The Messenger a publication of the
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
Volume 55  No. 3 May 2017
Safe in the Kingdom of God page 19
ALSO INSIDE: Transformed by the Word page 7 Will You Love as Paul Asked of the Philippians? page 9 When You Find Yourself in the Minority page 12 Rethinking Mother's Day page 14 God Gets the Glory for 50 Years of Church Growth in Nicaragua! page 16
$2.00
Editorials
Boundaries and Freedom
T
he EMC’s Statement of Faith sometimes lacks a position. That’s good. This lack is a position itself, one of freedom. For instance, the EMC’s current statement (1996) says, “We believe in the personal, visible, bodily return of Jesus Christ.” It goes into other matters related to the Second Coming, but doesn’t mention a secret rapture prior to the Great Tribulation or a thousand year reign of Christ on earth. The EMC is clear on the Lord’s return, but it has no official position on pre-trib, mid-trib, post-trib, a-mill or pre-mill. Pastors and members have personal views and they can present them. Members can listen, study, and affirm what best matches Scripture. Where the EMC Statement of Faith gives freedom, though, pastors and Sunday School teachers are unwise to require or expect members to adopt a particular position. Pastors and members have personal positions; the
conference has a joint position. These are not to be confused. On a national level, the EMC is intentional in giving a position of freedom on some secondary matters to uphold unity and community. On a local level, providing options can be a wise pastoral response to individuals pondering various matters. The danger in mentioning freedom is that this editorial might be misread as approving options in areas beyond the Statement of Faith—for instance, on some current matters of social ethics. This would be a misreading of this editorial’s intention. Pastors and ministers are to be approved for service both by a local church and through our national boards and bodies. We are accountable locally and nationally. Being accountable, we do well to respect our conference’s confession both in its boundaries and freedom. – Terry M. Smith
Where the EMC Statement of Faith gives freedom, pastors are unwise to require or expect members to adopt a particular position.
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Don’t Care About Theology?
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on’t enjoy theology? Don’t care about theology? Yet theology appears in most materials here: • Local, national, international, and wider news (Do beliefs come across in event descriptions, bits of messages and presentations, reporters’ comments?) • Lead articles, regular columns, editorials, cartoons (Lots of theology here.) • Weddings and births (Are marriages and children noteworthy?) • Obituaries (Will loved ones be seen again?) • Study tours, prayer teams, short-term mission trips (Are these events good stewardship?) No one agrees with everything printed. And some materials are refused publication. Every editor makes decisions. Teaching articles—editorials, lead articles, and regular columns—are in a different category than mission reports, news items, and obituaries. No editor should control or correct all theology within this magazine (for example, in letters). Such control would
2 The Messenger • May 2017
interfere with the priesthood of all believers and our community hermeneutic. The magazine is the community’s. Members are to speak and the community must discern in response (1 Cor. 14:26-38). Where, though, is the line between the conference’s positions being upheld and discussion being allowed? It’s an old question. Early in this magazine’s history, minister and pioneer editor Dave K. Schellenberg was asked to correct a letter that appeared in print. He did not. Later, when he himself suggested that only materials upholding a conference position be published, someone objected (Rev. Ben D. Reimer, I suspect), saying this would limit change within the EMC. Schellenberg learned from this, I suspect. At the same time, Schellenberg had lines that he would not cross. I do. Discuss we will. Evaluate we must (1 Thess. 5:19-22; 2 Tim. 2:15, 3:16-17). – Terry M. Smith
Table of Contents Features
Columns
7
Transformed by the Word
6
9
Dr. Ed Neufeld: Will you Love as Paul Asked of the Philippians?
22 Reformation Reflections
12 When You Find Yourself in the Minority
28 Further In and Higher Up
14 Rethinking Mother's Day
34 Here and Far Away
– Dr. Hanspeter Jecker
Same-Sex Attraction and Pastoral Care – Barry Plett and Russell Doerksen
page
10
A Reformation Fantasy – Terry M. Smith
– Reilly Smith
Could I Love the World as Jesus Does? – Layton Friesen
– Ralph Unger – Heidi Dirks
Seminars Shared
From Here to Far Away – Jocelyn R. Plett
16 God Gets the Glory for 50 Years of Church Growth in 35 Stewardship Today Nicaragua! Giving as Protest – Ken Zacharias
page
17
– Dori Zerbe Cornelsen
19 Children and the Church (Part Two): Safe in the Kingdom of God
36 Kids’ Corner
In May – Loreena Thiessen
– Dr. Harvey Plett
Departments
page
2 Editorials
29 News
3 Pontius’ Puddle
31 In Memory
23
23 With Our Missionaries 33 Shoulder Tapping 24 With Our Churches
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 3
The Messenger
Letters
Volume 55 No. 3 May 2017
Poorly expressed, well expressed
EDITOR TERRY M. SMITH tsmith@emconference.ca
ASSISTANT EDITOR ANDREW WALKER awalker@emconference.ca
Submissions to The Messenger should be sent to messenger@emconference.ca. The Messenger is the publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. Its purpose is to inform concerning events and activities in the denomination, instruct in godliness and victorious living, inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.
It is published 12 times per year, six in print (also online at www.issuu.com/emcmessenger) and six in a website format at www.emcmessenger.ca. To get the most out of The Messenger, viewing both versions is encouraged. Letters, articles, photos and poems are welcomed. Unpublished material is not returned except by request. Views and opinions of writers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Conference or the editors. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement. The Messenger is published by the EMC Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main St, Steinbach, Man., and is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press. Subscription rates (under review) 1 year print subscription $20 ($26 U.S.) Manitoba residents add 8% PST. Single print copy price: $2 Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. Subscriptions are purchased by the Conference for members and adherents. Change of address and subscriptions Undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions should be addressed to: 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Phone: 204-326-6401 Fax: 204-326-1613 E-mail: messenger@emconference.ca www.emconference.ca/messenger Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba. ISSN: 0701-3299 Publications Mail Agreement Number: 40017362 Advertising The Messenger does not sell advertising, but provides free space (classified and display) to enhance our Conference, its churches, boards, and ministries; inter-Mennonite agencies and educational institutions; and the wider church. Ads and inquiries should be sent to messenger@emconference.ca. THE MESSENGER schedule: No. 04- June 2017 issue (copy due May 8)
4 The Messenger • May 2017
Frequently articles in The Messenger refer to the Second World War. Blaming is the easiest part of military history. So often I glance at a headline and the assumptions jump out at me. There is a tragic inter-war history at play here, mostly forgotten. It’s easiest to say, “The Nazis did it.” The least fair is to say, “The Germans did it.” Do you know any Nazis? Nothing, not even really unusual behaviour, comes from nowhere. There is always a reason for things. It may be a crazy reason, but it’s still a reason, maybe part of a more complicated reason. In any case, we sometimes take the easy way out. God forgive us.
But I wanted to thank The Messenger for its work on Franz Jägerstätter and the Worship Committee for its attention to “Dissecting ‘catholic’ in the Apostles’ Creed” [each March 2017]. Both well expressed. – W. Kruse Rosenort, Man. Editor’s note: Walter Kruse, the writer of this letter, passed away recently. As an educator of varied gifts, including artistic handwriting, he was once slated to serve here as Executive Secretary/Editor. He will be missed. Our sympathies are extended to the wider Kruse family.
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
Quarterly Financial Report 2017 Receipts and Transfers Disbursements Excess/Shortfall
Jan.–March 2017 360,527 456,380 -95,853
Jan.–March 2016 342,931 462,783 -119,851
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. Here are the results for the first quarter of 2017. - The Board of Trustees
Guidelines for letters
Letters published are generally to comment on issues raised in The Messenger. The magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, legality, and taste. It can refuse publication. Letters by regular mail and by fax must contain a handwritten signature with at least the writer’s first and last names and an address.
For letters by e-mail, the writer’s name and e-mail address are deemed to be an electronic signature. The writer’s regular postal address is to be included in e-mail correspondence. The writer’s name and general address are to be published. In sensitive matters, names may be withheld. Letters to the editor are to be 250 words or less.
News
Want to get more from The Messenger? Use both print and online formats
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STEINBACH, Man.—To get more from The Messenger, use both the print/online and website editions, all free to EMCers. There are six print issues and six website-format editions in 2017. Together, they provide more information than last year; separately, they provide less. The Messenger is free of charge in an enhanced electronic version at the electronic magazine database service Issuu. at https://issuu.com/emcmessenger. On Android or IOS, search the app store for the free Issuu app (Issuu: A World of Magazines). Once downloaded, open the app and search for “The EMC Messenger.”
The Messenger will begin a six issue print cycle with increased quality in January, March, May, July, September, and November. The Messenger has launched a new website at www.emcmessenger. ca. Content is made available weekly (editorials, lead articles, church news updates, missions news, job listings, and more). The website will be optimized for desktop, mobile and tablet viewing, and will be integrated with the EMC’s social media. Much is changing here during 2017. Join us in this next stage in the life of The Messenger. – EMC
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News About Subscription Prices STEINBACH, Man.—The Messenger is available in two formats: print and digital. • The digital format is free to everyone (decided by BCM on Jan. 16). • The print subscription is free for members and adherents of EMC churches. • The magazine is funded through the EMC’s general budget, which is met by the donations of individuals and churches. If you attend an EMC church, please do not send in a subscription fee, but support the EMC’s general budget through your local church giving. • For people not attending an EMC church, the cost of a print subscription is reduced from $24 to $20 for six issues per year (decided by BCM on Jan. 16). For many years the subscription price for The Messenger has
not covered the actual costs of production; this is still true. • Some costs continue to rise. The move, in part, to a digital format was to save some costs. Yet in our striving for excellence in format and fairness to writers, some production costs will increase. • The subscription price, for many years, has been deliberately kept low to make the periodical available to as many interested people as possible. The formats of the magazine have increased for the same reason. We encourage you to enjoy the magazine in its various formats. Thank you for supporting a magazine that continues to play a key role in “informing, instructing, and inspiring,” as it has since 1963. – The Board of Church Ministries
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 5
Column • Seminars Shared
Same-Sex Attraction and Pastoral Care (Seminar, March 6, 2017, Providence Theological Seminary), Dr. Wesley Hill. Reviewed by Pastor Barry Plett (Blumenort), BRS, BEd, and Russell Doerksen (Fort Garry), BA, MDiv, a member of the Board of Church Ministries and employed by Providence.
by Barry Plett
and Russell Doerksen
T
here were many familiar EMC faces in the crowded lecture theatre at Providence to hear Dr. Wesley Hill, a young scholar from Arkansas with a same-sex attraction, make a presentation on the issue that has been central in his life for the past many years. The session started by reading Romans 8:1827 with comments of how the whole world is groaning in the season between Chris’s resurrection and the culmination and restoration of all things. Through out the day, Dr. Hill’s love for scripture, the cross, salvation and new life in Christ, became more and more obvious. This was a marked difference to many of the presentations we have heard over the years that seemed to approach scripture with a single agenda to find ways to validate the desires same-sex attracted people have. Dr. Hill began the day by summarizing the Church’s responses to same-sex attraction into three distinct phases. The first phase was the historical response of judgement and condemnation, to all those who have same-sex attraction. The second phase, which is still largely in practise, has found the Church offering hope to same-sex attracted people in the form of diminishing or eliminating the attractions through therapy and counselling. The effectiveness of this type of approach has come into question in recent times. The third phase has been for the Church to offer hope to same-sex attracted people by pushing for full acceptance at every level of society, including all the rights of marriage and the adoption of children. The problem with this approach, as Hill points out, is there is a unified story
The seminar challenged our level of understanding and appreciation for the dilemma people face who have same-sex attraction even though they do not prefer it.
