MB Herald July/August 2017

The third 1 3

on dying – the next stage

MB Mission-C2C merger Q&A

Volume 56, No. 4 Publications mail registration number: 09648; Agreement number: 40009297 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circ. Dept., MB Herald, 1310 Taylor Avenue, Winnipeg, Man. R3M 3Z6

Guidance on a twisting path

July/August 2017 WWW.MBHERALD.COM

The Menno Positives, a sewing group from Emmanuel Mennonite, display the Passing Quilt they created to honour dying moments.

A covering of love The Passing Quilt at Menno Place Chaplains and spiritual care volunteers at Menno Place share vigil with those who are dying alone. They have initiated the Passing Quilt ceremony.

A handcrafted quilt is used to cover a person’s body after they have passed from life to eternity. Along with the quilt, they perform a ceremony that may include prayer, a poem, a song and silence.

The 10” x 7” quilt used for the ceremony was gifted to Menno Place by the Menno Positives Quilting Club.

This is a group from Emmanuel Mennonite Church, Abbotsford, B.C., who honour the long-held Mennonite tradition of quilting.

This Passing Quilt ceremony has been used 64 times in 11 months. It has significantly deepened the way in which families, staff and other residents say goodbye to a dear friend and loved one.

[ Sharon Simpson is director of communications and stakeholder engagement at Menno Place in Abbotsford, B.C. 2

July/August 2017 | www.mbherald.com

PHOTO COURTESY SHARON SIMPSON

[CONTENTS

July/August 2017 In this issue

8 10 14 4 16 17 18 19 20 22

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

Between two worlds

5 Letters

A hospital chaplain reflects on medical assistance in dying

24 News

[ Lawrence T. Cheung

26 Transitions, births, weddings, anniversaries

Journeying to the next stage What I’ve learned about end-of-life care

30 Finish lines [Obituaries] 34 Intersection of faith and life

[ Sharon Simpson What’s new in aging: Six 21st-century themes Good advice for the third 1/3: An annotated bibliography

[ Barrie McMaster

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE DIGITAL EDITION issuu.com

COLUMNS Editorial

FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/MBHerald

[ Karla Braun

TWITTER twitter.com/MB_Herald

MB Seminary

WEBSITE mbherald.com

No one dies alone

Being a witness to those who are dying

[ Mark Wessner ICOMB - Wiebe’s Witness Redeeming refugee stories

[ David Wiebe

JOBS jobs.mbherald.com PDF SUBSCRIPTION Contact karla.braun@mbchurches.ca to subscribe via email

OUTfront Troubling times: Biblical guidance for how to disagree on fractious issues

Cover: Colton Floris

[ Jon Isaak While we witness Confession of Faith Article 3: Creation and Humanity

[ Richard Martens Executive Board MB Mission & C2C merger Q&A

Testimony God guides along a twisting path

[ Barbara Armstrong Mennonite Brethren Herald | July/August 2017

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[EDITORIAL

Everyone dies alone.

Maybe you’ve heard it from the misanthropic Dr. House on the Fox TV show, or maybe you trace it back to French philosopher Blaise Pascal’s “We shall die alone.” There’s an undeniable truth to the maxim: whether a person slips away peacefully surrounded by loving family, dies tragically in a mass disaster, or something in between, each soul does depart this life alone. Regardless of how many people may be nearby, each person’s journey to the other side is an individual path.

However, two buts apply to this saying.

One is that Jesus walks the journey with us. As God who lived as a human, died and is now alive, Jesus is the only one who can walk the path of death with us, knowing the way to the Father that he trod himself. As my pastor said at a recent funeral, “Jesus, stay by me” is a prayer we can pray with certainty in the face of death.

leadership – but many are the ordinary lives of regular people who tended their gardens, baked the best buns, prayed daily for their grandchildren and loved Jesus fiercely in spite of doubt and loss.

Turning to Scripture The Apostle Paul reminds us that both our lives and our deaths belong to God: “For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone” (Romans 14:7).

In this issue, chaplain Lawrence Cheung and care home executive team member Sharon Simpson reflect on the challenges in their roles as they face Canada’s new legislation legalizing medical assistance in dying. They also invite the church, as Pennings does, to be a gospel presence alongside our neighbours in the valley of the shadow.

No one dies alone

The other but is that we are not merely autonomous souls; we have roles in the lives of others. We are someone’s children, and we may also have children.

We may be siblings. We may be spouses. We are teachers and friends. A good death involves these relationships, observes Ray Pennings, executive vice president of the Christian think tank Cardus. Death is not merely a medical event, I heard recently on a podcast; it is a social process. A community loses a member – and this affects not only family members and friends, but also, in the case of those living under medical treatment, the caregivers providing treatment.

Turning to stories We at the MB Herald are reminded of that as we prepare the obituaries in each issue. Though communicating and preserving historical information is a priority for us, the true privilege and raison d’etre of our obituary section is to tell the life stories of faithful Christians. Some of the stories that move and amaze us are those of leaders – with their lists of degrees earned, churches served, roles played in provincial or national

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July/August 2017 | www.mbherald.com

Turning to the Confession “We believe that all human life belongs to God,” reads the Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith, Article 14: The Sanctity of Life. “Because God is Creator and the Author and Giver of life, we oppose all actions and attitudes that devalue human life…. Christ calls the people of all nations to care for the defenceless.

“Ultimate decisions regarding life and death belong to God,” it goes on, recognizing the complexity of ethical issues in a world with advanced technology. “We esteem the life-sustaining findings of medical science, but recognize that there are limits to the value of seeking to prolong life indefinitely. In all complex ethical decisions regarding life and death, we seek to offer hope, healing, support and counsel in the context of the Christian community.”

The opportunity here is for the church to be a Christian community: to fearlessly talk about the cycles of life and death; to discern together how to handle the decisions that come; to comfort those in pain and infirmity with the affirmation of their worth; and to remind those who are dying, “You are not alone.”

[ Karla Braun

[Reader response History that inspires

and respect among congregations.

I take great interest in reading the obituaries in the section Finish Lines. I never fail to be inspired by the real lives of real people.

The solution is not merely a more transparent and accountable leadership, but also more direct conversations between and among members – conversations that don’t exclude leadership in a passive-aggressive way, but also aren’t refereed or managed by the leadership. The leadership can facilitate these conversations by creating opportunities and then stepping back. It’s a difficult job, and my prayers are with all of those who have been entrusted with engaging these issues.

I was always interested in history. History is not just famous people far away who fought military battles long ago. History is about all things and all people all around us.

The Bible has a lot of history in it showing God’s greatness and how he protected and guided the lives of his people. These stories teach us about life and God. As God is still great and still protects and guides the lives of his people, the life stories in Finish Lines also teach and inspire us.

It is also interesting how as time passes, there are fewer stories of people starting their lives in eastern Europe, then immigrating to traditional Mennonite rural communities, also an integral part of the history of the Mennonite people.

Thank you for printing this section.

Kevin Cleveland Winnipeg More horizontal communication In “A culture of mutual trust and respect” (OUTfront, May/June 2017), interim executive director Steve Berg expresses a desire for greater communication and transparency. I am so glad to hear this! Trust and respect go a long way. Berg also asks for response, “an added characteristic or a refining.”

The characteristic that I would like to contribute is greater horizontal communication. The focus is on transparency and integrity in conference leadership. There is also a request for individuals and congregations to speak directly with leadership, and these are important steps toward building trust and respect. But, when trust and respect are missing, it can be difficult to believe that one-to-one conversations will have any effect – that concerns won’t simply be isolated and ignored.

It may feel risky, but I believe we need to actively create space for members to hear each other, to learn that others have similar concerns, and to solve problems as a group, led by the Holy Spirit. As Brad Sumner writes in “The parable of the ostrich” (Viewpoint, May/ June 2017), this requires that members (especially delegates) take the time to educate themselves and learn about each other’s concerns and points of view.

We may find that there is also a need for greater trust

Kevin Guenther Trautwein Edmonton

July/August 2017 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: 1996–2016.

God doesn’t make mistakes Re “From the mother of a transgender child” (Letters, May/June 2017).

It makes me so sad that we can so easily disregard the Bible and condone sin because someone we love is sinning.

There are so many different forms of sin, each one laid before us by the enemy to snatch us from the hand of God. To say that God Almighty made a mistake when he fearfully and wonderfully made us and we need to take this into our own hands and change our bodies and appearance in to who we “really” are is saying that God is not God. We cannot say he is our perfect God when we accuse him of making sexual mistakes.

Being transgender is a decision. I do not belittle the struggles of sexual confusion, but if we can condone this sin, we may as well condone them all. Can we say, “God made me a liar,” “God made me a thief ” or “God made me a homosexual”? These are all choices.

I am not without compassion, but truth cannot be compromised. There is hope for everyone who is suffering. God loves us all and wants what is his best for us. This best begins even before the womb when he chose our sex.

Leanne Wiebe Boissevain, Man. Don’t forget the Ukrainian people Re “MCC increases humanitarian assistance in Ukraine” (online article, Dec. 5, 2014). Thank goodness for Mennonite Central Committee for scaling up on humanitarian assistance in eastern

[Letters continued on page 29

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Staff Karla Braun associate editor Colton Floris designer + illustrator Helga Kasdorf circulation + advertising Angeline Schellenberg copy editor Darcy Scholes design lead

Volume 56, Number 4 • Copy run: 14,500 THE MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD IS A PUBLICATION OF

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

Mennonite Brethren Herald | July/August 2017

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MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

HOMEPAGE Stories from the harvest fields – C2C Network update – Plant small?

Pastor Luke Etelamaki with Chance Rogers.

Is church planting only for large churches?

North America is mesmerized by a mindset of bigger and better, influencing congregations to think only large churches can reproduce.

In the book of Zechariah, God’s prophet urges the people to see possibility in humble circumstances.

“Who will despise the day of small things?” (4:10). Zechariah rallies Zerubbabel’s discouraged workers rebuilding the temple with a message: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (4:6).

The Compass Church, Regina, is an example of what God can do when we take Zechariah’s advice to ignore the voices that say, “You’re too small!”

Blair Allen worked in construction to feed his family while he and Sharon began gathering a small group of disciples in their home in 2010. After multiplying a number of home groups, public services were the natural next step.

The church was small, but from the early days, Blair cast a vision for planting many churches in southern Saskatchewan.

Fulfilling this vision would require intentional leadership development and raising up future church planters. In 2012, ministry interns Luke and Bailey Etelamaki started the journey toward planting the first daughter congregation.

In the spring of 2016, with average attendance of around 150 people, Compass leaders were convinced that God would have them launch a new congregation across town in an underchurched neighbourhood. Luke and Bailey were assessed by the C2C Network and sent out to launch a new congregation.

At the same time, two more couples were readying for The Compass Church’s next plant. Cam and Samantha Abbott and Will and Courtney Con joined as interns, attended a church planter’s assessment in 2016 and were approved to plant under C2C. They have already begun gathering core team members in their target neighbourhood Harbour Landing, Regina. These planters are projected to start a new congregation in this growing community in winter 2017 or early 2018.

The Compass Church refused to use the excuse that they would only be ready to plant when… “we are larger/have paid off the mortgage/have trained more leaders/the stars align.”

Pastor Blair Allen with Linda Robertson.

May their story inspire many others to multiply!

[ Mark Burch is C2C Network national associate director.

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May/June 2017 | www.mbherald.com

PHOTOS COURTESY JUSTIN JAARSMA

[HOMEPAGE

[coming events

Recommended reading: 4 Chair Discipling: Growing a Movement of Disciple-Makers Dann Spader Would it not be unusual to be given a command without instructions on how to fulfill it? Yet many of us fail to look at Christ’s methods and his model in our ministries as the way to accomplish the Great Commission. In 4 Chair Discipling, Dann Spader offers a way forward, demonstrating how the early church lived this out (Acts 2:42–ff) and giving personal illustrations. He draws on other works like A.B. Bruce’s The Training of the Twelve, Bill Hull’s Jesus Christ, Disciplemaker, and Robert E. Coleman’s The Master Plan of Evangelism.

[Paul J. Loewen, ABMB conference minister

Read more at equipstudyconference.mennonitebrethren.ca/details

Conference Events Partner Events 2017

July 7–18: SOAR Montreal, MB Mission.

June 30–Aug. 11: ACTION Winnipeg, MB Mission.

July 8–Aug. 6: ACTION France, MB Mission.

July 14–23: SOAR Vancouver, MB Mission.

Sept. 20: TANDgible with Hugh Halter, Christ City Church, Vancouver.

L2L update

Sept. 21: TANDgible with Hugh Halter,

After nearly four years of helping leaders connect across Canada and beyond, the leadership development arm of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches shut down the passwordprotected My.L2Lnet.org at the end of May 2017. The L2L website www.L2Lnet.org, which is accessible to everyone, continues.

