Vol. 49 No. 10 October 2011 - Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Transcription

THE
MESSENGER
volume 49, number 10
October 2011
www.emconference.ca/messenger
El Camino
Jesús
Jesus
Way
de
entre Gente Hispana
p. 8
The
among the
Hispanic people
p. 10
Also inside:
PHOTOS: DESIGNPICS.COM
Secretario General electo, César García
reflexiona sobre su viaje y su visión p. 12
MWC General Secretary-elect César García
reflects on journey and vision p. 14
Joe and Olga Reimer: grateful to ‘the Spirit’
who led them in ministry p. 16
$2.00
a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference
editorials
Does Luther’s hammer still ring?
R
standard by which our faith and
eformation Sunday is, as my
Reformation was much ado about
former professor Alvin Lewis
nothing. Doctrine or teaching, some practice are to be judged is a
Protestant principle. To state that
once preached, neither a time
people suggest, is unimportant;
we can believe without following
to throw stones at Roman Catholics
faith in lifestyle is what is needed.
in life is to place a meaning on
nor a time to ignore differences.
Yet can faith, doctrine or
believing that many early
It was in October 1517 that
To state that we can believe without following
Anabaptists would have
Martin Luther hammered
faulted.
the notice of his 95 Theses
in life is to place a meaning on believing that
In the EMC we are
on the door of Castle Church
many early Anabaptists would have faulted.
indebted to the Protestant
in Wittenberg, Germany—a
Reformation and the Radical
discussion about God’s grace
Reformation within it. This hisand indulgences. Both had been
teaching, and lifestyle be so neatly
torical period deeply influences the
twisted to where people seemed to
separated? Can what we think, say
current practices of our churches,
buy their forgiveness.
and do have scant connection?
even if we simply assume the basis
The ring of Luther’s hammer
Neither the Protestant
for them.
was heard around the world, Alvin
Reformation nor the Radical
On Oct. 30, 2011, how consciousLewis preached.Does that ring still
Reformation, at their best, would
ly will your congregation reflect on
matter? To Lewis, yes. To us?
recognize such a division as proper
and reflect the Reformation?
Today some Christians
or helpful.
Terry M. Smith
might think that the Protestant
To say that Scripture is the
Congregational creativity and commitment
T
here is a range of creative
churches across the EMC.
There are congregations
with varying forms of government, styles of worship, languages
used, groups reached, and vision.
Many Rooms Church Community,
The ConneXion, and Good News
Community Church reveal forms
of Christian community that differ
in shape from some other EMC
churches.
Perhaps there were always
differences. At least, one gets the
impression that when the KG/EMC
had five churches in one province,
2
THE MESSENGER | October 2011
there were some differences based
on which side of “the River” the
churches resided.
Today, some of our leaders and
members seek to form churches
along non-traditional lines and they
are affecting the shape of our conference in an enriching, growing way.
In order to reach increasingly
secular Canadians, creativity is
needed. Whom do we seek to reach
and what are we prepared, really, to
do?
Whether we describe our
local churches as traditional or
creative, both terms are misleading.
Traditional churches can be
creative; creative churches are not
totally free of what has gone on
before them (tradition).
How much is the form of our
churches decided by Scripture and
how much is decided by precedent?
In the Reformation, Luther sought
to re-form the church, to address its
abuses, and to return it to Scripture.
The Radical Reformation, in its
view, sought to go further.
Truth, community, mission—
these are emphases expressed today
amid varied forms and ministries.
Terry M. Smith
contents
Features
El Camino de Jesús entre
Gente Hispana/
10 The Jesus Way among the
Hispanic people
Departments
2Editorials
8
– Antonio Pitta
12 Secretario General electo,
César García reflexiona sobre
su viaje y su visión/
14 MWC General Secretaryelect, César García reflects on
journey and vision
– Kathy Heinrichs Wiest
16 Joe and Olga Reimer: grateful
to ‘the Spirit’ who led them in
ministry
– Terry M. Smith
Columns
4
Writings Shared
Finishing Well to the Glory of God:
Strategies from a Christian Physician
6
Archives Alcove
The EMC story reflects God’s
manifold grace
–Terry M. Smith
7
Focus On
‘New Wine’ at MCC—what does it
mean for EMC?
– Tim Dyck
34 Pictures of God
Temporary residents
– Joanna Enns
3
14
With Our Missionaries
18 Manitoba: It is harvest time!
18 Paraguay: The tools of gardening
19 Mexico: ‘So how do you handle the
violence?’
20 Madagascar: Sending children into
the unknown
5Letters
21Weddings
24Births
32 In Memory
32Calendar
33 Shoulder Tapping
News
5
New EMC conference pastor is
hired
17
EMC Quarterly Financial Report
20 New workers in Guadalajara, Mexico
With Our Churches
21 Morweena EMC: Church math
22 Prairie Rose EMC: A season for
every activity
23 Evangelical Fellowship Church
(Steinbach): Steinbach EFC’s
sanctuary gets a new look
24 Mennville EMC: Janette Brandt
serves in Nicaragua
Pontius’ Puddle
27 150 golfers attend Project Builders
tournament
28 Stolen aid not whole story of
disaster response
29 Thanks expressed for East Africa
donations
30 Child-centred preschool bolsters
Batwa education
30 An MDS update
25 Braeside EMC: Celebrating marriage, baptism, and community
31 Foodgrains bank commits additional $300,000 to East Africa
26 Westpointe Community Church:
Costa Rica is pura vida!
31 IDOP is Sunday, November 13, 2011
31 MWC begins talks with SDA
26 Riverton Gospel Chapel: Baptisms
at RGC
35 Stewardship Today
Marriage and money
– Sherri Grosz
36 Kids’ Corner
How to be thankful
– Loreena Thiessen
3
THE
MESSENGER
EDITOR
Terry M. Smith
[email protected]
ASSISTANT
EDITOR
Rebecca Roman
[email protected]
Submissions to The Messenger should
be sent to [email protected]
THE MESSENGER is the monthly
publication of the Evangelical Mennonite
Conference. It is available to the general
public. Its purpose is to inform concerning
events and activities in the denomination,
instruct in godliness and victorious living,
inspire to earnestly contend for the faith.
Letters, articles, photos and poems are
welcomed. Unpublished material is not
returned except by request.
Views and opinions of writers are their
own and do not necessarily represent the
position of the Conference or the editors.
Advertising and inserts should not be
considered to carry editorial endorsement.
THE MESSENGER is published by the EMC
Board of Church Ministries, 440 Main St,
Steinbach, Man.
Subscription rates:
1 year $24 ($30 U.S., $45 foreign)
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Digital only subscriptions: $15 per year.
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Subscriptions are voluntary and optional
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We gratefully acknowledge the financial
support of the Government of Canada
through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF)
for our publishing activities.
Undelivered copies, change of address and
new subscriptions should be addressed to:
440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5
Phone: 204-326-6401
Fax: 204-326-1613
E-mail: [email protected]
www.emconference.ca/messenger
The Messenger Schedule:
No. 12 – December 2011 issue
(copy due November 18)
4
writings shared
Finishing Well to the Glory of God: Strategies from a
Christian Physician, John Dunlop, MD (Wheaton, IL: Crossway,
2011), 229 pp. $15.99. ISBN 97814335113473. Reviewed by William
Kehler, chaplain, Rest Haven Nursing Home (Steinbach, Man.).
T
The strategies laid out in
his work by John
Dunlop, a physician
understandable wisdom
in Illinois, is about
speak to the heart of the
the dying to live process.
questions we often don’t ask.
It is a subject that most
people quietly avoid even
I appreciated the simplicity of his
though we all understand that death and
view on grieving and the advice on
dying begins at the time of birth.
helping each other in the process. His
The author does an admiral job of
views on living each day even in grief are
giving a biblical perspective of living out
refreshing in their truth.
this dying life, and living our entire lives
The concept that often close friends
comfortable with the hope of finishing
and family can grow together through
well. Dr. Dunlop approaches life and
this exceptional time is a reality too
death from the viewpoint of a Christian
physician and tells fascinating life stories often forgotten.
Dr. Dunlop does an excellent job of
to enrich the principles of finishing well
pinning God’s Word to the reality that
as a life goal.
