MB Herald Digest | March 2022

MARCH 2022 MBHERALD.COM

Digest

More than sixty years of sharing the life & story of the Mennonite Brethren in Canada

Pray for Ukraine Leading an MB church in the midst of war

VO LU M E 61 , N O. 3

THE LONGEST LENT A DIFFERENT JOURNEY THE LORD WHO HAS MERCY

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

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 M A RC H 202 2 | VO LU M E 61 , N O. 3 EDITORIAL OFFICE 1310 Taylor Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 3Z6 Phone: 204-669-6575 Toll-free in Canada: 888-669-6575

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PRAY FOR UKRAINE

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FIVE MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGIES FOR MINISTRY LEADERS Bonita Eby

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LEADING IN THE MIDST OF WAR Holly Hannigan

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THE LORD WHO HAS MERCY Joe Welty

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GETTING BACK TO SQUARE ONE John Longhurst

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DEALING WITH DISCOURAGEMENT Elton DaSilva

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MY STARTS AND STOPS Rev. Philip A. Gunther

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Looking back on her life path from Canada to Panama, Lavern Pratt marvels, “I know that most of the missionaries who were sent out in the 1980s are now returning home and shifting into other areas of ministry. My journey has been so different, but there’s no

Sharing the life and story of Mennonite Brethren in Canada

retiring from serving God, so I’ll just keep following where he leads.”

Read Lavern’s story on page 10.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

FEBRUARY 2022

From the editor ur hearts are torn by events in many places in our world today but especially in Ukraine and Afghanistan. The eyes of the world turn to Ukraine as Russian forces invade, leaving death and destruction in their wake. Millions of Ukrainian citizens flee, seeking shelter in neighbouring lands. For some Mennonite Brethren, this brings back 100-year old memories of ancestors fleeing persecution in Russian Ukraine, landing in parts of North and South America. For most of us, it’s hard to fathom the atrocities of war, the pain of displacement.

Despite the onslaught of real-time video and news coverage, we remain isolated from the realities of war and violent afflictions.

Afghan Christians find themselves in a very similar situation as the Ukrainians. They are terrorized and oppressed by the Taliban, forced to leave their homes and loved ones searching for safety.

Canadian churches are barely back on their feet, not yet recovering from the sweeping effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. And now, in what feels like a blink of an eye, the world turned upside down. Prepared or not,

O

PLEASE HELP UKRAINE >> Help the MB Church in Ukraine through Multiply. >> Participate in what MCC is doing to aid the crisis in Ukraine.

A F G H A N I S TA N >> Watch the video and learn how your church can get involved

Canadian MBs must answer the call to help our brothers and sisters from across the globe.

In this month’s issue, we focus on the plight of those in the middle of the conflict. We’re grateful to interim NFLT Director Ken Esau and staff writer Holly Hannigan’s pieces on pages three and four. On page 18, John Longhurst spotlights a growing contingent of Anabaptist denominations, banding together to bring Afghan Christians into Canada.

But we implore that you do more than reading and reflecting: Reach out to our partners at MCC and Multiply and become part of these relief and resettlement efforts. Visit the links in the sidebar to find out how.

In this Lenton season, as we adjust our diets, put aside our cellphones and log off Instagram, may we place ourselves in a genuine posture of openness and surrender. Just as Christ Jesus sacrificed all so that we may be saved, what must we forfeit for the sake of others?

As always, my gratitude to this issue’s contributors and advertisers.

And to you reader, I pray God’s arm of protection over you in troubling times.

With respect,

Carson

CARSON SAMSON

Communications director

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THE LONGEST LENT

BY A N D R E W DYC K

ent is the forty days (not including Sundays) before Easter, when many Christians prepare to commemorate and celebrate Good Friday and Easter. This preparation often includes fasting. For more than a year, we have been required to restrict our lives in many ways because of the pandemic—a kind of involuntary fasting. It can therefore be helpful to consider what Lent can teach us for faithful discipleship during the pandemic.

In February 2021, one of Canadian Mennonite University’s weekly half-hour student forums was titled “The Longest Lent.” Four staff members and professors spoke about their experiences of the pandemic through the lens of Lent. As one of those four, here’s a little of what I shared.

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. During Ash Wednesday services, the mark of the cross is made on people’s foreheads or hands with ashes. Along with the imposition of ashes, these words are spoken: “Remember, you are dust and to dust you will return.”

These grim and necessary words remind me that, despite my good health and employment during the pandemic, I also experienced losses—returns to dust. I was unable to attend the funerals of four uncles and aunts. For many months I was unable to visit my family members in other provinces. I experienced the loss of “weak-ties”—that is, rubbing shoulders with acquaintances who help me feel that I’m part of a community and part of something bigger than myself. (Read more here.) I learned that Canadian society is more racist and divided than I realized. A grey emotional fog settled into my life, and the lives of people around me. This baseline of threat, seriousness, loss, and lament made even joking feel out of place.

However, the first time I attended an Ash Wednesday service, different words were uttered. I was in the chapel at Health Sciences Centre. Twenty employees from across that huge institution had gathered to remember Jesus. And with the imposition of ashes on my forehead, came this pronouncement, “Turn away

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from sin and be faithful to the gospel.”

During the pandemic, this alternative sentence gives me hope. Along with our deaths—our turning to dust—comes hope of new life and resurrection, whether mini-resurrections now or the great resurrection when Jesus returns.

