MB Herald November-December 2017

New Indigenous ministry

Transformation

CCMBC budget 2018

Volume 56, No. 6 Publications mail registration number: 09648; Agreement number: 40009297 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circ. Dept., MB Herald, 1310 Taylor Avenue, Winnipeg, Man. R3M 3Z6

An invitation to discipleship

November/December 2017 WWW.MBHERALD.COM

Losing baby Jesus First Advent had come and gone, and I’d only put up a few of the Christmas decorations.

I had pulled all the boxes out of the crawl space, but time to unpack the annual treasures was lacking. Now guests were due to come over, so the job had to be completed.

Unfortunately, before I could arrange the decor, I had to tend to the overdue job of dusting and vacuuming.

So started a frantic day of Christmas decorating. The last step was to lay out the treasured handcrafted nativity set.

However, in the frenzied motions of vacuuming, I must have knocked away baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling cloth. He had rolled completely out of sight. Even after moving all the furniture and backtracking over where he first lay, no success rewarded my search.

I knew the lesson right away.

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I struggle each year to make Christmas something more than a season with more things to do than time to do them in. I try to leave out things that aren’t necessary. (For me, that’s baking and sending cards.)

God is so gracious; he continues to love me through my meaningless busyness. I feel his love everyday as he shows up in the smallest details, reminding me to keep my eyes focused on what is important.

I know baby Jesus will show up: I know he’s somewhere in this house.

For now, I’ll rest in the knowledge that someone will find him – eventually.

I might post a reward for my family members to join the search.

Or perhaps my two-year-old granddaughter will find him next time she’s over. She will find him without even looking; he’ll be somewhere down at her level.

[ Rose Brechin is a member of Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C. She and her husband live on a hobby farm with their family.

[CONTENTS

November/December 2017 In this issue

8 4 10 11 12 13 15 34

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

Forging ahead on mission

5 Letters

Results of the third annual Transformation Survey

6 Homepage

[ Karla Braun

18 News 24 Transitions

COLUMNS Editorial Broken things and a bottle of tears

28 Books 30 Finish lines [Obituaries]

[ Angeline Schellenberg While we witness Confession of Faith Article 5: Salvation

[ Bill Hogg Testimony An invitation to discipleship

[ Nathan McCorkindale MB Seminary And the Word became flesh!

[ Pierre Gilbert ICOMB - Wiebe’s Witness Baptized books in DR Congo

[

David Wiebe

OUTfront Is your church a transforming community?

[ Ingrid Reichard Intersection of Faith & Life Who is missing?

[ Janessa Giesbrecht

CONFERENCE NEWS

14 16 17

24 Births and weddings

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE DIGITAL EDITION issuu.com FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/MBHerald TWITTER twitter.com/MB_Herald WEBSITE mbherald.com JOBS jobs.mbherald.com PDF SUBSCRIPTION Contact karla.braun@mbchurches.ca to subscribe via email Cover: Transforming hoops into many shapes, Jennifer McKay danced in traditional Cree style at the Manitoba annual Assembly of Mennonite Brethren as several new worship gatherings were introduced to the family (see page 16).

PHOTO: Tony Schellenberg/MBCM anthonymarkphotography.net

Meet your One Mission Task Force Church planting ministry among Indigenous people

[ Karla Braun CCMBC budget 2018

[ Karla Braun Mennonite Brethren Herald | November/December 2017

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[EDITORIAL

Broken things and a bottle of tears When someone you love is a collector, deciding what to get them for Christmas is easy. (If you’re wondering/shopping, I collect contemporary Canadian poetry books.)

People collect all kinds of things: a dermatologist in North Carolina owns 675 back scratchers from 71 different countries.

Someone in Peaks Island, Maine, has 730 umbrella sleeves – I’m sure she’s always in the market for more.

What does God collect?

You keep track of all my sorrows.

You have collected all my tears in your bottle.

You have recorded each one in your book.

(Psalm 56:8 NLT) This fall, the world mourned what felt like an endless barrage of natural and manmade disasters: hurricanes devastated the Caribbean; cars mowed down pedestrians in Edmonton, Charlottesville and London; a sniper killed concertgoers in Las Vegas.

Surely God’s bottle is brimming.

The memories they hold My son Kieran has always been attached to things: things that sparkle, things that feel neat, things he has made. (I’ve heard some kids with Aspergers like their rooms sparse, drab and orderly. Or so I’ve been told. If only my little house could be so lucky.)

The clothes make the person When I think of transformation, Tim Allen’s 1994 movie “The Santa Clause” comes to mind. A not-so-cool dad puts on a Santa suit and magically becomes Santa. From that day on, he cannot stop his beard from growing, his hair from whitening, his belly from bulging or obnoxious elves from ringing the doorbell.

He doesn’t understand everything he’s signed up for, but that doesn’t change the facts: one decision is transforming his life, inside and out. It’s not just a costume; it’s an identity.

Some days I feel like I’m just “putting on” my faith. Sure, I can tell you how to find peace with God – just as soon as I stop yelling at my kids, fuming about my husband and worrying about my bank statement. I’ve met the Peacemaker, but I don’t always feel the peace.

When the Bible says, “Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus” (Romans 13:14), perhaps putting on Jesus is like stepping into Tim Allen’s Santa suit. The moment I invited Jesus to control my life, he began transforming me into my destiny.

But becoming Santa Claus or Christ-like doesn’t happen all at once. A white beard may grow overnight, but learning how to manage elves takes time. So does adjusting to Jesus’ life in me.

That means even when I’m a mess and I wonder why God would want to be seen with me, he’s not giving up on me.

“They all have memories,” he says.

And he hasn’t given up on our world either.

“So do I,” I think. “I remember when I could see my floor.”

Through the church – these flawed people growing into our Jesus suits – God is at work: bringing seeds to flooded Haitian farmers (p. 21), humility to settler peoples (p. 16), beds to refugee claimants (p. 19), renewal to weary volunteers (p. 22) and a message of extravagant kindness to all (p. 10).

God doesn’t just collect our tears, he remembers every injustice or loss that made them fall. It’s easy to get stuck in the stage of rehashing our hurts. Knowing someone holds our sorrows that tightly means it’s safe for us to let them go (1 Peter 5:7).

Over the years, my son’s wacky collections have included twist ties and bird bones. He even informed me of the existence of a “broken things collection.” He chose not to disclose its location.

(Smart kid.)

Like my son, God loves to collect broken things. But he doesn’t hide them. He transforms them.

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Until Jesus returns, we will remain a place of broken things and tears, but we are his: a treasured collection.

That’s a gift worth cherishing.

[ Angeline Schellenberg MB Herald copy editor.

[Reader response Children of God first In a world seemingly on a roller-coaster ride of sexual reinvention, I am extremely grateful for the articles on sexuality from Willy Reimer and Thaleia Sawatzky (God, sex, me and you, July/August 2016). Their unwavering commitment to the truth of Scripture, the lordship of Christ, open communication and loving compassion for all people is exactly what we need today in all the church.

Congregations that stick to these principles will always be a “safe environment” for those struggling with gender identity or same-sex attraction. Our culture says our identity is based on our sexuality, but we must always remember that our identity is really as children of God. Thank you very much for your ministry.

Allan Dowdeswell Saskatoon

Distressing misunderstanding Re: “The gospel calls us to be unsettled” (Viewpoint, September/October 2017) I am an avid reader of your magazine and enjoy it each month. This month I was surprised to see that you had included an article of a person who said that he lived with a partner and three children.

I thought the article was great, but was a bit disturbed when I read the acknowledgement and had to wonder whether his partner was someone he was not married to.

I was surprised that a paper from my denomination, which I love, would present something that in my mind is not acceptable.

I called your office and was told that his “partner” was his wife.

I was satisfied with that answer, but I am concerned about the appearance of something that can quite easily be misunderstood.

Thanks for the great articles on discipleship this month.

Sylvia Martens Swift Current, Sask.

[from the web

Re “Pray for Steve!” (Wiebe’s Witness, September/October 2017) From the global Mennonite Brethren family, we are already praying for Steve and look forward to welcome him among our brothers and sisters via ICOMB. José Arrais AIMP – Portugal MB Conference

Re “Pull out all the stops on one mission” (OUTfront, September/ October 2017, posted Aug. 31, 2017) Thanks, Steve, for your leadership. You asked, “What is the mission of God?” The answer to that question is not singular.

The mission of God changes depending on the time and place of the people who are attempting to live it out. In an individual sense, God’s mission to Abraham was different than it was for Lydia. In a collective sense, God’s mission for the Israelites in exile was different than God’s mission for the disciples gathered with the risen Jesus before Pentecost, than for the early church.

That variety should not deter us from pursuing a common mission together, but the answer may be more broad than is helpful for efficiently run institutions.

The second caution I would offer is that people may substitute “God’s mission” for “my mission.” It’s easy for the loudest voices to say, “This is God’s mission for us!” when what they mean is “This is what I want to happen right now!” Even the most well intentioned and prayer-conditioned individual (or group) can substitute what they perceive as God’s mission for their own.

God may indeed have something specific and singular in mind for us as Mennonite Brethren in this season. My early take would be that his mission may have more to do with character and shape of our conversations than the outcomes they bring.

Thank you for asking such an important question, and being willing to lead the discernment thereof. I’m looking forward to seeing where God leads us together.

Kevin Koop

November/December 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.

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

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

Volume 56, Number 6 • Copy run: 12,600 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 | November/December 2017

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MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

HOMEPAGE Stories from the harvest fields – C2C Network update –

Faithfulness and fruitfulness “I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Revelation 3:8).

How do we evaluate the “success” of a church plant?

Crossridge Church officially launched Sept. 25, 2011, as part of the C2C Network. Six years seems like a good amount of time to evaluate how things are going, but how do you effectively measure church health?

The usual metrics are the ABCs: attendance, buildings and cash.

How many people are coming? Does the church have its own facilities? Is the church self-sustaining?

By God’s grace, we have seen steady growth in attendance from Day 1.

We consider the facilities we now own to be a gift from God.

We rejoice that we are a self-sustaining ministry, able to bless other ministries financially.

Those aren’t wrong measurements, but they don’t tell the full story.

From the beginning, we have tried to measure our health by two factors: faithfulness and fruitfulness. Rather than create an either/or dichotomy, we attempt to see both/and: faithfulness leads to fruitfulness.

For Crossridge, faithfulness is living out our mission as a church: to know Jesus and make him known. We strive to proclaim God’s Word and to take seriously the responsibility to disciple those entrusted to our care.

Fruitfulness takes many different shapes. It looks like the Muslim man who surrendered his life to Christ, and the woman with a Buddhist and Roman Catholic background who got baptized. It looks like the dad who led his son to Christ, and the men and women who are actively engaged in studying God’s Word.

One of the most encouraging signs of fruitfulness is multiplication. We partnered with Northview Church, Abbotsford, and Westside Church, Vancouver, to plant TriCity Church in Port Coquitlam, B.C., in September.

This has been bittersweet. The difficult part has been saying goodbye to a good number of quality people who were actively involved in our ministry. The sweet part is knowing that there is another gospel-centred church in our region. While we’re always happy to add people to our local church, we believe that multiplication is even better than addition.

Crossridge Church commissions its members to help plant TriCity Church in Poco.

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In the end, the only evaluation that matters is the one that Jesus gives. The question for all churches is: Are we seeking to be faithful to his name and fruitful for his mission?

[ Lee Francois is lead pastor at Crossridge Church, Surrey, B.C.

PHOTO COURTESY JAME HEALY

[HOMEPAGE As we have done with previous events, MB Herald has mustered writers from within our ranks to reflect on what they hear God saying through the contents of workshops, TED-talk-style presentations and plenaries at the study conference, November 1–3, 2017. If you’re not able to attend EQUIP, follow along at equipstudyconference.mennonitebrethren.ca and watch the hashtag #MBEquip2017 for coverage.

[coming events 2017

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

Nov. 2–5: Business as Calling MEDA convention 2017, Vancouver.

Nov. 7: Pastors‘ theology seminar: Joshua, Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg.

Nov. 8: Nuts and bolts equipping, MBCM, Winnipeg.

Nov. 11: Peace conference, MCC Ontario,

Cornerstone Christian Community Church, Markham, Ont.

Nov. 13–15: ONMB regoinal meetings, Ontario.

Nov. 14–16: ABMB peer clusers, Alberta.

Nov. 18: SKMB leadership forum, Saskatchewan.

Nov. 18: "A fresh approach to congregational tensions," CMU Centre for faith and life seminar, Winnipeg.

Nov. 19–26: Restorative Justice Week.

Nov. 21: Crisis management workshop, BCMB, TWU Richmond, B.C.

Nov. 21: Ascent Church Planter's Base Camp, Vancouver.

Nov. 22: Ascent Church Planter's Base Camp, Calgary.

