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JESUS? A story of coffee, conversation and a few crotchety characters
“What if you were asked to walk around naked and barefoot (Isaiah 20:3) or to take off your underwear and hide it under a rock (Jeremiah 13:4)?” said Phillip Vallelly to delegates and guests gathered at Winkler MB Church for the annual Manitoba Assembly in March 2015. “Those folks were willing to do what God asked them to do. They were willing to respond.” The pastor of the oldest MB church in Canada – one of 20 churches (11 of them Mennonite) in the city of 12,000 – Vallelly told the crowd about his own bizarre obedience as he dares to take the Holy Spirit out of his neat, little package. “I’m hearing things I never heard before. “And I have a deepening sense of gospel urgency – that God doesn’t want anyone to perish.” Last fall, Vallelly followed the Spirit’s prompting to drive to nearby Roland, Man. The small town – famous for its giant pumpkin statue – lies just north of Manitoba’s south-central Bible belt. Stumbling upon the coffee klatsch corner in the local grocery store, Vallelly sat and chatted with about 15 seniors who regularly met there. After several forays to the wee hamlet, the Irishman from Winkler was becoming a local celebrity. But, “there was a deep sense in my heart that the Spirit of God was telling me to ask them about Jesus. Let me tell you, having coffee is relatively easy until you bring the ‘J’ word into the conversation.” When he finally obeyed the Spirit’s direction, one grandma whacked Vallelly over the head with a newspaper, and another scolded, “We don’t talk about religion here!” One 86-year-old declared, “I’m too busy [to learn about Jesus].” As Vallelly drove home, he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “I had met people who didn’t know Jesus. It was fantastic! “But now I’m scared every time I open the newspaper – I’m afraid I’ll see one of their pictures in the obituary section.” The urgency of sharing the gospel is “a no-brainer,” says Vallelly. “But here’s the tricky bit: I’m reminded that people who respond out of a sense of urgency are often called to respond to something that seems crazy and even impossible.” Are we ready to respond to the Spirit for the sake of the gospel – even if the call is to drink bad coffee in the shadow of a giant pumpkin?—Laura Kalmar
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May 2015 www.mbherald.com
CCMBC and its partners 4 Executive director Unstoppable –Willy Reimer
CHURCH MULTIPLICATION 8 C2C Network Making disciples from sea to sea –Scott Thomas
10 MB Mission Kao and Si, sisters in Christ –Rebecca Hiebert
The jeweller and the tailor –Randy Friesen
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT 12 L2L “Transformissional” – One conversation at a time
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COMMUNITY BUILDING 16 Board of faith and life
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20 ICOMB – Wiebe’s witness
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FINANCIAL SERVICES t 19 Financial services update Maximizing financial resources to serve churches –Len Penner
PROVINCIAL CONVENTION REPORTS 22 A call to hear the Spirit’s voice
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Manitoba Assembly –Laura Kalmar
24 Sowing beginnings from endings Saskatchewan convention –Lani Wiens
COLUMNS 35 Intersection of faith and life
DEPARTMENTS 6
Homepage
17 News 31 Transitions, births, weddings & anniversaries 32 Finish lines [Obituaries]
Generous from the inside out –Sandra Reimer
COVER MB Mission’s SOAR Heartland 2015 MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD May 2015
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Unstoppable
CCMBC ministry model
Willy Reimer
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hat can stop the work of God in our world? What army, government or law can block the work of the Spirit? What prison, threat or punishment will silence the voice of God through his people? Nothing! Jesus sacrificed and triumphed. Sin has been defeated, Christ is alive and his Spirit is at work in our world! I have to confess there are days when the reality of Christ’s victory and the present work of the Spirit drift from my heart and mind. I forget “to whom I belong and whom I serve” (Acts 27:23), and view life from too human a perspective. Acts 5 reorients us and reminds us who rules this world and to what mission he calls us. The chapter relates the inspiring and amusing account of how the disciples are imprisoned for preaching, healing and generally living out the kingdom of God. The Lord miraculously “open[s] the doors of the jail and br[ings] them out” (Acts 5:19). Then, he tells the disciples to get back to their appointed work of preaching the good news of Jesus Christ.
Jail break & public disturbance With tongue firmly planted in cheek, Luke writes, “On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to” (Acts 5:24, emphasis added). I think we know what this will lead to! Outrage, jealousy and fear from the religious leadership. The high priest and his leaders want to kill the disciples for their 4
May 2015 www.mbherald.com
insubordination and disobedience, yet the Holy Spirit is at work in one of their own. “But one member, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, who was an expert in religious law and respected by all the people, stood up…. ‘So my advice is, leave these men alone. Let them go. If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown. But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God!’” (Acts 5:34, 38–39, NLT). Gamaliel is speaking prophetically without knowing it! The Holy Spirit is on the move and nothing human leadership can orchestrate will thwart the work. When God moves through his people, the powers of this world are helpless to stop him. The disciples don’t need human best practices, political connections, advertising campaigns or strategic alliances to fulfill their mandate. They need to live in the power of the Holy Spirit and minister in obedience to the Spirit’s leading. Simple but not easy.
A Spirit-led movement A few years ago, Mennonite Brethren leaders began to ask God to give us a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit. We prayed that we would become so consumed by the person and work of Jesus that our desire to know him, follow him, shape our lives
around his teaching and be led by his Spirit would mark us as a people. We prayed for the outpouring of God’s Spirit on our churches. We prayed that we would live as disciples whose spirits are open to conviction, quick to repent, slow to anger and courageous in following Jesus. We prayed for humility in leadership, faith in action and unity in mission. We prayed that Mennonite Brethren across Canada would join in a move of God shaped not by human hands, but led by the Holy Spirit. This begs the question, what does a “move of God” look like? How do we know if our prayers are being answered? Alan Hirsch, in his seminal work The Forgotten Ways, describes Howard Snyder’s characteristics of movements: A thirst for renewal: A holy discontent with what exists precipitates a recovery of the vitality and patterns of the earlychurch. A new stress on the work of the Spirit: The work of the Spirit is seen not only as important in the past but also as an experience in the present.
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An institutional-charismatic tension: In almost every case of renewal, tensions within existing structures will arise…. A concern for being a countercultural community: Movements call the church to a more radical commitment and a more active tension with the world. Nontraditional or nonordained leadership: Renewal movements are often led by people with no recognized formal leadership status in the church. Spiritual authority is the key. Furthermore, women are noticeably more active in movements. Ministry to the poor: Movements almost always involve people at the grassroots level. They actively involve the masses (the uneducated or socially outcast) and often start as mission on the edges and among the poor (St. Francis, the Wesleys, Salvation Army, etc.). Energy and dynamism: New movements have the ability to excite and enlist others as leaders and participants. Movements are birthed when God’s people pursue Christ above all else – as witnessed in the early church and throughout history. It is this thirst for the presence of Christ and obedience to his leading that often creates tension between what is and what is developing, a tension between existing structures and positional authorities and new, fluid, relational processes and informal leadership. The old struggles as the new explodes on the scene. In this struggle, we find
our way forward, experiencing the joy and birth pains of a new day.
A new stirring Jesus preached a new kingdom, a new move of the Spirit that thrilled and excited many while striking fear in the hearts of those who saw what they had to lose rather than what Jesus was inviting them to gain. We are living in a time when the Holy Spirit is stirring his people to follow Jesus in new and unconventional ways. I am convinced that the way forward lies in our willingness to build on the strengths of our history while following Jesus into an unknown and uncharted future. The goal is not to reclaim the past but to learn from it as we apply the timeless truth of God’s Word in timely ways to our current contexts through the leading of the Spirit. The future of the Mennonite Brethren church in Canada does not lie in our programs, our governance or our institutions. Our future is dependent on our passionate followership of Jesus Christ, our willingness to apply the Word of God as the final authority for life and truth, and our obedience to the leading of the Spirit. Our credibility does not lie in our expertise, our education or our financial resources. These are tools God uses in his mission for his glory. Instead, our reputation is bound up in the gospel we live and preach. As Mennonite Brethren, we value community, but we will only experience deep community in the common pursuit of the mission Jesus has given
Mennonite Brethren Herald is published monthly by the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, primarily for the use of its members, to build a Canadian MB community of faith. We seek to 1) share the life and story of the church by nurturing relationships among members and engaging in dialogue and reflection; 2) teach and equip for ministry by reflecting MB theology, values and heritage, and by sharing the good news; 3) enable communication by serving conference ministries and informing our members about the church and the world. However, the opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the church as a whole. Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement. Winner of Canadian Church Press and Evangelical Press Association awards for Writing, Design, and Illustration: 1996–2013. Editorial office 1310 Taylor Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 3Z6 Phone: 204-669-6575 Fax: 204-654-1865 Toll-free in Canada: 888-669-6575 Email: mbherald@mbchurches.ca http://www.mbherald.com PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NUMBER: 4000929 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPT., MB HERALD 1310 TAYLOR AVENUE CMCA AUDITED WINNIPEG MB R3M 3Z6
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Copyright The articles printed in the Herald are owned by the Herald or by the author and may not be reprinted without permission. Unless noted, Scriptural quotations are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Subscription rates 1 year $24 ($30 U.S. & foreign) 2 years $44 ($60 U.S. & foreign) 3 years $64 ($90 U.S. & foreign) Please add tax to domestic subscriptions. See www.mbherald.com or phone 204-654-5766 for rate. Contact karla.braun@mbchurches.ca for electronic options. Change of address + subscriptions Notice of change of address should be sent to circulation office, and should include both old and new addresses. Allow 4 weeks for changes to become effective. Email circulation office at subscribe@mbchurches.ca or phone 204-654-5766. Advertising Advertising inquiries should be sent to helga.kasdorf@mbchurches.ca. Display and classified advertisement copy must be received at least three weeks prior to publication. Advertisements are priced at a rate for insertion in one issue or at a discounted rate for insertions in three or more issues (not necessarily consecutive). Classifieds are priced per line, with a minimum charge of six lines. StaffCONFERCANADIAN
Laura Kalmar editor Karla Braun associate editor Audrey Plew designer Helga Kasdorf circulation + advertising Angeline Schellenberg copy editor Barrie McMaster B.C. regional correspondent
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homepage
coming events CONFERENCE EVENTS:
PRAYER STORY
When the answers aren’t what we expect
May 1–2: BCMB convention, South Langley (B.C.) MB Church. May 3–5: BCMB pastor and spouse retreat, Whistler, B.C. May 12–13: Church Multiplication Conference, Toronto. May 24–26: Manitoba pastor and spouse retreat, Hecla Island, Man. June 9–11: Pastors Credentialing Orientation, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
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s the people of God rallied to prayer, God’s answers didn’t play out according to their plans for Derek and Tiffany Parenteau, C2C Network church planters at Rugged Tree, Georgian Bay region, Ont. The late winter Ontario prayer letter had highlighted Derek’s serious health concerns. He’d been in and out of hospital for an emergency appendectomy, tests to rule out a cancer diagnosis (which by God’s grace were negative) and a mysterious illness. He just wanted to get back to work. Instead, after the letter went out, something unexpected happen. The “work” came to him. When Derek went into the hospital, a shock wave went through the First Peoples with whom Derek and Tiffany had been building relationships. Prophetic pictures and words started to arise on the reserves where they work and people
were stirred to intercede for the Parenteaus (even among not-yetbelievers). A remarkable picture developed of the “reversal” that characterizes the kingdom of God in the Gospel of Luke. Instead of hospital time being a setback, it has catapulted things forward. Instead of time away causing the Parenteaus to lose contact with the friends they were ministering among, it has resulted in a deepening of discipleship.
