THE
MESSENGER
volume 49, number 9 September 2011
www.emconference.ca/messenger
… r e h t a F r u o s i d o If G PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM
p. 8
Also inside: Poem: Her Clouds p. 7 A defence of poor preaching p. 12 $2.00
a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference
editorials
Treated as if Christ himself “As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you. Even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn,” said the Apostle Paul. “Instead you welcomed me as if I were an angel from God, as if I were Jesus Christ himself ” (Galatians 4:13–14).
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aul stopped in Galatia because of illness. When some Galatians responded positively to the Gospel, they wanted to relieve his pain: “I can testify that if
you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me” (Gal. 4:15). We are reminded, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2). Similarly, Paul describes the care he received in words almost without equal: he was welcomed “as if I were an angel from God, as if I were Jesus Christ himself.” When we assist people, we are in a way helping Christ. Jesus said, “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of
When we assist people, we are in a way helping Christ. the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10). Paul remembered his care by the Galatians. May we continue to care for one another near or far, Christian or not, friend or enemy! Terry M. Smith
Weakness and God’s power
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aul was given “a thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). What was the “thorn”? Answers vary: Epilepsy, eye trouble, malaria (William Neil). For my vote, it was eye trouble: “You would have torn out your eyes and given them to me” (Gal. 4:15). Paul wrote, “See what large letters I use as I write you with my own hand!” (Gal. 6:11). Because his eyes were weak, he added a few words in large letters (that he could see) in his handwriting; the rest he had dictated to a secretary.
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It is helpful that Paul does not say specifically what the “thorn” was. Silence permits us to believe that God’s strength can be revealed through various weaknesses. It is helpful that Paul does not say specifically what the “thorn” was. Silence permits us to believe that God’s strength can be revealed through various weaknesses. Martin Luther once said, “The defects in a preacher are soon spied: let a preacher be endued with ten virtues, and but one fault, yet this one will eclipse” the virtues. “Dr. Justus Jonas has all the good virtues and qualities a man may have; yet
merely because he hums and spits, the people cannot bear that good and honest man” (Table Talk, 272). Evidently, some people were unwilling to see God’s strength revealed through humming and spitting. Where are we prepared to see God’s strength revealed through human weakness? The articles by David Funk and Layton Friesen serve us well. Terry M. Smith
contents Features 7
With Our Missionaries 15 Paraguay: Multi-faceted ministry continues
Poem: Her Clouds – Anicka Loewen
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If God is our Father...
– David Funk
12 A defence of poor preaching – Layton Friesen
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Manitoba: CMI: a year of challenges and blessings!
16 Oaxaca, Mexico: Details, details, details, patience, and prayer 17 Canada: Chaos, grace remembered
With Our Churches
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18 Heartland Community Church: Summer activities at Heartland 19 Blumenort EMC: Fun and Fair Days 20 Steinbach EMC: PandaMania invades church!
Columns 4
A Reader’s Viewpoint
A resolution that gives reason for concern – Don Hutchinson
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Archives Alcove Simplex and the Priest – Terry M. Smith
33 Window on Missions Part two: Closing the generation gap by partnership in missions – Gerald Reimer
34 Pictures of God
21 Island Gospel Fellowship: People movement and camp 21 Rosenort Fellowship Chapel: Hellos and goodbyes at RFC 22 Pineridge Fellowship Chapel: Alicia Buhler earns MDiv 23 MacGregor EMC: Special missionary weekend 23 Community Bible Fellowship: Baptism, pastor called, and Haiti
Departments 2 Editorials 3
Pontius’ Puddle
5 Letters 25 Births 25 Weddings 31 Shoulder Tapping 32 In Memory 32 Calendar
News 5
New member added to the EMC office team
27 CFGB commits $8.5M to East Africa drought response 27 MCC expands response for East Africa drought 28 Canadian Christians invited to Fast for Change 28 SBC begins year-long 75th anniversary celebration 29 MEDA pilot project protects children at work 29 Peace Sunday packet 2011 available
24 Good News Community Church: Community chaplain project begins
30 Institution gets new name: Providence University College
26 Roseisle EMC: Winter camping and July baptisms
30 Larry Miller named GCF secretary
Waiting for the rain – Joanna Enns
35 Stewardship Today
The spin-off effects of the giving cycle – Arnie Friesen
36 Kids’ Corner
How cool are you? – Loreena Thiessen
Pontius puddle
THE MESSENGER | September 2011
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THE
MESSENGER
a reader’s viewpoint
A resolution that gives reason for concern 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
The Messenger Schedule: No. 10 – October 2011 issue (copy due September 16)
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by Don Hutchinson
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t June’s New Democratic Party convention in Vancouver, delegates unanimously passed a resolution which calls on the government of Canada to revoke the charitable status of “ex-gay organizations.” This follows on the August 2010 revocation of the charitable status of an organization that ministers to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender/Transsexual) community in New Zealand. Should members of the LGBT community who want to discuss changing their sexual behaviour be told there’s nowhere to go? Should religious charities be forbidden from providing support to those who want to converse, seek counselling or change their lifestyle? There are thousands of Christian charities in Canada that seek to minister to and share the gospel with the wider Canadian populace, while others focus on ministering to subsets of the population, whether the poor, the disabled, those seeking freedom from addictions or, in this instance, questions about changing the
THE MESSENGER | September 2011
way they live. Many of Canada’s finest care institutions operate as Christian charities—soup kitchens, hospices, halfway houses and drop-in centres for teens. Canada’s charitable sector is diverse and its regulatory body, the Canada Revenue Agency’s Charities Directorate, enjoys independence from government and political interference as it operates “at arm’s length” from the government. This arrangement has greatly benefited Canadians in the past. In Canadian law, Christian charities operate under the ‘Advancement of Religion,’ one of four “charitable heads” or charitable ends, as their works are a result of their beliefs to love their neighbour, preach the gospel to all and to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8). So worship, Bible studies, and the like all flow into practical service, and inform how we engage in the public square. There is a long history of cooperation between church and government in Canada in many areas, including those of social justice and relief of poverty.
The resolution is a potential attack on the heart of these types of ministries, not just those offering services to gays and lesbians. In advancing religion, ministries are sharing the gospel and offering assistance and support to those choosing to accept it. Should charities that minister to the LGBT community, or any other community, violate CRA policies or regulations, they face consequences. Should charities commit crimes, criminal law is there to capture that behaviour. If implemented, the resolution would weaken the Canadian charitable community and rob Canadian citizens of many benefits they receive from this sector. The policy proposes a slippery slope that we best not slide down. Don Hutchinson is vicepresident, general legal counsel for the EFC, and director of the EFC’s Centre for Faith and Public Life. The EMC is an affiliate of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. The EFC’s law and public policy blog is found at http://activatecfpl.theefc.ca.
letters A balance of conference leadership needed I want to affirm the thoughtful reflections Trudy Dueck presented in her article Moving Towards Our Preferred Future [June 2011]. Having worked with Trudy on the SBC Cabinet I know her to be a clear thinking and informed leader. Her observations on denomination versus conference have positive and negative aspects. Trudy’s definition of a denomination suggests a heavy-handed central office dictating how the churches should function. As a conference of churches we are autonomous but connected in our goals, primarily missions, she says. Is there not a place for centralized authority in our Conference? Is it heavy-handed to have a central office that helps guide the churches back to the path our constitution professes?
Will we not become more autonomous, less like-minded, and less likely to submit to conference authority if we are so loosely tied? I cannot help but think of Judges where “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” when I reflect upon the current direction of our churches. Trudy wrote that “we are a conference of like-minded churches working together, encouraging, supporting, and sometimes rebuking each other.” On the basis of what authority do we dare to rebuke another church? Our constitution has been described in recent events as “just 8
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Go rk in ou I love te in lea olvem to be n His r to see e. how r forebe d who, in tim promi ent wit ser rning gation we are been. if we are truly ars is es pas what h s that gether vants that We are se is still still it me t, may no beg inning wo as church manife in com for her tru us. e today to e today at work in t look sting es: chu munit rk for peace, ans Jesus to our exactl embrace con becaus as it has inner y, and rches our wo Does y like cit e tha always work togre Go y, eve t I belie that me Spanis d has provid the mo church point Menn could do rld or a purpo r ve we h chu e housi ther an tha to Jes deno es. onite rches, are a se t we rem ng in us. it bette mi Co me na nfe confer and I an tha tion. hav rence? r. ain the Low Ge the ence, We hav t we act No be sup e experienc rman the bu not a e no hea ively list t necessari Evangelica ed firs por ted dic ild tat l thand vy-han ing the ly, bu And en and ing ou ing of His t it do ded cen confer wa kingdo to God and r kingdo discus so I see thi loved by the what it me es ence of y we do thi tra m. Th true to His s more sion. m, it is ans to larger encou ngs. Ra l office like-m His age as a spr only and is is not abo plans for confer How do rag ing inded ther, we nda. ence. ingbo ut , alw oth chu sup we bu ard ays are er. rch por move ildA pre for fur about a es wo ting, and toward ferred I belie being ther to be We ent someti rking togeth s a pre ve tha a probab future is Anab fer mes reb er int t we er, accou ap future o this le future not necess red future uk ing ntable commu tist faith to bring the confer as “wh ? arily or each . Peter to where gif t ence rel at the direct the lar nit y. more Ellyar we are be the peo ion or future ationshi ger Ch of our likely d defi Our An ple of confer pla ristia nes a p to Go abapti Are we make a new will be, if ence wh ced. Any rior to probab n we do st con church d in the com be held satisfi togeth choice enever anyon what le victio not cha ed wit er. is free munit e. But we throw they so ns do h what about it.” nge ies to lea neithe the a probab are doing? des no Die m t make ve the ire. We r can trich out to else. We le future If we are we have no Bonh we aff us sup the chu becom want must w and oeffer satisfi ord to eWe hav to bel where e like rch tha see wit ed, sai t is on we bri everyo our con e much d it we Jesus no new h “Chris we can g to loo ng to Chris ll wh to cel choice talk abo k in a t throu t existing the lar victions as ne Our An ebr mi s need Jesus as com en he stated Our An ger gh on a gif t abapti be ma ut to our rror to see ate as a con the Bib munit e ano that aba st vision church. de. le wit We wa world or cou if we are tru ference, bu h calls us We see ther, not jus y. We know place tions do ptist convict nt to greate a Jesus-cen t by ou Him, to rea probab not ma look at ld do it bet ly manifest need r emph tre tas our sis d rselve ship, le on ing ke us ter. a prefer superio ma asis on d approach, s. ters and te Him thr Ellyar e. red fut r to any whom ou ser van munit ke biblical d say ure, rat interp y aff he dw brothers wit gh t leader one. Bu produ neither retati her tha ells.” and live air, work ct of the s “a preferred hin t My can on na for husba a contin future insigh nd has sai integr our daily live peace and comthrow the we afford to ually t of a ity. recon d, “I see Peter Dueck justic leader vision is no mitm s with m struct e, sociat ent to t the but is a matur humi I wis ed and come like out to beion of dia lity and prefer ing ascongre renew shared and beg ins delibe h that our red vis log ue, dis everyo ed thr gation An cussio rat to val ion, in commi ne else. ough s that n and ue div reflect an exa e, but much abaptist tea turn, tment a com exc ers ion of leads mple ching .” more to hope, hange. Th of wh the cre ity as a tru could Creato ourse that at we is e backgr lve be mo ati r.” inspir believ our liv ing re ounds, only em This means vit y of our ation God’s s as a uniqu wo e— uld and tal and that we but in grace e, dyn be ents. our exp brace divers we will not would Not on in the world amic group ity in ressio see Th ly . of is eth is this n of ou Chris herald ues to would be refl tia a gif t r faith, nic s to that we be un societ ns, it is a gif ect gif ts ed im and pow y been in bri presse t to soc more d with a conferenc iet y at ng to other rather er. We will ready rank, e that for the large. Never value than “pr hierar contin every chy, po church commi has ofessi me ttees. sition onals to inv ” staffin mber’s con ite the We wil tributi m g our 11-06-07 l contin on board stand 1:29 PM ue s and ing of Messeng church to hold to er 49 the An 06.indd where 9 abapti every st memb er does underits par t, (contin THE MES
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a guideline.” And I can scarcely think of any church being rebuked according to Scripture in the last decade. So I would like us to develop a balance of conference leadership in the future that gives direction and encouragement, even a little firmly, while affirming the freedoms that Trudy suggests. Darryl Klassen Kleefeld, Man.
news
New member added to the EMC office team Conference office in June. Ruth Anne, with husband Ed, is currently involved in ministry in Thailand. Diana will work together with Erica Fehr, Administrative Assistant to the Board of Leadership and Outreach and the General Board; and Rebecca Roman, Administrative Assistant to the Board of Church Ministries and Assistant Editor of The Messenger.