And so, during this Longest Lent, I am also noticing the light that spills like milk through cracks in the grey shiplap over our heads. I notice the joy among people of all ages playing, strolling, and visiting on the Assiniboine River ice trails made by the river’s neighbours. I recall that, in the 1500s, the pastor and theologian Martin Luther refused to move to safety, but continued caring for those of his parishioners who were suffering from the pandemic in his century. (I wonder how churches can do that today?) I also ponder my Dyck grandparents, who loved songs about heaven. They had experienced the atrocities of civil war and anarchy in south Russia 100 years ago. When they migrated to Canada, they would often say, “Next year we will die”—but they lived into their 90s! Was their love of heaven-songs escapism and irrelevant for our times, or was it more than that?

Tom Wright, in his article “Jesus is Coming—Plant a Tree” (available here), reminds me that our labours done “in the Lord” are never wasted because of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:58). Those efforts will make a difference in the new heaven and new earth when God comes to make his home among us (Revelation 21:1-4).

And so, in this Longest Lent, I believe it’s worth turning away (aka repenting) from seeing only grey, and turning towards light and goodness. We make that turn by living according to the faith, hope, and love of the gospel—until Christ returns.

I’ll therefore leave you with a song from the Taizé Christian Community in France (you can hear the music here): God is only love. Dare to give everything for love.

God is only love. Give yourselves without fear.

A N D R E W DYC K ,

Assistant Professor of Christian Spirituality and Pastoral Ministry at Canadian Mennonite University, teaches primarily in CMU’s seminary programs. He and Martha belong to Westwood Community Church and the Winnipeg Imago Dei group.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

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HOMEPAGE

Out of the shadows Since 2015, MB Seminary has worked together with our national constituency to develop devotional readings for the seasons of Easter (Lent) and Christmas (Advent). Each entry is written by an author from an MB church or agency. The daily Scripture readings span a book of the Bible or are chosen texts from the Revised Common Lectionary. Hebrews is the chosen text for Easter 2022. The 13 chapters of the book will be divided into 26 devotionals and scheduled periodically on the days of Lent (March 2-April 17). There’s still time to subscribe to their daily devotions list to receive each devotion by email.

Are you a pastor of a small church in Canada with less than 150 weekly attendees? We invite you to fill out a survey through the Canadian Evangelical Fellowship of Canada to help gain understanding on the needs of small churches and how people can support them.

The survey will take about 20 minutes of your time and as a thanks you will be entered to win one of three $250 Amazon gift cards. Please fill out the survey here before April 15th and have your voice heard!

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S AY H E L L O T O H O L LY H A N N I G A N We are pleased to have Holly Hannigan join CCMBC as communications and content management coordinator.

Holly, a former MBCI and Red River College student, brings her communications, journalism, and video production expertise to our team. Holly works three days a week with CCMBC and two with MBCM.

ABMB Convention April 23

AEFMQ Convention April 23

BCMB Convention April 29-30

PRAY FOR UKRAINE Because we worship the Prince of Peace and are called to be Peacemakers, we care deeply about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Because we are called to identify with Christian brothers and sisters in Ukraine, and to love our Ukrainian neighbours there, we are called to pray. And finally, because violence often escalates to draw in more nations and particularly impact the vulnerable and disadvantaged, we believe this is an urgent moment for Christians the world over to pray.

While we feel small and helpless where we are, we pray to our Sovereign God who rules and reigns above. This is why in the midst of our fears, we are called to pray with confidence and trust.

We call our Canadian MB family to pray specifically: our Christian brothers and sisters in Ukraine and all the people ˚ For of Ukraine as they face the fear and tragedies that accompany war. political leaders in Ukraine, Russia, and all other countries the ˚ For world over, that they may have wisdom to end this conflict in a way that de-escalates violence and encourages peace. us and all Christians in the world to be faithful to the Prince of ˚ For Peace, and be faithful to our calling as peacemakers in this moment.

Ken Esau, Interim National Faith and Life Director Elton DaSilva, CCMBC National Director

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Leading in the midst of war B Y H O L LY H A N N I G A N

Maxym Oliferovski and Anya Oliferovski are cofounders of New Hope Centre in Zaporizhzhia and lead church planters of the Mennonite Brethren church plant, God’s Family Church. Maxym is the program manager and Anya is the manager of finance and human resources.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MA X YM OLIFEROVSKI

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B Y H O L LY H A N N I G A N

On the morning of February 24th, 2022, Russian military forces began a full-scale attack on Ukraine by land, air, and sea. Missiles have been targeting major cities and many Ukrainians are fleeing their homes for safety.

“Your heart begins to pound…

And you can feel the stress in the air.”

When Russia started sending missiles into Ukrainian hospitals, schools, and homes, Maxym Oliferovski and his wife, Anya, moved themselves to a small cabin to be further from the growing violence.

Although they are in a relatively safe area in the city of Zaporozhye, the violence is not far off.

“You can hear and feel the explosions,” Oliferovski says.

The couple leads Multiply, formerly MB Mission, in Ukraine, as well as the New Hope Centre, an organization working with local families in crisis. Oliferovski is also the pastor of a church plant he and his wife started three years ago.

They bought this small cabin a year ago as a place to retreat and garden. They never thought it would become their shelter in the midst of a war.

“We saw one of the missiles flying right over us,” Oliferovski recounted solemnly. “It’s hard to be prepared for that.”

There is no easy choice to stay or leave, but Oliferovski and his wife plan to stay as long as they can be of help. As one of 25 MB Churches in the country, they are doing their best to support the hospitals and relieve stress in the local community.

“Everything is different. People are different. It’s changing every day.”

