Mennonite Brethren Herald Nov 2014

CELEBRATING Christ the King

BETHANY discerns a WAY FORWARD

ICOMB awards GLOBAL SCHOLARSHIP

REFLECTIONS

Volume 53, No. 11 Publications mail registration number: 09648; Agreement number: 40009297

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circ. Dept., MB Herald, 1310 Taylor Avenue, Winnipeg, Man. R3M 3Z6

N O V E M B E R 2 014 W W W. M B H E R A L D.CO M

DIANE TUCKER

adoption

in scripture

F

PHOTO: JESSICA GOLLUB

or he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

—Ephesians 1:4–6

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

—Romans 8:15

Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.

—Romans 8:23

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”

—Galatians 4:4–6

2

November 2014 www.mbherald.com

FEATURES 10 A former Communist lives for God –Florence Mo Han Aw

12 It’s not about adoption; it’s about the gospel One family’s adoption journey –Karla Braun

16 Church is here for moms –Angeline Schellenberg

17 Nine ways your church can support a pregnancy care centre –Angeline Schellenberg

18 A diamond of great value One family’s adoption journey –an interview with Stéphane Rhéaume and Annie Labelle by Karla Braun

COLUMNS 4 Editorial The power of “like” –Laura Kalmar

8 Executive director “The church exists by mission” –Willy Reimer

9 Text message EPHESIANS 1:20–21 Celebrating Christ the King –Tabitha VandenEnden

35 Intersection of faith and life Judgmental attitude adjustment: How to use superpowers with love –Sandra Reimer

CONNECT WITH US ONLINE DIGITAL EDITION issuu.com FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/MBHerald TWITTER twitter.com/MB_Herald WEBSITE mbherald.com

DEPARTMENTS 5 Letters 6 Homepage 20 News in story

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

25 Church anniversaries 26 Transitions 27 Births & weddings 32 Finish lines [Obituaries] 34 Crosscurrents

COVER PHOTO: Judith Voth Big brother Caleb shares an affectionate moment with sister Anaya, who was adopted into the family from Ethiopia. Judith Voth is a family photographer and a member of Winkler (Man.) MB Church.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

3

Editorial The power of “like” L AUR A K ALMAR

M

y home sits on a lovely boulevard in Winnipeg.

The oaks and ashes provide hours of entertainment for the dozen or so children on the block. They climb through branches, set up lemonade stands under the canopy of leaves and parade their bikes past the tall trunks. As a parent, I enjoy watching my children and their friends build a sense of camaraderie.

I like my neighbourhood and I like my neighbours.

I like the way the adults parent their children, care for their homes and find ways to reach out in friendship – including dropping off an occasional bag of apples or pot of soup on my doorstep.

I enjoy the times we stand outside on the boulevard, ten of us chatting until dusk envelopes us, on subjects as diverse as politics, hockey and teaching.

These neighbours are dear to me. Why? Because they were made in God’s image.

Because they are part of God’s “good” creation. Because I long for them to know the freedom Jesus offers. And because they’re simply interesting people.

Sharing good news When I consider the gift and call of evangelism (Ephesians 4:11, Matthew 28:19–20), I think it’s essential to have a heart for my neighbours who haven’t yet received the good news of Jesus. It’s essential to love them. But I also think it’s important to like them.

When we like people, we build bridges of friendship. We’re more inclined to listen well, speak with grace and engage in meaningful conversation. We look through eyes of trust rather than suspicion.

The opposite is true when we don’t really like people. We tend to run roughshod over them or stand in judgment. We view them through eyes of fear.

We may even be hurtful November is National Adoption Awareness Month. or destructive.

About this issue:

In Canada, there are thousands of children, including infants, waiting for adoption via the public or private systems. However, the majority of children in the public system are over the age of six. Of the more than 78,000 children currently in government care, nearly 30,000 are eligible for adoption.

With these facts in mind, we decided to bring readers a small sampling of adoption stories from our MB churches.

Some families choose to adopt infants. They tell stories of years of waiting before dreams of parenthood are fulfilled – and how the struggles have built greater patience, faith and trust in the Lord. (See page 18–19.)

Other families choose to adopt older children. They tell stories of learning to better understand the Father heart of God toward the poor and broken in spirit. (See page 12–15.)

Some families – and even entire churches – support crisis pregnancy centres, helping at-risk mothers who bravely choose life over abortion. (See page 16–17.)

Woven throughout these stories is a common thread: each one of these families is finding practical ways to live out the “Spirit of adoption” (Romans 8:15) while sharing the good news of Jesus with “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). That’s worth celebrating this November.

4

November 2014 www.mbherald.com

Human dignity and value Last month, our communications team visited the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg, the first national museum established outside of Ottawa.

In each gallery, the same lesson was repeated: human rights start with a sense of respect and value for each human being.

“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.

They are endowed with reason and

conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood,” says the 1948 United Nations Universal Human Rights Declaration.

The lesson I learned in Sunday school was strikingly similar: each person has value because they were created in God’s image for a specific purpose, accentuated by the fact that Jesus modelled sacrificial love for each one, calling all Christians to follow his example.

Thomas K. Johnson, in a series published by the World Evangelical Alliance, provides this helpful explanation of human rights from a Christian perspective: The Bible tells us that God is very concerned about how people treat other people because he has made all people in his image. He sees an attack on other people as an attack on himself.

Therefore, we should do all we can to protect other people. But because of human sin, we and all people have a tendency to destroy other people. One of the results of sin is that people often think of other people as less than truly human and think they themselves do not have any sinful tendencies that need to be restrained.

In order to protect other people more effectively, we need to use every opportunity we have to talk about the value of other people because they are created in God’s image, while also talking about the need to restrain the sinful tendencies within all people. There are two sides to the biblical view of a person, and both sides must be remembered.

I pray that I will be someone who defends the value and dignity of others, treating all people well. I pray that I will embrace my neighbours Rick and Karen and Jessica and Jeff – each one made in the image of the Creator – as if I were greeting Christ himself.

And I pray that as I share the good news with them, I will do so out of a genuine spirit of “like.”

Letters Youth need to know God Re “Remain in me” (Features, September).

James Penner offers some suggestions to stem the tide of Christian teens and young adults leaving church institutions. Perhaps some consolation might be that leaving church life doesn’t necessarily translate into leaving God. An offsetting concern might be that some people within churches are finding security in community but not in their faith. There comes a time of needing to transcend to a faith in God that facilitates “knowing” God far beyond the confines of “knowing about” him. It’s this faith, gifted by God, which makes even the mysteriousness of God real.

Penner’s suggestions focus mainly on how teaching might be improved, but seem to assume that what we teach is not in need of examination. It is typical Christian teaching – motivational and within the doctrinal confines of knowing about God, but lacking in probing the depths of knowing him.

Today’s young people, who are aware of a global need for God’s presence, need guidance to find faith in the one God who transcends religious tribalism and reveals himself far beyond the measure of institutional belonging. Perhaps young people are getting ahead of Christian teaching and some may have gone looking for him.

JAKE JANZEN ABBOTSFORD, B.C.

OVERHEARD ONLINE:

Stewardship must be modelled Re “Electronic transactions enable faithful giving” (News, October). While I can agree with everything written in this article, I also feel the aspect of teaching stewardship to our children was entirely overlooked. I was taught stewardship by seeing my parents model sacrificial giving when I was younger. Are we giving up this important teaching tool for the sake of convenience and practicality?

Our family briefly signed up for an automated debit program at our church but promptly cancelled it. Though I do most of my financial transactions online, the automated plan didn’t allow me to model giving in front of my children.

Are we teaching our children to “do as I say” rather than “do as I do” with such automated giving plans?

RON W.

Readers dig deeper into October’s Text Message, “Arguing in church? Just stop it!”

Willingdon members find community support as they respond to John Neufeld’s resignation, “Willingdon pastor resigns.”

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NUMBER: 4000929 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: CIRCULATION DEPT., MB HERALD 1310 TAYLOR AVENUE WINNIPEG MB R3M 3Z6 CMCA

AUDITED ISSN: 0025-9349 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada ­ Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

The Twitterverse responds to “Compelled to be an ambassador” (Outfront, September):

Kevin Bayne @KevinBayne Don’t forget that you can comment online. Join the conversation at mbherald.com:

NOVEMBER 2014 Mennonite Brethren Herald is published monthly by the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, primarily for the use of its members, to build a Canadian MB community of faith. We seek to 1) share the life and story of the church by nurturing relationships among members and engaging in dialogue and reflection; 2) teach and equip for ministry by reflecting MB theology, values and heritage, and by sharing the good news; 3) enable communication by serving conference ministries and informing our members about the church and the world. However, the opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the church as a whole.

Advertising and inserts should not be considered to carry editorial endorsement.

Winner of Canadian Church Press and Evangelical Press Association awards for Writing, Design, and Illustration: 1996–2013.

Editorial office 1310 Taylor Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3M 3Z6 Phone: 204-669-6575 Fax: 204-654-1865 Toll-free in Canada: 888-669-6575 Email: mbherald@mbchurches.ca http://www.mbherald.com

Sept 3

Please read this slowly and carefully. Thanks for this clear call @willreimer and @MB_Herald

David Manafo @davemanafo

Sept 23

Great reminder @willreimer @MB_Herald

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

Subscription rates 1 year $24 ($30 U.S. & foreign) 2 years $44 ($60 U.S. & foreign) 3 years $64 ($90 U.S. & foreign) Please add tax to domestic subscriptions. See www.mbherald.com or phone 204-654-5766 for rate.

Contact karla.braun@mbchurches.ca for electronic options.

Change of address + subscriptions Notice of change of address should be sent to circulation office, and should include both old and new addresses. Allow 4 weeks for changes to become effective.

Email circulation office at subscribe@mbchurches.ca or phone 204-654-5766.

Advertising Advertising inquiries should be sent to helga.kasdorf@mbchurches.ca. Display and classified advertisement copy must be received at least three weeks prior to publication.

Advertisements are priced at a rate for insertion in one issue or at a discounted rate for insertions in three or more issues (not necessarily consecutive). Classifieds are priced per line, with a minimum charge of six lines.

Staff Laura Kalmar editor Karla Braun associate editor Audrey Plew designer Helga Kasdorf circulation + advertising Angeline Schellenberg copy editor CANADIAN CONFERBarrie McMaster B.C. regional correspondent Advisory Council: Helen Rose Pauls, B.C. Brad Sumner, B.C. Gil Dueck, Sask.

Sabrina Wiens, Ont.

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.

Volume 53, Number 11 • Copy run: 14,500 THE MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD IS A PUBLICATION OF

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

5

homepage Remembrance Day “I am glad that I ever met the conscientious objectors. They meant a lot to me.” E.J. Swalm records this sentiment from his jailer in St. Catharines, Ont., in Nonresistance Under Test, his brief memoir about his refusal to join the military during World War I. The elderly man who tended the jail was initially hostile to the young men imprisoned for refusing military service, but asked one of the last prisoners to pray with him to “receive absolution from his sins at the hand of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Did you know? k World War I began 100 years ago in July 2014. k During World War I, 8,000 Russian Mennonites served the Red Cross as conscientious objectors.

k The Militia Act in Upper Canada in 1793 recognized exemption from PHOTOS: COURTESY CMBS

military service based on “scruples of conscience.” Amended in 1868, it was limited to membership of specific religious groups. The Military Service Act passed in 1917 provided exemption to those “prohibited from doing so by the tenets and articles of faith.”

Mennonites serving with Red Cross in Russia.

MORE

pregnancy care STORIES ONLINE

mbherald.com

What did Doug Heidebrecht say in that article on the MB Confession of Faith?

When did Uncle John begin pastoring in Saskatchewan?

Do these questions keep you up at night? Sleep well with the fully searchable, updated MB Herald flash drive.

With the help of the Centre for MB Studies, Winnipeg, the MB Herald digitized its entire catalogue on a compact USB drive, available for only $30 (includes taxes and shipping).

Order your flash drive with all 53 years included, or send back your previously purchased drive for updates with 2013–2014 content at no charge.

For more information, contact Jon Isaak at jon.isaak@mbchurches.ca 6

November 2014 www.mbherald.com

coming events Conference events:

In 2014, we’re highlighting ICOMB partners. Support our brothers and sisters around the world by learning about and praying for them.

Vereinigung der Mennoniten Brüder Gemeinden Paraguays & Convención Evangélica de Iglesias Paraguayas Hermanos Menonitas (The German and Spanish Mennonite Brethren conferences of Paraguay) Congregations: 30 & 65 Members: 3,112 & 3,500 Paraguay achieved its independence from Spain in 1811. The poverty rate has declined in recent years, but the country still falls below the Latin American average in several socioeconomic categories. Nearly the entire country identifies as Christian, most as Roman Catholic (89.6%), a few Protestant (6.2%) and other Christian groups (1.1%), with a very small number citing no religion (1.1%).

Mennonite Brethren from Dutch/Prussian background began to move to Paraguay via Russia in 1930. They brought their group distinctives from Russia and were granted “ethno confessional” status that allowed, among other things, conscientious objection,

by State Law 514.

Theologian Alfred Neufeld says the Mennonites believed God had brought them to Paraguay to evangelize and to meet human need, and so they did. In 1951, Kilometer 81 leper hospital was established with strong support from the MB community. In 1955, they commissioned several couples to begin church planting in Asunción, (and later in East Paraguay), out of which grew the Spanish conference. Mennonite outreach efforts included their aboriginal neighbours, the Nivaclé and Enlhet tribes.

