MB Herald January/February 2016

glass half FULL?

do justly love mercy walk humbly Volume 55, No. 1 Publications mail registration number: 09648; Agreement number: 40009297 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circ. Dept., MB Herald, 1310 Taylor Avenue, Winnipeg, Man. R3M 3Z6

Voyage into the UNKNOWN

JANUARY 20 16 W W W. M B H E R A L D . C O M

Pray with M enn on i te

THE CHRISTIAN CHAPLAIN

e Br

Canada cross na e r th

I shall not want Last year, my family moved to a city of 20 million people. It has been exhilarating, wonderful and completely overwhelming.

Many days I wonder: How am I going to manage life here? I have trouble finding a voice for what I find difficult. Daily I’m confronted with suffering on a scale I can’t begin to process: hildren barefoot under a C scorching sun, digging through garbage. young, illiterate mother, widowed far A too early.

The women who labour on my street, heads piled high with bricks, while their toddlers play in the dust near the road.

The bicycle rickshaw driver, sinewy legs and tattered shirt, working for pennies hauling others (myself included) around.

PHOTO: Courtesy Andrea H.

What right do I have to miss the life I left behind when I still have abundantly more

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than most people I encounter? I live within this tension.

I see photos of my friends’ children playing in crystal lakes in B.C. I see my extended family in Canada camping together.

And I miss that. I miss it for my kids.

I mourn that they will not have the childhood I had. I wonder if they will resent me for it.

I miss clean air. I miss safe, clean spaces for my children to play outside.

I miss having a car, and not having to juggle an infant, toddler and preschooler through crowded markets.

Then I see the suffering all around me.

And I wonder how I could be of use to anyone when I can barely keep my kids intact, when I’m ready to have a complete breakdown every time our power is out or we don’t have running water.

January/February 2016 | www.mbherald.com

There is much suffering in this world I don’t understand. There is much in myself that I wrestle with daily. And it exhausts me. And when I sit to write, I always have more questions than answers.

I have had this song by Audrey Assad running through my mind and stereo these days. When my heart is bending under the weight of this broken world, when I am confronted time and again with the brokenness within myself, it is in his goodness alone where I find rest and hope.

From the love of my own comfort, From the fear of having nothing, From a life of worldly passions, Deliver me, O God. And I shall not want, I shall not want.

When I taste your goodness, I shall not want.

Andrea H. lives in Asia with her husband and three daughters.

FEATURES

8 10 19

Glass half full?

Transformation survey results, Part II –Ron Toews

The Christian chaplain –Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary

The year that was –staff

COLUMNS

4 Editorial

12

14

Restack the boxes –Karla Braun

ICOMB – Wiebe’s witness

Voyage into the unknown: Follow the captain into the storm –David Wiebe

Viewpoint

My church visitor project –Tony Martens

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE

DEPARTMENTS 5 Letters 6 Homepage 16 News 24 Transitions, family news,

church anniversary 20 Finish lines [Obituaries] 26 Crosscurrents

DIGITAL EDITION issuu.com FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/MBHerald TWITTER twitter.com/MB_Herald WEBSITE mbherald.com JOBS jobs.mbherald.com PDF SUBSCRIPTION Email karla.braun@mbchurches.ca to subscribe via email COVER: Photo courtesy MB Mission Participants on MB Mission Central Canada’s ACTION program pray together during a training session.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | January/February 2016

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Editorial Restack the boxes Karla Braun Have you seen the picture? Two simple drawings of three children watching a baseball game. One image is labelled “equality,” the other “justice.”

It took me a moment to see the distinction, a child’s game of “spot the differences.”

In the one picture, each child stands on a box of identical size to watch a baseball game on the other side of a fence.

This is equality.

But the children aren’t the same height.

One is considerably taller, able to view the game comfortably, while the smallest child still can’t see over the fence at all.

In the photo labelled “justice,” the tallest child stands on the ground, watching the plays without difficulty. One box raises up the medium-height child, and two boxes enable the little one to see the game.

The powerful image speaks for itself... once you realize what’s going on.

And isn’t that often the way it is? We don’t question the way things work unless something causes us to pause and reassess the situation, to ask questions and look through new eyes.

As I mulled over this image, I began to realize that – particularly from a position of white privilege – we often see justice as crusading, as standing up for rights, as making waves for the sake of a principle.

Justice is about helping people, for sure, but it can become an intellectual exercise.

It’s about legality and morality and maybe a bit of punishment. Fairness, equality, perhaps a dash of retribution – these are words we like to partner with justice.

But is that God’s justice?

Biblical justice “creates a system that protects the disadvantaged, orphans,

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widows and aliens,” wrote Lynn Jost, Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary professor, in a study on 1 Kings. “It’s not enough to enforce laws fairly; justice provides for those in need and defends the afflicted.”

not to equalize, but bring wholeness, to foster a climate for everyone’s flourishing?

What if the justice to which God calls his people over and over again through Scripture is about how we treat those four categories of people mentioned above, not only in our intellectual commitments and societal systems but our day-to-day interactions? What if justice goes hand-inhand with self-sacrifice and grace?

Opportunity to live this out is all around us.

Canada is receiving foreigners in waves of displaced Syrians and other refugee families being sponsored as the church wakes up to injustice around the world. We need to also awaken to injustice at home: Canada’s national shame is the disadvantaged population of First Nations people and the vulnerable women and children abused or murdered by exploiters.

The seven devotions in the week of prayer included with this month’s Herald reflect on the prophet Micah’s often-quoted call to God’s people: to do justly, to love mercy, to walk humbly (6:8).

That doesn’t sound like crusading. In fact, throughout the Bible, justice is often coupled with mercy and compassion, and the way we treat those who are widows, orphans, foreigners and otherwise marginalized.

Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly.

I hear gentleness and an invitation to attentiveness. Who is suffering? What are the causes of their afflictions? Once I have come to understand through truly listening to the other and the Spirit of God, what action does justice require of me in this situation?

Maybe we don’t quickly distribute the boxes to all; we assess, and with insight, realize that to help each one experience the game in peace, some need a higher lift than others.

Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly.

I hear sacrificial generosity. Humility teaches that it’s not about me. God and others come first. What do I have? What don’t you? What actions might we take,

January/February 2016 | www.mbherald.com

Mercy, like its counterpart grace, says I’ll give to make sure you have. I don’t need the box to see over the fence.

As I write this, we are in the season of Advent, and I think of Mary’s Magnificat.

In her hymn of praise to God, the mother of Jesus paints a vision of a just world – where God humbles the proud and the cruel and gives the poor good things (Luke 1:46–55).

How will we as the people of God distribute the boxes for the cause of justice?

Are we willing to give not just our money but our hearts? Are we willing to give up not just our time but our preferences and our privilege? Are we willing to not only teach but to listen and learn – and where needed, to apologize?

Do justly, love mercy, walk humbly.

Let’s rearrange the picture for the kingdom of God.

Reader responses Member of Legislative Assembly statement on Open Circle

Open Circle is an Initiatives for Just Communities program that puts faith into practice by connecting volunteers with prison inmates who request a visitor.

I first became aware of Open Circle through my constituent, Dianne Cooper. Like other volunteers, Dianne was inspired by the fact that many people who are incarcerated lose their social and family contacts. Glenn Morison is the director of Open Circle and a former Corrections chaplain.

Open Circle volunteers work without an agenda, providing companionship and nonjudgmental support. This helps inmates restore trust and mend relationships, making communities safer for everyone by letting people in prison know there are other possibilities for them.

If nothing changes for inmates while they’re in prison, nothing will change for them when they are released. Tamara Traverse is the daughter of residential school survivors and a former inmate. She can attest more than anyone to the value of this program. Dianne Cooper has been in Tamara’s corner for more than two years. Now Tamara is working on her GED so she can become a licensed esthetician.

Thank you to Dianne, Glenn and all Open Circle volunteers for your compassionate efforts on behalf of inmates seeking to overcome adversity and start a new life.

James Allum MLA for Fort Garry-Riverview, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Encouragement reminder Re “Ordinary intimacies” (Intersection, December). Appreciate these words of encouragement to give generously at all times in the small ways. Small random or frequent acts of kindness many times are more valued than the occasional large act.

P Klassen Online comment Re “Ordinary intimacies” (Intersection, December). This is a great reminder at this season of “gift giving” that there are other ways of giving that are more significant than that wrapped Christmas present we often feel coerced into giving.

Elfrieda Neufeld Schroeder Online comment “The sound of revival” Ervin Dueck @ervindueck

Nov 13

@c2cnetwork @MB_Herald Please no...more new songs. Old songs.

Doctrinal songs. Songs we KNOW Songs we CAN SING ALONG with.

Please. Please.

Don’t forget you can comment online.

Join the conversation at mbherald.com

Letters to the editor Mennonite Brethren Herald welcomes your letters of 150–200 words on issues relevant to the Mennonite Brethren church, especially in response to material published in the Herald. Please include name, address and phone number, and keep your letters courteous and about one subject only. We will edit letters for length and clarity. We will not publish letters sent anonymously, although we may withhold names from publication at the request of the letter writer and at our discretion. Publication is subject to space limitations. Letters also appear online. Because the Letters column is a free forum for discussion, it should be understood that letters represent the position of the letter writer, not necessarily the position of the Herald or the Mennonite Brethren church. Send letters to: Letters, MB Herald, 1310 Taylor Avenue, Winnipeg, Man. R3M 3Z6, or by email to mbherald@mbchurches.ca.

ABOUT THIS ISSUE

A lot has changed with the Herald in the last year, but much has stayed the same. We still strive to share the life and story of the MB church across Canada, to teach and equip from an evangelical Anabaptist perspective, and to inform our readers about the work of the Mennonite Brethren conference and our church partners in Canada and around the world.

Our publishing schedule was reduced to bimonthly last August – a rhythm that continues into the new year – but 2016 sees a shift to odd months. This means your issue will arrive near the beginning of January, March, May, July, September, November.

