MB Herald September/October 2017

Healing worship in the wake of tragedy

Discipleship

Chinese Confession commentary

Volume 56, No. 5 Publications mail registration number: 09648; Agreement number: 40009297 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circ. Dept., MB Herald, 1310 Taylor Avenue, Winnipeg, Man. R3M 3Z6

One Mission

September/October 2017 WWW.MBHERALD.COM

Ernesto Pinto (second from left) interviews a young man in Tenerife, Spain, where he recorded 180 Grados with long-time cameraman and producer, Grant Hoeppner. While in Tenerife, Ernesto also led meetings in several churches and 19 people committed their lives to Christ.

More online MBHERALD.COM/S1WM-70/

“God has spoken to me…”

From a studio in Winnipeg to hearts around the globe The people I most wish could be reading this piece might never crack the covers of a church magazine. That’s both good and bad.

The reason is that Mennonite Brethren have a treasure among us many do not know. It is Square One World Media (S1WM), once known as Family Life Network, before that as MB Communications, and first of all, Gospel Light Hour ministries.

In October, this ministry – which began 70 years ago from the zealous vision of a couple of hardscrabble college students – will celebrate. Over the years, the media ministry transformed from only radio to internet dominant with a reach around the globe.

It is a marvel!

One can pray that those who might not discover S1WM here on these pages could do so where it is now often found – online in “webisodes” like the Arabic New Eve produced out of Cairo

by Monika Soliman of Winnipeg, Beautiful Unique Girl led 2

September/October 2017 | www.mbherald.com

by Kaylyn Holmes, the Russian or Ukrainian children’s cartoon series Ella’s Backyard, or Micah’s Super Vlog.

The last one is created in Winnipeg by Girish Manuel and Stu Hunnable and others at S1WM, along with many volunteers, and carried in the U.S. via JellyTelly streaming service.

Today, led by former Afghan refugee Shoaib Ebadi, S1WM acts within a more diverse media universe than ever. With its Encuentro radio programs, heard on more than 1,700 stations and the TV show 180 Grados, on 278 stations, Ernesto and Marina Pinto speak to countless Spanish-speaking people throughout the Americas. Jacob Funk and Irene Marsch, along with Eduard Giesbrecht in Bolivia use mainly radio or cassettes to speak into the lives the growing population of those who are looking for voices in Low German that address their spiritual hunger.

All these listeners and viewers would join the young man who wrote to Ernesto Pinto. On a night when he was depressed and feeling “bad for all the sins [he] had committed,” he came across Encuentro and later wrote, “Because of you (S1WM), God has spoken to me....”

[ Harold Jantz is a member of River East MB Church, Winnipeg.

PHOTO COURTESY SQUARE ONE WORLD MEDIA

[CONTENTS

September/October 2017 In this issue

8 4 12 13 14 15 16

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

The polarity of discipleship

5 Letters

[ Cam Stuart

COLUMNS

6 Homepage 20 News 24 Transitions 25 Births and weddings

Editorial

30 Finish lines [Obituaries]

Disciple formation

35 Books

[ Karla Braun MB Seminary “Jesus’”and or “Jesus only”?

[ Mark Wessner ICOMB - Wiebe’s Witness Pray for Steve

[ David Wiebe While we witness Confession of Faith Article 4: Sin and Evil

[ Rob Thiessen OUTfront Pull out all the stops on one mission

[ Steve Berg Viewpoint The gospel calls us to be unsettled

[ Matt Balcarras

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: Colton Floris

CONFERENCE NEWS

17 18

Mid-year financial update

[ Jim Davidson Growing God's Kingdom with Pastor & Church Mortgages

[ Canadian Conference of MB Churches advertorial

Mennonite Brethren Herald | September/October 2017

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[EDITORIAL

Disciple formation Go and make disciples…! (Matthew 28:19) Among evangelicals, this is probably one of the most quoted verses. Recorded as Jesus’ parting words to his disciples, this instruction must be important.

Yet, though many of us have the verse memorized, perhaps there is more to it than we realize.

If its usage is going to be ubiquitous, it would be helpful for all of us – not only those who take post-secondary courses in theology – to learn about the underlying grammar. These structural details are important because they introduce a subtle but significant shift in our understanding of what the verse is saying.

nations. But the urban legend of the Amish man and the tourist holds an important challenge for us. When the tourist asked the Amish man, “Are you a Christian?” he replied: “Ask my neighbour.” In so doing, the Amish man is not failing to answer the question but acknowledging that his answer must be verified by his observed behaviour. What he would say about himself could be belied by his neighbour’s perception of his faithfulness.

This is not to encourage Christians to judge each other’s actions, failing to acknowledge that God sees the heart. But our words and actions do reflect what’s in our hearts.

The central part of Jesus’ words is “disciple.” This is the main action word, the head verb. It’s also what causes us trouble with English translations, since we don’t really use “disciple” as a verb (or for anything other than the 12 men who followed Jesus) outside of the church.

The Great Commandment – which Cam Stuart urges us to hold in balance with the Great Commission – calls us, above all, to love. “Love” is another verb that is easier to use than understand; however, the invocation to love our neighbour as ourselves makes it tangible. For our neighbours to experience our love, we need more than positive thoughts; we need positive actions.

Cam Stuart helps us understand what it means to disciple by likening it to apprenticing (pages 8–10), with the caveat that the Christian’s learning journey under the tutelage of the master Jesus is never ending. One who is apprenticing is a student, gaining skills through instruction, observation and practice, all under the guidance of an experienced mentor.

That takes us to the “go” part of the famous verse: it might more helpfully be understood as “as you go,” or “in your going” or “as you live,” make your life about following Jesus.

This is what the mythical Amish man was saying. Being a follower of Jesus permeates our actions and should be central to the impression others form about who we are.

Jesus’ main command in our favourite utterance, then, is to learn, develop and grow. This instruction applies first to ourselves. It’s about rearranging our hearts, minds, wills and priorities to those communicated by God.

As we participate in church, as we love our neighbour, as we go about life giving off the aroma of Christ, learning to be more like him every day, Jesus has two more instructions for us: baptize and teach. Jesus always starts with our hearts and moves outward. In humility, we submit our hearts and minds to his instruction, and he gives us a task to share him with others. The learning goes on.

To be sure, following Jesus demands that we speak of the hope we have in him, and that we encourage others to discover it as well. And Jesus does explicitly instruct that this discipling – developing/following/growing – happens among all the

About this issue One way to continue learning about following after Jesus is participating in Sunday school classes or small groups, as Matt Balcarras writes (pages 16–17). Another is attending the EQUIP Study Conference Nov. 1–3, 2017, in Abbotsford, B.C. (pages 11, 23, 36), and practising unity amid diversity [of opinion] at the special general meeting on CCMBC business, including budgets and the C2C-MB Mission merger.

Reading and engaging with the family is also a way to continue the discipleship journey. Articles to stimulate thinking and share inspiration from the MB family in Canada (and the world) are posted on the MB Herald website 4

September/October 2017 | www.mbherald.com

[ Karla Braun is associate editor of the MB Herald.

(mbherald.com) throughout the month. Visit often to avoid missing a story. And, if you particularly enjoy a feature or news article, you can share it with friends or your church on Facebook, Twitter and via email.

As the magazine of the MB family, the MB Herald wants to hear from you. We welcome your letters to the editor, comments on the website, likes and shares on Facebook, and your submissions. The November/December issue will cover the season of Advent and Christmas, and the January/ February 2018 issue will look at the theme of waiting. If you have a short devotional reflection/testimony or inspired artwork/photographs to share on these topics, please send them to mbherald@mbchurches.ca for consideration.

[Reader response Real empathy It’s always a treat to get the latest issue in the mail.

You’re always pertinent, although this one (“on dying – the next stage,” July/August 2017) cuts closer to the bone than some.

I’m currently on a hiatus between chemotherapy sessions, and will restart treatments in 2 weeks. My oncologist tells me I’m “treatable but not curable,” and this puts life into a new perspective.

Apart from the mundane things like updating one’s will, granting power of attorney (my brother and I had just been thinking about getting our Mom to assign this to one of us), such a diagnosis also gives new meaning to the witness of our daily existence.

A friend remarked this must give me lots to share.

It’s true. Wearing the yellow daffodil on my lapel, I find daily interactions have opened conversational avenues in ways I never imagined. When asked how I’m doing, I get to share God’s faithfulness as it plays out in my day-to-day existence.

Thus far in the journey, I’ve encountered but two drawbacks: the tendency to become self-centred (this is huge in my life right now), and expressions of sympathy rather than empathy from church folk. The empathy from my neighbours, coworkers and clients is far more welcome than the (well-meant) expressions of sympathy I often receive from believers.

Wayne Janzen New Westminster, B.C.

Space to evolve The July/Aug. issue of the MB Herald had some insightful and refreshing dialogue.

stories via the Spirit facilitate experiencing the God of Scripture well beyond what literal reading alone does – if in faith we risk to let them.

In light of the encouraging articles cited above, I dare to wonder if Carol, the mother of a transgender child (Letters, May/June), might find some hope that somewhere Scripture may communicate God’s grace toward the child and to her. I accept her contention that God does not make sexual mistakes, but I would offer that genetics as part of reproduction does. Genetic birth defects are common and often medically treatable. It is somewhat understandable a person would resort to drastic methods when who they are supposed to be feels so foreign and emotionally painful.

Jake Janzen Abbotsford, B.C.

The dignity of choice Re: “Between two worlds” and “Journeying to the next stage” (Features, July/August).

Thank you, Lawrence and Sharon, for provoking me to begin forming a response to Bill C-14.

Ecclesiastes 3:2 says there is “a time to be born, and a time to die.” Lawrence states there is a “Christian worldview on the sanctity of life” that is “essential to uphold.” If all checks and balances confirm that to continue living will become intolerable, if prayers to “take my loved one home” are mere empty cries, when there is no more “sanctity,” purpose and money, just the agony of waiting; to have arranged for the time to die makes sense.

Sharon pictures the ideal support: Walter “needed the Spirit’s touch through the community of believers.”

In Out Front, Jon Isaak offers that it is acceptable Unless there is strong discipline in place, such visits (even necessary) to not always interpret Scripture can degenerate to messiness by well-meaning people: from within traditional boundaries. Unless spiritual I have visited dear colleagues at various stages of enlightenment is deemed to have been a fait accompli physical and spiritual brokenness as they struggle to some time in the past, it is logical that Scripture understand the sovereignty of God. They say to me, would speak truths to cultures and even individuals “All I see ahead is unbearable suffering.” relative to present circumstances.

I was appalled when a visitor told my dying friend Scripture is not compromised by our seeking out that God was testing his faith – God was not finished its relevancy to the present; its credibility is in fact with him yet! Another visitor commented that all of preserved and enhanced by it. Spiritual truths need us were to learn patience and trust. Such thinking space to evolve. hints that God is in this suffering to gain glory and praise for himself: an example of hubris even Greek In “Tell me a story” in the Witness insert, Anne tragedians might avoid expressing.

Thiessen asks if we consider Bible stories too simple to carry the deep doctrines of the faith. I would also Then I study John 9:1–41, and I am perplexed. All ask whether doctrine based on literal reading of nature has a set time to live – be it brief or long Scripture without the enlightenment by the Spirit does not end up woefully short of conveying the Letters continued on page 11 fullness of “the metanarrative of the Bible.” The

[

September/October 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.

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

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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 5 • 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 | September/October 2017

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MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

HOMEPAGE Stories from the harvest fields – C2C Network update –

Redemptive rain delay in the Windy City As I travel the country, I am struck by the startling paucity of the gift of evangelist (see Ephesians 4:11). Evangelists are recruiters. They are storytellers, not because they are raconteurs (although evangelists are frequently great at spinning tales), but because they are stirred by the story of God and want to share it in a broken world.

And we had gospel conversations with people.

As part of the dream of raising up evangelists, I facilitated a learning community in Chicago with my friend Brent Trask and a group of Canadian leaders. We spent a day with evangelists Luis and Andrew Palau. We worshipped with other leaders at the Billy Graham Center-sponsored Amplify event.

He spoke of his difficult boyhood. He spilled his present pain and brokenness. Brazilian Canadian evangelist Filipe began to share the gospel in Spanish. Javier responded in Spanish, then English. Ryan, a C2C Network church planter, tag-teamed.

Javier turned off the radio. He listened intently about the One who came to bind up the broken-hearted.

We learned, laughed, prayed, shared and pressed into the calling of an evangelist. We were stirred afresh to show the love of Jesus.

On our final night, Brent treated us all to a baseball game. After three soggy hours of rain delay, the first pitch was thrown. For our nocturnal return to our accommodations, four of us piled into an Uber. When driver Javier discovered why we were in town, he began to share.