PHOTO: EMC
Diana Peters has been hired as the Administrative Assistant to the Board of Trustees and the Board of Missions. Diana is originally from Ontario and grew up in the Mount Salem EM Church. She graduated from Steinbach Bible College in spring of 2010 and has recently moved to Steinbach, where she is attending the Evangelical Fellowship Church. Diana replaces Ruth Anne Peters, who completed her work at the
Tim Dyck, EMC General Secretary Diana Peters
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archives alcove by Terry Smith
Simplex and the Priest
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n Switzerland some Anabaptists priest, cannot “pray the catechism,” Was the writer perhaps saying that, made peace with their persecuand “with difficulty I have taught though the Anabaptist church tors. They were allowed to live him to recognize the 12 hours on might have appeared simpleso long as they did not descend the clock and count.” minded, looks can be deceiving? below a certain elevation in the The priest is unimpressed, but Imprisoned 16th-century mountains. quickly finds the tables turned. Anabaptists sometimes confounded When German-speaking their interrogators with their Mennonites moved to Russia, knowledge of the Scriptures. they agreed not to proselytize Similarly, Simplex surprises the Imprisoned 16th-century Anabaptists from within the Russian priest. sometimes confounded their interrogators Orthodox Church. This The 1860 dialogue is, with their knowledge of the Scriptures. seems quite removed from however, an imaginary and a the Radical Reformation, largely one-sided conversation. Similarly, Simplex surprises the priest. which drew its followers from Still, it is significant for both within Roman Catholic and its time and location of writing. Protestant churches. The boy counts “one” and then One wonders what actual conversaYet persecution and martyrdom explains, “One. One is the origin of tions happened between Anabaptist had had its wearing effects. Who all numbers. God alone is one, one and Eastern Orthodox believers in can blame Anabaptists for wanting God and none other, one mediator Russia. to live in peace? between God and man. Perhaps, too, it is appropriate For those entering Russia, “He is one Saviour, one world that the document and the dialogue religious freedom, safety, stability, only, one earth, one heaven, one are incomplete, for many years later and farmland were important. The sun, one moon, one Adam or one parts of the Church still need to talk earlier time of killing Anabaptists human being from whom all human to each other. Our dialogue—face to was over—though the Russian beings descend, through his own face preferably—is unfinished and Revolution and Soviet terror would wife, one which caused all the needs to continue. horribly affect later generations. disobedience. Does this mean there was no “We are children of one father contact between Anabaptists and Adam or one person from whom all oseisle Eastern Orthodox members in people descend. We have one dwellinvites everyone to its Russia? This seems unlikely. ing place, the world. We all have one th There is an intriguing document entrance, birth, one exit, death, one in the EMC archives attributed to last Judgment. My father says that Kornelius Friesen in Elisabethtal: one thing is needful, that I believe on Sunday, October 23. Conversation of the Pastor and all this, then I will get to heaven.” Simplex. Dated 1860, it is written The dialogue, with Simplex Morning church service, in German (translated by Jacob doing most of the talking, continues lunch, and afternoon activities. Balzar). through number eight; then the It starts off: “A father brought document ends abruptly, seemingly Contact us at 204-828-3242 his son Simplex to the priest for an unfinished or a portion was lost. or roseisleemc@gmail.com examination with a strong request Was it an attempt at an apoloto accept him.” The boy cannot getic, a defense, of the Anabaptist read, the father explains to the faith in sight of Eastern Orthodoxy?
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EMC
50 anniversary celebration
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Her Clouds by Anicka Loewen
PHOTO: DREAMSTIME.COM
She sits in the corner People flash by her, hurrying to get somewhere No one notices her No one ever has Her eyes quietly overflow Tears spill out She lifts her face to heaven But all she sees is clouds Always dark, grey, ugly clouds The sun never shows Its light can’t penetrate through All hope has faded from her life She will never be happy No one will ever care She will never know true healing or love But she doesn’t know what’s behind those clouds There is someone who cares Someone who noticed Someone whose heart aches for her Longing to dry her tears That someone died to part those clouds To take away her blindness, her pain His name is Jesus
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If God is our PHOTOS COURTESY DAVID AND KENDRA FUNK
by David Funk
David and Kendra Funk serve as senior pastoral couple of Abbeydale Christian Fellowship in Calgary, Alta. This article about their journey with Rachel is adapted from David’s devotional at the EMC’s national ministerial meeting on July 1, 2011. Rachel Amariah, born May 21, 2010, died in her parents’ arms on August 5, 2011. Rachel’s funeral service was held on August 10 at Abbeydale; her service of interment and memorial service were held on August 12 at Riverton, Man., Kendra’s home area.
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Father… H
ypo-plastic right heart syndrome, dandi-walker If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people variant, heterotaxy—these words first entered impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent our vocabulary and pierced our hearts in January fear during the time of your exile. You know that you 2010, when Kendra was five months pregnant with our were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from daughter Rachel Amariah Funk. your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver What those words mean is that our daughter has or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that heart, brain, and organ issues that will severely limit of a lamb without defect or blemish (1 Peter 1:17-19). the length of her life; she will die soon, though we’ve given up predicting what “soon” means. If God is our Father, we are called to live in reverent The initial guess was that she would live two weeks fear, but also with great joy and laughter, for the conto two months, but she is now over 13 cern and affection we feel for Rachel months old. She still weighs only about can be only a shadow of the heart of If God is our Father that eight pounds and has only one funcGod the Father for you, and for me, tioning pulmonary artery (1-1.5 mm in and for all who do not yet know Him. means some very deep diameter); and about three times per differences in our value month that artery closes and she goes Why then doesn’t God heal? system as compared to into distress and almost dies. But that leads us to a question: If Nothing can prepare a parent for this is God’s heart towards us, then the value system of the seeing their child struggle for life and why would he not heal Rachel—or culture we live in. nearing death. It is traumatic. anyone we love? Because he isn’t, as far We have been learning what it as we know. means to be parents after the heart Sometimes the word “miracle” has of God, who is our Father. Being a father to a sick girl been used to describe how Rachel is doing, and I want who, even if she lived, would not develop to live what to tell you emphatically that that is not the case. God we would call a normal life or a good life, has stretched is not doing a miracle in Rachel in the sense that the me in how I understand fullness of life, and what health physical health issues which will cause her death are really is, and the value of suffering. being fixed. If God is our Father that means some very deep Is he present? Absolutely. Is he at work? Yes! But he differences in our value system as compared to the is not fixing her physical health. value system of the culture we live in. What follows That is puzzling to us. How could it not be to God’s in this article is a series of somewhat random, but advantage—not to mention ours!—to heal? What a witinterconnected reflections on what it means that God is ness that would be, what honour it would bring to him! our Father in a world as broken as this, and what some So, why does God not heal? The short answer is, “I implications of that confession are for what we most don’t know.” But I do know that the question, “Why deeply value and believe. doesn’t God heal?” while a natural one that most of us will ask at some point or another, is not a question that God as Father in the NT we ought to expect to have fully answered. In the New Testament God is spoken of often as the Nowhere in Scripture are we told that having God as Father and we as his much loved daughters and sons. our Father means that we will always understand why This is always meant to be good news, though confessbad things happen. Instead, we are asked to trust and ing that God is our Father is not to be done lightly, since seek him in the midst of pain. by that confession we are also bound to a certain way of To follow Him when we neither understand present living. Peter captures the full picture in his first letter: suffering nor see the fulfillment of God’s great promises is simply what faith is all about. (continued p. 10)
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We’ve sometimes experienced pressure from people God is our Father, and we don’t know why he doesn’t to give more energy to praying for and even “believing heal, but we have found God in the pain, and not in the for healing” for Rachel. Occasionally this pressure has avoidance of it. May you be found by Him there too! been overt—exhortations to pray more, believe more, We move now to explore some of the implications of reproof for expecting her to die, etc.—but that has our confession of God as our Father for our understandhappened very seldom. ing of what health is and what makes someone a person. Mostly we notice this when people seem unable to speak or write about Rachel without tying God’s presWhat is health? ence and work to physical healing for her. We are parents to a child who is weak. If she were We are not opposed to praying for healing. Just to grow up, she would not be smart, she would not be after she was born, in a moment I will always treasure, I popular, she would not be beautiful according to the anointed her with oil, laid my hands standards of the world. She would on her, and came before the throne not have the qualities we normally of grace to ask God for healing. associate with fullness of life. The grace and mercy God has But the grace and mercy God If God is truly our Father, how has given us to help in our time does that impact our understanding given us to help in our time of of need has not included physical of what it means to be fully alive? need has not included physical healing or the promise thereof. In What does it mean to be healthy? healing or the promise thereof. fact, we sense that God has told us We live in a world in which that she will not be healed. most babies like Rachel are aborted. In a book entitled Shaming the That was an option that was also Strong: The Challenge of an Unborn presented to us, though our wishes Life, author Sarah Williams writes deeply and well around this were always respected and we were never about their experience of choosing to carry a child pushed. whom they knew would die. At one point she recounts However, in the majority of cases like her, the her experience with a well-meaning woman who kept pregnancy is terminated. And we have to confront the on encouraging—or pressuring—her to pray for and question, “Why not?” expect healing for their baby. Here is the way one person put the case for abortion This woman would say, “You must pray that God in cases like ours: “To fail to abort in the case of proven will heal this child. I believe God wants to heal in this foetal abnormality is morally wrong, because in doing situation. Think what a testimony you would have if he so one is deliberately and willfully choosing to bring did…I am praying that God will do a miracle and heal avoidable suffering into the world. It becomes an ethical the baby. It has to be his will to heal her.” imperative to abort in the case of suboptimal life” After six consecutive Sundays of this, Sarah could (quoted in Williams, 49). remain silent no longer. This is what she said: The important thing to note is that this assumes a certain definition of “optimal,” a definition that is not I know it may sound strange, but I see this pregnancy God’s. Contrast the definition of “optimal” assumed like two big roads. Each road has a large sign over it in the above argument for abortion with that of the and I have to decide which route to take. The first one following quote from German theologian Jürgen says “Healing” in big letters. I heard her purr next to Moltmann: me at the sound of the word. The other sign is a bit more difficult to read, but I think it says “God Himself.” This path doesn’t look nearly so inviting. It’s dark and unknown. I turned to look at her, a little nervous. “I don’t want to spend the precious time I have with the baby searching for healing. I want to spend it seeking God and loving the baby as she is. Paul and I do not feel that this baby will live and we trust that we will find God in the pain, not in the avoidance of it” (Sarah Williams, Shaming the Strong, 48).
