The Messenger a publication of the
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
Volume 56  No. 4 July 2018
The Evangelical Mennonite Covenant pages 4,10-12,17-26
INSIDE: Substance Use and Addiction: What Can the Church Do? page 6
DENNIS FRIESEN
10 Reasons Why I Appreciate the EMC Mental Health FAQ page 13
page 10
Editorial
The Frightening Task of Preaching
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reaching is a privilege, a frightening task. By frightening, trembling before God is meant, not a fear of speaking in public. Jesus said we are judged by our words (Matt. 12:3637). James said people should be wary of being a teacher because they will be judged more strictly (James 3:1). The Lord can, if he chooses, instantly cut me off from preaching, just as he silenced Zechariah (Luke 1:20). What compels some people, then, to preach? A good reason, perhaps the best one, is the sense of being called. Preaching is a basic act of being a pastor. About 40 years ago I skimmed a library book that said a sermon was 40-45 minutes, nearby someone had pencilled in 30-35, and by the time I saw the book sermons seemed shorter. Recently, though, I listened to a sermon about 43 minutes long. There seems to be a trend toward longer sermons in some EMC churches. My wife Mary Ann, who has heard many preachers, says, “If you can’t say it in 20 minutes, stop trying.” When I mentioned this to a preacher, he responded by saying people’s attention to a TV program is often longer. Yes, but I gently suggest that the sermon isn’t the whole program; the service is. Where is a sermon often placed within the order of service used within EMC churches? Near the end. Why is this? Donald P. Hustad, an evangelical worship leader, said it’s an inheritance from a revival format: the Word is preached and people are to respond. Some churches,
including an EMC church or two, move the sermon toward the middle to enlarge the ways we can respond to the Word within a service. This makes sense to me. By the way, how good is your pastor’s preaching? A survey found most pastors saw themselves as above-average preachers (Chris Puhach). Another question: how does the context or setting affect how we receive preaching? Consider the sermon of Bishop Michael Curry during the wedding of HRH Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Harry is potentially the future King of England and, thereby, the head of the Church of England. Bishop Curry is African American, and he, as others have said, preached amid the backdrop of England’s having been a colonial power that endorsed slavery. Harry and Meghan sat in an ornate cathedral impressive for both its architecture and wealth at a time when the Church of England faces many challenges: a declining attendance, the stress of owning many underused buildings, and many social needs. Such displays of architecture and wealth within any part of the Christian Church both intrigue and disturb me. Curry is the first African American to be the bishop of the Episcopal Church, the larger U.S. counterpart to the Anglican Church in Canada. Curry is well-educated, warm, articulate, and lively; it’s a wonder that nearby candles didn’t go out as he preached. He supports same-sex marriage and defends it despite the tensions it creates within the wider Anglican Communion. Must Curry and I agree on all points before we agree on any? No. His 13-minute sermon saw various responses that partly reflected the backgrounds people brought to it. Likewise, from B.C. to southern Ontario, our backgrounds affect how we respond to sermons. When we hear a sermon, what do we consider? Content, style, passion, setting, context, length, culture, lifestyle, our reaction? Reaction? The frightening task of preaching is to continue even where settings are difficult and reactions are mixed: “Go now to your people in exile and speak to them. Say to them, ‘This is what the sovereign Lord says,’ whether they listen or fail to listen” (Ezekiel 3:11 TNIV). – Terry M. Smith
When we hear a sermon, what do we consider? Content, style, passion, setting, context, length, culture, lifestyle, our reaction?
Purpose and Disclaimer The Messenger is to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith. Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. Board of Church Ministries
2 The Messenger • July 2018
Table of Contents Features
Columns
6
4
Further In and Higher Up
5
An Education App
Substance Use and Addiction: What Can the Church Do? – Daniel Dacombe
10 10 Reasons Why I Appreciate the EMC – Pastor Kevin Wiebe
13 Mental Health FAQ – Heidi Dirks
Departments 2 Editorial 3 Pontius’ Puddle 16 With Our Missionaries
The Evangelical Mennonite Covenant – Layton Friesen Harvey, Esther, and a Race against Time – Terry M. Smith
page
34 Here and Far Away
21
Given Over – Jocelyn R. Plett
35 Stewardship Today A Plan Worth Making – Peter Dryden
36 Kids’ Corner
Enjoy August! – Loreena Thiessen
17 With Our Churches 28 In Memory 33 Shoulder Tapping
page
12
page page
16
18
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 3
The Messenger Volume 56 No. 4 July 2018
EDITOR TERRY M. SMITH tsmith@emconference.ca
ASSISTANT EDITOR ANDREW WALKER awalker@emconference.ca
Submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconference.ca. The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. 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.
It is published 12 times per year, six in print (also online at www.issuu.com/emcmessenger) and six in a website format at www.emcmessenger.ca. To get the most out of The Messenger, viewing both versions is encouraged. Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed. Unpublished material is not returned except by request. Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement. The Messenger is published by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main St, Steinbach, Man., and is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press. Subscription rates (under review) 1 year print subscription $20 ($26 U.S.) Manitoba residents add 8% PST. Single print copy price: $2 Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents. The Messenger is available for free to all online at: www.emcmessenger.ca If you wish to sign up for our email newsletter. Pleaase contact Andrew at: awalker@emconference.ca. Digital copies are free. Change of address and subscriptions Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be addressed to: 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: messenger@emconference.ca www.emconference.ca/messenger Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba. ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362 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 should be sent to messenger@emconference.ca.
4 The Messenger • July 2018
Column • Further In and Higher Up
The Evangelical Mennonite Covenant
A
s I travel across our conference I often wonder: what is it that holds these churches together? What ties bind us across the 4,555 kms of our conference’s breadth? The word I keep coming back to is covenant. What fastens us is similar to a marriage covenant between congregations with the challenges and fun of any marriage. In fact, I would say that a congregation’s ability to stand up for the truth of marriage in our culture is greatly strengthened if it lives out its own covenant with other EMC churches. It’s hard to convince the world that a marriage covenant is a human tasting of God’s long-suffering faithfulness when the congregation itself can’t bear the nuisance of being in binding covenant with other churches that it does not find agreeable, attractive, or handy. Which brings me to the difference between a covenant and a contract. In a contract I give you money or services in exchange for the services I know I will get from you. If a wife said to her husband, “What has this marriage done for me lately, anyways?” you would know that marriage is in a very bad place. That husband would be a fool who would say, “Sure, no problem. I can easily draw up a list of 10 things I have done for you lately and then you will see that our marriage is great.” That marriage has become a contract, and will soon dissolve completely if a deeper mystery is not found. Likewise for a congregation to ask, “What has belonging to the EMC done for us lately?” is also a very sad question. It would be a foolish conference that tried to draw up a list of all the benefits of belonging to a conference as though that was addressing the real problem.
Covenants involve work and mutual service but they are not based on works. If this connection we have as churches is something creby Layton Friesen ated by God (and Conference Pastor if not, then let’s be rid of it), then it is a covenant of grace and not of works. We are bound together because God found us lost and alone and bound us together for His greater purpose and our training in divine union. We have not negotiated a contract to scratch each other’s itch. But like a marriage, once we are taken up into the mystery of our divine fastening, we find all kinds of ways to serve each other, work together, grieve with each other and to celebrate and relax together. Sometimes the covenant needs to be renewed and freshened in our wills and wallets. But none of that is done to prove that this marriage is worth it. None of that is done as a membership fee. Some of our congregations have annual covenanting services where they renew the bond between them. It’s a way to resist the drifting autonomy and alienation that constantly plagues modern life. Perhaps we, the Evangelical Mennonite Covenant, need a similar reminder that “you are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Cor. 6:19-20). Note: This column reflects some of Layton’s report at the EMC national ministerial meeting on July 6, 2018, in London, Ont.
Column • Archives Alcove
Harvey, Esther, and a Race Against Time
H
TERRY SMITH
arvey K. Plett and Esther Wiebe are doing what they can in a race against time. Working under the EMC Archives Committee, they have been translating letters in German written to Peter B. Kroeker, who was elected to the Steinbach ministerial, first as a deacon and then as a minister, on Jan. 23, 1918. Family and friends located in Meade, Kansas, and elsewhere wrote Peter B. Kroeker (18731955) about 88 letters, some dating back to the 1890s. Lee Toews, Peter’s son-in-law of Winnipeg, Man., later rewrote some of the letters into modern German script. Through the generosity of the Toews family, Henry Fast, EMC historian, recently offered them to the EMC Archives (and provided the outline of Peter B. Kroeker’s history). Harvey and his sister Esther began using copies of the originals and the work by Lee Toews to render them into current English. In doing so, the past and the present pilgrimages of believers meet in a rich way—and in the middle is Harvey himself. He, though, wants his sister Esther to be mentioned and for God to receive all of the glory. You see, Harvey has his own stories to tell. Years ago he consented to fill in briefly overseas when there was a need. He ended up serving as a cross-cultural worker in Belize and the Bahamas from 1969 to 2001 with Gospel Missionary Union. His areas of work were as diverse as maintaining buildings, bookkeeping, and coordinating Bible correspondence courses. Len Barkman, a missionary in Harvey K. Plett holds some of his the Bahamas and Esther Wiebe's work.
and later EMC general secretary, tells of how one of his young sons threw a snake that landed on Harvey, who was nearby. Harvey calmly removed the snake from around his neck and kept on going. The names of Harvey K. Plett, mostly the missionary, and Harvey G. Plett, mostly the minister and educator, get mixed up at times (at least when I communicate by e-mail). The confusion is perhaps somewhat understandable: one Harvey was out of the country for many years while the other was active in Canada. Besides much of their names, though, they share a faith and a willingness to serve. Now Harvey and Esther translate the life experiences and faith of Christians of past generations. Because they do so, we can look over the letters for personal and wider benefit. Themes emerge as I do so: health concerns, family connections, farming, and faith. These are not unusual. Health, family, work, and faith remain common concerns. What is served by reading these letters? Partly, they remind us that life and faith in difficult times are not new to Christians in the 21st century. They have been constant challenges throughout history. The letters remind us of the legacy of faith (Heb. 11) and of our need to persevere as followers of Christ (Heb. 10:32-39). The preserving of these letters, their translation, and their study are important. Harvey and Esther’s teamwork is significant in the EMC, and they were until recently the only translators working in the EMC Archives. They serve as volunteers, which means as health, time, and interest allow. Meanwhile, the EMC Archives has hundreds of German documents, only some of which have been translated. The EMC Archives Committee has for years operated on a pittance and with little more than a handful of volunteers at one time. Does anyone else see a need for more volunteers and more funding? Meanwhile, Harvey and Esther do what they can, and we are grateful to them for it. We are also greatful to Ellen Stoesz, Anne Fehr, and Sara Peters.