Now at our destination, Ryan seamlessly explained how Jesus came to live the life Javier could not possibly live, and died the death Javier deserved to die. He explained the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice, the truth and power of the resurrection, and God’s generous offer of forgiveness and new life.

Ryan then asked Javier if he would like to receive Jesus into his life. Javier said yes and Ryan prayed with him.

I thank God for front row seats to a Ryan-Felipe gospel tag team!

(l–r): Shawn Branch, Bill Hogg, Brent Trask, Kyle Harnett, Chris Logan, Ed Stetzer, Norm Kuelers, Brad Morrice, Filipe Drumond, Danny MacKay, Ryan Keehn, Dave Morgan, Mark Enns, David Mirck.

Many people are more ready to hear the gospel than we imagine. Over the week, our little team also prayed for a physical healing, and led a cab driver and another Uber driver to Jesus.

We can all be good news people. May God give us grace to listen well, step up and pray, and speak out in Jesus’ name.

[ Bill Hogg is national missiologist with the C2C Network.

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September/October 2017 | www.mbherald.com

PHOTO COURTESY C2C NETWORK

[HOMEPAGE

[coming events

Confession commentary published in Chinese “Our unity as a denominational family is to be based not on ethnicity, but on our shared faith in Jesus Christ,” says Andrew Dyck, member of the Board of Faith and Life.

2017

The BFL demonstrated this priority by investing in a Chinese translation of the Commentary and Pastoral Application of the MB Confession of Faith.

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

Sept. 21: TANDgible with Hugh Halter,

Chinese MB churches now number more than 20 in Canada (mostly on the West Coast) plus two in Venezuela.

RockPointe Church, Calgary.

The shorter Confession was translated after its revision in 1999, but pastors still “found it challenging to conduct baptismal/membership and discipleship classes from an MB perspective,” says Paul Lam, retired Pacific Grace pastor and member of the BFL.

Grove Church, Saskatoon.

The BFL commissioned a complete translation of the commentary in 2014. Jackson and Annie Lau of Richmond, B.C., translated the text; Joseph Kwan, former editor of the MB Chinese Herald, edited the project. Pastors Xavier Law, Wing Wong, Paul Lam, Leo Chia, Yiu Tong Chan, Stephen Cheung and Enoch Yim proofread the book which is available from Kindred Productions in 2017.

Oct. 1–3: ABMB Pastor and Spouse retreat,

Sept. 22: TANDgible with Hugh Halter, Forest

“I hope that Chinese pastors and leaders will make good use of the Chinese Confession,” says Lam.

mbherald.com/Chinese-COF-commentary-application

Community Church.

Canmore, Alta.

Oct. 3: Ascent Church Planter's Base Camp, Toronto.

Oct. 13–14: Saturate Montreal, Église Evangel, Montreal.

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

With this tool to better understand biblical truth and explore theological issues from an MB perspective, says Lam, “I have no doubt that Chinese MB leadership, with the help of the Holy Spirit, will be better equipped to serve the Lord and his church.”

[ Karla Braun

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

MB Church.

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

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

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

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

Mortar and Bricks: Mennonite Brethren churches in Canada

PHOTOS WANTED! Faith in Canada 150, a project of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada (the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches is an affiliate member) says: “On the occasion of Canada’s 150th anniversary, Canadians everywhere are celebrating what makes our country feel like home.”

As part of this project, the Centre for MB Studies is collecting photographs of local congregations to highlight the faith that forms the cornerstone of many Canadians’ lives.

CMBS invites you to take a curbside photograph of your church building and send it to archives@mbchurches.ca. Include the photographer’s full name, the church’s full name and location. You are welcome to also include a brief description.

Photos will be added to the archives’ congregational collection and forwarded to the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada’s church photo initiative.

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.

2018

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.

June: PCO, B.C. View more events from churches and agencies at mbherald.com/calendar.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | September/October 2017

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The Polarity of Discipleship

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[FEATURE eventually graduates to journeyman then possibly master craftsman status, an apprentice to Jesus is a lifelong learner in the art of imitation.

N

What exactly will an apprenticeship to Jesus look like? If we assess our apprenticeship through the verbs and participles of the Great Commandment and Great Commission, the discipleship journey will at minimum include these core values: loving, going, discipling, baptizing, teaching and obeying. These are the key action words of the Great Commandment and the Great Commission.

The conflict we often feel to act out “social justice” or “evangelism” may be reduced when we seek to honour both these commands in our discipleship journey.

F

or a magnet to function properly, it needs polarity between north and south poles.

If one of the poles is removed, a magnet will not function as intended.

The same could be said about discipleship.

There are two primary poles driving discipleship: the Great Commandment (loving God and our neighbour) and the Great Commission (going into the world to make disciples). If these fields are maintained in our discipleship, it will be effective and attractive. If not, our discipleship becomes ineffective and possibly repellent.

A working definition of discipleship must constantly hold these two fields in tension for discipleship to be the attractive and transformative force Jesus intended it to be (John 13:34–35, Acts 1:8).

An apprentice carpenter submits themselves to a master carpenter to learn the carpentry craft. A disciple or apprentice of Jesus submits themselves to Jesus the master teacher. This apprenticeship with Jesus is called discipleship. But, unlike a professional apprentice who

LOVE Jesus said the greatest commandment is this: “Love the Lord your God with your whole being and love your neighbour as yourself ” (Matthew 22:36–40). Disciples of Jesus should especially be known for the love we share among ourselves (John 13:34–35).

Disciples cannot for a minute think we can love like Jesus without being apprenticed by Jesus in the way of love. How are we apprenticed in love? Part of this is being intentional about being with Jesus. This aspect of apprenticeship will include silence, solitude and meditation on his life – time spent in his presence. Apprentices of Jesus must receive the love of Jesus before we can give it away.

Receiving God’s love will inspire us to give Jesus’ love away in tangible sacrificial acts of kindness, service and peacemaking. This is the other dimension of apprenticeship in love: sacrificially coming alongside people in our sphere of influence who are poor, in need and discouraged.

The Apostle Paul reiterates this priority of love: followers of Jesus can be the most gifted, intelligent, sacrificial people but if we do not love, we are nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1–8). Therefore, loving our neighbour as Jesus loves is the most identifiable attribute of those who carry out Christ’s Great Commission.

GO

S

An apprentice of Jesus will be actively looking for opportunities to make disciples. Jesus’ command to “go” has often been described as relocating on mission, but at its most basic, it refers to our daily living.

We are to be about the work of disciple making by asking Jesus how, as his apprentice, we can assist him in his work.

While disciples work, play and relax, we are always learning how best to represent Jesus’ values and priorities in all our living. “Go” is a modifier of the command “make disciples.”

Functioning as a participle in Greek, it carries the weight of Mennonite Brethren Herald | September/October 2017

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this imperative. This makes sense if we understand the force of the command of Jesus. We simply cannot make disciples if we do not go and find them.

In this sense, each disciple is “going” to those who need Christ. Many of our discipleship initiatives invite people to come to our church events. In light of the Great Commission, this seems backward. Our lives are to be instruments that call others to Jesus in our daily “going.”

DISCIPLE This imperative verb “disciple” is the centrepiece of the Great Commission. The grammar and exegetical work suggests that discipling is more than preaching the gospel – it is learning through modelling. Jesus’ desire was for his disciples, through interpersonal relationships, to use everyday experiences to point people to Christ and his Kingdom. Just like Jesus did.

Through our example, we invite others to join us in following Jesus. Every disciple of Jesus is expected to be intentionally helping others discover the truth of Jesus and his message.

In the passage, “disciple” has two modifying participles: baptizing and teaching.

BAPTIZE From Matthew’s Gospel, it seems Jesus intended his disciples to do more than simply sprinkle, pour or dunk people in water. Dallas Willard suggests that baptizing in its broader contextual definition will include immersing people in the new life established by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The act of immersing someone in water is but a visual metaphor of the new life a disciple is publicly committing to live. It is a life that is now dead to sin and alive to Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit for the glory of the Father. It will be marked by love, sacrifice and obedience to the values and priorities of God’s Kingdom made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus.

What we are after here is a depth of guiding and relationship required in the ongoing process of discipleship.

We can imagine tour guides who are passionate about their country. They enjoy nothing more than immersing people in their culture, history, stories and language. People who are baptized are like travellers with an intent to stay. These residents of a new Kingdom need a lot of support, time and patient tour guides to come alongside them as they learn a new way of living and being.

TEACH Teaching in our culture is often seen as an expert standing in front of an audience communicating important ideas and 10

September/October 2017 | www.mbherald.com

information. Remember, however, that Jesus was speaking to his disciples from within a Jewish culture where teaching was understood in the style of Deuteronomy 6:1–9. Once God had communicated his laws to the nation of Israel, he told them they were to imprint these laws on their hearts, impressing them on their children by talking about them all the time, in all situations, so that these truths are not only intellectually known but practically lived.

This is the same for disciple making. In North America, we tend to internalize and keep our relationship with Jesus a private matter. But as apprentices of Jesus, we must learn to externalize our faith by talking about and enacting Jesus’ work in, around and through us.

OBEY Reading the command to obey in Matthew 28:20, we should also remember his comments in John 14:15, 23–24 that those who love him will obey him. One of the most critical issues in our discipleship strategies today is the need to move from information-based discipleship to obedience-based discipleship. The church has too often emphasized discipleship as the accumulation of biblical knowledge, theology, history and spirituality without a real expectation that disciples obey what we are learning.

A disciple is not satisfied with simply knowing good information; instead, we live out all that Jesus teaches.

How can we keep motivated in our discipleship journey? If we are to keep moving forward in our apprenticeship with Jesus, we will continuously cultivate a sense of wonder as we marvel in Christ and his gospel. Just as astronomers marvel at their new discoveries about the galaxy and vastness of the universe, disciples are continuously learning about the beauty, power, love and leadership of Jesus.

The apostle Paul summarized it: “all else is rubbish compared to knowing Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8, paraphrase). Discipleship, if defined by the Great Commandment and Great Commission, is a lifelong, loving response to Jesus who teaches his disciples how to become more like him to complete the work he began.

The Great Commandment and the Great Commission need to be kept in tension in our apprenticeship to Jesus if we are to mature and look more and more like him.

If apprentices of Jesus maintain the poles of compassion and evangelism, disciples will mature and enjoy much fruit.

[ Cam Stuart is lead pastor at Sardis

Community Church, Chilliwack, B.C. He is currently completing a DMin focusing on healthy discipleship cultures.

[Letters continued (e.g., fruit fly, turtle; snowdrop, sequoia).

My viewpoint is subject to change as more research reveals more options. We have the gift – the opportunity – to choose what makes sense. MAiD is one choice.

John Wittenberg Abbotsford, B.C.

Compassion care is paramount Thank-you for the July/August MB Herald tackling the issue of end-of-life care, and its timely and insightful commentary exploring Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD).

One of the refrains that has struck me as I’ve read about MAiD is the desperate appeal for a pastoral presence in the face of death. It’s echoed by Sharon Simpson: “Our whole family could have used a guide” (“Journeying”).

Being this sort of guide is part of the work of our pastors. We must be willing to accept that our guiding journey will take us through the valley of the shadow of death; it’s part of what makes us shepherds and our work pastoral.

Spiritual guides come in all forms, and I admire Simpson’s embrace of this role in other’s lives. With an aging population, pastors are needed more than ever. I hope we can be just as likely to find them as welcome company at our deathbeds as we are to find them as charismatic occupants of the public stage.

Discipleship EQUIPment available online at equipstudyconference.mennonitebrethren.ca

Discipleship Maps: Study guides for both disciples and disiplers.

In the decades to come, compassion may become the more important instrument of our office, accomplishing much more eternal good than visionary leadership alone.

Kevin Koop Medicine Hat, Alta.

Webinars:

“Be there” amid deep questions

8-part MinistryLift webinar series on discipleship.

Re: “From the mother of a transgender child,” Letters, May/June.

I’ve not yet met someone who calls themselves transgender, but the thought occurs to me that if that person has made a decision to be that way, it’s something more than a choice based on a rational thinking process. I think many of our young people are troubled by deep questions: about their personal identity, and who they really are. I would hope that Christians who know of someone struggling with these questions would not rush in and simply condemn them. We live in a society that challenges almost everything we used to accept as naturally “God-given.”

Recommended Reading: The Board of Faith and Life has chosen seven titles, including EQUIP speaker Darrell Johnson’s book Discipleship on the Edge.

Let’s be there for them. Growing up has never been easy, and it’s not getting easier.

