Mennonite Brethren Herald Nov 2013

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

N O V E M B E R 2 013

practical

peacemaking

Volume 52, No. 11 Publications mail registration number: 09648; Agreement number: 40009297

“Let’s give them cookies!”

DAV I D WAR K EN T I N

consider peace and nonviolence a central part of what it means to follow the way of Jesus. I don’t hold this belief lightly, and I realize how complex it can be to maintain such a position in such a violent world. It’s hard to live nonviolently. Just ask my 3-year-old son.

At storytime last week, my son picked the Easter story from a Bible storybook. When we got to the part where there were soldiers guarding the tomb, he was genuinely concerned.

“Where’s Jesus?”

I told him not to worry, Jesus was coming back. (I’m a pastor: I know!)

His immediate response: “And I’m gonna fight the soldiers!”

What!?! So much for a teachable moment on eschatological hope! It seems whatever the age, nonviolence is not natural. Now what?

Thinking on my feet in this theological emergency, I brought us back to an earlier part of the story. “I think Jesus would rather we washed their feet,” I suggested.

“Why?” “That’s what Jesus would want us to do.”

That was enough for him. He liked my idea!

Phew... I’d quelled the violent tendencies of my 3-year-old. I showed him nonviolence! was my mental pat on the back.

“Goodnight, son.” (More mental pats on the back.)

Not so fast.

“Let’s give them cookies too, Dad.” “Um, yeah, of course.”

Of course. My moral superiority met genuine generosity. Roles reversed. I wanted to be a good dad,

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PHOTO: JESSICA GOLLUB

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to limit my son’s violence. My son wanted to be a good person, to expand his generosity.

At their innocent best, children don’t easily draw lines or limit their sharing (unless toys are involved). If we’re going to wash their feet (i.e., “love our enemies”), well, obviously we’ll give them cookies. In my son’s mind, loving the bad people shouldn’t have limits.

How true.

There shouldn’t be limits to loving with peace and nonviolence. It’s a whole way of life as we live and relate to a violent world. Peace, after all, is giving them cookies too!

David Warkentin is director of Praxis, a one-year urban discipleship program at Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C. He blogs at www.davidwarkentin.blogspot.ca, where this piece first appeared Jan. 27, 2012.

FEATURES 10 Six lessons from Acts A peacemaker’s guide to addressing conflict in the church –Randy Wollf

16 Why C.S. Lewis lives on 50 years after his death –Walter Unger

COLUMNS 4 Editorial “My spirit was laid down, but now it stands strong” –Laura Kalmar CONFERENCE NEWS

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Leadership development department introduces new name, logo, and initiatives

9 Outfront Banyan trees and banana trees –Paul G. Hiebert

14 Viewpoint: #InDialogue on “Peace – The Exhibit” Confessions of a newly converted Mennonite Brethren –Matt Triemstra A conscientious objector progeny ponders peace – Conrad Stoesz

18 Viewpoint Not just the body – the body of Christ –Michael Morson

35 Intersection of faith and life Of risk and rain –Sandra Reimer

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DEPARTMENTS

TWITTER twitter.com/MB_Herald

5 Letters

WEBSITE mbherald.com

6 Homepage 19 News in brief 20 News in story 28 Transitions, births, weddings

JOBS jobs.mbherald.com PDF SUBSCRIPTION Email kbraun@mbconf.ca to subscribe via email

29 Finish lines [Obituaries] 32 Crosscurrents

Cover photo: Jessica Gollub is a photographer based in Winnipeg.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2013

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Editorial “My spirit was laid down, but now it stands strong” L AUR A K ALMAR

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ngela and I have known each other since we were 13. We met at Summer Magic day camp, where we both served as junior volunteers. I recall feeling very grown-up as Angela and I discussed future careers, family, faith, and – yes – boys! Over the ensuing years, we whiled away many hours, sipping strawberry tea, and sharing from our hearts. I had the honour of helping Angela edit her thesis, and I’ve watched her become a successful counsellor with her own private practice.

Angela is aboriginal. An Interior Salish from the Nlaka’pamux Nation near Merritt, B.C., Angela grew up visiting her dad, grandmother, and relatives on the reserve. She values aboriginal teachings, traditions, and commitment to family. She can recognize the unique drumbeat of her people when their songs are played. And her raven-black hair reminds me of native princesses I read about as a child.

Truth and reconciliation When the opportunity arose for me to attend Vancouver’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), I immediately felt I needed to attend with Angela. I wanted to listen together as friends. I wanted her perspective as someone who had been personally affected by the residential school system in Canada.

The residential school system is a black mark in Canadian history. From the 1870s to 1996, some 150,000 First Nations, Metis, and Inuit children were taken from their families and communities and sent to governmentfunded, church-run schools. Many were forbidden to speak their language or practise their culture. Many were abused, malnourished, or neglected; hundreds committed suicide. Most experienced deep loneliness and sorrow. Canada estimates 70,000–80,000 former students are still alive today.

Witnesses Angela and I were called to be witnesses to the stories of these residential school survivors, along with thousands of others who attended the event. We had a key role to play.

In aboriginal cultures, witnesses are keepers of history when a significant event occurs.

Organizers asked us to remember and repeat what we heard – to share the stories with our own communities when we returned home.

So Angela and I became witnesses during four days of vivid recollections, tears, gifts of reconciliation and, most importantly, hope.

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My story I was shocked and humbled by the stories I heard, and succumbed to tears on more than one occasion. The details were horrifying. Yet they were communicated with grace, strength, and dignity.

I met George in the display area, with his big smile, shaggy hair, and love of bluegrass gospel music. He told me about the time he and his brother went on their very first car ride.

Elated, they waved to their parents from the rear window of the vehicle. In hindsight, George recalls tears slipping down his parents’ faces.

He and his brother ended up at a residential school miles away, and wouldn’t return home for months.

I heard Phyllis’s account. At six years old, Phyllis’s grandmother took her to buy a special outfit for her first day of school. As part of her new ensemble, Phyllis chose an orange shirt and wore it with pride. But when she arrived at residential school, the teachers immediately took away her new clothes. The precious orange shirt was never seen again. “The colour orange has always reminded me of that and how my feelings didn’t matter, how no one cared, and how I felt I was worth nothing,” says Phyllis.

Then there was Doreen: “The priests and nuns made us kneel down and pray about our sins. We didn’t even know what sins were. So we just made them up.” Father, forgive your church!

As a witness to the TRC, I heard some terrible things. But as a witness of Jesus Christ “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:4), my prayer is that we would draw on our own stories of suffering and faith, extending God’s comfort and hope to others who suffer. That’s what peacemaking and reconciliation look like to me.

Angela’s story Angela was also brought to tears by what she heard. Unlike me, she wasn’t shocked by the details. She had heard them before. And she was already aware of the strength and resilience of her people.

But she was surprised by the freedom she felt after being called an intergenerational survivor. It was a moment of validation for her.

The pain her family had experienced – multiple traumatic losses – was part of a larger narrative,

passed down through generations, interwoven within the history of her people and of Canada.

In those few days, Angela gained a new perspective on the challenges she continues to face as the granddaughter of a residential school survivor. It wasn’t by chance, or bad luck, or poor personal choices her family suffered.

The reality is that a country – and a church – believed the “savages” needed to be civilized, to have the Indian schooled out of them. In the words of Duncan Campbell Scott, head of the Department of Indian Affairs, 1913–1932, “I want to get rid of the Indian problem…. Our objective is to continue until there is not a single Indian in Canada that has not been absorbed into the body politic.”

Toward a better future Some don’t understand the necessity of the TRC. Why don’t they get over it? They’re just looking for more handouts!

But wounds are still raw. It was only in 2007 that Canada’s Supreme Court, in a landmark settlement decision, recognized the horrible and lasting damage inflicted by the residential school system. It was only in 2008 that Prime Minister Harper offered an official apology on behalf of the government. And it’s only now that many survivors are sharing their stories – long-hidden hurts – with family members. The conversation has just begun.

So, what do Aboriginal Peoples want? Put simply, they long to be heard. Yes, I witnessed tirades about politics, land rights, and treaties.

There were cries for justice. There were angry reminders that prejudice continues to this day.

But mostly, there were words of deep appreciation and genuine embrace for those who came to listen. There was an invitation to allow these stories to transport us all to a new place of understanding and respect; to recognize the courage and resilience of Aboriginal Peoples.

In the words of one survivor: “My spirit was laid down, but now my spirit stands strong.”

My friend Angela is a survivor, too. She is part of a First Nations story. She is part of Canada’s story.

And she is part of the solution that’s slowly bringing peace and reconciliation to this land.

And I pray I am too.

LETTERS Move beyond questions to answers Re “Will you officiate our wedding?” (Features, September). In view of his particular context of ministry, John Neufeld tries very hard to convey a sense of openness on the gay issue by raising questions. Why the silence on several of the most pressing issues that ministers face?

If the homosexual act is a transgression (sin) according to Scripture, what direction does your counselling take?

If a gay couple claiming to be Christian asks you to marry them, do you bless their union? (Our “love conversations” will probably sound like a “gong and clanging cymbal,” unless we proceed to unify them in marriage.)

This fall, as the conference meets to discuss issues relating to human sexuality, I hope our leadership will speak with clarity, conviction, and direction to the critical issues, and not just turn the matter back to the local congregation for action, as we have done in the past on some of our pressing concerns.

It’s time to move beyond the questions and proceed to the answers. Our ministers are waiting.

VIC NEUFELD CALGARY

Followers of Jesus, not cultural trends Re “Will you officiate our wedding?” (Features, September). Spending time in Winnipeg in my 20s gave me much respect for John Neufeld of The Meeting Place, but we differ on our view of homosexuality. While John has many great points in his article, I take exception with several, and hope those reading the Herald and attending the BFL study conference on human sexuality consider the following.

1) John’s comments about being more concerned about heterosexual behaviours than homosexual behaviours appears to be contradictory to his later point about Christians constructing a hierarchy of sinful behaviour. Is he not doing the same thing with these statements?

2) John mentions that sex is a spiritual act linked to a covenant relationship with another person. I haven’t been able to find anything of that nature in Scripture. I believe Scripture links sex to a covenant relationship with someone of the opposite sex.

3) Canadian culture and law affirm same-sex marriage, John observes, then adds that same-sex couples will find and follow Jesus. I don’t see that as possible, for Jesus never blesses same-sex marriage.

To add to the obvious, Jesus didn’t follow culture for culture’s sake. If we are “Jesus followers,” why would we follow culture?

KEN DRIEDGER ABBOTSFORD, B.C.

Unsafe conversation Re “Will you officiate our wedding?” (Features, September). Thank you for the timely articles on same-sex marriage and homosexuality. I’m glad the conference is addressing this issue that the church has ignored while young men and women have been lost to us and often to suicide.

I’m sad that when I broach the subject of my gay grandson, whom I love dearly, with my “church” friends, I get silence or a Bible verse or a book given to me.

Not so with my young friends or nonChristian friends.

I will attend my grandson’s wedding, but I have kept that quiet from my close friends because that conversation is unsafe.

Thank you, Herald and conference for beginning the conversation.

ALICE ESAU CALGARY

NOVEMBER 2013 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: 1996–2012.

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@mbconf.ca http://www.mbherald.com PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NUMBER: 4000929

Hope for “a new era” Re “It’s a new day” (Editorial, September). Reflecting on Laura Kalmar’s editorial on human sexuality and other articles in the recent Herald moved me to think there may soon come a time when we in the Mennonite Brethren church will be able to sincerely and humbly listen to our lesbian, gay, and bisexual brothers and sisters.

Perhaps influenced by the recent celebration of the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s March on Washington advocating civil rights, I imagine a time when we in the church will, with open arms, welcome and include into the fabric of our worshipping communities those whom we formerly found unacceptable. I imagine a time when we will publicly apologize for judgmental statements and actions, similar in spirit to the apologies expressed by Alan Chambers of the recently closed Exodus International, Wendy Gritter of New Direction Ministries of Canada, and Jim Daly of Focus on the Family.

Thank you, Laura and your team, for the courage to open this topic. I pray that our ensuing dialogue, however, will move beyond words to concrete actions that will indeed represent what you call “a new era of generosity, grace, and reconciliation.”

STEVE THIESSEN ABBOTSFORD, B.C.

Not a marriage Re Human sexuality: Honouring God with the body (September). The Bible plainly states that marriage is between a man and a woman who become legally united on a permanent basis. It is a religious rite. continued on page 19

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THE MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD IS A PUBLICATION OF

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2013

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homepage Pray for peace Greetings from Mennonite World Conference

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e lament the horrendous and inhumane atrocities, reports of which fill our newspapers and dominate our television screens.

It is not difficult to imagine Jesus weeping today as he did in Luke 19:41–42. The world is not the way it was meant to be. At Jesus’ birth, the angels proclaimed “peace on earth” (Luke 2:14).

Through Jesus, God calls the church to be God’s co-workers in the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18–19).

The body of Christ weeps with Jesus today. We weep for Syria, and for other situations affecting our brothers and sisters: the poisoning of crops and water supply in the Choco, Colombia; the land stolen by multinational corporations in Panama; the historic and ongoing strife and war in DR Congo; the alienation and suffering in Egypt; and the millions of refugees displaced by human strife.

We weep because our world continues to hope for peace by preparing for war.

The weeping Jesus chose a different path. He trusted in God’s sovereignty over the nations, affirming with the prophet Isaiah: “The nations roar like the roaring of many waters, but he will rebuke them” (Isaiah 17:13 ESV).

Above all, Jesus chose suffering love – to the point of death on the cross – rather than terror, military revolution, or the protection of selfinterest. God transforms this suffering love into gospel. Through the power of the resurrection, God converts the cross (a weapon of Roman state terror) into the power of God to save (1 Corinthians 1:18).

The gospel is God’s response to the sin of the world, and is given to a world not yet redeemed. The gospel is good news because of sin, not in

spite of it. As followers of Jesus, the church too “seeks peace and pursues it” (Psalm 34:14). The apostle James reminds us about the inseparable bond between the pursuit of peace and the hope for justice: “But the wisdom that comes from above leads us to be pure, friendly, gentle, sensible, kind, helpful, genuine, and sincere. When peacemakers plant seeds of peace, they will harvest justice (James 3:17–18 CEV).

We invite you to express this vocation of peace through justice by praying, worshipping, witnessing, and sharing. Our prayer is that: The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with all of you (2 Corinthians 13:14).—César García, MWC general secretary; Paulus Widjaja, MWC peace commission chair; Robert J. Suderman, peace commission secretary

International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church

November 10, 2013 “Present sufferings, future glory” Romans 8:17,18 Today, more than 200 million are suffering around the world for their faith in Jesus Christ.

Each year, Christians in more than 130 countries stand in prayer with our persecuted sisters and brothers through the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP). Find resources at IDOP.ca to pray for our brothers and sisters who suffer because they declare their faith in Christ.

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On the go:

MB Herald digital edition now available on

coming events Conference events: Nov. 4–7: C2C National church planters retreat, Ottawa.

Nov. 8–10: Fort Garry MB Church 50th anniversary weekend, Winnipeg.

