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Practical (& CREATIVE) PRAYER IDEAS
WHEN GOD BREAKS THROUGH: EXPLORING THIN PLACES
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D E C E M B E R 2 014 W W W. M B H E R A L D.CO M
REAL CHRISTMAS STORY as cozy as we think? IS THE
gifts
of generosity
Volume 53, No. 12 Publications mail registration number: 09648; Agreement number: 40009297
DIANE TUCKER
’Im dreaming of a white Christmas T
he closer we get to December 25th, the louder Christmas gets. Bing Crosby paints a picture-perfect holiday season. His deep timbre rouses images of glistening snow, jingling sleigh bells and rosy-cheeked children.
I am praying for a Christmas when I truly appreciate how one holy night fulfilled ancient prophecy and led to a cross. How that innocent baby grew up and died, making it possible for me to be declared white as snow.
And I love it.
My white Christmas.
But my visions are more complicated than twinkling lights and fireside moments. They don’t revolve around Santa slipping down the chimney or leaving out cookies and milk.
Don’t misunderstand. I love the way Crosby’s song warms me like an afghan on a cold winter night. I love the emotional swell in my chest when the cast swings open the stage doors to reveal the delicate flakes drifting to the ground. I watch the holiday classic every single year.
They are more than dreams – they are prayers. I’m praying for a white Christmas. A Christmas when my loved ones and yours might wake to discover a covering of white that erases a lifetime of stain. A Christmas when the silent night was broken by a baby’s cry. When a teenaged mother wondered at the God-child she held in her arms. When this truth is embraced by all who hear it proclaimed.
But, deep down, I want more than that. I want more than a cup of warm cocoa in front of a blazing fire. I want a white Christmas that means something. I want a Christmas that turns my eyes from the what to the who, from what is under the tree, to who died on the tree. To the One whose gift makes my Christmas white. And I bet, deep down, so do you.
Stacey Weeks is a freelance writer from Brantford, Ont. This article first appeared on her blog, “It’s Personal,” on Dec. 12, 2013. www.staceyweeks.wordpress.com
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FEATURES 10 The gift of generosity –compiled by Angeline Schellenberg
12 The art of imaginative prayer –Angeline Schellenberg
14 The baby and the dragon Reading Christmas through Revelation –David Esau
CCMBC 8 Executive director Worship the King of Kings –Willy Reimer
17 Reports —Executive board —Board of faith and life
COLUMNS 4 Editorial Have a “thin” Christmas –Laura Kalmar
9 Text message LUKE 1:26–56 Choosing God’s story –Mary Anne Isaak
18 ICOMB Wiebe’s witness: Christmas all year-round –David Wiebe
31 Intersection of faith and life The time of our life –Phil Wagler
CONNECT WITH US ONLINE DIGITAL EDITION issuu.com FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/MBHerald TWITTER twitter.com/MB_Herald WEBSITE mbherald.com JOBS jobs.mbherald.com
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20 News in story 24 Transitions, births & weddings 28 Finish lines [Obituaries] 30 Crosscurrents
CORRECTION: Paul Durksen’s October letter to the editor was printed in error. We apologize. COVER PHOTO: Bigstock MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD
December 2014
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Editorial Have a “thin” Christmas L AUR A K ALMAR
A
s Ler La told us his story of freedom and faith in broken English, we all felt the presence of God come near. Ler La’s family lived in a refugee camp in Thailand. They were part of the thousands of Karen people who had fled persecution in Myanmar, formerly known as Burma.
Ler La’s father had placed a small amount of money in his seven-year-old son’s hand and sent Ler La into enemy territory to go to school. A captain in the Karen resistance, his father saw leadership potential in Ler La and intended his son to learn Burmese. Ler La could then communicate with the opposition forces when he took his place in the Karen army. But over the years, the course of events instead took Ler La to Elizabethtown, Pa., as a refugee. Through the witness of his sponsor, a Christian, Ler La felt God’s call to follow Jesus’ way of peace and salvation. Today, Ler La does use his early training for subversive purposes: he teaches Burmese to MCC workers preparing to go to Myanmar (Burma) – in Jesus’ name. What was intended for war is now being used for peace. When Ler La had finished his testimony, a hush fell over our Anabaptist Communicators banquet. His story startled in us into humility, evoking deep gratitude for the lives we live. It gave us new respect for the courage and faith of Christian brothers and sisters around the world. Then Ler La’s daughter joined him and began to sing in her native tongue – a sweet and hopeful tune that seemed to bring heaven a little closer in that room. Some people would have said it was a “God moment.” Others would have said they felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in a powerful way. 4
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God comes near In North America, with the endless noise and rush of life, it’s often difficult to find places where we can steal a glimpse of heaven like that. But I think we all long for places where the veil of eternity becomes slightly more transparent, awareness of God’s presence is heightened and intimacy with Jesus grows. Think of Exodus 3:5 where Moses encounters the burning bush, and God says to him, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” Or the manger in Bethlehem, where the shepherds kneel in worship before the Christ child. Or on the road to Emmaus, where two disciples encounter the risen Lord.
renew our hope and faith, and to reorient our spiritual compass. Perhaps it’s a stirring performance of Handel’s “Messiah,” reminding us again of the majesty and grandeur of our Saviour. Perhaps it’s a quiet evening spent by the fire reading God’s Word, seeking his direction for the new year. Perhaps it’s a smile and an embrace from an old friend in the form of a
“Thin places make us feel disoriented – in a good way. They confuse. We lose our bearings, and find new ones.”
The ancient Celts called these “thin places.” Whether thin places are actual geographical locations, or simply moments when we allow ourselves to be more aware of Jesus’ presence in our lives, they’re essential to our spiritual well-being. New York Times writer Eric Weiner says thin places make us feel disoriented – in a good way. “They confuse. We lose our bearings, and find new ones. Or not. Either way, we are jolted out of old ways of seeing the world.”
“Thin places” at Christmas The Christmas season offers ample opportunities for us to discover “thin places” in our world. They allow us to become disoriented for just a moment. They open the door for God to show us new ways of seeing things – to
Christmas card, allowing the joy of community to warmly enfold us. Or perhaps it’s an unexpected faith conversation with a stranger on the subway after a hectic day of Christmas shopping, jarring us out of the ordinary and reminding us of what’s really important. Wherever the thin places are for you this Christmas season, I wish you many moments discovering the nearness of God in this world. After all, more than creating a thin space, Jesus’ birth on earth tore the veil in two. On the first Christmas, he emptied himself to dwell with his people, so we might truly see God face-to-face.
Reader response:
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Overheard online: Re “Celebrating Christ the King” (Text Message, November)
Re “Christians and Muslims gather for dialogue, fellowship and food” (News, November)
Allowing others to believe what they will and
saying they are brothers and sisters is vastly different. Canada is certainly a multicultural society, but let us not think that this condones agreeing with those who do not believe Jesus to be the Son of God, the atoning sacrifice for our sins and the only way to the Father. The ecumenical and interfaith movements are a dangerous, slippery slope. Are we more interested in finding what we have in common with Muslims and Catholics and embracing that than seeking to point them to Christ, evangelizing them, calling them to repentance and faith in our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ? In the grand scheme, yes, we are all humans, created in God’s image. And yet, we are brothers and sisters really with those who are a part of the family of God, whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I love the truth that Jesus died for my sins, and not only for mine, but for the sins of the whole world! GREG GOOD
DECEMBER 2014
Why isn’t every Sunday “Christ the King” Sunday? Along with every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday? What else is a biblical church about if not Jesus Christ, the King who was crucified, buried, resurrected, ascended, reigning, interceding for us and coming again? RICHARD PEACHEY
Re “Arguing in church? Just stop it!” (Text Message, October).
Does the gospel hinge on the age of the earth? No and yes. A person can be an evolutionist and become a Christian and die and they will still go to heaven because they believe in Jesus, but that doesn’t mean that the idea of billions of years does not affect anything. If God used evolution, that means God [not Adam,] is the author of death, disease, thorns and blood-shed, etc., in all of creation. The age of the earth is foundationally connected to the gospel. STEVEN NICKEL
Re “Christians and Muslims gather for dialogue, fellowship and food” (News, November)
Re “Judgmental attitude adjustment” (Intersection, November)
NOBORU TANIZUKA
ELFRIEDA SCHROEDER
This article spoke to me today and I will take it to heart. Thank you!
I respect this way of improving inter-religious relationships.
Mennonite Central Committee Canada shared mbherald.com/local-church-supports-cross-cultural-workers/
Oct 3: MCC sends people around the world to serve – but we couldn’t do it without supporting friends, family and congregations at home. What’s your favourite thing about #thriftshop? @MCCBCtalk opens expanded store in MCC Centre in Abbotsford mbherald.com/mcc-bc-makes-thrifty-move/
mbherald.com/arguingchurch-just-stop/
Lani Wiens @laniwiens
Pleased to see my Mennonite Brethren teaching pastor in my favourite Mennonite Brethren magazine.
The furniture store! Great deals.
Oct 23
Dave Poirier dave_poirier
Oct 22
Letters to the editor Mennonite Brethren Herald welcomes your letters of 150–200 words on issues relevant to the Mennonite Brethren church, especially in response to material published in the Herald. Please include name, address and phone number, and keep your letters courteous and about one subject only. We will edit letters for length and clarity. We will not publish letters sent anonymously, although we may withhold names from publication at the request of the letter writer and at our discretion. Publication is subject to space limitations. Letters also appear online. Because the Letters column is a free forum for discussion, it should be understood that letters represent the position of the letter writer, not necessarily the position of the Herald or the Mennonite Brethren church. Send letters to: Letters, MB Herald, 1310 Taylor Avenue, Winnipeg, Man. R3M 3Z6, or by email to mbherald@mbchurches.ca.
Mennonite Brethren Herald is 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. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement. Winner of Canadian Church Press and Evangelical Press Association awards for Writing, Design, and Illustration: 1996–2013. Editorial office 1310 Taylor Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 3Z6 Phone: 204-669-6575 Fax: 204-654-1865 Toll-free in Canada: 888-669-6575 Email: mbherald@mbchurches.ca http://www.mbherald.com PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NUMBER: 4000929 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPT., MB HERALD 1310 TAYLOR AVENUE WINNIPEG MB R3M 3Z6 CMCA
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Copyright The articles printed in the Herald are owned by the Herald or by the author and may not be reprinted without permission. Unless noted, Scriptural quotations are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Subscription rates 1 year $24 ($30 U.S. & foreign) 2 years $44 ($60 U.S. & foreign) 3 years $64 ($90 U.S. & foreign) Please add tax to domestic subscriptions. See www.mbherald.com or phone 204-654-5766 for rate. Contact karla.braun@mbchurches.ca for electronic options. Change of address + subscriptions Notice of change of address should be sent to circulation office, and should include both old and new addresses. Allow 4 weeks for changes to become effective. Email circulation office at subscribe@mbchurches.ca or phone 204-654-5766. Advertising Advertising inquiries should be sent to helga.kasdorf@mbchurches.ca. Display and classified advertisement copy must be received at least three weeks prior to publication. Advertisements are priced at a rate for insertion in one issue or at a discounted rate for insertions in three or more issues (not necessarily consecutive). Classifieds are priced per line, with a minimum charge of six lines. Staff Laura Kalmar editor Karla Braun associate editor Audrey Plew designer Helga Kasdorf circulation + advertising Angeline Schellenberg copy editor CANADIAN CONFERBarrie McMaster B.C. regional correspondent Advisory Council: Helen Rose Pauls, B.C. Brad Sumner, B.C. Gil Dueck, Sask. Sabrina Wiens, Ont. Volume 53, Number 12 • Copy run: 14,500 THE MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD IS A PUBLICATION OF
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homepage Richard Kriegbaum, Ph.D. President Stephen Varvis, Ph.D. Provost/Senior Vice President Terry Brensinger, Ph.D. Vice President and Dean of the Seminary Mark Isaac Associate Vice President of Advancement
1717 S. Chestnut Avenue Fresno, CA 93702 559-453-2000 seminary.fresno.edu
2014
Advent devotions
Waiting in Hope
PHOTO: DAVID KLASSEN
Fresno Pacific University Biblical Seminary
Several former drug users pose with Home Makers executive director Margaret Ahmed (centre), in front of the warehouse where they used to go to use drugs.