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In reality there is no such thing as a non-handicapped life. But ideas of health set up by society and the capable condemn a certain group of people to be called handicapped. Our society arbitrarily defines health as the capacity for work and a capacity for enjoyment, but true health is something quite different. True health is the strength to live, the strength to suffer, the strength to die. Health is not a condition of my body, it is the power of my soul to cope with the varying conditions of my body” (quoted in Williams, 59).
It is my opinion that if the first reading of the above quote causes you to stop and ponder, the second should cause you to stand up and cheer! What makes someone a person? This is a very different definition of what health is, and it is different because it rests on a different and peculiarly Christian definition of what it means to be a person. Who or what deserves to be recognized as a person, and on what basis? Theologian Heather Ward, cited in Shaming the Strong, says that, “Our culture regards personality as the key to selfhood…Existence is justified and defined in terms of abilities, talents and achievements” (166). But if this is the case, then what happens if you have no abilities, if you are born with no talents? Are you a pre-person before you achieve anything? And if you cannot even achieve the proper formation of the body in the womb, does this mean you are not a person? (166). This basis of the selfhood in abilities, talents and achievements is something that is common—even among those who confess God as Father—but is not in any way biblical or faithful. Scripture and the teachers of the church have placed the emphasis not on achievement or ability, but on the spirit. Heather Ward again says, “In their definition the spirit is placed at the centre of personhood rather than body or personality. The self is seen as a capacity for God. Rather than equating my selfhood with my ever-changing physical substance, which will in the end let me down in death and decay, Christianity defines self as a spirit whose substance and meaning is derived from relationship with the eternal God” (166–67). If what it means to be human is not a certain level of achievement or ability, but rather to have a capacity for God—a responsiveness to God and receptivity to his Spirit—then that means that we who confess God as our Father must be the first to recognize those like Rachel as full persons, as deserving of love and respect as the most skilled and accomplished person we encounter. It means that those who are born with bodies that are broken and sick, those whose personalities cannot develop, whose intellects will never flourish—these are fully human because they are created and therefore have a capacity for God nevertheless. A society’s definition of true personhood is evident in the way they treat their most vulnerable—their very sick, their very young, their very old. And our society’s treatment of them reveals a most disturbing and graceless truth: you are worth what you do.
We who confess God as our Father must be the first to recognize those like Rachel as full persons, as deserving of love and respect as the most skilled and accomplished person we encounter.
This is not God’s way. This is not the way for those who confess God as their Father. As Sarah Williams says, reflecting on the worth of her own daughter who died during birth, “Her worth was related to her being, not her functional utility” (167). As Irenaeus once wrote, the glory of God is a person fully alive. And that is Rachel as much or more so than the most skilled and accomplished person on the earth, because as a created being she too has a capacity for God. Her worth is related to her being, not her functional utility. And we need to learn from her and others like her, who have nothing to offer in terms of skills or accomplishments, who have “only” their capacity for God. If God is our Father, he is a Father who has a special heart for the poor, the vulnerable, the weak members of human society—not because these need the most help, though they may, but because they teach us what it means to be fully human, to have a capacity for God. Power and talent and achievement are more often distractions from full personhood than manifestations of it. Rachel is teaching us what it means to be fully human.
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A defence poor preaching of
PHOTOS: DREAMSTIME.COM
by Layton Friesen
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e should be accustomed by now to the tired announcement that preaching is dead or dying. It is unlikely that a culture living on Facebook and Twitter would have much respect for a lone “authority” standing before an assembly of silent listeners, clearing his throat and presenting a talk. Preaching looks poor. It resists the rules of pedagogy (“Use all five senses,” they say). It goes against the rules of advertising (“Hit them often, for 15 seconds at a time with a barrage of images,” they say). It goes against our democratic sensibilities by offering far too much air time to a single member of a community who may not even be the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree.
With no chance of rebuttal the people in the pews are asked to simply sit and listen for 30 minutes, and then proceed to the offertory. How can preaching be tolerated? Preaching has always seemed poor. There is a tendency to the Good News going back to Isaiah 6 in which its announcement seems calculated to tempt mockers to reject it before the remnant believes it. Isaiah is told to preach until the hearers’ minds are dull, their ears are stopped and their eyes are shut, something preachers get used to doing regularly. Isaiah is not told to do his work badly, but he is told that part of his calling as a preacher will be to personally feel the yawns, the smirks and the sneers of people who would rather have idols. To our world dulled on hype and machine-gunned images, the announcement of the Good News must have something inaccessible about it. And it’s not just the inner kernel of the message that is yawned at: the messenger and her method take part in the scandal too. And so if preaching seems a poor way to communicate, it’s not necessarily time to jettison the practice. God has a record of making the Good News hard to accept; poor preaching seems to often do the trick. A rich pedigree Poor preaching has a rich pedigree. Jesus announcing the Kingdom of God did so with authority and power, but still by merely standing on a hill and talking. The Corinthians could not get over Paul’s shabby speech and accused him of being unspiritual. He preached in weakness and in fear and in much trembling.
This weakness was part of the point; salvation is by the power of God. What can demonstrate the power of God better than the fact that people are actually transformed by hearing preaching? Could Luke have told us the story of Eutychus, the man who slept through Paul’s un-ending sermon, to show that preaching which lulls one to sleep and preaching that wakes the dead can happen in the same sermon? Time would fail us to tell of the preachers of the Middle Ages like Bernard of Clairvaux and Francis of Assisi, the preachers of the Reformation like Melanchthon and Calvin, the preaching of the Anabaptist missioners like Simons and Hubmaier, the preaching of Wesley, Whitefield and Edwards in the 18th century—all across the spectrum in terms of obvious persuasive power by human means, but literally changing the course of history one sermon at a time. Saints of whom the world was not worthy, mocked and chased from pulpits, egged and cabbaged through church windows, spending their week in gut wrenching spiritual agony over the Word, then preaching to the snores on the Sabbath. Sustains, though forgotten A few sermons in history have become famous, but millions more have passed into oblivion hours after they were preached. Yet the Church has been fed and the world transformed by just those forgettable and forgotten sermons. Every happy turn in the history of the Church has been provoked by, heralded by, and nurtured by poor preaching. Where the Church has valued preaching she has risen and where she has let it lapse the Church has (continued p. 14)
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fallen. Let us say it plainly, the world has been saved, is keeps on with creation, redemption and judgement being saved, and will be saved through preaching, even using what He has always used—words. done poorly. I raise but one modern witness: my late grandfather A survival skill David P. Thiessen preached to a missional pioneer Because God has agreed to tie His hands with church for 25 years. He did not preach with eloquence simple speech in order to demonstrate His power, or charisma. His sermons were a plod through a list of the regular listening to poor preaching cultivates a scripture texts and the people would wait in silence survival skill needed by anyone following an as he thumbed through his Bible for the unseen God. The ability to live as a next reference. Christian depends on a spiritual Each Sunday, though the imagination. If we can hear little going was slow, he would be words spoken like “Follow Me” moved and all would wait again and then imagine them, wonder while he dug out his handkerat them, be transfigured by chief and regained composure. them, live into them, and But people tell me regularly to change the world by this day that they were fed and them, we will be faithful the church was sustained by the to the end. imple preaching is a testimony way he combined a love for the It all depends on our Word and a love for his people ability to imagine great things to our confession that the with a daily integrity of life. from mere words given to us. worlds were created by the Word, This is a basic survival skill. are sustained by the Word and will An authority to naked words God has not left us with much Poor preaching has sustained besides words for bread on this be finally judged by the Word. the Church, but let us go further. journey. As we learn to discern God seems to have given a the Word of God in the humble unique spiritual authority to words of a plain preacher, our simple, naked words said and heard. Image and art souls will be enlarged to live in a world where God is should flourish in the Church, but there is something always seen by faith-filled imagination, not by sight. deeply oral and aural (received through the ear) about Lest I be misunderstood, this is not to say that God’s relationship to the world. preachers should not work hard at their preaching. This Simple preaching is a testimony to our confession is not to say that sloppiness should be tolerated. This is that the worlds were created by the Word, are sustained not to say that the best of rhetoric and argument should by the Word and will be finally judged by the Word. not be called into the task. Genesis 1 shows that God can bring light out of darkPreaching is a high art and a congregation must ness by using simple Spirit-filled words. urge the preacher to take an abundance of time to preThe unadorned simplicity of the Word of God in pare his gift. As a rule, congregations get the preaching creation points to His awesome power and sovereignty. they deserve. But it is to say that when all is said and Like Peter Pan fighting Captain Hook, God says, “‘I can done, preaching will be a humble offering to God. do it with my hands tied behind my back’: allow me If God is gracious, the humble offering will be only words and the worlds will be.” accepted and used to bring the world back home. May To those who say we should abandon preaching for God be gracious to use His preachers and may His more persuasive methods, look at the form of the Bible: Church be gracious to hear them. it is one inked word after another, with no pictures, video clips or hyperlinks anywhere. God has an unLayton Friesen is senior pastor of shakable belief in the ability of Spirit-filled words to do Fort Garry Evangelical Mennonite great things. Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The same thing is shown in poor preaching. Look He holds a Bachelor of Religious what God can do with so little. The preacher, bereft Studies (SBC) and a Master of of tricks or gimmicks, stands up and says things she Christian Studies and a Master of hears God saying in the Word. Now the lowly sermon Theology (both from Regent College, becomes a Word further uttered by God in which He Vancouver).
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with our missionaries
Multi-faceted ministry continues PARAGUAY In June 24, on Father’s Day, some 22 fathers participated in a special event organized by a group of AMAR volunteers. Activities included lunch, special presentations and gifts. Recognizing the importance of the father’s role in the family, they were challenged to seek God more. Our special guests were the well-known singer Edgar Americo Cardozo and Vicente Meza (MQV Church), who shared his testimony and a challenge from the Word of God. Thanks to all who collaborated! Beginning June 17 until July 4, more than 8,200 people (mostly youth) took part in an event organized by JCGroup in the theaters of Multiplaza Shopping, where they were shown the film To Save a Life. This film has had a great impact in the U.S. and other countries because it deals with realities that youth face and leaves a clear message for the viewers. AMAR was one of the supporters of this undertaking and we were present to distribute literature that encourages sexual purity, and to promote a project to collect clothing, diapers and other items for Dulce Refugio. In the education department, we also have had good contacts to different high schools, universities, churches, businesses, a penitentiary, and a radio station. Adults and children continue
to be helped with breakfast, lunch, snacks, hospital kits, and basic food supplies. In Dulce Refugio, for children, we continue to assist with vitamin packages, clothing kits, diaper packs, and milk formula. In June, there were 1,832 visits by people, 18 new people identified as living with HIV/AIDS, 140 people received medication, and a dentist attended to 50 people. Dave and Judy Schmidt
CMI: a year of challenges and blessings! MANITOBA As this is written on July 10, Midway Bible Camp is underway! The happy sounds and smiling faces around the “pool-ball” table and in the dining hall are reminding us once again why we put so much effort into making Bible Camp happen. This year has had some special challenges and we are reminded again that there is a battle going on. Theft and vandalism have made a mess at camp and caused us some extra scrambling, but generous supporters, cooperative insurance people and God’s encouragement have made it possible to continue with camps on schedule. We are especially excited about the enthusiastic response to
Dave and Judy Schmidt (Rosenort EMC) are second-generation crosscultural workers in Paraguay. Their ministry revolves around people living with HIV/AIDS, and education that challenges against discrimination and encourages sexual purity.
