NOVEMBER 2020 MBHERALD.COM
Digest
Finding the well Encountering Christ at the crossroads VOLU M E 59, NO. 4
C C M B C A N D U S M B S TAT E M E N T O N T H E M U L T I P LY R E V I E W THE PERPEL XI N G E N I GMA OF E V I L I N H UMAN E X I ST E N C E CCMBC FINA N CIA L DAS H BOA RD
Sharing the life & story of the Mennonite Brethren in Canada
After several years in process, the transition of the long-standing “deposit program� of MB Stewardship Ministries from the Meet CCMBC Investments Ltd. This new Canadian Conference of MB Churches to the new organization continues the long-standing investment program of CCMBC Investments Ltd. Stewardship Ministries of the Canadian (a wholly owned subsidiary of CCMBC Legacy MB Conference. Fund Inc.) is anticipated to be finalized on Sept. 1, 2019. Current investors have been CCMBC Investments is open to accepting advised of the changes. new funds from existing or new investors
Interested investors can contact who shouldnew contact Capstone Assetus now at legacy@mbchurches.ca or 1-888-669-6575 Management (1-855-437-7103) out the more information. to find initiate process.
1-855-437-7103
Mennonite Brethren Herald Digest is digitally published monthly by the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, primarily for the use of its members, to build a Canadian MB community of faith. We seek to 1) share the life and story of the church by nurturing relationships among members and engaging in dialogue and reflection; 2) teach and equip for ministry by reflecting MB theology, values, and heritage, and by sharing the good news; 3) enable communication by serving conference ministries and informing our members about the church and the world. However, the opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the church as a whole.
Digest N OVEM B ER 2020 | VO LU M E 59, N O. 4 EDITORIAL OFFICE 1310 Taylor Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 3Z6 Phone: 204-669-6575 Toll-free in Canada: 888-669-6575 MBHERALD@MBCHURCHES.CA W W W. M B H ER ALD.CO M
ISSN: 0025-9349 The Mennonite Brethren Herald is a publication of
ON THE COVER
6
Lauren in Lake Albro,
Darthmouth, Nova Scotia. Photo: The Well
14
Kimberly McIntyre
SIGNPOSTS
18
ON THE CUSP OF SOMETHING NEW
FINDING THE WELL
Pierre Gilbert
Breanne Wilson and
Adam Greeley baptize
THE PERPELXING ENIGMA OF EVIL IN HUMAN EXISTENCE
9 11
Rev. Philip A Gunther
SEPTEMBER 2020 FINANCIAL DASHBOARD
20
Elton DaSilva
SMALL CHURCH IN A HARD PLACE
Mark J.H. Klassen
Connect Sharing the life and story of Mennonite Brethren in Canada
Greg Weins, Westwood Community
Church (Winnipeg) lead pastor and with Global Vision 2020.
Full story on page 22
faith-based outreach coordinator
FACEBOOK.COM/MBHERALD TWITTER.COM/MB_HERALD SOUNDCLOUD.COM/MBHERALD MBHERALD.COM
MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD
NOVEMBER 2020
Q: How do you speak well about marriage with your neighbours, knowing that marriage can be difficult? A: Check out the Faith and Life online pamphlets about marriage and family. www.mennonitebrethren.ca/ nflt-resources
From the editor WHISPER A PRAYER ne of my friends just began a round of thirty-three radiation treatments. Thirty-three. Another friend just lost her job. My friends in Manitoba have entered code red, inches away from another lockdown. Like most everywhere in Canada, COVID-19 cases and deaths are higher than they have ever been, and that's scary. My friends in the United States of America stand at the brink of a history-making decision, an election fueled by fear and the threat of violence. There is no safe outcome. Has there ever been a more turbulent time in history? Most likely, yes, but not in our memory. We had two trick or treaters show up at our house the other night. They arrived together, so if you're doing the math, that's one knock at the door. I'm glad our community followed recommendations to stay home this Hallowe'en; however, it felt weird for things to be so quiet. The next night the dog and I went on our evening walk. Through some of my neighbour's windows, I saw Christmas trees, lit and decorated. French mathematician Blaise Pascall said, "We never keep to the present. We recall the past; we anticipate the future as if we found it too slow in coming and were trying to hurry it up." In 2020 the present is painful, and the future is in limbo. We decorate the house for Christmas on the first of November because we desperately long for something familiar. The tree is the signpost that points us towards the normalcy that has been robbed from us. As I examine my present routine—seeing how different it is from the one I had just months ago—I am reminded of my nan. She ended each day in her rocking chair by the window, humming or singing hymns, her broken melodies carrying out into the dark night:
O
Whisper a prayer in the morning, Whisper a prayer at noon, Whisper a prayer in the evening, To keep your heart in tune. If you're reading this, I encourage you to pause and pray. Pray for that friend in cancer treatment, pray for the unemployed, and pray for those confined to their homes day after day. The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:18). Remember the second stanza: God answers prayer in the morning, God answers prayer at noon. God answers prayer in the evening, So keep your heart in tune. In these dark days, I want to be like my nan. I want to be Christ in the world today, even though I struggle to get up in the morning. I want to end my day looking out over a broken world and praying for God's comfort and blessing over all who need it. You want this too, I know. As you read through this issue, look for signs of hope in the authors' words. Hope is abundant in the stories of God's people like Lauren, who's redemption journey led to her baptism in the waters of Lake Albro. Be encouraged as you read to discover ways God is working in your life, and be brave in sharing your hope story with the world around you. With hope,
Carson
CARSON SAMSON
Communications director
MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD
NOVEMBER 2020
3
HOMEPAGE
#SAVETHEDATE
Pastors Credentialing Orientation (PCO) will be delivered in two campuses in 2021: PCO West in British Columbia on May 26-28, and PCO East in Ontario on June 1-3. #CCMBCPCO
2021
Week of Prayer The 2021 Week of Prayer is January 17-24. Look for resources on-line and in the MB Herald Digest in the coming months.
