to me how much information she heard that was totally new to her. I heard a bit PH O TO : ISTO CKP more of their H OT O.C OM experience this afternoon when Fanja arrived and gave a full report. She was so enthused and so thankful for all the new information she had learned that was, as she said, important for daily living. She also remarked, with a tone bordering on frustration, that what she had learned in the course—for example, how to treat burns with cold water—was in complete contradiction to what she had learned from previous sources. She learned not to move someone after an accident to safeguard broken bones, to cut the electrical current if something is wrong with the lights or electrical appliance, or to lift heavy pails of water with your legs rather than with your back. These are many simple pieces of information for us, who have grown
Has your church used Gather ’Round? Gather ’Round is a Sunday School curriculum produced by Mennonite Publishing Network. If any part of your church has used it, you can help us. • What do you like about it? • What needs changing? • What would improve it? Why do we ask? While the EMC is too small to produce our own curriculum, we can strengthen and improve one
up hearing them. We almost tired of listening to first aid refreshers in grade school and in the work place. For them, though, it is new life-giving information. Fanja declared that she went straight home that evening to teach her children the things she had learned that day. It continues to amaze me how blessed we are in the countries we have grown up in, where our government has taken pains to educate us in how to take care of ourselves to prevent injury or treat one if something should happen. The wealth of knowledge alone, apart from physical riches, has set us apart from those who are less fortunate. How amazing and humbling that something which cost me nothing to acquire is worth so much to those who have not had access. Jocelyn R. Plett
to better serve our churches. Will you help us? As future Sunday School needs are considered, MPN welcomes EMC input. Please send your comments, experiences, and suggestions to tsmith@emconf.ca. Terry M. Smith Executive Secretary Board of Church Ministries
Gather ’Round can be found at www.mpn.net.
We almost tired of listening to first aid refreshers in grade school and in the work place. For the Malagasy, though, it is new lifegiving information.
Jocelyn and Josh R. Plett (Prairie Rose) serve with Mission Aviation Fellowship. THE MESSENGER | April 2011
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with our missionaries
The benefits of ‘being there’ I am not the biggest prayer warrior. I have always considered prayer to be a very intimate, personal thing. That is not to say that I can’t or don’t pray in public. I am quite willing to say grace or lead in prayer when called upon. However, doing a prayer walk was something that I was unfamiliar with, and travelling to another country to do it was also new to me. The opportunity arose to take a trip to Guadalajara, Mexico, to participate in a prayer team and walk the streets “preparing the soil” as it were, for a future church planting team. Questions came to me prior to leaving on this journey. What is the value of this prayer walk? Why travel so far away to do it? Why can’t you pray for another country from home? I didn’t have many answers before I left, but the experience of being there taught me some lessons which I value. Why walk and pray? Why not just pray at home from a comfortable chair? Can’t you focus better when sitting in your own “prayer closet”? While there are many times when praying “in secret” is beneficial and
Questions came to me prior to leaving on this journey. What is the value of this prayer walk? Why can’t you pray for another country from home?
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PHOTO: ROXANNE BUHLER
MEXICO
Team members pray over Connie and John Reimer, serving in Guadalajara.
the best way to do it, I found some benefits to “being there.” Part of our prayer walking pattern consisted of choosing a partner for the day to walk together and pray. This required that we pray out loud, but not so loud as to attract attention. However, since we were praying in English and most people spoke Spanish, volume was less of an issue as few could understand us anyway. We also prayed with eyes open and heads raised. We looked like we were just walking and talking to each other, but we were praying. While walking one day, my partner and I noticed a block of the street that was lined with art photos depicting women in various situations. We didn’t know what was the meaning of these photos, but decided to pray by considering how Jesus would see them. The final photo was of a woman on a dark street, holding a large paper bag full of bread. She was
looking up and off into the distance as if searching for something. We saw in this picture an analogy of the “religious” people in Guadalajara. They may hold the Bread of Life (the Bible) in their hands, and yet are lost and looking for Jesus. If we had not been in the city to see these photos, we would likely not have recognized or known this as a need. That photo will be a vivid reminder to me of a people Jesus loves. This was just one of the benefits of “being there.” We were able to pray together with concentration and specifically. And the Lord heard us. “Where two or three are gathered….” Roxanne Buhler Roxanne Buhler (EFC Steinbach) was a member of the prayer team that went to the City of Guadalajara, Jalisco State, Mexico. The team was gone from Feb. 8 to 15, 2011.
PHOTO COURTESY DAN FRIESEN
with our missionaries
Part of our heart stayed COSTA RICA
Jesus has encouraged us to “Go into all the world.” We’ve heard that before. Support professional missionaries “out there,” and you and I will cover the community, right? We’ll model a Christian life in our neighborhood and pray for the heathen. That is a good place to start, but sometimes God touches our hearts differently. Like last November 2010, for instance. Julie and I, and our oldest daughter Aliyah joined a work team from Minitonas First Baptist Church. We left Steinbach and went to give professional missionaries a boost. Our weekdays were spent working in yards, gardens, and on eight houses at Hogar Biblioco (Bible Home), a home for eighty children near San Jose, Costa Rica. Each child comes from an impoverished family.
During one to three years, they receive love and solid teaching from their adopted parents, biblical values integrated into elementary education, and social help from psychologists. Their parents receive counseling and receive employment guidance. Ninety-five percent of the children are successfully reintegrated into their homes. Aliyah: My favorite time was 4 o’clock on the sports field. We enjoyed cricket, soccer, and teaching the kids Canadian football. Our first event was baseball. In Spanish we were told to partner up. This little boy came, pulled me towards the line for gloves, and asked for my name. In the evening, I found out he was in my supper house. The surprise and happiness on his face is a memory I will hold forever. Julie: Our meals were delectable, but supper was a treasure. We were sent to one of eight houses to share a meal with 10 adoring children and their house Mom.
EMC Convention 2011
the Way
Jesus mission in the mold of the master
July 1–3, 2011 Calgary, Alberta
We spent our evenings at Casa Jardin. My favourite moment occurred the last evening, when we washed our kids’ feet as part of our devotional. It was time to wash Mami Marielos’ feet. I knelt and washed her feet gently. I rose to give her a hug and she repeated over and over about God’s Holy Spirit filling her and us with his presence while tears streamed down her face. Dan: Our first weekend was spent bonding as a team, traveling to sight-see at Volcan Arenal. It was a stark contrast to our last weekend, spent inland from the East Coast in the jungle. The Talamanca natives gave us hospitality, as did a cebu (a cow, often cream-coloured), two holsteins, chickens and pigs. We presented fun children’s activities such as cutting paper snowflakes, and children responded to the gospel message of “created unique by God.” On Saturday we walked an hour and a half to Jaboy. Because of heavy rains overnight, the children’s activities were moved inside and adults moved the church benches into someone’s front yard. There the Holy Spirit spoke to the Cebecar people’s hearts, through myself and Spanish and Cebecar translators. We presented some pinatas, which they eagerly smashed. We came back to Canada, but part of our heart stayed in Costa Rica. We are raising support to build a house for a family in Heredia. Who knows, maybe God will use our hammers to help bring it to be! Dan Friesen Dan Friesen and his family are a part of Good News Community Church (Steinbach, Man.).