Margaret’s great gift: She loves these “drugging youth” “I want to be a mommy to you.”
heavy commitment on her part.
It was three days before Christmas 2011 when Margaret Ahmed walked into a drug den and declared this to a group of young men, some of whom were high.
At least 40 youth have quit drugs, Ahmed says. They learn new skills or return to studies. Ahmed engages the youth through Scripture to show the value of life and hope for the future. Besides the skills she has introduced to the young men, Bible studies are part of her weekly program.
To start, she brought Christmas dinner for some 50 Christian and Muslim young men. Her desire to help the youth grew out of her experience at West Africa Peacebuilding Institute in September 2011. Ahmed has met with these youth more than 120 times since. She determined that if she were going to make a difference in the lives of these children of God, it would demand a
The young men tell her that when she is with them, their desire to do drugs is reduced. She loves them without judgment, they say, unlike society or even the church.—MCC release, as told to David Klassen, MCC Nigeria rep
simple gifts
Weary of buying meaningless trinkets for loved ones who have everything? Our partner organizations offer gifts that give back.
For the soccer mom: $30 buys transit tickets for a refugee new to Canada to get to school or appointments. See Mennonite Central Committee’s “Christmas Giving 2014.” For the farmer: $155 equips a farmer in Ukraine with tools, training and opportunity to create a sustainable small-scale operation. See Mennonite Economic Development Associate’s “Gift Solutions 2014.”
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Jesus Christ is coming...
The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.—Romans 13:11 “Oh, you better watch out, you better not cry...” Written in the 1930s, “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” became an instant classic and a blueprint for conversations around Christmas time. The closer Christmas came, the harder children would try to be good, as though cramming all that goodness into the last day or two would make up for the rest of the year. If we are honest, we are aware that our lives could use more preparation. Have we been serious in our hope – expecting Jesus in the next moment? Would we treat each other differently if we truly expected Jesus? Let’s use this season to strengthen our faith, to stop wasting time and to renew our walk in the light. As the Scripture prompts us, the time is now.— Alan Ours, M.S., vice president of operations, Fresno Pacific University
Taken from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary’s free daily Advent devotional. Download daily devotional readings for Nov. 30–Jan. 4: seminary.fresno.edu
For the teacher: $500 covers one semester of seminary or professional education for a Global Scholarship Fund recipient. See International Community of Mennonite Brethren’s website, www.icomb.org. Or support MB Mission’s long-term service workers with a gift to the Extra Blessing Pool. The monies collected are divided equally among the missionaries for use on personal items at their own discretion. See MB Mission’s “Give Christmas Away”: www.mbmission.org/give-christmas-away/give
coming events Conference events: Dec. 2–4: C2C Network assessment centre, Toronto. 2015
In 2014, we’re highlighting ICOMB partners. Support our brothers and sisters around the world by learning about and praying for them.
Iglesia Evangélica Unida Hermanos Menonitas de Panamá (United Evangelical Church of Mennonite Brethren in Panama) Congregations: 13 Members: 750 Panama is situated at the crux of two continents – an isthmus joining North and South America, bisected by a canal that creates a shortcut from the Atlantic to Pacific Oceans. Panama’s population is 70% mestizo, 14% indigenous and mixed, 10% white, 6% indigenous, with some three-quarters of the population identifying as Roman Catholic, and a further 15% as evangelical Christian. The Mennonite Brethren churches – which trace back to the linguistic work Jacob Loewen and David Wirsche began in 1955 – are comprised of members from the Emberá and Wounaán tribes. A congregation was organized in 1964, receiving official status from the government in 1970. Though foreign missionaries have worked among the MB churches in Panama, their approach was generally “less paternalistic,” says former MB Mission director Harold Ens, resulting in strong local leadership in the churches and conference. Teacher training to provide local education for young people has been a priority over the years. The indigenous MB churches, mostly located in the Darién border region, have been involved in land claims negotiations with the government since 2004. Logging on indigenous land that is supposed to be protected by the government has caused violent conflicts, resulting in two deaths in 2012. The churches also face the challenges of preserving their indigenous identity in the midst of rapid changes in society. Currently, Colombian missionaries Einer and Girlesa Zuluaga support leadership development and Americans Alan and Colleen Foster work at holistic community development and water sanitation. PRAY that God will raise up more Emberá and Wounaán leaders and pastors who are transformed by the gospel. PRAY that church leaders will live as Christ’s disciples as they work for justice and peace in the land claims situation. PRAY for strong families, parents and youth united by their love of Jesus.
Feb. 20–21: ONMB convention, Waterloo (Ont.) MB Church. Mar. 6–7: MBCM Assembly, Winkler (Man.) MB Church. Mar. 13–14: SKMB convention. Mar. 20–21: ABMB convention, Calgary. Apr. 17–18: Quebec convention, L’Intersection, Terrebonne, Que. May 1–2: BCMB convention, South Langley (B.C.) MB Church. May 3–5: BCMB pastor and spouse retreat, Whistler, B.C. May 12–13: Church Multiplication Conference, Toronto. May 24–26: Manitoba pastor and spouse retreat, Hecla Island, Man. June 7: Quebec rally. June 9–11: Pastors Credentialing Orientation, 83 Henderson Hwy, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Oct. 21–23: “God, Sex and Church: a theology of human sexuality,” study conference, Westwood Community Church, Winnipeg. Partner events:
Dec. 6: MCC Centre Gladys Avenue grand opening, Abbotsford, B.C. Dec. 7: Outtatown Burkina Faso graduation, Canadian
Mennonite University, Winnipeg. 2015
Jan. 10: Camp Evergreen pond hockey tournament, Sundre, Alta. Feb. 12–14: MCC Ottawa Office student seminar, Ottawa. Apr. 10–12: 50th anniversary celebration, Bakerview Church, Abbotsford, B.C. July 17–19: Mennonite World Conference Global Youth Summit, Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, Pa. July 21–26: Mennonite World Conference Assembly 16, Harrisburg, Pa. View more events from churches, schools and agencies at mbherald.com/calendar.
PRAISE God for a young Panamanian leader who is preparing for mission to the Wounaán in Colombia. MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD
December 2014
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Worship the King of Kings Willy Reimer
A
s I write this, Christmas commercials are beginning to air and seasonal movies are filling the cable broadcasts. Soon, we’ll be exhorted to create a perfect Christmas experience by giving gifts, taking holidays or cashing in on year-end sales. The pull of busyness, commercialism and holiday anxiety is ramping up.
It’s interesting to note that Herod turns to the religious leaders of his day to find out where the Messiah was prophesied to be born. But we have no record of any religious leaders joining the magi in their search; they fail to act on their knowledge of the Scriptures. Why? Too fantastic a story? Too simple a beginning? Too upside down a story?
But it doesn’t have to be another year of surviving Christmas. The familiar story of the magi can provide insight into experiencing a counter-cultural Christmas.
It was the “pagan” astrologers who followed God’s supernatural revelation. There were no preconceived ideas, simply obedience.
A different kind of king
As we move through Advent, we often speak of redeeming Christmas from the commercialism of the season. We complain about the busyness, the expense and the political correctness of Christmas. What if we focus on what is right about Christmas rather than what is wrong?
Lessons from the magi
Jesus’ upside-down kingdom began with his birth and continued throughout his life, death and resurrection. King
The magi kept their focus on finding and worshipping the newborn baby. They were men on a mission who
In Matthew 2:1–12, we find the familiar story of the wise men who come from the east to worship Jesus, the newborn king. The magi were astrologers from the royal court of the king of Persia – a man who called himself the “king of kings,” explains Craig S. Keener in the IVP commentary on Matthew. It was common practice for kings to send their congratulations to rulers in other realms. But it was unusual that the magi who represented the “king of kings” came not as emissaries of their king but rather as worshippers of a newborn king. All Jerusalem notices the magi’s arrival, stirring up Herod’s paranoia. We know new kings are considered a threat to reigning kings. So Herod’s desire to find and eliminate any potential future threat to his throne isn’t surprising. History is filled with accounts of kings eliminating all competition for their seat of power – whether extended family members, parents or heirs. Human rulers and politicians who feel threatened often work to eliminate those perceived threats. In Jesus’ day, it was done by sword. Today, it’s done through social media. But the goal is always to protect the “throne.” 8
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manipulated or intimidated. A king who gave his life for all, even if they reject his rulership. A king who is worthy of more than allegiance – he is worthy of worship.
A change in focus
What if we focus on what is right about Christmas rather than what is wrong? Jesus turned power upside down. He didn’t protect his throne; rather, he revealed his throne, the kingdom of God. He invited people to that new kingdom through faith in him. King Herod was coercive and abusive, while Jesus was gracious and inviting. Herod looked for people to add to his power base, while Jesus invited people to freedom in his kingdom. Herod feigned interest in worship (v. 8), while Jesus invites us to worship. Earthly kings understand that allegiance to king and country cannot be divided. In fact, that’s why Christ followers make kings nervous. We serve a king whose authority is greater than any human ruler. A king who is not subject to the whims of the political machine or to voters. A king who cannot be coerced, purchased,
would not be deterred from their goal. They followed God’s supernatural leading until they found what they were looking for: Jesus. In order to accomplish their goal, they needed to follow in faith and walk in obedience to the Spirit’s leading. When they arrived at their destination, they were not dissuaded by the lack of royal surroundings. They remained focused on the newborn king. The invitation of Christmas is to focus on the true King of Kings – Jesus. Let his Spirit guide you through the season. Make him the centre of your Christmas celebrations, and he will be your filter to deal with all the voices that cry out for your attention, time, money and heart. Make Jesus the focus of your worship this Christmas.
TEXT MESSAGE Choosing God’s story
Mary Anne Isaak
LUKE 1:26–56 There are many and varied traditions around the Sundays of Advent. The contemporary themes of hope, peace, joy and love are familiar, but a more ancient tradition focuses on “the last things”: death, judgment, heaven and hell. It’s possible to read Luke 1:26–56 with bifocals: the dual lens of love and hell, the ancient/contemporary themes for the fourth Sunday of Advent. In this story, Mary was most likely a teenager in that complicated transition from child to adult. It’s a season of life when we begin to be aware of the story we tell about who we are.
The stories we tell ourselves I remember becoming aware of a story I was telling about myself in junior high. It was a year when I grew rapidly, suddenly becoming one of the tallest kids in the school. One day, the coach of the girls’ basketball team stopped me in the hallway and asked me to come to the tryouts. But I had already begun to tell myself the story, “I am not good at sports.” Experienced through the filter of that story, I thought the coach was making fun of me. I turned beet red – and never showed up for tryouts. The story we tell ourselves about who we are begins early and gets shaped by our version of events. It’s the script we use to interact with the world. So it was with Mary until one day a messenger from God appeared and said to her, “Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you” (v. 28).
God’s story for us Another definition of the gospel is that it’s God’s version of our story confronting our own version. God’s version is completely honest – no sugar-coating. And at the same time, God’s version is exuberantly liberating.