There’s a new hand at work in the Herald office, and some familiar touches you’ll see less of. Our thanks to Audrey Plew for the creativity she brought to the look of the magazine since 2007. She has transitioned to work with the Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba. On this issue, we welcome Colton Floris, a graduate of MEI and the design program at the University of Fraser Valley, Abbotsford, B.C. You’ll see evidence of his style emerging as he lays out the pages. Also, our hard-working, veteran reporter, B.C. correspondent Barrie McMaster finished his time with the Herald in December. He may retire, but he won’t fade away; his stories may continue to appear in our pages and I’m sure you’ll still hear his friendly, booming voice at conference and partner events around the Lower Mainland.

JANUARY 2016 Mennonite Brethren Herald is published bimonthly 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: 1996–2015.

Editorial office 1310 Taylor Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 3Z6 Phone: 204-669-6575 Fax: 204-654-1865 Toll-free in Canada: 888-669-6575 Email: mbherald@mbchurches.ca http://www.mbherald.com PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NUMBER: 4000929 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPT., MB HERALD 1310 TAYLOR AVENUE WINNIPEG MB R3M 3Z6

ISSN: 0025-9349 Copyright The articles printed in the Herald are owned by the Herald or by the author and may not be reprinted without permission. Unless noted, Scriptural quotations are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Subscription rates 1 year $18 2 years $36 3 years $54 Please add tax to domestic subscriptions. See www.mbherald.com or phone 204-654-5766 for rate. Contact karla.braun@mbchurches.ca for electronic options.

Change of address + subscriptions Notice of change of address should be sent to circulation office, and should include both old and new addresses. Allow 6-8 weeks for changes to become effective. Email circulation office at subscribe@mbchurches.ca or phone 204-654-5766.

Advertising Send advertising inquiries to helga.kasdorf@mbchurches.ca. Display copy must be received at least one month prior to publication. Advertisements are priced at a rate for insertion in one issue or at a discounted rate for insertions in three or more issues (not necessarily consecutive).

Classifieds are priced per line, with a minimum charge of six lines.

Staff Karla Braun associate editor Colton Floris designer Helga Kasdorf circulation + advertising Angeline Schellenberg copy editor Barrie McMaster B.C. regional correspondent

Volume 55, Number 1 • Copy run: 14,500 THE MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD IS A PUBLICATION OF

Finally, this issue of the Herald is shorter than usual as we bring you the third annual Canadian conference week of prayer (included as a separate insert). This year’s seven reflections on Micah 6:1–8 were curated by Jon Isaak, director of the Centre for MB Studies, and written by members of the board of faith and life. Use this prayer guide individually or in your church, at your time of choice or during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Jan. 18–25.—KB

Mennonite Brethren Herald | January/February 2016

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MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

HOMEPAGE Prayer: power for ministry C2C Network Summit highlights

Memories from MAID Remember that dot matrix printer with the tractor feed?

Intercessory prayer defined the C2C Network annual church planter Summit (formerly called retreat) in Toronto, Nov. 9–12, 2015. More than 200 participants cried out to God for the specific requests of many church planters.

My feet aren’t the first thing to hit the ground in the morning – my knees are, says Derek Parenteau, planter for First Peoples in Parry Sound, Ont. If we start the day without praying, we might be depending more on ourselves than on the power of God to accomplish our ministry, he cautions.

We do not have because we do not ask (James 4:2). If we ask anything in Jesus’ name, he will do it (John 14:14).

C2C asks people to pray every day for more workers sent by the Lord of the harvest (Luke 10:2). But prayer isn’t a starter’s pistol for the King to respond; rather, it’s the very drop of water to a parched tongue, the source of power for ministry. John Bunyan urged Jesus followers to pray often, for it is “a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God and a scourge for Satan.” C2C Network desires its planters to believe in God and pursue great things by faith through the open door of prayer.—Scott Thomas, national associate director, C2C Network

Mary Esau takes registrations at an Ontario conference, circa 1987.

Photo (NP149-01-2675) from the Centre for Mennonite Brethren Studies is available to the public in collaboration with MAID: the Mennonite Archival Image Database. Research more images from Mennonite churches and organizations at archives.mhsc.ca.

Mrs. Nida C. Initial 6

January/February 2016 | www.mbherald.com

Attention church treasurers Did you know Revenue Canada requires the donor’s middle initial on donation receipts? For full receipt requirements, visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/ chrts/prtng/rcpts/whtnf-eng.html.

CONFERENCE NEWS The CCMBC executive board hereby gives notice of revisions to the General Operating Bylaws of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches to be considered at Gathering 2016. The proposed revisions provide additional clarity for board member terms and add supporting documentation for conventions and the amendment process for the Confession of Faith. Documents on the proposed revisions will be available for download from mennonitebrethren.ca in March.

Please direct questions on bylaw revisions to executive board secretary Victor Martens (mbboard@mbchurches.ca or vmtechservices@shaw.ca).

Foodgrains Bank receives $1 million from government for Syria relief

coming events CONFERENCE EVENTS 2016 FEB. 18–19: ONMB pastor and spouse retreat.

FEB. 19–20: ONMB convention, Southridge Vineland Church, St. Catharines, Ont.

MAR. 2–3: Multiply Conference, Vancouver.

MAR. 4–5: MBCM Assembly, Westwood Community Church, Winnipeg.

MAR. 11–12: SKMB convention, Bridgeway Church, Swift Current, Sask.

APR. 15–16: AEFMQ convention, Église Chrétienne Évangélique de Saint-Eustache, and ETEM-IBVIE, Montreal.

APR. 22–23: ABMB convention.

APR. 29–30: BCMB convention, Main Street Church, Chilliwack, B.C.

MAY 1–3: BCMB pastor and spouse retreat, Whistler, B.C.

MAY 22: 50th anniversary, Crestwood MB Church, Medicine Hat, Alta.

MAY 29–31: MBCM pastor and spouse retreat, Hecla Island, Man. JUNE 14–16: Pastors Credentialing Orientation, B.C.

JULY 6–9: Gathering 2016, Toronto.

A grant of $1 million from the Canadian government will enable Canadian Foodgrains Bank to continue to assist people affected by the conflict in Syria in 2016. The grant will enable the Foodgrains Bank to provide help for 15,000 people a month for six months.

PARTNER EVENTS 2016 JAN. 24: Mennonite World Conference world fellowship Sunday.

MAR. 4–5: Apologetics Canada Conference.

“Funds from this grant come at a critical time, as people affected by the war grow increasingly desperate,” says CFGB executive director Jim Cornelius. Since November 2012, the Foodgrains Bank has provided more than $29 million in emergency food assistance for people affected by the Syrian crisis in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. Altogether, more than 11 million people have been affected by the conflict.

APR. 22–24: AWAKE Niagara, Fairview MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont.

About 8 million people within Syria have been displaced from their homes, and another 4 million people have fled the country to live as refugees in surrounding countries. Pictured: the El-Razek family in Jordan. They fled Syria more than three years ago, to escape the violence that had engulfed their hometown.—Amanda Thorsteinsson, communications officer, Canadian Foodgrains Bank

View more events from churches and agencies at MBHERALD.COM/CALENDAR.

MAY 27–29: AWAKE Kitchener-Waterloo, Waterloo (Ont.) MB Church.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | January/February 2016

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GLASS HALF Clarity for churches on mission: Transformation survey results, Part II

Which gets more attention: the things your church isn’t doing well or the things she is?

Two books written around the turn of the 21st century give different ways to answer the question.

Two approaches In 1996, Christian A. Schwarz (Natural Church Development) identified eight quality control characteristics of growing churches (e.g., empowering leadership, gift-oriented ministry, passionate spirituality). He likened these eight characteristics to staves in a wooden barrel. The barrel can only hold as much water as the shortest piece.

The message? Nothing really gets better in your church until you fix the things you’re not doing well.

Five years later, Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton (Now, Discover Your Strengths) identified 34 “talent themes” (e.g., activator, futuristic, woo) with a view to helping people discover their top five strengths. The authors advocated that shoring up weaknesses isn’t a worthy pursuit; the greater payback comes from developing strengths.

The message? You excel when you focus on your strengths.

So which is it? Fix the things your church isn’t doing well? Or focus on your church’s strengths?

Short and long staves in MB churches In 2015, CCMBC conducted its first Transformation survey with 144 MB churches responding. The survey contained three sections: life, church, world transformation.

The middle section investigated church practices.

For example: • 93 percent of churches agreed or strongly agreed that they have a “pray first” practice as they go about church ministry.

• a combined 67 percent of churches have a congregational care model in which people encounter a caring community of Christ.

• 61 percent of church boards conduct a regular performance review of pastors.

• 42 percent of church leadership groups (elders, boards, councils) evaluate their own effectiveness.

• 41 percent of churches have a plan for biblical conflict resolution in a church conflict.

• on average, 28 percent of churches strategically 8

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FULL? identify and develop future leaders: future elders (58 percent), new pastoral leaders (35 percent), church planters (12 percent), international mission workers (18 percent), camping ministry leaders (16 percent).

The Transformation survey data is fascinating! It shows many churches paying attention to factors that help them to be on mission. Their intentionality in living out the teachings of Scripture that set a high bar for the Body of Christ is evident.

As you read the findings, you quite likely do what I did: wonder about your own church. The “have not” and “do not” side of the ledger is sobering. Is my church numbered with the 7 percent who don’t pray first? or with the 33 percent of churches in which people do not encounter a caring community of Christ? Is my church among the 39 percent who do not conduct performance reviews of pastors, or with the majority of churches (58 percent) who do not evaluate the effectiveness of church leadership groups? Is my church part of the 59 percent of churches who have no plan for how our next conflict will be resolved? Is my church numbered with the 72 percent who do not strategically identify and develop future leaders?

