The Messenger March/April 2023

The Messenger

in the midst of suffering

INSIDE

Lucy made of light p. 6

More than mere scraps p. 10

A little talk with Jesus p. 14

Can ChatGPT write about suffering?

With the breakthrough in AI technology that came through ChatGPT, people have been asking it to respond to all sorts of queries. Out of curiosity, I asked it to write an editorial on Christian suffering. I thought it did quite well, even quoting an appropriate passage on suffering, Romans 5:3–4, where Paul says, “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

Here’s ChatGPT’s conclusion: “Christian suffering is a complex and challenging topic, but one that is an inevitable part of the human experience. It is important for Christians to remember that suffering is not a punishment or a sign of divine disfavor, but simply a consequence of living in a broken world. Christians may experience suffering for a variety of reasons, but they are not alone in their struggles. Finally, it is important to recognize that suffering can be an opportunity for growth, resilience, and faith, and that Christians can emerge from their trials stronger and more compassionate than ever before.”

What I found lacking in ChatGPT’s editorial, however, is the voice of one who has suffered. Words about suffering ring empty from one who hasn’t actually walked through the fires of suffering and found God’s enduring faithfulness is true in the midst of it.

In this issue, we are sharing the voices of sufferers. Linda West shares Lucy’s story of struggle with mental illness (p. 6). This is not a story where mental illness goes away and everyone lives a long and happy life, but it is a story of experiencing God’s presence with us in suffering. “Remember he knows how to carry a cross,” Lucy said.

Kevin Wiebe shares his family’s current struggles with health (p. 10). Without knowing the outcome, he still

says, “In light of eternity, and in light of the cost of salvation, I have come to a much deeper peace around some of these matters that used to perplex and deeply unsettle me.”

Starting on page 14, Sarah Barkman walks us through biblical examples of suffering, culminating in the suffering of Christ. While the disciples didn’t have a category for a messiah who suffered, “we have the example of Jesus who … came to participate in our sufferings with us, going as far as giving up his very life.”

Recently I was privileged to teach the reconciliation story of Jacob and Esau to a Sunday school class of early elementary-age students. What stood out to me in the biblical account is that, when the tension was highest for Jacob, God shows up (Genesis 32:22–31). In this wild and wonderful account, God doesn’t show up as a soft, comforting presence telling Jacob everything is going to be okay. Instead, he contends (wrestles) with Jacob, and gives him the blessing of a changed name: Israel, which means “wrestles with God” or “God contends.”

In our sufferings and questions, we continue to wrestle with God, but that means he’s near and walking with us.

– Rebecca Roman

Note on discussion within The Messenger

Every community will have a diversity of views and opinions, which provides opportunities for us to learn from each other, being quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (James 1:19). Our discussions are inevitably impacted by our own experiences, and the experiences

of people in our lives. These discussions should also reflect the reality that some groups and individuals have not always felt welcome in Christian communities. We welcome your responses to articles and topics discussed in The Messenger.

– Board of Church Ministries

Words about suffering ring empty from one who hasn’t actually walked through the fires of suffering and found God’s enduring faithfulness is true in the midst of it.

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The Messenger

Volume 61 No. 2 March/April 2023

Letters and Notices

Evangelical Mennonite Conference Year to Date Financial Report

MANAGING EDITOR

ERICA FEHR

EDITOR

REBECCA ROMAN

PUBLICATION AND PURPOSE

The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, 440 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5. Its purpose is to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.

Phone: 204-326-6401

messenger@emconference.ca

www.emcmessenger.ca

www.issuu.com/emcmessenger

ISSN: 0701-3299

Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362

Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, MB

COPYRIGHT

The articles printed in The Messenger are owned by The Messenger or by the author and may not be reprinted without permission. Unless noted, Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

SUBMISSIONS

Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement.

Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcome. Submissions should be sent to messenger@emconference.ca

CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

Print subscriptions are free of charge to all members and adherents of EMC churches in Canada. For all others, print subscription rates are as follows: $20/year ($26 U.S.), Manitoba residents add 7% PST.

To sign up for the email newsletter or submit an address change, email messenger@emconference.ca

ADVERTISING

The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards and ministries; inter-Mennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads and inquiries can be sent to messenger@emconference.ca.

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).

Something new [Jan/Feb 2023 issue]

I appreciate Loreena Thiessen’s articles and fun ideas she shares with the children. However, “Something new” in the Jan/Feb 2023 issue of The Messenger is very disappointing.

The article seeks to help children know what to do with negative thoughts that may come with experiences out of their control. Although one idea given is to pray for the person whose presence they may have lost, there is little mention of bringing their sorrow or anger to Jesus—other than “surrender[ing] to God in worship.” The main thrust of the article directs children to try to think new and good thoughts. Is that the main vehicle we Christians are left with to deal with our pain?

An opportunity has been lost to remind children that:

1. Our Heavenly Father knows our sadness and troubling thoughts. Psalm 142:3, “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then you knew my path.”

2. God understands our pain. Jesus was a “man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3).

3. God wants us to tell him about our problems. Psalm 116:1, “I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.”

4. We might need to wait. Sometimes feelings of sadness or anger don’t disappear right away, but we need to keep giving them to Jesus. “Wait on the Lord ...” (Psalm 27:14).

Even though The Messenger has a disclaimer about the views of the writers not necessarily lining up with the EMC or the editors, the editors do have a responsibility to see that the contents reflect our biblical faith.

God bless you all,

– Evangeline Thiessen Grande Prairie,

NOT all the same, and more [Jan/Feb 2023 issue]

Alta.

I appreciated the article by Arley Loewen, “NOT all the same,” in the last Messenger, also the following one by Doris Penner about the influx of immigrants (having been one myself some 60 years ago).

I enjoy most of all the “In Memory” stories, remembering the admonition in Hebrews 13:7. In the German language it says there: “Ihr Ende schauet an und folget Ihrem Glauben nach.” (Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.) Thank you.

– Mark Gerber Fort Frances, Ont.

Dear members of the Aberdeen Church,

It is with heavy hearts that we write this letter to say goodbye to such an extraordinary church community. The long history that you have with the Conference will not be forgotten, and your presence will be deeply missed.

It is remarkable how much impact your church has had on the EM Conference, bringing both deep wisdom and passion. You have had a hand in the founding and development of several EMC congregations, including our own. The early development of our church benefited greatly from inspirational leaders like David Thiessen and Al Friesen; pastors that were first called and developed by Aberdeen. Your service and dedication to the community has been an inspiration to us all. Your kindness and generosity have touched the lives of so

many individuals within our conference and beyond.

As you leave our conference, we want to express our deepest gratitude for everything you have done. We wish you all the best on your new journey, and we pray that your community will continue to grow and flourish in the years ahead. We look forward to the possibility of future collaborations and connections.

Thank you for being such an exceptional church community, and for the legacy that you leave behind. You have touched the lives of so many, and your presence will be deeply missed.

With love and gratitude, – Council on behalf of Fort Garry EMC Winnipeg, Man.

EMC appoints Director of Global Outreach

The Personnel Committee is pleased to announce that George Dumitrascu has agreed to serve as EMC Director of Global Outreach. George will begin his role in the summer of 2023.

George and his wife Nicoleta were raised in Christian homes in Romania and met while studying at the Babes-Bolyai University where George received his BA in pastoral theology. After missionary work in Albania, Iraq and Turkey, the Dumitrascu family moved to Vancouver where George

Dear EMC churches and conference staff,

We are writing to thank you for the fellowship and support you have extended to Aberdeen EMC over these past many years. It has been greatly appreciated.

As you know, our congregation went through a lengthy process of discernment which affirmed the importance of conference affiliation and concluded in the decision that it was time for us to seek a denominational affiliation that more closely aligned with our beliefs in affirming women in all roles within the church and in broader inclusion.

Some in our congregation have been part of the EMC conference for their whole lives and experienced considerable pain over this decision. A few of our members have decided to leave Aberdeen in order to maintain those ties. A few others wish to remain in Aberdeen but retain their ties to the EMC. Thank you for the grace you extended to us throughout this process and our subsequent withdrawal from the EMC conference.

completed his master’s degree in theological studies at Regent College in 2007. He recently completed a Doctor of Ministry degree at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri.

George has also served as a pastor in Romania and Canada and continued to engage in several missionary management positions while in British Columbia. Since 2018 George and Nicoleta have been serving with Multiply (formerly MB Mission) in Asia. In his spare time, George enjoys playing chess, trekking, and spending time at the beach. George and Nicoleta have three adult children. George is passionate about assisting the church to undertake the responsibility to bring the gospel to all nations. His experience, education and skill will be an asset to the EMC national staff team. We look forward to George joining the team later on this year.

– EMC Personnel Committee George and Nicoleta Dumitrascu

This past weekend the Aberdeen congregation was accepted into the Mennonite Church Manitoba conference. While we look forward to this new relationship, we want to recognize the significant role the EMC has played in the life of our congregation and to wish you God’s blessings as we continue to serve God together through our respective conferences.

With appreciation, – Aberdeen Church Executive Committee Winnipeg, Man.

Lucy

light

By Linda West

“Remember he knows how to carry a cross.”

“It’s always darkest before it’s pitch black!” she says. “My name’s Lucy. What’s yours?” It’s my first time at the Hope and Healing support group for people living with mental illness. I’m not even sure I should be here. It’s like those dreams where you’re walking down Main Street and suddenly realize you don’t have any clothes on.

Without warning, I’m enveloped by a hug so warm and strong that for a few seconds, my toes don’t touch the floor. “Better now?” Lucy asks. I’m surprised to hear myself say, “Yes.”

Lucy sits beside me during the meeting, holding a teddy bear. “His name is Mr. Bear”, she says. I take him with me everywhere I go. I think he likes you.”

People are talking about emotions and boundaries and getting by for one more day. I’m relieved that, as a newcomer, it’s all right if I just listen. Hiding symptoms, pretending I’m OK, has become second nature, a way to go on breathing.

“God can’t get a word in if you don’t stop talking and listen.

