The Messenger a publication of the
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
JAIME LOEWEN
Volume 60 No. 4 July/August 2022
EMC Festival 2022 Se agervoc insde!
Editorial
Does the EMC have a recruitment crisis?
I
t’s possible the EMC has a recruitment crisis. Or will soon, if the recent Conference Council meeting held June 11, 2022, is any indication. During the meeting, delegates showed strong support for an EMC Missions expansion into Spain, planting more churches in Canada, and adding more personnel to existing EMC administered fields. In response to the motion to add Spain as an EMC cultivate a new generation of pastoral leaders. Nearly half administered field, one delegate commented in support, cited a need for a spiritual renewal in our churches, with but asked, “Since EMC has such a difficult time to [staff ] the rest split between a perception of pastoring as stressful, the already EMC administered fields, how can we expand?” a lack of recruitment, and the cost of education as factors. Board of Missions (BOM) chairman Phil Hamm What is the solution? While we tend to look for simanswered: “We will do our best as a Board of Missions, but ple answers, this is a complex problem that will require a unless the conference is willing to send missionaries, to tap multi-faceted solution. The EMC is not the only organizashoulders, to have people called out from their congregation struggling to find workers—as the “help wanted” signs tions, we’re not going to move forward… We want young on many local establishments demonstrate. people to hear the call of God and be affirmed by their That said, shoulder tapping is one solution that is congregations and be sent out.” accessible to every Christ follower here and now. Blanca In the next ten years, 21 missionary units will reach Infantes (EMC administered missionary in the Guadalajara retirement age (some of these have already attained it and field) mentioned EMC’s training program Ascend, which continue to serve). Yet, in the last ten years, 18 missionary places young people on the field for eight months of trainunits have been accepted by the BOM. According to these ing, language and culture learning. What young people do numbers, recruitment will not keep pace with existing per- you know who could serve in this way? sonnel, let alone allow for expansion. The BOM poll had Do you know someone with pastoral gifts? Encourage 93 per cent of delegates “support EMC growing…mission them. Let them know about EMC’s Leadership Developstaff ” to the level of three missionary units for each EMC ment Scholarship fund. Support them in practical ways administered fields. None of the now four EMC adminisand with prayer as they pursue studies and point them in tered fields are currently operating at this level. the direction of godly pastoral mentors. According to the Canadian Church Planting Task Force As Director of Canadian Church Planting Gerald (CPTF) poll, 65 per cent of delegates “believe the CPTF Reimer said, “As God’s ambassadors together, we can live could plant ten more churches by 2030.” Some—35 per like Jesus to impact the world around us one life at a time.” cent—saw this as too challenging, “but five would still – Rebecca Roman be great.” No delegates responding wished the EMC to simply “maintain.” Board of Leadership and OutNote on discussion within The Messenger reach chairman Andy Woodworth Every community will have a of people in our lives. These dismentioned ten churches are currently diversity of views and opinions, cussions should also reflect the seeking pastors. “A lot of those times which provides opportunities reality that some groups and we’re getting very little interest being for us to learn from each other, individuals have not always felt expressed,” he said, then asked, “Are being quick to listen, slow to welcome in Christian communiwe doing well at recruiting and equipspeak and slow to become angry ties. We welcome your responses ping and preparing young leaders to (James 1:19). Our discussions are to articles and topics discussed in come up to replace those who are inevitably impacted by our own The Messenger. retiring and moving on?” The BLO’s experiences, and the experiences – Board of Church Ministries poll asked delegates their thoughts on why it seems to be challenging to 2 The Messenger • July/August 2022
This is a complex problem that will require a multifaceted solution. The EMC is not the only organization struggling to find workers—as the “help wanted” signs on many local establishments demonstrate.
Table of Contents Features
Columns
6
5
Sadness: the bridge from stress to strength – Andrea Dyck
10 Abundant Springs ’22
– Sarah Barkman and Ruth Block
13 A roadmap to effective congregational planning – Darrell Kehler and Erica Fehr
16 Pastors and misconduct in the EMC – Layton Friesen
19 EMC Festival 2022: Not-SoLate Show
A Path To Peace
Are you a child with a chainsaw? – Kevin Wiebe
34 His Light to My Path
page
35 Further In and Higher Up
page
Namesake – Karla Hein
Disciples are never losers – Layton Friesen
21 19
36 Kids’ Corner
Bees and orange juice – Loreena Thiessen
– Diana Peters
22 Council approves Spain as mission field – Rebecca Roman
page
10
Departments 2
Editorial
4
Letters and Notices
26
With Our Missionaries
27
With Our Churches
32
News
33
Shoulder Tapping
page
24
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 3
The Messenger
Letters and Notices
Volume 60 No. 4 July/August 2022
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
Year to Date Financial Report January-April 2022
MANAGING EDITOR ERICA FEHR
EDITOR REBECCA ROMAN
evangelical m e n n o n i t e
PUBLICATION AND PURPOSE The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5. 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. Phone: 204-326-6401 messenger@emconference.ca www.emcmessenger.ca www.issuu.com/emcmessenger ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362 Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, MB
COPYRIGHT The articles printed in The Messenger are owned by The Messenger or by the author and may not be reprinted without permission. Unless noted, Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. TM
SUBMISSIONS 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. Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcome. Submissions should be sent to messenger@emconference.ca.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS Print subscriptions are free of charge to all members and adherents of EMC churches in Canada. For all others, print subscription rates are as follows: $20/year ($26 U.S.), Manitoba residents add 7% PST. To sign up for the email newsletter or submit an address change, email messenger@emconference.ca.
ADVERTISING The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards and ministries; inter-Mennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads and inquiries can be sent to messenger@emconference.ca.
4 The Messenger • July/August 2022
c o n f e r e n c e
Income* Expenses Excess/Shortfall
General Fund 2022 602,099 724,120 -122,021
General Fund 2021 598,937 724,399 -125,462
We give thanks to God for the continued strong support of EMC ministries, and we acknowledge the contributions of EMC churches and individuals who give so generously. - The Board of Trustees *Income includes donations and transfers from other funds (e.g., estate funds).
Closure of Northern Fellowship Chapel The Northern Fellowship Chapel (NFC) in Creighton, Sask., a member of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference (EMC), began services in 1960 because a schoolteacher, Henry Klassen, saw that the community needed an evangelical church. The congregation was formally organized on November 1, 1964, with 11 members. Since 1965 it has been affiliated with the EMC. Northern Fellowship Chapel’s early leaders or pastors were Arnold Wiebe, Mel and Mary Koop, Dan and Norma Koop, George and Elsie Braun, Arnold Leister, Harvey Kroeker, Dan and Lottie Thiessen, and Terry and Mary Ann Smith. NFC then had interim pastoral couples. In 2001 NFC began to share a pastoral team with Cornerstone Community Church (formerly Flin Flon MB Church), a Mennonite Brethren congregation established in Flin Flon, Man., in 1984. Its joint pastoral couples have been Dale
and Marge Warkentin, Alex and Carla Suderman, Scott and Natalie Koop, and Randall and Faith Krahn (2010–present). Retired pastoral couple Lorne and Margaret Moorhead are part of the local pastoral care team.1 Although in recent years the size of congregation had dwindled significantly, members continued to provide ministry to children and adults in the community of Creighton. In 2021, they gifted the church building to a charitable organization in the community, and since that time have been meeting together with the Cornerstone Community Church congregation. The Northern Fellowship Chapel made the decision to close permanently in 2022. We thank God for the 62 years of faithful witness of the Northern Fellowship Chapel to the community surrounding Creighton. – General Board
1 Smith, Terry. “Northern Fellowship Chapel (Creighton, Saskatchewan, Canada).” Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online. January 2013. Web. 27 Apr 2022. https://gameo.org/index.php?title=Northern_ Fellowship_Chapel_(Creighton,_Saskatchewan,_ Canada)&oldid=156087.
Column • A Path To Peace
Are you a child with a chainsaw?
W
hen my son was ten, I had to buy him winter boots in men’s size ten. He is very tall for his age, and his feet are even bigger. One of the consequences of him growing so quickly is that he rushes through the house, running to-and-fro at the hurried pace of an excited child, but with a much larger body and man-sized feet. I cannot count how many times things get knocked over as he rushes past, or how often he has accidentally crushed my toes while he gets used to the skis that are his feet. I have found that, while most people eventually get used to their adult bodies and grow less clumsy as they mature, it is a different matter entirely for people to fully comprehend the power that they embody in this world, and the influence they carry—which can be utilized for good or bad. When we don’t realize the extent of our own power, we will inevitably “step on toes” in the proverbial sense. The irony around this is that when we feel powerless, or are the victim of someone else’s poor choices, we are at increased risk of acting out against others. While we feel powerless in those moments, and feel like our actions are small or inconsequential, others often experience things very differently, and we hurt them. “Hurt people hurt people,” as the saying goes.
A dramatic mental picture I ponder is the image of a child with a chainsaw. Chainsaws, of course, are helpful tools for pruning trees or making firewood. However, giving such tools to a child is dangerous since they are often unaware of the danger they hold in their hands. Once a child grows into maturity and can grasp the dangers of the tool, they can begin to learn how to handle it safely. Likewise, if we don’t recognize the dangers of the power we hold, we are quite likely to use that power in ways that unintentionally inflict wounds on ourselves or those around us. Romans 12:3 invites us to, “Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves” (NLT). How often do we fail to see the power and influence we all carry? How often do we step on toes like my son who is unaccustomed to his own large feet? Or like a child with a chainsaw, completely unaware of the dangerous tools they wield? The good news is that we are rarely ever completely powerless, and usually far less powerless than we are made to feel. After all, we are all endowed with the gift of free will and as Christians we also live with the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. Therefore, let us not stay at the stage of children, but recognize the power that we do in fact wield in this world—and let us grow into maturity that we may use our influence to help others in the ways of Jesus instead of stepping on toes. We should act our age, not our shoe size, unless you are my ten-year-old son.