by Terry M. Smith Director of Communications and Education
The preserving of these letters, their translation, and their study are important. Harvey and Esther’s teamwork is significant in the EMC, and they were until recently the only translators working in the EMC Archives.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 5
Mental Health Initiative 2018
Substance Use and Addiction:
What Can the Church Do? by Daniel Dacombe
ISTOCK
6 The Messenger • July 2018
I
n my years of helping youth and families with mental health issues, some of the most challenging issues I have seen those families face are those involving substance use and addiction. With physical illnesses we as a church are supportive; with mental illnesses we tend to be understanding. With harmful substance use and addiction, though, some people tend to experience more judgment and shame in Christian circles. There are a number of reasons for this, and I believe it is important to understand these reasons if we are to give the best quality of help and support to individuals dealing with substance use issues. One reason is that Christians, and the various forms of the Mennonite church especially, have historically discouraged substance use. Passages from the Bible discouraging drunkenness are cited in support of a life lived without substances, or, at least, with only moderate substance use (usually alcohol only). From this perspective, individuals who develop issues with alcohol or other drugs may be looked down on as merely suffering the consequences of personal sin. However, the reality of addiction is much more complex. With harmful substance use, individuals can act in ways that are damaging to themselves and their loved ones. These actions often seem out of character; individuals who are normally loving and upstanding members of society seem to become complexly different people when they are in the grips of an addiction. They may even say that they want to change, but seem unable to despite the negative consequences they experience. Are these dangerous behaviours all really the result of poor choices? Or is there something more going on?
Substance Use and Addiction in Canada
In order to unpack these complex issues, let us first define what we are talking about for the purpose of this article. A drug is any substance not food that can cause changes to how our body and/or mind are working. Harmful substance use is using one or more drugs in a way that causes problems for us in our lives. Addiction means continuing with harmful substance use in spite of the consequences one experiences, often with significant distress and failed attempts to quit or reduce use. It might also be helpful to take a look at some recent Canadian statistics on the subject: According to research conducted in 2012, approximately 1.4 million people or 4.4% of Canadians met the criteria for a substance use disorder. • Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience or substance use disorders than any other age group. • At least 20% of people with a mental illness also have a substance use problem. • Men have higher rates of addiction than women. • The total societal cost of substance use has been estimated to be $39.8 billion or $1,267
With harmful substance use and addiction, though, some people tend to experience more judgment and shame in Christian circles.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 7
for every Canadian. Legal substances, tobacco and alcohol, account for 79.3% of the total cost of substance use. (All statistics are taken from CAMH and CCSA.) The costs of substance use and addiction are not just economic. There are many personal costs as well—consequences to physical and mental health, job loss, family breakdown, even death. The fact that many people continue to use substances in a harmful way despite those costs suggests that there is more to the issue than someone simply making bad choices—addiction is real. It is a real experience for many people in Canada and around the world, and the effects can be anywhere from debilitating to deadly. But as real as it is, it is still a mystery to many people. What exactly is an addiction, and how does it develop?
Understanding Addiction
Throughout history, there have been many different models used to understand addiction and addictive behaviors. One such model is the Temperance Model, popular in the 19th century, which is a view that places the blame for addiction on the substance directly. Alcohol and other drugs are evil, or sinful, and exposure to them causes people to succumb to temptation and ruin their lives. The problem with this view is that the vast majority of people who drink alcohol do so responsibly and with no harm done to their lives. It is a minority of drinkers who use alcohol harmfully. A later model of addiction was the Disease Model, which was popular during the rise of Alcoholics Anonymous. This view states that certain individuals have a “brain disease” of addiction or alcoholism that causes them to develop issues with substances. One issue with this view, though, is that it ignores the
complicated personal, family, and environmental issues that can contribute to someone developing a problem with substance use. The current theory on addiction is one called the Bio-Psycho-Social Model. This model acknowledges that substance use and addiction issues are complex and may have multiple causes, including biological (genetic or brain issues), psychological (disordered thinking or mental illness), or social (family or environmental issues). This model is supported by research into substance use issues and has become the most commonly used model in addiction treatment today. One of the most important things this model can teach us is that addiction and harmful substance use are not merely the results of poor personal choices or giving in to temptation. They develop because of a wide variety of factors, many of which are outside of the individual’s control.
Addiction and harmful substance use are not merely the results of poor personal choices or giving in to temptation. They develop because of a wide variety of factors.
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What Can the Church Do to Help?
People living with substance use issues and their loved ones are often at risk of falling through gaps in our communities, suffering silently and alone. There are several things that members of the church can do to help prevent this from happening. Mennonite groups have even worked with individuals dealing with the effects of substance use issues, including programs through the Mennonite Central Committee such as El’Dad Ranch. As far as community agencies go, the church is perfectly poised to step in and “fill the gaps,” and I would like to share a few ideas about what this could look like. Start with compassion. Remember, individuals dealing with harmful substance use or addiction may be suffering greatly and struggling with changing their circumstances. The church has a ready-made response for situations such as this. It’s called grace. Provide support. As the church, we are typically good at supporting people in our midst
Don't lose hope. Many people have overcome these issues in the past.It does, however, take time and help.
who are suffering. We make food. We help with bills. We show up. How amazing would it be if we did that not only for the people in our lives who have physical illnesses, but for those who deal with mental illnesses and addiction as well? Encourage access to services. Harmful substance use and addiction are issues that can’t be tackled alone. Encourage your loved ones to seek help, to find a counsellor, or to access addiction services in your area. Finally, don’t lose hope. Having someone in your life dealing with harmful substance use and addiction can be both disheartening and frustrating. Don’t lose hope. Many people have overcome these issues in the past. It does, however, take time and help. If you are feeling overwhelmed while you are supporting your loved one, don’t be afraid to reach out for help for yourself. Daniel Dacombe has worked with youth for nearly fifteen years, including at Youth for Christ. He has attended Providence College and Seminary for social sciences and counselling education. He attends Heartland Community Church and lives with his wife, two daughters, and a very large dog. For information on addictions services in your area, please visit the following websites: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/ services/substance-abuse/get-help/get-helpwith-drug-abuse.html http://www.ccdus.ca/Eng/Pages/AddictionsTreatment-Helplines-Canada.aspx
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 9
2017 AND 2018 CONVENTION PHOTOS BY ANDREW WALKER
10 Reasons Why I Appreciate the EMC by Pastor Kevin Wiebe
I
n the culture in which we find ourselves it is popular to be critical, cynical, and to complain about the deficiencies we see in the world around us. All too often we as the church simply follow suit. While in favour of accountability and honesty, I am also in favour of being encouraging. So even though I do more than my share of complaining, I felt it was high time for me to share some things about the EMC that I have come to greatly appreciate:
Theology
The EMC takes theology seriously. That is, the leaders take seriously the responsibility to correctly handle the Word of Truth (2 Tim. 2:15). While there are always different interpretations of what a particular passage may mean, I have yet to meet another EMC pastor who does not take this responsibility seriously. Furthermore, as someone who has come to love Anabaptist Theology, I find that the EMC holds to those faith convictions that are deeply important to me. Things like spreading the Gospel, taking care of the downtrodden, and understanding the Bible in the light of Jesus. It includes recognizing the dignity of humanity as image bearers of God
10 The Messenger • July 2018
and how that applies to views against violence and against a culture of death.
Other Churches
As a life-long churchgoer, and now as the pastor of a church, I know how easy it is to become incredibly busy with all the events, struggles, and joys of one’s own church. Yet we as a local church are only one expression of the global body of Christ, and we as churches need one another. Through our connection to other EMC churches, it gives a sort of pre-existing relationship with others where we as leaders can go to for fellowship, friendship, advice, or teamwork for local and global projects.
Accountability
These connections with other pastors and with conference leaders help provide a framework of accountability. We as leaders and churches are accountable to other churches and to the wider conference for the actions we take. How this works itself out varies from one situation to another, but it is there and it is helpful for us as we seek to serve the Lord together.
Support in Troubled Times
When churches go through difficulties, the EMC is there, willing to send in mediators, advisors, and to pray for and with churches as they experience conflict. I know that not everyone has experienced this. I have on occasion heard various complaints about the EMC for not providing this support. After listening to those criticisms, the first question I asked was, “That sounds hard. But did you call EMC leadership and ask for help?” Each time I’ve heard that criticism and asked that question, their answer every time was “No.” The leaders in the EMC are human beings, just like you and I, not some magical, psychic, allknowing beings. Only God is all-knowing. Thus for the rest of us we must learn how to communicate and ask for help. I will say, however, that for myself and others I know who have asked for help, it was given. Was it perfect help? No. But there was love and support in the times we needed it the most.
appreciate the vision of the EMC leadership to see beyond what simply is and onward to what could be or will be. Could we do more of this? Absolutely. Could we do it more efficiently? Sure. This, however, takes people. People like you and I to be bold and brave and to step out and do something new.
The Budget
For as long as I have known the EMC, more than half of the budget is spent on missions. Another significant portion is spent on Canadian church planting. The remaining minority of the budget is spent on ministering to our existing churches and administration. I appreciate the emphasis on serving and giving instead of hoarding. I mentioned theology earlier, and the budget is where we “put our money where our mouth is.” Generally speaking, the EMC does this well and is fairly consistent between what we profess to believe and what we do with our money.
The leaders in the EMC are human beings, just like you and I, not some magical, psychic, all-knowing beings. Only God is all-knowing.
The New Beginnings
There are always new church plants on the go within the EMC. The church I pastor is less than 20 years old and is the result of the EMC having the vision to send a church planter to our community and start something new. I greatly
The Mission
I appreciate how the EMC does missions and cares for its missionaries. I know things have changed over time and will continue to change, however there have been countless missionary efforts that have done some pretty amazing things. Ministry in one part of Mexico was so
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 11
have trusted friends.