Sept. 21: TANDgible with Hugh Halter, Forest

“We’re eager to keep putting our hearts into coming alongside leaders and churches who are looking to discern and move forward in their development and mission,” says L2L interim director Daniel Beutler.

Canmore, Alta.

RockPointe Church, Calgary.

Grove Church, Saskatoon.

Sept. 22: 50th anniversary, St. Ann’s (Ont.) Community Church.

Oct. 1–3: ABMB Pastor and Spouse retreat, Oct. 13–14: Saturate Montreal, Église Evangel, Montreal.

Oct. 14–15: 50th anniversary, Waterloo (Ont.) MB Church.

Memory from MAID “Youthful aid to the aged”

Oct. 15: sixpointeight engaging peacebuilders 2017, youth conference, Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg.

Oct. 20: Disciple Making International (DMI) Global Mission Banquet, King Road Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

Nov. 1–3: EQUIP Study Conference 2017, Abbotsford, B.C.

Nov. 2–5: “Building Bridges to Enduring Livelihoods” Business as Calling MEDA convention 2017, Vancouver.

2018

If youth has something to do with the success with which a home for the elderly can be run, Donwood Manor should [prove to] be a success,” reported the MB Herald on the Sept. 19, 1970, dedication of the MB-supported personal care home. Administrator Helmuth Klassen, matron Esther Wiebe and program director Gerhard Friesen, in their 20s and 30s at the time, were the “youth” to whom the likelihood of success was ascribed.

Photo (NP070-1-2001) 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.

Feb. 7–8: Multiply, Vancouver.

Feb. 23–24: ONMB convention.

Mar. 2–3: MBCM Assembly.

Mar. 9–10: SKMB Assembly.

Apr. 13–14: ABMB convention.

Apr. 27–28: BCMB convention.

View more events from churches and agencies at mbherald.com/calendar.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | July/August 2017

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[FEATURE

A hospital chaplain reflects on medical assistance in dying “God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy” Matthew 5:7 (NLT).

I

first met Phil on a sunny Tuesday afternoon in his private room up on the palliative care unit.

He was a retired engineer in his late 70s. He had a wonderful family, a beautiful home; he travelled extensively with his loving wife and was very active in his church for a long time.

But now this Christian faith terrified him because of the news he received from his doctor a few months ago: Phil was diagnosed with astrocytoma, an aggressive brain tumor, an inoperable cancer. Radiation and other forms of treatment seemed to be out of the question. And now it seemed like all that was left was the inevitable.

“Pastor, I really can’t bear this anymore,” Phil lamented.

“I know it is probably not right but I really feel like asking the doctor for a pill or injection so I can go to sleep and not suffer anymore. Do you understand what I mean?”

What do you say to a man like Phil who has a robust faith in Jesus yet expresses a genuine desire to end his life because the disease burden is too great to bear for him and his family?

New possibilities in dying Historically, it has been a crime in Canada for one to help a person in ending his/her own life. But in the landmark case of Carter v. Canada, the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) unanimously determined that the prohibition of medical assistance in dying violated the Charter rights of competent adults who seek medical aid to terminate their lives.

ILLUSTRATION BY COLTON FLORIS

As a result, through Bill C-14, the federal government amended the Criminal Code in June 2016 to allow practitioners to provide medical assistance causing death without any criminal charges. Federal and provincial governments were asked to come up with their own framework and implementation of medical assistance in dying (MAiD).

An interim report released April 2017 indicates that 507 people died in the second half of 2016 by MAiD in Canada. Half of the deaths took place in hospitals or other healthcare facilities.

As the number of people with advanced disease burden grows, so does the desire to push the “ejection button” prematurely. Early and equal access to pain and symptom management, commonly known as palliative care, is proven to alleviate unnecessary disease burdens and sufferings (cf. Gallagher and Baldwin in B.C. Medical Journal), but this is far from commonly available in Canada. Untreated or ignored symptoms lead to a greater degree in “total pain” in the form of existential suffering and spiritual angst.

Journeying with compassion Christians are not exempt from this. As a matter of fact, people with strong spiritual receptivity sometimes experience greater tension when it comes to making decisions on treatment options and goals of care in end-of-life and/or critical care situations. How do we, as people of God, continue to live and offer “hope and healing, support and counsel” (Article 14, Confession of Faith) in this difficult context?

This goes deeper than ethical and theological dialogues at a cerebral level. The bulk of my work as a clinical chaplain at a medium-sized hospital involves people with irreversible disease trajectories. A good number of them, regardless of their spiritual affiliations, will end up dying in healthcare facilities. Their needs are much deeper than a satisfactory answer to the suffering question. As they bounce through various stages of their illness, it is vital to have someone journeying alongside and supporting them through the

Between two worlds

compassionate, nonviolent, comfort-focused measures of palliative medicine.

In a context where MAiD is now being seen as a treatment option for the terminally ill, it is essential to uphold the intrinsic value of life as a gift from God. Instead of being a euphemism for medical assistance in dying, “dying with dignity” should be perceived as a biblical mandate in which we advocate for better care in end-of-life situations. We can continue to live well in this dying process because of this great hope of resurrection in Jesus. And as we exemplify this reality, in sickness or wellness, people will query the reason for the hope within us (1 Peter 3:15).

Another contentious issue associated with MAiD concerns availability. As the provinces continue to make MAiD a viable alternative to patients, Christian healthcare workers face the inevitable tension between the observances of their professional standards and the Christian worldview on the sanctity of life.

If a Christian physician with a conscientious objection refers the patient to another doctor, does it mean he/she is indirectly complicit in the act of referral?

How does a Christian nurse respond if s/he faces the requirement to administer the medication in a medically assisted death in order to be hired or maintain employment, even if it is against his/her core spiritual beliefs?

What are our rights as conscientious objectors?

Is a person’s right-to-die equal to another person’s obligation?

The issue of conscientious objection goes beyond individual practitioners. All healthcare institutions including faith-based hospitals, nursing homes and hospice facilities are affected. Many faith-based healthcare providers that are founded on and maintain spiritual and ethical beliefs now face challenges in handling requests for medical assistance in dying.

This is especially tricky when it comes to individuals who have tenancy agreements with their residential care facilities (i.e., it is their home). Transferring the

care of people who are terminally ill is also no easy task as staff at a faith-based facility continue to provide care even if they disagree with the resident’s MAiD decision.

How can we respond as Anabaptists?

The provision of MAiD is now legal in Canada and there are no immediate solutions to the current challenges mentioned above. One thing is for sure – as followers of Jesus we will continue to serve and walk alongside those who see MAiD as a legitimate alternative to palliative medicine. The love and salvation of Jesus discriminates against nobody, including people who choose to end their lives. It is our duty to attend them with diligence and love as Jesus modelled for us.

Death is part of our existence, but it must not hijack us with its fear. For we know that “death has been swallowed up” in the victory of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:54). Nothing will ever separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38–39) as we acknowledge his grace and mercy, even in the seemingly grim circumstances of imminent death.

We are also called to pray for our fellow brothers and sisters within the medical service (physicians, nurses, pharmacists and other allied health professionals) who are hard-pressed to accommodate this massive shift in care philosophy. There needs to be on-going dialogue in our wrestling with MAiD, both within the realms of theology (through the eyes of our faith) and thanatology (through the academic study of death and dying).

Death is unavoidable, but a death substantiated with the hope in Jesus is definitely achievable.

Yes, Phil died, and his fear was real and overwhelming.

At times, he was scared it would destroy him, yet supportive presence and adequate palliative treatment brought him back to himself. In the end, he was able to die a “good death” with much anticipation of the parousia (return).

[ Lawrence T. Cheung is a spiritual health practitioner

with Providence Health Care in Vancouver, B.C. His ministry focuses are with the patients in palliative care, emergency and nephrology. He and his family are members of Killarney Park MB Church in Vancouver.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | July/August 2017

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“Mama” (6x8”, watercolour on paper, 2014) What I love about this image of my good friend Shelly is its simplicity and sincerity. There isn’t anything contrived about a mother resting on the couch with her young children who are happy to be curled up in her arms.

[ Krista Reimer

What I've learned about end-of-life care

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July/August 2017 | www.mbherald.com

ILLUSTRATIONS BY KRISTA REIMER

I

lay on the pullout chair on one side of his bed; my sister on another. We wanted to be there, but we were tired. It was our turn to be with our 20-year-old brother as he lay dying in the hospital. We had spent the past eight weeks together as he lived with terminal lung cancer – from the cancer clinic to the chemo room to this hospital room where he now slept peacefully.

I had never been with anyone who was dying. I was 22, and I was lost. At 5:30 a.m., Dad took over our shift, and we went home to our own beds to sleep. Three hours later, Brian died with Dad at his side. We all drove back to the hospital, gathered around his body and shared our deep sadness. I couldn’t believe he had died. I was in shock.

It’s almost 30 years later and I can barely write about it. I wish I had done more. It would have taken courage for me to hold my brother’s hand, stroke his face, sing to him or read Scripture – but I wish I had done that for him.

So much had already changed with his diagnosis two months earlier. Our spiritual conversations opened up. We had daily devotions together using Dick Purnell’s Knowing God by His Names. I helped my brother write his faith journey which he shared with our church as he stood in the baptismal tank. It was the last day that he could walk. Still, I wish I had been more present with him in those final hours.

I didn’t know.

That was my introduction to end-of-life care. It wasn’t just my brother who needed care. I needed care, too. It wasn’t just medical attention my brother needed. Our whole family could have used a guide.

Now I am one.

Community of believers After years of university ministry, my husband became lead pastor of Broadway Church, Chilliwack, B.C., a congregation with a legacy of “a long obedience in the same direction.” One of these exemplary lives was Walter Wiebe.

He was a saint in my eyes. He was also our first palliative visit as a couple. Walter shared his experience transparently – he was a man of faith, a man of doubts and a man who did not fear being honest with his Lord.

Walter needed support in his final hours to help him finish well. The look in his eyes conveyed a longing for spiritual encouragement from us. He needed the Spirit’s touch through the community of believers. My eyes were opening to this powerful and important ministry at end-of-life.

Community of caregivers Now, I serve on the executive team at B.C.’s largest campusof-care for seniors, Menno Place, in Abbotsford, B.C. Founded by a group of thirtysomething Mennonites in 1953, Menno Place’s vision is to provide compassionate Christian care for all who call our campus home. It is a

privilege to serve more than 700 seniors living on this campus in the final years of their lives. When a senior moves into one of our residential care homes, the current statistics project they will live for another 18 months. We know that our ministry here is to support our residents and their family members at the end of life’s journey.

Community of practitioners Practitioners in senior care are challenged with finding our way in a society with differing values. In a time when medical assistance in dying is legal: What do we do as a Christian organization? What do we do as Christian individuals? How will our decisions affect government funding? Will the Christian community support us if there are legal implications to our decisions? Which ethical and moral questions have clear answers and which are more grey?

Fifty-five Mennonite-founded health organizations in Canada explored these concerns together at the past two Canadian Mennonite Health Assemblies. Through discussions and presentations on the medical assistance in dying legislation in Canada, one thing has become clear: church-founded health institutions need to be national leaders in the practice of end-of-life care.

We need to follow best practices for managing pain, offering spiritual care, honouring the dying individual. We need to provide spiritual support to the families and friends of those who are facing their final days. And we need to create new practices that exceed expectations.

To the best of our ability, we must remove hurdles that make the coming weeks or years seem unbearable and that motivate an individual to hasten dying: hurdles like fear, aloneness, shame, regrets, mental anguish and existential, physical and relational pain. We need to find innovative ways to address all these aspects.

Community of conversation As a host on the Death Matters Live radio show on Vancouver Co-op Radio (www.DeathMattersLiveRadio.com), I’ve spent two years processing all sorts of matters relating to death and dying. I’ve had the privilege of interviewing top palliative care doctors, ethicists, philosophers, hospice designers, and people who are recently bereaved. Sharing the hosting with four others who provide bereavement services, I have learned much. The secular community is also supporting those who are dying. From death doulas to Death Cafés (www.DeathCafe.com), creativity is overflowing.

Community of leaders As people grounded in the belief that “all human life belongs to God” (Article 14, Confession of Faith), the Christian community has a calling to be leaders in holistic end-of-life care.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | July/August 2017

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[FEATURE There is an invitation for individuals – from teens to seniors – to receive training and give their time and energy to spiritual support for people who are dying and their loved ones.

There is an invitation for individuals and churches to fund chaplaincy to ensure its continuation is not tied to government support.

There is an invitation for the medical community to become experts in geriatric and palliative care.

This invitation will impact generations, both secular and Christian, as we learn through shared experiences what it means to die well and to open our hearts to the love, comfort and peace of God in our time of need.

“Lifemates” (18x24”, watercolour on paper, 2015) My Oma and Opa were the most loving couple I have ever known. Whenever they drove places together, they would sing old German songs together in perfect harmony while sharing a yerba mate (Paraguayan tea).