6 The Messenger • May 2017
of heterosexual marriage in scripture from the Garden of Eden to the wedding feast of the Dr. Wesley Hill lamb in Revelation. In adjusting the scriptures to affirm samesex marriage, there is too much damage to the beauty and meaning of the unity in diversity illustrated in the heterosexual marriage relationship. Dr. Hill acknowledged this to be a path of difficulty and frustration, but one that is biblically faithful and realistically possible when lived in a healthy community. Not finding any of these approaches to be fully satisfactory, Dr Hill took us back to the passage from Romans 8. He further used the example of Paul’s thorn in the flesh, like same –sex attraction, to be one of those reminders that the world is not yet as it should be. He calls this “the hope between presumption and despair.” In light of this tension, Dr. Hill issued a challenge to the Church in the way they have explicitly and implicitly, presented marriage as the utopian ideal that will fulfill all natural desires for relationship and intimacy. Instead, the Church must work on reclaiming the dignity of singleness, help people called to live in the discipline of singleness, and give direction to those living in singleness. The seminar challenged our level of understanding and appreciation for the dilemma people face who have same-sex attraction even though they do not prefer it. It challenged us to face our own “groaning” before the Lord’s return with renewed perseverance. For the full version, see The Messenger's website: www.emcmessenger.ca
The Protestant (Radical) Reformation Through 2017
Transformed by the Word by Dr. Hanspeter Jecker
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enewal 2027 is a 10-year series of events launched by Mennonite World Conference (MWC) to mark the 500th anniversary of the beginnings of the Anabaptist movement. “Transformed by the Word: Reading Scripture in Anabaptist Perspectives” (the inaugural event in Augsburg, Germany, Feb. 12, 2017) fit well within the mandate of the MWC Faith and Life Commission to help member churches “understand and describe Anabaptist-Mennonite faith and practice.” In the midst of the many Reformation commemoration celebrations, especially in Europe, it’s important to remember that the Anabaptists also emerged within the context of the Reformation and were decisively shaped by its rediscovery of the Bible as an authority for Christian faith and life.
Shortly before the first adult baptisms in January 1525, a member of the Bible study group that formed the core of the emerging Anabaptist movement illustrated this clearly: “However, after we too had taken up the Bible and studied all the possible points, we have been better informed.” The letter went on to describe how they came to a deeper understanding of Scripture. Five central themes—visible in the quote above—distinguished their shift from walking alongside the Reformers to a posture of opposition: • Scripture is the key point of departure for the renewal brought about by the Reformation. • It is crucial to learn not only second-hand, but to read Scripture for yourself. • The Bible study group read with an expectant attitude. They “studied all the possible points,” posed questions about the text, and received answers. • They reoriented themselves around these new insights. In this way, they were “better informed” in regard to the teachings of the Catholic Church, but also in regards to Zwingli and the other Reformers. To be “better informed.” At first glance, that statement sounds very positive. But it also carries some pain. It suggests that one has indeed been mistaken; it includes a readiness to let go of older, cherished understandings. This is often not easy. The key question at stake here is: do we allow the biblical word (and the God who desires to
CREATIVE COMMONS
Scripture is the key point of departure for the renewal brought about by the Reformation.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 7
DESIGNPICS
speak to us) to scrutinize our convictions so that we allow ourselves “to be better informed”? Or does the admonition to “test all things and hold on to what is good” (1 Thess. 5:21) only apply to other people? Up to this point, all the themes could be regarded as Protestant principles. But the fifth point is the most distinct Anabaptist principle: • The “we” in the quote is crucial: not only does Bible study happen in community; but new understandings of Scripture are also reached collectively. No one is forced to be part of an Anabaptist congregation—faith and membership are always voluntary. No single person has all the understanding or all of the gifts, but everyone has something. Therefore, it is crucial that we create frameworks for Bible study in which everyone can contribute to a better understanding of the biblical text: old and young, men and women, academics and labourers. Precisely for this reason the “we” in our text is so important! But several dangers are already evident in this same quote. To allow ourselves to be “better informed” sounds nice, but who can protect us from
endless efforts to prove the superiority of one understanding or from the notorious church divisions that have occurred so frequently in Anabaptist history? How can we ensure that space remains for the recognition that all of our knowledge is partial and in need of additional insights? And how do we ensure that the “struggle for the truth” does not come at the cost of a “struggle for unity”? If “renewal of faith and life” and “transformation through the Word” are going to happen within the context of Mennonite World Conference, then it will be essential for it to happen in the form of members from north and south, east and west, walking together alongside each other as “we.”
No one is forced to be part of an Anabaptist congregation—faith and membership are always voluntary.
8 The Messenger • May 2017
Dr. Hanspeter Jecker is a member of the Mennonite World Conference’s Faith & Life Commission and a professor of historical theology and ethics at Theological Seminary Bienenberg in Switzerland. He holds an MA in Theology (AMBS) and a DPhil (Basel).
SBC
SBC Leadership Conference 2017
Dr. Ed Neufeld: Will You Love as Paul Asked of the Philippians? by Reilly Smith
A
re you willing to give up everything for Christ as he gave up everything for you? Are you willing to love like Paul challenges the Church to love in Philippians? Are you praying for your congregation as Paul prays for the Philippians? Has the Church responded in unity to God’s sustaining graces with humble concern for one another? These questions were some of the personal challenges that arose in the minds of those attending the annual Leadership Conference at Steinbach Bible College on March 17-18, 2017. People in five other locations joined by webinar, including from Alberta and Ontario and the countries of Belize and Mexico. The speaker, Dr. Ed Neufeld, is a professor at Providence Theological Seminary and the pastor of Kleefeld Christian Community, both in southern Manitoba. Dr. Ed Neufeld spent four
sessions dissecting separate portions within Paul’s letter to the Philippians, showing the importance of prayer, love, unity, and sacrifice. There were several primary themes from each session that stood out from this weekend.
Friday Night
In Friday night’s session Dr. Neufeld began with a study of Paul’s prayer in Phil. 1:9-11, seeing it as an apostolic prayer providing vision to the Church. The prominent point of this session was to pray for love to increase. Dr. Ed Neufeld made it quite clear that prayer is vitally important; and that praying for love to increase will cause many other areas of spiritual maturity to increase, including knowledge, discernment, sincerity, and blamelessness. He made it clear that there is no tension between increasing your mind and increasing
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 9
in love; rather, to make good kingdom choices, love is vital. Furthermore, the Greek word that is translated as pure (1:10) is a word about sincerity. Pure in this case is not about being sinless; it is about decisions resulting in right actions. All this information was pulled out of Paul’s prayer, with the clear application being that it is important for leaders in the Church to be praying for their congregation. Dr. Neufeld pointed out that both disciplined and undisciplined people accomplish what needs to be done. It is not a question of more discipline being needed for prayer, but, rather, a realization of the utter helplessness of leadership without prayer.
Saturday Morning
Saturday morning began with a study of Phil. 1:12-27. In this session Dr. Neufeld addressed several different applications. First, in living or dying we are to do what is best for Christ. He plunged into Paul’s main questions in Phil. 1, starting in verse 18. Paul’s thought is shown to centre around three main questions: “What’s best for Christ?” “What’s best for Paul?” and “What’s best for the Church?” Dr. Neufeld noted that God would be glorified if Paul didn’t despair or let go of his faith through the trials. Furthermore, what Paul needed in order for him to hold onto his faith was the Philippians’ praying and God’s grace. A question leveled at those in attendance was: “Lord, not my will but yours be done”—can you say it and mean it in a dark day? Then Paul’s two loves were addressed. Dr. Neufeld showed that in Philippians Paul clarifies that the focus of his love is on Christ and on Christ’s people. Paul’s question in this passage focuses around these loves. Does Paul leave this earth to be with Christ or does he stay to aid the Church? The question to us is, who or what are we loving as opposed to whom we should be loving? After this, Dr. Neufeld examined our call to be worthy citizens. Phil. 1:27 was shown to be a bridge between Paul’s example and what he wants us to do with it, with an encouragement to look at the examples of Paul, Timothy and those around us. Here he also noted that all around us, in our very own churches, there are people who are worthy citizens of the gospel.
10 The Messenger • May 2017
Dr. Ed Neufeld
One of the questions that arose during the second session’s Question and Answer time, was, in light of the above examples, can we live simple lives? The answer was that the Philippians were just ordinary people. Following Paul does not always mean living an extraordinary life. In the third session Dr. Neufeld began by addressing how the Church is called to love each other. The New Testament has many commands to love each other as there are 96 imperatives regarding the way the Church treats each other. Love must be recognized as a central aspect of the gospel. The discussion that arose from this conversation was extensive and the humble exploration of this matter was a great example of how pastors and other leaders in the Church should respond to controversial ideas. The emphasis on love set the stage for the following observations Dr. Neufeld would make. Dr. Neufeld noted that in Phil. 2:1 God has given us sustaining graces to support us, and in 2:2 our response to these graces should be church unity. He continued to unravel the
response, making it clear that humble concern for each other is also part of the response to God’s sustaining graces. As noted by Dr. Neufeld, humble concern does not mean pastors should minster only to those who think they need help. Rather, he believed that pastors should serve humbly in the same way as Jesus and Paul did. They did not take their instructions from their people, but still showed an immense amount of caring. Also in the third session Dr. Neufeld discussed how it is essential to be genuine. He showed that Paul regards Timothy as a great example of genuineness. Paul sent Timothy to the Philippians because he is the only one who genuinely cares for them. In Phil. 2:19-24 it was noted that Christ’s interests and Timothy’s genuine care are interchangeable terms. Such truths cause us to ask ourselves: is our ministry done out of genuine concern and love for others?