The Events
successful that a number of years ago the EMC actually stopped working there because the local people caught the vision for themselves and now do their own work. It was empowering and life giving. I get nervous when ministries seem to be more about expanding their own base of power, instead of about how to empower others. From what I have heard and seen about EMC missions, it does quite well in this regard.
The Friends
I will speak as a pastor for a moment. There are certain realities about being a pastor that are difficult to live through and hard to explain to those who have not been there themselves. Please understand that I am not trying to belittle the struggles of others or put pastor’s up on a pedestal. We struggle along like any other human beings. What the EMC has given to me, however, is a network of other pastors, many of whom have become close friends, and who have been there for me through everything from my birthday party to theological questions to advice when in times of conflict. Speaking to other EMC churches, or any church for that matter, encouraging your pastor to spend time with other pastors, even just as friends, can do great things for your congregation. It gives your pastor much needed support and when things get tough, they will be able to do a much better job during those times if they
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There are a number of events put on by the EMC regularly that help provide education, inspiration and support to church leaders and church people. There is the annual EMC convention, the twice-yearly Conference Council where decisions are made, the semi-annual Ministerial retreat, the semi-annual youth gathering we call Abundant Springs, and other events like youth leader retreats, spiritual gift seminars, training for church accountants and more. I have learned a lot through these various events, which have strengthened me as I serve.
The Publications
There are a number of publications that the EMC produces which have educated me, made me think and re-think issues, and have helped me in my personal spiritual development. Need I say more? It has been on my mind for a while to write this non-comprehensive list. My hope is that those in our church and those in other EMC churches will find renewed vision to continue to work together for the sake of the Gospel. What would you add to this list? Kevin Wiebe is the pastor of the New Life Christian Fellowship (Tilbury/ Stevenson, Ont.) and is a member of the Board of Church Ministries.
Mental Health Initiative 2018
Mental Health FAQ ISTOCK
by Heidi Dirks
Note: This article is intended to provide general information and is not a substitute for professional assessment and interventions.
What causes mental illness?
In general, mental illnesses are caused when our brain doesn’t work the way it’s meant to. This can be due to a combination of physical factors such as genetics, a physical injury or substance use, or environmental and social factors such as experiencing war, trauma, the stress in our lives, and our access to social supports when we need help. For example, symptoms of depression may be caused by low levels of serotonin in the brain, a chemical in the brain that carries signals between cells. We don’t fully understand what causes mental illnesses, or why some illnesses seem to run in families even though not every family member develops the illness. While sin in our life, or sins perpetrated by others, can sometimes contribute to symptoms of a mental illness, mental illnesses are not
caused by sin or a lack of faith. For example, an individual may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder after being assaulted, where someone else’s sin impacted their life and they developed a mental illness as a result of the trauma they experienced.
I’ve been feeling sad lately. Am I depressed?
It’s normal to feel sad sometimes. Maybe you have experienced a loss, are in the midst of a life transition, or are feeling isolated from supportive people in your life. Psalm 42 gives voice to feelings of distress in the midst of seeking God, asking “Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” (verse five). There are many examples of sadness, desperation, and despair in the Psalms. When a mental health professional talks about depression they are referring to a mental illness that is diagnosed based on criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5). There are different types of depression, but often
While sin in our life, or sins perpetrated by others, can sometimes contribute to symptoms of a mental illness, mental illnesses are not caused by sin or a lack of faith.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 13
when people talk about depression they are meaning Major Depressive Disorder. The symptoms listed in the criteria for this diagnosis need to be severe enough to significantly interfere with your daily life. Feeling sad doesn’t necessarily mean that you have depression; it may mean that you need some extra support right now, but you may meet criteria to be diagnosed. If you are wondering if you have depression, talk to your doctor or a mental health worker. They can help walk you through an assessment, a possible diagnosis, treatment options, and connect you to supports in your life.
Is it okay for Christians to take medication for a mental illness? I’m also afraid about the side effects of medication. Yes, it’s perfectly okay! As mental illnesses are likely caused by a combination of factors (physical, environmental, and social), medication can be a critical part of treating a mental illness. For example, medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) are a commonly prescribed antidepressant, and they work to increase serotonin levels in the brain which lessens the symptoms of depression caused by low levels of serotonin. Just as Christians take medication for physical illnesses such as diabetes and bronchitis, sometimes we take medication for mental illnesses. If your doctor is recommending medication,
ask questions about the benefits and risks of the medication, including what side effects there may be. This will help you make an informed decision about whether you choose to take the medication. If you are already taking medication, don’t change your dose or stop taking the medication without first talking with your doctor. There may also be other treatment options, such as therapy/counselling, that a doctor can recommend.
Can people diagnosed with a mental illness recover from it?
Absolutely! But recovery will look different for each individual person. It may mean that the symptoms of the mental illness mostly go away, or that the individual learns to live a full life with the symptoms still present. Medication and therapy may be an important part of a person’s recovery. But part of recovery is also finding hope and meaning in life. Christians find hope in God’s love for and offer of salvation, and they may find strength and meaning from spiritual practices such as prayer and reading scripture. As well, social supports that come with being part of a faith community can be an important part of recovery. In the March 2018 edition of The Messenger, Irene Ascough wrote about how churches can promote positive mental health. These practices are helpful for all people, regardless of whether or not they currently struggle with a mental illness.
If your doctor is recommending medication, ask questions about the benefits and risks of the medication, including what side effects there may be.
If I think someone is thinking about suicide, should I avoid bringing up the topic? If you’re concerned that someone is thinking about suicide you can directly ask them if they are thinking of hurting or killing themselves. If their answer is “yes,” let them know that you care and make sure that they get help.
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If they are in immediate danger, don’t leave them alone and reach out to crisis services (such as a local mental health crisis line) or emergency services (911-EMS, your local hospital emergency room). Look up your local crisis numbers and put them in your phone so you have them available if a crisis comes up. If you want to be more prepared to respond to someone who is thinking about suicide, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is an excellent two-day training that will give you skills to assess suicide risk and respond to the situation. Living Works (www.livingworks.net) offers training for ASIST and other suicide awareness training programs.
I’m trying to read my Bible and pray more. Why do I still feel anxious?
Spiritual practices including reading scripture and prayer can be an important part of a person’s mental wellness. If practices that have been lifegiving to you in the past are no longer enough to help you cope with feelings of anxiety, perhaps some additional wellness practices or mental health interventions are needed. If reading scripture and prayer is done because you feel pressured or not doing so is making you feel guilty, you could speak to your pastor or a spiritual mentor for encouragement and to explore ways to connect with God.
What’s the difference between a counsellor, psychologist, and psychiatrist?
Psychologists have graduate level training in the field of psychology, with a focus on research as well as assessment and practice in treating mental illnesses. In order to work as a psychologist, practitioners must be licensed by their local
regulatory body (such as the Psychological Association of Manitoba). A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health, and they are able to prescribe medication. As a medical doctor, they are regulated by their province in the same way as your family doctor. The distinction between these three professionals becomes important when you are looking for specific mental health services, as well as with the cost of services. Psychiatric services are covered through the health care system, and private insurance plans may cover services from psychologists and/ or counsellors. Talk to your doctor or a mental health worker where you live to find out what options you have available to you. If you would like to see a Christian counsellor or psychologist, ask your pastor for information of clinicians in your area, or look on the websites of professional associations (such as the Professional Association of Christian Counsellors and Psychotherapists). Heidi Dirks, BEd, MA (counselling), is a member of the EMC’s Mental Health Initiative committee and the Board of Church Ministries. She is part of Aberdeen EMC.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 15
With Our Missionaries
May This Book Educate Families, Protect People at Risk! BOLIVIA
We are very excited about our new school at Haciende Verde. Even though enrollment is down a bit from last year, we love that we now have four students in grade nine. In need of more teachers, we have hired two young adults from Hacienda to fill in for Kindergarten, Plautdietsch classes, and Bible classes, and they are doing excellent work. This gives them an income and helps the families to realize that there are other ways to make a living besides milking cows. My passion is still books and our bookstore at the Casa and I’m not giving up even though we have had very minimal Mennonite customers. We are excited that we have found a store in Santa Cruz that is willing to sell newly printed Low German material. This distributor is in an area of Santa Cruz called Seis Agosto where Mennonites from all colonies congregate and shop. Author Irene Marsch has written a book called Mien Kjarpa een Jeschenkj von Gott (My Body is a Gift from God) that is a great tool to educate parents on how to teach their children about God’s design and purpose for the human body. It is so well done and we wanted to supply it, but we were unsure of the best way to advertise it and get it into Mennonite peoples’ hands. Slowly, word was getting out and our pastors were using it in their marriage classes. Then something happened that only God could do. I was going to a women’s retreat where the theme of the event was I’m a Worthwhile Rose (Ekj - Wietvolle Roos). I had ordered more copies of this book from Canada, and, without knowing if they would arrive on time for the
weekend, I asked the organizers if I could possibly advertise these books at the retreat and they agreed. I had only five books on hand that I brought with me. Well, miracle of miracles, the guest speaker was nurse Carla Wiens from Paraguay, and she was speaking on exactly the theme of this book. I got goosebumps all over when I heard her topics. Two boxes of books came at the end of the retreat. The retreaters, Mennonite women from many different colonies in Bolivia, wanted them so badly that they waited almost an hour for them to arrive, and all 88 copies were taken. One pastor’s wife even asked if she could order 50 more copies to distribute at their Bible studies. We praise God for answered prayer. Our prayer is that this book will be an instrument to educate families and protect at risk persons in many of our colonies. – Caroline Krahn Caroline and Henry Krahn (Picture Butte) serve in ministries of hospitality and literature.
BOM
Church Planter needed for Windsor, Ontario Is this person you?