Sobering questions indeed!

Unexamined life?

Having data about our churches is not in itself the answer. Information doesn’t transform us. It can, however, inspire greater intentionality. If investigation leads us to discover that we don’t know how we’ll address our next conflict, that we aren’t creating a caring community, or that we have not anticipated how we’ll develop leaders, we may have just put our finger on factors that keep us from being a mission fulfilling church.

A long time ago, I encountered the ancient maxim: the unexamined life is not worth living. It’s a strong statement, urging greater self-awareness. It can certainly apply to the church. Churches willing to engage in deliberate self-investigation discover things about themselves that support and/or hinder mission fulfillment. On the other hand, those unwilling to gain greater self-awareness never quite know what keeps them from thriving in mission-fulfilling ways, and so they languish.

CCMBC has developed a variety of resources that respond to the needs and interests of a local church.

The C2C Network coaches churches to plant and develops church planters. Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary helps students become passionate and committed followers of Jesus who are biblically astute, theologically aware, culturally discerning and active in mission. CCMBC partners with MB Mission in developing on-mission followers of Jesus through programs like TREK and AWAKE. But each of these assumes that a local church already knows its needs and interests. L2L’s Coach Us tool is a unique assessment process to help a church tell herself the truth about herself. Accessible at www.L2Lnet.org, Coach Us findings give a church the ability to know herself. The process, put simply, provides clarity. And when a church has clarity about what she is doing well (e.g., developing young leaders or developing church planters), that can be celebrated. When the findings show a lack of clarity (e.g., we don’t pray first or we have no conflict resolution method), then the church knows where greater investment is needed.

How much is in the glass?

Back to our quandary. Do we shore up our weaknesses or develop our strengths?

It turns out the answer includes elements of both.

When Jesus said he would build his church (Matthew 16:18), he meant what he said! The Holy Spirit guides the church, Scripture instructs the church and spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit innervate the church. These all happen at Jesus’ initiative.

Yet Jesus also invites human initiative. And obedience. The church has an obligation to keep asking, “Jesus, are we going about being church the way you want us to? Are our practices aligned with your desires for us?”

The questions, though uncomfortable, are the right ones.

—Ron Toews is director of L2L, a ministry of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | January/February 2016

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T h e C h r i s t i The man who gave his coat Martin was conscripted to the Roman army at age 15.

Stationed in Gaul (modern-day France), he patrolled the streets, encouraging decorum and maintaining order as he interacted with those he met.

Legend holds that one day, the 17-year-old soldier met a beggar who was scantily clad and shivering in the cold. Martin’s heart was stirred and he took action. He raised his sword, cut his own long cloak in two and offered half to the man to warm and protect himself.

That night, both the beggar and Martin slept under the warmth of their half of the cloak. The legend tells that in his dream, Martin saw Jesus wearing the torn cover he had given to the vagrant. Martin arose from his sleep a believer and devoted himself to sharing the care of Christ – all the while wearing half a cloak.

On completion of his military service, Martin took up a religious life and become known as a man of compassion and a faithful follower of Christ. His belief continued to fuel his devotion and works of compassion and he was eventually designated bishop.

The legendary cape of Martin of Tours became a symbol of Christ-like compassion. People from all over the Roman world travelled to see, touch and pray before the relic. The priest who guarded the cloak came to be known as a chapelain. As the people came weeping before the cape, pouring out their hearts, this chaplain stepped forward and shared the compassion of Christ.

The imagery of the chaplain as a guardian and deliverer of compassion as portrayed within the life and legend of Martin is a very strong representation of the purposeful ministry of contemporary Christian chaplains.

The mandate to herald the gospel truth “I come alongside hurting and wounded people from all different faith backgrounds,” says Iain Mair, an MBBS student in the chaplaincy program, who works 10

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in a care facility. “I get to enter into their healing, and in the process, engage their values, spiritual understandings and religious convictions,” says Mair.

In contemporary times, the ministry of chaplaincy has undergone considerable redefinition. Religious diversity and inclusivity mark today’s Canadian context. Chaplains are trained “to help persons identify, affirm and use their own beliefs, religious and human values, faith community and faith in God to support, sustain and inform them in times of crisis and need,” writes Laurel Burton in Chaplaincy Services in Contemporary Health Care.

The role and scope of the public chaplain in Canada has expanded and changed. If you were to ask a group of practitioners to define “chaplain,” the answers would be as diverse as the personalities, perspectives and worldviews of each respondent.

Where “chaplain” traditionally referred to a representative of the Christian faith, it now refers to a man or woman representing any religious or philosophical tradition.

Such a reality has also presented new opportunities for Christian chaplains. As Christian chaplains offer pastoral care, they build relationships with individuals, organizations and religious leaders from a variety of faith convictions.

As the role of a chaplain in the public sphere changes, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, in partnership with the ACTS consortium, is training chaplaincy students to enter into this religiously diverse space while remaining devoted to the Christian mandate to herald the gospel truth. Training in counselling, pastoral care and crisis response – along with practicum experience – equips students to listen compassionately and support people in crisis.

Bridging the gap of society and church “A hospital is a place of paradox where life and hope exist alongside death and despair,” says Grace Neudorf (chaplaincy student with MBBS). As she began her practicum, she prayed “that God would go before me,

a n C h a p l a i n and I trusted that he was already present as I entered crisis situations.”

There is an increasing role for spiritual development in life as society expresses value in religious diversity and inclusivity. Demand for a guardian and deliverer of compassion – like Martin of Tours – is high, regardless of the sector.

While the traditional places for chaplaincy are healthcare, correctional facilities and military settings, there are increasing requests for chaplains in professional workplaces and industrial contexts.

All sorts of new places like airports, retail chains and corporations are asking for a care practitioner to serve spiritual needs.

In this public sphere, the Christian chaplain holds a unique place. These men and women act as a bridge, connecting the people they serve to the larger church as they witness to the good news of Jesus. Likewise, chaplains assist in connecting the larger church to the needs of the community. They stand in the gap, training members of faith communities to respond appropriately to groups in need (such as parolees and their families).

MBBS graduates are trained and prepared to work in both private and public spheres, Christian and multi-faith settings. Graduates are serving in prisons, safe houses, courts, shelters for women and children fleeing domestic violence, homeless shelters and orphanages in China.

Chaplains not only minister to the clients, patients or residents they are assigned to, but also to staff in their sectors. The sphere of influence is large, but every day the impact of the gospel shared in compassion is transforming lives of people from various walks of life.

A Christian chaplain’s presence is a reminder of God’s presence that transforms experiences of crisis, sorrow, confusion and pain.

her elderly relative,” says Neudorf who listened to the woman, prayed with her and accompanied her to say her final goodbyes. The woman was restored through the crisis and was functioning independently after such trauma. “With God’s help, I was able to bring his hope into the midst of human suffering and despair.”

The chaplain as agent of transformation Christian chaplains, write Naomi Paget and Janet McCormack in The Work of the Chaplain,“are an extension of Christ’s ministry to all people.” Christian chaplaincy continues to be a ministry of compassion, a front-line service, and a picture of the church existing in the world, professing that the good news of God’s salvation in Jesus Christ is for everyone.

As Mennonite Brethren, the often-quoted words of Menno Simons provide the basis for our engagement: “True evangelical faith is of such a nature it cannot lie dormant, but spreads itself out in all kinds of righteousness and fruits of love.”

Christian chaplains herald the good news of Christ, bridging the gap between the larger church and the marginalized, and ministering Christ’s compassion that changes the hearts to those in great need.

Moving forward, the call to serve is great. Pray for Christian chaplains as they respond to needs in all sectors of our society with Christ-like compassion.

Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary offers a chaplaincy specialization and a post-masters chaplaincy certificate at ACTS Seminaries in Langley, B.C. Combining strong academics with practical, hands-on field training through partnerships, the chaplaincy program helps MBBS graduates hit the ground running in a chaplaincy career. Dr. Gloria J. Woodland is the program director for chaplaincy and teaches most of the chaplaincy courses.

“I was able to come alongside a woman who experienced the pain of loss after the sudden death of

Mennonite Brethren Herald | January/February 2016

11

ICOMB: International Community of W i eb e ’s Witn es s

Drawing from his travels to visit MB churches around the world, ICOMB executive director David Wiebe offers insights on faith.

Voyage into the Unknown Follow the captain into the storm “That’s impossible! It must be photoshopped,” I said as I looked at an amazing picture in Sagres, Portugal.

My wife and I were in Algarve province, exploring the beautiful cliffs and caves, beaches and blowholes carved by millennia of ocean activity. Sagres is located at the southwest corner of the country.

Its claim to fame is a museum honouring Infante D. Henrique, otherwise known as Henry the Navigator. He lived from 1394 to 1460, a son of Portuguese royalty.

Under his inspiration, two new sailing technologies emerged in the 15th century: a ship with greater agility, called the caravel, and techniques for sailing against the wind.

Henry is credited with setting the stage for the age of discoveries for Portugal and for Christopher Columbus to reach North America in 1492.

We had just toured this museum, spread over four square kilometres in a park atop the 30-metre cliffs overlooking the vast Atlantic stretching unbroken to the western horizon. We passed blowholes where we could actually hear the ocean unseen far below. I wondered what kind of water power carved these holes 50 metres away from the cliff edge.

12

Then, I saw the picture in the gift shop.

Someone had photographed a wave crashing against the cliff, with the splash rising high above it! A hundred foot wave?! Impossible, I thought, until I saw videos of surfers riding 100-foot waves at Nazaré, Portugal.

It really struck me: what courage it took for sailors to set out in such tiny ships to explore the world!

Starting a new year doesn’t sound nearly as daunting. Our resolutions for personal improvements typically don’t require the same resolve to conquer unknowns while risking life and limb to do it.

Still, Christians might be sailing pretty rough waters these days.