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with our missionaries
PHOTOS: LILLIAN NICOLSON
Silence, clicking, and crystal clear
a young boy from the courtyard sitting next to Norm, turned quickly to the computer with big eyes. BURKINA FASO Then the door Norm and Lillian Nicolson are opened and Seybou and Mennonite Church Canada Witness Amidou who had been workers in Burkina Faso, West studying on the porch Africa. They, together with their slid into the house and EMC co-workers Paul and Lois parked themselves in Solo and Moussa (in the studio) work on the recording with Norm. Thiessen, are doing Bible translation front of the computer to for the Siamou people. listen. Soon all the five children who a hand signal and Moussa read a This work is one part of the had been “studying” on the porch phrase while Solo listened. Solo then ministry of Africa Inter-Mennonite had gathered around Norm, avidly repeated the phrase into the miMission (AIMM). listening to the story of creation told crophone. After several verses they The equipment Norm is using in Siamou. stopped and listened to what they in the recording studio in Orodara They sat completely silently, recorded to check for hesitations or was funded by EMC Project Builders. soaking in every word—something I errors. Lillian is an exegete who works with have never seen them do before. When Norm finished editing, Solo, the Siamou Bible translator. She A week later, Norm played the they returned to their reading, wrote the following article. completed recording to the elders repeating, and recording. Norm sat down in the kitchen of our courtyard. They also sat This process seems more comand turned on his computer. “Do you for the entire twenty minutes, plicated and time consuming than want to hear what I recorded today?” heads down in concentration, not simply recording one person reading he asked. moving a muscle except for an the story. “Sure,” I said, as I cleared the occasional tongue clicking signaling It requires training in team work supper dishes off the table. He had understanding. and an understanding of how editing started recording the story of Adam When the story was over I works with computers. It requires and Eve in Siamou that day. explained that five stories—Adam communication between all memSolo’s voice spoke out of the and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Jacob and bers of the recording team. computer in Siamou: “In the creation Joseph—were ready to be printed. But, the final product, as Solo of the world beginning time, God the “I can’t read,” one elder said. noted excitedly on the phone when sky and the earth created.” Zacob, “Those books are useless to me. You talking to Paul Thiessen, is well need to record all those worth it: “The recording is crystal stories so I can listen to clear! There is no background noise them on cassette tape.” and my voice is easy to understand! Norm’s work is cut out And it sounds like I am talking for him! naturally! Like I am telling a real Moussa, from the story and not slow like when I am translation committee, reading.” and Solo sat in the studio Submitted by Paul Thiessen as Norm set up the recording equipment. Solo Paul Thiessen (Blumenort) has adjusted the microphone been engaged in literacy and Bible and Moussa practiced translation work among the Siamou reading the story they people of Burkina Faso, West Africa, were about to record. for 27 years. He and his wife Lois are When Norm was part of a wider team of Burkinabe and Norm plays the story of Adam and Eve for Siamou villagers. ready to start, he gave foreign workers. 18
THE MESSENGER | April 2011
missional and multiplying by Ward Parkinson Canadian Church Planting Coordinator wparkinson@emconf.ca
The Holy Spirit still speaks Low German!
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PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM
es, folks, we have it on good authority that the Holy Spirit has not completely made the switch from Low German to English. There may be some of you who, having grown up speaking Low German as your first language, feel a little sadness that your children and grandchildren have lost the language. Others of you might say, “I’d rather switch than fight. We live in Canada. English it is.” Indeed, in our conference’s history, many of our churches grappled with this language tension in one way or another. Today that tension continues. We still have churches whom God has called to reach out to Low German-speaking people. For these churches, how much English to introduce into the worship services,
How do these churches nurture the next generation (which is growing up with English) while still reaching out meaningfully to speakers of Spanish or Low German?
and when, is an ongoing issue. We also have churches that are facing the same tension moving from Spanish to English. How do these churches nurture the next generation (which is growing up with English) while still reaching out meaningfully to speakers of Spanish or Low German? There is no easy answer to this question, and individual churches need to navigate this journey with care and good communication. I encourage all of us to pray for our church plants that face language challenges. Yet even amidst this tension there is really good news for our conference: the Holy Spirit still speaks Low German. And Spanish. And English. And, of course, many more languages. In fact, his linguistic proficiency was established beyond doubt one day way back in Jerusalem (Acts 2). For the EMC family, the truth is that some of our most effective outreach and church growth are happening in contexts other than English. I offer as examples our southern Alberta churches in Taber and Picture Butte and a new church plant in Vauxhall that is a cooperative effort between the Taber EMC and our sister EMM Conference. On the Spanish side, Emmanuel Church in Calgary is a church plant that has been helped by folks from Ebenezer Christian Church in Brandon, Man., which, in turn, was helped by the Spanish ministry at Braeside EMC in Winnipeg. Current immigration patterns suggest that Low German- and Spanish-speaking people will
continue to be a ripe mission field in Canada. God has also provided us gifted church leaders and planters to give direction to this task. I believe God has positioned our Conference to play a leading outreach role in these ethnic contexts. Let us celebrate this and roll up our sleeves! Let us also be spurred on to reach out to English and French Canada as well as other ethnic or social groups. Canada’s large cities are known to be the most multi-cultural places on Earth. They are also the most spiritually needy. We can’t reach all of our cities tomorrow. But we can listen today. The Holy Spirit carefully directed Paul and his companions in the first century (Acts 16). Maybe he spoke audible Greek at the time. He still speaks today. Do we have ears to hear?
MCC Manitoba’s 9th annual golf tournament in support of literacy and education in Afghanistan
July 13, 2011 Quarry Oaks Golf Course Texas scramble format, putting and chipping contests Registration cost: $160 ($80 receiptable) Register online at manitoba.mcc. org/golf (by June 30 to be eligible for early bird prizes). Phone: Paul Friesen, 866-761-1046 THE MESSENGER | April 2011
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with our churches
ABBEYDALE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, Calgary, Alberta
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ncarnation is a word we usually reserve for Christmas when we speak of “God incarnate” and we understand that “the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us,” but incarnation has become a more daily word to us. For me it began with preparation for Christmas. The Service of the Nativity was presented on Dec 19, 2010. In his introduction, Pastor David Funk reminded us of our journey through Advent and our anticipation of the incarnation of God in Christ. He added a charge to his welcoming invitation: “Now our wait is over as we celebrate the birth of the Christ-child. But even as we celebrate on this night a new act of God in history, we realize that this is not the end of our journey. It is only the beginning. There is much yet to come. And much to do.”
On Christmas Eve we were treated to a reader’s theatre presentation of Three Wise Men and a Baby. Old and New Testament scriptures reminded us that Jesus is our Hope, our King, and our Salvation. Again we were left with a challenge: it is up to us to respond to what Jesus has done with us. These two services pointed us back to January 2010 when an eightperson Vision Team was formed “to facilitate the congregation’s participation in a holy conversation about who God calls us to be and what he calls us to do, and to shape the results of this conversation into a vision while undergirded by the prayers of the congregation.” This is our vision: 1) We see the Holy Spirit orchestrating our lives in the mission of God. 2) We see a body encouraging and equipping its members to incarnate the gospel in our daily lives.
IGF hosts Romanian believers O
n February 14, Island Gospel Fellowship Church hosted the Freedom Singers who sang and reported on their escape from Romania and their work with the poor in that country. It was a stirring message of faith in adversity and was a challenge of what God can do in our lives. Vida Thiessen 20
THE MESSENGER | April 2011
PHOTO: VIDA THIESSEN
ISLAND GOSPEL FELLOWSHIP, Burns Lake, British Columbia
PHOTO: BRENDA DICK
Incarnating the gospel in Calgary
Dennis Plett and Ivy Friesen (outreach chair) are currently investigating being part of a food distribution program called “Community Cupboard.”
3) We see a body incarnating the gospel in Abbeydale. 4) We see strangers transformed into friends. 5) We see a body whose life and mission is built upon praying together. The next step is to figure out how to put this vision into action. One of the first steps was to create an opportunity for people to gather for prayer before the Sunday morning service. Then a change was made in our Sunday morning sharing time. Each week one or two of our members from various walks of life explain what they do, what sorts of opportunities they have to incarnate the gospel and how we can prayerfully support them. In an urban setting our neighbours are often anonymous, so how can we become incarnations of the gospel in Abbeydale? Some of our leaders have met with the local school to discuss ways of helping our neighbours. There are many ideas: helping with a school breakfast or lunch program, holding a clothing sale, tutoring ESL. We are currently investigating being part of a food distribution program. We are eagerly anticipating how we will incarnate the gospel in Abbeydale. Brenda Dick
with our churches
Crestview back in full swing! CRESTVIEW FELLOWSHIP, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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PHOTOS: IRENE DRIEDGER
ith Christmas programs and holidays over, Crestview was back in full swing in January. Sunday School was back at its regular time along with all the other activities. A highlight for Crestview was the commissioning service of our new youth leaders, Kevin and Lee Pauls. We were blessed to have Gerald Reimer, conference youth minister, present. We had a ministry of prayer with blessings laid on Kevin and Lee by church and board members.
