MBH Spring 2018

Unravelling racism

Room at the table

Article 8 Christian baptism

Volume 57, No. 2 Publications mail registration number: 09648; Agreement number: 40009297 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circ. Dept., MB Herald, 1310 Taylor Avenue, Winnipeg, Man. R3M 3Z6

Miracle at a board meeting

Spring 2018

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STORIES FROM

EQUIP Transforming Discipleship was the theme of CCMBC’s 2017 EQUIP study conference. From plenaries to workshops, sessions gave attendees practical tools to take home and apply in their ministries.

An alumna of Bethany College and TREK, Boschman had experience in disciplines such as contemplation and solitude, but as a pastor, she found it difficult to keep her reflections focused on her own relationship with God, rather than her ministry.

Here’s one testimony on the ongoing impact of attending EQUIP:

“There’s always a hamster going in the back of your head saying, I could put that in a sermon or I could do this with the youth,” says Boschman. “A mentor can kick the hamster off the wheel.”

Kick the hamster off the wheel “As an extrovert and a caregiver – a people person, my preference is not to be alone, but it’s in solitude that I can hear God,” says Erica Boschman, associate pastor at River West Christian Church, Edmonton.

“I need to be willing to be uncomfortable.” When growth involves discomfort, it helps to have someone to walk alongside you.

When Boschman had to take on extra responsibilities during lead pastor Kerry Dyck’s sabbatical (May–September 2017), River West assigned her a mentor – someone outside the church and the MB conference with whom she could process issues openly.

Reichard agreed to meet Boschman online through Zoom every six weeks, starting in December 2017. They began by focusing on listening prayer.

“I’ve come out of some hard years where my husband and I experienced lots of loss,” says Boschman. “I lost my words.”

“Ingrid is leading me through sketching prayers. Sometimes it’s easier to sketch an image than summoning the words I just don’t have.”

While Boschman and Reichard are intentional about focusing on Boschman’s relationship with God rather than her work, Boschman’s spiritual growth will impact her ministry at River West.

For the first two-thirds of the sabbatical, “Don’t screw this up! was a burden I put on myself,” says Boschman. “My mentor helped me remember to take a day off and to rest. Mentoring rewired me.”

“I love my church family very much: that includes investing my whole self into them,” says Boschman. “But when you’re tired and you haven’t refilled your reservoir, you can’t pour out anything else. As I lean into solitude, I’ll have more energy to give to others.”

When the sabbatical ended, so did that mentorship. But Boschman wanted more.

[ Angeline Schellenberg

In a TED-style talk at EQUIP Study Conference, Nov. 1–3, 2017, Boschman heard Glencairn Church pastor Ingrid Reichard speak about how her Kitchener, Ont., congregation mentors people in the spiritual disciplines.

What’s your story? How have you taken action to live out the insights you learned at EQUIP? Share your story with us.

“I wanted someone to walk with me on that path,” says Boschman. “I felt strongly that I should ask her to mentor me.”

Read more about EQUIP here:

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equipstudyconference.mennonitebrethren.ca

[CONTENTS

Spring 2018 April/May/June

8 10 4 13 14 15 16 20 34

FEATURES A road untravelled Addressing white power in the MB church

5 Letters

[ David Wiebe

6 Homepage

Unravelling racism

21 News

A sermon series at Cedar Park Church

26 Transitions

[ Kate Henderson, Lee Kosa, Natasha Tunnicliffe

27 Births

COLUMNS

28 Finish lines [Obituaries] 32 Crosscurrents

Editorial Time for colourful conversations

[ Karla Braun Viewpoint It's time for new ways of being together

[ Paul Chin While we witness Confession of Faith Article 8: Christian Baptism

[ Laurence Hiebert MB Seminary We have reason to praise

[ Pierre Gilbert OUTfront When God “shows up”

[ Steve Berg Viewpoint #ChurchToo: Refusing to shy away from the reality of professional sexual misconduct

[ Bryan Born Intersection of faith and life

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE DIGITAL EDITION issuu.com FACEBOOK 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 DONATE mennonitebrethren.ca/donations SUBMIT OBITUARY obituaries@mbchurches.ca

What do you want me to do with you?

[ Janessa Giesbrecht

CONFERENCE NEWS

17 18 19

DEPARTMENTS

Cover: “The Best Supper ” © Jan Richardson. janrichardson.com

Miracle at a board meeting Creating theological centre, consistency, and community Legacy report

Mennonite Brethren Herald | Spring 2018

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[EDITORIAL

Time for colourful conversations “It’s not about intent; it’s about impact.”

That can be a difficult truth to hear.

In this issue, we’re exploring the impact white Christians have on our brothers and sisters of colour – intentional or not.

For white Canadians, it can be hard to determine how to take responsibility for our histories (*I* didn’t steal land from Indigenous people). And it’s hard to discern our accountability for our situation. The term “white privilege” can make us uncomfortable because we never asked for anything special.

Yet, when harm has been done, as followers of Christ, we must be willing to repent and be humble, and ready to learn and change.

in their piece on unravelling racism in their local church (pages 10–12), we are sometimes unwilling to recognize how deeply our discriminatory impulses run. We pile on error when we try to achieve equality through appeals to colour-blindness – which denies, rather than affirms, the ethno-cultural identities that are an integral part of all of us. Words meant in love may hurt when spoken in ignorance.

Why does it matter?

Because God’s vision of the church is one of diversity. This is not just a vision of heaven but something Scripture says God desires already in the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:33–34; 2 Chronicles 6:32–33; Isaiah 2:2–3; Jeremiah 33:9).

The cultural moment to talk about racism has been brewing for some time. To name just a few examples: the Black Lives Matter movement captured attention and has kept growing since 2014; the Truth and Reconciliation Commission published 94 calls to action in 2015. And in the first months of 2018, two criminal court cases acquitted white men accused of murdering Indigenous youths – decisions many point to as evidence of systemic bias against Indigenous people.

Diversity in our congregations is a foretaste of heaven, a reward we must sow in humility but reap in blessings, urges intercultural specialist Paul Chin (page 13).

The white Christians among us must stop to listen.

We’re not guilty for our privilege, but we are responsible to use our power in ways that dismantle rather than prop up inequality, in ways that journey toward reconciliation.

Canadians have rested easy, citing multiculturalism as evidence we don’t have “a race problem.”

No, our racism is more subtle, veiled under politically correct language and Canadian niceness.

Martin Luther King Jr. lamented that 11 a.m. on Sunday was the most racially segregated time in the U.S. Decades later, the situation is better but still has a long way to go, even in Canada.

Historically, Mennonites sought separation from the world, so it makes sense that many MB congregations were birthed in homogeneity; however, as a community now preoccupied with evangelism and church planting, with a mission organization spurring us to “the least reached,” mostly white congregations may want to ask: are we fulfilling our mission as broadly as we are able?

Spurred by his experience building relationships in the global church through Mennonite World Conference and ICOMB (the International Community of Mennonite Brethren) and his reading of Indigenous theologians, David Wiebe calls us to recognize and repent of what he calls “white power” (pages 8–9).

It’s not comfortable to accept our complicity.

We want to believe our churches are loving and colour-blind.

But as Kate Henderson, Lee Kosa, and Natasha Tunnicliffe share

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And it matters because people matter. If we have brothers and sisters who are wounded – or just plain weary – of microaggressions in life, let us not compound their frustration by continuing them in our churches.

Fellow Christians, let’s start with a spirit of learning. Perhaps our first step is not to ask people of colour to teach us, but instead to educate ourselves. Seek out the books and recordings referenced in the feature articles of this issue. Listen to voices that are already speaking.

Let’s start to see the world through different eyes. Learning appropriate vocabulary is important, not because that’s politically correct, but because people God loves – people we love – may feel undermined by careless word choice.

Seeking diverse candidates for leadership – as pastors, on boards, committees, etc. – is important, not because that’s the current trend, but because people with different backgrounds challenge our perspectives that have been skewed by holding unacknowledged power. We need to listen to voices that speak “in colour” because we all have things to learn from each other.

Too often, our impact has been to squeeze out those who don’t look like us or do things like us. With humility and repentance, let’s lean in to our intent to see lives transformed as people are reconciled to God, to nature, within themselves, and to each other.

[ Karla Braun

[Reader response The clashing cymbals and resounding gongs of “Desiring God” The subject of women in leadership has been in the air lately, in the B.C. conference specifically and in wider Christian culture generally, due to popular author John Piper’s blog post, “Is there a place for female professors at seminary?”

I am a positive person who is incredibly grateful for the Mennonite Brethren denomination of which I am a part, that has helped to shape me over the last 35 years. So, may I make some observations from my experience.

But I think we need to focus on church policy as well as people. An example of this is marriage ceremonies.

Back in the day, churches held most weddings; now, in my church, roughly 20 percent of couples get married in a church. The reason for this is because church is too strict about following old rules.

Even though it is sometimes easier not to change things up, the value of new invited ideas inspired by different people, both young and old, leads to better outcomes.

Alli Pauls Winnipeg

God’s little reminders

It was a woman seminary professor who encouraged me to continue to have a humble understanding of biblical interpretation and see the Bible as beautifully inspired and authoritative; an ancient text with much to say to us today; a text that directs us to follow the Jesus way.

I agree with Rose Brechin’s “Losing Baby Jesus” (November/December). Christmas becomes such a busy time for my family that sometimes we forget what’s important, or what it’s really about, but God always manages to remind us in some way. I don’t have to worry about getting all of my shopping done, or getting all of my cookies baked.

It’s always nice to read about things like this as a little reminder as well. Thanks for the lesson in a short and sweet story.

It was a woman seminary professor who, in a sense, helped me to “keep the faith.”

Victoria Duester Winnipeg, MB

It was a woman seminary professor who encouraged me not to leave the MB family two years ago.

It was an incredible privilege to sit under, learn from, and be inspired by Dorothy Peters. She and other woman seminary professors are a gift to all pastors! Thank you, MB Seminary (through partnership with ACTS Seminaries), for making available someone like Dr. Peters – and other woman seminary professors that I have yet to study under – to teach and lead us.

The theological and biblical interpretative orchestra John Piper is conducting sounds a bit like clashing cymbals and ringing gongs.

Lord have mercy.

Kevin Snyder Cloverdale, B.C.

Open door to new ideas I agree with the majority of Janessa Giesbrecht’s “Who is missing?” (Intersection, November/ December). I strongly agree that gender and age representation are very important. We need this basic diversity as a core for success, and to strive for 100 percent congregation engagement. We need to feel like we all own it. Churches need to have a plan with the goal of a congregation that is successful for a very long time.

Not grace-alone Bill Hogg in his commentary on Article 5 (While we witness, November/December 2017) concludes that salvation is by grace alone, based on Ephesians 2:8–9.

1 Peter 1:5 refers to people being kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. Hebrews 4:2 says the message they heard was of no value to them because they did not combine it with faith.

These verses contradict the grace-alone gospel.

This grace-alone gospel is gaining popularity in MB churches.

This is a watershed issue that is determining our spiritual health today and in the long-term.

We need Bereans on this. Our forefathers gave their lives for freedom of conscience with a biblical theology to proponents of this other gospel. Romans 1:17; 3:22–24; 4:3,9,16; 5:2; 8:10–12; 10:9–10 all teach the opposite. If the MB distinctive emphasis in salvation is change to the prospective of grace-alone, should we not rename the document Confession of Grace?

Vic Willems Abbotsford, B.C.

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 | Spring 2018

Spring 2018 April/May/June Mennonite Brethren Herald is published quarterly 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.

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

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THE MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD IS A PUBLICATION OF

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD

HOMEPAGE

commissioned to serve

What did you value most about the process?

One of the most intriguing parts was delving into MB history. I was never a fan of history in school, but since I have been a pastor, learning the history of culture, the church, and the biblical context has become an interesting part of delivering God’s Word.

How are you involved in the community?

I am the CEO for Christ the Solid Rock Ministries/Broken Arrow Youth Ranch, a working ranch that takes in young people, children, and sometimes families in need of help and direction.

I’ve been involved in grad ceremonies, school fundraisers, fall suppers. I own and operate Wood River Taxidermy and help farmers with seeding and harvest.

In 2017, the Board of Faith and Life released Ordination: Principles and Practices (mennonitebrethren.ca/resource/bfl), a booklet exploring how Mennonite Brethren affirm people in ministry service.

What is your life verse?

Rick Hawreschuk is one MB pastor who recently submitted to

What life experience has shaped you the most?

the ordination process, culminating in an ordination service, Mar. 11, 2018, at Woodrow (Sask.) Gospel Chapel, where he and Nancy have served since 2013 (pictured above).

What does ordination mean to you?

Ordination is the confirmation from the community of one’s call into public ministry.

What did the process involve?

The church recommended me to the provincial conference. I provided character references, completed assigned readings, and was interviewed by the director of ministry and the Faith and Life Team.

Romans 12:6–8

I was diagnosed with a neurological syndrome that, at its onset, put me in a wheelchair. I recovered to a degree, but I’m nowhere near what I was physically prior to being ill. I experienced a broad spectrum of pain and joy. When someone is hurting or ecstatic, when loss is a part of everyday living: I understand. This opens doors to bring God in.

Who have been your mentors?

Pastor Dion Grimm of Kelstern (Sask.) Community Church saw something in me that I didn’t. Through his persistence and confidence in God’s plan, he got me interested in public ministry.

Richard Rosenberger, my intern supervisor, got me to do hard stuff: speak the truth, live the truth, forget about what the world thinks.

Memory from MAID Baptism at Pacific Grace Mission Chapel.

Pictured (l-r): Pastor Paul Li, with baptismal candidates Mrs. Lum, Mrs. Mah, Simon Choi, May Yick, Winnie Kwan, and Rev. Henry C. Classen before a 1974 baptism at Pacific Grace Mission Chapel in Vancouver. archives.mhsc.ca/ baptism-at-pacific-grace-mission-chapel-3 This photo from the Centre for MB Studies (NP149-1-5848) is available to the public in collaboration with MAID: the Mennonite Archival Image Database. Research or purchase images from Mennonite churches and organizations at archives.mhsc.ca.