Dec. 3–4: COACH model training Fort Garry MB Church, Winnipeg.

PHOTO: LAURA KALMAR

A pieced offering

Mennonites offered an expression of reconciliation to their aboriginal neighbours at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s sixth National Event, Sept. 18-21, in Vancouver. The commission’s mandate is to gather stories and raise awareness about the impacts of the residential school system on Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.

Representatives from the Mennonite community presented a quilt with a log cabin design as a symbol of warmth, friendship, healing, and peace. One Canadian frontier woman summarized the significance of these blankets: “I make them warm to keep my family from freezing; I make them beautiful to keep my heart from breaking.”

Residential school survivor Isadore Charters (centre, in red), also gifted a copy of his 28-minute documentary Yummo Comes Home, which chronicles his story of healing and encounter with Jesus (www.outreach.ca).

Presenters included Dave Heinrichs of Eagle Ridge Bible Fellowship, Don Klaassen of Sardis Community Church, and Garry Janzen of Mennonite Church Canada. All expressions of reconciliation placed in the ceremonial Bentwood Box during the seven national TRC events will be permanently housed at the National Research Centre at the University of Manitoba.—LK

Jan. 28–30, 2014: C2C assessment centre, Vancouver.

Feb 21–22, 2014: ONMB convention, New Hope Niagara, Niagara Falls, Ont. Mar. 7–8, 2014: Assembly 2014, MBCM convention, Eastview Community Church, Winnipeg.

Mar. 14–15, 2014: SKMB convention, Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon.

Mar. 21–22, 2014: ABMB convention, River West Christian Church, Edmonton.

Apr. 1–2, 2014: C2C church multiplication conference, Calgary.

Apr. 12, 2014: AEFMQ convention, Les Ambassadeurs Chrétiens, Montreal.

May 2–3, 2014: BCMB convention, Caribou Bethel Church, Williams Lake, B.C. May, 2014: BCMB pastor and spouse’s retreat, Harrison, B.C. May 13–15, 2014: C2C assessment centre, Montreal.

June 8, 2014: AEFMQ rally, Centre culturel et communautaire Thérèse de Blainville, Ste-Thérèse, Que. June 2014: PCO, ACTS Seminaries, Langley, B.C. June 2014: Gathering 2014, Vancouver.

Sept. 23–25, 2014: C2C assessment centre, Calgary, Alta.

Oct. 6–8, 2014: ABMB pastor and spouse’s retreat, Canmore, Alta.

Nov. 4–6, 2014: C2C assessment centre, Toronto.

Partner events: Nov. 19–21, 2013: Momentum: Start.Build.Sustain, Church Planting Congress, The Meeting House, Oakville, Ont. Nov. 21–22, 2013: Discipleship and Context conference, Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask.

Jan. 31–Feb. 2, 2014: Youth Advance, Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask.

Apr. 18, 2014: Bethany College spring concert, Knox United Church, Saskatoon.

Apr. 19, 2014: Bethany College commencement service, Hepburn, Sask.

July 17–19, 2015: Mennonite World Conference Global Youth Summit, Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, Pa. July 21–26, 2015: Assembly 16 Mennonite World Conference, Harrisburg, Penn.

View more events from churches, schools, and agencies at www.mbherald.com/coming-events.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2013

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LOGO Small Format LOGOS CM-L2L

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Text Leaders2Learners L2L message Conference news

Leadership development department introduces new name, logo, and initiatives

LOGO Horizontal

LOGO RCDL

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he leadership CM development department COACH has changed its name to Resourcing ON training Churches & Developing Leaders (RCDL).

RCDL’s The change in department name mandate is reflects the action-oriented nature of to support the department. The new name places MB church leaders in transforming Canada an emphasis on church development with the good news of Jesus Christ and LOGO Horizontal LOGOS on that Mission and theChurch support the departdiscipling them in churches on mission.

LOGO Small ment offersFormat churches. Stewardship A Christian coaching model, COACH – representatives are now a part of this Connect, Outcome, Awareness, Choices, department. RCDL is a title under which Highlights – will be used to engage CM in stewardship, leadership development, ongoing conversations with leaders to inistries O N Mission and church health canChurch flourish. empower them to fully live out God’s calling. The first gathering of leaders to be New initiatives: trained in applying COACH to their ministry Leaders2Learners contexts will occur Dec. 3–4.

Church

Mission

brings tremendous joy, freedom, and fulfillment. The video series “The Genius of Generosity” is paired with Windjammer resources. Together these tools offer a reminder that generosity is a choice that flows from the heart. Stewardship representativesON received training in Windjammer in September.

of time, talent, and treasure.

Encouraging Christ-centred stewardship Church Mission CM

CM

The RCDL department will be launching new initiatives in the upcoming months.

One is Leaders2Learners (L2L), an online community website that will provide learning opportunities for leaders ON and ministry teams in the areas of spiritual renewal, LOGO Horizontal theological enrichment, and skill

Church

LOGO Small Format Camp ministries directors’ gathering

For more information, contact Ron Toews, director of Resourcing Churches & Developing Leaders.—Canadian Conference of MB Churches release More conference updates found in News in Story page 23:

(Psalm 24:1 NIV)

of Christian camps connected to MissionDirectors C2C national associate the MB conference gathered Oct. 7–9 to ON Network Mission CM ChurchNew director appointed develop relationships, resource and serve

in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

Did you know?

“The earth is the Lord’s and everything 21

one another, and pray together. The event New website provides online learning for church leaders highlighted best practices for develLOGO oping Horizontal LOGOS Leaders2Learners young women ON and men to be godly ..................................................................................

There are Canadian MB Chinese in their camp minisL 2L churches (or fellowships under the wing try roles. Participants of a larger congregation). discussed how churches and camps Find out about the MB Chinese Churches can partner in the Association on their new website development (life skills and ministry skills). development of young leaders. www.mbcca.ca available in English and L2L users will be encouraged to LOGO Small Format Chinese (simplified and traditional). Keep post resources in a variety of languages, President’s network gathering in touch with the community’s news and increasing the availability of resources for activities through the Facebook page Presidents from MB colleges, universities, leaders and ministry teams from diverse (www.facebook.com/MBCCA). and the seminary across Canada came Leaders 2Learners backgrounds. The website is expected to together Oct. 18–19 for a network meeting. launch in early 2014.

The goals were to connect, provide mutual support, and understand the opportunities Coach Me/Coach Us assessment and challenges in the areas where each Through the Coach Me/Coach Us assessinstitution is located. This is the second WITH THE CONFERENCE ment, leaders and churches will identify gathering of this kind; the first occurred in Stewardship Ministries where they are in their developmental May 2013.

Stories posted on journey. With prayerful discernment, RCDL mennonitebrethren.ca staff will design a coaching arrangement Windjammer in October: that fits the needs of leaders and churches.

Another RCDL initiative, Windjammer, is RCDL is committed to ensuring every C2C church plants launch an experiential learning opportunity that leader who desires a coach/mentor will teaches participants that living generously ETEM gift giving catalogue receive one.

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Mission

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The earth is the Lord’s and everything n it, the world, and all who live in it.”

Leaders 2Learners

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Leaders 2Learners

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(Psalm 24:1 NIV)

CONNEC T c c c Arabic church plant

Encouraging Christ-centred stewardship of time, talent, and treasure. s and everything

Ministries

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Outfront Banyan trees and banana trees PAU L G . H I E B E R T

This article first appeared in the MB Herald Mar. 9, 1990.

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“

othing grows under a banyan tree.”

This South Indian proverb speaks of leadership styles. The banyan is a great tree. It spreads its branches, drops aerial roots, develops secondary trunks, and covers the land. A full-grown banyan may cover more than an acre of land. Birds, animals, and humans find shelter under its shade.

But nothing grows under its dense foliage, and when it dies, the ground beneath lies barren and scorched.

The banana tree is the opposite. Six months after it sprouts, small shoots appear around it. At 12 months, a second circle of shoots appears beside the first ones, now six months old. At 18 months, the main trunk bears bananas, which nourish birds, animals, and humans, and then it dies. But the first offspring are now full grown, and in six months they too bear fruit and die.

The cycles continue unbroken as new sprouts emerge every six months, grow, give birth to more sprouts, bear fruit, and die.

When we depart, we leave sheep but no shepherds.

As husbands and wives, and as parents, it’s easy for us to treat our spouses and children as followers – to demand they obey us and think and behave as we do.

As ministers, it’s easy to train our parishioners to be followers to make them dependent upon a professional leadership to carry out the ministries of the church.

As missionaries, it’s easy to treat indigenous converts as followers – to not trust them as long as we are around, and to make certain they carry on the work as we do.

In each case, we create dependent people, and kill the leadership potential in others. Such spouses, children, parishioners, and nationals never grow up. To do so, they must rebel against us.

Our reward comes when we find ourselves surrounded by young leaders discovering new abilities, assuming new responsibilities, and raring to take over and go beyond us.

Spouses who encourage their husbands and wives to be leaders develop family styles of mutual submission.

Parents who build their children as leaders begin early to teach them to think, and to treat them like young adults.

Pastors who teach their laity to be leaders encourage Bible studies and lay initiatives in the ministries of the church.

Missionaries who train nationals as leaders give them responsibilities early and support their decisions.

All must allow budding leaders the greatest privilege they allow themselves, namely, the right to make mistakes.

Encouraging Christ-centred stewardship of time, talent, and treasure.

Training leaders Training leaders is less rewarding for our egos. We must teach people to think and decide on their own, to challenge our beliefs, and to argue with our decisions.

When they take over, they will go beyond us and take credit for their own growth.

Training leaders is more difficult. We must value their input, and encourage a critique of what we say. We must grade them not on how much they agree with us, but on how well they think. We do not ask them to guess our minds, and we avoid putting them down, even though their initial responses are naive and simplistic.

We focus on problems they must solve, rather than on fixed bodies of information.

Instead of making them memorize “Two times two equals four,” we ask them, “What times what equals four?” for in answering this, they discover the full nature of numbers.

Training leaders is less efficient in the short run because it takes time and effort that could be spent on the task. Decisions must be negotiated, plans constantly changed, and we must adjust our own schedules and goals. But it is more efficient in the long run.

Training leaders who train leaders Training leaders, however, is not enough. Too often we train leaders who, in turn, train followers. We teach them to think ideas, but not to build humans. They learn to use people to build programs, not programs to build people.

It is hardest of all to help young leaders catch the vision of training leaders and pass that vision on, but this is essential for a successful family, church, and mission.

Paul writes, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).

(Psalm 24:1 NIV)

“The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

Paul G. Hiebert was a missionary and anthropologist. Raised in India by MB missionary parents, he returned to India as principal of a Christian school after graduate studies in cultural anthropology. A prolific author, he taught at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Cal., and Trinity Evangelical School, Chicago. He died in 2007.

Stewardship Ministries

Training followers Many leaders are like banyan trees.

They have great ministries, but when they pass from the scene, there are no leaders to step into their shoes because they have trained followers, not leaders.

It is gratifying to train followers. They are an appreciative audience that makes us feel important. They imitate our ways.

They don’t challenge our thinking, or go beyond our teaching.

It is easy to train followers. We decide what they should learn and how they should learn it. We encourage them to raise questions, and we give the answers. We teach them to follow our directives and to guess our minds.

There’s an immediate success in training followers. We can mobilize many to build our program. This approach is also efficient. But its success is short range.

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Six lessons A peacemaker’s guide to addressing

C

hristians seem to have a love-hate relationship with conflict. We love to disagree (note: there are approximately 33,000 denominations in the world), yet we often feel bad about engaging in conflict. It somehow feels dirty. As we engage in theological debates, and argue about church decor, ministry methods, and a host of other very important matters (or at least they seem important at the time), is there such a thing as healthy conflict?

Conflict naturally occurs when individuals or groups collide over differences in ideas, preferences, or actions.

I’ve only met a few people in my life who relish conflict. Why do we avoid it – sometimes at all costs? I suspect many of us are 10

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afraid of entering a complex emotional zone where anything could happen. Or we may fear offending others and being disliked or rejected by them.

There are many personal reasons why we often sidestep controversial issues or gloss over relational tensions; however, our avoidance tactics may also be fuelled by a faulty theological understanding of peacemaking.

How do people called to live as peacemakers engage in peaceful and transformational conflict within the church? The early church did not always engage in healthy conflict. However, the first story in Acts 15 provides some helpful pointers for constructing a peacemaker’s guide to addressing conflict in the church.

s

from

Acts

conflict in the church 1. Engage the issues that divide us In Acts 15:1–2, a group of Jews from Judea were telling the believers in Antioch they needed to be circumcised. Their teaching resulted in sharp debate with Paul and Barnabas. As a result, the local church leaders appointed these two men, along with some other believers, to bring this question to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem.

I applaud these local church leaders for being willing to pay the price to engage this controversial and divisive issue that had both theological and cultural underpinnings.

The church leaders in Antioch knew that Jesus was the ultimate example of a peacemaker. In Ephesians 2:14–16, we read, “For he

himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.”

In this passage, we see that Jesus was not primarily a peacekeeper (one who keeps enemies apart for the sake of keeping the peace); he was a peacemaker, a bridge that brings together those who were alienated from each other.

As those called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), our primary role is not to keep the peace by avoiding, minimizing, or blocking

R ANDY WOLLF

interpersonal conflict, but to encourage and facilitate relational bridgebuilding in the thick of conflict.

“A peacemaker is one who actively intervenes in situations of conflict in order to establish peace,” states the commentary on the MB Confession of Faith.

Being a peacemaker is a difficult calling that starts with a willingness and commitment to engage the issues that divide us.

2. Look for God’s blessings in the midst of the conflict Even though conflict can be allconsuming, it’s important we don’t miss the unexpected opportunities God sometimes provides in the midst of conflict.

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to Jerusalem had a sidebar blessing. Paul and Barnabas were able to encourage the believers in Phoenicia and Samaria by sharing about God’s work among the Gentiles (Acts 15:3).

In fact, in Psalm 84, we see that it is possible to transform the desolate places into places of life. In this pilgrimage song, the psalmist expresses

3. Acknowledge and unpack divergent perspectives Do you notice the tension that is going on in the fledgling church – a tension between previous ways of worshipping and obeying God, and new expressions?

The church in Jerusalem, along

Being a peacemaker is a difficult calling that starts with a willingness and commitment to engage the issues that divide us. his longing to be in God’s presence in the temple in Jerusalem, but a “Valley of Baka,” a place of dryness and desolation, stands between him and the temple.

Going through a time of prolonged conflict can feel like we are wandering in a desolate wasteland.

Yet, the psalmist acknowledges it’s possible to turn the Valley of Baka into a place of springs.

What was the psalmist’s secret?

With God’s help, those who find their strength in God and who have set their hearts on pilgrimage can make this kind of transformation possible. As we seek the Lord and rely on him for strength, we will experience his life, hope, peace, and other blessings, even as we walk through difficult valleys marked with conflict.