LUKE 1:28
God’s version of the story of our life begins with the sure and certain truth that God loves us. In spite of the brokenness and failure we know well, God has made peace with us. The story continues with an invitation. Because of God’s version of our story, we are now invited to live without guilt, without shame, blame or anxiety. Mary had a choice: hold onto her version of the story of her life or accept God’s version, a version that seemed utterly impossible. The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the child to be born will be called Son of God (v. 35). Just as it was for Mary, so God’s messenger comes to each of us and says,
which story to follow. This choice and these choices have consequences. Hell is refusal to trust God’s telling of our story. To reject the good story that God tells of our life is a form of punishment all its own. God’s very essence is love. And to resist love, to deny or avoid love will inevitably bring the opposite reality. God has no desire to inflict pain, but refusing love will, by very definition, develop an increasingly unloving hellish reality. Hell is a reality. It radiates outward and extinguishes the love around it. Eventually, it even begins to extinguish the life around it. Mary chose to trust God’s telling of the
God’s version of the story of our life begins with the truth that God loves us.
“Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.” Just as it was for Mary, so God’s version of our story is utterly impossible when seen from the narrow perspective of the tiny story we all start out with. Just as it was for Mary, so following the story God has for us is not a way to avoid suffering. (See Luke 2:35.) And just as it was for Mary, so God fills our stories with enough. God’s stories are overflowing with life and always, always rooted in love.
Choosing the story We make an initial choice of which story to live by. And then we make daily, sometimes hourly, choices of
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you.”
story of her life. She immersed herself in the great account of grace and love that God was telling about the world and about her. As a consequence, the inevitable happened. Mary radiated blessing, the power of life flowing through her to others. The baby in Elizabeth’s womb stirred and leapt at Mary’s greeting. Not once, but three times, Elizabeth called Mary blessed. And Mary burst into song; she couldn’t keep quiet about the joy and the justice of shared life at the heart of God. We’re all living in the tension between two strong pulls on our life. Hell on one side, love on the other. Between those two big realities is Gabriel bringing us the message, “Greetings, favoured one! The Lord is with you.” Mary Anne Isaak is pastor at River East MB Church, Winnipeg.
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The gift of
generosity We were sitting on my daughter’s bed when my friend asked, “How does your family feel about the zoo?” I looked up at the wall of tiger drawings, and replied, “You have to ask?” This young mom told me that she and her husband started a fund for the sole purpose of blessing a different family every year. “How would you feel if we gave you a zoo membership?” Years before, when my husband was laid off, friends from church helped us with essentials like food, but the chance to watch gibbons hang upside down whenever we wanted? That’s a lavish gift. This fall, I made it a project to collect from our MB family as many stories of generous gifts as I could. Gifts that took them back to memories of the church as the hands of God. Some as extravagant as a house, others as simple as a sandwich, all more about the heart of the giver than the money spent. Gifts that inspire me to be generous too.—Angeline Schellenberg My closest friend has prayed for me unrelentingly; I can count on her to support me before the throne of heaven in any time of need. She showed extravagant love in a surprise 60th birthday party, served our family when my husband’s father died, helped clean my house when we moved and on and on. She is a giving machine, pouring out goodness to me, clearly reminding me of Jesus at every turn.—Sandee Pauls, MB Herald reporter, Steinbach (Man.) MB Church I was almost going under with a very ill asthmatic son, the third of four young children. No one wanted to care for him because they were afraid of his life-threatening disease. A woman at church, whom I didn’t know, offered to take my two preschool children every Thursday afternoon to give me a break. She also had an asthmatic son, now grown. She recognized my absolute fatigue and knew how to help. What a wonderful gift!—Helen Rose Pauls, MB Herald advisory board member One profound act of great love was when a team from Willow Park Church came together to create an “extreme home makeover” out of our flooded basement. (We were pastoring WPC at the time.) It was so much more than a makeover: it was a tangible expression of God’s people being the hands and feet of Jesus to us!—Karolyn Burch, director of ministry to church planter spouses, C2C Network 10
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This summer, while the Bethany College community waited for God to speak into our future, there was a coming together that blessed my heart. I decided to really clean and sort my area. A student texted me, offering to assist me in cleaning up my area of the school. One evening a week – all summer – we sorted costumes, props, papers. Her faithfulness became an anchor, a tangible reminder of God’s continuing care. A large gift of paint and a volunteer couple came to transform the ladies dorm and the school hallway doors. The visual transformation was a blessing, but the peace their prayers caused was incredible. Rumours of their gift led to more donations, and on the hottest days last summer, volunteers gave 140 hours to scrub and repaint the chapel. There’s also the neighbour who blows my snow when I work late, the person who paid my property taxes, the students who call to encourage me from the Bible and, best of all, the extravagant gifts to Bethany that allowed me to continue being part of God’s transformation in the lives of his children.—Susan J. Schmidt Goerz, ministry arts director, Bethany College I was waiting in line at a café near our Toronto C2C hub when the woman in front of me saw her sandwich order and declared, “That’s way too big for me!” She asked them to cut it and wrap up the larger portion for me. I returned to the church planting team, gave thanks, cut the sandwich into sample sizes and interrupted their meeting with the snack. They were very grateful!—Greg Laing, C2C Network Ontario regional director Sabbath rest is often a challenge with all the pressures of ministry. Time is a precious resource. There have been many times when the Lord has invited me into rest through the generosity of his people offering a cottage or a cabin for a few days of solitude and reflection. What precious gifts God delivers through his community of faith.—J.P. Hayashida, CCMBC director of operations The most generous people I know are my wife’s parents, who emigrated from Paraguay and became successful home builders in St. Catharines, Ont. What impacted me most was how they extended generosity to delinquent clients, refusing to pursue them through the legal system. This generosity of trust, even when it ends up being costly,
respects the image of God in people and encourages the same spirit in others. And they trusted me with their daughter! Even though it was difficult for them to release us to go to seminary and watch their grandchildren grow up so far away, they always trusted that we had heard the call of God and needed to follow it. In turn, we have done the same for our children, freeing them to pursue their chosen vocations and supporting them in the process.—Keith Poysti, Manitoba conference minister We had recently moved from Benin in West Africa, and Winnipeg was experiencing the coldest winter on record. When the temperature dropped to unbearable conditions (below 40 with wind chill), walking to church became extremely difficult. A church member offered to drive us on Sunday. Her generosity warmed our hearts, and we felt so welcomed.—Esther Danhoundo, Crossroads MB Church, Winnipeg Eight years ago, we were a new pastor couple at our church in Mission, B.C. We were having trouble saving for a house. A church member gave us a gift toward a down payment ($25,000!) that made purchasing a home possible. Needless to say, we were deeply moved!—Brian Cooper, BFL chair, MBBS Canada associate dean and assistant professor of theology I often travel in my work as church historian. The generosity I regularly encounter from people who put me up is truly moving. I enjoy sharing a meal and a space in the homes of fellow Christ followers. Not only do I always learn new things, but I am encouraged in my faith, and as a result, I find it much easier to make our spare room available to others passing through! —Jon Isaak, director, Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies, Winnipeg In 2002, the Mennonite Brethren church and members in Dresden, Germany, suffered the effects of record flooding of the Elbe River. In sympathy and solidarity, the MB conference in DR Congo, members in the poorest country of the world, raised and sent $100 US to help out. This amounted to a quarter of the annual earnings of a Congolese citizen.
After the Japanese triple disaster in 2012, the Bielefeld church (BTG conference) in Germany took up an offering to assist the MB churches there in their witness and service to their neighbours. They raised nearly 35,000 euros, and some members asked if they could give again.—David Wiebe, ICOMB executive secretary At a time when we thought we would lose ETEM, former owner of Robertson College Ken Penner and his team stepped in with wisdom, systems and finances that provided us with the ability to attract students and donors, pay our staff and feel a renewed sense of hope that God has a purpose for our school. It is hard to put into words how grateful I and the team are for the significant investment the Penner family has made in enabling the school to prepare men and women for ministry in the French world.—Kristen Corrigan, president, ETEM, Quebec My brother went through a two-year process of deterioration that ended his life last July. His five kids, his wife, and the rest of our family were all aching. But in the midst of that sadness, friends stepped forward. No less than 10 times, I flew back to Toronto from Winnipeg and every one of those tickets was an unrequested gift from a friend. Because of this outpouring, I got to be part of the team that supported my brother and each other. I grew closer to my family through this time because of the God-prompted kindness of friends. Thank you, dear friends. Thank you, Jesus.—Brent Smith, The Meeting Place, Winnipeg How many times did I visit my mom in the care home and hear her ask, “Is it Christmas?” I would reply, “No, Mom, the grass is still green. Christmas is months away.” She loved Christmas with all the preparations and gatherings, but her greatest desire was for her family to seek Jesus. “Is it Christmas?” This was one of the last questions my mom asked me. When she could no longer feed herself, I said, “Would you like me to feed you?” Once I asked, “Does this make you feel loved?” In a barely audible voice, she said, “Yes.” This was my last gift to her.—Lorraine Balzer, account representative, CCMBC MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD December 2014
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ometimes I dread group prayer time. I don’t know what to say. My repeated “God, help so and so” feels stale.
THE of
art
IMAGINATIVE
prayer ANGELINE SCHELLENBERG
I needed help. Who better to ask about prayer than a team of missionaries? With all the MB churches and new missionaries they support, I was surprised to learn that MB Mission’s mobilization team in Winnipeg spends less time asking God for things and more time listening, being thankful and confessing. Mission mobilizer and artist Lloyd Letkeman let me in on some of the creative ways his team prays for one another.
Listening for words of strength “But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3). On a monthly basis, the MB Mission team in Winnipeg meets to ask God, “What do you have that will strengthen and encourage this person?” After a moment of silent listening, they write cards for each person. Often there’s a theme; for example, last time, the messages team
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members wrote for Letkeman were “Walk with steady feet,” “Walk with me as you lead others,” “Be attentive,” and “Walk with me, and work with me.” “I keep them as a reminder,” says Letkeman, because the message is timeless. “I need to remember to not do things on my own.” Mobilization apprentice David Thiessen recalls how those listening to God for him at MB Mission’s ACTION program encouraged him to think of God as Father. “I imagined my own family: they’d made a big feast to send me off,” says Thiessen. He realized “maybe God isn’t demanding and fearinducing; maybe he’s like my parents: proud of me and wanting to encourage me. “It was an important shift in my story.”
Picturing prayer “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). Being an artist, Letkeman finds sketching his prayers expresses his heart on a deep level. Each team member draws the issue
they’re facing in abstract symbols. Then the rest of the team says what they see in the image without interpreting it; for example, “The sun is radiating light, but it’s growing weaker at the edges.” Then, for a different perspective, a teammate turns the drawings backwards or upside down. Letkeman recalls when a drawing of someone walking away from God – seen through the back of the paper – became God walking toward him. Letkeman drew the weight of his financial pressure in heaping bowls. When they flipped the picture upside down, it became clear that God was controlling how fast trouble fell. Letkeman also uses this exercise with youth. “If the stats are right, one in four girls has been through sexual abuse. Where can you process that safely in public? In an abstract drawing, you can be as bold as you like without being exposed, and you and Jesus and the community are walking through it together.”
Naming guests at the fire
PHOTOS: ELLAINA BROWN
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Thiessen introduced the team to a practice he adapted from a novel. In The River Why, a young man coming of age was sent to the forest not to return until he’d heard from the Creator. When he felt cold, he said, “Ah cold, you are here. Good. Sit down by the fire…. To fight you is not my work.” As the mobilization team prays silently, they each acknowledge the emotions plaguing them; for example, “Fear, you can sit, but I will not give you my attention; I’m waiting to hear from the Creator.” “Then we ask Jesus to speak to that,” says Thiessen. “I had selfishness, its cousins self-pity and pride,” says Letkeman. “I asked them, ‘What is your goal?’ and realized they were all trying to protect me – in a twisted way, not a Christ-like, way.” He responded with the truths of Scripture that God brought to his mind: “Self-pity, you can’t protect Lloyd. Lloyd has been given to help the body of Christ.” After, the team shares as generally or specifically as they feel comfortable. “Internal experience is great,” says Thiessen, “but we always want to bring it back to the communal.” Personifying the emotion takes power from the struggle, says Letkeman, and puts the focus back on God, where it belongs.