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PHOTO COURTESY NANCY HAWRESCHUK

[HOMEPAGE

Gathering 2018

Speakers

[coming events 2018

Apr. 5: Spring at CMU, Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg.

Steve Berg has served the Canadian Conference of MB Churches as interim executive director since January 2017. His leadership roles have included executive minister of the B.C. Conference of MB Churches and national director of government affairs with Power to Change. Steve studied at Tabor College, Bethel Seminary, and Regent College. With 44 years of pastoral experience, Steve is currently senior associate pastor at South Abbotsford (B.C.) Church, offering his gifts in preaching and leadership mentoring.

Steve and Karen have 4 married children and 13 grandchildren.

Sarah Whyte is a disciple of Jesus; a wife, mother, and friend; and the pastor of home groups at WMB (Waterloo MB) Church. She lives in Waterloo, Ont., with her husband Bryant and three adorable sons. They live in intentional community, seeking to be the love and light of Christ in their neighbourhood, where they are also proud owners of a local café. Sarah loves sharing the good news of God’s Kingdom, inviting others into transformational community, and celebrating the freedom of Christ’s love.

She is also an avid reader, quick talker, and mediocre runner.

Mark Wessner is the president and associate professor of biblical studies for leadership at MB Seminary in Langley, B.C. Prior to pastoring at Westwood Church in Prince George, B.C., he was a regional manager of land development for the B.C.

July 11-14, 2018

government. He holds a PhD in biblical Hebrew narratology from University of Pretoria, South Africa. Mark has taught at public, private, and Christian universities (both in the classroom and online), and served as a chaplain in hospital, prison, and university athletics contexts. Mark and Jennifer have 2 teenaged daughters.

Apr. 7: AEFMQ convention, ETEQ,

Emerson Cardoso is president of Convenção Brasileira das Igrejas Evangélicas Irmãos Menonitas (COBIM), the MB conference in Brazil. Under his visionary leadership, COBIM has grown to 86 churches, 35 smaller congregations, and more than 12,000 members. The church he pastors outside Curitiba runs an orphanage; a drop-in centre for at-risk teens; a daycare for single, working mothers; and a temporary shelter for women fleeing abuse or otherwise in need of a place to stay.

Emerson also serves as the secretary of the executive committee of the International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB).

Langley, B.C.

Bruce Enns is the moderator for the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. A pastor since 2000, Bruce is currently lead pastor at Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, and site pastor for FGCC’s Attridge congregation.

He studied and has degrees from Columbia Bible College, Trinity Western, and University of Saskatchewan. With a background in coaching and athletics, Bruce enjoys hockey and watersports, as well as woodworking. Bruce and Lisa have 4 daughters.

May 22–24: Pastors Credentialing

Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, SK

gathering.mennonitebrethren.ca

Montreal.

Apr. 13–14: ABMB convention, Bethel Eritrean Evangelical Church, Edmonton.

Apr. 21: Commencement, Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C.

Apr. 21: Graduation, MB Seminary, Apr. 21: Canadian Mennonite University graduation, Portage Avenue Church, Winnipeg.

Apr. 20–22: Urban Encounter 2018, Toronto

Apr. 25–26: Multiply, C2C Network, Fresno, Cal.

Apr. 27–28: BCMB convention, North Langley Community Church, Langley, B.C.

Apr. 29: sixpointeight 2018: Equipping Peacebuilders, Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg.

Apr. 29–May 1: BCMB pastor & spouse retreat, Whistler, B.C.

May 4–6: Camp Evergreen father & son retreat, Sundre, Alta.

Orientation, Abbotsford, B.C.

May 25–26: #ChurchToo: Responding to Professional Sexual Misconduct, Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C.

May 31: Columbia Bible College golf tournament, Redwoods Golf Course, Langley, B.C.

June 2–6: ICOMB Summit, Austria.

July 11–14: Gathering 2018, Saskatoon.

Sept. 28–29: CMU fall festival, Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg.

Oct. 5–7: 100th anniversary, Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church.

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

Mennonite Brethren Herald | Spring 2018

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Addressing white power in the MB church Mvwala Katshinga and I chatted casually in the Kintambo MB Church courtyard in Kinshasa, while I waited for my ride to Kikwit in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Katshinga asked, “Did you read my contribution to John Driver’s book (Life Together in the Spirit)? I said the ordination of women pastors must no longer be a taboo.” He grinned and added, “You know, the MB church of Congo ordained our first woman pastor in 2003, and it didn’t take us nearly as long as the Canadians. You debated for decades before permitting it in 2006!”

Awakening to the problem

I responded, “Yes, I met pastor Charly Lukala in 2003 and used your conference as an example in the debates prior to the 2006 vote. But I often felt Canadian MBs attending the workshops didn’t receive your experience as a legitimate argument in the discussion.”

When black theologians put forth their writings, white arrogance emerged quickly. First came an arrogance of engagement: “Don’t be too loud. Know your place and be quiet.”

Could it be that colonial thinking built on white power caused Canadians to reject the possibility of learning from our African brothers and sisters?

Coincidentally, as this conversation took place, I was looking ahead to Thailand 2017, the mission and prayer consultation.

I decided to identify in my message there a critical challenge in missions today: white power.

White power is pretty simple: it’s the assumption by whites that it’s all about them; that they are inherently superior because they have education, money, and a historic ability to impose their worldview everywhere; and that the recipients of this imposition are “in darkness” needing the “light” of white economics, politics, knowledge, and religion.

White power influences almost every corner of the world.

So, whites assume their way is the only legitimate one.

Everyone of another race must play in the white game according to white rules achieving white expectations based on those rules. This includes the church.

BY | COLTON FLORIS 8 ILLUSTRATION Spring 2018 mbherald.com

Relating in ICOMB first awoke me to this dynamic. Then in 2016 I saw a YouTube video in which Rothney Tshaka, a black theologian, was interviewed by a white colleague, Dion Forster, on this topic. Both are Christian university professors in Cape Town, South Africa.

Tshaka said that the first task was to develop black theology to show they were human. Whiteness wasn’t yet a topic of discussion – it was just assumed.

When black theologians didn’t back down, whites asserted an arrogance of withdrawal, saying, “I’m fed up with this conversation: too much conflict.” Tshaka noted, “Whites have options. They are in power and assume it must be maintained. Blacks don’t have these options, but this deeply affects the process.”

Tshaka identified a deep, subtle driver in all this that we might call the arrogance of knowledge. Whites have long dictated what kind of knowledge is legitimate, and how that knowledge is produced. A worldview formed

by Western ways of thinking struggles to acknowledge the knowledge production of other cultures.

A one-way street This is precisely what my Congolese friend Katshinga was putting his finger on. If we easily dismiss the Congolese approach to church matters, are we not judging their way of thinking and knowledge production?

Murray Nickel, who grew up as a missionary kid in DR Congo, offers a helpful insight. He observes there was an accepted harshness in the way whites spoke to Africans. They weren’t mean-spirited, but white people often talked down to Congolese people like they were children.

Years later as a practising physician, visiting a clinic run

by Congolese doctors, Nickel noticed people talked to one another differently. They spoke softly, relationally, even across the patient-clinician hierarchy. “I used to pride myself in my egalitarian approach,” Nickel writes in Rhythms of Poverty, “but it was suddenly obvious I had a lot to learn.”

Drop any sense of superiority.

This also applies in Canada. Duane Elmer, a leader in cross-cultural relations, writes of speaking at a conference in Canada where a third of the attendees were from First Nations, and the others were white missionaries. Elmer asked, “What comes to mind when you hear the word partnership?” Missionaries spoke first, offering words like mutuality, sharing, respect, cooperation, and collaboration.

But don’t stop there: work toward learning with each other. The goal is relational learning where we both expect to change.

It occurred to Elmer that no First Nations delegates had spoken. After a long silence, one spoke firmly but passionately, “When we hear the word partnership, what comes to our mind is This is another way for the White man to control us.”

Have hope but be careful: hope is derived through intense debate. White power usually dictates that hope is found when those on the edge see the error of their ways and submit.

What popped to mind when you read this? If your instinct was to roll your metaphorical eyes at another “tired comment of victimization,” you might want to step back to re-evaluate. Recent statistics show Indigenous Canadians suffer more hardship than U.S. African-Americans by almost every measurable indicator.

Determine to learn from someone in the international church.

Be OK with discomfort.

Read critiques of white power and culture. Read “nonwhite” authors. Help your kids colour “brown” children in colouring books.

I recently roomed with Yoshifumi Tanaka, vice-chair of the Japan MB Conference, and vice-chair of ICOMB. We talked for hours, touching on a variety of topics relevant to church life and mission in Japan and elsewhere. I have learned a great deal from Tanaka and I hope he has from me too. In ICOMB meetings, too, I have opened myself up to ideas and strengths that reside in our community.

So, can whites check their privilege, and validate how other people produce knowledge?

This is the road to our future as a church. And whites are called to play a different game from here forward.

Building a two-way highway

[ David Wiebe is director of ICOMB,

Canadian futurist John Ralston Saul says, “The road to Canada’s success runs through the First Nations.” To paraphrase that for our context, “the road to mature faithfulness of the Mennonite Brethren movement runs through the international MB church.”

the International Community of Mennonite Brethren.

RESOURCES 2006 CCMBC resolution: bit.ly/WIML-2006

I might even put the two concepts together: we must embrace Indigenous people in our own country if Mennonite Brethren are to grow in God’s Kingdom. That’s beginning to happen in the Manitoba conference and beyond through Paul Winter. I also think that Brazilian-born executive director Elton DaSilva somehow factors into this.

Rothney Tshaka: bit.ly/2IitmoP

Internationally, three MB conferences larger than Canada’s (India, Congo, Khmu Mission) all succeed in church planting and discipleship despite poverty and opposition.

They can teach us about faithfulness while church supports from society erode. The Brazil MB conference (COBIM) is committed to renewal, reconciliation, and mission. Through COBIM, some 40,000 believers in several countries will be added to our international family. We’ll learn more from leader Emerson Cardoso at Gathering 2018.

Rhythms of Poverty: Reconsidering our Affluent Approach to the Poor, Murray Nickel, 5n2 Concepts, 2013.

Considering our ICOMB family, white Christians would do well to reflect on and evaluate white power. Here are some thoughts:

We don’t have all the answers in Canada. Good solutions reside in our international church. Often our “normal” is held up by dominance and power. Remember black theology exists because God was presented as a white God.

David Wiebe’s message from the Thailand consultation: bit.ly/ICOMB-DW-17 “Canada’s race problem? It’s even worse than America’s,” Maclean’s, Scott Gilmore, January 22, 2015.

Cross-Cultural Partnerships, Mary T. Lederleitner, IVP, 2010.

Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility, Duane Elmer, IVP, 2006.

The Comeback: How Aboriginals are Reclaiming Power and Influence, John Ralston Saul, Penguin Canada, 2014.

Mennonite Brethren Herald | Spring 2018

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JAN RICHARDSON "THE BEST SUPPER"

During Advent, Cedar Park Church was inspired by Jan Richardson’s image, “The Best Supper,” as they contemplated Christ’s second coming through the imagery of the wedding supper of the Lamb. They divided the image into 121 4” tiles, each week adding 30 tiles to the 4’ x 4’ panel at the front of the sanctuary as they contemplated who needs to be invited to our tables.

By Kate Henderson, Lee Kosa, and Natasha Tunnicliffe “Who is missing from our tables?” This question has unsettled, challenged, and excited our congregation as we study Scripture together. The prophet Isaiah envisions a diverse future feast of salvation where the Lord hosts “all peoples” (Isaiah 25:6–9). Jesus tells the parable of a great banquet with an inclusive guest list (Luke 14:23). Revelation describes the consummation of God’s Kingdom as a joyous wedding banquet and a hospitable city where the gates are forever open to the north, south, east, and west (Revelation 7:9; 21:2,13,24,25).

Are the doors of our church always and equally open to people of different ethnic backgrounds? What implicit and explicit messages do we send that welcome some people more than others?

If a diverse people will one day dine together in God’s Kingdom, why are the tables in our homes and churches often so homogenous?

Who is missing from our tables? Might racism play a role in segregating our table fellowship?

In the fall of 2017, Cedar Park Church conducted a fourpart sermon series entitled Unravelling Racism to explore how the tables we gather around in our neighbourhoods, homes, and church might further reflect God’s diverse future feast of salvation.

Three people shared in the planning and delivery of the series.

Kate Henderson is a second-generation Canadian whose parents are originally from the Philippines.

She currently teaches English and humanities from a social justice perspective in Surrey, B.C.

Lee Kosa grew up in the United States, is of Hungarian descent, and is identified as white. He is lead pastor of Cedar Park Church, Delta, B.C.

Natasha Tunnicliffe is biracial. Her biological father is African and her biological mother is white. Natasha currently serves as associate pastor of children and youth at Cedar Park.

Advocating for a diverse table As a person of colour, I found that speaking about racism to a predominantly white audience – especially a congregation that I am still getting to know – was quite a stressful experience. I felt immense pressure to represent my racial group well.

Although I am usually quite comfortable speaking in public as an educator, with the extra weight of trying to not make a “mistake” or come off as a person of colour who is “too sensitive” or angry, I often second-guessed myself throughout the process. I even had a difficult time presenting material that was based on my own personal experiences.

To find the right balance between teaching the framework for racism without pushing people to the point of shutting down, one of the first things we as leaders did was reflect on each of our multiple, intersecting identities with regards to race, gender, and our roles within the church.

Acknowledging that all people, regardless of intentions, carry unconscious biases, we felt the most contentious concepts would best be received coming from Lee – a white, male, lead pastor – rather than from Natasha or myself – two women of colour.

“We cannot retreat to the convenience of being overwhelmed.” That sentence gripped me when I first saw it on a sign that white woman held high at a rally in Vancouver one week after the deadly Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, N.C. That sign, along with the repeated calls from people of colour around North America for white people to take up their role in dismantling racism, moved me to finally address the reality of racism from the pulpit.

I knew I did not have all the answers when it came to addressing racism, but I was no longer willing to use the complexity of the subject as an excuse for my silence. I threw myself into research and felt a profound sense of calling and energy heading into our sermon series.

My naive enthusiasm was quickly dampened when a number of people respectfully expressed disagreement, confusion, and concern after the first message in the series.