Nov. 23: Ascent Church Planter's Base Camp, Saskatoon.

Memory from MAID

Dec. 10: Thrive Christmas event, Hepburn, Sask.

Christmas creche

2018

Jan. 16: Pastors‘ theology seminar: Philippians,

Circa 1983, a Christmas drama at Black Creek (B.C.) MB Church

Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg.

Jan. 21: Mennonite World Conference World Fellowship Sunday.

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.

May 22–24: PCO, B.C. July 11–14: Gathering 2018, Saskatoon.

This photo from the Centre for MB Studies (NP149-1-650) is available to the public in collaboration with MAID: the Mennonite Archival Image Database. Research or purchase images from Mennonite churches and organizations at archives.mhsc.ca.

Do you know the people in this photo? Please help CMBS identify them: archives@mbchurches.ca.

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

Mennonite Brethren Herald | November/December 2017

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Forging ahea Results of the third annual Transformation Survey It is God’s work to transform us, but ours to tend to the daily renewal of our hearts – and the church community’s task to support and spur on this change together and for the watching world.

30-60 percent of churches are through children’s ministries, youth, adult or evangelism programs. Some 40 percent says evangelism is likely to happen on a personal basis more so than through a formal program.

The God who saves us “not only accepts but also equips (Philippians 2:13) and transforms (2 Corinthians 3:18) the believer and believing communities, who are then enabled to accept and serve others as God did them” (Confession of Faith, Article 5 Pastoral Commentary and Application).

MB churches also present the gospel through regularly scheduled outreach ministries to particular demographics, door-to-door visitation and community recovery groups.

This transformation is “ongoing, dynamic change taking place within believers,” writes Doug Heidebrecht in an April 2015 MB Herald article. Beginning with an invitation to the Spirit of God to change a heart, “when Christ transforms us, it’s so all-encompassing that Paul has no other way to describe it except to call it a ‘new creation’ (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15),” Heidebrecht writes.

“Holy life in community is a powerful witness. When society sees the church living as a transformed community in the world, the church is being faithful to Jesus’ description of believers as salt and light (Matthew 5:14–16)” (Confession of Faith, Article 7 Pastoral Commentary and Application).

The Canadian conference desires to see this ongoing equipping and transformation occurring in our churches across Canada.

For the third year, MB churches filled out the Transformation Survey, a tool not to evaluate churches but to monitor the impact of the services CCMBC offers its members. “We want to see people within our churches living on mission, growing in discipleship and reaching out to those around them,” said Sam Reimer (thenmeasurement committee chair) on the original survey. The survey asks questions pertaining to transformation of life, church and world – or, to think of it in terms of ministry: evangelism, leadership development and outreach.

This year, 119 out of the Canadian conference’s 248 churches participated, of whom some 38 percent participated twice before and 23 percent once before.

How does your congregation proclaim the gospel in word and deed weekly as a community of faith?

The study conference Nov. 1, 2017, focuses on discipleship, not merely as a concept, but on practical tools to equip people to live as apprentices to Jesus.

According to the survey, some 42 percent of churches have an intentional discipleship process in place and 16 percent are confident it is working.

Some churches use a specific program, others see small groups – whether study related or outreach/service focused – as the primary driver, others cite a more organic approach.

Others ask whether “discipleship” is a helpful measure, questioning the assumption that spiritual growth can be easily tracked with empirical methods.

What processes foster development as followers of Jesus in your congregation?

Caring community is both a sign of and a contributor to the life transformation we seek as Christ followers.

Smaller churches often do this through intentional relationships or volunteer deacon and visitation teams. As people of faith tend to tangible needs in their community, they may serve evangelistic purposes, develop leaders through mentorship and modelling and witness to a larger world of beauty and brokenness.

Transformation of life

How does your worshipping community call members to care for those around them?

Of responding churches, 87 percent are confident that they clearly proclaim the gospel message in weekend services.

Other formal ways a clear gospel message is presented in

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ad on mission Transformation of the church MB churches range from those with no staff at all to those with dozens on payroll. Leaders need to be resilient.

Over the surveyed period, churches could access resources like Sabbath policies, L2L coaches, C2C trainings/cohorts, pastoral couple retreats and mentors from CCMBC and provincial conferences. All these are commonly employed methods to provide training and care for leaders. Some 76 percent of pastors are regularly involved in ongoing professional development and 59 percent do regular performance reviews.

Identifying and developing those with ministry gifts is important. Responding churches give the most attention (67 percent) to forming elders, next to lay leaders (53 percent), with church planters at the lowest (12). One quarter reported they had not yet developed a leadership development strategy.

Small churches observe that it’s natural to discern those with gifts. One respondent noted that each individual’s journey of being identified and equipped is unique, but God guides each one, so prayer is key.

How does your congregation discern, call and equip leaders in all stages of development?

Members are taking courses – 41 percent at MB Seminary or one-time seminars – or in other institutions like Bible colleges and other seminaries (61 percent). One respondent expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of traditional institutions to equip for ministry today.

What educational pathways are encouraged in your congregation?

Transformation of the world More than 50 percent said, “we are active engaged in meeting the needs of our community” when asked whether the church takes a sense of spiritual responsibility for the community. A further 37 percent are in various stages of identifying and responding to opportunities. Some churches intentionally support local ministries and programs, others engage the community through member participation and relationships. Some congregations reported a focus on ministry among specific demographics – migrant workers,

Chinese immigrants, refugees, people who are homeless or low income. Some report their church is known as a source of care to the community. Others confess a disconnect between the congregation and the neighbourhood of the church building.

In what ways does your congregation take “spiritual responsibility” toward your local community?

There are a variety of avenues to support the spread of the gospel message around the world. More than three-quarters of responding churches include global mission in their budget. Some 38 percent have a global mission committee, more than 50 percent promote MB Mission news and 43 percent host a mission weekend or host MB Mission workers once a year.

How does your church support global mission?

In addition to contributing financial resources and mental energy, churches can also participate in mission. Some 45 percent of responding churches said members had participated in an MB Mission event (e.g., SOAR, ACTION, TREK, AWAKE) in the last three years. Three quarters reported the lead pastor or a senior leader had completed a trip with MB Mission or another agency in the past five years.

How do you participate in global mission?

“God’s purpose is to transform people, and when his people are transformed, changes take place within social systems and structures,” says Heidebrecht. It is our prayer that Canadian MB churches, on mission together “to multiply Christ-centred churches to see Canada transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ” will be transforming communities of transformed people witnessing to the possibility of transformation.

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How did you answer the questions? Reply in the comments feature online, discuss in your small groups, start a conversation on Facebook or send us a letter or story explaining how God’s transforming love is changing you and your community from the inside out.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | November/December 2017

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[CONFESSION OF FAITH

While we witness Board of Faith and Life

AR T I CL

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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 fifth article in a series by the Board of Faith and Life exploring the 18 articles of this formative document.

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Salvation

Salvation is found in Jesus alone

Simeon joyfully swept the toddler Jesus up in his arms, praising God: “My eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:30).

Jesus is our salvation. Deliverance and forgiveness is found in no one else.

This conviction energized the primitive church. This Christological clarity must grip us afresh in our Canadian mission field. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

Jesus cannot be relegated to one option in the spirituality supermarket. Jesus will not concede to being one path among many. Jesus, as God incarnate, is the unique and only Saviour for wayward and rebellious humankind.

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We are saved by the life of Jesus

We are saved through the birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus. As our Great High Priest, Jesus “is able to save completely those who draw near to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). The cross remains central because dealing with sin and God’s righteous judgment is not complete without the cross. We are saved by the Person and work of Christ.

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Jesus is “God with us” (Matthew 1:23) in whom and through whom divine reconciliation is fully and finally accomplished (2 Corinthians 5:19).

In his Person, God and humanity are perfectly One. Christ is the reconciliation. “He himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14).

Jesus lived a life of loving obedience, surrendered to the Father’s will. He fulfilled all the requirements of the Law for us and in our place. The first Adam was a rebel who declared high treason against God the King. Jesus, “the last Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45), lived a loving and unimpeachable life.

Jesus lived the life we cannot possibly live for us, and we are saved by his active and passive obedience. We are saved by the life of Jesus!

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We are saved by the death of Christ

After Jesus lived a life of perfect righteousness, he died a death that fully atoned for sin.

Jesus suffered in our place and took the death and punishment due to our rebel race.

Jesus secured salvation because sin’s judgement fell upon him. Jesus was “made…sin for us” that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ was “pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5)

in our place that we might experience redemption and enjoy total forgiveness.

Salvation is full, final and complete because Jesus died for our sins. We are brought into a right relationship with God and declared righteous by God because Jesus laid down his life.

Jesus was “delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification” (Romans 4:25). Jesus bore the penalty for our guilt and sin on the cross. God the Father raised the son from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. The resurrection vindicates Jesus and declares that his sacrifice was full and sufficient.

We are saved from the wrath of God by the death of Christ. We are saved from the penalty and power of sin by Jesus’ blood and righteousness and anticipate being saved from the presence of sin. In this way, the believer can say I am saved, I am being saved, I will be saved.

This salvation is by grace alone. We are saved by God’s work; what God in Christ has done for us – not by our works, effort or performance (Ephesians 2:8–9).

[ Bill Hogg is C2C

national missiologist and a member of the board of faith and life (BFL).

[TESTIMONY We learned that with parental leave, I could receive almost half my income while we went on mission! This would help cover some costs and provide some of the security we were worried about.

We spent the next days and weeks praying, reading Scripture and wrestling with God. I never saw myself as the kind of person who would serve in a foreign country. I love the comfort of speaking English. My tolerance for risk isn’t exactly high.

As much as I might pretend otherwise, I’m a Walmart and McDonald’s kind of guy. (Don’t let the V-neck fool you.) I enjoy my toys and TV shows.

On top of my personal preferences, I worried about what would happen to my family if we took this invitation to risk.

An invitation to discipleship Invitation. That sums up the last year of our family’s life.

We have felt God inviting us to step out in faith, trust and obedience. Our question is will we accept?

A little over a year ago, my wife Niki and I were fairly certain that change was coming. We just had no idea how big it would be.

We had just completed five years pastoring at Philadelphia MB Church in Watrous, Sask. Things were going well. We lived on a beautiful acreage just outside of town, we were serving a fantastic church full of people we love, we had friends and family close by. Life was great.

But we also had a sense that something new was on the horizon – an intriguing, but not necessarily appealing prospect.

Yet, as we prayed, we both had an undeniable sense that God was saying, “If you are willing, I could use your gifts somewhere else.”

There it was. Invitation.

So we kept praying, thinking, talking.

In 2016, I had the privilege of participating with MB Mission on SOAR Saskatchewan. God had used it to change my life in some pretty significant ways. Nothing was going to keep me away the next year.

This February, during one out our worship times at SOAR, I had this crazy idea. “What if we quit and packed up our family and served with MB Mission for a few months?” I texted Niki.

“Maybe we could go on TREK?” Amazingly, at eight and a half months pregnant with our fourth child, she responded immediately with “Yes!” The timing was great. MB Mission Central Canada mobilizers Lloyd and Carol Letkeman and Matt and Ruth Braun were right there in Saskatoon. In no time, we were sitting around a table at West Portal Church, talking about options and praying together.

This was a war for my heart and obedience. God was asking, “Are you willing?”

In one time of prayer, I began to understand that there are many ways to die. Some are physical, but our hearts and souls can die just as easily on the couch in Canada as our bodies can die in a foreign country.

The moment I knew we had to go came during my devotions one morning. “A certain man hosted a large dinner and invited many people. When it was time for the dinner to begin, he sent his servant to tell the invited guests, ‘Come! The dinner is now ready.’ One by one, they all began to make excuses.” (Luke 14:16–18, CEB, italics mine) Jesus drives home the force of the story in verses 27 and 33: “Whoever doesn’t carry their own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” And “In the same way, none of you who are unwilling to give up all of your possessions can be my disciple.”

How often have I read those verses? Now it was real. I had lots of excuses. Some of them were even good. But! Did I want to be a disciple? Or was I merely an onlooker, a member of the crowd?

This was one of those decision points in life when the choices we make shape us irrevocably. My choice was clear. It was time to go.

Within weeks, we had resigned at the church. I emailed Carol: “I hope you weren’t joking about having a place for us to serve with MB Mission because we are coming!”

People ask, “Are you thinking about long-term missions?” We don’t know. That journey of discernment is much further down the road.

This is about obedience: we are responding to the One who asks, “Are you willing?” It is about being a disciple of Jesus ready to give up security, income, home and job to step out in faith to follow Jesus.

Our prayer is that in doing so, God will make our family a blessing to the nations.