May 2015 www.mbherald.com
Sept. 28–Oct. 1: C2C Network assessment centre, Calgary. Oct. 21–23: “God, Sex and Church: a theology of human sexuality” study conference, Westwood Community Church, Winnipeg. Nov. 30–Dec. 3: C2C Network assessment centre, Toronto. PARTNER EVENTS: May 3: MB Mission MUD café TREK celebration service, CMU, Winnipeg. May 3–June 12: ACTION Ontario. May 11: Camp Evergreen seniors day, Sundre, Alta. June 4: 19th annual Columbia open golf tournament, The Redwoods Golf Course, Langley, B.C.
God calls us to be obedient, but he determines the outcome. May we answer the Spirit’s call to pray for harvest workers and trust God with the outcome, no matter how unexpected.
June 27: Camp Evergreen AGM and open house, Sundre, Alta.
The MB churches of Canada want to live into this advice given by the apostle Paul, always attentive to the Spirit’s prompting to intercede.
July 17–19: Mennonite World Conference Global Youth Summit, Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, Pa.
A version of this story first appeared in the C2C Ontario region prayer letter.
For daily prompts, follow @CdnMBpray on Twitter.
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June 16–18: C2C Network assessment centre, Saint Eustache, Que.
June 28–July 8: MB Mission SOAR/ESSOR Montreal. July 3–Aug. 15: MB Mission ACTION Winnipeg. July 10–20: MB Mission SOAR Vancouver.
July 21–26: Mennonite World Conference Assembly 16, Harrisburg, Pa. Aug. 10–21: CMU Blazers summer sports camps, Winnipeg. Sept. 26–27: 50th anniversary celebration, Cariboo Bethel Church, Williams Lake, B.C. View more events from churches, schools and agencies at mbherald.com/calendar.
Follow @CdnMBpray for daily prayer prompts and visit www.mennonitebrethren.ca/prayer-requests for an inspirational story each month.
Praise and Prayer “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16–17 The MB churches of Canada want to live into this advice given by the apostle Paul, always attentive to the Spirit’s prompting to intercede.
Praise God for the annual conventions that took place in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Pray for successful working synergy with new members as provincial boards carry out their mandates of helping churches with their mission.
Pray for the conventions yet to come in Quebec and B.C. Pray particularly for Quebec which needs several nominations to fill its board slate to continue as a viable conference.
Pray that the Lord of the harvest would raise up workers for the fields – particularly in urban centres such as Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Calgary. Praise God for the many church planters currently being trained and apprenticed through the C2C Network, CCMBC’s church planting arm.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR us. Hirsch reminds us that a faith community’s “energies are primarily directed outward and forward.” This past Easter, I was reminded of the amazing, personal work of the Spirit. People came to saving faith in Jesus in C2C Network church plants in Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver with one church reporting more than 40 decisions to follow Christ. This is just a small sampling of God’s work in Canada. The apostles were convinced of their message – they had great clarity on their source of authority and whom they obeyed. After being flogged, “The[y] left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus. And
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every day, in the Temple and from house to house, they continued to teach and preach this message: ‘Jesus is the Messiah’” (Acts 5:41– 42, NLT). My prayer is that the challenges we face in following Jesus will cause us to rejoice in God’s work in and through us. May each of our faith communities lean deeply into relationship with Christ and risk-taking obedience to the Spirit’s leading. May we be courageous in mission as we declare, “Jesus is our Saviour and King.” Willy Reimer is executive director of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. He lives in Calgary with his wife Gwen.
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CHURCH MULTIPLICATION Making disciples from sea to sea Scott Thomas The C2C Network exists to glorify God and make disciples in Canada by planting and multiplying gospel-centred churches and enabling new missional opportunities. Each day, C2C staff pray the verse engraved in stone on the Peace Tower at Parliament in Ottawa: “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea” (Psalm 72:8, KJV). We desire that millions of Canadians will come to faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our vehicle for this mission is gospel-centred churches with a multiplying mindset. This year’s C2C Network theme is Follow Me (Matthew 4:19) – the very words Jesus spoke when he chose his
first disciples. Following Jesus is the distinguishing mark of those who seek to multiply the church. For a church planting family, it often requires leaving a home church, jobs, friends and relatives. It requires complete submission to follow Jesus.
“We never wanted to uproot our family again,” say the Thomsons. “Just considering that was really hard on all of us. But the more we sought the will of God, the clearer the picture became: he had a plan for the city of Toronto, and that plan included us.”
C2C Network church planters Murray and Cheryl McLellan followed Jesus to Saskatoon to plant Grace Fellowship. “My heart breaks for those who have not heard the good news message of Jesus,” says Murray. “That prompts me toward greater prayer and more mission-focused action.”
Are you a church planter?
When Jesus asked a group of fishermen to follow him, they immediately left their nets, boat and father, and followed him. It’s a staggering response. They left their source of income, occupation, identity, predictable and fairly safe lifestyle – and immediately followed Jesus. Church planting families respond in similar ways upon their commitment to follow Jesus. “We both left successful careers and full pensions to answer the call of God to see change in Winnipeg,” say Jim and Jacqie Wiseman, planting Walls of Freedom Outreach in Winnipeg’s core. “We still believe God’s work is of far more value.”
Christ City pastor Brett Landry baptizes a new believer at Kits Beach in Vancouver.
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Would we immediately leave our jobs (nets), our family (father), and our resources (boats) and follow him? Bert and Sheila Thomson did. They left a secure and significant ministry role and beautiful home in Nashville, Tenn., and followed Jesus to Toronto.
C2C is committed to helping people discern if God has equipped them and is calling them to follow him to lead a new expression of the church. We have an extensive interview and assessment process that helps shepherd church-planting candidates into the ministry best suited for them. Trevor and Melissa Berry let C2C help them discern their calling. They are now residing in Barrie, Ont., and are gathering people on mission. “We have a small core group that has begun meeting in our home on Thursday nights,” say the Berrys. “We eat together, pray for our city together, and are learning how to follow Jesus together.” The Berrys are forming a launch team and will begin preview services in September.
Fishers of people Following Jesus means we are gathering his people and making disciples. Jesus said, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of people.” We are passionate about more Canadians becoming followers of Jesus. Our focus is on the lost souls in our country. Planting new churches is an effective way to make disciples. James Bonney, pastor of Westside Church North
Shore, sees evidence of this in North Vancouver. “As a result of our following Jesus on this mission,” says Bonney, “more people are following Jesus for the first time. People’s lives are being transformed daily; they are developing a deeper trust in him and an awareness of the glorious presence of God in their life.” Chris and Yanci McGregor followed Jesus from a megachurch in Dallas, Texas, and returned home to Canada to plant City Church in Montreal.
“But, through God’s grace, we saw 25 people make major decisions for Christ – some brand new salvations, some who had walked away for decades.”
Prayer is vital We ask that you earnestly pray for the C2C Network and for church planting families. Would you prayerfully consider adding C2C to your church mission budget so more lost souls in Canada – from sea to sea – can hear the gospel of Jesus Christ?
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PHOTOS: COURTESY C2C NETWORK
“By removing our comfort,” says Chris, “God has shown us how he is our Peace. By removing the presence of loyal friends and a great church, he showed us the intimacy of his presence. By removing financial
security, he revealed himself as our Provider. As we started over in so many ways, God removed our ability to trust in many human-made solutions that were competing against him.