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with the elders and apostles, welcomed the entourage from Antioch (Acts 15:4). However, a group of believing Pharisees apparently saw this theological debate in Antioch as an opportunity to push their own perspective. They asserted that the Gentile believers must be circumcised and required to obey the Law of Moses (v. 5). Did the elders and apostles sidestep or try to minimize this divergent perspective? No, they chose to acknowledge and consider it (v. 6).

I find that when Christian groups begin to realize that other people do things differently because they have different values-based perspectives on what is important, the lights start to go on. Now, we have something to talk about that gets beyond peoples’ preferences! (I’m indebted to

Robert E. Webber’s The Younger Evangelicals for helping me understand different evangelical perspectives in North America.)

As people begin to understand each other’s underlying values, the respect level often goes up. Amazingly enough, they begin to see that their ultimate goals are actually the same (or similar) – they just have a different way of getting there.

Acknowledging and embracing common goals can be a powerful way of helping diverse individuals function as a team. A respectful process of perspective sharing and exploring can often build bridges between divergent groups, leading to a better understanding of what is most important and how a larger group can best honour the priorities of its subgroups (when it’s appropriate to do so).

4. Engage in communal dialogue and discernment The apostles and elders discussed the issue (Acts 15:6). There was a process of communal dialogue and discernment.

Within the Mennonite Brethren conference, we believe in a “community hermeneutic” – a community approach to interpreting Scripture and applying it to our lives today.

The pastoral application of the Confession of Faith describes this communal approach to understanding Scripture: “God’s followers, guided by the Holy Spirit, enter into active dialogue with others in the Christian community and discover that God reveals the truth, giving people confidence to live in challenging, changing times.”

I believe we can apply this same “community hermeneutic” approach as we seek to discern God’s perspective on areas of interest and tension within the church.

Yet, sometimes our understanding of unity can hinder us from maximizing the community hermeneutic approach.

A problem arises when we assume that unity is the same as unanimity.

Unanimity suggests complete agreement. However, unity is the formation of a whole or one by combining separate, distinct parts. Diversity is an essential component of unity.

In an orchestra, unanimity is everyone playing the same musical line as the clarinets and trying to sound like them.

Unity is the trumpets, saxophones, flutes, trombones, clarinets, percussion, and other instruments playing the same song with one conductor, but adding their unique sounds and musical lines to create a complex harmony, a rich oneness.

When we engage in communal dialogue where all of the group members feel safe to make their contribution to the discernment process, we will see the diverse perspectives of the body and have an opportunity to put the pieces together. This process involves a necessary tension, as we move toward true unity.

In my experience, it’s often in these unified communities of difference that we can best hear God speaking through his body.

5. Be appropriately assertive Finally, Peter got up and told his story (Acts 15:7–12). He shared how the Gentiles had received the Holy Spirit. Circumcision wasn’t a factor in the Gentiles coming to faith; it was by grace. Peter then challenged the

assembly by asking, “Why do you want to put a yoke on these new believers that not even our ancestors could bear?” The whole assembly became silent as Paul and Barnabas shared about the miracles that God had done among the Gentiles through them (v. 12).

I appreciate Peter’s assertiveness in this situation. When it shuts down further discussion and/or minimizes the biblically consistent viewpoints of others, outspokenness becomes counterproductive. However, as we seek to address conflict in healthy ways, it’s a mistake to think there’s no room for outspokenness – a boldness to speak up for those on the margins or challenge inadequate, dominant viewpoints. In fact, outspokenness is essential to ensure we hear the wisdom God has entrusted to each member of the body.

6. Seek a win-win solution When Barnabas and Paul had finished sharing, James, after appealing to the prophets, declared: “It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead, we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals and from blood” (Acts 15:19–20).

Notice that James’s proposal respects some parts of Jewish tradition without requiring the new believers to follow the tradition of circumcision. It’s a win-win solution.

Sometimes, this kind of solution is elusive and requires sustained dialogue.

I would hazard to guess that an ideological tension remained in the early church over this issue; yet they were able to build bridges of understanding and respect that allowed them to carve out a

position that apparently satisfied both parties.

What would have happened if the leaders in the church at Antioch had sidelined those Judean Christians who were teaching the people that they should be circumcised? How might this situation have turned out differently if the local leaders had not sent representatives to Jerusalem to engage in a process of discernment facilitated by the apostles and elders?

The Acts 15 account does not provide a comprehensive guide for addressing conflict. As a description of a biblical event, it is not prescriptive of how we should handle church conflict in every situation. Yet, it does provide some helpful pointers that any individual, ministry team, or church can use to address conflict in transformational ways that promote peace at a deep level.

The question is not whether we’ll experience conflict; it’s whether we’ll facilitate healthy conflict that leads to better understandings, deeper relationships, and a strengthened church.

Randy Wollf is assistant professor of practical theology and leadership studies at MBBS-ACTS. He was a pastor and missionary for 20 years before taking up his current role. Randy, Lore, and their four children are active participants at South Langley MB Church.

You can follow Randy’s blog at www.

MinistryLift.ca or at www.Facebook.com/ MinistryLift.

NOTE: For those interested in exploring this topic further, Randy will be teaching a class on Power, Change, and Conflict at Canadian Mennonite University Feb. 17–21, 2014.

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#InDialogue: Confessions of a newly converted Mennonite Brethren M AT T T R I E M S T R A

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recently took my family to visit the Canadian War Museum in our nation’s capital, where my children were fascinated to walk through exhibits about wars on Canadian soil, the World Wars, the Cold War, and peace operations. Okay, more accurately, they spent most of the time looking at the tanks, and thought it was weird that the Plains of Abraham War lasted only 30 minutes. This national museum of military history begs questions for a Mennonite Brethren about what peacemaking is all about and makes me wonder as a dad how to teach my own kids about our Christian response to war.

I was born into the Dutch Christian Reformed tradition, dabbled in Pentecostalism, and about eight years ago, chose to be part of The Gathering, an MB church in Ottawa, because my wife and I felt it fit where we were in our spiritual lives.

Both my grandfathers served in World War II, but they never spoke of it. Part of me understood that war was a necessary evil, but I didn’t give it much thought.

So we were moderately surprised by the MB position on Christian peacemaking brought to our attention when we became members. (The “Love and Non Resistance” section of the Confession of Faith states, “We view violence in its many different forms as contradictory to the new nature of the Christian” and that “in times of national conscription we believe we are called to give alternative service where possible.”)

As a first generation MB, I wasn’t sure how I felt about this position, so I embarked on a journey where I found myself at “Peace – The Exhibition” in the War Museum.

Mennonite pacifism is multifaceted The exhibit focuses on how Canada has negotiated, organized, and intervened for peace, and highlights the Mennonite story in several ways. It showed the WWI military exemption cards of two church leaders, the boots of a WW II alternative 14

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Peace –The

service worker (Elmon Lichti), Mennonite Central Committee school and relief kits (like those shipped to Afghanistan and Haiti), and MCC’s iconic peace button: “to remember is to work for peace.”

I read with admiration that in 1941 more than 10,000 pacifist men, as conscientious objectors, chose alternate service to aid their country. These were men who knew what they believed and stuck to their principles – and here I am, some 70 years later, questioning my own beliefs.

Then, I reached Leslie Neufeld’s profile. Although he grew up attending a Mennonite church, he chose to become a soldier in WWII. The exhibit reported “about half of all military-aged Mennonite Canadian men also made that choice.”

Some may have signed up to the medical corps and been included in recruitment numbers, others felt such strong pressure either from their community or from their families who needed the money that enlistment seemed the only option.

Regardless of the reasons, what struck me was that within our denomination there is diversity of opinion on what it means to uphold our Confession of Faith.

A conversation worth having The exhibit doesn’t promote the peace approach per se, but enumerates various expressions of peace Canada has embraced. As Christians, we should be delighted such a discourse is taking place in our nation’s capital, and we should be joining the conversation.

There will always be different views on how Christians should respond to war.

Some believe in a “just war” theory: war is right if the conflict meets certain criteria.

Others, like Anabaptist groups, believe violence is incompatible with our faith.

It’s important not to confuse nonviolence with non-action. The pacifist stance calls for a peacemaking approach that actively works for the prevention of war through nonviolent direct action and conflict resolution. This is about taking steps to build peace, not passively ignoring the horrors around us.

Living in Ottawa, where political decisions are made on a daily basis, I found this peace exhibit especially poignant. Regardless of our beliefs on just war or peacekeeping, as Christians, we should all be committed

to praying for the political decision makers and our nation’s leaders.

Training our children Despite the ongoing dialogue on a Christian response to war, which I believe is both necessary and constructive, I still need to train up my own children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6). I want my children to know that war should always be the last resort and that our faith compels us to first seek to resolve conflict without violence. As a first generation Mennonite Brethren, I feel compelled to teach my kids how to be agents of reconciliation, to love our enemies and be peacemakers in all situations.

I will continue to visit this museum with my family and hope that, eventually, our children will want to read and learn about our history, not just visit the tanks.

Matt Triemstra is a government relations consultant and a board member of The Gather-

ing, Ottawa, where his wife Shayla is worship pastor. They have three young children.

Exhibition A conscientious objector progeny ponders peace CONR AD STOESZ

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ilitary tanks surround us. Every way we look, there is a barrel of a gun.

In this great hall, dignitaries and members of the public mix to view “Peace – The Exhibition,” opened May 30, 2013, at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

It seems incongruous to have an exhibit about peace in a war museum. But upon reflection, I realize that though we may disagree on the pathways to peace, most really want peace, not war.

On our summer vacation, my family made a point to visit this display that claims to be “the first major exhibition to explore the many ways Canadians have acted for peace.”

The exhibit outlines three main areas: negotiation, organization, and intervention. Each is generously illustrated with photos, film clips, artifacts, and quotes.

Visitors are encouraged “to add their own voices.” There are stations to draw a picture, listen to a wide variety of peace songs, or create a peace ribbon. The curators also assembled a “Human Library” of peace stories. (MCC Ottawa office director Paul Heidebrecht served as a “book” at the exhibit’s opening.)

Featured are Canada’s contributions in events ranging from the 2010 Haiti earthquake back to the origins of the Aboriginal Six Nations confederacy.

The exhibit tells how Canadian Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson spearheaded de-escalation of the international, atomically charged conflict known as the “Suez Crisis,” displays the dog-tags of former diplomat to Afghanistan Renée Filiatraut, and reveals Canada’s acceptance of U.S. citizens dodging the draft to the Vietnam War. Quotations and artifacts – that often seem opposed to each other – convey the complexity of conflict. Contributions by historic peace church members can be found throughout the display, from the boots worn by WWII conscientious objector (CO) Elmon Lichti and WWI exemption cards from David M. Stoesz and Wilhelm Falk (supplied by the Mennonite Heritage Centre, Winnipeg) to a recording of “We are People of God’s Peace” sung by a Canadian Mennonite University group.

This exhibit was a long time in the making. After curator and assistant historian Amber Lloydlangston attended the War and the Conscientious Objector conference organized by the Chair of Mennonite Studies at the University of Winnipeg in 2006, she built connections and relationships, and persevered through a labour dispute and exhibit redesign to bring the display to fruition.

A contrasting narrative “Virtually every human society, past and present, makes war,” declares a permanent display at the beginning of the War Museum. The theatres that follow impress upon the visitor the triumphal sacrifice of Canadian soldiers through various armed conflicts. In this larger context that communicates “war is natural, and this is how Canadians do it,” “Peace – The Exhibition” offers a contrasting narrative through the stories of

Canadians who negotiated, organized, and intervened to reduce conflict.

In my experience of telling the story of Canada’s conscientious objectors, I have encountered open animosity. Like those who stood for peace in wartime, I too have been told, “If that’s what you believe, you don’t belong in this country.” Though Canada has had provisions for COs, reaffirmed several times since 1793, this Canadian value hasn’t made its way into most school textbooks. Even some historians laugh off the relevance of the CO experience. I never dreamed that the story of COs like my grandfather would someday be used by the Canadian War Museum. By featuring peace advocates, “Peace – The Exhibition” allows for more than one narrative, more than one way to be Canadian.

For Mennonites – once disenfranchised for their beliefs and considered outside the national norm (even incompatible with Canadian values) – to be recognized and featured in this display is significant.

I left the exhibit with the message that working for peace is a Canadian value; however, it’s achieved primarily through armed conflict. Absent is information on restorative justice programs and conflict transformation studies; the cost comparison of deploying the war machine vs. providing education, adequate housing, clean water, healthcare, and food. Where are the stories from peace activists who live an alternative to the fight-or-flight paradigm? The list could go on. Nevertheless, the display opens up new pathways for discussion.

So, where do we explore some of these other avenues of peacemaking? Where do we highlight peacemaking that inspires creative ideas and methods for addressing conflict? What are we doing to promote peace where we are? What would it take to have a Peace Museum with a temporary exhibit on war?

Conrad Stoesz, archivist at the Centre for MB Studies and Mennonite Heritage Centre, both in Winnipeg, was involved in assembling artifacts from the Mennonite experience for inclusion in the Peace exhibit. He also maintains an informational website on the history of conscientious objectors and has published several papers of primary research on COs (www.alternativeservice.ca).

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Why C.S. Lewis lives on fifty years after his death WA LT E R U N G E R

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hat do Tom Phillips, head of the multinational company that produced the Patriot missile; Charles Colson, Richard Nixon’s “hatchet man” who spent time in prison for the Watergate coverup; and Thomas Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza, one of America’s most successful companies, have in common?

All three had their lives radically altered by reading C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity.

The 1952 book that grew out of Lewis’s wartime radio talks in Britain has transformed untold numbers of lives.

Mere Christianity, a book of Christian apologetics, is only the tip of the iceberg of the Lewis legacy. The Oxford don’s 21st-century repute radiates just as likely from his seven-volume Chronicles of Narnia, written from 1950 to 1956. In these children’s books, Lewis took a more indirect approach to apologetics by the use of fiction and symbol.

The true myth

Even before his conversion in 1930–31, Lewis read widely in pagan myths. He was especially caught up in Norse mythology.

He was also inspired by the Christian fantasy literature of George MacDonald, and challenged by the works of the brilliant Christian scholar G.K. Chesterton. The young Lewis was searching, longing for a unifying vision of reality.

A breakthrough came when Lewis’s friend and soon-to-be-famous writer J.R.R. Tolkien pointed out that, while engaging the Christian narrative, Lewis was “limiting himself to his reason when he ought to be opening himself to the deepest intuitions of his imagination,” writes Lewis’s 16

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biographer A lister McGrath. McGrath says Tolkien advised Lewis to “approach the New Testament with the same sense of imaginative openness and expectation he brought to the reading of pagan myths.”

Through Tolkien’s help, Lewis came to see that myths were “tales woven by people to capture the echoes of deeper truths,” writes McGrath. However, these myths could only offer “fragments” of truth, not its totality. The Oxford don realized the great pagan myths which created such deep longings within him were echoes and anticipations of the full truth that was only made known in the Christian narrative. That story made sense of all the other narratives.

Lewis made this distinction: “The story of Christ is simply a true myth: a myth working on us in the same way as the others, but with this tremendous difference that it really happened.”