Roland Derksen Vancouver

Mennonite Brethren Herald | September/October 2017

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[MB SEMINARY

MB Seminary Lifelong Learning for Lifelong Mission

“Jesus and” or “Jesus only”?

I stopped reading the Bible. Seriously, I did. Actually, I stopped reading everything due to my sixth concussion.

After a few weeks, when I tentatively picked up the Bible again, I found myself looking at the book of Jude. Interesting book.

We often don’t hear a lot about it in our churches, but as I found out, if we claim to be followers of Jesus, the message of Jude is critical for us at this time in history.

“I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith” (v 3).

Imagine being an Olympic athlete locked in physical battle with your opponent, struggling on behalf of your country. Imagine doing everything you can to prevail. Imagine refusing to give up!

I think that is what Jude had in mind when he encouraged the first generation of disciples to contend for the faith. And I believe that is just as applicable for us today. We need to contend for the faith ourselves, and we need to train and equip others to contend as well.

In terms of lifestyle, followers of Jesus had turned grace into immorality (v 4). God seems like a nice guy, so I can do whatever I want and God won’t get mad. Oops, that is a dangerous path to go down, isn’t it? Funny how quickly we forget that although acceptance is the starting point of a relationship with God, transformation is the destination.

Repentance is the only path between the two.

In terms of belief, followers of Jesus had also rejected the exclusivity of Jesus. To some, Jesus was just another dish on the buffet table of eclectic spirituality. They wanted “Jesus and” rather than “Jesus only.” There is a big difference between the two, isn’t there? Do you want “Jesus and” or “Jesus only”?

What, then, does it mean to “contend for the faith” in terms of lifestyle and belief? The answer can be found in the grammatical structure of the Greek text. Jude contains the following five imperatives (commands or instructions):

Remember (v 17) “Remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.” If you or I want to stand for something significant, to resist the powerful tide that threatens to erode our understanding of who Jesus is, we need to be grounded in Scripture. There is no other option.

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Keep (v 21) “Keep yourselves in God’s love.” Hang on to the reality that you are deeply loved by God. Being loved is not an excuse for being bad (that is actually a rejection of love); rather, being loved gives hope, meaning and purpose in a world that often assaults those who take the teachings of Jesus seriously.

Be merciful (v 22) “Be merciful to those who doubt.” If other people are working through issues of faith and life, and they express doubts about who Jesus is, don’t attack them. Instead, offer grace, hope and encouragement.

Save (v 23) “Save others by snatching them from the fire.” At the same time as we show people mercy, though, let’s be sure to actively save them. If you saw your young child walking toward the fire at your campsite, would you just watch and say to yourself, “She should know better”? Of course not. You would rush over and snatch her from the fire! We should do the same with those who stumble toward spiritual fires.

Show mercy with fear (v 23) “Show mercy, mixed with fear.” Finally, Jude reminds us to be careful. One of the primary rules of trained first-responders at an accident scene is to make sure that they don’t become part of the accident themselves. In our desire to be like Jesus to others, let’s remember that we are not Jesus. Even in our compassion, we must be wary to not be drawn into subtle sin.

Where do you and I go from here?

For me, as I look ahead, part of my journey with MB Seminary is a call to help train leaders across Canada and beyond to live out the message of Jude in their contexts. To encourage and equip others to follow these five instructions. To be faithful and effective followers of Jesus!

If you identify yourself as a disciple of Jesus, what does it mean for you to “contend for the faith” in your context?

How can your lifestyle and your belief represent Jesus today?

[ Mark Wessner is president of MB Seminary.

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

[WIEBE’S WITNESS

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

Pray for Steve!

Jean-Claude (Angola) Do you know the man pictured here?

I hope so – even if you don’t know him personally.

Steve Berg is the leader of your national church – the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC).

I learned to know Steve when I served as executive director of CCMBC and he served as conference minister in British Columbia. He’s a man of exemplary personal character, great love for leaders of the local church and passion for the mission of the church. In that context, it was a pleasure to work with him because he consistently brought positive wisdom to our discussions.

This past winter, when the CCMBC Executive Board needed an interim director, I imagine Steve’s name surfaced quickly. He’s that kind of man; that kind of leader.

Obviously, Steve will be a major beneficiary!

He needs divine guidance in these challenging times. He needs wisdom, vision, holiness, stamina, knowledge, humility…and lots more.

The Canadian MB church needs unity to be a powerful witness to Christ.

Your own church will be blessed! When Steve leads well, our national church is strengthened as the staff and structure of the conference flourishes.

This strength nurtures your local church like watering your garden nourishes all the plants growing in it.

Moreover, praying for Steve builds our community of faith in Canada. Building community fosters our identity, and battles the independent spirit of our times. We are stronger together and the result is greater faithfulness in mission.

Why am I “picking on” Steve in an ICOMB Wiebe’s You’ll develop a heart for our national church Witness? He’s one of 21 “bishops” (to use an early church term) leading a national Mennonite Brethren and its mission in Canada as, each Sunday, you church – ICOMB’s core ministry group. realize you’re part of 250 churches witnessing to Christ in this country. And if you’re moved to And I would love you to pray for him! pray for Steve, God may lead you to pray for Don (USMB), Antonio (Peru), Jean-Claude (Angola), Seriously!

Tanaka (Japan), Arturas (Lithuania) and the rest of Regularly!

ICOMB’s national church leaders. (See ICOMB’s Facebook page or monthly Prayer Update.)

Publicly in your church worship

services – not just personally.

Your faith in Christ, love for his church and hope in mission My heart would swell if I knew that every Sunday will enlarge. your church bulletin had his name in the prayer Mine has. request section.

Why? Foremost, it’s biblical. Frequently, letter writers in the Bible ask for prayer (2 Thessalonians 3:1; Hebrews 13:18).

Tanaka (Japan)

Arturas (Lithuania)

Antonio (Peru)

[ David Wiebe is the executive director for ICOMB – the International Community of Mennonite Brethren – aka the global MB denomination.

Don (USMB)

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[CONFESSION OF FAITH

While we witness Board of Faith and Life

AR T I CL

4 E

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

Sin and Evil

“When a man really tells the truth, the first truth he tells is that he himself is a liar,” wrote Catholic public intellectual G.K. Chesterton. The truth about the human problem, according to the Bible, is the sin that resides within each of us.

This message is a hard sell.

Since we have been made in the image of this God, sin is any deviation from his character. Our sins distort his image in us, deprive us of his blessings and rob God of the glory he deserves. Sin corrupts our relationships with God, with each other and with creation.

Some religions treat sin and evil simply as part of our experience of life. Secular worldviews reject sin since there is no ultimate meaning or accountability in a universe without God.

The state of our depravity requires an intervention by God. God accomplished this rescue through Jesus “even when we were dead in transgressions” (Ephesians 2:5).

In popular language, “sin” describes what we desire but know is not really good for us, e.g., “sinfully” delicious chocolate.

Because of this changing language, theologian Michael Bird suggests we replace “sin” with “evil.” We still try to distance ourselves from “evil” by assigning the term to the Robert Picktons and Adolf Hitlers of history, but we recognize it exists.

This marvelous salvation is so desperately needed. Sin and evil not only destroy the lives of individuals and families, but also corrupt whole societies

Jesus identified the source of evil in Mark 7:20–23: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come – sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

Honesty with our own sinful hearts shows us our own deep need for a saviour and helps protect us from the all-too-common tendency to blame someone else.

One of the terms in the Bible translated as “sin,” means “to miss the mark.” The mark in this case is God’s perfect, just and good character.

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Honesty with our own sinful hearts shows us our own deep need for a saviour and helps protect us from the alltoo-common tendency to blame someone else. and political structures through war, anarchy, slavery and oppression of all kinds. Redeemed by Jesus, we carry a message (the gospel) and an ethic (Kingdom values) able to free people from the domination of personal sins and transform and heal societies from systems that enslave.

The Confession of Faith with commentary and pastoral application

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offers practical suggestions on each article. In Article 4, it encourages us to invite the Holy Spirit to search and purify our hearts at communion.

When we humbly quiet our hearts before the symbols of Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice, we have opportunity to repent of our sins and to restore broken relationships. In this way, we are preparing our hearts to receive his grace.

Recently, while serving communion at my church, I realized a certain parishioner – with whom I had some inner attitude issues – would certainly come to me to receive the elements. I thanked the Lord for mercy toward me and this individual and determined again to walk in love toward them.

In the Confession, the article on sin and evil precedes the one on God’s glorious work of salvation. Why put such decidedly bad news ahead of the good news of God’s grace and mercy? Because we cannot appreciate or even comprehend the meaning of Christ’s suffering on the cross if we are ignorant of, or in denial about, the darkness of sin within each of us. As Tim Keller of Redeemer Presbyterian Church, New York City, often says, the bad news about us and our sin is worse than we imagined but the good news of Christ’s salvation is better than we could possibly have dreamed.

[ Rob Thiessen is BCMB conference minister.

Pull out the stops on one mission Just a few days before settling into the rhythm of the lazy, hazy days of summer, I was given the biggest mandate of my leadership life.

• How might a “one-mission partnership” help your church to increase your engagement in what God is doing everywhere?

“God is moving to make Jesus known everywhere. We MBs must be together on this one mission in a local, national, global way. We ask you to lead a task force to discern the plan that will pull out the stops as one force for this mission.”

The Philippians 1:27–30 focus for this June gathering of MB leaders laid a strong foundation for hearing God speak to us, and I think it can guide us as a larger body as well. Paul speaks to two things that will help us join on one mission together. First, commit to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ”; and second, understand “the faith of the gospel” (v. 27).

The mandate was given by a June gathering of more than 50 Canadian MB leaders – from the provincial conferences, college/university/seminary, C2C, L2L, MB Mission and the national conference. They all came with a conviction that we can do far more if we build on one another’s strengths and share our resources.

In the next 12 months, the One Mission Partnership Task Force will listen, discern and submit a plan for Canadian MB people to increase our collaborative effectiveness in working alongside what God is doing to send workers into the harvest field (Matthew 9:38).

We lean into this process desiring two key outcomes – like two rails of a train track – that the Spirit will lay down for a movement of God to transform our communities, our country and the world.

• The task force will articulate a clear statement of “one mission” for all MB churches and ministries across Canada (possibly broader than the CCMBC mission).

• We will discern structural solutions for aligning ministry partnerships around this one mission.

Articulating a shared statement comes first, and the structural solutions will follow closely behind. As members of MB churches, you will have an opportunity to give your input to these outcomes through the fall and winter. So, I’m asking you to consider: • What is the mission of God? • What will it look like when Canadian MBs more effectively collaborate on one mission?

I believe that we give personal witness to the transforming power of Christ when we live like citizens of heaven: • Walk consistently… “in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (v. 27).

No matter where we live geographically, we must view ourselves as citizens of heaven. We will speak and act differently than those around us who are citizens of this earth. Our ways of being and speaking will witness to the good news of Jesus.

• Work collaboratively… “Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel” (v. 27).

The passage’s “striving” gives us our word “athletics.” Picture an athletic team, working in cooperation and coordination toward a common goal.

Our team’s goal is the one mission of God. • Stand confidently… “without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you” (v. 28). The word “frightened” was often used of a startled horse rearing in fear. For some reason, Christians are surprised when we experience opposition. But Paul reasons, “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had” (v. 28–29). The same God who has awakened faith in you has also given you another gift: suffering! If Christ, the Son of God, suffered, and if Paul, the great

[

OUTFRONT

apostle to the Gentiles suffered, then we’re in good company if we suffer for the sake of the gospel. Stand confidently for Christ and trust in God. The core truth of the gospel cannot be compromised. This truth is so essential that we all must lock onto it to be on one mission. And be aware that Satan, our enemy, is always trying to undo it.

Paul states the core truth to the Corinthians, “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).

• This tells us who Jesus is: both eternal God, who alone can atone for sin, and fully human, capable of death, and thus an acceptable substitute for our sin.

• It declares the fallen condition of the human race: that we are sinners in need of a Saviour.

• It affirms the historical, bodily resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

“And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17).

God is moving to make Jesus known everywhere. Locally, nationally and globally, MBs must be together on this one mission. The Task Force is joyfully working to articulate a clear statement for all MB churches and ministries across Canada, and humbly seeking to discern structural solutions for aligning ministry partnerships to pull out the stops as one force for the mission of God.

[ Steve Berg is interim executive director

of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. He lives in Abbotsford, B.C.

One Mission Partnership Task Force: Steve Berg, Bryan Born, Elton DaSilva, Bruce Enns, JP Hayashida, Ron Leonard, Carol Letkeman, Paul Loewen, David McLean, Patrice Nagant, Larry Neufeld, Ingrid Reichard, Robyn Serez, Trevor Seath, Phil Wagler, Karen West

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[VIEWPOINT

The gospel calls us to be unsettled Restoration, reconciliation and adult Sunday school

Living in Canada in 2017, we have much to be grateful for.