When they sat together on the couch at home, they often held hands. They played in a band together. They volunteered at the MCC store together. They lived all of life’s highs and lows together. In March 2016, I considered it a privilege to be in the hospital room by Opa’s side, alongside the rest of our family, as we supported him in the end of his journey here on earth. Of course, it was difficult saying goodbye. Yet through the pain, I saw remarkable expressions of love that I will never forget. I’m thankful for the sacrificial, no-matterwhat, Christ-centred love that my Opa and Oma showed us. What an incredible legacy of love.

Thirty years ago, I would have welcomed some guidance as I sat with my brother in his final months and hours. I could have used a shoulder to cry on, words of hope and intentional spiritual conversations.

I invite you to consider how your church, your time, your ministry, your heart and your resources can contribute to the unique and vital ministry of end-of-life care.

[ Sharon Simpson is director of communications and

stakeholder engagement at Menno Place in Abbotsford, B.C. She hosts the Death Matters Live radio show, writes a monthly columnist on senior’s issues for The Light Magazine and serves as secretary on the BCMB executive board. Sharon has three grown sons, a daughter, a son-in-law and a brand new granddaughter. Sharon is married to Gary Simpson, lead pastor at Broadway MB Church in Chilliwack, B.C.

[ Krista Reimer lives in Port Rowan, Ont., with her husband and two daughters, and is a member of Port Rowan MB Church.

12

PHOTO COURTESY MCC

presents

TANDGIBLE. Gathering & Scattering In The New Millennium

SEPTEMBER 20

SEPTEMBER 21

SEPTEMBER 22

Vancouver BC

Calgary AB

Saskatoon SK

What would it look like for the people of God to effectively scatter on mission for the purpose of making Jesus known in our cities, towns and communities?

At some point following Jesus messes things up!

Jesus disrupts our lives, confounds our priorities, sets our path on a new trajectory and realigns our thinking with new paradigms. Hugh writes, “When Jesus said, ‘love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself” he actually meant what he said.”

As his followers, God has called us to the people, neighborhoods, communities, towns and cities right around us… to the people right next door! Pastors and church leaders are constantly looking for resources that

will help equip their people to “live on mission” in their everyday lives. Hugh Halter is a leading voice in the North American landscape who pushes us out of our comfort zones and into the rough and tumble life of the nonbelieving world.

If you’re ready to mess your church up and help it understand and live out the radical call of Jesus in your neighborhood, TANDGIBLE is a must attend training event. This one day seminar will help equip you to value existing church forms while catalyzing a missional movement of incarnational people living out a radical call in their communities.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND? This event is geared towards equipping pastors, church planters and leadership teams.

TIME

PRICE

10:00am - 3:30pm

Early Bird Rate — $20 After September 1st —$30

WHO WILL BE SPEAKING?

REGISTER

Hugh Halter is a church planter, pastor and author of the books, “AND” & “Tangible Kingdom”. He is also the founder of Missio & US director of Forge America.

HughHalter.com | @HughHalter

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c2cnetwork.ca | info@c2cnetwork.ca | 604.746.2238

What’s new in aging: six 21st-century themes

T

he BBC used to produce a weekly situation comedy called Waiting for God. It wasn’t about faith or theology; it was about retirement home residents awaiting the end of their lives. The British humour in the title reflects the fears in all of us: that waiting is about all there is to do (along with being ill) when you get old. I can remember a Christian counselling course from the same era, in which the professor, a psychiatrist, taught that the one distinctive theme among older people is loss. Not fun stuff.

Perhaps the industrial model, mandatory retirement and a social fixation on being productive brought a loss of dignity to people over 65, especially over the last century.

North Americans tried to give it a positive spin with the label “Golden Age,” a term that seemed hollow to many.

Now, the Baby Boomers are taking possession of the senior demographic and the tune is changing.

With this shift, many good new books on aging have been published over the past two decades. Aging myths are giving way to encouraging advice to new seniors – and their families! – to make the most of their time in a positive way.

Current literature tends to cluster around six themes.

•

Older age can be the most fulfilling part of your life. Take stock: what passions and talents and values do you want to embrace, now? How has God “wired” you? What do you do well? This is the “third third” of a long and mostly healthy life, no longer encumbered by work and worry. Enjoy it!

•

Decide on your personal legacy. This stage of life gives great opportunity to become intentional in how you can bless loved ones or your community.

•

Stay healthy by altering your lifestyle. The aging process

•

makes this no longer optional, but imperative if you wish to enjoy your “third third.” There are many books and lots of good advice on the internet. Stay with credible websites and talk to your health provider to keep on track.

Keep up your social life and activities. Some aging folks become hermits through the normal attrition of friends occasioned by moving, illness or even death.

The modern mantra is to keep up with your old friends

and make new ones – including younger people. It’s about emotional and social health as well as enjoyment.

•

For all of society, perhaps especially churches, listen up: don’t put your elders out to pasture. There is now a body of literature pointing out that years of wisdom, love, experience and desire to participate are too frequently ignored or squelched by churches, social and business organizations. Most of this literature stresses that change must come from those most affected: it’s up to aging people to be assertive and fight for change.

•

Aging isn’t scary, so plan for it. It may sound trite, but it is important to face your ultimate demise proactively.

Modern advisors write that it’s best for you and for your loved ones to know your priorities so that your life can end as you wish, leaving no wreckage for your offspring to wrestle with. Many authors argue that secrets in this realm are not healthy. Bring your family into what you are thinking and what you have decided. Let them know your reasons. They are, after all, adults. Show them love and respect.

Demonstrate that family is important.

It can be like gold to realize that later life can be the “best part.” The more recent authors urge seniors not to live in denial they are aging. Do take stock, they say. Do consider what human and spiritual and experiential legacy you want to leave, not just to your children, but to your grandchildren. This is a wonderful thing.

They also leave other positive messages. Don’t overlook your work associates and friends when you think about your personal legacy. Do consider what mentoring you can do.

What stories can you share about your growing up, your early years of marriage, your travels, your faith?

That last one, faith, is huge for me; I want to share the richness of what God has shown – about himself. To embrace the reality that the last part of your life can be richest is, literally, life-changing.

Recent knowledge on aging is now available through a variety of books. But the greatest gift in this storehouse is a reiteration of a pertinent, lifelong question: Lord, who did you create me to be? How would you have me use my life – now?

We know that all these treasures will pale when we move to our ultimate life blessing and see him face to face. So, all of this “aging” business actually is about how we “wait for God.”

[FEATURE

Good advice for the third 1 3 An annotated bibliography

Renowned Mennonite Brethren author Katie Funk Wiebe wrote six chapters and acted as editor of a notable compendium, Life after Fifty: A Positive Look at Aging in the Faith Community, in 1993. A year later, she wrote Prayers of an Omega: Facing the Transitions of Aging. As was usually the case, she was a little ahead of the curve. Wiebe was one of the first writers in the 1990s to direct aging people to their opportunities to grow their faith. She also encouraged aging people to realize they can make meaningful contributions to the lives of loved ones and their communities.

R. Paul Stevens, a Vancouver pastor, writer and scholar, published Aging Matters; Finding Your Calling for the Rest of Your Life in 2016. Stevens put his Regent College course into book form, a practical and stimulating read. “Your calling remains about the same throughout your life,” he says, “but the expression of it changes.” Another gem: “We do not live on ‘borrowed time’ but on entrusted time.” And when we die, he writes, “There will be continuity with our present existence which will undergo a dramatic, transformative, and cathartic renewal.… Our human work and labour will surely find a way into the new creation.” The book is written for Christians but it’s not only of interest to Christians.

A book that celebrates “older” old age came out in 2013: Rich in Years: Finding Peace and Purpose in a Long Life.

Johann Christoph Arnold is a pastor, and a good taste of his work is a quotation from a former secretary, who said, “Although I am eighty and struggling with old age, I don’t want to go back to twenty-five. These are the best years of my life.” The strength of this book is found his stories of encouragement and community in a variety of settings. He makes the book practical. “My body is aging, but I am not!”

If “seniors” must indeed gird themselves to fight for relevance in their social contexts,

A Vision for the Aging Church; Renewing Ministry for and by Seniors is worth reading. Co-authors James

M. Houston (also of Vancouver’s Regent College), and Michael Parker (an Alabama health professional and state-wide innovator) contend that mature seniors are key challengers against “the depersonalization of our culture,” and it’s particularly true for Christian seniors. Houston and Parker argue persuasively against old-age adages. Don’t for a moment believe that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, they say, or that seniors are only fit to be ministered to. “If seniors believe they are irrelevant and keep their silence, their families miss out on love, transference of values, and caring.”

ILLUSTRATIONS BY COLTON FLORIS

Two psychologists, married couple Gerald and Marlene Kaufman, in 2013, wrote a book called

Necessary Conversations: between adult children and their aging parents. It

deserves attention. It stresses the importance of including the whole family in the relevant decisions that aging parents make. The Kaufmans argue the laterlife period is rife with unrealistic expectations (usually unspoken), and warn that unidentified “surprise” facts can be lethal to a family. They also cover conversations that couples need to have. Retirement has its problems unless they are talked through because few couples enter that phase with thorough orientation to a new order of things. “Keep it real and keep it open between each other,” the Kaufmans say. It is also important for a couple to give their adult children a glimpse into their life, and for those same children to be familiar ahead of time on details they might need when illness or death come.

I want to mention one other book for the breadth of its coverage. Prime Time is secular and (be warned!) explicit. It is also thorough, wide-ranging, well researched and detailed.

I heard author and fitness guru Jane Fonda talking about her book as I listened to the radio, not knowing who this guest was.

Her ideas struck me as compelling and informed, so I bought the book and liked it. It completely shook me out of denial of my own advancing years and got me going down the right road on my own “third third.”

Planning ahead for “suddenly” moments Many churches actively minister to aging people, focusing on a part of aging fewer popular books address: unexpected health emergencies with lasting consequences.

“It is easy to think that this part of life is still coming,” says Lorraine Dick, care assistant at Clearbrook MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C., “and then suddenly it is upon us.”

She found agreement in a recent chat with Clearbrook pastor Walter Wiens and the Frail Seniors Coordinator for the regional health authority. All three helping professionals find they must deal often with “the ‘suddenly’ of life. An event happens and then suddenly life changes.”

Dick says, “We at Clearbrook MB continue to work at putting resources together for the ‘suddenly’ moments.”

[ Barrie McMaster is a member of

Broadway MB Church, Chilliwack, B.C.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | July/August 2017

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[MB SEMINARY

MB Seminary Lifelong Learning for Lifelong Mission

Being a witness to those who are dying How do you describe yourself to others? “To really understand me, you need to know that I am ______”. How do you fill in the blank? With your family tree? Your interests and hobbies? Your sexuality? Your vocation?

I think Jesus would not want us to assume we have the right to end the life of a valuable person whom he created.

As Mennonite Brethren, we often describe ourselves as “evangelical-Anabaptist.” We want to say the things that Jesus would say, and do the things that Jesus would do, if he were walking among us today. Some of us are especially passionate about spoken truth and others of us more so about lived truth, but one of the beautiful things about being Mennonite Brethren in Canada is that we work together toward the mission that God has called all his followers to pursue.

As we live in a country that encourages medical assistance in dying, perhaps the most pressing question is practical: how do we care for people who have chosen this path, and how do we care for their families?

•

For those who have chosen death, we need to show love, compassion and care. The end of a long journey can be lonely, and if ever there was a time to feel the love of Jesus, this is it. As witnesses for Jesus, let’s love well.

Central to Jesus’ mission is that we be his witnesses (Acts 1:8), which involves our personal experience, telling the story of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. We are to be his witnesses locally, nationally and globally.

•

The same holds true for the families who are in the midst of grief. Now is not the time for solutions, instructions or verbal corrections. Now is the time to both literally and metaphorically put our arms around those in pain and be there with them. Pray for and with them. Love them. And keep loving them in the weeks, months and years that follow. Grief does not have an expiry date.

In this issue’s column, we are going to look at what it might mean to be a witness for Jesus in our current Canadian context.

Last year, our national government made a significant decision regarding medical assistance in dying. As that reality continues to sink into our lives, our families, hospitals and hospice houses, how do we live out Jesus’ words to “be my witnesses”?

We witness with our words.

It seems to me that Jesus would want us to say that: •

•

16

All of human life is valuable, from conception to final breath. The value of our lives is not tied up in our abilities, our experiences, our usefulness, our sexuality, our pain, or even our mission and purpose. We are intrinsically valuable simply because we have been created by God himself.

If we are created, that means we have a Creator. And our Creator, in a very real sense, retains the right to ultimately determine what happens to us, including the end of life. It is inconsistent to tell ourselves that “God is in control” when we need comfort but then say that “God is not in control” because we want to make our own decisions about our own lives.

July/August 2017 | www.mbherald.com

We witness with our actions.

I think Jesus would want us to talk a little less at times, and simply walk alongside others on their difficult journeys.