Saturday Afternoon
In the fourth session Dr. Neufeld gave a strong comparison and challenge. It was noticeable in chapter two that Christ set aside everything for His people. However, in chapter three it was noted that Paul set aside everything for Christ. How much are we willing to sacrifice back to God for what was sacrificed for us? The correct answer is all.
Dr. Neufeld also clarified that for many people, in many countries, this question is not a hypothetical one. In some places, if a person gives their life to Christ, they really are giving up family, friends and a home merely as a result of that decision. In a similar way, he noted that Paul lost all the prestige he once had in his circles among the Pharisees when he became a Christian. This loss wasn’t hypothetical for Paul either. As can be seen, the Leadership Conference proved to be a great time of learning and of personal challenges in our service to Christ. Much fellowship and discussion occurred throughout the weekend with many people wrestling with the text. Most of all Philippians was shown to be a book of love. If there is one challenge to be made for the Church today from Philippians, it is to love each other. This is not a secondary calling of the Church, but one of the primary callings, a command heard throughout the Gospel. Reilly Smith (Cornerstone, Crystal City, Man.) is a second-year student at SBC in the BA (pastoral minor) program. The article was produced for the Tri-Con Editors’ Group as part of his course work for Dr. Patrick Friesen.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 11
ISTOCK
When You Find Yourself in the Minority by Ralph Unger
I
felt confident that my idea had merit. The church I was pastoring supported three missionary couples who were chronically under-funded. I thought we should increase our financial commitment to them and the best way to do it would be to increase their allotment in the budget. The Missions Committee, on the other hand, felt that we should reduce our contribution to these cross-cultural missionaries and focus on outreach in our own community. The stage was set. When budget time approached, the congregation voted in favor of the gradually reducing support for our adopted missionaries. I felt devastated. Was this my time to resign? Most EMC churches ask the members of the church to vote on major issues of church life. Generally we believe that this is the way that God guides us in determining which of our initiatives line up with His values. What do you do when you feel strongly about something, but then the results of the vote are tabulated and you find yourself in the minority?
12 The Messenger • May 2017
Who will help us understand how the Book needs to be applied to twentyfirst century believers? God speaks to His children through His Word, His Spirit, and His people.
The Bible
The Bible is that steady beacon that has guided us through hundreds of generations. The words in the Book remain constant, but our interpretation seems to change. Who will help us understand how the Book needs to be applied to twenty-first century believers? Are there principles of interpretation on which God’s children can agree? What effect do popular trends have on our understanding of the Bible? How do our selfish desires affect our interpretation? Even with all those disturbing questions, the Bible is still our guide in making decisions.
The Spirit
Then there is the Holy Spirit. It’s problematic for us that He is invisible. But He is divine and without bias. The Bible says He empowers His children to prophesy and to see visions (Acts 2:18). He directs His followers to specific witnessing opportunities (Acts 8:29) and to set aside missionaries (Acts 13:1-4). He guides the church in appointing overseers (Acts 20:28), in setting policies (Acts 15:28), in helping the poor (Acts 6:3), in warning believers about imminent danger (Act 21:4), and in pointing out troublemakers in the church (Acts 13:9-10). Though we cannot see Him, the Holy Spirit is active in guiding us. It would seem that those who are obedient are the most likely to receive direction from Him. But what about the guidance that God gives us through the voice of His children? How can that be reliable? After all, often our opinions are based on our selfish needs. And yet it seems that God uses the collective thought process of the church to lead us to His will (Acts 15:28). In fact, the half-brother of Jesus promises that if we ask the Heavenly Father, He will generously give us wisdom (James 1:5). That wisdom usually rests in the insight of many, rather than of one. It is true that today God uses mega-churches with small leadership teams to nurture the thousands, but in the EMC there are still many entrepreneurial people who want to have a voice in how the church makes the bigger decisions.
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For more information and an application pack, contact messenger@emconf.ca
DESIGNPICS
His Children
We are blessed with wise volunteers who are willing to give many hours each month to help not only in making those decisions, but in seeing those decisions through to completion. That is why, for the most part, we still have a membership list that tells us who is committed to our beliefs and values. And, yes, at times those members will vote for something that the pastor himself does not support. But then we believe in the priesthood of all believers (1 Pet. 2:9). All believers can read the Word. All of God’s children are guided by the Holy Spirit. The interpretation of Scripture by community is a safeguard in which we believe. So when you find yourself in the minority, don’t panic. You may not be wrong. It could be that further study, discussion, and prayer will bring about consensus. When we as God’s children humbly submit to one another, God gives the church wisdom and balance. Ralph Unger is our interim Conference Pastor. He has a lengthy history in the EMC as a pastor and has served as our conference moderator.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 13
Rethinking Mother’s Day by Heidi Dirks
H
ISTOCK
olidays can be a time of togetherness and celebration with traditions that bring joy and warm memories. However, they can also highlight painful parts of life and ostracize those who feel they do not fit in with the celebrations that surround them. Mother’s Day is no exception, and many people in our churches are acutely aware of the pain this day can bring. In order for churches to welcome all people, and be places of emotional safety, we must be intentional about how, and if, we acknowledge and celebrate this day.
Origins of Mother’s Day
The celebration of mothers goes back to ancient Greece and Rome, where festivals were held to celebrate mother goddesses. Mothering Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent, is celebrated in some parts of Europe. While it began as a celebration of one’s “mother church,” bringing families together as they all returned to their home church, it has become increasingly secularized. Our modern Mother’s Day celebration can be traced back to the late 1800’s where Ann Jarvis held work clubs to teach domestic skills to women in West Virginia, as well as care for soldiers wounded in the American Civil War. After the end of the war, these groups organized “Mother’s Friendship Day” events to encourage peace and reconciliation. When Jarvis died, her daughter, Anna Jarvis, organized the first “Mother’s Day” to honour all that mothers do for their children. As the day became increasingly commercialized, with the giving of flowers and cards to mothers, she fought to keep the day as a celebration of one’s own mother rather than all mothers. Also during this time suffragette and abolitionist Julia Ward Howe wrote the “Mother’s Day Proclamation,” appealing for peace.
14 The Messenger • May 2017
Mother’s Day in Church Services
Although the origins of Mother’s Day are connected to church attendance and pacifist values, Mother’s Day is not a church holiday and churches are under no obligation to celebrate or recognize this day. It is good to celebrate mothers, and women who mother people in their lives, and this should happen throughout the year. But it is also important to acknowledge that this day is hard for many people. Given the complicated emotions and memories that are often associated with this day, the dangers of including Mother’s Day in a service often outweigh the benefits. On a personal note, I know many women who have spent years avoiding church on Mother’s Day because attending a service on this day was too painful for them. Churches that choose to include a celebration of Mother’s Day as part of a church service are wise to do so in a thoughtful and critical way, recognizing that people in the congregation have a variety of backgrounds and experiences that affect how they experience a day that celebrates motherhood. Some women have lost children, have strained relationships with their children, or have not been able to conceive the children they have so desired. Other people may have difficult relationships with their mothers, are painfully reminded of the loss of their own mother, or feel abandoned by their mother. Churches should be
a welcoming place no matter what story we bring. As churches desire to celebrate mothers, they may unintentionally make this day difficult for some women. In an effort to recognize mothers by giving them flowers or asking them to stand during a service, they have asked the sometimes complicated question of who is a mother. Is a woman who has lost a child to miscarriage or stillbirth considered a mother? What if a woman gave birth in the midst of difficult circumstances and it is not public knowledge that they have a child? If a woman identifies as a mother, but does not have children as a part of their lives, will others make assumptions or ask prying questions? What about foster mothers? As churches try to include personal stories from congregants and provide space to honour mothers, they may pressure individuals to share when they are not comfortable doing so. No one should ever be put on the spot or pressured to share in a church service, but ensuring emotional safety is especially important on holidays. If people are offered the opportunity to share, churches should give space for a variety of stories about experiences with mothers and motherhood. Mother’s Day may serve as a yearly opportunity to preach about how women are supposed to live. While this connects to the mother’s work clubs founded by Jarvis, it strays from the focus of celebrating the work of mothers. Mother’s Day should be a celebration of all that women do to love God and serve others. Women need encouragement and affirming words about their worth in God’s eyes, not guilt or pressure to conform to a narrow idea of what women are expected to be.
Womanhood and Motherhood
We must resist the assumption that womanhood and motherhood are synonymous. Scripture describes the pain of women who were unable to have children, a circumstance that came with serious consequences in ancient times (Gen. 29-30).
There are many reasons that women do not have biological children, such as infertility, singleness, and a decision to not pursue parenthood. Motherhood is a good thing, but it does not define one’s value as a person or as a follower of Christ. All people have inherent worth because they are created in the image of God. We also need to distinguish between a woman who has given birth to a child and women who mother others. One does not need to be a biological mother in order to mother others, loving them and teaching them to love God (Deut. 6:7-9; Luke 18:15-17). Celebrating women who have mothered us does not take away from the celebration of our biological mother. Mother’s Day can be a celebration of women who live in obedience to God’s call on their lives, which may or may not include having biological children.