We are spared from armed conflicts, famines and so much more that is a daily reality for many. We may even look at our neighbour to the south with gratefulness that we are not part of that particular political experiment.

Self-examination is difficult work, but it is the appropriate response to the gift of learning hard truths about our lives.

And thankfully, we have longstanding church practices that can help us, such as sermons and adult education classes (to name just two).

A hard truth to learn A seminal year, 2017 provides us* with a unique opportunity to reflect on Canada’s current character as well as its history.

We are celebrating, so the official story goes, the origin of the Dominion of Canada as a confederacy. Yet, for many people, the public celebration is a reminder of how our country was formed through the systematic abuse and disenfranchisement of the Indigenous peoples of this land.

It’s probably uncomfortable for those who would like to enjoy the simple fun of a national anniversary to hear that it is anything but simple and fun. When we’re on the winning side of the historical equation of wealth, power and privilege, we don’t like to hear about complexities and the painful dimensions of our “innocuous” social events.

What should we do with all the benefits we receive by virtue of living in Canada? This question is the appropriate response to learning about our privilege – especially as Christians. We believe in the good To be a Christian means news, that the Kingdom of God we see in Jesus is for all: everyone and that everything we everything is made whole. Thus, we do, everything we need to make room for those who participate in is subject do not enjoy the same privileges – even if that means giving up some of to the critical question: our comforts.

So where do we start?

is this good to do?

Alignment with the gospel To be a Christian – to follow after Jesus – means that everything we do, everything we participate in (both actively and passively) is subject to the critical question: is this good to do? Is this something that reflects the nature of God’s Kingdom? Will participating help me become a person who looks more and more like Jesus?

This is a very high bar by which to judge our lives, but it is also the ancient and worldwide criterion by which Christians have tried to be Christian.

It can be hard to know what is aligned with the good news of Jesus. But “hard to know” does not mean we cannot know; therefore, we have an obligation to investigate the unexamined parts of our lives to see whether they are fostering un-Jesuslike qualities.

However, Canada 150, like so many other things that are experienced as positive, or just benign, by the majority of Canadians is neither positive nor benign to the hundreds of thousands of Indigenous people who have been living under 150 years (and more) of colonialism.

A community that learns together

As a thirty-something active participant in the church, I see a lack of opportunities to work through the complexities of modern moral dilemmas as Christians. This is a major problem for me and my peers. There is a deep need for our faith community to also be our community for thinking and social action. As such, I am grateful for adult education classes that offer the time and relational space to explore the intersection of the gospel and our lives at length and interactively.

This past Lent, Cedar Park Church, Ladner, B.C., held a sixweek series of classes that considered the unhealthy relationship between theological ideas espoused by the church (i.e., the doctrine of discovery) and the history of colonization in Canada. We used Yours, Mine, Ours, compiled and edited by Cheryl Woelk and Steve Heinrichs, a remarkable book filled with stories of people who have chosen to speak and hear the

*This “us” largely does not include Indigenous people. Though we talk about an inclusive gospel, we must acknowledge there are substantial groups of people who are not part of our churches and who do not “commune with us” in communion; people like our Indigenous neighbours. (Class details found online at cedarparkchurch.org/adult_education/reconciliation) 16

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[CONFERENCE NEWS truth, as well as vulnerably listen and respond to what they have learned.

In these six weeks, as I led these classes, I saw 30–40 people choose to be vulnerable, to admit that they did not know things that they should know. I saw these people, a mix of old and young, men and women, ask themselves what does the legacy of colonialism in Canada mean for us as Christians?

In the last few years, I have been overwhelmed at how much I need to learn, not just about the past, but about how to move forward.

Sometimes, it can seem reasonable to do nothing. Yet, I have also been encouraged by the many incredible women and men, Indigenous and Settler, who have been leading in this path for a long time.

As a group and as a church, we are choosing to risk learning things that make us uncomfortable. During our final class, Bridget Findlay, the MCC BC representative for the Indigenous Neighbours program, gave us each a card labelled: “My personal reconciliation plan.”

So far, my plan is quite small.

One step is to join with the congregation as we participate in a Blanket Exercise, a relearning of Canadian history. I am taking this step not only because I have been inspired to learn things that unsettle me toward reconciliation, but because I am doing this with the people of my church.

This community is helping me believe that reconciliation is possible, that truth-telling and truth-hearing is possible, that shalom is possible.

[ Matt Balcarras is a scientist and writer who lives with his partner and three children in the traditional territory of the Musqueam and Tsawwassen.

Mid-year financial update 2016 results A detailed report of the results of the 2016 fiscal year has been posted on the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC) website (mennonitebrethren.ca), along with the annual financial statements for the Consolidated Operations, the Stewardship Operations (a subset of the Consolidated Operations) and the CCMBC Pension Plan.

For the most part, the results for 2016 were an improvement over the prior year of 2015. Overall, expenditures were lower than in 2015. The major reason was that we had a minimal writedown of land held for development and there was a small net recovery of the allowance for credit losses.

All of the revenue items were higher than the prior year, with the exception of rental revenue.

It should be noted that our contributions from churches were below budget again in 2016.

The CCMBC Pension Plan has continued to produce strong results and provide good pension security for our church pastors and ministry staff. The pension plan earnings were 5.62 percent for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016.

2017 YTD results As of the end of June, contributions from churches and grants and donations are significantly below the approved 2017 budgets. Over the years, this has been the

trend. Historically, grants and donations have been received in the last quarter of the year in sufficient amounts to meet budget. Church contributions in the last half of the year have also historically narrowed the variance to budget.

Expenditures are under budget and it is expected that this trend will continue through the end of 2017. The Executive Board has also directed that $500,000 of the 2017 revenue be directly allocated to the CCMBC operating surplus. This will ensure that the unrestricted net assets will be increased by at least this amount at the end of 2017.

2018 budgets The CCMBC Senior Leadership Team and staff worked with the Executive Board in developing the annual budgets for the CCMBC Ministry and Legacy operations. During this process, we have been diligent in incorporating the direction that was provided in the amendment to the approval of the 2017 budget. It is a priority of the Executive Board and the Senior Leadership Team that the CCMBC Ministry budget is balanced without cash contributions from the Stewardship/Legacy operations, and that CCMBC Ministry operations are sustainable based solely on church contributions, grants, donations and cost recoveries. A budget commentary will be provided with the proposed 2018 budgets when they are uploaded to the website on Sept. 19, 2017. (See bit.ly/CCMBC-sgm-2017) Jim Davidson Interim CFO CCMBC

Summary financial report 2016 bit.ly/CCMBC-summary2016 Annual financial statements for the Consolidated Operations bit.ly/CCMBC-consolidated2016 Stewardship Operations bit.ly/CCMBC-Consolidated-stewardship2016CCMB Pension Plan bit.ly/CCMBC-pension2016

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Growing God’s Kingdom with Pastor & Church Mortgages CCMBC’s transition of this ministry to a stand-alone organization continues As disciples of Jesus, we are called to be good stewards of the resources God has provided to us to help grow God’s Kingdom. This was the vision over 50 years ago when the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC) began to provide mortgages to churches and pastors.

By pooling the resources of church members, the CCMBC Stewardship Ministry was able to offer mortgages to those in need, while simultaneously providing a stable and fair rate of return to those who placed their savings with CCMBC. This ministry work of more than five decades has blessed 440 pastors with the opportunity to buy a home and over 245 churches with access to affordable mortgages. This ministry continues to be valuable because there are many times when churches and pastors – especially newer church plants – do not qualify for a mortgage with a bank.

directors. It has been a two-year-long journey to lay the foundation for Legacy – longer and more complicated than anticipated – but we’re optimistic that this will be complete by early 2018. The good news is that Legacy has already received its charitable status from the Canada Revenue Agency.

In 2018, individuals who want to support this ministry work, while also growing their own personal savings, can open registered accounts (RRSPs, RRIFs and TFSAs) through Legacy. Those who already have these types of registered savings with CCMBC will continue to receive the same competitive rates of interest, but will begin to receive all reporting from Legacy once the transition is complete.

The need for us to provide mortgages to churches and pastors is as great as it has ever been and the willingness of thousands of church members to invest in the fund also remains strong. However, the way we carry out this ministry must evolve because of the ever-changing and increasingly complex government regulations.

For many years now, churches and individuals have also been able to earn interest through deposit accounts with no fixed term. While our churches and conferences will continue to be able to place their non-registered deposits with Legacy, we are still awaiting the regulator’s final decision as to exactly how we can serve individual depositors in the future. We expect that the investments will continue to be stable and offer competitive rates of interest as they have in the past.

At the CCMBC 2015 annual general meeting, churches voted in favour of creating the CCMBC Legacy Fund Inc. (Legacy), which is 100 percent owned by CCMBC, and will be the new home of the Stewardship Ministry. At Gathering 2016, churches approved the Legacy bylaws and at the upcoming 2017 annual general meeting, the churches will elect the Legacy board of

At Gathering 2016, the churches approved the 2017 budget with an amended motion designed to balance the CCMBC ministry budget and replenish the Stewardship reserves. Complying with this motion, the 2018 budgets will include no transfer of cash between Legacy and CCMBC. Legacy will continue to provide some non-cash support by offering facilities, accounting services and other

We exist to multiply Christ-centred churches to see Canada transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ Mission of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches (CCMBC).

Northview Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

forms of infrastructure to assist CCMBC and other MB ministries.

With Legacy handling the Stewardship activities, CCMBC and its Executive Board will be able to focus solely on church ministry. In 2018, CCMBC is designed to be a self-sustaining entity, supported only by church giving and other ministry revenues.

We hope to build a strong and healthy future for our churches, members and ministries, and we will continue to rely strongly on your support to develop leaders, build community, multiply churches and resource ministry.

Knowing that the need for pastor and church mortgages continues to grow, and believing that there are many more MBs eager to support this type of ministry, we are highly optimistic about

the future of Legacy, and we look forward to all that God has in mind for CCMBC. We will continue to pray for clear vision and the wisdom required to make informed decisions as we move through this process in support of our mission to multiply Christ-centred churches to see Canada transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ.

By Jim Davidson, interim Chief Financial Officer Note: The CCMBC Legacy Fund will be discussed at the November 2017 CCMBC Annual General Meeting and we will have more to report after the meeting has concluded. In the meantime please see the latest financial report from CFO Jim Davidson on page 17.

[NEWS brainstormed a shortlist of women doing tremendous ministry locally and globally.”

Young adults are “hungry for investment and shaping,” says Leaders Collective director Robyn Serez. “It’s a beautiful season of life to welcome people into some holy discipline and mission mindset.”

Enter the Leaders Collective: a development track to “invest in young leaders while they’re currently engaged in leading in their churches.”

The program grew out of conversations between staff in Ontario MB ministries – Ed Willms (Ontario Conference of MB Churches), Philip Serez (MB Mission), Trevor Seath (C2C Network) and Ed Heinrichs (Camp Crossroads) – about how to support and encourage each other in ministry.

The four collaborating Ontario ministries successfully piloted Leaders Collective January–September 2016 and are officially launching in September 2017.

The dream for Leaders Collective catalyzed after the 2015 Pastors Day sessions on the challenge of how Ontario MB churches can raise up young leaders. “We were concerned over the Hemorrhaging Faith report which found when youth finish high school, their connection to church drops,” says Robyn Serez.

The response: “Let’s come alongside 22–27-year-olds for a value-added year,” says Serez. “They stay where they live and continue to work where they work, but we resource them with some extras.”

Those extras include three retreats, the accountability of a mentor, a reading list on Christian character and leadership (two books), a Bible reading plan (four chapters/day) and support in setting goals.

All participants must be recommended by their pastors/ elders. Subsidized by the Ontario MB conference, Leaders Collective recommends churches and participants share the remaining $250 cost.

The three retreats include an orientation, an urban encounter in Toronto and a debriefing event, all of which feature interaction with MB leaders. In the first cohort’s debrief, a common thread was how they were shaped by hearing “the raw, honest stories of leaders actively engaged in ministry.”

“One of the values close to my heart is for them to hear voices of women leading in our denomination,” says Serez. “We’ve 20

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The urban encounter is led by C2C’s Trevor Seath. Last year, participants shadowed leaders of MoveIn, First Nations ministry, and poverty and homelessness ministries in Toronto. “We heard the leaders’ story and, where possible, engaged in activates they were doing,” says Serez. “It was rich and affirming.”