At this time men as young as 18 can be handed a machine gun just by showing their Ukrainian passport. What Oliferovski called “territorial defense” encourages the

average citizen to take up arms or craft homemade explosives to protect their family and cities.

Navigating an active war as a pastor can be difficult. Oliferovski says although he does not condemn those who choose to take up arms, he reminds them of the responsibility.

“No matter what [the Russians] do, they are God’s children.”

Oliferovski is advising the people in his church to evacuate their children or stay home and try not to panic. He and his wife are offering support to these families through phone calls and message groups until they can meet in person.

Oliferovski listed a number of physical needs that people in the U.S. and Canada can provide. Things like food, water, and finances will help protect and rebuild their communities, but he says the real need is a “restoration of broken hearts.”

“There is definitely revival happening in the military,” Oliferovski says even in the midst of war soldiers are praying and accepting Jesus as Lord. Commanders are asking the chaplains to come to speak to their troops. Prayer is needed and prayer is working.

“We’re expecting a miracle to happen...So many people are praying and that’s why we have no doubt.”

“We’re expecting a miracle to happen,” Oliferovski said confidently. “So many people are praying and that’s why we have no doubt.”

We invite you to join us in prayer. Pray the violence would cease. Pray for safety and that needs would be met for those in Ukraine. Pray for the restoration of broken hearts. And for Maxym and Anya, that they would remain healthy and capable to help as long as they are there.

>> Hear more from Pastor Maxym Oliferovski and find out how you can help through Multiply.

>> Read more about what MCC is doing to aid the crisis in Ukraine.

H O L LY H A N N I G A N

is communications and content management coordinator for CCMBC and staff writer for MB Herald

SAVE THE DATE

JUNE 9-11

2022 NATIONAL

ASSEMBLY MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

MARCH 2022

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GETTING BACK TO SQUARE ONE FRO M R ADIO TO N E W M EDIA , SQUARE O N E WO RLD M I N I S T R I E S C E L E B R AT E S 7 5 Y E A R S O F M I N I S T R Y

BY JOHN LONGHURST

In 1947, two students from Mennonite Brethren Bible College in Winnipeg — a predecessor school to Canadian Mennonite University — dreamed about using radio to share their Christian faith.

The two, Henry Brucks and Henry Poetker, had $1.98 between them, not nearly enough to pay the weekly fee of $54 to broadcast the program on local station CKRC. But they weren’t deterred. They raised the funds from other students and friends and, on February 23, 1947,

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the first program of what became known as the Gospel Light Hour was broadcast.

Today Square One World Media, the new name of the former Gospel Light Hour, is celebrating the 75th anniversary of that first broadcast with the launch of a new interactive history page on its website and a $75 for 75 years fundraising campaign. A historical documentary, with a working title of “Back to Square One,” will debut in fall.

“It’s a huge milestone for us,” said executive director Shoaib Ebadi.

“Those two students left a huge legacy,

with the vision passed down from one generation to another.”

But it wasn’t easy at the beginning said Ingrid Koss, who does communications for Square One. “Some people thought it cost too much, and others believed using radio was too worldly,” she said.

But the Brucks and Poettker were convinced God was calling them into that ministry.

Faced with obstacles, Brucks declared: “If this call to radio broadcasting is not of the Lord, then neither is my salvation!” When Gospel Light built its own studio in 1960, then director John Schmidt declared it was “proof that Henry Brucks’ salvation was real.”

From its modest beginning, Gospel Light Hour went on to become part of the Manitoba Mennonite Brethren Conference in 1954. In 1976 the name was changed to Mennonite Brethren Communications, and it branched out into print, music and

“If this call to radio

Left: Vintage Gospel Light

broadcasting is not of

Studios display advertising Right: Founders

the Lord, then neither

Henry Brucks and Henry Poetker

is my salvation!”

—HENRY BRUCKS

television—including the acclaimed Third Story produced by Lorlie Barkman.

In 2000, it became Family Life Network and, in 2008, the ministry became independent. The name Square One was adopted in 2014.

For Ebadi, the anniversary is “a celebration of God’s faithfulness over the years,” and of the support the ministry has received from donors and supporting churches.

He recounted how one woman sends Square One $12 every month.

“Each time I sign a thank-you letter for her, I thank God for her and for how she is giving what she can,” he said.

From its humble beginnings 75 years ago, Square One has grown to 12 radio and video programs in seven languages — Low German, Persian,

Spanish, Ukrainian, English, Russian, and Arabic — that are shared around the world from its studios in Elmwood.

One thing that enhances Square One’s work is that program hosts come from the countries where the programs are targeted.

“They grew up speaking the language, and know the culture,” said Ebadi.

Koss, who has been collecting stories about the ministry for the anniversary, tells the story of a woman who was five years-old when the Gospel Light Hour debuted in 1947.

“She told me of the excitement in her home as the family gathered around the radio to hear the broadcast, and to celebrate the wonderful thing it was doing for the Lord,” she said.

Over the past 75 years, “millions of people have heard about the love of Jesus for the whole world,” said Ebadi. “Thousands have come to believe in him.”

Back in 1947, “they used radio to share the message,” he went on to say.

“Today we are telling the same stories of how God changes and transforms people’s lives, but now we are doing it with new technology and in new contexts.”

JOHN LONGHURST

is a freelance writer in Winnipeg.

Follow God’s Call On Your Life Train for ministry and build a solid Biblical foundation in Christ-centred community.

SBCollege.ca

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Throughout her life, Lavern has come back to that simple question again and again: “God, what do you want to do in and through me?”

A different journey

BY ERIC GEDDES

avern Pratt first went to Panama forty years ago.