I experienced anger and sadness as I witnessed how even though Natasha and Kate felt compelled to hedge their truth (knowing that it would unsettle people), members of the body still struggled to embrace the biblical or contextual relevance of the topic for our community.

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I entered into this series with great caution. I had twice spoken at Cedar Park about my personal encounters with racial oppression, and although the congregation was generally receptive to hearing my story, I was occasionally offended by people’s well-intentioned responses. It was clear that racism was at play in our church.

Sharing my story is powerful, but it is not enough to change a systemic problem. Like Kate, I found the delivery process hard. As people of colour, we did not find it easy to deliver messages about racism to a crowd of mostly white people.

In one message, I cited stereotypes associated with “Asian drivers” as an example of subtle racism. People laughed as if it were a joke. They were downplaying or denying the existence of prejudicial views while expressing them right there in church.

Practising what we preach I spoke about the myth of colourblindness, and encouraged white people to ask people of colour about their own stories. If you don’t know how someone’s cultural and ethnic background shapes their experience, you don’t fully know them.

I was overjoyed to hear from a congregant (a white, male employer) that – in direct response to this series – he had sat with his employees (mostly people of colour) over lunch and asked them about their experiences of racism in Canada.

He also asked how they had been treated at his company. He even shared about an instance when he misused his power in an interaction with one of them. An exchange of confession and forgiveness took place there in the lunchroom.

He ended the conversation by encouraging the group to speak their truth whenever they feel disrespected by someone in the company. He promised that if they felt it was too hard to confront someone, he would stand by their side. He listened and invited feedback about his own actions.

I was encouraged to hear how he was lending his voice and power to unravel racism in the workplace.

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The meeting had moments of discomfort, but overall was an extremely positive experience.

Following the series, local Cedar Park missionaries Jon and Kim Pelen, who support many Latinx greenhouse workers from Guatemala and Mexico in our neighbourhood, held a Christmas banquet at our church. Jon and Kim were overwhelmed with the number of volunteers who offered to help.

As Cedar Park congregants of all ages dined with Latinx men, enjoying Portuguese-style chicken donated by the South African chain Nandos, I was reminded of the Scriptural image of God’s diverse future feast of salvation.

Why it’s worth it The sermon series helped pave the way for many people to reflect on the issue of racism, sincerely dialogue about some of the more confusing and controversial parts of racism, and even act on ways to combat it. It has also given our church community a way for us to more knowledgeably engage and develop relationships with others who are racially and/or culturally different from us.

This series has the potential to bring people of different backgrounds closer together by naming the powers that seek to segregate us.

There are so many opportunities to hear other’s stories, to truly know people well and to strive to see a glimpse of heaven on earth, an image we see in the book of Revelation of a people ransomed for God from every tribe, language, people, and nation (Revelation 5:9–10).

In his parable of the Great Banquet (Luke 14), Jesus criticizes those who would tamper with God’s egalitarian seating chart, modify God’s diverse guest list, and decline God’s invitation altogether. To engage in the hard and uncomfortable work of unravelling racism from our institutions, neighbourhoods, churches, and hearts is to participate with the Spirit in God’s work of making room at the table for all.

Given the complex, multifaceted nature of racism and the limited format of a Sunday sermon, we decided to provide an opportunity for people to further explore the concepts introduced. I hosted our first salon (a meeting to discuss political, economic, and social issues) within a few weeks after our last sermon.

RESOURCES

To provide a more intimate and comfortable setting, I held the salon in my home rather than at the church. We started the meeting briefly going over guidelines for our discussion to establish a posture of mutual respect, compassionate listening, and affirmation of our common identity in Christ.

The overall goal was to create a safe, non-threatening space for anyone who needed further clarification on, had any questions about, or even took issue with anything we presented during the series.

Intotemak Trilogy, Steve Heinrichs, ed., Mennonite Church Canada

Spring 2018 | mbherald.com

Disunity in Christ: Uncovering the Hidden Forces That Keep Us Apart, Christena Cleveland, IVP, 2013 What Does It Mean to be White? Developing White Racial Literacy, Robin DiAngelo, Peter Lang Inc., 2012

White Awake: An Honest Look at What It Means to Be White, Daniel Hill, IVP, 2017 Intercultural Ministry: Hope for a Changing World, Grace Ji-Sun Kim and Jann Aldredge-Clanton, eds., Judson Press, 2017 Beyond Colourblind: Redeeming Our Ethnic Journey, Sarah Shin, IVP, 2018

[VIEWPOINT

It’s time for new ways of being together A common theme emerges from the stories of families who have been members of the Mennonite Brethren church in Canada for many years. These immigrants who fled persecution and war in Europe brought a vibrant Anabaptist faith and a unique practice of Christianity that has been passed down the generations and now has shaped me – a child of immigrants from Asia. I grew up as a committed Anglican, was exposed to a variety of expressions of Christian faith in university through IVCF, and am now MB. I have been deeply shaped by the blessing of an ecumenical faith experience.

But that experience has been mostly of a Western Christianity from the Global North.

In the last 100 years, the statistical centre of Christianity has shifted from the North to the South with the dramatic increase of Christ followers in Asia, Africa, and South America. “The world today is witnessing a post-Western awakening of Christianity,” says Wesley Granberg-Michaelson; a shift as significant as the dynamic movement of the Christian faith from Jerusalem to Antioch in the first century.

As migration patterns bring many people from these vibrant, non-Western churches to our communities, we have an opportunity to receive a gift from God that will encourage and enliven us, and forever change the face of Western Christianity.

In his book From Times Square to Timbuktu: The PostChristian West Meets the Non-Western Church, GranbergMichaelson nurtures a biblical vision of the global church, in all its diversity, becoming unified to bring glory to God. He describes the pilgrimage of the Christian faith as a journey that required both cultural shifts and local incarnation as it expanded geographically.

From a small movement that started in Jerusalem, the practice and understanding of the Christian faith had to change when it extended to the Gentile city of Antioch. These changes have continued over the 2000-year, diverse development of Christianity as it stretched out to encompass the globe.

A former director with the World Council of Churches and editor with Sojourners, Granberg-Michaelson draws from personal experience, demographic trends, church history, missiology, and ecclesiology to make his case.

Unifying Christian witness The vision of a unified global church starts at home in the life of the local congregation, he argues. Migration patterns are bringing many faithful believers from non-Western churches to North American doorsteps. These believers contribute a unique blend of enculturated, contextualized Christian practice; evangelical theology; Pentecostal Spirit-filled style; and social justice commitments. Many gather in ethnic, culture-specific

churches in Canada and may even rent our sanctuaries after we have gone home for Sunday lunch.

With wisdom and gentleness, Granberg-Michaelson calls the Western church to embrace those God is bringing to us and offers insightful suggestions to guide our local pilgrimage with newcomers from the global church. New ways of being are needed for the future.

Vision for newcomers I am challenged by the vision Granberg-Michaelson presents to look beyond personal spirituality and individual behaviours to consider how God is at work globally through his people.

In the midst of a declining Christian ethic and witness in our context, there is hope for the Canadian church – that we would be invigorated through embracing those who have migrated from the Global South.

We have an opportunity to deepen relationships with newcomers – within our congregations and conferences – to learn from them and allow Jesus to change us together.

We are called to seek out those beyond our walls who have journeyed to our shores in search of a brighter future and to walk with them into the future that Jesus has for a renewed Canadian church.

This will require generous hospitality, profound humility, and a willingness to let go of “the ways things are” – both personally and within church leadership structures.

We will have to learn new ways of being together in order to receive the fullness of what God desires for us.

It will require us to grow in intercultural intelligence, so we can move beyond multicultural communities (where there is simply a diversity of people present) to intercultural churches where a true oneness of God’s people is a credible witness to the world.

The future of Western Christianity will be shaped by Christians from the Global South, says Granberg-Michaelson. “How Western Christianity responds will shape the global Christian witness” and is crucial to the fulfillment of God’s vision of the church being his “witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

The MB church in Canada was birthed by the migration of newcomers bringing with them a unique, rich Christian faith.

I look forward to the transformation that God will do in our communities as we embrace a new generation of pilgrims.

[ Paul Chin is pastor of missional engagement at WMB Church, Waterloo, Ont., and an intercultural intelligence trainer. His desire is to see people transformed as they participate in Jesus’ mission to all nations. A version of this article first appeared as a book review on mbherald.com.

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[CONFESSION OF FAITH

While we witness

Board of Faith and Life | Read all the articles at mbherald.com/bfl

AR T I CL

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

Article 8: Christian Baptism

Two kinds of baptism, one kind of faith What do you remember about your baptism? Few occasions are as joyous for churches as baptisms. They are celebrations of rebirth, commitment, and incorporation.

But sometimes baptism’s meaning is confused.

To understand Christian baptism, we must set it apart from what preceded it.

For instance, liturgical washings were part of Old Testament practice. Also, proselytes to Judaism were baptized.

Prior to Jesus’ ministry, John the Baptist taught a baptism of repentance.

But the church doesn’t draw on these symbols in our practice.

Confusion regarding Christian baptism occurs when we fail to see the two distinct aspects of New Testament baptism: Spirit baptism and water baptism.

Regarding these, Menno Simons wrote, “we teach, seek and desire a right, christian (sic) baptism; first, with Spirit and fire, (Luke 3:16) afterward in the water, in obedience to faith.”

Spirit baptism Spirit baptism – of, by, and with the Holy Spirit – occurs when we enter God’s Kingdom through faith. This new birth is the work of the Spirit (John 3:5–8). As John said, Jesus’ baptism would be with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11).

Through this spiritual birth, we are baptized into Christ and filled by the Spirit 14

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(1 Corinthians 12:13). We have died with him and are raised up to new life in him (Romans 6:3–5; Colossians 2:12).

In Christ, we have no condemnation, we have forgiveness of sins, and we are a new creation (Romans 8:1; Ephesians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 5:17). It is by being baptized into Christ by the Holy Spirit that we become children of God (Galatians 3:26–27).

Water baptism Water baptism follows faith in Christ.

Whereas the Holy Spirit is the agent of spiritual baptism, the community of the Spirit performs water baptism. Physical baptism symbolizes the spiritual baptism that took place when we repented and trusted Jesus for salvation.

People who have been joined to Christ by the Spirit through faith and desire to follow him in life declare that publicly by receiving water baptism (Acts 2:41). They are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Spirit (Matthew 28:19; Acts 19:3–5).

Water baptism is an ordinance that Christ’s followers request (Acts 8:36). It becomes an outward symbol of an inward reality and holds meaning for those who have experienced spiritual baptism (Acts 10:47; 16:32–34). As such, water baptism is a not only a visible sign that we have repented of sins and been reborn, but declares that we have given our life to Jesus and now belong to him.

Mennonite Brethren view water baptism as a public confession of faith (Acts 18:8).

In receiving it, we testify that we have placed our faith in Jesus and declare allegiance to him and his reign.

Initiation to community But equally important is our conviction that water baptism serves as an initiation into the community of God’s people. For this reason, when people get baptized, their baptism is a solemn pledge to live in covenant with Jesus and his people (1 Corinthians 12:13).

This is why Mennonite Brethren congregations typically welcome newly baptized people into formal membership of the local church. Both the individual and the body of believers promise to help each other love and serve God and one another faithfully. They commit to walking together in the way of Christ through the power of the Spirit to fulfill the mission of God. As such, baptism is an act of obedience for all who follow Jesus.

Taking this step of faith and submission to the Lord Jesus is a vital part of discipleship.

Together Spirit(ual) and water baptism describe Christian baptism. They give meaning to life in Christ, membership within community, and serving God in the world. They are distinct, but fully linked. Without the former, the latter is meaningless and, without the latter, the former is incomplete.

[ Laurence Hiebert is pastor at Mountainview Grace Church, Calgary, and Alberta representative on the Board of Faith and Life.

[MB SEMINARY

MB Seminary Lifelong Learning for Lifelong Mission

We have reason to praise “How good it is to sing praises to our God” (Psalm 147:1).

There are days when it feels like we have become a nation of grumblers whose every grievance demands our most urgent attention. Not that all injustices rank the same. The persecuted church worldwide, and the 100,000 unborn children who are yearly eliminated on Canadian soil barely register on anyone’s radar. It seems to me that identity groups are vying for the top spot on a pyramid of grievances.

Injustices must be addressed. But there are times when I wonder whether, as a society, we will find a way to manage this ever-mutating pyramid.

By all objective standards, we are the richest and most privileged generation ever to grace this planet. The most ostentatious medieval kings could not, even in their wildest dreams, have imagined the kind of luxury and ease we take so much for granted. Western civilization has produced the most advanced, humane, tolerant, and compassionate culture that has ever seen the light of day, and yet we moan and groan like it’s 1929.

In preparation for a course I’m teaching this semester, I’m reading through the book of Psalms. What a contrast! Praise and joy percolate throughout. Which is odd because, by our standards, ancient Israelites led pathetic lives. No electricity or indoor plumbing. Brutal rulers. The constant threat of invasion.

No hospitals, antibiotics, or anesthetics. And if you were lucky, a life expectancy that might stretch to 45.

What was there to rejoice about? Not much. And yet, ancient Israelites praised God and rejoiced in him. The psalms of praise and thanksgiving outnumber any other type of psalms found in the Psalter. Even in those texts where the psalmist pours out his heart in grief, praise ultimately peeks through (Psalm 88 being the only exception). The book of Psalms resolutely moves toward unbridled praise, culminating in a crescendo of joyful worship in Psalms 145 to 150.

PHOTO COURTESY C2C NETWORK

Why praise God? Because God is alive, all-powerful, good, and infinitely cares for each one of us. To praise is to proclaim that chaos and meaninglessness do not define ultimate reality. Praise is the lung of the soul. When I choose to allow my grievances to rule my mind and my heart, my soul shrinks.

The psalms affirm the legitimacy of lament. But lament is never to be the worshipper’s permanent residence. At some point, we need to move on and find renewed hope in the living God. When lament occupies all the space, it constricts our ability to imagine an alternative future. When we praise, our soul expands, our heart fills with compassion, and our mind clears up. Circumstances that seemed hopeless yesterday begin to look hopeful. To praise is to believe that God is alive and has the power to intervene in our lives.