Ken Zacharias
Len McKelvey
Greetings were also received by members of other EM churches. Kevin and Lee thanked the youth and those involved in the youth ministry. They are excited about what is in store for the youth. Church and board members pray over newly commissioned youth Gerald Reimer spoke leaders Lee and Kevin Pauls. mainly to Kevin and Lee, but encouraged everyone to listen city business. UGM is so grateful in as we are all called to service. He for this gift. We were made aware of used 1 Kings 18 as his text. what a blessing they are to those who Everyone was invited to share a are less fortunate. fellowship lunch after the service, Ken brought us up-to-date on and we had a chance to get to know Mission Aviation Fellowship, work the youth leaders better. that is going on in Bolivia and On February 13 we had a Missions Paraguay, and the need for new Focus weekend. We invited Len missionaries. He encouraged us to McKelvey from Union Gospel constantly pray for missions. We Mission and Ken Zacharias, EMC are in difficult times and the church foreign secretary, to share their work needs to stop and pray. with us. A fellowship lunch followed again Len reported on the new after the service. Women’s Addiction Centre. All the Irene Driedger furniture was donated by a generous
Anola gains seven members ANOLA FELLOWSHIP CHAPEL, Manitoba
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PHOTO: JESSICA WICHERS
e had an incredible baptism service on February 6, 2011.Testimonies were shared and lives were touched from the stories that were heard. New members are (back) Derek Wichers, Kyle Borkofsky, Colby Eisbrenner with Pastor Jack Cosens, (front) Hillary Nolt, Holly Wiebe, Irina and Peter Feer (transfer only). Jessica Wichers
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with our churches
Serving in Haiti and closer MENNVILLE EMC, Manitoba
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23, the mission board had the group up at the front of the church to send them off with a prayer of blessing and protection. The youth held a fundraiser that same Sunday with a Soup and Bun meal. They did an excellent job of serving.
PHOTOS: LUELLA BRANDT
ur Church has been dreaming about a missions trip for quite some time and had put money aside for just such an occasion. About a year ago plans got underway to send out a group. After many months of planning, meeting as a group, calls with Mission Possible and to the team leaders from the U.S., buying groceries, and fitting everything into our suitcases, it was time for their departure on Jan. 27, 2011. They went for two weeks. We will hear some stories for them The youth held a Soup and Bun meal as a fundraiser for a winter youth retreat and Abundant Springs. at a later date. On Sunday, Jan.
Mennville church sent off Haiti’s team with prayer.
births BARG – to Jonathan Barg and Corrie Thiessen of Lorette, Man., an adopted son, Koen Michael, on Feb. 25, 2011.
JOHNSON – to Ollie and Jenni Johnson of Anola, Man., a daughter, Emma Krystine, on Nov. 13, 2010.
BULLER – to Tom and Alana Buller of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Toby Jacob, on Mar. 13, 2011.
KOOP – to Dwayne and Pam Koop of Anola, Man., a son, Jayden Conrad, on Dec. 16, 2010.
FEHR – to Abe and Sara Fehr of Tillsonburg, Ont., a daughter, Mikayla Aganetha, on Aug. 11, 2010.
SIEMENS – to Willy and Tina Siemens of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Carter Eli Siemens, on Oct. 15, 2010.
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The money raised was well worth the effort they put into it. The funds raised will be used for Abundant Springs and the winter youth retreat held in February. A number of our College and Career have gone out on missions trips. Janette Brandt is in Nicaragua for a one-year stint, and we will hear from her later. Adam Barkman and Sarah Barkman both attend SBC, and I asked them both to share a bit of what they were doing. Adam – In January, I spent five days in the inner city of Winnipeg. I spent time at Many Rooms Church Community, getting to know how it started and how it functions; helping at Union Gospel Mission and Siloam Mission; and volunteering at Inner City Youth Alive (ICYA). The time I enjoyed the most was on Thursday evening when five or six guys went to ICYA. We spent most of our time outside playing with the kids that came to the drop-in. We played many different games and had lots of fun. Sarah – This past January I had the privilege to spend a week in Manitoba’s north as part of my program at SBC. I, along with other second-year students, spent time in Thompson and on the Native Reserves in the surrounding area. Four of us flew in to Oxford House Bunibonibee Cree Nation where we spent four days hanging out with the kids in homes or at school, talking on the local radio, visiting the elderly, and participating in church services and Sunday School. We had a lot of fun with the kids, but our hearts were broken for the youth at Oxford House. They have been struggling since the missionary couple has left and have very few role models. Luella Brandt
with our churches
The presence of Jesus here
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his past year we reached out to the community in a few different ways. In August 2010 our church participated in the Annual Straffordville Watermelon Festival by having a music team sing a few songs. At the festival there were many children’s activities, such as a seed-spitting contest, which a young boy from our church happened to win.
Vacation Bible School also was an outreach program held at the Community Centre. The drama and songs were done by many of the Sunday School children and adults. The question has been asked: if your church were no longer there, would the community know? By God’s grace we want to be a church that is the presence of Jesus in our community. Tina Siemens
A Straffordville EMC musical team played at the festival.
PHOTOS: TINA SIEMENS
STRAFFORDVILLE EMC, Ontario
A Christmas drama helped members to reflect on Christ.
Winter fun at Prairie Grove PRAIRIE GROVE FELLOWSHIP CHAPEL, Lorette, Manitoba
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PHOTOS COURTESY DARNELL PLETT
unday, February 27, was Prairie Grove’s annual winter carnival. It was held at Brian and Tricia Reimer’s home where they had prepared a curling rink and a luge (an ice slide) for sledding. The curling tournament began with approximately 12 teams facing each other on the ice with pink and
blue ice-filled milk jugs as curling rocks. Each team consisted of three people of various ages. Every team was guaranteed to play at least two games. The people who weren’t playing watched and cheered for the other teams or warmed up around the fire with a cup of hot chocolate. During a break in the curling tournament there were Scottish
games led by Jesse Plett. Anyone could participate as long as they could lift a sledgehammer and throw it as far as they could, or heave a seventeen-foot long board into the snow. Even some of the youngest people there tried to toss a twentypound weight straight into the air to see who could throw it the highest. After the curling had finished everybody gathered around to roast hot dogs and eat chili. Soon after supper was finished people started heading home to rest after all the excitement from the day. Naomi Plett Photos left to right: 1. Hector Gallardo tries to keep standing while balancing a seventeen-foot long board in the air. 2. Dorothy Regehr, Michael Dueck and Gaylene Dueck, curling tournament winners, stand proudly with the Tom Koop Cup. 3. Tim Field and Dave Bradley sit around the fire to warm up. 4. Page Field slides down the luge with her mother Matilda watching.
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with our churches
ROSEISLE EMC, Manitoba
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ecember 2010 was filled with festivities. The Christian Education committee hosted the Advent Festival on Dec. 5 with a pizza supper and a group family game. On Dec. 6, the Ladies Fellowship planned a catered Christmas banquet for the College and Career and adults. On Dec. 10, the youth enjoyed a Mystery Supper for their Christmas celebration. Our Christmas Concert was held on Dec. 18 with Sunday School classes providing a variety program. We enjoyed a Christmas Eve service this year, a change from our Christmas Day service. The music committee and worship team had prepared a service with readings and familiar carols with beautiful arrangements for keyboards and guitars. It was an inspirational, joyful hour of singing and celebrating our Saviour’s birth in a candlelit atmosphere.
We said “goodbye” to our oldest member, Martha Klassen. It was her heart’s desire to go home and on the morning of Nov. 24, she peacefully entered Heaven at age 90. Martha was a charter member, who with her husband and family, relocated here to help establish Roseisle EMC 50 years ago. She was a faithful supporter and prayer warrior. A celebration of her life was held in our church on Nov. 29. A young mom experienced a troubled pregnancy and was hospitalized for a month before the baby arrived prematurely. Baby Shawn remained in the hospital for two
Children perform at the Dec. 18 Christmas concert.