We’re looking for a director! Some of you are thinking, “What’s new?” the SALT (Serving and Learning Together) Camp planned; teens will focus on learning how to be camp staff. This is an exciting season for all of us at Continental Mission, and we are so grateful for each of the camp staff who gives their time and energy to Bible Camp Ministry. The mail strike is over! What a relief to organizations like ours that rely so heavily on mailed in donations. We’re looking for a director! Some of you are thinking, “What’s new?” We believe that we are ready for this next step in the re-visioning process and that God has good things in store as we work towards (continued p. 16) THE MESSENGER | September 2011
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with our missionaries (continued from p. 15)
Ferlin Abrahamson (Birch River) is interim manager of Continental Mission Inc., a ministry mostly to First Nations peoples in Manitoba.
Details, details, details, patience, and prayer OAXACA, MEXICO “So, how are we going to spell “obey” in this verse? ‘rudobakana tisa’? ‘rudo bakana tisa’? or ‘rudo ba kana tisa’?” “I still have doubts about the way we translated ‘kingdom of God’ in this verse.” “In Luke 8:24 we used this word for ‘rebuke,’ but I see that in Matthew 8:26 we’re using another word. Which one is better?” “The focus in this sentence seems wrong. Let’s move the particle ‘ba’ from this noun and put it on this one instead. And wouldn’t adding ‘ki’ between the two verbs here sound better too?” “I think we should move this noun phrase to the front of the 16
THE MESSENGER | September 2011
PHOTO COURTESY CMI
our goal of “Growing Christian Leaders in the North.” Please pray for the future leader of CMI. Is there someone you know who needs to have their shoulder tapped about future involvement with this mission? There will be a need for several staff to join us in the coming months. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement. We could not do it without you. Ferlin Abrahamson
Continental Mission is working towards the next step in its revisioning process—searching for a director.
sentence. It would connect better that like key terms and parallel passages, way with the sentence preceding it.” making sure the translation reflects “This verse needs to be checked this similarity. Since Zapotec is an again with folks in the village to agglutinative language there are still make sure they understand it the decisions to be made about spellway we mean it to be understood.” ing—not the actual letters to use, A team of four Zapotec speakbut what words and particles to join. ers—three native speakers and I—is It’s amazing how much adding revising the Yareni Zapotec New or removing one little word can Testament. It has been approved for change the meaning of a sentence. publication by a translation consulAnd always we are looking at tant and now we are taking one more whether or not the translation look at the whole New Testament to speaks clear, natural Zapotec. see how it all hangs together. (continued p. 17) We have learned a lot about translation in the Since 1979 Grace years we’ve been at this Thiessen (Steinbach job, so it stands to reason EMC), with her that it needs to be revised co-worker Joan Smith, in spots, especially the has been involved first books we translated. in Bible translation Actually, no matter when a and literacy among book was translated it can the Zapotecs in always be improved. Oaxaca state, We’re looking at things southern Mexico.
with our missionaries (continued from p. 16)
I am so grateful that we have a powerful computer program at our disposal that makes all of this so much easier. It almost goes without saying that we need your prayers. It’s tiring to pay close attention to details day after day.
Chaos, grace remembered CANADA August 10 is a unique anniversary for Brenda and myself. Twenty years ago two of our colleagues were murdered in a targeted terrorist attack and about 40 other friends injured. We were holding a public Christian gathering in the port area of an Asian country in a city with a large Muslim population. We had been there a while and had received a favorable welcome and many had visited our public exhibit of books. That Saturday night was a performance by our international team designed to display our multicultural diversity and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. The warehouse was packed and the audience appreciative. Just before the finale, however, someone tossed two hand grenades through open windows into the area where most of our team was gathered and praying. One grazed a leader’s cheek and bounced underneath the stage without exploding. The other exploded and ripped through the team, fatally injuring two teenaged women and wounding many more people.
There is one member of the team who often struggles with sleepiness. Would you pray against this? Pray that there were be unity among the team members and joy in our work. It’s not too soon to start praying that God will prepare the hearts of the Zapotecs to receive his Word in their language.
Did you know that there are 7,973 verses in the New Testament? We have completed the revision of the writings of Luke which comprise 27 percent of it. That leaves only 5,816 verses to go! We have begun Mark, Matthew is next, then the writings of John…. Grace Thiessen
Brenda, I, and our daughter were not at the event. We had planned to be there, but last minute changes meant that we weren’t required. We had gone to bed fairly early, exhausted from a demanding schedule. A few minutes after we went to bed, chaos erupted and I didn’t get back to bed for 48 hours. It was disorganized as we tried to manage the scope of the disaster while caring for people in several different hospitals where supplies were at a minimum. I remember how we experienced both grace and hospitality from unexpected sources as well as unusual hostile attitudes still hard to understand. The grace came from a clerk at a local U.S. airforce base who, I’m sure, broke a few rules to send us some much needed medicine; it came from the church representatives in the country who overextended themselves to help us, and hundreds of others who gave of themselves in our need. The other attitudes were also there in newspaper reporters interfering in our efforts to treat our friends, insinuations we were to blame for someone else’s hatred, and an American embassy member
treating us like the enemy as she tried to do her job of helping just the Americans. Today there are still those who live with grief; those who live with the physical effects of shrapnel tearing into their skin and bones; and, of course, others who are simply affected by the trauma of such an evil act. Many, though, live with much more. They live having experienced God’s power in their lives to “love their enemy.” For some that grace was given immediately—for others it took some time. There may be some, but I certainly know of none, who continue to live with the hatred and desire for vengeance that would be normal. People are not left without physical or psychological damage, but the hatred that damaged them did not find a place in which to replicate itself and grow and destroy something else. If this is not God’s grace, I don’t know what is. Harvey Thiessen Harvey Thiessen (Wymark) is the executive director of OM Canada.
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Summer activites at Heartland HEARTLAND COMMUNITY CHURCH, Landmark, Manitoba
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n May 1, we celebrated with Doris Penner on the publication of her new cookbook, Cooking Through Prairie Seasons. She prepared for us a number of her tasty recipes. The decor for the event matched her book title, including the unseasonal snow storm we received that morning!
Doris Penner signs copies of her new cookbook, Cooking Through Prairie Seasons.
At the end of May, most of our youth attended Abundant Springs at the Briercrest College and Seminary campus in Caronport, Sask. After they returned home, they prepared a special Sunday service. They put together a video presentation of their trip and led the worship time with selections from the retreat. They also shared with us how God had met them there and how they bonded more closely with Him, each other, and their youth leaders. In June we held our annual Tailgate Party and Mini Carnival. Our featured guests were youth from The Edge, a Youth for Christ
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ministry that mentors Winnipeg city youth who are interested in the sport of skateboarding. Geoff Reimer with youth from The Edge gave a demonstration of their skateGeoff Reimer boarding skills at Heartland’s Tailgate Party and Mini Carnival. and friends gave us a demonstration of their skills wonderful crafts, games, and Bible and used this opportunity to showlessons and were treated to a differcase their passion for this sport and ent snack each day. ministry. Geoff runs weekly club On Friday evening, the children nights that focus on finding God performed in a Grand Finale musiand fostering good relationships. cal called Growing Kids God’s Way In July, Heartland hosted our for their parents and grandparents. first music camp for children ages The theme was about growing the 4 to 11. Gifted music teacher Arlene fruit of God’s spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Schulz instructed the children in Patience, and Kindness in our lives. music, drama, and dance. As Arlene pointed out to me afOur special guests were The terward, the messages in the songs Reimer Family Singers from Lorette, that they learned and repeated Man., who performed a number throughout the week will forever of songs for us and organized an stay with them. A special “thank instrument petting zoo and a folk you” goes out to all who served in dance class. these ministries. The children learned many Brigitte Toews
Arlene Schulz with the four- to six-year-olds during Heartland’s music camp.
PHOTOS: BRIGITTE TOEWS
with our churches
with our churches
Fun and Fair Days BLUMENORT EMC, Manitoba
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lumenort EMC was very much involved in the events of the Annual Fun and Fair Days on June 25-26. In the parade on Saturday morning there were several floats with children promoting Eagle Lake Bible Camp, Pandamania VBS, Blumenort Christian Pre-School, as well as individuals riding bikes or antique tractors. On Saturday afternoon there were various groups entertaining the crowd, including our own 3rd Pew Band. It’s a pleasure to see a
group of talented youth using their gifts to serve the Lord. On Sunday morning there was a lot of anxious peering at the sky to see if we would have to change the location of the community church service from the park to the church. Thankfully the rain stayed away and we were able to have the service in the park after all. After the service the entire community was invited to stay for the disco lunch. Church members were encouraged to eat with someone that they did not normally eat with. A lot of pleasant fellowship happened in the park over lunch. Martin Penner
Bernice and Herman Wiebe transferred their membership to Blumenort on April 3, 2011.
Blumenort was further blessed to receive into membership Randy and Angie Wiebe (above) and Jesse and Sue Loewen (below) into membership on May 29, 2011.
PHOTOS: MARTIN PENNER
3rd Pew Band: Reuben Driedger, Ben Kroeker, Cole Reimer, Andrew Kampen, Luke Reimer, and Dillan Konrad
Pandamania VBS float
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with our churches
PandaMania invades church! STEINBACH EMC, Manitoba hat happens when a pack of fun-loving pandas invades your church? Ask any of the 279 children and 91 volunteers who were part of PandaMania, our VBS program (July 10–14, 2011), and they will tell you. • It was a celebration of God’s unconditional love. • Daily Bible Points reinforced Bible learning: God loves you. God listens to you. God watches over you. God loves you, no matter what. God gives good gifts. • Kids saw a trail of evidence that God is at work in our world. • Six children made first-time commitments to the Lord. Praise God! • Kids experienced what it means to share God’s love with others as they raised $1,406 to provide meals for children in Winnipeg’s inner city. From music to snacks and everything in between, each part of PandaMania VBS was designed to focus on things that matter—connecting kids to God and making changes in their hearts. Thank you to the many from our congregation, as well as those from the Steinbach Evangelical Fellowship Church, who prayed, volunteered, gave donations and sent their kids, and to the coordinators who spent many hours organizing and directing this event. It was a good experience to have the two churches combine their efforts. “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live [work] together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). Martha Kroeker 20
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PHOTOS: VICTORIA KOEHLER
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Baptism is an important milestone in the life of a believer. On May 29, 2011, three young men—Paul Blanchette, Shane Froese and Iain Froese—boldly declared their commitment to the Lord and their desire to be baptized upon their confession of faith. Our youth pastor Jason Heide baptized them, and they were accepted as members of our church. Glenda and John Penner and Marvin Plett were welcomed as members by transfer. Another significant milestone, graduating from Cradle Roll and officially moving on to “real” Sunday school, was observed at our Sunday school picnic on June 26. The graduates, seen with some of the parents and the Cradle Roll leaders, were Hunter Koop, Xander Kornelson, Brady and Bryce Klassen and Tairus Dueck. (Missing is Benjamin Berg.)