As we look toward Easter, the promise of the resurrection and the resolution of all injustices, and as we anticipate the eruption of a new world filled by myriads of men and women made whole and redeemed, we have every reason to embrace praise as the ruling impulse of our hearts and minds.

“The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the LORD will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy” (Psalm 22:26 NLT).

“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him” (Psalm 28:7).

[ Pierre Gilbert is associate professor of Bible

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

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[

OUTFRONT

When God

“shows up”

As I continued with my work, my illness became widely known. Many people joined my family in prayer for God’s healing work in my body.

Feb. 5–10, 2018, was a full week of national leadership meetings in Vancouver and Abbotsford. A key consideration of the Executive Board meeting was the collaborative model proposal of the One Mission Partnership Task Force.

In the final hours of this deliberation, many of the Canadian MB partners were gathered in the room.

We made the unanimous decision to affirm the proposal and take the presentation to the MB family for wider discussion and discernment.

One leader emotionally expressed his 15-year yearning prayer for this kind of unity in our family. At that, the meeting spontaneously burst into praise and worship to God. My head was down and I steadied myself sitting at the table.

“I should try to join the singing…” My medicated, raspy voice suddenly sounded out clear and strong again.

Astonished and now sitting upright, I joined the Doxology: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow…”

And then I realized: “The vertigo is gone!”

Thirty years ago, I began using the phrase, “God really showed up!” I usually don’t give this expression much thought as I describe situations where there seems to be a more tangible presence of God and the work of the Spirit. But how could I think that the eternal, omnipresent Creator of all things “shows up,” as if it were remotely possible that he has been absent for even a millisecond of our lives?

Yet, there are times when I know that the almighty God has demonstrated his powerful presence and miraculous work in my time and space, and it seems to me that “God shows up.”

Recently, that happened to me – quite vividly.

In November 2017, following the C2C Network summit in Quebec City, I began to experience brief periods of dizziness.

I set it aside as a mere inconvenience, but by mid-December, this dizziness had settled in for the ride through the Christmas season. My doctor decided that viral vertigo was the most likely diagnosis, to be treated with medication.

As our family rang in the New Year, my wobbly balance and visual disorientation required me to stay close to the walls as a guide, wait for my wife Karen to tuck her arm into mine to steady my walk, and ride in the passenger seat of the car.

By the middle of January, the vertigo became severe and, because of my pre-existing acoustic neuroma, doctors quickly scheduled an MRI and prescribed more powerful medications.

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“I’m no longer dizzy!” I shouted into the singing and praising.

Going to each one in the room, I exclaimed boldly: “I believe I have been healed by God! Today, the Lord has been my deliverer!”

In our cynical moments, we may think that a board meeting is the last place God would show up. But I know he did for me, and he does show up in love and mercy for us, over and over again.

So, is it enough that I tell my story of healing and we all give praise to God? Is the extended benefit of my heightened alertness to God’s voice and his word the greatest outcome?

Is the time and place of this healing at an Executive Board meeting a greater word from God to the MB leadership?

In the expansive purposes of God in his mission, is there a deeper and substantial meaning that God may speak to the MB churches and ministries in Canada?

What does it look like when “God shows up” everywhere in and through us?

[ Steve Berg is interim executive director of

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

[CONFERENCE NEWS

“Everybody signed off on this proposal, knowing it needs more, but the basic structures were improved by the whole group,” says Enns, indicating the report reflects years of consultation reaching as far back as the 2011 National Office Review by Terry Mochar.

Miracle at a board meeting “I’ve seen healing before, but I’ve never seen a ‘pick up your mat and walk’ healing like this; that was a highlight for me,” says Bruce Enns, moderator, about the Executive Board’s meeting.

The Executive Board of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches met in B.C., Feb. 5–6, 2018. It’s a time of transition: the board heard reports from ministries that have closed (L2L), migrated (C2C), and changed structure (Legacy), then received a presentation from the One Mission Partnership Task Force on change for CCMBC itself.

The task force delivered their recommendation, referred to as the collaborative model, wrapping up their work of exploring how a variety of MB-related organizations can work more closely together. (See vimeo.com/257145206.) “The model puts the provinces at the centre of it all,” says Enns. “The national role is to collaborate across provinces but not offer programs.”

Local task force members will be present at provincial conventions to present the task force recommendations, answer questions.

This information dispersal and gathering will likely be followed by a public conference-call “question and answer” session before a revised proposal is brought to Gathering 2018 in July, says CCMBC executive director Steve Berg.

How the Board of Faith and Life, which also met in early February, will relate to the Executive Board under the collaborative model is still being worked out. In the new structure, “the BFL is critically important,” says Enns; “it will have a heightened importance.”

The task force recommendations reflect trends revealed in the MB survey, conducted in December. Presented by CCMBC director of transitional support J.P. Hayashida, the survey results are available here. A breakout session at Gathering 2018 will offer attendees the opportunity to examine and interpret the results.

The Executive Board appointed Karen West, Howie Wall, David MacLean, and Steve Berg to guide the search process to hire a national staff leader when the interim executive director’s term ends in July.

Executive director Steve Berg, ICOMB executive director David Wiebe, and BFL representative Laurence Hiebert were affirmed to represent the Canadian conference at the triennial Mennonite World Conference General Council meetings in Kenya in April 2018.

And the miracle? Berg had been suffering from vertigo for months, a strangely fitting metaphor for the “off-balance” feeling in this time of change for Canadian MB churches. As the board stood and sang the doxology to close the meetings, Berg found himself able to stand without aid, and sing through a throat raspy from medication.

Marvelling at the release of healing during a moment of worship, Enns says: “That’s what capped it off: Steve walking around the room, praising God.”

[ Karla Braun Read more mennonitebrethren.ca/news/2017-national-survey-results

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[CONFERENCE NEWS

Creating theological centre, consistency, and community Despite structural uncertainties ahead, the Board of Faith and Life is running full steam ahead under its mandate of providing spiritual watch care over the theology of Canadian Mennonite Brethren churches at their meetings Feb. 9–10, 2018.

Beginning with Article 8 on baptism – an issue that has seen diverging practices in local MB churches over the past 20 years – the BFL is beginning a review process on the Confession of Faith (1999). “Initially, the intention was to review only the commentary and pastoral application sections of the Confession,” says chair Ingrid Reichard, “but we will look at the wording of the articles as well. The goal is to ensure the phrasing is clear and speaks to the issues of today.”

An action team was struck to propose a process that includes constituent participation, to be presented at Gathering 2018.

has served for eight years including in the roles of vice-chair and chair. (See chart below for board openings.)

The BFL also had a conversation about what faithfulness to the Confession of Faith looks like in a congregation and how provincial bodies can continue to “do good pastoral with the churches” to identify those markers.

Evaluations of the recent EQUIP Study Conference were positive, with 90 percent ratings in the good or excellent category. The next study conference (October 2019), in Ontario, is slated to examine Mennonite Brethren approaches to application of Scripture in our context (hermeneutics). More extended “onramping and off-ramping” will be encouraged, including more events and mediums for continued engagement with the study conference materials in local contexts.

Due to a coincidence of location, the BFL shared a lunch and brief presentation with the ICOMB executive who were also meeting to plan structural changes for the future. “It was great to see that God is moving everywhere,” says Reichard. “We have this common passion to bring people in relationship with God and grow them up to be solid followers of Jesus.”

[ Karla Braun

“We’re looking forward to reinvigorated conversation around the Confession of Faith which is quite a remarkable document,” says Reichard. “We want to make the Confession of Faith living and relevant because it is constantly under conversation.”

BFL members Paul Loewen

interim vice-chair Alberta

After Baptism, the next articles for consideration are likely Article 5 on Salvation and 13 on Love and Nonresistance. (See page 14 for the BFL’s column on the Confession of Faith.)

Rob Thiessen

secretary & provincial B.C. conference minister

Laurence Hiebert

provincial representative Alberta

Ingrid Reichard

chair Ontario

Gerald Dyck

provincial conference minister Manitoba

Christine Longhurst

provincial representative Manitoba

Reviewing the collaborative model, the One Mission Partnership Task Force presented to the Executive Board, the BFL “affirmed that it should facilitate increased nationalprovincial collaboration and communication, provide greater clarity in who is providing services to churches, and is more church and province driven than executive driven,” says Reichard. “The BFL is encouraged in observing the desire of the executive to patiently communicate the collaborative model at provincial levels and to listen carefully to the feedback.”

Ed Willms

provincial conference minister/ Ontario executive director

David Miller

provincial representative Quebec

Phil Gunther

provincial conference minister/ Saskatchewan director of ministry

Ben Kramer

provincial representative Saskatchewan

Robyn Serez

member-at-large Ontario

Andrew Dyck

MB Seminary appointee

Awaiting appointment

C2C/ MB Mission appointee

Considering that the new model anticipates a heightened role for the BFL in creating a theological centre, consistency, and community, the members examined their deliverables over the next two years to evaluate which voices and expertise are missing around the table to address the needs of the new structure.

Awaiting appointment

provincial representative B.C.

Awaiting appointment

provincial representative Atlantic Canada

Awaiting appointment

provincial representative Ontario

Collaborative model

“I hope the BFL will move to more of a strategically oriented model so we can support the Canadian MB family well,” says Reichard. “We would love for people to pray for the BFL that God would give the right people, energies, clarity, and direction to accomplish all that is on our plate.”

At this meeting, the BFL said goodbye to Brian Cooper, who 18

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Awaiting appointment member-at-large

Read more See also mbherald.com/bfl for reflection on each article of the Confession of Faith.

[CONFERENCE NEWS

Report on CCMBC Legacy Fund Inc. On January 1, 2018, CCMBC Legacy Fund Inc. (Legacy) commenced operations to provide support to CCMBC, MB churches, and MB pastors. This is the Resourcing Ministry service of CCMBC, one of the four core ministries that CCMBC has committed to provide. In addition, Legacy will also be responsible for the majority of the administration functions for the Canadian conference.

The first phase of this transition included the establishment of a new general ledger, new bank accounts, and the transition to Legacy of all CCMBC support staff in finance, information technology, infrastructure management, and administration of the mortgage ministry provided to MB churches and active MB pastors. The CCMBC Communications team remains as part of the CCMBC operations. This team supports provincial conferences and national MB boards and events. The executive director, executive assistant, and Centre for MB Studies director round out the staff team continuing under CCMBC. The structure that is now operational is aligned with the budgets presented at the 2017 AGM and passed by the delegates.

Effective January 1, 2018, Bertha Dyck assumed the role as Chief Financial Officer of Legacy. In this role, she provides financial oversight to CCMBC operations. Churches, pastors, staff, and MB members should not see any difference in how the support services are being delivered.

The second phase of this transition will be the legal transfer of the assets and liabilities that were previously part of the Stewardship operations of CCMBC. The Legacy Board recommended that the CCMBC Executive Board approve the assignment of these assets from CCMBC to Legacy. This motion was approved by the CCMBC Executive Board in December 2017. Our staff is now working with our auditors KPMG and with legal counsel Filmore Riley to finalize the valuation and legal documentation to finalize these transfers.

In early February 2018, we were advised by the Ontario Securities Commission and The Manitoba Securities Commission that our application for exemption from the requirement to file a prospectus and register as a dealer of securities was denied. Our application was based on CCMBC and Legacy being not-forprofit, charitable entities that were not in the business of trading or advising in securities. The commissions did not accept our interpretation of the exemptions, citing that the exemption from the requirement to file a prospectus was not intended to be used at the magnitude of our programs, and citing also that in the commissions’ view, CCMBC and/or Legacy would likely be considered to be in the business of trading in securities.

Although this was disappointing, the commissions provided us with alternatives that we could evaluate and determine the next steps forward. All the alternatives would lead to full compliance with all securities commissions in Canada.

In addition, we have been advised that we should curtail the acceptance of deposits for both the registered and nonregistered deposits until we have been brought into full compliance with applicable securities laws. Requests for withdrawals will continue to be acted upon.

The Legacy Board recommended that we now proceed with an evaluation of the registration alternatives available to us.

This has been approved by the CCMBC Executive Board. We are now working with our financial, legal, and investment consultants to re-evaluate the alternatives and make a decision as to the issuer model and the mortgage and investment models and to determine whether we will make further applications with the securities commissions. It will be important for Legacy to clearly understand what the costs and benefits are for each of these alternatives.

We are committed to the principle that Legacy be fully compliant with all applicable securities commissions and other applicable laws associated with its ministry operations. We are also committed to supporting the Resourcing Ministry service of CCMBC. Respectfully,

Jim Davidson Legacy CEO

Mennonite Brethren Herald  | Spring 2018

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[VIEWPOINT

#ChurchToo: Refusing to shy away from the reality of professional sexual misconduct Scan the news headlines from 2017 and 2018, and you’ll see something unprecedented: story after story about sexual misconduct and abuse. Prominent figures – political leaders, entertainment moguls, media personalities – are being called out, as people come forward with disturbing accounts of sexual violence and abuse of power. What’s truly surprising is the way the moral landscape is shifting. In the age of #MeToo, disclosures are being highlighted rather than hushed up.

Repercussions are landing, swift and hard, on those accused.

As Christians, it’s tempting to watch this evil come to light and believe it to be confined to the rich, famous, and powerful. But that’s clearly misguided. One of the most painful elements of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s work has been listening to the horrendous stories of sexual abuse the survivors of residential schools experienced at the hands of church workers.

Even today, you need only type “#ChurchToo” into Twitter to see a long list of personal accounts from those who have been victims of sexual misconduct within local ministry settings.

But not in our church. That would never happen within our community. Many of us, perhaps, engage in this kind of wishful thinking. And we are wrong to do so.

Twenty-five years ago, the idea that professional sexual misconduct could happen on the campus of Columbia Bible College was unthinkable. A small community devoted to discipleship and ministry-training, led by such godly faculty and staff? Not possible.

But in the summer of 1991, women began to come forward. They revealed that well-respected faculty member Murray Phillips had victimized them sexually over years. An ensuing investigation revealed that at least nine women had been lured into sexual relationships with Phillips, the majority of them Columbia students.