The strategies laid out in understand- is laid before us: “This day I call heaven
and earth as witnesses against you that
able wisdom speak to the heart of the
I have set before you life and death,
questions we often don’t ask—until the
day comes when we find ourselves stand- blessings and curses. Now choose life,
so that you and your children may live”
ing at the bedside of a relative or friend,
(Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV).
trying desperately to find the words to
say, realizing they should have been said
long ago.
Guadalajara, Mexico Prayer Team
Date: February 20–27, 2012
This prayer team of seven people will be visiting strategic locations in Guadalajara, praying specifically for the people of this city. You will also have the
opportunity to meet the people that the team has come
to love and appreciate. If you have a burden to be part of a
prayer team, we ask that you consider this self-supporting
opportunity.
For more information, contact Ken Zacharias,
EMC Foreign Secretary, [email protected]
or 204-326-6401.
teamguadalajara.blogspot.com
letters
Concerned about disregarding
constitution with tacit approval
I am responding to the letter
from Darryl Klassen [A balance of
conference leadership needed] in the
September issue of The Messenger.
I read with interest his concerns
regarding Trudy Dueck’s article
[Moving towards our preferred
future, June], and some apparent
directions of our conference.
I wish to express my basic agreement with Darryl and add some
observations of my own. Although I
have not been involved in the inner
workings of the conference in the
past few years, I have been in our
churches and have a keen interest
in my conference. It is in these
churches that I hear of some of the
conference directions.
One of my concerns is about a
concept mentioned by Darryl and
one I have heard “out there.” Our
constitution has been described in
recent years as a “guideline” with
considerable flexibility in how it is
practiced by individual churches.
I know of at least three constitutional points that have been
disregarded or eliminated by local
churches without the discipline
that Darryl refers to. It seems there
has been, at the very least, tacit
approval.
One church has eliminated the
statement on non-resistance; others
are disregarding the statement on
leadership; the third one involves the
acceptance of members not baptized
upon their confession of faith.
Some of these strike at the very
centre of our Anabaptist core and
identity.
I fear that if what we state as
being our identity on paper, is
slowly being chipped away by our
practice, in a short time we will
not have a theological identity as a
conference. Not only that, we will
have strayed seriously from our
understanding of Scripture.
It is possible these concerns
about constitutional practice have
been discussed, and conclusions
drawn, at Conference Council or
other bodies with the authority to
make decisions about deviations
from our constitution. If so, I am
not aware of these decisions. I trust
that they will be addressed in the
proper time and in the right forums.
Don Thiessen
Steinbach, Man.
news
New EMC conference pastor is hired
Ward Parkinson will commence duties December 1, 2011
The Board of Leadership and
Outreach (BLO) is pleased to announce that Ward Parkinson will
be our new EMC conference pastor.
An EMC member since 1986,
Ward has served the EM Conference
well. He has twice been chair of the
Board of Church Ministries and,
most recently, for past five years has
served as Canadian Church Planting
Coordinator under the BLO.
His work has intertwined with
that of the previous conference
pastor David Thiessen; and while
David was on a sabbatical two years
studies took him to Manitoba where
ago for four months, Ward and the
he obtained a B.A. in biblical educaBLO filled in for him.
tion at Providence College.
Ward was
He has a Master of Divinity
youth pastor
degree from Providence
and later senior
Theological Seminary.
pastor at Morris
He is married to
Fellowship
Janine,
a nurse. They have
Chapel in southfour grown children. He
ern Manitoba for
and Janine have their
a total of 18 years.
home in Morris, Man.
Ward was
We look forward to his
raised in Quebec
start on December 1, 2011.
and Ontario. His
Board of Leadership
sense of pastoral
and Outreach
Ward Parkinson
call and need for
5
archives alcove
by Terry Smith
The EMC story reflects God’s manifold grace
T
he earlier EMC story is
linked to Germany and to
the Netherlands, then to
Poland (later Prussia), to southern
Russia (now Ukraine), then to North
America (Manitoba and Nebraska).
This is true enough, but there is
more.
The EMC story is more diverse
than this suggests. Take, as a
sample, the 11 people who work
in the EMC national office as of
September 30. (If we looked at their
spouses, the same diversity would
be apparent.)
Gerald Reimer, David Thiessen,
Paul Thiessen (missionary-in-residence), Erica Fehr, and Wannetta
Fast are of KG/EMC roots. Some
can trace their family tree to Klaas
Reimer, the Kleine Gemeinde’s early
leader.
Rebecca Roman’s roots are along
Bergthal/Sommerfeld lines. Her
forebears moved to Canada around
the same time as the first KG immigrants. At least two branches of her
family immigrated from Chortitza
(now in Ukraine).
Ken Zacharias’s roots are similar
to Rebecca’s. His family roots
are in the Rosthern, Sask., area.
He was raised in an EMB/FEBC
church.
Tim Dyck was raised in
southern Ontario. His father was
born in Latvia in 1927 while Tim’s
grandparents were en route from
Russia to North America.
The history of German
Mennonites who lived, suffered,
and many who died through the
Russian Revolution and Soviet
terrors is, through some of our
members, part of the EMC story.
Ward Parkinson, with British
forebears, was raised in United,
Pentecostal, and AGC churches in
Quebec and Ontario. Terry Smith’s
roots are mostly English-IrishScottish and in the United Church.
Diana Peters has her roots in
southern Ontario; her great-grandparents were born in Manitoba but
moved to Mexico. Her grandparents
and parents came to Canada.
The EMC story includes many
German-speaking Mennonites who
moved to Mexico, Paraguay, Belize,
and Bolivia—and those who came
to Canada from a range of Germanand Spanish-speaking Mennonite
groups.
Our story includes the Western
Gospel Mission era (1946-1961)
when churches were established in
Manitoba and Saskatchewan among
people of Scandinavian, Ukrainian,
and other rich cultures. Our EMC
story includes Hispanic members
from South and Central America.
The EMC story includes, but also
moves beyond the Kleine Gemeinde
story. The EMC is a diverse, rich
gathering of people, with a reshaping that is occurring.
In 1978 the missions history of
the EMC was described as “EverWidening Circles.” Yes, the circles
(the edges) are widening, but so,
too, is the core—the centre—of the
EMC. This is important to recognize
and to celebrate.
The EMC story is too rich to
be reduced to “us” and “them,”
those who trace their roots to the
Kleine Gemeinde or Klaas Reimer
and those who cannot. A study of
genealogy is clearly not Anabaptism
at its spiritual or theological best.
How many of us decided where
the generations before us worshipped? The only choice we can
make is our own; but our choice has
implications for later generations.
Today, the spiritual health and
physical growth of the EMC reflect
the manifold grace of God (1 Peter
4:10). Such awareness shapes how
we tell our story today.
The EMC story is too rich
to be reduced to “us” and
“them,” those who can
trace their roots to the
Kleine Gemeinde or Klaas
Reimer and those who
cannot.
Wannetta Fast
6
Ken Zacharias
focus on
by Tim Dyck
‘New Wine’ at MCC—what does it mean for EMC?
O
ver the past several years,
you’ve probably heard
about the New Wine/New
Wineskins process at MCC. Perhaps
you’ve even participated in a session
where MCC asked supporters to
provide feedback.
By now you may wonder, What
has become of all of this talk about
new wine?
There have been many
changes as a result of this process of
self-examination.
Regarding the revisioning (new
wine) process, MCC has modified
their statements of identity, purpose
and vision:
Mennonite Central Committee
(MCC), a worldwide ministry of
Anabaptist churches, shares God’s
love and compassion for all in the
name of Christ by responding to
basic human needs and working
for peace and justice. MCC envisions communities worldwide in
right relationship with God, one
another and creation.
They have also adopted the
Shared Convictions as identified by
the Mennonite World Conference.
Regarding the restructuring
(new wineskins) process, substantial changes are being proposed. In
the past, all international programming was administered by MCC
Binational, which is headquartered
in Akron, PA.
Beginning in January 2012, MCC
Binational will be discontinued,
and all international programs will
be administered jointly by MCC
Canada and MCC US. As a result,
MCC Canada will have much more
responsibility.
The structure of MCC Canada
is also changing, as shown by a
new constitution being drafted.
Instead of reporting to a large
delegate body, MCC Canada wants
to link regularly and closely to the
churches that support their work.
The group of seven national
church bodies in Canada—which
includes the EMC—will now play
a much more active role in giving
direction to MCC.
Leaders from these seven
national church bodies meet
regularly as the Canadian Council
of Anabaptist Leaders. For the
EMC, the Moderator and General
Secretary are the usual participants
in CCAL meetings.