MB Seminary hosting conversation on MAiD A live, online conversation with MB Seminary on the topic of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) is scheduled for Tues, Nov 24, 2020 from 1-2:30 PT. It’s a free event featuring 3 short presentations followed by panel discussion. Registrants are encouraged to submit questions. Visit mbseminary. ca/navigatemaid to register. POSTPONED: MB Seminary's graduate course on MAiD has been moved to next semester (January-February, 2021). Click here for course info.
#CNDMBPRAY
Need help subscribing to the online digest? Email us at mbherald@mbchurches.ca, or call 1-888-669-6575 and ask for Carson or Bomba.
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VISIT SOUNDCLOUD TO HEAR OUR T H R E E - PA R T E X P L O R AT I O N O F M A I D O N DY I N G : WA N D A D E R K S E N & PA U L D O E R K S E N O N D Y I N G : E V E LY N L A B U N O N C O N S C I E N C E : F R A N K E W E R T & K AT H Y B O S C H M A N
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NOVEMBER 2020
M B H E R A L D.C O M
NEWS RELEASE
CCMBC AND USMB STATEMENT ON THE MULTIPLY REVIEW FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 5, 2020
For over 100 years, the Mennonite Brethren Church in North America has been obedient to the call of reaching the world with the Good News of Jesus. We are a part of a rich history of dedicated women and men who, forsaking everything else, have spread the gospel of peace across the globe. Multiply serves as the mission arm of the U.S. and Canadian MB Churches and has been the primary mechanism for our global mission endeavours. In the last two years, Multiply has experienced turbulent waters. The merger and the consequent demerger with C2C Network have become a painful and confusing chapter in this historic ministry’s life. Subsequently, a task force review team was formed at the request of the Multiply board, and appointed by the Executive Boards of both U.S. MB Conference (USMB) and Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC). This task force, composed of four members from Canada and four members from the U.S., engaged the service of Dr. John Radford (Transpectives Consulting Inc.). Dr. Radford’s role was to conduct an in-depth analysis of Multiply’s culture, board functionality, and senior leadership. Informed by Dr. Radford’s report, the Multiply Review Task Force made 17 relevant recommendations. These recommendations include, but are not limited to: in governance (to allow for greater input from the constituency) ˚ changes changes in board composition ˚ changes in qualification for board chair (determined skill sets) ˚ changes to senior leadership style ˚ changes as it relates to culture ˚
The Executive Boards of both USMB and CCMBC have received and affirmed these recommendations and have instructed the Multiply Board to work toward implementation. At its last meeting, the Multiply Board has confirmed its affirmation of the recommendations presented to them. The U.S. and Canadian conferences are grateful for the passionate work that the current Multiply Board members have undertaken during difficult times. As the first step towards fully implementing the Multiply Review Task Force’s recommendations, the U.S. and Canadian boards will be immediately appointing new Multiply board members to replace outgoing board members who have finished their term or have resigned. This new board will work with present senior leadership to facilitate further changes recommended by the task force. Multiply’s President, Randy Friesen, has shared the following response: “We have welcomed the outside review and believe the Lord is using it to make us healthier and more effective as a mission. I am thankful for the dedication and care shown by each member of the outgoing Multiply board. We are committed to working with our new board in implementing the recommendations and partnering with our conferences for God’s glory.” Both the U.S. and Canadian MB Conferences are committed to the continuation of global mission for the purpose of reaching people with the gospel and seeing more people come to know Jesus. The ultimate goal is to see Multiply increase its capacity for this mission, both locally and abroad. We ask that you remain in prayer, bringing all things before God so that His perfect will be accomplished in all of us. In humility, Elton DaSilva (CCMBC National Director) Don Morris (USMB National Director)
MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD
NOVEMBER 2020
5
THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF FOUR ARTICLES BY PIERRE GILBERT
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NOVEMBER 2020
M B H E R A L D.C O M
his may seem a little odd to people who do not know me well, but it will be no surprise to those who are familiar with my academic journey. I have devoted much of my time in the last few years to broadly thinking and teaching about the problem of evil. This sustained effort recently gave birth to a book on that very topic: God Never Meant for Us to Die: The Emergence of Evil in the Light of the Genesis Creation Account (Wipf & Stock). In this series of articles, I will walk you through some of the key landmarks of a book that focuses on what must surely is the most infuriating and frustrating problem men and women face. Evil, pain, and suffering are as intrinsic to human experience as cream in coffee. To be human is to be condemned to live with the constant threat of suffering, misery, and death. I must note, however, that after investing so much time and energy into this project, I was surprised to rediscover a wonderful truth about human existence. That there is a problem of evil is unquestionable. But perhaps the real question is not why there is so much evil, but why there is any good at all. I am not talking about minuscule samples of good peppered here and there like rare specks of gold in an abandoned mine. Human experience is surprisingly full of goodness, joy, and happiness. As C. S. Lewis observes, “The settled happiness and security which we all desire, God withholds from us by the very nature of the world: but joy, pleasure, and merriment, He has scattered broadcast. We are never safe, but we have plenty of fun, and some ecstasy.”1 Or think of little children. Unless they are mired in dire circumstances, children everywhere are happy and delight in life. Little boys and girls laugh at the merest pretext: the sight of a wiener dog, an unusual sound, a funny word, a hiccup, even a facial contortion can send a toddler reeling with delight and uncontrollable laughter. That there should be so much joy and happiness despite the ever-looming presence of evil is perhaps the real conundrum. But unless we are prodded to focus on that particular enigma, we simply will not, for it is the deafening reality of pain and evil that will always win this tug of war. Evil trips us up for two reasons. First, embodied evil is abrasively and oppressively real. To be trapped in its jaws is to be caught in a vice-grip that urgently and intensely commands our attention. Second, if we are powerless to divert our attention from it for any length of time, it is because we intuitively sense that there is something unnatural about it. Evil exists. But it ought not to. This brokenness that imposes itself on every man and woman is not just out there. It is inside our very self; something deep within us is amiss. It is as if we are no longer what we once were. Christian tradition refers to this sense of loss as the Fall. Chesterton’s description of this aberration is as insightful as anything ever written about it:
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1 Lewis, Problem of Pain,116.