Mentors check in with participants every two weeks for prayer and accountability. The mentor isn’t necessarily “a pro” in their area of ministry, but someone from the young leader’s church “with a vested interest in seeing them succeed,” says Serez.

In their pilot year, Leaders Collective realized the need for a way to measure outcomes. In partnership with Daniel Beutler from L2L, they created a Desired Outcome Chart to track growth in four areas: prayer, Scripture reading, discipleship and leadership, plus two personal ministry goals.

Personal goals might be learning how to care for grieving people by shadowing a chaplain, or overcoming the fear of public speaking by asking a gifted speaker to pass on her tips. “It’s a great way to discover people in your church with equipping gifts,” says Serez.

Through Leaders Collective, Aurélie Michou, an MB Mission intern from France who does graphic design, will glean from MB Mission’s videographers. The Serezes’ own daughter Reneé has also signed up for this year’s cohort: having earned a degree in social development studies, she is interested in gaining experience in youth ministry.

The program’s “Kingdom electives” provide opportunities for participants to go outside their familiar context at some point during the year. Most of the 2016 cohort joined MB Mission’s six-week ACTION Ontario teams in Burundi, Central Asia or Portugal. Participants could also choose to serve at Camp Crossroads or alongside an Ontario C2C church planter.

Because of this collaboration between a conference office, church planting network, global mission agency and local camp, young adults “gain a holistic view of the church working together,” says Serez.

“Seeing pastors passionate about this and taking steps to develop disciples brings me joy,” she says. Pastors have been responding with “Can I be a part of investing in this?” “May I come on the retreat and listen?”

“Leaders Collective is about what can we do together on mission.”

[ Angeline Schellenberg PHOTOS COURTESY LEADERS COLLECTIVE

welcoming, event planning and needs assessment, and deepen students’ understanding of the Bible, the work of the Holy Spirit and the principles of church planting.

Phil and Michelle Collins

Pursuit School of Evangelism Who is raising a generation of ministers, disciplers and leaders?

“From this question, we began to dream,” says Michelle Collins.

She and her husband Phil, pastor of Willow Park Church, Kelowna, B.C., drew on their experience of running discipleship training projects in the United Kingdom, and cast a dream for the Pursuit School of Evangelism.

“As we began to share the idea with our own church, local church leaders and conference ministers, there was a resounding, “Yes – go for it!”

Pursuit School will run its first year September 2017–May 2018.

At press time, nine individuals, ranging in age from 18–60, have registered. They can accommodate 20.

Students will spend two days each week in classes and fellowship at Willow Park Church and four days in a ministry placement tailormade for them.

The school year begins with a two-week intensive in which “student will focus on understanding their gifts and hearing God,” says Collins. Weekly classes develop skills in storytelling,

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

Visit mbherald.com/category/news for the following stories and more from agency partners and churches.

“I have gained confidence in who I am and what I have to offer.”

The alumni mentorship program at Columbia Bible College is shaping the spiritual walk of both students and graduates. mbherald.com/cbc-alumni-mentorship

“What does it mean to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8) on a journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Saskatchewan?”

The Saskatchewan conference held a talking and prayer circle on growing ministry among Indigenous Canadians. mbherald.com/skmb-listening-circle-calls-action

PHOTOS COURTESY PURSUIT

Instructors will include evangelists, missionaries, chaplains, young workers, missiologists and counsellors. In addition to utilizing their own Willow Park staff, Pursuit School is partnering with speakers from the B.C. MB conference, C2C Network and MB Mission.

“A great candidate for Pursuit has a passionate desire to follow Jesus, to share the love of God with the world and to serve others and develop their God-given gifts and talents,” says Collins.

Students’ ministry placements could include supporting a church’s youth or children’s ministry, leading Alpha, doing street evangelism, preaching, or volunteering in a school or homeless outreach. Each student is assigned a mentor from Willow Park with whom they will connect weekly.

Accommodation, food, training and placement are $5,000, not including the cost of an overseas mission trip.

At the end of the course, Collins hopes students say they understand who they are in Christ; they have witnessed many coming to know Jesus and experienced opportunities to be stretched; they valued the mentor relationship; and that they are ready to serve the local church.

“My dream is that schools will be established all over Canada,” says Collins, “and a new generation of evangelists and ministers will be raised up.”

[ Angeline Schellenberg

“Evergreen needs to reach more young people…re-engage churches in the ministry at camp…[and have] people supporting and praying for the ministry.”

Former staff member and board member bikes across Alberta to raise church support for Camp Evergreen. mbherald.com/bike-to-camp

Still pondering last month’s theme “on dying – the next stage”? Canadian Mennonite University professor Paul Doerksen and Donwood chaplain Wanda Derksen discuss a Christian response to death and suffering.

The Multiply podcast is a collaboration between MB Church of Manitoba, MB Herald and MB Mission. mbherald.com/multiply-podcast Mennonite Brethren Herald | September/October 2017

21

This is Amazing Grace South Abbotsford Church makes space for healing worship in wake of tragedy Your great love will lead me through.

You are the peace in my troubled sea.

—Rend Collective’s “My Lighthouse” “I’ve been doing youth ministry for 10 years. Nothing could have prepared me for that day,” says pastor Mike Olynyk of Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016, when South Abbotsford Church (SAC) learned two girls from their youth group had been stabbed at Abbotsford Senior Secondary School.

Olynyk joined the family of the girl airlifted to Vancouver; she survived.

Other SAC pastors stayed in Abbotsford with the family of 13-year-old Letisha Reimer – who was in critical condition.

It wasn’t long before the doctor came out to say Letisha had succumbed to her injuries.

“Our pastors were all in,” says Olynyk.

“They opened the church that night and rallied around the youth to pray and process together the initial shock. The elders and youth sponsors were there, pouring on love, providing space for youth to mourn and grieve.”

Their friends were harmed “in an environment where they were supposed to feel safe,” says Olynyk. The tragedy forced teens to face their own mortality for the first time. “They’re realizing there’s no safety in this world.”

The next day, the weekly hangout Olynyk runs in the middle school was packed with students: some were mourning, others needed a break.

22

I sing for all that you’ve done For Thursday’s youth night, says Olynyk, “We called all the youth pastors in the area to ask, ‘Can you be on hand to pray?’” Ten pastors from Youth Unlimited and other churches came.

“The Abbotsford community came together on this; those youth pastors being there showed the body of Christ.”

Olynyk led a conversation about the impact God had in Letisha’s life and how that can encourage us. He told the youth, “God has a thick skin: bring it to God.” Out of that came the anthems.

They sang “This is Amazing Grace” from their youth retreat the previous weekend, the song that Letisha and her friend had been writing out the lyrics to in the moments before the attack. When the worship team ended on “My Lighthouse,” the most energetic song from the retreat, something amazing happened.

“We had kids jumping up and down and praising God in the midst of their pain,” says Olynyk. “There was healing and a sense that ‘God takes me as I am, there’s crap in the world and God meets us in that.’”

On Friday, SAC had buses lined up to take students from Letisha’s high school to the church to process together. “Students from our youth group came to support the families,” says Olynyk. “Non-Christians were shocked to see students praising God with joy in the midst of such tragedy.”

In the early days after Letisha’s death, Olynyk set his own emotions aside to meet the needs of his youth group. At the B.C. MB pastor’s retreat, he had space to process with counsellors from Mercy Seat. Olynyk’s grief was compounded by his sister-in-law’s cancer diagnosis and

September/October 2017 | www.mbherald.com

his cousin’s death in the months before this tragedy.

“God kept saying, ‘You can’t do this on your own,’” he says.

Olynyk was able to pass that grace on to others. Mar. 3, 2017, when a 14-year-old Abbotsford boy died on a Mennonite Educational Institute (MEI) ski trip, Olynyk met with the boy’s youth pastor to pass on his experience. The day after the accident, the same group of local youth pastors that supported SAC gathered at MEI, staying for most of the day to talk and pray with hurting students.

That I would be set free This summer, 18 students went on the SERVE mission trip that Letisha had been part of every year since its start.

At a worship and memorial time on the beach, “We prayed and each student scooped a handful of sand into a bottle that read, ‘Forever in our hearts,’” says Olynyk. “The trip was healing; some students felt comfortable sharing for the first time since Nov. 1, 2016.”

May 28, 2017, much of SAC wasn’t in church; they were at the Run for Water, a charity race Letisha participated in for the past five years. The youth band played some of the same worship songs from her memorial, and many ran in her honour.

The 10-km run raised $450,000 to provide clean water to 25,000 people and build a new school for 800 children in Freselem, Ethiopia, to be named after Letisha.

A verse that has continued to impact Olynyk and the youth group since the youth retreat is Ephesians 2:10: “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” His ongoing prayer:

[continued on page 26

PHOTO COURTESY SOUTH ABBOTSFORD CHURCH

Special General Meeting A CCMBC Special General Meeting will be held prior to Equip Study Conference November 1–3, 2017, in Abbotsford, B.C. When: 9:00 am–5:00 pm, November 1, 2017

Who may attend: Churches are encouraged to send delegates to the Special General Meeting.

Each church may send one pastor plus one delegate per every 25 members.

Where: Northview Community Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

Cost: Free. Delegates are asked to R.S.V.P. online at equipstudyconference.mennonitebrethren.ca

by October 13, 2017.

- Morning breakout sessions - Special General Meeting commences at 3:30 pm

Agenda items and accompanying documents will be available on September 19, 2017 at mennonitebrethren.ca/sgm-2017-documents

Mennonite Brethren Herald | September/October 2017

23

Transitions Erica Hoare

BEGINNINGS

TITLE:

pastor, McIvor Church, Winnipeg

pastor of discipleship and prayer, Dalmeny (Sask.)

Community Church

S TA R T:

S TA R T:

Denver Wilson TITLE:

I transitioned into this role over the past year, and was formally commissioned in April 2017.

E D U C AT I O N :

MA in Christian ministry, MB Seminary

May 2017 P R E V I O U S M I N I S T R Y:

congregation member since 2010 with demonstrated gifts in administration, discernment, prophecy Jaeson; 3 children Jonathan Neufeld

youth Pastor at McIvor Church and Sunwest Church, Calgary

TITLE:

Promontory campus pastor for Central Community Church, Chilliwack, B.C.

F A M I LY :

Jannalee; twins Esme and Rowan O N M I N I S T RY:

I see the church like a wind turbine: intentionally structured, yet entirely dependent on the wind of God. As lives are turned around, energy is created that flows outward to bring power to others.

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

pastoral intern, Cloverdale Baptist Church, Surrey, B.C. F A M I LY :

Korinna O N M I N I S T RY:

I believe that God has gifted me in the area of preaching and expositing the Word of God for the church and it is my great passion to do so.

ENDINGS Harry Edwards, Stillwood Camp and Conference Centre, executive director (1997–2017)

F A M I LY :

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

Seminary, Louisville, Ky.; BSc, Simon Fraser University, B.C.

Ray Harris, Bakerview MB Church, senior associate pastor (2003–2017) Kimball Martens, Bakerview MB Church, contemporary service pastor (2009–2017) Brent Miller, College Drive Community Church, lead pastor (2007–2017) Tom Mulhern, Dalhousie Church, youth pastor (2007–2013), associate pastor of worship and missions (2013–2017)

S TA R T:

Dave Schaffer, Abbotsford Community Church, lead pastor (2003–2017)

E D U C AT I O N :

Rachel Twigg Boyce, House Blend Ministries, pastor (2007–2016), executive director (2017)

July 2017 MDiv, Southern Baptist Theological

Giving That’s Easy Make a greater impact on your favourite charities now and with your estate.

Let us show you how.

TODAY, call 1.800.772.3257 for a free consultation. www.abundance.ca

Because generosity changes everything 24

September/October 2017 | www.mbherald.com

BIRTHS Amendt – to Jon & Anna (Fry) of Taylor, B.C., a son, Micah Peter, June 6, 2017.

Anderson – to Michael Anderson & Leanne Janzen of Saskatoon, a daughter, Audrey Grace, Nov. 10, 2016.

Bailey – to Matthew & Chantelle of Saskatoon, a son, Declan Levi, June 25, 2017.

Calder – to Derek & Bobby Jo (Daum) of Lloydminster, Sask., a son, Oliver Emmett, May 5, 2017.

Cyr – to Cam & Karla of Pinegrove, Ont., a son, Remi Junior, May 17, 2017.

Dahl – to Reegan & Kelsey of Dalmeny, Sask., a son, Liam Brady, Mar. 11, 2017.

DeDecker – to Matt & Olivia of Port Rowan, Ont., a daughter, Aria Rae, June 3, 2017.

Enns – to Colin & Christina (Giede) of Saskatoon, a daughter, Beatrice Dieula, June 23, 2017.