CCAL will appoint members to
the MCC Canada board, and will
meet several times a year with MCC
Canada to relate together.
So what does this mean for
EMC? It’s my observation that MCC
has made a huge effort to align itself
more closely with the church and
become accountable to the church.
So we, the church, should respond
with our enthusiastic involvement
and support of the ministry of MCC.
First, members of our churches
could get involved in MCC by
working and/or volunteering for
the ministry. There are frequent
openings listed on their web site.
Second, I encourage our congregations to continue to provide
financial support to MCC.
Third, the General Board is
looking for individuals interested
in serving as board members with
MCC Canada. If you know of someone who would be a good candidate
for a board member, please send
me a note. I would also like to hear
from you if you have any general
questions and/or comments about
MCC.
EMC Archives Committee members sought!
The EMC national Archives Committee welcomes new members to
serve on it. The committee meets four to six times (evenings) per year
and is a working committee entrusted to promote an understanding
of EMC history and of preserving historical documents. Meetings are
usually held at Steinbach, Man., but new members could also assist
by phone or Skype. Terms can be one to three years. Local committee
travel costs are covered. Contact executive secretary Terry Smith at
[email protected] or 204-326-6401.
7
PHOTO: DESIGNPICS.COM
juan 11
El Camino de Jesús entre
Gente Hispana
por Antonio Pitta
J
esús y el trió de hermanos: Martha, María y Lázaro.
Amor, oración, comunidad, y presencia del reino.
Amor
El camino de Jesús entre los hispanos, implica
amarlos. Lo que me parece más interesante es el motivo
básico de interés de Dios para salvar a un pueblo para
él. ¡El amor! Juan 11:05 dice “Y amaba Jesús a Marta,
a su hermana y a Lázaro.” Lo más importante de la
encarnación es simplemente amar a la gente como Jesús
amaba a la gente, lo suficiente como para ir a ellos.
El Camino de Jesús entre los hispanos incluye el
cuidado de ellos, porque los ama. Jesús se preocupaba
por sus discípulos. La gente para Jesús es muy valiosa,
cada persona tiene un valor impresionante.
8
María comprendió la gravedad de la hora antes de la
muerte de Cristo. Y Jesús se dejó amar. Cuando hacemos el ministerio nos entregamos de tal manera que
de la misma manera que amamos y nos entregamos, de
esa manera somos amados de regreso.
Ella unge ungió el cuerpo de Jesús como preparación
para el día de su entierro. Jesús aceptó agradecido esta
muestra de amor de María.
Cuando nos preocupamos por las personas nos
volvemos vulnerables, estamos abiertos a ser heridos,
al igual que los que estamos ayudando están sufriendo.
El ministerio encarnado es de alto contacto o amor
ágape aplicado.
Nosotros no podemos ser objetivos, ni extraños
ni fríos. Estamos realmente con la gente por lo tanto
somos realmente vulnerables. Juan 11:33 dice “Jesús
entonces, al verla llorando, y a los judíos que la acompañaban, también llorando, se estremeció en espíritu y se
conmovió.”
identidad está ligada a las relaciones familiares como en
Latinoamérica, la relación trinitaria y de la identidad es
más fácil de comprender y aceptar.
Pero en la sociedad de Norteamérica afuera de la
Iglesia hay tanto individualismo, que si no ponemos
Oración
atención como hispanos podemos creer que esa es la
El camino de Jesús entre los hispanos, se asenorma a seguir, y se nos olvida de que incluso el “Llanero
meja a la comunión con el Padre
Solitario” tenía a su amigo Toro.
en oración. En Juan 11: 22 dice “Más
He escuchado en muchas reSi no hay oración no
también sé ahora que todo lo que
uniones evangelísticas “Todo lo que
pidas a Dios, Dios te lo dará.” Marta
tienes que hacer para ser salvo, es
podríamos hacer nada
sabía de la relación que Jesús tenía
aceptar a Jesús en tu corazón; una
como hijos de Dios ni como
con el padre y estaba segura de que
buena iglesia bíblica sería de ayuda
plantadores de Iglesia, porque
si Jesús le pedía al padre algo, el
para el nuevo creyente, pero lo
padre se lo daría.
importante es una relación personal
la oración es la esencia de
Más tarde, Jesús confirma los
con Jesús.”
quien somos y de cómo
comentarios de Marta. “Entonces
Pablo nunca hubiera predicado
hacemos nuestro ministerio.
quitaron la piedra de donde había
ese mensaje. La iglesia primitiva
sido puesto el muerto. Y Jesús, alpredicó, “Creed y se bautizado” (El
zando los ojos a lo alto, dijo: Padre,
bautismo siempre significo unirse a
gracias te doy por haberme oído. Yo sabía que siempre
un cuerpo particular de creyentes). La fe siempre vino
me oyes; pero lo dije por causa de la multitud que está
dentro del contexto de comunidad.
alrededor, para que crean que tú me has enviado.” (Juan
¿Por qué? Porque comunidad es el único ambiente
11:41-42)
donde realmente se transforman vidas. Las Iglesias
Sin las oraciones de muchas personas en nuestra
hispanas queremos ser transformados y sacados de
conferencia que aman a sus amigos de América Latina
nuestras individualidades para ser plantados en una
alcanzarlos sería muy difícil. Si no hay oración no
comunidad donde reine el respeto mutuo, el amor y el
podríamos hacer nada como hijos de Dios ni como
ánimo en un lugar que va mas allá de las cuatro paredes
plantadores de Iglesia, porque la oración es la esencia de de nuestras Iglesias, queremos ser transformados por
quien somos y de cómo hacemos nuestro ministerio.
el amor y aliento de otros hermanos en la fe de nuestra
fraternidad.
Comunidad
El camino de Jesús entre los hispanos abraza la
Presencia
comunidad. Jesús utilizó cualquier oportunidad para
El camino de Jesús entre los hispanos implica pencompartir las comidas con quien lo invitó a su casa.
etrar en la cultura con la presencia del reino. Jesús no
Juan 12:2 dice “Y le hicieron allí una cena; Marta servía,
se limitó simplemente a hacer amigos. Él los alcanzaba
y Lázaro era uno de los que estaban sentados a la mesa
con su amor, y lo hacía mientras que él estaba llevando
con él.”
las enseñanzas de su reino.
Un nuevo hermano en la fe me dice, el problema con
“Aconteció que yendo de camino, entró en una
Canadá es que cuando llegamos realmente nos sentialdea; y una mujer llamada Marta le recibió en su casa.
mos solos. La soledad es muy fuerte.
Esta tenía una hermana que se llamaba María, la cual,
La gente de Latinoamérica es gente que ha dejado
sentándose a los pies de Jesús, oía su palabra.” (Lucas
sus familiares, sus trabajos, sus amigos, sus círculos
10:38)
sociales, sus barrios y sus naciones. Llegan a Canadá
El camino de Jesús entre los hispanos, es igual
y desean ser parte de un grupo al cual ellos puedan
a llamar a seguidores a comprometerse con el movpertenecer. La Iglesia de Cristo es el lugar adecuado,
imiento de Jesús. El hecho de vivir en Judea tan cerca de
que les puede ofrecer una nueva familia, nuevos amigos, Jerusalén, era un riesgo para este trió. Mas sin emun nuevo círculo social, en otras palabras una nueva
bargo ellos no renunciaron a ser seguidores de Cristo.
comunidad.
Podemos ver las consecuencias de Lázaro. La última
Esto puede ser muy difícil para nosotros quienes
aparición del trío termina con una nota sombría acerca
vivimos en Norteamérica. En las culturas donde la
de Lázaro.
(continued p. 10)
9
“Pero los principales sacerdotes
acordaron dar muerte también
a Lázaro, 11 porque a causa de él
muchos de los judíos se apartaban y
creían en Jesús.” (Juan 12:10)
¿Estamos dispuestos a invitar a
otros a cambiar sus alianzas? Esa
es una de las cosas más difíciles de
los plantadores de iglesias – ¿cómo
podemos llegar a las personas que
tienen raíces muy profundas fuera
del reino?
Lo que tratamos de hacer en
nuestro ministerio es dirigirnos
a aquellos que no tienen raíces
profundas en la sociedad. Nuestra
iglesia está compuesta de personas
que tienen un promedio de dos años
viviendo en Calgary.
