MB Herald June 2014

W W W. M B H E R A L D.CO M

J U N E 2 014

CELEBRATING

BAPTISMS UNPACKING CCMBC’s MiSSiON

93

-year-old hosts Alpha

tribute to

Carlin Weinhauer

Volume 53, No. 6 Publications mail registration number: 09648; Agreement number: 40009297

Learning to soar S T E V E AT K I N S O N

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had just launched my kite when a five-year-old child came alongside me, determined to fly the kite by himself.

I tried to help him, but he really didn’t want assistance, so I let him attempt it alone.

The kite made it a few feet off the ground then fell. The boy tried a few times but wasn’t able to get the kite into the air by himself.

Eventually, I was able to convince him to allow for my help.

Together, we got the kite into the air and the little boy grew in confidence as he noticed how we were able to control the kite with our arms. He then pushed me away – and the kite plummeted to the ground.

I helped him over and over again, but as soon as the kite took flight, he pushed me away. Each time, the kite would stay up for a short time, flutter while the boy frantically flailed his arms, then tumble to the ground.

Later, while I was spending time before God in silence and solitude, listening to what he wanted to say to me, I felt compelled

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to think through that image. God reminded me that I was just like that little boy.

God has invited us into his mission for the world, but we aren’t going to get very far if we don’t allow him to help us. In my memory of the boy with the kite, I saw a picture of the intimacy of God helping us. God is not a dictator who looks down on us; he is a loving father who wraps his arms around us and allows us to lean on him for support.

God doesn’t need our help to complete his mission for the world – just like I didn’t need that child’s help to fly my kite – but he invites us into his work even though he knows we will make many mistakes.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 40:29–31 Steve Atkinson attends Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C., and has just graduated with a BA in intercultural studies from Columbia Bible College.

He spent his internship year on MB Mission’s TREK program in Central Asia, where he had the experience written about here. A version of this article first appeared in MB Mission’s September 2013 Daily Prayer Calendar.

FEATURES 5 Building community Pastoral letter from the Board of Faith and Life –Brian Cooper

8 Executive director Introducing a new mission statement –Willy Reimer

9 Church multiplication Churches embrace Christ’s teaching to multiply disciples –Gladys Terichow

10 Church multiplication Let’s go down to the water: Four churches celebrate Easter baptisms in the Pacific –Laura Kalmar

12 Provincial news

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 PDF SUBSCRIPTION Email kbraun@mbconf.ca to subscribe via email

AEFMQ: Trilingual brothers and sisters in unity on mission Quebec conference convention, Apr. 11–12, 2014 –Karla Braun

14 BCMB: Partnership and prayer permeate convention B.C. conference convention, May 2–3, 2014 –Barrie McMaster

COLUMNS 4 Editorial Rising from the waters: The celebration of baptism –Laura Kalmar

DEPARTMENTS 6 Homepage 21 News in brief 22 News in story 30 Transitions, births, weddings, anniversaries 32 Finish lines [Obituaries] 34 Crosscurrents

16 Being the Church A Mennonite Brethren vision of the family of God –Doug Heidebrecht

19 Viewpoint Being a witness: the end of the beginning –Luke Heidebrecht

25 Tribute Carlin Weinhauer

35 Intersection of faith and life God’s recipe for making true love –Sandra Reimer

COVER PHOTO: Norm Funk baptizes his son Micah. See ”Let’s go down to the water,” pages 10–11.

PHOTOGRAPHER: Ryan Schroeder enjoys creating visual media of all sorts. At his production company, Transposition Films (tfilms. co), he and business partner Josh Knepper aim to be missional through whatever they make, whomever they make it with. Ryan lives in Vancouver, B.C., with his wife Juliana. They’re expecting their first child this summer.

CORRECTION: Re Fairview Church anniversary, April 2014: Founding leaders were John Andres, John Janzen and Walter Unger.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD June 2014

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Editorial Rising from the waters: The celebration of baptism L AUR A K ALMAR

was raised in the Roman Catholic church.

My rebaptism in the Mennonite Brethren church was a defining moment in my life. I invited my parents to the service at Willingdon Church, Burnaby, B.C., but they graciously declined, probably nursing a mixture of bafflement and heartache.

Although my parents’ reaction was painful for me, I knew I needed to step into the water. Adult baptism was an opportunity to walk in obedience to Christ, witness to my faith and claim allegiance to the family of churches I’d chosen to serve.

At the time, I was an elementary school teacher. So I invited my Grade one class to sit around the baptismal tank (in the “splash zone,” as we called it) to observe – and maybe even get a little wet. Pastor John Wiens, with his good-natured character and enduring smile, made the event extra special.

At the last moment, my parents decided to come. I was grateful they could hear about the seeds of faith they – and many other Catholics in my life – had planted. It was a pivotal moment in my journey with Jesus.

Looking back Believer’s baptism is one of the most significant activities in our faith tradition.

Nearly 500 years ago, a secret baptism heralded the beginning of Anabaptism itself. On a dark winter’s night in 1525, near Zurich, Switzerland, George Blaurock and a small band of men retreated to the home of Felix Manz. The dozen or so believers were keen to see the gospel preached, but felt disillusioned by some of the church’s teachings, particularly around infant baptism. That night, the Holy Spirit led them to take startling action: [They] began to bow their knees to the Most High God in heaven and called upon him as the Informer of Hearts, and they prayed that he would give to them his divine will and that he would show his mercy unto them…. After the prayer, George of the House of Jacob stood up and besought Conrad Grebel for God’s sake to baptize him with the true Christian baptism upon his faith and knowledge.

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And when he knelt down with such a request and desire, Conrad baptized him, since at that time there was no ordained minister to perform such work.

That baptism changed the course of history for thousands of people – some to the point of martyrdom.

Looking forward Today, baptism continues to hold a central place for Mennonite Brethren: “We believe that when people receive God’s gift of salvation, they are to be baptized in the Pastor John Neufeld baptizes Chuck Ducharme at The name of the Father, Son and Meeting Place, Winnipeg, on Easter Sunday 2014.

Holy Spirit. Baptism is a sign of having been cleansed from sin. It is a covenant with the The darkened theatre stage at church to walk in the way of Christ through Winnipeg’s The Meeting Place was set to the power of the Spirit” (Confession awaken all the senses: a swimming pool of Faith). stood front and centre, three artists filled Baptism says we’re growing and mula giant canvas with colour and movement, tiplying as a church. We rejoice with every and a choir’s voices rang throughout the person who steps into the waters of bapworship service. At the end of the morning, tism and joyfully recognize the in-breaking 16 people had been baptized. of God’s kingdom on earth.

Fifty new brothers and sisters in Christ.

Hallelujah!

Resurrection Sunday This past Easter, if you had an aerial Sharing our stories view of our nation, you would’ve seen Last year, the Herald quietly phased dozens of MB congregations celebrating out our baptism section. Our decision was baptism in unique and diverse ways. In practical, based on the fact that fewer Vancouver, four churches took to the congregations were submitting baptism Pacific Ocean and baptized 29 new believinformation and photos. The baptism secers. (See pages 10–11.) tion had become an incomplete picture Highland Community Church of who we are as a denomination across (Abbotsford, B.C.) introduced several Canada. elements of symbolism to its baptism But theologically, believer’s baptism service. There was a water procession has always stood at the centre of the with containers of all sizes, and five Herald’s mandate. So we want to continue baptismal candidates wearing “baptismal telling the stories. Send us your reports clothing” as a visual representation of and testimonies – whether you’re a new Galatians 3:27. It was all celebration and church plant or long-established congrefanfare as 250 people danced, cheered gation – so we can all celebrate new life and listened to a retelling of the Exodus within our denomination. We’re ready and story, featuring actors clapping coconuts willing to sit in your “splash zone” for together to replicate the sound of the a while!

Egyptian army.

PHOTO: KRISTIN PAULS

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Pastoral letter from the Board of Faith and Life

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n October 2013, the Canadian MB Conference gathered in Edmonton for a Study Conference on human sexuality. These were days of teaching, dialogue, worship, prayer, reflection, telling and hearing stories, conversation and eating together.

As an MB family, the Study Conference grappled with the challenges of bringing hope and healing to the sexually broken, and took steps toward greater biblical and theological clarity on the increasingly contentious contemporary issues surrounding human sexuality. We explored the challenge of issuing Jesus’ summons and invitation to the path of transforming discipleship within the Canadian context, where sexual freedom in all its forms is both celebrated and defended as a human right.

Our time together was marked by warmth, laughter and inspiration; and while the board of faith and life affirms the widespread support it observed around the Mennonite Brethren confessional position on human sexuality, the board also recognizes that there were disagreements during the Conference’s conversations. The disagreements arose from the reality that within our Mennonite Brethren family there is some diversity of conviction about sexuality – for example, about the underlying issues that inform and shape an understanding of human sexuality, and about lovingly truthful responses to people who experience sexual pain or brokenness.

The Board of Faith and Life is therefore writing the Mennonite Brethren churches of Canada this extended pastoral letter in order to reaffirm Mennonite Brethren convictions about sexuality, to lay a foundation for appropriate pastoral responses and to recommend resources for further learning and growth in these matters.

Reaffirmations The fact that our Edmonton venue was packed for the Study Conference highlights that the topic being addressed was relevant and timely. We must continue learning how to address the issue of human sexuality and develop a faithful theology of human sexuality. Questions were raised that continue to merit our ongoing consideration. One pressing pastoral concern is how we identify and determine sexual norms.

Four criteria that Christians have used to shape a theological understanding and missional and pastoral responses to human sexuality are: experience (or intuition), reason, tradition and Scripture. However, science doesn’t work well as a moral arbiter. And in our pluralistic Canadian society, if we look to tradition, we must wrestle

with which tradition or whose tradition. Our culture consistently appeals to intuition – “Everyone thinks that what feels good must be right” – when in the throes of sexual arousal.1 An intuitive or experiential hermeneutic is also fallible: “Whole societies have condoned or even blessed a wide range of sexual behaviours we would call repellant.” What we need instead is theology – “words explaining what God has said.”

As “people of the Book,” we as Mennonite Brethren look to the Bible for God’s plan and purpose for human sexuality; here we have “what God has said.” The Study Conference was conducted within the parameters of our commitment to the Word of God: We believe that the entire Bible was inspired by God through the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit guides the community of faith in the interpretation of Scripture. The person, teaching and life of Jesus Christ bring continuity and clarity to both the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament bears witness to Christ, and Christ is the one whom the New Testament proclaims.

We accept the Bible as the infallible Word of God and the authoritative guide for faith and practice.2 Furthermore, the Study Conference was conducted within the parameters of our historical conviction and the commitment expressed within our MB Confession to live under the authority of the Scriptures. BFL calls on our churches to wrestle with the issues of human sexuality within this commitment, and to have Scripture, as God’s self-disclosure, guide and govern matters of belief and behaviour. BFL affirms the Bible as God’s Word and calls on our churches, leaders and teachers to expound the Word of God faithfully and to address the issues of sexual identity, sexual brokenness and sexual sin with grace and truth from the Scriptures.

Pastoral Missional Responses Faithful biblical proclamation will confront the enemies of the gospel — moralism, self-righteousness and licence — and uphold the wisdom and power of the gospel. The apostle John states: “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” 3 We are called by God to uphold His timeless truth infused continued on page 20

JUNE 2014 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.

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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.

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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 6 • Copy run: 16,000 THE MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD IS A PUBLICATION OF

1 John

Stackhouse, CCCMB Study Conference Plenary: “Sex, Freedom & Sexual Freedom: Understanding How We Got To Where We Are,” Edmonton, Oct 16, 2013.

2 MB

Confession of Faith, Article 2, Revelation of God.

3 John

1:17 MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD June 2014

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homepage Bethany College

TOSSING the CAP

More than

350 guests braved a spring snowstorm for the 87th closing weekend celebrations at Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask., that began with an evening service on Good Friday, April 18, 2014. Ministry arts instructor Tim Huebert directed a 42-voice choir and 15-piece band consisting of students, alumni and community members; Hepburn MB pastor Rod Schellenberg spoke, and Bethany’s ministry arts teams presented through music, drama and worship dance.

On campus the next day, Bethany College conferred degrees.

MB post-secondary institutions matriculate students

Bachelor of arts: 11 Bachelor of biblical studies: 15 Diploma of biblical studies: 30 Certificate of biblical studies: 1 TESOL certificates: 2 Read about more awards and faculty long-term service recognition at mbherald.com/bethany-graduation-2014

Canadian Mennonite University Make the future a figment of your imagination.

That was the message delivered to graduates on Canadian Mennonite University’s commencement weekend Apr. 25–27, 2014.

Columbia Bible College

Columbia Bible College held its 78th commencement ceremony Apr. 19, 2014, at Abbotsford (B.C.) Pentecostal Assembly. The 132 graduates comprised one of the largest graduating classes from Columbia.

“Like [the Apostle] Paul, grads, I pray that we never forget this simple message of loving others,” Northview Community Church member and class valedictorian Jason Thomassen (BA biblical studies; diploma youth work) exhorted his cohort. “In the midst of theology, education and knowledge, we are faced with the temptation to teach the world all that we know, but let us not forget to love the world, for in love, as Jesus reminds us, the law is fulfilled, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.’”

Bachelor of arts: 49

Diplomas: 35

Certificates: 48

Read about more awards and alumna of the year at mbherald.com/cbc-graduation-2014

“Faith in God compels us to imagine what the kingdom of God in our wildest dreams could be,” Don Friesen, lead pastor at Ottawa Mennonite Church for more than 30 years, said during his address Apr. 27, 2014, at Immanuel Pentecostal Church, Winnipeg.

“As we move from the academics and relationships that have marked our studies here at CMU, let us never forget to revisit and rethink what we’ve learned, to see old things with new eyes and new things with old eyes,” said valedictorian Scott Sawatzky. “Let us enact what we have learned here in a way that is never static but always grounded, never satisfied but always loving.”

The graduation service was the last of a number of events that occurred during graduation weekend, including a gala dinner, CMU’s annual In Gratitude presentation and spring concert.