Abundant Springs Workshops 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8)
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Media Discernment – Shane Dell The Truth Project – Nathan Plett Healthy Sexuality – Dallas Kornelson and Fiona Thiessen The Bait of Satan – Brigitte Toews Think Global – Hearts in Stereo Longevity in Youth Ministry – Les Kroeker Creative Worship – Riley Armstrong Compassion Fatigue – Chris Marchand
THE MESSENGER | April 2011
months with multiple health issues, but we thank God that he has been home for a month. One member underwent multiple bypass heart surgery. Grandparents lost their 13-year-old grandson, Tristan Kuhl, when he passed away suddenly in mid-February after a lifetime of health and heart issues. Our prayers continue to be with them and the rest of the family. The funeral on Feb. 18 was filled with tears, but also a time of love, hope and peace as Tristan’s parents shared how God had led and his timing was always right. Our worship team was honoured to provide music at the “Celebration of Life” for Tristan. He leaves behind his parents, Sheldon and Deb Kuhl, and siblings Jacinta, Rhiana, and Dominic. Pastor Kelly Lesser concluded a sermon series on Job. I found the messages both challenging and encouraging. There are struggles and questions in our lives that we will never understand or get the answers for. It was amazing how we were in the midst of this series while many people were going through personal, difficult struggles. We have many who are hurting, healing, and sorrowing. Some lessons learned were that our response to struggles is what is important, that God’s primary concern is that people believe and know who He is. God’s timing may not be ours, but we are to have faith that He can and will restore, though it may not be on earth. God’s restoration is always good. A song taught by the worship team fit the series: “All is well with my soul. He is God in control. I know not all His plans, but I know I’m in His hands” (author Robin Mark). Eleanor Friesen PHOTO COURTESY ELEANOR FRIESEN
Lessons in joys and sorrows
with our churches
2011 begins with mission opportunities HEARTLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH, Landmark, Manitoba
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Travis Plett along with three other young men from Steinbach Bible College spent a week at the Garden Hill First Nation reserve in northern Manitoba.
PHOTO: BRIGITTE TOEWS
PHOTO COURTESY JOHN NIKKELS
t home: Tanis Giesbrecht of Landmark Transfer collects money, warm clothing, and homemade blankets from many generous donors each year. Her mission, Warm Hands, Warm Hearts, was started over six years ago. Although Tanis suffers from a debilitating illness, she and her husband James listen to the heart of God for the less fortunate in Winnipeg’s inner city. This year, James and Tanis recruited Heartland youth to be the hands and feet that carry out their mission. They packaged clothes and blankets and listened to Tanis’s story as she shared God’s heart for the prostitutes and homeless people of Winnipeg. That same week, youth and parents delivered these bundles of clothes to Winnipeg shelters, people on the street, and to a transitional housing mission called Flatlanders located in Winnipeg Centre Vineyard Christian Fellowship church. Homemade blankets were
left at Love Lives Here to be distributed to street workers in the safety of an established outreach centre. In January 2011, Heartland youth group sponsored an event at the Flatland Café in Landmark. Hector Dueck, a former Landmark resident, shared his testimony about how God delivered him from a life of drug abuse and rebellion. A pizza party, door prizes, and a showing of the newly released WOW music video Hits for 2011 were also part of the event. It was great way to kick off the New Year. Around the world: Travis Plett along with three other young men from Steinbach Bible College spent a week at the Garden Hill First Nation reserve in northern Manitoba. Their
time was spent getting to know and encouraging the young Christian church there. Travis said, “It was so cool to see the church doing God’s work on their own and not needing the ‘missionary’ college students to do it for them.” The students did some manual labour, installing a door and building a deck on the church. They also shared the gospel with school children. Dennis and Wilma Keating and Evelyn Barkman, along with her niece Bethany, all went to Mali to help with ongoing projects there. Winston and Viola Penner along with John Nikkels spent ten days in Ixtapa, Mexico. From there they travelled to Zihuateneo where they helped in the construction of a group home for abandoned seniors. John said, “It was a wonderful experience” and he “enjoyed the weather, camaraderie, hospitality, and the opportunity to work together on this good cause.” Alvin and Katherine Plett spent three weeks in Bolivia ministering to Old Colony Mennonites. They have gone a number of years in a row and have handed out Low German Bibles and do home visitation. Brigitte Toews
The youth group sorts clothing to be distributed in Winnipeg.
Mexico team: Rudy Brandt, Gord Buczko, Dan Hildebrandt, John Nikkels, Winston Penner, Cornie Loeppky, David Kroeker, and Sid Reimer stand with Mexican workers.
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news
SBC offers Administrative Assistant Day Workshop, time to learn and connect, and a special lunch STEINBACH, Man.—Do you appreciate your church administrative assistant and the many ways in which she serves the church? Do you wonder how to show her your appreciation and how you can encourage her? Steinbach Bible College desires to be an encouragement and help to our local and supporting conference churches. In light of this, we are happy to once again offer a special event for the administrative assistants of our churches. We are excited to offer Church Administrative Assistant Appreciation Day from 10 am to 3 pm. The day will include a church data base workshop led by Roland Penner, our director of information services; time to learn from and connect with other assistants; and a special lunch in a unique setting. Last year’s event was well received and those who attended enjoyed the opportunity to connect with others serving in the same role. Participants found the practical information on desktop publishing helpful, and indicated that they had come away with new information for their day to day work. Feedback overwhelmingly revealed that the greatest value came from meeting others encountering similar challenges. Administrative assistants told us, “It’s nice to hear that we as secretaries have similar issues” and “It was great chatting with people from other churches to see what they do.”
We encourage you to support your administrative assistant in taking this opportunity to gain new information. This knowledge will increase efficiency and give her the tools to effectively and confidently offer support to your leadership and congregation. The event coincides with Administrative Assistant Appreciation Day. With a cost of $30 per person, or $50 for two, is a tangible, affordable way to show appreciation for your staff. Registration can be made by phoning SBC at 204-3266451, or by email at ibartel@SBCollege.ca. SBC
Japan needs your prayers! As of March 14, the Anabaptist-related church communities of Japan are largely safe, according to Takanori Sasaki, chair for Japan Mennonite Fellowship (JMF), following the enormous earthquake and tsunami that hit the country on March 11. The church communities are scattered across Japan, most of them away from the quake’s epicentre. Japan is home to five Mennonite, Mennonite Brethren and Brethren in Christ groups. They count a total baptized membership of about 3,000 in 70 congregations. Japan, of course, has a long history with the Christian faith. While the total percentage of Christians is low, Roman Catholics and Protestants (including Evangelicals and Anabaptists) have a presence across the country. One Canadian Catholic missionary was killed by the earthquake or tsunami. Among the general population, national Christians are at risk from this complex series of disasters. MWC and EMC 26
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Church Administrative Assistant Day Wednesday, April 27, 2011 10 am - 3 pm
Steinbach Bible College Take a day away for: *church data software workshop * time to network with other assistants * a relaxing lunch out at a quaint Café $30 per person, or $50 for two (bring a friend!)