[ Nathan and Niki McCorkindale and their four children left in October to serve with MB Mission at the Matthew Training Centre in Guadalajara, Mexico, for 9 months.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | November/December 2017

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[MB SEMINARY

MB Seminary Lifelong Learning for Lifelong Mission

reach toward the heavens, they tragically turned inward. At that moment, we became, in one sense, monstrosities bent on and hopelessly contaminated by hatred, violence and self-loathing.

The Word-become-flesh provides a laser-like focus on the notion of the image of God first mentioned in Genesis 1:26–27, a divine declaration that creates an irreducible distinction between humanity and nature with respect to humanity’s intrinsic worth and dignity.

Unfortunately, our natural impulse is to erase that distinction.

And every time we succeed, the outcome is catastrophic. In the 20th century, the world had a terrible glimpse into the dire consequences of such a collapse when atheistic ideologies such as Nazism and communism brought about the demise of millions of innocents.

And the Word became flesh!

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NRSV).

For most of us, Christmas evokes the image of a baby in a manger. But, for many Christians, the cross immediately leaps to mind. God the Son became a man to atone for the sins of the whole world; an infinitely valuable sacrifice to deal with an offence of immense proportions. But as extraordinary as this is, it is only one part of the story.

Christ becoming human points to two other remarkable truths.

First, it confirms God’s overriding desire to communicate with his most valued creature. From the very beginning of history, God sought to make himself known to humanity. But because the infinite will never be accessible to the finite, God sent his son to make visible the invisible (Colossians 1:15).

To those who embraced the revelation of God in Christ, he gave the Holy Spirit so they could experience God in a way no man or woman ever did before (Romans 8:14–16; Galatians 4:5–7). To echo Karl Barth, the incarnation is truly the exaltation of God. But that’s not all. By becoming one of us, God the Son also exalted humanity.

We are not what God had first intended us to be. To paraphrase C. S. Lewis, we are now a mutated species that sinned itself into existence. When Adam and Eve were given the opportunity to 12

November/December 2017 | mbherald.com

By taking on human form, Jesus Christ not only revealed God, he exalted humanity, affirmed the value of the individual and proclaimed the reality of human self-determination. No wonder totalitarian regimes fear Christianity and hate Christians.

By bringing the notion of the image of God into sharp focus, the incarnation also bestows intrinsic worth upon every man, woman and child who has ever lived. In a country like Canada, which affords no legal protection to the unborn child, it may be well to remember that the incarnation implicitly ascribes inherent value to the infant at every stage of development, independently of any attendant circumstances.

If the incarnation of our Lord infuses our understanding of what it means to be human with new significance, then surely, we must allow this profound insight to permeate our perception of the most vulnerable among us. “…what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Yet you have made them a little lower than God, and crowned them with glory and honour” (Psalm 8:4–5 NRSV).

The Christmas season most fundamentally points to the mystery of the incarnation. In becoming one of us, Christ gave us an unprecedented glimpse into the nature of the Father, fulfilled the conditions for our redemption and affirmed – once and for all – the intrinsic value and dignity of all men and women. In an increasingly divided world, that is truly something to celebrate.

Merry Christmas!

[ Pierre Gilbert is associate professor of

Bible and theology at Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, and MB Seminary.

PHOTO BY LIV BRUCE

[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.

The consultation concluded with a dozen solutions. Ten could be done within the Congo, using their resources. Two needed some outside help. One solutions was to develop a new curriculum to teach Anabaptist values to children Grades 1–12.

Pakisa Tshimika, Heritier Funga, David Wiebe

Baptized books ICOMB supports Anabaptist curriculum in DR Congo

The work isn’t done. ICOMB now seeks support for the next phase of training area superintendents to orient teachers who will use this curriculum. Florent Muaku Kinana of Kinshasa leads this work. The revitalization of Congolese Mennonite church schools continues.

“I baptize this book in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”

[ David Wiebe is director of ICOMB, the

With these words, Gerard Mambakila, president of Communauté des Églises des Frères Mennonites au Congo (the Mennonite Brethren conference in DR Congo), poured a glass of water over the book he was holding. It was a copy of a new curriculum – seven years in the making – about to be released into the school system.

International Community of Mennonite Brethren. He loves to assemble people of God, opening space for all to listen to God as a community for inspiration and direction.

Once again, I was surprised by cross-cultural experience. I would never purposely allow water to touch any of my books.

But in DR Congo, the church honours a book’s spiritual provenance with a public baptism.

In this case, spiritual provenance started with an ICOMB education consultation in 2009. Under the leadership of Pakisa Tshimika (Mama Makeka House of Hope, Fresno/Kinshasa), 50 Congolese educators discussed ways to revitalize the Mennonite school system.

The Congo education department guide says, “We must teach children that there is a God who loves us.” Unfortunately, the government’s ideological nod was not supported with funds over the 1990s because of several civil conflicts.

As funding dried up, church schools suffered. Some of the teachers willing to work for low pay were not believers and disparaged the faith. Leaders of other major religions (primarily Islam) began building schools, offering better – even free – education. These are “good schools” – and every parent wants their kids to get the best education. But who knows the longterm consequences when a generation of children are educated into another belief structure?

After the consultation, ICOMB continued to support the project. In 2012, international donors helped cover expenses for a writing committee to outline the scope and sequence for a 12-year teaching plan. Writers then fleshed this out. Finally, in March 2016, the new curriculum was launched…and baptized!

PHOTO COURTESY DAVID WIEBE

did you know?

There are 325 elementary and high schools that serve some 75,000 students operated

by Mennonite churches in Congo.

Florent Muaku Kinana is a pastor and the education coordinator for 62 MB-run schools in the Kinshasa region.

All three Mennonite conferences in DR Congo are involved in this project: Communauté Mennonite au Congo (CMCo), Communauté des Églises des Frères Mennonites au Congo (CEFMC; Mennonite Brethren), Communauté Evangélique Mennonite.

Congolese children need school kits.

Make a difference this Christmas! Give one school kit to MCC for every schoolaged child in your church.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | November/December 2017

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Meet your One Mission Task Force Leading up to Gathering 2018, the One Mission Partnership Task Force will listen, discern and submit a plan for Canadian MB people to increase collaborative effectiveness in working alongside what God is doing.

executive director Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches

Steve Berg South Abbotsford (B.C.) Church

director of operations Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches

SunWest Christian Fellowship, Calgary

Ingrid Reichard

David MacLean

Glencairn MB Church, Kitchener, Ont.

Willow Park Church, Kelowna, B.C.

Habakkuk 2:2–3

Deuteronomy 31:8

2 Corinthians 10:3–5

vice chair Ontario Conference of MB Churches

Karen West Waterloo (Ont.) MB Church

president Columbia Bible College

president MB Seminary

Bryan Born

Mark Wessner

City Life Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

Matthew 5:1–12

Jude 3

regional director Ontario, C2C Network

Trinity Grace Church, Toronto Ephesians 2:4–10

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*this appointment will be processed by the boards prior to Nov. 1, 2017

member-atlarge, executive board Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches

J.P. Hayashida

Matthew 6:33

Trevor Seath

chair, board of faith and life

Ross Road Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

provincial director Alberta Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches

Paul J. Loewen

The task force will • articulate a clear statement of “one mission” for all MB churches and ministries across Canada, • discern structural solutions for aligning ministry partnerships around this one mission.

lead team mobilization and media, MB Mission

Larry Neufeld The Life Centre, Abbotsford, B.C.

November/December 2017 | mbherald.com

Luke 7:34

regional director Quebec, C2C Network

mission mobilizer MB Mission

Patrice Nagant

Phil Wagler

L’Intersection, Terrebonne, Que.

Gracepoint Community Church, Surrey, B.C.

John 17

Ephesians 3:10–11

executive director Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba

regional director B.C., C2C Network

Elton DaSilva

Ron Leonard

The Meeting Place, Winnipeg

Willingdon Church, Burnaby, B.C.

1 Peter 2:4–5

short term mobilizer Central Canada, MB Mission

regional mobilizer Eastern Canada, MB Mission

Carol Letkeman

Robyn Serez

The Meeting Place, Winnipeg

Waterloo (Ont.) MB Church

Ephesians 3:20–21

Luke 1:37

[

OUTFRONT

Is your church a transforming community?

[Ingrid Reichard A pastor friend recently invited some more mature members of his congregation on a journey of transformation. Some were intrigued by the invitation; some welcomed it with relief and joy. Others declined, explaining that they have been Christians longer than the pastor and have their faith well in hand; they don’t need to change.

Recent studies cite alarming findings regarding the lack of transformation among churchgoers: 46 percent of self-identified Christians say their life has not changed at all as a result of going to church1, 68 percent of pastors and Christian leaders say that their souls are getting overlooked in the midst of ministry2, and 52 percent of self-identified Christian adults believe there is much more to the Christian life than what they experience3.

Good news that transforms Yet the good news preached by Jesus and experienced by the early church speaks of a radically transforming power: the power to fundamentally transform the believer and the power to transform the world.

In fact, the church has deeply influenced culture. Beginning with the early church in the Roman Empire, continuing through the Reformation and the settling of the New World, Christians influenced the society around them to take care of those who are poor; protect the vulnerable; limit exploitation of children, women and foreigners; provide health care; encourage education at all levels; work for peace and reconciliation in personal, national and international relationships; promote values such as humility, generosity, forgiveness, self-sacrifice and love of all; strengthen the family unit; rehabilitate those living in crime or immorality; and more4.

Problem of decline Today, the state churches in Europe claim only single percentages of population among their attendees, and North American churches have, for the most part, experienced acute decline over the past several decades. Though one could debate the factors that contribute to the current problem of decline, research conducted by groups such as the Barna Group and Willow Creek Association indicates that the decline in church participation is directly connected to the decline in the church’s transforming influence: on its participants and on the surrounding culture. Hence, we are faced with what is essentially a discipleship problem.

At a September 2017 conference focused on creating truly transforming worship communities, Ruth Haley Barton suggested that the claim “We are a transforming community” is the most over-promised and under-delivered in the church.

If you were to honestly reflect on whether your church community is in fact a transforming community, would you agree with Barton’s assessment? Are people in your worship community regularly experiencing deep inner change? Are they regularly discovering new ways of seeing and being? Are they regularly aware of their own becoming?

Is this “becoming” reflected in a missional impulse to change the world around them?

A way to follow CCMBC’s leadership, including the Board of Faith and Life, desires that each of our Canadian MB churches could answer all of the above questions with a hearty “yes and amen.” To this end, the EQUIP 2017 Study Conference is devoted to the topic of

Transforming Discipleship. We are defining discipleship as a process of following and imitating Jesus in a way that results in inner transformation into his likeness.

This way of following Jesus was the way of the early disciples, and it was, appropriately, called the Way. This way of following Jesus has continued through the ages. In fact, it was insistence on this way of following Jesus that led to the birth of the Mennonite Brethren.

The unmistakably transforming people of the Way were characterized by three distinct features: 1. The lives of the people of the Way were ordered around intentional spiritual life practices that were centred on Jesus, 2. The faith of the people of the Way was not private; rather, it was lived out in intimate community with other followers, 3. The people of the Way were naturally oriented outward to the people and issues in the surrounding culture.

The Way was irresistible, it was unstoppable and its impact was unmistakable.

Such influence necessitates the ongoing witness to a power greater than that of self-help psychology, yoga, positive thinking and the many other solutions floated by the surrounding culture. Such influence comes not when we pander to the human consumeristic nature, but when we invite people to experience the transforming power of the gospel in the here and now; when our churches are filled with people of inner spiritual authority that comes only from being with Jesus in a transforming way.

[continued on page 23

1 Barna Research Group OmiPoll January 2012

2 The “How is it with your soul?” Assessment for Leaders Transforming Center 2011 3 The Maximum Faith Project by Barna Research Group 2010 www.barna.org ⁴ Stark, Rodney. 2011. The Triumph of Christianity: How the Jesus Movement Became the World’s Largest Religion.

New York, NY: Harper Collins.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | November/December 2017

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[CONFERENCE NEWS

Budget supports establishment of Indigenous churches Hoop dancers, drumming and a group of friends from northern reserves brought a fresh spirit to the Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba’s annual Assembly in March 2017. Of the 19 new church expressions introduced to the conference, nine are emerging Indigenous ministries, shepherded by Paul Winter. This is a picture of what the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches would like to see across Canada.

“I believe that by God’s grace, MBs have an incredible opportunity work with First Nations people,” says CCMBC executive director Steve Berg.

Responding to a movement toward reconciliation in Canadian society, CCMBC has created a new line within the multiplying churches budget to support initiatives among Indigenous people (see facing page).

Invitations from Indigenous communities, combined with the fact that tribal identities transcend provincial boundaries – so ministries should as well – motivated CCMBC to plan for national ministry.