And to the question, “What is meant by the Fall?” I could answer with complete sincerity, “That whatever I am, I am not myself. This is the prime paradox of our religion; something that we have never in any full sense known, is not only better than ourselves, but even more natural to us than ourselves.2 If evil is not congenial to who we are, where does it come from and why do we find it in the deepest recesses of the human soul, as if fused to our very DNA? While our society is exceedingly proficient at depicting evil, it is also proportionately inept at explaining why the world is as it is. Why does evil, in all its perverse “glory,” rise up, like some ghoulish Phoenix, with every new generation? Is this a learned behavior that is somehow transmitted through an intractable socialization process we are not fully aware of? And if that is the case, why can’t we identify these mechanisms and use our formidable body of knowledge to eliminate evil from human history once and for all? But deep down we know better. Evil is not some alien entity that surreptitiously emerges out of thin air to invade our souls. In our most lucid moments, we have no choice but to admit, even if reluctantly so, that Jesus was right: evil nests in our innermost being (Matt 15:19)! For believers, this reality represents the most ferocious assault on the Christian faith and gives rise to a seemingly inextricable dilemma: how can a good, loving, and omnipotent God allow evil and suffering to plague the lives of his creatures. This is the question I relentlessly pursue in the pages of my new book.
2 Chesterton, Orthodoxy, 167.
MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD
NOVEMBER 2020
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Despite the tsunami of attention the issue has received throughout history, the explanations offered to account for human suffering fall into two major camps. In the one instance, evil is viewed as eternal and necessary, rooted in the very person of God (or the gods) or the fabric of reality. The other way to frame evil is to negate its reality, as witnessed, for instance, in pantheistic belief systems, where the distinction between good and evil collapses. There is almost a universal resignation (a capitulation?) to the idea that evil is an unavoidable and necessary component of human existence. Somewhat surprisingly, Christian tradition has also failed to offer a truly distinct perspective on evil. Augustine, a giant whose footprint looms large on the theological landscape, postulated that all instances of evil have purpose and will eventually be woven into a greater whole that will attribute significance even to the most revolting acts of human cruelty. For his part, the second-century bishop, Irenaeus of Lyons, posited that God designed the world as a “sphere of soul-making.”3 Most theologians, philosophers, pastors, and ordinary Christians comfortably live between these two poles. If these views are correct, then evil must ultimately be defined as a good; an indispensable element of reality. This position entails two inescapable difficulties. On the one hand, such an outlook effectively limits the goodness and power of God, for any pronouncement in that respect is undermined by the notion that God could not bring about the completion of his project for humanity without the introduction of evil in the creation process. On the other hand, Christians who experience tragedy will either face a crisis of faith with little or no confidence in God’s power and goodness, or they will frantically search for the key that unlocks the mystery of divine purpose as it pertains to their specific circumstances. My book represents a response to the problem of evil that affirms the absolute goodness and power of God, as well as the irredeemable nature of evil. The originality of my approach lies in framing the reality of evil in the light of God’s original design for humanity, as formulated in Genesis 1:26–28, and a more precise assessment of the purpose and the implications of the injunction against eating of the “tree of the knowledge of good and evil” in Genesis 2:15–17. At the core of my thesis is the conviction the God never intended for humans to experience suffering and death, and that evil never was an inevitable component of God’s original plan for humanity. 3 Hick, Evil and the God of Love, 372.
I begin with the assumption that the Genesis creation account was expressly written to exonerate God from all responsibility for the presence of moral evil in the world. I demonstrate that the narrative argues against any form of divine determinism and strictly ascribes the emergence of evil to human agency. The major benefits of this study are twofold. First, it creates a credible scenario in which God bears no moral responsibility for the deployment of evil in the world, thus removing one of the major stumbling blocks to belief and trust in God. Second, it serves to rehabilitate the credibility of the creation narrative as the most coherent explanation for the emergence of evil in human history. The book ends with a reflection on the profound and overwhelming hope that the Christian faith offers to those who commit their lives to Jesus Christ. The hope of the resurrection encompasses all dimensions of human life: the need for justice, the human yearning for a permanent home, psychological healing without the loss of personal identity, and eternal life as perfect and free creatures living forever in joyful fellowship with the living God and the myriads of men and women who will populate the New World. In the next article, I will explain why, despite the massive efforts theologians, philosophers, and scientists have deployed to subvert it, the Genesis creation story still offers the most plausible and original response to the presence of evil in our world. P I E R R E G I L B E R T, P H . D.
is associate professor of Biblical Studies and Theology at Canadian Mennonite University and MB Seminary.