Frostad – to Chris & Shae (Klassen) of Saskatoon, a son, Boaz Christopherson, Jan. 16, 2017.

Hem – to Chhouth & Kuleng (Lao) of Saskatoon, a daughter, Sophia Rothana, June 17, 2017.

Hildebrand – to Elliott & Nancy (Schroeder) of Langham, Sask., twin sons, Samuel Ryan & Levi Henry, Apr. 27, 2017.

Klassen – to Brad & Atali (Dirks) of Fort St. John, B.C., a daughter, Eliora Ruth, Apr. 9, 2017.

Kornelsen – to Karis & Valeriana of Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Isabella Anais, June 7, 2017.

McIntosh – to Sean & Stephanie (Dyck) of Graysville, Man., a daughter, Tessa Brynn, Apr. 29, 2017.

Ng – to Wayne & Beth (McAleer) of Saskatoon, a son, Kaden Blair, July 12, 2017 Nyuli – to Mark & Candace (Pawliuk) of Osler, Sask., a son, Matthew Joseph, June 21, 2017.

Pauls – to Randy & Sara Katelin (Phillips) of Saskatoon, a daughter, Caroline Mae, Mar. 30, 2017.

Schmidt – to Steven & Kirsten (Seipp) of Saskatoon, a daughter, Adalynn Ida, May 10, 2017.

Seabrook – to Timothy & Emily (Matlock) of Fort St. John, B.C., a daughter, Talia Serene, Apr. 24, 2017.

Serger – to Morgan & Krista (Heier) of York Landing, Man., a daughter, Hannah Ruth, May 5, 2017.

Thiessen – to Aaron & Simone (Hildebrand) of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Zoe Abigail, June 6, 2017.

WORK

Matthew Bergmann of Yarrow, B.C. & Nancy Timmermans of Abbotsford, B.C., May 13, 2017.

Jason Dyck & Karis Hamm, both of Steinbach, Man., June 4, 2017.

Blayne Stobbe of Steinbach, Man., & Emily Wiebe of Sperling, Man., June 3, 2017.

Chief Financial Officer

WITH

MCC

JOB DESCRIPTION

MCC Ontario

EXECUTIVE

DIRECTOR

REPORTS TO:

Executive Director, CCMBC LOCATION:

Winnipeg Manitoba DURATION:

Permanent full-time position TRAVEL:

Limited Travel

MCC Ontario is seeking a leader with a strong connection to Anabaptist values.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The new Executive Director will effectively guide a diverse constituency in bringing relief, development and peace in the name of Christ.

WEDDINGS Corbin Bergen of Steinbach, Man., & Allison Friesen of Landmark, Man., June 11, 2017.

The Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches is seeking a

This posting closes September 18, 2017.

The Chief Financial Officer has overall responsibility for matters related to the financial health of CCMBC Legacy Fund Inc. and CCMBC. As such the individual is expected to maintain financial information and report issues of concern to the Executive Director and respective Board of Directors. Similarly, as the senior financial person on staff, the individual is expected to act as a resource on financial issues to our churches, agencies and provincial conferences as required.

Please submit your resume to Norbert Bargen, Director of Administration and Support Services EMAIL:

More info available at:

mcco.ca/serve

Norbert.bargen@mbchurches.ca PHONE:

1-888-669-6575

Josh Rempel of Chilliwack, B.C. & Sierra Nickel of Abbotsford, B.C., June 24, 2017.

Curtis Strauss & Julia Pauls, both of Saskatoon, July 16, 2017.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | September/October 2017

25

[continued from page 22 “that students would see themselves as God sees them.”

Olynyk also prays, as his youth group comes to terms with the pain in the world, that they would be a family pointing each other to deeper relationship with God: “Heaven has already come down. Yes, it’s in the future, but God gives us a lot for today.”

South Abbotsford is still seeing new people from the community at youth events. “There’s a pilgrimage of sorts: people want to come to the place where Letisha was most alive.”

It came through clearly in the media coverage of SAC’s response to Letisha’s death that “Jesus is bigger than this,” says Olynyk.

University

“There’s a peace that passes our circumstances in Jesus.”

[ Angeline Schellenberg

Church Staff

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

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 part-time children’s pastor. Westside has two services each Sunday, with approximately 450 people participating each week. Westside is a member of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. A full job description is available at

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

www.wcchurch.ca/job-opportunities.

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

26

September/October 2017 | www.mbherald.com

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.

See What’s Playing on GMMiTV Fraser Valley SeniorsRealEstateNews.com

GMMiTV hosts videos from a variety of contributors, such as MB Mission, the Canadian Conference as well as videos from national and provincial events.

Visit the website to watch!

Ontario Provincial Convention

Manitoba Provincial Convention

Alberta Provincial Convention

FOR YOUR NEXT MOVE British Columbia Provincial Convention

Re/Max

Saskatoon

Tedd Epp

www.teddepp.com 306 221 1614

GMMiTV

Global Mission Media

MB Mission and C2C Q&A

GMMiTV.com Mennonite Brethren Herald  | September/October 2017

27

ascent

CHURCH PLANTER’S BASE CAMP

At base camp, mountain climbers assess their resources and plan the best way to reach the peak. Before starting their challenging ascent, they coordinate roles with fellow climbers, glean wisdom from those who have climbed before, and make the final commitment to scale the mountain.

The Ascent Base Camp is for ALL leaders who are considering planting, replanting, or going multi-site.

WHO CAN ASCEND THE HILL OF THE LORD? AND WHO SHALL STAND IN HIS HOLY PLACE? — PSALM 24:3

Before you say ‘No’ Attend a base camp. You will realize that you are not alone. C2C network can help you to realize a dream.

Before you say ‘Yes’ Attend a base camp. You will gain insight from experienced “mountaineers,” learn of potential hazards, and gain confidence for the challenging climb ahead!

ASCENTBASECAMP.COM COST: Early Bird Rate — $20 per person One Week Prior — $25 per person

OCTOBER 3

TORONTO

NOVEMBER 21

VANCOUVER

NOVEMBER 22

CALGARY NOVEMBER 23

SASKATOON

c2cnetwork.ca 604.746.2238 info@c2cnetwork.ca

years of sharing Christ through media Square One’s 70th Celebration Events: October 13

October 20

Abbotsford, BC 70th Celebration Luncheon 12:00 pm at Clearbrook MB Church

Winnipeg, MB 70th Celebration Gala Dinner 6:30 pm at North Kildonan M.B. Church

October 24

October 28

Waldheim, SK 70th Celebration Dessert Reception 7:30 pm at Waldheim M.B. Church

Kitchener / Waterloo, ON 70th Celebration Luncheon 12:00 pm at Kitchener M.B. Church

Join us and several of our international partners as we celebrate 70 years of ministry.

RSVP to Square One World Media Phone: 1.800.565.1810 Email: info@s1wm.com

FINISH LINES Ernest (Ernie) Friesen Nov. 9, 1928–Dec. 3, 2016

followed by 45 years as reeve. Henry became a member at Hepburn MB Church in 1965.

He retired at 80 and moved to Spruce Villa, Dalmeny, Sask., then spent the last 3 years in Spruce Manor Special Care Home.

BIRTHPLACE Landmark, Man. PARENTS Jacob P. & Agatha (Willms) Friesen BAPTISM in Israel, into Fraserview MB, Richmond, B.C. MARRIAGE Rita Braun, Aug. 21, 1949 [d. 2003] CHURCH South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB FAMILY children Mary Ann (Ernie), Eric; daughter-in-law

Arnette; 4 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings

Ernie had a long career for Block Bros. Realty.

Ernie and Rita rededicated their lives to God in 1974, and on an Israel trip, were baptized in the Jordan River. The church, missionaries, family and friends benefitted from their generosity. Ernie loved to sing in the choir and tell stories. In retirement, Ernie and Rita took biannual vacations to Hawaii. Through her cancer, Ernie made sure she was comfortable.

After her death, he felt lost. He too was diagnosed with cancer. Following surgery to remove a kidney, he rallied and stayed on his own until he was diagnosed with dementia in 2014. At Menno Terrace, Ernie insisted on wearing a tie and jacket to dinner.

November 2014, he moved to The Residence in Mission, B.C.

Elizabeth (Elias) Regier May 10, 1914–Mar. 23, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Wymark, Sask.

PARENTS Jacob Martin & Maria (Wall) Elias MARRIAGE John E. Regier [d.]

CHURCH Bridgeway, Swift Current, Sask.

FAMILY children John Irvin [d. in infancy], Carrie Kenneth [d. in infancy], Marion (Lloyd [d.]) Siemens, Edna (Elmer [d.]) Rempel,

Alvin (Annie [d.] ), Bertha (Roy) Jarrett, Marvin (Gail), Gloria (Lorne) Orthner; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; greatgreat-grandchildren; 1 sister

Eric Peter Klippenstein Mar. 23, 1940–Mar. 24, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Friesland, Paraguay PARENTS Peter & Katharina Klippenstein; stepfather Jacob MARRIAGE Edith Janzen, 1964 BAPTISM Brazil CHURCH Willow Park, Kelowna, B.C.; King Road MB,

Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY Edith; children Lynda (Kevan) Reeve, Janine (Hugh) Mitenko, Douglas (Stephanie), Jodine (Kelly) Kim; 5 grandsons; 3 siblings

Eric’s father died a week before Eric’s birth.

When he was 9, his mother remarried. As a child, he enjoyed playing pranks. The family moved to Brazil and ran a dairy farm. Here, Eric accepted Jesus as Saviour. At 18, he immigrated to Canada. He attended night school to learn English. Eric completed high school and first-year university, while doing construction. He ran his own framing company. After marrying Edith, Eric graduated from University of B.C. with his BSc in 1967 and BEd in 1968. He taught at Prince George (B.C.) Senior Secondary, then at Spring Valley School and Rutland Senior Secondary in Kelowna, B.C. He transformed B.C.’s chemistry curriculum. Eric earned his MA at Gonzaga University, Spokane, Wash., in 1980. He loved hiking, gardening, camping and travelling. He was an elder at Willow Park Church, Kelowna. He taught Nehemiah so often, it became his nickname. In 1996, Eric and Edith bought a bed and breakfast in Victoria. Eric and Edith served with Disciple Making International. Eric was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2007; many tears were shed. Eric taught and lived a life completely controlled by Jesus.

June 14, 1920–Mar. 23, 2017

Frank Thiessen Aug. 30, 1942–Apr. 2, 2017

Lepp, Marsella (Dwayne) Mooney, Dorothy (Howard) Schultz, Susan [d.], Bill (Beth), Delphine (Eldon) Neufeld, Wes (Diana), Toby (Karen); children-in-law Sharon (Sheldon) Carson, Ronald Samson [d.]; 22 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren

Henry spent his life farming. He served the RM of Laird (Sask.) #404 as councillor for 6 years,

30

Oct. 23, 1930–Apr. 3, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Neuhalbstadt, Zagradovka, Ukraine PARENTS Peter & Agatha (Sawatzky) Funk MARRIAGE Agnes Martens, Sept. 3, 1955 BAPTISM South End MB (now Portage Avenue), Winnipeg,

June 1955 CHURCH Winnipeg Central MB; Elmwood MB, Winnipeg FAMILY Agnes; children Jack (Maria), Irene (Gerhard) Kornelsen, Diana [d. 2013] (Tim) Stevens; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 1 brother

Penner

Henry Alexander Baerg

BIRTHPLACE Mennon, Sask.

PARENTS Jacob & Anne (Voth) Baerg MARRIAGE Linda Bartsch, Nov. 2, 1945 [d. 2009] CHURCH Hepburn (Sask.) MB; Dalmeny, Sask.

FAMILY children: Jim [d.], Joyce (Reuben) Neufeld, Marilyn (Art)

Jacob Funk

BIRTHPLACE Bentley, Alta.

PARENTS George & Anne Thiessen MARRIAGE Marjorie Irwin, 1968 BAPTISM 2007 CHURCH North Peace MB, Fort. St. John, B.C. FAMILY Marjorie; children Gregory, Shawna (Ivan) Demers,

Gayla (Balazs) Gabul; 4 grandchildren; 2 sisters

September/October 2017 | www.mbherald.com

Jacob’s father died when Jacob was 2. In 1943, his family left their homeland on The Great Trek to Western Europe. At 13, he was drafted into the German Country Service Camp. He was reunited with his mother 22 years and his brothers 32 and 34 years later. From ages 15–18, Jacob worked for a farmer in Germany. With MCC’s help, he arrived in Canada in 1948. He worked on a farm in Boissevain, Man., for 5 years. Jacob met Agnes in Winnipeg in 1954. He was a carpenter and builder. In retirement, Jacob and Agnes volunteered 6 terms on building projects with Trans World Radio in Austria and Slovakia. Jacob experienced the sudden death of a daughter, hearing loss, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer. An avid storyteller, Jacob was a thankful man who knew God was in control.