In 1981, she and her husband, Angus, were sent to Panama on an assignment with Multiply (MBMS at the time). They led an agricultural development project for two terms and returned to Canada in 1988. During their time in Panama, they especially grew to love the young people that they lived and served among.

Upon returning to Canada, the couple settled in La Ronge, Saskatchewan, where they spent the next twelve years getting to know the Indigenous peoples in the region, specifically the Cree and Dene.

However, the adjustment to Canada was not easy. “Re-entry seemed much more difficult than the culture shock we experienced in Panama,” Lavern explained.

In 1990, the couple lost an infant daughter, and in 2000, their marriage ended, leaving Lavern a single parent. Those years were extremely stretching and refining for her. Coming out of the divorce, she asked the Lord about the next steps for her life.

“I sensed the Lord leading me to go back to school,” Lavern said, “and I studied to become a Landscape Architect. It was a rewarding career, and I thought I would be doing it until I retired.”

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However, after twelve years of progressing in this career, Lavern was laid off and she went to God again with the question, “What do you want me to do now?”

It was then that she took an opportunity to return to Panama for a ten-month mission experience with Multiply’s TREK program. Her love for that country and people was revived. After that experience, Lavern worked with an inner-city mission in Saskatoon for two years, but she continued to search her soul, asking God what he wanted to do in her, and through her.

Finally, an answer came in the form of an open door to return to Panama long-term with Multiply.

“As I began to prepare, I resigned from my job and sold my house,” she said, “and then the pandemic hit!” Despite COVID slowing down the process significantly, Lavern has been thrilled to be preparing for a move to Panama once again. Through online connections, she has been able to rekindle friendships with those in the church in Panama that she had been involved in planting decades earlier. “What a joy it was,” she said with eyes sparkling, “to see how God had led some of the youth we knew in the 1980s into leadership positions within the MB church conference in Panama!”

As pandemic restrictions lighten, Lavern is optimistic about her new timeline. Although it has been difficult to meet with people to develop partnerships, she is trusting in God’s provision. “I know I’m following God’s leading,” she said, “so I am confident that his plan will be fulfilled according to his intentions. Though I don’t know the timing of it all.”

She is inspired by the truth in Ephesians 2:10, a verse that has been very special to her during the last few years: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Looking back on her life path, Lavern marvels, “I know that most of the missionaries who were sent out in the 1980s are now returning home and shifting into other areas of ministry. My journey has been so different, but there’s no retiring from serving God, so I’ll just keep following where he leads.”

Throughout her life, Lavern has come back to that simple question again and again: “God, what do you want to do in and through me?”

What about us? Will we be open and willing to keep asking the same question and follow where God leads?

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Ephesians 2:10

ERIC GEDDES

is a story researcher for the Multiply media team, Eric seeks out new stories of what God is doing around the world.

GIVE Please consider a financial gift to help support long-term workers like Lavern Pratt. To learn more about investing in mission, go to multiply.net/give

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

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MY STOPS AND STARTS R E C L A I M I N G A P O S I T I V E & H E A LT H Y DISCIPLESHIP POSTURE.

B Y R E V. P H I L I P A . G U N T H E R

START

STOP

“THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERY THING, AND A S E A S O N F O R E V E RY AC T I V I T Y U N D E R H E AV E N .”

PROVERBS 3:1

“ YO U ’ R E A LWAY S O N E C H O I C E AWAY F R O M C H A N G I N G YO U R L I F E .”

A COMMON MAXIM

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crack up every time I watch Bob Newhart’s “Stop it!” Youtube video (I included a link in this article’s footnotes).1 It is both amusing and illuminating. The basic plot is that as the counseling client shares her list of problem behaviours, Dr. Newhart repeatedly tells her to just “Stop it!”

Stop doing the unhealthy behaviour.

Beneath the hilarious quips is a degree of practical wise counsel many of us need. It draws a person like me into asking, “What unhealthy personal practices do I need to just stop?”

Speaking of therapy, although I am not a fan of the TV show Dr. Phil, I really like Dr. McGraw’s repeated question when confronting people engaged in unhealthy behaviours: “How’s that working for you?” How many of us need to be asked that very question about the practices in our own life? Full disclosure. I do. The impediment seems to be that making such an inquiry means the very plausible need for a significant change. And, for many, such a lifechange may be too daunting.

I have recently done a lot of reading on micro-changes or micro-habits.

The basic premise here is that instead of making major changes in one’s life to alter behaviour, a person could make a series of small (micro) changes. The argument is that little changes can result in big outcomes; small changes change everything. I really resonate with this line of thinking.

With the help of the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of Scripture, I am trying to put into practice a series of these behavioral micro-changes. I want to be a healthy and positive disciple of Jesus.

The remainder of this article’s space shares ten micro-changes I am striving to make – my stops and starts. Also noted are supplementary inspirational sentiments I have jotted down in my journal over the years. In the past these insightful postulations have served to rally my spirit toward change.2

I

START

START

1.

STOP

STOP

STOP lamenting what you don’t have, START celebrating what you do.

gotta look for the good in the bad, the happy in the sad, the ˚ “You gain in the pain, and what makes you grateful not hateful.”

˚

Karen Salmansohn “You may have been given a cactus, but you don’t have to sit on it.”

Joyce Meyer

2. STOP fixating upon those who are against you, START collaborating with those who are for you.

˚ ˚

Focusing on your detractors – especially trying to appease them – is a recipe for a high degree of frustration and ultimately a failure in your mission.

Naysayers don’t make good team players.