¿Estamos dispuestos a invitar a
otros a cambiar sus alianzas?
Esa es la forma en que fui traído
al reino de Dios cuando llegue a
Canadá por la Iglesia Braeside.
Esta es un área de oportunidad en
Canadá un país lleno de inmigrantes. ¿Por qué no llegamos a ellos
antes de establecerse en Canadá
fuera del Reino de Dios?
A los Menonitas Alemanes, a los
hispanos, los de lengua francesa,
etc. Nosotros como hispanos debido
al idioma, al menos comencemos
con los que hablan nuestro mismo
idioma.
Que el Señor los bendiga
mientras nos asociamos en nuestros
esfuerzos por traer la gente general
e hispana para Cristo.
Antonio Pitta es el
pastor de la Iglesia
Emanuel Cristiana
en Ciudad Calgary,
Alberta. Presentó
su mensaje Sábado
en la noche durante
la convención en
Calgary.
10
john 11
The Jesus Way among
the Hispanic People
by Antonio Pitta
J
esus and the family trio: Martha, Mary and Lazarus. Love,
prayer, community, and the presence of the Kingdom.
Love
The Jesus Way among the Hispanics implies loving them.
What seems most interesting to me is that the basic motive of
God’s interest for saving a nation for himself. Love!
John 11:5: “Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.” The
most important part of the Incarnation is simply loving people the
way Jesus loved them enough to go to them.
The Jesus Way among the Hispanics includes his care for them
because he loves them. Jesus was concerned about his disciples.
All people are worth a lot to Jesus; every person has an impressive
value.
Mary understood the seriousness of the last hour before
Christ’s death. And Jesus allowed himself to be loved. When we do
ministry, we commit ourselves in such a way that in the same way
that we love and commit ourselves, we are loved in return.
She anointed the body of Jesus in preparation for the day of his
burial. Jesus gratefully accepted Mary’s expression of love.
When we care about people we get vulnerable, open to be hurt,
just like those who we are helping are hurting. Incarnate ministry
is close contact ministry or applied agape love.
We cannot be objective, or distant, or cold. In reality we
are with people and therefore really vulnerable. John 11:33 says,
“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come
along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and
troubled.”
Prayer
The Jesus Way among the Hispanics is similar to having
fellowship with the Father in prayer. John 11:22: “But I know that
even now God will give you what you ask.” Mary knew about Jesus’
relationship with the Father and was convinced that if He would
request something of the Father, He would give it to him.
Later, Jesus confirms Mary’s comments. John 11:41-42: “So
they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father,
I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear
me, but I said this for the benefit of those standing here, that they
may believe that you sent me.’”
Without the prayers of many in our conference that
love their Latin American friends, reaching them would
be very difficult. Without prayer we wouldn’t be able to
do anything as God’s children nor as church planters
because prayer is the essence of who we are and how we
do ministry.
Community
The Jesus Way among the Hispanics embraces the
community. Jesus took every opportunity to eat with
whoever invited him to their home.
John 12:2: “Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honour.
Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.”
A new brother in the faith said to me that the
problem with Canada is that when we arrived we really
felt lonely. Loneliness is very strong.
The Latin Americans have left their families, their
work, their friends, their social circles, their neighbours, and their nation. They arrive in Canada and
desire to be part of a group to which they can belong.
The church of Jesus Christ is the appropriate group
who can offer a new family, new friends, a new social
circle—in other words, a new community.
This can be very difficult for those of us who live
in North America. In cultures where identity is tied
up with family relationships, like in Latin America,
Trinitarian and identity relationships are easier to
understand and accept.
But in the North American society there is a lot
of individualism outside of the church, and if we
Hispanics don’t pay attention, we could believe that
this is the rule to follow and forget that even the Lone
Ranger had a friend Tonto.
In many evangelistic meetings I have heard that,
“All that you have to do in order to be saved is accept
Jesus in your heart. A good biblical church would be
a help for the new believer, but the thing is to have a
personal relationship with Jesus.”
Paul would never have preached that message.
The Church preached, “Believe and be baptized.”
Baptism always means uniting with a particular group
of believers. Faith always came within the context of
community.
Why? Because community is the only place where
lives are really transformed.
The Hispanic church wants to be transformed and
removed from our individualities to be planted in a
community where mutual respect, love, and enthusiasm reigns in a place that goes beyond the four walls of
our churches. We want to be transformed by the love
and encouragement of other brethren in the faith of our
constituency.
Presence
The Jesus Way among the Hispanics implies to penetrate the culture with the presence of the Kingdom.
Jesus did not limit himself to only making friends. He
reached them with love and did that while he shared
the teachings of the kingdom.
Luke 10:38-39: “As Jesus and his disciples were on
their way, they came to a village where a woman named
Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister
named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to
what he said.”
The Jesus Way among the Hispanics is the same
as calling followers to commit themselves to the Jesus
movement. The fact that they lived in Judea, close to
Jerusalem, was a risk for this trio.
However, they did not renounce being followers of
Christ. We can see the consequence in Lazarus.
The last appearance of the trio ends with a somber
note about Lazarus. John 12:10-11: “So the chief priests
made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of
him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and
putting their faith in him.”
Are we ready to invite others to change their
allegiances?
This is one of the most difficult things for church
planters: how can we reach people who have very deep
roots outside of the kingdom?
What we try to do in our ministry is to reach those
who don’t have deep roots in the society. Our church
is made up of people who have lived in Calgary for an
average of two years only.
In this way I was drawn to the Kingdom of God by
the Braeside Church when I arrived in Canada.
This is an area of great opportunities, a country full
of immigrants. Why don’t we reach them before they
get rooted in Canada outside the Kingdom of God?
People like the German Mennonites, the Hispanics, the
French, etc.
We, as Hispanics, due to our language, at least need
to begin with those who speak the same language.
May the Lord bless you as we join hands in our
efforts to bring Hispanics and others to Christ!
Antonio Pitta is the pastor of Iglesia Emmanuel Cristiana
(Emmanuel Christian Church) in Calgary, Alta. He spoke
on Saturday evening at convention.
11
Secretario General electo, César García
reflexiona sobre su viaje y su visión
por Kathy Heinrichs Wiest
Tradiciones Teológicos
El amor de García para el aprendizaje lo ha puesto
en contacto con muchas de las tradiciones teológicas.
Como un niño que asistió una escuela privada católica,
se encontró a sí mismo llevando sus enseñanzas nuevas
en conversación con sus maestros. “Por supuesto perdí
el argumento cada vez,” dijo con una sonrisa, “pero me
empujó en mis convicciones.”
García trabajó durante seis años en una estación
de radio cristiana donde interactuó con los líderes
12
FOTOS: BYRON REMPEL-BURKHOLDER
C
omo un historiador menonita aficionado le
gustaba decir, el único nombre menonita real
Menno Simons. Desde aquel entonces, los demás
nombres de la familia son “adicionales.” Después de una
serie de Congreso Mundial Menonita (CMM) secretarios llamado Dyck (1961-1973), Kraybill (1973-90) y Miller
(1990 -2011), el nombre de García se destaca como una
adición reciente a la historia de la familia Anabautista.
La historia personal de César García con la familia
de menonitas se inició en Bogotá, Colombia, cuando
su madre se llevó a él y su hermana a varias iglesias en
busca de una nueva iglesia. Once años de edad, César
eligió la Iglesia Hermanos Menonitas Dios es Amor
como el lugar que se conformaría.
La elección fue el primer paso en un viaje constante
de García, que ha venido a ver la teología y la historia
Anabautista como un tesoro y ha dado su vida a la
erudición, a la misión y para dar forma a la iglesia desde
una perspectiva Anabaptista.
Motivado para entender las Escrituras y tener una fe
razonada ha caracterizado el camino de García, desde
lo que él llama su “primera conversión” a los 19 años.
Después algunos años de la adolescencia rechazando
a Dios y la iglesia, García se encontró deprimido y
frustrado por el existencialismo y otras filosofías que
estaba persiguiendo.
Bajo la presión de su madre a volver a la iglesia,
García asistió a una reunión de jóvenes en la iglesia
“Dios es Amor” donde fue tocado por la aserción del
predicador “Dios no nos ve como un problema sino
como una posibilidad en sus manos.” Con medio creído
que “habló con las paredes,” García dijo a Dios que
quería experimentar esa esperanza.