In a few years, Winter has gone from pastoring a small, largely Indigenous church plant in central Winnipeg, to consulting on MB church planting in Manitoba, to his July 2017 appointment as full-time national Indigenous ambassador serving with the C2C Network. He is regularly approached by individuals and leaders from Indigenous communities around Manitoba, inviting partners for Bible study and discipleship.

“My main focus is to start gatherings,” says Winter; “to bring the hope of Jesus to groups that have asked us to come.”

CCMBC’s budgeted funds will support these new Indigenous gatherings with Indigenous leaders on Indigenous soil.

Additionally, C2C will equip leaders, subsidize travel of leaders and church vision groups to and from remote reserves, and contribute staff time to encourage and train settler churches for reconciliation and Indigenous leaders for ministry Besides Winter’s burgeoning work in Manitoba, the C2C Network has Indigenous ambassadors working among church plants in Ontario (Derrick Parenteau) and B.C. (John Johnstone, starting in Oct. 1, 2017). Paul welcomes more partners who are engaged in fostering growing gatherings of Indigenous Christians across Canada.

Earlier efforts to “Christianize” Indigenous people came “in a package of annihilation of culture, and of genocide,” says Winter. Not Indigenous himself, Winter is sensitive to past injustice but passionate about teaching the true gospel message.

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November/December 2017 | mbherald.com

“The first step is always an invitation,” he says. Responding to his sense of calling to serve a multi-nation Indigenous fellowship in Winnipeg has opened doors to visit many communities in the north. “It’s always word of mouth,” he says.

“As God transforms people…they decide they want to go back to their home community.” An invitation for Winter to bring a team to facilitate sharing circles often results.

Another component of Winter’s work is to guide settler Canadian churches to understand the role they have to play in reconciliation. Training activities like the blanket exercise (created by KAIROS) equip settler Canadians to begin to understand the context of Indigenous communities.

He arranged for Winnipeg’s Fort Garry MB Church to send a spring break team of College and Career to Cross Lake (Pimicikamak), Man., in 2017, and he joined emerging Indigenous leader Dallas Pelly from Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, to teach at the Saskatchewan MB Assembly and a special session this summer (mbherald.com/skmb-listening-circle-calls-action).

Part of this work is understanding the role of culture in spiritual journeys. “A sharing circle is similar to a small group,” he says to those who are concerned about syncretism. “The Bible talks about God who will go before us” (Deuteronomy 31:8) – including to the people of Turtle Island (Canada), he says. “My hope is that they learn how Jesus fits into what God has already shown their culture.”

“Jesus has put a person of peace in every community,” says Winter. “We need to pray, find them, equip them and send them out in this Luke 10:02 work.”

In the next five years, Winter hopes to see multicultural indigenous-settler communities worshipping together and at least 100 new First Nations groups in Canada with healthy Indigenous church gatherings, full of people who understand “I can be who God made me and be transformed by the power of Jesus.”

[ Karla Braun PHOTO TONY SCHELLENBERG

[CONFERENCE NEWS

Changes in CCMBC budget At the special general meeting in Abbotsford, B.C., Nov. 1, 2017, delegates vote on a budget that significantly changes the operation of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC).

The financial operations previously known as stewardship ministries (including mortgages, deposit funds, accounting services, payroll and benefits, information technology) will function under CCMBC Legacy Fund Inc. Developed by the Executive Board finance team and incorporated 2015, Legacy operates as a separate legal entity and registered charity to support the core service “resourcing ministry.”

Legacy will continue to offer subsidized rent and information technology support to CCMBC ministries and partners, free benefits and pension plan administration, and payroll and accounting services for a small fee.

In response to the amendment introduced at Gathering 2016, CCMBC’s spending and operations for 2018 rely on contributions from churches ($1.4 million) along with subsidized rent from Legacy.

The total proposed CCMBC budget is $3.4 million (pending the C2C Network/ MB Mission merger approval and exclusion of $3.7 million C2C budget).

CCMBC’s 2017 budget was $8.6 million which included C2C. Legacy’s proposed 2018 budget is $5.5 million(nonregistered deposits are not included).

CCMBC leaders and Executive Board finance team took a zero-based budgeting approach where “all expenses must be justified for each new period rather than making incremental changes from an existing budget,” says CCMBC CFO Jim Davidson. “Decisions are based on the priorities to achieve the mission.”

“The ministry model framework is shared by the provinces and helps to coordinate all of our service delivery ,” says director of operations J.P. Hayashida.

“Our goal is better ministry collaboration and less competition.”

National spending on the remaining

three services of the CCMBC ministry model break down as follows, (with 9 percent spent on administration): • • •

building community – 43% multiplying churches – 32% developing leaders – 16%

Developing leaders sees the most significant changes with the closure of L2L at the end of December 2017, resulting in the release of four staff (interim director Daniel Beutler, and associates Dave Jackson, Teresa Born and Alain Després). CCMBC contributions to MB Seminary and ETEQ are halved.

The Leadership Training Matching Grant remains in place to support emerging leaders to study at MB Seminary.

“It’s been a privilege to listen to God with you and to be part of your journey in following Jesus,” says Beutler, on behalf of L2L’s ministry of training leaders within community to equip the local church.

CCMBC will continue to collect and distribute funds to support MB church planting. Some $700,000 in flow-through contributions from the provinces, $300,000 from CCMBC coffers and $800,000 from C2C fundraising will pay salaries and rent for new congregations that do not have enough momentum to self-sustain.

The statistical survey conducted by the Centre for MB Studies for 2016 suggests a plateau in church growth.

MB churches across Canada gave highest ranking to the “building community” service of CCMBC on a 2005 survey by governance consultant Les Stahlke.

The work of the Board of Faith and Life and Executive Board will continue, though the One Mission Task Force and Governance Project will re-vision and bring restructuring recommendation to Gathering 2018. Interim executive director Steve Berg’s term comes to an end in July 2018, at which point a new job description should be available, compatible with the new structure.

The Centre for MB Studies is reduced to one-third of 2017’s budget. In 2018, CMBS director and sole staff member Jon Isaak will reduce his

hours to three days a week. “I expect to continue CMBS’s commitment to donors to preserve, describe, and make accessible donated records, reports, correspondence, photos, meeting minutes, yearbooks, etc.” says Isaak. “I’ll do my best to keep editing/publishing and to keep responding to requests for historical and theological research, analysis and counsel.”

Funding to ICOMB (the International Community of Mennonite Brethren) is also reduced.

Communication is crucial in a time of change. The communications department based in the Winnipeg office retains its staff, but MB Herald readers will experience changes due to cuts. For the Herald to continue within the revenue available from church giving, readers will be asked to pay a subscription fee to recover the costs of printing and shipping the magazine ($24 for 6 issues/year). As always, church members may subscribe electronically for free.

One new budget line under multiplying churches is $255,025 for a national ministry to Indigenous peoples. (See facing page for story.) “There has been an invitation to work with tribes across Canada,” says CCMBC executive director Steve Berg. It falls under national ministry because Indigenous communities does not organize according to provincial boundaries.

“The recognition of [the unsustainable model and unhealthy strategy of previous years] and a shift into a new modality of operations is a heartening development,” says Jericho Ridge Community Church pastor Brad Sumner. “But it also comes at a cost– of relationships and loss of what has been.”

“We recognize that 2018 could be a bridge year toward a new future for the MB family,” says Berg.

[ Karla Braun

[info on page 23

Mennonite Brethren Herald | November/December 2017

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Warriors on the bus Seniors are known to be fond of bus tours. Church-going folk also know seniors to be strong prayer warriors. The Ontario MB conference combined those interests with God Sightings, a bus tour through southern Ontario Sept. 26–29, 2017.

Seniors ministry pastor Gareth Goossen from Waterloo MB Church and Ontario Conference of MB Churches staff Kristi Lee, Ed Willms and his wife Karin travelled by coach with 36 older adults from Kitchener-Waterloo and the Niagara region.

Hood (Southeast City church plant) shared their opportunities and challenges.

God Sightings visited tourist attractions and locations of activity for MB leaders and their churches. Points of interest included a cranberry bog in Bala, a First Nations reserve with a vibrant Bible study group, Camp Crossroads, Algonquin Park, Ottawa (Parliament Hill, National House of Prayer) and Toronto (Thorncliffe Park, Behta Darya Community Church [Mississauga]).

“I was blessed in ways I couldn’t have imagined,” said another.

Ottawa pastors and planters Jeff Jantzi (The Gathering), Bruce MacPherson (Manotick Community Church) and David

Willms calls the tour “a huge success” and speculates it may be repeated another year.

18

November/December 2017 | mbherald.com

The group prayed for The Journey pastor couple Dan and Melody Reid-Cook (pictured) after they spoke of journeying through cancer.

“The trip was an outstanding exposure to such touching ministries, and such faithful, capable servants at each location,” said one participant.

“From the moment we boarded the bus right through to the hugs and best wishes when we disembarked, it was a memorable four days,” says Ontario MB conference executive director Ed Willms. “There was a deepened sense that we are on mission with like-minded and very courageous leaders in some unique corners of this province.”

PHOTOS COURTESY KRISTI LEE

[NEWS

Living out welcome “I didn’t want to be alone…. I wanted to live with people,” says Abdul.* Two years ago, Abdul fled his home country and sought refuge in Canada. He left behind his culture, language – and his wife and 18-month-old daughter. Abdul grins as he shows a picture of his curly-haired toddler whom he has watched grow over video chats. When he crossed the border into Canada, he received little information to help him through the first weeks in a foreign country. But the one thing Abdul was given became his lifeline – the address for the Mennonite Coalition for Refugee Support (MCRS).

MCRS was founded in 1987 in response to the crisis of refugees fleeing violence in Central America. Thirty years later, the organization relies on the hard work of three staff members and hundreds of volunteers and donors. Annually, MCRS assists 400 people from across the globe to navigate the refugee claims process.

Director Shelley Campagnola says dire situations cause people to seek asylum in Canada: “They’re being personally targeted because of the way they live, or the way they have spoken out, or their profession.” The claims process is painfully long and discouraging, Campagnola and her colleagues say.

Tony Van Giessen, a caseworker for MCRS for two years, says his clients have no initial access to social supports when they first arrive in Canada. “Oftentimes they have nothing. People end up in shelters

and on the streets because they have no other options,” says Van Giessen.

MCRS staff and volunteers help refugee claimants to access settlement Open Homes, a supports and to process their application to stay in Canada. program MCRS adopted in August Over the past nine years, Jake Martin White 2017, began as a grassroots movement and his family have opened their home to in 2006 when members of Waterloo 25 refugee claimants. Martin White seeks Mennonite Brethren Church (WMB) to find balance between helping claimants realized the need for housing among become self-sufficient and integrating them refugee claimants. MCRS connects church into family life. He orients his guests to members with MCRS clients, and families the bus schedule and includes them in his open their homes for a few months to family’s weekly cleaning schedule. give claimants time to learn how to live independently in Canada.

Martin White has become lasting friends with several claimants. “I wouldn’t have WMB adopted Open Homes as a program of the church in 2015 to provide anticipated that the work of hospitality would have such a big impact on how I structure and resources for the growing initiative. As word got out about the think about the world, how I think about program, other churches expressed God,” he says. interest in replicating it. To facilitate the For Campagnola, the work of MCRS and growing network of participants, MCRS Open Homes is deeply spiritual. She says, took over the Open Homes program.

“God is bringing the nations to us; we have WMB maintains a local program of an opportunity to walk in the Kingdom.”

Open Homes and remains an invaluable When asked why Canadians should open partner to MCRS, says Campagnola. their homes, Abdul’s answer is simple, Van Giessen describes the experience of “When you help people, it feels good – a claimant who lived in an Open Home you cannot buy that feeling.” after a negative stay at a men’s shelter: “He had a place where he could just focus *Name changed to protect identity. on his claim. He didn’t have to worry. It was night and day.” Abdul’s stay with a [ Kristen Bonney is a member of Glencairn family from WMB provided him with MB Church, Kitchener, Ont. She works for a sense of belonging: “The feeling I got MoveIn, a ministry that works closely with from them – it was like going home.” refugees and new immigrants.

We’ve got more to share than room to spare.

Visit mbherald.com to discover the following online stories from agency partners and churches – and more.

The Historical Commission of the U.S. and Canadian Mennonite Brethren Churches announces FIVE research and writing grants for 2017–2018.

“The church needs Christ-like leaders with godly character, skillful competence and convictional knowledge.”A B.C. MB church launched Immerse, a context-based Master of Divinity degree program (conjoint with MBSeminary and Northwest Baptist Seminary) in which learning takes place within the setting of the church.

bit.ly/hcrwgrants2017-2018

mbherald.com/immerse

PHOTO COURTESY MCRS

Mennonite MennoniteBrethren BrethrenHerald Herald || November/December November/December 2017

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Shalom-pursuing alumni teach and inspire

(l–r): CMU distinguished alumni 2017: Henry Neufeld, Joanne Thiessen Martens, John Longhurst, Ken Esau.

alumni from CMU and its predecessor schools MB Bible College/Concord and Canadian Mennonite Bible College.

were also recognized for their work with Indigenous peoples and agricultural research, respectively.