Thankful warfare “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). About once a year, the MB Mission team makes a list as long as they can of what they’re thankful for in their ministry. “It’s amazing what God will do when we give him glory,” says Letkeman. “‘Spiritual warfare’ sounds so militaristic,” says Letkeman. “What are our tools to come against darkness? Thankfulness, humility, surrender. “All authority has been given to us. It’s not about commanding or yelling. We just lean into the fruit of the Spirit. It reminds us why we do what we do, how much we love each other. “Prayer is our vital link to our Creator,” says Letkeman. “We are all ambassadors of Christ to others, so we’d better be getting our marching orders from Jesus.”
Back to my problem Encouragement cards, imaginary fire and abstract art – who knew these could be tools for group prayer! But why not? The God who created imagination is delighted when we engage it in encouraging each other in communion with him. Let’s pray. I’ll bring the crayons!
Images of MB Mission’s SOAR Heartland and ACTION Winnipeg teams in prayer. MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD December 2014
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The Baby and the
Dragon
READING CHRISTMAS THROUGH REVELATION DAV I D E SAU
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lorious angels, wise guys, starry skies and shepherds gathered around the manger: the picture of Christmas? I’ve got major issues with how we illustrate the Christmas story because it’s only part of the story. I didn’t realize how selective my own reading of the Nativity story was until I heard a guest speaker in Bible college share his experience of celebrating Christmas among Christians in Ethiopia. What struck him was the part of the story that they emphasized: the escape to Egypt (Matthew 2:13–23). As this speaker opened his Bible to Matthew 2 and read us the whole Christmas story, it forever changed the way I read the Christmas story. I could no longer be content with any short-sheeted version. Philip Yancey is right. “We observe a mellow, domesticated holiday,” he wrote, in The Jesus I Never Knew. “Above all, we purge from it any reminder of how the story that began at Bethlehem turned out at Calvary.” Yes, a less selective reading of the Christmas story reveals a far less cozy story than our Christmas cards do. The Bible registers ominous tremors of what lies beyond the manger.
“Conspiracy” beyond the manger In the Gospel of Luke, we find Joseph and Mary taking baby Jesus to the temple to be dedicated to the Lord, in keeping with Jewish custom. What happens there, however, is not routine. An old and devout man by the name of Simeon embraces their child as the promised Messiah, then makes a rather revolutionary and incredibly subversive prediction: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And [to Mary] a sword will pierce your own soul too” (Luke 2:34–35). Although Simeon will not live to see it, somehow he senses that in the Christ child a new force has arrived to challenge and overthrow the world’s powers. In this revolutionary vein, Mary too sings about God bringing “down rulers from their thrones” (Luke 1:52). Now, she gets a deeper sense of the personal cost involved in God establishing his kingdom in and through her son. And in Matthew 2, following the visit of the magi, Jesus’ young life comes under threat from an increasingly paranoid King Herod who was infamous for killing off anyone suspected of undermining his authority. (He killed two
brothers-in-law, his own wife Mariamne and two of his own sons.) I have never seen a Christmas pageant or greeting card depict the story of the state-sponsored massacre that happened in Bethlehem after the shepherds and magi left, yet it too is part of the real Christmas story. My brothers and sisters in places like Ethiopia rightly remind us that Jesus was a refugee who came to establish his kingdom for contemporary refugees too. Through Simeon’s prophecy and Herod’s murderous plot, we see the cross already casting its dark shadow over the Christ child.
Reality through divine lenses This brief look at two neglected parts of the Christmas story helps prepare us for the version we find in the book of Revelation. No one acquainted with the Gospels can read this story of a woman, male child and dragon in Revelation 12 without thinking of Mary, the Christ child and their divine deliverance from the evil schemes of Herod the Great. What John gives us here is the Christmas story told in a different literary genre, known as “apocalyptic” literature. The Greek word apocalypsis (translated as “revelation” in Revelation 1:1) means unveiling. What John does in the book of Revelation is cast a drama that allows the reader to see deeper/divine realities in the present. This isn’t science fiction or even historical fiction but reality, past, present and future, from the divine perspective. John helps us see what an unveiled version of the Christmas story looks like. John’s vision includes scenes from the manger and beyond – both backward and forward in time. This cosmic drama synthesizes many Old Testament and New Testament images and events, all expressing divine reality. The characters in this story are composites. Take the woman: She mirrors Eve whose “seed,” God promised, would crush the head of the serpent (Genesis 3:15; cf. “that ancient serpent,” Revelation 12:9). She is a personification of the nation of Israel through whom deliverers like Moses, David and ultimately Jesus were born: “clothed with the sun” = brilliance (Job 37:21), glory (Isaiah 60:1, 19), royalty (Psalm 19:4); “with the moon under her feet” = authority; (historical note: the deity Artemis/Diana at Ephesus [Acts 19:23–41] was a moon goddess); “a crown of twelve stars on her head” = royalty and authority (Genesis 37:9). The woman also represents Mary whose male child would “rule all the nations with an iron scepter” (Revelation 12:5; cf. Psalm 2:9). The woman also symbolizes the Church, the bride of Christ (v. 17 “her offspring...who obey God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus”; cf. Acts 4:18–20). MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD
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The dragon’s composite character is spelled out in verse 9 (cf. John’s further commentary on the seven heads in 17:9). But there are also allusions of popular Greek mythologies, like the story of the birth of Apollo, which also involves a dragon, jealous king and royal offspring.
The vision of Isaiah 14 unfolds before us: “How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth...” Now, we read with greater insight and awe Jesus’ words to his disciples in Luke 10:18: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”
In the manner of his time, John tells the true story of Jesus in the context of stories familiar for his audience. Today, we face similar but different challenges in relating the good news. What is real in a world filled with so much propaganda and virtual reality?
Awakening
In the central features of John’s Spiritenabled vision, the birth-giving woman and the death-dealing dragon are, as Eugene Peterson notes, “the light-year limits of the best and worst we can imagine.” What John sees by the Spirit is actually more real and more substantial and solid than what he and we ever see with only our physical eyes.
A new challenger The moment the child appears, the dragon lunges. Some of us instinctively shut our eyes to avoid witnessing the atrocity. But horrified gasps give way to sighs of relief as the infant is snatched away to safety while the woman escapes to a secure place of sustenance prepared for her by God. In the split-second interval between birth and rescue, as the dragon is robbed of his prey, we recognize this child by means of John’s description in v. 5: “a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.” This is the promised deliverer, the coming king, the prophesied messianic hero of Psalm 2. Simeon’s revolutionary prophecy and Herod’s conspiracy theory were right; in Christ a new force has arrived to challenge and overthrow the world’s powers. The immediate reaction to the birth of this child is not sipping hot chocolate and singing Christmas carols, but rather waging – and winning – a war, first in heaven (v. 7–12) and then on earth (v. 13–17). Michael, the captain of the angels, joins battle with the dragon and his demonic horde. Back and forth across the skies the contest rages and then, as suddenly as it began, it is over. The dragon and his hosts, no match for Michael and his angels, are tossed (eblethe = bounced) out of heaven and down to earth like a pile of dirty laundry. 16
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This may not be the Christmas you or I grew up hearing, but it has the key features of the nativity story all the same – especially for the persecuted church in John’s day. They understood that Jesus’ arrival awakened more than wonder and holy awe. It also aroused the forces of the evil one and his allies: accomplices like Pharaoh in the Old Testament and Herod in the New Testament, who were as intoxicated with power and oppression as the dragon. But despite the apparent power advantage of a dragon over a pregnant woman, or of Pharaoh over an infant like Moses, or King Herod over the Christ child, the power advantage is only virtual, not real. The dragon is a defeated foe. God is still “on the throne” (a dominant image in Revelation). The cruel tyranny the forces of evil are willing to unleash to maintain their illusion of power and control merely unmasks the depths of their desperation and the utter certainty of their defeat (v. 12). This is no comeback surge; the foe acts like a sore loser who is so hopelessly behind in the game with only minutes on the clock that he simply tries to inflict as much damage as he can before tasting the humiliation of defeat. Satan’s desperate actions and ultimate defeat are explored further in the chapters that follow. What is important to remember here and now is how the defeat took place: “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (v. 11). It is not through strength or force that followers of Christ triumph over the dragon and his hordes on earth, but through sacrifice and witness. The picture of the dragon (the personification of evil) being cast out of heaven is a heavenly portrayal of the earthly battle that took place when Jesus Christ “disarmed the powers and authorities [and] made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross” (Colossians 2:15).
Victory comes through the Lamb’s sacrifice for us which John underlined for us back in Revelation 5.
A compelling message It is John’s Spirit-appointed task to supplement the work of Matthew and Luke so that the Christmas story “cannot be sentimentalized into coziness, nor domesticated into drabness, nor commercialized into worldliness,” writes Eugene Peterson. Revelation 12 unmasks the propaganda of John’s age and ours. Peterson describes it as “adrenaline to us of little faith...[so] that we are fortified against intimidation.” We need John’s version of the Christmas story to remind ourselves that so much of what we see around us, especially at Christmas, is synthetic. Our faith must be strengthened against the propaganda that implies everyone must be jolly, families will love each other, and silverhaired grandparents will be welcomed with open arms by their beautiful and successful sons and daughters (together with the right number of boys and girls), all bursting with smiles. Absent are the images of family gettogethers in which the family doesn’t actually want to get together. Absent too are the marriage breakdowns and suicide attempts which often peak during this time of year. The bad news is that “the great dragon... that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan” (v. 9) does not take a holiday break. But the good news – the greater news – is that neither does our Saviour! The one who confronted the forces of evil in the cradle and overcame them at the cross is alive and well. So as you have opportunity to “show and tell” the Christmas story this season, think of ways to tell more of the story that most people are used to hearing. If you’re artistic, maybe you can design a Christmas card that includes Jesus as a refugee. If you add an image of a defeated dragon, I guarantee it will provoke discussion. A manger scene that lies in the shadow of the cross is more subtle but also effective. Just do something that helps unwrap more of the Christmas story…because now we know the rest of the story, and it has a great finish! David Esau is lead pastor of Eagle Ridge Bible Fellowship, Coquitlam, B.C.