3. STOP venturing down rabbit holes, START keeping the main thing the main thing.

main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” ˚ “The Stephen R. Covey

˚

The disciples ‘main thing’ – Great Commission. Greatest Commandment.

4. STOP doubting that your experience has purpose, START believing God intends it for good.

˚ ˚

Faith doesn’t mean I know where I’m going; it means I’m trusting God with wherever He’s leading me.

God is still writing your story. Quit trying to steal the pen.

Trust the writer.

1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow0lr63y4Mw 2 Some of the unsourced supporting sentiments are borrowed. Unfortunately, however, at the time of writing some of the sources remain unidentified.

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5. STOP acting like you can fix the problems of the season, START inviting God to. and let God worry.” Martin Luther ˚ “Pray “How completely satisfying to turn from our limitations to a ˚ God who has none.” A.W. Tozer

6. STOP focusing on what isn’t working, START building upon what is.

is doing the same thing over and over and expecting ˚ “Insanity different results.” Albert Einstein

secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fight˚ “The ing the old, but on building the new.” Socrates

7.

STOP dying by a ‘1000 cuts,’ START making necessary ones.

cannot thrive without pruning....Pruning is a process of ˚ “You proactive endings.” Henry Cloud

the right tomorrow to come, some parts of today may have ˚ “For to come to a necessary ending.” Henry Cloud

8. STOP unmeasured consumption of the doom and gloom on social media, START a routine robust diet of Scripture’s hope and joy.

˚ ˚

9.

An entire sea of water cannot sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship. Similarly, the negativity of the world cannot pull you down unless you allow it to get inside you.

“If you look to the world, I will conform to the ways of the world. If I look at the Word, I will conform to the will of God.” A.W. Tozer

STOP functioning like you have no limits, START operating within them.

sorry to be so brutally clear in making this point, but life ˚ “I’m is, in many ways, a zero – sum game...Admitting and accept-

˚

ing limits is a sign of maturity. Many of us never get this far.

We keep entertaining the fiction that life is elastic, that we can stretch it like spandex...The uncompromising truth is that whenever our lives are full, they are full.” Richard A. Swenson “What happens when overload collides with faith? Joy is an early casualty.” Richard A. Swenson

10. STOP letting others set your priorities, START articulating your own.

˚ ˚

As you endeavour to ask the tough questions about your own unhealthy personal practices, may the Holy Spirit and the wisdom of Scripture give you both insight and courage. Living life with stops and starts like those above can be both healthy and life-transforming. I would counsel you to start by engaging in a small number of your own small changes (two or three for example) and achieve victories here before moving on to others. Don’t try the ‘firehose’ approach.

Let me close by sharing a story.

With a huge grin on my face, I recall teaching my girlfriend (now wife) how to drive my Honda Civic, a standard. It was an experience. There were moments that I thought all her stops, starts, hops and jerks with my Civic would ruin its clutch. There were bouts of frustration, exasperation, and downright emotional explosions as she tried to master the combination of clutch, gas pedal, and shifter. However, she persisted and eventually mastered driving a standard. I too survived; thanks for asking. The same is true with the stops and starts I mention above. Here too will be bouts of frustration, exasperation, and emotional fireworks. My friends, persevere. Eventually, you’ll be able to shift into your micro-changes smoothly.

“ YO U R L I F E TO D AY I S A R E S U LT O F YO U R T H I N K I N G Y E S T E R D AY. YO U R L I F E TO M O R ROW WI L L B E D E T E R M I N E D B Y W H AT YO U D O TO D AY.”

If you don’t set your calendar, there are many who will.

I can only please one person per day. Today is not your day, tomorrow doesn’t look good either.

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

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JOHN C. MAXWELL

M E N TA L H E A LT H S T R AT E G I E S F O R M I N ISTRY LE ADE RS B Y B O N I TA E B Y

Over the last two years, stress has become a constant challenge among ministry leaders. However, employing effective coping strategies can be an essential tool for boosting mental health and preventing burnout.

1 . E S TA B L I S H A C L E A R R O L E D E S C R I P T I O N

Leaders often face competing priorities. First, there are essential tasks needing attention weekly and monthly. Then there are annual goals and targets to meet. On top of that, many people and situational crises crop up, which can quickly overtake more significant objectives.

It is pretty common in churches and non-profit organizations to have loosely-held role descriptions that change depending on the day’s situation.

Become crystal clear on your role responsibilities, making sure they are deeply rooted in the organization’s mission, vision and values. Doing so can significantly decrease stress.

2 . S TA R T A N D E N D YO U R D AY R I G H T

In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.”

Begin and end your day in communion with Jesus. Speak to God and take time to listen to His Spirit. Read and memorize Scripture. Recite Scripture anytime you need reminding of who God is and who you are as His child. In this way, you preach to yourself.

3 . D E V E L O P H E A LT H Y H A B I T S

Regular exercise, eating well and getting enough sleep are all habits we know we should implement.

Yet, many leaders neglect their physical health, directly impacting their mental health.

Take breaks throughout the day. Get up and move around. Take a walk during your lunch break, and do so in nature whenever possible. Focus on what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. By getting into your body and out of your head, you give yourself the gift of mental rest, even for a few moments. This mental re-set can make a significant difference in your stress levels.

4 . R E C O G N I Z E W H AT YO U C A N C O N T R O L

Much stress originates from rehashing the past and projecting into the future, neither of which you can control. By becoming aware of what is within your control and what is not, you can avoid much stress.

A simple yet effective practice is breaking tasks and responsibilities into small, manageable, and actionable pieces you can easily accomplish.