Taking a Thoughtful Stance
Scripture speaks of God’s comfort and healing for those who are grieving and struggling (Psalm 23; Psalm 34:18; Matt. 5:4). Churches cannot be blind to the pain felt by many people during holidays, including Mother’s Day. Followers of Christ have the privilege of extending the good news of God’s comfort to those who struggle, and in order to do this effectively churches need to be thoughtful and careful of any inclusion of Mother’s Day celebrations in their services. Heidi Dirks (Braeside), BA, BEd, MA (Counselling), is a member of the Board of Church Ministries. This article was posted online on April 3. Check out emcmessenger. ca
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 15
God Gets the Glory for 50 Years of Church Growth in Nicaragua! by Ken Zacharias, BOM Foreign Secretary
A
BOM
half-century of ministry in Nicaragua was celebrated on April 6-10, 2017, as our sister conference, the FIEMN, and representatives from EMC Missions joined together at Camp Maranatha, 40 minutes from Managua, the capital city. For the celebrations, a one-day conference event was held with 900 people in attendance. In addition, there were four regional gatherings. Lester and Darlene Olfert, former workers in the country, assisted the FIEMN’s national leadership in planning these special events. EMC missionaries initiated the work in 1966 and were present in Nicaragua for 25 years. Since 1992 the FIEMN has Doris Penner speaks at a regional gathering in Managua. She and ministered without an active EMC mis- her husband Fred were the EMC's first church planters in Nicaragua. sionary presence. Doris Friesen In attendance was one half of the EMC’s Doris Friesen testified of how she and her husfirst missionary couple to Nicaragua, Doris Friband Fred, who has passed away, left Canada to esen (1966-1974), and her four adult children, travel to a country they had not visited before spouses and two grandchildren. Others misand where they didn’t personally know anyone. sionaries who returned were Lester and Darlene God led them one step at a time. They found a Olfert (1970-1989), Ron Olfert (1971), John and place to live and identified a new housing develConnie Reimer ((1975-1982), and Ernie and opment to begin house visitation in Managua. Diane Koop (1983-1992). Several former misA couple, Juan and Argentina Reyes, opened sionaries were not able to be present. their home to Bible studies and soon there was a group studying and turning their lives over to Jesus. They were the first baptized believers. The Reyes’ daughters, Marisol and Carolina, and their children are all active in the same church today. Josefa Argueda and other founding members were also present at the gatherings. The church continues today. To God be the glory! Now 42 years after leaving Nicaragua, Doris said she was overwhelmed with the growth of the FIEMN, hearing how many churches and outreaches there are. A parade of missionaries was led by FIEMN president Gerardo Chavarria.
16 The Messenger • May 2017
Nine hundred people gathered to celebrate a half-century of church growth.
John and Connie Reimer
John and Connie Reimer reflected that, “For us as former EMC missionaries and the present church in Nicaragua there was and is a cost in sowing the precious seed of the gospel. For us as missionaries there were tears of farewell, the tears of distance, the tears of loss of health and life, the tears of not being understood, the tears associated with fears of earthquakes and wars. “For the present church, there are the same realities, tears of poverty, tears of shortage, tears of rejection by family. But together we celebrated with shouts of joy, as we saw the fruit of 50 years of ministry and the exponential growth in all of the original church plants. There was a strong sense of “exceedingly more than we could have asked for or imagined” (Psalm 126:5-6). Although the celebrations emphasized and focused on the first 25 years of ministry and missionary involvement, it is noted that the FIEMN has a clear vision today. John and Connie wrote, “We participated in the FIEMN Pastoral Retreat a few days before the celebrations began and saw and we heard the cry for souls, the tears for the further coming of Christ’s Kingdom. To see the seasoned pastors together with the younger ones casting a vision for the next season was encouraging.” In addition to former missionaries being present, Sid Reimer, Janice Kroeker, Brad Brandt, and Ken Zacharias (Board of
Missions representatives) were also in attendance to witness and celebrate.
Janice Kroeker
Janice Kroeker is the widow of Dennis Kroeker who passed away while serving on a short-term missions team in 2007. She wrote, “After the first regional gathering held in the First Mennonite church in Managua, I felt like my heart was already filled to overflowing. How could I take in more? But the blessings kept on coming! “Thanks to our capable interpreters, I enjoyed every service immensely. The authenticity, the joy, the love, and the energy of the people! The song, Hay Una Senda (There is a Way), still keeps ringing through my mind, together with the memory of the smiles and
Josefa Argueda, a founding member, is surrounded by Darlene and Lester Olfert and Doris Friesen.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 17
many churches and church plants as we did. These churches oozed with passion for outreach. So many of the churches are actively parenting a new church plant! It seems as if that’s a natural expectation. Almost as fundamental and basic as having Sunday School, it was a basic ministry of the church. “It was common for outreach leaders to travel up to two hours each way by public transit from their home Pastors Arnulfo Vado (La Paz) and Ramiro Moreno (Managua) to the new location, very warm hugs during this song from all these peooften including weekend stays. Foreign missions ple who did not know me at all! appeared to mean in the ciudad (city) or pueblo “One thing that was really impressed on my (town) down the road—and they were commitmind is the way God took the obedience of the ted to it!” very first missionaries, Fred and Doris Friesen, and multiplied it to the 22 churches and 14 church Lester Olfert outreaches we have in Nicaragua today. Of course, Lester Olfert summarized the 50th anniversary that includes every missionary and local pastor with these words: “Growth had come by worksince then that also obeyed God’s calling. ing with our Nicaraguan believers as co-workers “What I took home from this is the imporin God’s service and that it was God that made tance of obeying whatever it is God is asking of things grow. By 1992 when the last missionaries me. It may seem insignificant to me, like befriend- left there were eight organized churches. Only ing my neighbour, baking cookies for kids club, five had been directly pastored by missionaries. giving to charity or praying, God can multiply Today there are 22 churches and 14 outreaches.” that and accomplish more than I could ever imagine! Not everyone is called to begin a work in a Ken Zacharias is Foreign Secretary to the EMC new country.” Board of Missions.
Sid Reimer
Sid Reimer, a former BOM board member who was visiting Nicaragua for the second time, observed, “A personal observation was touching for me: there were tears and repeated abrazos (hugs) as the former missionaries and nationals renewed acquaintances. They were reconnecting, sharing heartaches and victories of the past, along with successes of the present. Many a Gloria a Dios (Glory to God) was uttered! “With the celebrations being broken down into regional events it was very gratifying to attend and visit as
18 The Messenger • May 2017
Carolina and Marisol Reyes, daughters to early members Juan and Argentina Reyes. They and their children are active in the same church.
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Children and the Church (Part Two): Safe in the Kingdom of God Dr. Harvey Plett
W
e need to accept children as children and that they are safe in the Kingdom of God, and not demand that they make little adult choices when it comes to spiritual decisions. In no area of life do we accept a child’s decision as binding. There is no good rationale to change that in the spiritual realm. By accepting that they are in the Kingdom gave me as a parent a real sense of peace.
Developing a Child’s Spiritual Life
We need to continue our programs for nurturing our children in the faith. We need to teach our children that Jesus loves them, that they are in the Kingdom, and that they need to affirm their love for Jesus. We need to continue to teach the children about right and wrong as well as stressing the need for confessing their sins to Jesus and asking His forgiveness. The parent-child love relationship is a good model to illustrate the love that exists between
Jesus and the child. This means we need to be careful we don’t teach the frightening realities of being spiritually lost until they are old enough to understand. Any child can be scared into making a decision without knowing what is involved by scaring it with hell. Care and discretion needs to be used. Similarly we need to use discretion in terms of which Bible stories we use to teach the Bible to children. We need to be aware of what our children are taught in Sunday School, at camps, VBS, and other clubs.
Accept a Child’s Decision as a Child’s Decision
We need to expect that children below the age of accountability will make decisions for Jesus because they live in an adult world and see and hear how adults are asked to make decisions. In addition children do make decisions as they grow. Children will also confess the wrongs they do and ask Jesus for forgiveness as they
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 19
have been taught. When this happens we rejoice in the child’s response, affirm and encourage the child but deal with the child on the child level and not a miniature adult level. We also need to accept the decision as the decision of a child and not that of an adult. We can expect that our children will make many decisions as they grow in their understanding. We need to affirm them each time. Should it not be possible for a child from a Christian home to never know a time that it was lost because it made decisions for the right as the opportunity came along?
Balance Our Conversion Stories
DESIGNPICS
Believer’s Baptism
We need to be clear that baptism is believer’s baptism and not infant or child baptism (Matt. 28:18-20). And so we baptize an individual when he or she is mature enough to own the faith. Baptism is not a sacrament that conveys the grace of God. It is a ceremony that illustrates what the grace of God has done and incorporates the individual into the visible local body of Christ. Therefore infant baptism is not baptism for the church that believes in believer’s baptism. We do not thereby condemn those who baptize infants, but neither do we accept that baptism. We are dealing with truth here and not feelings about how good that person is. We need to graciously take a stand on the truth.
We do not thereby condemn those who baptize infants, but neither do we accept that baptism.
In our churches we need to ask those who have dramatic conversions to share their testimony, but each time we have one of the dramatic conversions we should invite someone who does not have a dramatic conversion experience to share his or her testimony. This will help the child understand that there is no one model of conversion that must be experienced in order for a conversion to be genuine. The child will share her or his decisions they made as a child and possibly date their conversion from that time. That is good but it will probably be rather non-dramatic. In my class at Steinbach Bible College I asked the question, “Who can give me the date of when they became a Christian?”
20 The Messenger • May 2017
Surprisingly many times one third to one half of the class didn’t have date. This was due to their upbringing. I said, “Fine. What is important is that you know you are a Christian today.”
Using More Accurate Language
We need to clean up our language when it comes to the idea of child dedication. We cannot dedicate another individual. A person is responsible for himself or herself. We can influence them, but we cannot dedicate them to something. In reporting such services, churches should identify them as Parent Dedications. By calling them Child Dedication services we are communicating something we, first of all, don’t believe in, and sort of assume that people will understand that we are not conveying sacramental grace with the ceremony. Though many consider something has happened to the child in the Dedication ceremony, in actuality it hasn’t. The dedication is of the parents committing themselves to raise their
child in a Christian environment. I believe the dedication of parents is an important idea and practice, but it does not mean that parents who don’t do this in a public service are any less Christian or less concerned or dedicated to raise their children for the Lord. To assume that children who have gone through the ceremony have something more than those who haven’t is reading more into the ceremony than what it is.
Implications for Communion
Time to Re-Examine!
On this issue of the child and the Kingdom of God, I believe we as a Conference have experienced what Arnold L. Cook would call “historical drift.” Our drift seems to be towards sacramentalism on the one hand; and, on the other, demanding of a child something it is incapable of doing. It is time to re-examine some of our practices to see whether they are in line with Scripture and what our early Anabaptist forebears lived out. A child is in the Kingdom of God; and as we teach the child, it responds to the truth at its level of understanding and thereby remains in the Kingdom unless, when accountable, it makes contrary decisions.