What does it mean to be a witness for Jesus in Canada in 2017?

Sometimes, it means we need to have courage to stand up and declare the truth on behalf of Jesus. Other times, it means that we need to take people in our arms and – without saying a word – let them know that Jesus loves them.

Let’s pray that the Spirit will give us discernment to know what Jesus would have us do in each context we find ourselves in this year.

[ Mark Wessner is president of MB

Seminary. He lives in Abbotsford, B.C., with his wife and two daughters.

[WIEBE’S WITNESS

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

Redeeming refugee stories Johann Matthies, MB Mission Europa director, told his story at the ICOMB consultation in Thailand, Mar. 7–11, 2017.

I was born in the Soviet Union in an area that isn’t fit for human life. A friend recently visited there, and he wrote, “God created central Kazakhstan to illustrate how everything was before anything was!”

The place was so “nowhere,” it’s where the space program was located.

When I looked at my neighbours, there was no one indigenous. Only deportees lived in the city of Karaganda.

We shared the official status “enemy of the people”: some Germans, Jews, Crimean Tatars, some from Ukraine when the government found people who weren’t loyal to the Soviet Union.

My mom was taken there as a girl by train. One sister died while they were travelling – she was never properly buried. When the youngest child of such families turned seven, the parents were taken to the labour camp. This happened to my mom. A judge took her in. It was not a sweet childhood, but child labour.

My father was somewhere in hiding with other Turkic people. When Stalin died, we ended up in the northern Caucasus. The language is one of the most complicated languages on earth. I lived there until I was 13, when we were allowed to emigrate to the west.

Years later, after I was a seminary student in Fresno, Cal., I returned home, planting a church. It didn’t happen because I took a missions class. It happened because God redeemed my history. I spoke the (impossible) language! I knew the people.

God redeemed my migration story. I was called back to an area I lived in as a school kid.

God’s hand is in today’s refugee crisis. In fact, we must contend for God’s heart in all of this. How do we know when God is doing something for the kingdom? We discover it when something happens and it’s an answer to prayer, to a thought, to a longing I haven’t shared with anyone; when an event is orchestrated that I couldn’t have put together; or even when things are out of control.

Governments do their thing. They often teach fear to forge loyalty to them alone. Christians believe God is greater. We do not fear. Our security is in God, not border walls.

did you know?

Johann’s entire message can be seen on www.icomb.org. It’s filled with striking facts and stories of God redeeming refugee stories in many ways.

The MB church in Neuwied, Germany, led by Walter Jakobeit, has reached out to Iranian and Syrian refugees. Read their story at mwc-cmm.org/content/love-opens-hearts-to-learn-more.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | July/August 2017

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[CONFESSION OF FAITH

While we witness Board of Faith and Life

What does Mennonite Brethren theology have in common with that of other Christian denominations? And what are the distinctive emphases of Mennonite Brethren theology? Our Confession of Faith is a short document, informed by Scripture, that names the perspectives through which we read God’s Word in order to live as Christ’s followers. This is the third article in a series by the Board of Faith and Life exploring the 18 articles of this formative document.

Article 3:

Creation and humanity Back in the late 1970s when I was barely a teen, I tagged along with my parents as they attended a Sunday school convention in Detroit, Mich. There, I heard Duane Gish, a biochemist and vice president of the Institute for Creation Research. He captured my imagination as he vigorously debated prominent evolutionary biologists and expertly argued for a young earth created in six literal 24-hour days. This resonated with me, as I loved both God and science, but struggled to reconcile differences. My Sunday school teachers taught a very straightforward six-day creation, but my public school teachers talked about the theory of evolution as a matter of fact.

I dived headfirst into the young earth creationist camp, and even started to wonder about people’s salvation if they believed otherwise. Thankfully this rigid approach dissipated, and I saw the light! Now, I don’t mean I became an evolutionist; what I mean is that I realized God’s creation is much more than an object to be studied. It is an invitation to discover the wonder and power of God and his purpose for us.

Article 3 in the Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith begins this way: “We believe that in the beginning God created the heavens and the earth, and they were very good. All of creation expresses God’s sovereign will and design, but remains distinct from the Creator. The universe belongs to God, who takes care and delight in sustaining it. Creation declares God’s 18

July/August 2017 | www.mbherald.com

wisdom and power, calling all to worship him.”

It’s important to notice what this article doesn’t say as much as what it does. We might feel that a particular model of creation should be identified, but wisely, none is. The article simply states that God is the originator of all that we are and everything around us. God is sovereign and we are designed to worship him.

The specifics of how creation came about are not addressed, nor should they be.

We can speculate and study science to find those answers; but the purpose of Scripture is to introduce the powerful and majestic God about whom the rest of the book speaks.

The Word Recently, while reading through the Gospel of John, I was struck by the curious description of Jesus as the Word, or “logos.”

“In the beginning was the Word...”

(John 1:1). The parallel reference, of course, is Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created...”

How did God create? He spoke: “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). God uttered words, and the universe burst into existence. There is no delay, no debate; the universe obeys the creator’s wishes.

God’s words have ultimate power. There is no distinction between words and actions when it comes to the divine energy of God.

So, when John writes that the Word was God, he isn’t just describing a quality of God, he is clarifying that Jesus is God, with ultimate power. Jesus took on flesh and entered the world – the world he made and continues to sustain (Colossians 1:15–17). Jesus is the Word – the good news – the clearest revelation.

The Word of God became the action on the cross that secured our salvation.

I still love reading scientific articles on the latest discoveries in our grand universe, but I’m no longer troubled by how it was formed. When I gaze into a starlit night sky, I’m reminded of the wonderfully complex and mysterious God who created it.

I marvel that humankind is God’s crowning achievement, and that God delights to have an intimate relationship with us. It causes me to fall on my knees and worship him, knowing that his creation is not a one-time occurrence, but that he continues to use his transforming power to do a new work in me. Oh, how I need it! As the Apostle Paul reminds us “if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

And it is very good!

[ Richard Martens is lead pastor at

Glencairn MB Church, Kitchener, Ont., and the secretary on the BFL and Ontario provincial rep. In his spare time, Richard enjoys golfing and riding his Goldwing into the sunset (sometimes with golf clubs attached).

[

OUTFRONT

Troubling times: Biblical guidance for how to disagree on fractious issues “What’s happening in our denomination?” Sometimes I’m asked this question at the archives where I work as church historian. My short answer? A shift. A shift from an era of institution-building and resource-providing to a new era where organizations serve as host, pointing to an array of providers from which churches can choose the services they want (for a fee).

Usually, during the transition period between these eras, letters to the editor and blog discussions are strong. Some mourn the loss of “our” schools, teachers or theology; others are excited about freedom to discover training, programs and theology wherever they want, on their own terms, without worrying about denominational loyalty.

Also, the increasingly polarized discourse in the political sphere – liberal vs. conservative – has crept into the church.

Assimilationists vs. separatists; progressives vs. traditionalists.

Word grenades are lobbed from one group to the other. The rhetoric can sound shrill and anxious from both sides. Each group defends their view of God. Calls to “take back our country” or to rescue the church from having “lost its way” may sound like misguided attempts at protecting privileges. Yet, calls to “be relevant” or “because it’s 2017!” seem equally misguided, championing self-actualization at the expense of looking out for one another. The times are uptight, anxious and troubling.

However, when we take the long view (that’s what historians do!), indications are that God is not worried. Religious institutions have come and gone through history, but the reign of God has continued to thrive, always finding new ways to promote life, wholeness, justice and peace.

So, what can be done to reduce the fearful and anxious attempts – on all sides – to defend a one-sided view of God?

A. Continue to proclaim the good news that God reigns.

While church institutions of all sorts are declining in the Western world with the ending of Christendom, the reign of God is not in decline.

Church historian Phyllis Tickle argued this is just another transition, another in a series of eras; this new one she called “the era of the Holy Spirit.”

Evidently, God is not anxious; why should we be?

• Yes, there is change happening at an unprecedented rate.

• Yes, the role of Christendom as an empire is ending in the West.

But Christianity still offers good news of freedom, healing and power. The church will look different in the new Holy Spirit era – less denominationally driven, more loose associations or networks of churches, a mix of small faith communities, house

churches, and mega churches – but the church remains in good hands. To quote Jesus, “Remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, NRSV).

B. Learn to live with differences.

Consider three social issues where Mennonite Brethren have evolved theologically over the last 50 years – divorce & remarriage, women church leaders, and cremation. In each case, a three-stage movement can be charted that eventually led to shifts and even reversals of opinion.

1. Outright denial of tenability – with biblical support.

2. Preference for tradition, with grudging toleration of the new view – also with biblical support, but with different biblical texts.

3. Acceptance without judgment, allowing individual/ congregational choice – again with biblical support, with yet different texts.

Contrary to some assessments, this evolution need not be a sign of “giving in” to culture. It may well be another indication of God’s Spirit on the move; after all, God is the Lord of culture too.

In the next years, MBs will face more social challenges – gender fluidity, dying with dignity and others we haven’t begun to anticipate. There will always be something on the horizon.

The increasing theological differences “in the family” will continue to challenge MBs to exercise the “blended family” negotiating skills that launched the MB renewal movement in the first place.

But this is not new. Much like the first churches (you can see this in Romans 14), MBs can find encouragement in Paul’s counsel to sit with a variety of opinion, refusing to break fellowship over differences, listening together to the Spirit’s leading and leaving final judgments with God. Even though Paul in his context probably wouldn’t understand some things that Christians disagree about today, we can still use his negotiation strategy for disputed matters in Romans 14 when navigating subjects that divide MBs today.

As Paul says, on these issues where believers genuinely disagree, we are to sit together with differences, not forcing others to go against their convictions – traditional or progressive – and let God have the final say. We will all have to give an account for our life, ministry and treatment of others on the judgment day.

Yes, the times are troubling, but we are not alone; and we even have a good strategy for navigation.

[ Jon Isaak is director of the Centre for

Mennonite Brethren Studies, Winnipeg. He has served 30 years with the Mennonite Brethren church – as missionary (1987–1998), Bible teacher (1998–2011), and historian (2011–present).

Mennonite Brethren Herald | July/August 2017

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[

EXECUTIVE BOARD

MB Mission & C2C merger Q&A This article from the Executive Board is condensed from a CCMBC web post.

Who is responsible for the transition to a merged entity?

The MB Mission board would oversee the integration of C2C and MB Mission into one organization.

Who would staff report to in this merged entity?

The CCMBC Executive Board is excited about the proposed C2C Network and MB Mission merger while holding an open hand to discernment from the Canadian MB family.

MB Mission staff report to MB Mission director of operations Doug Penner.

In January 2017, the CCMBC Executive Board unanimously passed a motion “that MB Mission assume responsibility for the mission and ministry of C2C Network.” In February 2017, that motion was unanimously approved by the MB Mission board.

Both directors would report to MB Mission general director Randy Friesen.

After further discussions at provincial conferences and throughout the broader community, a number of great questions have emerged. With extensive input from the C2C Task Force, we continue to respond to questions and clarify how the merger will unfold.

Canadian MB delegates will make the final decision with a vote Nov. 1, 2017, at a Special General Meeting prior to November’s EQUIP Study Conference.

Why should the C2C Network and MB Mission merge?

The world of mission is changing. The false dichotomy between the work of church and missions is being replaced by an understanding that God is on a mission through the church, and his missionary is the church.

The proposed C2C and MB Mission merger is focused on bringing the knowledge and strategy of local and global mission closer together and bringing MB Mission closer into provincial/district and national MB structures. The best of C2C’s church planter support systems along with MB Mission’s contextual and holistic mission strategies will bless mission at local, national and global levels. We, the Executive Board of the Canadian conference, together with the leadership board of MB Mission and the U.S. MB conference, sense this is God’s invitation to us to take the next step in mission together.

Our prayer is that this merger enhances CCMBC’s vision, mission and values while maintaining the long-term goals of MB Mission and C2C.

Governance How would this merged entity be accountable?

We would update MoUs between MB Mission and the Canadian and U.S. MB conferences to reflect new authority, responsibilities, expectations and accountability for MB Mission’s expanded mandate.

MB Mission is accountable to the Canadian and U.S. MB national conferences through its board.

A representative from the board of the merged entity would be assigned to the CCMBC board and vice versa.

20

July/August 2017 | www.mbherald.com

C2C staff report to C2C executive director Gord Fleming.

All three directors would attend MB Mission board meetings.

How would this new entity relate with the national conference, provincial conferences and local churches?

We recommend that a team of provincial conference staff, MB Mission staff and C2C staff serves each region. (This is already the case in B.C.) C2C’s regional leadership teams would continue to give oversight to church planting. The conference minister and an appointee from the provincial board sit on the team.

Staff from the merged entity would sit on the provincial boards.

We want to establish MoUs to clarify relationships and accountability between the provinces and CCMBC.

Financial How have you assessed the financial sustainability of the merged entity?