Mapping the landscape of faith

Throughout his career, Lewis was incredibly creative in presenting the Christian story through varied genres – fantasy, allegory, science fiction, and solidly argued apologetics. He learned to wed reason and imagination.

His first book as a new Christian was The Pilgrim’s Regress: An Allegorical Apology for Christianity, Reason, and Romanticism (1933). John, the fictional character in Regress, reflects Lewis’s own search for the satisfaction of the intense

longing he felt and found fulfilled in the Christian faith.

In 1938, Lewis saw how science fiction was being used to promote atheism and materialism, and decided it could equally well advocate for a Christian alternative.

Hence came The Ransom Trilogy: Out of the Silent Planet (1938), Perelandra (1943), and That Hideous Strength (1945). The 1940s also produced The Problem of Pain, The Screwtape Letters, The Abolition of Man, The Great Divorce, Miracles, and other works in his area of specialty – Medieval and Renaissance English.

Book of devils brings fame

It was The Screwtape Letters that captured the fascination of the reading public. The idea for letters from a senior devil to a junior devil starting out on his first patient (a young man considering Christianity) came to Lewis during what must have been an especially dull sermon at his parish church. He wrote to his brother Warren: “Before the service was over – one could wish these things came more seasonably – I was struck by an idea for a book which I think might be both useful and entertaining. It would be called As One Devil to Another.”

The Screwtape Letters came out in Britain in 1942 and became an instant hit. When the book was published in the U.S. in 1943, Lewis gained broader fame than he ever sought or wanted.

Lewis’s popular writings did not serve his academic reputation at Oxford. They were seen as a devaluation of the highly esteemed university’s image. To add fuel to the envy of his peers, on Sept. 8, 1947, Lewis was featured on the cover of Time, signalling his arrival on the broader cultural scene. Time declared this bestselling author “the most popular lecturer in [Oxford] University,” and “one of the most influential spokesmen for Christianity in the English-speaking world.”

Then came Aslan

In The Chronicles of Narnia, Lewis introduced readers to the imaginary land of Narnia, opening a window to an alternate reality. He called Narnia a world of supposals, asking: “What might Christ become like if there really were a world like Narnia and He chose to be incarnated and die and rise again in that world as He has actually done in ours?”

The Chronicles are a marvelous retelling of the narrative of creation, fall, and redemption. Beginning with The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the majestic Christ figure Aslan set the stage for the whole series.

The deeper magic

How is it that in our postmodern age The Chronicles of Narnia are in many ways more effective in communicating the Christian story than Mere Christianity?

In the cultural shift starting in the 1980s, modernity finally lost out to postmodernity. Intuitive ways of thinking shaped by imagination and narrative superseded linear thought. In Chronicles, Lewis appealed to our intuitive, right-brain thinking by drawing us into a magical world where we see everything in a new way, bringing about a sense of mystery, awe, and wonder.

In The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, we enter a world under the spell of the evil White Witch. Consequently, it is always winter in Narnia without the prospect of spring – life without hope. Among the four children who have walked into this magical world through a wardrobe, there is a traitor, Edmund, who is seduced by the White Witch’s candy and promise of a castle, full of Turkish Delight, where he will be king. Edmund agrees to deliver the other children to the witch.

The only hope for Edmund’s freedom, the other children’s rescue, and winter’s end is the return of the great lion Aslan, son of the Emperor-Beyond-the-Sea who will set things right.

Alas, when Aslan appears, he is taken by the White Witch, tied to a great Stone Table, and slain. When the children return to the scene of execution, they are overwhelmed to see Aslan gone and the Stone Table broken. Then, the resurrected Aslan appears, and in the most succinct way, explains to the children what these events mean: “When a willing victim who had committed no treachery was killed in a traitor’s stead, the Table would crack and Death itself would start working backwards.”

This short description of Aslan setting things right illustrates Lewis’s ability to evoke wonder in the deeper magic of Narnia. At the same time, he serendipitously illuminated the core significance of the death and resurrection of the Lion of the tribe of Judah who triumphs in our world, setting us free.

From fantasy to hard reality

The last 10 years of Lewis’s life proved to be tumultuous – a move to Cambridge, an unexpected romance and marriage, followed all too soon in 1960 by the loss of his wife Helen Joy Davidman to cancer.

A flurry of literary production notwithstanding, Lewis’s Cambridge period was dominated by his relationship with Davidman. Lewis had dealt with the topic of loss and pain on a philosophical level in his 1940 book The Problem of Pain. Now that this hard reality had set in, he had to deal with loss and pain on an experiential level. Would he personalize the message he delivered in his 1940 treatise: “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”?

Lewis shared his grief in his journal, first published under a pseudonym in 1961. He probed and called into question all the reasoned answers and cool theology of his earlier writings. A Grief Observed chronicles the stages of fear, anger, forsakenness, and spiritual barrenness Lewis went through.

What finally broke Lewis’s despair and brought resolution was a reaffirmation

of the hope of heaven – a hope he had so glowingly spoken of in his famous 1941 “Weight of Glory” sermon: “At present we are on the outside of the [eternal] world, the wrong side of the door. We discern the freshness and purity of morning, but they do not make us fresh and pure. We cannot mingle with the splendours we see.

But all the leaves of the New Testament are rustling with the rumour that it will not always be so. Some day, God willing, we shall get in.”

Joy was “in.”

An enduring legacy

Fifty years after his death, Lewis lives on. His books still speak to the hearts and minds of millions. Mere Christianity continues to be a strong defence of the essentials of biblical orthodoxy. His works of fantasy still open the imaginative depths of the Christian faith.

In the U.S., where Lewis has become an evangelical icon, polls show Mere Christianity to be the most influential book of the 20th century. The same polls give The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe canonical status in children’s literature of the past century.

The British agree. At the centenary Oxford C.S. Lewis Summer Institute celebrating the 100th year of Lewis’s birth, the Oxford Royal Mail launched a commemorative stamp featuring characters from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. In 2008, the British educational charity Booktrust voted The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe the best children’s book of all time.

On Nov. 22, 2013, C.S. Lewis will be honoured with a memorial stone in Poet’s Corner at Westminster Abbey, joining the likes of Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare, and Charles Dickens.

Truth always endures. In the legacy of C.S. Lewis, the truth he conveyed through sanctified imagination becomes ever brighter and clearer, leading those who follow “further up and further in” to God’s glorious presence.

Walter Unger is president emeritus of Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C. He was a tutor at the inaugural C.S. Lewis Summer Institute in Oxford, 1988.

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Viewpoint Not just the body – the body of Christ MICHAEL MORSON

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“

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s your preferred religious movement growing? I don’t care. Is it shrinking?

I don’t care. Does it provide social cohesion? I don’t care…. Here’s what matters: trying to discern what’s true and then trying to live in accordance with that.

That’s all.”

Alan Jacobs, newly appointed distinguished professor of the humanities at Baylor University, made that disclaimer late July via Twitter.

Although the object of Jacobs’s critique is the way religious groups exploit statistical data in the interest of self-promotion, his basic principle is both clear and refreshingly obvious: truth – and faithfulness to that truth – is what really matters. As Christians, we’re called to follow truth wherever it may lead.

But this pilgrimage isn’t after some metaphysical notion of certainty; rather, it’s after the One who called himself Truth (John 14:6). The crucified Son of God who conquered death is the one with whom we Christians are to be ultimately concerned.

written about the church – the body of Christ, the community of Spirit-filled people, the family shaped by the gospel of God – yet neither the Triune God nor the gospel are discussed.

It ought to catch our attention when the only characteristics that uniquely define the church are not once mentioned in an earnest reflection on the church.

A harmful element These verses have echoed loudly in my mind as I’ve read articles pondering young people’s exodus from church life, most recently “Why don’t young adults go to church?” in the August MB Herald.

In that piece, Peter Epp critiques the consumerist attitude of the young churchgoer who supplies a list of needs a church must meet before he or she will commit. Epp argues that the Millennial generation (of which both he and I are a part) talks a lot about changes that ought to be made in the church, yet rarely sticks around long enough to actually implement anything. In terms of Epp’s clarion call to commit – the invitation to “walk the talk” as it were – I’m in wholehearted agreement.

However, I’ve come to be convinced that there’s a seriously harmful element in many of these discussions – namely, Christlessness. We’re discussing a piece

people he wouldn’t otherwise interact with. He draws attention to the depth of diversity among his congregation – different ages, opinions, backgrounds.

This is all well and good. The problem is, if I ask, as Epp did, “Where else can I find such community?” I can provide several answers. “The church” is not by any means the sole contender to answer this question.

For what question is “Where else?” the right response? Perhaps we find guidance in Simon Peter’s response when Jesus questioned the Twelve: “‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’... Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God’” (John 6:67–69).

Diverse community is a wonderful thing – and we ought to pursue it and rejoice in it. But it can easily be

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Who else?

Epp’s response to those who ask him why he still goes to church is wonderful in many respects. The church is the place where he grows in community with

appreciated elsewhere, sometimes in more robust measure. What’s a Millennial to do when, after attending church solely for its sense of community, he or she realizes an even more diverse/ vibrant/accepting community is to be found elsewhere? If community is the sole criterion, the choice is already made.

Unless Christ is part of the question, the church is never the necessary answer.

If our answer to “Why church?” is ultimately rooted in anything other than the gospel of Jesus Christ, we are occupying strange territory. Indeed, it is territory that has proved disastrous throughout history. Anabaptists know

Unless Christ is part of the question, the church is never the necessary answer.

this well. Much of the impetus behind the Radical Reformation was the fact that the answer to the questions, “Why church? Why baptism? Why communion? Why fellowship? Why Bible?” was one and the same: we have believed that Jesus is the Holy One of God. Perhaps the Christian church needs to remind herself of what sets her apart from any other community that has existed in history. And it’s not anything – it’s not anyone – other than Christ.

It is his life, work, death, resurrection, ascension, and eternal reign. It is the gospel.

Michael Morson is director of young adults at Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon. He is currently completing an MA at Regent College, Vancouver.

N E W S in brief Dressing down discrimination

Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (EFC) president Bruce J. Clemenger says prohibiting civil servants in Quebec from wearing religious symbols or attire favours Christians and secularists whose beliefs do not require certain symbols or attire, and forces those adherents of faith which require specific symbols, headgear, or clothing – mostly non-European immigrants and observant Jews – to choose between their religion and their career as a civil servant. “We have tried [to compel compliance and suppress distinctiveness] in the past; an example is in our treatment of Aboriginal peoples. Have we not learned from our mistakes?” Clemenger asks, challenging all Canadians to respectful dialogue about belief.—EvangelicalFellowship.ca

Beautiful Unique breather

Beautiful Unique Girl, a ministry of Family Life Network, Winnipeg, that empowers girls in Grades 5–8 to discover their God-given beauty and purpose, will not be touring in fall 2013. The administrative team, in consultation with FLN’s executive, has decided to take a sabbatical to pray, review feedback from previous event holders, and update their program.—bugirl.com LETTERS continued from page 5

USMB fundraising shortfall

The USMB conference finished the 2012–13 fiscal year May 31 with a deficit of $103,055.

Staff fundraising was a priority, with an aggressive goal of $394,284, a 97 percent increase over 2011–12. While total income fell short of expenses, the largest source of income – church giving – was up from $384,937 in 2011–12 to $407,592. The 2012–13 year marked the launch of a 10-year church planting effort and a shift to a new funding model in which churches sent a “first fruits” gift of 2.5 percent of general offerings to USMB.—usmb.org

Don’t “like” this

A study by the Public Library of Science indicates that Facebook makes people more miserable. Ethan Kross of the University of Michigan and Philippe Verduyn of Leuven University in Belgium observed 82 young adults’ Facebook activity for 2 weeks and asked them to report 5 times a day on their state of mind and direct social contacts (phone calls and face-to-face meetings).

The more a volunteer used Facebook in the period between reports, the worse he or she reported feeling. Gender, number

Sometimes being committed to the Bride of Christ is painful. It can cut us into pieces.

But faith without works is dead. If we love Jesus, he will give us the strength to love and serve his Bride.

If they require a legal procedure to live together, they should go to a government representative and sign a partnership agreement.

I am not anti-homosexual and I think P H I L W A GVERENA L E R BERGEN most people are not, and my only complaint PITT MEADOWS, B.C. about same-sex partners is that they continue Holding to a blessed hope to use a holy word to describe their union.

Re “Film’s mockery belittles theology” (CrossGENE JANZEN NANAIMO, B.C. currents, September) and “Film on hot topic questions actions arising from belief” (CrossHonest obedience isn’t easy currents, July). Hell was the problem Jesus Re “Why don’t young adults go to came to solve, and he did. The Bible is our prichurch?” (Viewpoint, August). I wonder mary evidence for a victorious view of God’s if the honesty young adults express about plan for humanity. Confessions of faith and church is not so much honest reflection as such documents are important, but they are honest selfishness. Can you imagine this not inspired. kind of honesty in a marriage? “I love you Some would argue that the Bible informs but you’re boring. I don’t really want to us hell will be the unfortunate end of many. spend time with you.”

To this we reply: only if that is the expectaGoing to church and serving the Bride tion with which one comes to the Bible. If, of Christ are acts of obedience. Obeying isn’t however, one comes to the Bible with the view always easy; but Jesus is our example. In the that the cure is greater than the disease, the garden, he was honest: “Take this cup from second Adam is more powerful to save than me,” he prayed. Then he got up, was betrayed the first Adam was to lose, and God will only by his friends, brutally tortured, and nailed be satisfied with total victory, then the Bible alive to a cross. He died in honest obedience. becomes a beautiful history of this plan.

of Facebook friends, motivation for using Facebook, and levels of loneliness, depression, or self-esteem didn’t affect the findings. In contrast, the more subjects socialized in the real world, the more positive they said they felt. A German study suggests social networking decreases wellbeing because the number one emotion it triggers is envy.—The Economist

Colombian peacemaker threatened

Mennonite Central Committee urges support for the founder of MCC partner Sembrandopaz (Sowing Seeds of Peace Association), facing threats from Colombian authorities. Ricardo Esquivia Ballestas has been advocating for small-scale farmers for decades, and since 2012, has helped communities seek reparations for displacement, the right to return to their land, and protection from violence and forced relocation. Sources inside the public defender’s office confirm a pre-arrest warrant for Esquivia. His associate in the peacebuilding movement of the High Mountain Zone, Jorge Luis Montes Hernández, was falsely accused of guerrilla activity and arrested in September.—MCC release

I believe that God will get everything he wants – and that is nothing less than all.

Hellbound? is an important catalyst in opening discussion on this topic. There are believers of every denominational stripe who hold to this “blessed hope.”

RICK JANZEN BLACK CREEK, B.C.

Misled by spiritual forces?

Re “Does the church need Superman?” (Crosscurrents, August). I agree with Mr. Ferguson’s statement: “In a sense, this film could be asking Christians why we are not more like our Saviour.” I believe it’s because we are not following him as closely as we should.

I think we have become lax and forget there’s a spiritual war going on.

In fact, I’m in the process of ridding my home of my near-25-year comic book collection. “The Replacement Gods,” a video by Little Light studios opened my eyes to the hidden messages within the comic book realm.