›› Purchase God Never Meant for Us to Die and Pierre Gilbert’s first book, Demons, Lies and Shadows at KindredProductions.com
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NOVEMBER 2020
M B H E R A L D.C O M
ecently, Janine and I took a sunny Sunday drive to Buffalo Pound Provincial Park. While traveling the windy roads alongside the lake, we came across a triangular yellow metal sign with a black arrow bent in the middle at a ninety-degree angle. This indicated a sharp left turn in the road up ahead. Below this sign was a smaller rectangular white sign with black letters that read “Keep Right”. A moment of bewilderment ensued – do we go left or right? In the end we did successfully navigate the turn in the road while at the same time musing over the puzzling signpost. Seemingly, these moments of bewilderment are now more commonplace in my life and ministry. Maybe this is due to aging or past disorienting experiences. Sometimes I feel drained navigating the tensions and contradictions that reach my desk, whether they be theological, political, philosophical, ecclesiastical or relational. I resonate much more today with Paul’s words to the church in Corinth: “For now we see through a glass, darkly….” Paul’s assertion is a simple one, much of our sojourn in life, on this side of heaven, is one where ambiguity, rather than clarity, is the milieu. Our world appears to be a complex and confusing place for any person to traverse. This reality is no different for the faithful disciple of Christ. In a world that too often declares right to be wrong and wrong to be right, evil to be good and good to be evil, how does one live for Jesus faithfully and with integrity? As leaders, what is our counsel? What example do we set? To help navigate this reality, my soul’s map consists of several tested and true signposts. These markers help me traverse life’s arduous or befuddling landscapes: Trust in God – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your
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own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5,6 Focus on Jesus – “…let us run with perseverance the race marked our for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.” Hebrews 12:1b,2a Anchor to Scripture – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a lamp for my path.” Psalm 119:105 Listen for the Holy Spirit – “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13a Ask godly counselors – “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22 I match these signposts with my own personal experiences of God’s work in my life – His love for me, His blessings and His faithful presence in all circumstances. Friends, today you may be at some kind of crossroad, perhaps struggling with a perplexing decision or torn between two divergent trails. Maybe the landscape before you is dark, even frightening, and the way forward is far from certain. The above signposts which I have looked to for direction have proven over and over that they are trustworthy and effective. They have given me that which I need to take the next step and the one after that and the one after that. And, where the path still remains uncertain, I do what pleases God, I live by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 11:6).
DEVELOPING LEADERS
Signposts
“ W E A R E N E V E R W I T H O U T A P I L O T— EVEN WHEN WE DO NOT KNOW WHICH WAY TO S T E E R .”
– L.B. COWMAN
R E V. P H I L I P A G U N T H E R
is director of ministry for the Saskatchewan Conference of MB Churches
MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD
NOVEMBER 2020
9
NEWS RELEASE
We can and must do much better
R E L I G I O U S L E A D E R S D E N O U N C E B I L L C -7, “A N A C T T O A M E N D T H E C R I M I N A L C O D E ( M E D I C A L A S S I S TA N C E I N DY I N G ) ”
In the presence of human pain, suffering and loneliness, we need to respond as a society with profound solidarity and extraordinary care. It is via the deep acknowledgement of the beauty and dignity of human life, lived and experienced as a gift, filled with meaning and love, that we can come to the aid of the most vulnerable among us.
Today more than 50 religious leaders from across Canada released an open letter to all Canadians in opposition to Bill C-7 An Act to amend the Criminal Code (medical assistance in dying). This ecumenical and interfaith message is a response by religious leaders to the legislation introduced by the federal government on 5 October 2020 which seeks to expand the eligibility criteria for euthanasia and assisted suicide (euphemistically called “medical assistance in dying”) by removing the “reasonable foreseeability of natural death” criterion currently in the Criminal Code, and by loosening some of the existing “safeguards” allowing patients whose death is “reasonably foreseeable” to waive final consent to receiving euthanasia by making an advance directive. The religious leaders said in part: “We are obliged to express our strong concern and opposition to Bill C:7 which, among other things, expands access to euthanasia and assisted suicide to those who are not dying. It perplexes our collective minds that we have come so far as a society yet, at the same time, have so seriously regressed in the manner that we treat the weak, the ill, and the marginalized.” The message reflects a unity of thought and concern among Canada’s diverse religious communities in the face of human suffering, dying and death, and the inadequacy of euthanasia and assisted suicide as a response. The religious leaders further expressed: “We are convinced that a robust palliative care system available to all Canadians is a much more effective response to suffering and to protecting the sacred dignity of the human person. Palliative care addresses pain in a
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NOVEMBER 2020
M B H E R A L D.C O M
loving and caring environment, wherein people go out of their way to offer comfort and solace. It makes everyone into a better person.” Anyone can download a PDF of the open letter and list of signatories. The development of the message was initiated by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB), Rabbi Dr. Reuven P. Bulka, CM, Ph.D., the Canadian Council of Imams (CCI), The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) and Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada. Media is encouraged to direct inquiries to any of the endorsing signatories to the message. Rick Hiemstra Director, Research and Media Relations The Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Toll-free 1-866-302-3362 x. 332 Lisa Gall Communications Coordinator Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops communications@cccb.ca 613-241-9461 ext. 225
PARLIAMENT REINTRODUCES BILLS TO EXTEND EUTHANASIA , BAN CONVERSION THERAPY
The federal government has just reintroduced two bills in Parliament. Bill C-6 (formerly Bill C-8) would ban conversion therapy, but has a broad definition of conversion therapy that could criminalize religious instruction on sexuality. Bill C-7 proposes major changes to the law on euthanasia and assisted suicide, by extending “MAID” to people who are not dying. Even if you have communicated on these bills before, please contact your MP again to ask for changes to both of these bills. See the EFC’s resources at TheEFC.ca/C-6 and TheEFC.ca/C-7, including sample letters.
Note: This report compares actual numbers to a forecast that has been approved by the Executive Board. Due to the current expectation of reduced revenue, expenses have been adjusted to align with the forecasted revenue for 2020.
SEPTEMBER 2020
Y E A R -T O - D AT E I N C O M E
13%
CCMBC is currently $144,869 under year-todate forecasted revenue of $1,080,262
Notes: 1. One-stream funding from provincial conferences is at 81% of the year-todate forecast. 2. Provincial Conference Support is $143,083 below YTD forecast and Other Revenue is $1,786 below forecast. 3. 3. Other Revenue includes $81,138 of Canada Government Funding for Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS).
CCMBC FINANCIAL DASHBOARD
CCMBC FINANCIAL DASHBOARD SEPTEMBER 2020 $1500 K
$1000 K
$500 K
$0
- $500 K
Jan
Mar
Feb
Apr
May
Jul
Jun
YTD Revenue Forecast
YTD Revenue Budget YTD Net Income(Loss) Actual
Aug
Sep
YTD Revenue Actual
Monthly Net Income Budget
Monthly Net Income Forecast
Monthly Net Income (Loss) Actual
Y E A R -T O - D AT E E X P E N S E S
6.5%
CCMBC is currently $ 62,475 above yearto-date forecasted expenses. Cuts have been made to budgeted expenses for the balance of the year.