MB Mission director of operations Doug Penner reviewed the financial statements of C2C and reported to the MB Mission board.

MB Mission would continue to operate in its current financial and funding model.

We want MB church plants to continue to be supported by the MB family through provincial/district and national finances.

For example, in Canada, the collective church planting MB contribution from provinces and national (regional fundraising) totalled $1,355,783 in 2016.

C2C now fundraises staff salaries and the bulk of its budget.

For 2017, C2C salaries, travel, expenses, etc., are above the $1,571,000 budgeted for direct costs to MB church planting. C2C will fundraise the difference.

C2C would pay a fee to MB Mission for administrative costs.

We recommend that MB church planting would be funded in the following ways: •

Provincial conferences approve church planting support to CCMBC.

•

CCMBC continues to send a monthly subsidy to MB church plants.

•

Church plants are encouraged to support future church planting by returning the funds advanced to them for future church planting.

Based on this broad outline, we believe this entity would be financially stable.

The accountability for an MB plant within the C2C Network is different than the accountability of church plants from other denominations, as they are the body that funds the plant and supervises the church planter.

Culture

Process

How would the merger affect the current ethos of each organization?

MB Mission and C2C staff identified the following shared values:

What options did the Task Force consider before recommending a merger?

•

Jesus is first. Worshipping him is the main focus. The message of the cross is central.

•

Prayer.

•

Grace. A centred-set posture with those who differ from them.

•

God’s Word is final and infallible. Ministry teams read and journal the same Scripture passages each day.

•

The leading of the Holy Spirit is paramount in accomplishing the work.

The CCMBC website has extended answers to this Q&A and updated information since press time. bit.ly/mbm-c2c

•

Interdenominational partnerships. C2C works with 25+ denominations; MB Mission works with other agencies, networks, denominations and with international local churches.

We will be holding a moderated conference call in fall that will include an update on the merger discussion – watch for details. If you have questions, contact us at mbboard@mbchurches.ca.

•

Both ministries agreed that they are focused on ensuring those who don’t know Jesus hear the good news and become disciples.

The Task Force looked at C2C’s current governance and financial reporting model to find the best governance model for overall mission.

Would the C2C Network still use its name?

C2C would continue to use its name while operating under the umbrella of MB Mission.

What would the merged entity look like in terms of theological consistency, given the interdenominational connections?

All C2C church plants are interviewed and credentialed within their respective denomination.

When a branch is grafted into a tree, the graft maintains its uniqueness, but is entirely dependent on the tree for life.

Like a pear branch grafted on an apple tree, the C2C “branch” would maintain its distinctives while drawing “life” from the MB Mission “tree.”

Summary Over the past two years, many boards, conference leaders, convention delegates, and staff have contributed to the emerging consensus that one mission – local, national and global – is God’s best for us as we seek to live on mission with Jesus and the Great Commission we have been given (Matthew 28). We believe this vision is best reached through the coming together of MB Mission and the C2C Network in vital relationship with churches and structures that are local, provincial/district, national and global. We invite you to pray and to continue to engage in this discernment process with us as we anticipate the vote on Nov. 1, 2017.

We see a range of alternatives to persue such a merger The alternatives vary on a spectrum of change and proximity of C2C to the MB church: Less Change 1. Status Quo

“Grafting”

Where can I get more information?

[ CCMBC Executive Board

All C2C staff are credentialed with the MB family.

The MB statement of faith is embedded in the C2C website as its operating statement of faith.

The Task Force concluded that the third option (see table) posed the best answer to the questions, challenges and opportunities, and involved less change than the other options.

C2C and MB Mission continue to operate independently with C2C under the CCMBC Excutive Board PROS: • MBM stays focused on international mission • Church planting as key priority for CCMBC CONS: • Accountability weak CCMBC board agenda overload • Lengthy decision making timeline • Complications of 25+ partnering denominations

2. C2C Board

3. Merge C2C and MB Mission CCMBC establishes an independent board MB Mission and C2C eleceted by delegates merge into a single to give oversight to C2C missions agency PROS: • C2C would get more focused oversight • Direct reporting to convention • C2C and MBM mandates remain clear and seperate • Church planitn gremains key priority for CCMBC CONS: • Complicates C2C in the US if only a CDN national board • Loss of synergies, increased competition

PROS: • Synergy of Church and mission together • Vision - Mission Local, National, Global • MBM/C2C direct reporting to convention • C2C stays fully connected to MB family • ICOMB partners have access to C2C church planting expertise CONS: • Potential overload to MBM board agenda • Potential loss of focus on international mission

More Change

4. Operate C2C and MB MIssion in Parallel

5. C2C as Seperate Interdenominational Society

Set up a new society for C2C owned by both MB Conferences

C2C society established with MB participation on an interdenominational board

PROS: • C2C accountability directly to a board • Model in MBM to follow • Direct convention on reporting • Church planting remains key priority for CCMBC CONS: • Adds layers to CCMBC structures • Duplication in C2C and MBM staff services • Complication of 25+ partnering denoms

PROS: • C2C accountability direct to interdenominational board • MBs can still participate • Removes mission agency competition with CCMBC CONS: • CCMBC gives up ownership of C2C • Church planting not as prominent in constituency • No synergy benefits • As parachurch agency further removed from local MB churches

One Mission

Mennonite Brethren Herald | July/August 2017

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[TESTIMONY

God guides along a twisting path “We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps” (Proverbs 16:9 NLT).

It takes many steps to join two lives from Canada and Guatemala in God’s service. As Kim and Jon Pelen of Cedar Park MB Church (Ladner, B.C.) learned, those steps often include difficult, but wonderful, surprises.

Kim grew up in Lower Mainland, B.C., and trained as an accountant. She had a heart for missions, but her application to serve in India wasn’t accepted. She planned to travel to Africa with a missions group, but one month before departure, a required vaccination for Yellow Fever changed everything. Her medication for Crohn’s disease was not compatible with any live vaccines. Once again, her plan ended with disappointment.

Finally, a relative told her about a group travelling to Guatemala, and Kim was on her way within the month.

Born in Villa Nueva, Guatemala, Jon lived in the New Life Children’s Home from age two. He learned English and various trades. He worked hard to obtain diplomas in tourism and business administration, wondering how God would use him.

The special attention Jon received from Christians who came to the school lit in him a desire to become a servant of the Lord.

Jon was aware of the needs in his hometown, and a passion to serve his neighbours led him to become a full-time missionary.

Kim’s first trip to Guatemala was followed by many more.

In 2013, on her fourth visit, Jon was her group’s interpreter.

Because of Kim’s inclination to immerse herself in the culture, rather than sticking with her group, she ate with the local people. At one of these meals, she met Jon, and “sparks flew between us.”

On Kim’s last day in Guatemala, Jon asked for her contact information. May 2, 2015, the couple exchanged wedding vows in Guatemala before family and friends.

Kim and Jon made a five-year plan to train and serve God together in Guatemala. A first step was to return to Kim’s home in Canada to raise support. There, Kim attended a follow-up with the doctor overseeing her treatment. What she learned in that hour-long appointment brought their five-year plan crashing down.

Kim’s Crohn’s disease was again active. Her only option was an experimental drug. This medication and the extensive follow-up it required were only available in Canada. Her doctor strongly advised against travel to Guatemala.

Their priority now revolved around staying together, which meant making inquiries about Jon’s immigration status. They learned he had to apply for permanent residency – which could take up to two years. In the meantime, he couldn’t travel outside Canada, and he couldn’t work for wages until he received a work permit.

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Jon and Kim Pelen enjoy a winter excursion with Hispanic migrant workers.

Once again, God determined their steps.

It wasn’t long before they discovered the Migrant Workers Ministry of B.C. in their hometown of Ladner. There were some 400 Spanish-speaking workers from Guatemala and Mexico in nearby Delta, B.C.’s greenhouse industry. These men leave home for months at a time to support their families by harvesting vegetables.

This was a ministry needing volunteers – especially Spanishspeaking volunteers – and Jon fit the criteria perfectly. He was excited to step in.

“When we couldn’t get to Guatemala, God brought Guatemala to us!” he says.

Jon befriends the men and helps them integrate into their new surroundings. He meets with their employers to ensure there are no barriers to entering the workers’ residences. The employers have embraced Jon’s enthusiasm.

Jon’s greatest desire is to minister to spiritual needs. “The point is to introduce them to Christ,” says Jon. Most of the workers are husbands and fathers; if their hearts are changed, they may lead the change for their families.

Jon acts as an interpreter in the community. He helps the men learn English using Spanish-to-English Bibles, and arranges for church services and Bible studies. He has also lined up opportunities for them to participate in sports, use the nearby community centre and visit tourist sites.

Kim completed the extensive paperwork for Jon. They counted it a small miracle when Jon’s work permit arrived the same day his visitor’s permit expired. The permanent residency application is in progress.

Jon and Kim still harbour the dream of returning to Guatemala to serve God together, but while in Canada, they hope to develop their volunteer work into a full-time ministry – in this way still loving and serving Guatemalan people.

The process hasn’t been easy, but seeing God has determined their steps this far, they are content to wait and see what he has planned.

[ Barbara Armstrong is a member of Cedar Park Church.

PHOTO COURTESY JON AND KIM PELEN

[NEWS

Creation: a guide for mission BFL pamphlet focuses on shared understandings “Until someone has a good understanding of what we are for, it’s not helpful to fixate on what we are seen to be against,” says Brian Cooper.

This principle guided the then-chair of the Board of Faith and Life as the committee worked on the theological resource pamphlet “Creation: God’s revelation in nature.”

What turned out to be a six-year process began in the wake of a conversation with one congregation that was troubled by an opinion piece that appeared in the MB Herald (“A plea for understanding,” March 2010). As the board wrestled with the issue, “it morphed into a new species,” says Cooper.

“The consensus about the best way to approach [the assignment] was to write

a theology of creation rather than a pamphlet on an issue,” says Cooper.

Informed by a plethora of members, some serving short terms, he wrote the pamphlet. “We choose to major on things that are significant, rather than get caught up in divisive details.”

The resulting pamphlet is particularly for people under 40, says Cooper, who have grown up with a sense that what they learn in science class contradicts what they believe is true from church. “There need not be a conflict.”

In fact, there is a range of diversity in acknowledged traditions. “Christians are continually changing our minds,” says Cooper. This historical perspective suggests it’s not necessary to find one “correct” interpretation and stick with it.

Furthermore, a theology of creation is not only about origins, but about “what we actually do, how we live,” says Cooper. “We have a mandate to live responsible, ethically, in caring for creation, for example.”

There wasn’t much inside. No name. No address.

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24

July/August 2017 | www.mbherald.com

“If we focus on the overwhelming consensus that God created all that is – deliberately and with a specific purpose – and if we focus on the implications of that, we have more than enough to guide our sense of community and mission very constructively. We don’t have to argue about things we disagree about,” says Cooper.

The process concluded harmoniously with the church that initiated the pamphlet. “It didn’t need to be a situation where we agreed on all the details,” says Cooper. “We can still call one another ‘brother’ [and sister].”

The Board of Faith and Life is currently working on a pamphlet on the sanctity of life – another subject where they chose to write a theology of what Mennonite Brethren believe in response to a current societal issue where the church may be framed as being “against.”

[ Karla Braun See page 19 for more on Confession of Faith Article 3 on creation.

GOT SKILLS AND TIME TO SHARE? Volunteer to be a leader — project directors, cooks, crew leaders, office managers needed

More stories online mbherald.com/category/news • MB Historical Commission AGM 2017 • PhD student saves history from shredder • Lumeya appointed to DR Congo government position • Living the message of peace in a conflict zone • Restorative justice funding reinstated • Foodgrains Bank continues Syrian conflict response • Youth EMBRACE risk on mission

JOIN THE TEAM mds.mennonite.net/projectleaders 717-735-3536

• MB school graduations 2017

DOES YOUR CHURCH HAVE A PLAN FOR MAKING DISCIPLES? Many churches struggle to identify the key steps in the disciple-making process. MinistryLift has identified 11 essential elements for discipleship and is offering a series of webinars to explain how each one can be applied to your ministry context.

Join the training and discussion online, wherever you are! Find out more by visiting www.ministrylift.ca/discipleship-webinars.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | July/August 2017

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Transitions Columbia Bible College is pleased to announce that Gil Dueck will assume the role of academic dean Aug. 1, 2017. Gil was awarded a PhD from Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands, in May on his dissertation on emerging adult faith development.

He served as associate dean of students, instructor in theology and academic dean at Bethany College in Hepburn, Sask., 2003–15. Gil and Shelley have 3 daughters.

Ron van Akker has left his role at the BC MB conference to return to Central Community Church, Chilliwack, B.C., to serve as executive pastor. As executive conference minister, Ron worked with boards and helped to navigate a transition in the structure of B.C. Camps.