Schools and media have also played a large role for growth and training. Yalve Sanga school has educated indigenous Paraguayans since 1959, and Instituto Bíblico Asunción, which celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, has trained many pastors and leaders not only in Paraguay but throughout MB conferences in Latin America. Horst Bergen coordinates an education commission that oversees 4 “school churches” – churches planted within the schools operated by both Spanish and German MB conferences of Paraguay. The 2 conferences collaborate on a gospel radio ministry OBEDIRA (OBra Evangélica de DIfusión RAdial), started in 1986. The programs point people toward Christ and teach a strong social ethic for the good of the country as a whole.

PRAISE GOD for the 50th anniversary of IBA, the post-secondary Bible training school that equips leaders for ministry all over Latin America. Pray for director Victor Wall and other IBA leaders as they design a new campus.

PRAISE GOD for opportunities the government and society afford to evangelize and serve, and for many opportunities to learn from other Christians. Pray that the churches would recognize God’s call and discern his leading to opportunities both to serve and learn in ways that are healthy for the churches and work with his timing.

PRAY for the unique evangelism ministries, like OBEDIRA, and for La Libertad, a church in prison. Several mainstream MB churches in Paraguay support La Libertad, a congregation that is expected to permanently require their financial assistance as it wins convicts to Christ, disciples them and trains them for meaningful employment upon release. Pray for spiritual and practical wisdom and discernment for the leaders.

PRAY that the churches of Paraguay would hear God’s call to get more involved in world mission.

Nov. 2: 50th anniversary celebration, Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon.

Nov. 17–20: C2C Network church planter retreat, Victoria.

Nov. 21–23: 50th anniversary celebration, South Langley (B.C.) Church.

Nov. 22: MBCM council of representatives, Winnipeg.

Dec. 2–4: C2C Network assessment centre, Toronto.

Feb. 20–21: Ontario MB convention, Waterloo (Ont.) MB Church.

Mar 6–7: Manitoba MB Assembly, Winkler (Man.) MB Church.

Mar 13–14: Saskatchewan MB convention.

Mar 20–21: Alberta MB convention.

Apr. 17–18: Quebec MB convention, L’Intersection, Terrebonne, Que. May 1–2: B.C. MB convention, South Langley (B.C.) MB Church.

May 3–5: B.C. MB pastor and spouse’s retreat.

May 12–13: Church Multiplication Conference, Toronto.

June 7: Quebec MB rally.

Partner events: Nov. 6–9: “Human dignity through entrepreneurship” MEDA Convention, Winnipeg.

Nov. 7: Disciple Making International (DMI) global

mission banquet, King Road MB Church, Abbotsford, B.C.

Nov. 7–8: Leadership Structures for the Church in Mission workshop, Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg.

Nov. 15: MCC Matters, Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg.

Nov. 15: MCC Manitoba 50th anniversary benefit concert, Immanuel Pentecostal Church, Winnipeg.

Nov. 21: “Breaking down walls…relief, development and peace,” MCC Alberta fundraiser, Foothills Alliance Church, Calgary.

July 17–19, 2015: Mennonite World Conference Global Youth Summit, Messiah College, Mechanicsburg, Pa. July 21–26, 2015: Mennonite World Conference Assembly 16, Harrisburg, Pa. View more events from churches, schools and agencies at mbherald.com/calendar.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

7

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR “The church exists by mission” Willy Reimer

I

n the late 1980s, I was serving in my first pastoral position in a wonderful church filled with people who loved Jesus and were committed to being a biblical community that impacted their community with the good news of Jesus Christ.

One of my responsibilities was to serve on the evangelism committee. We were tasked with the responsibility of developing ministries that would extend our gospel impact into the surrounding community.

I discovered that I really didn’t have the faintest notion how to invite people who did not know Jesus into authentic community where they could discover Jesus through relationship with God’s people.

My main goal was to help “them” become like “us.” I had been indoctrinated in propositional evangelism and kept searching for programmatic answers to relational issues. But, not surprisingly, people weren’t interested in being treated as projects or targets.

While my approach may not have been the best, my intentions were good. After all, people do need to hear, understand and respond to the claims of Christ.

Mission at the heart Theologian Emil Brunner once said, “The church exists by mission, just as fire exists by burning.” In other words, giving evidence to Jesus’ teaching, death and resurrection isn’t a department of the church, it is the heart of the church. It is the work of every Christ follower.

Theologian Jürgen Moltmann said the church can only really be understood in the context of mission. And in a recent Tabletalk interview, author and speaker Ed Stetzer said, “Mission is rooted in the identity of God himself. God is on a mission, and Jesus is the embodiment of that mission. Jesus identifies himself as being sent more than forty times in the gospel of 8

November 2014 www.mbherald.com

John. Then, near the end of the gospel of John, he says, ‘As the Father has sent me, I am sending you’ (John 20:21). The church is sent on mission by Jesus. It’s not that the church has a mission, but rather that the mission has a church. We join Jesus on his mission.”

If God’s mission has a church, then our national CCMBC body, consisting of some 250 churches, is a mission agency. And Canada is our primary mission field.

For the past 15 years, I’ve heard pastors, theologians and sociologists say we’ve entered a post-Christendom era. They say

Motivation for mission Over my decade and a half of ministry, I’ve watched Christ followers from every generation celebrate passionate faith and mission. I’ve also watched Christ followers promote institutional Christianity in the most legalistic fashion.

Until our hearts are pierced by the gospel and we come face to face with our personal need for Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf, we will continue to do good deeds in the name of Christ without the Spirit of Christ. All mission must be “birthed” at the cross and empowered by the Spirit.

God’s call on the church is simultaneously simple and difficult. He expects us to discern God’s will and obey his leading. the church is dying. They say that what we’re doing isn’t working. They say megachurches are finished, that seeker-sensitive services are obsolete, and so on.

I’ve also noticed that some things haven’t changed. Wherever faith communities are filled with people who love Jesus, who take responsibility for their personal life with Christ and who gather to discern God’s will and obey the Spirit’s leading, God works through them to draw people to himself.

The question isn’t whether we’re missional, seeker, organic, big, little, urban or rural. The question is whether we’re a biblical church that seeks the face of Jesus, listens for the Spirit’s leading, lives in obedience and shares the good news in an authentic, relational and compelling manner.

God’s call on the church is simultaneously simple and difficult. He doesn’t expect us to be cutting edge, creative or ingenious. He expects us to discern God’s will and obey his leading.

God has given each body exactly what it needs to fulfill God’s call on that church at a particular time in history. If God has a new assignment for a church, he will lead you to the resources you need if you walk in obedience to his leading.

God has given our family of churches everything we need to fulfill his calling on us as a group. But that also implies we must be willing to share what God has given us for the benefit of others – different churches and those who do not know Christ.

TEXT MESSAGE Celebrating Christ the King Tabitha VandenEnden

EPHESIANS 1:20–21 As I was growing up, I cherished my independence and couldn’t stand being told what to do.

Sunday at the end of November. This year, it falls on November 23.

My parents, knowing I valued my liberty, showed great wisdom when it came to giving me dating advice. When I finally met a nice young man at summer camp whom they actually liked, my parents slyly used reverse psychology to encourage the match.

Even though this is a new observance for us, it’s something Christians have done for centuries as they follow a religious calendar that orients the year around the events of Jesus’s life. Structuring the year this way can be a valuable tool to re-centre our lives on Christ and away from ourselves.

I remember my mom and dad casually saying, “He’s nice; it seems like he would make a great friend, but I don’t think he’s someone you would ever want to date.”

It’s a good thing my parents knew me as well as they did, because it just so happens that man has been my husband for 16 years.

The desire to choose our dating partners isn’t unusual for a teenager living in Canada. We live in a culture that values personal freedom and the pursuit of happiness above all else, fostering an attitude of defiance toward anyone or anything that would curb our so-called freedom or quest for happiness.

Yet that’s just what we’re called to as Christians. We’re called to forfeit our autonomy and subject ourselves to an authority who would lay claim over all aspects of our lives, including our happiness. Therefore, it’s not surprising that biblical references to Jesus as “king,” “lord” or “ruler” clash with our modern sensibilities.

Recognizing Jesus as Lord Over the past few years, our congregation has celebrated Christ the King

A detail from the mosaic at Christ the King Church in Sophiatown, Johannesburg.

The year begins with Advent, a season to remember and await the coming of Christ. It continues as we follow Jesus through his baptism and ministry, journey with him to Jerusalem and the cross and experience the joy of his resurrection and sending of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Finally, at the conclusion of the Christian year, Christ the King Sunday serves as the climax of our journey through the life of Christ. It highlights Jesus’ lordship over the church and focuses our hope on the alreadypresent-yet-coming kingdom of God.

Handing over the keys In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul encourages the church to put their hope in the reality that Christ is already reigning over creation – over all powers and authorities. Paul proclaims that God has “raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:20–21).

EPHESIANS 1:20–21 He raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

In our context, we must concede that Christ’s authority also extends to our own private dominions, challenging claims to autonomy. To say that Christ is king requires us to hand over the keys to our personal kingdoms.

In the midst of clamouring ideologies, powers and authorities, the present reality of Christ’s lordship is good news.

In fact, the bulk of Ephesians describes the benefits given to all who name Christ as king.

Contrary to what we might expect, when we lay aside personal freedom to become servants of Christ, we discover we’re exalted with Christ (2:4–7). Instead of limiting our chances for personal happiness, when we bend the knee to Christ, we’re called children of God and given the privileges of inheritance and the gift of his Spirit (1:13–14, 17–19; 5:1).

Finally, the lordship of Christ empowers us with the responsibility and strength we need to grow into the full maturity of Christ – not only for ourselves, but also for the sake of the world (1:17–19; 2:10; 4:14–16; 6:10–13).

When we surrender our lives to the lordship of Christ, we discover that the good life we crave is actually the life we’ve been created for: a life defined by truth, faith, peace, generosity, forgiveness, thankfulness and love. Under the lordship of Christ who is already seated at the right hand of the Father and ruling over all things, we find true freedom and happiness as God’s beloved children.

Now isn’t that worth setting aside a Sunday to celebrate every November?

Tabitha VandenEnden is co-pastor at Grantham MB Church, St. Catharines, Ont., and is currently on maternity leave.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

9

TRANSFORMED LIVES

A former Communist

lives for God Florence Mo Han Aw translated into English

by Patrick May

10

November 2014  www.mbherald.com

I

grew up in the underground Communist Youth League of China and later became a member of the Communist party in Hong Kong. I left the party, became a Christian and was baptized in Vancouver after immigrating in 1974.

In 2012, my life and faith took a dramatic turn when I published a book called My Time in Hong Kong’s Underground Communist Party.

In March of that year, Open Magazine invited me to the official launch of my book in Hong Kong. I accepted the offer right away, feeling it was God’s will. As I hung up the phone, though, I started to cry. I doubted whether someone suffering from severe peptic ulcer disease since 2006

could endure the 10-hour flight to Hong Kong.

As I was harbouring these doubts, I suddenly remembered: hadn’t our church’s pastor always admonished us to live “with confidence”? What is confidence? It is believing that with God nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37). I offered up everything to God and started preparations for the journey.

During my first three nights in Hong Kong, I slept only fitfully due to ulcer pain. I was worried: would I be able to take part in tomorrow’s book launch? Would I have the strength to speak?

Strangely enough, tossing and turning all night did not leave me exhausted. The pain was gone by morning. Looking in the mirror, I said, “I thank you, dear God. You have indeed been with me always and have taken away my cares and worries.”

Battle with cancer Back in Vancouver, I started to experience weakness in my arms and legs and a disorientation that prevented me from standing. Realizing my stomach was probably bleeding again, I called Ted, an acquaintance from church, who dropped everything to take me to the ER. The diagnosis was stomach cancer.

I thought of the wonders of the events of the past months. I was already carrying my cancerous cells when I returned to Hong Kong, yet my disease did not “explode” during my trip but gave me a grace period of a couple of months, even allowing me to hold a question and answer session on my new book in Vancouver.

Thus, I began a long, slow battle. It started with chemotherapy, during which I lost all sense of night and day. I was so weak I couldn’t get out of bed. I prayed to God for mercy. Sure enough, after one course of chemotherapy, lasting three weeks, the oncologist decided to terminate treatment because I could no longer tolerate its side effects.

By early September 2012, the cancerous cells in my stomach had caused a blockage, and I lost the ability to swallow food. I was again admitted to hospital for emergency stomach surgery.

At this time, I felt the heavy footsteps of

death. Yet I felt no fear, only a sense of calm. My life belongs to our Creator. Compared with the fear and the sense of being lost I had in 1988 when I had part of my lung removed, I was now much braver. At that time, I was not yet a believer, and I didn’t grasp the true meaning of life.

What I found most reassuring was that I now understood the meaning of sin. I had served the blood-soaked Communist party of China and had worshipped Mao TseTung – these were my sins.

I was able to wake up to my sins because God had rescued me from the precipice.

He allowed me to confess my sins in front of him and receive his forgiveness and guidance. I believe when I arrive at my heavenly home, I will face God, and final judgment, with courage.

I was able to enter surgery with a great deal of courage.

Struggle for survival But my ordeal was far from over. Since my stomach had been removed, my duodenum was my new “stomach,” albeit a small and ineffective one. A few sips of water, and I’d be full. I grew weak and lost 27 pounds. If I went on that way, my life would be in danger. I didn’t want to pray. Like Job, I felt it would be easier to die than struggle for survival.