For example, how shall we navigate our changing culture? We lament that postmodernism is rewriting the rules of truth. However, can we say that the materialistic machine of modernism was or is a better model? Truth is in Christ – a person who said, “I AM the truth” (John 14:6).

An ancient Christian named Makarios taught that we should strive to be the “friend of God, brother of Christ.” Paul wrote, “You have come to know God, or rather to be

January/February 2016 | www.mbherald.com

David Wiebe known by God...”(Galatians 4:9, ESV). This turn of phrase strongly implies friendship.

What implications does this have on our discipleship and witness today? What implications does this have on relating the gospel to sexual ethics and related hot issues; the definition and misuse of power in the church; our largely unchecked materialism and its power over us?

How shall we navigate the challenges of terrorism and its effects?

Should we welcome Syrian refugees openly or be cautiously reluctant? Of course we worry about terrorism. But is the terrorism of the Islamic State much different from the state-sponsored terrorism of Leopold of Belgium in the Congo (10 million deaths); of Hitler on Jews, Jehovahs Witnesses, Roma, homosexuals, persons with disabilities and more (11 million); of Stalin toward Ukrainians (7 million deaths)?

What about the terror unleashed on the First Nations of North America for five centuries after Columbus “discovered” this continent?

What implications does all this have on our commitment to a message of peacemaking in the name of Christ? I think it should drive us toward it, since if we don’t witness to peace in our world, who will?

Mennonite Brethren The new year stretches out before us. In a sense, the future provides no navigation lines to guide us. Yet we have a Captain who directs our lives. We truly must lean on and obey the word of our Captain. It will be a struggle! We wrestle; we contend (Ephesians 6:12). We do it with truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God and prayer (6:14–18) so that our proclamation is clear and powerful (6:19) even if we are oppressed and bound because of it (6:20).

Here we find courage and direction to face our future, big waves and all.

David Wiebe is a fan of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and podcasts on church history (57 hours and counting). After two decades of working for the Canadian Conference of MB Churches, he has served the International Community of Mennonite Brethren as executive director since 2011.

did you know?

AIMP – Associaçäo dos Irmäos Menonitas de Portugal – is comprised of 5 churches with some 200 participants.

They are very multicultural: Angolan, Russian, and Portuguese.

Missionaries Otto and Marjorie Ekk have served in Portugal, based in Lisbon, for more than 25 years.

Lisbon experienced a major earthquake, tsunami and fire that destroyed much of the city and historical records in 1755. This landmark event was widely discussed and dwelt upon by European Enlightenment philosophers, and inspired major developments in theodicy (why God allows manifestations of evil).

Mennonite Brethren Herald | January/February 2016

13

VIEWPOINT My church visitor project Tony Martens Sitting in my car outside a Catholic church in Saskatoon, I was nervous and full of questions. As I pastor, I’m in church every Sunday – but I don’t actually know what it’s like to be a visitor. As a part of my sabbatical, I decided to find out.

My goal was to visit churches from a number of denominations and worship styles, where I knew no one, and I managed to visit quite a variety (independent Mennonite, Orthodox, Mennonite Brethren, non-denominational, liturgical Baptist, Nazarene).

I quickly discovered this is terrifying.

I’m a natural introvert, so I didn’t actively seek interaction. After some reflection, I realized I wanted both to blend in and be acknowledged.

building? At some churches, it was 10 minutes early, some right on the start time and at others the crowd didn’t gather till after their published service time.

• How will I be welcomed? Is there someone at the entrance or in the foyer?

Nearly all the churches had someone at the door with an initial welcome.

Most churches had some mingling or welcoming portion in the service as well.

This is by nature an uncomfortable time for visitors, but one church handled it well by offering an explanation from the front about the purpose.

• What kinds of songs do you sing?

I experienced quite a variety of styles: traditional hymns, new choruses, original in-house songs or none at all.

• What is the sermon like? The sermons I heard on this project ranged from fiveminute snippets to 45-minute lectures.

Some churches are experimenting with teaching styles; it was good to see interactive approaches as well as more traditional monologues.

I QUICKLY DISCOVERED IT IS TERRIFYING TO ENTER A CHURCH STONE COLD, KNOWING NO ONE.

• What rituals do you have that I would be unfamiliar with? Some

Before I entered the first worship service, I wrote down the questions whose answers would help me be more comfortable entering the church stone cold, knowing no one.

It’s as bad to stick out for being overdressed as under dressed! Almost all the services I attended were casual.

However, if particular garments or coverings are required for worship, I want to know that beforehand.

• How do I get there? Can I get there

congregations give responses to cues from the worship leader. It was helpful when this program was printed in the bulletin, but in most places, I was in the dark about what to say when.

• Is the dress casual or more formal?

by public transit? When I arrive by car or bicycle, where can I park?

• How long is the service? It helps to know if it’ll be over in one hour or three.

• When does the congregation arrive?

• Who can take communion if it is served? Some churches have more

I don’t want to stand around awkwardly.

When people do actually walk into the

14

regulations and rituals in their practice of the

January/February 2016 | www.mbherald.com

Lord’s Supper than others. As a visitor, how can I participate appropriately – if at all?

• Will I be expected to give money?

What is the money going to be used for?

Special projects or local ministries?

• What do you do with children? What if my children can’t sit quietly throughout the service? Is there somewhere I can take them? Is there a supervised place for them to play, and what ages are allowed? How are they included in the service?

I came to realize that there are essentially five levels of interaction a visitor – or regular attender – experiences in a worship gathering.

1. Greeting. In our culture, this is usually done by shaking hands.

2. Introductions. I was surprised by how rarely I was asked for my name.

3. Conversation. At a few churches, people readily asked what brought me there. Most places, I was not engaged at all.

4. Invitation. In some places, I was invited for lunch after the service. If that seems too personal, a visitor might be invited to a small group or another service.

5. Involvement. Some churches have an interactive style that welcomes participation. In one worship service, I was invited to read Scripture and a selection from the liturgy.

I found that as I moved from 1 to 5, I felt more welcome. I felt most alone in the churches where I was ignored or simply had my hand shaken. In only three churches did people really enter into a conversation to find out more about me.

The church that had no mingling time actually felt the least uncomfortable because I didn’t feel different from the other attenders. The church that explained

the purpose of mid-service pause (“a time for building community among people who only gather Sundays”) helped me understand why no one talked to me. It was the least awkward at a church where I had reached level 3 before the service so that when the mingling time arrived, I already had visited with some people.

After being on this journey, I recommend churches do three things to be more welcoming:

GATHERING 2016 Gathering 2016 will be hosted in Toronto at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites, July 6–9, 2016.

1. Post a “what to expect” section on your website with answers to the above

questions.

2. At bare minimum, greet visitors

and ask their names. Conversation is important in building the community life of a church, but keep an eye out to make sure no one is left out, visitors or regulars.

3. Explain what is going on. From child care to communion, help the visitor understand why things are happening.

Oh, and could we please lose the attender books and stop asking visitors to stand or put up their hand? This information should be gathered informally through conversations.

The theme verse, 1 Corinthians 9:16 proclaims “Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!” (NLT)

G ATHERING AD

By the radical, life-transforming gospel of Jesus Christ, we are COMPELLED to preach the good news to all people near and far. Our mission is urgent and must be engaged together as the MB churches of Canada. Jesus calls his disciples to join him in the Father’s mission and to experience deep community on the journey.

Sadly, in my experience, churches generally handle visitors very poorly. I began to wonder if the reason people are leaving the church is they are put off by the trouble of finding one.

Join together with Mennonite Brethren from across Canada in Toronto as we worship our King and explore how we can multiply the impact of our churches and shape our mission as Canadian Mennonite Brethren. Don’t miss this opportunity to worship, learn and discern with our faith family.

I’m thankful for the opportunity to see the church from a visitor’s perspective. I’m already incorporating these lessons into my own practice and being more proactive in my efforts to be welcoming.

For more information visit www.gathering2016.mennonitebrethren.ca (updated regularly).

Tony Martens is pastor of Riverbend Fellowship, Borden, Sask., where he has served for 15 years. He first published a version of this article on his church website, www.riverbendfellowship.ca.

JULY 6-9, 2016 / HILTON TORONTO AIRPORT HOTEL Gathering2016.MennoniteBrethren.ca

Mennonite Brethren Herald | January/February 2016

15

NEWS Prayer Journey Four countries, $14,000, 1,760 km: that’s how much ground MoveIn’s prayer walk July 11, 2015, covered.

Muslim country,” says a Canadian Prayer Journeyer in United Arab Emirates. “As we prayed through a date palm oasis, I was reminded of the refreshment we find in Christ. The palms were heavy with ripe dates just as the spiritual harvest is plentiful in Al Ain. I will continue to pray back in Canada.”

“The first annual Prayer Journey was successful beyond what we could have imagined,” says MoveIn executive associate Jacob Chandler, a ministry worker from Glencairn MB Church, Kitchener, Ont.

Two locations experienced violent crimes in the days before the 2015 walk. “We feel privileged to be in these hard places to pray together for God to bring peacefilled people into the neighbourhood,” says Chandler.

What began as a hope for 30–40 people in three cities to pray grew to 167 pray-ers walking, running or cycling across 10 high-need regions in United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Indonesia and Canada (Etobicoke, Cambridge, Ottawa, Toronto, Hamilton and North York, Ont., and Vancouver, B.C.).

“It was great to have members of the community with us [as we prayed for them],” says an Ottawa Prayer Journeyer.

“It’s a blessing to the community to know they aren’t alone, and to others to know that God has a remnant there; he’s already working.”

MoveIn’s dream is to see “thousands of regular Christians prayerfully moving in among the unreached, urban poor,” says Chandler, who joined the movement in 2012.

The Ontario MB conference helped launch the MoveIn movement in 2009 with organizational, administrative and financial resources and continues to be a foundational support.