Los miembros del Congreso Mundial Menonita Comité Ejecutivo, el CMM
Comisiones del Consejo General, y los anabaptistas Young (YABs) Comité de
orar por César García tras su nombramiento como Secretario General electo
en su 2011 reuniones de mayo, en Taipei, Taiwán.
cristianos de diferentes denominaciones carismáticas,
evangélicas y las líneas principales. “Fue un tiempo
de crecimiento teológicamente,” dijo de los años de
enseñanza y asesoramiento en su ministerio de radio
y servir como pastor de jóvenes y ancianos en la iglesia
“Dios es Amor.”
Más educación formal en Seminario Bíblico de
Colombia, un seminario inter-denominacional en
Medellín, le ganó una licenciatura en Teología y Biblia,
con énfasis en misiología y le dio las herramientas para
el estudio de las Escrituras. Bien versados en
la teología
protestante, García estaba listo para su “segunda
conversión”—a Anabaptismo.
Juan Martínez, presidente de “SEMILLA,” el
Seminario Anabautista Latinonamericano en
Guatemala en aquel tiempo, desafió a García
para completar su educación a través del estudio
Anabaptismo. Cuando García y su esposa, Sandra Báez,
se trasladaron a Bogotá para el ministerio de la iglesia,
el aceptó el reto, empezando leyendo el libro de John
Driver Eclesiología Radical. “Fue increíble,” dijo, “como
un dulce para el niño.”
Un año más tarde, él y Sandra fueron comisionados
como plantadores de iglesias en Bogotá y aprovecharon
la oportunidad para tejer su nueva teología en todos
los aspectos de la Iglesia Hermanos Menonitas “Torre
Fuerte.” “Yo estaba emocionado por la comunidad participativa, la disciplina de restaurativa, un liderazgo de
servicio y la hermenéutica comunal. Era tan claro que
quería ese tipo de valores para nuestra iglesia nueva.” El
espíritu de la comunidad llamó a los nuevos creyentes, y
la iglesia creció y floreció.
García da crédito a profesores visitantes que
ayudaron a los pastores Colombianos tener una mejor
comprensión de la teología Anabaptista.
Relaciones Global
Por tanto que valora las ideas y principios del
Anabaptismo, García también valora sus conexiones
con la comunidad Anabaptista global. Otros líderes
en Portugal y Venezuela se cuentan ahora entre sus
amigos más cercanos, debido a su trabajo conjunto en la
Comunidad Internacional de los Hermanos Menonitas
(ICOMB).
Otras nuevas amistades se han desarrollado entre
MB, Hermanos en Cristo y los líderes de la Iglesia
Menonita de Colombia. Después de algunos períodos de
poca interacción o cooperación entre las tres denominaciones, “el Comité Central Menonita nos ayudó dar
cuenta de que en realidad no éramos tan diferentes y
que muchas de las sospechas entre nosotros eran sólo
eso.”
César García saluda a los Sung-Chiang congregación menonita en Taipei, Taiwán, en mayo . A su derecha se MWC Secretario General Larry Miller y Josué
Chang, Sung Chiang-pastor y ex delegado del Consejo General del CMM.
“Tengo un llamado personal para eliminar las
sospechas y más bien mostrar aprecio y respeto por las
diferencias,” dijo. “Hay diferencias, pero eso no quiere
decir que tenemos que fragmentarnos. El cuerpo de
Cristo es un organismo vivo que exige la diversidad,
pero también requiere amor y unidad.”
Uno de los puentes que García quiere fortalecer
es lo que existe entre las personas con un pedigrí
Menonita de largo tiempo con los que han venido a la
fe Anabaptista más recientemente. Al mismo tiempo,
él sabe por experiencia propia el valor de venir a la fe
Anabaptista por convicción y no herencia. “Le da la
oportunidad de tener una pasión—a enamorarse con la
tradición.”
“Tenemos que valorase el Anabaptismo por convicción, pero también tenemos que mantener nuestra
tradición histórica, y aprender que están relacionadas,
no opuesto,” afirmó. “Estamos sedientos de identidad.
En Anabaptismo nos encontramos un cuerpo vivo que
ofrezca esto—no sólo teológicamente, sino también
históricamente.”
Expresiones Culturales
García también quiere fortalecer la capacidad de
cada familia nacional en la Conferencia Menonita
Mundial (CMM) para encontrar y compartir su propia
expresión cultural del Anabaptismo. “El CMM es
relevante ya que las iglesias étnicas llevar nuestra
propia identidad y la teología contextualizada, en
lugar de copiar los patrones occidentales,” explicó. “El
enriquecimiento ocurre cuando todas las iglesias trae
ese tipo de valor.”
Cuando se le preguntó lo que el vale de CMM,
García hizo una pausa, disfrutando de exploración
mental de los rostros que serían alrededor de la mesa en
sus reuniones. “Yo valoro a las personas que están allí.
Cada uno es como un tesoro,” reflexionó. “Ellos traen
ideas de sus contextos diferentes, dones diferentes, y
diferentes maneras de ver la vida y la iglesia.”
César García y Sandra Báez tienen dos hijas adolescentes, María y Paula. Recientemente han completado
dos años de estudio en La Universidad Pacifico de
Fresno, la universidad Hermanos Menonitas en Fresno,
California. César obtuvo una Maestría de Artes en
Teología y Sandra completó una Maestría de Artes en
la Pacificación y Resolución de Conflictos. La familia se
hace cómoda de nuevo en Bogotá.
Kathy Heinrichs Wiest es un escritor de Kingsburg,
California, EE.UU. Este artículo fue encargado por
Meetinghouse.
13
MWC General Secretary-elect César
García reflects on journey and vision
by Kathy Heinrichs Wiest
A
s one amateur Mennonite historian points out,
with his teachers. “Of course I lost the argument every
the only real Mennonite name is Menno Simons. time,” he said with a smile, “but it pushed me in my
From there on down through history, the rest of
convictions.”
the family names are just “add-ons.”
García worked for six years at a Christian radio
After a series of Mennonite World Conference
station where he interacted with Christian leaders from
(MWC) secretaries named Dyck (1961-73), Kraybill
charismatic, evangelical and mainline denominations.
(1973-90) and Miller (1990-2011) the name of García
“It was a time of growing theologically,” he said of those
stands out as an historically recent addition to the
years teaching and counselling in his radio ministry
Anabaptist family—and is the first from the Global
and serving as youth pastor and elder at “Dios es Amor”
South.
church.
César García’s personal story with the Mennonite
More formal education at Seminario Bíblico
family began in Bogotá, Colombia, when his mother
de Colombia, an interdenominational seminary in
took him and his sister to several churches in search of
Medellín, earned him a Bachelor of Theology and
a new church home. Eleven-year-old
Bible with an emphasis on missiology
César chose the Iglesia Hermanos
and gave him the tools for study of
Menonitas Dios es Amor (God is Love
One of the bridges García is Scripture. Well-versed in Protestant
Mennonite Brethren Church) as the
theology, García was now ready for his
determined to strengthen
place they would settle.
“second conversion”—to Anabaptism.
is the one between people
That choice was the first step on
Juan Martínez, then president of the
a continuing journey for García, who
SEMILLA Latin American Anabaptist
with a long Mennonite
has come to treasure Anabaptist
Seminary in Guatemala, challenged
pedigree and those who
theology and history and has given
García to complete his education by
have come to Anabaptist
his life to scholarship, to mission
studying Anabaptism. When García
and to shaping the church from an
and his wife, Sandra Báez, moved back
faith more recently.
Anabaptist perspective.
to Bogotá for church ministry he took
A drive to understand Scripture
up the challenge, starting with John
and have a reasoned faith has characterized García’s
Driver’s book, Eclesiología Radical. “It was amazing,” he
walk since what he calls his “first conversion” at age 19.
said, “like candy for a child.”
After some teen years rejecting God and the church,
A year later, he and Sandra were commissioned as
García found himself depressed and unfulfilled by the
church planters in Bogotá and seized the opportunity
existentialism and other philosophies he was pursuing.
to weave their new-found theology into every aspect
Under pressure from his mother to come back to
of Iglesia Hermanos Menonitas Torre Fuerte (Strong
church, García attended a Dios es Amor youth meeting
Tower MB Church).
where he was touched by the speaker’s assertion: “God
“I was excited about participative community,
doesn’t see us as a problem but as a possibility in his
restorative discipline, servant leadership and communal
hands.” Half-believing that he was just “talking to the
hermeneutic. It was so clear that I wanted that kind of
walls,” García told God that he wanted to experience
values for our new church.” The spirit of community
that hope.
drew new believers, and the church grew and flourished.