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CHURCH MULTIPLICATION
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Kao and Si, sisters in Christ Rebecca Hiebert
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everal months ago, a short-term team came to Thailand for two weeks and helped run a one-week English camp. A young girl named Kao attended that camp. Afterward, she began coming to church with us. Several weeks later, she asked if I would help her prepare for an English speech competition. Gladly, I agreed. While we were practising at my house, my phone kept ringing. Every time we were interrupted, Kao would turn her attention to songs on YouTube – songs we sang in church. As I looked over her shoulder, I saw that one of the songs was accompanied by photos from the Jesus Film. When I got off the phone, I asked her, “Do you know the story about how Jesus died on the cross for our sins?” “No,” Kao replied. After sharing the gospel with her, I showed her the Jesus Storybook Bible in Thai, to make sure she understood the story. As we continued to work on her speech, every time I looked away she would sneakily read the Bible. Kao took the Storybook Bible home with her and began to read it regularly with her younger sisters. When I saw them again soon after, Kao’s sister, Si, said to me, “We want to become Christians, but we can’t
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because our mother has forbidden it.” As we spent more time together, Kao and Si began to ask more questions about God and the Bible. One day as I was driving her home, Kao told me she had realized that making a decision to believe in God was her own choice and nobody could stop her from believing in God. The next Sunday, I was overwhelmed with excitement when I saw both Kao and Si go up and receive Christ at our worship service. Later, the sisters came and shared with me that they had told their mom about their new commitment to Christ and she had not been upset with them. In fact, she herself had begun to read the same Bible and was interested in learning more about God, too! Please pray for Kao and Si and their mother as they read the Bible and discover more about God. Rebecca Hiebert is from the Good News Community Church in Ryley, Alta., and currently serves as a long-term worker with MB Mission in Thailand. Stories of transformation like this appear each month in MB Mission’s Daily Prayer Guide. To sign up for this monthly mailing, go to: mbmission.org/news/vision-formission/
PHOTO: COURTESY MB MISSION
The jeweller and the tailor Randy Friesen
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hey had been friends for many years. Many cups of tea. Many discussions about life. Games of chess. Friendly arguments about religion and politics. Two whitehaired men in a small town in Central Asia, prominent businessmen and leaders in their Muslim community. One day, the tailor found a dusty Bible on the shelf in his shop. He brought it to the jeweller and said, “Let’s read it.” They were curious. So, over more cups of tea, they began to read the Bible together. The two friends were amazed at what they found. They continued to read for years until they both became convinced they must become followers of Jesus. Soon after their decision, the tailor said to the jeweller, “We can’t be isolated believers. We need to be part of a church.” The old men prayed sincerely and searched Google to find a church. They were overwhelmed by what they found online – so many different churches! After further prayer, they felt directed to a particular church in the city, a
two-hour drive from their town. At the church, they met a young man who greeted them warmly and agreed to meet with them regularly. Twice a week, every week, the men made the two-hour drive into the city to study the Bible with their new friend and brother. He became their teacher. He discipled them and told them about baptism. “I want to be baptized in the sea,” said the jeweller. And so he was. Today, these two men continue to meet regularly with their teacher and they share the gospel with others wherever they go. Their teacher is a key church leader in Central Asia and a strategic partner for MB Mission’s work in that part of the world. Randy Friesen is the general director of MB Mission. A version of this story appeared recently in Randy’s monthly newsletter, Vision for Mission. To receive this newsletter every month, please sign up online at mbmision.org/ news/daily-prayer-guide/ MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD May 2015
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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT “Transformissional” – One conversation at a time Ron Toews
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oach training has given me a practical road map for conversations with others to help them discern where God is at work in, through and around them.” This is how one participant described her experience at a recent L2L two-day coach training event. “It’s giving me tools to be intentional in all my discipleship conversations,” responded another. Jesus’ disciple-making mission lies at the heart of what L2L is and does in Canada and beyond. The word “transformissional,” coined by Ogne and Roehl in their book TransforMissional Coaching: Empowering Leaders in a Changing Ministry World, captures our desire to facilitate transformation, which in turn leads to missional ministry, joining Christ on his redemptive mission. Entering and experiencing the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:34–40) goes together with expressing and engaging the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20). As a relatively new ministry of MB churches in Canada, L2L sensed momentum building throughout 2014 and give God thanks for the transformissional capacity building that has developed. The words discernment, discovery, innovation and dependence express what we’ve cultivated and implemented this year.
Discernment Whether people click the Coach Me button at L2Lnet.org, secure an L2L coach, or attend an APEX or personal ReFocusing retreat – as did a cumulative 420 people in 2014 – our heart for them is the same: to help leaders become attentive to God’s shaping processes in their lives and discern their next step(s) on mission. Pastor Josh* felt stuck, unproductive as a leader, and said the only thing that kept 12
May 2015 www.mbherald.com
him in his current role was his fear of stepping out to find another ministry position. He clicked the Coach Me button to complete an online assessment, secured a coach and entered a coaching relationship through L2L. Together with his coach, Josh began to discern afresh where God was at work in his life, gained new perspective and hope, and took practical steps to become more effective in his current ministry. While there are still issues in the church, Josh is newly centred in Jesus, framing opportunities through the lens of Scripture and guiding the church toward mission.
Discovery In 2014, nearly 40 churches engaged in L2L’s Coach Us and church Refocusing processes, including 850 individuals who completed the Coach Us online assessment. When L2L works with churches, our goal is to facilitate their discovery of what it means to know, love and follow Jesus afresh, and we pay special attention to their commitment to discipleship and being on mission in their context. When one particular church hit a wall, there was a lot of mess. A sizeable group of leaders and other believers clicked the Coach Us button. As L2L reflected their findings back to them, church leaders almost immediately had clarity regarding matters that had long vexed them. These discoveries gave them the ability to seek God anew and decide how they would respond. The church is back on mission.
know one size doesn’t fit all. Nor does information alone transform. L2L is uniquely positioned to be a premier resource locator and multiplier, providing leaders and churches with resources that fit their needs and context. Canadians posted nearly 200 resources to our resource library at www.L2Lnet.org last year. The library welcomes leaders to contribute resources they have developed or discovered to be helpful. Pastor Francine contacted L2L looking for resources that would help her congregation think and pray through the possibility of merging with another faith community. We directed her to relevant articles in our online resource library. The church is still prayerfully discerning but found that when we stand on the shoulders of others, we see further and pray with greater clarity. We also have a growing number of practical video resources at our coaches’ disposal. Tammy was wondering how to lead someone through a transition in ministry. She used a short, 16-minute video on transitions – available through L2L – to provide the leader with a framework for what she was experiencing. Tammy then followed up with several coaching conversations. The leader gained greater clarity on what she was experiencing and discovered how to “lean in” to what God was doing in and through her during the transition.
There are still many things that need to be tackled over the coming months, but their discoveries have given them fresh clarity on how they can join in what God is doing.
For those who have never used the L2L website before, we offer how-to videos with step-by-step instructions for using the site. These can be accessed directly through L2Lnet.org or on L2L’s Vimeo page (https://vimeo.com/ user37016866/videos).
Innovation
Dependence
We also prayerfully innovate. Assessment makes us aware of different needs, and we
In all our efforts toward transformissional capacity building, we recognize our joyful
simply have a discipleship problem? Canadian Mennonite Brethren have too few pastors and planters, and frequently too few lay leaders in churches and camping ministries.
dependence on God. We can’t bring about transformation. We can only create opportunities for leaders to stop, listen to God and lean in to his desires and purposes.
As well, we continue to work intentionally with other CCMBC departments and ministry partners to minimize duplication. L2L is staffed to support provincial conference ministers and executive directors as they serve their constituents. We work with them, not around them. It is crucial to L2L’s mandate that we have strong partnerships with these leaders.
Transformissional Are we facing a leadership crisis? Or do we
* Names have been changed for confidentiality purposes, and case studies have been compiled from interviews and feedback received.
PHOTOS: COURTESY L2L
We also recognize our dependence on others. In the creation of a coaching culture, for example, we used Terry Walling of Leader Breakthru to train 140 coaches across Canada in the COACH Model system and to further equip 20 of them to train coaches – thereby building our capacity to function effectively without Terry. Provinces, camps, postsecondary schools, transitional pastors
and MB Mission now all have access to and are using COACH.
The problem, however, isn’t leadership development; it is discipleship development. I believe the Spirit is highlighting the urgent need for fully formed disciples in Canada. We need a discipleship that moulds believers who are in love with Jesus, know the Word, love the local church, know how to reach those who live apart from Jesus, live cruciform lives and are journey conscious. That’s true transformissional discipleship for all.
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LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MBBS celebrates 40 years of preparing leaders for mission
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he psalmist writes, “One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4). Moses also reminds the Israelites that their faith needs to reach their children and their children’s children (Deuteronomy 6:1–9). Jesus commands his followers to make disciples who obey all his commands, which include making disciples (Matthew 28:19–20). The mission of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary Canada is disciple making. We believe well-trained students of Jesus who learn to obey all that Jesus commanded will carry this great commission forward. The seminary participates in multiplication when we train men and women to equip the next generation to live out this commission. Canadian Mennonite Brethren have been investing in disciple making through theological education and ministry preparation for 40 years. Since joining MBBS Fresno in 1975, we have trained more than 400 Canadian students for ministry vocations and Christian service in every area of life. Teaching and proclamation together form an integral part of making disciples, consistent with the most successful missional movements in the history of the church. Join MBBS Canada as we celebrate good news in the lives of students:
More students, more stories. There was an increase in students taking courses in 2014, which always means an increase in excitement and stories of God’s faithfulness. There were 96 students taking courses in Winnipeg, Langley or online. Sixty-eight percent of those students study at MBBS part-time and 32 percent full-time.
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Students graduating. Graduation only tells one story of the impact of a seminary, but it is an important one: MBBS Canada helped 12 students cross the finish line in April 2015 in Langley and Winnipeg. Since 1975, 438 Canadian students have graduated from MBBS, 151 on Canadian campuses.
MinistryLift impact. MinistryLift is a series of nonformal training and equipping conferences designed for people to experience a “lift” in their ministry. In the last two years, there have been nine events drawing more than 1,000 participants from 190 churches in 21 denominations.
Affordable and accessible. MBBS Canada has given and awarded bursaries and scholarships totaling more than $25,000 this past year, and some seminary students have reduced their tuition by half through the Leadership Training Matching Grant. Modular, online and live streaming options have increased, making seminary studies attainable from a distance.
Service to the Mennonite Brethren family. Since the launch of MBBS Canada in 2011, the faculty and staff have made themselves available for speaking and other ministry engagements in Mennonite Brethren churches across Canada an average of 50 times per year.
Generous supporters and balanced budget. “Thank-you!” Generous financial supporters and congregations make the ministry of seminary possible and help us to continually and consistently work from a balanced budget. Your generosity makes all of this possible!—Jeff Peters
Student Stories: JOHN WEBBER John Webber graduated with a master of arts in Christian studies (chaplaincy). Having spent most of his life in the financial sector, John came to MBBS-ACTS in 2010 as a full-time diploma student. “Though I was initially terrified to return to school after 40 years, God provided, and I was eventually able to transfer into a master’s degree,” he says. “Professors took a personal interest in my life and this interaction was appreciated and valuable in my learning experience.” In 2012, MBBS Canada hired John as director of finance and administration. He completed the rest of his degree part-time. John has a passion for ministry to the marginalized and is open to God’s leading for the future, whether that is a specific job or not. “The education alone has been worth the effort and cost,” John says, “Personal transformation has occurred.” John and his wife Carol live in Chilliwack, B.C., and have three daughters and five grandchildren.