5. E M B R ACE Q U I ET SO LITU D E

Isolation is a substantial pandemic predicament.

To cope, many people fill their lives with noise and distractions, causing what is known as mental fragmentation, which leads to languishing and a lack of well-being. We are created for relationships, but overstimulation from scrolling social media feeds is a poor substitute for meaningful connection.

By embracing quiet spaces, the chaos in your mind can begin to subside, allowing you to connect richly with the One who created you. In addition, intentionally choosing solitude can make you more receptive to God’s presence and give you the peace you seek.

B O N I TA E B Y

attends and is a former pastor at WMB Church in Waterloo, Ontario.

She is a burnout prevention strategist, executive coach, and owner of Breakthrough Personal & Professional Development Inc. Connect with Bonita at bonita@break-through.ca.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

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B Y J O E W E LT Y

Jesus tells this story... ...Two people go up to pray. One is a respected and respectable figure – a Pharisee. The second is a resented and reviled one – a tax collector. When it is the Pharisee’s turn to pray, he stands confidently at the front of the room, his eyes moving from side to side and then to his own uplifted hands. As he prays, he thanks God that he is not like other people around him – like this tax collector in particular. He is proud of the fasting and tithes he has to offer, grateful that he didn’t come here empty-handed like some others he can see.

And the tax collector? He stands back by the doors. He wants to come closer but is unsure if it is safe or even welcome. And while he wants to look up to heaven, he can’t lift his eyes off the floor from his empty hands that are beating against his chest. He has nothing to give, not even words of thanks or praise. All he can pray is this, “God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” And then, like in any good story, comes the surprise at the end. Jesus says, “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Luke 18:14 NIV)

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But it is only ever by God’s grace that we can come to him: Humble and empty-handed, walking in the way of the tax collector, not the Pharisee.

What Jesus is telling us here is not just a good story; it is good news. It is good news about who it is that God welcomes and why. It is not the arrogant who assume but the humble who ask. It is not those who are confident of their own righteousness—of their own goodness and standing—compared to whoever is beside them. But instead, it is found in where they stand in relation to Jesus. And the question isn’t what do we have in our hands to give, but rather are we humble and hungry enough to receive the gift that he has to offer? This is not just a good story, but the good news of mercy and welcome to the humble and empty-handed.

And yet it is more than just good news.

As Frederick Beuchner puts it, “The Gospel is bad news before it is good news.”1 Even here, the good news of mercy and welcome comes with the uncomfortable and challenging word of warning.

Because there is a warning.

Jesus isn’t just warning us against Pharisees. He isn’t just saying, “Watch out for this kind of people. Call them out. Point them out. Stay away from and unfollow them.” Instead, he is warning us against being Pharisees. He warns us against being the kind of person whose eyes are looking from side to side when they should be looking up and down. The type of person who turns this source of confidence we can now have because of our new relation to God into a source of arrogance in relation to those around us. The warning is not against an outside threat we need to

1 Fredrick Buechner, Telling the Truth

call out in others, but an inside threat we need to acknowledge in us.

Elsewhere Jesus warns us against “the yeast of the Pharisees.” This yeast isn’t something outside of us like a lump of starter or bag of dry granules. Instead, it is all around us and in us. It is in every breath we breathe in or exhale. He is warning us against activating it or acting out on it. Because we can, we do. So don’t avoid this by pointing it out in others and avoiding them, but by acknowledging its presence in us and surrendering it as we look up to the one we find our confidence in.

And it is not just a warning against finding our confidence in what we see when we look side to side. It is also a warning against finding it in whatever we might have in our hands to give as well.

None of us want to feel like we come to God empty-handed or starting from scratch again. Sure, we tell ourselves, that was fine when we first started out. But we aren’t starting out anymore. Aren’t we better than that now? Shouldn’t we be better by now? Shouldn’t we have something to show for it—something more to give? And it is true that by the grace of God, we are not what we once were. But it is only ever by God’s grace that we can come to him: Humble and empty-handed, walking in the way of the tax collector, not the Pharisee.

And this can feel like hard news to our pride and sense of ourselves. We were hoping all we needed was a little self-improvement.

A Lenten-like fast where we give up a small vice we already wanted a break away from—a short booster shot of self-discipline to keep us sharp. But instead, we are asked to bend our knee and acknowledge our need again like the tax collector. This can feel like hard news.

But at that moment, when we look up and then down and then at our empty hands, the good news becomes truly good again. Because the Lord has mercy and welcomes us home with open hands, and he enables us to reach out beside us with open ones too.

J O E W E LT Y

is the lead pastor at Crossroads Mennonite Brethren Church in Winnipeg’s downtown and diverse St. Boniface neighbourhood. He and is wife, Ang, are parents to three teenagers plus one more who wants desperately to be one.

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DEVELOPING LEADERS

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Afghan Christian refugee families sponsors sought

BY JOHN LONGHURST

The world’s focus is on the refugee crisis in Ukraine, but Mennonite conferences in Canada, including the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, don’t want people to forget the needs of Afghan refugees.

That’s why they are appealing to their churches to help them bring 100 Afghan Christian refugee families to Canada.

The appeal is being organized through the Canadian Council of Anabaptist Leaders, made up of leaders from five Anabaptist conferences, including the CCMBC. They are working with Mennonite Central Committee Canada, which has a refugee sponsorship agreement with the Canadian government, to bring the Afghan Christian refugees to Canada.

The Canadian government has promised to bring 40,000 vulnerable Afghan refugees to this country, including translators, educators, athletes, women and girls, lawyers, activists and Christians.