Henry and Caroline Krahn
16 The Messenger • July 2018
If you are interested in learning more, call or email Charlie Koop at 403-874-1759 or ckoop@emconference.ca
With Our Churches Pansy Chapel
PANSY, Man.—Many things happen in a church. Sometimes God surprises us by adding to the mix even more then for which we might have bargained. On Sunday morning, July 1, a beloved daughter of the church suffered a heart attack in the middle of our prayer time. Amid qualified attendees quickly applying resuscitation, and countless tears and prayers all over the sanctuary, suddenly she started breathing again. By the time the professional emergency people arrived she was doing better, and, at the time of this writing, much better. Thank you, church. We don’t know why this happened, but we choose to thank God regardless. He is amazing. The Sunday before, on June 24, we were blessed by the baptism of five candidates. There is a wonderful spirit of joy watching the couple of hundred guests at the river site cheering on their loved ones who were taking this vital stand for their faith in Jesus Christ. May God give each of you his guidance, courage and joy in the days ahead! On June 17 we held our annual picnic. When you get to have perfect weather, no bugs, a best-all-around park, food and well-planned activities together in a happy crowd— can you think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon? To commemorate the re-paving of Pansy Road— something that was worked hard for and is much appreciated—we held a prayer walk early Sunday morning on the July 10. Each mile was walked along, in groups, as we prayed for the people travelling this road, for its longevity and special thanks to God Who alone made this possible. May highlights included a parent-child dedication service on June 13. Involved were Dorian and Chantelle Friesen with Hailey, Daniel and Kayla Goertzen with David, Jason and Brianne Preteau with Hazel, and Arvid and Manuella Zacharias with Gabriel. We pray for you all. May you have joy and wisdom for the parenting journey. On May 11 we hosted “Solitary Refinement,” the Voice of Martyrs Canada presenting incredible true
PANSY
Picnic, Baptisms, Dedication, Adoption, and Pavement
Baptized on June 24, 2018, were Cloe Derksen, Sienna Driedger, Kayla Klassen, Ruben Penner and Kenton Funk. Pastor Dylan Barkman stands with them.
stories from the persecuted church. It was eye opening to say the least. Before that we had had Compassion Canada, with a special speaker, Kiwi, telling her story. She had been a sponsored child and was now in a position to help us help others. A few weeks earlier we’d heard the story from Rob and Sharon Steeves about their amazing journey toward finding their three Ukrainian orphans who are orphans no more. Surely there are few things more worth talking about then our learning to hear and obey the voice of our Lord, whatever shape that takes. – Betty Barkman
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 17
With Our Churches Treesbank Community Church
Joy, Pain, and a New Chapter
TREESBANK
TREESBANK, Man. –In July of 2017 we celebrated our church’s 50th anniversary over two days. The church grounds came alive for the weekend with past and present church members as we gathered to talk, eat, and worship together. The planning committee did a great job of organizing the event and promoting a casual, welcoming atmosphere. The open mic time on Sunday after lunch was an assortment of encouraging, enlightening, and entertaining comments and anecdotes. We appreciate the efforts of the many people who took the time to celebrate with us and make it a memorable event. We also praise God for what He started here 50 years ago and for how He has sustained and provided throughout that time. Garnet Hodges was ordained as a minister and installed as Treesbank's pastor on At the end of January 2018 we said good-bye to April 29, 2018, with his wife Tracey, officiant Gerald Reimer, and TCC in support. one of our dear ladies, Shirley Friesen, who passed away after a struggle with cancer. This has left a hole in our They accepted our offer and began working in Decemhearts and she is greatly missed. We look forward to seeing ber on a part-time basis while they waited for their house in her again. MacGregor to sell. Their full-time ministry started on Jan. 1, In fall of 2017 we made the decision to offer our vacant 2018, and they did a lot of driving back and forth before they pastor position to Garnet Hodges from MacGregor, Man. were finally able to move to Wawanesa in late April. He and his wife, Tracey, until the spring of 2017, had been Garnet and Tracey have already been an enormous working as the youth pastoral couple at the MacGregor blessing to our church family and surrounding community. EMC and were feeling led to pursue a lead pastoral position. They are sincere and caring individuals whose journey of faith is both fascinating and encouraging to hear. Garnet was ordained and installed as our pastor on April 29 with Conference Youth Minister Gerald October 18-31, 2018 Reimer officiating. Our congregation size was easily doubled that morning as we had a large number Team Leader: Anthony Reimer (Associate of visitors from the MacGregor EMC who attended Pastor, Blumenort EMC) to show their support and offer their blessing to the Hodges. Purpose: To visit and pray with EMC missionThis demonstration of love and well wishes was aries and their MEM co-workers in ministry not only important to Garnet and Tracey, but also to that they our church family as it showed us how appreciated are doing with Low German-speaking their presence and work have been in their previous people in Bolivia. community and it underlined the way God moves in hearts and lives. Thank you, MacGregor EMC, for Cost: $2,800/person releasing Garnet and Tracey to serve here with your blessing and prayers. Contact: Ken Zacharias kzacharias@emconf.ca or Diana Peters - Jolene Friesen dpeters@emconference.ca for more details.
Bolivia Prayer Team
18 The Messenger • July 2018
With Our Churches Many Rooms Church Community
A History of MRCC
MRCC
WINNIPEG, Man.—Many Rooms is a house church that came into being in and around 2003. It was born out of a group of Christian friends and neighbours living in the West End, the Spence Neighbourhood specifically of Winnipeg. As they met regularly to fellowship, pray and encourage one another starting in 1999, they discerned God’s leading for them to become a church. When the numbers of people attending increased they found they needed to grow into three 0house churches (2005) and then four house churches (2009), back to three house churches (2012), then to six house churches (2015). In 2018 Many Rooms consists of five house churches. The house churches are added or re-absorbed according to leadership availability and energy, and because of fluctuations in numbers. Each church can be six to fifteen people. These groups meet each Sunday in their different homes to share a meal and have informal worship and bible study. Once a month the house churches gather together in a rented facility for a larger, more formal worship time and a potluck. In June 2018 roughly 60 people consider Many Rooms their church. About eighteen of these are children and youth. Over the years Many Rooms has baptized five people. About 30 of the adults are baptized and have joined a church covenant and are members.
Dallas and Jen Kornelsen and family
Many Rooms is an urban intentional community.
Many Rooms joined the Evangelical Mennonite Conference (EMC) in 2007 and has been loved and supported by this conference. The church obtained charitable status in 2008 and has a board of directors. Since 2015 Many Rooms employs two of its members to serve in part-time pastoral roles, giving general guidance, leadership development, providing resources, communicating, and doing pastoral care. Volunteers undertake the hosting, facilitation, and pastoral care that happens in each of the house churches. The church does not have a building for worship or an office. There are some strong distinctive values of Many Rooms Church Community. In addition to being Anabaptist and pacifist, the most significant and unique value this church shares is a commitment to living in a particular neighbourhood and being in intentional community together. Many people in the Many Rooms live in some form of shared housing and the church covenant which is renewed annually. It emphasizes the need to live nearby each other to live out our church’s calling. Most people live within a half-kilometre radius. This allows for more interactions throughout the week and often includes sharing things like vehicles, rides, employment, financial assistance, help with childcare, collaboration in neighbourhood initiatives, and informal visits on the street. – Jen Kornelsen
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 19
With Our Churches Rosenort EMC
Five Members Received into Rosenort EMC
REMC
ROSENORT, Man.—Every church loves to celebrate! Sunday, April 29, 2018, was a day of celebration for Rosenort EMC. On that day we rejoiced as three young people were baptized and two others were received into membership. Hearing the testimonies brought the Good News to life as each of the five shared about the transformative power of Jesus in their journey. The amazing grace of God was magnified. Many visitors were in attendance and the celebration continued over a potluck noon meal. Each of our baptismal candidates are matched with a mentor from the church who will meet regularly with Don Dueck (assistant pastor), Sierra Dueck, Cynthia Reimer, Tristan them over the course of a year to encourage and disciple Hiebert, Tim and Rachel Loewen (transfer), Ward Parkinson (pastor) them. – Anita Peters
•• MacGregor EMC
A Day Well Spent
20 The Messenger • July 2018
health. Their comments, based on their training and experience, demonstrated that preventing an illness is preferable to trying to cure one. Following a lunch break of pizza, salad, and fruit, Heidi Dirks’ session for adults only dealt with mental imbalance among youth that can lead to incidences of self-harm. The day closed with group discussions, using case studies to develop strategies to talk to troubled youth and seek help for them. Those participating in the workshop agreed it was a day well spent. Already there is talk of holding more such workshops elsewhere in the community. – Menno Hamm ANDREW WALKER
MacGREGOR, Man. – Several factors led to a workshop on mental health taking place at MacGregor EMC on April 28. Pastor Russell Doerksen is a member of the EMC Board of Church Ministries (BCM), which decided to provide a focus on mental health during 2018. Consequently recent issues of The Messenger featured articles on the theme. At a ministerial meeting the pastor introduced the idea of sponsoring such a workshop in our church. The ministerial readily approved, as did the church board. Contact with the BCM resulted in their offering to provide workshop leaders for the event. Pastor Russell opened the workshop, welcoming the 41 persons present, almost half of whom were from outside our church. Daniel Dacombe, the first of four presenters, led an informative session relating the ABC’s of mental health issues. He noted a rather alarming trend among Canadian youth, stating that an increasing number of Canadian teens are experiencing symptoms of mental illness. Peter and Irene Ascough followed with a helpful session focusing on tips and activities to maintain one’s mental
With Our Churches Morris Fellowship Chapel
Pastor Ryan Rear: We Love Serving at Morris Fellowship Chapel! MORRIS, Man.—Ryan Rear was asked to tell us about his ministry as the senior pastor at Morris Fellowship Chapel.
Tell us about where you were raised, educated, and served prior to MFC.
I was born in Innisfail, Alberta. I went to Prairie Bible College for a few years, and then to the University of Alberta, where I got a BA in psychology. Years later, I got my Master of Theological Studies at Taylor Seminary in Edmonton. I served in a variety of churches: Baptist, Free Methodist, Independent, and FEBC. The FEBC was the first church I served in that had Mennonite roots. I am now serving at the Morris Fellowship Chapel, our EMC church here in Morris. My wife Uma was born in Malaysia, and, for me, she has been God’s wonderful gift. We have two grown-up children. Cassandra is 22 years old, and after she finished her degree in sociology, she began working in a group home for level five teenage girls. Sam is 21 years old, and is busy working and making music.
What led you to serve here?
We came to Morris to serve in an FEBC church, which had a great group of people. Unfortunately, by the time we got here, the church pretty much only had seniors. We were unable to attract the families we needed and after four and a half years the church shut its doors. Uma and I also worked at Youth for Christ here in Morris. I was between church jobs, and we started attending Morris Fellowship Chapel. I was asked to do some pulpit supply, then served as its interim pastor; and one thing led to another and here we are the pastoral couple.
To understand you as a pastoral couple, what do people need to know?