John Webber
KATHY McCAMIS Kathy McCamis graduated with a master of arts in theological studies degree on the CMU campus. Kathy came to MBBS Canada to spend time thinking more deeply about the core elements of Christian faith. She began part-time studies with MBBS-CMU after serving Fort Garry MB Church, Winnipeg, as junior high pastor. “I noticed many students not finding ways to engage with the church after they ‘graduated’ from youth ministry.” In 2013, Kathy pursued her studies full-time. She is the recipient of the Leadership Training Matching Grant as well as several other scholarships. “I’m blessed to have been supported in this decision by my congregation. “My studies at MBBS have deepened my faith and encouraged in me a love of learning. The faculty at MBBS challenged me to think deeply and taught me how to ask good questions.” Kathy lives in Winnipeg and is currently working in a pastoral role at House Blend Ministries.
Kathy McCamis
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COMMUNITY BUILDING BFL helps churches navigate theological waters
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he Board of Faith and Life (BFL) has been working to create stronger bonds to unify Canadian MBs. During the BFL breakout session at Gathering 2014, we continued the conversation begun in October 2013 about human sexuality. We still have work to do to build consensus about how to minister with integrity to a population that is diverse not only in terms of language and culture, but also lifestyle and values. Communicating the gospel remains the priority, but it is becoming more challenging. The BFL realizes the importance of our Confession of Faith and is working to make it available to everyone in the conference. A French translation is nearing completion, and work on a Chinese translation will begin this year. In 2014, the BFL surveyed pastors about their engagement with the Confession of Faith. Results revealed substantial support for our confession, and indicated that many pastors and churches use it as a teaching resource. We are working to identify areas in which the confession could better describe our scriptural commitments. Should we discern the need to work for change on our Confession, the recent process undertaken by the U.S. BFL – which demonstrated how conversation about amendments can be constructive and harmonious – can teach us a great deal.—Brian Cooper BFL chair
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Highlights of 2014 • Enjoying positive working relationships with conference ministries as we help them maintain high standards of biblical and ethical integrity. • Receiving excellent response to BFL reports at Gathering 2014. • Launching a new BFL pamphlet on gambling.
Prayer requests • Pray for the 2015 study conference in Winnipeg – “God, Sex & Church: A Theology of Human Sexuality.” • Pray for new provincial representatives joining the BFL this spring. • Pray for wisdom as the BFL sets priorities and responds to theological issues that arise.
GOD, SEX & CHURCH A THEOLOGY OF HEALTHY SEXUALITY The Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches will host the study conference on October 21–23, 2015, at Westwood Community Church in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The theme is God, Sex & Church: a theology of healthy sexuality. Join us in Winnipeg where we’ll gather as Canadian Mennonite Brethren to gain a clearer vision of God’s design for human sexuality and of the church’s role in bearing witness to that vision. Board of Faith & Life Study Guide A Study Guide (including discussion guide) is available for all groups and individuals who would like to learn more about human sexuality. An electronic copy has been sent to every MB church in Canada. To receive a printed copy, please contact kindred@mbchurches.ca. Don’t miss this opportunity to study, worship and network with your faith family.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT STUDYCONFERENCE.MENNONITEBRETHREN.CA
FIFA Women’s World Cup: Calling all prayer warriors! Angeline Schellenberg
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ophie Schmidt of King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C, has been a quiet Christian presence on the Canadian Women’s National soccer team for 10 years. Her mother Cornelia has been an outspoken evangelist on short-term mission trips around the world for 15. This year, the callings of this globe-trotting mother and daughter have converged in a prayer initiative for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, June 6–July 5, 2015, when 24 countries will compete in six Canadian cities.
Seeking a God movement In 2000, as a 40-something mom of teenagers, Cornelia began her mission experience as a chaperone for King Road’s youth group in Fiji. “That’s where I learned to share my testimony,” she says. “After two Fiji trips, I went to Ukraine, where I couldn’t speak the language: that’s where I learned to pray!” In total, Cornelia has been on 15 DMI trips with MB Mission. In 2013, she saw 75 men in a Colombian prison accept Jesus. But last year, Cornelia wasn’t sure what God had for her next. Then, Cornelia took a Perspectives missiology class. When the missionary speaker pointed to a baptism photo of 10,000 people in Africa, Cornelia responded, “I want to be part of a God movement here!” The course impressed on her Psalm 67: God’s heart for the nations. Cornelia and her friend Ingrid Drochol of Greendale MB Church, Chilliwack, B.C., began praying together for Sophie to have
Cornelia and Sophie Schmidt
On the frontline
opportunities to share Jesus at the World Cup because “the nations are coming to Canada.”
Sophie doesn’t speak about her faith with fans or media unless they ask, but her love for Jesus is posted in black and white on her website and Twitter profile. After her team won bronze in the 2012 Olympics, Sophie was asked to speak to many soccer teams and schools. At a luncheon attended by local dignitaries, she had the opportunity to share her inspiration: U.S. National soccer player Michelle Akers, whose faith is important to her, just as Sophie’s is to her.
Cornelia purchased ads in the MB Herald, and sent prayer cards and match schedules to other evangelical churches in the six FIFA host cities, asking churches to pray for “workers for the harvest” (Luke 10:2), for the Holy Spirit to lead people to trust Jesus, and for Sophie’s team. She included Sophie’s favourite verse: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Cornelia prays for Sophie with a weekly prayer group of 80–90 year olds at Central Heights (MB) Church. “I was invited once to share about my mission trip to Ukraine, and I kept going,” says Cornelia. “One lady told me she always wanted to be involved in sports but wasn’t allowed. It’s so exciting for her to see a Christian woman on the national team.” Cornelia bought six tickets for prayer partners and family to attend each FIFA match in Vancouver and intercede throughout the game. “Sophie accepted Jesus when she was quite young,” says Cornelia, “and prayer has been the number one thing in our family.”
“Women tell me they allow their daughter to follow Sophie online because they know she’s a believer in Jesus,” says Cornelia. Sophie even gives her phone number to young soccer players with permission to call her for advice in stressful situations. “The girls know they can trust her,” says Cornelia. “She’s a Daniel, prepared at a young age to be a huge example to other believers,” says Cornelia. “Daniels are on the frontline, and we prayer warriors are right behind them.” Cornelia hopes churches that hear her call to pray will join this God movement because “God is opening doors in Canada. From here, God will use committed believers in him worldwide.”
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NE WS Churches Association (MBCCA) to develop Chinese content and resources.
VA N CO U V E R
MB Chinese Herald publishes final print edition
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he MB Chinese Herald, a quarterly publication of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC), has been in print since 1992, serving Chinese-speaking congregations under the keen editorial eye of Joseph Kwan. Over the past 23 years, the MB Chinese Herald has connected churches, equipped people for a life of Christian discipleship and inspired toward mission. With the appointment of David Leung as assistant to the B.C. conference minister for Chinese churches in late 2014, the national conference decided to turn over direction of this ministry to the province. Kwan remains an employee of the national conference while working more closely with Leung and the MB Chinese
Transition to web As well, when provincial and national leaders met over the past months, they discerned new opportunities to serve Canada’s MB Chinese congregations through current technologies, particularly through the MBCCA and L2L websites. With a desire to focus more on digital platforms and resources, and being mindful of budget constraints, the team of leaders announced the termination of the print edition the MB Chinese Herald, effective this spring. Kwan says he is currently working on an online version of the Chinese Herald (www.chineseherald.org), which will be searchable and translatable into English and Simplified Chinese. Readers can also find PDF versions of back issues of the print magazine at www.mennonitebrethren.ca/resource/ mb-chinese-herald/ or mbcca.ca. “We continue to bless Joseph Kwan in his excellent and valuable work with our Chinese churches,” says CCMBC executive director Willy Reimer. “As
LOVE & LOSS NEW BELIEVERS CHURCH BIBLE COMMENTARY The 27th volume in this series guides readers through the Hebrew writings of Lamentations and Song of Songs – writings of desire and exile, lament and love.
$34.49 CAD/US Kindred Productions 1-800-545-7322 www.kindredproductions.com 18
May 2015 www.mbherald.com
we seek to multiply churches to see Canada transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ, we look forward to the development of new Chinese-language resources that will best equip our churches and leaders.”—A Canadian Conference of MB Churches release
Micah Call to Action At the Micah Summit in New York in December 2014, global Christians pronounced a renewed Micah Call to Action, committing to eradicate poverty, stand against inequality and care for the environment. They call on churches to be agents of transformation, stewardship and reconciliation. This call renews the 2004 commitment when the World Evangelical Alliance and Micah Network formed Micah Challenge. The latter two merged under the name Micah in 2014, maintaining the identity of a movement and a network with a mandate to live out Micah 6:8.—www.micahnetwork.org
CoSA’s funding cut
Studies show reoffending rates are 70–83 percent lower among released sex offenders who participate in Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA), MCC’s communitybased reintegration program. But with long-term partner Correctional Service Canada withdrawing funding as of Mar. 31, CoSA anticipates the closure of all but 3 or 4 of the 18 CoSA sites in Canada by summer 2015. In Ontario alone, CoSa supported 155 individuals at only $2,100 per person, while the cost to house an inmate is $100,000. — canadianmennonite.org
FINANCIAL SERVICES Maximizing financial resources to serve churches
• Working with partners (provinces, MB Mission, MBBS, other like-minded denominations, particularly The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada, with whom we collaborate in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, and other C2C partner denominations) to maximize our financial resources for ministry impact.
Prayer requests • Pray for Jim as he becomes part the CCMBC team and familiarizes himself with the inner workings of CCMBC finances. • Pray for the finance team as they move into a new era of ministry under Jim’s leadership. • Pray for the financial resources needed for CCMBC to fully support the opportunities God is opening to maximize ministry impact in local churches across Canada.
$ 1.5 mil
$ 1.0 mil
$ 0.5 mil
2010
2011
2012
2013
$1,575,000
Church Support to CCMBC $1,491,407
—Len Penner for the finance team
• Increasing payroll and bookkeeping services for MB churches and conferences.
$1,211,026
CCMBC is positioning itself to serve Canadian churches with increasing effectiveness and efficiency. Our finance team, along with our legal and accounting partners (Fillmore Riley and KPMG), have been working on what has been known as our stewardship division. Our efforts have focused on ensuring proper compliance, risk management and governance to ensure that financial resources are maximized for the benefit of churches and members in order to increase ministry impact.
• Welcoming Jim Davidson as interim CFO at the beginning of January 2015.