My pastor Anthony Law visited me three times when I most needed support, praying for me and using the Word of God to sustain my spirit.

One day, I turned on the radio and the phrase “Living for God” caught my attention. My mood brightened. This would be my source of energy. Every time I felt too sick to eat or stand, I would raise my fist and exclaim, “Live for God!” I was finally able to return to church. As I entered, I burst into tears of warmth and gratitude. I told my brothers and sisters in Christ that I had been on the front lines of battle and had now returned home. I felt the love of the body of Christ suffusing my entire body with warmth and with energy.

I thank God for his love, for leading me to recovery!

Florence Mo Han Aw is a member of South Vancouver Pacific Grace MB Church. She lives in Vancouver, B.C.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

11

It’s not not It’s about about ADOPTION; ADOPTION; it’s about about it’s THE GOSPEL GOSPEL THE One family’s adoption journey WRIT TEN BY

“I

don’t feel like a Christian can listen to those words of Scripture [Galatians 4:4–7]…without thinking about those kids in our country, our city or our neighbourhood who need a family,” says C2C Network church planter and adoptive father Joe Haynes.

“Heather and I became convicted that if we really do trust Christ for everything we need, then our lives are his,” says Joe. “God has adopted us through Christ into his family. The more we became confident in how much the gospel makes a difference in our lives, the more the word ‘adoption’ kept coming to our minds.”

Joe and Heather Haynes have been married for 19 years. In October 2013, they had three teenaged children, Daniel, Josiah and Bethany, and they had just launched a church plant, Beacon Communities, Victoria. “We had it pretty good,” he says. “We had a nice, harmonious family life. We had a pretty comfortable routine with lots of free time; everyone was able to take care of themselves.

12

November 2014 www.mbherald.com

process to match with children. They expected it to take two years; instead, the process flew by. By fall, “we were sitting down in a table in an office in Victoria talking with social workers about two little guys named Dillan and Shelden and we hadn’t even caught our breath,” says Joe. The boys, aged 9 and 10, became part of the Haynes household in November.

“It seemed like when God decided to put those things together, everything kept falling into place much more quickly than we expected.”

In contrast to the speed of arrangements, the adjustment has been “very painful and very hard for our whole family, including our birth children.

“There’s often a grieving process for kids who get adopted – especially with older kids – because their life has been turned upside down,” Joe says. “We didn’t fully appreciate that.”

New eyes for the gospel

“Of course, that’s really different now.”

Leaning into God’s choices Almost a decade ago, Joe and Heather began to talk about fostering, but there were plenty of excuses. In 2011, they signed up for foster parent orientation classes, but quickly realized “both of us felt quite strongly we were not called to foster but to adopt. And both of us were slightly terrified by the idea.

“I believe God was changing our hearts. It was not what we would have chosen, but we became strongly aware that God was choosing us for it.”

So, in 2012, they went through classes for prospective adoptive parents, and in April 2013, signed papers to start the

There were a number of factors, many centred around lack of preparation, that made the change especially difficult for Dillan. “So he fought like any kid probably would,” says Joe. “I never expected that.”

In the midst of hard knocks and bumps from 10-year-old fury, Joe saw the gospel in a new way.

One evening in particular stands out in Joe’s memory. Something had piqued Dillan’s frustration; to prevent him from harming himself or someone else, Joe wrapped his arm around the boy while Dillan struggled.

“Every time he’d punch me or swear at me, I just kept saying, ‘I love you, I forgive you, Dillan. Dillan, I love you, I forgive you.’

“It’s amazing how much harm a little, scrawny 10-year-old boy can do. But I felt a presence of mind settle on me.

I understood right at that moment – although it was painful – this was really important,” says Joe. “I’m sure it was the Holy Spirit who led me to respond to him as he was screaming and kicking at me and talking about how he would rather be anywhere else,” says Joe. “I realized that he needs to know the same love that God has shown to us: grace, not something that we’ve earned.

Even though we rebel against God all the time, God never gives up on us. Dillan needs someone in his life to begin to show him that truth.”

It was an excruciating moment for everyone in the family, but it also became a sort of watershed.

“That was just as much evangelism as standing with an open Bible talking to someone on a street corner,” says Joe.

God’s guiding hand In spite of their intense moments of conflict, Joe sees God’s hand in bringing the boys into the Haynes family. “It’s not an easy match, but it’s a good match,” he says.

He and Dillan have regularly connected over reading the Bible. “He asks me questions about the Bible, about things in the Old Testament [e.g., creation] or big theological questions about the purpose of life. He likes to talk about those things and so do I. “I had a strong faith before in God’s sovereignty. And that has been important for me to give me hope,” says Joe. “I’ve seen Dillan angry and resistant and not wanting me to be his dad, wanting to go back to his foster mom and not understanding why these things have happened in his life. To see in his little face such hostility – God showed me that’s a very clear picture of the way I treat God all the time.

“Every time I turn away from God; every time I look for significance or meaning or happiness somewhere other than God,

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

13

Statistics Canada estimates there are

30,000 children in foster care who are eligible for adoption. then I am rebelling against him. So many times I’ve directed my anger at God and he continues to be patient and loving with me, and he says, ‘Joe, I love you.’

“It is so humbling to see in a boy’s anger a picture of our rebellion toward God.” The greatest joys of the Haynes’s adoption experience are often entwined in the biggest challenges.

“God’s had to teach us to trust him,” says Joe. “Heather with a different reality than she expected; me as I look at the way things have actually turned out and have different kinds of worries and fears.

“When we are called to love someone else, not for what they give to us but because of what God wants to do in their lives because he loves us, that sacrifice is sometimes very painful,” says Joe. He’s watched Daniel, Josiah and Bethany realize “the truth of the gospel calls us to sacrifice the things we would prefer for the sake of the things that are most important.”

His teens are experiencing the truth that growth comes through pain.

“The redemption of God’s people through the death of his son is painful but glorious,” says Joe. “All the three kids have come to see that and lean into that and take a step toward that truth. It makes Heather and me very proud.”

The teens acknowledge learning to 14

November 2014 www.mbherald.com

love two new little brothers has been much harder than they thought, but when asked if it was it the wrong decision, they were decisive: absolutely not.

“Now things have settled down to the point where it’s about as hard as I expected it to be,” says Joe. “But it’s taken a long time to get this good.”

Building a family Through the process of adoption, the family has grown in many ways.

Joe and Heather have not only opened their household to two boys, but to the members of the boys’ family of origin.

The Haynes clan has shared meals with the boys’ birth father, birth mother and grandfather.

“It’s important for the boys to know that they have a past,” says Joe. “We have faith that God is using the gospel to change their future story, but they need to know where they’re coming from, so they aren’t filled with fear.”

As Joe and Heather were building a new iteration of the Haynes family, they were also building a new community of God’s family. And the church has learned alongside the family.

The Haynes family has invited the boys’ birth grandfather to some of Beacon’s regular supper parties. “To see the church come around him and respect him and love him and build relationships with him has been great.

“We have been able to talk about the practical difference adoption makes,” says Joe. “To see people in the church make small steps to show someone tangible love in the name of Jesus – and to know that our adoption story has been part of being able to see what that looks like – is very encouraging.

“It’s also been a good picture for the church as we talk about wanting to be a church that cares about our city,” says Joe. “But we don’t mean some evangelistic crusade where we hand out flyers about Jesus on the street.

We mean we’re hoping that God will

give us an actual love for those in the city who are vulnerable.”

Beacon Communities may be small and young, but Joe believes God will show them how to make a difference in small ways. “We aren’t anyone’s saviour, but we know the Saviour. He has made a difference in our lives, and we hope he will make a difference in the lives of other people.”

For others Joe challenges people in churches to live out the implications of God’s love for them. “As the worldwide body of believers through history, we have not been left on this planet just so we can pursue our own agenda, our own desires, or to live lives in isolation,” says Joe. “We have been left here to give glory to God and make the gospel known about Jesus – who he is and what he’s done to save sinners to bring them to glory; to redeem not just individuals but to redeem a whole people from among the nations for the earth.”

God has plans for the future “we can barely imagine,” says Joe. “Adoption

PHOTOS: JAIME BRANDEL WWW.RHAYNEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

is a big part of that.

“Not to pit one area of need against another, but I think many Christians have no idea how many kids in our own country in our own province are waiting to be placed with adoptive families.”

Many people in churches take for granted the model of a loving family. “So many kids in our country don’t know what that looks like,” says Joe. “And if they don’t know what that looks like, it’s really hard for them to understand what it means to be part of God’s family.

“I pray that the church will wake up,” he says, speculating that the number of children waiting for adoption would disappear if people in churches across Canada would provide loving homes for children in care. “It’s not about adoption; it’s about the gospel,” he says.

“How many other areas are there where, if the church would really engage, we could make a huge difference, not just with the needs of our country, but pointing people to the God who meets our most permanent needs through Jesus?

ADOPTION IS A SOCIAL AND MORAL ISSUE, not a fertility issue.

—EFC president Bruce Clemenger

Learn more: There are 5 KINDS of adoption: 1. Public: adopting an infant, child or youth from the child welfare system 2. Private: adopting an infant or child 3. International: adopting a child from another country 4. Interfamilial: adopting a stepchild 5. Kinship: adopting a birth relative Adoption is regulated provincially. Contact your own provincial government to learn the guidelines, legislation and requirements for adoptive families in your region.

“Consider how God is calling you through the gospel to not only make a difference in someone’s life, but to point people to Jesus, our Saviour,” Joe challenges Christians. “We could not begin to imagine how God could change our country through testimonies like that.”

The basic adoption process follows these 4 STEPS: 1. Initial intake meeting 2. Formal application 3. Home study 4. Final decision

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

15

Church is here ANGELINE SCHELLENBERG

SINGLE MOTHERS make up 37 percent of homeless families.

“We can look at a problem and start crying from the hills. Or we can look at solutions,” says pastor Mike Penninga of his church’s decision to partner with the Okanagan Valley Pregnancy Care Centre.

Kelowna (B.C.) Gospel Fellowship has a personal connection: OVPCC executive director Theresa White is part of the church family. “We want to support people we know and trust,” says Penninga, “so that when people see Theresa at church on Sunday, they say, ‘We support her; that’s awesome!’”

“And we have a lot of kids. It fits our ministry to families,” explains Penninga.

KGF helps the care centre by asking members to fill a baby bottle with donations between Mother’s and Father’s Day each year. Last spring, KGF’s Baby Bottle Campaign raised $15,000.

“Mike presents it in such a dynamic way, and KGF always goes above and beyond his challenge,” says White. “It’s because he puts our ministry in front of them with videos and testimonies that grab their hearts.”

KGF also delivers Christmas hampers to mothers referred by OVPCC. “We connect volunteers who want to serve,” says Penninga. “The centre has the list of names – they make the connections – and we have resources and people.”

“Five years ago, I came in [to OVPCC], the day I found out I was pregnant [at 18], with so much chaos in my soul, and I left with a peace I cannot explain,” Jenelle told Penninga in a video interview kicking off the 2014 Baby Bottle Campaign. “As soon as Theresa

16

November 2014

for MOMS started talking, I knew God was here. She opened my eyes to the joyous side of having a baby.”

It’s not only teenage girls who feel overwhelmed by an unplanned pregnancy: the University of Ottawa’s faculty of medicine reports about half the women in Canada having abortions are over age 25, 36 percent are married and 45 percent already have children.

“We have clients whose husbands have told them, ‘If you have the baby, I’m leaving,’” says White. “They became single mothers because they chose not to abort. They need support.”

Churches can “adopt” a single mother and her children through the centre. “They walk her through pregnancy and special occasions like Christmas and birthdays – opening their homes,” says White.

White loves it when the leadership team from KGF visits the centre to listen and pray with staff and volunteers because “they see that we’re the church without walls in their community.”

“We’re here to protect the life of little ones, but also to protect women,” says White. In the past eight years, the centre has cared for more than 800 women through counselling, meals, parenting support.

“I want to be known as being for young moms and babies,” says Penninga. “So when people ask why I’m not picketing abortion clinics, I can say, ‘I support the pregnancy care centre because they’re helping people in those moments.’”

nine ways

your church can support a pregnancy care centre 1. Pray for financial resources; guidance for staff and volunteers walking alongside young women; physical, emotional and relational health for mothers and their babies.

2. Promote a baby bottle drive or other fundraiser (operationbabybottle.com/home).

3. Take your ministry team on a tour of the centre to learn from and pray with its workers.

4. Contact your local centre for their wish list and collect needed items such as maternity clothes, quilts, bottles, diapers or meals.

5. Volunteer as board members, counsellors, childcare workers, tutors, maintenance workers, donation collectors or baby item sorters.

6. Refer friends in need of support during an unexpected pregnancy, miscarriage, parenting challenge or post-abortion grief.

7. Ask for permission to host a baby shower for a mom in their program.

8. Invite someone from the centre to share a testimony in your church service.

9. Adopt a single mother and her children.

For more pregnancy care stories, go to www.mbherald.com

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

17

A DIAMOND OF GREAT VALUE One couple’s adoption story MB Herald associate editor Karla Braun asked Quebec conference minister Stéphane Rhéaume and his wife Annie Labelle to reflect on their recent experience of adopting an infant.

beginning, I was not very favourable toward the idea of adopting a child because I hadn’t yet reconciled myself to giving up the biological link, but all the same, we decided to apply for adoption.

What is the history of your adoption story?

Annie: I’d always had an interest in adoption. I said, why not apply for adoption right away? We could change our minds along the way, but we’d at least be moving along the list of applicants.