This view of the child, church, and baptism also has implications for participation in the communion service.
This view of the child, church, and baptism also has implications for participation in the communion service. Like baptism, communion is for those who have made an accountable decision to follow Christ and have been baptized on that faith commitment (Acts 2:38; Matt. 28:18-20). A child does not understand the meaning of the communion service. A child cannot do the self-examination nor discern the body as Paul teaches (1 Cor. 11:27-29). Therefore it is not ready to participate in the ordinance. I suggest that we let the child be a child and not require of it what we require of a person who is accountable. The communion service is not a sacramental service that conveys grace. It is a commemoration of what Christ has done for those who understand what that is.
Dr. Harvey Plett (Prairie Rose) is a long-time EMC minister, educator, and conference worker. He has served as president of SBC and as EMC moderator. He continues to do some teaching, preaching, counselling, and writing. He and his wife Pearl live in Mitchell, Man., and celebrated 58 years of blessed marriage on Aug. 22, 2016.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 21
Column • Reformation Reflections
A Reformation Fantasy
W It is pure fantasy to think that I would have exhibited Anabaptist heroism of the type that inspires 500 years later. Yet this fantasy is only a minor one. For other columns, check out: emcmessenger.ca
22 The Messenger • May 2017
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by Terry M. Smith Executive Secretary
hat if I’d lived in 16th century Zurich? I would not have been baptized at the home of Feliz Manz, nor would I have challenged Zurich’s city council. I would not have been burned at the stake. Rather, I would have Zurich, the starting site of Swiss Anabaptism. consented to attend Reformed services and, if married with a family, complicated a package as this is. Much of my life to have my children baptized. It is pure fantasy is good even as it includes a few obstacles that to think that I would have exhibited Anabaptist seem challenging to some observers. heroism of the type that inspires 500 years later. What does this mean? The key question is Yet this fantasy is only a minor one. not what I would have done five centuries ago, The real fantasy is much greater than this. but what I am doing today. My privilege involves It is to think that I would have been alive long an obligation to stand up now for people less enough to make any of these choices at all. fortunate. The question includes the risks taken Infant mortality rates were much higher for others today. then and medical services much poorer. Being One last thought. Many people five centuries born three months prematurely and then having ago, under pressure of potential banishment, pneumonia, I would have died as an infant and, agreed to attend Reformed services and to prespossibly unnamed, been placed in a small grave ent their children for baptism. It’s wrong to think and then replaced. that all of them somehow deserted Christ—to If I had lived for a few years, my physical lim- view them as akin to Demas or Judas. itations would have forced me, if fortunate, to be They were not forced to choose between folperhaps a cobbler’s apprentice; at worse, to beg lowing Christ and not following Christ. They on the street. Education, regular employment, were forced to choose between following Christ marriage, and children would likely have been as a Reformed member or as an Anabaptist. but bitter dreams. These choices are not on the same level. Four related surgeries during my childhood Apparently one of my relatives was born in and as a teen would not have happened; my limi- 1530 in the canton of Berne, five years after and tations would have been clearer. A third of a 125 kms away from the start of the Swiss Anacentury of marriage, 20 years of education (eight baptist movement in Zurich. By the time of his higher), a call to the pastorate, 20 years in the birth, the movement was active in Berne where national office, and an enjoyment of the outmany Anabaptists suffered. doors would not have happened. If the information about a possible relaThis is the only time in history in which I tive is accurate, I don’t know what choices his want to live because it is the only time that I made then. But I know this: their choices durwould have lived. ing the Reformation were actual, not fantasy. Looking around at the world’s situation, This makes me respect people then who served much is troubling. Yet I also know that I have Christ, both those who stood in a bonfire and received much of Christ’s grace, Canadian privi- those who did not. lege, white privilege, and male privilege—as
With Our Missionaries
Journeying in a Good Way
ANDREW REIMER
WINNIPEG
Can a person be both fully Indigenous and fully Christian? What does that look like? Are there legitimate boundaries to contextualization? If so, who sets those boundaries? How can Christian ministries present Jesus in a good or better way? The Ma’wa’chi’hi’to’tan: Journeying in a Good Way conference in Winnipeg this February was an opportunity to journey together with Indigenous leaders who have faced these and other questions. The event was geared for First Nations Christians and for non-Indigenous ministry practitioners among First Nations people. Ma’wa’chi’hi’to’tan is Plains Cree for “let us gather together.” About 230 people, representing over 60 different organizations and including Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, spent two days together learning, sharing, crying and laughing. Several EMCers attended the conference and others volunteered in the kitchen. Leaders from Indigenous Pathways were invited to present at this conference. It is an Indigenous-led community of ministries (NAIITS, iEmergence, My People, and Wiconi) supporting Indigenous people and raising awareness among non-Indigenous people (indigenouspathways. com). The presenters were Terry Leblanc (Mi’kmaq/Acadian), Ray Aldred (Cree), Cheryl Bear (Nadleh Whut’en), Wendy Beauchemin Peterson (Red River Métis), and Howard Jolly (James Bay Cree). Plenary and workshop topics included Indigenous Values and Teachings, Contextualization: How Christianity Translates into Cultures, and Mentoring and Role Modelling Leadership while Respecting Indigenous Peoples. The weekend included a Blanket Exercise (an experiential learning activity about the history of colonization in Canada), times of storytelling, music, culturally contextual worship, and a feast. The event was sponsored by Inner City Youth Alive and hosted at Winnipeg Centre Vineyard Church in Winnipeg’s North End. I had the honour of leading the planning and organizing of this gathering together with our executive director Kent Dueck, another teammate, and a partnership of leaders from First Nations Commnity Church, North End Family Centre, Winnipeg Centre Vineyard, and Indigenous Pathways. As a planning committee we saw the need for Christian ministries to become more intentional about how we minister among Indigenous people and as we walk with friends
Attendees came away with insights and questions.
who are wrestling with what it means to follow Jesus as an Indigenous person. Given Christian mission’s harmful legacy with Indigenous people, how can we engage in evangelism, pastoral care, worship, faith community, discipleship and nurturing leadership among Indigenous people in ways that are reconciling and liberating? How can Indigenous people find healing freedom to follow Jesus in culturally meaningful ways? In the months leading up to the event the response was overwhelming. Clearly, these questions and issues have struck a chord among evangelical Christians serving among First Nations people as well as First Nations Christians themselves. The presenters tackled difficult issues with both heart and skill, drawing from their extensive ministry and theological experience. They incorporated their personal stories as well as key missiological principles and deep theological engagement. The teaching was stretching for many attendees and uncomfortable for some. Attendees came away from the conference encouraged and equipped with new insights as well as with some unanswered questions that require further reflection and dialogue. Many attendees felt that this was a conversation long overdue. There was a strong desire to continue the conversation and spread these insights to others in the Church. An Indigenous woman who attended the conference said, “For the first time, I see a stream in the church where First Nations people can walk.” – Andrew Reimer Andrew Reimer (Steinbach EMC) is a community minister with Inner City Youth Alive.
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 23
With Our Churches Crestview Fellowship
Elections held, 50th anniversary approaches WINNIPEG, Man.—Annual elections took place on Nov. 29, 2016. A big thank you to those who have served on various committees this past year as well as to those who have committed to serving for this coming year. Whether usher, maintenance, Board member, music, library, auditor or EMC delegate, (and these are only a few of the areas that have opportunities for service) each one is important to help things run smoothly. As 2016 was rapidly drawing to a close, we at Crestview said farewell for now to a long-time member of Crestview. Helen Wiebe went to be with the Lord on Saturday,
December 3. She was predeceased by her husband Isaac in January 2015. Dec. 11 was a day of celebration as Jasmin Reimer gave her testimony and was baptized upon confession of her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. A blessed day indeed! Looking ahead, in 2017 Crestview Fellowship will be celebrating its 50th anniversary, likely in mid-September. Although no firm plans have been made as yet to mark this milestone, it would be wonderful to see past members and attendees come by for a visit and to share some memories. – Sharron Straub
•• Portage Evangelical Church
Missions trip to San Pablito
PEC
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man.—There were fifteen of us, including adults, that went for a missions trip from March 22-25 with Braveheart Ministries to San Pablito, Mexico. Six were from our church. We took vehicles from Mexico City, making a four-hour drive out to mountainous San Pablito, Four hours from Mexico City. We lived among the people, observing the artisans and ministering to the youth through a worship night and a soccer game in the mountains. There were a couple God experiences that I had. One was the worship night and, even though we spoke two different languages, it felt like the Holy Spirit was there and stirring in my heart. The missions trip was filled with people, activities and two key God experiences.
24 The Messenger • May 2017
Another was when we boys were walking back to the house; we spent the walk back praying for the town and for the light of Jesus to shine. On previous nights there would be wild dogs barking at us as we walked, but this night, as we prayed, it felt like they were backing off. It was almost like a physical display of what was happening in the spiritual realm. Something else that I won’t ever forget was the enormous amount of hospitality that they showed. One family gave up their home and slept in one bed to let some of the group stay at their place. It blew me away to see what little they did have they willingly shared with joy. – Marcus Loewen
With Our Churches Community Bible Fellowship
Ron Thiessen: Pray for your church leaders! SWAN RIVER, Man.—Terry Smith sent questions to Ron Thiessen, who has served at CBF since October 2011. Here is his reply.
I was raised in the Mennonite Mecca of Winkler, Man. After grade 12 I landed up going to Millar College of the Bible for four years. Once I was married, we served in Martensville, Sask., as a Youth Pastor and then at two different churches while in Aylmer, Ont. The first one was as an Associate Pastor of Youth and then as a Lead Pastor.
Tell us about your family.
God has given me the opportunity to marry my best friend Rita, and we have been married now for almost 27 years! WE have been blessed with three amazing kids: Kendra, Jayden, and Myron. Kendra is now done her first year at Bible School, Jay is graduating from grade 12 this year, and Myron is in grade 11 presently. What gives me the greatest joy is to see how each of them is walking in the truth.
How did you hear about CBF and what led you to serve here?