“Don’t tell me you have no good qualities. God doesn’t make junk!”

One thing Lucy says about God has a smidgen of appeal. “Remember he knows how to carry a cross.”

As weeks go by, Lucy, Mr. Bear and I meet for coffee and walks in the park. I learn that Lucy’s family history is riddled with contemporary clichés. Dysfunctional family. Co-dependence. PTSD. Addiction. Mental illness. Emotional abuse.

To call Lucy a survivor wouldn’t do her justice. Lucy is both childlike and profound. She breathes life into lifeless labels that criticize and condemn.

“My mother played the piano when she was drunk. I learned to love her music.”

“The kids called me fatso and dumbbell at school. God told me not to listen.”

“My dad was a lot like me. Mom called him an idiot. I sat with him when he cried.”

I’m impressed by Lucy’s rock-solid, uncomplicated faith in God. I listen politely to her spiritual wisdom. I haven’t been inside a church or said a prayer in years.

“Don’t be scared,” she tells me on a bad day. “God’s with you even if you think he’s just a silly story somebody wrote down in a book.”

One evening over coffee, with Lucy’s warm hand resting lightly on mine, the door opens to the tight place next to my heart where my symptoms have been buried alive since I was thirteen years old and realized something was wrong.

I tell Lucy everything. The strange spells that come without warning. Blurred vision. Shapeless shadows spinning in dizzy-making circles in front of my eyes. Sounds echoing like voices in the House of Horrors at the Red River Exhibition. The depression that feels like walking through quicksand. The fear and the shame. How I envy other people, the Sane Ones, and wonder why mental illness happened to me.

Lucy sits in silence through it all. Her presence grounds me, keeps me safe, until I finally run out of words. We sit a while without speaking, sipping our tea. Lucy’s response, when it comes, is brief: “God might tell you some good things about yourself if you didn’t keep running away.”

Lucy’s right. I did have dreams once upon a time. They died when the symptoms hit. It’s so long ago, I barely remember what they were.

Lucy’s right. I did have dreams once upon a time. They died when the symptoms hit. It’s so long ago, I barely remember what they were.

“You’re going to feel better now that all the secrets are out,” Lucy promises. The next morning I’m up and dressed by seven, even though I feel like sleeping until noon. Not a stellar accomplishment. But it’s a start.

quitting time to give her a ride home. I find her in the day room with a Bible open on the table in front of her.

A few months later, Lucy hits a rough patch. Her neighbour calls to say she’s running down the back lane in her pyjamas, crying. I find her sitting on the grass at the little park across the street from where she lives. She looks at me with

The smile is electric, her eyes alive with excitement. “Come here, Valerie, and see what I found! Right here in Genesis! I only read the Jesus parts before. Tonight, I started on page one. And look what it says! God made the light first, then he made people. You know what that means, Valerie? You, me, everybody, we’re all made of light!” Lucy wraps her arms around me and hugs me till my toes don’t touch the floor, and I’m laughing with tears in my eyes because the glorious image is perfect. Lucy made of light!

tears running down her face. “The voices came back”, she says. “They called me crazy and said I should jump in the river and die. They kept saying it and saying it. Jump! Jump! Jump! I was trying to run away.”

This time, I’m the one holding her. I say, “Lucy, the voices are a bunch of liars. You’re beautiful and special and gifted. The world’s a better place because you’re in it. My world’s better because of you. You hug me until my toes don’t touch the ground and help me see what’s in front of my nose, even when it sucks. You’re not crazy! You’re the sanest person I know.”

Then I promise Lucy what she always promises me when I’m the one who’s down. “Pitch black doesn’t last forever and I’m with you until the lights come on again.”

Lucy’s off work for a couple of weeks, adjusting to changes in her medication. Then she returns to her job as a janitor in a nursing home. On her first day back at work, I’m there at

The years pass faster than they should. I rediscover dreams I lost when mental illness took me down. I’m able to go back to school and get a degree and have a job that includes walking alongside people struggling with mental illness.

Sometimes I speak to students and church groups about mental illness. I’m not hiding anymore. People will understand. Or not. We all see through different eyes.

Lucy has travelled light years beyond the grim prognosis she received when she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She’s my rock. My loveable, unflappable, unstoppable friend.

I promise Lucy what she always promises me when I’m the one who’s down.

“Pitch black doesn’t last forever and I’m with you until the lights come on again.”

Pitch black comes suddenly on a crisp autumn afternoon. The voice on the phone is apologetic. The message unbearable. It’s a doctor in emergency at St. Boniface Hospital. “I’m calling about your friend, Lucy Williams. I’m very sorry to have to tell you she passed away this afternoon.”

Time stops. My mind goes blank. I don’t know how long I sit at my desk, afraid to move because whatever I do next will be the beginning of going on without Lucy. When thought returns, I realize there are people to notify from Hope and Healing who care as deeply about Lucy as I do.

No, I can’t phone anyone. Not yet. Doctors are human. They make mistakes. Maybe it’s a different Lucy. Maybe my Lucy is still out shopping for shoes. That’s what she said she had to do today.  She has a hard time finding shoes that fit her meagre budget.

Co-workers come back from coffee break. I don’t remember what I said, or even if I cried. Someone asks if there’s anything they can do. My answer is pure Lucy. “Ask everyone to pray.”

The church is packed for Lucy’s memorial service. People are laughing and crying and hugging each other. Lucy would appreciate that. During the eulogy, Lucy’s minister says Lucy was the best armchair theologian he ever knew.

After the service, Lucy’s family asks if I’d like to have something to remember her by. I ask for Mr. Bear, the teddy she had with her the night she reached out to me at the Hope and Healing meeting. He’s propped on my desk as I write. His stoic button eyes tell me he misses Lucy too.

I find some peace in trusting that, for Lucy, pitch black disappeared forever the day she knocked and God opened the door and hugged her till her toes didn’t touch the ground.

She’d have one of those big electric smiles on her face if she knew that one of the things she said about God that had only a smidgen of appeal the first time I heard it, strikes like lightning today. “Remember he knows how to carry a cross.”

Linda West earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies focusing on pastoral/spiritual care in the 70s and worked in Spiritual Care at Misericordia Health Centre for many years. Though retired, she continues to volunteer in care ministry there and in self-help groups.

May 19–22, 2023

What a fantastic truth that in a world filled with activity and opportunity, mixed with anxiety and chaos, we have God that has promised to hold us, strengthen us, and help us to navigate life.  When we choose to take hold of God’s hand, He has promised to never let us go.  Join us as we explore the joy that comes from knowing and following our Heavenly Father’s voice.

Speaker: Mo Friesen

With many years of youth ministry experience with the EMC, the National Youth Committee and with Youth for Christ, Mo has a heart to see churches finding ways to involve and nurture spiritual growth in youth, young adults and young families.

Briercrest Christian Academy, Caronport, Sask.

Cost: $240/person (travel costs not included; subsidies available)

Go to www.emconference.ca/abundant-springs and fill in an intent to register to get a complete registration package.

“Don’t be afraid or discouraged for I am your God, I will strengthen you and hold you up.”

MORE THAN MERE SCRAPS

By Kevin Wiebe

My family has had our share of medical and health struggles in recent years, which we have generally been fairly open about. From my own issues dealing with seizures in 2018 to my wife being disabled for more than two years due to cancer, along with a still undiagnosed debilitating condition, our home is no stranger to intense suffering. Her ongoing health struggles have required more day-to-day family support and so we have had to make the difficult choice to step back from full-time ministry and move closer to family during this challenging season of life. Through this, we have wrestled with the Lord but also come to learn invaluable truths that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

People often place the faith of those going through such things under a microscope—which I suppose is only natural, since they want to see if the faith that was professed will hold up under the extreme stress and pressure of such circumstances. While the added pressure of public scrutiny can be exhausting at times, it also affords one the opportunity to bring to light that which may have otherwise been hidden. We also share with others a treasure of truth that would otherwise have been ours alone—though blessedly when it comes to such treasures, they are not diminished in the slightest by sharing them.

A perplexing response from Jesus

There is a story in Matthew 15:21–28, where a Gentile woman comes to Jesus, begging for Christ to deliver her daughter from some form of demonic oppression. Jesus’ response is perplexing. At first, he is silent, then finally tells her that he is called to serve God’s lost sheep, the people of Israel, adding, “It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs” (Matthew 15:26, NLT here and throughout). In v. 27 the woman replies, “That’s true, Lord, but even dogs are allowed to eat the scraps that fall beneath their masters’ table.” Jesus is so impressed by her faith that he grants her request for healing.

I will ignore some of the obviously troubling parts of this story and focus on something else that has often perplexed me about this whole situation: miraculous healing is talked about as scraps from the table! Take a moment just to absorb that—miracles are referred to as mere scraps from the table, and Jesus commends her for it.

When one thinks about the great and mighty power of God, however, the one who created the entire world simply by speaking it into existence (see Genesis 1), this begins to make sense. God’s power and wealth are limitless! In Psalm 50:10, the Lord says, “For all the animals of the

I will ignore some of the obviously troubling parts of this story and focus on something else that has often perplexed me about this whole situation: miraculous healing is talked about as scraps from the table!

forest are mine, and I own the cattle on a thousand hills.”

When acknowledging this truth, I have long wrestled with the Lord, echoing the words of David in Psalm 13:1, “O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way?” When the Lord owns the cattle of a thousand hills, and when the Lord can merely speak the entire world into existence—when miraculous healings are merely scraps from God’s table—why does the Lord withhold such things from us? Why would God allow such suffering to continue for so long?

We are so often told that when it is within our power to act, and we fail to do so, then we have failed through our indifference or inaction—“not to act is to act” as the saying goes. So why doesn’t God act? Why not allow a few crumbs to fall from his table to heal my family?

Salvation is no ‘scrap from the table’

Yes, these are big questions, and no, I will not answer those here—well, not really. But I have come to a sort of peace in the not-knowing. There are times when God doesn’t answer our questions, exactly, but transcends them—and I believe this is what the Lord did for my heart in this.