But while Canadians are stepping up for many of those people, “nobody is advocating for Afghan Christians. If Christians in Canada don’t do it, nobody will,” said Tim Dyck, executive director of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, who is helping to organize the appeal.

These people are all fairly new believers, he said of the tiny Christian minority in that country. Many converted to Christianity during the time of freedom that followed the U.S. invasion in 2001.

After the takeover by the Taliban last August, many fled to other countries such as Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia or the Emirates for safety.

“They can’t go home again, and some may not be safe where they are,” said Dyck. “They are looking for a place to call a permanent home.”

The cost of sponsoring a refugee family is between $25,000 to $30,000 per family for a year and includes helping them find a place to live, get settled, get the children into schools, and things like English lessons, Dyck said.

“This is a unique opportunity for Canadian Christians,” he said. “Just as many churches responded to the needs of Syrian refugees and others, they are invited to respond to the needs of these Afghan Christians.”

For Elton DaSilva, national director of the CCMBC, this is a chance for Canadian MBs to pay it forward.

“Mennonite Brethren remember when revolution and war caused their relatives to flee persecution, hunger and death and seek refuge,” he said, referencing the time 100 years ago, and again after the Second World

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War, when Mennonites fled the former Soviet Union for safety in Canada.

For him, the Apostle Paul’s encouragement to Christians to “do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers,” is a guiding principle for helping the Afghan Christian refugees.

“God’s people have often welcomed those who have fled,” he said, noting this is an opportunity for Canadian MBs to do good for fellow Christians.

Shoaib Ebadi, executive director of Square One World Media in Winnipeg, grew up in Afghanistan.

The member of a local Mennonite Brethren church is excited about the effort to bring Christian Afghan refugee families to Canada because “they are doubly vulnerable,” he said.

In addition to some belonging to high-risk groups, being Christian puts them at an additional risk now that the country is ruled by The Taliban.

The Taliban follows a harsh version of Islam and has a strict interpretation of Islamic law, he said, noting that Afghans who convert to Christianity can be at risk of persecution or even death.

“Our duty as Christians in Canada is to help our brothers and sisters in need,” he said, noting many are languishing in limbo in other countries.

The Canadian Council of Anabaptist Leaders includes leaders from the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, the Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference and Mennonite Church Canada, along with the Be In Christ Church of Canada which is based in Ontario.

Churches that would like to sponsor an Afghan Christian refugee family can e-mail afghanrefugees@ mcccanada.ca or call 1-888-622-6337.

JOHN LONGHURST

is a freelance writer in Winnipeg.

This story originally ran in The Winnipeg Free Press

Want to get involved? Watch the video to learn how.

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Dealing with discouragement B Y E LT O N Da S I LVA

I don’t know if it is just me, but lately, I have encountered many people feeling discouraged and overwhelmed.

It seems like patience wears thin, and our ability to talk to one another is at an all-time low.

As leaders in our homes, workplaces and churches, how can we help discouraged people? What combination of words and action can alleviate the stress and discouragement felt by those around us? Are there models and resources proven to be effective in providing guidance? I’m sure that if we were to list the books and tools on how to deal with discouragement, that list would be a very long one.

Discouragement is part of the human condition, and as such, it is, unfortunately, a common occurrence in our everyday life.

What does the Bible say about discouragement?

Indeed it must contain nuggets of wisdom on how to process discouragement. What passages help

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encourage those feeling overwhelmed?

Here again, that would be a very long list.

For me, the Bible passage that hits all the right notes is the story of Nehemiah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls.

For context, this story begins with the siege and capture of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in the year 597BC. Later in 587, the Babylonians destroyed the fortified walls of Jerusalem. The book of Nehemiah relays that after the Israelites returned to Jerusalem, they were unable to rebuild their walls that offered protection against attack.

After much prayer and preparation, Nehemiah encourages the city’s inhabitants to join together and rebuild the wall.

The response is positive and energizing.

“At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm.”

(Nehemiah 4:6). Quite the accomplishment, considering the city remained unprotected by walls for several generations.

The excitement is short-lived, however. In Nehemiah 4:10, we see that the same group of enthusiastic people is now overwhelmed and discouraged. Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.”

Meanwhile, our enemies were saying, “Before they know what’s happening, we will swoop down on them and kill them and end their work.

What happened between verses 4 and 10 to cause such a significant change of attitude? How would a leader respond to mitigate this deep discouragement?

Nehemiah’s response is an example to all leaders in similar situations today, both in words and action. Let’s explore some of the ways Nehemiah engages the problem of discouragement.

He investigated and acknowledged the situation.

Nehemiah listened to people, confirming this concern needed addressing. Nehemiah 4: 10-12: The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, “They will come from all directions and attack us!”

He provided safety for those feeling exposed and vulnerable.

Nehemiah identifies the most vulnerable places and provides tangible security.

Nehemiah 4:13: “…So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.”

He lifted their eyes to a source of encouragement greater than their fears.

While people focus on the present danger and the “mountain of rubble,” Nehemiah invites them to consider something bigger and more powerful. Nehemiah 4:14: “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious….”

He gives them a cause that is personal and easily understood.

Nehemiah identifies the personal and individual importance of the collective work. Nehemiah 4:14: ”… fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”

He gives a long-term solution.

Nehemiah built a system that addressed more than just the immediate needs. It is a state of mind. Nehemiah 4:16: But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail.

The leaders stationed themselves behind the people of Judah who were building the wall. The laborers carried on their

work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon. All the builders had a sword belted to their side.

He installed a security system.