Meditations By Peter B. and his daughter, L. Marie Peter B. Friesen (1899–1985) was a Bergthaler minister and L. Marie Enns was involved in La Crete Christian Fellowship (EMC). (Peter’s grandson Arlyn vans Enns serves as an EMC missionary at Fort Chip.) This 550-page book (Guardian Books, 2010) has short meditations by father or daughter; many were previously published. It is available from L. Marie Enns, Box 119, Rapid View, SK SOM 2M0 ($32, includes postage) or from essencebookstore.com.
with our churches
People movement and camp ISLAND GOSPEL FELLOWSHIP, Burns Lake, British Columbia
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Canadian Church Planting Congress
re CALL CONGRESS2011 November 15–17 Winnipeg, Manitoba www.thecongress.ca To register for the EMC group rate ($169, a savings of $80), contact Erica Fehr (204-326-6401 or efehr@emconf.ca).
Elmer and Justine Klassen
Brad and Cathy Schneck, Annie, Ashley and Alison
Hellos and Goodbyes at RFC ROSENORT FELLOWSHIP CHAPEL, Manitoba
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irst of all, let’s start off with “hello.” It seems that we are in a season of saying hello and good bye here at Rosenort Fellowship Chapel. Late last year RFC said hello to a new look and good bye to the old one. The entire auditorium was given a fairly major facelift, with the work done mostly by members of the church. Walls were torn out, new drywall installed, an entirely new stage was put in, and everything
PHOTOS: HEATHER PLETT
n the beginning of May, Elmer and Justine Klassen, long time residents of Burns Lake and active in IGF since it started, moved to Armstrong. We miss them, but wish them God’s blessing in their new home. On the June 16–18 weekend IGF held our church family camp. We had wonderful food and fellowship despite a low attendance. Our speakers Brad and Cathy Schneck, from Vanderhoof, served us with wonderful messages from God’s Word. Vida Thiessen
In March, Diane and Alvin Rempel were commissioned as deacons at RFC. Pastor John Driedger stands at left.
was given some new paint. Beautiful new windows were installed and they absolutely light up the church. A new stainless steel cross was put up and a custom designed pulpit to match. It was a much needed renovation, and we are all enjoying the fresh bright look immensely. A few months later our church family gave fond farewell to our friends Marvin and Heidi Schmidt, and their children Carla, Brian and Cecelia. After many months of waiting on visas, they moved to Spain to work with Avant Ministries. Marvin and Heidi are gifted in leadership and music, and we miss their energetic and meaningful morning worship. However, we are praying for their work in Spain, and know that they will bring that same energy and enthusiasm to all those that they encounter there. The RFC Youth have also shared in this season of hellos and good byes. I’m sure they would agree that it will be sad to say good bye to Harv and Jeannine Schellenberg as their strong and fearless leaders, as well as all the others who have (continued p. 22) THE MESSENGER | September 2011
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with our churches Sunday School lessons and helped with the youth sharing. We will also say leadership while we have good bye to their five beaubeen without an official tiful children: Kalia, Joel, youth pastor. Ariana, Nadia and Sonia. Harv and Jeannine did So for as many times a stunning job, and we are that we’ve said good bye this proud of them as well as year, we have had the opporour amazing youth. Harv tunity to also say hello. We and Jeannine have led the welcome this new chapter youth on several mission at RFC, and look forward to trips to other countries to seeing all the ways in which build homes and schools for God has planned to use our families in need. congregation in the next Angela and Rolf Kruse at a farewell day at the beach, with a gift of a verse to put on the wall of their new home. We hope that the year. delicious pizza and Mexican meal Their work in Ethiopia is a We are proud of the many fundraisers will continue. blessing, and we wish them all the members of RFC who serve far and We at RFC are excited to say best as they obey God’s calling to go beyond, and also wish to thank hello to our new youth pastoral back to the country and the people all those that serve right here in couple. Lyndon and Candace Epp that they love so dearly. Rosenort. You are all appreciated, have accepted the call to serve, and We will miss Rolf ’s messages, and we thank God for all of you. we could not be more pleased to and Angela’s thought-provoking Heather Plett welcome them to the RFC family. They will be moving to Rosenort, and we hope that they will feel warmly welcomed by the entire community. We said good bye, though PINERIDGE FELLOWSHIP thankfully only temporarily, to CH APEL, Hudson Bay, our pastoral couple John and Tina Saskatchewan Driedger this summer. They took a long awaited sabbatical, and will be licia Buhler, MDiv with a back to serve at RFC in late August. concentration in pastoral care They plan to keep busy helping and counseling. She will complete an their son and his family renovate advanced practicum in chaplaincy their home in Winnipeg, and are and pastoral counseling and founalso the proud grandparents to a dational training and a practicum in new baby girl, born to their daughGestalt Pastoral Care before movter Evie and her husband Jamie ing back to Canada to pursue an Voth of Rosenort. In the meantime, assignment in spiritual care. Alicia we’ve enjoyed some often hilarious is a member of Pineridge Fellowship sermons from Reece Friesen. Chapel, Hudson Bay, Sask., a Later this year, RFC will say congregation in the Evangelical good bye again to another much Mennonite Conference. Her parents loved family. Rolf and Angela Kruse are Fred and Irene Buhler of Hudson Alicia Buhler will be heading back to Ethiopia Bay. Alicia received a special award: with SIM after a two-year home Certificate for excellence in pastoral assignment. care and counseling. AMBS (continued from p. 21)
Alicia Buhler earns MDiv
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PHOTO: AMBS
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with our churches
Special missionary weekend MACGREGOR EMC, Manitoba
Easter service also marked another joyful event, with two of our youth, Karissa Wieler and Stephen Jonasson, being baptized. April also saw our pastor David Kruse graduate with his MA in theology.
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PHOTO: KIM BUECKERT
he New Year began with parent/ child dedication (Scott and Larissa Stewart with Dante) on Jan. 9 and membership acceptance on Jan. 28 of Hilda Dyck, Sharon Lloyd, and Mike and Joanne Wiebe. A special weekend Missionary Encounter on Jan. 21 to 23 saw all ages interact with some of our adopted missionaries: Nolan and Johanna Giesbrecht (ICYA), Chris and Revita Kroeker (Paraguay), and Paul and Lois Thiessen (Burkina Faso). Easter is always both a solemn and joyful time of the year because of Jesus’ sacrifice for all of us. This year our Karissa Wieler, Pastor David Kruse, Stephen Jonasson
Baptism, pastor called, and Haiti PHOTOS COURTESY BETTY WARKENTIN
COMMUNITY BIBLE FELLOWSHIP, Swan River, Manitoba
O
Stella Neff gives her testimony before baptism on May 8, 2011.
n May 8, 2011, Fred Neff from Grand Rapids came with his wife Stella to give the message for the morning service. During the service, as had been planned, Stella was baptized upon the confession of her faith and became a member here. Fred has been a member for several years. We were touched and blessed by the honesty and openness of Stella’s testimony.
In May, many members of our youth group traveled to Abundant Springs. Everyone returned home tired, but also very inspired by the experience. Sunday School classes wound up for the year with our annual picnic. Despite the forecast, the weather co-operated and everyone was able to finally enjoy some very nice temperatures while visiting, watching and participating in the activities, and, of course, eating. The summer months have been busy with several of our families having their young adults graduate from high school. Our church also hosted a week of DVBS at the beginning of July and many will be busy helping at our local Bible camp, Valley View, throughout the summer. Kim Bueckert
Pastor Harold Thiessen, from our sister church in Birch River, was assisted by Fred during the baptism. Andrew Jones, a young man who has attended CBF for several years and is a willing servant of Jesus Christ, was welcomed as a member as well. A fellowship lunch followed the service. On June 1, 2011, the youth of CBF and their sponsors took part in a progressive supper. Ron and Rita Thiessen—with their three children—joined the youth for this event. Thiessens had come from Ontario for the weekend to candidate as the new pastoral couple. The event wound up at the church, where Ron gave a devotional. (continued p. 24)
THE MESSENGER | September 2011
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with our churches the tank we lived in the village of “We also did a lot of community Ron and Rita shared their stories Balega in the fifth section, which is development with the village. They on Sunday, June 3. A fellowship considered to be the poorest area of lack basic knowledge as to why lunch followed. They have accepted Haiti. they need to do things like wash our pastoral position and will begin “This village is also where the their hands, why they should drink serving in October 2011. cholera outbreak happened not too clean water and why they shouldn’t A young member of our church, long ago and where many Haitians throw trash in their rivers and such. Melissa Buhler, received her visa to lost their lives. We also did our It rains heaps in Haiti so this tank work once more at YWAM in Los best to teach the Haitians how to will be continually full and they Angeles. She left Canada for L.A. on build [a catchment tank] so they will always have easy access to clean April 13., With a team, she left L.A. can continue to build more in the water. for Haiti on July 13. future. “The whole time we were there In the U.S. the team learned we worked alongside the YWAM how to make a cement catchbase in St. Marc, Haiti, serving ment tank for purifying and where needed. storing rain water. After arriving “After we finished the tank in Haiti they put their skills to we drove to another village work and built another tank. called Gonaives where we The team returned to L.A. on helped a pastor prepare the August 9, 2011. property he just bought to build Melisss writes, “Our main a facility to host all sorts of minfocus was to build a 10,000-litre istries. We actually dug holes rain water catchment tank for a fence with a machete, a that collects water from a soon fun experience! We also worked Melissa Buhler, in Haiti, stands in contaminated water near a holding tank, completed the day before, containing pure to be clinic roof each time it with VBS and stuff.” water after a rain. rains. While we were building Betty Warkentin (continued from p. 21)
GOOD NEWS COMMUNITY CHURCH, Steinbach, Manitoba
G
NCC, in conjunction with a group of interested friends, wishes to announce that they are conducting a pilot project in Steinbach area which will see a community chaplain out on the streets. There will be an office in the new H&R Block building, but the idea is that this is a person for the benefit of people who do not
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THE MESSENGER | September 2011
actively participate in an existing church. National figures say this is 80 to 85 percent of the population. It might be a bit high in Steinbach, but probably two-thirds of the population are not church goers. How do we interact with them? Our thought is to go where they are: on the streets, in restaurants, movie theatres and so on. We call this position a chaplain because Steinbach already has one—for (continued p. 25)
PHOTO COURTESY SBC
Community chaplain project begins
Corey Herlevsen, also adjunct professor of Steinbach Bible College, has been hired as a community chaplain for Steinbach.
with our churches (continued from p. 24)
inside the hospital. This is a chaplain for outside of the hospital. If churches want to be more like hospitals than hotels, this concept fits. The project will have a four-month duration officially, but we would like to extend it to five months if funding keeps coming. After that we would like to run it for another year, which means that in the next four to five months we need to attract additional money. As you can tell by mentioning interested friends earlier, this project is much bigger than our church. We believe that if this of God, then the interest, enthusiasm, vision and budget will expand appropriately to keep this going. We have hired Corey Herlevsen, adjunct professor of Steinbach Bible College, to be our chaplain. He is gifted in teaching and counseling and will be doing both. He will be doing the teaching for
Good News this fall quarter and be available to teach in other settings. He is also available to teach others to counsel. This service will be available to Steinbach churches. He will be accountable to a committee from both the GNCC as well as outside, who will meet regularly with him to strategize and support. We expect to have liaisons and interactions with organizations like Youth for Christ, the hospital chaplain, Child and Family Services, and so on. We have established a website www.gncconnect.com to post what we are doing and to interact with the wider community. It is a connecting place for GNCC people, but we want it to be much wider than that. We will have links to websites like the EM Conference and others, perhaps those organizations already listed. Corey will have a blog and
weddings
births
FRIESEN – PENNER: Tyler, son of Darrell and Eleanor Friesen of Roseisle, Man., and Jessica, daughter of Cal and Gloria Penner of Elm Creek, Man., were married on May 28, 2011, at Fort Garry MB Church in Winnipeg, Man., with Colin Penner officiating.