Given the power differential between a professor and his students, this was professional sexual misconduct. Carol Penner, professor at Conrad Grebel University College, describes the reality well: “It is a violation of the role (to protect and care), it is a misuse of God-given power and authority, it is taking advantage of vulnerability, and there is an absence of meaningful consent to sexual contact” (Direction Fall 2016).

Why bring up this painful history now?

We do so for three important reasons.

First, because we have been asked to.

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Brave victims and their advocates approached us with a request that we own our history. Under the watch of a college entrusted with the Christian nurture of students, the actions of one powerful and charismatic individual impacted young lives in deeply harmful ways. That’s painful, but critical to acknowledge.

Also painful to remember is the initial response on the part of college and conference leadership. We need to recognize it was a different time, when leaders had far fewer resources for dealing with a crisis of this nature. But with 25 years of perspective, it is also possible to recognize mistakes that caused more pain and delayed healing.

We are not willing to ignore this invitation to confront our past, from those whose lives were forever altered.

A second reason for unearthing this difficult issue is the number of lessons we can learn.

What could we have done differently? How could we have made Columbia Bible College a safer place? What responses would best promote healing and justice?

We’re determined that professional sexual misconduct will never happen on our campus again. Over time, it is easy to forget the past and become complacent. So we look back, and ask ourselves hard questions, with the hope they’ll lead to a better future.

Finally, we bring up the issue of addressing professional sexual misconduct because it’s time. Our highly sexualized society has begun to grapple with questions of abuse, power, and sexual violence.

Many onlookers have noted that this is a time of reckoning.

As Mennonite Brethren, we have largely stayed out of the current conversation. However, the church should be out ahead on the issue of sexual misconduct, and not lagging behind. As disciples of Jesus, we’re called to invite people into transformed, redemptive communities. This means doing everything in our power to make sure people are safe from sexual misconduct within our church and ministry settings, and learning how to respond faithfully and well when we encounter people who disclose that they have been harmed.

There is much to learn. This May, Columbia Bible College will host #ChurchToo, a conference on responding to professional sexual misconduct. We’re delighted that Carol Penner, David Martin, Magi Cooper, and Elsie Goerzen have agreed to share their expertise in plenary sessions and workshops.

We invite ministry leaders, pastors, and anyone with a concern for this difficult topic to join us at the event for a time of learning together.

[ Bryan Born is president of Columbia Bible College.

Full details and registration for #ChurchToo are available at www.columbiabc.edu/ChurchToo.

[NEWS tuition in fall so the student can volunteer all summer. What a message for the church to give, he says, that “people are willing to invest in people, not just bricks and mortar.”

Inter-Mennonite unity is another rung on MDS’s metaphorical service ladder. At the beginning of a project, participants from different groups stick to their own; by the end of the week, there are hugs and tears all around.

MDS volunteers rebuild a home in Puerto Rico.

Faith expressed in actions Head and heart at work with MDS Why are you doing this?

“Faith expressing itself in love.”

Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) responds to natural disasters by sending volunteer groups who clean up, repair, and rebuild homes, and in the process, it proclaims the hope of the gospel – not only through actions, but in words.

Homeowners who lack the resources to recover from a natural disaster often turn to the mixed group of Mennonites from around the continent – from trendy MBs to plain-dressing Conservative Mennonites who are spending their vacation time rebuilding a home – and ask the question that quickens an evangelist’s heart: Why? At the MDS All-Unit Meeting (annual general meeting) in Winkler, Man., Feb. 9–10, 2018, volunteers exhorted each other with stories of working hard, sharing together, and watering the seeds of hope.

When disaster strikes somewhere in North America, MDS executive director Kevin King can expect a call: Are you the Mennonites?

“Yes, this is MDS. We’ll send a crew in tomorrow.”

A culture of service King says service changed his life. He was going to be a farmer, but an opportunity to teach agriculture overseas planted a desire to serve that led him to MCC for 20 years and Mennonite Disaster Service for the past 14.

At 2017’s convention, King cast a vision to call the young adults in church today to a period of service. “Why do Mormons have all the fun?” he says, referring to the period of evangelism service expected in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Mennonite Disaster Service is one agency among many that can “provide sufficient rungs to get on the ladder and discover the joy of service,” he says.

He encourages local congregations to discern one or two young adults each year in whom to invest – perhaps helping pay

PHOTO COURTESY PAUL HUNT

Homeowners observe: “[MDS volunteers] come as strangers, but leave as friends.”

Rebuilding homes and hearts The building work of MDS includes churches. Just as MDS volunteers surround devastated homeowners with not only walls and a roof but a covering of love, care, and connection to build a home, so the volunteers have also watered churches.

Demonstrating a community of care and unity on the job site, they give agnostics or unbelievers a reason to try church.

The work of rebuilding after disasters is hard – not only physically but emotionally.

A workshop at the AUM explored trauma, urging volunteers to understand it and show compassion for those experiencing it – whether the homeowners or volunteers who take on the wounds of others through caring.

Shift your perspective from thinking “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” said therapist and trainer John Koop Harder. Trauma work requires curiosity, compassion, and connections.

Plenary speaker Cindy Klassen, six-time Winter Olympic medallist and graduate of MBCI, inspired the morning gathering with her journey of setbacks, struggles, disappointments…and success. Store your treasures in heaven, not on earth (Matthew 6:19–21), she said, as she urged the volunteers to serve God willingly with their talents.

Romans 8:28 does not mean that all things are good, but that God will, in time, work through all things to find something good, Klassen said.

Winds of the Spirit “We learn to look for God in small things,” said one volunteer.

Over repeated service, she has seen how small things can be God’s answer to prayer for someone else. “Nothing is circumstances.”

Volunteers report they go home refreshed in spirit, re-grounded in a sense of what is important, blessed to have been a blessing.

Asked for his message to the Mennonite Brethren as partners in the inter-Mennonite organization, King says: “Come walk with us more; show us your passion for evangelism while we share with you our pleasure of swinging a hammer, and let’s see what happens.”

“Let the winds of the Spirit move,” King says, “and, boy, do they!”

[ Karla Braun Mennonite Brethren Herald | Spring 2018

21

[NEWS

MBCM revisions as “switchboard” of leadership development

Janelle Braun “We hope people see leadership development as not just for those who will be pastors, but for all Christian leaders,” says Janelle Braun, Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba leadership development coordinator.

“We all have the capacity for influence.”

With the closure of L2L (the Canadian MB conference’s leadership development arm), MBCM is looking more closely at the big picture of how to resource a wide range of leaders: intercultural ministers, lay leaders, new pastors, and youth.

The consensus, within MBCM and without, was to collaborate with existing programs such as MB Mission’s TREK program, MB Seminary’s MinistryLift, Steinbach Bible College’s online courses, and Canadian Mennonite University’s Centre for Faith and Life.

“We’re acting as a switchboard of resources,” says Braun of MBCM’s role.

When she asked leaders, What is leadership development to you, how is it being done, and how should it be done?

“No one had the same answer!”

So Braun prayed, Lord, what am I hearing?

What are the common themes? Some repeating needs emerged: Bible knowledge, mission equipping, personal spirituality, community building and discipleship, and practical skills. These became the core

curricular values for MBCM’s leadership development platform.

Where there are gaps in available resources (for example, some materials from the U.S. don’t translate well into the Canadian MB context), MBCM will develop resources internally and promote other resources in partnership with MB schools, says Braun, “to broaden our scope of how we can develop leaders and re-engage the church in that capacity.”

MBCM executive director Elton DaSilva has already recorded a video series on “what makes a biblical leader,” and Braun is writing a training course for Christian mentors.

Stretching and supporting One young leader impacted by MBCM’s leadership development is Stefan Klassen.

“After my undergrad degree, I felt discouraged and not very well equipped for church leadership,” says

Embedded in the church For the past 10 years, MBCM partnered with the School of Leadership. However, in 2017, SOL’s board discerned that MBCM’s reach would be greater “if we embedded the ownership of developing leaders back into the church,” says Braun.

She points to the pattern of youth leaving the church. Sometimes youth don’t find their way back to their church after a Bible school or mission program “when the congregation hasn’t remained part of their discipleship experience,” she says.

MBCM wants to encourage and support church communities as they intentionally commission youth on that journey.

Not another program Before she put anything to paper, Braun met with pastors. One resounding message was Don’t just create another program.

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Spring 2018 | mbherald.com

PHOTO COURTESY CARSON SAMSON

Certified and flexible MBCM’s charter includes the right to grant provincially accredited degrees.

While not on the same level as university credits, MBCM’s certification allows leaders to receive acknowledgement for the training they earn outside an academic institution. MBCM’s church relationship management system enables leaders to track their training over the long term.

Stefan Klassen Klassen. MBCM approached him about a partnership.

“Through Elevation, I have the chance to earn an MA in Christian ministry at MB Seminary while doing youth ministry at Crossroad MB Church (Winnipeg).”

Klassen finds himself “learning and leading at the same time: stretched within a framework that is supportive.”

“I have been profoundly blessed by MBCM,” says Klassen. “My goal is to translate this equipping I have received into a lifetime of blessing the church and inviting others in.”

MBCM won’t take over the function of educational institutions, says Braun. “But for those who aren’t going to pursue a postsecondary degree or who aren’t ready to do that now, this will meet a need.”

In this “switchboard” function, MBCM can hold to their core leadership values, but use diverse means for equipping. “We could sit down with any of our leaders and ask, What mission experiences have you had? What prayer models have you practised? How can we validate what you’ve done and help you discover what may be missing?” says Braun.

Certification could be completed at the individual’s pace and in a variety of ways. For example, to understand MB theology, a leader could choose to attend Pastors Credentialing Orientation, audit a course at CMU, or fill out a workbook customized by MBCM. “We want to think big! Collaborating helps us do that,” says Braun.

“MBCM is walking forward with a posture of openness,” says Braun.

“As people come, this leadership development platform will evolve.

We hold to the why of doing it: if it’s meeting our goal of equipping Christian leaders, then we’re happy.”

[ Angeline Schellenberg Read more Bursaries for young leaders to attend Assembly mbherald.com/wanted-young-leaders

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Mennonite Brethren Herald | Spring 2018

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[NEWS BFL announces Revised Canadian Edition of Family Matters How many books would you need to read to get a handle on the Mennonite Brethren family in Canada?

The answer is one: the 115-page Revised Canadian Edition of Family Matters: Discovering the Mennonite Brethren, released in December 2017 by Kindred Productions.

“I believe that this story of people’s faithful and flawed responses to the Spirit can inspire Mennonite Brethren – and others – to follow Jesus in many different contexts,” says Board of Faith and Life member Andrew Dyck.

Because the Canadian MB family has undergone significant restructuring since Family Matters first appeared in 2002, the BFL saw the need for a revised edition that focuses on Canadian realities.

Preserving the historical overview in Lynn Jost and Connie Faber’s original book, this edition features current statistics and stories from Canadian MB and inter-Mennonite partners.

Required reading for all pastors being credentialed in the Canadian MB church, Family Matters “highlights the faith convictions and historical roots of the Mennonite Brethren, our current ministries in Canada, and our relationships with Mennonite Brethren and other Mennonites around the world,” says Dyck. “Stories in every chapter bring the content to life.”

A rewritten chapter on the international MB family by ICOMB executive director David Wiebe outlines the strengths and challenges of MB conferences in every region around the globe.

MB Mission staff Vic Wiens (editor of The Church in Mission), Al Stobbe, Connie Peters, and Viv Johnstone updated the chapter on global mission to include new examples of mission “from everywhere, to everywhere,” such as Panamanians partnering with Colombians to evangelize, disciple, and plant churches among the unreached Wounaan people in Chocó, Colombia.

MCC and Mennonite World Conference staff helped revise the “Inter-Mennonite

Connections” chapter, which also highlights stories from recent Mennonite Disaster Service projects and the latest research on the conscientious objector experience by Conrad Stoesz of the Mennonite Heritage Archives (Winnipeg).

Anecdotes from American cities in the 1990s were replaced with testimonies from Canadians like South Langley pastor Dave Navarro and ETEQ staff member Véronique Beaudin, and church planting stories from Vancouver. Provincial MB conferences and MB colleges submitted their current numbers and latest programs.

The BFL has a dream of translating Family Matters into French and Chinese, if the financial resources permit. “We would like to ensure as many Mennonite Brethren in Canada as possible can read this book,” says Dyck.

[ Angeline Schellenberg Family Matters is available for $15 at kindredproductions.com/ product/family-matters.

“We are grateful to Lynn and Connie for their great work and for permission to revise their text,” says Dyck.

Family Matters has become a living book: small, on-demand print runs allow for regular changes to the text. In particular, a newly added chapter outlining the ministry model of the Canadian MB conference will be updated every year or two as the conference structures – and faces – change.

A committee, made up of Dyck, Jon Isaak from the Centre for MB Studies, and Elenore Doerksen and Angeline Schellenberg from CCMBC’s Communications team, oversaw the project that spanned 14 months and drew in contributors from across the country.

University

Truly Canadian “Newcomers to the Mennonite Brethren and long-standing Mennonite Brethren will both benefit from this book,” says Dyck.

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

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Congo orphanage and FPU student receive Historical Commission grants The Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission announces the award of two archival grants: the 2017 infrastructure grant and the 2018 summer internship.

Mama Makeka House of Hope was awarded a $2,000 archival infrastructure Pakisa Tshimika and Heritier grant to Funga in front of Mama outfit the Makeka House of Hope newlyconstructed library/archives room at the Mazala Center for Professional Resourcing in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. The money is earmarked for a scanner, computer, printer, video recorder, hard drive, and archival storage boxes and supplies.

The Mazala Center is a resource hub, promoting education, peacebuilding, healthcare, and research, particularly in the Great Lakes Region of Africa.

The infrastructure grant will provide the tools needed to preserve, describe, and make accessible historical records relating to the development of Congolese Mennonite churches.

Emma Sorensen is the summer archival intern for 2018. The selection committee chose Sorensen from several strong candidates from universities and colleges in the U.S. and Canada.

As a summer intern, Emma will spend a total of five weeks visiting each of the MB archival centers in North America (Fresno, Cal.; Hillsboro, Kan.; Winnipeg, and Abbotsford, B.C.) during May and June 2018. In addition to discovering the unique character of each of these Mennonite archives, she will explore the stories and images housed in them.