(They told us the wait could be 8–10 years.)

Stéphane: We began to think about adoption about seven years ago. We had two options: assisted reproduction or adoption. We knew that the former raises ethical questions. After reflection, we took some steps with a fertility clinic, but had no success. At the same time, we decided to sign up for adoption in Quebec. At the 18

November 2014 www.mbherald.com

Stéphane: Last February, Annie and I received a call that changed our lives: a baby awaited us. A young couple, who had

What were some of the challenges you experienced?

Annie: The most difficult part was the first weeks. The birth parents had 30 days to reconsider their decision. But we were already so attached to Emma.

Stéphane: Before Emma’s arrival, I hadn’t been able to make sense of our failure to have children. We have lots of love to give, and we are a stable and happy couple. I’d always hoped to have children, but it seemed I had to accept my life, our life as a couple, without children in the picture.

This is not how I’d imagined things. I didn’t see it as a punishment, but as a blessing withheld.

Annie: In that respect, I approached things differently. If God didn’t want to give us a child, that was probably the best thing for us. Also, I told myself that I was already happy with my husband; I didn’t want to wait to have a child to be happy.

Stéphane: For the future, we face the challenge of explaining Emma’s adoption to her. How will she react? We hope that she will consider her adoption as divine providence. We want to show her how God has directed her life and that he loved her from the very beginning.

Describe a joyful moment.

Stéphane: The first meeting with Emma was unforgettable. We were very anxious to see her, and it was love at first sight. A tremendous wave of love inundated our hearts for this beautiful baby – 7 pounds, in good health – who was simply waiting to

be adopted. We will always remember that moment. We looked upon this child with wonderment. We couldn’t hold back our tears as we took into our arms this fragile being for whom we had waited for so long.

Annie: I simply never expected to have a baby like Emma. She is truly a gift from God, a great miracle in our life. It’s like we were given a diamond of great value. She arrived at the moment when we had stopped believing. Psalm 40:5 expresses well what I feel: “Many, LORD my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you planned for us. None can compare with you; were I to speak and tell of your deeds, they would be too many to declare.”

Stéphane: I find it so wonderful to see her grow. Day after day, there is something new in her development. And to think that a few months before Emma was part of our lives, I suggested to Annie that we should take our name off the adoption list!

I thought it had taken too long and I was too old. I realize now that there are advantages to becoming a father in your forties.

What are the reasons – both practical and theological – to adopt a child?

Stéphane: Even today, I can’t explain why we wanted to have a child so much. One could say that adopting a child is an egotistical gesture, something one does for oneself, to meet a naturalistic need. Be that as it may, we hope that by this action a little girl can be filled with love and may grow up in safety. I can’t stop thinking of God and what he has done for his adoptive children. (See Romans 8:14–17).

child by adoption [instead of birth] makes no difference. Strangely, other people tell us that Emma looks like us – which makes us smile!

Stéphane: We thank God that he entrusted the life of this child into our hands. It reminds us how we also depend on God for everything. During our first visit to the fertility clinic, the doctor who met us had the arrogance to tell us, “There’s no need to pray; we will make you a baby.”

But, despite the advances in medicine, it’s God who gives life; no one else.

What advice to you have for the church regarding infertility and adoption?

Stéphane: We think of the couples who haven’t been able to have children. For many, this is a source of great internal suffering, grief, broken dreams. I believe it’s important to be sensitive to this reality and to walk with compassion with these people who often suffer in silence.

We had the privilege to be cared for during our wait. We thank our family, friends and church for sharing their prayers, care and affections on this long journey to our current joy. We have always had the impression that Emma is not merely adopted by us but by our community.

PHOTOS: COURTESY STÉPHANE RHÉAUME

just given birth to a little girl, had signed a consent for adoption. Dropping everything, we went straight to the hospital to make our acquaintance with the one who is now our beautiful little girl, Emma. She was only four days old.

Annie: I hope our life experiences will be useful to Emma and that we can transmit to her a living faith. For me, having a Annie, Emma and Stéphane MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

19

HEPBURN, Sask.

Church and school lean in “Do discipleship together” Bethany discernment summit concludes

T

his is not the end of Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask., but the beginning of new roads for the 87-year-old Bible training institute. That message was clearly expressed by 32 stakeholders, staff and faculty who gathered for a discernment summit on the college’s future Oct. 4, 2014, at Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon.

“This is the church’s mission – let’s go for it,” says facilitator and Hepburn MB pastor Rod Schellenberg, who summed up the meeting: “Let’s work together on pathways to making disciples.

“The focus of the conversation was not on what Bethany College is/has been doing,” he says, “but on what is going on in the environment and how we achieve the mission of the church to make disciples out of these young adults.

“There’s a leaning in; a desire to steer the change without a full

stop,” says Schellenberg, using the image of turning on a curving street rather than a Prairie grid road. “Let’s keep rolling, but let’s turn.”

Regardless of the conversational approach or background, participants (including a current student, alumni, denominational leaders, an MCC representative, marketplace professionals, lay leaders and pastors) affirmed three needs: a strong connection to churches, life-on-life community and experiential education.

President Howie Wall observes that the appetite for change reinforcing those themes was “very strong – and there was a releasing of the current paradigm.”

“This conversation is really much broader than Bethany, and it’s a healthy conversation to be having among our conference leaders, pastors, schools,

young adults,” Schellenberg says. “How can we [chu rches a nd s c ho ol s] keep leaning in together?”

SunWest pastor and Betha ny a lu m nu s Matt Dyck says Bethany faculty Randy Klassen, Saskatchewan participating in directory of ministry Terrance Froese and the summit was Saskatchewan moderator Todd Hardy as much help to him as for Bethany “because “We know where we need we’re both trying to figure this to go; now [we need to discern] out. We can’t really make disci- what will become the vehicle,” ples just on our own – there are says Wall, assuring further opporgifts at both of these levels that tunities for input and feedback. need to be deployed.”

“We wrestle with and understand Participants affirmed the things a lot better in a commuvalue of the Bethany ‘brand,’ nity,” he says. “not in terms of marketing but “I’m interpreting it as a good in terms of experience,” says Wall. news day,” says academic dean “There was no ‘throw out the baby Gil Dueck, citing the energy for and bathwater.’” change, the goodwill toward the The next step is for Bethany school and the “desire for mission College leadership to interpret to become collaborative.” the information coming out of “If we’re serious about doing the meeting and present a plan of this,” says Dyck, “we need to do action to the board of directors in it hand in hand.”—Karla Braun the next months.

PHOTO: COURTESY BETHANY COLLEGE

NE WS in stor y

ABBOTSFO R D, B.C .

U

krainian praises and harmonies in a Canada tour mixed with an unexpected counterpoint of trauma and medical crisis occasioned by a serious ATV accident in the Alberta foothills Sept. 22.

Mennonite Brethren, Alliance, Baptist and other Christian groups who hosted the Canadian tour have responded with a groundswell of prayer, financial help and kindnesses.

Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus violinist Andrii Fesiuk and soprano and bandura player Dasha Rugol were crushed when an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rolled, breaking Fesiuk’s neck and causing head injury and multiple fractures to Rugol. Both went to Foothills Medical Centre for surgery. The prognosis is good for the violinist, 20

who was airlifted to Kyiv Oct. 7, but at time of writing, Rugol remains in a coma.

The tour by Music Mission Kiev, under conductor and Bakerview MB member Wes Janzen and his wife Kim, brought 34 singers and 8 instrumentalists to 30 concerts across five provinces. The group were billeted by Christian supporters throughout their stay.

The accident occurred as Calgary supporters provided a recreation day in the foothills for some of the musicians.

Host churches and pastors came together to spread the word for prayer, and to raise funds to cover medical costs that far surpass the $25,000 medical insurance policies for each musician. One Calgary donor provided resources

November 2014 www.mbherald.com

PHOTO: KSOC BROCHURE

Ukrainian musicians in crisis

A Kyiv Symphony Orchestra performance

to bring the families of the injured to Canada.

Janzen says he attempted to cancel the first Calgary concert after the accident, “but the entire team said emphatically ‘we must do it.’” Kim and assistant conductor Viktoriia Konchakovska co-led the concert while Janzen began to assemble a crisis management team. The ensemble continued their tour, ending on Oct. 12 in southern Ontario.

There were graces along the way. Janzen wrote supporters: “In Winnipeg, at the Ukrainian Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Sts. Vladimir & Olga, we held hands at

round tables after a lovely noon meal as we prayed together. Ukrainianspeaking priest Rev. Msgr. Michael Buyachok brought words of comfort and encouragement.

“Our hearts are heavy,” said Janzen. “Yet our concerts are going very well.”

As of the end of the tour, medical costs exceed a half-million dollars. Many donations have been made since the accident to Multination Missions Foundation (P.O. Box 2401 Stn A, Abbotsford, BC V2T 4X3), a B.C. charity which supports the mission-oriented musical group.—Barrie McMaster, B.C. correspondent

ICOMB awards scholarship

T

hrough the Global Scholarship Fund, the International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) is helping the global MB family foster a heart for mission to the world, from the world.

The Global Scholarship Fund grants annual bursaries to students from the Global South who are nominated by their national ICOMB church.

One of this year’s recipients is Yadira Ocampo, a young leader from the Mexican MB conference who begins studies in theology at Paraguay’s Instituto Bíblico Asunción this fall.

A graduate from the University of Guadalajara with nutritionist certification, Ocampo is pursuing training to follow her call to mission work in Angola with her husband Mathias Epp. Before embarking on her studies, Ocampo spoke at great length with the pastor and elders at her church, and with other

pastors in the Mexico conference. “They prayed with me as we discerned and affirmed my call to mission, and they encouraged me to pursue further training,” says Ocampo.

She credits her pastor and other mentors for modelling servanthood, a lesson with application for her studies. “The more you learn about God’s Word, the more you are able and willing to serve,” she says, “and the less you expect others to serve you.”

“Yadira has shown leadership in several areas in her local church,” says MB Mission longterm worker Trever Godard. She has led through worship ministry, youth discipleship and by starting an outreach in a poor area of Guadalajara where she coordinated ministry through sports, health training and Bible studies.

Financial support from the GSF helps Ocampo take her theological training in her mother

MONTREAL

ETEM-IBVIE update Students, studies and suites

E

TEM-IBVIE was busy this summer preparing for a school year with three times the number of students as three years ago, and celebrating a city decision that allows greater flexibility in the use of the large multi-suite building on Mount Royal.

A minor in pastoral studies offered in Quebec City was launched in September with 13 students.

Academic dean Jean Martin and student advisor Véronique Beaudin communicated with more than 70 students to determine their learning goals and align their 120 course selections accordingly, while navigating the complexities of two registration systems – that of Laval University and

ETEM-IBVIE. Administrative assistant Gisandre Renois helped the 12 professors to prepare course packs, order books, order and organize classrooms and supplies.

Librarian Richard Lougheed is still sorting through the 13,000 books that came from Farel Reformed Theological Seminary’s library, identifying all the duplicates so that the surplus may be shipped to the DR Congo as soon as funding is found.

Offices were moved to better streamline work flow. The school received 50 new, comfortable, adjustable classroom chairs.

After years of negotiating with the City of Montreal, the zoning of 4824 Côte-des-Neiges was changed from residential

tongue (Spanish) in a Mennonite Brethren institution.

“To be a recipient of a scholarship has been an answer to many prayers that we have had since we felt God’s call to start our preparation for the mission field,” says Ocampo. “When I first started to plan my move from Mexico to Paraguay, everything seemed impossible, but little by little things started to fall into place and doors were opened.”—Karla Braun

PHOTO: COURTESY ICOMB

A SU N C I Ó N , Paraguay

Yadira Ocampo

Global church tackles persecution A group representing 90 percent of Christians worldwide will pursue an international response to discrimination, persecution and violence against Christians and churches around the world.

Global Christian Forum, representing the Vatican, the World Council of Churches, the World Evangelical Alliance and the Pentecostal World Fellowship, agreed to a plan at their meetings in France Sept. 9. Group actions include collation of the most recent data, production of a shared glossary of terms for discrimination and martyrdom, team visits to 4 countries facing varying forms of persecution and a global gathering in late 2015 on the issue. “It is a strong sign of hope that churches and ecumenical organizations with such diverse background are ready to work together to support Christians that go through difficult times,” says Hielke Wolters, associate general secretary of the World Council of Churches.—www.ecumenicalnews.com

Mercy redirected For the first time in its 36-year history, Mercy Ships, the largest civilian hospital ship, cancelled a scheduled port. The NGO postponed services to Guinea and Benin, adjacent to West Africa’s Ebola outbreak, to serve instead in the Republic of Madagascar. “A Mercy Ship in dock attracts thousands of people from hundreds of miles, a potential disaster for a country near an outbreak,” says Mercy Ships president Don Stephens. Mercy Ships boast 5 operating rooms and 1,600 volunteers from 40 nations offering free reconstructive, orthopedic, ophthalmic and dental surgeries to thousands in each port.

—mercyships.org

to commercial, allowing ETEMIBVIE to expand the use of its facility.

Due to the hard work of Quebec MB conference (AEFMQ) executive director Gilles Dextraze and building manager Francine Leblanc, ETEM-IBVIE welcomes more organizations to the second floor. The building now houses Mennonite Central Committee Quebec, Farel, the offices of the Union of French Baptist Churches in Canada and an IT company led by Michel Monette (former

pastor with AEFMQ). If a pending rental agreement is signed soon, there will only be two empty suites left in the whole building.