By Kevin Wiebe
ISTOCK
Like a child with a chainsaw, if we don’t recognize the dangers of the power we hold, we are quite likely to use that power in ways that unintentionally inflict wounds on ourselves or those around us.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 5
ISTOCK
n d a s I
was asked once, sitting around a table at a church function, what was the secret to my healing from difficulties on the field and being able to keep going. I responded, “I cried a lot.” There was an awkward silence. No one asked me to explain, and no one said anything. I think they had hoped to hear something profound. Maybe they hoped I would say something about God. Maybe they wanted to hear some useful idea. But what if tears say a lot about God? What if they are also very useful?
God made us rational and emotional
Sadness is the inner feeling we experience when we come up against a loss, a disappointment, or the end of something where there is nothing left to do but cry.
Somewhere around the time people put their trust in reason, they lost faith in an important aspect of how God made us: as both rational and emotional beings. Our amazing brains are created with both cognitive and emotional capacities with important roles to play. Sadness is a universal emotional experience, yet our current culture tells us sadness is something to 6 The Messenger • July/August 2022
avoid. We perceive it as the opposite of happiness, fearing that feeling sad puts us at risk of a mood disorder. Sadness is not the same as despair or depression. It is not grumpiness or agitation—though these might be indicators of sadness in need of release. Sadness does not always have to show on the outside, nor does it have to be accompanied with tears. Sadness is the inner feeling we experience when we come up against a loss, a disappointment, or the end of something where there is nothing left to do but cry. Sometimes when we feel sad it’s hard to imagine ever feeling happy
ness the bridge from stress to strength By Andrea Dyck
again, but sadness does not get stuck. It is the feeling that moves us from one feeling to the next and makes possible the bounce back to happiness.
Is sadness a sin?
Within the church, there can often be an expectation to feel and demonstrate happiness—as though sadness would be evidence that we lack the joy of the Lord in our lives. Is it a sin to be sad? Of course not! Jesus wept at the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35). David drenched his bed with tears (Psalm 6:6). Solomon declared that “sorrow is better than laughter, for sadness has a refining influence on us” (Ecclesiastes 7:3 NLT). Why do we so seldom acknowledge the importance of the time to cry alongside the time to laugh?
God has gifted each of us with an amazing design in the centre of our brains. It is available to every human no matter age, cognitive capacity, experience or personality. Gordon Neufeld, in his address Bouncing Back: From Stress to Strength (Neufeld Institute Conference 2022), describes the incredible design of the brain to feel its way through sadness, leading to the recovery of hope and perspective, the capacity for fulfillment and happiness, as well as the spontaneous unfolding of potential. Sadness is the turning point, the pivot where fears and frustrations can melt away at least for a time. Neufeld describes a special process that happens in our brain when we feel sad or disappointed, a chemical change that shifts our
Why do we so seldom acknowledge the importance of the time to cry alongside the time to laugh?
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 7
brains in powerful adaptive ways. Sadness or disappointment supports the grieving process, enables us to deal with stress even if that stress doesn’t go away, and takes that stress and turns it to strength for our future resilience. The low precipitates the bounce. David’s weeping lasted the night, but joy came in the morning (Psalm 30:5). Jesus wept, and then turned around and raised his friend from the dead (John 11).
Honouring our sadness
ISTOCK
Our society does not honour tears. Even most experts teach coping strategies to avoid feeling sadness. However, if we watch closely, we can still see tears honoured in the arts. Some music and film artists have held onto their intuition around this. Watch a good film and see that the moment when the tears flow is often the turning point for the character or the plot. Even Pixar captures it in Inside Out when Sadness sits down to support Bing Bong and the candy tears start to fall. After the tears, Bing Bong bounces back up with renewed purpose. While we were living overseas, we faced constant stresses large and small. When we were able to leave the country for a break, I would find myself feeling a lot of sadness, often crying for the first couple of days anytime we had reached a safe or restful place. It always seemed so incongruent. Why cry now when I’m in a beautiful place with people taking care of me? The brain has an incredible capacity to help us do the work we need to do, to numb back the messy feelings when we are in a situation that requires toughness and the possibility of wounding. Living where we lived, I needed to be able to do things, to go places that were stressful for me, and I needed to not have to feel all that stress all the time. But that state is not meant to be chronic. We need to have a place to get back to our feelings to access our capacity to heal. For many people that inability to feel has become
8 The Messenger • July/August 2022
stuck. The brilliant design is available for all, but not automatically accessible all the time. Many of us have lost our tears. Numb feelings were quite common early in the pandemic. The alarm was so high for many, and the stress didn’t seem to stop. How can we get our feelings back, especially when stress is never fully going away? The good news is, emotion is always there inside us, stored in our bodies and ready to move when given a chance. Recovering an understanding and value for sadness doesn’t mean we can just will ourselves to cry or schedule a time to be disappointed. But it will inevitably come. And once it comes, we can give it space and permission to be felt. Barbara Brown Taylor in her book, Learning to Walk in the Dark, writes “I learned that sadness does not sink a person; it is the energy a person spends trying to avoid sadness that does that.”
The good news is, emotion is always there inside us, stored in our bodies and ready to move when given a chance. A safe place allows us to be ourselves
For me, leaving the places we were living overseas was enough to create the safety I needed to recover my feelings. How can we recover that sense of safety when we can’t make a geographical move to access it? Neufeld teaches that the primary need for our brains to feel safe and to come to rest is close connections in our supportive relationships. We each need one or two people with whom we feel safe to be ourselves, who give us space to express what’s inside us. It can be hard to offer that to someone, especially when the feelings coming out are a bit messy or “negative.” Other’s difficult feelings can bring up our own. We can feel sad as our loved ones grapple with their sadness. Rebuilding trust in our God-given emotional processes is important. We need to know it’s safe to feel sad and that relief is around the corner.
ISTOCK
It is uncomfortable to feel sadness. If we haven’t felt it for a while, it can feel scary to let it start. The support of a companion can help.
It is uncomfortable to feel sadness. If we haven’t felt it for a while, it can feel a bit scary to let it start. The support of a companion can help. Other things that can help include music and story. Allowing music to bring up a bit of sadness can bring relief in small manageable amounts. Music can carry us and take off some of the weight. We usually can’t face sadness head on, so stories, movies and drama can help support it one step removed from the places in our lives that feel like too much. Relationships and creative play help to support our sadness. Susan Cain, in her new book Bittersweet: How sorrow and longing make us whole, writes that sadness also inspires creativity and supports closeness in relationships. Making more space in our congregations and worship services for these emotions could support our corporate healing, our relational health, and our worship.
Walking through difficult feelings builds strength
The Psalms are such a great example to us of pouring out the full range of feelings out to the Lord in song and poetry. We need safe relationships, and the Lord is the ultimate Safety for
us, available and inviting us to share all that is within our hearts. The Creator has provided the brain structures to feel our way to recovery and gives us the relationship to support us to do so. It takes some strength to feel sad. To endure difficult feelings and not avoid them. But walking through those feelings also builds strength. Afterward we can look back and see, “Wow, we walked through that valley, and we were not overcome.” The Lord was with us. Enduring the waves of emotion supports our ability to continue to ride those waves, assured that we will keep coming up again. This is the journey of resilience. Andrea Dyck and her husband, Gary, lived in Central Asia with their three children for 18 years. Andrea continues to work with her international community in the roles of equipping and member care. She also works as a professional counsellor in Manitoba.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 9
Abundant Springs’22 Ontario • Alberta • Manitoba
On May 21, 2022, 13 youth and three leaders from Straffordville EMC and New Life Christian Fellowship joined hosts Travis and Macey Plett and Sarah Barkman at Crieff Hills Retreat Centre for the first-ever Abundant Springs Ontario event. Travis is Young Life Pastor of Heartland Community Church and Sarah is a member of the National Youth Committee (NYC) and a student at Providence Theological Seminary. The day started off well with introductions, ice breakers, and a session with Travis Plett, who introduced us to the theme verses for the day (Acts 2:36-47). These verses describe how the message of Christ pierced the crowds to the heart and their desire was to respond. We also get a glimpse of the church: through Christ and loving him most we take on the role of the church, expressed through devotion to Christ, fellowship of the community, and transformation of sinners into saints. Following the session, we played games in the big field outside the meeting room. As we headed for lunch, a massive storm rolled through the area. While the heavy rain and wind only lasted for 45 minutes, the storm knocked out power for the rest of the day. Despite the power outage, we enjoyed
10 The Messenger • July/August 2022
MACEY PLETT
Ontario
RUTH BLOCK
fantastic food cooked by the retreat centre chef. The power outage also knocked out our plans to play bubble soccer in the afternoon, so we alternated between field games in the wet grass and less active, but still intense, indoor games like four-on-a-couch and mafia. After another fantastic candlelit meal for supper, we finished off the day with a session. Travis talked about devotion and transformation, using the illustration of training for a marathon. The training is not always glamourous but the experience and end goal are worth it. He challenged us to think about what we are devoted to and how that devotion was transforming our lives. We left encouraged and excited about meeting again!