He loved his family, his church and his freedom in Canada. He lived with purpose, served God wholeheartedly and shared his faith gladly. Jacob claimed the promise of Psalm 121 and lived by the motto of Psalm 103:2.

Regg Borne Oct. 10, 1972–Apr. 3, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Kelowna, B.C. PARENTS Vern & Marge Borne CHURCH Willow Park, Kelowna FAMILY parents; 2 siblings

Regg was diagnosed with Fragile X in 1977. He attended preschool and then special needs classes until age 19. He enjoyed excellent teachers and teacher’s assistants. After grad, Regg enjoyed paper recycling duties at both Okanagan College campuses. Bussing to work independently was a pleasure. He also worked at Sunshine Farms.

For many years, he rode the bus to Kelowna Diversified Industries downtown. In his early years, Regg’s family began meeting with MCC Supportive Care in Abbotsford, B.C., to gain support for independent living in the Okanagan.

In 1997, Regg moved to a supported style of living in an apartment. In 2007, he was 1 of 4 men in Hollywood Station, each with their own condo. They shared suppers in the common suite with the aid of staff from the Communitas

[FINISH LINES Supportive Care Society. Regg was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in September 2016. With chemo, he enjoyed almost 5 months of remission, during which he lived at his parents’ home.

drive. He loved seeing his dad and stepmother in B.C. and visiting Mexico for sunshine and salsa.

Norman William Jantzen Apr. 10, 1929–Apr. 11, 2017

Abe Thiessen Brenda J. Klassen

Apr. 27, 1924–Apr. 6, 2017

Oct. 15, 1955–Apr. 4, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Crystal City, Man. PARENTS Corny & Nettie Reimer MARRIAGE Ken Klassen, 1975 CHURCH Lakeview, Killarney, Man. FAMILY Ken; children Kevin (Christy), Mylan (Lisa), Amanda

(Kyle); 7 grandchildren; her mother; 4 siblings

Brenda’s family moved to a farm outside Killarney in 1963. In 1975, Brenda completed her teaching certificate from Brandon University and married Ken. She taught 3 years in Ninette, Man. Brenda took a break to be home with her 3 children. Once they were all in school full time, she returned to teaching.

She taught more than a decade at Lakeside Christian School before retiring. Brenda loved celebrating the richness of God’s creation through gardening and photography. She especially loved photographing weddings and children. This passion brought her and others joy. Brenda’s deep love for Christ was constant and blessed all around her.

Leonard Wilbert Loewen Apr. 20, 1936–Apr. 5, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Rabbit Lake, Sask.

PARENTS David & Margaret Loewen; stepmother Mary MARRIAGE Betty Kennedy, June 11, 1960 BAPTISM North Battleford, Sask., June 14, 1964 CHURCH Glenbush (Sask.) MB FAMILY Betty; children Darrel [d.], Cheryl (Rick) Saretsky,

Darla (Jim) Eppen, Darcy (Coleen Kitching), Jason (Vangie); 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; 1 step-great-grandson

At 18, Leonard drove Caterpillar for the rural municipality of Round Hill, Sask., and gave half his cheque to his dad for a quarter of land. He drove taxi in North Battlefield, Sask., started a business clearing brush and breaking soil, tried road construction and trucking. But Leonard’s love was farming, which he did for 60 years. He served on committees at Glenbush MB Church, was councillor and reeve for the RM of Round Hill, and volunteered at the Western Development Museum. He restored old tractors. Due to poor health, Leonard and Betty moved to North Battleford, Sask., in 2011. He was happy his sons took over the farm. His grandchildren were everything to him. He gave them combine rides, watched wrestling together, taught them how to

BIRTHPLACE Crimea, Ukraine PARENTS Jacob & Justina Thiessen MARRIAGE Margaret Dyck, Nov. 9, 1947 [d. 2015] CHURCH Vineland MB, Grantham MB, St. Catharines, Ont. FAMILY children Dianna (Ray) Green, Gary (Linda), Sharon

(Gordon) Braun, Don (Mary), Brian (Jeanette); 14 grandchildren including Julie Green [d.]; 11 great-grandchildren

When Abe was 6 months, his family fled persecution to Canada, settling in Alberta during the Depression. In 1937, they set up a fruit farm near Jordan Station, Ont. While working at Boese Canning Plant, St. Catharines, Ont., Abe met Margaret. They spent a year at Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute. A year into marriage, they returned to Abe’s family farm, which he bought when his father retired. Even in the busy season, Abe and Margaret took time for family picnics and beach days. Abe attended Vineland Horticultural Station learning sessions. A hog barn designed at University of Guelph was built on his farm, and he won the Lincoln County Hog Quality competition in 1966. Abe and Margaret moved to a grain farm in Homewood, Man., in the 1970s, but returned to St. Catharines to be near family again. Abe missed farming, so they moved to a grape farm in Campden, Ont. After retiring to St. Catharines, Abe and Margaret spent 6 years serving New Tribes Mission in Senegal, Australia, Papua New Guinea and at their Durham (Ont.) Training Centre. When Margaret entered care, Abe visited faithfully.

After Tabor Manor’s new facility opened, they shared adjoining rooms. Abe taught his children to work hard, get an education and care for their families. He believed in equal opportunities for sons and daughters. In his 90s, Abe expressed his desire to go home to heaven.

Louise Berg Oct. 6, 1924–Apr. 10, 2017

CHURCH Vancouver MB; Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C.

Louise worked in Vancouver and retired to a condo in Elmwood Manor, Abbotsford, B.C. She joined Clearbrook MB Church, where she taught the special education Sunday school class. Her lessons were always very clear. She was part of the church Friendship Circle ladies group. Louise was kind and caring. She never drew attention to herself.

BIRTHPLACE Waldheim, Sask.

PARENTS John & Sarah Jantzen MARRIAGE Mary, Oct. 13, 1950 CHURCH Forest Grove, Saskatoon FAMILY Mary; children Larry, Byron (Rhonda), Kathy (Terry),

Richard [d.] (Val); 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 2 step-great-grandchildren; 3 brothers

When Norm was 17, a sermon and the song “If I gained the world but lost the Saviour, would my life be worth living for a day?” challenged him to commit his life to God. His faith was always central. Norm met Mary at Bethany Bible College, Hepburn, Sask. He enjoyed a long, rewarding teaching career in Dalmeny, Melfort and Saskatoon, Sask., until 1984. He sold real estate and retired in 2000. Norm treasured time with his family including road trip vacations, horseback riding, family gatherings and cottages at Brightsand and Anglin Lakes.

Norm devoted time to The Gideons, Redberry Bible Camp, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Forest Grove Community Church. Many international students still consider him their second dad. Norm was a strong, kind, selfless man with a gentle spirit and servant heart.

Freda Teichrob Sept. 17, 1926–Apr. 13, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Herbert, Sask.

PARENTS Jacob & Margaretha (Klippenstein) Hiebert MARRIAGE Henry Teichrob, Dec. 22, 1945 [d. 2016] CHURCH Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY children Barbara [d. 1977], Lynn, Gerald (Ruth); 4

grandchildren; 2 great-grandsons; 1 sister

Freda was orphaned at 14 during WWII. She supported herself so she could attend Canadian Bible Institute, Regina. Freda and Henry lived in Caronport, Sask., Regina and Abbotsford, B.C. Freda owned businesses and spoke at women’s conferences in Canada, the U.S., and Europe.

She and Henry shared a ministry for 10 years, travelling to hundreds of churches to teach the life of deep faith. In the early months after the Berlin Wall fell, they delivered Bibles in Russia on behalf of Christians in B.C. When Freda and Henry became involved in municipal and national politics, she loved meeting people and attending events, from church picnics to dinner with royalty. Freda loved beauty: she knit, crocheted, quilted and scrapbooked. Every year, she made Christmas stockings for sick children and their families in BC Children’s Hospital, Canuck Place and Matthew’s House. Her home with filled with music. Her gift was hospitality, and her commitment to friendships was legendary. Being

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a mother and grandmother gave her meaning.

Fueling her energy and dreams were her faith in God and love for Scripture. She dared greatly, loved endlessly and died graciously.

Walter Dirks Sept. 17, 1929–Apr. 18, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Oak Lake, Man. PARENTS Jacob & Maria Dirks MARRIAGE Marie Epp, Sept. 2, 1951 BAPTISM Black Creek, B.C., June 6, 1948 CHURCH North Peace MB, Fort St. John, B.C. FAMILY Marie; children Dianna (Ken), Ron (Linda), Aaron

(Dora), Esther (Allan), Sharon (Werner), Ruby (Rocky); 25 grandchildren including Josiah Dirks [d.], Karalyn Hein [d.]; 27 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings

CHURCH Broadway, Chilliwack, B.C. FAMILY Caroline; children Marjorie (Harvey), Judith,

Ken (Debbie), Gerry (Ella); 8 grandchildren; 12 greatgrandchildren; 7 siblings

George was born to godly parents. He accepted Jesus as Saviour at 17. He attended Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, Sask., and MB Bible College, Winnipeg. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol. George and Carol were in ministry for 42 years. They pastored in Regina, Sask.; Saskatoon; Burnaby, B.C.; Victoria; Morden, Man.; and Lethbridge, Alta. George also travelled B.C. as superintendent of MB Home Missions while living in Abbotsford.

George and Carol did marriage counselling and hospital visitation together. George lived life enthusiastically: laughing with and loving his wife, family, congregations and friends. He cared deeply for people who needed Jesus.

Walter and Marie made their home in Black Creek, B.C. He was ordained to pastoral ministry in 1954. For 45 years, he joyfully served the Lord in Black Creek; Lustre and Busby, Mont.; Flatrock and Cecil Lake, B.C.

John Philip Daum Jan. 28, 1929–Apr. 23, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Roblin, Man. PARENTS John & Margaret Daum MARRIAGE Ellen Ironside, Nov. 16, 1959 BAPTISM Dalmeny, Sask., Apr. 15, 2001 FAMILY Ellen; children John (Darlene), Doug (Josie), Charlene

(Greg) Redekopp, Randy (Lise); 11 grandchildren; 4 greatgrandchildren

John’s family moved the farm to Calder, Sask., where he worked the farm and blacksmith shop alongside his father and siblings. He also worked for neighbouring farms, where he met Ellen. They started their family in Saskatoon. John was a welder and shop foreman. In 1971, the family moved to B.C. After 2 years, they return to Saskatoon, where John worked for Kramer Tractor. They moved to a farm outside Dalmeny, Sask., in 1978. John retired in 1996 to spend hours in his woodworking shop. John lived for his Saviour and shared with everyone. John and Ellen remained on the farm until March 2017, when they moved into a new home in Dalmeny. John struggled with failing health but never with his faith.

Kurt Guenther Jan. 29, 1947–Apr. 30, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Winnipeg PARENTS Henry & Irma Guenther MARRIAGE Elfrieda Dyck, 1967 BAPTISM South End MB (now Portage Avenue), Winnipeg, age 12 CHURCH Westside, Morden, Man. FAMILY Elfrieda; children Wendy (Neil), Michael, Karynah

(Rohan), David (Amber); 2 grandchildren; his mother; 8 siblings

Kurt enjoyed attending Camp Arnes and growing up in Winnipeg with the river in his backyard. He loved boating and water sports, especially teaching others to ski and offering them tube rides. He also played table tennis and racquetball. Kurt had a lifelong passion for taking photos and videos. At MB Collegiate Institute, his life changed when he noticed Elfrieda in a school play. They married 3 years later. Kurt earned a BA at University of Winnipeg and an MSW at University of Manitoba.

From 1972 on, he lived in Morden, Man., working at Eden Mental Health Centre for 30 years. He was a school trustee for 23 years. At Westside Community Church he taught adults, served as elder and moderator and took pictures for the welcome wall. Kurt found his dream job as a probation officer, starting in 2004. He also became an after-hours health contractor for Southern Regional Health Authority in 2009. In 2014, his cough was diagnosed as stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. The following journey brought Kurt and Elfrieda and Jesus closer together.

George Lorne Braun Katherine (Kit) Janzen

Sept. 17, 1927–Apr. 28, 2017

Oct. 13, 1928–May 3, 2017 BIRTHPLACE Namaka, Alta.

PARENTS Gerhard & Liese (Boldt) Koop MARRIAGE Caroline Quiring, July 11, 1950 BAPTISM Hepburn (Sask.) MB, July 1945

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BIRTHPLACE Mullingar, Sask.