We’d love to have you join us! Please register by April 15. Call SBC (204) 326.6451 or email ibartel@SBCollege.ca
MCC welcomes donations for Japan WINNIPEG, Man.—MCC continues to closely monitor the situation in Japan and is accepting donations to help disaster victims. Although MCC does not have staff or programs in Japan, contributions will be forwarded to trusted partners involved in relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts there. To donate, cheques should be made out to MCC, marked Japan Earthquake and mailed to your nearest MCC office. Donations can be made by telephone: 888622-6337 or online at canada.mcc.org. Please keep the people of Japan in your prayers. MCC
news
MHSC launches MCC Canada history and database New major projects highlighted at January 22 annual meeting
PHOTO: MHSC
for Mennonite-related genealogical data in Canada. WATERLOO, Ont.—A history of MCC Canada and a Fundraising needs to be occur for the creation of the genealogical website were new major projects of the necessary software. Mennonite Historical Society of Canada (MHSC) highTwo “Awards of Excellence” were presented lighted at its annual meeting on January 22, to the late Dick Epp (1927-2009) and Esther 2011, at Bethany Manor in Saskatoon, Sask. Patkau, both of Saskatchewan. MCC Canada celebrates its 50th anniverMembers toured the Hague-Osler sary in 2013. Its history, written by Esther Mennonite Reserve; they also heard Ruth Epp-Tiessen with funding by MHSC and MCC Derksen Siemens’ presentation on letters to Canada, will explore the story of an organizaCanada from Stalin’s Russian Gulag and viewed tion that symbolizes “Mennonite” for many her film Through the Red Gate. Canadians. MHSC was established in 1968. It includes MHSC is also creating a genealogical six provincial Mennonite historical societwebsite for digitizing primary source docuEsther Epp Tiessen ies, four Mennonite denominational bodies ments for display, with transliteration will write a history of MCC Canada. (including the EMC), MCC Canada, and the and translation as required. The site will Chair of Mennonite Studies at the University of provide one standardized internet source Winnipeg. MHSC
The world has moved on, but Pakistan is needy CFGB member agencies look for long-term solutions
CFGB member agencies are still responding to immediate food needs and have provided food kits to over 33,300 families, feeding over 266,000 people. This represents over 9,500 tonnes of food, including wheat flour, rice, lentils, oil, sugar, and salt. CFGB has supported six food relief projects in Pakistan, worth a total of $6,139,260. CFGB www.foodgrainsbank.ca
PHOTO: CFGB
WINNIPEG, Man.—There are glimmers of hope, but great needs remain after the 2010 Pakistan floods that left one-fifth of the country underwater and 10 million people needing aid. The last of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank-funded food kits will be distributed in coming months. The focus now is shifting to equipping people to rebuild their lives and produce food. Part of this is rehabilitating agriculture by rebuilding infrastructure and providing seeds and tools. A good wheat harvest is projected, yet many areas have far to go to get back to farming. One project, which CFGB is planning with sister organizations, will help 4,000 flood-affected families from northern Nowshera District to improve their longterm food access. This project will trade food for work by clearing ditches and repairing roads. This provides food for people and improves their chances of growing food. Seeds and tools will be distributed to farmers with only one or two acres. These improved seeds mean higher yields and more food.
Rising food prices have put further strain on families, partly due to inflation. Mian, a Swat Valley resident, says he is now paying triple, 150 rupees, for one kg of sugar.
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news
‘What does it mean to be Anabaptist?’
Mennonite World Conference holds teaching sessions in India and Indonesia WINNIPEG, Man.—“Our children and young “Now we can see that it makes a difference what we people have no idea what it means to be Anabaptist or connect to,” they said. Mennonite. What is MWC going to do about that?” Does church and theological identity matter? Even This concern came from a leader in India generic, non-denominational identities during one of many teaching sessions from have foundations. A non-choice is a choice. Mennonite World Conference Mennonite World Conference October 14 to November 18, 2010, in India and Indonesia. In Asia there is passionate recognition The leader’s challenge was why I was that identity matters, yet leaders acinvited on this fraternal visit. Sapira Biswas of India said the “sessions knowledge they have not addressed it. have provided a clear notion of Anabaptist conceptions and made us aware of our mandates as true disciples of Jesus.” When asked, “So what is MWC going Pastors, Bible teachers, evangelists and to do about it?” I responded with two other church leaders responded similarly. points. First, MWC member churches have In Asia there is passionate recognition identified Shared Convictions of Global that identity matters, yet leaders acknowlAnabaptists; generated written resources; of Global Anabaptists edge they have not addressed it. and initiated conversations with Catholics, Pastors in one synod in Indonesia Lutherans, and Adventists. had graduated from 43 seminaries, none Second, local leadership must use these Anabaptist-related. They struggled to MWC materials in congregations, conferembrace a common Anabaptist identity. ences, seminaries, and Sunday Schools. Ultimately, this Amazement, joy, and resonance were expressed when responsibility must be assumed by leaders and parents. leaders heard how Radical Reformation theology adds to Robert J. Suderman, MWC other streams in history and today. A Community of Anabaptist-related Churches
A Community of Anabaptist-related Churches
Cover photo by Laurie Oswald Robinson
PHOTO: MWC MATERIAL
For more information about Mennonite World Conference visit www.mwc-cmm.org
Shared Convictions
Panel Photos by Ray Dirks.
Photo by Ray Dirks.
© Mennonite World Conference Printed in Canada
The EFC intercedes for Christian on death row The EFC’s Anita Levesque, coordinator for the Religious Liberty Commission, wrote Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Lawrence Cannon to request that the government intercede with the government of Afghanistan on behalf of Musa Sayed, an aid worker and father of six, imprisoned and sentenced to death for converting to Christianity. EFC
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Vacation Bible School 2011
Taste & See: God Is Good Taste & See will help children look at food differently, through the eyes of faith! As they participate in fun worship and activities and hear stories of manna in the wilderness, a woman who shares her last bit of food, or Jesus offering himself as bread and wine, kids will learn about gratitude, generosity, and “spiritual food”—and how food is a constant reminder of God’s active presence in our midst! Boxed set: $129.99 USD/$149.99 CAD Items also available separately. Find sample sessions, Bible texts, and a 5-day overview at www.mpn.net/vbs.
Orders: 800-245-7894 (USA) • 800-631-6535 (Canada) • www.mpn.net
news
Debit cards spell relief for Pakistan flood victims Project aims to meet immediate needs and revolutionize banking landscape
cash on the debit cards. The project management and WINNIPEG, Man.—More than 1.6 million flood victims logistics is being executed by MEDA because of its previin Pakistan will soon flash plastic debit cards as a way to ous experience in Pakistan and its history of working get back on their feet following last summer’s monsoon with private-sector partners, with $1.6 million in funding deluge which took many lives and left millions homeless. from Gates Foundation, which has a strong commitment They’ll also get their first contact with the formal to promoting financial services and savings for the poor. banking system, thanks to a collaboration of the “We are known as a trusted NGO, and our business government of Pakistan, United Bank Limited (UBL) approach is valued,” says Pityn. of Pakistan, and MEDA that is MEDA will manage and funded by the Bill and Melinda For MEDA, the project provides report regularly on the use of Gates Foundation. an opportunity to use technology project funds; provide progress The project aims to meet reports on electronic cash disimmediate needs while revoto expand financial services to a bursements; publicly disseminate lutionizing Pakistan’s banking needy segment of the population. findings through case studies; landscape by including the poor. and provide long-term monitorUsing funds provided by ing and prepare a final report on recipients who remain the government of Pakistan, UBL will issue VISA debit active account holders. cards, pre-loaded with $235, to 1.6 million “non-banked” “These are 1.6 million people who haven’t had deposit families displaced by flooding. Additional instalments, accounts before,” says Pityn. “Our goal is to ensure up to a total of $950 per household, will assure users that at least half of them continue to use some kind of multiple opportunities to use (and become accustomed deposit process after the project ends.” to using) the cards over the coming months. For MEDA, the project provides an opportunity to “The hope is this will be a ground-breaking experiuse technology to expand financial services to a needy ence in bank services, as well as bringing Pakistan’s segment of the population. branchless banking services to a whole new level, “Flood relief is only part of the motivation,” Pityn particularly in the rural economy,” says Kim Pityn, says. “The larger issue is getting these people into the MEDA’s chief operations officer. financial sector. This is a significant opportunity for The government of Pakistan is covering the actual MEDA to be part of a very large project in mobile technology, and to leverage this opportunity to explore and document branchless banking activities on a massive scale.” The project began in November 2010 and runs until spring of 2012. Lynden Neudorf of High Level, Wally Kroeker, MEDA Alta., is serving a three-year assignment with Mennonite Central Committee in San Salvador, El Salvador, as an HIV and AIDS educator. Neudorf obtained a bachelor’s degree in music from Augustana University College, Camrose, Lynden Neudorf with Dr. Arley Loewen Alta. He also obtained a “Jesus lived in a world very different from bachelor’s in social work from the University of ours. Without an understanding of ancient Calgary, Edmonton. Neudorf attended La Crete Middle Eastern culture we easily formulate a Jesus according to our our western mindset.” Christian Fellowship Church, Alta. A one week intensive course offered May 2-6, 2011 MCC See www.SBCollege.ca for more details. PHOTO: MCC
EMCer serves with MCC
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shoulder tapping Pastoral positions Morweena EMC of Morweena, Man., is currently searching for an interim pastor to serve a congregation of about 250. We are located in the Interlake near Arborg, roughly 140 kilometers north of Winnipeg. Responsibilities would include preaching, visiting and caregiving, working with the existing ministerial group in event planning and helping to facilitate/envision some administrative restructuring. The church is offering a parsonage adjacent to the church for the duration of the interim pastor’s stay. For information please contact Sid Dueck at 204-364-2476 (h), 204-364-2442 (w), or sid. dueck@vidir.com. Are you passionately in love with Jesus? Do you have a shepherd’s heart? Are you excited about outreach? Community Bible Fellowship (CBF) of Swan River, Man., is seeking a pastoral couple to serve our congregation of about 75 people. Swan River is located in the Parkland area of Central Manitoba, and serves a trading area of approximately 10-15,000 people. CBF also oversees a small Christian School of about 35 students. Please contact Terry Scales 204-525- 2651, Jake Reimer 204-734-4465, or Don Buhler 204-734-8506.