As a pastoral couple, we work closely together. We emphasize Bible study and discipling. We emphasize taking God at his word, and living obedient lives of faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. We especially love to work with
MFC
Tell us about your family.
Cassandra, Uma, Pastor Ryan, and Sam Rear
the young people. They are the future of the church and need to be equipped with sound teaching and be discipled in the faith. Uma teaches the youth Sunday School class. I lead the College and Career Bible study with Uma’s help. We have temporarily split our C and C into male and female groups. Uma leads the young ladies. I lead the young men. We believe in equipping people of all age groups so they can live God-inspired lives.
What do you think of the EMC?
There are two things I particularly like about the EMC. I like the Statement of Faith because it is simple and yet remains true to the foundational truths of the faith. I also like the EMC emphasis on supporting missions.
What else would you want to say?
We love serving at Morris Fellowship Chapel. It is a privilege. – Ryan Rear
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 21
With Our Churches Living Faith Fellowship
TWO HILLS, Alta.—As drug violence in Mexico was increasing, many Mennonites were concerned for the safety of their families. There were already quite a few Mennonites living in southern Alberta, and they had heard that land was relatively inexpensive in the Two Hills area. In the early 2000’s Mennonites started moving to the Two Hills area, most of them being employed in the manufacturing and farming industries. At that time, the only Mennonite church in the area was the Old Colony Church. The local school board was willing to accommodate their desire to have some German programming in the public school, which continues to draw Mennonites from Mexico to the Two Hills area. As more Mennonites moved into the area, different church groups started forming. Our church group had been meeting for a while and felt the need to join a larger conference, as we were struggling to move forward on our own. In 2015 we decided on a name for our fellowship, and
22 The Messenger • July 2018
BOM
LFF Serves Low German-Speaking Mennonites
Pastor John and Helen Froese
Living Faith Fellowship was born. Shortly thereafter, we started a conversation with Charlie Koop, and decided to pursue affiliation with the EMC. We have appreciated the support that Charlie and the Church Planting Task Force have provided, and hope to officially join the EMC during summer convention in 2019. Since the start of our relationship with the EMC, we have desired and prayed for a pastoral couple. We felt that we needed leadership, and Charlie helped us to find a pastoral couple. In the fall of 2016 John and Helen Froese felt the call to come to Two Hills to pastor the church and committed to serving a two-year term with the Living Faith Fellowship. It is our desire at Living Faith Fellowship to be an evangelical ministry in the community of Two Hills. We desire to keep some of the Mennonite ordinances and desire to be available to serve Low German-speaking Mennonites. We will often have people come through our doors who do not speak a lot of English, so it is important for us to have a Low German-speaking pastor. This will continue to be important as we move forward. Another key need in our area is the need for a counsellor. Some of the people that come to our church have had bad church experiences in the past; and, although they desire to grow spiritually, they need some guidance in order to move forward. We appreciate the support that the EMC has provided to Living Faith Fellowship, and look forward to continuing to build God’s kingdom with them. Please stop by for a visit if you are in our area. – Ron Wiebe
With Our Churches Crestview Fellowship
Crestview Holds Annual Picnic
CRESTVIEW
WINNIPEG, Man.—On June 10, 2018, Crestview Fellowship Church hosted our annual Church Picnic. This year we changed it up a little by having this event in Barry and Sharron Straub’s backyard. Luckily, the service took place in the shade of the trees because of the beautifully hot weather we enjoyed that day. The message Pastor Darrel Guenther gave was an introduction to our summer series of Hebrews 11. We were shown the faith of the disciples of Jesus, and we were encouraged to let Jesus into our boat Crestview enjoyed the shade of trees during its annual church picnic. and take control. After the service we enjoyed each other’s company with amazing food, a campfire, and water guns. – Jenaya Groen
•• Blumenort EMC
Two Ministers Ordained, Baptisms Held
BLUMENORT
BLUMENORT, Man.—We have celebrated many exciting events in the church. On April 22, 2018, we celebrated the ordinations of Alain Reimer and James Driedger in a wonderful service where we encouraged them to keep on learning and serving the Lord wherever He plants them. On May 6, 2018, five candidates participated in the Sunday morning baptism service. Austin Kehler, Leanna Giesbrecht, Daniel Mandel, Justin Reimer, and Kyra Sawatzky publicly declared their faith and trust in Christ and were baptized. One short week later, on May 13 we had 13 families participate in a parent-child dedication ceremony. It was a joyful occasion for the church family. We have a full summer of Bible Camp comThirteen families participated in a parent-dedication dedication ceremony. ing up in a few short weeks at Eagle Lake Bible Camp in Ontario. We are once again running a Summer VBS program from June 24-28. The theme is Time Lab: days on July 1. We thank you for your prayers as we celDiscovering Jesus from Eternity Past to Eternity Future. ebrate these events together as a church, and as we work We also have our annual church in the park event together to be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever we go. together with the Ridgewood EMC at the community fair – Janice Harder
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 23
With Our Churches Abbeydale Christian Fellowship
Friesens' Casserole Wins Cook-Off Competition There was a twist on the ballot this year: voters could vote for as many of the casseroles as they wished up to seven total marks, so all seven marks could be given to one dish or three marks given to one and four to another. Pastor Chris Hughes said, “If I can’t have Electoral Reform at a national level, I’m going to have it here at the ACF Cook-Off!” The congregation chuckled at a funny introduction to one of our favourite fundraisers of the year. It’s wonderful getting together with brothers and sisters in Christ for a hardy meal along with an appetite for competition. – Finnessa Adams ACF
CALGARY, Alta.—On May 6, 2018, Abbeydale Christian Fellowship held our third annual ACF Cook-off: Casserole Edition. The winners this year were Calvin and Connie Friesen for their Barbeque Chicken Casserole. They won the sought-after trophy and had their names inscribed on the plaque. Our annual fundraiser helps to raise money for the youth to go to camp, and it’s a fun way to get those cooking juices flowing to see who is the best chief at ACF in 2018. There were seventeen casseroles listed to compete and they ranged in flavour from Mexican Lasagna to Chicken and Rice. The casseroles were placed in a self-serve potluck style where all were welcome to put a few bucks into the ice cream bucket for the pleasure of tasting as many of the dishes as humanly possible. After the tasting, a ballot was given, and out of seven possible marks, voters could rate their favourites.
•• Aberdeen EMC
AEMC
Teresa Enns Zehr Invited to be Pastor
Teresa Enns Zehr
24 The Messenger • July 2018
WINNIPEG, Man.— At a recent meeting, the Aberdeen congregation strongly affirmed the work of Teresa Enns Zehr as Aberdeen’s Ministry Coordinator and invited her to a new three-year term with a change in title to pastor, which better reflects Teresa’s ministry to our congregation. Aberdeen has a long history of sponsoring refugees and has been blessed
by the friendship and learnings from these friends from many parts of the globe. Once again, in April and May of this year Aberdeen welcomed ten members of Humam Shihab’s family—parents, siblings, in-laws and nephews. Humam and his wife Sabreen were sponsored by Aberdeen and arrived in Canada from Iraq in 2015. The process to bring the rest of the family has been a lengthy one, and family members spent the past two years waiting in Lebanon. Many Aberdeeners were present to welcome the family members and witness the joyful reunion of the family members. If you would like to be part of this sponsorship, please send a cheque or visit aberdeenemc.ca and follow the donate link to make a designated donation. – Marilyn Funk
With Our Churches Kleefeld EMC
Baptized a Year Ago and Recently
KEMC
KLEEFELD, Man.—Baptized and received into membership at the Kleefeld EMC on Sunday, June 18, 2017, were Bethany Oude Voshaar, Curtis Oude Voshaar, Jocelyn Friesen and Ethan Klassen. It was special to hear the testimonies of these four young people, all of whom grew up in the church. We wish them God’s blessings as they continue to grow in faith. On May 27, 2018, six new names were added to the membership list of the Kleefeld EMC, one through baptism and the others through transfer from another church. Hailey Penner was baptized on confession of her faith in Jesus Christ. Received into membership were (back) Wilbert and Esther Thiessen, Kari and Kris Bachmeier, (front) Hailey Penner, and Randi Rempel. Pastor Peter Ascough (far right) officiated at the service. Each person shared a unique story of their spiritual journey, but all expressed their joy in Christ and a desire to serve Him. Welcome to our church family! – Louella Friesen Editor’s note: Part of this report was published late, but through no fault of the reporter who provided it long ago.
Straffordville EMC
••
SEMC
New Members at Straffordville
STRAFFORDVILLE, Ont.—On June 3, 2018, Edi Wiebe (left) was baptized and Monica Loewen, Jake and Mary Neufeld, Tina and Jake Penner, and Nick and Helen Loewen took up membership within the Straffordville EMC. – Linda Wall www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 25
With Our Churches
Rosenort FC: Join Us As We Celebrate Our Year of Jubilee! ROSENORT, Man.—Nearly 50 years ago, a group of people in Rosenort had a desire to see a church in the centre of the village of Rosenort. After much prayer, plans resulted in renovating the vacant Greenbank school building and church services began on Oct. 6, 1968. God led us to choose Pastor Melvin Dueck to lead the initial congregation of 38 members, together with Peter J. B. Reimer as intermittent pastor. As the attendance grew, plans were drawn up to build a more permanent church building beside the main highway in town. Rosenort Fellowship Chapel (RFC) was the chosen name for the new church. RFC has been blessed with God-loving, caring, mission-minded pastors. When Melvin Dueck could no longer lead the church, God sent us Alfred Friesen. Stan Plett then took over the pastorate for a number of years. Darrel Crocker served as assistant pastor. Michael Derksen filled the pulpit for several years, followed by interim pastors Milton Fast and John Koop. God sent us John Klassen for about 10 years. John Driedger followed him and cared for the church for 12 years. When John Driedger retired, God sent us our present pastor, Brian McGuffin, who serves us with great care.
We’ve moved!