Alberta
Abundant Springs Alberta took place on May 21, 2022. Nearly 80 youth gathered with their leaders at Coaldale Mennonite Church for a fun-filled day of worship, learning, eating, and fellowship hosted by Jordan Doerksen (chair of the National Youth Committee and youth pastor at La Crete Christian Fellowship Church) and Ruth Block (EMC staff ). The day both began and ended with a session. A group of youth and youth leaders from Taber EMC led in worship throughout. Jordan shared stories and thoughts around the theme verses from Acts 2:37–42. The remainder of the morning was filled with ten plagues—the game, that is. Youth leaders were designated as one of the ten plagues found in Exodus. They did everything they could to keep the youth from making their way across the field. One by one the youth succeeded in banishing each plague, winning with just minutes to spare. The afternoon was filled with fun and games: an archery tag tournament was greatly enjoyed, and time was spent playing Dutch Blitz, basketball, and more, before ending off with one last group game. A final session after supper closed out the day with more worship, a challenge, some great giveaways from Steinbach Bible College, and time for each youth group to discuss what they had learned. Much thanks to Kaylene Buhler (Steinbach Bible College) and Valean Doerksen (La Crete Christian Fellowship) for their skills in the kitchen!
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 11
GERALD REIMER
Acts 2:36–47
Manitoba
Sunny and warm, Abundant Springs Manitoba was a wonderful day with nearly 150 youth and youth leaders. On May 28, 2022, youth and leaders gathered at Valley View Bible Camp (MacGregor, Man.), kicking off the day with worship led by a team from Riverton Gospel Chapel. Lyndol Fast, associate pastor at Kleefeld EMC, challenged the group from the theme verses before heading outside for a (nearly-impossible) wide game. Hosts Travis Plett (Heartland Community Church) and Robyn Kampen (Evangelical Fellowship Church, Steinbach) kept attendees entertained and informed as the day moved along. After lunch, the afternoon was spent on camp activities provided and run by Valley View. The zip line had a long wait at times, and kayaks were kept busy. Archery, riflery, gaga ball, wagon rides and more entertained the youth for the rest of the afternoon. The session that followed supper included more worship, another challenge, youth group time to discuss and debrief, giveaways from Steinbach Bible College and a hilarious game of “don’t laugh at the dad joke!” Valley View was a wonderful host for a great day and contributed to the making of an awesome Abundant Springs Manitoba regional event! 12 The Messenger • July/August 2022
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Ontario report written by Sarah Barkman, Board of Church Mininstries liaison to the National Youth Committee. Alberta and Manitoba reports written by Ruth Block, EMC Outreach Assistant.
A roadmap to effective congregational planning Creating a sense of mission and carrying it out
H
ow do you do effective congregational planning? Darrell Kehler of SCOPE • Multiplication of people and ministry 4 Leadership Development was • Focused on vision and movement Sustained health asked to answer this question at the June 10, 2022, Minis• Slow or no growth 3 5 terial meeting. His focus was • New people coming • Finances OK Strategic Maintenance • More concerned about those • Inviting friends on how leaders work together • Structure/systems start inside than outside growth with their congregations in • Methods vs. mission assessing their church health, • Attendance declines deciding what is important, 2 6 • Methods are sacred • Inviting friends Momentum and moving forward. Preservation • Strongest visionaries • Snowballing growth Congregational planning are gone or silent is a little like moose hunting, is how Kehler began the ses1 7 sion. Planning for the hunt is Launch Life support • Clear vision an interesting process. EveryTwo options: Pull the plug or Relaunch • Exciting, celebrating new people one who goes is committed, but everyone approaches it differently. They need to bring everything along but can’t bring very much. Despite all the planning, results are somewhat unpredictable. It requires patience and hard work, and the hunters must make it 23 work—no one gets voted off the island. Congregational planning, in a similar way takes intentional effort and planning.
Church life cycle
Where do you see your church on the life cycle?
Evaluate realistically where you stand right now.
8 2
3
9
5 0
1 Launch 2 3 Strategic 4 5 6 7 Life The first step, Kehler said, is to evaluMomentum growth Sustained MaintePreservasupport growth health nance tion ate together where your church stands right now. He showed the life-cycle chart (top right) and explained its purpose is who responded believed their church was in the to help us be realistic. Stages one to seven are maintenance phase. the phases that churches normally go through After this exercise, which was designed to from when they first launch. All congregations provide clarity on where ministerial believed launched at some point, he reminded us. The their churches stood currently, Kehler presented final life-support phase is one which a few of us them with three key steps to effective congregahave experienced first hand. tional planning: Those present at the meeting were invited to respond to a poll and say where they thought Step 1: Clarify where you are going their churches landed on this chart. The answers Kehler used the example of the cruise to (shown in the chart middle right) were shared nowhere to illustrate what churches should not at the meeting. Twenty-three of the fifty people be. The cruise to nowhere, he said, is a discount
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 13
cruise where the ship is the destination. “You won’t visit any ports, but rather have two to three days to relax, unplug, and explore all the bells and whistles the ship has to offer.” That is not a picture of the church—our churches are not in existence just to exist. We have a purpose. As we go through a process of congregational planning like this, Kehler stressed, we need to remember that it’s Christ who builds the church (Matthew 16:18). We must not institutionalize the church to the point where human effort, rather than Christ, is leading the
JAIME LOEWEN
Making disciples should be the core of any mission statement. It is always more important than the method we use and the goals we set. church. It’s not just colony Mennonites Conference Pastor Layton Friesen introduces Darrell Kehler of who fall into traditionalism, Kehler SCOPE Leadership Development, who spoke to the Ministerial on reminded the Ministerial. June 10, 2022. Making disciples was the great commission given by Jesus; it is his authority in accomplish the mission. Programs and persongiving that command that should be our driving nel, he said, are external events and can change force. Although there are many ways to articuquite quickly. Transition, which is an internal late it, making disciples should be the core of any process, takes time. mission statement. It is always more important Change can put people in crisis and people than the method we use and the goals we set. need to be supported through it—not pushed. We can then ask where we are going and why The first stage in the transition is to idenwe exist—this is our vision, our purpose statetify what is being lost and learn how to manage ment. We consider which path we will take to that. It’s important to determine what is being achieve the vision—our strategy. And finally we left behind and what is being kept. The second identify specific, practical, measurable targets to stage is a neutral zone between the old reality move us toward our goals. and the new one. It can be a time of confusion All of us are prone to fall into traditionalism, and distress, but it is also the seedbed for new Kehler reminded the audience. We drift off misbeginnings. The final stage in the transition sion very easily and just do what we’ve always process is the new beginnings which comes done. Change is hard; we become invested in the with understanding of purpose and the parts ministries we are, or have been, a part of, so keep- people will play. It is a time of reorientation and ing the mission before our eyes is important. renewal. Throughout this process those leading need to keep communicating.
Step 2: Align people and ministries
Kehler then spoke about the importance of leaders intentionally leading the change and about how to work together with the church to
14 The Messenger • July/August 2022
Step 3: Get moving!
The final step in congregational planning is to get moving, Kehler stated, and the first step in
Rather than making accidental leaders, we should have a clear discipleship process that engages the gifts of the leadership team and the congregation doing that is to build leadership capacity. Rather than making accidental leaders, we should have a clear discipleship process that engages the gifts of the leadership team and the congregation. Engage the “spiritual entrepreneurs,” and give them a chance to speak up. Engage the planners. And be okay with people having different leadership styles and a different pace. This is not about control, Kehler emphasized. People are different and we need those differences. In particular, the Ministerial was told, churches need to bring the APEs back from extinction, a phrase Kehler borrows from 5Q Central (https://5qcentral.com/ ape-extinction/). APEs are the apostles, prophets, and evangelists in the church, and they are agents of change. Developing people takes time—more time than some of us would prefer (and less than others would like) but this is about the mission of the church. The second step in getting moving was to structure for
growth, not control. Be aware of where God is at work and release people to serve. There are a variety of structures, we were told, and not every structure fits every congregation. God didn’t intend for discipleship making to be bureaucratic or complicated. It needs to get simple and get outward, as Thomas Rainer and Eric Geiger say in their book Simple Church. The third step in getting moving, Kehler said, is to pick the low-hanging fruit. “Do something,” he said. What is right there that just needs to be done? Do that. A small but effective change can build trust in the process. Kehler concluded his session by encouraging the ministerial never to be caught off guard, and by the words of a friend who reminded him frequently that this is our generation, and we are responsible for our generation. For additional learning, Kehler provided a book recommendation list (shown at right).
As the founder and lead coach of SCOPE, Darrell Kehler brings 25 years of experience working in leadership development with a broad range of individuals and organizations. Darrell lives in Niverville, Man., with his family. This article was developed by Erica Fehr with notes from his presentation and the event video.
Books list Designed to Lead: The Church and Leadership Development by Eric Geiger and Kevin Peck
One Size Doesn’t Fit All: Bringing Out the Best in Any Size Church by Gary L. McIntosh
Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples by Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger
The Unstuck Church: Equipping Churches to Experience Sustained Health by Tony Morgan
The Work of Leaders: How Vision, Alignment, Execution Will Change the Way You Lead by Julie Straw, et al.
Mission Drift: The Unspoken Crisis Facing Leaders, Charities, and Churches by Peter Greer and Chris Horst
Sticky Leaders: The Secret to Lasting Change and Innovation by Larry Osborne
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 15
Pastors and misconduct in the EMC: how do we respond? By Layton Friesen
F
or God so loved his church that he gave some to be pastors. A Spirit-filled pastor is surely one of God’s most potent gifts in leading us to a deeper walk with Jesus. Following the example of a good pastor is a key path to conversion and becoming like Jesus according to 1 Timothy 4:12–16.
Could this happen to anyone?