We have been duped by spiritual forces. Is it not plausible that Satan has infiltrated the movie industry and has even influenced the studios to market this to Christians?

DAN LANYON WINNIPEG

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News in S TO RY ABBOTSFO R D, B.C .

A golden opportunity An MCC exchange participant builds cultural bridges “I have never seen someone change [so quickly] from one day until the next day. After that, Thabang worked harder, he worked faster….

He realized, I think, that he had an opportunity here in Canada to learn skills, to learn knowledge, and that then he could take things back home.... It was like he was on a mission after that point. It was unbelievable change.”—Murray Siemens, Willow View Farms

T

habang Mpokathe was not supposed to make it into MCC’s International Volunteer Exchange Program (IVEP). The third applicant from Lesotho (a country only granted two), he was missing an important reference and he lacked confidence.

However, when an applicant from another country dropped out, the 2011–2012 vacancy was awarded to Lesotho. Elmer Stobbe, an MB from Abbotsford, B.C., teaching agriculture to Mpokathe’s cohort in Lesotho, wrote the necessary reference, and abruptly, almost inexplicably, Mpokathe’s life turned in a new direction.

“Happiness, confusion, and excitement came along,” writes Mpokathe in his year-end reflection. “I thought if this could happen, it would be more than a dream come true to be in [North] America.” Yet, he worried he would underachieve.

Thanks to Stobbe’s urgings, IVEP placed him at Abbotsford’s Willow View Farms, a small, family-owned operation engaging in farm-direct commerce and agritourism. It was the first time the Siemens family had been involved in the IVEP program, and it took some getting used to.

“At first we said, ‘No, we’re too busy,’” Murray Siemens says, explaining that Stobbe called him from Lesotho (the first of several 20

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calls). “We’re interested in helping people, and we’re interested in development, but we’re full-time year-round here on our farm.”

Eventually Stobbe prevailed, and fellow South Abbotsford MB Church member Lois Veer agreed to be a host mother. Unfortunately, Mpokathe’s trip was delayed by visa complications, and for the first few weeks after his arrival, Stobbe was in Winnipeg.

A stranger in a strange land, Mpokathe struggled to fit in with the community beyond his fellow IVEP participants and bolster his low self-esteem. He spent his allotted $100 per month on movies and eating out with other IVEPers, staying out so late he could barely keep awake at work the next day.

“I wasn’t meeting the expectations at all; I couldn’t fit in all the day-by-day job description,” Mpokathe remembers. “I was frustrated and felt worthless.

‘God, please come to my rescue’ [I said]. I needed to come home, but I didn’t know how to tell my coordinator…. I thought [I was a] disappointment to me, my family, my community, and my country.”

It wasn’t until three weeks after Stobbe’s return to B.C. that Mpokathe finally found time to speak with him, and they talked for hours about Mpokathe’s frustrations and lack of vision.

“I said to him, ‘Thabang, this is your golden opportunity to change your life forever,’” says Stobbe. “You have a chance now of developing into something that you want to be. But you have to be active at it, and Number One, you have to start taking responsibility of the [stipend] because the money that you’re earning is going to help you when you go home.”

Mpokathe was inspired. He wanted to speak to Siemens immediately, but Stobbe convinced

him to wait until the following morning.

“Thabang came to me and said, ‘I realize I haven’t been meeting your expectations; I haven’t been working hard enough or showing initiative.

I’m hoping we can change our relationship,’” says Siemens. “I think it took a lot for him to come and talk to me about that.”

Both Abbotsford men were amazed by the transformation in Mpokathe from that day forward.

He had discovered a vision, a dream for his future, and he grasped it with both hands. He told Stobbe that 80 percent of what he was learning on the farm could be applied in Lesotho, and he began asking Siemens questions about how to adapt practices used at Willow View to other crops and climates.

Willow View provides a unique opportunity to train farmers like Mpokathe. “Because we are a diverse operation, there are lots of crops to learn about.

We sell a large percentage of our production right here from the farm, so we do the marketing, and a little bit of processing on a small scale,” says Siemens. “There’s a lot of things to learn.”

Stobbe encouraged Mpokathe to envision himself as a “hub,” able to teach other farmers in Lesotho and “supply them with the inputs and the knowledge to be successful.” To attract initial investment for a farm, Stobbe helped Mpokathe create a professional business plan to bring back to his country.

“My work bec a me ver y important to me and I started to see it in new perspectives,” writes Mpokathe, who remembers Willow View as his other family.

“Instead of only going to work daily, I saw an opportunity to learn a lot out of it. I had interest and eagerness to learn and gain new knowledge and understanding, learn new skills, and adapt and be ready to apply them back home.”

Mpokathe returned to Lesotho in summer 2012, yet he and

Stobbe still connect regularly by phone. Despite meeting with a government minister and a bank, Mpokathe struggled to raise capital for a proposed greenhouse and a submersible pump for his small farm. Stobbe helped him search for investors, supporting him through the death of his father, and in his new role as provider for his younger siblings. Currently, Mpokathe and Stobbe have secured a government contract and funding from a private investor; the future seems promising.

Ent w i ned t h roug hout Mpokathe’s story is his gratitude for Stobbe, his mentor, friend, and advisor: “He showed me that life is all about love no matter the colour of the skin. He really wanted to learn about me and life in Africa,

ABBOTSFO R D, B.C .

Helping the helpers

W

PHOTOS: COURTESY ELMER STOBBE

IVEPer Thabang Mpokathe works in Willow View Farms’ greenhouse.

IVEPer Thabang Mpokathe experiences B.C. with the Siemens family, his employment sponsors.

and so I wanted to learn about his life. I shared with him honestly everything like I was dying, and he did the same, always encouraging and motivating. We built a culture bridge and came to each other;…much of the success I had is because of Elmer.”

Stobbe says his eyes were opened by Mpokathe’s ability and initiative, and he has a great respect for his student. “When I talk to people who know Thabang or have seen Thabang,” he says, “they are all amazed at what he has done.”

Paul Esau wrote this story as a communications intern with CCMBC and the MB Herald.

hen Average Joe’s life blows up, he talks to pastor Jake, but when pastor Jake needs help, where does he go?

Founded to provide support, counselling, and healing for pastors, missionaries, and leaders, Oasis Retreats is an interdenominational organization based in Abbotsford, B.C. Since its beginning in 1999, Oasis has helped more than a thousand Christian leaders representing 62 denominations and agencies from all 10 provinces, some 20 states, and 32 other countries.

“We are not a regular pastoral care group,” says director Bob Armstrong. “Each member of our staff has either pastoral or missionary experience, along with being seasoned counsellors. We’re able to address the deeper places within people, the ‘core issues,’ and help them move from where they are to where they need to go…in cooperation with the Holy Spirit.

God is the one who brings healing to a wounded heart.”

Env isioned a s a way to “redeem” their own challenging experiences in ministry, founders Pete and Shirley Unrau used Oasis to share difficult lessons they had learned, before passing leadership to Bob and Penny Armstrong three years ago.

The ministry’s flagship program is a five-night retreat for people in ministry experiencing personal or professional crises.

Bob and Penny organize six retreats per year, with four to five ministers (and spouses) per retreat and no denominational crossover.

“At each retreat, we only take one from each denomination, so people feel totally safe and comfortable to share whatever they need to share,” says Armstrong.

“We have built this ministry on

confidentiality, and whatever is said at the retreat stays there.”

Abbotsford pastor Art Birch contacted Oasis after a 15-year pastoral ministry ended in a way he found “unexpected and hurtful.” In his early 60s at the time, Birch says the experience was deeply traumatic for him and his wife Rosabelle.

“It left me with wounded confidence; it left me fearful of the future,” he says. “Who would want me?”

Oasis was an integral part of the couple’s healing process, providing a supportive community, counselling sessions, and forgiveness training. For Birch, who has now returned to pastoring (at Ross Road Community Church in Abbotsford, B.C.), the experience was pivotal.

“It gave [my wife and me] the tools to continue our church ministry together,” he says.

Under Armstrong, Oasis has expanded. The organization now offers individualized four-night retreats in the Abbotsford area for couples requiring immediate assistance, and single-day “health check” workshop modules. These events are designed to prevent burnout and address leadership crises before they happen.

By helping pastors and leaders deal with issues before they become critical, Oasis staff hope to improve ministry longevity and quality.

Gracepoint Community Church pastor Phil Wagler and his wife Jen connected with Oasis while discerning whether to accept his current role as lead pastor of the Surrey church. They chose the individualized retreat, and were amazed by the professional ability and the generosity of the staff and volunteers.

PHOTO: COURTESY BOB ARMSTRONG

Oasis Retreats gives pastoral care to pastors

Bob and Penny Armstrong

“If you’re a ministry couple and you go away to a marriage retreat, you end up still being a pastor,” says Wagler. “So here, as a pastor, the difference is that you’re free to just be you, to be understood, and you don’t have to pretend anything. They had a great ability to ask the right questions.”

Both Birch and Wagler have begun inviting Oasis to their churches for annual health check workshops with staff and volunteers. They recommend Oasis not only as a crisis resolution tool, but also as a reliable training resource.

The organization is run as a ministry rather than a business, so Oasis faces a persistent funding challenge. Acknowledging that people in ministry often have reduced financial resources, Oasis has always offered scholarships. “Even with keeping the retreat costs competitive, we lose money every retreat,” says Armstrong. However, “We never turn anyone down.”

For those in the often-lonely role of leadership, Oasis “creates a safe place to wrestle with life and ministry,” says Wagler.—Paul Esau

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2013

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News in S TO RY K I T C H E N E R - W AT E R L O O , O n t .

“Don’t hit the snooze button!”

MB Mission and C2C inspire local church to mission s Jesus first in your life?”

MB Mission general director Randy Friesen asked the 250 people gathered for AWAKE, a pilot team-based event held at Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church (WMB) in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont., Sept. 20–22. Organized by MB Mission in partnership with the Canadian Conference of MB Churches’ church planting arm, C2C Net work, AWAK E was designed to renew individuals and local churches in their love for God, love for their cities, and passion for global outreach.

On Friday night, the multigenerational adult crowd along with some teens and children assembled for worship. Friesen shared milestones of his gradual surrender to Christ. “As you surrender, it will impact your ability to bless your community and your world,” he said. Following the session, participants met in ministry teams organized by their churches.

Saturday morning Bill Hogg, C2C’s national missiologist, exhorted the crowd not to live “shallow, shabby, self-centred

lives.” He told them, “God is crazy about lost people and he wants us to get in on the action.”

Leaders from MB Mission, C2C, and local ministries taught workshops about prayer, sharing the gospel, reaching out to neighbours, discerning your role in the church, working with refugees, and connecting with Muslims.

Spirit of outreach undampened by deluge Churches organized their own outreach events on Saturday afternoon. Though pouring rain required adjustments to planned activities, spirits weren’t dampened.

One hundred and seventy participants from WMB connected with the community by holding a car wash, doing chores for single moms or others in need, visiting at a nursing home, going on prayer walks, and doing random acts of kindness at a local mall.

Some from WMB also helped The Dwelling Place/Grace MB with an (indoor) community carnival that attracted more than 1,000 people.

PHOTO: BRENDAN SEREZ

I

“

More than 1,000 neighbours attended The Dwelling Place’s Saturday outreach carnival.

At Glencairn MB, about a third of the congregation (35 people) held a soccer camp, spontaneous food drive, prayer walk, and helped people at a grocery store as their expression of God’s love.

Ministry teams debriefed over a barbeque supper at WMB. “God gave me a greater love for my community this weekend,” said one participant during a final testimony and worship time. The evening ended with focused prayer for Muslims, children and youth, families, the local church and its leaders, and refugees.

Conference speakers motivated the wider congregations

WINNIPEG

Peacemaking alumni honoured Human rights advocate grew in faith and humour at MBBC

J

ohn Siebert is one of four 2013 recipients of the Canadian Mennonite University Blazer awards for alumni of CMU (or its predecessor colleges) who “embody CMU’s values and mission of service, leadership, and reconciliation in church and society.” Currently executive director of Project Ploughshares, an agency of the Canadian Council of Churches that works to prevent war and build peace, he has also 22

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worked in the Canadian foreign service, as a consultant to NGOs, and for the United Church of Canada on the advancement of human rights.

Growing up in Vineland, Ont., Siebert followed the family tradition to Mennonite Brethren Bible College, Winnipeg, 1977–1979, where his older brothers had studied and his father sat on the board.

His interests and abilities later led him to study political science at

at The Dwelling Place/Grace MB, WMB, and Glencairn about global and local mission as they preached at the three churches on Sunday morning.

“Through the AWAKE event, our church has begun to stir,” said Jan Adams from Glencairn.

Ministry teammate Matt Peters added during a debriefing session, “We have to make sure we don’t hit the snooze button.”

Sandra Reimer is a member at Glencairn MB church and a freelance communications professional. She was also a participant at this event. (See page 35.)

the University of Winnipeg, and theology at St. Michael’s College at Toronto School of Theology, and his work has taken him into litigation and advocacy on weighty matters like human rights and nuclear disarmament. He seeks to help the church in Canada think about how we contribute “to help bring resolution shorterterm and longer-term, so peace is sustainable.”

“When you encounter human frailty, human misery, you have to figure out how to live in the midst of it and celebrate and enjoy people,” says Siebert.

Community has played a role in that for Siebert. The dorm experience at MBBC left an imprint of

humour – “perhaps a little dark” – that has been instructive for his work now. (The young men developed a “Society for Old and Long Coats” and created sustained jokes that mined their cultural background.)

This sense of fun, even amid heavier matters, was evident when Siebert introduced himself to a crowd of government officials in Ottawa as one who “work[s] with guns, bombs, and war.” He let the nervous silence hang for a moment, before adding, “Of course, we’re against these.”

And faith is a key component of how to live with joy. “Those who work for profound change need to be sustained in that because

Learning for church leaders – online

New C2C Network national associate director appointed

Web community to provide collection of resources for Mennonite Brethren pastors and leaders

A

new online community website will soon bring an extensive collection of learning resources to pastors and leaders with the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC).

The website, Leaders2Learners, is expected to be launched early 2014. It is being designed by the Resourcing Churches & Developing Leaders service team (formerly Leadership Development).

“Leadership is a lifelong learning experience,” says Daniel Beutler, who was recently appointed to the position of lifelong learning host. “We are on a journey with God – it is a lifelong journey of getting to know God and making him known to others.”

Through a variety of tools, the website will provide online learning opportunities for leaders and ministry teams in the areas of spiritual renewal, theological enrichment, and skill development (life skills and ministry skills).

One of the tools is online learning communities. Beutler describes online communities as “clusters” that will be using new technology to develop, strengthen, and sustain relationships.

“One of the challenges we face is the geographic separation between our churches,” says Beutler. “These online communities will eliminate geographic separation.”

Online learning communities will also enable people who have common learning interests and

victories are few and far between,” Siebert says. “Christian faith provides sustenance in the midst of struggle.”