As I was praying through these difficult and heart-wrenching questions, begging for these “scraps from the Lord’s table,” suddenly my heart and mind were drawn to another truth: the gift that the Lord has in fact given. While a miracle—a miracle—can be described as scraps from God’s table, and while the entire world came into existence merely by God saying it should be so, I was reminded that the cost of my salvation was much greater. It was no mere scrap from the table—but the cost of God’s Son, whom in that moment I pictured sitting across from us at the table.

God did not just give a speech to save my soul, or save it by giving me a piece of magic fruit. No. Our salvation was much more costly than that. To save my soul, the Lord gave the life of his Son, Jesus. Furthermore, no matter

what happens in this life, I am headed to a place where “There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4). We are talking about the difference between the bowl of food scraps meant for a family pet, and the life of God’s Son. The difference in value between these two is incalculable.

What I do know

I cannot claim to understand the reasons why God does not act to miraculously heal all the sickness and sorrows of humanity by simply

speaking the word. I cannot explain the reasons why some people experience miraculous healing and others do not—though I am fairly certain that mantras like, “they just need to have more faith” is merely dismissive pharisaical cruelty dressed up as theology.

What I do know is that God looked upon the dire state of humanity, and while we were still in our sin, God sent Jesus to die for us. What I do know is that God looks upon the brokenness of our world and does not desire it to be this way forever—which is why Christ is busy at work preparing a place for us as we speak. What I do know is that until this new home is ready for us and until Christ comes again to bring us there, we are waiting in a world that is still broken and hurting. And what I do know is that, even in our suffering, God can work to bring about good, to expand his kingdom, and to bring light in the darkness.

I was reminded that the cost of my salvation was much greater. It was no mere scrap from the table—but the cost of God’s Son, whom in that moment I pictured sitting across from us at the table.

A deeper peace

So, while I continue to petition God for answers and healing for my wife, I know that this prayer is a conversation about what to do with the scraps from the table when the Lord has already given us the gift of his only begotten Son. We are learning to more deeply understand the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 4:17–18, “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long.

Assist Nicaragua

Hurricane Julia Relief

In October 2022, a hurricane tore across the nation of Nicaragua from east to west, with devastating effects. For hundreds of families within the Fraternity churches, the hurricane wiped out crops, flooded homes, and tore down orchards. Most church members are farmers by trade and rely on two harvests per year. The damage inflicted meant the loss of one of the two annual crops and the subsequent food it provides, in addition to the loss of seed for the following planting season.

Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”

In light of eternity, and in light of the cost of our salvation, I have come to a much deeper peace around some of these matters that used to perplex and deeply unsettle me. We still have our ups and downs, our good days and bad, but I can say with certainty that God is at work, and that while the Lord has not always answered my prayers in the ways I wish he would, the Lord has still given us far more than mere table scraps.

Kevin Wiebe has been the Senior Pastor of New Life Christian Fellowship from 2013–2023. He is the author of Faithful in Small Things (Herald Press, 2021). He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Providence University College, a Certificate in Conflict Management from Conrad Grebel University College, and is working on finishing a Certificate in Spiritual Formation from Tyndale University. He is married to Emily and they have three children.

The National Council did the research and came back with a list of several hundred families with significant needs. As funds allow, they will put together food hampers to include:

■ ■

A 30-POUND BAG OF RICE

A 20-POUND BAG OF BEANS

10 POUNDS OF SUGAR

ONE GALLON OF OIL

The Board of Missions has approved a project of $15,000 to help pay for these hampers and distribute them among our church families. Some of these funds are in place but we need your help to meet this need.

You can give to the Nicaragua hurricane Julia relief fund or other EMC mission funds on our website at www.emconference.ca/give.

Thank you for your support!

We still have our ups and downs, our good days and bad, but I can say with certainty that God is at work.

A little talk with Jesus

Disciples on the road to Emmaus

By Sarah Barkman

One of my favourite stories in the New Testament is the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35). Jesus, who the disciples thought was the expected Messiah, had died a gruesome death, his body was missing (or so they thought since the women’s story of Jesus being raised was unthinkable and could not possibly be true) and these two disciples were going home discouraged.

As they are walking a stranger comes up beside them and starts a conversation. After listening to their story, the stranger says to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” (Luke 24:25–26). Then the stranger proceeds to explain to them what Scripture says about the Messiah. Only later do these disciples recognize the stranger is Jesus himself!

I have often been a bit jealous of these disciples. What did Jesus say that day? Which texts did he talk about? What were the important things the disciples needed help to see? Since I cannot go back to that day in person, I have to trust that the disciples passed on what Jesus said to others and that those things were eventually put into writing and are included in what we now call the New Testament.

Scriptural examples of suffering

We will never know exactly what Jesus said to the disciples that day on the road to Emmaus, but with hindsight from the New Testament writings and Christian tradition I can begin to imagine. Perhaps he spent time talking about the many heroes of faith who experienced suffering: Abel (Genesis 4) was a shepherd; he looked after animals. His older brother Cain was a farmer; he worked the soil and produced crops. One day both men brought an offering to God from the fruits of their labour. Abel brought an offering out of the first and best of his flock. Cain brought some fruits of the soil. For whatever reason (the Bible is not clear why), God was pleased with Abel’s offering and not with Cain’s. Cain became angry and took it out on Abel, killing his brother in cold blood. Abel suffered injustice because of his faithfulness to God.

Though not the oldest, Joseph (Genesis 37–50), the firstborn of his father’s favourite

wife, was the favoured son of 12 brothers. He knew it. So did everyone else. His brothers were jealous and, when the opportunity arose, they got rid of him, selling him to slave traders heading to Egypt.

In Egypt, Joseph continued to experience God’s blessing and got noticed. His slave owner noticed his hard-work ethic and success in whatever he did and elevated him to one of the top positions in the household. Then Joseph got noticed by his master’s wife for entirely different reasons. Rather than give in to the temptation of adultery, Joseph flees the scene. But it’s his word against the wife’s and, though he did no wrong, Joseph is thrown in prison. He suffered injustice because of his integrity.

As a young boy, David (1 Samuel 16–31) was anointed as the next king of Israel. The current king, King Saul, however, was still very much alive and as David matured into his role of warrior and leader becoming more successful in his campaigns than Saul had ever been, Saul became more and more jealous. Numerous times he tried to kill David, sending David running and hiding and fearing for his life. David suffered injustice because of his success.

“Have you considered my servant Job?” Job, we are told, was “blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1). Job had many riches, a large family, and was known as the greatest man in the region.

Unknown to Job, a divine challenge was issued: would Job still praise God if all his

Abel suffered injustice because of his faithfulness to God.

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blessings were stripped away? Would he fear God even when his own health was taken away and he was left with next to nothing? This challenge set in motion what, for Job, could only be called a ‘terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day’ (to quote author Judith Viorst). All his livestock was stolen or caught in a fire, his servants were killed, and his sons and daughters died when a house collapsed on them. When it looked like things could not possibly get worse, Job began to itch all over and he sat down in a heap of ashes in painful agony. All this because he feared God.

Jeremiah was a prophet, calling Judah to repent of their sins and turn back to the Lord. Instead of listening to Jeremiah, Judah plotted against him. He was repeatedly threatened with death. He was thrown into a cistern. The scroll containing his prophecy was torn up and burned by the king. He was dragged off to Egypt as Judah fled the invading armies of Babylon. Jeremiah faced all this injustice because he dared to speak for God.

And then there’s more

We could go on. Abraham left his home and his family to wander about in the desert. Moses was regularly the recipient of the Israelite’s grumblings. Elijah was hunted by an angry queen. Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into a blazing furnace. Prophets faced ridicule, torture, death. Hosea was left multiple times by his wayward wife. These

characters show there was already a precedent for the righteous suffering.

After these examples, I suspect Jesus also brought up Isaiah 53 and the theme of the suffering servant found there. Much of the prophets’ message was related to injustice. Either the recipients of the message were treating others unjustly and needed to repent, or they were facing injustice at the hands of others and needed hope that one day there would be judgment against their oppressors.

Isaiah 52:13–53:12 offers hope in the midst of this injustice. The Lord’s servant is unduly treated, suffering beyond what he deserves. He “was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain” (53:3). He was pierced, crushed, punished, and wounded. He was “oppressed and afflicted” and “cut off from the land of the living” (53:7–8).

But suffering does not have the last word. The servant “will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted” (52:13) and “after he has suffered, he will see the light of life and be satisfied” (53:11). He will be given “a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong” (53:12). The suffering servant would

When it looked like things could not possibly get worse, Job began to itch all over and he sat down in a heap of ashes in painful agony. All this because he feared God.

The Lord’s servant is unduly treated, suffering beyond what he deserves.

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suffer in this world for his faith and trust in God, but, ultimately, the servant will be exalted.

An upside-down concept

For the disciples not to have caught on earlier, the things Jesus explained to them must have been quite upsidedown. The disciples did not have a category for a Messiah that would suffer. He was supposed to be a mighty warrior who would defeat the Romans and re-establish the nation of Israel. Prior to his death, Jesus tried to warn the disciples of what was to come, telling them that he must be handed over to the authorities and killed (Matthew 16:21-28). This was such an upsidedown idea to Peter that he takes Jesus aside and rebukes him for saying such things. There is no way, in Peter’s mind, that the Messiah would suffer and die. The category did not even exist.

Oftentimes, we as Christians do not have a category for suffering Christians either. Yet why should we be surprised? Suffering has been the norm for faithful followers of God throughout history. Jesus warned us that this suffering would continue on earth but he promises that suffering is not the end. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). One day, those who remain faithful to God, will also be raised with him in glory!

Suffering doesn’t have the last word

Like the disciples, we hope and long for the time when suffering will be no more but unlike the disciples who had no category for a messiah who suffered, we have the example of Jesus who did not come for the purpose of being exalted as the Jews hoped. Instead, he came to participate in our sufferings with us, going as far as giving up his very life. Early Christians described it this way:

[Christ Jesus] Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:6–11)

Paul urges the church to live with the same mindset as Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). Following Jesus’ example will mean facing suffering in this world but in Jesus, there is also hope.