García credits visiting teachers with helping the
Theological Traditions
Colombian pastors gain a deeper understanding of
García’s love for learning has brought him into
Anabaptist theology.
contact with many theological traditions. As a child
attending private Catholic school, he already found
Global Relationships
himself bringing his new teachings into discussions
As much as he values the ideas and principles of
14
PHOTO: TANGIE SHEETS
César García
with daughters María
and Paula,
and spouse
Sandra Báez.
Anabaptism, García also cherishes his relationships
in the global Anabaptist community. Fellow leaders
in Portugal and Venezuela are now counted among
his closest friends because of their work together in
the International Community of Mennonite Brethren
(ICOMB).
Other new friendships have developed among MB,
Brethren in Christ and Mennonite Church leaders
in Colombia. After some periods of little interaction
or cooperation between the three denominations,
“Mennonite Central Committee helped us to realize
that in reality we were not so different and that many of
the suspicions between us were only that.”
“I have a calling for eliminating suspicions and
rather showing appreciation and respect for differences,” he added. “There are differences, but that
doesn’t mean we have to fragment. The body of Christ
is a living organism that demands diversity, but also
requires love and unity.”
One of the bridges García is determined to strengthen is the one between people with a long Mennonite
pedigree and those who have come to Anabaptist faith
more recently.
At the same time, he knows from experience the
value of coming to Anabaptist faith by conviction
rather than heritage. “It gives the opportunity to have a
passion—to fall in love with the tradition.”
“We need to value Anabaptism by conviction, but
we also need to maintain our historical tradition, and
to learn that those things are related, and not opposed,”
he asserted. “We are thirsty for identity. In Anabaptism
we find a body that offers that—not just theologically,
but also historically.”
Cultural Expressions
García also wants to strengthen the ability of every
national body in the MWC to find and share its own
cultural expression of Anabaptism. “MWC is relevant
as ethnic churches bring our own identity and theology
contextualized, instead of just copying Western patterns,” he explained. “Enrichment happens when every
church brings that kind of value.”
When asked what he values about MWC, García
paused, taking delight in mentally scanning the faces
that would be around the table at their meetings.
“I value the people who are there. Each one is like a
treasure,” he reflected. “They bring insights from their
different contexts, different gifts, different ways of
seeing life and church.”
César García and Sandra Báez have two teenaged
daughters, María and Paula. They have recently completed two years of study at Fresno Pacific University,
the Mennonite Brethren university in Fresno,
California.
César earned a Master of Arts in Theology and
Sandra completed a Master of Arts in Peacemaking and
Conflict Studies. The family is currently settling again
in Bogotá.
Kathy Heinrichs Wiest is from Kingsburg, California.
This article was commissioned by Meetinghouse.
15
Joe and Olga Reimer:
grateful to ‘the Spirit’
who led them in
ministry
PHOTO: TERRY M.
SMITH
by Terry M. Smith
: E MC
PHOTO
ARCHIV
ES
How does a community of faith say “thank you”? Or a
TEAM representative honour workers whom he does not
know well? Or someone speak both as a nephew and as
a Board of Missions member on behalf of the EMC? How
does a couple receive thanks when they are uncomfortable in receiving it? With grace.
T
he evening of Sept. 8, 2011, saw about 60 people
gather at Heartland Community Church in
Landmark, Man., to show appreciation to Joe and
Olga Reimer, who are retiring from 38 and a half years
of cross-cultural work, mostly in southern Africa.
The honoured couple, family and friends, crosscultural workers, and national staff were welcomed and
greeted by Tim Dyck, EMC general secretary. He read
from the Gospel of John and led in prayer before a meal
was served by Doris Penner and crew.
Luke Reimer, grandnephew to Joe and Olga, then
sang two songs in a western styling. His vocal range
showed potential and the choice of songs showed his
Christian faith.
Barry Plett, pastor of Blumenort EMC (Joe and
Olga’s home church), gave a devotional. He said that
the EMC should have a Missions Hall of Fame and that
16
Joe and Olga should be in it. However, he said that in
Hebrews 11 (the Hall of Faith) the list of people moves
from those named and known to others unnamed and
unknown to us.
There are many people whose significance of witness is unknown, he said. Whether we are in the EMC
Hall of Fame or serve in “relative obscurity,” we will be
commended by Jesus for ministry for him.
We are to fix our eyes on Jesus, let go of distractions,
and run with perseverance. Life is about perseverance,
he said.
“Joe and Olga, the race isn’t over,” said Plett. “We’re
just stopping to give you a pat on the back, but we must
not stay here.”
Dr. Bob Blanchard, a TEAM representative, said
TEAM began its ministry in South Africa in 1892; the
first worker died in 1893. By 1894 there were numerous
PHOTO: TERRY M.
SMITH
initiatives happening, many of which Joe and Olga later example you have set,” said Tim. “Thank you very much
became involved in.
for the work you have done.” There was a round of
Joe and Olga have served in five countries,
applause.
Blanchard said. They began cross-cultural service in
Joe said, “How do I respond to that? One of the
Trinidad in 1973, and then served in Aruba for two or
challenges that I have always had, when people express
three years. They served in Zimbabwe, including during their appreciation, their thanks, is to not know how to
the war of independence (Joe spoke up,
accept that.”
saying he was the last worker
He thought it likely in Acts
to be evacuated). After a
20 that people expressing their
furlough in 1979, Joe and Olga
thanks while saying farewell
moved to South Africa. Later,
to Paul. He considered it aptheir ministry branched into
propriate that a parent accept a
Mozambique.
son-in-law’s thanks for raising
By their count they had
a daughter so well. “You have
served in 71 churches in southpoured your life” into that
ern Africa, with key roles in
person, Joe said.
21—the latter they visited on a
He quoted a Zulu saying
farewell tour.
that means when someone acts
During a phone call,
intentionally, they can grow
Blanchard had asked Joe what
as a person. “If that’s what it
was the highlight of his ministry.
means for somebody to say
There had been silence on the
thank you to us, then we want
Luke Reimer, grandnephew to Joe
other end. Finally Joe said he
the grace to accept that”—to allow others
and Olga, presented special music.
had deeply appreciated working with
to grow.
African pastors in day to day matters.
He said, “And so, again, I want to say
Olga was with Joe and served as hostess, Blanchard
thank you for those many kind words that don’t belong
said.
to us at all. They belong to the Spirit that led us for
Bob closed with Jesus’ words to the first returning
those 38 and a half years.”
missionaries—the 72. Jesus told them, “I saw Satan fall,”
He said they had “very fond memories of working
yet they were not to rejoice at their authority, but that
with the EMC” and would remember this evening. Olga
their names were written in heaven.
expressed her thanks in Zulu.
Anthony Reimer, Board of Missions member and
Luke Reimer sang two more songs.
nephew, remembered the influence Joe and Olga had on
Ken Zacharias, EMC foreign secretary, then guided
his childhood. The stories were exciting and he enjoyed in a time of corporate and small group prayer. People
receiving presents from Africa. He respected how they
shared ministry and personal needs.
had stayed for 38 years, how Joe worked at solving
Zacharias highlighted the efforts of conference
problems.
youth minister Gerald Reimer and Diana Peters,
Joe Reimer’s work began in maintenance, spread to
recently hired as an administrative assistant, in planconstructing church buildings, then to being a pastor,
ning the evening. He closed in prayer and the gathering
and finally to leading TEAM in South Africa. Such gifts
ended.
“don’t mysteriously disappear at 65, 70, or 80,” Anthony
said, and the Reimers want to continue to serve.
They have been “ordinary people in God’s hands,”
said Anthony, quoting the title of a book in which
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
Reimers are mentioned.
Quarterly Financial Report
Tim Dyck then called Joe and Olga forward to
Jan–Sept
Jan–Sept
receive gifts on behalf of the Board of Missions and
2011
2010
all of EMC “to express our deep appreciation for your
Receipts and Transfers
1,255,030
1,370,358
faithfulness, commitment, your love for the people in
Disbursements
1,362,058
1,261,874
South Africa and elsewhere, for the ministry that you
Shortfall
(107,028)
108,484
have done for 38 and a half years.”
“We are inspired and we are thankful for the
17
with our missionaries
It is harvest time!