Rob Dyck began as lead pastor at Westwood MB Church, Prince George, B.C., in April 2017. He has previously pastored at Kelowna Gospel Fellowship (1994–2000), Willow Park Church (2002) and Arnold Community Church (2002–2017). Rob has an MDiv and is a candidate for a DMin from MB Seminary. Rob and Leanne have three children: Adriana, Malia and Colin.

Michelle Penner began as worship director at The Meeting Place, Winnipeg, May 24, 2017. She studied at Providence College, Otterburne, Man., and previously served as event planner and executive assistant for the Canadian Conference of MB Churches (2002–2017). She is also a regular volunteer with SOAR Heartland and ICOMB. Michelle and Gerald have 3 adult children: (l–r) Joni, Rachel, Andrew (Jade).

The board of MCC Canada is pleased to welcome Rick Cober Bauman to the role of executive director effective Oct. 10, 2017. With nearly 30 years of service with MCC, “Rick brings with him a rich understanding of our work 26

July/August 2017 | www.mbherald.com

and constituency, as well as heartfelt compassion for those we serve,” says board chair Peggy Snyder. Prior to his current service as executive director of MCC Ontario, he has served as program director, Aboriginal Neighbours program coordinator, and as voluntary service worker in Labrador (1989–1992). Rick and Louise Cober live in Ontario and have 3 adult children.

Part-time archivist at two denominational centres since 1999, Conrad Stoesz left his half-time appointment at the Centre for MB Studies, Winnipeg, May 31, 2017. The Mennonite Heritage Centre (Mennonite Church Canada), where he previously worked half-time, has been restructured as a three-way partnership between Mennonite Church Canada, Canadian Mennonite University and the Centre for Transnational Mennonite Studies. Effective June 1, 2017, Conrad serves the Heritage Centre as full-time archivist on CMU staff.

BIRTHS

Bergen – to Cohle & Rebecca of Thompson, Man., a son, Henry Joseph, May 1, 2017.

Dueck – to Mick & Tanya of Boissevain, Man., a son, Finley Archer, Nov. 28, 2016.

Hildebrand – to Jason & Dana of Boissevain, Man., a son, Carson Asher, Feb. 27, 2017.

Neufeld – to Matthew & Elise (Dyck) of Winnipeg, a daughter, Natalie Rose, May 12, 2017.

Siemens – to Martin & Rosemary of Medstead, Sask., a daughter, Valerie Marion, Jan. 24, 2017.

Wiebe – to Mike & Kristen of Gem, Alta., a son, Noah Michael, Mar. 25, 2017.

WEDDING

Douglas Giesbrecht & Janessa Hiebert, both of Winnipeg, May 6, 2017.

Denton Nestibo of Deloraine, Man., & Jessica Martens of Boissevain, Man., Oct. 23, 2016.

Luke Retzlaff of Rosemary, Alta., & Amanda Walde of Gem, Alta., Apr. 29, 2017.

LingJin Zhou, born in China, & Jayne Barkman, both of Winnipeg, May 19, 2017.

Anniversary The Jesus Network began Apr. 21, 2007, as a collaboration between Leaside Bible Chapel, the Salvation Army and the Mennonite Brethren Board of Church Extension in Ontario. It is a church plant/ outreach ministry in Thorncliffe Park, a dense high-rise community in Toronto heavily populated by immigrants from Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

From its early friendship evangelism and Christmas basket distribution, the network has grown to include a ministry to Albanian immigrants, an Indonesian church, a Pakistani church, a staff apologist, an online ministry, and a ministry to Afghani immigrants launching in its 10th year. Volunteers and staff continue to distribute 500 baskets and 10,000–50,000 Bible story DVDs each Christmas. Other ministries including a food bank and Hope Community Church ran for a season. The Jesus Network marked their 10th anniversary with a celebration and fundraising dinner in May including a sermon/testimony by the newest staff team member. Another celebration event is slated to take place in fall.

ANNIVERSARY

DYCK: Cornelius & Luise Dyck celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary at their farm in Beausejour, Man., Apr. 22, 2017.

They were married Apr. 27, 1957, in North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg.

Core team members of The Jesus Network celebrate the ministry’s 10th anniversary.

CHURCH ANNIVERSARY PHOTO COURTESY THE JESUS NETWORK

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27

[CHURCH STAFF Associate Pastor Lakeview Community Church (Killarney, Man.) is seeking applicants for the position of associate pastor with an emphasis in youth and family ministry. Lakeview Community Church is a multi-generational Mennonite Brethren church with a weekly attendance of 140. The successful candidate will work closely with the lead pastor to cover other areas of ministry such as pastoral counselling, pastoral care, missions and evangelism, preaching and administration.

Our church is looking for an individual who is passionate about youth and family ministry, willing to build mentoring relationships, and excited about opportunities to engage both within the church and the community as a whole. A full job description is available on our website lvcc.ca. To apply, please send cover letter, resume and a brief philosophy of ministry to apsearch.lvcc@gmail.com.

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[Letters continued Ukraine. Many do not know for over three years now there has been continued violence and armed conflict in my family’s country.

Ukraine and its neighbour Russia have been having continued disputes that have erupted in a civil war. My father’s family originates in Ukraine. We have several relatives there, and some were able to flee to safely. They will continuously be in our prayers.

We need more funds to stop this continued violence. The fighting is not over. Tens of thousands, including two of my cousins, have been killed and they were innocent bystanders who didn’t agree with this fighting.

I personally want to thank people for their time and efforts at this centre. Soldiers are shooting, people are in poverty with disabilities and many are badly wounded. We need to make this dilemma known. We need to send our prayers to Ukraine: pray for peace, for heart change for power hungry leaders and the witness of our Ukraine MB churches to lead to the salvation of many.

Alexa Jaworsky Winnipeg Showing respect for culture and history Re “Who is my neighbour” (Wiebe’s Witness, March/April 2017).

I admire how when the BTG conference was trying the find a church and a local Roman Catholic church went up for sale, even though the statues didn’t reflect the BTG congregation, they didn’t want to create offence by removing the statues. By that, I mean I liked how they recognized another culture and didn’t want to create any conflicts.

Therefore, to come up with a resolution, the congregation prayed about it and their prayers were answered by a new Catholic church being built in Poland and the BTG provided all the statues they needed.

Another thing I like is how MWC put together a booklet of about 200 statements entitled “Called Together to be Peacemakers” which reflects the topics such as history, church, baptism and peacemaking. Also that you want to be able to mend broken relationships by showing that the Catholic and Mennonite delegations can see one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. It shows how you as a faith community care about rebuilding relationships, and how you want to explain what your faith is about to the world.

Jazlyn McCaughan Winnipeg

Mennonite Brethren Herald | July/August 2017

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

David Schulz Nov. 6, 1927–Sept. 6, 2016

BIRTHPLACE Eyebrow, Sask.

PARENTS David & Agatha (Suderman) Schulz MARRIAGE Elizabeth (Betty) Doerksen, June 25, 1950 BAPTISM Broadway MB, Chilliwack, 1948 CHURCH Chilliwack Central MB FAMILY Betty; children Ron (Lois), Mel (Mavis), Janice (Ken)

in 1955. Isaac began working at JM Schneiders in 1962, retiring in 1986. He loved God, and church was important to him. At Kitchener MB Church, he served as deacon, usher and driver.

He loved singing in the Jubilation Male Chorus.

In 2015, to be close to their children, Isaac and Frieda moved to Winnipeg, where Isaac was happy to live his last days.

David Carl Schmidt June 24, 1934–Jan. 24, 2017

Braun, Stan (Marilyn), Bev (Bob) Kroeker; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren

David grew up in Lethbridge, Alta. His mother died when he was 6. David accepted Jesus as Saviour, and remained a devoted follower. His family bought a dairy farm in Chilliwack, B.C., in 1946. David became responsible for the farm work. He attended Bible school in Yarrow and East Chilliwack, B.C. After marrying Elizabeth, David bought the farm and worked it for 47 years. David was on the board of directors of the East Chilliwack Co-op for 21 years, 8 as president. He served with Mennonite Disaster Service locally and was on the Canadian board of Children’s Haven International. He supported International Discipleship Training and One Life One Chance Ministries in Mexico and MB Mission work in Burundi. In retirement, David and Betty enjoyed winters in Sky Valley, Cal. David delighted in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His health deteriorated due to strokes and dementia.

BIRTHPLACE La Glace, Alta.

PARENTS Peter & Margaret Schmidt MARRIAGE Evelyn DeFehr, Apr. 9, 1959 BAPTISM Heiken’s Creek, La Glace, 1952 CHURCH La Glace Bible FAMILY Evelyn; daughters Bev (Warren) Gibb, Barb (Dan)

Browning, Bernice (Len) Siebert; 9 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren

Dave became a Christian at 16. In his teens, he began a career in beekeeping. Dave planted his dad’s crop the year his father died. Dave ran both the apiary and farm 1967–1986. In 1987, he decided to discontinue the apiary. His daughter and son-in-law joined him on the farm in 1990.

In his last 8 years, one of his grandchildren also entered the farm world, which pleased Dave immensely. Dave and Evelyn retired to Grande Prairie, Alta., in 2013, but Dave returned to the farm almost daily. Dave took an interest in the young people around him. He was a friend to many. He cared about others’ interests and wanted everyone to know the saving grace of Jesus.

Isaac Goertz Aug. 15, 1922–Jan. 21, 2017

Harold Pauls June 12, 1938–Jan. 31, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Alexanderpol, Russia PARENTS Isaac F. & Sara (Thiessen) Goertz MARRIAGE Frieda Penner, Oct. 4, 1952 BAPTISM Arnaud (Man.) MB; Roseau River, summer 1942 CHURCH McIvor Avenue MB, Winnipeg; Kitchener (Ont.) MB FAMILY Frieda; children Bernie (Lorna), Peter (Terrilynn), Karl

(Joanne), Doris, Marlene (Terry) Kesterke; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings

Isaac’s family immigrated to Canada in 1929, settling in Arnaud, Man., where Isaac farmed with his father. In 1942, he accepted Jesus as Saviour in an evangelistic meeting. Isaac and Frieda spent the first 3 years of their married life on the farm and moved to Kitchener, Ont.,

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playing for the Altona Maroons. Harold became a successful salesman at Palliser Furniture, a career that took him all over Canada. With Lillian as his kidney donor and caregiver, he lived a decade longer than expected. After pneumonia put him in the hospital, a move to Donwood Manor in Winnipeg made Harold’s last weeks more comfortable.

John Milton Braun Sept. 3, 1933–Feb. 1, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Carseland, Alta.

PARENTS John & Anna (Stobbe) Braun MARRIAGE Alvina Goosen, June 5, 1965 BAPTISM Gem (Alta.) MB, 1951 CHURCH Bakerview MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY Alvina; children Wendy (Neil) Andruk, Gordon

(Mary), Loren (Jacalyn); 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings

John’s family moved to Vancouver in 1953. In his youth, John enjoyed playing baseball and hockey and singing in quartets and choirs. He served the Anmour Sunday school outreach mission and the young people’s committee at Willingdon Church. He loved fixing and building things and spending time with his family. John spent most of his working life in the grocery business and finished his career working 10 years with the grounds and maintenance department of the Abbotsford school district. In retirement, he enjoyed tinkering on projects and volunteering at MCC, fixing bikes and lawnmowers. John was a joy to be around with his ready smile, positive attitude and sense of humour. John was deeply loved by his family.

Sara Ens Dec. 21, 1934–Feb. 4, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Blumenort, Fernheim, Chaco, Paraguay PARENTS Wilhelm & Sara (Neufeld) Unruh MARRIAGE Hans Ens, Feb. 12, 1955 [d. September 2011] BAPTISM June 13, 1952 CHURCH King Road MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY children Wilfried, Emilie, Inge, Franklin; 13

grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren

BIRTHPLACE Main Centre, Sask.

PARENTS John & Katherine Pauls MARRIAGE Lillian Neufeld, Apr. 16, 1963 CHURCH Eastview MB, Winnipeg FAMILY Lillian; daughter Cindy (Bill) Paramour; 4

grandchildren; 6 siblings

As a youth, Harold drove tractors, trucks and machinery on the farm. He won blue ribbon prizes at 4H. He loved to play hockey and got a team going at Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, Sask. After moving to Manitoba, he enjoyed

When Sara was young, her mother fell of a runaway buggy and never recovered. She died 6 years later. Sara’s father remarried soon afterward. After 7 years of school, Sara had to help with housekeeping because her stepmother believed girls only needed the skills necessary to be a wife. At 13, Sara accepted Jesus as Saviour when the pastors came for a home visit. Small children were always dear to her heart. At 16, she taught Sunday school. She met Hans at a youth rally in 1953. He offered her a ride home in his horse and buggy – the beginning of their

[FINISH LINES 2-year courtship. They lived in Sarona, where they milked cows in exchange for housing. They built a home in Schoenwiese in 1960. The family moved to Abbotsford, B.C., in 1970. Sara worked in Tabor Home and Menno Home. She enjoyed playing guitar at seniors’ homes, oil painting, camping in Osoyoos and fishing. She made rollkuchen with her children at their campsite.