The funds the Prayer Journey raises go toward resourcing MoveIners with relational coaching, annual ministry training conferences and discipleship materials in various languages, and to starting new teams in Canada and around the world. MoveIners are tentmakers who have regular jobs or classwork and commit themselves to ministry in their unreached neighbourhood.

Prayer Journey is intended as a catalyst for teams to form in new patches. It’s already working: one couple and an individual from the 2015 Prayer Journey have since started MoveIn teams in the neighbourhoods they prayed for.

The Prayer Journey is a learning experience for many participants who don’t live in the neighbourhood. “I experienced what it was like to live in a 16

“We saw God’s hand,” says Chandler, “as a young Christian in Indonesia came into contact with the coordinators there through a Toronto MoveIner’s Instagram post about Prayer Journey.” She joined the walk in Jakarta.

“It was exciting to be amid an intergenerational team from different churches and ministries joining in prayer for the unreached and urban poor,” says a Cambridge, Ont., Prayer Journeyer. “It was an honour to be a forerunner in preparing the ground for a future MoveIn team.”

MoveIn will announce locations for the July 16, 2016, Prayer Journey in February.

Email contact@prayerjourney.global to join the journey. —Angeline Schellenberg

Paul Toews explained Mennonite Brethren to themselves FRESNO, Cal. The Mennonite world has lost a teacher, scholar and interpreter. Paul Toews, Fresno Pacific University (FPU) emeritus professor of history, died Nov. 27, 2015, on his 75th birthday, at his home in Fresno, Calif.

“Paul’s significance to Fresno Pacific University, the Mennonite Brethren church and the larger Mennonite world is almost incalculable,” says Kevin Enns-Rempel, director of Hiebert Library, a colleague and former student of Toews.

As an instructor, Toews shaped young scholars, says Enns-Rempel. As director of the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies and the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission, he fostered a sense of historical identity. As an author and Mennonite heritage tour leader, he contextualized the broader North American and European Mennonite story.

Toews also led the team documenting the negotiations for divestiture of the General Conference into Canadian (CCMBC) and U.S. (USMB) conferences in 2002.

The middle son of Mennonite Brethren patriarch J.B. Toews, Paul Toews spent 44 years on FPU’s history faculty and retired in 2013. He is survived by his wife

PHOTO: Martha Marris

Joggers pray through high-needs neighbourhoods

Leading historian dies

Runners and walkers line up in Hamilton, Ont., for a 10 km route.

January/February 2016 | www.mbherald.com

PHOTO: Courtesy Fresno Pacific University

FOOTPRINTS

Olga, daughter Renee, son Matthew and brothers John and James.

Toews once said his love of history was born at his family dinner table, where MB leaders discussed the denomination’s past and future. The family moved among MB centres as the elder Toews pastored and taught in Bible colleges in Canada and the U.S. Toews wrote more than 70 articles, sections of books and encyclopedia entries, led 15 Mennonite Heritage Cruises to Russia and Ukraine and developed a collection of 200,000 pages of documents on Mennonites from czarist and Soviet Russia.

“Mennonite Brethren, in particular, can thank Paul for shaping the unique character of the Centres for MB Studies and the MB Historical Commission,” says Jon Isaak, CMBS Winnipeg director and Historical Commission secretary. “He gave leadership to both groups, making them more than simply maintenance organizations.” Isaak thanks Toews for giving him his first editing job – “even if it was only the footnotes to one of his publications” – as a young seminary student in Fresno. “He will be missed.”

ON THE FUTURE

Will & Estate Planning Seminar Join us for a free seminar with Arnie Friesen of Mennonite Foundation of Canada and Clayton Loewen of Integra Law. Learn how you can ensure that your will maps out the future you want.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2016 10:00 – 11:30 AM Continental Breakfast provided Communitas Supportive Care Society #103 – 2776 Bourquin Crescent West, Abbotsford RSVP to legacy@CommunitasCare.com or call 604.850.6608 Brought to you by:

Where are you going with God? Consider 8-10 months of intensive discipleship-in-mission training. mbmission.org/TREK | 1.888.866.62677

“I hope students became more sympathetic and tolerant to other understandings,” Toews once stated as his goal as an instructor. “We need to remember, as the Apostle Paul wrote, ‘We do see through a glass darkly.’”

— Karla Braun, with files from Fresno Pacific University

Mennonite Brethren Herald | January/February 2016

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2. Sex 2.0

Bethany College, the small Saskatchewan college born in the boom of Bible training schools amid the dust of the Depression, matriculates its last students Apr. 26, 2015, after 88 years of training leaders to serve the church.

The board of faith and life hosts a second study conference on healthy sexuality. Some presenters offer challenging perspectives on sexuality, but there’s consensus on this: we need to talk about sex in church.

PHOTO: Bethany College

1. Bethany, dead at 88

PHOTO: Dale D. Gehman

3. A menagerie of Mennonites More than 8,000 Mennonites and Brethren in Christ from around the world gather at the Harrisburg, Pa., Farm Show Complex for Mennonite World Conference’s once-everysix-years Assembly. Only 124 Canadian MBs worship, learn and play with our international family in person, but others tune in to the live streamed sessions, read the web updates and follow the social media chatter.

PHOTO: Dustin Wiebe

2015 – THE Y E AR THAT WAS

4. It’s over...we’re back... what do you think?

MB Herald begins the year as a monthly, is reduced to bimonthly in June along with a termination announcement that is rescinded a few months later. Bimonthly publishing schedule persists as the communications team processes results of a Canadawide survey of CCMBC media.

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19

Finish lines Katharina (Tina) Brown Nov. 25, 1920–Mar. 19, 2015

BIRTHPLACE: Edenthal, Man.

PARENTS: David & Helen Heinrichs

MARRIAGE: Peter Brown, Oct. 4, 1941

BAPTISM: Bergthaler Mennonite, Altona, Man. CHURCH: Portage Avenue, Winnipeg

FAMILY: Peter; children Esther [d.], Robert [d.]

(Kathy [d.]), Violet (John) Rademaker, John (Jane Sigurdson), Lillian (Dennis) Poetker, Eva (Doug) Wiebe, Ruth (Vern) Martens; 26 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings

Tina had a great love for children. She enjoyed teaching, cooking, sewing, gardening, travelling, serving the church. She blessed many with hospitality. Tina led ladies groups and taught Sunday school. As cook at MB Bible College, Winnipeg, and Camp Arnes, Man. (where she volunteered 12 years), she was loved for her delicious food and ready smile. Her optimism and faith in Jesus carried her through 14 years of dialysis.

Walter grew up in a home where Christian principles were central, and he followed the Lord throughout life. When Walter was 14, his family moved to the Okanagan to farm, but returned to beekeeping when their orchard froze. A life-altering experience was singing Handel’s Messiah with the Bethel Church choir. In the inter-church choir, Walter noticed the pianist Irene and drove her home after a rehearsal. After their wedding, Walter worked 10 years as chartered accountant for Rowcliffe Canning Co. He studied music at MB Bible College, Winnipeg, graduating with a BA in 1968. While working in accounting at Neufeldt Industries, Lethbridge, Alta., Walter directed Coaldale MB’s choir and led Lethbridge Symphony Chorus. He was in demand for tenor solos in oratorios.

When Walter was directing or singing, Irene nearly always accompanied him on piano.

They worked in music at Clearbrook MB for 7 years before retiring to Penticton, B.C., in 1992. Walter volunteered as music director at Grace MB Church and started Gracemen, a male octet. His favourite destination was Waterton Lakes National Park. Walter and Irene visited Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Ecuador.

Walter touched many hearts with his music.

Maria Martens

David (Tony) Enns

Nov. 7, 1926–June 8, 2015

Apr. 2, 1927–May 24, 2015

BIRTHPLACE: Hepburn, Sask. Sask.

BIRTHPLACE: Hepburn, PARENTS: Jacob & Agnes (Dyck) Enns

MARRIAGE: Stella Peters, Apr. 2, 1949 BAPTISM: Mount Royal Mennonite, Saskatoon, June 20, 1971 CHURCH: West Portal, Saskatoon

FAMILY: Stella; sons Terry (Nichole), Lorry (Audrey); 3 grandchildren

Tony was a caring husband and a devoted father. He loved his grandchildren deeply. He was the last surviving sibling of 21.

Walter Goerzen May 7, 1932–June 3, 2015

BIRTHPLACE: Lethbridge, Alta.

PARENTS: Hermann Goerzen & Helena Reimer MARRIAGE: Irene Cornelsen, Aug. 29, 1953 CHURCH: Coaldale (Alta.) MB; Kelowna (B.C.) MB; Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C., Grace MB, Penticton, B.C. FAMILY: Irene; sons Harold (Linda), Donald, Glen (Nadine); 8 grandchildren; 6 greatgrandchildren; 2 siblings; 2 step-siblings

20

Young Abe was responsible for staying at the train station to decide whether it was safe to escape to Germany. He accepted Jesus while bombs fell on Leipzig, Germany. The family immigrated to Paraguay. His family moved to Canada to honour Abe’s call to pastoral ministry. Without prior English, Abe worked tenaciously to earn his high school diploma. While attending MB Bible College, Winnipeg, he met Alvina, who shared the same call. He earned a BA from Wilfred Laurier University, Ont., and taught high school history for 5 years. In 1969, Abe and Alvina helped plant an MB church in Prince Albert, Sask. After 17 years pastoring West Portal, Saskatoon, Abe and Alvina led Elmwood MB in Winnipeg for 8 years. They ended their formal ministry at Forest Grove, Saskatoon, in the care ministry. Abe’s passion was developing leaders; he mentored 35 interns.

Abe was a servant of God, an adoring husband, a loving father, a passionate leader.

Jacob Krahn Wiebe Jan. 1, 1926–June 12, 2015

BIRTHPLACE: Barkfield, Man.