Bachelor degrees: 78

Master of arts: 2

Certificates in biblical and theological studies: 2 Read more at mbherald.com/cmu-graduation-2014

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Joan Muehling became the first person to graduate from the MBBS Canada program offered in partnership with Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg. Muehling, who moved from Altona, Man., to Winnipeg in prepare for a career in chaplaincy, graduated with a master of arts in Christian ministry, Apr. 27, 2014. (l–r): Pierre Gilbert, Andrew Dyck (professors, MBBS Winnipeg), Bruce Guenther (president, MBBS Canada), Joan Muehling, Cheryl Pauls (president, CMU).

coming events Conference events:

cmbs.mennonitebrethren.ca W

The new website, cmbs.mennonitebrethren.ca, has improved search capabilities and expanded resources, including topical worship aids prepared by Christine Longhurst, searchable PDFs of publications such as The Mennonite Mirror and Die Mennonitische Rundschau, and indices of congregational content stored in the Winnipeg vault. Homepage sidebars pull in news and resources from CMBS and the wider Mennonite world.

“CMBS is the research and archiving service of the MB church, resourcing churches and their leaders for the mission of God that we share,” says director Jon Isaak.

mbchurches.ca Canadian conference staff have new email addresses.

You can now reach conference employees at firstname.lastname@mbchurches.ca. (mbconf.ca emails will continue to be forwarded)

MBBS ACTS

Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary Canada (Langley campus) conferred 11 degrees at its third commencement ceremony Apr. 19, 2014, as part of the ACTS Seminaries exercises at Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, B.C. David Horita, regional director of the Fellowship of Evangelical Baptist Churches Pacific, delivered the commencement address.

Diploma in Christian studies: 1 Master of arts in Christian studies: 3 Master of arts in marriage and family therapy: 2 Master of applied linguistics and exegesis: 1 Master of divinity: 3 Doctor of ministry: 1 “The five seminaries together help you see things from a different perspective,” says MA in Christian studies graduate Joe Kraftchick, while fellow MA CS graduate Ryley Heppner affirms MBBS’s denominational grounding: “I didn’t necessarily feel connected to the MB world before seminary, but now I do.” Deana Brandt, MA in marriage and family therapy graduate, says, “I don’t think I would be half the therapist I am if I didn’t have my theology.”

PHOTO: DUSTIN WIEBE

hether you’re planning a service on the sower and the seed, looking for a thesis by an MBBS student or hunting for family history, the Centre for MB Studies in Winnipeg can help.

June 8: AEFMQ rally, Centre culturel et communautaire Thérèse de Blainville, SainteThérèse, Que. June 9–11: PCO, ACTS Seminaries, Langley, B.C. June 11–14: Gathering 2014, Vancouver.

Sept. 23–25: C2C assessment centre, Calgary.

Oct. 6–8: ABMB pastor and spouse’s retreat, Canmore, Alta.

Oct. 6–8: SKMB pastor and spouse’s retreat, Dallas Valley Ranch Camp, Sask.

Nov. 4–6: C2C assessment centre, Toronto.

Nov. 17–20: C2C church planter retreat, Vancouver.

Partner events:

June 5: Columbia Open Golf Tournament, Redwoods Golf Course, Langley, B.C. June 10: Canadian Mennonite University president’s golf classic, Kingswood Golf and Country Club, La Salle, Man. June 16–27: Canadian School of Peacebuilding, Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg.

June 29–July 5: AmiCamp, Camp Peniel, Laurel, Que. July 11–20: MB Mission’s SOAR Vancouver Aug. 4–8: “Above the Rim” Bethany Eagles basketball camp, Hep Aug. 11–15: “Attack” Bethany Eagles volleyball camp, Hepburn, Sask.

Aug. 11–15: “On the pitch” Bethany Eagles soccer camp, Hepburn, Sask.

Aug. 11–15: “Dig it!” CMU youth volleyball camp, Winnipeg.

Aug. 11–15: “Ballin’” CMU youth basketball camp, Winnipeg.

Aug. 18–22: “Elite” Bethany Eagles volleyball camp, Hepburn, Sask.

Aug. 18–22: “Dig it!” CMU junior high volleyball camp, Winnipeg.

Aug. 18–22: “Golden Boot” CMU junior soccer camp, Winnipeg.

Aug. 18–22: “Ballin’” CMU junior high basketball camp, Winnipeg.

July 17–19, 2015: Mennonite World Conference Global Youth Summit, Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, Pa. July 21–26, 2015: Assembly 16 Mennonite World Conference, Harrisburg, Pa. View more events from churches, schools and agencies at mbherald.com/calendar.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Introducing a new mission statement

/ Willy Reimer

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n fall 2002, I attended Church Planting Canada’s congress in Montreal. Patrice Nagant, our current C2C Quebec regional director, toured us around Montreal and informed us of Quebec’s spiritual and political history and its overwhelming need for the gospel.

Willy Reimer

That day, I stood on Mount Royal and wept over Quebec’s spiritual need. It became clear to me that unless we worked together as a Canadian family of churches, we wouldn’t be able to give our Quebec churches the support they needed to reach out with the good news of Jesus. It had to be a joint effort of all Canadian evangelical churches.

We use the verb “multiply” because we’re praying for the Holy Spirit to develop in us a biblical mindset toward God’s purpose for the church – to increasingly give expression to the kingdom of God through the church by our participation in the great commandment and the great commission.

Multiplication is a biblical mindset. It’s not a formula, target or goal. It’s a mindset.

That event opened my heart to involvement in the Canadian conference (CCMBC), but never did I imagine I would serve in the role of executive director a dozen years later.

My belief in our need to work together as a family of churches and with other likeminded denominations has only increased.

We must repent of the individualism that plagues us personally and corporately.

The executive board also felt it was important for us to describe the kind of church we believe we’re called to multiply.

Therefore, we use the term “Christcentred.” We want to be about Jesus, glorifying him, honouring him and introducing people to him.

Not only is partnership a good strategy, it’s a biblical mandate. Paul continually challenged churches to support each other, and he thanked them when they did so. The resources God has given us are neither for our personal gratification nor solely for the benefit of our particular church. God has blessed us so we can be a blessing to others for his glory.

Unpacking our mission

Many people have asked why we use the phrase “to see Canada transformed.” First, our scope of responsibility as a Canadian conference is Canada. We partner with MB Mission in global outreach, but our specific concern is the spiritual welfare of Canada.

Second, we believe transformation is observable. When people enter into a lifechanging relationship with Jesus – moving from spiritual death to spiritual life – the transformation is observable. So we look toward the transformation of Canada one life at a time.

As you read this article, Mennonite Brethren from across Canada are travelling to Vancouver to attend Gathering 2014: Multiplying for Mission. Our national convention will process the new CCMBC mission statement we’ve been testing across Canada for the past year.

Finally, it’s the work of the Holy Spirit to change people. As God’s people communicate the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is at work in individual hearts.

CCMBC’s mission is “to multiply Christcentred churches to see Canada transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ.”

But there’s a problem. In fact, it’s the same problem Jesus addressed in the gospel of Luke. The problem isn’t our cultural context, the political correctness of

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Workers for the harvest

Canada or the openness of Canadians to the good news. Jesus identified the challenge when he said: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields” (Luke 10:2, NLT).

Jesus told his disciples to pray for workers for the harvest. Notice he didn’t tell them to pray for greater receptivity to the gospel, more courage, more resources or better strategies.

So how do we add workers to the harvest?

When God’s people spend time with God, they develop passion and interest in the things God is interested in. They learn that true joy is found in living in submission to the will of God, and they experience delight in following the leading of the Holy Spirit to do that which God calls them to do.

We know the need is great, and we understand God’s call on us as his people is to participate in his mission in Canada. I have two requests for all Canadian Mennonite Brethren: 1. Join others who, every day at 10:02, pray for Luke 10:2 to be answered in Canada.

2. Ask God to show you how you are the answer to the Luke 10:2 prayer in your world.

Delegates at Gathering 2014 will be praying, and I look forward to reporting all God is doing in us as we meet together to seek his face and follow his leading in Vancouver this June.

CHURCH MULTIPLICATION

PHOTO: GLADYS TERICHOW

Churches embrace Christ’s teaching to multiply disciples / Gladys Terichow

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hroughout Canada, Christ-centred churches are embracing the instructions given by Jesus to “make disciples of all nations.” At the Church Multiplication Conference in Calgary, Apr. 1–2, speakers emphasized that God’s purpose for all believers is a lifetime of spiritual growth and seeing others come to know Jesus and grow in faith.

“Jesus is building the church – we are called to make disciples,” says Henry Schorr, pastor of Centre Street Church, Calgary.

for some and 9 a.m. is a good time for others,” says Funk.

A discipleship culture, he says, is rooted in prayer, Scripture and worship services that focus on God. Disciple-making churches follow the example set by Jesus to build trusting relationships and pursue a lifestyle of generosity and simplicity.

Initiative 22 in Montreal is starting city groups that strive to be a family of missionary servants in specific neighbourhoods.

Thomas, co-author of Gospel Coach: Shepherding Leaders to Glorify God. However, if a church chooses to close, the closure service can be a celebration of the church’s life and the building and resources used for a new church plant.

“The grain of wheat, when it dies, bears much fruit,” he says.

Loving people in a place

Practical ideas

About 130 church leaders attended the conference that was co-sponsored by C2C Network and Outreach Canada.

“Missions is not something we do; it is what we are,” says lead pastor Dwight Bernier. “Our church doesn’t have programs – we live the programs through missional communities.”

Pastors of small and large congregations, new church plants and older churches shared how God is working in their hearts and congregations as they strive to be disciple-making churches. Many of the participants and speakers were from Mennonite Brethren churches.

City groups gather weekly with each meeting having a specific purpose. The reasons for getting together include praying for the city, praying for each other and equipping for ministry, working together on a ministry and hosting a party for members and their friends.

In her role as a pastor of House For All Nations Church in Calgary, Julia Sianturi wants to develop a discipleship culture through leading by example.

Churches planting churches “The best long-term strategy for making disciples is through the church,” says Norm Funk, lead pastor of Westside Church, Vancouver.

Another new church, Artisan Church in Vancouver, sees value in establishing small parishes or churches that are embedded in the life of specific geographic neighbourhoods, says Lance Odegard, who helped plant the church.

Started in 2005, Westside began a second service in 2007, planted Reality Vancouver in 2009 and Christ City Church in 2013. In September 2013, the church moved into a building that seats 1,800 people.

“It allows the church to be attuned to a specific place and people,” says Odegard.

“In this way the church is truly incarnational – loving people in a place and loving a place with a people.”

Although the attendance is only 1,100, Westside holds two services Sunday mornings. “Two services are purely for missional reasons – 11 a.m. is a great time

These pastors were among 12 speakers who shared stories and practical ideas on how to develop disciple-making churches.

What about failure?

Churches that have lost the vision to multiply disciples can be revitalized, says Scott

“If anyone needs help, always walk the second mile with them,” she says. “Be patient and sensitive to what others need. Pray with them, cry with them, laugh with them. Treat people like they are part of your family. Think of older people as your parents and younger ones as your children.”

Sianturi appreciated the aspen grove illustration that several speakers used to symbolize a church community. Through drawing nutrients from the same root system, aspen trees grow and multiply where other trees cannot thrive.

“Even though we are different, we are connected to one root system,” she says.

—Gladys Terichow is staff writer for the Canadian Conference of MB Churches

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CHURCH MULTIPLICATION Let’s go down to the water Four churches celebrate Easter baptisms in the Pacific / Laura Kalmar

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he chilly spring waters of the Pacific Ocean didn’t deter 29 people from plunging beneath the surface this Easter as a public witness to the truth and power of the gospel.

On April 20, 2014, four Mennonite Brethren churches held outdoor baptisms at locations around the Lower Mainland, turning the shores of the Pacific Ocean into holy ground.

The sister congregations – Westside Church, Westside North Shore, Christ City and Reality Vancouver – didn’t plan their events together, but were thrilled to discover the baptisms would all happen around the same time. Members of each congregation took to the beaches early Sunday afternoon following Easter worship services.

“It was four generations of one church,” said James Bonney, pastor of Westside North Shore, who baptized one new believer at North Vancouver’s scenic Deep Cove.

“These baptisms are the fruit of what happens when you multiply. We’ve got to keep multiplying, keep planting churches.”

“It’s so encouraging to me,” said Norm Funk, pastor of Westside, whose congregation celebrated the baptism of 21 people at Stanley Park.

In partnership with the C2C Network, Westside has planted two churches – Reality Vancouver in 2009 and Christ City in fall 2013 – and launched its North Shore campus in 2012.

“There’s no way Westside would have reached those same people. It gets 10

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me excited for the years ahead. My hope is that in two years, eight churches will be baptizing!” said Funk.

Take it outside Curious onlookers at the beach stopped to watch as baptismal candidates shared their testimonies and waded into the water to get dunked.

“When we hold our baptisms in a public place, people ask questions and see what we’re doing,” said Funk.

“It’s a visible picture of the gospel.”

“I’ve even seen strangers take pictures,” added Brett Landry, pastor of Christ City Church, whose congregation met at Kitsilano Beach to celebrate four baptisms.

“I’ll do baptisms outside in any weather, in any condition, simply for the opportunity it provides to be a living testimony of a gospel-shaped life,” said pastor Kristian Martens of Reality Vancouver.

Visible unity When Christ City arrived at Kits, they were surprised to discover that Reality Church was planning to baptize three people in the same location. “It was kind of funny,” said Landry. “We were 50 feet apart, cheering each other on.”

“It was a dramatic enactment of unity and Christian love,” said Martens. “We’re truly brothers and sisters in Christ, working together for the cause of the gospel and God’s glory in our cities.”

Moving into the neighbourhood For Landry, outdoor baptisms are also a way to help his congregation realize they’re the church no matter where they go.

“It’s important that the church doesn’t think it’s all about the building or the property. The church is about a people gathered.”

In fact, when Christ City renovated its 70-year-old sanctuary, donated to them when South Hill Church closed in 2013, they covered over the baptismal tank.

“We are deeply thankful for a beautiful building. But we love how we can do other stuff to be the church outside our walls. If we never get outside the building, we’re not fully embodying

“These baptisms are the fruit of what happens when you multiply. We’ve got to keep multiplying, keep planting churches.”

PHOTO: RYAN SCHROEDER

what the church is in our workplaces, schools, homes, playgrounds.”