“Kudos to a fabulous team who love what they do and have deep passion for ensuring that every student is welcomed and served so that their learning experience in our school may be blessed as they prepare for the mission God has in mind,” says president Kristen Corrigan.—ETEM-IBVIE report

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

21

NE WS in stor y WINNIPEG

Anabaptist martyr fires artist’s imagination

P

“Fire & Ice” by Faye Hall, 30”x 60”

New president for Fresno Pacific

ersecution. Not a popular word; however, it’s a reality in countries like Iraq and Sudan.

Raised up in the Mennonite Brethren church tradition, artist Faye Hall knows the denomination is no stranger to persecution.

One story in particular inspires Hall and others to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

Di rk Wi l lems, a Dutch Anabaptist martyr, was arrested for his faith but escaped from prison. Seeing him flee, a guard followed Willems across a frozen pond and fell through the thin ice.

Willems didn’t ignore the cries for help but acted on his beliefs and rescued the guard – only to be rearrested and burned at the stake May 16, 1569, outside the town of Asperen. The Martyrs Mirror contains a widely-known etching of the rescue.

This story of steadfastness, faithfulness and love for the enemy inspired Hall, a passionate follower of Jesus and member at North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg, to paint “Fire & Ice,” an interpretation of Willems’s story.

The painting depicts two hands reaching toward each other, hands of “fire” and “ice”: opposing beliefs, two extremes, still trying to touch. “The fire, of course, represents the man who reached out the hand of rescue and then was burned at the stake. The icy blue section is the hand of the

The Fresno Pacific board of trustees unanimously appointed Richard Kriegbaum as the university’s 12 president, Sept. 16. Board members expressed understanding that many students are seeking more information regarding the sudden resignation of president Pete Menjares, Sept. 11. Kriegbaum will focus on community relations and external duties, while Stephen Varvis, an administrator at FPU since 1985, will add the title of senior vice president and take a larger role in day-to-day operations.

Kriegbaum has taught FPU distance-learning courses and served as interim dean of FPU’s school of business since his first term as president 1985–1997.—news.fresno.edu

22

November 2014 www.mbherald.com

man who was rescued, yet was still ‘cold’ enough to turn in his rescuer to be executed,” says Hall.

A closer look at the painting reveals details such as a church steeple, a person mourning, a person being burned at a stake.

“The painting ties in Dirk Willems’s story, my background, human rights and all the persecution and murders of Christians that are going on right now,” says Hall.

Faye Hall’s goal is to point everyone who encounters her painting to Jesus and the truth he taught. Her inspiration comes from Scripture, song lyrics, poetry and stories. “And if a painting sells,” Hall laughs, “it’s a bonus.”

Hall submitted “Fire & Ice” to the Manitoba Art Expo’s Human Rights Showcase where it was displayed Oct. 24–26, 2014. (The human rights theme was chosen in honour of the opening of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Sept. 19–21, 2014.)

Hall also exhibited her paintings at the Mennonite Heritage Centre Gallery in Winnipeg, where her latest project, 32 paintings for a children’s book on the life of Charles Mulli, were displayed in September.

Meggie Kornelsen has recently extended her love of writing from blogging to crafting stories for the Community News Commons. She is a member at North Kildonan MB Church, Winnipeg.

Korean Anabaptists join MWC

The Korean Anabaptist Fellowship (KAF), formed in 2010, became an official conference and associate member church of Mennonite World Conference. The decision was finalized at the fellowship’s May 2014 meeting in Nonsan, South Korea. Namshik Chon and Sang-Uk Nham were elected as president and contact person, respectively, for the new conference of 8 congregations.—Courier

VA N CO U V E R

B.C. churches put spotlight on Indian orphans

W

hat happens when a young person leaves a sheltered Christian home to make their own way in the city?

That question not only drove a film, but it reshaped a ministry.

Mia follows a struggling graduate from a Child of Mine children’s home in India.

Transposition Films was already working on a 14-minute promotional video for Child of Mine when director Trevor Meier decided to take on the bigger challenge of a documentary.

“We chose Mia because her story was the most unfinished, and we can be involved in that story,” says Transposition Films producer Ryan Schroeder, who, along with director of photography Josh Knepper, attends Westside Church, Vancouver.

Child of Mine is a project of Westside and three MB churches

in Kelowna: Willow Park, Metro and Sunridge. Child of Mine provides funds and short-term missions support to two homes in calling home to Metro pastor LauIndia caring for 160 orphaned or rence East and Westside’s Chad abandoned children aged 4–18.

MacDonald saying we have to put something in place for graduates!”

Mentoring children into Out of the film grew the “2+2 adulthood Mia’s mother left when she was program,” in which Child of baby, and her father brought her Mine children are intentionally to Dar-ul-Fazl (House of Grace) mentored for two years before children’s home at age three when they leave the home and two years he couldn’t care for her. At 18, she afterward. The program devleft the home to work for a fashion elops spiritual disciplines, teaches magazine in fast-paced New Delhi. healthy lifestyle choices and offers “To me, family was this, but career counselling.

The promotional film asks there has to be more,” Mia tells the camera. “I wish [the staff from the churches to partner with Child home would be] in touch with kids of Mine; Mia explains why the who have left. You want someone need is so great – and goes beyond to talk to. It feels like something’s orphans in India. missing.”

“Her story is like a lot of Cana“Halfway through filming, dians who grow up Christian, go we realized she’s having a hard go to school in the big city and don’t of it,” says Schroeder. “We were see how the gospel affects where

they are now,” says Schroeder, who recalls feeling tossed between competing ideologies when he left home for film school in Vancouver. Viewers tell Schroeder they can relate to Mia’s search for family and identity.

“Child of Mine’s stated mission of ‘raising the future leaders of India’s church’ is one I’d like to throw myself behind with the gifts God’s given me,” says Schroeder.

In a region with less than one percent church presence, the homes are thriving spiritually.

To sponsor a child or graduate through Child of Mine, visit childofmine.ca. Watch the promotional video at vimeo.com/ transposition/childofmine. To find out about Mia showings, visit tfilms.co.—Angeline Schellenberg

“There is a high level of engagement by people across all the age groups,” says Wessner. At times, he uses charts and other visual aids, as though giving a formal class pre s ent at ion, but whether his style is preaching or teaching, people are listening.

This autumn series is the third time Wessner has accepted general questions in advance. “I want to be strategic, and not overdo it, so it stays meaningful,” he says.

He notes new faces in the church on these interactive Sundays. The topics create a natural opportunity for Westwood people to invite their neighbours.

Live-tweeted feedback occurs more often, normally six to nine times a year. “I set up a specific account for questions and invite people to tweet during the sermon,” he says. “Then at the end,

I look at the Twitter account and answer the questions.”

Over the three years, says Wessner, “we have learned a lot.” For example, ref lective or devotional topics are not suited to interaction. However, a controversial subject works well. So does a complicated Scripture passage, because it allows people quietly texting in their seat to ask for clarification without feeling awkward.

“We have learned that if you use the tweets on the right Sunday, on the right topic, it is a wonderful tool for engagement.”—Barrie McMaster, B.C. correspondent

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C.

Westwood Church a-twitter with interactive sermons

M

ark Wessner likes to try new things. About three years ago, the active social media user and pastor asked his congregation at Westwood Church to live tweet feedback (as he was preaching) on a sermon series. Another Sunday, he asked them to submit questions (using whatever media people liked) about faith, the Bible, anything to do with their Christian walk. He and his pastoral team at the Prince George church were so encouraged by responses to those experiments that they now pursue the two-way connection idea on a regular basis.

In September 2014, Wessner concluded a three-session sermon series based on people’s questions.

It was “wide open, on any topic,”

Wessner says, yet he found themes in the responses.

On the first Sunday, he shared all the questions, then taught on those centring on the beginning of life, like creation concerns and God’s will.

There were also many questions on the end of life, so he finished the series on that theme, including euthanasia, which allowed him to incorporate the MB Confession of Faith. He asked people if they were ready to die, and taught about, “here’s how you can know,” a natural lead-in to the gospel.

The other theme was the middle of life – how one lives as a Christian, how to deal with doubt and other issues of faith.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

23

EDMONTON

Christians and Muslims gather for fellowship and food

C

lerical collars and hijabs, men and women, black and white – the diversity in the crowd of more than 200 was clearly visible. Just as obvious, however, was the palpable presence of God as the crowd listened intently to both Christian and Muslim speakers share about the importance of faith to both private and corporate life today.

“Practising faith in a secular society” brought Mennonite and Catholic Christians together with Shia and Sunni Muslims at the Edmonton Islamic Academy on Sept. 13 for dialogue and fellowship over abundant food.

Donna Entz, hired part-time

by Mennonite Church Alberta to minister to Muslims and newcomers in North Edmonton, was one of the key organizers of the event.

She believes dialogues like this

are important to the Mennonite church.

“We need to take the respect we’ve learned in service [through organizations like Mennonite Central Committee] and take it into equal friendships with other faiths as a way of moving to the place where Jesus expects us to be,” Entz says; “to heal and verbalize the message of the kingdom, to get people excited about who Jesus is.”

Masood Peracha, chair of the Edmonton Council of Muslim Communities, stated the purpose for the dialogue in his address: “May peace be upon you all....

Today enhances awareness and understanding between two of the large faiths in this city.”

He went on to explain how the Muslim community is often painted with stereotypes includ-

Ground broken for B.C. Mennonite museum Preserving Mennonite stories for generations

With ground officially broken Sept. 4, 2014, Mennonites in the Fraser Valley will soon have a permanent place to tell their story. Construction has begun on a Mennonite Heritage Museum and Agricultural Education Centre in Abbotsford, B.C. Target completion date for the museum is October 2015.

Abbotsford mayor Bruce Banman (far right) said groundbreaking “symbolizes growth and progress.” He hopes the new building will be a place for people to “grow culturally and spiritually and a place to engage with friends and family.”

The two-storey museum will tell the Anabaptist story from 16th century to today with specific focus on the Mennonites who came to the area 80 years ago via Poland/Prussia and Russia. The building will also house the archive library of the Mennonite Historical Society of B.C. “Telling the Mennonite story is telling God’s story,” says Richard Thiessen (far left), Mennonite Museum Society executive director. “We want to preserve Mennonite stories for generations to come.”—Amy Dueckman, B.C. correspondent for the Canadian Mennonite where this article first appeared

24

November 2014 www.mbherald.com

PHOTO: AMY DUECKMAN

A B B O T S F O R D, B . C .

ing promoting terrorism, oppressing women and stifling free speech.

“Nothing could be further from the truth,” Peracha said, adding t hat dia log ue (l-r) MC Alberta’s Donna Entz with Asia Wehbi of between faith Edmonton’s Al-Rashid mosque. groups helps to break down the stereotypes and foster relationsh ips t hat go beyond tolerance to friendship and cooperation.

Speakers at the Christian-Muslim dialogue.

Kevin Kraglund, president of the Edmonton Gross commented on the and District Council of Churches, importance of faith expressed spoke of the need for interfaith through habit, lifestyle and a dialogue as having particular willingness to engage in sharimportance for today’s society. ing about faith when people ask.

“The religious landscape is shift- “Actions are only effective if we ing beneath our feet,” he said. “In can communicate well,” she said.

Julien Hammond, coordinator the 1950s, many Christians did of ecumenical and interreligious not know someone from another faith. Now Jews, Christians and relations for the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton, believes Muslims live as neighbours.”

He emphasized a need for in the importance of developing faith groups to share their beliefs strong interfaith understanding with each other and the world and friendship.

“We are blessed here in with an attitude of gentleness and reverence, seeking to “count Edmonton to have the [Edmonconversations, not conversions.” ton District Council of Churches] A spirit of gentleness, respect and the [Edmonton Council of Muslim Communities]. When and devotion to God permeated something happens in one of our all 12 addresses and conversations communities, we call each other,” around the tables. A common he said. “When a rock gets thrown theme was the importance of the at a mosque window, or a swastika active living out of faith through gets painted on a synagogue, or acts of love and service to neigh- some graffiti gets painted on a bours and community. church, [we stand together],” Mennonite speakers at the Hammond said. event included Carol Penner, “The idea is that the compastor of Lendrum Mennonite munities aren’t strangers to each Brethren Church; Thomas Bum- other. We call each other to stand beh, a board member at Holyrood together to denounce violence.”

Mennonite, Edmonton; and At the close of the event, Miriam Gross, a member of First Mennonites in the crowd were Mennonite, Edmonton. invited to sing the hymn “For We Penner gave a brief explana- Are Strangers No More.” The lyrics tion of what it is to be a Mennon- summed up the gracious mood of ite, noting that Mennonites strive the dialogue.—Donita Wiebeto witness to Christ by following Neufeld, Alberta correspondent for the example of Jesus, who washed the Canadian Mennonite where this his disciples’ feet. article first appeared.

PHOTOS: DONITA WIEBE-NEUFELD

NE WS in stor y

PHOTO: BARRIE MCMASTER

CHURCH ANNIVERSARIES

Relief through roll kuchen Vancouver-Fraser Valley MCC sale

A B B O T S F O R D, B . C .

The 2014 Mennonite Central Committee relief sale in B.C.’s southwest region netted $600,000 to fund projects for people in four countries. The sale, held Sept. 12–13, 2014, in Abbotsford’s Tradex (Fraser Valley Trade and Exhibition Centre), featured quilts, crafts, traditional Russian Mennonite food as well as fare from China, India and Japan. More than 20,000 people attended the event.