$1,347,708
We began working with new auditors (KPMG) and oversaw the implementation of new financial policies and guidelines aimed at increasing transparency and accountability to our constituency.
Highlights of 2014
$1,452,448
he finance team (including board committees and staff) served for most of 2014 without a CFO, working with diligence and commitment. In December, we celebrated the announcement that Jim Davidson would join CCMBC as interim CFO.
$1,390,635
T
2014
2015
(Budgeted)
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ICOMB: International Community of W i eb e ’s Witn es s
Drawing from his travels to visit MB churches around the world, ICOMB executive director David Wiebe offers insights on faith.
Women of valour in DR Congo David Wiebe necessity from poverty and an unemployment rate of 95 percent (in “traditional” jobs). To earn a little cash, they made soap, bottled detergent, shampoo and perfume, and somehow made aluminum pots – all for sale in local markets. It reminded me of the “ode to women” in Proverbs 31:10–31.
How do they do that? Several women were holding an aluminum pot they had made for sale in the local markets. I thought such things were only available from retail stores, bought from factories. Apparently not. It was 2003, shortly after the conclusion of the Second Congo War which embroiled Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and seven of its nine neighbouring countries. The ravages of war were apparent through destroyed communities, lost lives and a massive influx of people into Kinshasa, the capital city. Together with several Canadians, I visited Kikwit, DRC. We spent four wonderful days with local church people, visiting agricultural projects and new church plants. It included a day of seminars – which we visitors facilitated but spent more time listening to the people than speaking. One seminar was for women, about their contribution to church life through the work of their hands. These women exercised entrepreneurial gifts – born of 20
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The ode is set in the historical context of repopulated Judah, perhaps two or three centuries before Christ. Many men were conscripted by foreign overlords to work in large public works or serve in their armies. Who would run the farm or the family business? Who could uphold the convictions and culture of the people of God? It would be the household women – verse 10’s “valorous woman,” a translation preferred by Old Testament scholar Ellen Davis. The woman would have to be valorous – bravely leading and taking care of business in a fragile economy, under uncertain political circumstances. Proverbs 31 uses the word “hand” seven times – indicating how practical and wise these women had to be to survive. Wisdom (Hebrew hochma), the focus of Proverbs, really meant “good with your hands” in Jewish culture. My newfound Congolese friends demonstrated this kind of wisdom. Not that they weren’t tempted to feel like they had to do it all. One woman said rather sharply with her husband sitting beside her, “The women do all the work. We look after the children. We cook. We
make these products to sell. And what do our husbands do? Nothing! They just sit around and talk!” Proverbs 31 doesn’t imply that women are now supposed to do it all. Rather, it honours the vital role of valorous women who shape the culture of the people of God. Over time, something wonderful has occurred among the Mennonites of Congo. As women gather to create business opportunities, they study the Bible and pray. Over time, the best speakers have “bubbled up” and have been given spiritual authority. Some are recognized as capable leaders and preachers. This organic approach has led to many women taking pastoral roles in the Mennonite Brethren churches of DR Congo. In Kinshasa, where some 50 MB churches exist, perhaps one quarter of the pastors are women. I saw the full impact in 2012 when ICOMB sponsored a pastors training event on the International Confession of Faith. Many in attendance were women. In the last century, MB women from North America were ordained to mission work in DR Congo to provide essential health services, education, evangelism and church planting. Feminism didn’t call these women to mission – God and the church did.
Mennonite Brethren
Several women from DR Congo (far left) display their handmade aluminum pots. Church leaders (left) study the Word.
did you kno w? The Communauté des Églises des Frères Mennonites au Congo – CEFMC – is the name of the Mennonite Brethren Church in DR Congo. Girard Mambakila is the CEFMC president.
PHOTOS: DAVID WIEBE
Membership is more than 100,000 people in 468 “built” churches and more than 1,000 “cell” churches.
Today, the same two forces – God and the church in mission-expansion – are calling women to lead alongside men in the Congolese MB churches. About 75 percent of Mennonite Brethren members live in contexts similar to that of the thirdcentury BC Jews to whom Proverbs 31 was written – in fragile economies, political uncertainty and suppression of religious rights. It will take valorous women – and men – to lead our global church into the mission of God. David Wiebe has been a member of a Christian rock band, a pastor, and an MB conference executive. Since 2011, he has served the International Community of Mennonite Brethren as executive director.
Many pastors do not own a Bible. One walks 4 hours to visit a friend who owns a Bible, copies by hand the text he plans to preach on, and prepares his sermon for Sunday on the return. Many elderly pastors and widows of pastors rely on pensions set up by missionaries who are no longer there. Approximately 8 churches associated with CEFMC can be found in Bukavu, Eastern Congo. They have experienced trials of fear and miracles of protection amid the violence plaguing the area. A team of 12 Congolese Mennonites is writing a new curriculum to teach Anabaptist convictions and values in the schools operated by our churches. Almost 75,000 students attend Grades 1–12 in 335 schools. ICOMB supports this project financially. All the “brain power” is Congolese. CEFMC missionary efforts reach the Batwa in central-north DR Congo, the region around Bukavu, and Durban, South Africa. MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD May 2015
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CONVENTION 2015
MANITOBA convention report A call to hear the Spirit’s voice M A N I T O B A A S S E M B LY 2 015 The Holy Spirit took centre stage at the Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba’s (MBCM) Assembly 2015, aptly themed “The Church Responds to the Spirit.” The annual provincial convention, which drew some 150 delegates and guests, representing 36 of 41 member churches, to Winkler MB Church, Mar. 6–7, 2015, opened Friday night with a keynote address by Delbert Enns, pastor of Eastview Community Church, Winnipeg. “One of the predominant themes in the Bible is waiting,” said Enns, speaking from Acts 1:1–4. “When we wait for something, we usually resort to man-made resources,” so we must be sure to wait for someone, just as Simeon and Anna did. Enns encouraged the congregation to wait expectantly for the Spirit of God. In the waiting, said Enns, several things are accomplished: we clarify our longings and repent of sin, gain a fresh sense of God’s presence, get ready to become active participants in God’s mission, and prepare to take a bold stand for Jesus. During the communion service, attendees were invited to give voice to what they were hearing from the Spirit. Several shared how they sensed the time of waiting is over – that the Lord wants to pour out his Spirit right now, bringing revival to Manitoba and Canada. “Could this be a new beginning for us, and could it start here in Winkler, birthplace of the Mennonite Brethren in Canada?” said C2C director Gord Fleming. “We don’t want to come and talk about the Holy Spirit, we want to come and experience the Holy Spirit.”
A call to urgency During Saturday’s sessions, ministry leaders spoke of the church’s mission – to reach lost people with the good news of Jesus – with a sense of urgency. Some delegates questioned whether that urgency could be sustained over the long haul. 22
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“When we think of urgency, we often think of words like frantic, anxious and tired,” responded one delegate. “But how urgent is it that we breathe? Completely necessary for life! It’s the same with our mission.” “Spiritual exhaustion depends on where you get your supplies,” said another, quoting from Oswald Chambers. “We must take our nourishment from God.” “The language of urgency is very much what’s on my heart,” said Canadian conference executive director Willy Reimer. “I believe God is opening a window of opportunity here in Canada. It’s not about busy-ness, but a sense of imminence.”
Provincial highlights: • C2C Network associate director Mark Burch presented the Manitoba provincial report, saying they’ve been hearing “a bubbling up of concern for rural communities.” These communities are generally on the decline in terms of population and church attendance. With that in mind, C2C appointed Phillip Vallelly, pastor of Winkler MB Church, as its rural consultant. The church has freed up some of Vallelly’s time to research and find ways to best serve and resource churches outside Canada’s urban centres. “There are about 334,000 people in rural Manitoba, but still so many who don’t know Jesus,” says Vallelly. • MBCM executive director Elton DaSilva presented a diagram of the province’s new core service areas. The leadership team developed the model over the past year in order to clearly identify its four deliverables: Developing Leaders, Building Community, Multiplying Churches and Resourcing Churches. “We want to direct our resources toward a goal – to win our communities for Christ – and to take a proactive approach, instead of just reacting after bad things happen,” said DaSilva. • Communications and church resource coordinator Carson Samson walked delegates through a new church cluster model (including hub churches in each of the 4 clusters), which will help the
Carson Samson
province better coordinate and deliver events. The cluster model will also provide the infrastructure necessary to live stream events. “We anticipate the church cluster model will eventually save churches money in travel and other administrative expenses,” says Samson. L2L director Ron Toews noted that resources found on www.l2lnet.org could be used to “augment” these clusters, including opportunities to host virtual meetings between people in different regions via the GoToMeeting portal. • Manitoba continues to work closely with the national conference, as well as other partners such as MB Mission and MBBS. Seminary president Bruce Guenther used Matthew 28 to highlight the importance of teaching in discipleship training. Guenther said the school is working hard to provide increased accessibility to theological training via live streaming and online courses, as well as increased scholarship and bursary money. Also, in September 2014, MBBS and the C2C Network will launch a context-based degree program for training church planters. • “What’s the place of the Christian university in the larger society?” asked CMU president Cheryl Pauls. She described a forum recently hosted by CMU on the possibility of urban reserves in Winnipeg. City leaders knew it would be a tense event, but “CMU helped de-escalate the anger,” said Pauls. “That’s how I saw the Spirit moving. It’s people bearing witness and standing up for Christ.” • Gerald Dyck (Westside Community Church, Morden) was affirmed for another 2-year term as provincial moderator. The leadership board still has two vacancies for members-at-large. • Delegates approved a budget of $668,500 for 2015. The province is hoping for a total of $513,000 in support from churches, a slight increase from the 2014 actual ($498,000). —Laura Kalmar
PHOTOS: ANTHONY SCHELLENBERG
Friday night worship
During Friday night’s worship service, Dave Lunn, Mary Anne Isaak and Dan Doerksen (above) shared stories of hearing from and responding to the Holy Spirit. Lunn, who is youth pastor at Westside Community Church in Morden, shared how, in 2003, he was en route to Zambia, planning to spend the rest of his life as an overseas missionary. After three months in Africa, he clearly heard the Spirit’s voice: “Is this really what you think I’m calling you to? I have something else for you – full-time ministry in North America.” Lunn returned to Canada, finding his way to a church plant where he had the opportunity to welcome newcomers to Canada, and then to rural Manitoba to serve youth. “Isn’t God wild?” said Doerksen from “rival” Winkler. “He calls people to Morden!”