“This is my son” For Funk, another element made the day particularly special – he had the opportunity to baptize his own son, Micah.

“It meant everything to me,” said Funk who was moved as he listened to his

son share his testimony.

“Even though he’s only 11, he has a real, owned faith. But we wanted to be cautious. We wanted it to be meaningful to him – today, tomorrow, 10 years from now. So we talked about baptism. He took his time, thought about it and then made the decision. He even invited friends!”

According to the Mennonite Brethren

Confession of Faith, “baptism by water is a public sign that a person has repented of sins, received forgiveness of sins, died with Christ to sin, been raised to newness of life and received the Holy Spirit.”

For many, there’s no more meaningful or symbolic time to hold a baptismal service than Resurrection Sunday.

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PROVINCIAL NEWS Trilingual brothers and sisters in unity on mission Association des Églises des frères mennonites du Québec (AEFMQ), Apr. 11–12, 2014 good and pleasant it is when “How God’s people live together in

PHOTOS: KARLA BRAUN

unity!” With these words from Psalm 133, host pastor Carlos Saavedra of Les Ambassadeurs Chrétiens (Hispanique) opened the annual Quebec conference (AEFMQ) Apr. 11–12, 2014, at Église chrétienne de Saint-Laurent, Montreal.

“Live this verse in talking, singing, dancing,” he said.

For the first time, AEFMQ’s annual convention included a Friday night session of worship and prayer, attended by youth and delegates. Jaime Barran led his music team from Les Ambassadeurs in electric guitar-driven worship through Spanish, French and English.

Interim moderator Bruno Synnott challenged the gathering with reference to 1 Chronicles. “God’s promises are still active,” Synnott said, “and he has called us to bless all nations.” Churches must take up the call to be God’s answer to problems in the world.

“We want God to breathe on our churches and fill us with his Spirit,” said conference minister Stéphane Rhéaume leading into a time of corporate prayer.

In small groups, attendees prayed for

church health, leadership development and ministries of mission and proclamation.

Opening Saturday’s business session, Saavedra said, be attentive; “God will speak to you today.” Reflecting on Colossians 1:15–23, he said, “If Christ is sufficient, why seek after other things?

Add nothing to Jesus.”

In a workshop, Canadian conference (CCMBC) executive director Willy Reimer presented “the sandbox” – new guiding principles for the CCMBC executive board – and challenged delegates to set an alarm to pray at 10:02 each day for “the Lord of the harvest…to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10:2).

“Leadership starts in the heart,” said Ron Toews, head of CCMBC’s Resourcing Churches Developing Leaders, drawing insights from Nehemiah while presenting on Leaders2Learners.ca.

“The essence of leadership isn’t how to do things; it’s loving God deeply and reflecting his holiness.”

AEFMQ executive director Gilles Dextraze held a workshop to help churches learn how to walk through the process of incorporation with help

ETEM-IBVIE students work in library. President Kristen Corrigan toured the visiting CCMBC BFL members around ETEM’s labyrinthine building, which hosted the convention proceedings.

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from the CQOC (a Quebec body similar to the CCCC). Dextraze recommends incorporation for churches who meet the criteria because it gives them legal status, their own charity number and responsibility for their own governance and administrative affairs.

Reports • Synnott was approved as moderator.

Church planting in the Montreal area has increased the number of churches from 10 in 2012 to 15 in 2014; however, the AEFMQ board still lacks personnel.

Member-at-large Reginald Fauteux is the representative to the Canadian executive board. Synnott urged delegates to “keep prayer at the heart of the conference.”

• C2C Network Quebec has two apprentice church planters (Simon Nadeau at L’Echad and Westerne Joseph at Assemblée de la Grace), two churches in development (Communauté chrétienne L’Essentiel and Église Missionnaire de Montréal) and partners with churches from other denominations (Initiative 22, L’Église du Plateau, L’Église Connexion, Axe 21 in Sherbrooke and Magog). The C2C budget for 2014 is $336,000.

• Conference minister Stéphane Rhéaume, who resigned to focus full-time energy on his pastorate at Saint-Eustache, said Horizon Quebec funding ($900,000 received from CCMBC since November 2008) concludes in 2014. Horizon Quebec built

AEFMQ’s convention team: Gilles Dextraze, Danielle Lajeunesse, Bruno Synnott 2014’s AEFMQ annual convention, hosted by Les Ambassadeurs Chrétiens (Hispanique), held its first ever Friday night service of worship and prayer.

relationships among local pastors, and between Quebec congregations and MB churches across Canada.

• Rhéaume has produced faith and life pamphlets in French and supported the translation of the MB Confession of Faith’s Commentary and Pastoral Application into French by Suzanne Brown of Église La Clairière, Saint-Jerome.

• “To make a disciple, you need more than a message, you need people who share their lives,” said Synnott, who also serves as youth coordinator. Camp Péniel and ETEM are important partners for developing young disciples, he said.

• Jean-Raymond Théorêt returns to ETEM as board chair. Due to the hard work of ETEM and IBVIE, there is “unprecedented cooperation” as two schools from two denominations function as one. President Kristen Corrigan announced the September 2014 launch of a Quebec City delivery site to earn a fully transferable 30-credit hour certificate of pastoral studies through weekend intensives.

• Camp Péniel has seen “an explosion of life,” said board chair Serge

Lachance, presenting on behalf of directors Jason Levesque and Esther Lachance who were away on holiday after two-years without time off. Programming is increasing year-round and a summer internship saw 14–18-year-olds discipled over eight weeks.

Attendees pray together in small groups for local churches, the conference administration provincial and national, and partner agencies like ETEM-IBVIE and Camp Péniel.

• Mennonite Central Committee Quebec contributes to the cultivation of Anabaptist identity in Quebec, collaborating with Camp Péniel and local churches for leadership development opportunities for young people and activities supporting peace and social justice.

• Maison de Sophia, an independent women’s shelter supported in part by MCC and AEFMQ churches and the only facility of its kind in a 300-km radius (outside of Montreal), currently houses four women. With support from subsidized housing of the town of Saint-Jérôme, Maison de Sophia hopes to expand its capacity to house and support women to gain skills for independent living, said director Sylvie Plante.

Delegates passed the 2014 budget of $109,550, a reduced number after the 2013 shortfall of $38,084. They also accepted a pastor salary grid, modelled after those used in the Prairie provinces.

Saturday’s meeting was held at École de théologie évangélique de Montreal (ETEM-IBVIE) because Saint-Laurent’s building was unavailable due to six different services it hosts each weekend.

The Canadian conference board of faith and life, having just completed meetings in Montreal, was present at the convention. Ginette Bastien provided live interpretation into English on Friday night, and Xina Oukil provided simultaneous translation on Saturday.—Karla Braun

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PROVINCIAL NEWS Partnership and prayer permeate convention British Columbia Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, May 2–3, 2014

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elegates to the 2014 annual convention of the B.C. Conference of MB Churches at Cariboo Bethel Church, Williams Lake, May 2–3, 2014, were challenged to live out Jesus’ love and to keep Christ as their focus as Mennonite Brethren partner with others in his ministry.

For the second consecutive year, regular times of concert-like prayer infused the annual gathering, guiding delegates to gather in small groups to pray on a variety of directed topics.

Cariboo Bethel participants led worship sessions, and there were frequent references to partnering in ministry, the theme of the convention. Of B.C.’s 106 MB churches, 44 were represented; however, some delegates had to absent themselves from the Saturday session to attend the Vancouver memorial service for the late beloved pastor and leader Carlin Weinhauer. (See page 25 for tribute.)

MB Mission prayer intercessor Esther Corbett led the spoken worship and prayer. Delegates clustered together to lift up Jesus’ lordship, give thanks, celebrate ministries and pray for workers for the harvest. One prayer segment included thanks for Carlin Weinhauer’s legacy.

Another segment focused on the turmoil in Ukraine, requesting protection for acting Ukrainian president Oleksandr Turchynov (a Baptist pastor) and fulfillment of God’s purposes in the midst of that crisis.

Keynote speaker Laurence East, lead pastor of Kelowna’s downtown Metro Community Church, challenged delegates to demonstrate the love of Christ as Luke outlines it in 6:27–36. East shared stories on Metro’s ministry to the people who are disadvantaged and marginalized in the neighbourhood. As a church, “we need to go further.”

Metro Community “is a street church.

We are under constant scrutiny,” said East.

“Who is exhorting you daily to keep your heart soft? Jesus is talking about being 14

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a community, living it out together. If [you aren’t sharing life with others], you are not obeying the Sermon on the Mount.” He said, “I have learned grace from our community.”

“When we love the unlovable and press deeper into the kingdom community, the Lord overwhelms us with unexpected riches – here, today!” Follow Jesus’ commands, he urged. Realize we are adopted.

“We need to see we were so lost, and so loved, that he had to die for us.” He said then we can practise “radical, profligate generosity.”

Michael Dick, Bakerview, Abbotsford, moderated convention business. A member of the conference board of management, he will complete the provincial moderator term of Ron van Akker of Central Community, Chilliwack, appointed in April as BCMB associate conference minister.

• Three new B.C. church plants – Victoria’s Beacon Communities, Vancouver’s Christ City and Kelowna’s Epic City – were formally welcomed into BCMB. Delegates formalized the closure of City on a Hill, Victoria; Emmaus, South Surrey; and South Hill, Vancouver, and two earlier closures: Urban Journey, Vancouver, and East Ridge Community Fellowship, Maple Ridge.

• A budget ceiling of $1.6-million, the current target, won delegate approval. The conference finished the year 2013 in the black, thanks to an unrestricted donation.

Betty-Ann Dykshoorn, director of administration, said that without that donation, the year would have ended about $100,000 short of the budget target.

• Canadian Conference executive director Willy Reimer introduced the results of a reworked vision statement, updating the document that was last revised in the mid-1990s. He said, based on wide consultation, it has been edited many times and will undergo further work before final approval. (See page 8.) He said the

conference exists to help local churches, and “If it doesn’t help the local churches, it doesn’t help.

“We share an expectation that God wants to work through us,” he said. “We must be abundantly clear that this is about Jesus. He is our king. Is Canada being reached?”

• Ron Toews, director of Resourcing Churches Developing Leaders, said the development work on Leaders2Learners.ca is complete. “Today we can talk about what is,” he said. The interest is “not to have a platform and a bullhorn, but to come alongside and behind” pastors and leaders.

• C2C church plants have seen more than 200 people baptized in B.C. Chris Douglas, C2C Network B.C. regional co-director, reported that in addition to the three new plants in 2013, C2C collaborated with planters from the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada and the Anglican Church to start new churches. Noting the demonstrated collaboration between MB camps Stillwood and Likely (see page 29), he said, “thank you also for partnership with C2C in ministry.”

“Our heartbeat about planting churches is to see lives transformed into new lives in Christ,” said Douglas.

PHOTOS: BARRIE MCMASTER

Praying in groups and sharing in groups led to communion in groups, with chunks of bread and glasses of grape juice.

National C2C director Gord Fleming said, “Church planting is a small portion of what the Lord is doing. We are known as a peace-loving nation. What would the Lord do that we could be an influence globally?”

He said C2C is working with 13 denominations, adding that he has never

B.C. director of camp ministries Merv Boschman has joined Canadian Conference staff to support all MB camps. B.C. conference minister Rob Thiessen paid tribute to and prayed for Merv and his wife Carol, asking God to bless the next chapter of their life and ministry across Canada.

seen MBs in Canada collaborate and partner the way they are doing now.

“Mennonite Brethren is the one denomination that it seems everyone can work with,” said Fleming. “That’s because we put Christ first, not our theological differences.”

The convention ended with two songs, sung acapella: “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” and the Doxology.

And there was a standing ovation for Cariboo Bethel’s hospitality.— Barrie McMaster, B.C. correspondent

Leaders serve, teambuilding workshop teaches Art Birch of Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C., has learned about leadership the hard way. Understanding leadership, he told BCMB leaders, starts with the theology of leadership. Scripture points to servant leadership: “taking the initiative. It doesn’t have anything to do with position,” Birch said.

Birch was one of two presenters at Friday’s pre-convention “equipping session” of the B.C. MB conference at Williams Lake. The second presenter, Janet Thiessen, North Langley (B.C.) Community Church, spoke on team building, based on her leadership experience in raising up a women’s ministry of 200

people. Both offered many practical ideas to build body life.

Leadership must take initiative to empower others, said Birch – something every hockey and soccer player must know how to do, not just the captain or coach. Teamwork, he said, depends upon leaders and teammates investing in each other.

Thiessen said people mistakenly assume the priesthood of all believers is about governance. “It is not about exercise of authority, but about a Spirit-directed brotherhood based on a gift-oriented community.” She warned that relying on a few people to do all

the work in a church leads to burnout and animosity.

John Wesley made a major contribution to church life through his utilization of church members, said Thiessen. “He trained ordinary people to carry the gospel, trained bands of small people for pastoral care.” She said he engaged labouring men and women – people with only spiritual gifts and an eagerness to serve.

Birch also emphasized training, saying it is important to have high-quality mentoring for team members, individually and as a group. He said individual meetings need to be regular. “Have a standing appointment for continued on page 31 MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD June 2014

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Being the church: A Mennonite Brethren vision of the family of God / Doug Heidebrecht

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o two Mennonite Brethren congregations in Canada look the same. A new church plant in Montreal will look very different from a long-standing community church in Saskatchewan or a multi-ethnic congregation in Vancouver. Our understanding of what it means to be the church is shaped by the diverse ministry concerns, missional challenges, leadership styles and worship practices that emerge from within the unique contexts in which we gather. In the midst of such diversity, we may wonder whether there is a common core that underlies a Mennonite Brethren understanding of the church.

Though Mennonite Brethren appeal to the New Testament as the model and authoritative guide regarding how to be the church today, we also look to our Confessions of Faith as a summary of our shared understanding of what the Bible teaches. Four themes emerge in our Confessions’ description of what it means to be the family of God: new creation, community, ministers and witnesses.

New creation Mennonite Brethren affirm God’s new creation, the church (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15), as a single global body with Christ as the head (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 4:15).