MBBC alumnus Esau (1983) loves teaching and loves the Bible. Though he has given his Old Testament survey course 90 times, it’s never the same course twice, because he “teaches students, not subjects” about the Bible’s “transformation metanarrative.”

Canadian Mennonite University aims to train agents of reconciliation, says president Cheryl Pauls. CMU’s Centre for Faith and Life offers formal and informal learning to churches, and its Centre for Resilience, launching in 2017, invites enterprises with a focus on social and environmental health to interact with students and churches

“This is an excited and terrifying time for communicators,” says MBBC alumnus John Longhurst (1979), who discovered his calling to tell stories there. Having served the communications departments of nearly every Mennonite organization based in Winnipeg and as a regular newspaper columnist on faith, Longhurst takes time to mentor to young professionals. His goal is to create space for new communicators to address the challenges of this time with stories of pain, joy and hope.

Gifted teachers do not simply educate; they inspire their students to apply their lessons, says Ken Esau. The long-time Bible professor at Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C., was one of this year’s recipients of the Canadian Mennonite University distinguished alumni award.

The award celebrates alumni who embody CMU’s mission of “service, leadership and reconciliation in church and society.” It is presented annually to

[ Karla Braun

CMBC graduates Henry Neufeld (1952) and Joanne Thiessen Martens (1996)

The numbers: • 674 students on campus (552 undergraduate, 70 graduate, 52 Outtatown) • more than 250 registered through Menno Simons College • 12 percent international students from 24 countries • 9 students from Peguis First Nation in the Indigenous transition program

Imagine a world where everyone lives generously Your generosity to the causes you care about most changes our world...and changes you! Let us show you how.

1.800.772.3257 | abundance.ca

Because generosity changes everything

20

November/December 2017 | mbherald.com

PHOTO COURTESY CMU

[NEWS

MCC and MDS respond to disasters Flood-affected families receive aid from MCC in India.

2017 was a year of disasters. Here’s how Mennonites are responding.

In the wake of Hurricane Irma, MCC’s partners are repairing homes and supplying emergency food in Cuba.

In Haiti, Hurricane Irma caused flooding and winds that damaged crops. Within 2 days, MCC staff were delivering comforters, water purification tablets and hygiene supplies. They continue to distribute food and seeds. A re-forestation project will protect Haitian farmers’ soil and homes from future erosion.

MCC is providing relief aid and assessing long-term needs in Mexico and Guatemala

PHOTO COURTESY MCC

after the September earthquakes.

Flooding and landslides displaced 1.7 million and killed 1,246 in South Asia in August. In India, MCC is supplying emergency food and water to nearly 5,000 families; 600 people will receive hygiene kits and 56 families will get cooking supplies, bedding and lanterns. In Nepal, MCC’s partner is providing tarps for emergency shelter for 700 families, and food assistance for 1,290 families. In the Kailali district of Nepal, 300 families will receive mosquito nets and blankets.

The conflict in South Sudan has left nearly 5 million people in urgent need of food or support for agricultural work.

MCC is providing a 2-month supply of food in the famine-affected Unity State, and supporting South Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia with canned meat, school kits and blankets.

MCC is reaching out to some of the 1.4 million people displaced by armed conflict in the Kasai region of DR Congo with food, household items and shelter

supplies. Local MB churches away from the conflict are offering hospitality to displaced people.

After the March 2017 floods in Peru, MCC, MB Mission, Mennonite World Conference (MWC) and the International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) supported the Peruvian MB church to distribute water, food, kitchen utensils and economic support. The ongoing work includes the installation of water tanks, reconstruction of damaged homes for 55 families, recovery of agriculture and other livelihoods for 50 families.

Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) is accepting donations to assist families affected by this summer’s forest fires in B.C. In Puerto Rico, MDS leaders are assessing the needs following Hurricane Maria, Sept. 26, 2017. In Florida and Texas, MDS volunteers are involved in the clean-up from Hurricanes Irma and Harvey.

[ from reports

Mennonite Brethren Herald | November/December 2017

21

[NEWS MBCM executive director Elton DaSilva pointed out that churches of recent immigrants often thrive until their children want to worship in English. At that point, the young people tend to leave.

A new vision So, we aimed to help local ethnic churches: we would become a congregation that worships Jesus in multiple languages under one roof, as one body.

New vision, new languages, new hope at Portage Avenue Church In 2015, our pastor Jedidiah Carpentier asked Janice Penner to start a children’s church program. She laughed, as there were only two school-aged children attending our church at the time.

Usually a cheerful volunteer, she was hesitant to get involved.

The children’s ministry she’d started years prior had burned out, and it was hard to see this attempt ending up differently.

Jedidiah pushed forward, recruiting his wife Deanna to coordinate the program instead. He convinced Janice to help teach, promising her the program would fill up with kids, but she was still skeptical.

Her hesitancy reflected our general experience at Portage Avenue Church for some time. We didn’t start programs – we let them gracefully die. The church didn’t grow – it shrunk. New things were not happening.

A slow decline If you attended Portage Avenue Church in the mid-1980s, you might remember a full sanctuary, balcony and overflow every Sunday morning, with a foyer almost too crowded to navigate.

But in the decades that followed, the church’s slow, continuous decline left people wondering if the church had a future.

In 2013, pastor George Toews’s sudden illness and death was devastating to the congregation. But on his deathbed, he passionately and joyfully shared a vision for a multi-ethnic Portage Avenue Church.

We had no idea if this vision would ever come to pass, but in the fall of 2015, with our new pastor in place, our leadership took the Focused Ministry program through the Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba. The goal was to come up with a concrete strategy and vision for the future. The result: a multiethnic church that worships together in English, while making space for people to worship in their own culture and language.

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Our (“ethnically” Dutch-German-Russian Mennonite) congregation would invite other ethnic congregations to form a new congregation. Multiple services would give everyone opportunity to fellowship, pray and worship in their own language, while a centralized English worship service (with translations offered) would unite the church on Sunday mornings.

It’s been a long journey to put this plan into place, but we took a big step forward on May 7, 2017. That Sunday, we officially merged with Life Driving Church in Canada, a Korean congregation.

Several Russian families, attracted by this vision for a multiethnic church, have also begun attending PAC in the last year.

A fresh spirit Our long-time members have noticed a huge shift in the spirit and attitude around the church.

“I feel a renewed energy, a sense of expectation and hope for the future,” says long-time member Dorothy Huebert. Another, Kathy Penner observed PAC went from “survival mode” to an outlook of hope and positive expectation.

Dozens of new members have been added over the last couple of years. Nov. 27, 2016, we celebrated baptisms for the first time in several years – and again Apr. 2, May 7 and June 18, 2017. We were incredibly encouraged!

As for the children’s ministry, Janice is happy to report that Jedidiah was right: it quickly grew to the point where we needed to split the children into groups and add more teachers.

Three more children in the nursery, and another on the way, assures us that the program will be needed for some time. “I’m humbled by my previous lack of faith,” says Janice, “and excited about moving forward as the program grows.”

Starting a new venture is often energizing, but it’s especially encouraging to have new hope after a long decline. We continue to build bridges with other congregations, and hope to welcome more people into this new vision that God has communicated to us.

What new things might God do next at Portage Avenue Church!

[ Susan Huebert and Jeremy Penner are members at Portage Avenue Church, Winnipeg. Jeremy is also the director of worship and media.

PHOTO COURTESY PAC

[continued from page 15 At the EQUIP 2017 Study Conference, we as a community of Mennonite Brethren churches in Canada seek to inspire, educate, equip and indeed transform our convictions and practices related to discipleship. The Mennonite Brethren have historically embraced the radical call of Christ. We are well poised to embrace it also in our future.

If you’d like prayer for yourself as a leader or for your church to increase in its transforming influence, please do not hesitate to email prayer@mbchurches.ca.

[ Ingrid Reichard is

pastor of development at Glencairn MB Church, Kitchener, Ont. Pending board affirmation at Oct. 30–31, 2017 meetings, she serves as chair of the Board of Faith and Life.

Your French School of Theology, ETEQ, will soon offer Theology courses in English in Montreal

If you have ever dreamed of spending a semester or a year in Quebec, use your High School French and advance your understanding of Kingdom building in another culture, this is your opportunity.

Join us in Fall 2018 for up to 30 university credits, fully transferrable to all accredited universities.

Please contact Véronique Beaudin at 1-855-855-1924 or at veronique.beaudin@eteq.ca.

www.eteq.ca

In parternship with

[continued from page 17 Did you know?

Revenue and direct expenses relating to non-registered deposits will not be incorporated into the 2018 budget, acting as a sabbath year. The net impact of this decision is a $3.8 reduction of revenue.

Non-registered church plants will continue to receive accounting services for free.

CCMBC continues to sell off properties, investing the proceeds of the sale into the deposit fund. Capital gains continue to be added to the investment reserve.

Delegates at the special general meeting Nov. 1, 2017, vote on motions to elect a member to the Legacy board; to approve the C2C and MB Mission merger, and to approve audited financial statements and 2018 budgets.

University

LINKS Find budget documents here bit.ly/sgm-2017-docs

Read reports on study conference proceedings here bit.ly/EQUIP-2017

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

Mennonite Brethren Herald | November/December 2017

23

[FAMILY NEWS

Transitions

James Wittenberg

HELLOS

associate pastor, West Portal Church, Saskatoon

Johnny Dodsworth TITLE:

discipleship and life groups pastor, Eastview Community Church, East St. Paul, Man.

TITLE:

S TA R T:

August 2017 E D U C AT I O N :

MDiv, Regent College, Vancouver P R E V I O U S M I N I S T RY:

intern, St John’s Anglican, Vancouver; lead pastor, Sherbrooke Mennonite, Vancouver; Eastern Mennonite Mission short-term, Germany, Indonesia F A M I LY :

S TA R T:

Aug. 1, 2017

Rosanna; children Katie, Samuel

E D U C AT I O N :

O N M I N I S T RY:

MA in Christian ministry, MB Biblical Seminary (in progress) P R E V I O U S M I N I S T RY:

pastor of student ministry, Eastview F A M I LY :

Dayna; children Norah, Everyn O N M I N I S T RY:

Jesus established his disciple-making process through the inauguration of the church, and gave us the example through his relational ministry. My hope is that Christ followers would share “not only the gospel, but our lives as well” as we seek to make disciples in our families, schools, workplaces and in the world (1 Thessalonians 2:8).

_____ Dwight Bennett TITLE:

youth pastor, Eastview Community Church, East St. Paul, Man. S TA R T:

Aug. 1, 2017 E D U C AT I O N :

BA in biblical studies and Christian ministries, Bethany College P R E V I O U S M I N I S T RY:

student ministry assistant, Eastview O N M I N I S T RY:

I am passionate to see youth come to know Jesus, be baptized and grow into the future leaders of our church.

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November/December 2017 | mbherald.com

I am passionate about the church because the church is the Father’s plan for transforming the world. We are learning to love one another, forgive one another and bear with one another. As we follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit is transforming us and lives around us with freedom and hope.

_____

Paul Cumin TITLE:

pastor, Lendrum Mennonite Brethren Church, Edmonton S TA R T:

September, 2017 E D U C AT I O N :

BA in evangelism and discipleship, Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Ill.; MA in spiritual theology, Regent College, Vancouver; PhD in Christian doctrine, King’s College London

E D U C AT I O N :

BSc in chemistry, Triinity Western University, Langley, B.C.; MDiv, Regent College, Vancouver (in progress) F A M I LY :

Victoria; daughter Ella Joy O N M I N I S T RY:

The opportunity to discern as a community how God is inviting his people to participate in his mission gives me great joy, excitement and passion for this incredible work.

GOODBYES Ron Berg, Clearbrook MB Church, lead pastor (2010–2017) Pat Dergousoff, Saskatchewan Conference of MB Churches, secretary-treasurer, director of finance and congregational services, director of ministry support (2001–2017)

BIRTHS Baerg – to Phil & Joanna (Dyck) of Winnipeg, a son, Micah Wayne, Aug. 28, 2017.

Bartel – to Bryce and Rachel (Gunther) of Muenster, Sask., a son, Merit William, July 8, 2017.

Bettess – to Jason & Amanda (Marsch) of Winnipeg, a son, Nathan James, July 27, 2017.

Baumann – to Curtis & Taylor of Cambridge, Ont., a daughter, Molly Irene, July 19, 2017.

Bushman – to Dan & Kim of Watrous, Sask., a daughter, Mackenzie Faith, July 24, 2017.