Youth work Winkler EMMC is searching for a full-time pastor to youth to begin in early summer of 2011. For information and/or an application form, contact the church office at winkleremmchurch@mts.net, phone 204-3257667; fax 204-325-6819. Aberdeen EMC, a small, multi-generational Anabaptist congregation in the heart of Winnipeg’s North End, is seeking a half-time youth and children’s pastor. This new position will be part of a twoperson ministry team, and will develop and lead our ministry to our youth and children, and participate in the broader ministry needs of the church. Activities will include planning and leading events, leading Christian formation and forming supportive relationships with our children, youth and their families. If you are committed to the Christian faith and to Anabaptist teachings, have experience working with children and youth and/or have theological education; if you have energy, creativity and want to serve the church; if you are interested in pastoral ministry and are committed to guiding youth and children on their faith journeys, then we want to hear from you. For information visit our website at www.
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aberdeenemc.ca. Applications should be submitted in confidence to Charlotte Gesell at 204-417-8578 or thegesells@gmail.com. Rosenort Fellowship Chapel is seeking to fill a full-time position of youth pastor. We are a congregation of approximately 150 attendees located in Rosenort, Man. The position would require successful applicant to lead both senior and junior youth programs. We would like to see some youth involvement in morning services with possible pulpit opportunities. A recently remodeled youth room in the church is used for their weekly event. We are looking for a person/couple with a passion for God’s word and a heart for our youth. They are to be approachable, accountable, supportive, missional to create real relationships with the youth and disciple them. Starting date is negotiable. If interested please contact Ryan Friesen at 204-746-6345 or ryan@gninc.ca. The Bridge Drop-In (Arborg Youth for Christ) is seeking a full-time program coordinator to help launch and run a youth centre in Arborg, Man. This exciting opportunity is revving up and will soon be ready to go with a committed team there to support and back you up! Reporting to the Director and supported by a committed steering committee, this person will promote the ministry throughout the community, develop the drop-in program and supervise team members. Applicants must be able to embrace and sign the YFC Statement of Faith and Conduct. Qualifications include a love for youth, drive and determination, creativity and an ability to work independently. Email resume to Carissa Rempel at director.arborgyfc@hotmail.ca; Arborg Youth For Christ, Box 621, Arborg, MB R0C 0A0; or call 204-376-5686.
Other opportunities Midway Bible Camp and Berge Lake Camp seek nurse, lifeguard, speaker, maintenance, kitchen, and counselor help for this summer. They are part of Continental Mission in northern Man. Two essentials: faith in Christ and police checks. The CMI office in Thompson needs a receptionist/administrative assistant, especially during the busy summer months. Call 204778-4491or cmi@mts.net and talk to Ferlin or Morgan. For interest in Berge Lake Camp, contact Travis Vallinga at 204-356-2218 or vallingafamily@yahoo.ca. Steeprock Bay Bible Camp is looking for a paid director and summer staff (paid counselors and lifeguard) for the upcoming camping
season, which runs for five weeks (July and first week in August). Police checks are required. The director needs to be involved in advance preparation; for salary details, contact people below. The camp is located about 350 miles north of Winnipeg, Man., (about an hour north of Swan River) and reaches out to First Nations children from various communities in northern Manitoba. Kitchen help and maintenance workers are welcome; these are unpaid positions. Electrical sites for trailers are available. If you have a heart for God and a great love for children with a high level of energy, please contact Jack Dyck at 204-525-2420 or jack.dyck@gov.mb.ca or Wayne Reimer at 204236-4471 or reimer6@mymts.net. Steeprock celebrated 50 years of ministry in 2010 with an estimated 10,000 children served. Brightwood Ranch is a Christian camp— owned and operated by Hope Mission, an inner city rescue mission—providing a summer camp experience for underprivileged children. The camp owns 220 acres in rolling hills one hour west of Edmonton, Alta. Summer positions are paid and include four-month positions: main site program director, Tipi Village program director, wrangler training program leader, secretary, youth development program leaders, horse camp instructor, main site head wrangler. Two-month positions (July and August): counselors, horse camp counselor, wranglers, assistant cook, kitchen helpers, unit leader, nurse/first aid attendant, nurse/secretary, dining hall hostess. Brightwood Ranch seeks a full-time food services manager and an office manager. The year-round program includes men and women in drug and alcohol rehab programs as well as youth and kids who attend the mission’s after school programs and indoor skate park. Check our website: www.brightwoodranchcamps.com. Start dates: immediately. Contact: bright.wood@hopemission. com. Police checks are required.
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.
news
More hunger as food prices climb WINNIPEG, Man—Hunger in the developing world is surging as food prices climb. Almost one in six people is undernourished. Yet “there is more than enough food in this world for everyone,” said Dan Wiens, coordinator of MCC’s water and agriculture programs. The main problem, he said, is the unequal distribution of food. According to the World Bank, an additional 44 million people began living in dire poverty over the past six months. Dire poverty is defined as someone living on $1.25 (U.S.) or less a day. MCC takes a multi-faceted approach to reducing hunger, including food assistance and addressing hunger’s underlying causes. Gladys Terichow, MCC
PHOTO: BRANDON THIESSEN, MCC
Dire poverty is living on $1.25 (U.S.) or less per day
In Rutana Province, Burundi, people plant trees and receive food in exchange through an MCC-CFGB project.