Jesus’ submission to suffering and death was victory over sin. God raised him up and exalted him. Now Jesus extends the invitation to us to join him his victory. While we still live in a world full of suffering, because of his great victory, we have hope that we too will someday be raised with him in glory. Our present sufferings will not have the last word! Hallelujah!

Sarah Barkman is a full-time student at Providence Theological Seminary where she is pursuing an MA in Theological Studies. Sarah attends Blumenort Community Church and currently serves as chair of the EMC Board of Church Ministries.

By Calvin Tiessen

Editors’ note: In this issue we introduce the first of a series of five columns from Calvin Tiessen, focusing on vocation through the lens of 2 Thessalonians

1:11–12. Calvin, Gabi and their family are on a one-year home assignment and Calvin will be spending part of his time building connections with people who are interested in fulfilling their vocation through church ministry or missions. But as you’ll read here, vocation is broader than that.

The gift of vocation

To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 Thessalonians 1:11–12 (ESV)

Among the most inspiring experiences in my life, I have had the privilege to be present, on numerous occasions, to observe someone doing something with great joy that they are highly skilled to do.

I have observed masons in Tajikistan building walls with no more than a hair’s width of space between the masterfully laid stones. I have worked alongside Bible translators as they have created multi-lingual beauty from the poetry of David. I have been present at the end of a long summer’s day in the high mountain pastures of the Caucasus when a shepherd has gathered all his sheep into the fold, not one lost or missing. Through these moments, and many others, I have come to understand the concept of vocation.

When I look to Scripture for a Christian definition of vocation, I find a strong foundation in Paul’s prayer in 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12. It is a beautiful picture of how God works in us, giving shape to our lives, working with the desires he places in our hearts as we live out our faith, putting these desires into action. Christian vocation is a gift from God, from start to finish.

God’s hand in our lives starts with the “resolve for good” that we each have—our dreams, the ways we long to impact the world. Though the human heart is full of various desires and pursuits, I have come to recognize that in the life of every follower of Christ, there is always a seed, planted there by God, which he intends to cultivate. On our journey of life, it is important to allow him to reveal this seed. And when we have come to understand the “resolve

for good” that he has placed in our hearts, it is the pursuit of this resolve which then defines the shape of our life. Our “works of faith,” the decisions we make in life, the actions we take to pursue our resolve for good are what become our vocation, the shape of our life that arises from responding to the calling of God.

What is the ‘resolute’ gift that God has given to you? What steps are you taking to clearly understand the “resolve for good” that is within you? In recent years I have been privileged to spend much of my time helping young crosscultural ministers explore these questions. It has been inspiring to see budding orators discover a calling for teaching, engineers find their place digging water wells in remote places, and pilots making it possible for the Word of God to reach far corners of the planet. I have come to realize that today, we are living in an age like no other.

Whatever your resolve for good may be, it is quite likely you can find a meaningful way to love the world by pursuing this resolve. So, my encouragement to us all is this: Ask God to help you understand the resolve for good he has placed in you and see where he might take you— which walls of stone you may lay for him, which scriptures you may translate, which concrete acts of love, in his name, you may fulfill.

God’s hand in our lives starts with the “resolve for good” that we each have—our dreams, the ways we long to impact the world.

Who you gonna call?

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the constant onslaught of articles competing for our affections, our outrage and our hearts in general? There are times when we should disconnect from those things in order to better focus on serving the people right in front of us—yet we can’t just stick our heads in the sand forever. The question then is, what do we do when our hearts are

moved by a situation so big and so complicated that we are powerless to act?

How, for instance, would one go about delivering an entire minority group from oppression on the other side of the world when those oppressing them are one of the dominant world powers? Even in such an overwhelming situation, we find a clue in the book of Exodus.

In Exodus 3:7–8, God says to Moses, “I have certainly seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them.”

The people of God, calling out to the Lord for deliverance from their oppression inspired the Lord to act. Moses was sent to represent God and deliver Israel from their slavery. While there is much conversation to be had around offering platitudes regarding “thoughts and prayers” as a way to dismiss people’s real needs, we also find the truth that we pray to a living God.

Our prayers are not useless. We pray to a God who loves humanity and who listens to

our cries. We pray to a God who is not distant but who is present in each and every situation. I find this truth remarkably comforting when there are so many things on my mind over which I feel powerless.

If we want to do God’s work in the world, let us begin with the work of prayer, calling for the Lord to act. And maybe, just maybe, God might show us something we can do to help in some small way, and in those times we ought not to stay idle. As James 4:17 puts it, “It is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” When you are able, do not neglect the good you ought to do—but when you carry a burden in your heart for a given situation outside of your control, remember that your calls to the Lord are not meaningless.

A note from Kevin: it has been my privilege and honour to write as a columnist in The Messenger these past few years. While circumstances in life require me to step away from this work, I want to thank you for opening your minds and hearts to my musings. May each of us continue to walk with Jesus, the Prince of Peace, along this winding and unpredictable road of life.

By Kevin Wiebe

Editors’ note: With this column, Kevin Wiebe concludes his service as a writer for “A Path to Peace.” His first column appeared in the January 2020 issue. Our many thanks to Kevin for pastorally sharing his thoughts with our readership for the past three-plus years.

Our prayers are not useless. We pray to a God who loves humanity and who listens to our cries.

“I’ll take down all my defenses / And I’ll let down my guard … So You can, show me who You really are” (“Show Me Who You Really Are,” Make It Out Alive by Kristian Stanfill).

My interest in this album was birthed out of an Instagram post by the artist Kristian Stanfill that simply said. “2 years (730 days total).” Stanfill, a well-known contemporary worship leader, became vulnerable with the world by sharing that he was two years sober after an alcohol addiction.

In an online interview with Randy Robison on LIFE Today Live, Stanfill shares that this album was “written in a time of recovery” and that while writing these songs he was “writing for survival.”

While these songs were not specifically written for use in corporate worship settings, they are intended to encourage humanity to seek God in times of hardship and struggle.

Stanfill hit rock bottom and recalls in an interview with Louie and Shelley Giglio, “I started to look in the mirror and take a real honest look at who I had become after years of isolating, hiding and pretending. And I did not like it … but I didn’t know another way, so I kept going” (“The Power of Vulnerability: A Conversation,” YouTube.com, Nov. 11, 2022). Then life forced his hand and just stopped him. In this time of brokenness, he and his wife reached out to their pastor and began the process of recovery and healing with help of counsellors and other professionals.

This album is an honest look at life in the valleys. While these songs were not specifically written for use in corporate worship settings, they are intended to encourage humanity to seek God in times of hardship and struggle.

The album has relatively simple instrumentation and Stanfill’s voice takes on a more vulnerable and sensitive character than is heard on other recordings in which he is featured.

In the title track of the album, Stanfill sings, “Step into the furnace / Let the fire serve its purpose / It’s painful in the flame / But it’s what it takes to change / If you want a resurrection / Then dying has to happen / This death is not the end / It’s where your life begins.” These words express an understanding that God’s discipline is an expression of God’s love for us. While the process may be painful, it is necessary to become more like Jesus.

The songs that follow are reflections of real life and an honest pursuit of relationship with God in the midst of these trials and valleys.

If I were to choose a favourite song from the album it would be “We Need People.” It acknowledges that the natural response for many of us in times of distress is to isolate for our own protection and so that others won’t see our weakness. But healing often occurs in the constraints of caring and honest relationships.

If you are walking through challenges in your life, this album may be a soundtrack that can bring you comfort and hope. There are times of lament, moments of hope and colourful pictures of God’s love. Give it a listen.

Make It Out Alive, music album by Kristian Stanfill. Reviewed by Mo Friesen, EMC Director, Next Generation.

EMC PROJECT BUILDERS

Praise in the midst of challenge

NICARAGUA

Editor’s note: Gerald Reimer (Interim Director of Global Outreach for Nicaragua), Ken Zacharias (Retired DGO), and Luke Bartel (Project Builders Executive member) travelled to Nicaragua January 18–26, 2023. While EMC doesn’t have missionaries in Nicaragua, the EMC Board of Missions supports the Nicaraguan churches by subsidizing their annual budget and by giving to special projects. The conference of churches is The Fraternity of Evangelical Mennonite Churches of Nicaragua (La Fraternidad de Iglesias Evangélicas Menonitas de Nicaragua, FIEMN).

Ken Zacharias, Luke Bartel, and I (Gerald Reimer) went to Nicaragua from January 18–26, 2023. It was the first time since 2019 that any of our office staff had been there. Our reasons for travel were to attend the Annual General

Fuente de Vida Mennonite Church

La Embajada, Camoapa

January 24, 2023

Dear Canadian missionary brothers, we hope that upon receiving this letter, God’s blessing rests abundantly on your lives, families, and ministry, and that the sweet presence of Jesus continues to refresh your hearts.

The reason for this is to thank each one of you for the help that has come to be a great blessing for us and to be able to fulfill our dreams of constructing our church building.

Once again, thank you and we say goodbye to you, praying to the Lord to pour out blessings on you until there is plenty and it abounds so that you can continue to be a great blessing as you have been up to now.

With the love of our Saviour,

Sincerely,

Luis Antonio Calero Brizuela Pastor of the Fuente de Vida Church Congregation

Assembly, connect with the National Council members, and visit churches that had been affected by Hurricane Julia in October, and those that had received funding from Project Builders in the past few years.

Nicaragua is an extraordinarily beautiful country with amazingly resilient people. Sadly, these people live in a geographical region that is susceptible to natural disasters and political instability. Most of the 50-plus churches and outreaches in the Fraternity are located in rural areas and made up of farming families. When extreme rains and wind, or hurricanes and earthquakes hit them, as they seem to do every couple of years, they can easily lose significant life-saving income. And yet when the economy repeatedly hits bottom, accompanied by soaring unemployment, the churches press on in their outreach and care.