Facing the hard questions
How do we continue to enthusiastically call, support and follow the shepherds God gives us, while being wise as serpents to deal with hirelings who show themselves unworthy of the office? It takes a whole spiritual culture in our conference that raises, trains, holds accountable and supports pastors. Pastors need schooling, healthy relationships, ample financial support and, yes, church discipline, to stay healthy. It takes a village to raise a healthy pastor. But even a healthy village needs to know what to do when one of its own pastors is accused of breaking trust and abusing someone.
JAIME LOEWEN
But a depressing recurrence in church news recently has been the report of some pastor somewhere accused of abuse or misuse of power. No church or denomination seems exempt. The bewildered Christian begins to wonder, could this really happen to anyone? To my pastor? What Christian leader who inspired me to follow Jesus 20 years ago will be in the newspaper tomorrow? These are hard questions. The EMC has been led for two centuries by a host of godly, humble
pastors whose service was and continues to be above reproach. But we have also had pastors who were not trustworthy and who took advantage of people under their care.
The Ministerial meeting on June 10, 2022, held times of worship, learning and discussion.
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These are devastating situations. Some will have the instinct to defend the pastor at all costs: “Touch not my anointed!” Others may rush to judgment. We can’t rely on instincts during a time like this. We need a thoughtful, preplanned process. The EMC Ministerial is considering again how we respond to allegations against ministers. This was a big part of the conversation at our meeting on June 10, 2022.
Abuse is to be taken seriously
We are revising our Ministerial Misconduct Policy to ensure when accusations of abuse are made against ministers, the people bringing forward these reports are taken seriously. We want to ensure there is a fair and objective attempt made to understand what happened in each situation and to determine what the consequences need to be. As pastors we want to learn more together about boundaries in the workplace, and about developing the self-knowledge we need to be involved in the intense and often emotionally fraught work of pastoring. We recognize that pastoring demands a deep sanctity that only comes through a long sculpting by the Spirit, Word and community.
A breaking of trust
All EMC pastors and ministers are accountable both to their congregations and to the wider conference. Whenever a pastor has a sexual or sexualized relationship with a congregant (apart from marriage) it is an abuse of power, and a breaking of trust. There are also other forms of behaviour that would be seen as a grave compromise of the church’s trust in their pastor, such as embezzling the church’s money.
Power isn’t all bad, but can be misused
Ministers have been given power by the congregation and the conference. This is important and good. Power is something God has a lot of, so it can’t be all bad! But power always brings hazards when it is handed to mortals. The more power a person has, the godlier character they need to live above reproach. God only lends power to the church to do what God is doing, in the way God wants it done. Anything beyond that is the misuse of power. As
the saying goes, the corruption of the best is the worst.
A focus on pastoral misconduct
Congregations should each have their own abuse prevention policies, such as child safety policies that govern how we all work together. What the EMC Ministerial is focusing on is how to deal with pastoral misconduct. We have had a ministerial misconduct policy for several decades but several key changes are being considered. • We are considering forming a misconduct response team of trained individuals from across the conference who would investigate accusations of abuse against a minister. • We are considering the requirement that all our ministers sign a pastoral ethics covenant committing themselves to the highest ethical standard. • We are considering holding regular training events for our pastors to further develop a culture of gentle, godly power in our ministry. • We are planning to have information more readily available on the EMC website where those who have experienced abuse by an EMC minister will have a clear idea of what the process will be if they report, and provide information to begin the process.
The draft policy is available
We hope to have the final vote on this new policy at the November 2022 Conference Council meeting. If you would like to see a copy of this draft policy, speak to your pastor, church board chairperson, or contact the EMC office (204326-6401 or info@emconference.ca).
A policy that is useable and fair
It is sometimes said, we hope we never have to use a policy like this. That’s not quite right. We hope no one ever experiences sexual abuse or bullying from anyone in an EMC church. But if there are those who have experienced this, we want this policy to be well-used. It is also the case that our pastors need to be protected from unfounded or false accusations. For all this we need a well-thought-out policy that is useable and fair.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 17
Living a hidden holiness
When I think back to pastors I have had, I thank God for the lives they offered to the church. They were humble folk who were quick to repent and admit their failures—and that was beautiful. Pastors live a demanding life, and those who live it with integrity find there is nothing glamourous or heady about it. It takes grit and a willingness to do most of your work behind the scenes, living a hidden holiness that few will see. We need gentle, skilled people anointed by the Spirit to offer their lives to this walk of life.
The path to true, godly, pastoral power
The shepherd walks ahead
I often remember an inspired line from a commentary I read some years ago which makes me so thankful for all the amazing pastors I have come to know across the EMC. Peter H. Davids said, “One could well argue that, following the pattern of the ancient world and especially of Judaism, teaching and leading was for the New Testament basically a matter of example rather than of lecture or command. Being an example fits well with the image of ‘flock,’ for the ancient shepherd did not drive his sheep but walked in front of them and called them to follow” (The First Epistle of Peter, New International Commentary on the New Testament, 181). We have a great culture of pastoral work in the EMC—let’s build on it! Layton Friesen served as EMC Conference Pastor for the past five years. He begins as Academic Dean at Steinbach Bible College in August 2022.
ADRIENNE PENNER
The pastoral life becomes powerful in a godly way in the life of the church as it is imitated. That’s a different kind of power than we mostly see in our world. Essentially, biblical pastoral power consists of living a hidden life of holiness in service to the church that nevertheless becomes evident and compelling. People seek to emulate it—and therein lies true, godly, pastoral power. But that makes pastoral abuse so devastating. People’s spiritual lives are at stake. It’s not enough to simply tell people to follow Jesus, not their pastor. No, the New Testament tells people to follow the example of their pastors (Hebrews
13:7). When pastors use that power to destroy vulnerable people, souls are put at risk.
Board of Leadership and Outreach members Abe Berg, Andrea Dyck, Ed Peters and Andy Woodworth (both hidden in back), and Chris Hughes pray a blessing on Glenda and Layton Friesen as Layton completes his work as EMC Conference Pastor and begins in his new position as Academic Dean at Steinbach Bible College this summer.
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EMC Festival 2022 It was with curiosity and perhaps some hesitation that we gathered for the Not-So-Late Show at the EMC Festival. What would acknowledging the past and looking to the future in a “classic late show format” be like? The lights in the auditorium dimmed and the Not-So-Late Show band led us into an entertaining and moving evening. Show host Andrew Dyck (otherwise pastor at Stony Brook Fellowship in Steinbach, Man.) warmed up the audience with a monologue referring to current events and experiences with a comedic twist. It was refreshing to laugh instead of grumble at what we have been living with in the past couple of years. With the audience relaxed, it was time for comedic sketches like “Top 10 things overheard at EMC Festival.” They took inspiration from EMC “rivalries” (looking at you, fellow acronyms with “M”), Mennonite culture and EMC national office staff. The audience then indulged host Andrew by letting him catch up on a task he had neglected; writing thank you notes such as “Thank you, Dutch Blitz, for being the closest pacifists will ever get to conflict.” Yes, if you were wondering, it was another comedic sketch. Kudos to the writers behind this show. Taking a break, host Andrew, in a pre-recorded video asked locals on the streets of Steinbach “What’s Next?” Responses were mixed, but for the most part there was hope in moving forward. Common themes were being together more, better care of selves and one another, living in the moment and being prepared for future things.
What Not-SoLate Show would be complete without commercial breaks? Yes, we had those too. We were treated to glimpses of what else we could look forward to at EMC Festival (International Food Market, here we come), promotions of partners such as Steinbach Bible College, and a call to action for refugee sponsorship of Afghan Christians. When was the last time a commercial break held such inspiration? But this night wasn’t all about entertainment—it was also about being challenged and encouraged. And with that came, arguably (no offence to the other segments), the part most looked forward to—guest interviews.
PHOTOS BY JAIME LOEWEN
Not-So-Late Show | June 10, 2022
Host Andrew Dyck
Lucas Aragon and Sid Reimer began a coffee ministry in Winnipeg during the pandemic.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 19
Andrea and Gary shared about the oppression of the Uighur people in China.
In our first guest appearance, we heard from Sid Reimer, a retired insurance broker, and Lucas Aragon, a homeless man of God, both of Winnipeg. Sid and Lucas met in 2019 when Sid returned from a meals-on-wheels type ministry in Mexico and was looking for an opportunity to serve similarly in Winnipeg. He approached Lucas, asking for counsel. Over the next many months, a partnership developed, and a pop-up coffee shop ministry began. Twice a week, weather permitting, Lucas and Sid set up a table at the intersection of Portage and Carlton with the sign “Coffee Free.” Coffee and pastries, donated or sold at discount by local suppliers, are handed out for as long as supplies last. This is a safe place for people, Sid and Lucas said, and often they have a chance to pray with people. This ministry has been going on for about a year and half, and in that time Lucas and Sid have seen many people who carry heavy burdens and trauma. Yet, they find a moment of peace at the coffee stand. Lucas and Sid ended with the encouragement to listen for God’s message, treat people well with words and hands, be committed, share how good life is when walking with Jesus and trust in God. With that challenge still ringing in our ears, Gary and Andrea came on stage as the second guest appearance. Gary and Andrea served in Uzbekistan; when they were forced to leave, they were led to the Uighur people in Northern China. They worked there for ten years and did not feel restricted as foreigners. On July 5, 2009, Gary and Andrea witnessed a peaceful
Ministry became simple: just saying, “God is here,” looking in their friends’ eyes and assuring them that the memory of them will not end.