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

Emma’s focus interests are Mennonite relief and development initiatives and migration patterns – the theological promptings that shaped them initially, the ways they have changed over time, and the prospects for shaping Mennonite communities of faith today.

A third-year history student at Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, Cal., Emma’s home congregation is the Rosedale Bible Church (MB), Bakersfield, Cal. The internship comes with a stipend of $2,000.

Both awards demonstrate the Commission’s commitment to document and communicate the Mennonite Brethren story of God’s work in our world, and are made possible with support from US and Canadian Mennonite Brethren Churches.

[ Jon Isaak is Historical Commission

secretary and director of the Centre for MB Studies, Winnipeg.

mbherald.com/category/news

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

Visit our website to discover additional online stories, updates from agency partners and churches – and more.

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

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

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

www.eteq.ca

PHOTOS COURTESY CENTRE FOR MB STUDIES

In parternship with

Mennonite Brethren Herald | Spring 2018

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[CHURCH FAMILY NEWS

Transitions Hellos Ryan van Kuik TITLE: lead pastor, Nechako Community Church, Vanderhoof, B.C. START: Jan. 15, 2018 EDUCATION: BA in Biblical and theological studies; Prairie Bible College, Three Hills, Alta.

PREVIOUS MINISTRY: ordained by the Christian & Missionary Alliance; Bethel Fellowship Church (C&MA), Three Hills, Alta. (2000– 2010); Boundary Community Church (MB), Midway, B.C. (2013–2017) FAMILY: Juanita; daughters Marijka, Analia

Athanase Chiruza TITLE: lead pastor, Mission Pentecostal Church, Regina – a partner with Parliament Community Church START: Jan. 7, 2018 (began at Mission Pentecostal in 2015) EDUCATION: Institut Biblique Panzi, Pentecostal Assemblies of God Bible College, Bukavu, DRC PREVIOUS MINISTRY: Church planter, pastor, bishop in DR Congo, Tanzania, Zambia FAMILY: Beata; 5 children

Willy Reimer TITLE: pastor of discipleship ministries, Willingdon Church, Burnaby, B.C. START: June 2017 EDUCATION: MDiv, MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Cal. PREVIOUS MINISTRY: CCMBC executive director, 2011–2017; founding pastor, SunWest Christian Fellowship (1996–2012) FAMILY: Gwen; 3 adult sons ON MINISTRY: I love having a front-row seat to life transformation. I am also very excited to see the next generations fall in love with Jesus and serve him with their lives.

Community News Marc Bergen has been appointed MEI Secondary School vice-principal, Aug. 1, 2018.

Prior to coming to MEI as a teacher in 2016, Marc worked at a group of Christian private schools in Indonesia (2014–2016). Marc has an MEd in educational leadership from Concordia University in Portland, Ore.

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Goodbyes David Wiebe, executive director, ICOMB, 2011–2018 The board of House Blend Ministries decided to close the ministry in fall 2017.

Begun in 2007 as a vision of prayer to respond to people in poverty and marginalization in the core area of Winnipeg, the ministry led by Rachel Twigg Boyce of fostering compassionate community developed a regular weekly prayer gathering attended by a diverse group of people in the West Broadway neighbourhood and beyond. “As House Blend closes, we recognize that the material, spiritual and relational needs of people in the community are ongoing,” says board chair Dan Nighswander. “We encourage the church to continue seeking ways to respond faithfully to God’s passion for the least of these and to the second commandment, to love our neighbours as ourselves.”

Westview Christian Fellowship, St. Catharines, Ont., began services in 1988 as an outreach of Grantham MB Church.

The church started a ministry to women of Queenston Heights in 2007. In 2017, the congregation withdrew from the Ontario Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches and was accepted in Mennonite Church Eastern Canada.

Changes in Quebec: The Association des Églises des frères mennonites du Québec (AEFMQ – Quebec MB conference) welcomes long-time pastor, C2C mobilizer, and leadership development liaison with L2L Alain Després to a part-time role as provincial coordinator in 2018, supported in part by provincial conferences. This position brings together some of the usual functions of a conference minister as well as some of the other functions of an Executive Director. Danielle

Lajeunesse

continues to produce Le Lien as a quarterly magazine in French for the MB constituency. However, Le Lien will be offered as a downloadable PDF only in 2018. Lajeunesse began serving AEFMQ with continuing education in 2011 at the 50th anniversary of the AEFQM, and as Le Lien editor in 2014.

Want to learn more? Who else is new? Go to mbherald.com/transitions-spring-2018

Church Staff Associate pastor Leamington (Ont.) United Mennonite Church, an active congregation in southwestern Ontario, is looking for an individual to join our existing pastoral team as a full-time associate pastor. The focus for this associate pastor will include primary responsibilities for youth ministry with further duties adapted to complement the 3 continuing team members and regard the candidates gifts and sense of calling. The candidate will share the congregation’s strong Anabaptist theology and growing community initiatives.

Weekly attendance averages about 225 in the multi-generational worship service with an additional 100 or more participating through remote TV in the local Mennonite Home & Apartments. Flexible starting time during 2018. Compensation according to MC Canada pastoral salary guidelines. This position is unique in that the successful candidate will join a team of more senior associate pastors. Contact: Erwin Tiessen, Search Committee, 519-733-9940, etiessen@cogeco.ca.

Associate pastor Lakeview Community Church (Killarney, Man.) is seeking applicants for the position of associate pastor with an emphasis in youth and family ministry. Lakeview Community Church is a multi-generational Mennonite Brethren church with a weekly attendance of 140. The successful candidate will work closely with the lead pastor to cover other areas of ministry such as pastoral counselling, pastoral care, missions and evangelism, preaching and administration. Our church is looking for an individual who is passionate about youth and family ministry, willing to build mentoring relationships, and excited about opportunities to engage both within the church and the community as a whole.

To apply, please send cover letter, resume and a brief philosophy of ministry to apsearch.lvcc@gmail.com.

BIRTHS Bergen – to Dorian & Bethany (Nelms) of Griffin, Ga., a son, Jack Coen, Dec. 2, 2017.

Bergen – to Stefan & Letitia (Warin) of Israel, a son, Ethan Asher, Oct. 23, 2017.

Braun – to Brandon & Alysha (Giesbrecht) of Charlie Lake, B.C., a son, Nixon Chadwick, Oct. 26, 2017.

Cleland – to Jon & Laura of Kitchener, Ont., a daughter, Anna Ruth, Jan. 13, 2018.

Donszelmann – to Darren & Linda (Fehr) of Charlie Lake, B.C., a son, Marcus Carl, Nov. 3, 2017.

Dueck – to Denis & Simone (Kroeger) of Abbotsford, B.C., a daughter, Katie Grace, Nov. 9, 2017.

Dyck – to Shawn & Katelyn (Bergen) of Warman, Sask., a son, Logan Jake, Sept. 20, 2017.

Elia – to Leitu & Chelsey of Dalmeny, Sask., a son, Gabriel Stanley Phillip, Sept. 8, 2017.

Enns – to Brayden & Sarah (Foster) of Saskatoon, a son, Beckett Jon Wilfred, Nov. 20, 2017.

Linford – to Justin & Tanysha (Turner) of Fort St. John, B.C., a daughter, Taijah Ray, Sept. 21, 2017.

Miller – to Kyle & Sarah of Calgary, a daughter, Avonlea Maitea Faith, Nov. 21, 2017.

Molnar – to Darren & Heather (Barr) of Saskatoon, a daughter, Violet Joy, Feb. 5, 2018.

Ocampos – to David & Fidelia (Harder) of Abbotsford, B.C., a son, Gabriel Nathan, Aug. 29, 2017.

Penner – to Dennis & Justine of Abbotsford, B.C., a son, Ridley Jackson, Nov. 6, 2017.

Pogue – to Lawrence & Jasmine (Fitzpatrick) of Saskatoon, a son, Revy David, Nov. 30, 2017.

Rempel – to Jason & Amanda (Linford) of Borden, Sask., a daughter, Kaci Rae, Sept. 21, 2017.

Schulz – to René & Ingrid (Fast) of Steinbach, Man., a son, Jonathan Michael, Jan. 7, 2018.

Turner – to Shawn & Joey (Petlikau) of Warman, Sask., a daughter, Olivia Rose, July 27, 2017.

Warkentin – to Adrian & Jolene (Wall) of Germany, a son, Niklas Josia, Oct. 28, 2017.

White – to Kyle & Amanda of Killarney, Man., a daughter, Maggie Alexandra, Jan. 10, 2018.

Executive board seeks nominations In preparation for Gathering 2018, CCMBC is seeking candidates for several vacant positions on the Executive Board. A full description of a volunteer board profile and description are available on request along with the application and reference forms required. If you are a believing, baptized member of a Canadian MB Church with the interest and commitment to listening, wanting to understand what God is saying to our Canadian MB family and working toward unity of the body, you are encouraged to make your interest known by providing your name and church to Marilyn Hiebert, Chair of CCMBC Nominating Committee, at mghiebert@gmail.com, and to your Provincial Moderator or designate on the Executive Board.

Positions to be voted in at Gathering 2018:

Assistant Moderator: 2-year term Secretary: 2-year term Member-at-large: 4-year term Member-at-large, Legacy: 4-year term

PCO 2018 Pastors Credentialing Orientation

May 22-24, 2018 Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C.

Registration open until April 30 at pco.mennonitebrethren.ca visit: pco.mennonitebrethren.ca email: events@mbchurches.ca

Mennonite Brethren Herald | Spring 2018

27

FINISH LINES Leona Esther Sawatsky Mar. 15, 1924–Oct. 10, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Hepburn, Sask.

PARENTS David H. & Annie (Ewert) Warkentin MARRIAGE Abram J. Sawatsky, June 4, 1944 [d. Aug. 5, 1966] BAPTISM South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB, 1940 CHURCH County Line Baptist, Aldergrove, B.C.; West Portal

MB, Saskatoon; Kelowna (B.C.) MB; Bethesda MB, Huron, S.D.; Bakerview MB, Abbotsford, B.C.; Fraserview MB, Richmond, B.C. FAMILY children Ken, Marlene Sawatsky Hohm, Dan, Sharon Schermbrucker, Dorothy, David, Ron; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings

A sermon series by J.B. Toews at South Abbotsford MB Church led 14-year-old Leona to realize she needed forgiveness and peace.

She began Bible studies in 1942–43 at Elim Bible Institute, Yarrow, B.C., where she met Abe. The next year, she attended Prairie Bible Institute, Three Hills, Alta. Leona and Abe studied at MB Bible College, Winnipeg, then served together some 20 years in Aldergrove, B.C.; Saskatoon; Kelowna, B.C.; and Huron, S.D. Shortly after the family returned to Canada for Abe’s cancer treatments, he died when Leona was 42. Carried by faith, Leona raised the 6 children still at home. With God as her strength, she grew in independence and determination. Leona worked at Columbia Junior College and Block Brothers Realty, Vancouver, where she found joy and respect.

The Sawatsky family supported her. At Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, B.C., Leona served as deacon, choir member, and Sunday school volunteer. She travelled Indonesia, Austria, Israel, Russia, and Italy.

In 2001, Leona published a memoir, Close to the Earth. She lived at Maplewood Senior Care Society, Abbotsford, B.C., 2013–17. Leona modelled devotion to God and family. She biked Stanley Park with her grandchildren.

They saw her march for peace and, by learning to swim, conquer fear. Leona endured memory loss with amazing grace.

Margaret Evelyn Enns Dec. 31, 1922–Nov. 2, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Karaguy, Orenburg, Russia PARENTS Gerhard & Katharina Reimer MARRIAGE John Enns, 1949 [d.1994] CHURCH Coaldale (Alta.) MB FAMILY children Bill (Marlene), Janice (Wayne), Linda (Lyse);

5 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren

At 3, Margaret immigrated to Canada with her family. They lived in southern Saskatchewan, then moved to Fairholme, Sask., to homestead with her dad’s brother. Both families later

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settled in Coaldale, Alta. In her youth, Margaret dedicated her life to Jesus, and this relationship sustained her. Margaret and John were a great team. She loved her grandchildren as much as she loved her children, and that love flowed back to her. Margaret and John travelled to the U.S., the Caribbean, Australia, and New Zealand. They enjoyed playing board and card games. When John died, Margaret lost her best friend, but she courageously carried on. For 10 tax seasons, she enjoyed working alongside her son Bill at his accounting firm. She continued to find adventure in Europe, California, and B.C. with her daughter Linda. Her nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren were cherished. In her last year, Margaret moved to her daughter Janice’s Saskatchewan farm. Margaret was her family’s cheerleader.

Susie Alice (Giesbrecht) Derksen Dec. 6, 1916–Nov. 4, 2017 BIRTHPLACE Wohldemfuerst, Kuban, Russia PARENTS Peter P. Giesbrecht & Elisabeth Wittenberg Giesbrecht MARRIAGE Jacob (Jake) G. Derksen, 1938 [d. 1994] BAPTISM Yarrow (B.C.) MB, 1935 FAMILY children Jack (Jenny), Ed (Dianna), Caroline (Juan Vila), Susan (Alan DeLong); 8 grandchildren; 11 greatgrandchildren; 2 brothers

In a Russian village, Susie experienced war, revolution, and homelessness early in life. Her family’s flight from Russia started in 1924 when they immigrated to Mexico, and ended in 1928 when they settled in Yarrow, B.C. Susie and husband Jake made Yarrow their lifelong home. They both had entrepreneurial personalities and made their living in a variety of ways. They became raspberry farmers and landlords, active community volunteers and leaders. Since 2013, when Susie needed too much assistance to live on her own, she was cared for by Cascade Lodge staff and regularly visited by many family and friends. Susie and Jake lived vibrant, compassionate lives, which came to include 4 children, a foster son, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The seeds of love they planted in their offspring continue to grow in new generations. Theirs is a rich legacy of love, faith, and cooperation.