All Christians, whether they worship in Telugu in Hyderabad, in French in Kinshasa, or in English in Winnipeg, follow Jesus as the head of the church. The outpouring of God’s Spirit at Pentecost established the church (Acts 1:4–5; 2:17– 18) and his continuing presence now defines the church as the people of God (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3) in line with the continuing story of God’s relationship with Israel (1 Peter 2:9–10; Romans 9:25–26). At conversion, each believer is cleansed by the Spirit (Titus 3:5) and incorporated into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13).

The Spirit unites all believers into one 16

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body (Ephesians 4:4) without distinction between male and female, nation, race or caste (Galatians 3:28; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Colossians 3:11; Romans 10:12). The church embraces the diversity of humanity and it does not make distinctions based on these differences (Galatians 5:6; 6:15).

The dated language of “Brethren” in our name highlights the significance of seeing the church as a family, where believers relate to each other as brothers and sisters. All believers are called to keep the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3), despite their differences, which reflects their common fellowship and mission.

Since “the church is God’s new creation,” it is called to “model God’s design for humanity” (Ephesians 2:15; Colossians 3:10–11). “The church belongs to the in-breaking kingdom of God” and as citizens of the kingdom, the church collectively witnesses to God’s reign in the world and models an alternative and separated community.

The primary allegiance of the church is to Christ as Lord and to his kingdom, over against all authorities embodied by the state or society (Acts 4:19–20). The church is called to resist the temptation to give the state the devotion owed to God, and to reject the pressure to live by values that threaten or compromise the integrity of God’s reign. Nevertheless, Christians

must obey all laws that do not conflict with God’s Word, and respect and pray for those in authority (Romans 13:1; 1 Timothy 2:1–2).

The church gathers together regularly to worship and glorify the Triune God, in celebration and thankfulness for his faithfulness, grace and salvation.

Worship, as a response to God’s love, offers a transforming encounter with God through the presence of his Spirit, hearing his Word, participating together in singing and acknowledging dependence upon God through prayer (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 11, 14; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16).

The practices of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, as acts of worship, proclaim the good news of salvation. Worship reorients, nurtures, renews and unites the church as the new people of God who follow Christ as head.

Community When people receive God’s gift of salvation, they are baptized upon their confession of Jesus as Lord and Saviour (Matthew 28:19). Baptism by water immersion is a public sign of both the experience of the Spirit’s cleansing from sin and being raised to newness of life as well as believers’ entrance into the one body of Christ as expressed in the local

While the church as the body of Christ represents the worldwide community of faith, it lives as visible local congregations.

PHOTO: DUSTIN WIEBE

church (Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27; 1 Corinthians 10:2; 12:13).

While the church as the body of Christ represents the worldwide community of faith, it lives as visible local congregations.

Church membership is a concrete sign of believers’ shared commitment to follow the Lord Jesus, their identification with the body of Christ and their willingness to participate in the community of disciples (Acts 2:41–42; Mark 8:34; Ephesians 4:20– 21; Hebrews 5:8–9).

The local church is a covenant community where members are committed to worship

and fellowship together (Ephesians 5:19– 21). It is where members grow in maturity, demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit, use their spiritual gifts and encourage each other in faithful discipleship and witness (Galatians 5:22–23; 1 Corinthians 12:4–30). Jesus’ command to make disciples, baptizing and teaching them to obey him, is grounded within the context of the church (Matthew 28:19–20).

(1 Corinthians 14:3; Ephesians 6:18; Colossians 4:12–17). Attempts to reconcile sinning members reflect believers’ mutual responsibility for each other and are motivated by love and compassion (Matthew 18:15–18). In its observance of the Lord’s Supper, the church “expresses reconciliation, fellowship, peace and unity of all believers with Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:23–26).

As believers pray for one other, share each other’s joys and burdens, and seek to build one another up, their love and care express mutual accountability

Similarly, local congregations are interdependent, working together in a spirit of love and mutual submission by following the model of New Testament

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The Spirit of God gifts each member for the purpose of building up the body of Christ and serving or ministering in the world.

church, which gathered as a hermeneutical community to seek consensus regarding ethical discernment, questions of biblical interpretation, and shared witness and mission (Matthew 18:18–20; Acts 15; 1 Corinthians 14:29).

Ministers The Spirit of God gifts each member for the purpose of building up the body of Christ and serving or ministering in the world (1 Corinthians 12:7, 11). The work of the Spirit is expressed through the priesthood of all believers where everyone participates in ministry and relates together as a fellowship of equals (Act 2:17–18; Galatians 3:28; 1 Peter 2:5). This affirmation also underlies the Mennonite Brethren concept of “brotherhood,” with the implication that there is no inherent distinction between clergy and laity.

The church discerns the call of God and affirms those he gifts to equip the church for ministry (Ephesians 4:11– 13). Mennonite Brethren affirm that a biblical understanding of leadership emerges from what it means to be the church, since the source of authority is the presence of Jesus within the church (Matthew 18:19–20).

Leadership is not defined as authority but as servanthood, because the 18

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ministry of leadership reflects one’s gifting or function in the church, not an office (Romans 12:4–8). A typical Mennonite Brethren model of church governance is structured around a group of gifted leaders who are responsible for oversight and yet also recognize the authority of the Spirit in the gathered community.

Witnesses The Spirit of God empowers the church “to witness to God’s salvation” and participate in God’s mission – “reconciling humans with God, each other and the world” (Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:18). Proclamation of the gospel involves both telling the good news and doing acts of love and compassion (Luke 4:18–19). Christ has commissioned the church to make disciples of all nations by calling people to repent and baptizing and teaching them to obey Jesus (Matthew 28:18–20).

The church, as Christ’s ambassador and agent of reconciliation, actively seeks to “defend the weak, care for the poor, and promote justice, righteousness, and truth” within society (2 Corinthians 5:20). The church is called to be a peacemaker in all situations (Matthew 5:9; Ephesians 2:14–18), and by its life, the church

bears witness to God’s reign by revealing “God’s saving purposes to the world.”

The identity of God’s wonderfully diverse family (John 17:20–21) centres around the Lord Jesus Christ, who spoke with great hope when he said, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18).

So how is this vision of what it means to be the church lived out within your local congregation as you gather together as brothers and sisters, a community of disciples, as ministers and witnesses?

What does it look like to be a new creation within the unique context in which you live?

Doug Heidebrecht is currently working in an international setting. Previously, he served as director of the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies in Winnipeg and as an instructor at Bethany College in Hepburn, Sask.

This article is a revised version of a piece that first appeared in the magazine published by the Indian MB conference, and rewritten at the request of our North American magazines. It attempts to summarize the description of the church found in the Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith. Quotations come directly from Confession of Faith: Commentary and Pastoral Application (2000) and Knowing and Living Your Faith: A Study of the Confession of Faith, International Community of Mennonite Brethren (2008).

Viewpoint Being a witness: The end of the beginning LUKE HEIDEBRECHT and reconciliation don’t have a “ Truth time limit.” The words of honorary wit-

ness Cindy Blackstock echo and reverberate.

I had the privilege of being a witness in Edmonton. Along with nearly 20,000 others, I was present for the final national Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) event Mar. 27–30, one of seven held across Canada over the past five years. The TRC’s goal is to unveil the truth of the survivors’ experiences in Canada’s residential schools and to provide opportunity for those affected by the operation of those schools to offer “expressions of reconciliation.”

The guiding theme of this final event was wisdom, which is “about bringing forward the knowledge and experience we have and finding a balance between these two things,” Commissioner Murray Sinclair said in the opening ceremony, “and combining it with our hope for the future.”

Truthful stories Listening to stories is not the end, but the beginning of the reconciliation process.

Over the four days, I heard stories of tragedy from survivors: children taken from their families and stripped of their culture, many who experienced further emotional, physical, sexual and spiritual abuse in the schools.

One survivor’s poetic response to his experience left me feeling emotionally confused: “Eight long years in a residential school, eight long years under white man’s rule. Out to Christianize that is what they claim, out to missionize those with mortal stain…”

I heard stories from intergenerational survivors: children and grandchildren of residential school survivors whose families have been broken and scarred with longterm relational wounds. “To learn to talk, I had to learn to cry,” one said hauntingly.

These stories were sobering and challenging to hear.

Justice Sinclair emphasized that the residential schools are not “an aboriginal problem” but a Canadian problem, with so many residual effects. This is a reality that demands a response from our churches today. This issue holds relevance for even the youngest of generations and will continue to

be a place in which the Spirit calls us to be reconcilers.

will encourage our churches to reach out in practical and loving ways.

Becoming a witness As I reflect on this experience, I am challenged in my own understanding of what it means to be a Christian witness. On Friday, in an auditorium of thousands, the practical significance of being a witness was made clear as Commissioner Marie Wilson said, “All of us here have signed up for an ongoing individual and collective process of reconciliation.” The TRC isn’t meant to finalize the reconciliation process but to initiate an obligation for the people of this country to become involved.

On behalf of several Mennonite and Brethren in Christ denominations including Mennonite Brethren, Tim Dyck, general secretary of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference, offered this expression of reconciliation at the event: We are aware that we have a long path to walk. We hope to build relationships with First Nations communities so that we can continue the learning journey and walk this path together.… We are aware that words without actions are not only ineffective but can also be harmful.… We

Many of the other expressions of reconciliation from non-indigenous peoples at this TRC echoed the idea that our apologies will be measured by our actions. My mind flashes with the words of an ancient expert of the law who realizes the answer to his own question, “Who is my neighbour?” actually lies in his own becoming a neighbour (Luke 10:29).

And so, just as we witness to the passionate acts of our Lord Jesus Christ who reconciles this broken world through his own death, resurrection and ascension, this commission embodied a passionate reminder that what seems like the end is just the beginning. Departing this gathering, I am captivated with a uniquely Canadian understanding of the hope-infused Christian role that requires individuals both to be and to bear witness.

Luke Heidebrecht is an instructor in theology and mission at Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask. He is learning, along with his second year students who were graciously hosted by Sturgeon Lake First Nation in September 2013, what it means to be a neighbour in Treaty 6 territory.

A reflection on reconciliation / Willy Reimer Attending the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a sobering experience.

Listening to residential school survivors share their stories of abuse was deeply moving and troubling. I identified on a personal level due to my own abusive background, but survivors’ stories of being ripped from their homes and then abused emotionally, spiritually, physically and sexually by those who were to represent Jesus to them was disturbing at the deepest level.

I was encouraged by the testimonies of forgiveness and renewal given by some. I was also embarrassed that these abusive activities were initiated by our Canadian government and that society at large allowed our representatives to take such action against a people group.

Leading up to the Edmonton TRC, the CCMBC moderator and I participated in writing a letter communicating CCMBC leadership’s commitment to be ministers of reconciliation through the power of Christ going forward. My prayer is that the Canadian Conference of MB Churches will be known as a people who reach out with Christ’s love to all people in Canada.

Willy Reimer CCMBC executive director

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PASTORAL LETTER continued from page 5

by grace and to be characterized by the hospitable love of Jesus in a broken and confused culture.

Like our Saviour and Master, we are to love without distinction — welcoming all people without affirming the sin in any of us. Our expression of the relentless and furious love of Christ must be married to a prophetic courage to call people to gospel-fuelled transformation.

Our declaration of the gospel and invitation to transformation and discipleship require not only boldness but also humility. This humility comes from awareness that we are all, without distinction, broken and in need of God’s saving and sustaining grace. We need to echo the voice and tone expressed pastorally in this hymn: Nothing in my hand I bring, Simply to Thy cross I cling; Naked, come to Thee for dress; Helpless, look to Thee for grace; Foul, I to the fountain fly; Wash me, Saviour, or I die.4 Similarly, an Ontario pastor from another denomination writes: In short, the truth about “us” and “them” is that there is no “them.”

There is only “us.” We are all beautiful and precious people, infinitely valued by God. We are also all sexually broken people to one degree or another, needing the healing of authentic community to live as Jesus calls us to live.5 The issue of how we address human sexuality and expressions of sexuality that deviate from the wisdom and design of the loving Creator flow from our understanding of several root issues. The list of sinful behaviours in 1 Corinthians 6:9–20 is by no means exhaustive but illustrates the need for theological rigour, missional faithfulness and pastoral sensitivity as we serve, reach, and disciple sexually confused and broken people – recognizing we ourselves are in need of the grace and healing that we extend in Jesus’ Name. The issue of human sexuality is really an issue of human identity and this must be viewed through the gospel lens of identity of Christ. Our understanding of discipleship, soteriology, the power of the gospel and the role of the church as transforming community all converge on how we address sexuality, sexual brokenness and sexual sin.

In the maze of moral confusion and sexual brokenness, we must proclaim the gospel with bold humility. The saving power of the gospel is for those who repent and believe. This repentance is multi-faceted and ongoing; however, it initially involves a turning from currently held convictions to the conviction that first acknowledges God’s supreme ownership and rulership over the universe and all the creatures it contains; and then acknowledges the individual’s moral bankruptcy apart from the saving grace of Christ. Such repentance and belief amount to nothing less than an absolute surrender to the will of God in the life of the newly born believer. Jesus lays claim to every sphere of life, and we must faithfully invite people to live under His liberating Lordship.

We must recover apostolic boldness in announcing the gospel and pointing people from every social sphere to the sufficiency and sovereignty of Jesus “who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”6 In light of God’s great mercy, and empowered by the grace of God and the ministry of the Holy Spirit, we must heed the call to live for the glory of God and to honour God 7 with our bodies. 8 As the BFL, we continue to uphold and affirm our confession on marriage: Marriage is a covenant relationship intended to unite a man and a 4 Augustus

Toplady (1740–1778), Rock of Ages.

5 Bruxy

Cavey, The Meeting House, “Same-Sex Marriage: A Third Way Approach,” 2005, 2013, http://www.themeetinghouse.com/resources/ tmh/teaching_resources/Same_Sex_Marriage_Statement.pdf

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June 2014 www.mbherald.com

woman for life. At creation, God designed marriage for companionship, sexual union, and the birth and nurture of children. Sexual intimacy rightfully takes place only within marriage. Marriage is to be characterized by mutual love, faithfulness and submission. A believer should not marry an unbeliever.

The community of faith blesses and nurtures marriage relationships and makes every effort to bring reconciliation to troubled marriages.

Human sinfulness, however, may sometimes lead to divorce, a violation of God’s intention for marriage. With truth and compassion, the family of God offers hope and healing while continually upholding the biblical ideal of marital faithfulness 9.