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protest that turned violent. This Urmqi Riot or—as the Uighurs call it—massacre, became the impetus for dismantling Uighur culture and communities. Eight thousand young men disappeared in the days after, and many traditional neighbourhoods were destroyed. Tensions increased in the next seven years and, in 2016, a targeted and methodical oppression began against the Uighur people. Barriers appeared everywhere. Police stations were built at intersections. The Quran became illegal. It was not good to look Muslim. People disappeared or were sent to re-education “schools” or prison. The oppression became genocide. Though it was not directed at them, seeing so much fear among their friends was very difficult. Brains, Gary said, slowed down—you can’t process a lot in trauma—and ministry became simple: just saying, “God is here,” looking in their friends’ eyes and assuring them that the memory of them will not end. When they had to leave China four years ago, Gary and Andrea’s family needed to heal. It has taken time. To close, Gary mentioned a tradition in France of setting the table in the evening. Darkness is here, but the table is set. Dawn is coming. What an encouragement! A big thank you to all those who made this Not-So-Late Show a success! – Diana Peters
EMC Festival 2022 EMC Run | June 11, 2022
As part of EMC eF stival held June 10–11, 2022, in Steinbach, Man., runners and walkers participated in the EMC Run at 7 a.m. in L.A. Barkman park on June 11 to raise funds for Kilometers for Kids. KM4K is an initia tive of Open Schools Worldwide to give marginalized children access to education. Jen oK rnelsen (far right) and Phil Peters (right) were among happy participants. -
PHOTOS BY JAIME LOEWEN
KILOMETERS FOR KIDS
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 21
Council approves Spain as mission field, discusses make-up of EMC Ministerial
General Board
Board of Trustees
REBECCA ROMAN
STEINBACH, Man.—Delegates gathered on June 11, 2022, both in the Steinbach Bible College chapel and online, in EMC’s first hybrid Conference Council meeting. Moderator Abe Bergen opened by reminding delegates of EMC’s core values. Dylan Barkman led in prayer, followed by a time of worship through song led by Mo Friesen.
Kevin Wiebe and Jesse
Abe Bergen provided an update Penner are the hosts on the search for a new executive of a new podcast, The director. The search committee is Armchair Anabaptist, set processing candidates, with forto launch January 2023. mal interviews to begin shortly. As the search goes on, prayers are appreciated for the process. Tim Dyck, Executive Director, said many EMC churches have already responded to the appeal to assist in settling Christian Afghan refugees in Canada. The GB has “put forward a project to raise $50,000 [in] seed money” to churches that “may have trouble raising all of the funds necessary.” After 62 years of faithful witness in the Creighton, Sask., community, Northern Fellowship Chapel is formally closing. Delegates approved the motion to affirm the closing of NFC as an EMC church. Conference Pastor Layton Friesen prayed “on behalf of our brothers and sisters in the Creighton and Flin Flon area,” expressing thanks to God for the decades of NFC’s ministry.
David Kruse comments from the floor in appreciation of the training program in Spain for those seeking to reach out to Muslim people.
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Andrew Kampen gave an overview of the 2021 audited financial statements. After deficits in previous years, EMC reserves have been replenished over the last two years. The BOT has now established a policy to guide the amount to be retained as operating reserve (two months of expenses). Irma McKenzie reported for the Sustainable Funding Strategy Committee. “Acknowledging that the foundation of our work to support sustainable fundraising is ultimately the work of God in and through us,” she said. “He provides all of our needs before we ask, and we are completely dependent on him.” Giving patterns show that giving from EMC churches is in gradual decline. The SFSC’s final report, which highlights other potential revenue sources and ways to improve communication, was adopted by delegates.
Board of Church Ministries
Kimberly Muehling reported the BCM “has been busy as usual.” The BCM is excited about EMC hiring a Director Next Generation and will support this in any way they can. Travis Plett reported for the National Youth Committee (one of the BCM’s subcommittees). Rather than holding one national event, Abundant Springs in 2022 was planned with three regional events in Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba. The NYC is planning for Abundant Springs in 2023 to be “as usual.” Changes are coming for EMC’s theological journal Theodidaktos. Darryl Klassen, who served as editor since the journal’s inception, has stepped down. Jesse Penner is joining Kevin Wiebe (co-editor since 2016, now senior editor) to produce one print issue per year and a podcast, The Armchair Anabaptist. Penner and Wiebe introduced the podcast, which will launch in January 2023. The first season’s theme will be peace, which “felt like the perfect starting point for us,” said Penner.
Board of Missions
Phil Hamm introduced Antonio Pitta who, with his wife Esther, will soon travel to serve in Spain. People from
Morocco, Algeria and Libya are immigrating to Europe. “These people face hardships” and “are usually looked down upon by the local population and they need the love of Christ,” said Pitta. Delegates approved the motion to accept Spain as an EMC administered field. Blanca Infantes reported on the field in Guadalajara, Mexico. With Dallas and Tara Wiebe returning to settle in Canada, the Infantes family are the only EMC-administered missionaries left in the GDL field. “There is lots of opportunity to serve,” Infantes said. “If you or someone in your church would like to go there, you are welcome.”
Canadian Church Planting Task Force
Bow Island EMC (in Alberta) held a chartering service May 29, 2022, then a baptism service June 5, reported Director of Canadian Church Planting Gerald Reimer. “In the span of two weeks, they went from zero members to 25 members in their church,” he said. Recruitment of personnel is “a key component of church planting,” said Reimer. “A non-negotiable aspect of recruitment is the work of the Holy Spirit in calling and equipping.” Bill Janzen, church planting pastor of The Forge in St. Thomas, Ont., and Scott Dick, church planter in Ste. Agathe, Man., shared their stories of the Holy Spirit’s call to church planting.
Board of Leadership and Outreach
Andy Woodworth said it’s the role of the BLO to “check the fence line…to deal with issues of doctrine and theology [and determine] our parameters” and then “encourage those within that to enjoy that space that we have.” On June 10 the Ministerial discussed a new ministerial misconduct policy. It will be presented to Conference Council at the November 2022 meeting. The BLO is also working to define who makes up the Ministerial, and how voting happens at the Ministerial
Election results Moderator Abe Bergen Board of Church Ministries Diana Peters Board of Leadership and Outreach Chris Hughes Jennifer Isaac
Board of Missions Art Koop Joanne Martens Board of Trustees Abe Loewen Nominating Committee Peter Doerksen Walden Plett
level. Introducing the proposal, Abe Bergen noted that, at a Ministerial vote last summer “Ernie Koop who’s been a professor at SBC, long-time missionary, pastor at EFC, was not qualified to vote…. Something is not right,” he said, “we have not kept up our structures.” “We’re not coming with a finished product, we’re coming with a starting point,” added Blanca Infantes reminds deleWoodworth. The BLO has gates “there is lots of opportunity proposed two options. to serve” in Guadalajara. One option is to give each credentialed minister one vote, another option is to give each church one vote. Discussion followed. Some comments from the floor: • Option B seems like a tidy way of skirting around the difficulty of having women in pastoral roles. In our church’s case, if we were discussing a theological matter, we would have the most engagement from women in our church. • Option B would help us feel like we need to bring something from our church and be faithful to that. Option A would allow a change of decision after discussion, and to make a decision for the sake of the EMC community as a whole. • Some new pastors may not have a vote. Using Option A but giving every church in the conference at least one vote ensures there aren’t congregations that are left out. • It needs to be recognized that, with Option A, some churches won’t get a voice because they are led by females, who can’t be credentialed. • Option B gives a much stronger voice to the rural churches and the smaller churches of our conference. • There might be a hybrid option, such as every 300 members you get a vote. Bigger churches do get a bigger say, but it’s not overwhelming. • A concern with Option B is that older retired ministers won’t get a vote. When they have a lifetime of wisdom and experience to offer, their vote should count. Conference Pastor Layton Friesen closed the time of discussion saying, “We wanted to put these two options out there to generate discussion, and that’s clearly what’s happened.” – Rebecca Roman www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 23
EMC Festival 2022
PHOTOS BY JAIME LOEWEN
International Market | June 11, 2022
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“The ‘Market’ was brilliant—it inspired conversation, awareness of various ministries, and a delightful variety of food.” – participant comment
PHOTOS BY JAIME LOEWEN
EMC Festival 2022 Worship Event | June 11, 2022
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 25
With Our Missionaries
Fasts honoured for years of missionary service STEINBACH, MAN.
RUTH BLOCK
The Board of Missions (BOM) held the annual Missionary Fellowship on June 8, 2022, to recognize the service of Lesley and Marianne Fast, who are soon moving back to the Netherlands. We shared a meal, expressed our gratitude to the Fasts, and had a time of prayer together.
BOM chairman Phil Hamm (centre) presents Marianne and Lesley Fast with a plaque (right) in celebration of their years of missionary service.
Anthony Reimer, BOM member and associate pastor at Blumenort Community Church, began the evening with a devotional focused on God’s faithfulness. At times, even spectacular things can lose their power to impress when they become too familiar. Anthony challenged us never to lose the sense of awe and wonder of God, but to remember that he remains faithful. God has clearly demonstrated his faithfulness in the lives of Lesley and Marianne, just as he been faithful throughout history. A tribute to Lesley and Marianne was offered by Paul Meisner, representing Wycliffe Canada. Paul read excerpts from letters of other Wycliffe members who had served with the Fasts in Papua New Guinea and been blessed by them. They experienced the warmth of being considered family while away from their home communities. EMC Executive Director Tim Dyck also presented a tribute to Lesley and Marianne from EMC, referring to the servant nature of their ministry. A plaque was presented
26 The Messenger • July/August 2022
to the couple with the words “Well done, good and faithful servant!” inscribed in Dutch, Tungag and Roma languages. Lesley responded to these tributes by talking about appreciation. Sometimes, appreciation can be superficial, but he has experienced genuine appreciation from his home church, the EMC, and others. He expressed a desire to appreciate others in the same manner. Marianne recalled how she responded to God’s call over 50 years ago to be engaged in full-time service. She was raised in a home that trusted the Bible and knew Jesus, and she wanted to follow him faithfully. “Blessed are those…whose hearts are set on pilgrimage” (Psalm 84:5). Lesley and Marianne will be leaving Manitoba to spend some time with their daughter in Ontario before returning to live in the Netherlands for the foreseeable future. Although they are retirement age, they will continue to serve the Bible translation movement with their skills and expertise from the Netherlands. We are grateful for their example and lifetime of service as EMC associate missionaries. – Tim Dyck, EMC Executive Director
Come and pray in Paraguay! September 2022
Contact the EMC office at 204-326-6401 or info@emconference.ca for more information and to sign up.