REIMER – to Peter and Helena Reimer of Picture Butte, Alta., a son, Keith Jordan, on Aug. 2, 2011.
The website www.gncconnect.com was launched the week of August 28 as a connecting place for GNCC and to interact with the wider community.
there will also be a place to discuss life’s tough questions. The website is launched the week of August 28. We continue to be open to ideas and people who wish to join us actively in this venture. We anticipate we will adapt as we go and are prepared to do that. Bringing Jesus to people, sharing His stories with them, listening to their stories and being prepared to become involved in their lives—that is our goal and mission. Wally Doerksen Corey Herlevsen
ENNS – to Frank and Nancy Enns of Picture Butte, Alta., a son, Tyler, on Aug. 2, 2011.
Tejiendo vida en los corazones: La historia de Radio Mensajero 100.9 FM, a Spanish-language history of Radio Mensajero in Paraguay by Samuel Sosa, is available from the EMC office. To order copies ($10 each, plus mailing), contact Rebecca Roman, 204-326-6401 or rroman@emconf.ca or order on-line at www.emconference.ca/store.
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with our churches
ROSEISLE EMC, Manitoba
W
e are in the middle of a wonderfully warm and mosquitofree summer here in Roseisle. Many from our congregation have enjoyed camping with friends and family, which brings my thoughts back to winter! A little odd, you might think, but it wasn’t that many months back that our church family was “camping” at Winkler Bible Camp. If we are at a “camp,” we are “camping,” right? This, however, was our Winter Retreat (March 4-6, 2011) and we camped indoors. It was a weekend full of fun activities, refreshing times outdoors on the skating rink, tubing hill or crosscountry ski trails, indoor games, visiting and bonding with our church family. Highlights included a testimony evening where two members from our congregation shared their faith stories as well as challenges from God’s Word. It was great to have Tim (camp speaker) and Kathleen Freeman with their family join us for the weekend. Congratulations to Branden Siemens and Angela Derksen on their Grade 12 graduation from Miami School on June 29 and to Tyler Friesen on his graduation from Red River College (Business Administration – Accounting) on June 1. Congratulations also to our newlyweds: Tyler Friesen, son of Darrell and Eleanor Friesen of Roseisle, and Jessica Penner, daughter of Cal and Gloria Penner
PHOTOS: ELEANOR FRIESEN
Winter camping and July baptisms Roseisle EMC entered a float in the community’s 125th celebrations on July 1, 2011.
of Elm Creek, were married on May 28, 2011, in Winnipeg. On July 1, the community of Roseisle celebrated its 125th birthday with a day packed full of activities and events. No July 1 is complete in Roseisle without the morning waffle breakfast that our youth have so capably served up for many years. They did not disappoint and served over 700 people in record time. Thank you once again to our
On July 24, 2011, five members were received. Baptized were Branden Siemens (son of Cliff and Sally), Angela Derksen (dauther of Dave and Nita), Kelly Janzen (daughter of Reynold and Kathy), and Katelyn Friesen (daughter of Darrell and Eleanor). Kathy Janzen was received by transfer.
great youth group for giving that day of festivities such a great start. Our church council (with volunteer helpers) built and entered a float in the parade—a reminder that Roseisle EMC has been a part of this community for 50 years. On July 24 a large group gathered for a lakeside worship and baptismal service. What a thrill to see four youth take the step of baptism and one individual transfer her membership. They shared their testimonies, expressing their desire to follow Christ and to live for and serve Him. They acknowledged how He has been with them through the good and the bad, and how they to be witnesses to their friends and families. As a congregation we gave them our blessing, but also promised to stand by them in prayer and support as they joined our “family.” Eleanor Friesen
Roseisle EMC held its winter retreat at Winkler Bible Camp in March 2011.
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news
CFGB commits $8.5M to East Africa drought response Over 250,000 people in region to receive food
WINNIPEG, Man.—Two new projects worth $700,000 have been committed by Canadian Foodgrains Bank to help people suffering from drought in east Africa. The two projects—one in Somalia and the other in Ethiopia—bring CFGB’s total assistance to $8.5 million. In southern Somalia, almost 11,000 people will receive rice, beans, oil, salt, and sugar through a $500,000 project led by CFGB member Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, in cooperation with local partner World Concern Kenya. The food will be distributed to 1,800 households that are currently eating less than one meal a day. In Ethiopia, over 8,000 children will receive four months worth of Famix, a nutritional supplement, and vegetable oil. This project, worth $200,000, is led by CFGB member Canadian Lutheran World Relief, in cooperation with Support for Sustainable Development.
Altogether, a total of 250,000 people in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia will benefit from aid provided by CFGB, together with support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). To date (Aug. 19), CFGB has received $435,000 in donations for East Africa drought relief. Last year, Canadians donated $9.7 million in cash, grain, and land to the CFGB, a partnership of 15 churches and church agencies working together to end global hunger. The donations, along with matching funds from CIDA, were used to provide $38 million of assistance for over 2.3 million people in 35 countries. People who want to help people in East Africa through the CFGB can give by calling 800-665-0377, by visiting www.foodgrainsbank.ca, or by sending a cheque to Box 767, Winnipeg, Man. R3C 2L4. Donations should be marked for East Africa Drought. CFGB
MCC expands response for East Africa drought ‘Elated and humbled’ by trust shown by donors, says Reimer
PHOTO: ACT ALLIANCE/PAUL JEFFREY
WINNIPEG, Man.—MCC has surpassed $1 million for support systems to turn to for help,” said Reimer. “Their the East Africa drought and is now expanding its re- crops have failed, their animals have died and there is a sponse to the crisis in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. critical need for emergency food assistance.” “The needs are great and the crisis will not abate for The food distribution in Dhobley is a joint effort ina long time,” said MCC’s Willy Reimer. cluding World Concern, the CRWRC, CFGB and MCC. To date MCC has allocated approximately $700,000 For every dollar Canadians contribute to registered in MCC funds for this disaster reCanadian charities respondsponse. This total jumps to $2.3 miling to the East Africa drought, lion when MCC’s response through from July 6 until September Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) 16, 2011, the federal governis included. ment is matching it. MCC is planning to provide Donations to support emergency food assistance for interMCC’s response can be made nally displaced people and their host online, mcc.org, or at any families around Dhobley, the last MCC office. Gifts should be town in Somalia before crossing into designated for “East Africa Kenya. MCC plans to assist Somalis Drought Response.” MCC enin the Dadaab refugee camp in courages prayer for the people Kenya. In both places, safety and seof East Africa. curity remain a significant concern. Gladys Terichow, MCC Ahada Kusoco Hassan, 23, cooks breakfast for her family “These [Somali] families have no in the Dadaab refugee camp in northeastern Kenya.
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news
Canadian Christians invited to Fast for Change CFGB-sponsored event a way to respond to the issue of hunger
PHOTO: CFGB
WINNIPEG, Man.—On October 16, It’s also a way for Canadian Christians James Kornelsen wants you to fast—for to encourage the Federal Government change. to make the needs of poor people a top “Fasting is a way to change yourpriority. self, change your relationship to God, Participants are asked to write and change the world,” says Kornelsen, Members of Parliament, thanking the who coordinates the annual Canadian Federal Government for committing Foodgrains Bank Fast for Change event. $400 million in 2010 to help developing James Kornelsen in Ethiopia “It’s a way for people of faith to recountries adapt to, and fight climate spond to the issue of hunger through fasting, praying, change, and to encourage it to maintain it for 2011 and advocating and giving.” 2012. Timed to coincide with the United Nations World Since World Food Day falls on a Sunday, Kornelsen Food Day, an international day to remember global food says it’s an excellent time for churches to reflect during needs, the goal of Fast for Change is to “invite Christians their worship services on the needs of hungry people. to take time to remember the almost one billion people Resources are available on the website to help churchin the world who don’t have enough to eat, and reflect es (www.fastforchange.ca). Families can also participate on God’s desire that no one go hungry,” Kornelsen says. by eating a simple meal and donating what they saved. CFGB
SBC begins year-long 75th anniversary celebration
PHOTO: SBC
STEINBACH, Man.—The 75th anniversary (1936-2011) of year of celebration. The event raised $26,500 toward the Steinbach Bible College has arrived, and a year of cel- dorm project. ebration is underway. The theme Reflect Renew Rejoice is The SBC campus was busy with activity the followthe focus as we thank God for His provision and faithful- ing day as well. On August 6 SBC’s Annual Homecoming ness and look ahead to the future. saw approximately 100 alumni and faculty representing The first event to mark this the past 75 years come “home” to SBC. special milestone took place on Children’s activities were planned, August 5, 2011, with SBC’s first ever adding to the relaxed atmosphere and golf tournament. Seventy-six golfallowing their parents to enjoy time to ers enjoyed the beautiful weather reconnect with friends and faculty. A and a Texas Scramble at Steinbach barbecue supper gave additional time Fly-In Golf Course. for sharing memories and for hearing SBC trivia contests and other where God has led former students since challenges added to the fun. leaving SBC. A Coffee House featuring Following the tournament, golfers alumni talent ended the enjoyable day. were treated to a steak supper preIt is a privilege to welcome back pared by chef Gil Drolet and were alumni and to hear of God’s faithfulness given the opportunity to hear plans and SBC’s impact in their lives. Interest for the Strengthening Community in this yearly event is growing. dorm project. Watch for details for Homecoming We are grateful for the gener- SBC professor Ernie Koop lines up a shot on 2012 and plan to reconnect with SBC 5 while 2010 graduate Miles Neufeld ous support of our sponsors and Aug. friends. and dean of men Dalen Kroeker look on durgolfers who helped us kick off a ing the college’s first golf tournament. SBC 28
THE MESSENGER | September 2011
news
MEDA pilot project protects children at work Wins first place in Egyptian competition focused on responsible business conduct
The children also received training in literacy and math and have good prospects for employment at the end of the training period, when they turn 18. “The award brought a positive note to the closure of our PPIC-Work project in Egypt after nine years, and we are delighted that CDS, our partner in this pilot project, will continue this work,” says Jennifer Denomy, MEDA’s director of youth and financial services. MEDA
PHOTO COURTESY MEDA
Some children in Egypt are leaving hazardous work for safer workplaces within a pilot project that earned MEDA an award. A case study outlining the project won first place in an Egyptian competition focused on responsible business conduct. PPIC-Work (Promoting and Protecting the Interests of Children who Work) was asked by the Egyptian government to look at some of the worst forms of child labour and help provide opportunities for children to move to safer environments. The International Labour Organization defines “worst forms” as work that is inherently hazardous and/ or exploitative. PPIC-Work sought to find safe workplaces where children who must earn a living can also learn meaningful skills to improve their lives in the long term. In Cairo area, staff found children working in lead smelters, removing lead from batteries, and working in scrap sorting of industrial garbage. PPIC-Work partnered with the Center for Development Services to identify children as young as 12 working in these areas and to link them with businesses with less hazardous environments—construction, furniture manufacturing and textile production—that offer apprenticeships.
The PPIC-Work project seeks to find safe workplaces for children such as this young man involved in the contruction trade.