Our missional engagement and pastoral responses to sexual sin, sexual brokenness, and the cultural aspiration for sexual freedom must be framed within this confession. This requires the need for both courage and compassion as we serve, reach and disciple broken people in a sexualized culture. BFL calls on our churches and leaders to teach on sexuality, relationships, and marriage and to prayerfully seek creative redemptive responses to sexual brokenness. In her ongoing ministry, the church needs to include singles in her life and mission, honour celibacy as a God-honouring vocation, and invest in strengthening marriages. May God’s sustaining Spirit carry us as we journey together on the mission of our Lord Jesus.

Further Resources By the time of Gathering 2014, the Board of Faith and Life expects to have a longer study guide available for individuals and churches who want to think further about their convictions and responses to various aspects of human sexuality. Also, in light of the most recent study conference, the Board is planning a 2015 study conference that will further the Mennonite Brethren conversation on human sexuality by focusing on pastoral responses in light of these convictions.

The Board also recommends the following tools & resources: Butterfield, Rosaria C. The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert: An English Professor’s Journey into Christian Faith.

Cavey, Bruxy. “Same-Sex Marriage: A Third Way Approach,” 2005, 2013, www.themeetinghouse.com/resources/tmh/teaching_resources/ Same_Sex_Marriage_Statement.pdf Comiskey, Andrew. Strength in Weakness: Healing Sexual and Relational Brokenness.

Gagnon, Robert A.J. The Bible and Homosexual Practice.

Grenz, Stanley J. Welcoming But Not Affirming: An Evangelical Response to Homosexuality.

Krabill Hershberger, Anne, ed. Sexuality: God’s Gift.

Living Waters Canada. livingwaterscanada.org O’Donovan, Oliver. Church in Crisis: The Gay Controversy and the Anglican Communion.

Sayers, Mark. The Vertical Self: How Biblical Faith Can Help Us Discover Who We Are in an Age of Self Obsession.

Study Conference 2013 plenary session videos. vimeo.com/cdnmbconf Board of Faith and Life of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches: Brian Cooper (chair), Paul Doerksen, Andrew Dyck, Terrance Froese, Ralph Gliege, Bill Hogg, Paul Lam, Richard Martens, Keith Poysti, Ingrid Reichard, Stéphane Rhéaume, Willy Reimer, Rob Thiessen, John Willems, Ed Willms.

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Corinthians 1:30

71

Corinthians 10:31

8 Romans 9 MB

12:1–3

Confession of Faith, Article 11, Marriage.

N E W S in brief Big effect on small-scale farmers

Extreme climatic events including heat waves, droughts, floods and wildfires will disproportionately affect the world’s poorest people throughout the 21st century, reports the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) is assisting Zambian farmers to adapt to drastically shortened rainy seasons through conservation agriculture, which involves minimal soil disturbance and the use of mulch and crop rotation. CFGB urges the Canadian government to support small-scale farmers and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.—CFGB release

Take shelter and call me in the morning

For every $1 spent providing housing and support for a homeless person with severe mental illness, $2.17 is saved on hospital, prison and shelter costs. Usually homeless people do not qualify for rehab until they meet criteria such as sobriety or taking medications, but the Mental Health Commission of Canada’s At Home/Chez Soi research project demonstrates the effectiveness of the Housing First approach. The study enrolled 2,148 homeless people with mental health issues in Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Moncton. Of the half

who received housing first, 72 percent had stable housing after 2 years, compared with 34 percent who received usual treatment.— Globe and Mail

MCC feeds the neediest from Central African Republic

As many as 1,000 Central African Republic refugees arrive daily at the transitional refugee camp run by International Organization for Migration in Moundou, Chad. Through their Chadian partner, Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) representatives provided meals and mosquito nets to the camp’s most vulnerable residents.

April–June, MCC fed 150 orphans and those too ill to cook 2 meals of grain and meat a day. The violence in Central African Republic, which began as a rebel coalition seizing power, became a conflict between Christian and Muslim militias. The UN estimates 1 million have been displaced.—MCC release

B.C. Law Society approves TWU law school grads

The B.C. law society voted 20–6 against a motion that would have prevented Trinity Western University law school graduates from practising law in B.C. The motion’s failure means the December 2013 Federation

of Law Schools decision to approve TWU stands. Some benchers called TWU’s covenant, which requires students to “abstain from…sexual intimacy that violates the sacredness of marriage between a man and a woman,” “repugnant”; however, they upheld the Supreme Court of Canada’s 2001 decision in favour of accreditation (at that time, in the case involving TWU’s education program).—CCCC.org

Chapel worships in The Centre

A monthly, trans-denominational South Vancouver youth rally that started 2012 in the South Hill Church building drew so many attendees it changed its venue to the larger John Oliver Secondary School auditorium within a few months. Now, it’s ending the 2013–2014 school year in a major downtown venue, The Centre. “Chapel” leaders were praying for a bigger space to end the year.

Westside Church, newly settled in the 1,800seat former Ford Centre for the Performing Arts, offered their space. Chapel leader Jonathan Mitchell, youth pastor at Culloden, Vancouver, says, “Our prayer is not specifically for large numbers, but we are praying that we as leaders will unite to show our kids and our city that God is moving.” The “Chapel @ The Centre” event is Wednesday, June 25.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD June 2014

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N E W S in stor y W AT E R L O O , O N T.

Slum youth make music from garbage usic is the universal language of [hu]mankind,” wrote American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The Recycled Orchestra demonstrates music’s power to transcend barriers, unite people across generations and resonate with people divided by cultural and socio-economic differences.

Conductor Favio Chávez and 16 Recycled Orchestra musicians – who perform their repertoire on instruments made of recycled materials – partnered with Winnipeg-based Global Family Foundation in their first-ever Canadian tour Apr. 25–May 11, 2014, visiting churches and schools from Southern Ontario to B.C. Playing to packed venues, the tour raised money for Global Family Foundation and the people of Cateura, Paraguay, to build a community education centre – and warmed the hearts of audience members with the language of music and the gentle humour of the conductor.

Years ago, when environmental technician Favio Chávez was working in the Cateura area, he saw the need in the community and shared the few instruments he owned with some of the youth. He teamed up with a local fabricator who fashions musical instruments out of garbage. Now with more than 200 members, the orchestra continues to grow.

The Recycled Orchestra provides youth with the chance to discover and develop musical ability and enjoyment, says Chávez. He appreciates how its music unites people.

The orchestra is an activity that is “safe, not on the street, and great for self-esteem,” says Mike Duerksen, Global Family Foundation director of operations and a member of North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg.

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Co-investment, not handout The Global Family Foundation describes Cateura as “a community of shacks built on a landfill, and the slum is considered among the poorest in South America. More than 2,500 families live directly by the landfill, picking garbage to find sellable or recyclable goods.” Many of the children living in Cateura attend state-funded schools where tuition is free; however, the institutions may be poorly run and over-crowded.

Eventually, many students will drop out of school and begin sorting through garbage as an occupation to help their families, says Duerksen. Gang involvement and crime and substance abuse are major issues for youth who see limited opportunities regarding the future.

June 2014 www.mbherald.com

poverty.” He says that participation in the orchestra fills people’s needs for music and community.

He sees it as a “great example of the tremendous, tremendous potential of people regardless of circumstances.”

Transformation “[The musicians] take something we call junk and make something new out of it” – just like God does with people, says audience member Erna Derksen at the Waterloo concert.

Groups such as the Recycled Orchestra are a light amid immense hardship, says youth pastor Rafael Duerksen at Wainfleet (Ont.) Brethren in Christ Church, one of the concert hosts.

“What’s encouraging to me is the hope that comes out of [the Recycled Orchestra],” he says, “And taking this through the world and being able to make change happen in the community.”—Rachel Dyck is a member of Waterloo MB Church.

PHOTO: RACHEL DYCK

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“

“Talent is evenly distributed but opportunity is not,” says Duerksen. As a “Christian charity dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in Latin America through Christ-centred education, training and social programing,” Global Family Foundation is working with Cateura to create a space in which people living in poverty can be educated, explore new skills and opportunities, and encounter the love of God. “Everything we do is a model of co-investment,” says Duerksen.

Many of the foundation’s schools are run by local churches, “often as an extension of the community outreach they are already doing.”

He says the centre will not be a handout as the Cateura community will be taking part in the building process in addition to supplying the land for the project.

Duerksen calls Global Family Foundation’s approach holistic because they use education to rise above physical scarcity and to introduce the gospel “which helps people break free from spiritual

Recycled Orchestra musicians play violins made from discarded pans and paint cans.

ABBOTSFO R D, B.C .

A

teenaged girl with hot pink hair and a white-haired gentleman are chatting and smiling, their hands a blur, coring and chopping tomatoes into a clean white bucket. Up ahead, a man scoops equal parts prepared tomatoes and potatoes into a machine that pulverizes them like a wood chipper. Other volunteers spread this mixture onto trays for the giant dehydrator.

At Fraser Valley Gleaners, Abbotsford, B.C., more than 55 volunteers a day turn rejected produce into a nourishing just-addwater soup mix that’s shipped to people in crisis around the world.

In just one year, the Gleaners produce more than 10 million servings of soup that reach more than 40 countries.

Farmers, hot houses and supermarkets donate fresh or frozen vegetables with imperfections that North Americans no longer tolerate. Most produce is oddlyshaped, discoloured or simply too big or too small.

“A donation can easily be 10,000 pounds of one vegetable,” says plant manager Carl Goosen.

“Otherwise [producers] have to pay to ship it to the landfill. We help each other out.”

It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement inspired by an Old Testament practice that mandated landowners leave part of their harvest for gleaners – the orphans, widows, migrants and poor.

“In a crisis, you’ll spend the whole day looking for food,” says Goosen of the recipients of Gleaners mixes. “It’s a vicious cycle. If you can relieve the food part, you suddenly have energy to grow your own food.”

Gleaners packages help people “go from a desperate situation to a place of hope.”

Board member and long-serving volunteer Ann VanderMeulen

adds, “You can’t preach the Word to people who are hungry. They have needs that have to be met.”

The Gleaners don’t sell their soup mix or pay for shipping.

Instead, they give the soup labelled “In Christ’s Name” to reputable not-for-profits with a proven track Children in Paraguay eat soup from the Gleaners. record of getting food directly to the people who need it most. Men“We pu r posef u l ly leave nonite Central Committee has volunteered at Gleaners during distributed the soup mix through the summer for a number of years. denomination at the door. It’s “It is one of our youth group’s scriptural to take care of some their work in North Korea, Bosnia highlights of the year,” says pastor of the physical needs before the and Jordan.

And this great gift is thanks to Dave Chow. “They are a service- spiritual needs,” Goosen says. the Gleaners’s large and devoted oriented group, and love to share “And we share this belief. We give volunteer base. With only three with the work of their hands.” in Christ’s name.”

“I love to see how much energy staff members, the Gleaners Currently, the Gleaners are depends on 50–80 volunteers a these kids have,” says Weyh. “We looking for donations of pulses build each other up and learn about like peas, lentils and beans to day, five days a week.

“For many of our senior volun- each other.” boost the protein content of their Chow says his youth “love soups. Oct. 3–4, 2014, Fraser teers, their travelling days are over, but they can still make an impact working alongside the seniors… Valley Gleaners will host fundraisforging new ties with others.” internationally,” says Goosen. ing banquets at Eben-Ezer Church, “It’s an opportunity to do Jack Weyh agrees. “This is Abbotsford, B.C. a way I can show love for God’s something meaningful in your people.” For the last eight years, life. It’s so great to give back a Weyh has driven up from Lynden, little of what the Lord gives us,” Heather Pauls Murray is a wedding Wash., with his friends to volunteer says VanderMeulen, adding the harpist living in Chilliwack, B.C., Gleaners is a comfortable place with her husband and two small twice a week.

“We get so much more in where people can ask questions children. She attends Sardis Community Church. return. It’s almost like we’re being about Christianity. fed,” he says, placing his hands on his heart. “God is using us to help people!”

Most volunteers are seniors. However, the Gleaners is seeing more interest from Canadian youth groups on mission trips. They camp at the Gleaners site, help in the morning, then volunteer in more urban settings in the afternoon.

Young people f rom K i l l a r ne y Park MB Church, Killarney Park MB’s youth group helped load a container with 1 million soup servings.

Vancouver, have MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD June 2014

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PHOTOS: COURTESY FRASER VALLEY GLEANERS

Gleaners turn imperfections into nourishment

N E W S in stor y

Alpha in the omega years been a Christian for 80 “I’ve years, but I will never stop

learning more of God’s love.”

This February, in her downtown seniors’ block, 93-year-old Anne Kroeker started a life-changing Bible study with her “younger” neighbours (in their 80s), half of whom haven’t attended church since childhood.

Kroeker’s church family since she and late husband Jacob moved from Winkler to Winnipeg in 1991, Portage Avenue Church introduced her to the Alpha program three years ago. When Peggy Jenson invited the congregation to participate, “It seemed as if she were speaking directly to me,” Kroeker says.

Something to share From the first session, Kroeker was “hooked.” With video lessons on everything from why did Jesus die to how prayer works, “Nicky Gumbel makes the plan of salvation so easy to understand,” she says.

With a burden to share this experience, Kroeker discussed the idea of hosting Alpha with neighbour Helen Siemens of Elmwood MB Church, who suggested Kroeker lead it.

At their weekly afternoon coffee in the main-f loor mall, Kroeker gave her friends colourful invitations. “I have something to

share,” she said. “I want to invite you to my place to talk about Christianity and what life is all about.”

“It hasn’t been easy for me to witness in the past. It takes nerve and courage. Would they come?”

Kroeker wondered.

Eight women joined Kroeker and Siemens for cookies the first Wednesday. Minutes after the first meeting, one lady phoned Kroeker: “I just told someone in the mailroom what a great time we had. Can she come too?”

Participants said, “I haven’t been to church for many years.”

Kroeker cites various circumstances, such as, “My husband wasn’t a believer,” or “I stopped after my parents no longer made me go.” With nearly half of them needing walkers or canes, travelling to a church building now would be difficult.