“My testimony is not my story, but God’s story in me.” – Janine Parkinson, past prayer team participant
With Our Churches
Region 1 leaders gather for learning and encouragement
PHOTO SUPPLIED
Over the years, the Region 1 churches (northern Alberta and B.C.) have met every two years for a retreat, bringing leadership together for fellowship and inspiration. After missing the retreat in 2020, the churches met again April 29– May 1, 2022. All six Region 1 churches—Island Gospel Fellowship (Burns Lake, B.C.), Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship (B.C.), Westpointe Community Church (Grande Prairie, Alta.), High Level Christian Fellowship (Alta.), La Crete Christian Fellowship and Hillside Christian Fellowship (Alta.)—were represented by people find offensive? In what ways was he a stumbling pastors, ministerial members and others. block? “Jesus’ presence seemed to always split the crowd.” This year, instead of the usual facilities of Peace River Session 3 – from John 13:36ff: How did [I] get here... Bible Institute in Sexsmith, Alta., we met in the Best West- to the Lord’s table? Jesus has gone where the disciples canern in the beautiful “Gateway to the Rockies” town of not go. After the resurrection he appears to people as a Hinton, Alta. stranger, yet he calls his followers “brothers” and “friends.” Our schedule included a Get-(re)acquainted session He has become a different kind of friend than before. Friday evening. Saturday morning held an inspirational Jared Schroeder then led us in communion. session, with visiting and relaxing in the afternoon. Some It was a refreshing, encouraging weekend of warm felopted for the walking trails, some for a drive to the Athalowship, mutual encouragement and learning together. basca Falls near Jasper (about 80 kms), and some of us – Peter Janzen thought a mid-day nap was quite recreational. Sessions were also held Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Each session included Fort Frances EFC singing, church reports, and inspirational/ teaching messages by Conference Pastor Layton Friesen. Fort Frances, Ont.— Greetings from Session 1 – from Fort Frances EFC. Mike, an older Matthew 8 and 9: What Ukrainian man, and Sylvia, who was attracted people to for many years with the Canadian Jesus? What attracted Armed Forces, were baptized on May [you] to Jesus? and “Are 22, 2022. It’s an encouragement for all you in love with Jesus?” members to see these two believers Session 2 – from earnestly want to follow our Lord and Mark 10–14: What Saviour, Jesus Christ. aspects of Jesus did – Mark Gerber Pastor Alain Reimer baptizes Mike while Sylvia looks on.
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Two believers baptized
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 27
With Our Churches Abbeydale Christian Fellowship
It’s all Greek to you?
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As a local outreach opportunity, those who would like to sing more hymns may join in a hymn sing evening at a local seniors’ facility once a month. Immediate Christian responses are also needed to international situations in both Afghanistan and Ukraine. While the opportunity to sponsor a Christian Afghan family is under discussion by the church body, God has spoken clearly through one of ACF’s members about how to alleviate some of the suffering in Ukraine. A Ukrainian meal was served to Calgarians for donation from April 29–May 1. The funds will be
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CALGARY, Alta.—How many languages can you speak or understand? How many of the following can you read? Chinese: 耶稣基督为我而埋葬复活 Filipino: Si Hesukristo namatay, inilibing at nabuhay para sa akin! Spanish: ¡Jesucristo murió, sepultado y resucitó por mí! Vietnamese: Chúa Giêsu Kitô đã chết, được chôn cất và sống lại cho tôi! Swahili: Yesu kristo alikufa, akazikwa na kufufuka kwa ajili yangu! Low German: Jesus Christus, jestorwen, begröwt un oppjestonen, fa mie! ‘It’s all Greek to me!’ is a commonly heard phrase. Above are some of the languages spoken or understood by various ACF adherents. By signing their name on the applicable language tag on the Easter message greeting bulletin board in the weeks before Easter, each individual identified with the most important message in the history of the world. To commemorate and celebrate Christ’s sacrifice for all peoples, and as part of a Good Friday vigil, worship singing, prayer times, Scripture readings, and a multicultural foods potluck dinner united the largest gathering of believers in the ACF church building since the pandemic began. It was an appropriate way to remember the meal Jesus ate in fellowship and communion with his disciples before his arrest, crucifixion, death and resurrection. Following his resurrection, Christ gave the Great Commission, to reach every people and nation. Partaking of a potluck meal of traditional foods made by our brothers and sisters from many nations of the world was an encouragement to continue efforts to reach all peoples with the greatest message ever: Jesus Christ, died, buried and risen for all! For all! The community in and around ACF is comprised of immigrants from around the world. Prayer for our response to our world is paramount.
directed through Youth for Christ. Check UkraineEats.org for more information or to donate. The first Sunday in each month begins with a special prayer time for the church. Currently, one of the items for prayer is the search for a pastor. Pastor Larry Nutbrown has announced his impending retirement. A prayer vigil with this need in mind took place on April 20. The elected search committee continues to diligently use prayer and many other means to fulfill their mandate. We seek a pastor who desires to serve a multicultural church in a multicultural city and community with the message that Christ is risen…for all. – Ivy Plett
With Our Churches La Crete Christian Fellowship
New people finding a church to call ‘home’
FACEBOOK PHOTO
LA CRETE, Alta.— message on just how Spring is a beautiful good that Friday time of year. The sun really was. On Easshines, the snow melts, ter Sunday the music and flowers grow to worship team included greet the sun. It’s a a 20-person choir. To reminder to us that hear the sanctuary filled God is in the business with so many voices of renewing hearts and praising our risen Savlives for the beauty of his iour was truly powerful. kingdom. On Sunday, April At LCCF, we have 24, we at LCCF added seen growth. Our con14 people to our church gregation size has steadily family through baptism increased in the past year. and membership. It was It’s exciting to see our joyous to hear the testisanctuary nearly at capacmonies of these believers ity every Sunday, and the of how their faith journey new expansion of our buildThree of the 187 blankets lovingly created by the LCCF Missions Aid has transformed their ing filled with young and group for donation to MCC. lives. Some individuals old alike attending Sunday are very new believers in school. Bible studies are offered every day of the week. It is the faith. Some transferred their membership. All of them equally exciting to see, and slowly get to know, new people want to establish LCCF as their home church. who have started attending on a regular basis and are callEvery year, from January to the end of April, our Mising LCCF their home church. sions Aid group diligently works on sewing blankets for Part of getting to know our growing church family is MCC. This year, they were able to ship out 187 blankets! It holding social events again. In February, our social comis a wonderful feeling, knowing that someone in the world mittee organized our Annual Sweetheart Supper. We had will receive the warmth of a beautiful blanket lovingly record attendance. The couples were treated to a delicious, made by our group. catered dinner of country style food that went along with There’s a lot going on here in northern Alberta; we the western theme. It was fun getting dressed up, playing invite you to come up for a visit. “So in Christ we, though interactive games, and hearing the love story shared by one many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the of the couples there. others” (Romans 12:5). In March and April, we had a Who’s Coming for Faspa? – Eva Friesen event. Whoever wanted to participate signed up as either a host or a guest. The social committee assigned guests to the hosts and, at four o’clock on the two designated Sundays, they’d find out who was coming for a late afternoon Sponsor a refugee family through meal. It was a wonderful way to get to know people in our congregation we may not normally connect with. your local EMC church Good Friday and Easter Services were incredible times or donate to the project fund. of reflection and rejoicing! We shared in communion during our Good Friday service. We were also blessed Find out more at by special music and a dramatic reading and inspiring
Afghan Christian Refugee Project
emconference.ca/respond
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 29
With Our Churches Heartland Community Church
VOICE, values and ventriloquism
30 The Messenger • July/August 2022
Within three years, after teaching Christian values such as honesty and truth, forgiveness, purity, self-control, and obedience, the fruit of these values were evident. A 60 per cent decrease of incidents at the school was recorded. The curriculum’s title, VOICE, is an acronym for: Values Orientation In Classroom Education. The stories include biblical as well as cultural heroes.
Landmark community spring tea
On May 19, 54 ladies of Landmark sloshed through spring rains to hear one of their sisters, Florence Barg, share her faith. Her laugh-out-loud anecdotes cheered our souls.