Our new address as of June 1, 2018 is: 200-600 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3P 2J1 204-261-1274 mds.mennonite.net
26 The Messenger • July 2018
We have also been blessed with youth leaders and youth pastors who faithfully guided our young people, resulting in many being called to serve the Lord around the world. Ken Quiring led the youth around 1994, with many others along the way. Our current youth pastor couple, Craig and Laura Cornelsen, are doing an amazing job. RFC also worked to plant a new church in Oak Bluff. Several members from RFC courageously left to help with the start of Oak Bluff Bible Church with Troy and CoraLee Selley as their pastoral couple. The OBBC opened on Sept. 11, 2005. RFC’s vision statement is “Caring for the community, communicating the truth.” We pray that as we look forward to the future, we can trust that God will continue to lead us toward this goal. We seek that the community around us will know us to be there to support them, love them, cheer them on, and that we will continue to offer them the truth that comes only from Christ our Lord. On Sept. 15-16, 2018, we will be having a 50th anniversary celebration. It is an event to celebrate jubilee as we press on toward the goal! We will have a praise and worship evening at 7 p.m. on Saturday. On Sunday our service will start at 10 a.m., and will feature many great past and present music groups, photos from past to present, and a children’s feature. Our guest speaker is Kent Dueck, the son of the first pastor. Lunch will be served after the service, with an open mic sharing time to follow. Activities will be set up for the children. Everyone is invited to attend. – Rose Cornelsen and Heather Plett Pastor Brian McGuffin
Column • Writings Shared Hope, Healing and Community: Celebrating 50 Years of Eden, Glen Klassen (Altona, MB: Friesens Corp., 2018). 224 pp. $30. ISBN 9781775152002. Reviewed by Irma Janzen (Fort Garry), educator and pastor.
G
len Klassen has done an excellent job both of researching and of compiling the work of Eden Health Care Service’s 50 years. He begins the story by going back to the beginnings of the first Mennonite mental health centres in the U.S. that started after the Second World War when many young Mennonites served their C.O terms in state mental hospitals and then wen t on into medical professions and started 6 Mennonite mental centres in the U.S. They had clearly seen the need for Christian faith-based mental health centres where there was quality spiritual care alongside and integrated with the treatment of the illnesses. In Manitoba some of our well-known EMC ministers were among the early initiators in what we now know as Eden Health Care Services. They and leaders from Manitoba Mennonite conferences joined to work together to what has now become Eden Health Care services. Glen has masterfully traced the story from those beginnings, to the opening of the 40-bed mental hospital in 1967 and then on through the 50 years. While the hospital itself was the beginning it became evident that there were others needs such as affordable housing (Eden’s model has been recognized by government as a very significant model), job training and job placement, counselling, outpatient services, addictions and community supports and these services have been added through the years. The Eden
Can you read old German script?
The Evangelical Mennonite Conference seeks volunteers to translate letters, sermons, diaries, and documents from earlier KG/EMC history into modern German and then English. If you are willing, contact Terry Smith at the EMC national office (204-326-6401; tsmith@emconference.ca).
Foundation was established and many Manitobans have participated in fundraising activities such as the cyclathon and the tractor trek. Initially the services and supports were in Winkler but in more recent years services like affordable housing have expanded into southeastern Manitoba and into Winnipeg. The first counselling centre was established in Winnipeg and now has offices in several southeastern Manitoba locations. While community education has not been top priority for Eden their annual educational workshop for pastors has been significant and served as an extension of the spiritual care received at Eden and in the community. The story Glen tells comes to life through personal, family, staff and volunteer stories, countless pictures, works of art and photography and a chart that traces Eden’s history. Pictures include the facilities, staff, board, volunteers and events. The inclusion of pictures of art work and photography done by people who accessed Eden’s services adds both a personal and beautiful coloured touch. Glen writes about the relationship of Eden with government and with MCC. There have been some challenging times in relating to government but fortunately Eden has been able to navigate these and has remained a faith-based centre. Partnering with MCC has been mutually beneficial to both. Eden has sought to maintain a high quality of professional staff, support staff and care known as best practices and has begun to be involved in medical research. Readers will appreciate hearing what the Mennonite constituency has done in the past and be encouraged to continue to support people living with mental illness because it makes a difference!
Readers will appreciate hearing what the Mennonite constituency has done in the past and be encouraged to continue to support people living with mental illness.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 27
In Memory
Ivan John Letkeman 1930-2018
Peacefully on Sunday, April 8, 2018, with family by his side, Ivan John Letkeman passed away at the Lions Prairie Manor at the age of 88 years. He is survived by his wife Kay, three weeks and three days short of their 67th anniversary; his children, Stan (Janet), Bob (Wilma), Sandra (Randy), Kathy (Barry), and Debbie (Ellis); grandchildren Jason, Pam, Trevor, Dustin, Derek, Branda-Leigh, Nolan, Angela, Raymond, Kelly, Tanya and families; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Doreen, Eileen (John), Mary Anne (Henry), and sister-in-law Alma; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Henry and Maria, brothers Frank and Jake, sister Grace, and brother-in-law Johnny; and Dad’s in-laws, Aron and Anna Neustaeter. Dad was born on March 23, 1930, south of Morden, Man., in the Mason school area where his family lived within the R.M. of Stanley. He was baptized on Aug. 14, 1961, at Morden Alliance Church. Dad was a man of many talents. He was never afraid to tackle any job.
28 The Messenger • July 2018
He worked for a number of farmers and did carpentry work. Mom and Dad purchased their own farm and became dairy farmers. In 1974 they sold their farm and moved to Portage la Prairie, Man. They purchased a truck camper and took a three-week vacation to Florida with their friends Dave and Lillian Sawatzky. That was the first of many camping adventures. Dad was employed with Kroeker’s Vegetable Farm, Cobbes Plumbing and Heated, and retired from ICG in 1994. After Dad retired, he spent many hours working with Kelly Ronald on the Ronald Farms. Dad and Mom loved to garden. Never a weed to be found! Their year was always immaculate. No blade of grass was left uncut and not a leaf was to be found on their lawn. Camping and fishing with family and friends was a highlight in summer. Last June, Dad drove to Carman by himself (unannounced) to join our annual family camping weekend. We
offered to drive him home, but Ivan had to do things his way and when he wanted. Dad was never bored. He could be found tinkering in his shop or getting the sand point tuned up for the summer. He always had to have the greenest lawn and complain that he had to cut the grass again. And no one could cut the grass like Ivan. Dad loved to go watch the children play ball, soccer, or go to band concerts. He had to know what they were doing and enjoyed visiting with them. Dad, along with Mom, volunteered for a number of years at MCC. His funeral was held on April 13, 2018, at Portage Evangelical Church with Pastor Glenn Loewen officiating. Thank you to the Regency Health Care for all the care you gave to Dad, to Portage General Hospital, and to the Lions Prairie Manor staff for providing good care for Dad during his short stay. Dad, you are now free from pain. – His Family
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
Year to Date Financial Report From January to June
Income* Expenses Excess/Shortfall
General Fund 2018 592,857 858,793 -265,936
General Fund 2017 717,161 917,550 -200,389
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).
In Memory
Judith Eileen Schmidt 1953-2017
Judith Eileen (Judy) was born in Morris, Man., on Nov. 13, 1953, to Frank and Marge Kroeker. She received Christ as her Saviour at age five as a result of revival meetings. Most of her growing years were spent in Paraguay where her parents were missionaries. She was baptized upon her faith at age 16 in the EMC church in Lucero, East Paraguay. She met David Schmidt there and they were married in 1972. Four children were born to them, two in Canada and two in Paraguay. They served as missionaries to the Guarani natives in Santa Teresa for 13 years, together with Anne Braun and Sara Loeppky, and were later joined by Doug and Sandra Doerksen. They went through many difficult experiences both physically and spiritually. During an extended leave in Canada, they served as pastors of the Roseisle EMC. All these experiences served as preparation for the future HIV/AIDS ministry. During the three and a half years doing church-planting in Pastoreo, they got to know Alicia. Because of family needs, they moved to
Asunción. Alicia’s AIDS diagnosis led them to start Alto Refugio, ministering to HIV/AIDS patients. The ministry grew and God provided the workers to continue the ministry to this day. They retired from EMC Missions and began a new ministry for people living with HIV under Operation Mobilization (OM) in Ciudad del Este. After only nine months in this growing ministry called Conexion Vida, Judy was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. They left Ciudad del Este and the ministry to undergo treatment in Asunción and returned to Lucero in between treatments. Their passion for this ministry kept them praying for God to raise up workers to carry on the work in Ciudad del Este. During her battle with pancreatic cancer, two of Judy’s dreams were fulfilled: they built their house in Lucero and they traveled to Canada to see her parents one more time. They prayed, believing that God would heal so they could keep on serving Him. He has the last word when it comes to complete healing, and He has never failed His children. His mercies have been new every morning; great is His faithfulness. Right up to the end, it was obvious that Judy’s heart’s concern and
desire was for the people she knew and loved to be saved and to meet them in heaven before Jesus Christ. She was released from tremendous suffering while in her home on Dec. 9, 2017. The funeral service took place in the Tres Palmas EMC in Paraguay on the following day. Judy leaves to mourn: Dave, her husband for 46 years; her four children, Anton and Faith Schmidt, Marvin and Heidi Schmidt, Jerald and Daniela Schmidt, and Wendy and Samuel Avalos with their families; 15 grandchildren; her parents; five siblings and their families. – Her Family
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 29
In Memory
Helen Hamm (nee Borne) 1944-2017
Helen Ann Hamm, nee Borne, passed away peacefully on Feb 9, 2017, in her home with Eldred, her loving husband of 52 years, by her side and into the arms of her Lord and Saviour. Helen was born on May 24,1944, in Portage la Prairie, Man., to Theodore and Mary Borne of the Fork River, Man., area. There she lived with her parents, seven brothers, and two
sisters. She completed her education at Mossey River School and then went on to get her nurse’s aide certificate at the Dauphin General Hospital. Helen was blessed to carry and nurture three sons and one daughter. Her love for God was evident, and she desired to show his love in many ways to everyone she encountered. Helen loved spending time with her husband Eldred, children, grandsons, friends, going for coffee, homemaking, travelling (especially to Cuba), playing piano in church, and loving others. Helen is survived by her loving husband Eldred; children Bruce (Tracy), Bryan (Cheryl), Brent (Sophia), and Twyla (Dan) Johnson; grandsons Levi Hamm, Hanan, Micah, Kobe and Jacob Johnson;
sisters Ellie (Don) Wall, and Laura (Ed) Hamm; brothers John (Sue), Art (Susan), Herman (Hilda), Vern (Marge); and numerous nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and close friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Theodore and Mary Borne (nee Sawatsky), and brothers Jake, George, and Henry. A celebration of her life was held on Feb. 18, 2017, from the Norquay Covenant Church, with Pastor Arden Gustafson officiating. Interment was held at the Arabella Community Cemetery, which preceded the celebration of life service. Those who desired made memorial contributions to The Gideons International In Canada. – Her Family
Ministry in an Evangelical Anabaptist Setting The priesthood of all believers and the dignity of vocations (beyond priest, monk, and nun) are two biblical truths rediscovered during the Protestant Reformation. In an Evangelical Anabaptist understanding, all moral types of work can be Christ-honouring for believers. At the same time, most of our churches do set aside some individuals for special functions of spiritual leadership, teaching, and preaching. Not all settings are the same. Some of our churches elect ministers from within their midst. Others choose a minister from outside of the congregation. Some of our churches have full-time paid pastors, either solo or in a multi-staff setting. Others have a team of hired and selfsupporting ministers. Some pastors are bi-vocational. Our ministers reflect a variety of educational paths: most have Bible college and some have seminary; other training is also common.