PARENTS: Peter & Margaretha (Krahn) Wiebe MARRIAGE: Anne Klassen, July 29, 1950 CHURCH: Bethel Church, Winnipeg; Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C.

BIRTHPLACE: Greenland, Man.

PARENTS: Jacob & Anna (Duerksen) Martens CHURCH: Bakerview MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: sister Agnes; 3 nieces; 4 greatnieces & nephews

FAMILY: Anne; children Rick, Terry (Diane), Gail (Paul) Chamberlain, Judy (Mark) Wardrop, Tim (Debbie); 9 grandchildren; 1 greatgranddaughter

After Jake’s birth, the family immigrated to Paraguay, travelling by train to New York, Maria was born shortly after her parents then by cattle boat. They returned to Canada emigrated from Russia. She received her el- within 9 months, settling in a house barn on ementary education in Abbotsford, B.C., and a dairy farm. Jake’s family attended church, attended normal school in Vancouver. Maria but being “born again” was frowned upon. In began her teaching career in Kelowna, B.C., 1945, after she said she couldn’t die because and later taught in Abbotsford, retiring in 1984. Jesus hadn’t come, Jake heard his mother cry, “Now he’s here!” in her last breath. Jake left for Winnipeg, where he met Anne. He worked 42 years for Cowin Steel, retiring Abe C. Klassen in 1990. Jake and Anne returned to church Feb. 1, 1936–June 11, 2015 when their children asked to go to Sunday school. When the pastor preached on alcoholism, Jake was convicted. Kneeling in the garbage room at work, he became a child of BIRTHPLACE: Kronsthal, Chortitza, Russia God. After a party, Jake was overcome with PARENTS: Abram A. & Anna (Pauls) Klassen guilt, and never needed liquor again. Jake and Anne taught Sunday school and new MARRIAGE: Alvina L. Thiessen, July 28, 1962 believers, helped with care groups, served BAPTISM: Gnadenthal, Paraguay, Mar. 5, 1950 as greeters and on boards. They joined CHURCH: Prince Albert (Sask.) MB; West gospel teams at Union Gospel Mission. In Portal, Saskatoon; Elmwood MB, Winnipeg; retirement, Jake was associate chaplain at Forest Grove, Saskatoon Winnipeg International Airport and the FAMILY: Alvina; children Florianne (Phil), Ryan; Abbotsford (B.C.) Salvation Army His 5 grandchildren mother’s deathbed experience became meaningful to him.

January/February 2016 | www.mbherald.com

Maria Rempel

teered at Ten Thousand Villages. After Neil’s death, Martha continued her involvements at Menno Place, Abbotsford, B.C., with joy.

Jan. 27, 1929–June 18, 2015

Agnes Spenst BIRTHPLACE: Osterwick, Ukraine PARENTS: Willms

July 11, 1919–July 3, 2015

MARRIAGE: Johann Rempel, 1950 [d.]

BAPTISM: Gronau, Germany

CHURCH: Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C.

FAMILY: sons Siegfried (Terry), Wolfgang (Lynn); 2 grandchildren; 2 great-grandsons; 3 siblings

In the 1930s, Maria’s family immigrated to East Germany, where she was a sewing apprentice. When WWII began, she and her sister evaded the Russian army to arrive in West Germany. She worked in the kitchen at MCC’s Gronau refugee camp. In 1948, Maria immigrated to Canada. In Winnipeg, she met and married Johann, an Armed Forces fire fighter. Their family moved often. In addition to caring for 2 sons, Maria enjoyed square dancing, music, baking and travelling. She graduated from B.C. Institute of Technology with a certificate in baking. In the 1980s, Maria and son Wolfgang visited East Germany.

The last 21 years of her life were in Abbotsford, B.C., where she joined Clearbrook MB and took music lessons. Maria became ill June 17 and died in her sleep the next day.

Martha Braun Peters July 12, 1930–June 28, 2015

BIRTHPLACE: Yarrow, B.C.

PARENTS: John & Susanna Braun

MARRIAGE: Neil Peters, 1989 [d. Aug. 17, 2013] BAPTISM: age 16

CHURCH: Grace MB, Penticton, B.C.

FAMILY: stepsons Wes (Karen), Ken (Judy); their families; 3 siblings

At a girls’ club session when she was 14, Martha realized she too had gone astray (Isaiah 53:5–6) and accepted Jesus as Saviour.

1 John 1:7 was given to her at her baptism.

Martha graduated from Yarrow Bible School and MB Bible College, Winnipeg. Her desire was to serve the Lord. She taught Sunday school many years. Martha served Canada Inland Mission, Grand Forks, B.C., 3 summers, and then was assistant at West Coast Children’s Mission. She worked for a finance company in Vancouver. With the Ambassadors, she sang in rest homes and at Union Gospel Mission. In 1975, Martha served Wycliffe Bible Translators’ finance office in Mexico. When that door closed to foreign missionaries, she worked at Wycliffe’s Calgary office. She and Neil lived in Penticton, Kelowna and Abbotsford, B.C. She volun

BIRTHPLACE: Pleschanovo, Neu Samara, Russia PARENTS: Henry & Anna Isaak

MARRIAGE: Henry Spenst, July 13, 1963 [d.

June 6, 1992] CHURCH: Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C.

FAMILY: stepchildren; foster children; 2 siblings

Agnes’ family immigrated to Canada aboard the Minnedosa, arriving in Quebec in 1925.

A train took them to Zeneta, Sask. After 3 crop failures, they responded to the Mennonitische Rundschau’s invitation to settle in Yarrow, B.C. Agnes left school to work on the farm. She had no opportunity to study nursing, but at 30 she was hired as a practical nurse at Vancouver General Hospital.

She worked at Bethesda Mennonite Home, Vineland, Ont., and Chilliwack (B.C.) Hospital.

In 1963, she met and married widower Henry.

They travelled to South Africa to help missionary Elsie Peters. In Yarrow, Henry and Agnes had up to 7 foster children at one time. Susie and Vera lived with them for 10 years and the family accepted them as relatives. Henry and Agnes served a year at MB Bible College, Winnipeg, as kitchen help and handyman.

While in Winnipeg, Henry had a stroke that put him in a wheelchair. They moved to a condo in Abbotsford in 1988, where Agnes cared for him. After Henry’s death, Agnes lived on her own, sang in the choir and was active with Evangelism Encouragers. She boldly witnessed about her faith at every opportunity. Her love for God and people was evident. She entered Menno Home, and in 2011, Menno Hospital, Abbotsford, B.C.

grated to Chaco, Paraguay, moving in 1937 to Friesland, where Lena met Abram. Their son Werner became ill and died at 13. In 1978, the family immigrated to Vancouver, B.C. In 1990, Lena and Abram retired to Abbotsford, B.C., where they served God at King Road Church with joy. Two years after Abram’s death, Lena moved to a care facility in Surrey, B.C.

Edwin Walter Friesen May 20, 1924–July 8, 2015

BIRTHPLACE: Rosthern, Sask.

PARENTS: Abram & Judith (Martens) Friesen MARRIAGE: Mary Reimer, 1956 [d. 2000]; Helen Neufeld, Feb. 24, 2001

CHURCH: Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C.

FAMILY: Helen; son Ray (Linda); 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; stepchildren Ev (Jim) Downey, Wes (Gail) Friesen, Barb (Robb) Timm

When Ed was 4, the family moved to Carrot River, Sask., where his dad homesteaded.

When his father retired from the farm, Ed and his sister Amanda moved their parents back to Rosthern, Sask. Ed followed his brother to Coaldale, Alta., where he met Mary. Ed drove truck until he became a farm equipment salesperson in Lethbridge, Alta., in 1965. Travelling for work allowed him to visit family across the prairies. He worked for an auto dealership from 1980–87.

In 1992, he followed his son’s family to B.C., where he walked 2–3 miles each day, meeting people. The year after Mary’s death, he was lonely until he met Helen. Her family enfolded him, and he found peace and a new audience for his practical jokes, including “stool samples” (miniature 3-legged wooden stools inside film canisters). Though very ill, Ed continued joking with nurses and doctors.

Elfriede Susanne Peters Feb. 19, 1918–July 10, 2015

Lena Fast Nov. 4, 1924–July 6, 2015

BIRTHPLACE: Blumenort, South Russia PARENTS: Abraham H. & Martha Toews

BIRTHPLACE: Siberia, Russia

MARRIAGE: Henry Peters, 1962 [d. 1991]

PARENTS: Peter & Helena Goossen

MARRIAGE: Abram Fast, Mar. 20, 1943 [d. Jan. 5, 2009] CHURCH: King Road MB, Abbotsford, B.C.

FAMILY: children Irene (Henry), Ali (Brian), Helmut (Dina), Erich (Rosemarie), Ed, Elsa (Werner), Sieg (Lynda), Werner [d.]; 11 grandchildren; 12 greatgrandchildren; 1 great-great-grandson; 3 siblings

When Lena was 3, her family moved to the Amur region for 2 years, then crossed into China, settling in a refugee camp in Harbin.

In 1932, with MCC’s help, the family immi-

BAPTISM: North Kildonan MB, Winnipeg, 1944

CHURCH: Central MB, Elmwood MB, Winnipeg FAMILY: stepchildren Henry (Irene), Frieda (John) Schmidt, Charlotte (Neil) Klassen; 8 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters

Elfriede had a happy childhood until revolution destroyed her home. Her family immigrated to Canada in 1925. She went to one-room schools in rural Manitoba, then high school and nurses’ training in Winnipeg.

Elfriede gained 4 children when she married Henry; they had many happy gatherings and

Mennonite Brethren Herald | January/February 2016

21

camping trips. Family and faith were most important to her. Elfriede loved travelling, gardening, sewing, and embroidering petit point pictures and wall hangings. Her granddaughter Jennifer, niece Kathy Ewert, friend Charlotte Redekopp and neighbours Joe and Leona Moder brightened her last years with help and care.