Mennonite Brethren and the Holy Spirit On the Saturday morning of Manitoba’s Assembly 2015, Jon Isaak, director of the Centre for MB Studies in Winnipeg, presented a brief history of Mennonite Brethren engagement with Spirit-led, charismatic movements.
entrepreneurial determination, and nimble, decisive leadership.
Isaak said Canadian MBs are like a “three-legged stool,” carefully balancing a theology shaped by the influences of three distinct traditions: Mennonite, German Baptists and charismatic-oriented Lutheran Pietists.
“For so Jon Isaak long, the MBs were led by pastors and teachers. We need to bless the prophets and apostles to lead in this next phase,” said Isaak. “The church needs to find some new ways of being the church in Canada – we need different drivers.”
“It means we don’t try to name one theology that speaks for everyone,” he said. “That’s why people from so many faith traditions have found a home with the Mennonite Brethren.” Isaak sees the charismatic “leg” coming to more prominence right now, with several denominational leaders displaying apostolic and prophetic giftings (as per Ephesians 4:11), such as CCMBC executive director Willy Reimer, MBCM executive director Elton DaSilva and MB Mission director Randy Friesen. This new charismatic emphasis signals a priority on personal discernment of the Spirit’s leading,
Isaak also named three challenges that may come along with a Spirit-led emphasis, including the risk of arbitrariness (How do we ensure discernment and accountability?), rigidity (Is there only one right way of doing things and hearing from the Holy Spirit?) and anxiety (Does our rhetoric sound shrill and anxious? Do we feel the need to defend God in an era where we’re witnessing the end of Christendom?). In the end, said Isaak, “God is not worried! The reign of God is not in decline and continues to thrive,” even if we see change happening all around us.—LK
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CONVENTION 2015
SASKATCHEWAN convention report Sowing beginnings from endings SKMB CONVENTION, HEPBURN, Sask. The theme of the 69th annual Saskatchewan MB convention, Mar. 13–14, 2015, was “Unless a seed...,” drawn from John 12:24. The convention proceedings evoked the multiplication hope expressed as the verse continues: “…falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” Presentations inspired convention delegates – who spanned decades – with stories of the fruits of seeds that had been planted many years before and seeds that are just beginning to sprout.
Bethany students will finish their fourth-year internships under the direction of Darlene Klassen and Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C. “As staff, we desire for the students to end well. The students’ desire is that we, as staff, end well,” said Wall. “The spirit of community is strong.”
Beginnings:
Church planting
• Terrance Froese as director of ministry
The Friday evening celebration also honoured Dwayne and Irma Barkman for their years of service to the Saskatchewan conference on both provincial and national levels. Dwayne completes his service as C2C Network regional director in 2015, having served the province as staff church planting mobilizer since 2009.
• Saskatchewan MB women in ministry group • prayer initiative team • on-site prayer throughout the convention
Endings: • last convention hosted by Bethany College • last semester for Bethany College • last convention with Dwayne Barkman in a formal ministry position
Bethany College Friday night was a celebration and time of remembrance for the work of Bethany College and its 88 years of ministry. There was standing room only in the chapel. Bethany began with one man who had a passion to teach the Word of God to young people. George Harms taught for three months in Hepburn MB Church. Then a school board formed in 1927, and D.P. Esau taught seven students in the basement of that same church. Student numbers grew to 21 by the end of the first year. Harms came with one seed: 88 years later some 8,000 students have passed through the doors of the college. 24
Howie Wall, college president, presented the current status of the college. He commended the community bond that has developed as staff, faculty and students have faced the decision to close the school, changes to staffing and the October vehicle accident from which student Addie Francis is still recovering.
May 2015 www.mbherald.com
“God isn’t finished yet,” declared Froese. Bethany College staff and students served throughout the weekend, providing music for corporate worship, facilities, technical support and food services.
The Barkmans have produced much fruit as church planters and pastors; their absence on the active ministry front will be keenly felt. The conference wished them God’s blessing as they enter retirement. On Saturday morning, provincial, regional and national agencies reported, sharing stories of seeds being planted, sprouting and coming into harvest time. Una Froese of the Gathering at Broadway community, a hub of Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, spoke of reaching out to people who have had previous church experience and are now coming back to Christian community through the three-year-old church plant, healing hurts and bringing their unsaved friends. “It is nothing like we expected,” Una said.
New teams Director of ministry Terrance Froese reported on structural changes now being implemented.
The faith and life team (formerly the board of faith and life) shared about a new arm of their ministry: the prayer initiative team. Their intention is to create a network of at least one intercessor from each church. Invitations went out to all pastors, encouraging them to “tap shoulders” of those with a burden for intercession to join in. The prayer initiative team met on Thursday prior to the convention with approximately 25 people in attendance. “A great start!” said Lloanne Pinel, team chair team. Froese also updated delegates on the formation of a developmental leadership team to focus on discipleship and training leaders through all generations. One outgrowth of the developmental leadership team is Saskatchewan MB Women in Ministry, spearheaded by Wanda Froese. This is an effort to give women in ministry a place of camaraderie and to provide a forum to voice and address issues pertinent to women in ministry.
Ministry partner reports Willy Reimer (CCMBC), Lloyd Letkeman (MB Mission), Gord Fleming (C2C Network), Ron Toews (L2L) and Bruce Guenther (MBBS Canada) presented delegates a national perspective on the resources available to individuals and congregations. Ron Toews encouraged delegates to press the “Coach Me” or “Coach Us” button on L2Lnet.org. The L2L network is available to individuals and congregations to help build effective leadership. “Only touch it if you’re serious!” said Toews. MB Mission’s short-term local experience SOAR Saskatchewan just completed its third year with 77 participants and team leaders, an increase from 2014. But “there are still Saskatchewan MB churches that aren’t really aware of the opportunity for their youth,” said Letkeman. He was thrilled with the quality of young people coming to SOAR and encouraged by the ministries partnering with MB Mission to continue to build future opportunities. The regional C2C Network report highlighted two new church plants being seeded through the Grace Fellowship and Compass congregations in Warman and Regina respectively. Convention delegates gathered around Mark Janzen and Clay Bitner (Grace Fellowship, Saskatoon) and Luke Etelamaki (Compass, Regina) to pray and commission them ahead of their upcoming launches. Both Redberry and West Bank Bible camps are looking forward to a full complement of staff and campers heading their way this summer. David Seeley and Jerry Dennill, respective directors of
the camps shared their vision and heart for ongoing camping ministry. “Every summer, about 150 kids give their hearts to Jesus; that’s a whole congregation!” said Dennill.
Budget The 2015 budget discussion – which ran past the convention closing time – was “a healthy struggle,” said Kelly Wiebe, pastor at West Portal, Saskatoon. The Assistant moderator Tony Martens (above). Delegates worship executive board (below). continues to explore the idea of changing the church contribution structure in 2016 from a per-member norm to a percentage of a congregation’s annual budget. After much discussion, delegates approved the recommendation to raise the current norm from $75 to $79. Pat Dergousoff, director of ministry support, presented a budget of $385,200 with a deficit against expected income. Moderator Todd 34 Saskatchewan MB churches in 2014 Hardy said the plan 2 church plants to be launched in 2015 is to offset deficit (Compass and Grace) budgets by drawing down the $700,000 churches represented conference 111 delegates & guests reserves (from past
BY THE NUMBERS 27
surpluses and sales of church properties), projecting a balanced budget in 2019 with $200,00 left in reserve. “We are not a bank and these monies are meant for ministry,” said Dergousoff. The conference will work closely with continued on page 26
seventeen agencies represented
88 years
Bethany has been open
8,000
Bethany alumni
sixty-nine Saskatchewan MB conventions 2,700 decisions made for Christ at eleven MB camps across Canada in 2014 150 average decisions for Christ made at West Bank Bible Camp every summer
3 times assistant moderator Tony Martens actually hit someone with a pool noodle
MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD May 2015
25
PHOTOS: ALYX PECKINPAUGH
Delegates voted to approve new provincial bylaws.
CONVENTION 2015 SASKATCHEWAN continued from page 25
the constituency to achieve financial sustainability. Delegates questioned whether the lack of giving was because churches don’t care, or because of a perceived lack of vision and clear communication from the provincial conference.
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Vision Before closing the convention with prayer over the new church plants, Froese simply stated the fresh vision of the Saskatchewan conference that he has been sharing with Saskatchewan churches: “We see a church passionately in love with God, led by his Spirit, on mission, bringing Jesus’ gospel of redemption and restoration to the four corners of Saskatchewan.”
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Lani Wiens is freelance writer, blogger and member of Hillside Christian Fellowship Church, Beechy, Sask., currently residing in Saskatoon.
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FAMILY news TRANSITIONS Les Riediger began as pastor at Gem (Alta.) MB Church Sept. 16, 2014. He has an MA in theology from MBBS, Fresno, Cal., and has served MB churches across Western Canada in a variety of pastoral capacities, most recently as associate pastor at McIvor Avenue MB, Winnipeg, 2012–2014. Les and Marilyn have 2 adult daughters. SunWest Christian Fellowship welcomed Mark Griffin as lead pastor Mar. 1, 2015. Mark has been in ministry for 28 years, travelling, speaking, pastoring, training leaders, helping plant churches and doing missions. For the last four years, he and his wife Tammy ran a leadership/church planter training centre in Germany, which was handed off to national leaders in summer 2014. Mark and Tammy have 4 children.
Ray Klassen will retire from active vocational ministry in summer 2015. While serving with the Navigators, he planted La Salle (Man.) Community Fellowship in 1995. He served as director of Missions and Church Extension for the Manitoba MB conference from 1998–2005, then returned to pastor La Salle in a full-time capacity. Founding church planter Mary Reimer will retire from ministry at FaithWorks Church, Winnipeg, in June 2015. Mary left a teaching career to serve as an intern and then associate pastor at Fort Garry MB Church, Winnipeg, from 1997–2002 before co-planting FaithWorks in fall 2002. Pastor of Jubilee Mennonite Church (a dualconference Mennonite Brethren church in Winnipeg) since 2009, Dan Nighswander retires July 2015. He previously served in leadership roles with Mennonite Church Canada, including pastor, mission worker, denominational minister and general secretary.