Peace Sunday packet 2011 available MCC’s Peace Sunday packet is a resource to assist your congregation in preparing for Peace Sunday, held just prior to Remembrance Day. On Remembrance Day our nation invites us all to reflect on the sacrifice of soldiers who have fought in past wars and who are currently serving with the Canadian Forces. Anabaptist churches—as peace churches—are invited to observe Peace Sunday as an annual event to preach, teach, and reflect upon the gospel of peace and to offer a witness to non-violence. This year’s materials have been prepared by Matthew Bailey-Dick from MCC Ontario. It invites us all to share
prayers and practices that embody the nonviolent love of Jesus Christ, through worship resources and suggestions for learning and action. In addition to the packet, Matthew Bailey-Dick has prepared a Peace Sunday Supplement that includes a collection of historical accounts of nonviolence over the past 100 years as well as stories of nonviolence, quotes, and additional book, web, and other resources. The Peace Sunday Packet and Supplement can be found at canada.mcc. org/peacesunday. The “to remember is to work for peace” buttons are also available. MCC Canada
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news
Institution gets new name: Providence University College Manitoba Legislature grants new designation OTTERBURNE, Man.—On June 16, 2011, Providence show the commitment to develop leadership to change College became known as Providence University College lives and improve communities. by authority of the Manitoba legislature. Providence University College is one of three schools “When attracting prospective students to our under- at Providence in Otterburne. The Seminary offers graduate degree programs we know theological education; the English that Canadian and international ap- “This new name more accurately Language Institute prepares speakers plicants want assurances that they of other languages to study at a uniare receiving university recognition reflects the kind of education versity level. Providence has been offering. ” and that we are providing a unique Providence began educating stuuniversity experience,” says President – President Dr. August Konkel dents in 1925, with provincial authorDr. August Konkel. ity to grant degrees given in 1978. “This new name more accurately Providence University College reflects the kind of education Providence has been offer- is an accredited, interdenominational, multi-cultural, ing and will help us continue to grow community leaders Christian institution offering B.A. degrees with majors who make an impact,” he says. in Biblical and Theological Studies, General Arts, Social The university college, located just south of Winnipeg Sciences, Business Administration, Teaching English to in Otterburne, has inspired more than 10,000 alumni in Speakers of Other Languages, and Performing Arts. more than 100 different countries around the world to PUC take up the challenge of global humanitarianism and
Larry Miller named GCF secretary
Growing global initiative seeks to bring together world’s Christian church leaders STRASBOURG, France—The Global Christian Forum (GCF) has appointed Larry Miller to become its first fulltime Secretary when he completes nearly 22 years as the General Secretary of the Mennonite World Conference (MWC). Miller will begin officially on January 1, 2012, when César García, MWC’s next General Secretary, assumes the position. “My rootedness will remain in the AnabaptistMennonite communion and in relationships with you,” Miller writes. The GCF, formed in 1998, is a growing global initiative
PHOTO: MWC
“My rootedness will remain in the Anabaptist-Mennonite communion and in relationships with you,” Larry Miller writes. 30
THE MESSENGER | September 2011
that seeks to bring leaders of all Christian churches in the world together to foster mutual respect and to address common challenges. Miller will work initially from Strasbourg in offices contributed by the Lutheran-related Institute for Ecumenical Research. His duties will include the management and leadership of GCF events, programs, resources and strategy, under the guidance of the GCF’s 25-member interchurch continuation committee. Inter-communion institutions such as the World Council of Churches and the World Evangelical Alliance, both of which participate in the Forum, have existed for some time. The GCF, however, brings together leaders from older and new traditions. The GCF sponsors continental and global gatherings for getting acquainted, spiritual sharing, and theological discussion. The second global gathering, expected to draw some 300 leaders, is on October 4–7 in Indonesia. Byron Rempel-Burkholder, MWC editor
shoulder tapping Pastoral positions Are you a Spirit-led leader? A lover of God and of people? Do you have a passion for prayer and a Kingdom vision? If so, the Evangelical Fellowship Church (EFC) in Steinbach, Man., is interested in hearing from you. We are seeking an individual to serve as senior pastor to a congregation of 200. The senior pastor would have primary responsibility for preaching and would provide overall spiritual leadership to the congregation. Please contact Trevor Arsenault at 204-346-0302 or efcsearch@gmail. com. 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.
Youth work Mennville EMC and Riverton Gospel Chapel (EMC), in Manitoba’s Interlake region, seek a full-time youth pastor for a joint youth group. Candidate should have strengths in relationship building and have an ability to plan a comprehensive youth program. Contact Paul Peters at 204-378-2740 or paulhecla@yahoo.com.
Other opportunities MCC Ontario invites applications for the position of operations director, Kitchener, Ont. This position requires a person with a commitment to Christian faith, active church membership and non-violent peacemaking. The operations director will give over all leadership to the practical and administrative functions of MCC Ontario including finances, insurance and risk management, physical resources, information technology and general office management, and will serve on the leadership team, reporting to the executive director. This full-time salaried position begins December 2011. Application deadline: October 10, 2011. Complete job description available on MCC’s website at www.mcc.org/serve. To apply send cover letter and resume to Cath Woolner at cathw@mennonitecc.on.ca. MDS seeks a full-time Region V manager immediately. The manager works out of the MDS Canadian office in Winnipeg, Man., supervising two staff persons, managing the office, overseeing Region V disaster response in Canada and USA (through binational office), and coordinating promotion of MDS in Canada.
The Region V Manager works closely with the Region V board executive and carries out their work plan. The right person will have knowledge of the Anabaptist constituency, strong communication skills, proven leadership experience, and a vision for growing this ministry. The applicant will fully embrace the Anabaptist faith and peace position. Experience with a non-profit or volunteer agency is an asset. Post-secondary education is required. MDS Region V employs only Canadian citizens and those non-Canadian citizens authorized to work in Canada. Mennonite Disaster Service is a volunteer network of Anabaptist churches that responds in Christian love to those affected by disasters in Canada and the U.S. While the main focus is on clean up, repair and rebuilding homes, this service touches lives and nurtures hope, faith and wholeness. Email resume with a cover letter to jobs@mds. mennonite.net. To view the full job description, go to mds.mennonite.net/about-us/employment. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Cedarwood (www.cedarwood-yfc.com) is looking to fill the positions of year-round head cook(s) and maintenance. We are looking for dedicated staff who have a heart to serve in a camp environment. Cedarwood is owned and operated by Youth for Christ-Winnipeg. We are located 115 km NE of Winnipeg near Lac du Bonnet, Man., on Pinawa Bay. During the summer we run eight weeks of junior and senior high camps. Throughout the rest of the year we host various school outdoor education programs, church retreats and other rental groups. Housing is available and most food is provided. For information contact Bernie Peters at 204-3458529 or campsite@yfcwinnipeg.ca.
Christian non-profit organization that runs a group home licensed by the province of Manitoba. Be the hands of Jesus in all aspects of their care. Join the team as we program for their activities, life skills training, education plan, spiritual journey and community building. Currently the schedule is being modified to include full-time, part-time, weekends, or nights. Minimum requirements are to have or obtain a current driver’s license, criminal record check, child abuse registry check, level “C” first aid. Be paid to minister; wages based on experience. This will stretch you and test your faith. Come prepared to be challenged and grow in your understanding of the faithfulness of God (http:// countessplace.webplus.net/index.html). Contact: Donna Moman, countessplace@ gmail.com. Red Rock Bible Camp has two year-round positions available in our food services department: food services manager and an assistant food service manager. Training or experience in the food services industry is preferred, but we are willing to train the right individual. Agreement with the camp’s mission and statement of faith is necessary. The successful applicant must be service oriented, work well with people and be a team player. Housing, partial board salary, medical and dental benefits provided. Send resume to Red Rock Bible Camp, 204320 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z1 or kim@ redrockbiblecamp.com.
Countess Place, a residential group home for teen girls in Portage la Prairie, Man., is looking for energetic, motivated Christ followers to serve as group home workers. Live your faith as you serve girls aged 12–17, their friends, community, and other young adults (ages 15–25) who drop in. CP is a
The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards and ministries; interMennonite 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.
Pan Am Games short-term missions team to Guadalajara, Mexico: October 10–November 7, 2011 Exciting update! EMC will be partnering with Athletes in Action (AIA), which is sending 100 people from Mexico City and Brazil to assist the Evangelical churches of Guadalajara in doing outreach during the games. More than that, because the EMC missionary church planting team is located right beside the park where many of the competitions will take place, AIA has chosen the EMC team to coordinate the ministry and to follow up with people who respond to outreach efforts.
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in memory calendar
Helen P. Loewen 1926–2011
Helen P. Loewen (Friesen) was born on October 31, 1926, in the Ste. Anne municipality to John E. and Gertrude Friesen. She was the third youngest of 12 children. She married John P. Loewen of Blumenort on October 9, 1949. Five sons and three daughters were born to them. One daughter, Florence, was abruptly taken from them through a farming accident in 1955. Mom became a Christian at an early age and was baptized on July 25, 1943. Mom and Dad were called into ministry in 1954 at Blumenort EMC, first as a deacon couple, then later as pastor couple for 23 years. They also served in Mexico on a one-year assignment and in Mount Salem EMC for two years. Mom became an energetic host to church families and visiting speakers. Mom became a world traveler of sorts and visited foreign countries with Dad. These included Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Hungary, Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany, Italy, Holland, Mexico, and Belize. After Dad passed away in 2006, she traveled to Mexico and Russia. Leaving her children behind was not easy for Mom. On the other hand, her heart broke time after time as she had to release her children to foreign missions in different countries. Mom was a true prayer warrior. She prayed for all of her children and
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grandchildren by name, twice a day. Mom became more and more enamored with heaven. Part of this was due to knowing that her precious little daughter and husband were waiting for her there. She read books on heaven. She knew that her salvation rested completely in her precious Saviour, Jesus Christ, and that her sins were washed away by His precious blood. The gospel was precious to her and she deeply desired that everyone embrace it. In 1980, Mom had her first bout of cancer. God graciously healed her and gave her back to us for another 31 years. Thank you, Jesus! But cancer struck again in November 2010 and this time she was not to recover. On June 4, 2011, Mom stepped across the finish line right into the arms of her precious Saviour. She leaves to mourn her passing and to carry on her legacy of love for Jesus five sons and two daughters: son John and Maria of Stratton, Ont., and children Jonathan and Liudmila (Dalia and Etienne), Priscilla and Mark (Reuel and Micaiah), David and Sara, Hannah, Esther, Joanna, Tabea, Asenath, and Samuel; son Arley and Janice of Blumenort and daughters Rachel and Rebecca; daughter Marian and Peter Redekopp of Crystal City, Man.; son Cliff and Pauline of Blumenort and children Chris, Michelle, and Heather; daughter Junia of Winnipeg; son Dale and Cori of Steinbach, Man, and children Jackson, Davis, Weston, and Texas; son Glenn and Maribeth of Portage, Man., and children Christian, Anicka, Marcus, and Natasha. The funeral service for Helen Loewen was held on Thursday, June 9, 2011, at 2 p.m. at the Blumenort Evangelical Mennonite Church, with interment at the Blumenort EMC cemetery. Her Family
British Columbia Oct. 1: Mennonite Fall Fair, Civic Centre, Prince George, 604-850-6639, bc.mcc.org
Alberta no events currently
Saskatchewan Oct. 1: Ride for Refuge fundraising bike ride in support of newcomer families and sponsorship groups, Saskatoon, sk.mcc. org/rideforrefuge
Manitoba Oct. 1: Inter-Mennonite Chaplaincy Association dessert coffee house, Fort Garry EMC, 602 Pasadena Ave, Winnipeg, www.emconference.ca Oct. 13–15: 21st Winnipeg Prophecy Conference, “But whom say ye that I am?” Portage Avenue Church, Winnipeg, 204-888-7270, www.wpgpc.org Oct. 14: Everything Old is New Again: Communication and Fundraising in the Digital World, Going Barefoot communicators’ conference, keynote speakers: Bill Roberts and Owen Charters, Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, dbalzer@cmu.ca Oct. 21–22: Anti-Modern Pathways: Horse and Buggy Mennonites in Canada, Belize and Latin America, hosted by the Chair in Mennonite Studies, University of Winnipeg, mennonitestudies.uwinnipeg.ca Oct. 23: Roseisle EMC 50th anniversary, morning service, lunch, afternoon activities, all are welcome, RSVP to 204828-3242 or roseisleemc@gmail.com
Ontario Oct. 1: Ride for Refuge fundraising bike ride in support of newcomer families and sponsorship groups, Aylmer and area, rideforrefuge.org/partner/mcco, wendy@mennonitecc.on.ca
Other Sept. 29–30: The Global Leadership Summit, Canadian Edition, Willow Creek Canada, available electronically across Canada, growingleadership.com/summit Nov. 3–6: Business as a Calling – Enduring Values, Lasting Impact, MEDA annual convention, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 800665-7026 or businessasacalling.org
window on missions by Gerald Reimer greimer@emconf.ca
Part two: Closing the generation gap by partnership in missions
understanding of the Christian faith and the gospel ought to inform their career aspirations. “And faith leaders are not as intentional as they could be with instruction and coaching on these types of decisions. Understanding how teenagers hope to spend their professional lives can help faith communities and institutions better support these students as they discern God’s calling in their lives.” As we equip, we must also network, helping to connect them with other missions-minded people and agencies, a crucial step to help them find the support and direction they need. And then in partnership we joyfully send them out. But allow me to take it one step further. There are limits to the number of personnel one congregation can send out. The missionary force increases substantially when churches work together in this process. That is the beauty of partnership. That is the beauty of the EMC Missions Program. Not only do our joint efforts generate more ministry, but they also send a beautiful message of unity and teamwork to the people we seek to serve.