PHOTOS SUPPLIED
LANDMARK, Man.—On May 15, 2022, our missions committee planned a special Sunday service. Harold Barg shared a history of Heartland missions which included sponsoring refugees. He and Florence had just returned from a trip to Israel, and they made a side trip to Greece to meet the refugee family of AbdulMajid Hakimi from Afghanistan. They will be residing in Landmark. Evelyn Barkman, missionary to Mali, Africa, read from Psalm 78:1–8. It is a song that encourages us to speak of God’s greatness to the generations that follow. She introduced guest speaker Laura Bonney, a missionary ventriloquist with SEND International. Laura shared her experiences teaching values in schools in the Philippines and Uganda. Her method: ventriloquism. Doors opened for Christian missionaries when former president of the Philippines Gloria Arroyo gave a directive in July 2004 to teach values in the public schools again. She opened the country up to non-government organizations Laura Bonney with puppet Ernie of various religions. At Canadian Thanksgiving in 2003, Laura accepted an invitation from a Filipino pastor named Tony to visit a school near his church in Metro Manila, Philippines. In 2004, they gathered a prayer team. From this team, Laura’s co-worker Ruth and a Filipino friend began writing values-based lessons for school classrooms.
Florence Barg
Florence spoke of her life’s awkward moments, her world travels for missions with her husband Harold, and the faith-building trials in her youth that God used to shape her to be the woman of faith she is today. What many did not know at the time was that while Florence was in Palm Springs, not that long ago, another woman of faith prayed over her about how God was going to use her gifts of teaching and communication for his glory. When Florence returned home, she was invited to speak at this event. Glory to God! Those who were attending the ladies’ tea blessed Adult and Teen Challenge’s women’s program with baking ingredients to stock their pantry. – Brigitte Toews
With Our Churches Picture Butte Mennonite Church
PBMC blessed by many children Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ: Hudson Dyck, Xavier Giesbrecht, Juliett Klassen, Oakley Klassen, Silas Klassen, Kaleo Martens, Logan Neufeld, Nathaniel Neufeld, Scarlett Neufeld, Elliot Thiessen, Lindy Thiessen, Emily Wiebe and Darius Wolf. May these children be a blessing to their families, church and surrounding! – Jonathan Neufeld
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PICTURE BUTTE, Alta.—“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him” (Psalm 127:3 NLT). “But Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children’” (Matthew 19:14 NLT). What a day! On May 1, 2022, Picture Butte Mennonite Church was blessed to dedicate 13 children to our
Leamington EMC
Associate pastor receives graduation gift
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LEAMINGTON, Ont.—Pastor Jake Enns presents associate pastor Joe and Jessica Penner with a graduation gift from Leamington Evangelical Mennonite Church for finishing their studies at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. – Phil Hamm
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 31
News
Steinbach Bible College holds in-person graduation
EMC graduates of SBC are (clockwise, from top left) Cynthia Reimer, AA Marketplace (Rosenort EMC); McKenna Barkman, BA Christian Studies (Mennville EMC); Jesse Penner, BA Christian Studies (Pleasant Valley Church); Marcus Friesen, BA Christian Studies (Fort Garry EMC); Mercedes Beveridge, BA Christian Studies (Fort Garry EMC); and Chelsea Barkman, BA Christian Studies (Mennville EMC). Not pictured are Frank Harmon, BA Biblical Studies (High Level Christian Fellowship) and Scott Dick, BA Ministry Leadership (Rosenort EMC).
32 The Messenger • July/August 2022
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF SBC
STEINBACH, Man.—Steinbach journeying along the straight road Bible College celebrated the gradof faith,” he explained. “He was uating class of 2022 with a live challenged by them, rebuked the in-person ceremony at the Emmanignorance of others, and inspired uel Evangelical Free Church in others to make the same walk of Steinbach, Man., on April 23, 2022. faith to the celestial city in heaven.” A total of 28 graduates were recFehr continued, “We are comognized with five certificates, four mitting to live out the call to be AAs, and 19 BA degrees. servant leaders who will walk that Celebrations began on Friday path by patterning our lives after with the annual Spring Concert Jesus Christ, humbly serving the to honour the college’s certificate church, and engaging the world.” grads. In many ways, it was a celeThe commencement address bration of God’s faithfulness through was given by Antonio Pitta, an SBC the past challenging two years. Alumnus and pastor at the Iglesia Joel Sawatzky, a certificate grad, Emanuel Church in Calgary, Alta. expressed gratitude for his time Commencement speaker Antonio Pitta Pitta, who brought a surfboard at SBC. “Through the professor’s on stage, challenged the graduatteachings and the opportunities here at school to serve ing class to approach life like surfing a wave. “When I was in new ways, I have seen that the good news is not just (a swimmer) and was tossed all over the place by waves, needed across the sea; it is needed here where we live!” I thought I could drown,” he shared. “The same untamHe explained how the theme verse of 2 Corinthiable waves were being masterfully dominated by people ans 4:16–18 reminds him that “while now we are going on surfboards. You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn through momentary struggles, the eternal glory that is to how to surf them.” come will far outweigh everything in this life on earth. We Pitta concluded, “As you go forward and face your no longer fix our eyes on the struggles in front of us. Now uncertain future, and through the difficulties that come we look to the things unseen and yet to come.” your way; go forward with courage and confidence knowOn Saturday, joy and excitement was in the air as the ing that God’s plans for your life are truly great.” AA and BA grads walked down the aisle with family and – SBC friends by their side. Graduation is a time of reflection on the growth that has happened over the course of the student’s time of study. This group of students began their journey at SBC during the pandemic, so it was rewarding to celebrate their accomplishments alongside the community. Noah Fehr, SBC’s class valedictorian for 2022, likened this class to Christian, the pilgrim in John Bunyan’s Pilgrims Progress. “This character met others while
Shoulder Tapping Additional EMC Openings Often there are more churches looking for senior, associate, youth, and interim pastors than are identified on this page. For information on additional openings, contact Director of Canadian Church Planting Gerald D. Reimer (greimer@emconference.ca). The national office phone number is 204-326-6401.
EMC Positions The EMC national office is seeking an individual with a passion for Christ and the church to fill the new position of Director Next Generation (DNG), starting in fall 2022. This position will champion mentorship and engagement of the next generation by providing expertise, resources and a youthful perspective to EMC staff, boards and churches as they seek to serve and inspire the next generation. Qualifications include a degree in theology or Christian ministry, pastoral and leadership experience with youth, young adults and young families, experience and training in content creation, strong interpersonal, communication and conflict resolutions skills. This position requires frequent travel in Canada. It offers equitable pay and benefits with opportunity for professional development. To see the fuller job description and apply go to our website http://www.emconference.ca/serve/ or apply directly to applications@emconference.ca. Applications will be accepted until August 31 or until a suitable candidate is found. The EMC national office is seeking an individual with a passion for Christ and the church to fill the position of Conference Pastor (CP), starting in fall 2022. The Conference Pastor will develop and cultivate strong relationships with leadership of EMC churches, providing pastoral care for the pastors and leaders throughout the churches of the EMC as well as making presentations, attending meetings, or preaching as requested to equip the church. Qualifications include a degree in theology or Christian ministry (graduate degree preferred), pastoral experience, strong interpersonal, communication and conflict resolutions skills. This position requires frequent travel to locations across Canada. It offers equitable pay and benefits with opportunity for professional development. To see a fuller job description and apply go to our website http://www.emconference.ca/serve/ or apply directly to applications@emconference.ca. Applications will be accepted until August 31 or until a suitable candidate is found. Ridgewood Church is looking for a full-time senior pastor to begin in the new year. This multigenerational, family-oriented church is part of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Ridgewood is a
rural church located north-east of Steinbach, Man., with over 200 in attendance on Sunday mornings. The senior pastor is the spiritual overseer and shepherd of the congregation. This ministry is accomplished by studying and teaching, praying and preaching, and visiting and visioning on the basis of the Word. Ridgewood members strive to be a people that minister to the whole family, worshipping God together, sharing the gospel of Jesus in love, responding to the needs around us, and cultivating a culture of Biblical discipleship, prayer and fellowship—all for the glory of God. Applications along with cover letter should be sent to Stan Hamm: shamm@escape.ca. Picture Butte Mennonite Church (Picture Butte, Alta.) is prayerfully seeking to hire a full-time pastor to oversee our German-speaking ministry. PBMC currently holds an English and a Low German service each Sunday morning which both connects us to our cultural heritage and gives us a unique outreach opportunity to more traditional, Low German-speaking communities. We are looking for a man that is experienced in ministry with a strong ability to shepherd in preaching and teaching from the Scriptures in Low German as well as an ability to relate to and care for members of the culturally Mennonite community. This pastor will also meet the biblical requirements for leadership in the church as laid out in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9. For more information or to submit a resume, please contact Isaac Thiessen, Chair of Leadership, at 403-308-5093 or by email: isaact@genicadev.com. Morris Fellowship Chapel is a Christ-following, Biblebelieving, family-friendly church of around 130 people in the small rural town of Morris, Manitoba. People of all ages are a part of Morris Fellowship, including children, young adults, adults and seniors. We are looking for a pastor to help with preaching, teaching, and building community in our church. This would include preaching on Sundays, teaching midweek Bible studies, personal visits and church community events. Contact Cliff Reimer, Pastoral Search Committee Chairman: cliff0955@gmail.com. The St. Vital EMC Church is seeking to hire a parttime youth pastor who will lead and disciple our youth aged 15–18 years old. We are an established and friendly church in south Winnipeg with approximately 120 congregants who aspire to love God and live as Jesus Christ lived. The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for Christ through their vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus. Demonstrable leadership and influence among youth will mark this person’s character on a consistent basis as well as the ability to discern truth and obey God’s calling within the broader scope of the church’s ministry. The person
taking this role needs to demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively on a small ministry team. Previous applicable experience working with youth is essential. The position will require approximately 16 hours of time per week. A resume, with cover letter, can be sent to: Oswald at ozzy_wald@ hotmail.com. The ConneXion in Arborg, Man., is seeking a pastor with a love for Jesus, emotional intelligence, spiritual discernment, and the ability to capture and carry out the vision of our church. The ConneXion is a diverse group of people that are seeking to make Jesus the center of all we do. We lean into the BELLS acronym discussed by Michael Frost in his book Exiles. Please reach out to 204-250-5534 or email theconnexion@ hotmail.com if interested. Straffordville (Ont.) Evangelical Mission Church is seeking an associate pastor. SEMC is a rural church in a growing community with a congregation of about 160 people. We are a multigenerational congregation and have great existing ministries. We work hard at developing relationships in the community. We are looking for male applicants who have a clear sense of calling and love for the body of Christ, to serve and equip her for works of service, stemming from a growing relationship with Christ. This person must be able to preach, teach and show pastoral care. The successful applicant will work alongside the senior pastor and lay ministers in preaching, teaching, care-giving, and providing resources and support to the other volunteer-based ministries in the church, according to his strengths and abilities. Applicants must agree with the EMC Statement of Faith and display an understanding and general agreement with our Anabaptist theological background. Contact psc@straffordvilleemc.ca.