PENNER – to Chad & Lauren (Antoine) of Martensville, Sask., a daughter, Annabelle Lexus, Feb. 12, 2015. PENNER – to Randy & Jacquie (McNab) of Osler, Sask., a daughter, Rachael Angeline, Mar. 11, 2015. STORK – to Mike & Brittany (Peters) of Waterloo, Ont., a son, Eli John, Mar. 17, 2015. WUSCHKE – to Tobias & Megan (Peters) of Saskatoon, a son, Dominic Saul, Mar. 10, 2015.
Ruben and Celina Zuniga are commissioned at King Road.
Bakerview Hispanic in Abbotsford, and he continues as pastor of Chilliwack’s Ministerio Cristiano Broadway (MB), initiated with the help of C2C Network church planters. The Hispanic outreach ministry is now a financial partnership between three area churches, King Road, Broadway and Eagle Ridge Bible Fellowship, Coquitlam, B.C. C2C continues to provide help and direction as needed. “We are doing this, not in a traditional way,” says Chris Douglas of C2C, “but in a way that responds to a unique ministry need.”—Barrie McMaster, B.C. correspondent
PHOTO: COURTESY KING ROAD
WEDDINGS
n Abbotsford, B.C., church has expanded its ministry to the Fraser Valley’s Hispanic community. With the addition of a Mexico-born pastor/evangelist to its staff, King Road is partnering to bring the gospel to Spanish-speaking migrant farm workers and families who have settled in the valley.
Zuniga has ministered for the past 15 years to the growing numbers of Spanishspeaking agricultural workers in the central Fraser Valley. For many years, he pastored
DUERKSEN – to Trevor & Anni of Killarney, Man., a daughter, Victoria Carolina, Mar. 2, 2015.
PAULS – to Randy & Sara Katelin (Phillips) of Saskatoon, a daughter, Amelia Helen, Feb. 18, 2015.
A
Zuniga will also have more time to offer needed support like translation, counsel and encouragement to workers and employers alike.
BERGEN – to Cohle & Rebecca of Thompson, Man., a son, Judah James, Feb. 23, 2015.
HILDEBRAND – to Scott & Darci of Boissevain, Man., a daughter, Emily Kathreina, Dec. 24, 2014.
Collaboration grows Hispanic ministry in Fraser Valley
Ruben Zuniga started as Hispanic chaplain with King Road MB Church Mar. 1, 2015. For the past six years, the church has been ministering to Hispanic workers and their families through a twice-weekly drop-in centre. Zuniga says his appointment means the ministry now has “more time, more opportunities to share the gospel.”
BIRTHS
alter MARTENS of Herbert, Sask., W & Merrilyn Ruth JACOBSEN of Medicine Hat, Alta., Feb. 14, 2015. aniel SETTLER of Lucky Lake, Sask., D & Judith AMPAIRE of Rushere, Uganda, Dec. 13, 2014.
ANNIVERSARY
FALK: Alvin and Lydia Falk of Niverville, Man., celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their 4 children, 12 grandchildren, relatives and friends at Fourth Avenue Bible Church, Niverville, July 13, 2014. They were married Aug. 1, 1964.
MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD May 2015
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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
Lilian Boschmann June 3, 1923–June 6, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Rosenort, Ukraine PARENTS: David & Anna Boschmann BAPTISM: Leamington (Ont.) MB (now Meadow Brook) FAMILY: sisters Alice (Jacob [d.]) Dueck, Eleanore (Abe Jr.) Epp; nieces & nephews
Lilian’s family immigrated to Canada when she was 3, settling in the Niagara area. Lilian took a housekeeping position, then worked at SickKids. She thrived in downtown Toronto. Her love for children led to volunteering in the hospital’s play area. Lilian sent family and friends handwritten cards filled with encouragement and love. She loved to pray and sing, often pulling out a hymnal during visits. When Lilian needed longterm care, she moved back to Niagara to be near her sisters, nieces and nephews. She taught her family: be true to yourself and accept others for their uniqueness.
CHURCH: Cornerstone MB, Virgil FAMILY: Victor; children Barry (Jennifer), Glen (Karen), Kevin (Nancy); 9 grandchildren; 2 siblings
CHURCH: Lendrum MB, Edmonton FAMILY: Jean; children Arlene (Barry Yanosik), Jim (Shelley); 3 grandchildren
Hertha fled Russia with her mother and siblings in the early 1940s. They were taken in by farmers in Gronau, Germany. At 9, she immigrated to Canada, joining relatives in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. After high school, Hertha became a teller at Niagara Credit Union. She attended Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute, where she met Victor. Returning to Ontario, she took a position with a bank, and shortly after being transferred to Winnipeg, she and Vic married. They farmed 5 years, then moved to Ontario, near her family. Hertha again worked part-time at the credit union, finding the fulfillment she claimed made her a better mother. She also did bookkeeping. After retiring, Hertha loved to volunteer at the Benefit Shop and Ten Thousand Villages. Her hands were never idle: she knit many afghans for loved ones and worthy causes. Hertha enjoyed skiing, playing tennis and walking the Bruce Trail. After 50 years of marriage, Hertha was diagnosed with colon cancer, already spread to her liver. She never complained, but was always thankful for the care she received.
Harry planned to go into the ministry, but because the training would have taken him far from home, he chose to study accounting and work for an oil company. Later, he worked for the Alberta government. Harry was employed for 28 years in finance and administration roles. Due to his expertise and work ethic, he received many promotions. Harry was an avid golfer. He served as treasurer for Lendrum MB Church and the MB conference.
Peter Penner Loeppky Jacob (Jake) Klippenstein
July 11, 1942–Dec. 25, 2014
Aug. 20, 1929–Oct. 2, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Main Centre, Sask. PARENTS: John & Helen Klippenstein MARRIAGE: Mary Rempel, July 31, 1954 [d. 2012] CHURCH: Killarney Park MB, Vancouver FAMILY: children John (Rosemary), Brian (Julie), Elizabeth (John) Connell, Stephen (Gloria), Audrey (Patrick) Boschman; 15 grandchildren; 4 greatgrandchildren
Jake met Mary at MB Bible College, Winnipeg. They married in 1954 and moved to Vancouver in 1963. Jake served Jesus with a generous heart at Killarney Park MB Church for the rest of his life. As a carpet salesman, Jake had many satisfied customers who turned to him for carpets long after his retirement. He died of pancreatic cancer in Langley (B.C.) Memorial Hospital.
Hertha Boese Jan. 27, 1939–Dec. 8, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Hamberg, Russia PARENTS: David & Mary Neufeld MARRIAGE: Victor Boese, June 22, 1963 BAPTISM: Virgil (Ont.), MB, July 31, 1955
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BIRTHPLACE: RM of Richot, Man. PARENTS: John & Helena Loeppky MARRIAGE: Frieda Kasdorf, Dec. 12, 1970 BAPTISM: Niverville (Man.) MB (now Fourth Avenue Bible), July 21, 1968 FAMILY: Frieda; children Melissa (Paul) Neufeld, Paul (Jennifer), Tammy; 6 grandchildren; 5 siblings
Pete’s mother died suddenly when he was 9, which had a big impact on him. Pete loved to interact with people. At Fourth Avenue Bible Church, Niverville, Man., he had a heart for the boys he led in boys’ clubs. He also served many years as an usher. Pete spent his life farming grain and hogs with his brother John. A stroke 5 years ago meant he could no longer do the work he loved. Pete touched many lives with his servant heart.
Harry Bauer June 3, 1929–Dec. 30, 2014
BIRTHPLACE: Stony Plain, Alta. PARENTS: Alexander & Elizabeth Bauer MARRIAGE: Helen Schmidt, June 22, 1963 [d. 1989]; Jean Penner, Feb. 16, 1991 BAPTISM: May 5, 1968
John F. Goertzen Jan. 17, 1926–Dec. 31, 2015
BIRTHPLACE: Blagodatnoye, Neu Samara, Russia PARENTS: Franz D. & Nela (Thiessen) Goertzen MARRIAGE: Agnes Fehr, Oct. 18, 1947 BAPTISM: 1947 CHURCH: Orchard Park, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont. FAMILY: Agnes; children Donald, Darlene, Kenneth, Glenn; 11 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren
John’s family immigrated to Canada when he was 6 months, settling near Jansen, Sask. When he was 10, they moved to Preston, Ont., and 5 years later, to Hespeler, Ont. At 15, John began working at Dominion Woollens and Worsteds Ltd. His mother died when he was 16. While cutting grapes on the farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., John accepted Jesus as Saviour. He met Agnes at his father’s wedding in 1946. Their first 5 years, John and Agnes lived with his parents and constructed his lifelong home on the family farm. John was a 40-year employee of Blenkhorn and Sawle and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He worked his beloved farm for 60 years. John enjoyed camping in summer and table games in winter.
Margaret DueckBarkman Dec. 2, 1918–Jan. 4, 2015 BIRTHPLACE: Blumenort, Man. PARENTS: Aron R. & Margaretha I. Reimer MARRIAGE: Nick A. Dueck, Sept. 10, 1939 [d. Jan. 21, 1969]; Peter Barkman, Aug. 31, 1996 [d. Nov. 2, 2006] BAPTISM: age 16 CHURCH: Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: children Harold (Karen) Dueck, Alice [d. 2013] (Jim), Abe (Vicki) Dueck, Elfrieda (Ken), Len (Jan) Dueck, Ray (Robyn) Dueck, Anne (Robert), Don (Theresa) Dueck; 18 grandchildren; 43 greatgrandchildren; stepchildren LeRoy [d. 2012] (Marcella) Barkman, Margaret, Rebecca (Jim),
John (Janice) Barkman, Sharon [d.] (Gary), Judy (Erwin), Delores (Murray), Dwayne (Candy) Barkman; 18 step-grandchildren; 33 step-great-grandchildren; 2 siblings
Margaret grew up in a home grounded in God’s Word. She and Nick lived in Morris, Man., 5 years, then farmed in New Bothwell, Man., for 17. Their home was filled with music as a way to share God’s love. In Arden, Man., in 1960, they mixed farming with serving a new church plant by teaching Sunday school and leading music. They regularly sang hymns in Neepawa hospital. In 1966, they became home parents to troubled boys in Parkhill, Ont. After Nick died, Margaret found strength in God as she worked the night shift, so she could be with her 8 children during the day. She moved to Chilliwack, B.C., to work as a private duty nurse in 1972. She was a matron in the retirement home at Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta., for 10 years until retirement. Margaret always had a heart for missions; she was delighted when God led her on 10 short-term trips to Ireland over the next 12 years to serve a Bible correspondence school. When Margaret married Peter, her family doubled: more love, more music, more travel. After 10 years of joy, Peter died, and Margaret moved back to warm B.C. Margaret brought each child, grandchild and great-grandchild before the throne of grace. She challenged each to follow the God she loved. At Clearbrook MB Church, she sang in the German choir and served with Evangelism Encouragers, going from house to house sharing the gospel.