The churches in Paraguay, Mexico, and Nicaragua are blessed to know that 7,800 Christians in Canada are praying for them and supporting them. Our missionaries are fortified, knowing that a family of 62 churches is making sure their spiritual, physical and emotional needs are met as they serve. Partnership is also displayed in how we cooperate with 23 Associate Mission agencies. Within this network dozens of needs can be met with a generation who have been called by God to serve in a multitude of ministries. Serving Christ individually is honourable. Serving Christ corporately is wiser still. Let’s continue to partner with God in His mission. Let’s continue to partner together as generations. Let’s continue to partner together as churches. Let’s continue to partner together across cultures to fulfill the Great Commission!
Not only do our joint efforts generate more ministry, but they also send a beautiful message of unity and teamwork to the people we seek to serve.
PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM
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n the Bible, the two main expressions of koinonia, partnership or fellowship, are rooted in love: the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. The Great Commandment is a beautiful picture of love in the fellowship that we enjoy with the Saviour (Matthew 25). The Great Commission is the outworking of that partnership as we work with each other to build God’s Kingdom through relationships (Matthew 28). We need to blend the strengths of past and present generations to be fruitful in the future. We need to tap into the aspirations and resourcefulness of this generation while at the same time offering guidance and accountability from the previous one. With lessons learned from the passionate generation that set out to the mission fields some 60 years ago, this new generation has more potential than ever to be fruitful in its ministry. Instead of discovering with one week’s notice that “yet another student” from your church is going on a missions trip, we need to actively begin a relationship with our parishioners much sooner. As churches we must identify these people, perhaps even in early adolescence. We must spend time intentionally equipping them. According to David Kinnaman, the Barna researcher (barna.org) referred to in part one (August 2011), “Many young people do not seem to understand how a rich, historic
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pictures of god by Joanna Enns
Note: Joanna, nee Plett, married Larry Enns on June 4. They are living in Toronto. Congratulations, Joanna and Larry!
Waiting for the rain
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PHOTO: JOANNA ENNS
hey say that south-western Kansas is drier this year than it was in the Dirty Thirties. The ground is parched, wells are going dry and everyone watches the clouds in hopes that this time they will deliver rain. While farmers water their crops with elaborate irrigation systems, residents have a harder time keeping their gardens growing and their lawns green. Walking through town, it’s easy to see who waters their lawn and who doesn’t. The sudden switch from brown to green often reveals the reach of a particular sprinkler. These lines of green and brown remind me of dry seasons in my own spiritual life. When rain is plentiful, you can sit back and watch the grass grow. I don’t remember ever being too worried about rain when I was growing up in rural Manitoba. I was far more concerned about the weeds I would have to pull up in the garden when the ground dried after another thunderstorm. But when the rains don’t come, you have to be intentional about water. A friend who works for a big farmer in south-western Kansas is at
In the spiritually dry times, I have to be militantly intentional about seeking water.
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the beck and call of his sprinkler systems, often waking up in the middle of the night to make sure they are operating properly or staying out late to get them up and running again. Homeowners, too, are constantly moving their sprinklers to keep their yards and gardens wet. Vacations, forgetfulness, laziness or apathy are evident in the fields, lawns, flower beds and tomato plants. Similarly, when I am in a spiritually saturated environment, being challenged and inspired regularly through church, friends and personal study, these streams of living water spill out of me onto the people around me. I bear fruit naturally and focus more on dealing with weeds than on branching out.
But in the spiritually dry times, I have to be militantly intentional about seeking water. Instead of analyzing the clouds and watching the radar, I need to find the wells around me and plug into them. In these seasons, laziness, busyness and weariness reflect directly on my ability to produce fruit. My priorities become obvious in the relationships and other aspects of my life that thrive or dry up. To keep my faith alive and continue to produce fruit in dry times, I may need to seek a church, Bible study group or spiritual mentor that pours life into me, or I may need to dig deeper into the Bible and ask some tough questions. Sometimes all I can do is look up to Heaven and pray for rain. Dry seasons are also a challenge for those who are watching their crops grow and pulling weeds. It may be time to drag your spiritual hose over to your neighbour’s yard and water their garden or take some time to help them deal with some tough issues to get their faith system running again. Although nobody longs for the dry times, most of us go through them periodically. These seasons, however, can be rewarding. The fruit is sweeter and the rains more precious as we are forced to go deeper and to take more ownership of our faith while we wait for the rains to return.
stewardship today by Arnie Friesen
The spin-off effects of the giving cycle
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ecently I met with an elderly that somehow God can be manipuearth-moving machines, exempligentleman who had celebrated lated for our pleasure. fied this by giving away 90 percent nd his 92 birthday. Joking, Randy Alcorn, in his book The of his income. he noted that he was losing his Treasure Principle, dispels this myth Maybe, as LeTourneau, we hearing, his eyesight, and now he of prosperity theology with his should view our role more as God’s feared he was “losing his marbles.” poignant statement: “God prospers powers of attorney in financial However, his wit continued matters. After all, we are to shine throughout our God’s deputies on earth, visit. God’s representatives, God’s He reminded me that all change agents. his money existed for one There is no Bank of God purpose: “to help others.” He on First Avenue and Main had never lost the vision of Street. We are it! why he had been entrusted The cycle of giving can recipients will “overflow with Kingdom currency. be summed up this way: He was still taking serioverflowing with gratitude in many expressions ously his role as manager of to the giver of all things, we we are “made rich of thanks to God” all resources God assigned give so we will be entrusted in every way” to him. To his dying day and with more. This will enable beyond, he wants to make us to give even more. sure that he never shortThe cycle goes on, circuits the giving cycle. generating more and more He assured me that his expressions of gratitude to will was recently reviewed. God by recipients of our so we “can be generous He plans to be generous generosity. It makes sense on every occasion” through his bequests. that our Creator would straSome time ago he and tegically direct resources to his wife (now deceased) people who are interested established an endowment fund me not to raise my standard of living in funding Kingdom initiatives, to with Mennonite Foundation of but to raise my standard of giving.” sustain the church, to help people, Canada. Through the proceeds, they In 2 Corinthians 9:11-13, Paul and to take care of creation. plan to support many noteworthy explains why God sometimes It is up to us to ensure that this causes for decades to come. directs more money to our account cycle is never short-circuited. But what does the giving cycle than we really need. He states, “You really look like? Are we to give so will be made rich in every way so Arnie Friesen is a stewardship that God will fill our storehouses? that you can be generous on every consultant at the Abbotsford, B.C., Is the point of giving that we occasion....” Beyond having their office of Mennonite Foundation prosper and keep more for ourneeds looked after, the recipients of Canada. MFC, a non-profit selves? This teaching is described as of our generosity will “overflow in organization, provides stewardship the “prosperity gospel.” many expressions of thanks to God.” education and estate and charitable That giving is about our own Perhaps we should move toward gift planning for no cost. Contact desires can be deeply attractive to reverse tithing. R. G. LeTourneau, a your nearest MFC office or visit us. It is hard to resist the notion well-documented inventor of large Mennofoundation.ca.
God gives
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kids’ corner by Loreena Thiessen
Activity: Do something cool!
How cool are you?
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PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM
ce is cool. White is cool, like a polar bear that blends in with the snow in the Arctic. He’s cool because he stands on ice floes and dives into the cold Arctic waters to get his lunch, a seal or a fish. An icy slurpy from 7-Eleven is cool. In fact it’s so cool it can hurt your head! Did you ever feel your brain freeze? “Cool” means not too warm, but not too cold. When it’s cool out you need a light jacket but not a parka to keep warm—that would be “cold.” A “cooler” is something that holds cold drinks and keeps food cold, like at a picnic or the beach. What’s cool? Skating is cool; doing figure eights or jumps is cool. Cool has other meanings too. Long ago when your parents were your age, cool meant “great,” like “that’s a cool idea!”
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Language changes. Words develop new meanings. People make the changes. Many of our common words were invented by a man called William Shakespeare. Mr. Shakespeare wrote plays for families to attend together. And he made new words, such as “cold blooded,” like a frog; and “cold hearted,” meaning not caring. Long ago a cool guy was someone who was always in control. He had self-control. He controlled himself in a difficult situation. He kept his cool! Today a cool kid may be someone who has the latest gadgets, an iPhone or an iPad, or the newest video
You may not get everything you want. You may not be the most popular. But you can always be cool.
What you need: • A Bible (1 Corinthians 13:4–7) • Paper to write on • Pen, pencil • Paper to draw on • Pencil crayons, crayons, or felt pens What to do: Read 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. Choose one action described; it may be similar to one that’s cool. Do the action. Write it out: - What did you do? - How did you make you feel? - How did it make someone else feel? Draw it as an action picture.
game. He may wear the newest jeans or sneakers. He may be the most popular. But some things are not cool. Yelling or stomping your feet to get what you want is not cool; it’s very “uncool!” Whining or crying about getting a bad mark? Pouting at not being first? Not cool! Saying bad things about someone who is not the most popular? Not cool! You may not get everything you want. You may not be the most popular. But you can always be cool. Cool is an attitude, positive, kind, sharing, including others, helping someone out. You can choose to be cool.
THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362 Registration #09914