Proceeds from the 2014 sale will fund food, water, disaster relief and education in Haiti, Syria, Sudan and the Philippines. The annual autumn sale event is one of two in B.C. The other, Prince George’s Mennonite Fall Fair, takes place two weeks later in the Prince George Civic Centre. A spring sale is also held in Black Creek, B.C.—Barrie McMaster, B.C. correspondent

May 12th & 13th, 2015 / Toronto, Ontario

thinking about...

Starting another service?

Daughtering a new church?

Satellite ministry?

Planting a church?

Multi-site options?

Watch for further details www.c2cnetwork.ca

then “Multiply” is for you. Come be inspired by Canadian pastors/ leaders who have navigated their churches through the challenges of multiplication.

P r e s e n t e d By:

A celebration service Nov. 2, 2014, marks 50 years of Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon. Jan. 12, 1964, 99 members from Central MB Church, Saskatoon, chartered Nutana MB Church with a vision for evangelism in the university area of the city. Conference evangelist Henry H. Epp became the first pastor. A commitment to growing membership and expanding vision led to rechristening as Forest Grove and construction of a new building in Attridge, a growing area of the city, completed in 1984.

Always a mission-supporting church, Forest Grove formalized a long-term partnership with MB Mission work in Panama in 2005 and with Saskatoon’s The Bridge ministry in 2010.

Currently, Bruce Ens is lead pastor to the congregation totalling 638 members. Pastor Don Froese launched a second campus in the Broadway area of the city in 2010 with a second gathering begun in 2013.

Though South Langley (B.C.) Church is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the congregation’s history predates its charter date as Brookswood MB Church, Nov. 22, 1964, with 17 members and George Warkentin as pastor. People from East Aldergrove MB began holding Sunday school classes in the Brookswood area in 1948, and in 1958, the youth group began to raise money for a building to house a Brookswood congregation for which land was purchased in 1959. The congregation moved to its current location on 22nd Avenue in 1977 and finished a two-phase major renovation to the site in 2012. South Langley has operated Sonshine Street Preschool out of the church since 1986 and opened a daycare in 2013. The current membership is 232 with Wes Dahl serving as lead pastor.

Snow Lake (Man.) Christian Centre celebrated its 40th anniversary Oct. 18, 2014, at their annual fall supper, a community outreach. Mennonite Brethren began holding day camps in the area in 1970. Ken Neufeld, who was day camp director since 1973, opened a religious supply store and began holding services in the community in 1974.

The congregation was officially chartered in 1979 and moved into a newly constructed church building in 1980. Since 1983, Community Fellowship Church, Newton, Man., has fostered a sister church relationship and sends a delegation to help with the fall supper. The congregation’s size and activities have waxed and waned with the fortunes of the local mine that anchors the community.

A small group continues to meet regularly with a small council and moderator as leadership. “God is continuing to move in our small congregation,” says member Velma Yates.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

25

FAMILY news

TR ANSITIONS Andy J. Funk began his ministry at Selkirk (Man.) Community Church May 27, 2014, as lead pastor. He graduated with a BTh from Canadian Mennonite University, Winnipeg, in 2014 and is currently enrolled in the MA in theological studies at CMU. Andy was associate pastor at Morrow Gospel Church, Winnipeg, 2010–2013. He and Patricia have 3 children: Caleb, Piper, Malachi.

Parliament Community Church, Regina, welcomed new pastors to its staff in August 2014.

Randy Chase joined PCC as associate pastor of adult discipleship. He has a BA from the University of Saskatchewan and a BRE from Briercrest College and Seminary, and has previously served at Argyle Road Baptist Church,

26

November 2014 www.mbherald.com

Regina; Faith Community Baptist Church, Souris, Man.; Woodrow (Sask.) Gospel Chapel; Virden (Man.) Baptist Church. Randy and Myrna have 2 young adult children. Tim and Michelle Thiessen joined Parliament as associate pastors. Tim serves fulltime in the areas of young adults, family ministries and outreach. With a BA in youth work from Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, B.C., and an MA in youth and family ministry from Briercrest Seminary, Caronport, Sask., he has previously served at Circle Drive Alliance, Saskatoon; SunWest Christian Fellowship, Calgary; Erindale Alliance, Saskatoon; Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon.

Michelle has a background in teaching and will be serving part-time in children’s ministry. Tim and Michelle have 3 children: Ty, Hudson, Eva. Ben Wohlgemut joined Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary Canada Oct. 15 as advancement officer for Saskatchewan,

Manitoba and Ontario. A graduate of MBBS-Fresno, Ben served as associate pastor at River East MB Church, Winnipeg, and for 18 years occupied teaching and administrative roles at Bethany College, Hepburn, Sask. For 6 years he served as the administrator of Tabor Home in St. Catharines, Ont, and for the past 7 years, Ben has been the CCMBC stewardship representative for Ontario.

Tyler and Cheryl Schulz began a 5-year term of capacity building with MB Mission in Burundi and DR Congo in July 2014. Tyler has his CPA CGA designation and Cheryl is an RN. They both attended Capernwray Bible schools. Tyler interned with their home church Central Community Church, Chilliwack, B.C., January–June 2014. Tyler and Cheryl have 3 daughters: Natalie, Jillian, Lauren.

Jill Ramer began a 3-year term as a church support worker with MB Mission in Thailand in July 2014. She studied at Briercrest College, Carponport, Sask., and previously served in Thailand on MB Mission’s 10-month TREK

program, 2011–2012. Jill’s home church is Waterloo (Ont.) MB. A well-known MB missionary, author and lecturer has resigned as MB Mission’s lead team global program director. Ray Harms-Wiebe spent 6 years in international headquarters ministry after serving as a missionary in Brazil for 18 years.

Currently, Ray is pursuing further studies and working on writing projects for MB Mission, including Our Journey to Glory, a church planting manual outlining MB Mission’s approach to engage the least reached with the kingdom.

Missio Dei Church (formerly Summerside Community Church), Edmonton, has closed. It was planted in January 2000 with a vision of winning people to Christ in the city’s southeast. The church was known for doing Saturday night church with a relaxed atmosphere and upbeat music, rather than holding traditional Sunday services. The church’s Quest hip hop dance team performed across Western Canada, including at Youth Conference in Edmonton and at National Youth Conference in Calgary. Mission teams served in both Mexico and Thailand, constructing homes and church buildings.

Ray Wiens served as lead pastor from 2000 to 2007. Following an extended period without a pastor, Tom Koop was called, and served from July 2009 until Apr. 30, 2014. Over the last season of its life, Summerside experienced, and was unable to resolve, some challenges regarding how to move the church forward as well as differences in leadership style. A decline in attendance and finances led the congregation to make the decision to close in July 2014, grateful to the Lord for the many good things he accomplished and the many conversions and baptisms over the past 14 years.

Bakerview MB Church

50th Anniversary Weekend

SAVE THE DATE - April 10-12, 2015

BIRTHS BARBOUR – to Travis & Whitney of Nanaimo, B.C., a daughter, Lydia Poppy, May 24, 2014.

BRYCE – to Adam & Lavinia of Killarney, Man., a daughter, Hannah Mae, July 27, 2014.

BUECKERT – to Jerry & Mandy (Braun) of Fort St. John, B.C., a daughter, Riella Hope, Sept. 5, 2014.

CARRIERE – to Shawn & Carey (Willms) of Saskatoon, a daughter, Grace Joelle, Aug. 18, 2014.

FALK – to Don & Michelle of Portage la Prairie, Man., twin daughters, Karina Olivia [d.

Apr. 11] & Michaela Erinne, Apr. 10, 2014.

KEHLER – to Jason & Evelina (Harder) of Niverville, Man., a daughter, Amelia Rose, Aug. 19, 2014.

KORNELSEN – to Mike & Katie (Stewart) of Fort

St. John, B.C., a son, Oliver Andrew, Aug. 6, 2014.

Allegra NEUMANN of Kelowna, B.C., July 19, 2014.

NEILL – to Jay & Natalie McKnight of Portage la Prairie, Man., a daughter, Alexis Faith, Aug. 26, 2014.

radyn GERBER & Danae B PATTIMORE, both of Coaldale, Alta., May 17, 2014.

WELSH – to Bryan & Heather of Saskatoon, a son, Lyndon Arthur Bryan, Aug. 23, 2014.

WEDDINGS ark BERGEN of MacGregor, M Man., & Terra KOSLOWSKY of Killarney, Man., July 26, 2014. atthew BLOCK of Foam M Lake, Sask., & Faith VION of Ebenezer, Sask., Aug. 23, 2014. ustin CARROLL & Christine D DRIEDGER, both of Port Rowan, Ont., Apr. 12, 2014. aul FRIESEN & Megan P JANZEN, both of Calgary, Aug. 9, 2014. eilly Roland FULLER R of Canoe, B.C., & Danelle

hristian GERLING of C Killarney, Man., & Sarah REIMER of Altona, Man., Aug. 23, 2014.

J ustin HIEBERT of Port Rowan, Ont., & Jenna BOS of Burlington, Ont., Aug. 23, 2014.

J oshua KLASSEN of Charlie Lake, B.C., & Jamie BRAUN of Prespatou, B.C., Aug. 2, 2014. ied McTAVISH of R Charlie Lake, B.C., & Rachel SLYKHYUIS of Dawson Creek, B.C., Aug. 16, 2014.

S teven SHAW & Anastasia (Ana) KOOP, both of Victoria, July 12, 2014.

E ric STOCK of Lethbridge, Alta., & Caitlin IRWIN of Coaldale, Alta., May 31, 2013.

COMING EVENTS Pastors Credentialing Orientation June 2015 Winnipeg, Manitoba

Study Conference / AGM October 2015 Winnipeg, Manitoba

Abbotsford, BC

www.mennonitebrethren.ca

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

27

Savin g a child CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

cmu.ca

Arts • Science • Business • Music

Exemplary Academics Faith-filled Community

Discover the Alternative

Sara Willms Sara Willms Sara Willms Sara Willms Sara Willms Sara Willms Sara Willms Realtor Realtor Realtor Realtor Realtor Realtor

Realtor RE/MAX executives realty RE/MAX executives realty RE/MAX executives realty RE/MAX executives realty RE/MAX executives realty #3-1919 Henderson Hwy. RE/MAX executives realty RE/MAX executives realty #3-1919 Henderson Hwy. #3-1919 Henderson Hwy. #3-1919 Henderson Hwy. Winnipeg Mb. R2G 1P4 #3-1919 Henderson Hwy. Winnipeg Mb. R2G 1P4 #3-1919 Henderson Hwy. Winnipeg Mb. R2G 1P4 #3-1919 Henderson Hwy. Winnipeg Mb. R2G Winnipeg Mb. 1P4 R2G 1P4

Throughout Moldova, Ukraine and Romania, more than 70,000 children live in state homes often in poor repair because the governments can’t afford to keep the houses in good and safe condition. Throughout the region, many thousands more children are abandoned or orphaned; alone, unprotected, homeless and walking the streets. Many of these kids are kidnapped and forced into the sex trade.

According to one CNN report, 75% of the sex workers in the Netherlands at the moment originate from Eastern European countries such as Romania.

These are children we want to save and need your help to do it. These children need our love and support, often for lengthy periods. We ask that you prayerfully consider sponsoring one of these children today. For just $32.00 a month, the equivalent of a coffee a day, you can bring hope, the love of God and light into the life of an abandoned, at-risk child.

A gift of sponsorship will help us provide emotional, physical and spiritual help to these deserving children.

Ministering to Celebrating 45 Years of Value-Added Travel

MISSION WITHOUT BORDERS

For more information or to begin a child sponsorship please call us toll free at 1-800-494-4454 Or visit our website at www.mwbca.org

Build Community with Like-Minded Travelers

Winnipeg 1P4 WinnipegMb. Mb.R2G R2G 1P4

(204)-987-9800 (204)-987-9800 (204)-987-9800 (204)-987-9800 (204)-987-9800

(204)-987-9800 (204)-987-9800 sarawillms@shaw.ca E-mail:

E-mail:

sarawillms@shaw.ca

E-mail: sarawillms@shaw.ca E-mail: E-mail: sarawillms@shaw.ca TO sarawillms@shaw.ca BUY OR SELL- CALL SARA NOW

TO BUY OR SELLSARA NOW E-mail: sarawillms@shaw.ca OR SELLCALLCALL SARA NOW E-mail:TO BUY sarawillms@shaw.ca

TO TO BUY OR OR SELLCALL SARA NOW BUY SELLCALL SARA NOW

TO TOBUY BUYOR ORSELLSELL-CALL CALLSARA SARANOW NOW Helping you find your way home... in Winnipeg

DAVID UNRUH 204-453-7653 “Most of all I enjoyed the meal times where we could catch up and get to know each other.”

david@unruhrealestate.ca www.unruhrealestate.ca

– a Holy Land Tour Participant

With new and old friends explore the Holy Land, Australia/New Zealand, Mexico, Ethiopia/Tanzania, Europe, Cuba, Russia/Ukraine, Hawaii or Central Asia in 2014/2015.

FOR YOUR NEXT MOVE

Book your life-changing journey today!

(800) 565-0451

Re/Max

Saskatoon www.teddepp.com 28

office@tourmagination.com www.tourmagination.com

Tedd Epp 306 221 1614

November 2014 www.mbherald.com

TMJuly2014Ad_MBH.indd 1

TICO#50014322

14-07-18 2:56 PM

PASTORS & LEADER CONFERENCE 2015

F

or so many pastors “running on empty” seems to be the inescapable norm.