I was without work for a couple of years when I felt directed to look at the EM Conference in hopes to find a church we could serve at. The Conference Pastor saw our resume and felt we would be a good match for Swan River, and are we ever glad that he did.
CBF
Tell us about where you were raised, educated, and served prior to CBF.
Ron and Rita Thiessen
To understand you as a pastor, what do people need to know?
I am in progress just like everybody else. Far too many people think that pastors or missionaries have it all together. Just ask my kids and you will know that I am as far from perfect as they come. I have come to see that it is my brokenness that qualifies me to minister to others, for it is in weakness that we can minister the life of Jesus to one another.
What else would you want to say?
I would really want to encourage church members to pray for their leaders in their churches. Being in church leadership is a very lonely place. If you pray for them and keep your heart soft and receptive to the Lord, then you will make their role of being a leader a joy and not a burden, just as it says in Hebrews 13:17.
What brings you the greatest joy in your role as a pastor?
To see people who are willing to change and move forward with God! Nobody enjoys a change except maybe a baby with a wet diaper; but when I see people young and old alike who are willing to say count the cost and say yes to Jesus , that fires me up like nothing else! That is undeniable proof that the Holy Spirit is at work in their lives; and as far as I am concerned there is no greater joy for me then to see people being transformed and becoming more like Jesus! – Ron Thiessen and Terry M. Smith
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 25
With Our Churches Prairie Rose EMC
Missions Committee holds auction LANDMARK, Man.—Have you ever overpaid for something and regretted it later? Last November 2016 at Prairie Rose we had the opportunity to overpay for items and still feel great about it. The event was an auction planned by the missions committee to raise money for four young start-up missionaries: Brandon Livingston (Roseau River Bible Camp), Emily Plett (Inner City Youth Alive), Gloria Friesen (Athletes in Action), and Shania Doerksen (Upsidedown Productions). It was an evening of fast-paced fun and tense bidding wars over items and services ranging from paintings to fully-catered meals, and the resulting amount raised was an unexpected $10,000. All four missionaries are already fully involved at their various ministries, and are sending back stories of God’s provision and how the gospel message is changing lives. Winter has brought a few more missionaries home from abroad for a brief time to rest reconnect, including Wilf and Shirley Hiebert (EFCCM, Bolivia), Ernie and Suzy Penner (Greater Europe Mission, Kosovo), and Heidi Plett (Africa Inland Mission, Chad). The last two weeks of February 2017 at Prairie Rose are
Fast-paced, tense bidding wars raised funds for missions.
also missions-focused, as it is time for the annual Sunday School fundraiser. This year funds were raised for MCC relief buckets for refugees and sponsoring children for a DVBS program in Haiti. In addition to raising money, the senior youth group actually went to MCC in Winnipeg to put together almost 100 relief buckets that were purchased through the Sunday School fundraiser. – Jayelle Friesen
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The senior youth went to Winnipeg to put together nearly 100 relief buckets purchased through a Sunday School fundraiser.
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26 The Messenger • May 2017
With Our Churches Wymark EMC
Paul Little: direction a concern is our oldest; he is 15. Keagon is our middle child who is 13, and finally our little girl Amareis is 11.
How did you hear about Wymark and what led you to serve here? Paul: My father-in-law [Pastor Dwight Munn, WCC, Grande Prairie] had told me about the EM Conference. He mentioned that there was a list of churches in The Messenger that were looking for a pastor so I pursued it. God clearly lead me to Wymark through His Word and the prayers of God's people. I am so grateful for the people of this church and thank the Lord for leading me here. WEMC
To understand you as a pastor, what do people need to know? Amy and Pastor Paul Little with their family
CHORTITZ, Sask.—Paul Little was asked questions by e-mail. Here are his responses. He has served as pastor of the Wymark EMC, its building located in Chortitz, since March 5, 2010.
Tell us about where you were raised, educated, and served prior to Wymark.
Paul: I have a heart to preach God's Word to His people. God has been so good and faithful to me, which leads me to strive to be faithful to Him. I have a desire for God's people to take God at His "word" and strive to follow Him with all of their hearts. As a pastor, like all believers, I am called to serve God and His people. I love to help people and point people to their creator who desires to be their Saviour.
Paul: I was born in Fredericton, New Brunswick. I was born into a pastor's family. I lived in NB until I was four and then my dad took a church in Ontario. We lived there until I was 14 and then my dad took a church back in NB where he was until I went to Bible school. I was educated at New Brunswick Bible Institute. I got my theological diploma in 2000. I also got an undergraduate degree in Sociology at the Crandall University (formerly Atlantic Baptist University) in 2006. I was a youth pastor in Rochester, New Hampshire, at Rochester Baptist Church from 2001-2003. I also served at Jacksontown Baptist Church prior to coming to Wymark.
What do you think of the EMC?
Tell us about your family.
What else would you want to say?
Paul: I have been married to my beautiful supportive wife Amy since May 5, 2000. We have three wonderful children for which I am so grateful to my Lord and Saviour. Jaedon
Paul: God does not call us to be successful, but He does call us to be faithful (1 Cor. 4:2). This is my true desire!
Paul: I believe the people in the EMC have a desire to serve God. I struggle with the direction the conference is heading. I struggle with the conference’s stance on women leading men. I also disagree with their stance on creation. I know we should celebrate the diversity of our conference; however, diversity that is not grounded on truth of God's Word is not something that I believe I am called to celebrate. There are different cultures in our conference that have different worship styles and I gladly celebrate those differences.
– Pastor Paul Little and Terry M. Smith www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 27
Column • Further In and Higher Up
Could I Love the World as Jesus Does?
by Layton Friesen
He stoops, takes the whole human community onto his shoulders, and lurches off to the Father.
For more of Layton's columns, check out: www. emcmessenger.ca
28 The Messenger • May 2017
DESIGNPICS
N
ow Jesus, going out from the Father’s bosom walks out into the human world. Christ walks intently, passing slowly through every civilization. He walks through the ancient Sumerian, Egyptian, Minoan, Incan and Chinese civilizations. He walks through all the modern world—Jakarta, Mogadishu, Calgary, Iqaluit. As he walks through each community he looks and loves, taking into himself each face, all beauty and achievement and every sin. Finally after walking through the whole world he gets to the farthest end on the path and turns and looks back at the Father. He has been through the world and now every person on earth stands on the road between Jesus and the Father. It’s time for Jesus to return to the Father. But now he extends his arms wide and prays, “Alas, this people has sinned a great sin; they have made for themselves gods of gold. But now, if you will only forgive their sin—but if not, blot me out of the book that you have written” (Ex. 32:32). Jesus says, “Father, I refuse to come before you by myself. I am now one of them and they are in me. I come with them or I come not at all. Do not save me now apart from my sisters and brothers.” He stoops, takes the whole human community onto his shoulders, and lurches off to the Father. The weight of the world’s evil now hangs on his shoulders. Paul prays Christ’s prayer in Romans 9:23. “I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people.” Paul said earlier that precisely those who are “self-seeking” will know wrath and fury (Rom. 2.8). To be “in Christ” is to share his fathomless disregard for his own salvation, refusing to be saved unless his sister and brother come too. In what unsearchable abyss of love would one dare that prayer? Most of us are too wrapped in a concern for our own “assurance of salvation” to risk this vulnerability for another. I suspect one
group of people in our midst who grasp this love are parents who agonize over prodigal children. Many a mother has prayed in the dark night, “Lord, if you have to damn me to save her, go ahead and do it.” What would our congregations be like if Christ were to say to us, “Unless everyone, including the weakest, most discouraged and destitute among you make it to the kingdom of heaven, none of you do. No one here shall appear before me without the others.” I suspect the pastor of such a church would have no problem finding friends and mentors for the young man struggling with porn, the elderly withered in loneliness, or the mother ready to give up on faith. It would be odd if the Saviour who refused to be saved without his sisters and brothers, would now revert to a individualistic plan of salvation where it’s every man for himself. This does not mean that we know that all people will be saved. But this is the depth of Christ’s love and any love that matches his will share in its vulnerability. “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common” (Acts 4:32).
News
SBC graduates 44 in 2017
EMC grads for 2017: (back) Helena Dyck (Steinbach), AA Bible-Theology; Adam Schmidt (Crestview), BA Christian Studies; Karissa Kruse (MacGregor), BA Christian Studies; Melissa Moman (Portage), BA Ministry Leadership; Mark Wiewel (Ridgewood), BA Christian Studies; Aganetha (Nancy) Reimer (Steinbach), AA Bible-Theology; (front) Kaitlyn Evans (Portage), BA Christian Studies; Gillian Plett (Prairie Rose), BA Christian Studies; Ashley Penner (EFC Steinbach), BA Christian Studies; Alex Peckinpaugh (Steinbach), BA Christian Studies.
That is what we hope for: that SBC has been a place to help equip and empower these students for wherever God has called them to serve and that they would trust in His plans. Graduation weekend ends SBC’s celebration of our 80th anniversary as a Bible college empowering servant leaders to follow Jesus, serve the church, and engage the world. – Jillian Klassen
SBC
STEINBACH, Man.—Steinbach Bible College celebrated as 44 students graduated over the weekend of April 21-22. SBC’s theme for 2016-2017 was “Trust,” based on Psalm 37:3-7, which our graduates were encouraged to remember as they began a journey beyond the halls of SBC. Our Spring Concert began the weekend on Friday by showcasing the student drama troupe New Creation, the worship band Free Servant, and features by two Conservatory students. Eight Activate and eight Certificate of Biblical Studies graduates were presented during the program. Formal graduation exercises followed on Saturday at Steinbach EMC and saw 28 graduates presented with their degrees. Four received a BA in Ministry Leadership, 19 earned a BA in Christian Studies, and five received their Associate of Arts in Bible-Theology. We were pleased to have Elton DaSilva, executive director for the Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba, present the commencement address. Valedictorian Ashley Penner (EFC Steinbach) shared, “SBC has provided us with incredible opportunities to learn and grow, helping us to build a foundation for the future.”
Ashley Penner: "incredible opportunities."