Bushman – to Derek & Lindsey (Bauman) of Watrous, Sask., twin sons, Smith Beckett & Slade Jenner, Feb. 13, 2017.

Carroll – to Dustin & Christine of Port Rowan, Ont., a son, Jonah David, Aug. 5, 2017.

Hamm – to Peter & Rebecca of Kitchener, Ont., a daughter, Eden Susanna, Aug. 25, 2017.

P R E V I O U S M I N I S T RY:

Harms – to Kevin & Alana of Kitchener, Ont., a daughter, Vivian Florence, Aug. 9, 2017.

pastor, Pemberton (B.C.) Community Church; professor of theology, MB Seminary

Mann – to Ryan & Deanna (Loewen) of Waterloo, Ont., a son, August Lyon, July 24, 2017.

F A M I LY :

Melanie; children Mackensy, Benjamin, Joseph O N M I N I S T RY:

Jesus loves her, this I know, so I try to too.

_____

Andrew Kowan TITLE:

associate pastor of community life, Cedar Park Church, Delta, B.C. S TA R T:

May 2017 (full-time); began part-time April 2016

McCorkindale – to Nathan & Niki of Watrous, Sask., a daughter, Clara Mercy, Apr. 24, 2017.

Siebert – to Kimbal & Jodine (Goossen) of Borden, Sask., a son, Micah John, Mar. 22, 2017.

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

Thiessen – to Dennis & Jessica of Taylor, B.C., a daughter, Faith Lynnlee, July 5, 2017.

Toman – to Rick & Tracy of Guernsey, Sask., a son, Tyson Nate, May 30, 2017.

Vogt – to Mike & Andrea of Winnipeg, a daughter, Ava Clare, Aug. 15, 2017.

Wiens – to Riley & Bethany of Lockwood, Sask., a son, Logan G., Feb. 13, 2017.

WEDDING Joel Bailey of Semans, Sask., & Diana Moen of Viscount, Sask., Jan. 7, 2017.

Andrew Braun of Lumsden, Sask., & Janelle Hume of Winnipeg, June 17, 2017.

Carl Dueck & Bertha Block, both of Steinbach, Man., Aug. 26, 2017.

BFL Pamphlets available online!

Mat Dueck & Elya Bateman, both of Steinbach, Man., July 28, 2017.

Ryan Kehler of Steinbach, Man., & Annabelle Reimer of Grunthal, Man., July 29, 2017.

Jason Klassen of Starbuck, Man., & Rachel Reimer of Coaldale, Alta., July 8, 2017.

Craig Wall of Elm Creek, Man., & Michelle Kirsch of Loon Lake, Sask., July 1, 2017.

Matt Woodmass & Judith Harder, both of Steinbach, Man., Aug. 12, 2017.

Dustyn Zacharias & Nicole Bergen, both of Elm Creek, Man., June 24, 2017.

[CHURCH STAFF Associate Pastor Associate Pastor –Youth and Family Ministry 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 multigenerational 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. To apply, please send cover letter, resume and a brief philosophy of ministry to

Board of Faith and Life pamphlets are available on everything from Anabaptism to retirement, including the newest edition “Creation: God’s revelation in nature.”

Download your copies at

bit.ly/bflpamphlets

apsearch.lvcc@gmail.com.

Community life pastor Westside Community Church (Morden, Man.) is seeking to fill the position of community life pastor (CLP), which is an associate pastor position. The CLP will give leadership and oversight to Westside’s discipleship ministry, helping people grow from spiritual infants to mature followers of Jesus. We are seeking an individual who is relational, has a vision for small group ministry and a passion to see people grow spiritually. The community life pastor will join a pastoral staff consisting of a full-time lead pastor and youth pastor, and a parttime children’s pastor. Westside has two services each Sunday, with approximately 450 people participating each week. Westside is a member of the Canadian Mennonite Brethren Conference of Churches. A full job description is available at

www.wcchurch.ca/job-opportunities

Mennonite Brethren Herald | November/December 2017

25

share the

JOY AND GENEROSITY of this Christmas season

Mennonite Central Committee’s Christmas Giving Catalogue is now available: mcccanada.ca/joy-of-giving MB Herald, 1/3 page square: 4.875 x 4.75 inch 2017_Christmas_ads, 09/26/17 MCC, 21 South 12th Street, Akron PA 17501 717.859.1151

WHERE ARE YOU INVESTING? Consider a legacy gift to global mission.

Call us today to discuss estate planning and legacy giving. 1.888.866.6267 This service is provided through Abundance Canada.

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November/December 2017 | mbherald.com

Fraser Valley SeniorsRealEstateNews.com

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

FOR YOUR NEXT MOVE

JOIN THE TEAM

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Find and post ministry job positions for free jobs.mbherald.com

Mennonite Brethren Herald | November/December 2017

27

BOOKS Book reviews go up at mbherald.com Monday mornings. Here are glimpses of some recent offerings. mbherald.com/category/art-culture/books

Other Side of the River: A story of love and faith under great tribulation Janice L. Dick Tansy & Thistle Press Review by Leonard Klassen

Missed EQUIP?

The Other Side of the River is a historical fiction novel set in Western Siberia in 1926 about Mennonites struggling to maintain their faith and values in an atheist culture. I found myself reflecting on present events. Somehow the realities of 90 years ago in eastern Russia do in fact mirror realities today. Anyone with an interest in Mennonite history and a love for stories should read this.

Changing course: Stories to navigate career and life transitions Shelaine Strom Review by Greg Reed The question isn’t whether we will experience a significant change in our lives or careers, but when and how often such change will occur. The stories that Shelaine shares provide the concepts and tools necessary to prepare for and handle the shifts in life that will certainly come our way. The characters portrayed throughout the book are various and familiar – you may even find yourself within the story.

Grace Notes Kathleen Francis Review by Sarah Brown The immense value of this book is the privilege to hear from the heartbeat of diverse, wise, worshipful artists – author Kathy Francis included – from the West to East Coast. She gracefully guides the interviews to zero in on the crux of the passion they each carry and then expands on those messages in her own writing following each interview.

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November/December 2017 | mbherald.com

Catch sessions online at www.gmmitv.com

GMMiTV

Global Mission Media

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RECLAIM THE CENTRE, EMBRACE THE SOURCE, ADVANCE THE KINGDOM

FEBRUARY 7 & 8, 2018 | VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA WHY

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MULTIPLY will stoke the fires of church renewal and multiplication that many are dreaming of.

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PLENARY SPEAKERS For the full line-up of speakers, visit: multiplyconference.ca/speakers

ED STETZER

JEFF BUCKNAM

JEFF VANDERSTELT

MARK CLARK

MARK JOBE

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@MULTIPLYCONF

FINISH LINES Agatha (Braun) Wiebe Apr. 24, 1932–Jan. 13, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Mennon, Sask PARENTS Gerhard & Liese Braun MARRIAGE John Wiebe, May 26, 1956 [d. 2013] CHURCH Grace Community, Herbert, Sask.

FAMILY children Dianne (Ron) Toews, Donna [d. at birth], James

(Glenda); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 6 siblings

Agatha became a Christian at evangelistic services at 10. She attended Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, Sask. Agatha worked at Regina General Hospital, where she trained as an LPN. She then joined MCC and moved to Ontario, working at Gravenhurst Hospital, doing a 3-month stint in New York, and then at Bethesda in Vineland. Agatha met John in Ontario when he was working on a farm for MCC. They farmed north of Hodgeville, Sask., 38 years before retiring in 1995 and moving to Herbert. Agatha was a hard worker and farming partner with John. She had a big garden and loved to grow flowers. She also had a big heart, often giving garden produce and baking to neighbours and those in need. Her gifts of hospitality and service touched many. Her teasing extended to those who married into the family. Agatha served in the church kitchen, Sunday school and vacation Bible school. When John’s health failed, she was his devoted sole caregiver until his death. In the years following, she began to go out again, making trips to B.C. and Winnipeg. She hosted her last Bible study just days before entering the hospital.

Victor Loewen Sept. 30, 1934–Jan. 18, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Beresovka, Ukraine PARENTS Isaak Loewen & Elizabeth Ohlhauser MARRIAGE Marian Wichert, July 1957 CHURCH Virgil (Ont.) MB/ Cornerstone; Orchard Park Bible,

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont.; Scott Street, St. Catharines, Ont. FAMILY Marian; children Karen (Stafford) Jonas, Donald (Evelyn), Lorelei (Randy) Pauls; 5 grandchildren

Victor’s parents were in danger for sharing their faith. The times their Bible came out of hiding became special memories. The Germans occupied their village. Victor’s father was conscripted. Victor and his mother fled to refugee camps, enduring hunger and frostbite. After the war, the family reunited and immigrating to Canada. Victor’s parents became dorm parents at Eden Christian College in Ontario. With no English, at 14, Victor found himself in Grade 2, but he learned quickly and joined his peers. He loved hockey, soccer and softball. After graduation and 6 weeks of teacher training, Victor taught Grades 7

30

November/December 2017 | mbherald.com

and 8 in Barrie, Ont. Eden classmate Marian also moved north to teach. Love eventually blossomed, and Victor and Marian started their life together in Virgil, where Victor became principal at 27. After graduating from MB Bible College, Winnipeg, in 1967, he accepted a teaching assignment at Eden. He taught faith by living it. Victor regularly spoke at Orchard Park Bible Church. For 15 years, he led weekly Bible studies where young people could ask difficult questions. For 20 years, during summer breaks, he ran the Brookside Aluminum siding/renovation company, where many teens gained valuable skills. Victor would wake early to plow snow from every driveway in the neighbourhood. For the last decade, he faced many illnesses and injuries; witnesses marvelled at his grace, courage and faith.

Annie Froese Mar. 22, 1926–Feb. 9, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Kronstal, Chortitza, Ukraine PARENTS Kornelius & Katharina (Neufeld) Paetkau MARRIAGE Hans Froese, Aug. 24, 1963 [d. Dec. 31, 2008] BAPTISM Ontario, Oct. 9, 1949 CHURCH Cornerstone, Virgil, Ont.; Scott Street, St. Catharines, Ont. FAMILY children Johnny [stillborn], Susan (Kevin) Driedger; 2

grandchildren; 3 siblings

Annie grew up in a home that knew God’s love and prayer’s power, even though Communist authorities were closing all the churches.

Annie’s father traded his wedding ring for a few kgs of flour, rice and cream of wheat to feed his family. He was taken to Siberia Feb. 18, 1938, for receiving letters from Canada, and never seen again. Now Annie’s mother had to work on the collective farm. Annie and her sister took turns going to school and caring for their siblings.

Her family retreated with the Germany army in 1943. From a refugee camp in Germany, they were sent to Yugoslavia in 1944 to live in confiscated homes regularly raided by the owners; nightly, Annie’s family dressed to flee.

With Russian troops marching on Yugoslavia, her family was sent back to Germany. In 1945, Magdeburg, Germany, was given to the Russians, who closed the border. Annie helped others cross into British territory. She and her sister immigrated to Canada in 1948 on the Scythia, settling in Virgil, Ont. While working for a doctor, Annie met Hans when he accompanied his mother to appointments. After he left to work up north, he began writing her: the start of their courtship. Annie delighted in doing kind things for Hans and drawing out their daughter Susan. She volunteered at the MCC thrift shop nearly 40 years. Annie and Hans were deacons at Cornerstone Church.

Hans was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1992. After his death, Annie moved to Tabor Manor, where she baked piroshky with her friends and walked to Scott Street Church.

Peter Dueck June 25, 1926–Mar. 13, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Margenau, Ukraine PARENTS Peter & Margarete (Reimer) Dueck MARRIAGE Margaret Rempel, July 29, 1951 BAPTISM Montevideo, Uruguay, June 3,1957 CHURCH Greendale MB, Chilliwack, B.C. FAMILY Margaret; George, Henry (Susan), Walter; 4

grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings

Peter’s family moved to Georgia to escape famine in the mid-30s, returning in 1941 to Ukraine, where Peter’s father was taken by Communists, never to be seen again. When the war started, the family fled to Germany; their six-month trek ended in Hungary. Peter was conscripted into the German army. He was a prisoner of war for 4 years, most of which were spent in France. In 1948, he landed in a Mennonite refugee camp in Gronau, Germany, where he met fellow refugee Margaret. They married and embarked on a new life in Uruguay, surviving through simplicity and hard work. In 1956, Peter heard that his mother and siblings had been sent back to the USSR during the war and were still alive; he reunited with them in 1976. In 1957, Peter and Margaret immigrated to Canada, settling in Greendale, B.C., near her family. Peter’s resolute faith in God only grew stronger. He was a man of integrity and compassion with a strong work ethic, who went the extra mile for his family, friends and neighbours.

Henry Dyck May 29, 1934–Mar. 30, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Mullingar, Sask.