We did not hear any words of bitterness for their situation, but instead lots of praise and thanksgiving to their Father in heaven for carrying them through life’s challenges. And as you see in the accompanying letter, which was read out loud to us at a special church service, there is a lot of thankfulness directed toward the EMC for our decades of support in this beautiful partnership. This inspires them to continue their goal to plant one new church every year in their country. What a beautiful picture of faithfulness on their part, building God’s kingdom one community at a time.

– Gerald D. Reimer Director of Canadian Church Planting

Leaders from two house churches in Granada pose with Gerald Reimer.

With Our Missionaries

‘Watching the lights go on’

WISCONSIN

Introductory note from Dave and Kim Field’s newsletter: What an incredible responsibility to teach the Bible every day! Dave spends a lot of time studying the Word. The Lord helps him teach in a way that is easy to understand, and applicable to daily life. God blesses his efforts as the lights come on for the students and they fall more in love with the Lord.

FESTIVAL 2023

Dave explains his current class in this one-minute video transcript.

Jesus’ Family ROAD TRIP

Hi, I’m Dave, and I’m currently teaching the course called Metanarrative of Scripture. So basically, it’s a course that goes through the Bible story and puts it together as one story—kind of show where everything fits. One thing that’s really been cool this semester is watching the lights go on for students. I love talking with students after having them see the Bible makes sense as one thing—one story—for the first time. Probably something I’ve learned as I’ve taught this course for a few years is just the importance of that. I feel like a lot of Christians know different bits of the Bible, but to see it together as one story makes sense of a lot of pieces of information, so we know where things go, kind of like a map, putting the right thing in the right place on the map, or knowing why the Scripture talks about certain things because we’ve seen it together as one story. That’s been really cool this semester.

Dave and Kim Field (Steinbach EMC) are EMC associate missionaries with Ethnos360. Dave is a full-time teacher and Kim works in the mobilization department, both at Ethnos360 Bible Institute in Wisconsin.

The Joy and Mayhem of Being the Church Together

GUEST SPEAKER Andy Woodworth EMC Conference Pastor

Squeaking past protestors

PERU

Editor’s note: In early February 2023, Mary Beth George wrote that the roads to their town had been opened to tourist traffic and tourist numbers were pretty much back to normal for this time of year, but on January 20, this was their blog post:

“Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Greetings from sleepy Punta de Bombón. We are told that at this time of year this place is usually hopping with tourists coming out to enjoy the vast beaches, but this year is a little different. With all the protests going on, the town is quiet and tranquil.

We returned yesterday from our yearly conference near Lima and can understand why. A ‘cease fire’ was called over Christmas that got Ben and Mia safely back to the States.

When it ended, protests were slow to start up again and the mission felt it would be ok to hold our annual spiritual life conference near Lima. While we were there however, the Cusco airport closed for a few days because of protests, which delayed the return of Abancay and Cusco missionaries for a while. Thankfully, the Lima airport was unaffected, and Paul was able to fly back to the U.S. on Monday without any problems.

We made it back to Arequipa on Tuesday. Upon our arrival we found out the road to La Punta was blocked by protesters and decided to wait for an opportunity to make our final leg home.

Yesterday, we had had enough waiting, and having heard that buses were getting through in the wee morning hours, we headed out at 4:40 a.m. hoping to catch a minivan to take us the distance. Thankfully, we were able to get on the road around 5:45 and just managed to squeak past protesters setting up tires to burn in the nearby town of Cocachacra at 8:00 a.m.

– Allen George, on December 13, 2022

I know these narrow misses are not casual occurrences but answered prayers, so thanks for praying! We are super thankful. Even so, I believe that as Christians our goal in life is not and should not always be to be comfortable and safe, but rather to glorify God. Sometimes this means miraculous blessings (like safe travel in a divided country), and sometimes it means ‘unjustified’ suffering. Whichever it is, may my heart say, “I’m so thankful to be walking with you oh my God!”

Mary Beth George

Mary Beth and Allen George (Blumenort Community Church) are EMC associate missionaries church planting with SIM in Peru.

–

“I opted to not follow the advice of one man who said I could ‘just drive through it like Rambo’ and instead chose to take a slight detour over a nearby mountain and made it home without any issues.”

PHOTO SUPPLIED

No boredom at Paraguayan staff retreat

PARAGUAY

In the 90s, the EMC missionary staff in Paraguay was numerous and included young families, making each annual retreat a highlight. Since we hadn’t had a retreat for a few years now, and being only a small group, we decided to invite the current and retired EMC missionaries with their kids and grandkids. This idea was met with enthusiasm, so we had a two-day retreat at the end of December 2022. Attendees came from different parts of Paraguay, and even from B.C. It was neat to have a broad range of ages, but especially the younger kids with all the playing, swimming and activities. Their enthusiasm for life was contagious and I don’t think anyone had time to be bored.

The goal of this retreat was on reconnecting and recharging, so we didn’t fill the schedule with a lot of programs. However, we did have three sessions where Jerald Schmidt led us in praise and worship. We also watched part of a challenging video series, Driven by Eternity by John Bevere, followed by rewarding discussion. Here are some comments from participants:

Thank you for inviting us. It was a valuable reunion. It was so precious to be able to reconnect with family and friends whom we hadn’t seen for so long or, at least, with whom we couldn’t spend intimate and quality time … an opportunity we would’ve missed if it weren’t for the invitation. We were blessed and had so much fun. – Faith and Anton Schmidt, with children present: Emily, Jordan, Dylan.

We’re glad we squeezed in a day at the retreat with our whole family, just to see everyone again, to feel the togetherness of the different generations, to laugh, play, talk, relax.

The bit of recreation of the traditional talent show was a hit for our family. – Esther and Benny Goertzen

We enjoyed the idea of including family … appreciated messages by John Bevere and are looking for the book … and thanks for covering the bill! – Dave and Melanie Schmidt, Zahira, Tiago

The missionary retreat was a great time of relaxation and fellowship. It was great to see how everyone reconnected.

– Rosey and Travis Zacharias, Belen, Zippy, Moi, Paloma

We really enjoyed the time spent at the retreat, reconnecting with the mission family, worshipping, sharing, eating and playing together. A highlight for me was giving my family a taste of the “MK” (missionary kid) experience! Thank you, EMC Missions, for thinking of us and facilitating this event!

– Jerald and Daniela Schmidt, Josia, Anika

It felt like a family get together. It was important to have that “belonging” as kids, and meaningful to reconnect now.

– Gabi (Goertzen) and Hannes Bleeker, Nadine, Evan, Ben

We enjoyed this retreat tremendously, reliving old (and fun) memories and catching up with childhood friends, as well as getting to see the next generation of kids make new ones!

– Cory and Adri Kroeker, Liam, Jonah

It was great to connect with the ones from way back when … plus, I enjoyed the presentations/videos in our sessions … they were good to help deepen our vision/purpose in what the Lord has for us.

– Erna Plett, Josia

– Submitted by Chris Kroeker

Current and retired Paraguayan missionaries gathered for a multi-generational retreat.

A portion of the next generation shows off their flowers.

Pansy Chapel

Whether going or coming, God is at work

PANSY, Man.—Looking back on 2022, there are many things we could catch up on. We could talk about the parent-child dedication service for six young families in May. Or we might highlight the two baptism services in summer where a total of 15 were baptized: 13 at Joubert Creek near the church while the water was appropriately high and two later at St. Malo where the water level is more stable. Candidates were of various ages, and we pray God’s blessing on each one.

Just look at Katya’s wide smile in the photo and rejoice with her—she has just been told that her family’s coming has finally been approved. What better way to show her joy than to hug her temporary “sister” Natalia?

Perhaps we could draw attention to the shoe box drive Sheila and Sherry continue to lead so gallantly. Once people get to see the reality, the actual giving process, their passion remains ignited. Last fall we sent over 800 boxes. Or we could discuss the prayers for and the choosing of an associate pastor, Kevin Friesen, which would bring us right into 2023. He came on duty, with a hearty welcome, on January first.

The year began with a hurrah for Jesus as part of a current series of messages. January was also a month of fervent prayer and fasting—a fast that ended with a celebratory all-church prayer meet and communion service—a precious milestone.

Now in February (at the time of this writing) we are in the going and coming mode. Jake and Shelly Rempel are in Cuba delivering gifts with ASSIST CUBA and leading a group of delegates through some leadership changes and more. Dennis Friesen and some friends are in Ensenada, Mexico, working at El Refugio (The Refuge) girls home,

restoring portions of a fire-damaged building. A group of 21 from church is joining him now; they will also be building a new home for a pastor and his family—a family desperately in need of a house to call their own. Don’t we sometimes take our own luxuries too much for granted?

February is also our time to rejoice about comings. Yes, refugees from Ukraine—slowly, one by one they keep coming. Trish Braun has been a passionate leader in this work. A current example is Katya (Kate) who has been living with Jon and Judith Driedger while waiting for the safe arrival of her mother and brother coming soon. Their place is ready. Just look at her wide smile in the photo and rejoice with her—she has just been told that her family’s coming has finally been approved. What better way to show her joy than to hug her temporary “sister” Natalia?

– Betty Barkman

Katya (right), full of joy, hugs Natalia Driedger.

MCC responds to earthquakes in Syria

As the tragic toll of the Feb. 6 earthquakes continues to unfold in Syria, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is working with long-term partners in Aleppo and surrounding areas to meet urgent needs.

When an earthquake of 7.8-magnitude followed hours later by a 7.5-magnitude quake struck northwestern Syria and southeastern Türkiye, it dealt a devastating blow in Syrian communities already suffering from years of conflict.

“We are only beginning to see the enormity of this disaster,” says Garry Mayhew. He and his wife Kate, based in Beirut, are MCC representatives for Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.

“The sheer numbers of lives lost, injured and displaced are overwhelming, and numbers will continue to grow in the days ahead,” Mayhew says.

Over the past decade in Syria, many buildings had been damaged by war and neglect, making them vulnerable to shocks from the earthquake. Families who have been displaced by conflict often live in unfinished and unsafe buildings at higher risk for collapse.