PARENTS Abraham & Aganetha Stobbe

September/October 2017 | www.mbherald.com

MARRIAGE Jake Janzen, Dec. 4, 1949 CHURCH Arnold (B.C.) MB; La Glace (B.C.) MB FAMILY Jake; children Jack (Cheryl), Evelyn (Vic) Siebert, Bob

(Sharon), Milt (Filomena), Lavonne (Stephen) Petkau; son-inlaw Don Petkau [d.]; 14 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings

In her youth, Kit trusted Christ for salvation and was baptized. Her family farmed in northern Saskatchewan until their home burned down when she was 15. They moved to Arnold, B.C., where she caught Jake’s eye as “the most beautiful girl in the church choir.”

Their first date was a trip to Vancouver with his friends to visit her brother Abe. Their first apartment was in Vancouver. In 1954, Kit and Jake moved to La Glace, B.C., first living on the yard of the beekeeper who hired Jake.

They built a house with running water in 1973.

Kit and Jake enjoyed life together: fishing, vacationing in Arizona, hosting grandchildren.

Kit was a wonderful cook. She was a loving wife to Jake and a mother who could have fun with her children while maintaining an orderly household. Her steadfast faith in Christ anchored her and allowed her to hold her children with an open hand, trusting God to work in their lives as he had in hers. She talked to them about heaven and prayed faithfully for them. Kit’s memory and ability to maintain her home began to deteriorate before her 80th birthday. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Jake cared for her until it became impossible to keep her safe. She was always gracious and thanked her caregivers for helping her. Jake visited and fed her every day.

Erna Reimer July 4, 1929–May 3, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Dalmeny, Sask.

PARENTS Heinrich & Anna Bartsch MARRIAGE Nick Reimer, May 20, 1951 [d. 2004] BAPTISM Yarrow (B.C.) MB CHURCH Bakerview MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY children Madelyn (Rick) Friesen, Paul (Eileen),

Sylvia [d. 1993], Lydia (Walter) Altenmueller, Albert (Tara); 9 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren

When Erna was 2, her family became missionaries in Bololo, DR Congo, among the Dengese people. The family settled in Winnipeg in 1938 and in Yarrow, B.C., in 1943. Erna’s love was music. Piano lessons were followed by years of choral singing. Her first date with Nick was to hear tenor Jussi Björling. Erna worked hard at home. When their daughter died at age 36 from complications of an arteriovenous malformation, it was a difficult time. Erna coped by praying, memorizing Psalms and journaling. Erna and Nick continued to find joy in singing together in choirs. They spent hour in their garden of dogwoods, Japanese maples and magnolias. After Nick’s death, Erna stayed in their Mt. Lehman home for 8 years. She died 2 weeks after a major stroke.

[FINISH LINES

William (Bill) Falk June 23, 1914–May 17, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Arkadak, Russia PARENTS David & Maria (Krause) Falk BAPTISM Fourth Avenue Bible, Niverville, Man., 1947 FAMILY siblings Elizabeth Koslowsky, Jake

Bill’s family immigrated to Canada in 1930, settling near Niverville, Man. Here Bill farmed with his brother Frank for 44 years. When Frank married, Bill and his mother moved to town.

He cared for her until she moved to Donwood Personal Care Home, Winnipeg. Bill continued farming, his enjoyment in life, until retirement.

Bill accepted Jesus as Saviour at 15. At the MB church in Niverville, he sang in the choir, served as usher and helped build the church. Bill surrounded his home with flowers. He made tasty fish fries to share with his brother Dave, and enjoyed many coffees at Chicken Chef with his friends. Beginning in 2006, Bill received care at Menno Home, Grunthal, Man.

Katharina (Tina) Isaak May 18, 1925–May 17, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Slavgorod, Russia PARENTS Franz & Anna Klassen MARRIAGE Frank Isaak [d. 2001] CHURCH Culloden MB, Vancouver; Clearbrook MB,

Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY children Katrina, Frank, Anneliese, Henry; 6 grandchildren; great-grandchildren

Tina’s family’s land was confiscated by the government. When Tina was 4, the family boarded cattle trains, arriving in Moscow with 16,000 other refugees. They were among the 6,900 allowed to leave. They lived in army barracks in Germany for a year until they were granted asylum in Paraguay. MCC paid for their 7-week voyage. They settled in the Chaco, and after 7 years moved to the more fertile Friesland.

Tina had to leave school at 9 when her mother grew ill. Tina loved to read. At 16, she gave her heart to God and soon was baptized. The early years of Tina and Frank’s marriage were a time of poverty and civil war. Tina depended on God. She fed starving soldiers when her family had little to eat. She built an oven from an abandoned termite mound. She loved to tell her children stories, as they had no books. Tina often took in boarders to make ends meet. In 1960, the family of 6 immigrated to Canada, staying in Tina’s parents’ 2-bedroom basement suite for 2 years.

Tina learned English and saved for a house by working as a housekeeper. Frank’s father moved in with them in 1964. They moved near Tina’s parents in 1967 to care for them as well. Tina

enjoyed her garden. Frank and Tina travelled to Paraguay, Israel, Jordan, Europe, Hawaii and California. After Frank’s death, Tina determined to keep enjoying life. She played dominoes with children who visited. In February 2017, she contracted pneumonia.

Frank Gunther Mar. 21, 1922–May 24, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Ekaterinoslav, Russia PARENTS John & Maria Gunther MARRIAGE Margaret Klassen, July 26, 1941 CHURCH North Peace MB, Fort St. John, B.C. FAMILY Margaret; children Irene Feargue, Evelyn, Eunice

(Charlie) Wiebe, Muriel (Randy) Greer, Lorne (Julene); 12 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 2 great-greatgrandchildren; 2 siblings

Frank’s family immigrated to Canada in 1924, settling in Beechy, Sask., in 1924. Frank’s mother died in 1936, leaving his dad with 9 children.

Frank accepted Jesus as Saviour at 15. His father remarried in 1938 to a widow from Rush Lake, Sask., with 10 children, including Margaret.

After meeting her at the wedding, Frank began biking or walking 27 miles to her Rush Lake home to court her. They started life together on the farm in Beechy. Frank loved to farm, raising cattle, horses, pigs. He also worked as a grader, Caterpillar, and backhoe operator; mechanic; truck driver; and carpenter. He could fix almost anything. Frank sang tenor in duets, trios, quartets and choirs. He loved to play games and practical jokes. He taught his children to be good losers. In the 70s, Frank had severe back pain, but exercises helped: he even played Twister with his grandchildren. Frank and Margaret moved to a farm in Cecil Lake, B.C., in 1977. At church, he led music, taught youth and adult Sunday school, and started a New Year’s Eve broomball tradition. He led residents at Heritage Manor in a monthly singalong. Frank loved his family.

Jacob (Jake) John Quapp Oct. 30, 1921–May 29, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Rosenort, Molotschna, Ukraine PARENTS Johann & Katharina (Boschman) Quapp MARRIAGE Elizabeth Wiens, August 1948 [d. 2011] CHURCH Bakerview, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY children Alice (Gord) Wiens, John (Edith), Dave

(Elaine), Marilyn (Albert) Baerg, Ron [d.]; daughter-in-law Lois Watkin; 10 grandchildren; 17-great-grandchildren

When he was 8, Jake’s family was forced off their farm. Both his parents starved within 2 years.

Orphaned at 10 during Stalin’s reign of terror, Jake survived by trapping gophers and foraging for eggs. He had exemplary grades in Mennonite school and Russian aluminum technical school.

When the German army invaded, Jake offered to be an interpreter, thereby avoiding conscription.

Jake broke a racehorse for his transportation.

He pretended to have a broken arm to avoid being sent to the frontline during the German retreat. When Jake arrived in Vancouver with no knowledge of English or carpentry, he worked for a carpenter, learning by observation and intuition, and saving enough for land and a few cows. He sustained a back injury that caused severe pain for the rest of his life; he rarely spoke of it. Still with limited English, he earned a real estate licence and sold farms for a time.

After Elizabeth’s death, Jake learned to cook, embracing this new role with gusto. He and his daughter bonded during weekly grocery store and Starbucks trips. When he lost his licence, he enjoyed his scooter until a fall in 2015 caused a compression fracture in his spine. Jake was known for his chess skills. He suffered PTSD from the atrocities in Russia. In his 90s, Jake demonstrated that it is never too late to be transformed by the Holy Spirit: God told him in a dream to forgive, and Jake sought pastoral care and embraced forgiveness and thankfulness.

Peter Harry Sawatsky Nov. 19, 1922–May 30, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Kondratjewka, Russia PARENTS Peter & Margarita Sawatsky MARRIAGE Anne Pankratz, 1945 [d. 1964]; Mary Martens, 1965 [d.

2000]; Frances Stobbe, Sept. 3, 2000

CHURCH Lakeview, Killarney FAMILY Frances; children Cheryl [d. 2004], Ron [d. 1999],

Eileen [d. 2017], Lawrence [d. 1996], Myrna-lynn (Irvin) Hildebrand, Adrienne (Dave) Kroeker; children-in-law Kathy (Brent) Gilmour, Karen, Sam (Eileen) Baerg; 24 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 2 siblings

Peter was always thankful his family immigrated to Canada in 1925. At 13, he decided to follow Christ. He often said his faith gave him meaning, purpose and hope. Peter and Anne started a family farm in Holmfield, Man. After Anne died, Peter married Mary.

Together they raised the children. Peter’s passion was farming chickens, hogs, cattle and grain. He loved business and worked very hard.

No problem was too big for a crowbar and common sense to fix. In 1974, Peter and Mary owned and operated Sawatsky’s Jewelry for 14 years in Killarney, Man. In retirement, they enjoyed Abbotsford, B.C., 6 months of the year, and the other 6 months by the lake in Killarney.

Within 10 years, Peter lost Mary and 3 children.

He turned to God for comfort and peace when sorrow seemed to overwhelm him. Recently his daughter died suddenly, adding to his grief. Peter married Frances, a beacon of light and a source of joy and companionship. His community and church were important to him.

Peter was comforted by Matthew 11:28. He was a man with great charisma and determination who put his trust in God.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | September/October 2017

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presents

TANDGIBLE. Gathering & Scattering In The New Millennium

SEPTEMBER 20

SEPTEMBER 21

SEPTEMBER 22

Vancouver BC

Calgary AB

Saskatoon SK

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

At some point following Jesus messes things up!

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

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

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

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

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

TIME

PRICE

10:00am - 3:30pm

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

WHO WILL BE SPEAKING?

REGISTER

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

HughHalter.com | @HughHalter

VANCOUVER BC

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c2cnetwork.ca | info@c2cnetwork.ca | 604.746.2238

BOOKS Book reviews go up at mbherald.com Monday mornings. Here are glimpses of some recent offerings.

Are you growing as a disciple?

Re-Imagining the Church: Implications of Being a People in the World Robert J. Suderman Wipf & Stock Review by Arisnel Mesidor Re-Imagining the Church is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the identity and the mission of the church. Those who dream of a church living up to its identity and fulfilling its mission would find an important ally in Suderman.

The Description of a Growing Disciple series includes material exploring & developing six qualities of a person being transformed into the likeness of Jesus.

This book is an honest evaluation of the health of the church in North America and a call to true discipleship. It challenges the reader to a life of faithfully and radically following Jesus as upsidedown Kingdom people.

1-800-545-7322 www.kindredproductions.com

Boondocks.

Middle of nowhere.

Flyover country?

In God’s Country, rediscover the stunning abundance of God’s presence in rural communities. With pastor Brad Roth, learn to live and love and minister right where you are, no matter how small or unassuming it may seem.

Order today at 1-800-245-7894, HeraldPress.com, or your favorite bookseller.

In the Way of Jesus Paul D. Kroeker Review by Joel Toews

Tomorrow When I’m Big Dorothy Peters and Livia Wolfs, illustration by Lynda Rogac Morningstone Community/ Kindred Productions Review by Andrea Heinrichs Exquisitely illustrated by Lynda Rogac, this children’s book was produced with the commendable goal of raising funds to help Impact Ministries in their mission to support people with developmental disabilities in Guatemala. The book is a joint effort of TWU professor Peters and her granddaughter Wolfs, the culmination of a conversation that began several years ago when Wolfs was just four years old.

Read more: mbherald.com/category/ arts-culture/books

Mennonite Brethren Herald | September/October 2017

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November 1-3, 2017 Northview Community Church, Abbotsford

Don’t delay!

Registration for EQUIP Study Conference closes on October 13, 2017.

Register today at equipstudyconference.mennonitebrethren.ca Find more details on our website, such as: • Event schedule • Prep Materials • Webinars

• Recommended Reading • Workshops • Speakers