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When experienced pastors or new graduates from outside the EMC wish to pursue pastoral openings in our conference, it is wise to look at the EMC Constitution, including its Statement of Faith and Church Practices, and our Vision and Values. Copies of these can be found online. Familiarity with Anabaptist history and doctrine are assets or will need to be developed. To be commissioned or ordained with national recognition within the EMC requires an examination by and approval of the Ministerial Examination Committee, Board of Leadership and Outreach. Please contact Layton Friesen or Erica Fehr for details.
Pastoral Search Committees
There are resources available to assist you in your search and deliberations. Please contact Erica Fehr for resource materials.
In Memory
Ben Eidse
1928-2018 Ben Friesen Eidse was born on Oct. 12, 1928, to D.K and Elizabeth Eidse of Rosenort, Man., the twelfth of 20 children. He was the last surviving child and completed the circle in heaven on April 25, 2018, surrounded by family and friends on earth. In 1949, Ben went to Pelly, Sask., under Western Gospel Mission, pedaling a bicycle to teach Bible classes in schools and adding cottage services. He married Helen Reimer on March 30, 1952, after she completed nurse’s training. Their first of four daughters, Hope, arrived in 1953, the year they went to Congo as the first overseas missionaries of the EMC Board of Missions under (now) Africa Inter Mennonite Mission. The Eidses built a medical-churcheducation centre in Kamayala, where they learned the heart language of the Lunda-Chokwe people. Faith was born in 1955, the day Helen’s father, Peter D. Reimer, died in Canada. Six months later Faith was given up for dead. Ben begged God to bring her back and her eyes opened. Charity arrived on Oct. 28, 1956, weighing nine pounds, and Helen’s kidneys shut down. While in hospice, Ben read her James 5:16, but
realized that he was the one with sins to confess. He raced back to the men building the Kamayala church and apologized for getting angry. They said a white man had never admitted doing wrong and never apologized. When Ben returned, Helen’s kidneys were working again. Eidse received a BA from Goshen College in 1959, followed by an MA from Wheaton. He returned to Congo alone in 1961, during tribal conflict, and delivered food and services. Over 600 came for counseling, including 31 chiefs. Grace was born on Nov. 25, 1961, and the family returned to Congo in 1963, just before the 1964 Simba revolution. Ben sent his family ahead to Kinshasa and filled his van with students, driving through battle lines to safety. After the conflict, Ben created a scripture memory program, changing the character of entire villages. During this term Ben sustained a progressively crippling, spinal cord/neck injury. In 1969, Ben was selected by American Bible Societies to translate the Bible into modern Chokwe. Working with a pastor and a folklorist, they completed work in 1982. Native speakers loved the more dynamic expressions when praying or talking about God. The translation team also wrote a lesson book on the Christian disciple’s response to sorcery, which continues to change people’s worldview today. After 30 years in Congo, Eidse was appointed president of Steinbach
Bible College. He led its accreditation to a four-year college, a significant expansion, and a debt-free budget. In 1992, he was accepted to the University of Edinburgh, where he completed courses for a doctoral degree. However, in 1995, Helen suffered a stroke and Ben cared for her in Steinbach for 16 years. During this time he became SBC’s first chancellor and counselled many people in a healing prayer ministry. The Eidses received a Lifetime Service Award from the Association of Anabaptist-Mennonite Missiologists for leading Bible translation, planting 100 churches and establishing a mission centre in Congo. Their life stories were published in Light the World (Friesen Press, 2012). In 2015 Ben published his thesis research, The Disciple and Sorcery: The LundaChokwe View (Cambridge Scholars Publishing). Eidse returned to Congo for two months in 2010 to commemorate Helen’s life and encourage believers in prayers for healing and promoting women in church leadership. Ben is survived by daughters Hope (Ben Wiebe), Faith (Philip Kuhns), Charity (John Schellenberg), and Grace Eidse, and their families. He was remembered in services at Rosenort EMC and Steinbach EMC on April 28 and 29 (https://m.youtube. com/watch?v=SiQ_aYe6wbs), and laid to rest beside his wife in the Steinbach Heritage Cemetery. A mighty wind blew, assuring survivors of the Spirit’s continuing power in their lives. – His Family
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 31
In Memory
Pastor Manfred Neff 1946-2018
Manfred Rolf Eugen Neff (Fred) was born on Sept. 21, 1946, in Graupe, Germany. He passed away at the Bethesda Regional Health Centre in Steinbach, Man., on the evening of June 10, 2018. He was diagnosed with cancer in August of 2016 and succumbed to the disease, fully prepared and ready to meet his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Manfred’s father Eugen had married Johanna and had a son Guenther before World War Two. Eugen served as a medic in the German army, was stationed in Norway, and became a prisoner of war. Upon release, Eugen lived with his family on the east side of a divided Germany and had to flee to the west after he helped a Jewish neighbour escape to the west. Later Johanna, Guenther, and two-year-old Manfred went through the woods at night on foot and by baby carriage until they got to the west. Manfred followed Guenther to Canada, returning to Germany for a period to care for his ailing father. In Canada, Manfred worked underground in Thompson, Man., and as a carpenter before studying at Nipawin Bible Institute for two years and then
serving as a pastor in Grand Rapids, Man., until he became ill. Manfred and Stella met in 1972 and were married in 1974. Stella was an educator in various communities. Manfred is survived by his wife Stella and his children, Eileen, Allan (Suzie), and Tom (Brandi). He will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Samantha (Lenny), Courtney (godchild), Chantell (Jeffrey), Rachel, Tyler, Jace, Sella, Jaymin, Lyla, Jordin, Bentley, and Kashtin; his great-grandchildren, Taylor (Dallas), Tristen, Treyson, Lennon, Jaylen, Bianca, River, Jetta, Ryker, Sage and Piper; his great-great grandchild Nova; his godchild Karen, and special nephew Kevin and special niece Cheri. Manfred is also survived by his brother Guenther (Rosemary), numerous nieces and nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, Herb (Iona), Ellen, Richard (Cathy), Ronnie (Shelley), Norma (Dave), Nora, Joanne (Jim), Dunstan, and Mike (Val). Manfred was predeceased by his parents Eugen and Johanna Neff, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, inlaws Walter and Norma Cook, nephew Kashtin, brothers-in-law Donald, Ted, Klaus, Cameron, and sister-in-law Gladys. Wake services were held on Thursday and Friday, June 14
University CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY
32 The Messenger • July 2018
and 15, at 7 p.m., in the St. Alexander Catholic Hall in Grand Rapids. The funeral service was held on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at 1 pm., at the St. James Anglican Church (a building that Manfred constructed). The officiant was Pastor Steve Martin, Anglican, with Noël Boulanger, OMI, involved with scripture and prayer. The sermon was by Pastor Ron Thiessen of Community Bible Fellowship, Swan River, Man., where Manfred and Stella had been involved. Pallbearers were Ken Cook, Murray Cook, Dustin Murdock, Vernon Cook, Roland Moodie, and Darren Guimont. Honourary pallbearers were all of his friends. Interment was in St. James Anglican Church cemetery. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away” (Rev. 21:4). – His Family
Shoulder Tapping With any applications for EMC church pastoral positions, candidates are expected to also register a Ministry Information Profile with the EMC Board of Leadership and Outreach, which can be obtained through Erica Fehr, BLO Administrative Assistant, at efehr@emconference.ca or 204-326-6401.
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 conference pastor Layton Friesen (lfriesen@emconference.ca); conference youth minister Gerald D. Reimer (greimer@emconference. ca); and church planting coordinator Charles Koop (ckoop@emconference.ca). The national office phone number is 204-326-6401. Talk with Erica Fehr, administrative assistant to the BLO, to request a cell number for a particular person.
EMC Positions* A church planter is sought for Windsor, Ont. If interested, contact Charles Koop, EMC church planting coordinator, at 204-326-6401 or ckoop@emconference.ca. The Rosenort EMC is a multi-generational church located in southern Manitoba. Proclaiming, following, and serving Jesus, we are a church with a heavy interest in foreign missions and local outreach. We are currently seeking a full-time youth pastor, with a contagious passion for Jesus Christ, to join us in building relationships with the youth, and to make and grow disciples. The successful applicant will proclaim, follow, and serve Jesus to the glory of God. He will lead and teach biblically sound lessons that will engage and motivate the youth in their pursuit of God. He will create one-on-one relationships with each of the youth, knowing and counseling them in their life journey with Jesus. The work of the youth pastor will prove effective only if the fulfillment of these tasks flows from a Spirit-filled life. Visit www.RosenortEMC.ca for more details or to apply. Experience and biblical training are considered assets. Taber EMC, in southern Alberta, seeks a full-time senior pastor to lead our congregation. We are a church with an average attendance of 200 people. Our congregation consists primarily of young Mennonite families who are fluent in Low German and English. Our services are being held in English. The ability to speak Low German is helpful. Relevant education and experience are assets. For more information, call 403-634-9389. Resumes can be sent to taberemcpsc@gmail.com.