After Hans died of cancer in 2011, Sara was lonely. She found joy in travelling to Mexico with friends, even trying parasailing. When she was diagnosed with cancer in 2016, doctors said she wouldn’t see another Christmas, but she did.

Margaret Friesen

Herman Edwin Berg

Nov. 7, 1934–Feb. 7, 2017

May 15, 1924–Feb. 12, 2017

PARENTS Isaac & Maria (Dueck) Friesen CHURCH Lakeview, Killarney, Man. FAMILY 10 siblings; nieces & nephews

Margaret spent a happy childhood on the farm south of Lena, Man. She began her education at the Plum Hollow School and then graduated from Mennonite Collegiate Institute, Gretna, Man., in 1952. After one year of permit teaching at the Brownlee School near Boissevain, Man., she attended normal school and earned her teacher’s certificate in 1955. Margaret’s career spanned 39 years. Seven years were in one-room country schools. Then she taught elementary grades in Cartwright, Man., 1962–67. She came to Killarney (Man.) Public School in 1967, where she taught intermediate grades until retiring in 1993. In retirement, Margaret sewed quilts for MCC sales, and volunteered at the Bayside Personal Care Home and the MCC thrift shop in Brandon, Man. She travelled extensively.

Dec. 22, 1921–Feb. 17, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Fuerstenwerder, Crimea, South Russia PARENTS Abram & Anna (Reimer) Willms MARRIAGE Peter Wall, 1940 [d.]

CHURCH Namaka (Alta.) MB; Coaldale (Alta.) MB FAMILY daughter Sharon (Paul) Little, Ken [d.] (Marlene);

4 grandchildren; 1 brother

Herman and Esther lived in Rose Valley, Waldheim, Hepburn, Hague and Elbow, Sask., Portage la Prairie, Man., and Germany. Herman’s students gave him high marks as a teacher. His interests included serving The Gideons, playing Rook and making noodles with Esther. He excelled at leading groups in an unassuming way.

After a stroke in 2010, he became an adept lefthanded crokinole player. His final earthly home was Circle Drive Special Care Home, Saskatoon, where he enjoyed a warm relationship with staff and residents. Herman will be remembered as a man of integrity, contentment, cheer and faith in the God he loved.

Mar. 22, 1918–Feb. 7, 2017

Aug. 3, 1926–Feb. 15, 2017

Mary’s mother died when Mary was three.

Her father remarried. In 1926, because of the Russian revolution, the family immigrated to Canada, settling near Manitou, Man. At 11, after attending an evangelistic meeting in Manitou, Mary committed her life to God. She became a seamstress. She learned to play the piano and accompany congregational singing. At a Saengerfest near Mountainside, Mary’s vocal and

Helen (Lena) Wall

(Cornelius) Buller, Kel (Lora); 10 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren

Elizabeth (Betty) Pauls

Katherine Dyck MARRIAGE Jake Martens, June 11, 1942 [d. Apr. 9, 2000] BAPTISM Oct. 13, 1929 CHURCH Lena (Man.) MB; Boissevain (Man.) MB FAMILY children David [d.] (Emmy), John (Gwen), Irene Deckert (Lyle), Helen Penner (Ken), Ben (Ellen); 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings

Sask., and Paraguay, finally settling in Altona.

They loved travelling to Ontario and Germany.

Betty was a great singer and a lover of children.

BIRTHPLACE Waldheim, Sask.

PARENTS Gerhard & Sarah (Goertzen) Berg MARRIAGE Esther Willems, Aug. 27, 1950 [d.]

CHURCH West Portal, Saskatoon FAMILY children Arnie (Brenda), Waldo (Jenny), Vernelle

Mary Martens

BIRTHPLACE Kistendej, Saratov, Russia PARENTS Heinrich Bernhard & Maria Dueck; stepmother

autoharp solo “It is Well with my Soul” caught Jacob Martens’ attention. At their wedding, the barn loft was decorated with lilacs. Since sugar was rationed, they had meat patties and plumi moos instead of cake. They farmed near Enterprise, and then Boissevain – moving to town in 1983. Mary’s steadfast faith maintained her positive spirit. She enjoyed family trips to Clear Lake, Man.; Banff, Alta.; B.C.; and Black Hills, S.D. A highlight was Mary and Jake’s trip to Israel and Switzerland with Janz Team in 1975. Visitors were always welcome for pie-by-the-yard. Mary’s greatest desire was to “go up” to her eternal home.

As a child, Helen came to Canada with her family, settling in Namaka, Alta., where her dad was pastor. After their marriage, Helen and Peter moved to Readymade, Alta. Helen was a hardworking farm wife: milking cows, driving trucks, delivering delicious meals to farm hands. She was an avid gardener and a tremendous cook, baker and seamstress. Her home was always a welcoming place. Helen was a professing Christian and active member of Willing Helpers Sewing Circle. After retirement, Helen and Peter moved to Coaldale.

They spent many happy years travelling to Arizona in their motorhome.

John Sherman Irwin June 15, 1957–Feb. 18, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Peterborough, Ont. PARENTS Sherman & Dorothy Irwin MARRIAGE Eva Miller CHURCH Coaldale (Alta) MB FAMILY Eva; children Caitlin (Eric) Stock, Brad (Erin), Keira

John moved to Regina where he met and married Eva. He earned a bachelor of social work from University of Regina. The family moved to Coaldale, Alta., in 1998. John’s greatest joy was his family. He was Mr. Fix-it, always ready to help. He volunteered at his daughter’s daycare and watched his son play football for the Regina Rams. In 2015, John received the Exemplary Service Award for his 25 years as a parole officer.

John lived his Christian faith. He died after a long journey with cancer.

BIRTHPLACE Wheatley, Ont. PARENTS Franz & Elizabeth Bartel MARRIAGE John J. Pauls, July 8, 1950 [d.]

CHURCH Leamington (Ont.) MB (now Meadow Brook);

Elmwood MB, North Kildonan MB, Winnipeg; South Park MB, Altona, Man. FAMILY children Herb (Donna), Rose, Nancy (Mike [d.]) Rushak

Betty worked at a dry good store and attended Eden High School, Virgil, Ont. After their marriage, Betty and John moved to Winnipeg and worked as janitors at MB Collegiate Institute. After Herb was born, Betty and John fostered some 19 children between 1953–70, and they adopted Rosalie and Nancy. While John was building transmitters for CFAM, Betty and John moved back and forth between Altona, Winnipeg and Boissevain, Man., Swift Current,

Margaret (Dyck) Gerlach Apr. 2, 1916–Feb. 23, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Orenburg, South Russia PARENTS Johann & Cornelia Block MARRIAGE Anton Dyck, Oct. 20, 1936 [d. 1985]; Herb Gerlach,

1992 [d. 2011]

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BAPTISM MB church, Assiniboine River, Man., 1932 CHURCH Virgil (Ont.) MB; Grantham MB, St. Catharines, Ont. FAMILY children Alvina (Walt) Andres, Hugo (Linda), Harry

(Elly), Bob (Susan), Evelyn (Larry) Street, Junette (John Reay) Neudorf, Harvey (Deb), Ruby (Tommy) Brotherston, Kathy (Larry) Dueck, David [d. 1997]; grandchildren including Tammy Berezowski [d. 2013], Sandra Dick [d. 2016]; greatgrandchildren; great-great-grandchildren; 4 siblings

Margaret’s family immigrated to Canada in 1926, arriving in Quebec City on the Minnedosa.

At 16, she worked as a housekeeper in Winnipeg.

Margaret and Anton raised their family in Virgil, Ont. Margaret was a caring Christian mother.

She taught her children to pray at bedtime, give thanks at meals and attend Sunday school and church. She prayed for her family daily and sacrificed for them often. Her steadfast faith made Margaret resilient; she survived life’s difficulties without wavering. She was active at church and in the Virgil Home and School Association. Anton died in 1985. After 7 years of loneliness, Margaret married Herb. They enjoyed 7 years of travel, gardening and time with family.

Lena was all about relationships; her most important one was with Jesus. Her family immigrated to Canada when she was 15. Lena referred to her late teen years as her “greenhouse season” because of the spiritual and personal growth she experienced. Get-togethers with friends turned into Bible studies. Lena never missed an opportunity to move beyond small talk. She always wanted to become a missionary and midwife, a dream she fulfilled at a birthing centre in Manila, Philippines, with Mercy in Action. When she came home, she began dating Matt. They served at Pembina Valley Bible Camp, Man., and Millar College of the Bible, Pambrun, Sask. After giving birth prematurely to their 4th daughter, Lena was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She lived her life with open hands, growing her trust relationship with God. She questioned, she wrestled, she cried out to God, but she didn’t let cancer destroy her confidence in him, her character or her peace.

Helen (Toews) Giesbrecht

Viola Selma Ratzlaff

June 9, 1927–Mar. 1, 2017

June 27, 1928–Feb. 23, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Herbert, Sask.

PARENTS Jacob & Elisabeth (Nickel) Doerksen MARRIAGE Harold Ratzlaff, Aug. 8, 1959 BAPTISM South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB, Sept. 18, 1946 CHURCH Fraserview MB, Richmond, B.C.; Killarney Park,

Vancouver; Bakerview MB, Abbotsford FAMILY Harold; sons Chuck (Jane), Gregory [d.], Doug (Lesley); 4 grandchildren; 1 brother

Viola began her school in Main Centre, Sask. The family moved to B.C. in 1940. Viola graduated from Mennonite Educational Institute (MEI) in Abbotsford and normal school in Vancouver. She taught 1 year in both Stave Falls and Nakusp, B.C., and 3 at MEI. Most of her teaching career was in elementary schools in Vancouver. After 15 years as a stay-at-home mom, she returned to teaching until 1988. After Harold’s retirement, Viola and Harold travelled annually for 9 years to teach at Lithuania Christian College. Viola served the church as Sunday school teacher, deacon and choir member. An avid reader, she was instrumental in the launch of several book clubs. She claimed Isaiah 40:31.

BIRTHPLACE Drake, Sask.

PARENTS Isaac & Katharina Toews MARRIAGE Roland Giesbrecht, Aug. 4, 1957 [d. Sept. 17, 1999] BAPTISM Watrous, Sask. June 23, 1944 CHURCH Culloden MB, Vancouver B.C.; Bakerview MB,

Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY Roland; children Leona Hiebert, Judy Janzen, Lawrence, Jerry; 8 grandchildren

Helen’s family settled on a farm in Watrous, Sask., then moved to B.C. in 1946. Helen accepted Jesus into her life at 14. She studied at Yarrow (B.C.) Bible School, graduated from a 4-year course at Abbotsford (B.C.) Bible School, and spent 2 years at MB Bible College, Winnipeg.

She attended teachers’ college in Vancouver and began teaching in 1956. Helen and Roland raised 4 children in Vancouver. They retired to Abbotsford. Roland died of pulmonary fibrosis in 1999. Helen was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 10 years later, then with lung cancer in January 2016. At Tabor Court, Abbotsford, she reunited with old friends. Helen was a devoted mother and grandmother, remembered for her faith, joy and love.

Miranda Kathleen Dollinger

Lena Woodmass

June 28, 1961–Mar. 4, 2017

Jan. 2, 1986–Mar. 1, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Germany PARENTS Jakob & Elisabeth Harder MARRIAGE Matt Woodmass, Sept. 1, 2007 CHURCH Steinbach (Man.) MB FAMILY Matt; daughters Annika, Aliyah, Miriam, Julie; her

parents; 5 siblings

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BIRTHPLACE Abbotsford, B.C. PARENTS George & Hildegard Hooge MARRIAGE Geoffrey Dollinger BAPTISM Aldergrove (B.C.) MB (now Ross Road) CHURCH Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY Geoffrey; children Sarah (Andrew) Horner, Andrew

(Joy), Adam; 4 siblings

Miranda grew up on a farm in Aldergrove, B.C., where she learned to work hard. She graduated from Mennonite Educational Institute, Abbotsford, B.C. Miranda and her children continued the family tradition of singing together at church. The family began attending Clearbrook MB after Miranda’s parents moved to Abbotsford, where she supported her mother through health issues. God gifted Miranda with love and laughter. She gave of herself to others with kindness and enthusiasm. She modelled forgiveness, overlooking faults in others. She died one week before her daughter’s wedding.

Helmut Cornelius Schroeder Aug. 9, 1922–Mar. 6, 2017 BIRTHPLACE Main Centre, Sask.