The Blazer Award was presented to John Sie b er t ; L e on a rd Doel l who bu i lds John Siebert relationships between Mennonites and First Nations peoples with MCC Saskatchewan; pastor, author, and kidney donor Carol Penner of Vineland, Ont.; Robin and Zachary Heppner Entz who work in community development in Mali with World Renew; and originators of the MCC thrift store Selma Loewen, Sara Stoesz, Susan Giesbrecht, and Linie Friesen at CMU on Sept. 27, 2013, as part of the Fall Festival.—Karla Braun

areas of ministry to share ideas and participate in online meetings and live stream events.

The Leaders2Learners website will have online assessment processes to help leaders and ministry teams identify learning interests and gain clarity on how God is using them and their congregations to invite people into a meaningful relationship with God and to grow in faith.

“First and foremost, it’s about God’s desire for the leaders and for the congregations,” says Beutler. “It is about God’s plan. We want to discern together what God wants to do in and through us.”

The assessment processes are designed to help leaders set new goals, direction, and action plans. They can also be used to request leadership coaching, consulting, and training.

The online community will help meet ministry needs through creating greater awareness of existing resources. To increase the availability of resources for leaders and ministry teams from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, users will be encouraged to post new resources in a variety of languages.

The Leaders2Learners online community website is just one of CCMBC’s Resourcing Churches & Developing Leaders department’s many services to develop, coach, and mentor leaders.

Beutler says it is important to develop and equip church leadership because the church is an essential part of God’s plan to accomplish God’s purpose for this world.

“God wants to see people restored and in relationship with God,” he explains. “God has given us gifts and skills, and as followers of Christ, we want to use these gifts to serve others. We are responding to God’s love and grace that we have received and experienced. That is our motivation.”

Gladys Terichow is staff writer for the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.

C2C Network national director Gord Fleming is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Burch to the position of C2C Network national associate director, effective Oct. 1, 2013.

Mark brings passion and experience to the position, having served in the past as the associate director of church planting in British Columbia.

His experience as a pastor, most recently at Maple Ridge Baptist Church, and his education at Briercrest Bible College, ACTS Seminaries, and Bakke Graduate University, Seattle, have well equipped Mark to enter into his new role.

C2C Network Manitoba regional director named Ewald Unruh, previously C2C Network national associate director, transitioned to the position of C2C Network Manitoba regional director effective Oct. 1, 2013. The C2C Manitoba board and the Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba’s leadership board support the appointment of Ewald to this position.

“Ewald will be a great asset to us,” says Elton DaSilva, MBCM’s executive director, “since he carries a wealth of knowledge in the church planting arena and is familiar with this province. We look forward to what God will do through Ewald’s ministry among us.”

Ewald has served with the Canadian Conference of MB Churches since 1992 in the areas of church planting, evangelism, and leadership development. His passion for church planting and pastoral work has led him and his family to live in Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan.—Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches release

The MCC Furniture Thrift Store in Winnipeg is seeking additional personnel. Dedicated volunteers are needed for interesting and rewarding positions, including: • Sales associates

• Cashiers

• Delivery truck dispatchers

• Furniture movers

Please discuss your interest and availability with Rick Janzen, manager 204-694-3669 mccmgr@shaw.ca MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2013

23

Help Feed Families in Ukraine

Years of Communist oppression have left many families destitute in Ukraine.

Millions live on less than $2.00 per day.

Faith Matters cmu.ca Learn to See Differently CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

24

November 2013 

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Help us keep these families together through a gift of sponsorship.

Family sponsorship begins at $29.00 per month.

Help us bring hope, God’s love and a future to these needy people.

For more information please call our toll free number or visit our website at www. mwbca.org, TODAY.

ou y k n a Th making for his a t ity. prior

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MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2013

25

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November 2013

www.mbherald.com

CG2013_Ads.indd 3

Mennonite Brethren Herald

9/6/13 12:14 PM

at 204-889-5094 for information. For more about Bethel Mennonite Church, see bethelmennonite.ca.

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Vauxhall (Alta.) MB Church is prayerfully seeking a lead pastor who loves the Lord, his Word, and his people. Vauxhall MB is a congregation of about 150 people in a town of 1,000. We are a rural community church that serves a radius of approximately 50 km. We desire a pastor with strong expository preaching skills. We are also looking for someone who is able to work with a team; we have a full-time associate pastor and a part-time office administrator. Visit www. vauxhallmbchurch.com to learn more about us.

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theologian, and author, Bethel Mennonite Church, Winnipeg, invites exploring what missional applications for a full-time lead pastor to commence in summer 2014. We are seeking a perpractices look like in Offering financial guidance and son with a strong Anabaptist theology as well the areas of leadership, custom solutions to achieve your goals Offering financial guidance and as ability to engage the congregation through theology, and cultural engagement. custom solutions to achieve your goals worship and preaching. This person will have strong administrative skills and be able to work November 21-22, 2013 with & lead a multi-member pastoral team. Our Mt Blanchard Dr desire is that the successful candidate, along 34994www.peakgroup.com Evenings: $10 ea. Two-Day Pkg: $45 34994www.peakgroup.com Mt Blanchard Dr www.peakgroup.com Abbotsford BC with the pastoral team, can enable and nur- PHONE: 604.309.5806 REGAN HIEBERT Details at: bethany.sk.ca Abbotsford BC Ph: 604.746.5 1604.309.5806 75 PHONE: 604.309.5806 REGAN HIEBERT ture the gifts of the congregation in order to FAX: EMAIL: telrhiebert@peakgroup.com 604.309.5806 604.746.5 175 FAX: REGAN HIEBERT Fx: 604.746.5175 EMAIL: rhiebert@peakgroup.com R egan HiebeRt 604.309.5806 tel rhiebert@peakgroup.com enhance the overall mission of the church. Pas- fax Email: rhiebert@peakgroup.com 604.746.5175 Regan HiebeRt rhiebert@peakgroup.com Offering financial 604.746.5175 Based infax Abbotsford and serving the surrounding area toral experience along with a master of divinity guidance and Metro Vancouver wincluding www . p e a k g r o u p . c o m custom solutions w w w . r e g a n h i e b e r t . c atoa ww ea k g r oachieve ubpe.your cr togoals or equivalent is preferred. Please send resumes www . r. ep g .m c w w w.rega n hieber t.caan h i e to jbpeters@shaw.ca or contact Jake Peters Mutual Funds are sold through Peak Investment Services Inc. All other products and services offered through Peak Insurance Services Inc.

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AT WORK GOD IN OUR INTERNATIONAL FAMILY

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MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2013

27

Transitions

J.P. (John Paul) Hayashida joined the Canadian Conference of MB Churches as director of operations, Oct. 1, 2013., based out of Abbotsford, B.C. He holds a BSc from University of Waterloo (Ont.), and was credentialed as a licensed minister with the B.C. MB conference in 2009. J.P. served 8 years as chief operating officer with MB Mission, and previously worked in consulting, marketing, and training roles with Aspect Computing. J.P and Sandra have 3 children.

Rick Rockwood began as lead pastor at South Park MB Church, Altona, Man., Sept. 1, 2013.

Having studied at North American Baptist Divinity School (now Taylor), Edmonton, and trained in chaplaincy, he has pastored a variety of community churches in Canada and the U.S., and has worked in hospitals, most recently as chaplain resident at Alberta Children’s Hospital, Calgary. He and Karen have 2 married adult children.

Robert (Bert) Bell began as pastor of congregational care at Portage Avenue Church, Winnipeg, Oct. 8, 2013. He worked as stewardship representative for the Canadian Conference of MB Churches 2004–2013, and has an MA from Providence Theological Seminary. Bert and Sandy have 2 adult children.

Man., a son, Brock Eli, Mar. 22, 2013.

DANDERS – to Justin & Jenelle of Winnipeg, twin daughters, Brooklyn Madison & Rylee McKenna, Sept.

7, 2013.

HILDEBRANDT – to Ryan & Jen of Killarney, Man., a chosen son, Cody James, born June 11, 2013, adopted June 15, 2013.

After serving for 9 years in various capacities and as outreach pastor at Christian Family Center, Winnipeg, Cynthia Frazer resigned from her ministry with the church June 1, 2013. Her future plans for ministry are undecided.

CHURCH LAUNCHES CITY CHURCH launched in Montreal on Sunday morning, Sept. 15, 2 0 13 , w i t h 192 people in attendance. An English church meeting in the midtown area of M ontreal at Collège Notre-Dame (across from Saint Joseph’s Oratory), they are primarily reaching Montreal’s largest borough, meaning those who speak English and French, in addition to a densely populated multicultural community.

Pastors Chris and Yanci McGregor graduated Dallas Theological Seminary in Texas.

Having completed an apprenticeship at The Living Room with Michael and Michele Jones, Chris is lead pastor, and Yanci is creative arts director at City Church. They have 2 children: Sterling, Kingston. “City Church is committed to urgently lead the people of Montreal into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ,” says Chris. “God is stirring in this province, so we

St. John, B.C., a daughter, Olivia Grace, Aug. 6, 2013.

SCHULZ – to Dani & Luisa of Steinbach, Man., a son, Elijah James, Aug. 23, 2013.

ISAAK – to Scott & Julia of Elm Creek, Man., a son, Liam Frank, July 31, 2013.

THIESSEN – to Chris & Aurelie of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Danya Rayelle, Aug. 17, 2013.

DUECK – to Jakob & Natalie of Kleefeld, Man., a daughter, Leah Joy, Aug. 14, 2013.

KRAMER – to Ben & Jennifer (Glasspell) of Brandon, Man., a son, Torren William Cornelius, Dec. 7, 2012.

WIEBE – to Joe & Kim of St. Catharines, Ont., a daughter, Chelsea Helena, Aug. 9, 2013.

DYCK – to Jason & Karina of Elm Creek, Man., a son, Kale Elliot, May 24, 2013.

MOLNAR – to Darren & Heather (Barr) of Saskatoon, a son, Lucas Matthew, Aug. 15, 2013.

ENNS – to Colin & Christina (Giede) of Saskatoon, a daughter, Cadence Merveille, Aug. 20, 2013.

MURRAY – to Gabe & Heather (Pauls) of Chilliwack, B.C., a daughter, Rose Electra, June 16, 2013.

ENNS – to Kendal & Lindsay of Elm Creek,

RUNDLE – to Michael & Bryanna (Kelly) of Fort

DEURBROUCK – to Phil & Glori Ann of Elm Creek, Man., a daughter, Sarah Grace, June 15, 2013.

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rad CRAIG & Michelle B ROBERT, both of Winnipeg, Sept. 14, 2013.

S cott CRESSMAN of New Hamburg, Ont., & Leena MILLER of Kitchener, Ont., Aug. 24, 2013.

att DEDECKER of M Delhi, Ont., & Olivia KUTZ of Langton, Ont., June 15, 2013. evin K FUNK of Winnipeg & Petra BREARLEY of Langton, Ont., July 13, 2013.

J eff HIEBERT of Walsingham, Ont., & Laura SPOELSTRA of Hamilton, Ont., Aug. 17, 2013.

J ason KASDORF & Stacey ENNS, both of Winnipeg, Sept. 7, 2013. rett KROEKER of B Elm Creek, Man., & Mariannick RIDDELL of Winnipeg, July 26, 2013. dam PAOLINI of A London, Ont., & Charity BORN of Port Rowan, Ont., June 8, 2013. avid PINTO & Rachelle D BUECKERT, both of

want to express our profound gratitude to our MB family and our friends at C2C who are surrounding us with prayer, and partnering with us financially to shine the light of Jesus.”

Vancouver’s CHRIST CITY CH U RCH launched on Sunday morning, Sept. 22, 2013, with 290 people in attendance. The church plant starts in the unique position of having its own building – the recently closed South Hill (formerly Vancouver MB) Church – in South Vancouver. Pastor Brett Landry apprenticed with Westside Church, Vancouver, the sending congregation for Christ City. He earned a bachelor in Christian studies at Christ College, Surrey, B.C. Brett and Alison have 3 daughters. “We are trying to see all people from all nations and all generations come together and be unified by the power of the gospel of Jesus,” says Brett.

EPIC CHURCH in Kelowna, B.C., launched Sunday morning, Sept. 22, 2013, at Martin Avenue Community Centre with some 90 people in attendance. Pastor Monty Scott apprenticed at Kelowna Gospel Fellowship, which will continue to maintain an informal supportive relationship with the plant. Monty and Denise have 2 children.

Winnipeg, Aug. 31, 2013.

J osh REMPEL & Stephanie BRAUN, both of Swift Current, Sask., July 27, 2013.

E van SCHMIDT of Elm Creek, Man., & Jennifer KLASSEN of Winnipeg, Aug. 25, 2013. on SHRADER Jr. of D Nipawin, Sask., & Cadis NORMAN of Saskatoon, Aug. 31, 2013.

Anniversaries

FROESE – Aron & Mary Froese of Edmonton celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Aug. 3, 2013, at a barbeque with family and friends. They were married July 25, 1953, in St. Catharines, Ont.

aron THIESSEN & A Simone HILDEBRAND, both of Winnipeg, Aug. 17, 2013. ichael M VOGT & Andrea UNRUH, both of Winnipeg, Sept. 8, 2013.

J ustin WOOD & Jaralyn KLASSEN, both of Abbotsford, B.C., May 18, 2013.

PENNER – Jake & Anne Penner celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 24, 2013, with family and friends. They were married Aug. 24, 1963, in Winkler, Man.

Finish lines

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.—2 Timothy 4:7

Henry Petkau Feb. 17, 1928–Feb. 24, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Manitoba PARENTS: Peter & Maria (Block) Petkau MARRIAGE: Agnes (Aggie) Durksen, June 21, 1952 CHURCH: Fairview MB, St. Catharines, Ont. FAMILY: Agnes; children Bev Larmour (Brian), Terry (Audrey), Dave (Judy), Laurie Reimer (Ernie), Julie Wall (Ken), Chris (Gwen); 18 grandchildren

When Henry was 9, the family moved to a farm in Virgil, Ont. He committed his life to Jesus as a teen and was baptized in the Niagara River. Henry was in the first graduating class of Eden High School, St Catharines, Ont. He earned teachers’ certification, a B.A, an MEd, and a PhD in educational psychology. Henry was an elementary teacher and principal in St. Catharines, and a professor at Brock University College of Education for 18 years.

He served as a Sunday school teacher, church committee member, and moderator, and on Ontario, Canadian, and General Conference MB boards. In 1985, Henry retired from teaching to become interim pastor at Richmond (B.C.) Bethel Church. He was campus administrator at MB Bible College, Winnipeg, for 2 years, then interim pastor at Glencairn MB, Kitchener, Ont., and Scott Street MB and Fairview MB, St. Catharines. Henry loved sports and music. A loving father and grandpa, Henry most cherished his relationship with Aggie.

Full of humour, he enjoyed his friendships, loved his family unconditionally, and put God first.

Elmer Walter Jahnke May 11, 1917–Mar. 21, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Main Centre, Sask.

PARENTS: Cornelius & Margaretha (Janz) Jahnke MARRIAGE: Mary Corothers, Nov. 1, 1941 [deceased January 2013] CHURCH: Main Centre MB, Sask.