“To lend each other a hand when we’re falling…. Perhaps that’s the only work that matters in the end” (F. Buechner). Predeceased by 9 siblings, Susie was loved to the end by her 2 remaining brothers and many Giesbrecht nephews and nieces. Yarrow MB was Susie’s home church since 1928. After almost 101 years of courageous living, Susie died peacefully in Chilliwack, B.C. She was buried in Yarrow Cemetery, which she and others renovated after Jake died in 1994.

Susie Thiessen Dec. 30, 1916–Nov. 4, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Spat, Crimea, Ukraine PARENTS Peter & Elizabeth (Penner) Harder MARRIAGE David Thiessen, Mar. 27, 1942 BAPTISM Coaldale (Alta.) MB, Sept. 20, 1936 FAMILY David; children Victor, Verner, Edna Jane, Wanda (Bill)

Clarke; 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren

Susie immigrated to Canada with her parents and 9 siblings in 1925, settling in Coaldale, Alta. Susie loved farm life, especially watching her father feed the pigeons and chickens. She completed Grade 8. Susie memorized countless Scripture verses, which proved a comfort to her. She looked forward to quilting and sewing with the Coaldale MB ladies group.

After working in Calgary as a housemaid, she happily returned to the farm. Susie loved to sing. Susie and David were married 75 years.

Susie was a prayer warrior, praying her way through her family and the church directory.

She studied her Bible faithfully and listened to Christian radio with joy. After a stroke in her 70s, Susie became housebound. With David’s unfailing support, she persevered and moved forward, despite limited mobility. She was cared for at home until moving to Coaldale Health Care Centre in May 2017. Although her “new normal” was challenging, she embraced change with courage. Susie gave of herself, supporting many ministries, some for more than 60 years.

Expressing thankfulness to family, friends, and caregivers came naturally to her. Susie longed to be reunited with family members already celebrating in their heavenly home.

George Olfert Apr. 24, 1929–Nov. 24, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Rosengart, Man. PARENTS Heinrich & Margareta (Van Kampen) Olfert MARRIAGE Agatha Boldt, Sept. 25, 1953 CHURCH Elmwood MB, Winnipeg; First Baptist, Nanaimo, B.C. FAMILY Agatha; children Richard (Janice), Nancy, Timothy;

grandson Theodore

George grew up on a farm in McCreary, Man. After graduating from Winkler (Man.) High School in 1947, he started his teaching career on permit in Birch River, then completed normal school and taught in Lowe Farm, Winkler, Swan River, and Kronsgart. In summer 1953, he contracted polio, but fully recovered and married Agatha that fall. They moved to Winnipeg in 1957, where he worked in several schools. While teaching in the Fort Garry School Division, George completed his BA and BEd degrees. He was active at Elmwood MB Church, Winnipeg,

[FINISH LINES for a decade. His final career move was in 1967 to Nanaimo, B.C., where he taught at John Barsby Secondary until retiring in 1994. Music was the joy of his life. He conducted at Winkler Bible Institute, sang bass in the Gospel Light Hour Quartet for 15 years, and joined choirs wherever he went. After retiring, George became Agatha’s primary caregiver until he experienced his own health problems. He enjoyed going for drives, walking in the forest, birdwatching, and gardening in his yard in Crofton, B.C. A decade prior to his death, George and Agatha moved to Duncan, B.C., near their son Tim, who oversaw their medical needs. George’s last 3 years were spent in full care after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He died peacefully, receiving palliative care in his final week. George was a faithful servant of God, a loving husband, and a devoted family man.

William (Bill) Lepp Jan. 26, 1926–Nov. 29, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Gnadenthal, Man. PARENTS Johann & Emilie (Koop) Lepp MARRIAGE Agnes (Aggie) Sawatzky, Apr. 6, 1946 CHURCH Steinbach (Man.) MB FAMILY Aggie; children Harry, Irene (Barry) Bromley, Rudy

(Elfrieda), Art (Marjorie), Laura (Kerry) Stroupe, Ruth Brown, Herb (Rose); 20 grandchildren including Nancy Bromley [d.] , Cory Lepp [d.]; 27 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren

Growing up on the farm, Bill developed a strong work ethic at an early age. He started school in Osterwick, continued his education in Manitou, and completed Grade 8 in Purvis, Man. Bill moved to Winnipeg in 1944 to work for Canada Packers. He attended South End MB (now Portage Avenue), where he met Agnes. After their wedding, they returned to the Cartwright and Killarney area to farm for 25 years. Bill test-drove a career selling cars in Killarney. The family left the farm in 1971.

Bill managed a car wash and gas station until he became a manager at the Steinbach (Man.) Southeastern Agricultural Employment office in 1974. The family moved to Steinbach the following year. When the office closed, he retired at 70. Bill helped plan and build the Fernwood Place seniors complex and received a Community Recognition Award for his work on the board. He was involved in the Mitchell and Area Seniors Club. Together with Aggie, he enjoyed camping, wintering in Arizona, and visiting their children. When Aggie was unwell, Bill was dedicated to her care until she transitioned to personal care; he never left her side. They spent their last five months together at Rest Haven Nursing Home, Steinbach. Bill prayed daily for every member of his family.

He had a wacky sense of humour. He met every challenge with a positivity shaped by his unfailing faith in Jesus.

Eugene Schroeder Feb. 4, 1929–Nov. 30, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Sady, Poland PARENTS Edmund & Lydia (Guhr) Schroeder MARRIAGE Anne Thiessen, June 1, 1950 [d. Aug. 14, 2009] BAPTISM Philadelphia MB, Watrous, Sask., 1946 FAMILY children Norman (Carol), Lillian (Douglas) Berg, Wesley

(Dorothy), Gordon (Leona), Grace (Alan) Harstone; son-in-law Al Martin [d.]; 17 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings

Eugene’s family immigrated to Canada in 1930, settling near Drake, Sask. At age 2, he got lost and was found the next morning 2.5 miles from home. Eugene attended Wilmot School and helped on the farm. When the Schroeder family began attending Philadelphia MB Church, Watrous, Sask., Eugene and his parents were baptized the same day. Eugene studied 3 years at Dalmeny (Sask.) Bible School. He served Philadelphia MB as usher for 29 years, treasurer for 2, board member for 6. Anne moved to Watrous in 1948. Eugene and Anne married and settled near Eugene’s parents. Eugene farmed his entire working life. He and Anne enjoyed relating to customers of their egg business in Watrous. They moved to the old school yard in 1983. When Anne’s health deteriorated, Eugene moved to a rental suite in Watrous Lodge to be closer to her. His last years were at Mennonite Special Care Home, Warman, Sask.

Irmi Rachel Zukowski July 5, 1927–Dec. 7, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Tordtchin-Schitomir, Ukraine PARENTS Friedrich & Agatha Kitzmann MARRIAGE Siegbert Zukowski, Apr. 14, 1952 CHURCH King Road MB, Clearbrook Mennonite, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY children Henry (Sonja), Ronald, Gary, Agnes [d.], Anita [d]; 10 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild

Irmi’s first 5 years were pleasant, until her father was sent to a Siberian labour camp. Her family moved to Neuborn, Ukraine. When the Germans invaded Ukraine, Irmi’s father was released and reunited with his family. As WWII ended, the family moved to Germany, where Irmi experienced Jesus’ saving grace.

At her church’s youth group, she met Siegbert.

They immigrated to Canada, working on a sugar beet farm in Tabor, Alta. After harvest, Irmi and Siegbert moved to Vancouver. At Immanuel Baptist Church, Irmi taught Sunday school, girls’ club, and ladies’ group. She worked as a seamstress and German school teacher. In 1976, the family moved to Winnipeg to pastor for 3 years, followed by 6 years in Moosehorn, Man. Irmi ran a fabric store out of their basement, which became her outreach. After

Siegbert’s mother died, Irmi, Siegbert, and their daughter returned to Vancouver to look after his father. There, they pastored Pilgrim Baptist Church for 9 years. Irmi and Siegbert moved to Abbotsford, B.C., in 1995. At King Road MB Church, they were on the greeting committee 3 years, and Irmi led the Tabea Verein for 4.

Clearbrook Mennonite Church called Irmi and Siegbert to serve in 2005. Irmi enjoyed the fellowship of the seniors there for 9 years.

After a reoccurrence of pneumonia, Irmi died peacefully. Irmi will be remembered for her faithful walk with God, perseverance in trials and sickness, joyful laughter, and words of encouragement.

Heinz Klassen May 11, 1948–Dec. 17, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Gronau, Paraguay PARENTS Heinrich & Anni Klassen MARRIAGE Lois Enns, Aug. 21, 1970 BAPTISM Killarney Park MB, Vancouver CHURCH Arnold (B.C.) MB; Greendale MB, Chilliwack, B.C.;

Highland, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY Lois; children Anna (Ryan) Topping, Alexander; 8 grandchildren; his mother; 3 siblings

Heinz’s family immigrated to Canada in 1953, settling in Arnold, B.C.: paradise for a boy whose hero was Tom Sawyer. Heinz floated homemade rafts, terrorized chickens with bow and arrow, tobogganed down a barn roof. Bilingual Arnold MB Church welcomed them. Heinz ended bullying over his German background by throwing the ringleader into a ditch, then befriending him. In 1960, the family moved to Clearbrook, B.C. When they relocated to Vancouver in 1966, Heinz stayed with grandparents to finish Grade 12 in Abbotsford, where his friendship with Lois grew. During their courtship, Lois suggested Heinz seek answers in her Good News Bible; drawn in by the artwork, he embraced Christianity. Heinz and Lois settled in Yarrow, B.C., in 1977. Heinz studied at B.C. Institute of Technology, and completed a diploma in fine arts at Vancouver Community College (Langara) and a bachelor of fine arts at the Alberta College of Art and Design. He was a studio assistant at the Vancouver School of Art (now Emily Carr). In 1977, he planned to open a pottery studio in Yarrow, but shortly after moving there, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease.

Chemotherapy and radiation saved Heinz’s life but undermined his health. He worked as a plan checker in the MSA district, and building inspector at Mission and Surrey city halls. During 15 years of renewed strength, Heinz enjoyed running the Seattle half marathon, mountain biking, hiking. He delighted in his children and grandchildren. Heinz and Lois held a joint art show in 2017. He is remembered for his gentle kindness, creativity, loyalty, tenacity, humility, and wry humour.

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[FINISH LINES

Daniel Peter Koop Mar. 14, 1914–Dec. 26, 2017

BIRTHPLACE Halbstadt, Molotschna, Ukraine PARENTS Peter & Anna (Martens) Koop MARRIAGE Helen Falk, Oct. 13, 1935 [d. 1958]; Annie Janzen, Apr.

30, 1960 [d. 2014] BAPTISM Niverville, Man., age 17 CHURCH North Kildonan MB, McIvor Avenue MB, Winnipeg FAMILY children Irwin (Lillian), Eleanor (Wilhelm) Kaethler, Irene [d.] (Allan Labun), Werner (Agnes), Helen [d.] (John Dyck), Erica (Jake) Enns, Viola (Edwin) Giesbrecht, Elvira (Henry) Paetkau, Sherryl, Lorie (Ralph) Mayer; 29 grandchildren (26 spouses); 67 great-grandchildren (7 spouses); 11 great-great-grandchildren

As middle child, Dan joked that he was the obraumtje: Low German for the watermelon’s sweet core. When Dan was 5, his father was murdered. His mother gave Dan to her sister and brother-in-law. This uncle too was murdered when Dan was 8. Dan’s aunt’s remarriage created an unhappy scenario; God gave Dan the will to stand up for himself, to live. In 1928, his mother retrieved Dan and immigrated to Canada. He learned English and completed Grade 6 in one winter, then worked as a farmhand for Frank Klassen, in whom he found a father-figure. At 17, Dan became a Christian. Through hardship, he lived in the freedom of forgiveness and faith. Dan and Helen had 6 daughters, 2 sons. After Helen’s death, Dan married Annie and had 2 daughters.

Dan was a brilliant inventor who could fix almost anything. He was a farmer, RexAir vacuum salesman, contractor, and finish carpenter.

Although Dan worked long days, he always had energy for his family, sports, and the outdoors.

He built ice rinks, pet cages, a playhouse, and a camper. A fisherman, gardener, and bowler, he took up golf at 70, playing his last full game at 99. Church was important; he was energized by friends of all ages. Dan valued independence and enjoyed helping anyone in need. He was a sage, cheerleader, mentor, inspiration, and friend.

Annie Betty (Rosenfeld) Klassen Jan. 29, 1932–Jan. 21, 2018 BIRTHPLACE Elizabethtown, Pa. PARENTS David & Katharina (Tina) Rosenfeld MARRIAGE Nickolas Klassen, Dec. 27, 1960 [d. 1983] BAPTISM Kitchener (Ont.) MB FAMILY sons Robert (Lorraine), Kenneth (Laurie); 4

grandchildren; 1 brother

At 10, Annie accepted Christ as Saviour, and after moving to Ontario as a teenager, was baptized in the Kitchener MB Church. Annie graduated from Eden Christian College in 1950.

She attended the Bishop Johnson College of Nursing, Los Angeles, served her practicum at the Good Samaritan Hospital, and graduated

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as a registered nurse with a Bachelor of Science degree from Los Angeles State College in 1955.

After their wedding, Annie and Nickolas lived in Paris, Ont., then settled in Kitchener. At Kitchener MB Church, Annie enjoyed teaching many children in Sunday school and vacation Bible school and serving in the kitchen. Her hobbies were baking for the family, gardening, and sewing. After Nick died in 1983, relatives and friends provided much needed support.

Annie enjoyed life for many years afterward while living in Eastwood Community. She relocated to Emmanuel Village to receive additional support in 2015.

Mary Dick Mar. 23, 1926–Feb. 6, 2018

BIRTHPLACE Sparrau, Molotschna, Ukraine PARENTS Isaak & Maria Wall MARRIAGE Ernest Dick, November 1952 [d. 1982] CHURCH Coaldale (Alta.) MB FAMILY children Esther, Ed; 2 grandchildren;

7 great-grandchildren

Mary’s childhood under a brutal Communist government was very difficult. However, despite being forced to take care of herself and her 5 younger brothers and sisters with virtually no parental support or formal Christian teaching, Mary grew her faith from seeds planted by a God-fearing grandmother. God saw Mary through the 4-month-long, wretched, muddy trek from Ukraine to Poland; God comforted Mary when she was separated from her entire family in the tumultuous last months of the war; God accompanied her across the Atlantic and the many miles to Coaldale, Alta., where she found a spiritual family. It was also there that Mary met and married Ernest and raised their family. Throughout her life, Mary’s faith in a loving and faithful God never wavered. She is remembered for her hard work, her eagerness to help anyone in need, her fierce love for her family, and her determination to always do her best. She gave hugs and smiles to the very end.