CCMBC board reports Executive board report WINNIPEG
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xecutive board meetings are about “seeing where God is leading us to enhance and resource ministry on the ground through the provinces, local churches and constituents,” says national moderator Harold Froese. “The mood around the table is one of collaboration,” he says after chairing his first meeting of the CCMBC executive board in October. “The thing that really warmed my heart was when individuals around the table would stop the meeting and ask for prayer.” Froese says goals for the period leading up to Gathering 2016 include further implementation of the services model (“sandbox”) between the provinces and
Board of faith and life report WINNIPEG things are happening in the “Good conference,” says Ingrid Reichard, vice chair of the Board of Faith and life, affirming “harmonious engagement at BFL and with the [executive] board.” Events dominated the BFL’s October meetings. The study conference, “God, Sex and Church: a theology of human sexuality” (Romans 12:1–2) will be held Oct. 21–23, 2015, at Westwood Community Church, Winnipeg. A discernment team is wrapping up a study paper on the 2013 study conference and questions that arose. “It’s a bridging piece – it looks back, it looks forward,” says Reichard. Projected for release in spring 2015, the paper will serve as the first plenary in October.
the national conference, maximizing the effectiveness of the Board of Faith and Life, and processing the mission statement. The driving question is “how can we operate almost like one conference between us and the provinces to resource ministry on the ground?” says Froese. The board will take further action on releasing a formal mission statement at its January meeting after provincial leadership bodies have had opportunity to process it and report back. Two other strategic considerations for the board are the crafting of a communications philosophy and strategy built on accountability and transparency, and the promotion of leadership succession planning in various areas of church ministry. CCMBC Legacy Investments Inc., the fund announced at Gathering 2014, is still
Responding to feedback from the previous study conference, the board places high value on interaction and will “enhance” times of Bible study. The planning team is also sensitive to the inclusion of female perspectives. Ordination has emerged as a “new and lively topic” for the board due to interest from a variety of congregations for reasons pragmatic (e.g., professional designation for ministry opportunities and CRA scrutiny) and theological (rite of affirmation). “There is value in marking that moment [of being set apart for God’s ministry],” says Reichard. “Ordination actually brings a larger community to bear on discerning giftedness,” says BFL chair Brian Cooper. By engaging a provincial body in the process, “it’s a reminder that discernment of calling takes place in a larger context than simply the congregation itself.” The board is engaged in making adjustments to the Pastors Credentialing
moving forward as a long-term project. The board will communicate by letter to stewardship fund depositors with more information. The finance team met in November to make necessary adjustments to the 2015 budget based on 2014 actuals and to begin projections for 2016. There seems to be a “renewed enthusiasm across the country” for giving, Froese says, as churches get excited about what the conference is offering through C2C and L2L. “But there’s a time lapse before that is translated into wallets. “We want to relay our gratitude for people’s interest and support, prayer and finances,” says Froese, inviting constituents to contact the board with questions and encouraging them to attend the upcoming provincial conventions. “Pray for the work God is doing.”—Karla Braun
Orientation – “[looking at] a definition of what ‘the win’ is” for provincial conference ministers, says Reichard. Credentialing has also been categorized into two types (ministry-portfoliospecific and general) and harmonized across the provinces to facilitate transferability. The Confession of Faith review remains on the agenda. “I saw fairly high consensus that pastors and leaders were supportive of the Confession,” says Cooper. “We mined the preliminary data and identified areas of rub” that will be explained to constituents after BFL’s January meeting. The BFL is also working on metrics as part of the CCMBC service model, defining key success factors. “How to quantify elements of spiritual maturity and theological integrity…isn’t as daunting as it sounds,” says Cooper. “What the BFL does is actually fairly concrete.”—Karla Braun
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ICOMB: International Community of W i eb e ’s Witn es s
Drawing from his travels to visit MB churches around the world, ICOMB executive director David Wiebe offers insights on faith.
Christmas all year-round David Wiebe
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was quite amused, sitting there in church. It was the end of May, a sunny 30 degrees in upcountry Angola. The church members had met us five ICOMB visitors as we approached the edge of the town of Cafunfo, 90 km from the Congo border. There were maybe 100 of them, standing in the sun for who knows how long. They broke into song, jubilantly walking all around us as we slowly drove to the church. They sang a song about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The only thing they didn’t do was spread coats, blankets and palm leaves in our path! A whole bunch climbed into the box of our half-ton, until someone noticed the tires were almost completely flat. Our driver Jean Claude told the crowd to walk, but we complied with their insistence that we march with them the rest of the way to the church. “It will be a witness to the community!” “People will notice us and know about our church!” Of course. Three mundeles (“white men” in Lingala) surrounded by a congregation of singing, dancing local Christians did indeed attract a lot of attention. Even the people working the innumerable diamond exchange stores – evident by diamond shaped mirrors on their storefronts – came out to see what was happening. Pastor Nehemiah hooked my arm as we walked. He finally led us into the church building, a large structure with a jury-rigged roof of corrugated metal.
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Some 1,000 members attend Cafunfo Mennonite Brethren Church. A men’s choir in brilliant blue robes dominated the front seats. The worship band had their amps set to “11” (out of 10) and sang original music. A young girl gave me a gift of a live guinea pig. Women came forward to dust off our shoes and spray perfume into the air around us. We sat down on the platform for a fraternal service. The church members had already welcomed us during the hour-long walk and gift-giving ceremony. Now, formal salutations were extended by Valdas from Lithuania and José from Portugal. I greeted everyone on behalf of ICOMB – the international family of Mennonite Brethren. I named each continent and everyone cheered for each one. And I shared how God makes us one body, and how everyone of us has a gift within the body to help it function well (1 Corinthians 12). Certainly, besides the guinea pig, gifts were present. Gifts of music and harmony, passionate spirituality, prayer, and joy in worship as an island in the midst of the stress and struggles related to poverty. It was wonderful to get caught up and appreciate the character of the church as it lives out its faith in another part of the world. The whole event inspired my own faith and admiration of God’s handiwork called “the body of Christ.” This is my denominational family!
It made me appreciate my own church more, as we strive toward faithful living in my suburban Winnipeg community of Westwood. And then – the bonus. I suddenly realized, to my amusement, that the chief decoration on the Cafunfo church stage was a fully decked out Christmas tree! It stood between the two pulpits. My European brothers chuckled with me as I pointed it out. It’s Christmas year-round in Cafunfo.
Mennonite Brethren did you kno w? • IEIMA (The Mennonite Brethren Evangelical Church of Angola) never had a mission worker. Angolan refugees who became Mennonite Brethren in DR Congo returned to plant local churches in the early 1980s. • Today, IEIMA numbers some 90 congregations and 12,000 members. • Most churches could use a new roof or land of their own for a building.
PHOTOS: DAVID WIEBE
• Angola’s 35-year civil war was a “proxy war” between the U.S. and Russia who supplied arms to opposite sides. Cuba supplied the largest number of troops to support MPLA (People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola).
Isn’t that the way of the kingdom? God’s gift giving never ceases: his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is his faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22–23). Merry Christmas. David Wiebe has been a member of a Christian rock band, a pastor, and an MB conference executive. Since 2011, he has served the International Community of Mennonite Brethren as executive director.
• The leaders of opposing forces had Christian church backgrounds. Eventually the various churches forged a “peace alliance” to challenge the warmongers. • The Marxist government, MPLA, is not opposed to church activity. • Cafunfo is one of the Angolan diamond exchange capitals. Alluvial diamonds can be found in local streams and ponds. • Before the Kimberley Process, Cafunfo was a source of “blood diamonds” – so called because they funded the civil war.
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NE WS in stor y Chinese appointment fosters closer ties On Aug. 8, 2014, BCMB announced David Leung’s appointment to a newly created position, assistant to the conference minister for Chinese churches (ACMCC), starting in September 2014. Leung is the first staff appointed to relate from the wider conference to Chinese MB churches. Chinese MB Herald editor Joseph Kwan interviewed Leung together with conference minister Rob Thiessen. Why do you think the ACMCC position is necessary? David Leung: To facilitate communications, deepen understanding and foster closer ties between the conference and our 18 Chinese MB churches in B.C. What roles will ACMCC play? David Leung: In addition to liaising between Chinese churches and the conference, ACMCC also includes proactive pursuit of joint projects, mentoring and coaching, some teaching, as well as supporting Chinese churches in transitional times (e.g., second-generation and Mandarin-speaking congregations). I will be an advocate for Anabaptist values in Chinese MB churches. How does David’s background contribute to the role of ACMCC? Rob Thiessen: David brings years of experience in ministry to this role. He has served the BCMB family of churches faithfully with the national stewardship ministry, and that trust will help our team greatly as we nurture the bonds of brotherhood. David also brings many years of business and leadership wisdom to this role. Our BCMB executive team is very excited to have someone with his background on board as we support our churches in leadership and development challenges. Does BCMB have a vision about Chinese MB churches? Rob Thiessen: Our prayer and vision for the Chinese churches is that they would thrive in their mission to live and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in their communities and in the world as God leads. We will encourage and equip them to preach the gospel with relevance and impact, to work effectively as a community of believers where each person’s gifts are valued and utilized, and to support and encourage their leaders in healthy and sustainable patterns. What is your personal vision/burden/passion for Chinese MB churches? David Leung: I have always been passionate about developing and walking alongside young adults and emerging leaders in their faith journey. With respect to Chinese churches, my burden is to see more collaboration in discipleship training, best ministry practices development and church planting, drawing upon the vast resource networks available through the MB denomination and other organizations.
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What growth areas do you see for Chinese MB churches? David Leung: MBCCA has come a long away from merely hosting an annual joint Good Friday service. There are many inter-church projects and joint ministries currently in place. This partnership spirit among our churches continues to flourish. In light of the changing demographics of our member churches and the influx of Mandarin-speaking immigrants, there are definite potentials for planting more churches. The shift in Hong Kong’s political scene may usher a wave of expats returning to Canada. What do you think are the major challenges of Chinese churches? between BCMB and Chinese congregations? How do you plan to tackle these problems? David Leung: A major challenge may very well be the issues associated with the transition from a mono-culture to a multi-cultural (i.e., Chinese from different countries and backgrounds) and multi-generational church environment. As to the challenge between BCMB and Chinese congregations, I believe the lack of understanding of each other’s needs and plans is definitely top on my list. To tackle this problem, intentional efforts in building long-term relationships and effective communications are required. How does ACMCC fit into the current structure of the B.C. conference? Rob Thiessen: The ACMCC will be an integral part of our BCMB executive team. David will focus his work among the Chinese churches, but since our goal and desire is for increasing partnership, his role is not limited to MBCCA. David will also assist Ron, Betty-Ann and me as we participate with the MBCCA churches. His help has already been invaluable as we are all somewhat new to this provincial work. We are very excited to work together. ACMCC is a volunteer position. Will BCMB budget for a permanent ACMCC position (or a similar position) in the years to come? David Leung: The volunteer nature of the ACMCC position was my preference. I will continue to seek God’s guidance serving and making contributions in this role. Rob Thiessen: Our BCMB budget is very tight. Thankfully, David is giving us a generous commitment of his time. We will be reviewing the position year by year, but my hope is that the value added by this position will be evident to all the churches and will encourage stronger financial support, allowing us to provide this service over the long term. Will ACMCC respond to Chinese church needs outside of B.C.? David Leung: I have been and will continue to coordinate the needs of our churches outside of B.C. with MBCCA and other MB entities. How will ACMCC operate? Rob Thiessen: David is not coming on board to replace Ron van Akker and me, but to empower us to move to a greater level of partnership in our mutual mission to reach the lost people of B.C. with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are meeting with various MBCCA pastors each month, but we are unable to accept every invitation to speak on a Sunday. David Leung: I will have regular meetings with our conference ministers, MBCCA, as well as pastors and leaders of our Chinese churches. Depending on the nature of issues involved, our Chinese churches can either communicate with the conference ministers or me. I will be working as needed from home: the best way to contact me is by email or phone.
PHOTO: JENNIFER WATTON, TWU
L A N G L E Y, B . C .
TWU launches new AnabaptistMennonite centre
T
rinity Western University (TWU) is now home to something new – the first universitybased research centre to study the integration of faith and learning from an Anabaptist-Mennonite perspective. More than a hundred guests gathered on the Langley, B.C., campus on Oct. 24, 2014, to celebrate the creation of the Anabaptist-Mennonite Centre for Faith and Learning. The centre, more than three years in the planning, was the dream of the Mennonite Faith and Learning Society, formed to foster teaching and research on Anabaptist and Mennonite history, practice and values.