Here at Continental Mission,
we are also privileged to be a part
of the harvest. Many people have
been sowing the seed over the years
and there is a harvest waiting to be
brought in. Though its timing is less
predictable, the harvest is real and
so is the privilege and responsibility
to be a part of it.
In “Bringing in the Sheaves” songwriter Knowles Shaw says more about
sowing than he does about reaping,
even though harvest is the focus of
the song. We often feel that there is
need for a lot of sowing, but we never
want to lose sight of the reason for it
and the harvest that is to come.
We continue to wrestle with the
implications of our new Mission
Statement: “Growing Christian
Leaders in the North.” We are in
the midst of finding a new full-time
director who can lead us into the
future God has in store for us. Your
prayers and help are appreciated so
much.
Ferlin Abrahamson
The church plant effort in Minga
Guazú began about 18 months ago
PARAGUAY
and the garden is now at many
different stages. In some areas the
There are good reasons why starting
ground is still being prepared, while
a new church is called planting. Like
in other parts some seeds have just
in gardening, many different tools are been planted and other seeds have
needed and much of the work needs
begun to sprout.
personal, hands-on involvement.
Some weeds have been pulled,
New Christians do grow, mature, resulting in stronger plants that
and produce fruit. There is also a lot are producing a little more fruit
of waiting and patience involved.
than before. In each of these stages,
different tools are being
used.
One of the tools that
we used in the month of
August to prepare the soil
for planting was talks to
junior and senior high
school students in public
and private schools in
the area. An organization called Decisiones
(Decisions) has published
a magazine called Sexo:
A typical night at Conexión, the teen drop-in centre in Minga Guazú.
un plan perfecto (Sex: a perfect plan)
which they hand out to students
in the schools after they hear a
90-minute talk on subjects contained in the magazine.
Based on Christian principles,
the magazine and talk focus on
the subjects of family, dating, love,
sexuality, and marriage, as well as
the consequences of not practicing
abstinence until marriage. These
are all topics that are of great
interest to the young people, and
the teachers are grateful for this
free resource that gives a healthy
perspective to a segment of society
that they see are in great need.
Among 15- to 19-year-old girls
in Paraguay, one-third had their
first intimate relationship before
the age of 16 and 10 per cent have
been pregnant at least once. There
has been a great demand for this
presentation in the schools and we
MANITOBA
Last evening I was reminded of one
reason I get excited about being
part of “bringing in the sheaves.” At
dusk I was operating a combine in
an area where many combines were
busy and the harvest dusk hung like
a thick blanket.
It is always a privilege to get involved in something that is so much
bigger than us and yet feel that you
are making a significant contribution. While the annual grain harvest
is about “making a living,” more
important to me is to participate in
an activity that feeds the world.
PHOTOS: TRAVIS ZACHARIAS
The tools of
gardening
18
Ferlin Abrahamson (Birch River)
is interim general manager of
Continental Mission, Inc., a ministry
mostly to First Nations peoples in
Manitoba.
(continued p. 19)
(continued from p. 18)
have been able to organize these
talks in 13 schools to more than
2,000 students.
We do not know yet how we
will seed the ground that we have
ploughed with these talks, and we
probably will never seed all of it, but
others might. When we combine
this tool with other tools in the
shed, the garden will be planted and
the seeds will sprout.
Having a weekly presence in two
junior high schools through teaching Crossroads, a character building
course based on biblical principles
from Campus Crusade for Christ,
makes it possible to plant the seeds.
Conexión, our youth drop in
centre, makes it possible to plant
even more seeds, as well as water
them. The weekly Bible studies and
church service, as well as home
visits during the week are other
tools with other purposes.
Please continue to pray with
the church planting team in Minga
Guazú that God will give us the
ability and wisdom to use the tools
available and that He will grow His
kingdom.
Travis and Rosey Zacharias
Travis and Rosey Zacharias
(Kleefeld) are workers in Paraguay.
Renita Rempel and Joanne Martens teach the
Crossroads course in a local junior high school.
‘So how do
you handle the
violence?’
MEXICO
God has taken me on a journey of
believing in the life-changing power
of Jesus. Going from spectator to
participant doesn’t come without
growing pains.
Jesus says, “If you love me, you
will obey my commands.” When we
began to work in a context of sharing
the gospel to Mexicans, I began
to realize how poorly I knew and
obeyed God’s Word, how to make it
relevant in different situations and
even in my own life.
All Scripture is God inspired and
useful, and also sharper and more
effective than a double-edged sword.
But it doesn’t do you much good if
you don’t know what it is, where it is,
or how to use it.
When people hear that we’ve
been living in northern Mexico, we
get asked, ‘”So how do you handle the
violence?” Not very well, I must say.
Danger was a reality. You hear
people’s personal encounters, read
the news, you feel its presence at
times. It’s there.
Fear entered my life. It started
small and became this huge weight
on my shoulders and in my mind. It
began to cripple me. I started viewing
everyone and everything suspiciously.
Neil Anderson says that a
Christian’s greatest battlefield is in the
mind. The mind is a powerful thing.
The truths in his book Bondage
Breaker were reaffirmed by an
amazing passage of scripture, 1
Corinthians 2:16, where God was able
to break through to me.
I needed to be transformed by
the renewing of my mind. So what
implication did this have in my life?
For one, I needed to realize that
the Holy Spirit gives clarity in understanding Bible truths. Second, in
Ephesians 6 it speaks of our salvation
is our helmet, protecting our mind.
Another important act, as God
began to give me victory, was to
claim and believe the many great
truths in Scripture. A principle that
has really helped in conquering fear
is to believe the Word of God and not
to doubt the Scriptures.
Satan was deceiving me and did
not want me believe the power of
the Word living inside of me. I began
to claim the promises such as, “Do
not be afraid; I will be with you” and
especially, “Submit yourselves to
God. Resist the devil and he will flee
from you.”
My mind is being transformed
by Christ. 1 Cor. 2:16 says that as a
believer I have the mind of Christ.
As I claimed this promise, I began
to have more victory in Jesus and be
less fear-driven.
Yes, we lived in a relatively
dangerous, volatile area. We took
precautions, avoided certain routes
and driving at dark; but ultimately
we walk in confidence that we are
sheltered under the protective wings
of our Father God.
In this journey, it has been an
important reminder for me that Jesus,
the Bread of life, is not only to be
shared with others, it is also intended
for us to experience personally.
LeRoy Siemens
LeRoy and Faith Siemens (EFC
Steinbach) recently relocated from
Cuauhtémoc to Guadalajara, Mexico.
19
Sending children
into the unknown
MADAGASCAR
PHOTO: JOCELYN R. PLETT
From the moment we stepped off
the plane into Madagascar over five
years ago, I knew that schooling for
our son was something that would
require extensive planning and
careful preparation of the heart.
Judah R. Plett on his first day of school.
At that time our firstborn, Judah,
was four months old, and first grade
seemed safely in the future. As most
people with children know, time flies
by and moments in time often catch
you unawares.
Not ever having had the experience of sending my children to school
in Canada, I don’t know firsthand
how it feels to be able to send my
child to a school I trust simply
because we ourselves grew up with it.
From my perspective here, sending
my child to a small-town, Englishspeaking elementary school where
most people know each other, where
I can count on quality teachers who
teach a curriculum that is somewhat
similar to what I remember, sounds
so much less stressful than putting
my son into a school where they will
communicate in French, not any of our
first or most fluent languages.
20
I’m not familiar with the French
school system either—what their
philosophies of learning are. I know
they push the kids harder and are
generally stricter here.
Despite the availability of Englishspeaking Christian private schools,
we chose to send Judah to the French
school. To be sure, weighing the
options for schooling is different for
every family, but for us, we grabbed
at the chance to help our kids become
truly bilingual.
It sounds great in theory, but
while I struggled to read the parents’
notices in French, find the correct
(and very specific) school supplies in
French, and pondered my son’s ability
to adapt to a foreign environment
where he knew no one and spoke only
mildly fluent French, I was acutely
aware of the challenges that our
choice would bring in actual practice.
Would I be able to communicate
effectively with the teacher? Would
Judah be able to keep up with the
school work?
Once he does make friends, will I
be able to talk with those who come
over to play without looking like an
idiot? Will I be able to chat intelligently with parents of friends when
I drop Judah off at a stranger’s home
to play?