As pastors, the demands to produce fresh sermons week aaer week; to equip and to lead in visionary ways; to counsel wisely and keep up with the endless other responsibilities that end up on our plates can drain us in all ways – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Why does this happen when we follow and serve the Source of all fullness, a generous God who desires to ll us to overrowing?

If any of this rings true for you, we invite you to the REFRESH Conference 2015. Come for a time of renewal and refreshing. Learn how to develop the rhythms and practices needed to help you maintain spiritual, emotional, mental and physical health as a pastor.

JOHN ORTBERG

GRANT MULLEN

GORDON MACDONALD

LOCATION:

LIVING HOPE ALLIANCE CHURCH 3900 Arcola Ave. E. | Regina | SK | S4N 7L2

TICKETS:

$275 early bird (November 1 - February 28) Regular pricing $300 (March 1 - May 31)

KEN SHIGEMATSU LIVE & IN PERSON

MIKE BREEN

MORE SPEAKERS TO COME...

JUNE 3RD-5TH • 2015

WWW.REFRESHPASTORS.COM

JENNI CATRON PHONE:

306.543.8233

EMAIL:

INFO@REFRESHPASTORS.COM

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

29

MennoJerusalem Tours

CHristmas Gift ideas —from Herald Press—

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

ISRAEL & JORDAN

Ellie Ellie’s People, Book 1

The Land, the People & the Book May 2-17, 2015

978-0-8361-3468-1. Softcover.

An Old Order Amish girl wishes for fancier things and decides whether to stay in the community. Ages 10 & up.

A TASTE of TUSCANY

Chasing the Amish Dream My Life as a Young Amish Bachelor

[Italy] May 17-28, 2015

978-0-8361-9907-9. Softcover.

Plainspoken, Book 1. A young Amish schoolteacher tells true stories of life in his community.

The JOURNEYS of PAUL

Extending the Table, Revised Edition

in Turkey, Greece & Italy September 12-28, 2015 & October 8-24, 2015

978-0-8361-9855-3. Softcover / 978-0-8361-9854-6. Hardcover

Includes the best recipes from the previous edition plus updated photographs, stories, labels, and indexes.

__________________________________________________________

Jacob’s Choice Return to Northkill, Book 1

Jan. 2016 Philippines/Bali/Singapore

978-0-8361-9681-8. Softcover / 978-0-8361-9875-1. Hardcover

Based on the life Jacob Hochstetler, an Amish settler taken captive during the war of 1757.

office@mennojerusalem.org Tel: (647) 340 -6287

www.mennojerusalem.org

1-800-245-7894 (USA) • 1-800-631-6535 (Canada) www.MennoMedia.org

CONGRATULATIONS to the 2014 Global Scholarship Fund Recipients Supporting the education of national leaders India Portugal

Kardoso Mente Bachelor of Theology

Mexico

Yadira Ocampo Bachelor of Theology

Gundepogu Ross Masters of Philosophy in Missiology Director of Church planting for Governing Council of India

Y.D. Jayaker Doctor of Theology in History of Christianity

Congo

Colombia

Milena Elejalde Bachelor of Theology Worship Leader Erika Cortes Bachelor of Theology

Christine Mayani Master of Arts in Missiology K. Ndunzi Müller Doctor of Ministry in Transformational Leadership

What does the GSF do? It helps make education affordable for leaders who will train pastors and others in their region for discipleship, witness and leadership.

Who is it for? Pastors and leaders in small or new MB conferences in our global fellowship.

Priority is given to capable leaders in areas with fewer resources.

30

November 2014 www.mbherald.com

Support more students:

Go to http://icomb.org/donate

LIVE OUT YOUR FAITH

CHURCH STA FF Pastor

Cornerstone Community (MB) Church, Prince Rupert, B.C., is seeking an experienced pastor to minister to a congregation of approximately 40 people. The successful candidate will provide leadership, vision and pastoral care to the congregation and offer the varied and flexible skills required in a smaller setting. The candidate should carry the call of pastor/teacher with a strong evangelistic leaning and have a love for both the church and unchurched in the community.

Although not essential, musical abilities would be a great asset. Applications with a cover letter and resume should be made to mbchurch@citytel. net, attention Mr. B. Buhr or call 250-627-1033.

Pastor of Youth Ministries

Open your home or workplace to an international volunteer ivep.mcc.org

Commit a year to serve alongside others in Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East and Latin America salt.mcc.org Serving And Learning Together

International Volunteer Exchange Program

Programs of Mennonite Central Committee

This Christmas, give a gift that keeps on giving Choose a gift that is a personal and meaningful expression of God’s love. Give a teacher the gift of education, your favorite chef a gift of food or your grandparents gifts of health and hope.

Browse and purchase gifts at mcc.org/christmas or call toll free 888.563.4676 to request a printed booklet.

education

hope

Port Rowan MB Church is prayerfully looking for a full-time pastor of youth ministries. The applicant must be passionate about discipling youth and seeing them mature in Christ. Primary responsibilities: provide direction and leadership to the junior and senior youth ministries; effectively communicate God’s Word; nurture and develop smooth transitions through our youth ministries. Please check out our website for more information: www.portrowanmbchurch.com. Interested candidates need to send their resumes attention Jeff Reimer, Port Rowan MB Church, 465 – 1st Concession Rd., Port Rowan, ON, Canada, N0E 1M0, or email reimerj@kwic.com.

Student/Young Adult Pastor

Eastview Community Church, Winnipeg, is seeking an experienced student/ young adult pastor. For a complete job description check out our website: www.eastview.org.

Lead Pastor

Portage Avenue (MB) Church, Winnipeg, welcomes applicants for the position of lead pastor.

We have a community outreach program that includes Drive by Prayer. Please see our website www.pachurch.ca. Resumes should be sent to Chair Search Team. E-mail: paulsfd@mymts.net

Student Ministries/Worship Pastor

food

livelihoods

water

peace

health

immigration

Meadow Brook Church, Leamington, Ont., is prayerfully seeking an energetic and gifted individual to partner with our existing pastoral team in guiding people into the Christ-centred life.

Our church serves the community of Leamington with a population of nearly 30,000 people in the heart of Southern Ontario. Leamington is known for its sunny climate, large agricultural sector and cultural diversity. Meadow Brook is a multi-generational church of about 300 with many young families. We are looking for a leader with a passion for junior high and senior high students, as well as a heart for worship. This will be a full-time position, with the majority of the focus being on student ministries. In addition, the candidate will give leadership to our current skilled worship team. To learn more about Meadow Brook Church, please visit us online at www.meadowbrook.ca. For those interested, resumes (with references) can be emailed to us at search@meadowbrook.ca.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD MB Herald, 1/3 page square: 4.875 x 4.75 inch CG_ChristmasAds, 09/03/14 MCC, 21 South 12th Street, Akron PA 17501 717.859.1151

November 2014

31

Finish lines

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.—2 Timothy 4:7 grandchildren. Agnes died peacefully, without pain, in hospital as her strength faded.

Justina (Jessie) Harder Aug. 18, 1932–May 23, 2014

Hilda Wiebe Mar. 31, 1922–July 6, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Beaverlodge, Alta.

PARENTS: Aron & Tina Wiebe MARRIAGE: Ben Harder, Aug. 10, 1956 BAPTISM: Greendale (B.C.) MB, 1949 CHURCH: South Abbotsford (B.C.) FAMILY: Ben; children Cecil [d. 1960], Doug (Lynn), Donna (Perry) Klassen, Ryan; 7 grandchildren; 3 siblings

Jessie’s family moved in 1947 to Greendale, B.C., where she met Ben. After 2 years in Prince George, B.C., Jessie and Ben settled in Abbotsford, B.C., where Ben continued a long career as an elementary school teacher. At South Abbotsford Church, Jessie was active in the nursery and Ladies Fellowship Guild and with the catering and janitorial service. Jessie loved children, caring for many preschoolers. She treated her family as a gift from God. She even travelled to the Philippines and Czech Republic to visit her children. Jessie and Ben volunteered at MCC in Akron, Penn., for several months.

Aganetha (Agnes) Penner

BIRTHPLACE: Lichtfelde, Ukraine PARENTS: Heinrich & Justina Pankratz MARRIAGE: Henry Wiebe, July 6, 1947 [d. 1989] BAPTISM: Steinbach (Man) MB, age 12 FAMILY: children Elvin, Myrna Wowk; 2 siblings

Due to persecution, Hilda’s family left Ukraine in 1929. After months in Germany, they immigrated to Canada, settling in Arnaud, Man., when Hilda was 8. They moved to Steinbach, Man., in 1935.

Hilda completed Grade 9 before she was needed at home. At 16, she worked as a housekeeper in Winnipeg, earning $5 a month and sending all but 50 cents home. She worked at Steinbach Credit Union from 1945 until her wedding. Hilda was secretary of the Bethesda Hospital ladies aid and president of the MB Mission sisters.

She loved knitting scarves, tending flowers and baking. Nothing made her happier than satisfying her family’s addiction to homemade chicken noodle soup. In 2009, Hilda’s vision began to deteriorate, and in 2010, she was diagnosed with vascular dementia and her daughter came to live with her. After a stroke in 2013, she moved to a nursing home the next year.

July 3, 1927–June 19, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Ukraine PARENTS: Paul & Maria Janzen MARRIAGE: John (Hans) Penner, 1960 [d. 2011] BAPTISM: MB church as a teen CHURCH: King Road MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: children Marvin (Jenny), Paul (Debbie), Karin (Brian) Farquhar; 4 grandchildren

Agnes’s family escaped Communism in 1930 and moved to Paraguay, first to Fernheim, then to Friesland as one of the founding families. Agnes loved to sing in choirs. She was one of the first graduates of the nursing program in Filadelfia and practised in Asuncion, taking Mennonite patients to their medical appointments and translating for them. Agnes and John served at Km 81 leprosy hospital until 1975 while raising 3 children. They immigrated to Canada, settling in Abbotsford, B.C., where they both worked at Tabor Home and were deacons at King Road MB Church.

Beginning in 1983, they served in northern Peru as church planters with MB Mission for 6 years.

Agnes spent her retirement encouraging elderly friends. She was fiercely proud of her children and

32

November 2014 www.mbherald.com

Helen (Lena) Wiebe Feb. 24, 1928–July 8, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Neuhorst, Man. PARENTS: Jacob & Maria (Enns) Dyck MARRIAGE: Peter Wiebe, 1947 [d. 2000] BAPTISM: Kronstal (Man.) EMC, age 18 CHURCH: Manitou (Man.) MB FAMILY: children Janet (Leonard), Judy (Ivan), Richard (Karen), Ron (Myra), Jerry (Donna), Raymond (Rose), Dennis; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters

Annie Quiring Jan. 18, 1914–July 11, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Myrtle, Man. PARENTS: Cornelius & Anna (Dyck) Enns

MARRIAGE: Jacob Quiring, June 27, 1937 [d. July 24, 2004] CHURCH: Bakerview MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: children Lois, Robert, Linda, David

Annie was a child of the prairies. As a teen, one of her duties was to listen to the daily farm broadcast and report wheat prices to her father. Annie married Jacob in Kronsgart, Man. Before they had their own 4 children, Annie and Jake nurtured special relationships with nieces and nephews.

Guests were warmly welcomed to their home.

In 1966, the family moved to Abbotsford, where Jake served as Bakerview’s first pastor for 9 years.

Jake’s death led to a lonely life for Annie, but she maintained her daily walks. Annie’s 100th birthday was memorable: family and friends came from afar to see her.

Mary Penner June 5, 1928–July 23, 1014

BIRTHPLACE: Winkler, Man. PARENTS: Nicolai Voth & Katherina Thiessen MARRIAGE: Irvin Penner, Oct. 7, 1950 BAPTISM: Arnaud (Man.) MB CHURCH: Steinbach (Man.) MB; Blaine Lake (Sask.); Clearbrook MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: Irvin; children Marvin (Lois), Marilyn (Dwayne Koop), David (Wendy), Karen (Karl Janzen), Christopher (Shirley)

Mary trusted Jesus as Saviour early. She attended Mennonite Collegiate Institute, Gretna, Man., and Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute, where she met Irvin.

They moved many times, including to Steinbach, Man., as Irvin taught in small country schools.

In 1968, Irvin and Mary were called to pastor Blaine Lake (Sask.) Gospel Chapel, where Mary endeared herself to the Russian and Ukrainian people in the community. When Irvin was director at Redberry Bible Camp, Mary was camp “mom.” They ministered in Swift Current, Sask.; Newton, Man.; Woodrow, Sask.; Cochrane, Alta.; Enchant, Alta.; and Arnold, B.C. Mary shared her heart for children at risk by opening their home to many hurting youth. While Irvin attended Briercrest Bible College, Caronport, Sask., Mary blessed many students’ wives preparing for ministry. As retirement neared, they ministered to seniors in their buildings in Vancouver and Abbotsford, B.C. At Fernwood Place, Steinbach, they reconnected with old friends over 10 years.

When health deteriorated, their children encouraged them to return to Abbotsford, B.C. They moved to Tabor Manor in 2012, and Mary entered Tabor Home in 2013. Although she needed help with daily living, she continued to share her faith and encourage staff and residents. Mary died as Irvin read her Psalm 84.

Agatha (Dyck) Buller Dec. 24, 1914–Aug. 6, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Main Centre, Sask.

PARENTS: Jacob & Margaret Dyck; step-parents, Cornelius & Anna Enns MARRIAGE: William Buller, Nov. 28, 1943 [d.]