Notes: 1. Collaborative Model (National Director, National Faith and Life Team, National Ministry Team, National Assembly, National Assembly Executive, and the Centre for MB Studies) Staff costs, including travel have been reduced for the balance of the year but include contract staff hired to help rewrite the bylaws. 2. MB Church Planting: Expense is reported net of $137,660 of unbudgeted, designated donations. 3. MB Family Partner Suppot (ICOMB, MB Seminary, ETEQ, MB Historical Commission, and the Leadership Training Matching Grant): Reported net of $255,651 of flow through donations.
2020 Monthly Expenses
200000 150000 100000 50000 0
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Monthly Expenses Forecast
28% MB church plants
15% MB family partner support
9% Administration
Jun
Jul
Aug Sep
Monthly Expenses Actual
35% Collaborative Model
11% Communications
2% Events
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SEPTEMBER 2020 CCMBC FINANCIAL DASHBOARD
SINGLE STREAM FUNDING
PROVINCIAL B RE AKDOWN
A L B E R TA ( A B M B )
BRITISH COLUMBIA (BCMB) 400000
59110
2020 Annual
2020 Annual
Forecast $400,000
Forecast $59,110
YTD Forecast
YTD Forecast
$ 300,000
$44,332
YTD Actual
YTD Actual
$224,404
$33,246
0
0
S A S K AT C H E WA N ( S K M B )
M A N I TO B A ( M B C M )
270400
2020 Projected Giving
2020 Annual
$116,000
Forecast $270,400
YTD Projected Giving $87,000
YTD Forecast
YTD Actual
$202,800
$69,518
YTD Actual $164,866 0
O N TA R I O ( O N M B )
QUEBEC (AÉFMQ)
2020 Annual Forecast 6160
2020 Annual Forecast $6,160 YTD Forecast $4,620
$132,000
YTD Actual $1,650
YTD Forecast $99,000 YTD Actual $99,000
0
12
Send questions and comments to FAQ@mbchurches.ca.
8 8 8 . 6 69. 6 5 76 I I N F O @ M B C H U R C H E S .C A | M E N N O N I T E B R E T H R E N .C A | 1 3 1 0 TAY LO R AV E N U E , W I N N I P EG , M A N I TO B A R 3 M 3Z6
SEPTEMBER 2020
2020 ANNUAL BUDGET
2020 FO REC A S T
ADJ USTMENT
REVENUE CMSF
CMSF - ABMB one-stream funding
$
CMSF - AÉFMQ one-stream funding
–
80,000
$
7,941
59,110
$
7,941
(20,890)
7,700
6,160
(1,540)
CMSF - BCMB one-stream funding
469,300
400,000
(69,300)
CMSF - MBCM one-stream funding
338,000
270,400
(67,600)
CMSF - ONMB one-stream funding
132,000
132,000
–
CMSF - SKMB one-stream funding
145,000
116,000
(29,000)
1,172,000
991,611
(180,389)
411,241
510,986
99,745
Other Revenue Total Revenue
CCMBC FINANCIAL DASHBOARD
CCMBC FINANCIAL FORECAST
1,583,241
1,502,597
(80,644)
71,000
70,260
(740)
20,000
15,000
(5,000)
533,100
386,476
(146,624)
215,020
191,476
(23,544)
79,400
40,744
(38,656)
378,885
400,106
21,221
274,836
228,608
(46,228)
1,572,241
1,332,670
(239,571)
11,000
11,000
-
–
$158,927
$158,927
EXPENSES Administration Affiliation Support Collaborative Model Communications Events MB Church planting net of unbudgeted, designated fundraising MB Family Partner Support net of flowthrough donations Total Expenses
TRANSFERS Transfer to Reserve Net Income/(Loss)
$
8 8 8 . 6 69. 6 5 76 I I N F O @ M B C H U R C H E S .C A | M E N N O N I T E B R E T H R E N .C A | 1 3 1 0 TAY LO R AV E N U E , W I N N I P EG , M A N I TO B A R 3 M 3Z6
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Building a Foundation
By 2015, Greely was connecting with Christians from both sides of Lake Albro, and had been given great influence within the community. He was hosting worship gatherings in his home and felt it was time to move in a new direction Greely asked the members of The Well at that time to pray about where they believed God was calling their group.
“God said to me, ‘don’t speak. Set out the course and hear people first.’ Unanimously everyone in the room said, we are called to Dartmouth North,” Greely recalls. Fortunately, Greely and the rest of the group had been in relationship with a local organization called Take Action. The organization had grown its program to over 100 people and had recently been gifted an old school in Dartmouth North. In 2016 Take Action agreed to share the space with Greely and The Well. Within a year the church grew from 17 to about 80 people, with many attendees being from the Take Action program. In the autumn of 2018, The Well moved up the road to a community centre in Northbrook. It was a challenging place with more crime and stigma around the area. The Well lost members, but stayed at their new location with great faith.
An Unexpected New Member
One Sunday while The Well team was serving coffee to folks at the community centre, a young lady walked in and started talking to Greely almost right away. “She came up looking disheveled and launched into talking about her beliefs, and at the time she believed in a bunch of different things but was very intelligent, and I remember thinking, ‘oh wow.’”
“
I saw [the lake] being like a well. In scripture wells are symbolic of an intimate encounter, places where new relationships happen.