in memory
Harvey Roland Kroeker 1928–2010 Harvey Kroeker passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, on Sunday, December 26, 2010, at the age of 82. He had just recently moved (December 2) from the St. Adolphe Personal Care Home to be a resident of Rest Haven Nursing Home in Steinbach, Man. Harvey is survived by his sisters Nettie (Frank Plett), Betty (Robert Hartman), Florence (Harold Barg), and brothers Peter (Anna) and Erwin (Caroll). He is also survived by sisters-in-law Aurelia Kroeker and Gertie Dueck and brother-in-law Peter Hiebert. Harvey was predeceased by his parents Peter D. and Sara Kroeker, sisters Marlene (Peter Hiebert) and Lydia (Dave Dueck), brother Menno (Aurelia), and brother-in-law Dave Dueck. Harvey never married. He grew
up on the family farm about three miles from Steinbach and thoroughly enjoyed his elementary education at Clearspring School. Later he completed high school in Steinbach, attended Teacher’s College, and earned a BA at the University of Manitoba. He was an avid reader and acquired a library of approximately 6,000 books, the bulk of which he happily donated to Steinbach Bible College. His reading interests represented a wide range of subject matters, including science, literature, nature study, geography, history and theology. As a young man, Harvey’s life was transformed by receiving Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. On May 27, 1951, he was baptized and received as a member of the Evangelical Mennonite Church in Steinbach. He sincerely enjoyed his theological studies at Steinbach Bible Institute (now College). Throughout his teaching career, Harvey integrated Christian faith with his keen interest in God’s great creation. Later God directed him to become a pastor in two different Sasktachewan churches. Harvey was uniquely caring and compassionate—he often nurtured friendships with people who were lonely or suffered from adverse circumstances. His generous spirit, giving to those
in need, persisted even if it meant duress to his financial resources. Yet Harvey would always manage to buy books, travel to new places, and purchase materials for another hobby. He passionately participated in games like chess and Scrabble; he loved nature study, he trained dogs and cared for them as pets. He enjoyed music, astronomy, research in history (especially biographies), food (stopped regularly for ice cream breaks), telling stories, debating (rigidly defending his point), and family gatherings. Harvey took great pleasure in Bible study, elaborating all the stories for the entertainment of children and adults. Harvey wrote articles for the Hanover Steinbach Historical Society (Preservings) and enjoyed taking school children on tours at Mennonite Heritage Village. After his stroke in June 2009, Harvey’s body grew slowly weaker until he quietly slipped into eternity to rest in the loving arms of our eternal Lord. We as a family will miss him dearly. The family would like to thank the staff at the Ste. Adolphe Personal Care Home and Rest Haven Nursing Home for their kind and loving care for Harvey. Also to all those who came to visit him, we give heartfelt thanks. His Family THE MESSENGER | April 2011
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in memory calendar
Louise Olson (nee Reimer) 1928–2011 Louise Olson died peacefully on February 19, 2011, at the age of 82, at the St Adolphe Personal Care Home. She was predeceased by her first husband, Martin Giesbrecht, as well as her second husband, Clarence Olson. She will be dearly missed by her daughters Beverly (Theo) and Bonnie (Russ), and son Nelson; grandchildren Elena (Jason), Emmanuel (Sarka), Milton (Neviyah), Peter, Teddy, Matthew (Mel), Joshua, Abe (Danielle); great-grandchildren Aria, Petra, and Zamar. She is also deeply mourned by her siblings Al (Elmer) (Joan), Nita (Guy), Sydney (Helen), and Charlotte. Louise was born August 10, 1928, in Steinbach, Man., to Peter J. B. and Elizabeth (Kehler) Reimer. She was the second oldest, with Al being the oldest. After Louise came Nita, Syd, and Charlotte. She spent her growing up years in Steinbach where she was baptized at the EM Church. In high school, Louise’s mother became sick, requiring her full attention to running the household. The Lord prepared her for her future as she learned to work hard at a young age. Louise graduated from SBC in 1949. Her first job was cooking at a lumber camp for CT Loewen’s at Hudson Bay Junction. Louise married Martin Giesbrecht in 1950, moving to Winnipeg, where her three children Beverly, Bonnie, and Nelson were born. When life got too difficult, Louise’s family stepped in and mover her and her children to Rosenort to start a new life. With the need to provide for her children, brother Syd transformed his little shed into a coffee shop in the 32
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middle of Rosenort. Mom hired her youngest sister as she started her new career at the Rosenort Coffee Shop. After a year and a half, she expanded her business with a larger building added to the front of her home. The addition of a grocery store resulted in a new name, Rosenort Grill & Grocery. She quickly became famous throughout southern Manitoba, not only for her burger and milkshake, but also for her infectious joy and love for the entire community, instrumental to the thriving business community in Rosenort. In 1964, Louise married one of her dedicated customers, Clarence Olson. Her children gained an awesome dad who loved them unconditionally until his death in 1981. During the 1979 flood, Louise stayed behind to cook for the many volunteers who worked tirelessly to save the community. She sold the restaurant, giving her more time for church and community involvement. Louise fitted easily into the community and loved having time to build relationships with people. She had a wonderful gift to make people feel special and important while showering them with love and boundless generosity. Despite her many hardships, she remained close to God all her life and never became a bitter person, choosing instead to model godliness to the very end. We extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St Adolphe Personal Care Home for the wonderful care they provided over the course of the last year and particularly during Mom’s last days. Her Family
Check out the EMC website: www.emconference.ca
British Columbia no events currently
Alberta Jul. 1–3: EMC Convention 2011, The Jesus Way: Mission in the Mold of the Master, Abbeydale Christian Fellowship and Eastside City Church, Calgary, 204-326-6401, www. emconference.ca Jul. 1: EMC Ministerial meeting, Church Planting: Birth Stories without the Screaming, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Abbeydale Christian Fellowship, Calgary, 204-326-6401, www. emconference.ca Jul. 2: EMC Conference Council meeting, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Abbeydale Christian Fellowship, Calgary, 204326-6401, www.emconference.ca
Saskatchewan May 20–23: Abundant Springs, EMC Youth Conference, Not 2 Us, Caronport, 204-326-6401, www. abundantsprings.ca
Manitoba Apr. 29: SBC Spring Concert, 7:30 p.m., Steinbach Bible College, Steinbach, 204-326-6451, www.sbcollege.ca Apr. 30: Steinbach Bible College Graduation Ceremonies, 2 p.m., Steinbach EMC, Steinbach, 204-3266451, www.sbcollege.ca Apr. 30: Kingdom Ventures Inc. 20th anniversary celebration, 5 p.m. banquet, Winnipeg, 204-224-4175 or 204-488-2220 to reserve Apr. 30 and May 1: The Great Hallelujah! mass choir event with Danny Plett and band, Steinbach Mennonite Church, Steinbach, 204326-6401, www.emconference.ca July 13: MCC Manitoba golf tournament, Quarry Oaks Golf Course, 204-326-6401, www. emconference.ca
Ontario Apr. 16: Kingdom Ventures Inc. 20th anniversary celebration, 5 p.m. banquet, St. Catherines, 905-6829743 or 519-894-8884 to reserve
focus on... by Tim Dyck General Secretary tdyck@emconf.ca
What is the strongest influence?
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n a column last month I invited readers to respond to a poll about the level of autonomy in our churches. Some of you responded, and you can see the results on the EMC website. This month I would like to discuss some factors that hold us together as a Conference. There are many, but here are three that I think contribute to our interconnectedness. Our common evangelical Anabaptist theology is an obvious component of our togetherness. This relatively unique perspective in the Canadian Christian scene guides us as we bridge the gap between the social and evangelistic aspects of the gospel message, as we embrace both facets. This common theology is based on an appreciation for the authority of the Word of God for matters of faith and life. It is not a faith that is just believed; it is lived out by being active followers of Jesus. While there are points of theology where our churches and members disagree, there are many more points of agreement. As member churches in this community we call the EMC, we embrace
a covenant to live and serve together. Just as each local EMC church experiences the community of fellowship as they gather regularly, so our Conference also enjoys this community at a broader level. We help one another in very tangible ways, sometimes with practical assistance, and often with emotional and spiritual support when churches face difficult circumstances. This relational aspect of our unity is reflected in our regional gatherings, our annual Conventions, and our twice yearly Ministerial and Conference Council meetings. It is always gratifying to see the community gathered at annual Convention and to realize that life-long friendships are established, nurtured, and multiplied at this event. The work we do together is another element of our unity. Each EMC church has a ministry within the community in which it operates, but beyond this we are involved in
The work we do together is another element of our unity.
EMC Foreign Secretary Ken Zacharias (far right) and Board of Missions member Rick Kroeker (second from right) meet with EMC and national workers in Paraguay.
This month’s poll Which of the following factors do you think is the strongest influence in keeping our Conference together? Our evangelical Anabaptist theology Covenant community Reaching out together Other—please specify Vote at www.emconference.ca then go to Facebook to join the discussion. significant ways in reaching out to a hurting world with the compassion of the gospel. Within Canada, this is reflected in the continuous expansion of church plants across the country. The recent partnership with Continental Mission provides our Conference with another way to connect with the aboriginal community in our country. Further afield, we have about two dozen missionaries who serve under the EMCadministered missions program in Latin America and through Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission. Then there are more than 80 workers serving in over 20 countries around the world with various agencies with which we have partnerships. Taken together, this is a significant outreach initiative bolstered by all of the supporting EMC churches. Which of these three factors do you think is most significant? Take the online poll on our website to register your vote today at www. emconference.ca and make your voice heard by joining the discussion at www.facebook.com/emconference. THE MESSENGER | April 2011
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pictures of God by Joanna Plett
Relationships and wedding plans
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THE MESSENGER | April 2011
As soon as I allow the details to overshadow the relationship in either the process or the goal, I lose the security I found in the relationship.
PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM
hen my boyfriend proposed to me last month in New York City, the rest of the world ceased to exist. Our entire focus was on each other and on our relationship. We couldn’t spend enough time together. The following weeks, however, have been packed with dress shopping, guest lists, invitations, and travel plans. Since my fiancé and I are both planners, we jumped into this stage of our relationship with a vengeance. Although this has made wedding plans come together relatively smoothly, we have also realized how easily the relationship itself gets overshadowed with planning. We can talk for hours about venues, menus and colours, but forget to build into our relationship. Times like this, I can relate to Martha. The occasion is one of celebration and of honour. Guests have travelled long distances to attend and Martha is the hostess. Granted, they are here to celebrate Jesus’ presence and Lazarus’ resurrection from the dead, but someone still has to look after the details. I find that I focus most on relationships with close friends and with God in the dark times and the healing times, but find it harder to intentionally build into relationships in the good times. My journey through healing and redemption in the past few months has immersed me in a deeper relationship with God than I have ever experienced before. The rest of the world fell into place in light of this relationship.
But as I get used to the security of a healthy, love-filled relationship, I find it all too easy to start coasting. My focus shifts to the details of getting to the marriage supper of the Lamb—going to church, reading my Bible, being a good person. I forget that both the process and the goal are relationship. As soon as I allow the details to overshadow the relationship in either the process or the goal, I lose the security I found in the relationship. I begin to fear that my salvation—the relationship—is hinging on my ability to keep the details together and to make things work. I also communicate this to others. Instead of introducing friends to the Groom, I imply that getting to the wedding—to Heaven—is the main thing. The more I myself lose sight of the relationship, the harder it is to make the sacrifices to get there. I forget to tell them that this is the ultimate celebration and that this party is all about relationship. Where do the details fit in? The details are valuable to the extent that
they point to relationship, that they highlight and enhance and empower and celebrate the culmination of a dream and the beginning of forever. When Jesus told parables about Heaven and the resurrection, he didn’t describe a vacation getaway or a better workplace. “It’s a wedding!” He said, “It’s a party.” It’s an extravagant celebration of our renewed relationship with God, of redemption.
Steinbach Bible College Graduation Weekend
April 29 - Spring Concert 7:30pm Premiere Performance of “Ben Hur - A Tale of the Christ”
April 30 - Graduation Ceremonies 2:00pm at Steinbach EMC Speaker: Florence Friesen Please note the change in time and day of our Graduation ceremonies. 204-326-6451 for more information
stewardship today by Kevin Davidson
Are you ready?
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PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM
n August 13, 2010, after one month in the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alta., my dad died of mesothelioma, cancer of the outer lining of the lung. Although Dad had experienced shortness of breath for the past year, it never stopped him from maintaining a busy social and family life. He even attended a Calgary Stampede breakfast the day he entered the hospital.
we are retaining the services of a tax accountant. By the way, everyone has a will—the one you or your lawyer complete, or the one the court completes for you. Even though Dad and Mom’s assets were jointly owned, application still had to be made to remove his name from the business, house, vehicle, investments, bank accounts, and other papers. Also, accounts set up in Dad’s name alone were trans-
Everyone has a will—the one you or your lawyer complete, or the one the court completes for you.
Although his diagnosis and death (one week apart) were quick and unexpected, his preparation was not. Many years before, Mom and Dad had intentionally completed a will and incapacity documents. They updated everything a few months before Dad’s passing. Dad must have known something was up. My brother found the documents along with a list of Dad’s investments on top of his desk. Dad’s lawyer did an excellent job in setting up his will. It is clear and concise and so far we have not needed any legal advice. However,
ferred to my mom or closed. Each financial institution has its own privacy and security rules. The process has been as easy as a five-minute telephone conversation or as complex as having to provide a notarized copy of the will, a notarized copy of the death certificate, a letter of indemnity, and a letter of direction. If my dad had not understood the value of a will, it would have meant higher stress, more time away from my family and work, unnecessary legal and court costs, and even the real possibility of despising my dad
for not being properly prepared. My dad’s sudden entrance into the Lord’s presence has shown me that death is unpredictable and even unexpected. You realize you’re never fully prepared. Dad left me with a wonderful legacy of generosity and spiritual and financial responsibility. Do you have an up-to-date will? Mennonite Foundation of Canada encourages you to review your will every three to five years or whenever there is a life change such as buying or selling a business, marriage, a move, or other major life change. Is your immediate family aware of your future wishes? Keeping them updated lends itself, hopefully, to cooperation and unity later on. Have you been asked to look after anyone’s estate, children, financial affairs, or health care decisions? Please request a copy of the will and incapacity documents and know how to access the originals. Ask questions, discuss expectations. Not sure where to start or whom to ask? Contact the MFC stewardship consultant closest to you. Visit our website at www.mennofoundation. ca or call 1-800-772-3257. We are available to provide free assistance as you contemplate and plan your end of life arrangements. Kevin Davidson is a stewardship consultant at the Calgary, Alta., office of Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC). MFC, a non-profit organization, provides stewardship education and estate and charitable gift planning for no cost. Contact your nearest MFC office or visit Mennofoundation.ca. THE MESSENGER | April 2011
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kids’ corner by Loreena Thiessen
Who is God?
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ho do you think God is? Is He a King who sits on a large golden throne wearing a jeweled crown? Or is he a kindly grandfather with a long white beard? In a certain country far away the King is the government and the supreme ruler. When the people of his kingdom appear unhappy and the King fears they might rebel, he hands out money to them to make them feel better. He gives each citizen a specific amount and then he hopes they will be satisfied again. Is this what God does? When you want something do you pray and does He give you what you want just to make you happy? Who is God? Moses asked the same question. Moses first met God in the flames of a burning bush. From the flames God’s voice spoke to Moses, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.”
PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM
Jesus says, “I am the door” (John 10:9). This means that Jesus is the only way to God, not certain actions. 36
Moses was afraid of the huge task God was giving him. He was also afraid that no one would believe him; they would ask “Who sent you? What is his name?” And so Moses asked God. God’s answer was, “Tell them, I am who I am!” God gave himself the name “I am.” What did God mean when He said, “I am who I am?” “I am” means I am real, I exist. God is saying He is real, He has always existed, even before time and before the earth was formed, and He will always exist, forever in the future. Jesus uses the same words, “I am,” when He talks about himself. In John 6:35 Jesus says, “I am the Bread of Life.” Bread is basic food; it is nourishing—it helps you grow. It is satisfying—when you eat it you are no longer hungry. Think about all the different kinds of sandwiches you can make with bread. Jesus gives Life that lasts forever. In John 8:12 Jesus says, “I am the Light of the world.” You need light to see, sunlight during the day and a lamp at night. As the Light, Jesus shows what is true and right. Jesus says, “I am the door” (John 10:9). This means that Jesus is the only way to God, not certain actions. Actions are the result of knowing Jesus. He says, “I am the Good Shepherd…I know my sheep and they know me” (John 10:14). Many people were shepherds. They knew how much sheep need a leader, a
protector, and care. Like a shepherd Jesus wants to lead, guide and protect you. In John 15:5 Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” The vine is the main branch where food and water flow to the tiny branches. You are the tiny branch. If you listen to and follow Jesus you will show that you are growing to be like Jesus. Jesus uses the words, “I am” to show that He is the same God who appeared to Moses in the burning bush. All the ways He describes himself help you to understand what He is and what He will do if you let Him.
Activity: Read Psalm 23 (NIV). Fill in the missing words below. The Lord is my _____________. I shall not be in _______. He makes me lie down in _______ _________, he leads me beside ______ _______, he restores my _____. He leads me in paths of ________________ for his name’s ______. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of _______, I will fear no ______, for you are ______ ___; your ____ and your ______, they comfort me. You prepare a ______ before me in the presence of my ________. You anoint my head with ____; my cup __________. Surely __________ and _____ will follow me all the days of ___ _____, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord __________.
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THE MESSENGER | April 2011