PARENTS Abram & Aganetha Dyck MARRIAGE Justina (Stella) Dueck, Oct. 27, 1956 BAPTISM Vineland, Ont. CHURCH St. Ann’s (Ont.) Community FAMILY Stella; children Carol, Brian, Ken (Catharine), Alfred

(Theresa) Lorraine (Kevin)

From a young age, Henry worked with his dad, doing fieldwork and milking cows. Henry’s mother led him to the Lord. He married Stella and took over the farm. After 8 years, they moved to another grain farm, and Henry did custom work. Henry and Stella joined the local St. Ann’s fellowship and served the Lord faithfully. He loved meeting new people in the church and in the community. Henry enjoyed farming, and was well respected in that circle. Henry and Stella celebrated 60 years of marriage, and after a short illness, the Lord called Henry home.

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Ernest (Ernie) Block

Helmi Falk

Dec. 13, 1934–Apr. 2, 2017

July 22, 1940–May 17, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Herbert, Sask.

PARENTS Peter & Nettie Block MARRIAGE Elfrieda Suderman, June 13, 1959 BAPTISM Yarrow (B.C.) MB CHURCH Westwood MB, Prince George, B.C.; Bakerview MB,

Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY Elfrieda; children Nadine, Alison, Stephen (Seraphina), Andrew (Myra); 4 grandsons

Ernie’s family moved to Swan River, Man., later settling in Yarrow, B.C., where Ernie was baptized. His commitment to Christ grew and defined his life. In 1959, after graduating from MB Bible College, Winnipeg, Ernie married Elfrieda. They both began their teaching careers that fall. Ernie continued his education at Wilfred Laurier University and University of British Columbia. Ernie and Elfrieda were long-time residents of Prince George, B.C., where Ernie was worked for the school district as teacher/counsellor. He led the choir at Westwood MB Church for 28 years and the fellowship choir at Bakerview MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C., for 8 years during his retirement. He also served church boards and Bible studies. Ernie died after a courageous journey with pancreatic cancer.

Henry Penner June 30, 1928–Apr. 25, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Herbert, Sask.

PARENTS Jacob Martin & Elizabeth (Andres) Penner MARRIAGE Mary Brown, Nov. 1, 1953 BAPTISM Greenfarm MB, Herbert, Sask., age 17 CHURCH Herbert MB FAMILY Mary; children Ken (Sharon), Carol (Bob) Bremner,

Marilyn (Paul) Francoeur, Mark; 10 grandchildren; 9 greatgrandchildren; 3 sisters

Henry helped on the mixed farming operation as he grew from boy to man, and continued farming until he retired to Herbert, Sask., in 1998. Henry accepted Christ as Saviour at 9 at West Bank Bible Camp, where he later became a counsellor. Henry attended the Rosefarm school until Grade 8. He took Grades 9 and 10 and 4 terms of Bible classes at Herbert Bible School. He then lived and worked on the family farm, raising cattle and producing grain. Henry met Mary in 1950. After 3 years of indecipherable love letters, she consented to marry him. After the Greenfarm MB Church closed, Henry became a dedicated leader at Herbert MB Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, deacon and member of the board for the Herbert Senior Home. He also drove a school bus for 26 years. Henry enjoyed camping and fishing with his children and grandchildren, watching and listening to the birds. Later in life, he spent many hours reading.

BIRTHPLACE Friesland, Paraguay PARENTS Heinrich & Liese (Neufeld) Friesen; stepfather

David Isaak MARRIAGE Peter Falk, December 1959 BAPTISM Uruguay, October 1959 CHURCH Scott Street, St. Catharines, Ont. FAMILY Peter; children Mary (Herman) Wiebe, John (Tina), Rob

(Karlene); 6 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; 7 siblings

Helmi’s family faced poverty in Fernheim, Paraguay. While digging a well, Helmi’s father fell in; after 5 years of nursing his injuries, he died. The village helped Helmi’s mother with her farm and 6 children. In 1949, her mother married WWII refugee David, a good father. They had 2 more children. At 14, Helmi accepted Jesus as Saviour. She fell in love with Peter at 16. They were separated for a year after her family moved to Uruguay. A year later, they were engaged. They began their family in Montevideo, Uruguay, then returned to Fernheim. They started with very little. The family immigrated to Canada in 1970, arriving in St. Catharines, Ont., with 2 suitcases and a travel debt. Helmi took their 3 children with her to pick fruit. Later, she found work at a sheet metal manufacturer. At Scott Street Church, she sang in the choir for 20 years until surgery affected her vocal cords. At 55, Helmi was diagnosed with Pick’s disease, which made it difficult to speak and to hear those she knew as friends and family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her joy.

Martha Thiessen Sept. 2, 1920–May 27, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Davlekanovo, Russia PARENTS Frank C. & Margareta (Wieler) Thiessen BAPTISM North End MB, Winnipeg CHURCH South Abbotsford (B.C.) and Bakerview MB, Abbotsford FAMILY brother Victor; 19 nieces & nephews

Martha immigrated to Canada with her parents and siblings in 1925. Her life was shaped by a deep love for Jesus and faithful fellowship with the MB church, where she was a member till her death. Her first employment centred on helping the family financially, but in 1946, she entered Vancouver General Hospital School of Nursing. Her career took her to Germany on an MCC assignment in 1949, to Cambridge Bay in Canada’s north and many places throughout B.C. Martha retired from nursing in 1980. She cared for her mother and family members, sang and attended concerts. She travelled with family and friends, visiting her nephews and nieces – who adored her. Martha was active in

the church and community: volunteering as a driver for the BC Cancer Society, and visiting people in hospitals and care homes. She wrote, “I marvel at God’s grace and kindness in my life and in giving me a loving extended family and lasting friendships.”

Walter Rennert Oct. 15, 1928–May 31, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Wymysle, Poland PARENTS Ferdinand & Mathilda (Schmidt) Rennert MARRIAGE Irene Neufeld, Feb. 13, 1954 [d. July 15, 2016] BAPTISM Gnadental, Neuland, Paraguay, Dec. 5, 1948 CHURCH Culloden, Vancouver; King Road MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY children Ernest, Norbert, Karin, Daniel; 12

grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters

Walter’s Grade 6 teacher said he didn’t need further education because he was expected to become a farmer; Walter, however, never stopped learning. He read on theology, creation and science and learned to speak 6 languages. When the Germans occupied their village, Walter’s father made the family memorize an address in Germany in case they became separated. Walter was conscripted at 16. His father was arrested by the Russian government and never seen again.

The rest of the family reunited in Germany, thanks to their father’s foresight. In 1948, they immigrated to Paraguay on the Charlton Monarch. In 1952, Walter fell in love with a nurse named Irene. Walter graduated from Elim Bibelschule, then worked in a leprosy clinic. He helped establish churches and schools among the Nivaclé people in Paraguay. A quiet thinker, Walter became impassioned and eloquent in the pulpit. After moving to Vancouver in 1967, Walter worked as a carpenter and volunteered as a preacher at Culloden Church and King Road.

He enjoyed remodelling his home, gardening and caring for his family. In 2008, Walter returned to Paraguay and found the Nivaclé church he had mentored flourishing in its third generation. He prayed for them daily. Walter faced challenges with contentment, patience and gratitude to God.

Elizabeth Bartsch Feb. 23, 1919–May 31, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Langham, Sask.

PARENTS Peter W. & Eva (Andres) Peters MARRIAGE Rufus Bartsch, Oct. 16, 1947 [d.]

BAPTISM Dalmeny (Sask.), Sept. 2, 1945 FAMILY children Eileen (Marvin) Kruger, Betty (Wayne)

Elmgren, Aldon (Barb); 6 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren

Elizabeth and Rufus ran a dairy and mixed farm near Dalmeny, Sask. Elizabeth loved music; she had a lovely alto voice. She planted

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many trees, flowers and gardens and had a gentle heart toward animals. The farm was her pride and joy. Elizabeth was deeply faithful to God and her church community. Elizabeth was cared for in her final years at Spruce Manor Special Care Home in Dalmeny.

Aganetha (Nettie) Neufeld Sept. 10, 1923–June 2, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Schoenfeld, Sask.

PARENTS Peter & Katherine (Fehr) Giesbrecht MARRIAGE Paul Neufeld, 1945 [d.]

CHURCH Vancouver MB; Fraserview, Richmond, B.C.;

Richmond Bethel FAMILY children Gordon (Joy), Gwen (Steve Edwards), Rod (Irene), Cathy (Harry Warkentin); 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren

Nettie embraced life. She worked hard on the farm and was rewarded by being allowed to go to school. There a Christian teacher introduced her to a loving Jesus. Her family and 13 others moved to Vanderhoof, B.C., to homestead. After helping establish the farm, Nettie worked in a Catholic hospital and took early childhood education by correspondence. At her Vancouver bakery job in 1944, she met her future sister-inlaw who brought her to Vancouver MB Church.

Nettie joined the choir and youth group, and met the dairy farmer who became the love of her life. Nettie and Paul helped establish Fraserview and Richmond Bethel MB Churches. Nettie had a ministry of hospitality and mentorship.

Her home was always open to anyone in need of a place to stay or an ear to listen. After Paul’s death, Nettie moved to White Rock. She suffered a severe heart attack on her way to church Good Friday. Happiest when surrounded by her family, Nettie blessed them with her generous love and passionate involvement.

Ruth Dyck May 27, 1922–June 2, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Winkler, Man. PARENTS Aron P. & Lena (Wiebe) Dyck BAPTISM Winkler MB, Dead Horse Creek, in her teens CHURCH Fort Garry MB, Winnipeg; Winkler MB FAMILY 2 siblings

At 11, Ruth accepted Jesus as Saviour. She taught vacation Bible school. She was a cook at Winkler Bible Camp and Bible School. Ruth attended Winkler Bible School for 4 years. She enjoyed singing in choirs and groups. In 1950, she moved to Winnipeg and worked in the MB Bible College kitchen. Then she went to Shurpass Pacific College, Vancouver, to work and complete Grades 9–11. In 1955, she became a registered nurse through Grace Hospital,

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Winnipeg. Later, Ruth took advanced practical obstetrics in Edmonton. Her 32-year career included Winkler (Man.) Bethel Hospital, Grace Hospital, Dauphin (Man.) Hospital, Morden (Man.) Tabor Home and Concordia Hospital (Winnipeg). She attended Nurses Christian Fellowship. Ruth spend 3 months visiting missionaries and 7 countries in South America in 1964. She also travelled to Europe, the Northwest Territories, Mexico, Israel, Hawaii, India, Thailand and Korea. In 2010, Ruth moved to Winkler to be closer to family.

Margaret Janzen Dec. 27, 1923–June 2, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Friedensruh, Ukraine PARENTS Jacob & Anna (Boldt) Hooge MARRIAGE Victor Janzen, 1943 [d. Sept. 29, 2007] BAPTISM Arnold (B.C.) MB CHURCH Vancouver MB; Culloden MB, Vancouver; King Road,

Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY children Edith Klippenstein, Ettie, Harry (Josley); children-in-law Eric Klippenstein [d.], Melody [d.]; 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandsons

Margaret’s father was arrested in 1929 for wanting to retain his land. He died in prison in 1932. The family of 8 was to be sent to Siberia, but could stay if they left their house and barns.

They moved into a relative’s summer room.

Without the right to earn money, they were paid in wheat, which was often confiscated. In 1938, a brother was taken and never heard from again. In 1941, Margaret and her brother were told to drive cattle farther from the Germans.

When the German army caught up to them and fired, they fled. Returning, they found their family had been taken. The 2 struggled to live for the next 2 years. As newlyweds, Margaret and Vic took a horse and wagon to the Polish/ Ukrainian border, then a train to occupied Warthegau. Vic was forced to serve the Germans as fireman. In 1945, the front moved closer, so Margaret and their baby caught the last train west, arriving in Germany. After the war, she found Vic with the help of the Red Cross and MCC. Near Bremerhaven refugee camp, Margaret accepted Jesus as Saviour after hearing the gospel. In 1948, the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Arnold, B.C., then Burnaby and Vancouver. Margaret and Vic travelled Europe, Canada, U.S.A. and Panama.

Margaret loved her family dearly.

Irma Guenther June 25, 1921–June 4, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Ohrloff, Molotschna, South Russia PARENTS John Peter & Maria (Klassen) Dick MARRIAGE Henry Guenther, Sept. 22, 1945 [d. 1994]

CHURCH Westside, Morden, Man. FAMILY children Kurt [d. 2017] (Elfreida), Bonnie (Charles

Neufeld), Heather [d. 1992] (James Dotten), John (Sigi), Tom (Maryanne), Robin (Sandy), Senta (Rick Bergman), Marina (Ken Sawatzky), Heidi [d. 2013] (Jeff Urschatz [d. 2011]), Marne, Ty; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 1 sister

When Irma was 3, her family immigrated to Canada, settling in Culross, Man. She earned her RN degree at Grace Hospital School of Nursing, Winnipeg. Irma and Henry settled in Winnipeg.