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 29
News
OTTERBURNE, Man.—Two EMCers, Rolf and Angela Kruse, have been chosen as 2017 Alumni of the Year and were honoured on April 23 during Providence University College’s graduation ceremony. Rolf and Angela Kruse have spent nearly 20 years ministering among refugees and tribal peoples in East Africa. They have taught English, operated mother-tongue literacy classes, set up wells and a grinding mill, and regularly used their Landcruiser as an ambulance. After growing up in Rosenort, Man., and completing high school in 1993, Angela enrolled at Providence. Her older brother had attended the school and she’d enjoyed the Providence choir’s performance at her local church. She also wanted to play on the volleyball team. Two years later, and equipped with a TESOL Certificate, she arrived in Ethiopia to train Sudanese refugee teachers.
The 23th Annual
EMC
PROJECT BUILDERS
Golf Classic
June 15, 2017 Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course To register, contact Diana Peters: 204-326-6401 or dpeters@emconference.ca Details available at www.emconference.ca (under events).
30 The Messenger • May 2017
BOM
Rolf and Angela Kruse are PUC’s 2017 Alumni of the Year
Rolf and Angela Kruse with their family
“More than 5,000 school-aged children needed an education, and so we trained several hundred young men and women as informal education teachers,” she says. “I found that my TESOL education gave me valuable tools to learn languages and train teachers in how to run English and mother-tongue literacy classes.” After returning to Manitoba she met Rolf, who had come to Providence from nearby Kola and also pursued a TESOL Certificate. Both would also go on to graduate with Bachelor of Arts in Intercultural Studies degrees—Angela in 1998 and Rolf in 2001. They were married in 2000. In 2002 they and their growing family moved to Ethiopia and the Sherkole Refugee Camp, where they would serve for eight years. They trained short-term volunteers, and Rolf started a three-year “grassroots English Bible school” for young men. Angela, meanwhile, taught the Scriptures to women in Arabic and other local languages. In 2011, after a two-year study sabbatical in Rosenort, the Kruses returned to Ethiopia, with their five children, as church planters among the Gumuz people near the Sudanese border. They mentored young people in cross-cultural ministry and Rolf helped young Gumuz elders learn to teach from newly-translated Scriptures. “During our years of ministry our desire has always been to fill people with hope within their present circumstances, exemplify the compassion of Jesus, share with them the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ and disciple men and women into Christian leadership,” says Angela. “We are seeking direction for our future but believe cross-cultural ministry and discipling young people into missions will continue to be a vital part of our future ministry.” Rolf and Angela Kruse (Kola/Rosenort Fellowship) are workers under the EMC Board of Missions. – PUC
In Memory
Rev. John K. Reimer (1919-2016): A Tribute
Rev. John Reimer was born on Feb. 16, 1919, just after World War I and died on Nov. 3, 2016. Much of his life was spent in dedication to a successful ministry in the E. M. Conference. I had the privilege to learn to know him and to work with him in different stages in his life. In 1945 he married Leona Reimer who played a very important role in John’s ministries over the years. My first memory of John was when he served with Western Gospel Mission in Saskatchewan from 1946– 55. From time to time he would come to our church in Steinbach, where he was also a member, and report on his ministry. As a youth I recognized his passion for the work he did in the public schools, in evangelism, and in establishing churches. Many years later people in the community would still express appreciation for the Reimers’ ministry. John graduated from Steinbach Bible Institute in 1943. He was one of the first young people from our church to go to Bible School. This pioneer spirit was also evident when he became the first church supported missionary with Western Gospel Mission. In the early fifties EMC started to have church services in Winnipeg, especially for EMC people working and living in the city. This endeavour developed into an organized EMC church. John became the pastor of the Aberdeen Church in 1955. When I attended Teachers College in 1958–59, I was active in this church. John was an inspiring
pastor with a vision for outreach in the poorer areas of the city. He encouraged his church to be involved in the church’s outreach known as Euclid Mission. John’s interest and commitment to global missions was affirmed by his active participation on the EMC Board of Missions from 1959–64. We were sent to Belize as missionaries during this period. He was an encouraging member of the board. When the BOM decided to hire an executive secretary to do the administrative work, John was chosen to fill this new position. John did a remarkable job during the transition from board member to a hired administrator. In 1973 I was appointed John’s assistant. We had a respectful and good relationship. I found John as Executive Secretary relating in a caring and thoughtful manner with missionaries. When he visited us in Belize in the Executive Secretary position his interest and support for our involvement was very evident to us. John contributed to the growth of EMC Missions during his term as Executive Secretary from 1969–1977. John’s heart for missions was evident when he retired from pastoral ministry in Wymark EMC and volunteered to go to Paraguay to pastor a church. After the Reimers left, people in the church often talked about their valued ministry. As a senior he was also appreciated by the EMC missionaries serving in Paraguay. In my involvement with John over the years I found him deeply committed to prayer and trust in the Lord for guidance and enablement. He was a man of passion for the Lord and His mission. In his retirement John continued to serve the church as interim pastor at Anola, as a deacon in Steinbach EMC, and in other ministries. He was active in service of his Lord and Saviour as long as God gave him the strength. I am reminded of Paul’s words in 2 Tim. 4:7-8. These words could have been John’s testimony: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return.” – Rev. Henry Klassen In offering this tribute, Rev. Henry Klassen brings a background of having served as a WGM worker, EMC missionary, Assistant Secretary (1972–77) and Executive Secretary (1977–2000).
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 31
In Memory
Peter Klassen
1943-2015 Peter Klassen passed away with his family by his side at London Health Science Centre-Victora Campus, Ont., on Thursday, May 14, 2015, in his 72nd year. He was the beloved husband of Sara (Wiebe) Klassen. He was the dear father of Annie Neufeld (Peter)
of Vauxhall, Alberta; Johnny Klassen (Lisa) of Listowel; Justina Kornelsen (Norman) of Whitecourt, Alberta; Linda Wall(Dave) of Aylmer; Martha Bergen (Dave) of Aylmer; and Neil Klassen (Lisa) of Vauxhall, Alberta. He was the loving grandfather of Steven (Annie), Linda (Pete), Joanne (George), Elizabeth, Tina (Jake), Cornie (Lisa), Frank, Jennifer, Jenic, Diana, Rick, Rodney (Pearl), Leelan, Dalin, Jaron, Demea, Josh, Hallie;and great-grandfather of Austin, Emmett, Alyvia, Aiden, and Neil. He was the brother to Hans (Agatha), Benjamin (Lisa), Tina Friesen (Jacob), Nettie Rempel
(Cornelius), Helen Wall (Ben), Jacob (Helen), Susanna Banman (Frank). He was a brother-in-law to Susanna and Sara. He was also survived by a number of nieces and nephews. Peter was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, on Aug. 10, 1943, son of the late Johan and Justina (Fehr) Klassen. He was predeceased by brothers Abram, Cornelius, and David. Peter worked at Imperial Tobacco and was a member of the Straffordville EMC. The funeral service was held at the Mount Salem Sommerfeld Mennonite Church on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, with Pastor Abe Berg officiating. – His Family
••
Neil Klassen
1954-2016 Neil Klassen passed away peacefully with his wife, Margaret, by his side at London Health Science Centre-University Hospital, Ont., on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, in his 62nd year. Neil was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, on Nov. 12, 1954, the son of the late David and Anna Klassen. He was the beloved husband of Margaret Klassen.
32 The Messenger • May 2017
He was the loving father of Susanna Roberts (Chris) of Calgary, David Klassen(Karalyn Church) of London, Johnny Klassen (Angela) of Lambeth and Margaret Hill (Jeff ) of Langton. He was the proud grandfather of Sophia, Harper, Arianna, Brooke, Lucas, Sean, Mackenzie, and Alanna. He was the dear brother of Julius Klassen, Jake Klassen (Anna), George Klassen (Elizabeth), Abe Klassen (Susan), Helen Wall (Neil), and Henry
Klassen (Maria). He was the brotherin-law of Katherine, Aaron, and Maria. Neil was survived by a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Elizabeth, and brothers Johan, David, and Peter. Neil enjoyed his vegetable garden and cutting the grass. The funeral service was held at the Bradley Street Church of God, Aylmer, Ont., on Saturday, March 26, 2016, with Pastor Abe Berg officiating. – His Family
Shoulder Tapping *With any applications for EMC church pastoral positions, candidates are expected to also register a Ministry Information Profile with the EMC Board of Leadership and Outreach, which can be obtained through Erica Fehr, BLO Administrative Assistant, at efehr@emconf.ca or 204-326-6401.
EMC Positions* Mennville EMC, a rural congregation with an attendance of about 90, located in Manitoba's Interlake region, seeks a full- or part-time pastor. The pastor will work within a ministerial team as the church seeks to renew and grow. College or seminary training and pastoral experience are definite assets. Starting date is flexible and salary will reflect EMC guidelines. A candidate should be a collaborative leader (team player), comfortable in the pulpit and in pastoral care, familiar with the EMC Statement of Faith, and respectful of various cultures and rural living. Contact minister Terry Dueck at frontier104@ hotmail.com. Picture Butte Mennonite Church, a Low German and English-speaking church in southern Alberta with 220 people attending dual Sunday morning services, is seeking an experienced, full-time senior pastor. The ideal candidate should be characterized by an attitude of servant leadership and personal integrity in a close walk with Jesus. This candidate needs to have an openness and sensitivity to the diverse cultural differences within our Mennonite church. This position would focus on discipleship training, mentoring, teaching and coaching leaders within the church. This position would also include preaching, teaching and strengthening individual personal commitment to faith in Christ, challenging each one to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus. This candidate needs to be a team player as he will be working alongside the existing leadership team. Contact Willy Neudorf, 403-894-7615, wjneudorf@gmail.com or Isaac Thiessen, 403-308-5093, isaact@genicadev.com.
Mennonite Heritage Centre Archives • Research Assistance • Archives (Record Preservation)
Crestview Fellowship (www.crestviewfellowship.ca), an EMC church located in the St. James-Assiniboia area of Winnipeg, Man., is prayerfully seeking applications for a half-time (approx. 20 hours/week) Youth Pastor or Director. Our current mix of youth are two-thirds from the community with little or no church background and one-third from the church. If you have questions about the position, please call Pastor Darrel Guenther at 204-837-9490 or Scott Groen at 204-885-0233, or send your questions and/ or resume electronically to darrel@crestviewfellowship.ca. Those nearing graduation and new graduates are welcome to apply.