Since some of the women aren’t familiar with Scripture, Kroeker thought, “Wouldn’t it be nice if we all had the same Bible, so I could tell them the page numbers?” At church, Peter Suderman, a Gideon, came to her rescue with 10 large print New Testaments.

Many of the women come to meetings prepared, using the Alpha workbooks Jenson provided. Kroeker also gave them each an Our Daily Bread

devotional. “My father was a Sunday school teacher, and we didn’t go to school without sitting together at the table for Bible reading and prayer,” she recalls.

“That still guides me. I tell the ladies it’s a good way to start the day.”

“The one thing I hope they hold onto is that God loves them and forgives their sins,” says Kroeker, who encourages them to pray sentence prayers. “This is the easiest way to speak to God. Tell him how you feel…. Then you don’t have to worry.”

Anne Kroeker on her 93rd birthday.

A teacher with questions The women have questions about how to forgive when there’s a big hurt in the family, about prayer for healing in the face of chronic pain, and the Trinity.

After raising two boys on her own and losing Jacob in 2001, Kroeker has questioned too.

“I told them, ‘I’m going to learn as much as you too because I’ve never really studied the Holy Spirit,’” says Kroeker. One lady called the session in which Nicky Gumbel compares being filled with the Spirit to making a furnace go “poof,” “the best of all.”

“I’m seeing changes. I can see it in their faces,” says Kroeker.

“One looks peaceful. One was excited to share what she’d learned from The Purpose Driven Life.”

One is going through a hard time, but “God won’t give up on her.”

“I don’t find it hard to love them at all,” she says, wiping away a tear.

That love is what has kept the women coming back. “I’m pretty sure if it had been in church they wouldn’t have been willing to come,” she says, “but they know me – they’ve been here for coffee before – so it wasn’t a big deal going to ‘Anne’s place.’”

“A lot of prayer has gone into this,” says Kroeker. People at church tell her, “We’re praying for you.”

Even though the Alpha course is complete, Kroeker says they’ll continue meeting. Other than the macular degeneration that prevents her from “seeing the dust,” she says, “the way I feel, l could go on for a while yet!”

“If we can plant the seed, God can do the rest,” she says. “A lot has to do with being available. I was willing. I was obedient.” If that’s all her friends see, that legacy means as much to Kroeker as anything in the workbook.—Angeline Schellenberg

PHOTO: COURTESY ANNE KROEKER

WINNIPEG

It was a happy ending to a story of trials and resolution at Camp Likely, the newest BCMB camp near Williams Lake, B.C. Although there were 58 recorded personal commitments last summer, co-director Patrick Hama (left) said 2013 was a year of gaping holes throughout the season.

The board considered a “different look” to camp and at one point decided, “We needed to take a fallow year,” he said.

“Then it became clear we should continue with camp for 2014 but with no enhancements. We only came to a peace at the end of March, and now we are back on track.”

Program staffing and volunteer director Kate Reid (centre) is looking for individual and church partnerships so that Likely can depend on partners in addition to Cariboo Bethel, the only MB church in proximity to the camp. Chilliwack’s Broadway Church has now committed its support, said Reid. She is still for 2014 adultswww.mbherald.com who can speak, serve and mentor campers in 24 lookingJune one-on-one relationships and as counsellors.

Nine years ago, Cariboo Bethel was challenged to pick up the gauntlet, said Harry Edwards, executive director of Stillwood Camp & Conference Centre (right), “and you have done that.” He said, “There are people in the kingdom because of that response. God has a plan – beyond anything you or I could think. It is in his plan to reach the kids and youth of this community.”

Then came the surprise. He presented Hama a cheque for $10,000 toward operating costs in 2014.—Barrie McMaster, B.C. correspondent

PHOTO: BARRIE MCMASTER

Likely surprised by God and Stillwood

Tribute Carlin Weinhauer October 31, 1939–April 19, 2014

My friend and “spiritual father,” Carlin was a man who walked the talk. He had an impact in Thailand that we will be reaping for a long, long time. He loved Ang Sila orphans, Burmese immigrants, Khmu tribal people, Cambodian refugees, Thai nationals and a whole bunch of MB missionaries! I can picture him doing that little two-step shuffle with Jesus, with one hand pointed to heaven and that great big smile, [saying] as he often said, “In Jesus’ strong name!” Carlin gets a front row seat at the celebration in heaven!—Ricky Sanchez, Thailand missionary, MB Mission

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Carlin brought his love for prayer, the Word and missions to our lead team. He was a mentor to me personally and to our mobilization team, as he launched Celebrate Mission nights across North America, 15 vision trips to Thailand, India and Burkina Faso, and more recently, our Thailand development building projects.

Carlin wanted to die “in the saddle with his boots on.” We will miss his God-given passion for life and all things eternal.—Randy Friesen, general director, MB Mission

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Rebecca and I were so appreciative of Carlin and Marcia for their focused interest in students as we taught together. I admired Carlin’s directness in his teaching and preaching: no nonsense, just integrity. Whatever it took to serve the Lord, that’s what he did. Our dear brother Carlin will be generously rewarded for his faithfulness, his focused commitment and determination to do the will of God at any cost.—Erwin Lutzer, pastor, Moody Church, Chicago

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Carlin excelled at turning out pastors at Briercrest College. His mind never stopped pouring out creative additions to Youth Quake. We never had stronger constituency relations before or since Carlin’s day as vice president of external relations. Through my years as president, no one was more supportive. Large numbers of people will one day be in the presence of Jesus because Carlin served where and how he did.—Paul Magnus, president emeritus, Briercrest College and Seminary

PHOTO: RAYMOND DUECK

Carlin Weinhauer was a professor and administrator at Briercrest Bible College for 15 years and pastor at Willingdon Church, Burnaby, B.C., for 20. In “retirement,” he joined MB Mission’s lead team, leading 15 vision trips to Thailand, Brazil, Burkina Faso and India.

Carlin died this spring after a six-week battle with stomach cancer. He is mourned by his wife Marcia, daughters Cheri (Howard), Lynda (Allan), Rebekah (Brian), eight grandchildren, one sister and many friends.

Carlin and Marcia Weinhauer

Carlin had a deep impact on my life, and not a week goes by when I don’t share a word of wisdom that he spoke into my life.—Ron van Akker, B.C. associate conference minister

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I remember Carlin’s sayings: “Pray in the strong name of Jesus” and “Prayer is the work.” He’d remind people that prayer is “the conscious act of the will to humble yourself before God.” At times of prayer, Carlin would always be the first on his knees.—Esther Corbett, intercessory prayer team leader, MB Mission

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I will never forget being in labour with Cody and receiving Carlin’s phone call, asking how things were going. No other pastor-friend would do that! He dedicated our children, led a diaper drive, brought us bran muffin mix, welcomed us into his home and cottage. Thank you for the opportunity to preach at Willingdon, for room to grow.—Ron and Nancy Friesen, Willingdon youth pastor, 1990–98

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One of my favourite Carlinisms is “Let’s just figure out where God’s wave is and ride it.” Carlin led Willingdon from his knees.—Norm Funk, pastor, Westside Church

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When my dad passed away, Carlin was there during the last hours.

What an honour that he and Marcia came back from sabbatical to do the funeral service for him. Carlin said, “Bob, we didn’t have enough time on this earth to talk, and when I get to heaven, we are going to find a palm tree and sit on top and talk for a hundred years.” Today, they are doing that.—Erwin, Cheryl, Madison and Jared Kathler

More tributes at carlinsjourney.blogspot.ca.

Full obituary on page 33.

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ABOVE THE RIM Basketball

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Outtatown is an adventure to prepare you for the future.

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God’s Word is light and life for people everywhere.

God works through His Word to bring real and lasting change from the inside out. For more than 60 years, Bible League Canada has placed the Living Word of God into the hands of men, women and children.

We provide Scriptures and training in more than 40 countries to bring people into relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.

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Visit bibleleague.ca to light up more lives with God’s Word today!

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GATHERING 2014 GATHERING 2014 MULTIPLYING FOR MISSION MULTIPLYING FOR MISSION

Canadian Mennonite Brethren will gather in Vancouver at The Centre for Gathering 2014 on June 11–14, 2014.

Don’t forget to keep the following costs and dates in mind when preparing to attend this event.

Registration is $199 per person (after May 1). This includes all morning breaks, lunch on Thursday and Friday, all conference materials plus Experience Vancouver.

How to register: • Online: gathering.mennonitebrethren.ca • Mail: Gathering 2014, 1310 Taylor Avenue, Winnipeg MB R3M 3Z6 • Fax: 204-654-1865 • Phone: 888-669-6575 REMEMBER! Each Canadian Conference church may send one delegate for every 25 members, plus one pastor.

Join us in Vancouver as we explore how we can multiply the reach of our churches and shape our mission as Canadian Mennonite Brethren.

For more information visit gathering.mennonitebrethren.ca

Mennonite Heritage Village

Schmeckfest Jubilee Saturday, July 5th 5:30pm

Sample traditional cuisine while strolling our 50-year-old village.

Entertainment by Rosemary Siemens highlights a dessert bar.

Limited tickets available: $100 ($50 charitable receipt) Dress code: Smart Casual

50th Anniversary Celebration Sunday, July 6th 10:00am

Worship Service, Tours, Saengerfest, Faspa etc. Donations accepted. Please bring lawn chairs.

THE CENTRE, VANCOUVER B.C. JUNE 11 - 14, 2014 Join THE us in CENTRE, Vancouver VANCOUVER as we explore how weJUNE can multiply reach of B.C. 11 - 14,the 2014 our churches and shape our mission as Canadian Mennonite Brethren.

Join us in Vancouver as we explore how we can multiply the reach of our churches and shape our mission as Canadian Mennonite Brethren.

P: (888) 669-6575 E: mpenner@mbconf.ca mennonitebrethren.ca P: (888) 669-6575 E: mpenner@mbconf.ca mennonitebrethren.ca

231 PTH 12N Steinbach, Manitoba 1-201-326-9661 www.mhv.ca

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CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

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We Introduce You to the Locals!

Celebrating 45 Years of Value-Added Travel Despite limited education, Albert Hildebrand built a prosperous flour mill and other businesses that employ many in eastern Paraguay.

Generous philanthropists, Albert and Mary helped establish a hospital and a school in their community.

Meet the Hildebrands and other local Mennonites on our Explore South America tour, March 15-27, 2015.

In 2014-2015, explore Australia/New Zealand, Alaska, Vietnam, Mexico, Hawaii, Europe, Cuba, Ethiopia/Tanzania, the Holy Land, Scandinavia, and Mennonite World Conference.

Book your life-changing journey today!

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office@tourmagination.com www.tourmagination.com TICO#50014322

Savin g a child Throughout Moldova, Ukraine and Romania, more than 70,000 children live in state homes often in poor repair because the governments can’t afford to keep the houses in good and safe condition. Throughout the region, many thousands more children are abandoned or orphaned; alone, unprotected, homeless and walking the streets. Many of these kids are kidnapped and forced into the sex trade.

According to one CNN report, 75% of the sex workers in the Netherlands at the moment originate from Eastern European countries such as Romania.

These are children we want to save and need your help to do it. These children need our love and support, often for lengthy periods. We ask that you prayerfully consider sponsoring one of these children today. For just $32.00 a month, the equivalent of a coffee a day, you can bring hope, the love of God and light into the life of an abandoned, at-risk child.

A gift of sponsorship will help us provide emotional, physical and spiritual help to these deserving children.

Ministering to

MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS

For more information or to begin a child sponsorship please call us toll free at 1-800-494-4454 Or visit our website at www.mwbca.org

LOGOS CANADA

25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION September 20, 2014, 6:30 Dessert Evening Location – Garden Park Towers, Abbotsford, BC Logos Canada supports church ministries in the former Soviet Union countries including Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Russia and Siberia. It is also a sponsoring partner of the St. Petersburg Christian University. The Logos mission is supported by those who have a heart for ministry in the former Soviet Union Countries. Thank you for your prayers and support. Your presence at the 25th anniversary would be an encouragement.

Email: logoscanadaoffice@gmail.com Logos chair George Baier 604-850-8646

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD June 2014

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FA M I LY news

TR ANSITIONS Ron van Akker was affirmed as associate conference minister for the B.C. Conference of MB Churches at the annual BCMB convention, May 2–3, 2014. Pastor at Central Community Church, Chilliwack, B.C., 2006–2014, he served as BCMB moderator from 2012–2014.

Justun Chan began serving as children and youth pastor at South Vancouver Pacific Grace MB Church Apr. 1, 2014. He has a BA in biblical studies with a minor in church ministries from Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C., and has a certificate from Jerusalem University College. He previously served at Tri-city Chinese Christian Church, Port Moody, B.C., and at Vancouver Chinese MB Church. Justun is married to Fueng Yan. North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg, welcomed Justin Buhler as director of senior high youth ministry and director of technical ministry and communications.

Having grown up at NKMB, Justin has served the congregation as youth ministry intern since September 2012. He completed a BA at the University of Winnipeg in June 2013.

Jeff Jantzi will begin as lead pastor at The Gathering Ottawa in August. He previously served as life groups pastor at Southridge Community Church, St. Catharines, Ont., for 7 years; as spiritual life director at Eden High School, St. Catharines, for 3.5 years; and at Youth For Christ in St. Catharines for 4 years.

Jeff also serves on the board of directors for the Ontario Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. Jeff and Kim have 3 children.

Marcus Schmaling began as youth and young adults pastor at Kelowna (B.C.) Gospel Fellowship, May 1, 2014. A part of KGF for the past 2 years, he is a graduate of Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta., (BMin) and Regent College, Vancouver, 30

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BIRTHS (MDiv) who has previously served as youth pastor in Washington, Thailand and the Vancouver area. Marcus and Beth have 2 sons.

Leadership of Le Lien, the French MB publication in Quebec, has come into new hands. Danielle Lajeunesse was affirmed as editor at the Quebec annual convention, Apr. 12, 2014. She adds this to her work with the conference as ministry coordinator of administration, communication and continuing education.

She previously served the congregation at Saint-Eustache as coordinator of small groups and outreach. She is also part of an interfaith roundtable on poverty. Danielle and Germain Giroux have 2 children.

Former editor Jean Biéri resigned at the end of December, having served since 2005.