The first director of the new venture, Myron Penner, also TWU associate professor of philosophy, said the Centre will foster scholarly research, sponsor lectures on and off campus and organize conferences. It will enhance TWU student experience by exposing students to Anabaptist and Mennonite streams of Christian life and thought. The large Mennonite community in B.C. and beyond frequently “needs additional theological leadership,” said John Redekop, former president of the Mennonite Faith and Learning Society, at the celebration. “This holds true particularly concerning the
EFC turns 50
2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, a national association of evangelical Christians that “expresses the wisdom we find in Scripture and imports it into public policy,” says EFC president Bruce Clemenger. Affiliated with 40 denominations including the Canadian Conference of MB Churches, the EFC’s tools for the local church include the Hemorrhaging Faith report, the Canadian Bible Forum study, AdoptionSunday.com and Faith Today. In more than 25 cases, the EFC has never been denied intervenor status to speak in the Supreme Court of Canada on public policy issues such as euthanasia and human trafficking. Ministries the EFC helped start include the Canadian Marriage and Family Network, the Canadian Network of Ministries to Muslims, Christian Higher Education Canada, The Word Guild and World Relief Canada.—FaithToday.ca
Sale raises food, water relief funds
Mennonite Central Committee’s annual MCC Mennonite Fall Fair, held in Prince George on the last weekend in September, raised more than $30,000 in 2014. Proceeds, in the $25,000–$28,000 range, will be directed to MCC food and clean water projects. In addition, $3,000 will stay in Prince George to fund local charities.— Barrie McMaster
PA 2015 prayer network
The Pennsylvania 2015 prayer network planning team is seeking individuals to pray regularly about the planning of the Mennonite World Conference 2015 Assembly. Prayer network members receive monthly communications with scriptural meditations, stories, information about PA 2015 and prayer requests. To join, go to www.mwc-cmm.org/content/join-mwc-email-list.—MWC release
Representatives from the Mennonite Faith and Learning Society.
integration of Christian faith and practical questions in daily living.” Redekop said there is an urgent need for a venue, “an intellectually strong resource centre, where…people can grapple with their troubling questions of faith and life and find help from senior Anabaptist-Mennonite scholars and practitioners. “With Mennonites largely integrated socially into the larger
community, we need guidance and instruction about the practical dimensions of being a spiritually separated people.” The Faith and Learning Society has also partnered with the University of the Fraser Valley though course offerings and inclusion in UFV’s new Peace Studies program.—Barrie McMaster, B.C. correspondent
ABBOTSFO R D, B.C .
Columbia outlook brighter at 2014 AGM
C
ompared to last year, Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C., reports encouraging results. At the 2013 annual general meeting, CBC leaders described a tight outlook, with slow enrollment attrition, “trying” budgets and challenging trends. The 2014 annual general meeting was much more upbeat. Board chair Ralph Hildebrand wondered out loud whether this year marks a turning point. For the first time in six years, said Hildebrand, student enrollment is up. The budget outlook is also improved by factors like the Metzger Collection artifacts from the Biblical Museum of Canada housed in the Resource Centre. The college has also found new tenants for the premises formerly occupied by MB Mission, and registered more new students (172) than the 160 that had been hoped for. CBC is also starting to see the fruit of marketing its dorms and meeting rooms to conferences, an initiative started 18 months previously.
On the downside, utilities cost 20 percent more than last year, and CBC has seen a sharp decline in giving to annually-funded endowments. Even with budget trimming, delegates at the annual meeting agreed tuition must be raised by 1.9 percent, and additional hiring to replace departed faculty and staff is to be deferred if possible. College president Bryan Born said the need to disciple young adults is still vital, and the need continues for a holistic education which includes experiential learning. Whatever changes and challenges confront students, he said, “Recognize that everything we do at Columbia is theological.” The annual fundraising banquet on Oct. 25, 2014, highlighted CBC’s Praxis urban discipleship program. Compared to the 2013 attendance of 275, this year’s banquet attracted 350 people. Donations, compared with last year’s $117,500, were up to $146,000 and CBC officials say they expect the total to rise before year end.—Barrie McMaster, B.C. correspondent
MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD
December 2014
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The least likely missionary engineer
F
or a person who never intended to study engineering, Jaimee Schmidt can get pretty excited about toilet design. But what the Richmond Park MB Church, Brandon, Man., member loves even more than designing safe sanitation with Engineering Ministries International (EMI) is the people she helps and the God she serves by doing it. “I’m not the one who chooses which project to go on; I think God ordains that,” Schmidt says. She has worked on 10 projects (usually about a week in duration) since 2009, self-funding the trips on her holiday time. Volunteering on EMI projects gives Schmidt a picture of the body of Christ working in harmony. A group of strangers “get an exorbitant amount of work done in the course of a week in another country under conditions
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that are sometimes really difficult.” Schmidt says it’s only possible because God is using each volunteer. Progression of relationships She’s returned to Eagles Wings Children’s Village in Uganda five times and sponsors several resident children. “It’s been really special to see the progression of relationships,” she says. Local staff leave a lasting impression. Ugandan engineering technologist Paul helped the EMI team with the site surveys, getting the opportunity to work with real – and top-of-the-line – equipment for the first time. A student during Schmidt’s first visit, Paul is now the first member of his family to have graduated from university. Paul “had a lot of questions for us,” says Schmidt. “And we also
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learned a lot from him – insight into the local culture that helped us design something that would be useful to them.” (Schmidt explains that the style of sanitation facilities she designs in Uganda may not be appropriate in India – and both differ from North American preferences.) “This isn’t about us going over to some country and imparting our engineering knowledge on the people we meet,” says Schmidt. “It’s being willing to listen and learn and walking beside instead of in front.” Lessons of joy and heartbreak “Some days, the weight of humanity is crippling,” Schmidt says, recalling the face of a child she met in Haiti before the earthquake. Then she remembers these burdens aren’t hers to carry. “It doesn’t make all this injustice okay, but at the end of the day, I still choose to believe that God is good.” At a Child of Mine orphanage in India, the director told her how God had answered their prayer for a bus to transport the children
PHOTO: COURTESY JAIMEE SCHMIDT
BR ANDON, Man.
Jaimee Schmidt tests soil in Rwanda
to school – 17 years later. “I was humbled by the joy and thanksgiving they had,” she says. “God reminded me of what it means to pray. “My faith and my image of God look a lot different now than before I started doing all this,” she says. “I can believe God is good in the midst of things that don’t make sense to me.” The irony is that Schmidt never had any designs on becoming a missionary – and even fewer on being an engineer. “This life of ministry that I’ve kind of fallen into wasn’t something I thought of for myself,” she says. “And only God knows how I came out an engineer!”—Karla Braun
The recent book
It’s Been Good
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This book is an anecdotal review of the author’s life. The original title was to be From Sea to Sea to Sea. But this book is more than episodes of Ernie’s teaching experiences in the West, Newfoundland and in the Arctic. It includes stories from nature, his years in Lithuania during retirement, his decade in counselling and on and on. Copies may be purchased directly from the author at
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December 2014
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FAMILY news
TR ANSITIONS
Shane Woodlief began as lead pastor at Dalhousie Community Church, Calgary, Oct. 19, 2014. He holds a BA and MA from Andersonville Theological Seminary, Camilla, Ga., and an associate degree in pastoral ministry from Bob Jones University, Greenville, S.C. He has served as care pastor at Grace Park Church, White House, Tenn., and associate pastor at New Life Community Baptist Church, Duncan, B.C., 2007–2014. Shane and Lori have 2 children: Conor, Mackensey. Chris Walker joined the team of Meadow Brook Church, Leamington, Ont., in August 2014, as teaching pastor. Chris has a BTh from Masters College and Seminary, Peterborough, Ont.; MTS from Tyndale Semi-
BIRTHS BUSHMAN – to Derek & Lindsey of Watrous, Sask., a son, Brooks Kohen, Oct. 17, 2014. DICKIE – to Tyler & Amanda (Unger) of Swift Current, Sask., a son, Evan James, July 25, 2014.
JANSEN – to Aaron & Tanya of Watrous, Sask., a son, Adam Christopher, Oct. 7, 2014. PENNER – to Joshua & Melissa of Winnipeg, a son, Jaxon Benjamin, Aug. 9, 2014. REMPEL – to Steve & Veronika of Richmond, B.C., a daughter, Britta Anneloore, Oct. 3, 2014.
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David Olson began as associate pastor at Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church Oct. 1, 2014. He holds BAs from Prairie Bible College, Three Hills, Alta, and Crown College (formerly St. Paul Bible College), Minn.; an MDiv from Bethel Theological Seminary, St. Paul; and a DMin from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Ill. David’s ministry began in Wetaskiwin, Alta., and he went on to serve churches in Minnesota, North Dakota, Ore., and Three Hills. From 2000–2011, he taught in the Bible/ Theology department and directed the pastoral and church ministry department at Prairie. After retirement in 2011, he served as a transitional pastoral leader. David and Karen have 4 children, 8 grandchildren.
WIEBE – to Geovanni & Sondra (Sawatzky) of Abbotsford, B.C., a son, Luke Daniel, Oct. 7, 2014. WIEBE – to Peter & Melanie (Harder) of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Olivia Jane, Sept. 25, 2014. WUNDER – to Bryce & Paulina of Foam Lake, Sask., a son, Emmett Tyrese, Sept. 23, 2014.
DYCK – to Rudy & Silvia Dyck of Winnipeg, a son, Austin Rudy, Oct. 17, 2014.
WARKENTIN – to Jared & Kate (Rueckwald) of Kitchener, Ont., a son, Caleb, Oct. 24, 2014.
nary, Toronto, and is currently a PhD student at McMaster Divinity College, Hamilton, Ont. He has previously pastored 13 years with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada in Grimsby, Amherstburg and Sudbury, Ont. Chris and Sarah have 2 children.
WEDDINGS Brook BURICK of Swan River, Man., & Kelly BARTEL of Lethbridge, Alta., Sept. 20, 2014. Sean DUPUIS of Myrnam, Alta., & Kenzie DONKERSGOED of Coaldale, Alta., July 26, 2014. Diego DYCK & Anna HAM, both of Coaldale, Alta., July 12, 2014. Luke FROESE & Daniella DOERKSEN, both of Coaldale, Alta., Sept. 13, 2014.
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Phil HARDER of Moore Park, Man., & Connie JANZEN of Killarney, Man., July 5, 2014. Jeff JANZ & Megan STEWART, both of Chilliwack, B.C., June 8, 2014. Nathan JANZEN of Coaldale, Alta., & Michelle SANTANGELO of Lethbridge, Alta., Aug. 30, 2014. Ryan JANZEN of Coaldale, Alta., & Kristen CAMPBELL of Edmonton, June 29, 2014.
Jeff MacLeod began as lead pastor at Evergreen Heights Christian Fellowship, Simcoe, Ont., September 2014. He has an MDiv from Tyndale Seminary, Toronto, and has previously served 11 years in ministry capacities including youth pastor at Bethel Gospel Tabernacle, Hamilton, Ont., associate pastor at Calvary Church, Simcoe, Ont., and as director of a Mission Services’ homeless shelter/ addiction centres in Hamilton, Ont. Jeff and Kerri have 3 children: Julia, Reagan, Tate. Carmyn Campbell began as half-time pastor of community care at The Meeting Place, Winnipeg, September 2014. A classroom teacher for 2 years, she has more than a decade of volunteer ministry experience at McIvor Avenue MB Church, Winnipeg. Carmyn is married to James.
ANNIVERSARIES
BERGEN: Jake & Elsie Bergen celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary with their 6 children in Winnipeg, November 2014. The Bergens were married Oct. 7, 1949, in Steinbach (Man.) MB Church with Jake’s father officiating.
DUECK: Roy and Eva Dueck of Chilliwack, B.C., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug 31, 2014, with family and friends at their daughter’s home in Greendale. They were married Sept. 4, 1964, at Killarney Park Church, Vancouver.
Woodrow KLASSEN of Watrous, Sask., & Alana SCHMIDT of Barrhead, Alta., June 21, 2014. Jordan SPERLING of Coaldale, Alta., & Katelin BONK of Vibank, Sask., June 29, 2014. Christopher WARKENTIN & Connie STAUTH, both of Winnipeg, Sept. 20, 2014. Kyle WIENS of Coaldale, Alta., & Cloe ROACH of Saskatoon, July 19, 2014.
BROWN: Art & Nettie Brown celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a dinner at Justice (Man.) MB Church. They were married May 24, 1964, in Boissevain (Man.) MB Church.