“
A
dam Greely knew that God was calling him and his wife, Suzanne, to plant a church near their home in Dartmout h, NS but was struggling with the name until one fateful walk around Albro Lake. The lake divided the community by class and wealth, and each side of the community had been in fear of the other for many years. Greely knew that where he resided was at a crossroads between the poverty of insufficiency and the poverty of affluence. As Greely walked around Albro Lake, he began to have clarity from the Lord about what his mission was and what the name of his new project would be. “The Lord brought me to John 4—the story of Jesus meeting a woman who was categorically on the outside in every sense. She goes to the well midday to avoid interaction with her own people and meets Jesus. Her shame goes away and she just wants people to know whom Jesus is, and to share the good news in a way that draws people in. I saw [the lake] being like a well. In scripture wells are symbolic of an intimate encounter, places where new relationships happen,” Greely recounts. Greely wanted The Well Church to be a place of renewal and new identity for those who attended. His heart desired for people to know Jesus, and see a new humanity defined by Christ, and not by the amount of money in their pockets.
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“
God has been calling me Lauren, and I think that’s important.
“
The young lady introduced herself to Greely as Lolo. “The next time she came in, I told her to consider staying for the gathering and again she told me she had PTSD and couldn’t have her back to anyone. I made some space for her and told her I could assure that no one would go back to where she was and nothing was expected of her if she wanted to stay. She stuck around. As I was preaching she was really leaning in. I could tell her level of engagement was really high. She was really thinking and really laughing,” Greely remembers.
Lauren had given herself the name Lolo after struggling with her own identity. “In my conversation with her I could tell that she had a real appetite for scripture and there was a real sense of God speaking to her” Greely says, and he asked her why the change in name. Lauren replied, “God has been calling me Lauren, and I think that’s important.”
Woman at The Well
In what seemed like no time, Lauren was preparing to be baptized, but knew that there was an important step she had to take first. She told Greely, “I know that God is calling me to leave my partner.” It was very difficult for her, but knew it was the right decision from God. Throughout the process of church planting, Greely had kept the story one story in his mind. “I’ve been praying for a woman at The Well. We are all women at the well! We all have shame and things that God wants to work on. Lauren has a desire to evangelize, and reach the lost. The shift in her life has been amazing.” Greely says with pride. Lake Albro still has a special place in the life of The Well. Baptisms and new beginnings start there, a declaration that the space and community belong to God. A place we can all meet and encounter Jesus.
Called by Name
A few weeks later, Lolo was continuing to show up to the gatherings. In one conversation with Greely, Lolo mentioned that she had become a Christian. Greely was surprised and excited by the news. The two went for lunch at a local spot to talk about her journey into faith and what the next steps were for her. “I started to say, ‘So Lolo...’ and she stopped me and said, ‘You can call me Lauren.’
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K I M B E R LY M C I N T Y R E
enjoys writing stories of transformation, faith, and the human experience. She has a Communications and Media degree from Canadian Mennonite University. When she is not writing or working in Riding Mountain National Park, she enjoys cooking, exploring Canadian national parks, and dancing.
For 32 years, Helga Kasdorf has been an essential part of the CCMBC staff team, serving the organization and churches with love, dedication, and unequalled attention to detail. We are deeply saddened to announce that as of November 9, 2020, Helga’s employment with CCMBC will end.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
Family news
As complications due to COVID-19 continue—with no in-person events taking place currently or for the foreseeable future—CCMBC has no option but to close its events department. In light of this, Helga is choosing to retire early. We acknowledge and celebrate Helga’s significant contributions to CCMBC Please keep Helga, Henrique and Charles in your prayers during this difficult time.
Finish lines MARY (WIENS) KONRAD Mary grew up on a farm near Wembly, Alta., and attended school until Grade 9. She accepted Jesus as Saviour at 11, and in her early teens was baptized into La Glace (Alta.) MB Church. She later attended Coaldale (Alta.) Bible School for 3 years. In the choir at La Glace MB, she caught Abe Konrad’s eye. While Abe attended MB Bible College in Winnipeg, Mary worked as a ward aide at the hospital in Grande Prairie, Alta. They wrote many letters and married before his graduating year. They moved to Coaldale, where Abe taught Bible school. Their first child, Edith Joy, died shortly after birth, a lifelong sorrow to Mary. Within a few years, she was busy raising 3 young boys, twins Alfred and Ernest, and Wilfred. In 1960, the family moved to Grassy Lake, Alta., where Abe pastored the MB church while continuing further studies. Wesley was born in Edmonton, then Chester, in Winnipeg. Over the next 30 years, Abe and Mary pastored MB churches in Leamington, Ont.; Niverville, Man.; and Abbotsford, B.C. (King Road). They retired to Winnipeg in 1995 to be closer to their grandchildren. They moved to Kelowna, B.C., in 2003, before returning in 2008 to Abbotsford, where they remained. Mary was joyful singer, an excellent cook, a meticulous housekeeper, and a caring wife and mother. She loved to have a beautiful home (which wasn’t always
possible with a pastor’s salary and five growing boys). Abe and their sons built their house in Niverville after a photo of a house Mary admired. The family often visited grandparents in B.C., taking routes through U.S. parks, pulling a homemade tent trailer. Later, Mary and Abe continued to camp, driving across Canada to P.E.I. They celebrated her 60th birthday in Hawaii and visited the homes of King Road families in South America. Mary read and sewed and kept active by walking and biking. She even went bowling for her 80th birthday. In her last year, Mary’s health declined with increasing mental and physical difficulties. She was determined to stay in her own home as long as possible, and, with Abe’s attentive care, she was there until the end. She entered hospital May 8, 2020, and died with Abe at her side. Birth: February 4, 1930 Birthplace: Wembly, Alta. Death: May 11, 2020 Parents: Kornelius & Wilhelmine (Thiel) Wiens Married: Abe Konrad, July 16, 1952 Family: Abe; children Edith [d.], Alfred, Earnest (Tia), Wilfred (Angela), Wesley (Valerie), Chester (Pauline); 9 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; sister Margaret; brother Henry Church: King Road MB, Abbotsford, B.C. Baptism: La Glace (Alta.) MB
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BUILDING COMMUNITY
ON THE CUSP OF SOMETHING NEW ne of the Collaborative Model’s main components is the call for every Canadian MB ministry to have a shared mission and agenda. We state this mission and agenda in a document referred to as the Collaborative Unified Strategic Plan (CUSP). Here we identify the areas where MB’s in Canada have chosen to collaborate. As this issue of MB Herald Digest hits your inbox, the first draft of this critical document enters the consultation phase: provincial and agency boards and MB churches from across the country can speak into the creation of the CUSP. We must own it together. At the bottom of this page, you will find links to a CUSP overview video and to register for town hall meetings.