FAMILY: children Neil [deceased 2012] (Marilyn), Don (Linda), Brian (Joanne), Craig (Patricia), MaryAnne (Doug); 13 grandchildren including Ryan Montgomery [deceased]; 7 great-grandchildren including Brendan [deceased]

Elmer graduated from Herbert (Sask.) School in 1934, and studied agriculture at University of Saskatchewan. He married childhood sweetheart Mary in Winnipeg, and they lived at the ranch north of Morse, Sask., nearly 71 years. In 1973, they sold this and Big Coulee Ranch to their sons. Elmer was a commercial cattle breeder with

cross-breeding programs going back to the 1940s. He was a director and a life member of Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association, serving 3 years as president. Elmer was a Saskatchewan director to Canadian Cattleman’s Association for 10 years, chairman of Horned Cattle Trust Fund, and director and judge at the first Canadian Western Agribition (1971). He was agricultural representative for the RM of Morse for 15 years, councillor for the RM of Vermillion Hills for 14 years, director for Morse Rural Telephones, member of the Log Valley school board, and a 4-H leader for 10 years.

He was an elder of the United Church in Herbert.

Elmer still participated in branding in his 80s. He was involved in his grandchildren’s activities.

Grace Elaine Wiebe June 12, 1960–Mar. 28, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Abbotsford, B.C. PARENTS: Abe & Anne Wiebe BAPTISM: Aug. 7, 1977 CHURCH: Clearbrook MB, Northview, Abbotsford; Grace Community, Surrey, B.C. FAMILY: her mother; siblings Clarence, Sharon (Keith) VanTemelen, Dennis; nephew & nieces

At 9, Grace accepted Jesus as Saviour. At an early age, she began serving God by playing piano for the church choir and congregational singing, and writing music for the Indo-Canadian ministry. After graduating from Mennonite Educational Institute, Grace took 3 years at Columbia Bible Institute, Abbotsford.

In 1980, she served a year with contemporary Christian band Bond Servant in England, India, and throughout North America under Global Outreach Mission. Ten years later, Grace helped set up Frontiers mission’s office in Richmond, B.C., serving as personnel director and ethnomusicologist. About 4 years before her death, her health deteriorated, preventing her from continuing her ministry there, and she moved into a care facility. Since her teen years, Grace struggled with rheumatoid arthritis, but in spite of her pain and disabilities, her positive attitude and radiant smile blessed all those she touched.

Ernest Edwin Penner July 1, 1925–Mar. 31, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Hepburn, Sask.

PARENTS: John & Tina Penner MARRIAGE: Ruby Thiessen, July 6, 1951 [deceased Sept. 11, 1975]

BAPTISM: Hepburn MB, 1941 FAMILY: children Connie (Dave) Hardman, Blaine (Pat) Penner, Geraldine [deceased at birth], Holly (Rod) Dick, Ian (Melinda); 6 grandchildren; 1 greatgrandson; 4 siblings

Ernie worked in a CO camp in 1945, then enlisted for 14 months before being discharged in 1946.

In Eston, Sask., Ernie and Ruby recommitted their lives to the Lord and joined Glidden Baptist Church. They settled on Ruby’s family farm from 1960 until their 1972 move to Hepburn. Ernie was heartbroken at Ruby’s death, but never wavered in his trust in God, and his grandchildren became his new special love. He loved and served his community, owning a coffee shop, driving school bus, managing a bowling alley and skating rink, and volunteering for the fire department. He was a maintenance worker for the village of Hepburn 1972–1990. Ernie’s first love was Jesus. He was an encourager of Hepburn MB’s leaders and the younger generation.

Diana Lois Martens Mar. 7, 1948–Apr. 10, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Herbert, Sask.

PARENTS: John & Mary Klippenstein MARRIAGE: Walter Martens, Aug. 8, 1970 CHURCH: Main Centre MB, Sask.

FAMILY: Walter; children Rhonda, Bruce (Stephanie), Dale (Kim); 5 grandchildren; her mother; 4 sisters

Diana accepted Jesus as Saviour at an early age and lived her faith through compassion. Diana received her ARCT the year she completed high school. She graduated from Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask., in 1969, and from University of Saskatchewan with a bachelor of music with a major in piano performance in 1973. At university, she sang with and accompanied the Greystone Singers. Diana and Walter moved to Main Centre, Sask., to farm. Upon learning the challenges their firstborn faced, Diana immersed herself in helping Rhonda achieve her potential. Diana was instrumental in starting the Early Childhood Intervention program in Swift Current, Sask.

She was a board member for Saskatchewan Association for Community Living and president of the Herbert Morse branch. Diana taught piano students until June 2012, and served as president of the Swift Current Registered Music Teachers Association. At Main Centre MB Church, Diana taught Sunday school, led musicals, conducted choirs, and sang. She enjoyed photography, history, and travel. She faced cancer with courage. Diana was her students’ friend and her daughter’s biggest advocate.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2013

29

Cheryl Anne (Smith) Kinakin Apr. 27, 1956–June 3, 2013 BIRTHPLACE: High River, Alta.

PARENTS: Alden & Yvonne (Ballard) Smith MARRIAGE: Lawrence Kinakin CHURCH: Woodrow (Sask.) Gospel Chapel FAMILY: son Troy; parents; 4 siblings

During Cheryl’s marriage to Lawrence, they had a son Troy. Cheryl spent many years as a licensed practical nurse in Salmon Arm, B.C. She moved to Lafleche, Sask., 6 years ago. Cheryl participated joyfully at Woodrow (Sask.) Gospel Chapel. She frequently brought baking to Wheatland Lodge.

She loved flowers, and often shared bouquets from her garden with the church. Cheryl had a heart for people and a passion for God’s Word.

Katherine (Kay) Janzen Sept. 27, 1919–June 8, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Rosenwald, Russia PARENTS: Heinrich & Sara Neumann MARRIAGE: Henry (Hank) Janzen, July 25, 1943 [deceased Oct. 16, 2001] CHURCH: Bakerview MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: children Victor (Claudia), Gerald (Trudy), Peggy van Achte; 6 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings

Kay’s family immigrated to Canada in 1926, settling first in Hague, Sask., then Gem, Alta., and finally in B.C. A career woman, Kay managed dress shops and department store fashion floors, and sold real estate in Vancouver with Exchange Reality and Block Brothers. She accompanied Hank on jobs in Whitehorse, where she worked at the Yukon gold and ivory shop, in the 1950s, and in northern B.C., where she worked for Manpower. In retirement, Kay pursued her artistic bent through stain glass art, selling pieces privately and at craft fairs. Kay was faithful in church work: she supported missions, taught Sunday school, led Bible studies, served Pioneer Girls, and taught her children the value of giving time and talent.

Ganya Lily Loewen-Watson June 9, 2013 BIRTHPLACE: Winnipeg PARENTS: Brent & Tanya Loewen-Watson CHURCH: Fort Garry EMC, Winnipeg

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FAMILY: parents; siblings Sarah, Ivan, Nadia; grandparents Robert & Pauline Watson, Maynard & Frieda Loewen; uncles & aunts; cousins

Brent and Tanya learned they were pregnant October 2012. Following complications, Jan. 2, an ultrasound revealed the baby would not live after birth. Doctors recommended termination, but God confirmed, “I will take her when it’s time, and it’s not time yet.” Brent and Tanya named her Ganya, meaning “garden of God,” and Lily, as a reminder of God’s promise to look after his children (Matthew 6:28–30). Ganya arrived at 5:05 p.m., June 9, breathing and without pain.

Ganya was borrowed from God for one hour, during which her parents held her close and said goodbye.

John Peter Epp Mar. 23, 1925–June 11, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Markovka, Russia PARENTS: Peter & Anna (Falk) Epp MARRIAGE: Annie Funk, 1944 BAPTISM: Coaldale (Alta.) MB, 1955 CHURCH: Vauxhall (Alta.) MB; Lakeview MB, Lethbridge, Alta.

FAMILY: Annie; children Elsie (John) Fast, John (Eldonna), Allan (Lois), Linda (Art) Thiessen, David, Lois (Harold) Schmidtz, Rick (Paula); 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings

John’s family escaped to Canada in 1929, settling on an irrigation farm in Coaldale, Alta. To find peace, he attended Coaldale Bible School, and there, he accepted Christ as Saviour. John and Annie were baptized together in Coaldale in 1955.

In 1959, they moved to Vauxhall, Alta., where they farmed and raised their family. They retired to Lethbridge, Alta. Due to declining health, they moved to a seniors’ residence. After Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) took John’s ability to speak and eat, he gave a clear testimony of his faith in his Saviour in writing. His life demonstrated his love for Jesus.

Rudolf Neufeld Mar. 17, 1922–June 16, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Semenovka, Ukraine PARENTS: David & Katharina Neufeld MARRIAGE: Susa Epp, July 24, 1949 BAPTISM: Filadelfia, Paraguay, Sept. 4, 1949 CHURCH: King Road MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: Susa; children Werner (Margaret), Wolfgang, George (Susie), Henry (Krista), Walter, Herb, Kornelius (Cynthia), Lydia (Rob), David (Colette), Betty; 27 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren

Rudy had unwavering faith in Jesus, and was a great example to his large family. He often said

he couldn’t have asked for a better partner than Susa. After retiring in 1987, Rudy spent summers at Mahood Lake, B.C. He was most happy spending time with family, reading, fishing, telling stories by the fire pit, singing, or playing card games. Rudy was thankful.

Leona Friesen Nov. 16, 1932–June 17, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Main Centre, Sask.

PARENTS: Peter & Tena Siemens MARRIAGE: Jake Friesen, Sept. 29, 1955 BAPTISM: South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB, 1947 CHURCH: East Chilliwack (B.C.) MB; Central Heights, Abbotsford; Abbotsford Christian Fellowship; Mountain Park MB, Abbotsford; Kal Lake, Vernon, B.C.; Christian Reformed, Vernon; Armstrong, B.C.; Emmanuel Baptist, Vernon FAMILY: Jake; children Grace (Steve Wulff), Valerie (Dave Warkentin), Randy (Ingrid), Cathy Hardy; son-in-law Andrew Lacoursiere [deceased]; 9 grandchildren, grandson Christian Friesen [deceased]; 2 grandchildren by marriage; 3 greatgrandsons; 2 brothers

Leona didn’t let cancer define her, but joyfully led an active life: hiking and walking, playing ping pong with Jake, quilting and gardening, and volunteering at the Upper Room Mission – one of her great joys. She had the gift of hospitality and often had people over for meals or coffee. A good listener, Leona was interested in other’s lives, encouraging them and praying for them. She loved her children and grandchildren.

Peter Loewen Jan. 9, 1917–June 18, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Dalmeny, Sask.

PARENTS: Peter J. & Maria (Bartsch) Loewen MARRIAGE: Hilda Quiring, 1945 [deceased 2005] BAPTISM: Dalmeny MB, 1954 FAMILY: children Norma Doell (Sam Doell) [deceased], Vic (Julie) Loewen, Ruth (Lorne) Pilot, Carolyn (Scott) Bray; 8 grandchildren; 2 greatgrandchildren

During the Depression, Peter stayed home to help his parents. 1942–1945, he was stationed at the Jasper and Kananaskis Forestry Service in Alberta. In 1954, Peter and Hilda committed their lives to the Lord and were baptized into Dalmeny (Sask.) MB Church. Peter served as Sunday school teacher, usher, on church committees, as school board member, and housing board member.

He was deputy returning officer for federal and provincial elections for 25 years. After 33 years on the farm, Hilda and Peter moved

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into Dalmeny, hoping to take life easier; however, the Dalmeny Funeral Home requested his help.

He assisted both the Dalmeny and Rosthern Funeral Homes for 20 years until his health forced him to retire. In 2003, Peter and Hilda moved to Central Place, Saskatoon, where he remained after Hilda’s death in 2005.

John Wiebe Oct. 2, 1923–June 18, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Herbert, Sask.

PARENTS: John & Agnes Wiebe MARRIAGE: Agatha Braun, May 26, 1956 CHURCH: Elim MB (now Kelstern), Sask.

FAMILY: Agatha; children Dianne (Ron) Toews, Donna [deceased at birth], James (Glenda); grandchildren including Nathan Toews [deceased]; great-grandchildren; 6 siblings

John studied at Herbert (Sask.) Bible School 1941–1943. At 21, he worked as a CO on his father’s farm while taking high school by correspondence. In 1946, he spent a year at MB Bible College, Winnipeg. In 1950, he worked on a farm near Boissevain, Man. In Ontario, John worked with MCC. John and Agatha farmed near Hodgeville, Sask., 38 years before retiring in Herbert in 1995. John enjoyed the solitude of farm work. He had a keen memory for numbers, keeping meticulous records, including rainfalls.

He memorized many Psalms from his much-read Bible. At Elim MB Church, Kelstern, John served as treasurer, adult Sunday school teacher, and council member. In later years, when he struggled with health, Agatha cared for him.

Edith Lydia Ross May 30, 1947–June 22, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Chilliwack, B.C. PARENTS: Isaak & Margaret Hildebrand MARRIAGE: Ron Ross, 1976 BAPTISM: Eden Mennonite, Chilliwack CHURCH: Home Street Mennonite, Winnipeg; Cedar Hills Mennonite, Surrey, B.C.; United Mennonite Church, Yarrow, B.C.; Yarrow MB FAMILY: daughter Kaleigh; 6 siblings

flew out of Vancouver. The marriage dissolved, and Edith found supportive community at Cedar Hills Mennonite Church, Surrey. Edith used her nursing skills at Hazelmere Lodge part-time until her death. Edith’s joy was her daughter, Kaleigh Verna, born July 8, 1989. Through struggles, she and Kaleigh bonded through their mutual faith in Christ. When Kaleigh was 4, Edith and her sister Ruth bought a farm in Yarrow, where they grew hazelnuts and ran Hazelgreen Bed & Breakfast.

Edith expressed her love of music by playing violin for family and singing in the Evensong and Symphony choirs.

Wesley Classen Jan. 17, 1930–June 4, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Aberdeen, Sask.

PARENTS: Henry & Sara (Niessen) Classen MARRIAGE: Betty Koehn, 1955 BAPTISM: East Aldergrove (B.C.) MB CHURCH: Pacific Grace, Vancouver; Willingdon, Burnaby, B.C., Johnston Heights, Surrey, B.C. FAMILY: Betty; daughters Elaine (Al) Dick, Donna (Randy) Stark, Tracey (Reinhold) Krahn; 10 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters

With his dad’s help, Wes accepted the Lord at 9, kneeling beside a manger. He found assurance in his faith in John 6:37. Though Canada was at war with Germany and later Japan, Wes made friends with a German prisoner and a Japanese teen. In 1946, the family moved to Aldergrove, B.C., to farm berries and chickens. After graduating from Mennonite Educational Institute, Wes worked in a lumberyard. In his first year at Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta., he committed his life to serve the Lord. He was instrumental in planting 2 Sunday schools in East Vancouver, one of which became Pacific Grace Mission Chapel.

Beginning in 1955, Wes taught elementary school for 13 years and secondary math and art another 21 years. He earned 2 degrees at University of B.C. through summer and night classes. Wes and Betty and their girls enjoyed summer vacations in Penticton, B.C., and month-end dinners out.