Nehemiah created a system by which people would become aware of danger and the need for immediate action. Nehemiah 4:16-19: The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm. Then I explained to the nobles and officials and all the people, “The work is very spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall. When you hear the blast of the trumpet, rush to wherever it is sounding.

Then our God will fight for us!”

He led by example.

Nehemiah didn’t simply impose conditions on others; he exemplified the culture he spoke of. Nehemiah 10:23: During this time, none of us—not I, nor my relatives, nor my servants, nor the guards who were with me—ever took off our clothes. We carried our weapons with us at all times, even when we went for water.

The seven actions taken by Nehemiah still apply today. We can learn valuable lessons when we get past the language of weaponry and engage issues from the principles Nehemiah provides.

The Israelites rebuilt Jerusalem’s new wall in just 52 days! An extraordinary accomplishment considering the obstacles faced.

Which of these principles and actions can you employ in your leadership to help people navigate discouragement?

All scripture references are NLT.

E LT O N Da 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.

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FINISH LINES

Finish lines BERNARD (BEN) MERVIN LOEWEN Ben helped milk cows on the family dairy farm, but he especially liked driving the tractor. In 1948, when the farm was flooded, the family found refuge at the Abbotsford Airport for 2 ½ months, where the children had plenty of playmates. Several times, the loudspeaker announced the search for a four-year-old adventurer named Benny. Ben started working off the family farm when he was seventeen at $1/hour. A year later, he worked for HB Construction, putting in city sewer and waterlines around B.C. Later he worked for a local excavating company and bought the company in 1968, becoming owner and operator of his own business. Ben committed his life to the Lord in his teenage years and was baptized at Matsqui MB Church in 1964. He joined the choir as a tenor but was soon moved to the baritone section. He loved to sing even though he couldn’t read notes. Ben sang in church, community, male choirs, and quartets. Ben and Sharon’s date nights were spent at choir practice. Ben met Sharon through mutual friends, even though they went to the same church, and they married in July 1967 at Matsqui MB. Ben bought an acreage in Matsqui Prairie. Four children were born to them there. In 1978, Ben and Sharon bought an egg farm in Bradner, and started attending Ross Road Church, Abbotsford. They lived on this farm for the next 37 years, raising their children. Ben continued his excavating work and their son Darren joined him after he graduated in 1990. In 2015, Darren took over the family farm and Ben and Sharon moved to Smith Ave., where Ben had started a gravel pit business. He was still working every day enjoying the machines in the big sand and gravel box he had created. Sons Darren and Trevor worked with him until he entered the hospital. He was very generous to his family, providing more than they needed. Ben and Sharon were drawn to Clearbrook MB Church after Ben was invited to sing in the Clearbrook Singing Men in 2017.

Birth: September 8, 1944 Birthplace: Abbotsford, B.C. Death: January 10, 2022 Parents: Abram & Eleanor Loewen Married: Sharon, July 1967 Family: Sharon, children Bernie, Rachelle (Karl) Dyck, Darren (Elissa), Trevor (Lisa); 13 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren Church: Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C. Baptism: Matsqui (B.C.) MB, 1964

ALEXANDER WILLIAM SUDERMAN Alex lived his faith in Jesus. He accepted Christ as Saviour at 12 and was baptized into Port Rowan (Ont.) MB Church at 16. Alex and Elva married in Winkler, Man., in 1956.

They sang together in churches and at various functions.

Alex loved the church, serving as choir leader, song director, church board member, and Sunday school teacher. He also served the local chapter of the Christian Businessmen’s Association. Alex was an egg producer and farmer growing vegetables and cash crops. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he remained cheerful, trusting his Saviour for daily grace. Although Alex was vaccinated, exposure to COVID-19 led to his death. Alex’s favourite song was “Channels Only”: this hymn was his prayer and desire.

Birth: August 23, 1932 Birthplace: Port Rowan, Ont. Death: November 19, 2021 Parents: Alexander & Maria (Esau) Suderman; stepmother Anna Teigrob Married: Elva Hiebert, June 23, 1956 Family: Elva; children Darrell (Patricia), Tannis (Ray [d.]) MacDermid, Gwendolyn Pausch (Jeffery Hermson); granddaughters Alexandria (Ryan), Nadja, Emily (Eli), Madeline (Zach); 2 great-grandchildren; sister Elfrieda Baptism: Port Rowan (Ont.) MB, age 16

O B I T UA R I E S H AV E LO N G B E E N A VA LU E D PA R T O F T H E M B H ER A LD. FR O M T H E F U N E R A L B U L L E T I N S , EU LO G I E S , A N D N E WS PA P E R O B IT UA R I E S YO U S EN D, O U R ED ITO RS C R A F T LIFE STORIES OF OUR MEMBERS TO INSPIRE A N D E N C O U R A G E O U R R E A D E R S , C R E AT I N G A MEMORIAL OF MB SAINTS. CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT AN OBITUARY

A moment in time

1922 This is a page from Anna Baerg’s 1922 diary written on milk can labels. A hundred years ago, MCC sent relief aid, including

food, to Ukraine during the time of the Russian Revolution and civil war. It was the reason MCC was organized: to bring North American relief aid to those suffering in Ukraine. A young woman by the name of Anna Baerg wrote her diary on the only paper she could find, repurposing the fronts and backs of milk can labels (several hundred) to write her experience of the wartime conflict in Ukraine. CMBS has these labels in its collection. And they have been translated into English and published as a book. The milk can label diary is a testament both to the compassion/action of the faith community and the resourcefulness/resilience of individuals like Anna Baerg.

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S U B S C R I B E T O 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