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As you engage with the CUSP, you will notice that this is not an organizational strategic plan; it is a mission plan. We begin by identifying our call to mission and respond to that call with strategic steps. At this moment in time, we must be clear about our underlining mission. The CUSP identifies that mission as the following: We seek to be a community of healthy, disciple-making churches and ministries, on mission together with Jesus locally, nationally & globally. In identifying Disciple-making as our primary purpose, the MB church can tailor its efforts and resources towards accomplishing that mission. The expected outcome is a continued disciple-making environment that grows exponentially. This Disciple-making environment
Disciple-making is at the core of the MB Church of Canada's mission.
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identity: Biblically-identified ˚ Discipling characteristics of a disciple as determined through our MB theological lens
tors and leaders towards the fulfillment of our mission Facilitating and encouraging ˚ Mission: mission towards a disciple-making movement in Canada and from Canada to the globe health: Developing sys˚ Organizational tems for peak organizational effectiveness, moving our disciple-making mission to the forefront. The CUSP not only helps us coordinate our efforts, but it also invites different parts of the MB family to lead, bringing the best of our skills and gifts together for the benefit of the whole. From larger city churches to smaller rural ones, from pastors and missionaries to businesspeople, we can make disciples of Christ Jesus. This plan—when vetted and approved—will belong to us all.
that disciple: Churches with ˚ Churches effective, defined disciple-making
pathways. who lead: Existing leaders, ˚ Disciples supported and equipped by churches, conferences and agencies Movements: Extending ˚ Discipling churches in new expressions both in Canada and beyond We hope to achieve this by concentrating on four priority areas: health and theology: Encouraging ˚ Spiritual unity around a clear theological centre and
guiding pastors and churches towards robust spiritual development
BUILDING COMMUNITY
development: enhancing and ˚ Leadership streamlining the development of MB pas-
contains four measurable areas; they are:
E LT O N D A S I LVA
is the national director of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. Elton and Ana live in Winnipeg and have three children.
Additional information: >> [VIDEO] An introduction to the CUSP >> SAVE THE DATE: January 7, 2021 Register for town hall meetings
Follow Jesus. Serve the church. Engage the world. Dig deep into God’s Word and build a strong Biblical foundation in Christ-centred community. Biblical Studies Pre-University Ministry Leadership Marketplace Christian Leadership (Online) Pursuit
SBCollege.ca
MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD
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RESOURCING MINISTRY
SMALL CHURCH IN A HARD PLACE I
t was an unlikely place for a church.
Not only was it in a part of Central Asia with very few churches, it was in a part of the city known as a hotbed of dissent. Just opposite the church building was a city square where radical Muslims would regularly rally to promote their ideals and where extreme opponents of the government gathered to protest. In this hostile environment, Multiply’s national partners had felt strongly that God was calling them to plant a church. In fact, even before the church was started, the national leaders had invited churches from around the world to pray for this specific neighborhood. Many people began to intercede. As God moved in hearts, two churches in North America responded by mobilizing prayer teams to Central Asia, to walk the streets of this neighborhood and to ask God for his blessing. The faith and encouragement of these visiting teams gave the local believers renewed energy and vision. By that time, there was a core group of young believers who were ready to form the new church. All from Muslim background, they were eager to proclaim the hope of the Gospel among their own people. One of them was a young man named Shahid. Not long ago, Shahid had been a devout Muslim who regularly argued with others about Islam. Eventually, he was in a debate with an atheist who confronted him about his beliefs, saying that Shahid was only relying on his knowledge of the Qu’ran in his
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arguments. The atheist challenged him to read the Bible! As Shahid read the Bible, he had questions. But he could not find anyone to answer them. Finally, a pastor from one of the churches in the city sat down with him. They talked through his questions for five hours and one by one they were answered. It was a major turning point in Shahid’s life. The conversation helped to dismantle the obstacles in Shahid’s mind and heart. The pastor not only answered his intellectual questions, but he showed Shahid a sincere love that spoke deeply to the young Muslim. Soon after the conversation, Shahid decided to surrender his heart to Jesus and become a part of the church. Together with his new brothers and sisters in Christ, Shahid was intent on proclaiming the Gospel with integrity and courage. They expected their small church to grow, yet not without opposition. They understood that their presence in the core of the city was both strategic and bold. Recently, when they erected a church sign on the outside of their building, it was quickly torn down and discarded by unknown opponents. On a recent ministry trip to Central Asia, Nasser al’Qahtani, a member of Multiply’s Global Lead Team, visited the church. “It’s so inspiring to see the passion of these new believers to go to the hardest of the hard places,” said Nasser. “There are definitely easier places to start a church, friendlier areas to share the Gospel. But the leaders heard the voice of the Lord saying ‘Go!’, and they
“The eyes of that community are fixed on that space,” said Nasser. “They’ve never had a church in their neighborhood before. The people are curious; some are probably against it. But the church is sending a message, ‘Come and see. Come and join us. See what we’re doing.’ It’s a very honest and openhearted approach, and I think it’s a model of church planting that is needed all over Central Asia and around the world today.” The recent advances for this small church in Central Asia are a telling tribute to strong visionary leadership from national leaders, close partnership with praying churches around the world, and the vibrant faith of new believers like Shahid. Ultimately, it is a testimony to God’s grace and a reminder of the words of Jesus to a similar church: “I know your deeds. See I have placed before you an open door, which no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8).