Many buildings came down in the quake, MCC partners in Syria are reporting. Hundreds of aftershocks have added to damage and trauma, and cold weather is worsening rescue efforts and survivors’ struggles.

MCC is responding in Aleppo and surrounding areas by working with partners who are opening shelter centers in churches and community buildings and providing emergency food, shelter, hygiene, sanitation supplies and trauma counselling.

“Many of our partners have been involved with relief work for the last 12 years of the Syrian war. This has allowed them to quickly pivot to supporting those who are displaced by the earthquake,” Mayhew says.

But the needs are immense.

“People are continuing to pour in and the needs for urgent items (food, water, blankets, mattresses, diapers, etc.) keep growing,” says Mayhew.

“Many partners, staff and volunteers, who are supporting others, are also displaced with damaged homes, and are dealing with their own losses and trauma.”

For many Syrians, this burden, on top of years of war, feels too heavy to carry, Mayhew says.

“It is critical that we stand with those who are suffering at this time. Many Syrians feel forgotten by the world after so many years of suffering. We must help them know that they are not forgotten, that we see their pain and stand with them.”

In addition to meeting immediate needs, MCC will be working with partners to determine longer-term projects and responses.

In Canada, give online at mcccanada.ca/earthquake, call 888-622-6337 or send a cheque earmarked for “Syria and Türkiye earthquake” to your local MCC office. In Canada, MCC has joined the Humanitarian Coalition appeal for Türkiye & Syria. MCC is a member of the Humanitarian Coalition through Canadian Foodgrains Bank.

In the U.S., people can contribute to MCC’s response by giving online at mcc.org/earthquake, by calling 888563-4676 or by sending a cheque earmarked for “Syria and Türkiye earthquake” to MCC, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE FRANCISCAN CHURCH IN ALEPPO

“People are continuing to pour in and the needs for urgent items (food, water, blankets, mattresses, diapers, etc.) keep growing,” says Mayhew.

Collapsed buildings following the earthquakes in Aleppo, Syria, February 6.

Since 2011, MCC has worked to meet urgent needs of people affected by conflict in Syria. This is one of MCC’s largest humanitarian responses in a century-long history. In addition to MCC’s emergency response to the earthquake, MCC continues to work with partners, both churches and other civil society groups, to provide emergency assistance such as food baskets, clothing, hygiene supplies and winterization supplies.

MCC also offers programs to help people recover their livelihoods and provides psychological and trauma training to help people affected by more than a decade of violence. MCC’s work includes advocating for a peaceful solution to the conflict in Syria and other places around the world.

– MCC staff

Dave Reimer will be next SBC president

STEINBACH, Man.—Steinbach Bible College and its Board of Directors are pleased to announce that Dave Reimer will serve as the college’s next President.

Reimer returns to SBC, where he was a full-time faculty member from 2007–12. He is currently bishop of the Christian Mennonite Conference (CMC), one of the four supporting church conferences of SBC. He has spent 26 years leading churches in the CMC, mentoring and guiding church leaders during this time. He is happily married to his wife, Shelley, and together they have five children and twelve grandchildren.

“Dave comes to us with much experience as a former professor at SBC and as bishop of the CMC conference,” Trevor Arsenault, chair of the SBC Board of Directors, states. “The board is excited to work with Dave as we move forward to serve the next generation of churches and the community.”

“It has become my passion to help raise up the next generation of Christian leaders for the strength of the church, and for hope in our world,” Reimer says. “I see SBC as a significant place where that kind of ministry happens. I look forward to being back on the SBC team in a fulltime capacity again.”

Reimer will succeed Dr. Terry Hiebert, the interim President of SBC. Hiebert will retire at the conclusion of the 2022-23 academic year.

“As a part-time and regular faculty, he brought an engaging biblical and Christ-centered focus to students, and his pastoral care for students and staff will exemplify the best of SBC values,” Hiebert expressed. “I look forward to seeing where God leads Dave and the team in the next phase of the SBC journey.”

Reimer is expected to officially start his duties as SBC President on June 1, 2023.

Dave Reimer

“It has become my passion to help raise up the next generation of Christian leaders for the strength of the church,” Reimer says.

MCC partner Hope Center is providing emergency relief to displaced people in Aleppo, Syria, following the Feb. 6 earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria. Hope Center has turned churches and community centers into temporary shelters for the growing number of people looking for a safe place to stay.

SBC

MDS Canada returning to Cape Breton Volunteers needed for Hurricane Fiona repair

WINNIPEG, Man.—Roman Heuft’s heart broke earlier this year when he saw how so many people in Cape Breton are still struggling after Hurricane Fiona struck last fall.

Although thousands of fallen trees were cleaned up by Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) volunteers after the hurricane struck, and some roofs were patched or tarped, the organization was unable to do more before winter came.

“Many of these people are not well off, and some are elderly or have health issues,” says Heuft, who is the Cape Breton Response Organizer for MDS Canada.

Many live in what are called “company homes,” houses built many years ago by coal companies in the region and passed down through families after the mines closed.

Although the mines are gone, the people remain. Those who depend on pensions are struggling to make ends meet, while others face unemployment, Heuft notes.

“Things were hard enough for these folks before Fiona struck, but the storm caused heart-breaking damage,” he says.

“Most of those whose homes were damaged do not have the resources for repairs. They now live in houses with leaking roofs, wet insulation, collapsed ceilings and mold,” he says, adding “there is still so much need.”

For that reason, MDS Canada is going back to Cape Breton, starting in late March. Already 14 homes are lined up for repairs, with more likely to come.

“It’s not only an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus for those who need our help, it’s also a chance to visit a beautiful part of Canada,” Heuft says.

For Lynne McCarron, Executive Director of United Way Cape Breton, MDS’s return is very good news.

“Words cannot express how happy I am that MDS is coming back to help our communities in Cape Breton,” she says.

“This hurricane has significantly impacted our community, affecting our vulnerable residents the most.”

The United Way, which partnered with MDS last fall, is doing what it can to help those impacted by the hurricane. “But we have limited resources,” McCarron says. “That’s why MDS is so important.”

Since MDS left last December, “we haven’t been able to do anything to provide the help that vulnerable residents need to rebuild their homes. It feels like I am letting them down,” she says.

Now that MDS is coming back, “I feel like I am no longer alone,” she says.

For her, “the expertise of MDS gives me comfort that not only will these homes be repaired properly, but I can trust the quality of their work and know that these homes will be safe and dry.”

MDS, she exclaims, “is my guardian angel!”

People who want to volunteer for a week or longer can contact Clara Flores at cflores@mds.org . Subsidies are available to assist with travel. More information at https:// mds.org/response/glace-bay-cape-breton-island-nova-scotia/. – John Longhurst, MDS Canada Communications

“Words cannot express how happy I am that MDS is coming back to help our communities in Cape Breton,” McCarron says.

New research highlights unique aspects of small Canadian churches

OTTAWA—There is more to the thousands of small churches in Canadian neighbourhoods than many people realize. A new study digs into the realities of these churches and examines their needs and strengths from the perspective of their pastors.

Significant Church: Understanding the Value of the Small Evangelical Church in Canada is a collaborative research project undertaken by 13 Canadian Christian organizations and led by the research team of The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC).

The project involved interviews with ministry experts and small church pastors as well as a national survey of pastors. The research team defined a small church as a congregation with an average Sunday attendance of 150 or less. Congregations were considered to be evangelical if they were affiliated with the EFC.

Pastors interviewed expressed frustration over how their own denominations measured success by numbers, as opposed to how pastors measured success, which was typically by the spiritual growth of their congregants.

“Small churches have often been viewed—even by their own pastors and congregants—as ‘less than’ larger churches in the same communities,” says Rick Hiemstra, lead researcher for the EFC. That view has been shaped by a longstanding emphasis on numerical growth as a hallmark of church success.

“It’s fascinating and important to hear how pastors and ministry experts articulate how and why success and growth can be understood in non-numerical ways,” says Hiemstra.

Pastors interviewed expressed frustration over how their own denominations measured success by numbers,

as opposed to how pastors measured success, which was typically by the spiritual growth of their congregants.

Significant Church: Understanding the Value of the Small Evangelical Church in Canada also reveals that pastors felt their formal theological education did not prepare them adequately for small church pastoral ministry.

“Respondents told us schools did best preparing students for preaching and teaching but did not do a good job preparing students for leading change, doing church administration, leading boards, managing church politics and overseeing building maintenance,” explains Hiemstra.

Those duties are usually handled almost completely by pastors of small churches who must be competent in a wide range of skills. “Most pastors reported minimal to no specific training for small church ministry.”

Female pastors of small churches reported extra challenges unique to their gender such as having limited access to female mentors, not being accepted by their male colleagues and even, in some cases, being talked over by male colleagues as if they were not present.

One of the most positive results of the research was to “see that the very nature of a small church being ‘small’ means they are able to have a necessary and vital ministry to and with their members, marked by a family-like feel and experience and an opportunity for every member of a congregation to belong and participate,” says Hiemstra.

The new research is the latest in a series of projects in which the EFC works with partners to produce research that will help the Canadian Church.

As with many studies, this one also points to the needs in the years ahead. “We are confident Significant Church will spark an important conversation about small churches in Canada and help improve the health of this vital part of the Canadian Church,” says Hiemstra.

For a full list of research partners and to download the report visit TheEFC.ca/SignificantChurch.

In Memory

brother Alvin Doerksen, sister Leona Doerksen, his first wife Clara Doerksen, as well as several in-laws.

Gerry was born on July 16, 1934, near Satanta in southwest Kansas. Due to drought and low wheat prices in the “Dirty Thirties”, the family moved back to Blumenort, Manitoba, when Gerry was five years old.

teacher training, he worked as a teacher and later as a principal. He enjoyed studies and obtained a BA, BEd, and MEd from the University of Manitoba. He served as a lay minister in several churches, enjoyed interacting with people, and, among various functions, officiated at 65 weddings.