SLEZAK: John & Ruth Slezak of Justice, Man., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends. They were married July 25, 1964, in Middlebro (Man.) Gospel Chapel.
Associate pastor since January 2011, Jeff Froese resigned from Northwest Community Church, Meadow Lake, Sask., effective Sept. 30, 2014. Jeff is going to work for MLA Jeremy Harrison. Cory Bell will finish his service at Eastview Community Church, Winnipeg, in December 2014. He began working part-time in student ministry in 2009 and became full-time pastor in 2011. Cory has accepted a position as senior high and young adult pastor at The Meeting House, Oakville, Ont.
Pastor serves Justice for 25 years JUSTICE, Man.
thank you
On Sept. 7, 2014, the congregation of Justice (Man.) MB Church celebrated the 25 years pastor Gerry Harms has served the congregation. Before Harms was called to Justice as a bivocational pastor in 1989, the church was seriously considering shutting down, but the new pastor didn’t see a reason the doors should close on this small country church. Twenty-five years later, the church is still there, and so is he. Harms has held a variety of jobs outside the church, working as a carpenter and farm labourer. It’s helped him be not only part of the rural community but also of the congregation. “How long can you talk to a pastor about nothing?” he laughs. “We can talk about cultivating or combining because I’m involved; that opens doors.” And, of course, Harms serves in the church: encouraging the seniors, working with the youth, teaching Sunday School from adults to children, participating in Bible studies, Christmas choir programs and Christmas Eve services. He and his wife Nora treat everyone special. Throughout the years, Gerry and Nora’s dedicated service of active love, compassion and encouragement for others has created solid relationships within their congregation, says church member Ruth Slezak. “This church that love built is still a light in the community.” The anniversary service featured messages of appreciation from members of the congregation, followed by guest speaker Bert Bell, former CCMBC stewardship staff, now pastor of community care at Portage Avenue Church, Winnipeg. Mary Willms encouraged Harms with 2 Corinthians 8:11: “Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.” “We never expected [to stay 25 years in one place],” says Harms; he’s simply never felt God calling him away. “We feel God has given me a place I can serve. People have been gracious, and it works.” —submitted by Justice MB Church
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CHURCH STA FF Pastor
Cornerstone Community (MB) Church, Prince Rupert, B.C., is seeking an experienced pastor to minister to a congregation of approximately 40 people. The successful candidate will provide leadership, vision and pastoral care to the congregation and offer the varied and flexible skills required in a smaller setting. The candidate should carry the call of pastor/teacher with a strong evangelistic leaning and have a love for both the church and unchurched in the community. Although not essential, musical abilities would be a great asset. Applications with a cover letter and resume should be made to mbchurch@citytel.net, attention Mr. B. Buhr or call 250-627-1033.
CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY
Tenure-Track Faculty Positions Psychology | Biology | Music | Conflict Resolution Studies Canadian Mennonite University invites applications or nominations for tenure-track positions in Psychology, Biology, and Music. Menno Simons College invites applications or nominations for a tenure-track position in Conflict Resolution Studies. Full position profiles and other details can be found at cmu.ca/ employment
Pastor of Youth Ministries
Port Rowan MB Church is prayerfully looking for a full-time pastor of youth ministries. The applicant must be passionate about discipling youth and seeing them mature in Christ. Primary responsibilities: provide direction and leadership to the junior and senior youth ministries; effectively communicate God’s Word; nurture and develop smooth transitions through our youth ministries. Please check out our website for more information: www.portrowanmbchurch. com. interested candidates need to send their resumes attention Jeff Reimer, Port Rowan MB Church, 465 – 1st Concession Rd., Port Rowan, ON, Canada, N0E 1M0, or email reimerj@kwic.com.
Applications and/or nominations should be sent to: Director of Human Resources, hrdirector@cmu.ca Canadian Mennonite University 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2 Canada | www.cmu.ca
COMING EVENTS
Lead Pastor
Pastors Credentialing Orientation
Portage Avenue (MB) Church, Winnipeg, welcomes applicants for the position of lead pastor. We have a community outreach program that includes Drive-thru Prayer. Please see our website www.pachurch.ca. Resumes should be sent to Chair Search Team. E-mail: paulsfd@mymts.net
June 9–11, 2015
Associate Pastor
The Upper Room at 83 Henderson Highway, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Study Conference & Annual General Meeting October 21–23, 2015 Westwood Community Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba
North Fresno MB Church in Fresno, Cal., is seeking a passionate and gifted individual for the role of associate pastor of children and family ministries. This is a full-time position with benefits. Visit www.northfresnochurch.org for details. Resumes can be sent to Aaron Wiens, search team chair, at docwiens@gmail.com.
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Finish lines
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.—2 Timothy 4:7
Johan (John) M. Wiens May 19, 1922–Jan. 6, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Nova Prokowska, Russia PARENTS: John J. & Helena Wiens MARRIAGE: Martha Born, Nov. 28, 1943 [d. January 2006] CHURCH: Westside, Morden, Man. FAMILY: children Robert (Marlene), David (Ruth), John (Sharron), Linda (Randy) Earl; 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 6 siblings
Due to revolutionary upheaval, John’s parents decided to immigrate to Canada in 1927, settling in Morden, Man. Except for a few years during WWII, John lived, worked and participated in public life in Morden. John and Martha’s marriage was filled with love, hard work, family and church. John was blessed with physical strength, and one of his great joys was to see the results of his work. He enjoyed good health until his first stroke in 2004. He recovered and things were well until Martha died after 62 years of marriage. In February 2013, John had a second stroke and was diagnosed with cancer. With support, he was able to return home and enjoy a good quality of life. He finished life with his strong faith intact.
Agnes (Nettye) Alicie Dyck Feb. 12, 1926–Apr. 19, 2014 BIRTHPLACE: Hepburn, Sask. PARENTS: Nickolai & Anna Wiens MARRIAGE: Abram Dyck, Nov. 17, 1951 [d. Dec. 31, 2011] BAPTISM: Leamington (Ont.) MB CHURCH: Vineland (Ont.) MB (Now Southridge) FAMILY: children Irene (Henry), Marvin (Edith), Arthur (Suzanne), Gerald (Evelyne), Bill (Donna), Larry (Marg), Ruth (Dave); 21 grandchildren; 8 greatgrandchildren
After a devastating harvest during the dirty thirties, Nettye’s family moved from their farm in Holmfield, Man., to rented land in Killarney, Man. In 1937, they sold their animals because they had no feed and moved to Leamington, Ont. At 11, Nettye picked berries to help support her family but returned to school long enough to finish Grade 8. While living in a shack for $5 a month, Nettye accepted Jesus at 13. Her first job was at the HJ Heinz factory, where she worked, eventually in management, until her marriage. Leaving her family to move to the farm at Campden,
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Ont., required a pioneering spirit and ability to “do without.” Nettye and Abe were united in their love for the Lord, his work and his workers. Nettye directed her children to God and prayed for them daily. She hosted groups of 20 or more regularly. Nettye loved music; she met Abe at a songfest and taught all her children piano, without knowing how to play herself. She called her plants her “babies” and shared produce with friends and family. Nettye had a stroke Apr. 9.
Annie Koop July 16, 1925–June 9, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Tschongrau, Ukraine PARENTS: Jakob & Anna Janzen MARRIAGE: Daniel Koop, Apr. 30, 1960 BAPTISM: age 19 CHURCH: McIvor Avenue MB, Winnipeg FAMILY: Daniel; children Irv (Lil), Eleanor (Bill) Kaethler, Irene (Allan) Labun, Vern (Agnes), Helen (John) Dyck, Erica (Jake) Enns, Viola (Ed) Giesbrecht, Elvira (Henry) Paetkau, Sherryl, Lorie (Ralph) Mayer; 29 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; 6 greatgreat-grandchildren
Annie’s childhood home was filled with love, faith, laughter and music. When war broke out, the men of her family were taken, but Annie, her mother, and sister escaped to Germany and reunited with her grandparents in Canada. Annie and Daniel, a widower with 8 children, had 2 more children. Annie’s one constant was her faith in Jesus, demonstrated through service, prayer and selfless love for her community, church and family. Annie worked hard to become an X-ray and laboratory technician, then a medical clinic manager. She prayed daily for every family member. She was always ready to listen and ever present at significant events. Annie and Daniel opened their home to thousands. Together, they met challenges and joys with prayer, laughter and affection, continuing to flirt with each other into their advancing years. When Annie became ill, Daniel was a constant support.
Peter Stobbe Mar. 26, 1924–July 1, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Waldheim, Ukraine PARENTS: Henry & Susan Stobbe MARRIAGE: Mary Nettie Neufeld, July 23, 1949 [d. 2010] CHURCH: Richmond Park MB, Brandon, Man.
FAMILY: children Lynda Marie [d.], David (Candace), Edith (Tim Muri), Gordon (Elizabeth), Elaine, Douglas, Karen (Don) Kehler; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings
Peter’s family immigrated to Canada in 1924, settling in Harding, Man. After 10 years, they moved by wagon train to Alexander, Man. At 17, Peter found peace through the forgiveness of his sins. During WWII, he served Brandon Mental Health Centre (BMHC) as a care attendant. While attending Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute, Peter met Mary. They enjoyed farming. Losing their 2-year-old was a test of faith, but Peter and Mary experienced much love and comfort knowing they would be reunited in the family of God. In 1957, they moved to Brandon, Man., where Peter earned a psychiatric nursing degree and again served BMHC. After his career in nursing and social work, he studied to become a benefit administrator for Canada Pension Plan, where he remained until his retirement. Peter and Mary had several foster children. Peter loved golfing, cross-country skiing and curling. He was always a positive role model to those around him. Volunteering for MCC, church and community events gave him pleasure.
Kari Marie Koehn Stewart June 17, 1977–July 15, 2014 BIRTHPLACE: Burnaby, B.C. PARENTS: Herb & Wilma Koehn MARRIAGE: Jordan Stewart, May 4, 2013 BAPTISM: Willingdon MB, Burnaby CHURCH: Maple Ridge (B.C.) FAMILY: Jordan; her parents; brothers Kevin (Susi), Nathan (Anna), Jason; in-laws; nieces & nephews
Kari accepted Jesus as Saviour at 5, and her relationship with him remained the most important in her life. At 10, she experienced chest pains and shortness of breath from idiopathic cardiomyopathy. She had a heart transplant in 1989 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Life was challenging, physically and emotionally, but Kari trusted God completely, knowing that her life could be short. She was fluent in sign language, a skill she used in her profession as an educational assistant. Kari had compassion for hurting and challenged children. She gave many summers to working at children’s camps and took several mission trips to Mexico and Cuba. Her desire was to share Jesus. Kari married the love of her life, Jordan, and a year later was admitted into hospital with complications to her heart and kidneys. Following several procedures, she died.
Lydia Peters Schroeder Dec. 19, 1918–Sept. 7, 2014 BIRTHPLACE: Szczecin, Poland (then Stettin, Germany) PARENTS: Karl & Maria Pump MARRIAGE: William John Peters, 1946 [d. 1971]; Martin Schroeder, 1975 [d. 2011] BAPTISM: Vancouver MB, Oct. 1, 1939 CHURCH: Central Heights MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: children Lynda (David) Pierce, Judy (Jeff Martin), Bob (Linda), Bonnie (CJ Neufeld), Dennis [d.] (Susan); 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 brother
Lydia endured hard times in Germany and Russia before she came to Canada in 1929, settling in Vancouver. Lydia and William raised 5 children in Abbotsford, B.C. She was a busy wife and mother without much time for herself. After William died, she married Martin in 1975. Lydia enjoyed oil painting, bowling, travelling and playing the piano. Faith and church were integral parts of her life. She took joy in her grandchildren, focusing her life around family. Her kind nature stayed with her. Lydia always put others first.