RESOURCING MINISTRY
went. And now they are seeing the fruit of their radical obedience, in the lives of people like Shahid.” Nasser, who also comes from a militant Muslim background, was able to encourage these new believers and strengthen their commitment to the work of the Gospel in their city. Yet when he had finished his visit, he was the one who was encouraged. “These new believers have shown such amazing perseverance,” Nasser said. “They told us about how they searched for a building in this neighborhood where the church could gather. But landlords kept turning them down when they heard that it was for a church.” However, the church kept pushing, believing that God had called them to that neighborhood. Churches around the world stood with them and asked God for the timely provision of a perfect location for them to gather. Intercessors prayed in faith and the small church family persevered. Finally, God provided a beautiful space for them to rent right in the heart of the city. For Shahid and the others, it was an affirmation of their strong sense of calling to be a beacon of light in a part of the city where no one expected to see a church.
MARK J.H. KLASSEN
serves as a writer with the Multiply media team. He works closely with his fellow media specialists out of the Western Canadian office.
Give meaningful gifts this Christmas.
multiply.net/gifts
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Pastor helps people in developing world see more clearly
For Winnipeg MB pastor Greg Wiens, it was an honour when the organization he works for part-time received a prestigious award from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Wiens, lead pastor at Winnipeg’s Westwood Community Church, serves as faith-based outreach coordinator with Global Vision 2020, a small four-person American non-profit that helps poor people in the developing world get inexpensive prescription eye glasses using the simple self-serve USee Vision Kit. In giving the award, the Office recognized Global Vision 2020 for using “game-changing technology to meet global humanitarian challenges.” “It was quite an honour for us to receive the award,” said Wiens, who watched the ceremony from his home instead of in-person in Washington due to the pandemic. The kit, which was developed by Global 2020 founder Kevin White, uses the same concept as binoculars with users turning a dial until they can clearly read an eye chart. “They select their own prescription,” Wiens said.
Greg Wiens, right, with residents of Rafah in the West Bank. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
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Once the prescription is known, the user is matched with a pair of lenses in an inexpensive frame. “Because of the simplicity, we can serve hundreds of people a day,” said Wiens. Wiens became involved with Global Vision 2020 in 2008 after reading an article in National Geographic about how White was helping people in the developing world get affordable eyeglasses. “I just knew I needed to contact him,” Wiens said, acknowledging it was a crazy idea. “It just wouldn’t let me go,” he said. “I dreamed about it three nights in a row. I heard the voice of God. He told me I needed to get involved to help people see better.” He connected with White, a retired U.S. Marine who had started helping people see better when he was the head of humanitarian and civic assistance operations in Africa and Eastern Europe for the U.S. military. When Wiens called him, “I thought here is a man on a mission,” said White, who lives in Easton, Maryland. “I told myself I will help him in every way I can because he wants to help me solve this global problem.” White liked Wiens’ idea of involving church groups to help people see better. “Faith based groups are all about service to others, and outreach to others,” said White, who is a member of an Episcopalian congregation. “Those outreaches often go to places where people have limited or no access to many of the things we take for granted such as eyeglasses,” he said. “Who better to partner with?” To date the project, which is supported by Multiply, the mission arm of the North American Mennonite Brethren churches, has t r a i ned people f rom 28
organizations and churches to use the kit. Altogether, over 50,000 people have received glasses, with each pair costing about $5 U.S. each. Along with sending the kits out with North American service groups, Wiens trains local people to use the kit so they can start their own businesses. “I don’t want to be a white saviour, someone who comes and then leaves,” he said. “I want to train local people so they can start businesses, earn income, and take care of their own families.” Through Multiply, Wiens used the kit in Malawi to train refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo. With profits from the sale of glasses, they were able to make a down payment on 93 acres of farmland. “They dug a well, installed drip irrigation, planted fruit trees and built a ministry centre,” said Wiens. “And it’s all because of the eye glasses project.” The kits are also excellent tools for local pastors, enabling them to earn a livelihood and also do ministry as they meet people from many walks of life—something Wiens has experienced first-hand. “While using the kit, I have been able to engage many people in spiritual conversations,” he said. “Through the project I can be the hands of and feet of Jesus, connecting with people I would never have a chance to talk to in any other way.” Worldwide, two and half billion people need glasses but can’t afford them, he notes. “When someone can see, it changes everything about their lives.” People who want to donate to Global Vision 2020 can do so at https://multiply.net/gifts JOHN LONGHURST
is a freelance writer, religion reporter and columnist for the Winnipeg Free Press.
BUILDING COMMUNITY
A moment in time
WAT E R L O O , O N TA R I O . 1 9 8 6
In 1986, the year of the bicentennial celebration of Mennonites in Canada, John Redekop and Jake Fransen are seen shaking hands. Anna and Isaac Tiessen stand at their left and Henry Brucks stands at their right. Fransen of the Conference of Mennonites in Canada is accepting an apology from Redekop of the Canadian Mennonite Brethren for past tensions related to divisive practices around modes of baptism, membership, and marriage. The text of the apology was affirmed at the CCMBC convention held in Waterloo, Ontario, in July 1986. The apology read as follows: July 5, 1986 Canadian Conference of M. B. Churches to the Conference of Mennonites in Canada: During recent years, some leaders in the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches have been reminded of some earlier events which need to be addressed. Although we can find no conference or board decision calling for such action, we have evidence that in various parts of Canada the following practice did occur. Some congregations and leaders interpreted one of our conference principles to mean that if an M. B. member married a member of the General Conference Churches, now Conference of Mennonites in Canada, then that M. B. member should be ex-communicated. Fortunately, the practise was not widespread but it did take place and for such action we are sorry and ask for your forgiveness. We thank you for your willingness to hear us and for your graciousness in responding to our request. On behalf of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. John H. Redekop, moderator Henry Brucks , Conference Minister
Image courtesy of the Mennonite Archival Image Database
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S U B S C R I B E TO M B H E R A L D D I G E S T W W W. M B H E R A L D . C O M / S U B S C R I B E - V I A - E M A I L