GERRY DOERKSEN 1934–2022

On Sunday, October 2, 2022, Gerard (Gerry) Benjamin Doerksen peacefully passed away at Rest Haven Care Home in Steinbach, Manitoba. He will be deeply missed by his wife Donna Doerksen; his children Juanita Doerksen (Harold Peters), Mimosa Koop, Garth Doerksen (Mary-Anna Aaldyk-Doerksen), and Keith Doerksen (Cindy Wolfe); his step-children

Ken Bigelow (Janice Bigelow), Kathy Olsen (Steve Olsen), and Karl Bigelow; his grandchildren Athena Thiessen, Kurt Peters (Hannah Parton), Olivia Peters, Natasha Peters (JeanMichel Najarre), Brittany Enns (Jake Enns), Bre Calma (Nix Calma), Braelyn Koop, EmilyAnn Doerksen (Ian Poppel), Madeleine Doerksen (Chris Job), Aaron Doerksen, Evan Doerksen, and Amy Doerksen; his great-grandchildren Abby Garcia and Eve Enns; and his nine step-grandchildren and 20 step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Mary Doerksen, brother Menno Doerksen (Laura Doerksen), sister Janice Doerksen, and brother-in-law Nathaniel Plett (Lucille Plett). Gerry was predeceased by his parents Bernard P. Doerksen and Marie B. Doerksen,

Among other things, but certainly in part because of his parents’ prayers and example, a significant change in Gerry’s life occurred when he accepted Christ at age 19. While never “noisy” about his Christian faith, it was at the core of Gerry’s being and guided him throughout his life. He remained curious about the intricacies and beauty of personal faith until his death.

In 1958, Gerry married Clara Plett. After attending Normal School

Gerry and Clara’s four children were born in the 1960s: Juanita in 1960, Mimosa in 1962, Garth in 1965, and Keith in 1968.

To pursue his interest in the interaction of Christianity and psychology, the family moved to Edmonton, Alberta, where Gerry obtained his PhD at the University of Alberta. When they moved back to Blumenort, he worked as the Coordinator of Special Education for the Hanover School Division in Steinbach and then as a psychologist for Eden Health Care Services in Winkler.

Following his wife Clara’s death in 2001, Gerry met Donna Pope of Lorena, Texas, online. After months of emails and telephone conversations, they were married on December 20, 2008.

Gerry will be remembered as a thoughtful, intuitive, generous, gifted, gracious, and kind-hearted man. He leaves a monumental legacy as a leader, teacher, mentor, and friend, as well as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and greatgrandfather. While he is dearly missed, memories of him are indelibly imprinted in the hearts and minds of all who knew him.

As Gerry often said when saying farewell, “Bliewe moutich” (remain joyful).

– The Family

CORNELIUS PLETT

1935–2022

Cornelius Plett, born September 27, 1935, to Jacob and Helen (Reimer) Plett, of Steinbach, Man., passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 12, 2022, at his home.

He is survived by his children, Peggy Anderson (Grant), Pauline Loewen (Cliff), Danny Plett (Sherri) and David Plett (Junia); his sister Sarah Unger and brother Ron Plett (Anna), two brothers-in-law, Clint Toews (Pearl) and Chris Toews (Laverne); 13 grandchildren; and 28 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Berni Plett, and four siblings.

As a young boy, Cornie, along with his family, worked on fruit farms in B.C., did some farming in Manitoba, and later helped his dad in the family butcher shop, known as “Plett Vurst.” Later he worked as an electrician.

Cornie started dating Berni at age 15, and so deep was his love, that he often reminded his children (and later homecare workers) of their first kiss. Cornie was in love with Berni from the first day he saw her in a potato field. He offered to carry her crate of potatoes, but in her own feisty manner, she said “No! I can do my own work!” Nonetheless, this relationship blossomed into a loving five-year courtship, during which time they devoted themselves to ministry. Their

shared love of music and serving God through music grew throughout their life together, as they directed and accompanied choirs, led and sang in groups, sang together as a couple, and sang together as a family.

Cornie was married on June 24, 1956, to Berni Toews, of Steinbach, Man. Together they ministered in various communities in Canada and the USA. He first pastored in Wymark, Sask., then Burns Lake, B.C., Winnipeg’s Aberdeen and Braeside churches, attended seminary in Fresno, Cal., while pastoring in nearby Reedley, then back to Winnipeg’s Braeside and Douglas churches. He also taught at Steinbach Bible College and pastored in Snow Lake until retiring at the age of 65. In retirement, Cornie also served at Crestview church, and at Woodhaven and Cedarwood apartments. Even in the last months of his life, despite many physical limitations, Cornie pastored his numerous healthcare providers by praying and blessing them during their visits.

Aside from his love for ministry, some of his other loves were: Travelling with his family, golfing with friends, going fishing and doing yard work. After attaining his Class 1 license he took the occasional long distance truck trip for Reimer Express and Penner International. Cornie was also trained as a first responder and ambulance driver.

Despite Cornie’s deep faith, he also faced periods of depression at various times in life. While depression was at times debilitating, he sought professional help, he prayed, he read, and he focused on gratitude, all of which deepened his empathy as he cared for those facing similar struggles.

All who knew and loved Cornie will miss him deeply. His dry humour, his smile, his storytelling, his love for Scripture and his deep compassion for others will live in us not only as a memory but a way to live.

– The Family

Shoulder Tapping

Please send all position ads (150 words or less), including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconference.ca. Ads may be edited. Please advise us when it is no longer needed.

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 Andy Woodworth (awoodworth@emconference.ca or phone 204-326-6401).

EMC Positions

Senior Pastor: New Life Christian Fellowship (Coatsworth, Ont.)

New Life Christian Fellowship is a small country church with approximately 65–85 that gather every Sunday. New Life is compiled mostly of young families with lots of little ones around to keep you on your toes. Many of our families have a Plautdietsch (Low German) background which is often heard during times of fellowship. We are looking for a full time senior pastor who has a passion to preach, and teach from the Scriptures (background in ministry would be an asset), and has a heart for ministry and people in and outside the church. Our vision for the church is Reach Up, Reach Over & Reach Out. We would require that you agree with the EMC Statement of Faith. For more information, please contact board@nlcfchurch.org

Associate Pastor: Evangelical Fellowship Church (Steinbach, Man.)

Evangelical Fellowship Church (EFC) in Steinbach, Man., is seeking to hire a full-time associate pastor. Our

vision is to: Worship God, Love Neighbours, Make Disciples, Grow Young. To that end, we are looking for an individual who will place a strong emphasis on discipleship. This individual must also agree with the EMC Statement of Faith. Applications will be accepted until March 31, 2023. For a detailed description of the position and how to apply, please email your inquiry to pastoralsearch@efchurch.ca. Check out our website at www.efchurch.ca

Children’s Ministries Director: Westpointe Community Church (Grande Prairie, Alta.)

Westpointe Community Church in Grande Prairie, Alta., is looking for a children’s ministries director. This is a full-time position. Wages will be dependent on qualifications and experience. For a detailed description of the position and how to apply please follow the link https://westpointecc.churchcenter.com/registrations/ events/1375014 or email your inquiry to westpointe@hotmail.com.

Associate Pastor: Rosenort Fellowship Chapel (Rosenort, Man.)

Rosenort Fellowship Chapel (RFC) is seeking an associate pastor whose primary task will be youth ministry with secondary tasks to be determined. Our vision is to build a junior youth ministry (grades 7–9) while assisting in senior youth programs in the community.

The applicant will be a person who loves Jesus Christ and aspires to help others know Christ. This person will be highly motivated to make an impact among youth with his/her own dedication to Christ and to lead, influence, and prepare our youth for life today. The applicant will have some Bible college and skills in communicating biblical truths. This person will

work in cooperation with the leadership team.

RFC is a multigenerational congregation of 100 persons 30 minutes south of Winnipeg. We are theologically Anabaptists who long to Radically follow Jesus, Further the gospel, and Care for the community.

Email applications to Cam Cornelsen at cam.rfcleadership@gmail.com.

Senior Pastor: Taber Evangelical Church (Taber, Alta)

Taber Evangelical Church is actively searching for the senior pastor whom God has chosen to lead us into the future. Taber EMC is a unique, growing, familyoriented church. Our regular Sunday attendance is about 250. If you feel the Lord leading you in this direction please email taberemcpsc2@gmail.com or contact Bram Klassen at 403-331-9563.

Senior Pastor: Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship (Vanderhoof, B.C.)

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship is in Vanderhoof, located on the banks of the Nechako River in the heart of British Columbia. Our mission is to love God, love our neighbour, and make disciples. Our vision is to serve our neighbour through loving, encouraging, and caring. We have a full Sunday program and both junior and senior youth programs. We have an active weekly seniors Bible study as well as weekly youth Bible studies. We are active in various community events. We are seeking a full-time senior pastor for our congregation to replace our recently retired pastor couple. Looking for a spiritually mature individual with a deep personal walk with Jesus, an engaging,

enthusiastic individual who demonstrates sound biblical teaching and in-depth preaching as well as vision. Counselling skills would be an asset.

Contact Bernie Klassen at bande@ hwy16.com for more information. Check out our website at vcfemc.com.

Pastor of GermanSpeaking Ministry: Picture Butte Mennonite Church (Picture Butte, Alta.)

Picture Butte Mennonite Church (Picture Butte, Alta.) is prayerfully seeking to hire a full-time pastor to oversee our German-speaking ministry. PBMC currently holds an English and a Low German service each Sunday morning which both connects us to our cultural heritage and gives us a unique outreach opportunity to more traditional, Low German-speaking communities.

We are looking for a man that is experienced in ministry with a strong ability to shepherd in preaching and teaching from the Scriptures in Low German as well as an ability to relate to and care for members of the Mennonite community. This pastor will also meet the biblical requirements for leadership in the church as laid out in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9.

For more information or to submit a resume, please contact Isaac Thiessen, Chair of Leadership, at 403-308-5093 or by email: isaact@genicadev.com.