Other Positions An international school in a creative access country in Central Asia is looking for qualified teachers: Secondary English, Secondary Maths, Secondary Science, Principal. Our school is dedicated to transforming the lives of our students, the communities we’re part of, the country we serve. You’ll be able to apply your skills in an exciting and challenging environment that will transform you as you transform others! You’ll be supported by a friendly, vibrant team of committed colleagues. Parents are involved in many aspects of the school, giving it a unique family feel. You are welcome to serve for a year or longer. For information and an application, contact tdyck@emconference.ca. Winnipeg Logos Church is a one-year-old evangelical Chinese church being planted in the Fort Richmond area of Winnipeg. In partnership with the Fort Garry EMC, it is seeking to reach out to the new Chinese immigrants in southwest Winnipeg. We are diligently praying for a pastor. Bible college or seminary education is required. The applicant must be fluent in Mandarin. For more information or to submit a resume, contact Helen Wang (204-509-2628 or wang90@hotmail.com).
An inter-Mennonite facility serving the community.
Korey Dyck
• Genealogy
• Art Gallery • Videos • Used Books
(family studies)
• Seminars & Displays • Publications
600 Shaftesbury Blvd, Winnipeg, Manitoba - CMU South Campus
Director
kdyck@mennonitechurch.ca
archives.mennonitechurch.ca
Mid-Way Christian Leadership seeks a full-time caring team member to support the small group of believers in Grand Rapids, Man., under the leadership of Fred and Stella Neff. It is a paid position moving into a raised support funding model. The individual will support Christians as they grow into the Christian leaders of the north in Manitoba. Helping lead Sunday School, preaching, and leading Bible studies are some of the more formal “programs” that exist today, but, most importantly, people either need to accept Jesus
or follow Him in victory. We are building a team passionate about following God by discipling people into mature Christians and ultimately replacing our leadership positions from those we work with. Please email us at generaldirector.mcl@gmail.com for a full job description or inquiries. Morweena Christian School (MCS) is a rural K-12 school 90 minutes north of Winnipeg, Man. MCS serves about 150 students. It is looking for classroom teachers for Grades 6-7, Grade 8, and various Grades 9-12 math and science courses. Candidates need to be certifiable in the Province of Manitoba, embrace the EMC Statement of Faith, and be active in congregational life. Please send resume to or get more information from: Tim Reimer, Principal, timr@morweenaschool.org
Where are position ads to be sent? Please send all position ads, including pastoral search ads, to messenger@emconf.ca. All ads are to be 150 words or less. All ads can be edited. Please advise us when it is no longer needed.
Calendar Manitoba June 9-11 EMC Convention Morweena EMC
June 9 EMC Ministerial Riverton EMC
June 10 EMC Conference Council Mennville EMC
June 15 Project Builder's Golf Tournament Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course
f
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 33
Column • Here and Far Away
From Here to Far Away
L
BOM
by Jocelyn R. Plett www.writewhatyousee. wordpress.com
ess than a week remains (as of May 7) until we embark on our last journey off this great island (Madagascar). The emotions and stress of saying goodbye to friends, places, things, and experiences we most likely will never see again is overwhelming. The whole experience brings death to my mind more often than not. As we mourn this life we’ve known for so many years, as we enjoy every “last” as fully as we are able, I ponder the bittersweet fact that life in Madagascar will go on after we leave, just as it has for centuries. Our friends will continue on with life without us, our staff will move on to new jobs with new employers. We will be remembered, surely, especially—I hope—by the things we have invested in. But it is a harsh and glorious truth that it has not been us who has provided blessings to those around us so much as the Almighty God, who used us to bless them. I need not fear for them. The Lord remains here to continue to bless and provide for those who remain in this place. Just as He is already in the new life awaiting us in the country we will move to. Preparing a place for us with good purpose and as great provision as He has given us in this life. Greater, even. Beth Moore, in a Bible study video I watched long ago, spoke on the passing from this life to life after death. As she walked across the stage, she shed a big overcoat, exemplifying the act of shedding our physical body, yet continuing on with a new body. The old life, the overcoat, was left on an untidy heap in the middle of the stage while she continued her trajectory. It was a vivid visual aid of the truth that life does not stop when we move from one life to another. Transitioning is understandably filled with turmoil. Our emotions and our bodies roil
In these days of our own transcontinental transition I cling to the hope that the same God will hold us in His hand as we make that step over the threshold.
34 The Messenger • May 2017
with love, sadness, stress, pain, perhaps, and fear of the unknown. It seems to me that human nature invariably clings to what we know and are comfortable with, even if the unknown is foretold to be infinitely better. In these days of our own trans-continental transition I cling to the hope that the same God who has provided for us, loved us, blessed us, comforted us in this life, is there not only on “the other side,” but will hold us in His hand as we make that step over the threshold. I choose to believe that the life waiting for us has even greater joys and gifts than this one has—and we have had many! In our time of turmoil I must make the daily and conscious decision to trust that God is with us and that life on the other side of the ocean will be as blessed as this one has been. To the praise of His glorious grace.
Join with Christ in shaping our
WORLD
Evangelical Mennonite Conference Board of Missions 204-326-6401 info@emconference.ca www.emconfer ence.ca
Column • Stewardship Today
Giving as Protest
D
by Dori Zerbe Cornelsen ISTOCK
oes the headline for this article pique your curiosity or does it irritate you? The word protest often evokes strong positive or negative emotions. Like it or not, we seem to be in a time marked by protests of one kind or another. Beyond giving as duty, the Bible offers us an array of metaphors for giving that can move us to live more generously. The story of the widow’s offering told in the Gospels of Mark and Luke offers us one. When you think of this familiar story (often called The Widow’s Mite), have you ever imagined what the widow looks like? How old is she? How does she carry herself? What is her facial expression? I had always imagined this widow was an older woman who showed signs of a very hard life. In my mind, she was embarrassed to be in the temple, shyly approached the treasury hoping not to be noticed and apologetically put her two lowly coins in the box. An illustration of this story from the Jesus Mafa community of Cameroon completely changed my mind. Their illustrator sees a young woman with a baby on her hip and a basket on her head. She is dressed shabbily but confidently approaches the treasury, boldly giving her offering among the high status men who are also contributing. In both texts, just before this story, Jesus was teaching in the temple and said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” What if our widow heard Jesus’ teaching and decided to stage a protest at the treasury? Had her house been devoured by an upstanding community leader? Was she reacting to those “upright” citizens who accumulated wealth for themselves at the expense of the poorest and most vulnerable? Widows and orphans were supposed to be cared for, not taken advantage of! Throwing all
What if our widow heard Jesus’ teaching and decided to stage a protest at the treasury?
that she has in the offering, the widow throws herself on God and the community creating an obligation on both to make things right. This idea is summarized in an offering prayer adapted from the book Be Our Freedom Lord, edited by Terry Falla: “God of extravagant mercy, with hands outstretched you have poured out wonder and pleasure and delight, goodness and beauty and bounty. Take our offerings, we pray, as our protest against all that is evil and ugly and impoverished, trivial and wretched and tyrannical in our world and in ourselves–that we too may be poured out for the world.” Yes, the widow’s story might express that no matter how small the gift, it matters. Or no matter what the gift, it’s the attitude that counts. But Jesus tells his disciples that the widow, “out of her poverty, put in everything she had.” Dori Zerbe CorShe gave her whole life. It foreshadows that nelsen is a gift in just a short time after this incident, He too planning consultwill give his whole life in order for new life to ant at Abundance emerge. In the same way, our financial giving Canada serving can demonstrate that we desire to participate in generous people Jesus’ love poured out for the world. in Manitoba and There are different types of protests. Some Saskatchewan. are peaceful and others are splashier and more abundance.ca. extreme. Not everyone has an appetite for marching, demonstrations or even boycotting. Our giving can be our protest against the “ugly” that we see around us and around the globe. Any good protest requires planning to have For more columns, the greatest effect. Perhaps it is time to look at check out: how your giving plan is set up for new possibili- emcmessenger.ca ties to emerge. Abundance Canada can help!
www.emcmessenger.ca • The Messenger 35
Column • Kids’ Corner
In May
by Loreena Thiessen
What will you do to honour and celebrate your mother this year? Honour your mother is one of the Ten Commandments. For more columns, check out: emcmessenger.ca
Activity: make a picnic Need:
unbreakable cups, plates, forks, knives and a basket to carry them in a thick blanket picnic food: buns, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce; fruit, like grapes, orange slices; crackers, cookies; lemonade, napkins. Don’t forget sunscreen.
Do:
1. Count how many people will eat. Pack one cup, plate, fork, knife for each. 2. Pack buns, cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, grapes, orange slices, crackers, cookies, crackers, lemonade, enough for each. 3. Choose where the picnic will be: indoors if there’s rain, backyard or park if sunny. 4. Bring flowers and a card you have drawn or painted for your mother. 5. Take a selfie to remember the picnic. 6. Play a game, like croquet, or read a book together.
36 The Messenger • May 2017
Mother’s Day to honor Jesus’ mother, Mary. After World War 2 the second Sunday of May became the official day for everyone to celebrate their mothers. This year that Sunday is May 14. Another important day in May is Victoria Day, the May long weekend. Victoria Day is the official birthday of Queen Victoria, the Queen of England at the time Canada first became a country in 1867. She was the ruling Queen of Canada until that date. She had to agree to Canada becoming an official country with its own government. Before this, Canada was ruled by a governor appointed by England. Now Canada’s government is patterned after England’s. It is a government based on laws that gives the people we vote for the power to make new laws and make changes for our country as they are needed. It is a government that respects the rights and freedoms of its people. This holiday honors Queen Victoria. The May long weekend marks the beginning of more good things to come: summer and warm days ahead; the end of school and holidays; camping and trips to the beach. God knew that to honour your father and mother was so important that he made it one of the Ten Commandments. Read Exodus 20:12. What will you do to honour and celebrate your mother this year? DESIGNPICS
T
he month of May is a turning point. A turning point is a moment that begins change. In May the chill winds of April are past. The last snow has fallen and melted. Everywhere grass is turning green and flowering trees are covered in pink and white blossoms. Bright yellow dandelions cheer neighborhoods wherever they are allowed. It is the end of spring. Next comes summer. There are blue skies above, and warm breezes tickle your face and arms. You feel the wind in your hair as you bike into the sun; soon you’ll feel sand squishing between your toes. May is important for another reason. It’s the month you celebrate your mother. Mothers have been honored and celebrated for a long time, long before Jesus was born. Early Christians celebrated
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