Evangelical Fellowship Church of Fort Frances, Ont., seeks a pastor to come alongside the congregation as we minister to each other and our community. We are open to the options of a part- or full-time pastor. We are a diverse congregation and this we see as a strength. If you have a heart for the lost, a clear understanding of God’s Word, leadership experience, and would enjoy working with our Church Board and Elders, contact us. Fort Frances is an area of great opportunity for “letting your light shine.” This may be where your next big adventure for God is waiting. Please send your resume to johanneslgerber@gmail. com or leave a message at 807-274-2328. Kola EMC, a rural congregation, is seeking a full time senior pastor. Our beloved pastor will be retiring this spring and we are in need of a new shepherd. Kola EMC is a church of about 100 attendees with many young families and children. This closely knit community is located just south of Highway One on the Man./Sask. border. Successful candidates will preach regularly, visit and support individuals in the congregation, advise ministerial boards, lead or organize small groups, initiate growth and development and outreach. Please submit your resume or questions regarding the position to Adam Bajus at littlecreek@hotmail.ca or to Kola EMC, c/o chairman, Box 2, Kola, MB R0M 1B0 The EMC’s Campaign of One is looking for one church planter to work in urban Canada. Is that person you? Are you being called to start a church in Windsor, Ont.? If interested, contact Charles Koop, EMC church planting coordinator, at 204-326-6401 or ckoop@emconference.ca.
community events, planning and overseeing weekly dorm chapels, helping with student travel to ministry locations, and implementing strategies to build community. The MRD should have a growing personal faith in Jesus Christ, a passion to mentor others, good listening skills, leadership and administrative abilities, and team work skills. An honorarium will be provided in addition to room and board. Start: Aug. 27, 2018. Please forward your cover letter, resume and three references (two personal and one pastoral, not relatives) to admin@thrivesk.com or info@bethany.sk.ca. Living Hope Ranch, located in the Cypress Hills near Consul, Sask., is seeking a Christian counsellor/social worker willing to join us in our endeavour. We are a 12-month, faith-based residential program for teenage girls, ages 13-17, struggling with life-controlling issues. We offer a structured environment that fosters growth through a personal relationship with God, preparing residents for success in future relationships and careers. For information see www.livinghoperanch.ca/ careers.php or email livinghoperanch@gmail.com
Where are position ads to be sent? Please send all position ads, including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconference.ca. All ads are to be 150 words or less. All ads can be edited. Please advise us when it is no longer needed.
Other Positions Attention, Christ-centred highschool teachers, snowmobile and boat sales and service people, pastors, and police officers: Are you growing weary of feeling redundant? Are you tiring of working where you're replaceable? Are you longing to be useful where a Christian presence isn't, unless you are? Fort Chipewyan, in northern Alberta, may be the home of spiritual challenge and blessing for you! Call Arlyn van Enns at 780-697-3818. Bethany College's Thrive program seeks a male resident director to help create a Christ-centred living and learning environment. The MRD will seek to establish a mentoring relationship with students with respect and without favour. Other duties include planning weekly fun/
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 33
Column • Here and Far Away
Given Over
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I do not need to fear God’s wrath because I have received His righteousness. This truth lends me the courage to ask: what idols are jostling for position with Jesus in my heart and life?
34 The Messenger • July 2018
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by Jocelyn R. Plett www.writewhatyousee. wordpress.com
od gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator. Because of this, God gave them [everyone who serves idols rather than God] over to shameful lusts. . . and received in themselves the due penalty for their error” (see Rom. 1:24- 27). Tim Keller’s Romans 1-8 For You has opened my eyes to the uncomfortable truth that this passage is not simply about people practicing sexual immorality, but, rather, that nothing I do is completely untouched by sin. It’s about “exchanging the truth about God for a lie, worshiping and serving created things rather than the Creator” (Rom. 1:25). I do this, for sure. Worse, though I know that “those who do such things deserve death, [I] not only continue to do these things but also approve of those who practice them” (Rom. 1:32). The word that the NIV translates “sinful desires” is epithumia. “Literally, it means 'overdesire,' an all-controlling drive and longing. This is revealing. The main problem of our heart is not so much desires for bad things, but our overdesires for good things…!” (Keller, 29) Golly, isn’t this an unpleasant truth! There are idols in my own life that I recognize I “want” to give up, but don’t “seem” to have the strength to do so (that is, I don’t really want to): sugar, comfort, to be important, sloth, self-worship. Nice things for myself (greed, envy). The awareness that these things, in a very real sense, enslave me is uncomfortable.
Keller writes, “If you don’t understand or believe in the wrath of God, the gospel will not thrill, empower or move you. God’s wrath—his settled, fair, right anger—is, Paul says, a present reality. It ‘is being revealed’ (v18). He does not say: The wrath of God will be revealed. It is seen now, today” (Keller, 25). We can see God’s wrath being revealed in the present if we have eyes to see it. Keller quotes Oscar Wilde: “When the gods wish to punish us, they answer our prayers.” Keller says, “This is the wrath of God: to give us what we want too much, to give us over to the pursuit of the things we have put in place of him” (Keller, 30). This is God’s judgment on us in the present: to give us what we over-desire, our idols, to “give [us] over in the sinful desires of [our] hearts” (Rom. 1:24). The great tragedy is that we choose this for ourselves. Not only do I choose it, I often become impatient with God when I feel He is too slow to grant me my desires. Lord, have mercy! The Lord does have mercy. Praise Him! I do not need to fear God’s wrath because I have received His righteousness. This truth lends me the courage to ask: what idols are jostling for position with Jesus in my heart and life? What would it look like to depend on God in this area?
Column • Stewardship Today
A Plan Worth Making
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by Peter Dryden Stewardship Consultant
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ike more than half of all Canadian adults, Roger did not have a will. As a child, he had been adopted into a wealthy family and, although he loved them deeply, he struggled to form a strong relationship with his siblings. When their father also died, Roger and his siblings each inherited a significant fortune. Roger discovered his siblings squandered theirs, which he felt was shameful and did not honour their father’s hard work. He mentioned to a friend that he had not yet drafted a will. He had never married, had no children, and had just never gotten around to it. His friend warned him that without a will, he might be shocked at how his estate would be managed. Since Roger was not married and did not have any children, if he died without a will his estate would default to using the legislation set out in his province. A general guiding principle is, “If a person does not formally indicate how they want his or her property distributed upon death, it is presumed that the person wants it to go to family members.” Roger was disturbed to realize that the fortune he had received from his father would be given to his siblings, who had misspent what they had already inherited. He also realized that not having a will prevented him from optimizing his estate’s tax efficiency. Even more alarming, he discovered that there would be absolutely no plan for donating anything from his estate to the charities that were near and dear to his heart. He made up his mind to do something about it and sought the guidance of Abundance Canada. Like Roger, many people only create their will when a crisis or life event grabs their attention and motivates them to put a plan together. However, a proactive and enthusiastic approach
to estate planning is far more rewarding. At its core, estate planning is an act of stewardship over all that you have been blessed with. It can be a delightful experience to take the time to reflect and carefully consider who will be blessed by the assets you have accumulated over years of hard work. Will and estate planning also provides an opportunity to share your values and help determine what impact your wealth will have in the world. After all, the greatest financial gift many of us will ever make is through our estate. Although focussed on the future, estate planning is a good starting point to establish strategic giving today. With a carefully-thought out plan in place, you can give during your lifetime, while creating a legacy that is in-line with your values. A donor-advised, charitable foundation like Abundance Canada can help you think strategically about giving, setting in motion a ripple effect of generosity that will continue to impact the world for many years to come.
Like Roger, many people only create their will when a crisis or life event grabs their attention and motivates them to put a plan together.
Peter Dryden is a Gift Planning Consultant at Abundance Canada. For more than 40 years, Abundance Canada has effectively helped Canadians with their charitable giving in their lifetime and through their estate. To learn more, visit abundance.ca or call 1.800.772.3257 to arrange a no obligation free consultation.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 35
Column • Kids’ Corner
Enjoy August!
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ugust is soon here. A few more weeks and you’ll be back in school. For now it’s still summer and there are many things you can do. You can have picnics in your backyard or in a park. You can make your own trail mix, s’mores, or sundaes. You can have a water balloon competition—see who can break the most balloons, or who will be the best target. You can blow bubbles: who your parents say it’s okay. Don’t talk to strangwill blow the most, or the longest lasting bubble, ers or go anywhere with them. If you feel unsure whose will go the highest. You can play bocce or afraid, find your parents or another adult you ball, badminton, or Frisbee golf. can trust and tell them about it. You can make handprints using tempera Don’t run into the street to get a ball or near paints, cut the shapes out and hang them on the edge of a cliff, a river or creek on a dare or to the low branches of a tree or on bushes in your show off. Only swim where it’s safe and always backyard. You can read a new book, read it out with a buddy. Let your parents know where you loud with a friend while sitting on a blanket are and listen to their instructions. They will under a tree or at a picnic table. You can orgasay where and how far you can go. They want to nize a fancy tea party, bake cookies, visit the zoo, know that you are safe. ride your bike or go on a hike. You can decorate Soon September will be here and you’ll be the sidewalk with chalk art or make one more ready for it. trip to the beach. You are important to God. Jesus says it is How can you make the summer last? You good to be a child. A child enjoys play for the can record your activities as you go along. Later fun that it is. A child trusts that life is good, you can look back and review them. Did you see that people are good. A child accepts others the something special, the ocean, a lake, mountains, way they are. A child learns easily and forgives a museum, a fun beach or a playground? Did quickly. Jesus says adults too must be like this. you make a new friend, or visit an old friend, or Read Matthew 18:1-5. a cousin? Did you learn something new? Maybe you learned how to Activity: Make a photo journal swim or ride a two-wheeler or play a new game. Need: camera, time for a walk Take photos of your activities. Do: choose words like: Keep a record in a journal of all the things you do. Mark on a calenplay happy dar what you do each day and who shadow dance shared the fun with you. Draw pichop peek-a-boo tures to show your summer. Then laugh jump you can look back and remember and share friend continue to enjoy it all again in the silly face yellow coming months. Make sure to review how to be Take a walk in your backyard, a playground or a park, or in safe. Go to a playground or a park your house. With your camera take a photo of an object, a only if your parents say that you may. person, or a scene, that shows the word you have in mind. Go with a friend or an adult only if Turn the activity into a guessing game with your family or a friend. Show the photo and have them guess which word it is.
by Loreena Thiessen
Make sure to review how to be safe. Don’t talk to strangers or go anywhere with them. If you feel unsure or afraid, find your parents or another adult you can trust and tell them about it.
36 The Messenger • July 2018
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