The ConneXion (Arborg, Man.): Pastor

The ConneXion in Arborg, Man., is seeking an interim pastor to provide leadership and support while we live out our community vision. The ConneXion is a diverse group of people that are seeking to make Jesus the centre of all we do. We lean into the BELLS acronym discussed by Michael Frost in his book Exiles. Please reach out to 204-250-5534 or email theconnexion@ hotmail.com if interested.

Youth Pastor (part-time): St. Vital EMC (Winnipeg, Man.)

St. Vital EMC Church is seeking to hire a part-time youth pastor who will lead and disciple our youth aged 15–18 years old. We are an established and friendly church in south Winnipeg with approximately 120 congregants who aspire to love God and live as Jesus Christ lived.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a passion for Christ through their vibrant and growing relationship with Jesus. Demonstrable leadership and influence among youth will mark this person’s character on a consistent basis as well as the ability to discern truth and obey God’s calling within the broader scope of the church’s ministry. The person taking this role needs to demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively on a small ministry team.

Previous applicable experience working with youth is essential. The position will require approximately 16 hours of time per week. A resume, with cover letter, can be sent to: Oswald at ozzy_wald@ hotmail.com.

Morris Fellowship Chapel (Morris, Man.): Pastor

Morris Fellowship Chapel is a Christfollowing, Bible-believing, family-friendly church of around 130 people in the small rural town of Morris, Manitoba. People of all ages are a part of Morris Fellowship, including children, young adults, adults and seniors. We are looking for a pastor to help with preaching, teaching, and building community in our church. This would include preaching on Sundays, teaching midweek Bible studies, personal visits and church community events.

Contact Cliff Reimer, Pastoral Search Committee Chairman: cliff0955@gmail.com.

Associate Pastor: Straffordville Evangelical Mission Church (Straffordville, Ont.)

Straffordville Evangelical Mission Church is seeking an associate pastor. SEMC is a rural church in a growing community with a congregation of about 160 people. We are a multigenerational congregation and have great existing ministries. We work hard at developing relationships in the community.

We are looking for male applicants who have a clear sense of calling and love for the body of Christ, to serve and equip her for works of service, stemming from a growing relationship with Christ. This person must be able to preach, teach and show pastoral care.

The successful applicant will work alongside the senior pastor and lay ministers in preaching, teaching, care-giving, and providing resources and support to the other volunteer-based ministries in the church, according to his strengths and abilities.

Applicants must agree with the EMC Statement of Faith and display an understanding and general agreement with our Anabaptist theological background. Contact psc@straffordvilleemc.ca.

Other Positions

Lead Pastor: Friends Community Church (Carman, Man.)

Friends Community Church (Mennonite Brethren) Carman Manitoba, is seeking a lead pastor. If you are passionate about living out your faith in a vibrant rural community, please follow the link for more information and access to the pastoral profile. http://friendscommunitychurch. ca/pastoral-search/

By Karla Hein

The Strand on God’s timeline

Icalled it The Strand. And we were not friends. The Strand arrived unannounced on the top of my head, shiny and unwelcome among the darker occupants. I was unamused.

Coaxing one thin hair to disengage from a myriad of others is no easy task. I had been cautioned that under no circumstances should I ever pull out a gray hair. The explanation warned about summoning the wrath of gray-haired follicles—which sounded rather risky. Speeding to the hair salon over one measly strand also felt overly dramatic.

My at-home remedy was a simple pair of scissors. Squinting in the mirror, slowly sifting hairs through my fingertips was admittedly a tedious task. We eventually reached a fragile agreement. The Strand could live if it remained hidden at all times among the infiltrated brown. Peace reigned for a season. Until I noticed The Strand appearing on one side of my head, then mysteriously on the other. The Strand flaunted its final defiance by emerging front and center in my bangs. I now knew without a doubt: The Strand had multiplied. I no longer had singular Strand, but plural Streaks … of Gray.

I wouldn’t classify myself as an antiquity, but I admit that I’m becoming acquainted with the vintage category. My first acknowledgment of age was The Strand. The second was the night I slept on the floor and didn’t spring back up like a rambunctious child at a sleepover. The third arrived in Ecclesiastes.

“Ecclesiastes is a hard book,” I confessed to my husband.

“Really? I’ve always liked it.”

“One of your favorites, isn’t it?” Obviously, I was missing something. I decided to reread Ecclesiastes slowly while consulting several old commentaries available online. I learned the beautiful complexity, conflict, and the gospel importance of the book. I also found chapter 7 verse 10: “Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these?’ For it is not wise to ask such questions.” On this, Matthew Henry commented, “It is a folly to cry up the goodness of former times; as if former ages had not the like things to complain of that we have: this arises from discontent and aptness to quarrel with God Himself.”

Yikes, I didn’t actually want to be moaning before God about these trivial things. Or as the Benson Commentary puts it, “Opposing thy shallow wit to his unsearchable wisdom.” How foolish of me to be discontent about my age and position on his timeline. God has written my days in his books (Psalm 139:16). He knows each of those strands on my head and he is not alarmed or surprised by their appearance. “The conclusion, when everything has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 NASB).

As the Streaks of Gray increase their reach upon my scalp, my appreciation of his promised return grows sweeter. My departure to be with him grows ever nearer and that is a good thing for one who loves his appearing! “Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28).

God knows each of those strands on my head and he is not alarmed or surprised by their appearance.

Selling your soul, a dime a day

Awhile back I heard of an article written by a lawyer describing the long series of imperceptible compromises by which lawyers could sell their soul a nickel at a time. A once fine, upstanding barrister of promise is slowly shrivelled to a convict in handcuffs with eyes averted to the courtroom floor.

What are the tiny compromises by which a logger, nurse, mechanic, or masseuse gradually abandons their integrity? With the help of Terry Hiebert and Terry Kaufman, professors here at SBC, I offer such a list for pastors because that’s what I know best. What list would you think of for your work?

Someone comes by your office, and you grab papers to make it look as though you were “doing something.” You were praying.

You quickly shut off the website when someone comes in the door. It was only the news, but still, you felt it best to change the site.

You make a comment in a sermon slyly designed to score a point in an argument with a parishioner.

An attractive parishioner of the opposite gender gets a slightly more attentive “you” when you answer the phone.

You decide not to tell your spouse about an email from a parishioner of the opposite gender. You never do anyway, but this time you choose not to.

It’s annoying that you didn’t get credit for the community garbage clean-up campaign. You were the one who suggested it at the area ministerial.

At Jerry’s funeral you subtly allow it to become known that you came back from vacation to do this. Its true, you did come back from vacation for this.

You forego your day off, again. You enjoyed the comments from that couple who drove past the church last Monday and saw your car there.

It happens. You first hear yourself talking about “my” elders or “my” volunteers. You don’t necessarily track and claim all your “honorariums” on your income tax form. You spent as much time watching YouTube clips and arranging your sermon slides as studying atonement in Jeremiah. You skim-read the scripture for the sermon because it’s a familiar one. More time to read the commentary by Barth. Some church supplies end up at home. You never hand in all your expenses anyway, so it evens out.

George and Edna get good pastoral care because, without their financial backing, the church couldn’t afford the new building.

You tell your team to follow the time limits in the worship service, but for your sermon, you are more flexible. You do something that’s not you, but you want to be that kind of person. You drink beer because you want to be that hip, edgy pastor who is “real.” You hate the taste of beer. No one notices that the structure of moral conviction is slowly hollowing out until one morning there’s a story in the paper and quiet tears in the bedroom. When these choices make a train, they make a wreck.

This Lent lets find forgiveness for sins that in themselves don’t amount to sin but strung together make the sinner.

By Layton Friesen

By Loreena Thiessen

Looking for spring

The first thing you notice is warmth. Gone is the sting of an icy wind on your face. The sun feels warm on your hands and cheeks. A light jacket replaces your winter parka, and you exchange your heavy mitts with thinner ones.

As the sun warms the earth, the mountains of snow scraped up by street plows slowly disappear. Deep underground, roots stir, and soon new green shoots poke up through the earth’s surface.

Take a walk in a park or woods nearby. Look closely. You may spot a white or lavender crocus, the first to appear in spring. They bloom even with snow still around them. Friendly dandelions show up, the first nectar for bees and butterflies. Rabbits eagerly munch them down, flowers first.

New sounds arrive. First is the cheerful robin singing loudly from a fence post. What will it eat? No worms yet, but it will peck at last year’s apples left on a tree.

Canada geese return early too. You can’t miss their loud honking, whether they’re on the ground or flying in vees overhead.

You may see a fat bee fly lazily past a window, or land on a dandelion, as bees begin to emerge from hibernation.

Your neighbours come out too. You smell the tasty aroma of barbeque at supper time. Families

Activity: Make an album of spring signs

Need: camera, notebook, coloured pencils

Do:

• Divide your notebook into five sections.

• Label each section with one these senses: see, hear, feel, smell, taste.

• Find examples of each sense. Take a photo or draw what you find.

• In a word or phrase describe your find.

• This may take several days to complete.

• Share your finished project.

are out for a first bike ride. New soccer teams form. There’s a new energy. You hear shouts and laughter. Spring has arrived.

Why do we have seasons? The scientific reason for seasons is that the earth is tilted. The poles do not point straight up and down. When the North Pole is tilted away from the sun, the sun’s rays are less direct in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing less heat. This is our winter. When the North Pole is tilted more toward the sun, the Northern Hemisphere warms with the sun’s direct rays. This is our summer.

God created a world of great variety, craggy mountains, sparkling lakes, rushing rivers, green meadows, and dense forests. Climates range from dry sizzling deserts to Arctic cold. Every colour imaginable exists. Animals come in all shapes and sizes, stripes and spots.

Each season brings change, hot sand at the beach, glossy ice for skating, blossoms on trees, avenues of red and orange leaves, gardens of roses and daisies. God has created us, his people, to enjoy it all. We love change. Each time we see something new we are in awe.

And God has made a promise. In Genesis 8:22 (ICB), God says, “As long as the earth continues, there will be planting and harvest. Cold and hot, summer and winter, day and night will not stop.”

God made this promise to Noah and all living creatures. Every time we see a rainbow it is a reminder of his promise. Read Genesis 9:12–17.