Annabelle Martens

and hair just right – like royalty, yet she wasn’t about status or titles. She loved playing the supporting role and did so effortlessly. She was the teacher’s aide, the volunteer at the local thrift store and, above all, Menno’s selfless support throughout his academic career and volunteer activities. Annabelle was always ready for that next trip to the farm, holiday excursion, or trip to Winnipeg to visit her kids.

Courageous and adaptable, when Menno died, Annabelle left friends in Swift Current and moved to Winnipeg, near her children. She ventured in her car on her charted routes to see family, attend church, run errands, or have coffee. Her stated goal was to be a blessing to her family. Her children and grandchildren loved taking her for coffee. She never said no to time out with family or to picking up the tab.

She never missed an anniversary or birthday card, which she generously stuffed with a crisp new bill. Annabelle laughed easily, loved life, and faithfully recorded even the mundane events of the day. She followed Jesus early in life and finished well as his good and faithful friend. She received great care at River Ridge and Seven Oaks Hospital. Her sister Alvina was her bedside angel. Annabelle’s benediction was the hymn she softly sang: “All the way my Saviour leads me; what have I to ask beside?”

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

May 25, 1933–Feb. 23, 2018

2 Timothy 4:7 BIRTHPLACE Main Centre, Sask.

PARENTS David & Elizabeth Schroeder MARRIAGE Menno Martens, Aug. 14, 1955 [d. Nov. 16, 2012] CHURCH Main Centre MB; Bridgeway MB, Swift Current, Sask.;

McIvor Avenue MB, Winnipeg FAMILY children Reynold (Ingrid), Lionel (Jane), Janet (Norman) Woltmann; 7 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; 4 siblings

Annabelle was kind, compassionate, generous, humble, serene, loving, and fun. She was always dressed fashionably – everything matching

Read more:

mbherald.com/obituaries

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Mennonite Brethren Herald  | Spring 2018

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[CROSSCURRENTS

BOOKS Reviews go up at mbherald.com Monday mornings. Sample some recent offerings.

The Relationship Project: Moving from “Me” to “We” Bill Strom Review by Ashley Wiebe In a culture filled with relational self-help books, it is refreshing to find a book that seeks to uncover the heart-work that must be accomplished within individuals, rather than an algorithm for relational success. Strom highlights three forms of interpersonal relating: contract, committed, and covenantal. Strom uses linear and academic lines of thought with a good mix of stories to make The Relationship Project highly readable.

DISCOVERING THE MENNONITE BRETHREN

M

atters

Family Matters: Discovering the Mennonite Brethren Revised Canadian edition Kindred Productions Review by Ken Peters

Commissioned by the BFL, the 2017 revision of Family Matters is a book I’d gladly put in the hands of anyone in our church for a sense of how each person and congregation fits into the MB movement. Courage is required “to know thyself,” especially when that self has changed. There is much to celebrate in the Mennonite Brethren. There is equally much to grieve. Demographic, theological, and spiritual analysis is worthy of our attention and, for the most part, missing. Having said that, this volume is a valuable installment.

The chapters on The International Family and Inter-Mennonite Connections are outstanding. All members and attendees of MBaffiliated churches would benefit from reading this book because family matters.

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Ministering in HonorShame Cultures Mark D. Baker and Jayson Georges Intervarsity Press Review by Nathan McCorkindale Mark Baker’s newest book Ministering in Honor-Shame Cultures, co-authored with Jayson Georges, is a natural extension of Baker’s work on atonement and mission. Their purpose is to help Western Christians catch up to what the rest of the world has already discovered: the majority of world cultures do not function from the soil of guilt and innocence, but from a context of honour and shame. This book should probably be essential reading for anyone who is considering doing missionary work in the majority world, especially places like Asia and the Middle East. It is full of cultural insight and deep engagement with ideas like patronage, a common part of honour-shame cultures.

Acclimated to Africa: Cultural Competence for Westerners Debbi DiGennaro SIL International Review by Vic Wiens Having visited Africa at least once a year for the last ten years, I had many “aha” moments as I read this book. DiGennaro draws on nearly 10 years of experience as a non-profit worker in Nairobi, Kenya.

The book is not about value-judgments; rather, it describes what is and how to navigate with greater competence.

Anyone planning to live in Africa or visit for a purpose beyond tourism should read this book: mission and service workers or professionals; anyone dealing with African partners – agency, church, or NGO personnel.

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

No detours around the kingdom The Upside-Down Kingdom, 40th anniversary edition Donald Kraybill Herald Press Truth changes lives. Truisms sell stuff. An Anabaptist bestseller, Donald Kraybill’s The Upside-Down Kingdom is nevertheless the former.

The 40th anniversary edition is not just a reprint Kraybill explains in the preface.

Keeping the core intact, he updated scholarly research and attempted to respond to the changing times.

But the qualities that made The UpsideDown Kingdom an enduring bestseller still recommend it.

The evocative title perfectly tells the book’s message. Beginning with Isaiah’s mountains made low, then Jesus’ persistent juxtaposition of Jew and Samaritan / rich and poor / slave and free / man and woman, the story of the gospel’s disruptive message is spread out before the reader.

The title constantly (re)orients the reader to the counter-cultural and counterintuitive nature of the gospel.

Following Jesus is not about “business as usual.” The Kingdom Jesus taught about is “upside-down” by any standard.

This is not a truism. This is a truth that requires serious pondering.

A journey upside-down Kraybill takes us on a journey to understand what “upside-down” means.

It begins with a careful, scholarly walk through the Gospel. This book fills an important middle zone between a basicbut-serious reading of the Bible and in-depth biblical scholarship that wrestles with the historical and cultural context.

Mainstream evangelicalism has a glut of popular books in this zone – Anabaptism far less.

Anabaptism may well be a perspective whose time has come – but it remains poorly understood, even – and often – by those who have been immersed in it. The Upside-Down Kingdom is a great primer on Anabaptist biblical theology.

In Chapter 1, Kraybill examines the six detours around Jesus’ words that have become part of the fabric of the church.

These are not strawmen but living, thriving ways to get around Jesus’ words, while appearing to give him lip service.

Because it is written from the instincts of a master teacher, The Upside-Down Kingdom has a clear structure and logical progression of the argument.

The rest of the book is the detailed counterargument to the “detours.” Jesus meant what he said. Wrestle with his words, but don’t evade them.

As one should expect, the content is accessible, yet carries the full weight of careful biblical and early church scholarship. The reader who takes this “course” will gain solid material.

The dismantling of “centuries of misinterpretation” is an enormous challenge, but it is critically important before the words and life of Jesus can emerge. And emerge they do in The Upside-Down Kingdom.

And from there, they will have a foundation to advance to further study.

I was struck again by the importance to the story of Jesus of the cultural and political background of Roman, Jewish, and Palestinian history of the Gospel period. This background puts the teachings of Jesus into an illuminating setting that all readers can appreciate.

“Fixing” hard sayings?

Every thesis has a counter-thesis, and the idea that the Kingdom of God is upsidedown is no exception. For nearly 2,000 years, people have attempted to make Jesus “right-side up.”

Most famously, these solutions “fix” the straightforward “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” and “if someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also” (Luke 6:27–29).

These statements by Jesus are extremely problematic for any follower of Jesus.

What, after all, does one do with the apparently necessary use of force required to restrain evil in the world?

Those questions did not escape my Sunday School class, but in good old Anabaptist fashion, we were told, “Jesus cannot be clearer. No use of force. There is no allowance for it, either on the playground or in civil society.”

The matter of violence was just one of the “problems” of Jesus’ teaching.

Hence Anabaptists had a lonely existence in Christendom.

In the 1978 edition, “[Kraybill] gently but devastatingly dismantled centuries of misinterpretation of the Sermon on the Mount,” writes Stuart Murray in The Naked Anabaptist.

A relevant ethic In 40 years, though, the times have changed, and the readers have changed.

The apologetic needs have also changed.

Six years ago, Murray wrote The Naked Anabaptist to capture the postChristian reader. He wanted to introduce Anabaptism to a world unfamiliar with it, with Christianity, and even the Jesus of the Gospels. Murray did a very good job at this. But what to read next?

Written as a primer for Anabaptists thoughtfully articulating their theological territory in a largely Christian world, The Upside-Down Kingdom now fills in the details of Anabaptism for those taking the next steps on their journeys as followers of Jesus in post-Christendom.

Readers will discover that the six detours around the teachings of Jesus are not just historical artifacts. These are six very real temptations that followers of Jesus need to wrestle with in their daily lives.

The Upside-Down Kingdom equips them to hold and deepen their course – and watch transformation unfold.

[ James Toews is pastor at Neighbourhood Church, Nanaimo, B.C.

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[INTERSECTION OF FAITH & LIFE

What do you want me to do with you?

In Mark 10:46–52, Jesus encounters the blind Bartimaeus and asks: “What do you want me to do for you?”

Instead of following a schedule, we walked into the community daily, available to step up to what was needed moment to moment.

At the beginning of the week, we wondered what we would be doing. By the end of the week, we asked, “What haven’t we done?”

Our week was full and busy; each day took on new activities at the drop of a hat.

A process with community

We cleaned up garbage, sandbagged, visited and sang with elders, shared our testimonies in the middle school, led a blanket exercise in the high school, prayed with the church and with complete strangers, attended a memorial service, had an impromptu gospel jam session, and participated in sharing circles. One of our team members (a trained first responder) even helped with an ambulance emergency and went on call as a firefighter.

It is a well-established development principle that any community work must be based on the needs and context of each specific community. I learned this important focus on community in my pre-pastoral studies in international development (IDS).

This isn’t to highlight how well we did. I’ll be honest: many on our team really struggled with the lack of structure and schedule. We had moments of stress, and even times when we didn’t want to do what was being asked of us. We wondered whether or not we were “effective.”

It would seem that IDS has tapped into a reality that Jesus already knew: that the people, challenges, and needs of each group are unique. The local community is the voice that must determine what is best for them, based on their unique DNA.

Yet in the end, the trip was one of the most beautiful experiences in my ministry as a pastor.

For instance, you cannot take a model that worked in rural British Columbia and apply it to urban Nairobi expecting the results to be the same. In fact, to do so can cause great and lasting harm.

Our goal was to participate in the ongoing work of reconciliation with First Nations brothers and sisters by connecting with this sister church. In order to do so, we had to follow the example of Jesus’ posture toward Bartimaeus.

We journeyed alongside our brothers and sisters, listening, observing, and allowing the community to guide us toward where we could best serve.

Bartimaeus replies that he wants to see, and Jesus declares him healed based on his faith.

The question Jesus asks is very interesting. He does not assume the man’s needs, but rather invites him to name what he wants the most. Once that has been named, Jesus responds through healing.

Helping is a process that involves listening to and journeying with a community. It calls us to be like Jesus and allow another to tell us what they need.

We are invited to set aside our assumptions and ideals of what is best for others, then allow those others to speak.

In a way, it shifts Jesus’ question – “what can I do for you” (a question suited to who Jesus was) – to “what can I do with you?” (a question suited to us as we engage with our fellow people).

Unstructured: a beautiful experience Last year, a team of Fort Garry MB’s young adults group went to Pimicikamak (Cross Lake) in northern Manitoba to join the new (and only) MB church in the community. A normal shortterm mission trip would have had us go in with a plan and schedule of events, activities we ourselves selected.

This was not the case.

Thanks to guidance from Matthew and Hilda Garrick, leaders of the church, and Paul Winter, national Indigenous ambassador with the C2C Network, we were invited to journey alongside.

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Spring 2018 | mbherald.com

Enter ears-first

When we as individuals or churches are honest about our history, we must recognize that we have often failed to take that posture. This is especially relevant to the Indigenous people of Canada. White Christians have expected others to adapt to our ways and view of the world. We cannot continue in this way.

Building community – outside and even inside our churches – must be based on the uniqueness of its members and location.

As we, the church, grow as communities or reach out from them and into others, let us recognize where we differ, and respond with openness instead of rigidity.

Instead of coming with answers, may we listen as we ask in earnest: “What do you want me to do with you?”

[ Janessa Giesbrecht is the youth and

young adults pastor at Fort Garry MB Church.

She and her husband Andrew live in Winnipeg.

The invitation to visit Saskatchewan is always wide and warm. So, we invite you to join us at Gathering 2018, July 11-14, in Saskatoon! We will worship and respond to the ONE Spirit and ONE Body theme of Ephesians 4. We will also be making decisions on a new way of thinking for the MBs in Canada. Start planning today to gather with the MB family. We can’t wait to see you!

Imagine getting a front-row seat to watch God transform us as one body - that’s what I’m anticipating at Gathering 2018. I’m saving a seat for you right here at my home church in Saskatoon. Will you join me? Let’s pray, plan and celebrate together!

Bruce Enns, moderator, CCMBC

Steve Berg, interim executive director, CCMBC

Registration Register online at bit.ly/mbgathering2018 Registration opens March 1.

Deadline for registration is May 31.

Early bird rate (until April 30) $199.

Regular rate (after April 30) $249.

Accommodations Details regarding accommodation can be found online at gathering.mennonitebrethren.ca.

Transportation Details regarding transportation can be found online at gathering.mennonitebrethren.ca.

July 11-14, 2018

Cancellation Policy Refunds (less administrative fee of $75) will be granted to requests received by email at events@mbchurches.ca prior to June 22, 2018. No refunds will be granted after June 22, 2018 due to binding commitments between the Canadian Conference and vendors.

Substitutions permitted if unable to attend.

Reports Reports will be made available online six weeks prior to the event.

For more information gathering.mennonitebrethren.ca 1-888-669-6575 events@mbchurches.ca

Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, SK

#mbgathering2018

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

July 11-14, 2018

Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, SK

#mbgathering2018