PARENTS Cornelius & Katharina Schroeder MARRIAGE Nettie Lepp, July 12, 1949 [d. Feb. 26, 2015] BAPTISM Main Centre MB, July 2, 1939 CHURCH Alexander (Man.) MB; Woodrow (Sask.); Hillside,

Beechy, Sask.; West Portal MB, Saskatoon FAMILY children Judith (Douglas) Schroeder-Tabah, Janet (Gerald) Schellenberg, Raymond (Angela); 14 grandchildren including Tanya Schellenberg [d.], Lena Schroeder-Tabah [d.]; 12 great-grandchildren

Helmut accepted Christ as Saviour at evangelistic meetings at 9. He met Nettie at Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta. They taught together in Kitwancool and Kitwanga, B.C. Feeling called to ministry, Helmut attended MB Bible College, Winnipeg. He taught school half-time while pastoring Alexander MB Church. He also pastored in Woodrow and Beechy, Sask., before becoming conference minister for the Saskatchewan MB conference. Helmut and Nettie retired to Saskatoon, where they led Bible studies and visited nursing homes and hospitals. After Nettie became ill, they moved to Bow Island, Alta., to be close to family. They made many friends through their ministry. Helmut never tired of saying how thankful he was for God’s grace.

Helen Krahn Mar. 16, 1930–Mar. 8, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Pitt Meadows, B.C. PARENTS Jacob & Anna Pankratz MARRIAGE David Krahn, June 15, 1954 [d. 1992] CHURCH South Otter (later Hillside), Aldergrove, B.C.;

Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY children Sandy (Rick) Friesen, Beverly (Lorne) Stobbe, Pat (Grant) Frizke, Gene (Vicky); 11 grandchildren; 16 greatgrandchildren

Helen worked hard on the farm in Abbotsford, B.C. She completed Grade 9 at Philip Sheffield School. She worked as a clerk at Modern Markets.

Helen and David raised their family on 100 acres in Aldergrove, B.C. Helen served with a willing

[FINISH LINES heart and hosted many gatherings. She enjoyed her garden and fruit trees. She faithfully served her church. In 1972, Helen and David became owner/operators of Krahn Gravel and Contracting for nearly 20 years, with Helen doing the accounting. In the 1980s, they moved to a 5-acre lot. Helen entered a condo in Abbotsford in 2006.

Her last move was to her daughter Sandy’s home in 2012. Helen loved her family.

Elizabeth Thiessen

loved entertaining the grandchildren on the farm and supporting them at their sporting events and school programs. He received the Lifesaving Society’s RLSS M.G. Griffiths Commendation Award for rescuing a neighbour from an ice fishing accident on Pelican Lake. He earned many medals for senior slow pitch. John received a commendation from the RCMP for 22 years as a cell guard. John’s faith in Christ and commitment to his church family are his legacy. John was confident of his salvation and believed wholeheartedly in John 3:16.

Nov. 29, 1928–Mar. 10, 2017

Kamloops, Alta.; Burnaby, B.C.; and Vancouver.

Catherine enjoyed singing in the church choir.

An exceptional cook, she provided a nourishing, active home for her family. She loved working in the china department at Hudson’s Bay. Though Catherine battled lung infections her entire adult life, she loved walking, and even ran the 10 km Sun Run twice in her 60s. Catherine and Jacob travelled extensively, but she was happiest strolling the Stanley Park Seawall and Spanish Banks, or hiking B.C.’s mountains. Catherine spent her final years at the Louis Brier Home and Hospital and died peacefully with her children at her side.

Norman Gitzel BIRTHPLACE Crowfoot, Alta.

PARENTS Jacob P. & Anna (Franz) Loewen MARRIAGE George Thiessen, Aug. 18, 1950 CHURCH Gem (Alta.) MB; Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY children Edith [d. in infancy], Rick, Ed, Dennis, Kathy

[d. Sept. 16, 1975]

After Elizabeth’s family moved to a farm in Gem, Alta., she met George. Elizabeth and George moved to Krispiox, Alta. When her first child died at 2 weeks, Elizabeth’s faith was challenged. The family moved to Morley, Alta., in 1956. Elizabeth and George taught at Stoney First Nation. Their home was filled with singing. Elizabeth started painting mountains. In 1959, the family moved to Calgary. Their home was regularly filled with guests. Elizabeth and George moved to Surrey, B.C., in 1966. Elizabeth skillfully managed the household. She modelled faithfulness and service. In 1970, Elizabeth and George bought a motel that she managed until 1975, the year she began a travel agency with her son Dennis. Her faith was again stretched when her daughter died in a car accident. Over time, this event drew her closer to God. In retirement, she volunteered at Haggai Institute in Maui. She knit tuques for MCC. She was a talented artist, poet, musician, cook and baker.

John J. Dyck

June 24, 1935–Mar. 20, 2017

Sept. 2, 1928–Mar. 22, 2017 BIRTHPLACE Stony Plain, Alta.

PARENTS David & Elizabeth Gitzel MARRIAGE Naomi Hiebert, Dec. 28, 1963 CHURCH Grace, Herbert, Sask.

FAMILY Naomi; children Sheldon (Jeanette), Cameron

(Rachelle); 6 grandchildren; 5 siblings

Norm grew up on a mixed farm where he learned many skills. He loved the outdoors: hunting, trapping and fishing, particularly with his uncle Rudolph. The Gitzel siblings’ school was 2 miles by foot, buggy or sleigh – depending on the season. After Norm completed Grade 8, he stayed at home to help run the farm. In his teens, Norm accepted Jesus as Saviour. The family attended a small, active church where Norm was exposed to good friends, missionaries and leaders who impacted his growing faith. After leaving home, Norm worked various jobs in northern Alberta, including trucking and heavy equipment operation. In 1963, he moved to Herbert, Sask., and partnered with Bill Redekop in a John Deere dealership. After Norm married Naomi, they moved to their farm north of Herbert, where they remained until retiring into town.

Norm enjoyed his retirement, camping, boating and fishing at the Herbert Ferry Park. He rarely missed his daily visit at coffee row.

Oct. 16, 1931–Mar. 12, 2017

Catherine Ann Reimer BIRTHPLACE Reinfeld, Man. PARENTS John & Agatha Dyck MARRIAGE Mary Buhler, Sept. 12, 1954 CHURCH Lakeview, Killarney, Man. FAMILY Mary; children Reg (Della), Wes (Julie), Carol (Mark),

Gayle; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; step-grandson Graeme [d.]; 3 siblings

In John’s youth, he enjoyed playing and watching sports; driving coal, lumber and delivery trucks; and getting into mischief with his brothers and friends. While running the farm wasn’t always easy, John and Mary made memories there from 1963–90. They milked cows for many years and enjoyed visiting neighbours in the Tisdale District, Sask. John

Walter James Thiessen

Dec. 7, 1930–Mar. 20, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Winkler, Man. PARENTS John & Anna Epp, stepfather Peter Hooge MARRIAGE Jacob Reimer, Aug. 24, 1952 CHURCH Killarney Park MB, Vancouver FAMILY Jacob; children James (Marie), Mark (Jane), Lorraine

(Glen), Karl (Elinor), Julia (Tony); 10 grandchildren; 2 greatgrandchildren

Catherine grew up in Winnipeg. Her father died when she was 11. In 1946, her mother remarried and moved the family to a farm in Greendale, B.C. Catherine and Jacob lived in Yarrow, B.C.;

BIRTHPLACE Herbert, Sask.

PARENTS Peter J. & Elizabeth (Thielmann) Thiessen MARRIAGE Wilma Laura Thiessen, Oct. 8, 1950 [d.]

BAPTISM Greenfarm MB, Herbert, Sask., age 18 CHURCH Nutana Park MB (now Forest Grove), Saskatoon FAMILY children Wayne (Bertha), Wyn (Dan); 4 grandchildren;

2 brothers

Walter grew up on a farm near Greenfarm, Sask.

He attended Herbert Bible School and a year of auto body mechanic training in Moose Jaw, Sask.

While he and Wilma were teaching in separate remote towns, he mailed her an engagement ring.

The music at their reception was Adolph Pauls on a musical saw. In Saskatoon, Walter worked at Early Motors. He moved to Merlin Motors Parts Department, advancing to parts manager and remaining until his retirement at 65. Cars were his passion: he could identify every make and model. He filled Wayne and Wyn’s childhood with fun and love. With their grandchildren, Walter and Wilma visited parks, played board games, drew pictures and watched hockey.

Walter served the church as usher, greeter and PA system manager. Walter and Wilma took bus trips and cruises with their siblings. They travelled Germany and Russia to see ancestral sites. In the 2000s, Walter and Wilma moved to a condo where they enjoyed Bible studies, games nights and potlucks. When Wilma’s health declined, Walter cared for her. His commitment, patience and love was evident daily. After Wilma died, he set a weekly routine of restaurant meals and social events with old and new friends.

Walter could make anyone feel at home.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles.”

Isaiah 40:31

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[INTERSECTION OF FAITH AND LIFE

Can beauty grow out of ashes?

gained an equivalent doctorate in victimization. There is some similarity – except that I did it in 30 years under great duress.

A journalist, who was exploring this concept, called to ask me, “Can you thank God for the good things that have come out of the murder of your daughter?”

Loss doesn’t guarantee a lesson

Yes – but the problem is sometimes in the timing.

I remembered how a very caring woman told me when I was in the early stages of grief that I would someday become a great speaker and writer.

I remember thinking, “God, if that is the purpose, I will not write about this!”

Why was this thought offensive to me at the time? Why was I so angry?

Allow space We need to respect spaces. There needs to be a respectable distance between the tragic event and the journey of turning it into good.

We always need to honour that there is inherent loss in any wrongdoing, injustice, failure, evil, brokenness or whatever we call it.

A negative will always be a negative. We can revisit our history and make it a beautiful memory, but it does not fill or completely do away with that original loss – like the loss of Candace’s life.

And so, even though I have turned my nightmare experience into a valuable learning experience, I didn’t really fill the loss completely. Candace is gone.

We have to be careful when others – or even our own hearts – jump to the next conclusion that gives us permission to participate in a negative experience just so that we can create beauty out of ashes.

Nevertheless, God does work in difficult times, and we need to allow for a certain amount of short-hand reference to all of these inspiring stories. Even Joseph of Egypt chose brevity when he turned to his murderous brothers and said, “You meant this for evil, but God meant it for good” (Genesis 50:20).

But it’s not easy.

Loss is a lesser learning First of all, we need to remind ourselves that loss is not the only way we learn.

In fact, research shows that we learn best in structured, positive and accepting environments. My son received amazing learning by attending a university and emerging six years later with a doctorate that gives him a great deal of authority and advantages.

People have referred to my learning through loss as having

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Learning through trauma is the lesser of the two.

Secondly, we need to remind ourselves that there are no guarantees in the process of turning something evil into something good.

There is no predictable cause-and-effect chain of events.

Some people who experience the aftermath of murder simply never recover.

Why the disconnect? Because to turn evil into good demands an intervention. The ashes themselves do not produce the seeds of goodness.

We have a choice when we are left sitting in the ashes. We can legitimately don our sackcloth and wallow in a self-imposed mourning period.

Seeds of goodness But to actually turn the ashes into beauty, we need to dump a good yard of soil on the ashes and plant a seed of goodness.

And sometimes we need help.

My husband Cliff and I had help: our community, friends and family gave us a good foundational yard of fertile soil.

And there was a lot of effort on our part to find the seeds of goodness to plant in this new garden we had inherited.

Goodness doesn’t just happen. There has to be a massive intervention to redeem the barren land left by an evil act, our personal ground zero.

Another danger of reciting “good comes out of evil” too glibly is that we can create the false impression that God actually designed the loss from the beginning, perhaps starting the fire that produced ashes in the first place. When we do this, we run into impossible theological challenges: slandering a moral and righteous God, stirring anger toward God and distancing God when we need a good God the most.

So, no; I can never thank God for the murder of my daughter.

That was an entirely evil, destructive force at work.

But I can thank God – the beautiful Creator gardener – who helped us find the seeds of goodness, and then to plant and nourish these seeds which grew and produced unexpected fruit in the strangest of places: a transformational picture of beauty for ashes that has surprised even us.

[ Wilma Derksen is a member of

Fort Garry MB Church, Winnipeg. She is a writer, speaker, victim advocate, recipient of the Order of Manitoba, restorative justice consultant and founder of Candace House.

Her latest book, The Way of Letting Go: One Woman’s Walk toward Forgiveness, was released in February 2017.

Sneak Peek

TED-style talks _______________

The Parable of the Backward Brain Bike – Paul Kroeker Discipling the Mature Believer – Ingrid Reichard Bringing Joy to the Spiritual disciplines – Kyle Meeker Preaching to Transform, not to Modify – Jeff Bucknam

Workshops _______________

4 Skills to Help People Take Their Next Discipleship Step – Dr. Randy Wollf Spiritual Growth through Life Journaling – Rob Thiessen Implementing an Effective Healing Discipleship Ministry in Your Church – Ken Dyck Growing Your Prayer Life – Heather Neufeld Singing as Discipleship: Gifts and Pitfalls – Andrew Dyck

More topics online November 1-3, 2017 Northview Community Church, Abbotsford equipstudyconference.mennonitebrethren.ca

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