Hilda Foth July 4, 1929–Jan. 9, 2015
BIRTHPLACE: Drake, Sask. PARENTS: Henry & Marie Dyck MARRIAGE: Henry Foth, Aug. 8, 1953 BAPTISM: Philadelphia MB, Watrous, Sask., 1944 CHURCH: Forest Grove, Saskatoon FAMILY: Henry; children Betty Ann, David (Janet), Charlotte (Richard) Schaan, Daniel, Bernice, Linda (Bill) Iwabuchi, Ernest (Karen), Melvin (Cheryl), Norman (Linda)
Hilda accepted Christ as Saviour at an early age and at 13 recommitted herself. She enjoyed singing in the church choir in her teens. She attended Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, Sask. Hilda moved to Saskatoon at 20 to work in housekeeping. Hilda and Henry began married life on his farm near Hague, Sask. After 4 years, hailedout crops forced a move to Saskatoon. Hilda looked after their growing family. For 9 years, they returned to the farm on weekends to work the fields and garden, “camping” in a farmhouse with no telephone, electricity, running water or sewer. In 1966, the family moved back to the farm, and in time, modernized the house. Hilda worked hard cooking, baking, cleaning, gardening. She devoted herself to Betty and Daniel, whose disabilities required continuous care. Hilda and
Henry retired to Waldheim, Sask., where Hilda enjoyed her smaller garden. She learned to enjoy fishing and camping with Henry through Alaska, Yukon and the Northwest Territories. Visiting Germany was a highlight. Hilda and Henry moved to a condo in Saskatoon, then to Bethany Manor where Hilda enjoyed singing in the choir. In early 2012, Hilda had a stroke, which left her partially paralyzed, requiring a move into the Rosthern (Sask.) Mennonite Nursing Home, where she liked interacting with staff.
David Mervin Pollom Jan. 15, 1945–Jan. 14, 2015
BIRTHPLACE: St. Paul, Alta. PARENTS: John & Lorraine Pollom MARRIAGE: Diane Binnie, Sept. 3, 1966 CHURCH: West Portal, Saskatoon FAMILY: Diane; children Kim (Brent) Robertson, Rhonda (Darcy) Rusnak, Lyle; 5 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; 2 brothers
stories of his time as a conscientious objector at a lumber camp in northern Ontario. With a passion for music, he moved to Toronto to study at the Royal Conservatory of Music. He loved to recount his experiences in Toronto as a hospital elevator operator and a chocolate factory worker. When Henry returned to Vineland, he met Eva and they married. Until his retirement in 1988, he served General Motors 40 years. He worked hard to support 7 children, taking a second job as a roofer with his brother. He taught many young men, including his sons, roofing skills. Henry sang tenor in the church choir and Niagara Male Chorus. After retiring, he enjoyed biking, swimming, gardening and bowling with friends. Henry loved his children equally and unconditionally. His favourite verse was James 1:12. A quiet, compassionate man with a sense of humour, even in long-term care, he sustained a thankful heart.
Erika Wall June 16, 1922–Jan. 21, 2015
David grew up on the farm where hard work was the greatest asset. As a young man, he moved to Saskatchewan and met Diane. They married soon afterward and settled in Saskatoon, then Martensville, Sask. David worked 30 years at Robin Hood before retiring early due to heath issues. Work ethic remained an important value, which he instilled in his children and grandchildren. David was always up for a game of cards and a laugh with family or friends. Milton Koutechy was his faithful coffee buddy. David never let his health issues get the better of him. Family and faith were paramount. A strict dad, David turned into a softie with his grandchildren, treasuring every visit, phone call or bit of news, and they loved him dearly in return.
Henry Abrahams July 4, 1923–Jan. 15, 2015
BIRTHPLACE: Mare, Crimea, Russia PARENTS: Henry & Agatha (Brown) Abrahams MARRIAGE: Eva Krahn, June 27, 1948 [d.] BAPTISM: Vineland, Ont., July 30, 1944 CHURCH: Grantham MB, St. Catharines, Ont. FAMILY: children Ruth Welch, Barb (David) Allan, Esther, Ken (Charlene), Marlene (Andy) Lardner, Andrew (Ingrid), Ron (Rose); 11 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings
When Henry was 2, his family immigrated to Canada, settling in Leamington, Ont. After they moved to Vineland, Ont., Henry worked at the basket factory in Beamsville, Ont. He gave his heart to God at a young age, and church remained important to him. Henry had many
BIRTHPLACE: Mukut, Russia PARENTS: Kornelius & Katherine Fast MARRIAGE: Henry Voth, 1983 [d. 1990]; Jacob Wall, Feb. 1, 1997 [d. Nov. 6, 2008] CHURCH: Culloden, Vancouver; Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: stepchildren; step-grandchildren; nieces & nephews including caregiver Herman (Shirley) Fast
When Erika was 4, Communist authorities expropriated her homestead. Her family moved to a remote village in Russia. When she was 7, the family caught the last train out of Moscow in 1929 and entered Germany. In 1930, they immigrated to Brazil, living in a jungle hut with a thatch roof on the Stoltz Plateau. After 5 years, they moved to Curitiba, where many Mennonites ran dairy farms. Erika and her family delivered milk at 3 a.m. in the city. After moving to Sao Paulo, Erika became a nanny at 15. She attended Bible School with C.C. Peters as instructor. In 1959, Erika and her parents immigrated to Canada to join her brother. She did domestic work and worked 18 years in the Vancouver Children’s Hospital kitchen. After her father died, Erika cared for her mother, who had a stroke, in Abbotsford, B.C. Erika married Henry, and her mother lived with them until she died at 104. After Henry’s death in 1990, Erika immersed herself in church, where she met Jacob in 1996. Both loved and served Jesus and each other. When Jake died, she found consolation in helping others in her condo. Failing eyesight was a great trial. In 2014, Erika had a severe stroke, which she wasn’t expected to survive. She moved to a care facility and kept mobile with a walker. She missed attending church. Erika cracked her pelvis in a fall and died of resulting infections.
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May 2015  www.mbherald.com
Intersection
of faith & life
Generous from the inside out SANDRA REIMER
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very few weeks, a friend in poverty helps me make dinner and eats with my family. She usually takes home the leftovers, but this time she forgot to bring a container. Feeling generous, I decided to give her one of mine. I sifted past my new containers with clear bottoms and attractive burgundy lids, reaching for an avocado green relic purchased at a thrift store. My friend turned up her nose at it. I harrumphed silently, thinking her ungrateful. Then the Holy Spirit asked me to give her my favourite container. Like a creaky door on rusty hinges, my selfish heart complained as I filled the lovely container to the brim with delicious leftovers. Looking from the outside, you would probably say I am generous. I give regularly to my church and to a number of charities on behalf of my family. I also volunteer several hours per week. But since when does God care about how we look from the outside?
People of faith do well In 2013, the World Giving Index ranked Canada third for giving money, volunteering and helping a stranger. That year, Canadians collectively gave $12.8 billion dollars to charitable causes. Canadians who attend religious services at least once per week are the most generous group of donors. According to a 2012 Statistics Canada article by Martin Turcotte, those who were not religious gave an average of $313 in 2010, while the “actively religious” gave an average of $1,004.
This year, God began speaking to me about generosity. In Wild Goose Chase, Mark Batterson challenges readers to create a life goal list. It’s like a bucket list (things you want to do before you die) except that you set goals that are unattainable without God’s help. I sensed God was asking me to believe him for money I could give to others. I wrote down a crazy-huge number as the amount I want to give away in my lifetime. If God doesn’t show up, it’s not going to happen. Just thinking about this faith goal has begun to transform me. I’m considering what I could forgo in order to give a yearly amount that would help me achieve my lifetime giving goal. I’m also contemplating how to expand my business so that I can increase my capacity to be generous.
Blessings in every way In the midst of my God-inspired ruminations, the pastors at my church preached a challenging series on generosity and gave out free copies of The Genius of Generosity by Chip Ingram for life groups to study. Reflecting on 2 Corinthians 9:9–11, Ingram says, “God wants to bless our lives spiritually, relationally and materially – or as Paul says, ‘in every way.’ Why? So we can be generous on ‘every occasion.’ He pours out his blessing on us so our own needs can be met, but also so we can reinvest in others.”
Looks like we have reasons to feel satisfied; on average, we give more than three times as much as citizens who are not committed to a faith.
While my church was talking about generosity, I began to catch a vision for what we might be able to do collectively – as a congregation, as churches in our community and the body of Christ in Canada.
But has the church in Canada truly tapped its capacity for giving? Have we dared to give sacrificially like the widow in the Bible who gave all she had to live on (Mark 12:41–44)?
At the Ontario Conference of MB Churches convention that I attended in February, the theme was Costly Multiplication. (I think God was trying to send me a message.) “Right
now there is a Holy Spirit moment in Canada,” said Gord Fleming, director of the C2C Network, the MB-based church planting organ. “Will we surrender our resources for costly multiplication?” What if we dropped our excuses and opened our wallets, cupboards and schedules? What if we really did seek God’s kingdom first and allowed him to provide our daily needs? Imagine how many churches could be planted, missionaries sent out, supportive housing units built, job training programs funded, mothers and babies supported through crisis pregnancy centres, reforms to the justice system secured and so much more. We could be a fountain of holy blessing to our cities, towns, villages, provinces and nations. We could reap a harvest of righteousness that results in thanksgiving to God – among Christians and those who don’t know him yet. To me, it sounds more exciting than owning a new car or even the perfect container. Sandra Reimer works out her faith and builds her generosity muscles at Glencairn MB Church, Kitchener, Ont.
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