Johanna Marie van Kuik July 13, 1947–Sept. 10, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Chortitz, Sask. PARENTS: John D. & Mary Friesen MARRIAGE: Dirk van Kuik, Dec. 21, 1972 CHURCH: Hepburn (Sask.) MB BAPTISM: Hague (Sask.) Gospel, 1963 FAMILY: Dirk; sons Bryant (Lynette), Ryan (Juanita), Clinton (Dianne); 7 granddaughters; 1 brother
Johanna accepted Jesus at a young age and lived her life for Christ in her family, church and community. In her teens, her family moved to Saskatoon. She studied at Steinbach (Man.) Bible College before working one year in Winnipeg. She returned to work at the University of Saskatoon library. Johanna met Dirk through mutual friends. Together they owned a dairy farm in Hepburn, Sask. Although she struggling with health issues for 25 years, Johanna enjoyed planting flowers, sewing, playing piano, baking, reading, spending time with her grandchildren, having coffee with others and camping or travelling with Dirk. Being part of a prayer group and small group was vital to her life. Johanna was known for being a good listener, encourager and caring wife, mom and friend. After being diagnosed with pneumonia and a blood clot, she slipped into a coma and never woke. Her family surrounded her.
Mary Ellen Epp
Mary Balzer
Aug. 6, 1951–Sept. 22, 2014
Jan. 15, 1922–Sept. 29, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Rosthern, Sask. PARENTS: David & Elizabeth Dueck MARRIAGE: Kenneth Epp, Sept. 1, 1973 CHURCH: Main Centre (Sask.) MB FAMILY: Ken; children Jeremy (Dana), Janna (Darren), Jonathan; 2 grandchildren; her mother; 7 siblings
Mary earned her RN degree at Galt School of Nursing, in Lethbridge, Alta., where she met Ken. She worked as an RN in Dawson Creek, B.C., for 3 years, before moving to Caronport, Sask., for Ken’s studies at Briercrest Bible College. In 1979, she continued her nursing career at Herbert (Sask.) Nursing Home, where she remained until retirement in June 2014. Mary’s compassion was shaped by her faith in Jesus. She loved music, gardening and being with friends and family. Mary and Ken drove, flew and cruised to adventure all over the world. Mary spent her last days under the superlative care of her former colleagues at Herbert Hospital.
Luella Dueck July 12, 1952–Sept. 26, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Memrik, Ukraine PARENTS: Jacob Friesen & Helene Janzen MARRIAGE: David Balzer, July 22, 1945 [d.] BAPTISM: Griswold (Man.) MB, 1939 CHURCH: McIvor Avenue MB Church, Winnipeg FAMILY: children Ron (Lore), Linda Janzen (Robert), Edwin [d.], Lorraine (Denis Philippot); 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 1 brother
Mary’s family immigrated to Canada in 1925, settling in Alexander, Man. She finished Grade 8 and did domestic work on farms. Her greatest joy was attending Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute for 2 years. While living in Winnipeg, through her friend Katharina Balzer, she met David. Besides being a wife and mother, Mary did various jobs, discovering a gift for floral work. Mary loved her family and strived to teach them about Jesus. She had a servant heart and spent countless hours tending to her parents. She loved gardening, entertaining, golfing, curling, bowling and taking long walks. Mary kept a journal, a compilation of family events and praises to Jesus. She died with her family around her.
Gustav Barkman Dueck Dec. 23, 1924–Oct. 9, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Altona, Man. PARENTS: Frank R. & Annie Siemens MARRIAGE: Carl Dueck, May 10, 1980 BAPTISM: Grant Memorial Baptist, Winnipeg CHURCH: Winkler (Man.) MB; Steinbach (Man.) MB FAMILY: Carl; children Melissa, Eric (Autumn); 5 siblings
Luella and Carl enjoyed working together on renovating their homes in Kleefeld, Winkler and Steinbach, Man. She had a wide taste in music and movies and a knack for repurposing things most people would throw away. Luella was a fan of Tupperware, selling it for years. She enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen. Luella and Carl travelled to the Philippines, Japan, Spain and southern Europe. Luella lived with depression, but had the strength and perseverance to keep going. Luella had a strong faith in Jesus and loved to praise him through singing and daily Bible reading. March 2009, Luella was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. She had several rounds of chemotherapy, and during her year with no active cancer, she and Carl visited Thailand and Vietnam. Before dying at home surrounded by family, Luella saw her first grandchild’s ultrasound.
BIRTHPLACE: RM of Hanover, Man. PARENTS: Peter F. & Aganetha Dueck MARRIAGE: Betty Kehler, June 24, 1951 BAPTISM: 1951 CHURCH: Steinbach (Man.) MB FAMILY: Betty; children Deborah (Brian) Schwark, Theresa (Bill) Dyck, Lucille (Bob) Rempel, Conrad (Kristine); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 3 siblings
Gustav served the church, teaching Sunday school, leading youth groups and taking leadership roles. He always made time for family and friends. His interests included history, genealogy and math. A servant to the community, Gustav served several terms on the Mitchell UVD committee. He sang in the choir and played organ and violin. A published author, Gustav also wrote an unpublished book of anecdotes from his life. A lover of nature and wildlife, Gustav grew a vast vineyard at his home in Mitchell, Man. He was a dedicated provider, working at Derksen Printers for 40 years. In retirement, he contributed weekly weather statistics to The Carillon newspaper. He won awards for his advertising design. Gustav’s strength and joy was being with people. Visitors and messages of love through his cancer journey were so important to him.
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One-man play calls audience to hear another story WINNIPEG
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an fiction create a conversation where study has led only to argument? Some 20 MB and Mennonite church members who sponsored a presentation of Ted Swartz’s play on relationships, sexuality and the church at Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute, Winnipeg, Nov. 11, 2014, hope the audience came to listen. Listening for Grace: Variations on a Theme of Struggle and Hope is created and acted by the U.S. Mennonite actor and humourist. Swartz plays five different characters, based on interviews and stories from same-sex attracted individuals and their families. Swartz’s play does not promote an agenda, explains the show’s website, but “teaches the transformative power of listening.” The Mennonite Brethren conference has heard theological teaching on homosexuality at the board of faith and life’s “Honouring God with the Body” study conference Oct. 16–18, 2013, and will continue to explore the subject at “God, Sex and Church” study conference in 2015.
Swartz’s format isn’t a theological study or discussion. “Plays touch on the emotions,” says Manitoba MB conference pastor Keith Poysti. The conference is not endorsing the play; however, “It’s good for us to listen and hear respectfully,” says Poysti. John Unger, retired pastor of Fort Garry MB Church, Winnipeg, and part of the sponsoring group, sees the play as “a way to help the church begin to listen to one another. “It seems such a polarized conversation. [Listening for Grace] kind of pulls it apart and gives voice to five different perspectives,” including a father who learns his son is gay, a deacon, and the son himself, says Unger. He hopes the play is not taken as propaganda, but a nudge to ask “Where is God’s grace among us in this whole story?” “Since the [study conference], my wife and I have had a constant stream of people approaching us with their stories.” Unger shared there about his own
a new play about relationships sexuality and the church
GRACE
experience as a father of LISTENING FOR an adult who experiences same-sex attraction. He receives calls learn more about the play and join the conversation at LISTENINGFORGRACE.COM from church leaders on the subject and has had a stranger approach him in a hardware store. “We’ve not been good listeners around this whole conversation,” says Unger. “Listening has to do with maintaining relationship.” He observes that, for the parents of same-sex attracted children who comprise the sponsoring group, “you can count on one hand or less the number of children who have come out as gay or lesbian or transgender who are still in the church in some way. Many of us don’t know a single gay or lesbian person in our churches – because they’ve all left or are in hiding.” When people experience same-sex attraction, “you come smack up against suffering,” Poysti says. “But to think we can live without suffering as Christians is ridiculous.” “I don’t know that we’re going to change anybody’s mind on anything,” says Unger, “except perhaps to open up the space for conversation to say, ‘you’re still my brother, my sister. I disagree with you, but I hear some of your story.’”—Karla Braun VARIATIONS ON A THEME OF STRUGGLE AND HOPE
written and performed by Ted Swartz music by Patrick Ressler and Justin Yoder directed by Ingrid de Sanctis developed through Shenandoah International Playwrights Ink
CURRENT books Resonate: Enjoying God’s Gift of Music MARK BEUVING Zondervan ith broad-ranging examples and a deep appreciation for many styles of music, Mark Beuving examines the complexities of music and our ability to honour God through it. In this two-part book, he explores a theological and practical basis of understanding for music, then calls the reader to rethink the categories we use to measure our enjoyment of it. Regardless of the genre, he concludes, we must worship the Creator over the creation.—Ben Harapiak, North Kildonan MB, Winnipeg
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Intersection
of faith & life
The time of our life PHIL WAG LER
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ur days are full of time. Our days are chronological, even if not always logical. We wake up. We eat breakfast. We head to school, work or appointments. Every day is guided by the unceasing second hand that, rather morbidly, is always counting us down, even as the years add up. The New Testament speaks of time in two ways. There is chronos (i.e., chronology, the movement of time by clock and calendar) and there is kairos (i.e., the opportune time, the right moment). Time ticks along. But time, Isaac Watts reminds us, “sweeps away all things with it which are not immortal.” Have you ever looked ahead with anticipation at an event, a day, a moment on the calendar, a time on the clock? Suddenly, it’s over. Chronos is a thief. It steals forever the moment, and it’s gone. A memory is all that remains, and even it fades with, well, time. Just the right time But there are a handful of times in our lives that are “just the right time” – moments when the immortal invades and stakes its claim on our analogue or digital realities. And they are game changers; life-transforming moments that define the trajectory of our linear days from that moment forward. These are the “just the right times” that propel us into a land time forgets. Kairos does not necessarily mark a calendar, but it does mark our souls. We unsuspectingly engage a conversation no one could have orchestrated. We end up in a situation too good to be true. We avoid an accident, or end up in one. We make a decision that seemed right at the chronos, but that proves disastrous and leaves us asking questions we never would have considered had time not let us down or conspired against us. Kairos interrupts, and our “on time” gets inverted into “the right time.”
These are opportune times, and everyone has them, but few of us maximize them. Further, few of us have people in our lives to help us make the most of them. We’re busy running by the clock, but Jesus made disciples in these moments. Matthew 26:17–18 reads this way: On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?” He replied, “Go into the city to a certain
What if, in the similar times of our lives, these moments are when we are finally open to transformation? Jesus maximized these otherwise mundane moments in a chronological world. He even seemed determined to upset chronos. He determinedly sent his disciples into situations they didn’t know what to do
Kairos interrupts, and our “on time” gets inverted into “the right time.” man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house’” (italics added). Guess what word “appointed time” is? Yup: kairos. There had been other Passovers, but none like this one. This was the teachable moment, the moment of liminality, of stretching and growing, of unravelling and redefining. Something unforgettable and transforming was happening. Heaven breaking in Over and over again, Jesus makes kairos out of what seems nothing. Some fishermen are having a bad day on the water. Zacchaeus climbs a tree. A blind man screams to be healed. Some blokes with a paralyzed friend push through the crowds. Children scramble to be near him. Sometimes we call these interruptions. Jesus made them kairos. They weren’t interruptions, but heaven breaking in.
with. He seemed to enjoy manufacturing kairos that would stretch and grow his followers. In those times, their only hope was to commune with God, learn his reign, find their cross to carry, learn love and grace, trust the new community and be strengthened for the commission to go. One of the keys to making disciples is awakening them to God’s timely use of these kairos moments. There is tick-tocktick-tock, and there are moments when the alarm clock blares. Maximize those moments. After all, you know Jesus has done this more than once in your time. Phil Wagler lives in Surrey, B.C., where he and his family are part of Gracepoint Community Church. He serves as training and team health team leader with MB Mission and keeps getting surprised by God’s opportune use of time.
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