Other Positions The Manitou Christian Fellowship, a multi-generational, rural church in south-central Manitoba, seeks to glorify God by helping people find and follow Jesus. We are looking for a lead pastor who is relational, a gifted teacher, and has a heart for evangelism and discipleship. We are open to an 80–100% work week. It is important for us to be biblically centred. We welcome people from all backgrounds to join us in learning and growing together in our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. We aim to have a positive impact on people’s lives and advance the cause of Christ. Our people are generally involved in local community events and in developing relationships outside of the church family. For more information and to apply, please contact Traci Johnston at 204-876-4617 or by email at 24johnston@gmail.com. See our website at www. manitouchristianfellowship.com.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 33
Column • His Light to My Path
Namesake
I By Karla Hein
grew up in a household where children had a first or second name derived from the Bible: Faith, Charity, Grace…you get the idea. Then, my husband and I named our firstborn Creedence Wade. His name, with its nod to an old rock band, was a drastic departure from my family’s naming tradition! Hanging on Creedence’s bedroom wall is the lyrics to a song, not written by his namesake, but by Rich Mullins. The song echoes the famous creeds of our faith. “I believe in God the Father Almighty Maker of Heaven and Maker of Earth.” I pray almost every day that Creedence will
the challenge, I also anticipate the opportunity. What a beautiful position God has given us on eternity’s timeline! Consider Moses as an example. In Hebrews 11, we read that he scorned the treasures of Egypt to identify as an Israelite because he looked ahead to the reward (vv. 24-26). Jesus said to rejoice when we experience ridicule and hardships because of our loyalty to him (Matthew 5:11–12). By faith, we see that our reward in heaven will far surpass the discomfort of today. We are being granted the privilege to pick up our cross and share in the suffering of Christ—the only begotten, beloved by the Father (Luke 9:23; Philippians 3:10). The Apostles rejoiced “because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name” (Acts 5:41). May the opposition we encounter discipline our hearts to encourage each other with these hard, beautiful truths of perseverance in the gospel (Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 11:19–24; 12:12)! Upon hearing that a friend’s son had been named after him, John Newton replied, “May the name of Newton be to him as a lighthouse upon a hill as he grows up, to warn him against the evils I ran upon in my youth, and on which (without a miracle of mercy) I should have suffered a fatal shipwreck” (Aitken, p. 390). Many times, I have let the fear of conflict, the quest for acceptance, and my love for the world be prioritized over my Saviour’s redemption. I trip up even in the little things of speaking harshly and complaining quietly. However, I will not define myself by my past successes or shortcomings for I press on to run the race set before me (Philippians 3:13–14). I continue to marvel that I have been saved from his wrath on my sins through Christ (Rom. 5:9; I John 1:7)! Thro’ many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; ‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, And grace will bring me home.
ISTOCK
The world desperately seeks for truth and meaning through its own faulty devices. The ensuing chaos results in an intimidating landscape for boldly proclaiming Christ. Though I understand the challenge, I also anticipate the opportunity.
grow to be a strong leader who loves God and stands strong for what he believes. The creeds of our faith. The standard found in Scripture. The assurance of things not yet seen (faith’s definition recorded in Hebrews 11:1). I’ve been thinking a lot about standing tall. The world desperately seeks for truth and meaning through its own faulty devices. The ensuing chaos results in an intimidating landscape for boldly proclaiming Christ. Though I understand
34 The Messenger • July/August 2022
Column • Further In and Higher Up
Disciples are never losers
G
od does not finally expect you to make any sacrifice for him. There is no cost to following Jesus, at the end of the day. Let’s quickly qualify that. I said “finally” and “at the end of the day.” For the time being there can be costs to following Jesus, and Jesus says whoever does not count those costs is unworthy of being his disciple. In the immediate future, following Jesus will “cost” your old, sinful nature, if you reckon that a loss. Short-term you may lose your family, money, and security. You may lose your life. Do you believe me if I tell you that all those “costs” are like saying that a winning lottery ticket will “cost” you? Does a lotto winner lie awake at
Becker. Becker argues that philosophers setting up the modern world took the old medieval hope of heaven and transposed it into something doable in this world, using science and reason. But once this life is all there is, this life by itself must be worth it. The biblical promise of heaven no longer inspires us to see meaning in our suffering. It no longer inspires us to believe that our losses here are merely giving up what we cannot keep to gain what we cannot lose (to quote Jim Elliot). And thus, death becomes the “ultimate sacrifice.” Notice how that phrase has crept into our speech. To give up marriage, wealth or happiness in this life makes no sense. Give it up to gain what?
By Layton Friesen
LIGHTSTOCK
Our pain and suffering are a more vexing problem for us because the math by which we calculate whether it is “worth it” tends only to figure this world.
night wondering what else could have been done with those three dollars? Does Christ finally ask us to give up life, health, wealth, and pleasure for his sake? Doesn’t he rather save us from the horrific investment scam that is the world and direct us to lasting, satisfying, abundant and real pleasures? “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). But we modern people have a hard time feeling this joy deep in our bones. It seems we struggle more with the problem of evil than our ancestors. Our pain and suffering are a more vexing problem for us because the math by which we calculate whether it is “worth it” tends only to figure this world. I have a book called The Heavenly City of the Eighteenth-Century Philosophers by Carl L.
Jesus the pioneer of our salvation did not consider his crucifixion an “ultimate sacrifice” in the way modern people think about suffering. Jesus saw the cross as an investment to gain a vast pleasure. For the sake of the joy set before him he endured the cross, despising its shame (Hebrews 12:2). Christ’s derision of the cross is what I am pointing to as Christian suffering. This is not to minimize the lengths to which God went to secure our salvation but only to put things in proportion. Christ gave his life because he considered it a bargain to gain fellowship with us forever. Christ throws out a fierce dare to all who hear: “I challenge you to sell your possessions and give them to the poor. I dare you to forgo marriage for the sake of the kingdom. Go ahead and become a fool for my sake. Just try to outgive me; you can’t do it.” So, what are you waiting for?
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 35
Column • Kids’ Corner
Bees and orange juice
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IST OC
K
By Loreena Thiessen
id you have orange juice for breakfast? A banana in your cereal? An apple for a snack? Do you know that bees make it possible for you to have these fruits? And cereal? And vegetables? How do bees give us food? Bees’ food is the nectar of flowers. As bees travel from flower to flower to drink nectar they get covered in sticky pollen. Pollen is the fine sticky powder found on the stamens of a flower, the delicate stems in its center. The bee carries the pollen from one flower to another, fertilizing nearby plants. A new plant grows from the fertilized plant seeds. Because of their furry bodies, bees are perfect pollinators. Bees pollinate fruit and vegetable crops, and the grain crops for both people and animals. Without pollination plants would disappear and we would go hungry. Another valuable job of the bee is to make honey. We add honey to sweeten our food or cup of tea. Honey also has important minerals like calcium and magnesium to keep our bones healthy. Some studies show that honey can help stop a cough and maintain memory, fight allergies and arthritis, and keep muscles strong. Beeswax is another product of bees. Beeswax is used in making candles, in modeling clay and tempera paints. Every hive has three types of bees. Each one has a specialized job. Only one bee is the queen. Her job is to lay eggs. Most of the bees in a hive are worker bees. When they’re young their job is to clean the hive, make royal jelly to feed the
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queen and larvae, and receive nectar from the field bees. When they’re older they fly out to collect nectar, pollen and water. A very few bees are drones, the male bees. Their job is to mate with the queen and help her make eggs. Bees help us in so many important ways. How can we help bees do their vital work? In our gardens and back yards, we can help bees by planting a variety of flowering plants. Bees will find them, sip their nectar, and pollinate plants nearby. We can also help them by not putting insecticides on our garden plants and field crops. Insecticides that kill harmful insects will also endanger bees. Climate change affects bees too. A too-warm climate can make flowers bloom early before the bees are out, giving less food for bees and for us. Less pollution means more plants can grow. More plants means more food, and more habitat for earth’s creatures. Why should we care for creation, the world around us? In Genesis 1:1–31 we read how God created all of the earth and its inhabitants. All of it belongs to God. Read Deuteronomy 10:14. In Genesis 2:15 God commands people to take care of his creation. We are all connected. By taking care of the earth and its creatures we respect God who created it.
Activity: plant a flowering plant Need: one plant (choose from zinnia, daisy, aster, Queen Anne’s Lace), one sixinch pot with potting soil or a garden spot, water, spade. Do: plant the plant in an outdoor garden, flower bed or pot. Watch it grow and bloom. Take note of any visitors, like a bee. Take a photo of the plant. Share with your family. The Messenger Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement #40017362