John Philip Wiebe Nov. 3, 1942–July 12, 2015

31 years in Yarrow, B.C., Neta cooked, baked and canned for a family of eight. She made wool quilts for each child as a wedding gift.

While working, Neta hummed. She remained a private person. At 50, Jakob was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Ten years later, Neta and Jakob retired to Abbotsford, B.C. Neta cared for Jakob at home, and when he entered care, visited him daily. Their youngest lived at home until Neta moved into a care home when a family on the same street welcomed Lenora into their home. Neta’s concern was always, “How is Nora doing?”

Helen (Henrietta) Enns

BIRTHPLACE: Winkler, Man.

Dec. 19, 1924–July 13, 2015

PARENTS: Philip & Anna Wiebe MARRIAGE: Karen, 1971 BAPTISM: 1985

CHURCH: Maple Ridge, East Ridge, B.C.; North Langley (B.C.)

FAMILY: Karen; sons Todd (Sheryl), Ted (Beth), Kyle (Tamara); 5 grandchildren; 3 siblings

When he was 10, John’s family moved to B.C. He attended Mennonite Educational Institute, Abbotsford, B.C. In 1965, he graduated with a BA and teaching certificate from UBC. John’s first teaching job was in a high school in Williams Lake, B.C. In 1977, John and Karen moved to Quesnel, B.C., where he realized his goal of becoming a speech therapist for the school district. Their family enjoyed canoeing, hunting, fishing, golfing, curling. After teaching 30 years, John retired to golf and travel with Karen. Kind and generous, John always welcomed others into his home. He loved time with his grandchildren. In his last years, he faced several cancers with strength, courage and dignity.

Aganeta Janzen Apr. 28, 1922–July 12, 2015

BIRTHPLACE: Franzthal, Molotschna, Ukraine

BIRTHPLACE: Garthland, Sask.

PARENTS: Henry & Olga Hintz

MARRIAGE: William Enns, Dec. 16, 1941 [d.

July 5, 1993]

CHURCH: Warman (Sask.) MB; West Portal, Saskatoon

FAMILY: sons Gary [d. 1994], Dale [d. 2007], Vern [d. 2009]; 5 grandchildren including Candice Enns [d.]; 3 daughters-in-law; greatgrandchildren; 1 sister

Helen and William accepted Jesus as Saviour after seeing their oldest son change soon after giving his life to the Lord. They moved to Warman, Sask., and served Warman MB as deacons. In retirement, they moved to Luther Heights, Saskatoon. After losing William, her three sons, and a granddaughter, Helen’s grief was overwhelming. She cried out to God and was comforted in a way she couldn’t fully describe. She often talked of heaven. Helen cared for the flowers at Luther Heights.

She spent many hours knitting and crocheting sweaters, mittens, socks and blankets for children in need. In her last months, Helen enjoyed reading her Bible, looking at photo albums and doing crosswords. Her longing for heaven grew with her dementia.

PARENTS: Heinrich & Aganeta (Dueckman) Unruh

Jacob Baerg Jr.

MARRIAGE: Jakob P. Janzen, Dec. 15, 1940 [d. Oct. 16, 1996]

June 1, 1921–July 16, 2015

CHURCH: Yarrow (B.C.) MB; Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C.

FAMILY: children Katie (Art) Arnold, Irma (Harry) Peters, Rudy (Kim), Marlene Beugeling, Irv (Valerie), Lenora; 6 grandchildren; 4 greatgrandchildren

Neta’s brother was never seen again after he was drafted, and her father died shortly after the Russians arrested him in 1941, but the family didn’t learn of this until 10 years later.

Months after Aganeta married Jakob, the Russian army conscripted him. Neta walked to Poland with her in-laws in the Great Trek.

After reuniting in Poland, Neta and Jakob immigrated to Canada in 1949 with a daughter, born in a German refugee camp. During their

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BIRTHPLACE: Grigoryevka, Ukraine

PARENTS: Jacob & Maria (Harms) Baerg

MARRIAGE: Frances Wiebe, 1947 [d. 1971]; Elfrieda Rempel, June 13, 1981

BAPTISM: King Road MB, Abbotsford, B.C., 1941 CHURCH: Bakerview MB, Abbotsford, B.C.

FAMILY: Elfrieda; children Edwin (Linda), Rich (Sue), Marvin (Karen), Joyce (Brian) Wilson; 10 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren

Jacob’s family fled Russia in 1924, settling in Manitoba, where they faced dust and the stock market crash. They arrived in B.C. in

January/February 2016 | www.mbherald.com

1932 with $5, starting a farm in Aldergrove.

Jacob served as a conscientious objector. After Jacob and Frances married, they moved to Winnipeg for Bible school. They returned to B.C. to farm, log and mill. When Frances died in a car accident, Jacob was devastated. He sold the farm and travelled Africa and Israel. In 1979, Jacob met Elfrieda.

He began farming again and taught her to fish. Jacob and Elfrieda travelled to Alaska and Florida. For 15 years, he managed stomach cancer by eating many small meals. Jacob volunteered at The Gleaners. After kidney surgery, Jacob’s health slowly declined.

Anne Doerksen June 22, 1918–July 17, 2015

BIRTHPLACE: Otterburne, Man.

PARENTS: Johann H. & Sara (Kliewer) Loeppky MARRIAGE: Abe Doerksen, Nov. 13, 1938 [d.

Feb. 21, 2001] CHURCH: Salem, Winnipeg

FAMILY: daughters Linda (Al) Willms, Verna Dalke, Judy (Walter) Lipinsky; 6 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren

Anne’s love for God and her family is her legacy.

Elisabeth Rogalsky Feb. 11, 1914–July 24, 2015

BIRTHPLACE: Orloff, Russia

PARENTS: Abram & Aganeta (Fast) Walde

MARRIAGE: David Rogalsky, Apr. 2, 1939 [d. 1979] CHURCH: Bakerview, Abbotsford, B.C.

FAMILY: children Alexander (Lillian), Waldemar (Judy), Marlene (Jonathan) Siemens, Lorena (Ralph) Siemens, Elvira (Harold) Boldt, Kathleen (Rudy) Wiebe; 17 grandchildren; 55 greatgrandchildren including Tyrelle Ryan McCaig [d.]; 7 great-great-grandchildren; 1 sister

Elisabeth immigrated to Canada in 1926. She and David lived in Alberta before moving to Abbotsford, B.C., in 1970.

Elisabeth enjoyed homemaking, singing, travelling, being involved in the community and giving advice. She spend her last few days at Christine Morrison Hospice, Mission, B.C., and died peacefully at 101.

Erna Siemens Mar. 9, 1934–July 25, 2015

BIRTHPLACE: Coaldale, Alta.

PARENTS: George & Helen Barg

MARRIAGE: Peter C. Kopp, May 20, 1956

[d. 2006]; Leo Siemens, July 18, 2009 BAPTISM: Coaldale MB, age 15

FAMILY: Leo; children Lawrence (Wanda), Allen (Allison), Murray (Lorna), Wes (Ruth), [2 d. at birth]; Leo’s children Lorrie Elgard, Elaine (Steve) Pattimore, Mark; 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; 3 siblings

Erna attended school through Grade 9, then needed to work. She accepted Christ as a child, was baptized at 15 and remained an active member of Coaldale MB the rest of her life. Erna and Peter raised 4 sons. Once the youngest entered school, Erna worked as a cook in Coaldale Hospital for 12 years.

In retirement, she blessed others through hospitality and visitation. Erna and Peter enjoyed 50 years until his unexpected death in 2006. After several years of adjusting to widowhood, Erna married Leo – a fresh start with great hopes. Five months later, she was diagnosed with cancer, a journey that required all her determination and strength.

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CHURCH: Vineland (Ont.) MB, Grantham MB, St. Catharines, Ont. FAMILY: Abe; children Dianna, Gary, Sharon, Don, Brian; grandchildren

Margaret began her relationship with God at Bible camp. Margaret met Abe while working at a canning factory in Port Dalhousie, Ont. The year before their wedding, Margaret and Abe studied together at Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute. They farmed, first near St. Catharines, then Jordan Station, Ont. Margaret’s pies were suburb. She lived frugally, so she could support missionaries; her fridge was full of prayer cards. Abe and Margaret served New Tribes Mission in Senegal, Australia, Papua New Guinea and Durham, Ont., 1989–1994. She opened her home to others, even during harvest season. Developing Parkinsons in her 80s meant she could no longer serve others in the same way.

Margaret prayed for and encouraged her children to love God. Jesus sustained her.

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Mennonite Brethren Herald | January/February 2016

23

RECLAIM THE CENTRE. EMBRACE THE SOURCE. ADVANCE THE KINGDOM.

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MARCH 2 + 3 2016 / VANCOUVER, BC

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January/February 2016 | www.mbherald.com

C2CNETWORK.CA

FAMILY news Don Banman began as associate pastor of youth and young adults at North Peace MB Church, Fort St. John, B.C. He has a BA in religious studies with a major in biblical studies from Steinbach (Man.) Bible College. Don has worked as a journeyman carpenter while serving in youth/young adult ministry in Steinbach Chortizer Mennonite Church, and for the past 10 years at North Peace. Don and Janet have 6 children.

For 16 years, Christian Family Centre has been a witness and testament to God’s love in the community of Elmwood in Winnipeg. However, with declining attendance, the issue of unsustainability had to be faced. With heavy hearts, the people of Christian Family Centre voted Nov. 8, 2015, to bring an end to their Sunday morning services. “We are grateful to God for the time and mission he gave

to our community of faith. We also wish to thank the many churches and individuals who supported and encouraged us in our mission and ministries,” writes the leadership board. A final service to celebrate and give thanks for the life and work of Christian Family Centre will be held Jan. 17, 2016. Founding pastor Elton DaSilva led the congregation until he transitioned to the role of MBCM executive director in 2010. Edgar French served as pastor from 2011 to 2015.