Quebec conference minister since 2002, Stéphane Rhéaume has resigned from the position effective Dec. 31, 2014, to devote full-time attention to pastoral duties at Église Chrétienne Évangélique de Saint-Eustache where he has served as pastor since 1997. Stéphane and Annie Labelle have 1 daughter.

Pastor of Gateway Community Church, Port Alberni, B.C., since he planted it in July 2005, Paul Wicki resigned effective Apr. 30, 2014. He plans to take a break from pastoral ministry in order to seek God for future ministry direction.

Pastor at Richmond Park MB Church, Brandon, Man., since 2010, Ben Kramer resigned effective Aug.14, 2014.

got news?

Contact karla.braun@mbchurches.ca with pastoral transition and church anniversary information.

BEAUCHARD – to Kevin & Lindsay of Forrest, Man., a son, Theadore Dave, Apr. 10, 2014.

BORN – to Dustin & Colleen (Scheer) of Abbotsford, B.C., a son, Jairus Dustin, Apr. 16, 2014.

DOERKSEN – to Juergen & Susanne (Esau) of Abbotsford, B.C., a son, Ruben Jakob, Feb. 24, 2014.

NEUFELD – to Joel & Tania of Winnipeg, a son, Liam Pax, Feb. 7, 2014.

NEUFELD – to Jonathon & Rebecca (Toews) of Saskatoon, a daughter, Liesl Kathryn Laura, Apr. 3, 2014.

NEUFELD – to Percy & Liliane (Gerbrand) of Abbotsford, B.C., a son, Haiko Andre, Nov. 24, 2013.

RHÉAUME – to Stéphane & Annie Labelle of SaintEustache, Que., a daughter, Emma, born Feb. 7, 2014, adopted Feb. 11, 2014.

VON RIESEN – to Steve & Nikki of Winnipeg, a daughter, Macy Cole, Feb. 5, 2014.

WEDDINGS Derek BROWN & Alexandria KRAHN, both of Red Deer, Alta., Jan. 3, 2014.

Joel KROEKER & Laura HUNT, both of Fernie, B.C., July 20, 2013.

Curtis TARR & Sarah WIEBE, both of Portage la Prairie, Man., Nov. 30, 2013.

Dustin CARROLL & Christine DRIEDGER, both of Port Rowan, Ont., Apr. 12, 2014.

ANNIVERSARY

E NNS: Gerhard & Mika Enns of St. Catharines, Ont., celebrated their 60th

PENNER – to Daniel & Daisy (Schartner) of Abbotsford, B.C., a daughter, Sophie Rose, Aug. 8, 2013.

wedding anniversary

TRUSTY – to Jonah & Georgina of Oakville, Man., a daughter, Hannah Sarah Yoshiko, Apr. 10, 2014.

thanking God for his

through song, words and pictures, Apr. 3, 2014, with family and friends, faithfulness. They were married Apr. 3, 1954, in Filadelfia, Paraguay.

C H U R C H S TA FF Lead Pastor Vauxhall (Alta.) MB Church is prayerfully seeking a lead pastor who loves the Lord, his Word and his people. Vauxhall MB is a congregation of about 150 people in a town of 1,000. We are a rural community church that serves a radius of approximately 50 km. We desire a pastor with strong expository preaching skills. We are also looking for someone who is able to work with a team; we have a full-time associate pastor and a parttime office administrator. Visit www.vauxhallmbchurch.com to learn more about us. Send resumes via email to chrissiemensfarm@gmail.com.

Youth Pastor “Plus” Cariboo Bethel Church is now taking applications for youth pastor “plus.” We are located in Williams Lake, B.C. Our city of 11,000 acts as a hub, serving an additional 30,000 in the central interior region of this beautiful province. Bethel is a Christ-centred, Spirit-led faith family of more than 250 people, with a multichurch youth group of 40–60 attendees (age 13–18) and a volunteer core of 15–20 youth and adults. This will be a full-time, custom-designed position serving alongside the lead pastor as a key partner on our church leadership team. The person God is calling to join us will primarily develop discipleship and ministry among young people. In addition, this person will contribute to the greater mission of our church by serving in another area of ministry according to gifts, experience and passion (i.e., worship, children and families, local mission or camp ministry). Interested? Please strike up a conversation with us in an email to alison_brown22@yahoo.ca.

We can send you a full job description and a summary of who we are as a church family.

Part-time Pastor Cornerstone MB Church, Prince Rupert, B.C., is seeking a part-time pastor to minister to a congregation of approximately 45 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-church setting. The candidate should carry the call of a pastor/teacher with a strong evangelistic leaning and love both the church and the unchurched in the community. Applications with a cover letter and resume should be made to mbchurch@citytel.net, attention Mr. B. Buhr or call 250-627-1033 for more information.

Lead Pastor Gem (Alta.) MB Church, a rural congregation of 85 members, is prayerfully seeking a pastor with a love for people and community. We are seeking someone with shepherd qualities, and

passion for preaching, teaching and outreach.

One who will equip us, challenge us to grow and to use our gifts within our ministry. We have recently completed a ReFocusing process and are working to establish a clear vision for our ministry. Please send resumes via email to gklassen@eidnet.org, or contact Greg Klassen at 403-633-4740.

Lead Pastor St. Ann’s (Ont.) Community Church welcomes applicants for the position of lead pastor. Our church is located 3–5 miles east of Smithville, Ont., in the Niagara Peninsula. We are a congregation of 113 active members with an average weekly attendance of 150–160. Our website is: www.stannscommunitychurch.ca. Please send resumes to the elders board c/o David Lackey, board chair, email: davidlackey67@gmail.com.

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.

continued from page 15 a time on a certain day to get together” with team members. “When I prepare for those appointments, I show care; I am there on time; and I listen well, being honest about my own vulnerabilities.”

Clarity is vital to a team, said Birch.

Well-done, periodic team meetings emphasize the mission, propagate the preferred culture and reinforce the central ministry focus and the values. Study together, he says. Birch likes the “sandbox” exercise as a focus tool.

Thiessen said team members must know why the team exists, know the values the team has, and identify what’s required.

They should also be encouraged to pray and brainstorm about who might be invited to join the team, who would fit well in each part of the work.

Thiessen is in constant search mode for leaders. “Work on your team first before you start them on an actual ministry,” she said.

Then trust. “Out of a lack of trust and anonymity, all the other dysfunctions flow,” said Thiessen. Both speakers build trust and model vulnerability. Ephesians 4 is a good place to start.—Barrie McMaster, B.C. correspondent

Pastor of Congregational Care Winkler (Man.) EMMC is prayerfully searching for a pastor of congregational care who will join our pastoral staff currently consisting of senior pastor, pastor to young families, youth pastor and children’s ministry director. As the pastor of congregational care, you will assist in fulfilling the purpose of the church according to our church philosophy of ministry, and develop a comprehensive care ministry to the congregation. Our church family is a multi-generational congregation with an average Sunday attendance of 550–600. We are located in the City of Winkler, Man., approx. 100 km southwest of Winnipeg. This position is open to candidates willing to subscribe to the Winkler EMM Church statement of faith and constitution. To learn more about the church and the job responsibilities, please visit www.winkleremmc.com or contact via email: wemmc.search@gmail.com; phone: Henry Krahn 204-325-8405; mail: Winkler EMMC, attn: Henry Krahn, 600 Southview Drive, Winkler, Man., R6W 2P7

g.dirksen@shaw.ca Helping you find your way home... in Winnipeg

DAVID UNRUH 204-453-7653

david@unruhrealestate.ca www.unruhrealestate.ca

FOR YOUR NEXT MOVE Re/Max

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www.teddepp.com 306 221 1614

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD June 2014

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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

Abram (Abe) Dyck July 21, 1927–Sept. 11, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Newton, Man. PARENTS: Abram (A.A.) & Mary Dyck MARRIAGE: Agnes Dick, 1948 BAPTISM: Newton, 1946 CHURCH: McIvor Avenue MB, Winnipeg FAMILY: Agnes; children Ruth (Eldon) Gamble, Eric (Sheryl), Irmie (Bill) Olmstead, Barb (Henry) Wiens, Bob (Geri), Rose (Ron) Vanderhooft, Brian (Ruth); 32 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 9 siblings

After attending Mennonite Collegiate Institute, Gretna, Man., Abe completed business college in Winnipeg and began a long career in business, retiring from Palliser Furniture at 63. He realized his boyhood dream of becoming a pilot in 1971 and flew with his sweetheart Agnes throughout North America for 20 years. Devoted to his family, church and community, Abe shared God’s love everywhere he went: at home, at work and in the boardroom. Abe touched many with his gentle ways and loving smile.

John Krahn Oct. 11, 1933–Dec. 29, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Meath, Man. PARENTS: Abram & Marie (Enns) Krahn MARRIAGE: Sophie Wiebe, 1955 BAPTISM: Winkler (Man.) MB, 1952 FAMILY: Sophie; children Richard (Judy), Janice, 2 children [d. in infancy]; 2 grandchildren; 1 brother

As a child, John enjoyed baseball and skiing down the village street. At Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute, John played guitar and sang in music groups and received a passion to further the gospel through the MB church. He married Sophie, whom he dated secretly in Bible school. After normal school, John began his 35-year teaching career in Grunthal, Man., in 1957, finishing at Garden Valley Collegiate, Winkler, in 1992. John took summer school at the universities of Manitoba and North Dakota, but dreamed of going to an MB school. In 1971, he graduated from Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan., with a business administration degree and began teaching accounting at W.C. Miller Collegiate, Altona, Man. John served Winkler on town council 1975–1992 and as mayor 1992–1998. In 1999, John was appointed chairman of the South Central Regional Health Authority. His dream, to build a regional hospital, became reality with the opening of Boundary

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Trails Health Centre in 2001. John encouraged the church to support MB conference initiatives. A member of the Manitoba MB board of reference and council and Winkler MB Church’s council, John also worked on the formation of CMU. John and Sophie loved to camp, travelling from Vancouver to Cape Breton. His health declined in the last 6 months of 2013. Passionate about God, family, structure, church and community, John’s bottom line was “How can I serve?”

Constance (Connie) Elaine Voth Aug. 19, 1934–Jan. 21, 2014 BIRTHPLACE: Shoal Lake, Man. PARENTS: Lance & Dorothy Hall MARRIAGE: John Voth, Dec. 6, 1969 CHURCH: Manitou MB, Man. FAMILY: John; sons Joel (Rochelle), Michael (Nicole); 4 grandchildren; 1 sister

Connie grew up Solsgirth, Man. After moving to Saltcoats, Sask., in 1945, she was diagnosed with polio, from which she recovered fully. In 1955, Connie graduated from nursing school in Yorkton, Sask. Birch River Bible Camp changed her life: she found salvation through Jesus and a faith to guide her. She graduated from Winnipeg Bible College (now Providence University College) in 1965. Connie nursed in Morden and Manitou, Man., 1966–67. One pneumonia patient caught her eye and became her husband. After 5 years at home with 2 sons, she returned to work in 1975 at Notre Dame (Man.) Hospital, becoming director of nursing in 1980. When it grew demanding on the family, she worked part-time at Notre Dame, 1985–1997, and casually for 7 years at northern nursing stations. Connie started having respiratory problems in 2011. She treasured the role of grandma.

Menno Peter Isaac Oct. 31, 1927–Feb. 25, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Arnaud, Man. PARENTS: Aron & Anna (Janzen) Isaac; stepmother Mary (Baerg) Isaac MARRIAGE: Katherine (Kay) Hiebert, Oct. 29, 1951 [d. Aug. 25, 2003]; Rosa Rempel, Sept. 29, 2007 BAPTISM: Roseau River, Man., as a teen CHURCH: Arnaud (Man.) MB; Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: Rosa; children Daryl (Chris), Rod (Carol); 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren including James Williams [d.]

When Menno was 9, his mother died. He accepted Jesus in his teens. Menno worked at a lime plant in Agassiz, B.C., and met Kay in Greendale, B.C. They moved to Arnaud, Man., where he worked on the farm 3 years. After they returned to Greendale, Menno worked for Columbia Paving, then was a driver 9 years for Dueck’s Lumberyard, Chilliwack, B.C. The family farmed in Alexander, Man., then in Souris, Man. In 1982, Menno and Kay moved to Chilliwack to be near their sons, and Menno worked 10 years for Sears’ automotive department. After Kay’s death, Menno volunteered at the MCC Store and Fraser Valley Gleaners. Woodworking was his hobby.

Despite hardships, he said God was good to him.

In answer to Menno’s prayer, Rosa entered his life. They enjoyed simple pleasures and travelling. They lived in Chilliwack, then moved to Abbotsford, B.C., where they joined Clearbrook MB Church. October 2011, Menno had a stroke and moved to the Cottage Pavilion. His life was marked by thankfulness to God for Rosa, his family, friends and caregivers. Menno and Rosa prayed he’d walk again, but God had other plans.

Esther Annie Born Jan. 16, 1923–Mar. 18, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Melba, Man. PARENTS: John K. & Anna (Thiessen) Brandt MARRIAGE: Henry Born, July 26, 1945 [d. 2002] BAPTISM: Elmwood MB, Winnipeg CHURCH: Bakerview, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: daughters Julia (Ron) Toews, Naomi, Rebecca; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 8 siblings

Esther contracted osteomyelitis at 12. She spent years in and out of hospitals and was given no hope of walking. Many people prayed, and with the help of homeopathic medicine, she was able to continue piano studies and lead a full life. In hospital, she committed her life to God. During teacher training at Wesley College, Winnipeg, Esther was baptized. After 2 years of teaching, she married Henry, whom she met in Reinland, Man. Esther and Henry served in South America and Europe in education and church growth and pastored churches across North America. They supported the Fraser Valley Symphony. In retirement, Esther pursued her passion for genealogy, writing books of family history – an interest that sustained her after Henry’s death. She located long-lost relatives and helped develop Mennonite Historical Society’s archives. She enjoyed her 91st birthday party, days before cancer immobilized her. Esther loved to celebrate.

anywhere. His health failed with heart-related issues after 5 weeks of palliative care.