His favorite pastimes were fishing and photography. Wes taught adult Sunday school, led care groups, and served as an elder. In 1989, Wes and Betty retired to Surrey, B.C. Wes felt privileged to lead all his girls to the Lord.

After a year of Bible school, Edith made lifelong Herman Henry friends at an MCC voluntary service unit in North Battleford, Sask., where she decided to train as a Heinrichs psychiatric nurse. She settled in Winnipeg, where Feb. 4, 1912–June 29, 2013 she worked as an Air Canada flight attendant.

Edith and her colleagues became a close-knit family. She strayed from church for a time, but BIRTHPLACE: Dubovka, Ukraine rededicated her life to Christ and joined Home PARENTS: Heinrich & Aganetha Heinrichs Street Mennonite Church, Winnipeg. In 1983, MARRIAGE: Susie Martens, June 23, 1938 Edith and Ron moved to Surrey, B.C., and Edith [deceased 2008]

BAPTISM: 1930 CHURCH: Niverville (Man.) MB (now Fourth Avenue Bible) FAMILY: children Erna (Archie) Jantzen, Anne (Alvin) Dueck, Edwin (Betty Ann), Selma Hiebert, Marilyn; family Marianne (Herman) Janzen, Paul (Michelin), Marilyn (Dueck) Heinrichs, Lois (Art) Bergmann; grandchildren; great-grandchildren

Herman’s mother died of TB, and in 1916, his father married Anna Dyck. His father was murdered in 1919, and his second mother died of typhus as they sought to escape. Unable to care for all his siblings, Herman’s brother Cornelius and their grandmother found them homes. They placed Herman with Peter Jacob Martens of Nicolaipol, Russia, who settled in Turnhill, Sask., in 1924. Herman accepted the Lord as Saviour at 16 and was baptized at 28. Herman and Susie farmed near Herbert Sask., 1944–1954, then bought a farm near Niverville, Man. Herman’s widowed brother Julius and his 4 children joined the family. Herman and Susie retired to Niverville in 1976, leaving son Edwin the farm.

They travelled across the U.S. and Canada, and to Kenya, Egypt, and Germany, visiting their children, and Herman took up woodworking. In 1997, Herman and Susie moved in with Marilyn in Winnipeg.

Edward Gordon Bartel June 27, 1958–June 30, 2013

BIRTHPLACE: Lethbridge, Alta.

PARENTS: Edward E. & Katherine (Warkentin) Bartel MARRIAGE: Leona Hubert, June 30, 1984 CHURCH: Coaldale (Alta.) MB FAMILY: Leona; children Gordon (Bethany), Ryan (Jenessa), Kelly, Tracey; parents; 4 siblings; motherin-law Mary Hubert

As a child, Ed enjoyed riding motorcycles, singing, and playing piano, guitar, trombone, and organ. Ed deepened his faith at Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, Sask., for 2 years. He made a living building homes in Lethbridge, Alta. Jan. 17, 2002, Ed’s life was spared after a massive heart attack. Ed took a keen interest in world events and history. He was a leader in making music with his family. While celebrating his and Leona’s 29th wedding anniversary, Ed died in a motorcycle accident.

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currents Healing Art Artist expresses spirituality through creations An interview with Diana Hiebert

Tell me a bit about yourself.

I recall very clearly my joyful conversion experience when I was a young child. When my family moved [from Mississauga, Ont.] in 1998, South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB became my home church, and I graduated from Mennonite Educational Institute in 2010. Recently I have revisited my Pentecostal roots.

When did you figure out that you were an artist?

I think I’ve always been drawing and painting and thinking creatively, ever since I was young. The environment has been a source of refuge and inspiration. In addition, my parents saw the importance of cultivating a Christian imagination and introduced me to many art forms as a child.

However, as I began to pay attention to the world around me, I wondered, “What tangible good can an artist do a hurting world?” I couldn’t see how I could erase injustice or draw new paths to heal suffering with my art. That question really shook the core of who I am – and still does every once in a while.

I love when contemporary artists cry out against the overlooked-andsometimes-terrible realities of an imperfect world. This is encouraging, because it seems like these artists have a deep desire to redeem injustices by creating a space for “visual dialogue” – an exchange of ideas with viewers. Artists, including myself, can choose to be idea-shapers.

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What do you create and why?

During my university studies, my artwork has been, often unconsciously, a means of expressing my spirituality. Art has helped me grapple with difficult issues.

Last year, I felt compelled to explore compassion, joy, and healing – themes not Diana Hiebert working on “Creating Spaces” “Hyssop” as frequently investigated in the current art culture. I am still seeking understanding and And how does your Christian backexpression in this area in the midst of ground influence your work? this tension.

It informs who I am. It’s an ongoing jourI created an abstract work entitled ney. My Christian heritage has reinforced “Hyssop” – essentially a large, unthe importance of relationships and the stretched canvas piece. The biblical value of belonging in community. narrative became a natural source of I want my art to be a dialogue with inspiration [on healing]. the viewer: I want to start a conversation, In the book of Exodus, the and cultivate community. I am also pasIsraelites dipped hyssop in blood sionate about reinforcing a more positive and used it to mark their doorways dialogue between the Christian commuagainst the threat of Death. The menity and the wider cultural community dicinal properties of the plant hyssop via visual arts. symbolize restoration and hope. This Themes such as suffering, compasidea informs this piece’s first layer sion, and healing are associated with (now hidden by many layers of paint Christ the wounded healer, and are cerand graphite) depicting a figure tainly relevant to an anxious generation in anguish. looking for rest and revitalization.

Recently, I have also completed “Inscapes” inspired by insights What mediums are your favourites? gleaned from 19th-century poet I like to experiment in many different Gerard Manley Hopkins. In this envimedia, but my favourites at the moment ronmental art installation, I bound red are drawing and installation work. yarn on tree branches and created other knitted “garments” for other Tell me a bit about your summer job aspects of the environment. at The Reach.

My artwork is purposely steeped in symbolism of binding, and In 2012, as cultural programs assistant, suggests regenerative healing of I worked in design and leadership on humanity and the earth. Lately, I’ve [among others] the Art Car program also explored knitted sculpture as – featuring collaborative community I continue to wrestle with ways to design on a vehicle. A lot of adults who participated in Art Car commented on interpret compassion and healing in a how therapeutic the project was for postmodern context.

PHOTO: JESSICA HURD

As a fourth-year art and design major at Trinity Western University, and exhibition and public activities manager at The Reach Gallery Museum Abbotsford, B.C., Diana Hiebert is both exploring her own creative ability and empowering community artists to do the same. She participated in last year’s Sand and Polish: Making Things New exhibition, organized by Artisan Church in the Vancouver Public Library’s Moat gallery, and is currently working toward her graduation exhibition at TWU.

CURRENT books Jesus on Justice: Living Lives of Compassion and Conviction DON POSTERKSI World Vision on Posterski’s Jesus on Justice is an accessible and applicable introduction to the many aspects of social justice in the 21st century. With a clear dedication to applying Jesus’ teachings, Posterski carefully articulates the importance of loving God and loving our neighbour.

While many separate individual spiritual health from the overall social health of society, here is a great text to begin a journey of interacting with civil society while maintaining a commitment to dynamic discipleship to Jesus.—Mark Tymm, MCC Ottawa office advocacy research intern

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“Wrapping” graphite and oil pastel

them. This has inspired me to investigate larger-scale collaborative projects with people from the community.

In 2013, I’ve been helping to design shows. It has been a privilege to handle the work of local artists as well as pieces from the National Art Gallery and Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

Has it been challenging to transition from Trinity Western to a public art gallery? What are some of the tensions you experience?

In terms of artistic training at TWU, I feel prepared to work in both Christian and non-Christian contexts. Trinity teaches me what the art world is – contentious issues and all. It’s my job, as a Christian university student, to grapple with them and develop an informed perspective.

It’s always healthy to be challenged to think about how to integrate faith in all of life. It’s important to remember that people are image bearers. Everyone deserves to be respected and have their value acknowledged in whatever environment – Christian or non-Christian.

What other projects have you been part of at The Reach?

I worked with Amy Loewen on her Illuminating Peace exhibit last fall. Her work is both interesting and beautiful

“Inscape I”

because it explores peace and the world community. The artist created a huge lantern and wove into it positive words such as love and compassion in different languages. Her work challenged viewers to consider peace.

What does the future hold for you?

I would love to continue making artwork and develop a career as an artist. However, I am also interested in curatorial work, architecture, and other types of design. The other day, I filled half a sketchbook with ideas.

There are so many possibilities.

Paul Esau interned with the communications department at the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.

Citizenship: Paul on Peace and Politics GORDON MARK ZERBE CMU Press ordon Mark Zerbe’s Citizenship is a must-read for anyone who preaches from Paul’s writings. Though the primary focuses are peace and politics, Zerbe does profound and paradigm-shifting linguist work that reshapes the way we read Paul.

He helps his readers to recover Paul’s vision for a community of “Jesus-loyalists” that permeates every aspect of our lives.

Zerbe rightly applies this paradigm to two crucially important aspects of contemporary life: our “citizen-community” polity and our role as those engaged in the struggle for peace and justice.—Clayton Gladish, FPBS graduate

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

On stage and screen Vancouver performance company Pacific Theatre celebrates its 30th anniversary with its 2013–2014 season. Pacific Theatre “exists to serve Christ in our community by creating excellent theatre with artistic, spiritual, relational, and financial integrity.”

Daniel MacIvor’s Communion (Oct. 25–Nov. 9) explores the universal human need for certainty and connection through a crisis involving an estranged mother and daughter, and the mother’s therapist.

Read more at www.mbherald.com.

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Camp Peniel forges on after balcony collapse

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his summer, the balcony of one of Camp Peniel’s (Wentworth-Nord, Quebec) buildings collapsed under many feet during the course of a church group’s rental for a baptism. Accordingly, the camp now faces financial consequences and a lot of work.

Despite hardship, however, those involved in the camp did an extraordinary job this summer, with unprecedented activity:

• MCC’s Amicamp, 7–12 years (35 campers) • Peniel games, 13–17 years (25 campers) • Family camp (30 campers) • Superheroes, 8–14 years (12 campers)

The conversation continues.

Kindred Productions and the Board of Faith and Life are pleased to offer special prices on the reading materials from our most recent study conference on

Human Sexuality: honouring God with the body.

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There were also rentals for baptisms and family activities, and a group of physically disabled adults.

Peniel was such an encouragement to the co-directors of MCC’s Amicamp, the children and youth leaders at Ste-Thérèse church, and teachers at the superhero camp; so many children, teens, and young adults need this camp to advance their spiritual development.

Camp Peniel reaches: • children and teens who do not know the Lord; • children and teens of all nationalities; • children and teens from churches of different denominations; • those who hear the word of Jesus for the first time; • those who give their lives to Jesus; • those who confirm their way with Jesus; • children and teens who explore new gifts; • children and teens who learn to live together.

Young directors Jason Levesque and Esther Lachance mentored several 15–22-year-old volunteers who learned to work in the kitchen or housekeeping, on grounds maintenance or learning carpentry, and even as counsellors. These young people gained not only practical skills, but also grew spiritually, some making major changes in their lives.

This fall, Camp Peniel held its first young leaders conference, with Dan and Sarah Hall of Youth With a Mission, Dunham, Que., as guest speakers.

The work continues!

Submitted by Alain Després, associate director, C2C Network Quebec.

Intersection

of faith & life

Of risk and rain SANDRA REIMER

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ike a Mennonite Brethren Indiana Jones, MB Mission general director Randy Friesen travels the world inspiring the body of Christ to surrender to God and take risks for Jesus as we fulfill the great commission.

He told one of his “God stories” at MB Mission’s inaugural AWAKE event held in Waterloo, Ont., in September, where I was one of 250 participants.

On a recent flight, Randy began an exchange with his seatmate with the Holy Spirit-prompted question, “Do you ever talk to God?” In response, the young man told Randy about his struggles and how he prayed – but only in a crisis. During the conversation, Randy encouraged the man to let Jesus “out of the trunk and into the driver’s seat” of his life. The man resonated with the challenge and Randy led him to Christ on the plane!

Randy and the other speakers at this renewal and mission conference inspired our group from Glencairn MB (GMB). I was hoping God would do something dramatic at the outreach event we had planned for Saturday afternoon.

The plan We’re in transition at Glencairn. Our senior pastor retired in June, and our associate pastor just left as well. A young couple at our church, Nathan and Rachel Dorsch, spearheaded GMB’s participation in AWAKE with a few other keen members, but the rest of us were slow to sign up. In the end, 35 people came on board – about one third of the congregation. Three refugees – two of them Muslim – and two staff from Welcome Home (transitional housing for refugees in Kitchener) also worked alongside us.

About 15 of us were going to run a soccer camp. The other 20 volunteers planned to visit with the parents who were invited to stay while their kids participated in the camp. I’m an experienced soccer coach, so I volunteered to organize the

camp. I had detailed plans for three different age groups of children. The soccer volunteers met earlier in the week to practise the drills so we would all know how to teach them. In faith, I had borrowed about 50 balls plus pinnies and pylons. This was going to be good.

The reality Fifteen children had pre-registered for the camp, and we hoped a few more would just show up. And then it rained. It rained and rained and rained. Two boys

the community: a few did a prayer walk, a couple went to the grocery store to help people pack and carry their purchases.

Another group drove around the neighbourhood doing an impromptu food drive to collect items for Bridges, GMB’s bi-weekly ministry to people in poverty. At the first door they knocked on, a woman had a whole box of food that she had been wanting to get rid of; she was happy they had come.

Our event was not an obvious success, yet it wasn’t a failure either. We survived

Our event was not an obvious success, yet it wasn’t a failure either. We survived – and learned from the experience. came: a four-year-old and a seven-yearold. The dad of the seven-year-old left, while the parents of the four-year-old stayed.

We had 40 volunteers and four community members. Not exactly the stuff of inspiring testimonies.

As the leader of the soccer camp, I had to make a choice. I wanted to cancel the whole thing and go home. Instead, I asked a few of the soccer volunteers to participate in the two-hour session along with the children. The boys had fun and learned some skills as they did the drills and played a game with the volunteers.

The four-year-old’s mom was impressed at how well her son did playing with older people. (In a group of four-year-olds, no one has much focus.)

A few volunteers stuck around to visit with the parents and dispense the snacks.

The rest of the volunteers went out into

– and learned from the experience. Spirits were high and the camaraderie was rich during our debrief time on Saturday evening: we laughed together, talked about what we might do differently, and congratulated each other for taking a risk.

“This is a beginning, not an end,” said Vic Thiessen, one of the people who helped start GMB 25 years ago. We all agreed that, though our church is pastorless, we’re awake and God is working among us. Next time we’re challenged to risk, we can remember that God will be with us whether what we do is a “success” or not.

Sandra Reimer is a member at Glencairn MB Church in Kitchener, Ont.

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+ WWW.MENNONITEBRETHREN.CA A NEW WEBSITE - A NEW URL

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