Irma gave herself to caring for a full house of children. Even through Henry was a busy doctor, Irma and Henry stayed deeply in love and made time for each other. They were also committed to showing their love for God by caring for others.

Irma led a neighbourhood women’s Bible study.

She welcomed many lonely people to her supper table and sent her children down the block to deliver fresh bread and produce in their wagon.

Irma expressed her creative spirit by re-using materials and sewing coats (embroidered with “Stiches with Jesus”) to give away. When Henry was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Irma trusted God with the unknowns. Shortly after family moved to Morden in 1975, a house fire destroyed most of their belongings. As they received help from the town, strangers became friends. Irma made friends by attending a home Bible study and volunteering at the thrift store.

She loved to be out in the garden to journal, write letters and read her Bible. Irma stayed in her house until 2014 when she was no longer able to live safely on her own.

Reinhard David Epp Jan. 23, 1935–June 4, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Winkler, Man. PARENTS David D. & Agneta Epp MARRIAGE Gerry Wiebe, Oct. 11, 1959 BAPTISM Bergthaler, Winkler, spring 1959 CHURCH Bakerview MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY Gerry; children Audrey (Art) Hoehn, Mark (Shirley),

Cora Ellis; grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren

Reinhard was a part of many successful businesses including Penner Tire, Triple E, Johnny’s Towing, Sundial Vans, Colorific, Sturdy Step, Black Gold and homebuilding, all of which he thoroughly enjoyed. He spent hours volunteering for MCC, MDS and M2/W2. He painted a church in Germany and built a dorm at St. Petersburg Christian University in Russia.

Until his hospitalization, he worked on projects for his great-grandchildren. Reinhard taught his family that nothing was impossible. At 21, he got his pilot’s license and bought a small Piper Cub airplane with his friend. He treated family to many vacations in Europe and nearly every U.S. state. Reinhard and Gerry also visited Africa, Israel, Russia and Ukraine. His hearty laugh and optimistic perspective were a source of strength and love. His pride in and devotion to his family were steadfast. His faith in Jesus is now complete.

[FINISH LINES

Steve Burgess May 23, 1952–June 6, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Port Colborne, Ont. PARENTS Fredrick & Barbara Burgess MARRIAGE Dianna, Nov. 23, 1995 CHURCH Sunrise, Edmonton FAMILY Dianna; children Stephanie (Collin Dechant),

Jessie, Jacqueline Sthankiya (Rasik), Doug Penner (Pam), Karen Schick (Steve Brown), Jocelyn Kondrat (Frank); 10 grandchildren; 1 brother

Steve was passionate about history, music and motorcycles. He loved his dog Daisy. Steve died after a long struggle with COPD and emphysema. A kind, generous, loving man, he was always willing to help anyone in need.

FAMILY J.P.; children Diane [d. 2016] (Steve Talos), Al (Marianne), Shirley (Larry) Born; 7 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 1 sister

Anne’s family immigrated to Canada in 1926 and lived in Saskatchewan until 1941, when they bought a farm and moved to Virgil, Ont. Anne accepted Jesus as Saviour in 1942. She attended Eden Bible School. During those years she met and fell in love with J.P. Klassen. They lived and farmed in Port Rowan, Ont., for 44 years.

Erica Hildegarde (Mathies) Janzen Feb. 19, 1927–June 20, 2017 BIRTHPLACE New Hamburg, Ont. PARENTS John & Sara Mathies MARRIAGE Rudy Janzen, Sept. 11, 1948 [d. June 7, 2014] CHURCH Kitchener (Ont.) MB FAMILY children David (Laura), Kathie (David Allard), 2 sons [d. in infancy]; 6 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; son-in-law

Otto Nehring Feb. 15, 1935–June 8, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Ukraine PARENTS Oscar & Olga Nehring MARRIAGE Maria Reschke, May 1958 BAPTISM Morris (Man.) Baptist, 1956 CHURCH Coaldale (Alta.) MB FAMILY Maria; children Marlene (Ron) Watts, Ron (Sharon),

Gordon; 9 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson

At 2, Otto lost his father. After WWII, the family settled in Germany, where Otto worked on a farm and developed a love for horses. He immigrated to Canada in 1954, working as a farmhand in Morris, Man. Upon moving to Winnipeg, Otto learned to weld and construct almost anything. He and Maria made their home in Winnipeg. Otto was a machinist for CN for 27 years. His interests included construction and hobby farming. Otto and Maria retired to Coaldale, Alta. He delivered Meals on Wheels and always lent a hand to family, friends and neighbours. After many health issues, Otto was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. His steadfast faith in Christ, prayer and his wife’s devoted care gave him strength and courage to fight for 4 years. He is remembered as a loving husband, father, Opa, Great-Opa and friend.

Anne Klassen Feb. 12, 1926–June 9, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Friedensruh, Russia PARENTS Peter & Mary Dyck MARRIAGE J.P. Klassen, May 1, 1948 BAPTISM Virgil (Ont.) MB CHURCH Port Rowan (Ont.) MB

David McNamara; 2 siblings

Erica lived in New Hamburg until she married Rudy and they moved to Winnipeg for his studies.

They pastored Lucky Lake (Sask.), Herbert (Sask.), Greendale (B.C.), Kennedy Heights MB (Delta, B.C.), Komoka and Zion (Kitchener, Ont.) MB churches. From her youth, Erica was a church pianist. In addition to raising her family, she taught piano; served as an administrative assistant in business, college and police offices; and volunteered for many church programs.

Adolf Schroeder Feb. 13, 1927–June 21, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Czattkau, Marienburg, Poland PARENTS Heinrich & Albertine Schroeder MARRIAGE Tina Reimer, 1956 [d. 2000] BAPTISM King Road MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY sons George, Alexander, Herbert; 5 grandchildren; 1

great-grandson

Due to hardship in Poland, Adolf’s family immigrated to Asuncion, Paraguay, when he was 2. They contended with heat, illness and poor harvests. After his siblings left home, Adolf had to leave elementary school to help at home.

When they could not sustain the farm, the family moved to Argentina. Adolf met Tina in 1956.

They moved with 3 children to Germany in 1964 and to Vancouver in 1966. Adolf worked hard and sacrificed for his family. He retired from the construction industry at 60. Adolf and Tina retired to Abbotsford, B.C., in 1987 and began raising their 6-year-old granddaughter Louise in 1989. In 1992, Adolf received Jesus as Saviour.

Tina died following an extended illness in 2000.

Two years later, Adolf survived surgery to correct an abdominal aortic aneurysm. He moved into a senior’s complex in 2004. He lived his last days with Louise’s family. Adolf was an overcomer.

After 45 years as a heavy smoker, Adolf quit at 60. He survived pancreatic cancer, walked away from two serious car accidents, coped with hearing loss, persevered through poverty.

Helen Langeman Feb. 22, 1924–June 20, 2017

David Frank Sawatzky Oct. 16, 1934–July 10, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Nova Pokrowsk, Russia PARENTS Johann J. & Helena J. Wiens MARRIAGE John Langeman, June 30, 1946 [d. December 1998] CHURCH Westside Community, Morden, Man. FAMILY children Ken (Marilyn), Dorothy (Gerald) de Vries,

Eileen (George) Klassen; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren

Helen’s family immigrated to Canada when she was 2. After graduating from Morden (Man.) Collegiate in 1942, receiving the Governor General’s medal, she took her teacher training at normal school in Winnipeg. Helen taught 2 years in the Thornhill, Man., area prior to her marriage. Helen and John farmed in the Fannystelle/Culross area until their retirement to Morden in 1981. Helen taught Sunday school for many years, her favorite age being Grades 3–4.

Two years after John’s death, Helen moved to a condo, staying until 2015. Health concerns led to a move to the Dr. Gendreau Memorial Personal Care Home, Sainte Rose du Lac, Man., near her daughter Dorothy. Helen wanted to make sure that everyone loved the Lord before she died. She breathed her last with her 3 children and their spouses at her side.

PARENTS Franz & Katherina Sawatzky MARRIAGE Miriam Block, Oct. 16, 1955 CHURCH Waldheim (Sask.) MB FAMILY Miriam; children Sherry (Bob) Willems, Darrell [d.]

(Grace), Charlene (Chester) Wiebe, Michelle (Calvin) Fong; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings

Dave loved to play sports. He accepted Jesus as Saviour at an early age and was baptized. He attended Bethany Bible Institute. He met Miriam at 19 and knew after 3 dates that she was the right spouse for him. They loved family and farming.

Whether they were on a road trip or a Panama cruise, they loved to be together. In 2000, they moved to Waldheim and Dave continued to farm from town. After he rented out his land, he turned to gardening. It was never a chore to work in the dirt. He served the Brotherfield and Waldheim MB churches, Redberry Bible Camp and BBI as a deacon, Sunday school superintendent, board member, camp counsellor. Dave loved to listen.

He treasured his visitors in the field and beside his hospital bed. In spring 2016, he was diagnosed with cancer.

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[INTERSECTION OF FAITH & LIFE

Who is missing?

•

Who stands on our stage?

•

Whose gifts do we affirm?

In my first year of pastoring, after I spoke at an event, a young woman approached me. She asked me how I had become a pastor. Through our conversation, she shared that I was the first pastor with whom she could relate in gender and age; because of this, she realized that night that she too was being invited to use her gifts and passions to become a pastor.

•

Who do we include in our language?

Concern for each other

•

Who serves on our boards, chairs meetings, leads Bible studies?

The apostle Paul writes “[the body’s] parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it” (1 Corinthians 12:25–26). To me right now, that concern is particularly for the young women in our conference who are not acquainted with their gifts or calling because the body might not be communicating that they are welcome to do so.

That moment is fixed in my memory and continues to teach me new things.

One of the most profound lessons was the significance of visibility. For this young woman, seeing someone she could relate to in pastoral ministry changed her future. This begs the question: how does the visibility of diverse groups in our churches impact the way they take shape?

The shape of the body The New Testament offers us a beautiful analogy for how the church operates. The church is the body of Christ, made up of many members that contribute to the whole (Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12).

When I hold this reality next to the concept of visibility in our churches (be it gender, marriage/singleness, age, race, disability or other factors), I consider how we allow (or fail to allow) the different parts of the body to discover what they were made for.

Who is missing?

If millennials, or any one of us for that matter, cannot picture ourselves entering into a role, how will we discover that we are meant for it?

The power of visibility While this question is complex, I would suggest that one factor that plays into the discovery of our gifts is being able to see people like us using those gifts.

For instance, if there are no millennials leading our church services, how do they know that they are invited to participate?

If millennials, or any one of us for that matter, cannot picture ourselves entering into a role, how will we discover that we are meant for it?

Unintentional messages

As we serve together as the body of Christ, one way that we can address the importance of visibility is to consider what we are communicating about it.

We can ask critical questions of our own practices, invest in relationships with people of our congregations so that we can affirm and encourage their gifts, and be intentional about making our ministry teams, church councils, musicians, readers and preachers diverse.

One of the messages we may not realize we are sending is the one that states who “can” and “cannot” do things within our churches. Based on my experience with this young woman, I’ve realized that one of the ways we can communicate this is by representation:

While I am not an advocate of tokenism, I am an advocate of intentionality.

Tokenism checks off a box that says you’ve done something, while intentionality considers its actions purposefully. The purpose I am proposing is – with wisdom and discernment – to encourage gifts in all

Consider this: our church communities communicate a lot week to week. We have bulletins, sermons, announcements, prayer chain emails and more. But parallel to these intentional messages are a number of unintentional ones.

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people in the body of Christ so that both might be used as they were intended.

Jesus came to earth and showed us that we could be a part of the Kingdom of God. One of the most powerful ways that he did that was by inviting people who were marginalized and outcast into his presence as loved children of God. The inclusion of diversity has always caused growing pains and tension in the church, but has also always been worth it for the church body to be better equipped to participate more deeply in the Kingdom of God. In order to multiply Christ-centred churches, we need to be multiplying Christ-centred disciples who identify and utilize their gifts. One way that we can encourage this is to intentionally explore the gifts, backgrounds and stories within our local churches so that we can embrace the richness of the whole body of Christ.

Today, the young woman from the opening story is pursuing opportunities in pastoral ministry. This woman’s discovery is cause for celebration because it affects us as a whole.

May we all work together to fully appreciate and empower one another to be the light and love of God in our world.

[ Janessa

Giesbrecht is the

youth and young adults pastor at Fort Garry MB Church, Winnipeg.

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Gathering 2018 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. | Ephesians 4:1-6

July 11-14, 2018

Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, SK