Katherine Martens Feb. 5, 1921–Mar. 19, 2014

Eva Hiebert

the support of their care group at Bakerview Church for 40 years. In retirement, Eric and Kay jumped into teaching English in Lithuania for 8 summers. Eric was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Dec. 7, 1921–Mar. 24, 2014 BIRTHPLACE: Samara, Russia PARENTS: John C. & Elizabeth (Martens) Klassen MARRIAGE: Abe Martens, Oct. 22, 1941 [d. January 2003] CHURCH: Lindbrook (Alta.) MB; Bakerview, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: children Walter (Lois), Joyce (Hank), Irene (Norm), Ken [d. 2009] (Sylvia), Ron [d. 2009] (Carole); 24 grandchildren including Tamara [d. 2005]; 27 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings

When Katherine was 5, her family immigrated to Canada, settling in Crowfoot, Alta., with no travel debt. After Grade 8, she did housework for the Warners at $15/month. Katherine’s highlight at Coaldale (Alta.) Bible College (1939– 1940) was getting a ride with Abe, whom she married in 1941. Katherine pulled her children in a wagon for miles to her mother’s home to care for her until her death to cancer in 1945. After a crop failure in Lindbrook, Alta., Katherine and Abe moved to Yarrow, B.C., to continue farming.

Through migraines, osteoarthritis and degenerative discs, Katherine demonstrated consistent faith. She sang in Bakerview’s fellowship choir and served church catering committees with her gift of hospitality. When Abe moved to Menno Home Hospital, Katherine spent many hours a day driving back and forth to visit. After Abe died in 2003, Katherine was lonely until her move to Hallmark Assisted Living. She again adapted well to Tabor Court. When her health declined in 2010, she moved to Tabor Home.

Isaac Martens Dec. 7, 1931–Mar. 22, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Manitou, Man. PARENTS: William & Anna Martens MARRIAGE: Erna Stenzel, Oct. 5, 1956 CHURCH: Crestwood MB, Medicine Hat, Alta.

FAMILY: Erna; children Kara (Rod) Groves, Gerald, Allan (Wendy), Colleen (David) Reimer; 7 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren

Isaac graduated from Caronport (Sask.) High School and Briercrest Bible College. He worked as an electrician in Regina and Medicine Hat, Alta., most of his life. Isaac had a heart for God and served the church through Sunday school, Bible studies, choirs and boards. He enjoyed time with family, camping, cooking, reading and doing crosswords. Isaac was able to carry on conversations with friends and strangers

Carlin Eugene Weinhauer Oct. 31, 1939–Apr. 19, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Stuartburn, Man. PARENTS: Abram & Agatha (Giesbrecht) Dueck MARRIAGE: Jacob Hiebert, Apr. 11, 1948 [d. Oct. 16, 1994] CHURCH: Steinbach (Man.) MB FAMILY: children Tom, Hilda, Bertha; 6 granddaughters; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings

BIRTHPLACE: Wellsville, N.Y. PARENTS: Frank & Thelma Weinhauer MARRIAGE: Marcia Watne, Aug. 11, 1962 CHURCH: Mt. Olivet Baptist, S.C.; Bethel Community Evangelical Free, Chicago; Willingdon, Burnaby, B.C. FAMILY: Marcia; daughters Cheri (Howard), Lynda (Allan), Rebekah (Brian); 8 grandchildren; 1 sister

Erich Leonhard Ratzlaff May 13, 1934–Mar. 25, 2014 BIRTHPLACE: Acme, Alta.

PARENTS: Richard & Martha (Kliewer) Ratzlaff MARRIAGE: Kay Wiebe, June 25, 1961 CHURCH: Bakerview, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: Kay; daughters Catherine, Marcia (Randy), Patricia (Laurie), Carolyn (Jason); 7 grandchildren

Eric’s memories revolved around family, sports, chores and church. He attended MB Bible College, Winnipeg, for 2 years, followed by 2 years studying history at University of B.C. It took a couple years for Eric to get the nerve to ask Kay out on Jan. 16, 1960, from a payphone, so no one would know if she said “no.” Eric’s first teaching job was a Grade 5 class in Kitimat, B.C. Eric and Kay moved back to Abbotsford, B.C., where they lived 25 years.

Eric taught while earning a BA in history at UBC (1967). Losing his father was very difficult for Eric. He graduated with a MEd from Western Washington University in 1972. Eric taught in the Abbotsford School District 37 years, followed by 31 years at Abbotsford Senior Secondary. His optimism for the students and enthusiasm for history brought lessons alive.

Eric always took an interest in his daughters’ activities; he was their biggest fan. He and Kay were regular babysitters for their grandchildren: helping with homework, taking walks, buying them ice cream. Eric showed his love through food, plying his family with thanksgiving dinners or bananas on sale. He relished listening to others sing. Eric loved a challenge: he biked home with a Christmas tree. On walks, he often conversed with strangers. Eric loved hot tubs, Mozart, sculpture, poetry and current events. He faithfully visited his mother and aunts in Tabor Home, and he and Kay volunteered at the MCC auction. They enjoyed

At a 1957 conference, Carlin gave his life to Christ with the commitment to serve anywhere, at any time, any cost. With Carlin’s lifelong interest in geography, God prepared him to minister far and wide. After a year at Buffalo (N.Y.) Bible Institute, he graduated from Briercrest College, Caronport, Sask., in 1962. Carlin married Marcia Watne, whom he met in Montana one summer during college. While Carlin earned a BA in biblical education from Columbia International University, S.C., Carlin and Marcia pastored Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, where he was ordained in 1964. They were invited to lead 3 rural American Sunday School Union churches in Montana in 1966. Carlin earned an MA in Christian Ed from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Chicago (1968–1974), an MA in pastoral theology from the Chicago Graduate School of Theology (1971) through summer studies and a PhD in educational administration from University of Alberta (1979). Carlin served Briercrest Bible College (1969–1983), teaching Bible and pastoral theology and serving in fundraising and recruitment. Carlin loved the church and mentored young pastors to preach the Word. In 1983, the family travelled to West Germany, Switzerland and Hungary with Word of Life Mission, the first of many ministry trips.

Carlin and Marcia pastored Willingdon Church, Burnaby, B.C., with joy 1984–2004. Under their leadership, Willingdon planted a church among Chechen people in 1997. After retiring from Willingdon, Carlin joined MB Mission’s lead team in 2005, serving in mobilization and media. He led teams to Thailand and other MB mission fields, like Brazil, Burkina Faso and India. Carlin served with joy and a deep love for God’s work worldwide.

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Read the full-length reviews online under Arts & Culture at www.mbherald.com

CURRENT books Jacob’s Choice, Return to Northkill, Book 1 ERVIN R. STUTZMAN Herald Press acob’s Choice is not another simple Amish romance, as the cover may suggest. It’s a skillfully portrayed, heartwrenching story – based on history – of personal conviction, spiritual struggle, persecution, horror, loss, recovery and forgiveness.

Jacob Hochstetler has acquired a farm, a family and fellowship with his brethren in Pennsylvania in 1757. However, the French and Indian War forces him to consider his response to threatened attacks. When fear becomes reality, Jacob must align his convictions with his actions. This story encourages us, as fellow Anabaptists, to ponder how our faith would fare if confronted with our worst nightmares.— Janice Dick, Philadelphia MB Church, Watrous, Sask.

J

Jesus Feminist: An Invitation to Revisit the Bible’s View of Women SARAH BESSEY Simon and Schuster hen you hear the word feminist, do you think of Jesus? Canadian author and blogger Sarah Bessey calls her book-length treatment of the issue “An invitation to revisit the Bible’s view of women.” With a gentle tone and disclosure of shaping personal experiences, she issues a clarion call to re-examine presuppositions in light of the meta-arc of redemption in which she sees the thread of Jesus-inspired feminism in Scripture. At its heart, the book is about faithful obedience to God in the big and small actions of life because “biblical equality is not the endgame; it is one of the means to God’s big ending: all things redeemed, all things restored.”—Brad Sumner, Jericho Ridge, Langley, B.C.

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BOOK note Daughters in the City: Mennonite Maids in Vancouver, 1931–61 RUTH DERKSEN SIEMENS Fernwood Press anted: a hard-working, clean-living (white) girl who won’t steal the jewelry.

Found: Mennonite immigrant girls eager to help parents pay off crushing travel debts.

Ruth Derksen Siemens’s soft-cover coffee-table book introduces the women as young as 14 who worked 15-hour days in the foreign-tothem homes of wealthy Vancouver families.

It records the role of the Maedchenheimen Bethel (MB) and Mary Martha (GC) where these hard-working women “formed a bond of sisterhood that is unparalleled.” Filled with colourful memories from personal interviews (“sheets” does not mean linens to these German-speaking girls); profiles of women such as beloved matron Tina Lehn; and photographs of the maids, their house and their families; the short book explores three decades of immigrant Mennonite life through the experience of women – at that time a voiceless part of Mennonite church life. Some questions go unanswered or unasked in the account, for the author’s intent is to honour the women and their experience of “a sense of importance and usefulness,” not break the silence to expose secrets or decode euphemism.—KB

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Intersection

of faith & life

God’s recipe for making true love SANDRA REIMER

O

n our first date, my husband Wes and I went to a used book sale followed by shopping at all the thrift stores in uptown Waterloo, Ont. Probably not your typical first date, but it was perfect for us. Upon getting engaged, I looked forward to years of unmitigated bliss with the man of my dreams.

When reality set in, as it always does, I was tempted to believe I married the wrong person. Western culture teaches us that if marriage gets difficult, maybe you haven’t found true love. According to this myth, you need to keep searching for the person who effortlessly completes you – your soul mate.

Similarly, many of us have experienced the blush of excitement when attending (or starting) a new congregation. The worship moves us, we work and pray together and new people flock to join the church. When warts appear – elders fight, sermons get boring or the worship band plays songs we don’t like – we may be tempted to look for greener pastures.

Whether in marriage, friendship, family relationships or in a church community, true love, I believe, is made not found.

A bittersweet true love cake If I were baking a true love cake, I would combine shared interests, good health, similar intelligence and fun times frosted with plenty of pleasure. But God has different ideas. He asks us to prepare a savoury meal of caring with bitter ingredients like incompatibility, mental or physical illness and suffering.

Fortunately, he doesn’t expect us to do it on our own. God fills us with his Holy Spirit and promises to give us strength to persevere.

Genuine caring is a messy, difficult affair. I’m talking about the broccoli and kale of love that leads to healthy longterm relationships, not the confection of infatuation portrayed in the media. That’s not to say we won’t have plenty of chocolate truffle moments, but they shouldn’t be our goal because they don’t nourish

relationships like a steady diet of vegetables.

Our greatest opportunities to express tenderness often happen in the midst of conflict. When anger and frustration boil and everything in us would like to get revenge, yell or even hit the person in front of us, we need to listen for the Holy Spirit’s restraining whisper. I often pray that my mind would be slowed down enough during emotionally intense moments that I can clearly choose between love and “unlove.”

When we refuse to lash out, God enables us to speak words of life. “A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1).

“Love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). “Forgive as the Lord forgave

integrated into the sinews of our beings.

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).

Working through conflicts, forgiving mistakes and trying again forge a bond stronger than steel.

Choosing love At times, we may contemplate divorce, ending a friendship, kicking out a teenager or never speaking to parents again. We figure life would be easier if “that person” were not part of it. And though it’s true there are circumstances where a separation, temporary or permanent, is necessary for the safety of all involved, most situations call for more love and prayer.

God asks us to prepare a savoury meal of caring with bitter ingredients. you” (Colossians 3:13). Mentally reviewing these truths during a conflict can reduce the heat and preserve relationships.

Sharpening iron I may not always feel like I married my soul mate; however, Wes is helping me become more like Christ and together we’re making true love.

I also don’t attend the perfect church.

That may be by God’s design – he often places us with people and in situations that help us to face our sinfulness.

In his mercy, the Lord may overload those who are rescuers with needy people until we learn to acknowledge him as the only Saviour and ourselves as servants with limits. When we’re selfish with our time, God might grant our desire for so much “me time” that we become lonely and realize we need others.

The Lord’s goal is to make us like Jesus, so he gives us opportunities to choose loving habits that will be

The one who demonstrated perfect love told us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). And Jesus would know.

According to the book of Luke, Jesus was dreading the cross so much that he sweat drops of blood. He wanted to walk away, to take the easier path. But after wrestling with his will and being strengthened by an angel, he said the words that made true love possible for all of us: “Not my will but yours be done.”

He chose love. And – with his help – we can too.

Sandra Reimer is doing her best to make true love in Kitchener, Ont., with her husband, two kids, friends, family and church family at Glencairn MB Church.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD June 2014

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TUESDAY TREK program participants MB Mission Pastors credentialing orientation

ICOMB

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Rejuvenated Bible School in Uruguay

Canada transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ CCMBC 17

CCMBC

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WEDNESDAY

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Transitional Ministry Network leaders RCDL Gathering 2014, multiplying for mission CCMBC

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COACH Model Training, Winnipeg RCDL Faculty and staff

MBBS Canada

THURSDAY

BCMB executive board meeting BCMB Sam Reimer, executive board CCMBC

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Wisdom for churches to serve in Angola province affected by drought ICOMB 12

OCMBC

C2C Network regional team, Ontario

CCMBC PRAYER CALENDAR MONDAY

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SUNDAY

OCMBC

Camp Crossroads, leaders and campers

OCMBC

OCMBC executive board meeting

CMU

Canadian School of Peacebuilding

CCMBC

Pastors credentialing orientation

MBHC

Yoshio Fujii, archival internship recipient

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Len Penner, executive board assistant moderator CCMBC AEFMQ rally, inspiration and encouragement for Quebec churches AEFMQ 8

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Ed Willms, OCMBC executive director OCMBC

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Brian Cooper, chair

BFL Panama Church, seeking government recognition of land claims ICOMB 29

Praise the LORD. How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise Him! Psalm 147:1 Visit mennonitebrethren.ca to sign up to receive the full prayer guide.

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Brad Wall, Saskatchewan premier

RCDL

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Ron Toews, director of RCDL

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Gathering 2014, multiplying for mission in home communities CCMBC 14

SCMBC

SCMBC executive board meeting

SATURDAY

JUNE 2014

FRIDAY

Blessings experienced at ICOMB annual Summit ICOMB

Churches in Ukraine, direction and unity ICOMB

Pray for harvest workers (Luke 10:2) CANADA

Church leaders in Lithuania ICOMB

June 2014  www.mbherald.com

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