CHURCH: Herbert (Sask.) MB FAMILY: children Marvin [d.] (Lucy), Lowell, Elaine (Walter); grandchildren; great-grandchildren; 2 siblings

The death of Agatha’s father in a farming accident in 1915 and her mother to influenza in 1918 left the family orphaned. At 5, Agatha became part of Cornelius and Anna Enns’ warm home and family in Winkler, Man. After public school, Agatha helped her mother at home, developing skills as a seamstress, baker and cook. At 19, she gave God control of her life and was baptized. She frequently talked of her assurance that Christ was in her life. She was thankful for the opportunity to attend Winkler (Man.) Bible Institute for several winters. Her faith was evident throughout her life. After their wedding, Agatha and William moved to the Buller farm near Ernfold, Sask. They farmed at Flowing Well from 1949 until they left to pastor Meadow Lake (Sask.) MB Church in 1962.

In 1972, they moved to Herbert, Sask., living in their own home until poor health forced William into long-term care. Agatha moved to the Herbert Heritage Manor in 2002 and to the Herbert and District Integrated Facility after an injury in 2013. Agatha was a devoted believer, a faithful wife, a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and a kindhearted friend.

She was always interested in her family’s activities and prayed faithfully for them. Hospitable and generous in a quiet way, Agatha made friends of all ages.

Ruth Marie Janz May 22, 1927–Aug. 9, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Main Centre, Sask.

PARENTS: David R. & Helen Ewert MARRIAGE: Waldemar Abram Janz, July 23, 1952 [d. 2011] BAPTISM: Swift Current Creek, Sask., 1944 CHURCH: Bethania MB, Turnhill, Man.; Main Centre MB; Bridgeway, Swift Current; West Portal, Saskatoon FAMILY: daughters Kathleen (Blake) Penson, Sandra (Leo) Derksen, Jeanette (Michael) Schroeder, Donna (Darrell) Schroeder, Sharon (Jeff) Jenkins; 3 grandchildren; 2 great-granddaughters

Ruth played violin and piano, and she enjoyed singing with her dad, sister and friends. She attended Herbert (Sask.) Bible School 3 years, graduating in 1947. Ruth loved her calling as a farmer’s wife, working side by side with Waldemar in Main Centre, Sask. She enjoyed being involved in church and taught Sunday school many years.

She was active in the community: curling, picnicking, visiting friends. Ruth had the gift of hospitality and enjoyed serving guests, cooking, baking, crocheting, canning and gardening. In 1984, Ruth and Waldemar moved to Swift Current, Sask., but continued to farm for many years. In 2005, they moved to Saskatoon, where they attended West Portal Church and enjoyed being close to their children. After 58 years of marriage, Waldemar died. Ruth had a strong faith and a determination to regain her health, but God took her home.

Susie Wiens Feb. 15, 1922–Aug. 10, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Gnadenthal, Ukraine PARENTS: Jacob & Anna Loewen MARRIAGE: Peter Enns, May 1951 [d. Aug. 9, 1990]; Abe Wiens, Feb. 15, 2002 [d. Apr. 5, 2011] BAPTISM: 1936 CHURCH: Grantham (Ont.) MB FAMILY: children Violet (Peter) Tubb, Vic (Linda), Al (Elly), Annemarie Davis, Ed (Bert), Olive (Dan) Fast, Linda (David) Klassen, Wilfred [d.]; son-in-law Allen Davis; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; “adopted” children; 4 brothers

Susie was a storyteller. Her family immigrated to Canada in 1925, settling in Manitoba, a place of uncertainty and few amenities. In this soil, Susie’s faith was nurtured. She committed herself to following Christ in 1931. She completed 4 years of Bible school and returned to high school for Grade 11, so she could enter nurse’s training and prepare for missions. Her vision of a mission field changed when she married Peter, a widower with 1-year-old twins. Over 15 years, Susie and Peter farmed in Elm Creek, Man., adding 6 children to their family. In 1966, when the farm could no longer provide, they moved to St. Catharines, Ont., where Susie worked at Linhaven seniors’ home for 18 years. She earned her RNA certification and her driver’s licence, showing her children one is never too old to learn. Though her work often prevented her from attending worship services, Susie served her church, hosting visiting missionaries and students, attending ladies’ groups. After she retired, she taught Sunday school and became a deacon. The death of her son Wilfred in 1972 and of Peter in 1990 did not shake Susie’s faith. Her marriage to Abe Wiens on her 80th birthday gave her joy. Losing Abe, her health, her independence and her memory didn’t diminish her gratitude.

Jacob Dahl June 16, 1918–Aug. 21, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Kronswiede, Ukraine PARENTS: John & Anna (Peters) Dahl MARRIAGE: Helena Nightingale, Aug. 14, 1949 [d.

Sept. 4, 2010] CHURCH: Bakerview MB, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: children Dorothea (Jim), Charlotte (Lorne), Wes (Doreen); 9 grandchildren; 2 greatgranddaughters

Jacob’s family left the volatile situation in Ukraine in 1925 and immigrated to Canada, settling in Saskatchewan. Jacob had a passion for Jesus and his church, a love for people and a deep desire to serve. All who knew him loved and respected him. He had a sense of humour and a sparkle in his eyes.

Anneliese Jeske Aug. 19, 1937–Aug. 26, 2014

BIRTHPLACE: Stolp, Germany PARENTS: Johann & Anna (Voth) Barwich MARRIAGE: Ben Jeske, Dec. 26, 1966 BAPTISM: Volendam, Paraguay, age 13 CHURCH: Bakerview, Abbotsford, B.C. FAMILY: Ben; children Marvin (Tanya Robinson), Kevin (Glenda Laird), Lisa (Hans Dueck), Lynn (Judd Boxtart); 9 grandchildren; 2 sisters

Anneliese’s father was drafted at the beginning of WWII and only reunited with the family at the end of the war through the help of the Red Cross.

Anneliese suffered deprivation and hardship, including a year in a TB sanatorium. After the war, her family settled in Cologne, Germany. When Stalin tried to repatriate all Russian-born German citizens, the family relocated to Paraguay under the auspices of MCC to escape deportation to Siberia. In 1954, they immigrated to Canada, settling in Vancouver, and later in Abbotsford, B.C. Anneliese completed high school in one year, skipping six grades, and earned her teaching certificate from University of B.C. She met Ben at a youth retreat. They served many times with MCC in Algeria, Kentucky, Haiti and Zaire.

Anneliese was diagnosed in June 2014 with aggressive cancer.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

33

FILM

Tribute to a modern-day troubadour

Burning Ember: The Steve Bell Journey A Feature Documentary DIRECTOR: ANDREW WALL 98 minutes

W

hy isn’t Steve Bell famous yet? That question opens Burning Ember, Refuge 31’s documentary of the Canadian singer songwriter.

If you’re Canadian, you’ve likely sung his “Wings of an Eagle” or had opportunity to attend one of his concerts. For more than two decades, Bell has crisscrossed the country, playing venues large and small, and he’s also performed in the U.S. and places like India, the Philippines and Ireland. But he’s never gotten the name recognition – or airplay – of a star like Michael W. Smith or Steven Curtis Chapman.

Perhaps the two-time Juno Award winner’s successes may be chalked up to his everyman-ness. Director Andrew Wall captured that sense in his footage taken over two years of touring with Bell.

The film traces Bell’s history, intercut with

34

November 2014 www.mbherald.com

moments from his varied concerts, ranging from a Saskatoon church in the winter to a soundstage in Los Angeles.

Bell doesn’t fit anyone’s box. Part of the family ministry band in his childhood, he learned to play guitar by jamming with inmates at the penitentiary where his father was chaplain. He was an established professional musician for years before a discerning acquaintance half-tricked him into playing his first gospel concert. “I was terrified to play in front of a roomful of people actually listening to me,” said Bell, who was accustomed to playing in clubs.

Raised Baptist, he now draws deeply from liturgical traditions. And Bell jokes that, via the Catholic priest who created opportunities for him, his first album was “financed by the Vatican.”

Wall’s takes of roads, set-ups, practices and concerts gives the viewer a taste of a touring musician’s life, and his ambient footage locates the feature in real places.

This Winnipeg viewer saw her own love of her city reflected in his editing choices.

That the Prairie city had a presence in the feature was appropriate. At a prelaunch screening, Bell observed that Winnipeg has a supportive arts scene like no other where the collaborative spirit extends into the business community. It may be that the Steve Bell phenomenon could only have come out of Winnipeg, local radio host Kyle Rudge mused.

Unfortunately, the film’s meandering arc, though suited to Bell’s own storytelling style, seemed a tad unfocused. The Bell fan may cherish

every glimpse into the singer songwriter’s life, but for others, the minutes may grow long.

Ironically, the tone is overwhelmingly upbeat (especially as it treats the series of symphony concerts), despite the question that frames the film. Yet, it is Bell’s willingness to explore longing and suffering – music producer Roy Salmond observes he doesn’t major in triumphant themes like most Christian artists – that makes his songwriting and concerts so powerful.

Effusive praise from diverse interviewees – from a Texan Christian radio host to pastors and musicians to a former Billboard & Rolling Stone writer who commend both Bell’s lyrics (“they have a depth”) and his guitar playing (“one of the best in the world”) – stand in contrast to Bell’s unpretentiousness. Those who attend his concerts taste his brilliance and his modest sincerity. Here’s a man whose street-side conversation about guitar playing ends with Bell climbing onto a city bus bearing his own image on a concert ad.

And therein may lie the answer to the mystery the film names but doesn’t explicitly untangle.

Perhaps Steve Bell never made it big because then he wouldn’t be Steve Bell: a joy-filled, impish troubadour who teaches us to look for beauty, savour mystery and speak frankly about loss and pain.

—Karla Braun

Intersection

of faith & life

Judgmental attitude adjustment How to use superpowers with love SANDRA REIMER

N

ostrils flared, I huffily organize my friend’s papers into envelopes. She’s been paralyzed by the mess for months. I can’t believe such a simple task keeps her from moving forward.

Then, I picture Jesus standing before me with his arms crossed, saying, “About your attitude: I said to love your neighbour as yourself. I repeated it a few times in different ways and even showed you how to do it when I lived on earth for 30-plus years.

“Through my servant Paul, I taught, ‘To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good’” (1 Corinthians 12:7).

In other words, whatever superpowers God gave me were meant to bless others.

God never intended for me to wield my gifts and abilities like a self-righteous weapon.

Busted.

its usual spot, I can think creatively about where it might be. Often, I ask God to show me where things are. One time, I had a clear picture of my son’s cellphone in the recycling bin, and there it was at the curb among the newspapers and tuna cans.

Yet, most times, when my kids or husband ask me to find something, I’m annoyed. I judge them for giving up too soon or just not being good at searching.

My husband’s attitude is much more gracious. Wes has a superpower with technology.

When I get into a jam because I have been randomly pushing buttons on my computer, hoping the right thing will

Gracious superpowers Sometimes we organized, Type A people can be judgmental. Remember Martha during Jesus’ visit to her house (Luke 10:38–42)? When her sister Mary sat and listened to him instead of helping with the meal, Martha whined: “Lord, there is so much to do. Tell that lazybones Mary to help.” I can picture her preparing the pita and olive oil with quick, sharp movements and setting it before her guests with a clunk.

But he didn’t. Mary chose relationship, and she was rewarded for it. Scripture doesn’t tell us whether Martha relaxed and sat down with Mary or continued bustling about her home in annoyance.

I’ll be honest, I get annoyed when people struggle with things I find easy.

For example, I have a superpower for finding things. When something is not in

happen, he rescues me without judging.

He even patiently teaches me how to avoid the problem in the future. Wes uses his knowledge and gifts to serve me.

Paul teaches us to esteem the role God gave us and to honour each other. “If our bodies were only an eye, we couldn’t hear a thing. And if they were only an ear, we couldn’t smell a thing. But God has put all parts of our body together in the way that he decided is best” (1 Corinthians 12:17–18, CEV).

Love it or leave it Being task-oriented, I love to get things done and check them off my list.

But what if none of it counts if I don’t do it with love?

Is this what Paul means in 1 Corinthians 13 when he says, “If I have

God left gaps in our abilities so we would need each other.

Calling all body parts God left gaps in our abilities so we would need each other. In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul compares the church to a body with each part doing its work.

Every part of the body is valuable and necessary.

Paul addresses my tendency to think I am better than someone who does not have my gift. “The eye cannot say to the hand. ‘I don’t need you’” (v. 21).

Some people have the opposite problem. They devalue their gifts and think they aren’t important. Yet, when we keep our gifts to ourselves, we withhold God’s goodness from the people around us.

faith to move mountains but have not love, I am nothing”? If I don’t use my superpowers with love, are my accomplishments useless, destined to end up as torched wood, hay and straw (1 Corinthians 3:12–13)?

I’m going to need God’s help to appreciate the people around me and to share my gifts in love.

Lord, help me to be patient as I humbly use my gifts with love. Help me to see it as a privilege to serve others and to receive gratefully what they give to me.

Sandra Reimer is a member of Gleincairn MB Church, Kitchener, Ont.

MENNONITE BRETHREN HERALD November 2014

35

ONE MISSION UNDER ONE UMBRELLA

www.L2Lnet.org www.mbherald.com www.C2Cnetwork.ca cmbs.mennonitebrethren.ca www.kindredproductions.com studyconference.mennonitebrethren.ca

36

November 2014  www.mbherald.com