BIRTHS BARTEL – to Gordon & Bethany of Lethbridge, Alta., a son, Joshua Gordon, Oct. 2, 2015.

BERG – to Mike & Petra (Giesbrecht) of Blumenort, Man., a daughter, Riley Anastasia, Oct. 30, 2015.

BLENKIN – to Daron & Shauna of Coaldale, Alta., a daughter, Kamia Kwynne Bennett, Aug. 5, 2015.

CLARK – to Justin & Jasmine Clark of Coaldale, Alta., a son, Christopher James, June 25, 2015.

GOT NEWS? CONTACT MBHERALD@MBCHURCHES.CA WITH PASTORAL TRANSITION AND CHURCH ANNIVERSARY INFORMATION.

WEDDING Devon HOLZLI & Diana DYCK, both of Coaldale, Alta., Oct. 24, 2015.

HAAS – to Donny & Amy of Bottineau, N.D., a daughter, Josie Erin, July 23, 2015.

REIMER – to Scott & Debby of Winnipeg, a son, Matias Felipe Lenz, Oct. 23, 2015.

SERGER – to Morgan & Krista of Thompson, Man., a son, Amos Daniel, Nov. 1, 2015.

WARKENTIN – to Adrian & Jolene (Wall) of Abbotsford, B.C., a daughter, Sofia Elise, Nov. 25, 2015.

COMING EVENTS Pastors Credentialing Orientation June 14–16, 2016 Columbia Bible College Abbotsford, B.C.

Gathering 2016 July 6–9, 2016 Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites Mississauga, Ontario

www.mennonitebrethren.ca

Mennonite Brethren Herald | January/February 2016

25

Spirituality with Clothes On

Gareth Brandt Wipf and Stock

All of us approach life from a particular point of view, shaped by numerous factors such as our upbringing, social standing, personality, etc. In Spirituality with Clothes On, Gareth Brandt considers how these factors influence our relationship with God. Healthy spirituality happens when these influences are not discarded but embraced and integrated into our lives. In our postmodern era, Spirituality with Clothes On is the type of book that we need more of: grounded in the story of Scripture, well researched, interdisciplinary and accessible to a wide audience.

—Travis Barbour, Neighbourhood Church, Nanaimo, B.C.

The Work of Theology

Stanley Hauerwas Eerdmans

In this collection of essays, recently-retired Stanley Hauerwas offers a retrospective on his contribution as a theologian. The essays deal with a broad range of themes – from how to write a theological sentence, to how to think about rights, do ethics and, yes, even how to retire. Those familiar with Hauerwas’s work will appreciate the self-reflective tone, which retains the punchy rhetoric for which he is wellknown. I would especially recommend “How The Holy Spirit Works,” “The ‘How’ of Theology and the Ministry” and “How (Not) to Retire Theologically.” Each asks pointed questions of unique relevance to the challenges that occupy us as Canadian Mennonite Brethren.

—Gil Dueck, Hepburn, Sask.

pastor Paul Cumin opens Christ at the Crux with this question. Mediation – the way Christ is somehow both divine and human – is a mystery at the heart of the Christian faith and Cumin’s book. Though the book is rigorous and academic, it may also prove relevant in some surprising circles where popular culture asks the same philosophical questions that Cumin’s work unearths.—David Thiessen, McIvor Avenue MB, Winnipeg

Paul Cumin Wipf and Stock “How can theology say that God is other than the universe and also present within it?” Pemberton (B.C.) Community Church 26

January/February 2016 | www.mbherald.com

English Ministry Crisis in Chinese Canadian Churches Matthew Richard Sheldon Todd Wipf and Stock

Real Christian Fellowship

Yoder for Everyone series John Howard Yoder, edited by John C. Nugent, Branson L. Parler, Heather L. Bunce Herald Press How do we have meaningful fellowship with others? The third book in the Yoder for Everyone series helped me explore this question. Real Christian Fellowship is for those who wish to engage their minds and their hearts with a variety of questions that still plague the church almost four decades after these thoughts were originally penned. Rather than a cohesive and in-depth discourse on what Christian

Christ at the Crux: The Mediation of God and Creation in Christological Perspective

fellowship should look like, this book is a collection of snippets – independent but still related to the topic – that get you thinking.

In my opinion, it is the best in the series.

—Spencer Nikkel, Bethany College alumnus

Many bicultural Chinese churches are grappling with the issue of the “silent exodus” of Canadian-born Chinese (CBC).

This book from Matthew Todd, based on the survey research for his doctoral thesis, is a great resource for pastors, church leadership and lay leaders. It provides insights on the leading factors affecting those who “drop out” and those who “remain in.” Todd sets out a good framework for his research project with a comprehensive literature review, descriptions of the context of English ministry and key theological considerations.

—David Leung, assistant to the conference minister for Chinese churches, BCMB

Kindred Productions www.kindredproductions.com • 1-800-545-7322

New Resource

The Board of Faith and Life has released the French edition of the Confession of Faith Commentary and Pastoral Application Download a free online version at: mennonitebrethren.ca/resource/mb-beliefs or contact the Quebec conference office at 514-331-0878, Ext. 1030 to obtain a hard copy

Canadian Conference of Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches Mennonite Brethren Churches

COMING COMING EVENTS EVENTS COMING EVENTS

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Gathering 2016 Gathering 2016 July 6-9, 2016 Gathering 2016 July 6-9, 2016 Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites,

> > >

Pastors Credentialing Orientation Pastors Credentialing Orientation June 14-16, 2016 Pastors Credentialing June 14-16, 2016 Columbia Bible College, Orientation

July 6-9, 2016Ontario Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites, Mississauga, Hilton TorontoOntario Airport Hotel & Suites, Mississauga, gathering2016.mennonitebrethren.ca Mississauga, Ontario gathering2016.mennonitebrethren.ca gathering2016.mennonitebrethren.ca

June 14-16, 2016 Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C. Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C. pco.mennonitebrethren.ca Abbotsford, B.C. pco.mennonitebrethren.ca pco.mennonitebrethren.ca > Multiply 2016 > Multiply 2016 March 2-3, 2016 > Multiply 2016 March 2-3, 2016 Vancouver, B.C. Westside Church, March 2-3, 2016 Vancouver, B.C. Westside Church, multiplyconference.ca Westside Church, Vancouver, B.C. multiplyconference.ca multiplyconference.ca

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ONMB

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Provincial Events Provincial Events Provincial Events

ONMB Leaders Day • February 18, 2016 ONMB Leaders Day • February 18, 2016 St. Catharines, Ontario St. Catharines, Ontario ONMB Leaders& Day • February 2016 18-19, 2016 ONMB Pastor Spouse Retreat18, • February St. Catharines, Ontario ONMB PastorOntario & Spouse Retreat • February 18-19, 2016 St. Catharines, St. Catharines, Ontario ONMB Pastor & Spouse Retreat • February 18-19, 2016 ONMB Convention St. Catharines, Ontario• February 19-20, 2016 ONMB Convention • February 19-20, 2016 Southridge Vineland Church, St. Catharines, Ontario Southridge Vineland Church, St. Catharines, Ontario ONMB Convention • February 19-20, 2016 MBCM Assembly • MarchSt. 4-5, 2016 Ontario Southridge Vineland Church, Catharines, MBCM Assembly • March 2016 Manitoba Westwood Community Church,4-5, Winnipeg, MBCM Assembly • March 2016 Manitoba Westwood Community Church,4-5, Winnipeg, SKMB Convention • March 11-12, 2016 Westwood Community Church, Winnipeg, Manitoba SKMB Convention March Swift 11-12, 2016 Saskatchewan Bridgeway Community •Church, Current, SKMB Convention March Swift 11-12, 2016 Saskatchewan Bridgeway Community •Church, Current, AEFMQ Convention • April 15-16, 2016 Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, Saskatchewan AEFMQSt-Eustache Convention • April 15-16, 2016 Église & ETEM, Montréal, Québec AEFMQSt-Eustache Convention • April 15-16, 2016 Église & ETEM, Montréal, Québec ABMBSt-Eustache Convention&•ETEM, April 22-23, 2016Québec Église Montréal, ABMB Convention • April 22-23, 2016 Coaldale MB Church, Coaldale, Alberta ABMB Convention • April 22-23, 2016 Coaldale MB Church, Coaldale, Alberta BCMB Convention • April 29-30, 2016 Coaldale MB Church, Coaldale, Alberta BCMB Convention • April 29-30, Main Street Church, Chilliwack, B.C. 2016 BCMB Convention • April 29-30, Main Street Church, Chilliwack, B.C. 2016 BCMB Pastor & Spouse Retreat Main Street Church, Chilliwack, B.C. • May 1-3, 2016 BCMB Pastor & Spouse • May 1-3, 2016 The Westin Resort, Whistler, Retreat B.C. BCMB Pastor & Spouse • May 1-3, 2016 The Westin Resort, Whistler, Retreat B.C. MBCM Pastor & Spouse Retreat • May 29-31, 2016 The Westin Resort, Whistler, B.C. MBCM Pastor & Spouse • May 29-31, 2016 Lakeview Hecla Resort, HeclaRetreat Island, Manitoba Mennonite Brethren Herald | January/February 2016 27 MBCM Pastor & Spouse • May 29-31, 2016 Lakeview Hecla Resort, HeclaRetreat Island, Manitoba

Lakeview Hecla Resort, Hecla Island, Manitoba

“YET PREACHING THE GOOD NEWS IS NOT SOMETHING I CAN BOAST ABOUT. I AM COMPELLED BY GOD TO DO IT. HOW TERRIBLE FOR ME IF I DIDN’T PREACH THE GOOD NEWS!” 1 CORINTHIANS 9:16 (NLT)

G ATHERING 2016

JULY 6-9, 2016 / HILTON TORONTO AIRPORT HOTEL

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January/February 2016 | www.mbherald.com