Will I correctly understand the
parents’ notices that come home? Will
we miss something important? The
opportunities for confusion and feeling ill-equipped seemed endless the
night before the first day of school.
We went as a family to drop
Judah off that next morning. Me, the
normal mom trying not to show my
anxiety and Judah looking ill at ease
as he realized the immensity of this
new challenge that awaited him in
the classroom.
My fears were unfounded though.
Judah adapted quickly, as he usually
does, and I realize anew that, as in
any new and challenging situation,
we must just take one day at a time,
discussing our trepidation with the
Lord often and facing the unknown
with confidence.
Jocelyn R. Plett
Jocelyn and Josh R. Plett (Prairie
Rose) serve with Mission Aviation
Fellowship.
New workers in Guadalajara, Mexico
LeRoy and Faith Siemens (EFC Steinbach) and
their family have relocated from Cuauhtemoc,
Mexico, to Guadalajara. They are joining John
and Connie Reimer (team leaders) and Dallas
and Tara Wiebe on the EMC church planting
team in Guadalajara.
You can follow the Siemens’ ministry by
reading their blog: visibletreasures.blogspot.
com or by emailing them at visibletreasures@
gmail.com.
Ken Zacharias,
Foreign Secretary
Faith and LeRoy Siemens, Emma,
Logan, Brooklyn
with our churches
Church math
MORWEENA EMC, Manitoba
T
im Reimer, who serves as a minister in our church
as well as principal of Morweena Christian School,
made this point in a recent sermon: God is good at
addition (check Deuteronomy 1:10).
We have certainly found this to be true in the past
eight months or so, as God has added to our church
membership, and we are looking forward to more additions in the fall. We thank God for these members and
the gifts they bring to our community of faith.
Janet Hamm
In November we welcomed by transfer: (front) Rey and Janice Plett, Conrey
Plett, Jeremiah Plett, (middle) Peter and Helen Friesen, Samuel Plett, Kara
Plett, (back) Kirk and Lori Abrahamson, and Henry and Margaret Friesen.
Chad McCue was also baptized on June 26; his
wife Rhonda transferred her membership.
Josephine and Peter Williams were baptized and
accepted into membership on June 26.
Roseisle EMC
invites everyone to its
50th anniversary
celebration
on Sunday, October 23.
Morning church service,
lunch, and afternoon activities.
Contact us at 204-828-3242
or [email protected]
weddings
SCHELLENBERG – HILDEBRAND: Bob
Schellenberg of Winnipeg, Man., and
Elaine Hildebrand of Saskatoon, Sask., were
married on May 21, 2011, in Saskatoon with
Rev. Lorne Gieck of Cornerstone Mennonite
Church (Saskatoon) officiating. The couple
lives in Winnipeg.
Mandy Plett (shown here with husband Jon) was
part of the group transferring their memberships
in November.
EMCup Hockey Tournament
November 11-13, 2011
TG Smith Centre, Steinbach, Man.
Contact Cam Friesen, 204-371-0281 or
[email protected]
by October 12 to register a team.
JACOBSON – SCHOLZ: David, son of David
and Lorraine Jacobson of Winnipeg, Man., and
Mandi, daughter of Michael and Carol Scholz
of Winnipeg, were married on July 30, 2011, at
Braeside EMC with Kim Stoesz officiating.
STEENBERGEN – KLASSEN: Henry
Steenbergen of Red Deer, Alta., and Helga
Klassen of Winnipeg, Man., were married on
Sept. 17, 2011, in Winnipeg with Kim Stoesz
officiating. The couple lives in Red Deer.
WIEBE – HALL: Barry Wiebe of Winnipeg,
Man., and Charlotte Hall of Winnipeg were
married on Aug. 28, 2011, in Winnipeg with
Layton Friesen (Fort Garry EMC) officiating.
The couple lives in Winnipeg.
21
with our churches
A season for every activity
PRAIRIE ROSE EMC, Landmark,
Manitoba
is a time for everything,
“There
and a season for every activity
PHOTOS COURTESY EVA PETERS
under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
The seasons of the past year have
marked many important activities
and events in the life of our church.
September 19, 2010, marked the
beginning of a new season for our
church when Mike Plett became our
newly installed pastor. Steinbach
Christian High School ended their
own season with Mike as their
valued junior high teacher when he
stepped back into familiar shoes
at the Prairie Rose Church. Pastor
Mike and his wife Deidre have three
young children, Gillian, Nolan and
Callum.
Receiving new members through
membership transfer or baptism is a
joyful season where newness of life
is celebrated. Devin Ollinger was
received into membership through
transfer on December 12, 2010.
A new season began for Matt
and Tanya Plett on March 20, 2011,
when they accepted Matt’s new
position as deacon in our church.
Graduation spelled the end of a
season for some as various studies
of value culminated and a new time
began. Colin Peters, who ably served
Face painting at DVBS.
22
our church as interim pastor for the
past two years while he studied at
Providence Theological Seminary,
graduated with a Master of Divinity
degree in April 2011. His celebration
was especially meaningful as most
of the ministerial leaders with their
spouses attended the ceremony and
the meal that followed.
The church and community
ladies enjoyed an evening of inspirational music, fun and entertainment
with Rose and Anna Madden at
their spring tea on April 11. Rose,
the daughter of Ron and Violet
Koop, passed on her love for music
and singing to her daughter Anna
and together they are using their
gifts to bless and encourage others.
On April 30 Bruce Warkentin,
our dedicated soundboard operator and son of Dan and Hilda
Warkentin, married Anna Goertzen,
daughter of Kevin and Victoria
Goertzen from Aurora, Nebraska.
Congratulations are also passed
on to those from our congregation who graduated from high
school in June and have made or
are making decisions about their
future. They are Josh Bergen, Jessica
Engbrecht, Jayelle Friesen, Megan
Funk, Andrew James, and Candace
Spence.
On May 8, 2011, Shania
Doerksen, Jessica Hamm and Emily
Plett were baptized. These young
people spoke of God’s working in
their hearts through meaningful
testimonies and are continuing to
serve conscientiously in various
ways.
Another new season began for
Vic and Eileen Engbrecht as two
of their children were married
and established homes of their
own. David Engbrecht exchanged
marriage vows with Stephanie
Andrews, daughter of Kevin and
Karen Andrews of Blumenort on
May 13, 2011, and Rachel Engbrecht
was married to Devin Ollinger,
son of Allan and Leila Ollinger of
Winnipeg on June 4, 2011.
A.J. Reimer, son of Arnold and
Cheryl Reimer, and Daphne Weber,
daughter of Harold and Jessie
Weber, became husband and wife
on May 28, 2011.
Several young parents and their
Mike and Deidre Plett and family
children came forward for a parentchild dedication service on May 29 to
affirm their position in the Christian
nurture and training of their little
ones. The parents with their children
are as follows: Sean and Holly
Bucholz with Aidan, Jeff and Elnora
Hildebrand with Amelia, Ben and
Larissa Johnson with Meika, Mark
and Lisa Moesker with Elly, Caleb and
Vanessa Funk with Levi, Kevin and
Melissa Plett with Simon, and Peter
and Stephanie Reimer with Brooke.
Jake Friesen, one of our ministerial leaders, coordinates a Men’s
Ministry night out every second
Tuesday of the month. Teaching
and spiritual challenges as well
as sharing and light-hearted fun
(continued p. 23)
with our churches
activities (because there is a small
boy in every man!) are all part of
this exciting program.
On the weekend of June 3 the
fathers with their sons went on
their annual Boys’ Club Campout
and spent a weekend fishing and
hiking in the Whiteshell. Reports
have it that the fish were delectably
prepared by some exceptionally
gifted and experienced chefs.
The guest speaker at our Deeper
Life Services in May was Len Nation
from Calgary, Alta. His personal
testimony of great victory over
childhood abuse and a lifestyle of
addictions and criminal behavior
inspired the congregation to listen
closely to the topics he had chosen
to speak on from Hebrews 10.
A warm and sunny day greeted
us for our church picnic
on June 12. An outdoor
worship service concluded
with a barbecue lunch,
visiting and entertainment for the children. It
was a day of relationship
building and praising God
together.
SonSurf Beach Bash
Colin Peters’ seminary graduation was celebrated by his family
was the theme at Daily
and ministerial members.
Vacation Bible School in
to it and nothing taken from it. God
early July. Learning how to Meet
does it so that men will revere Him.”
Up, to Look Up, to Join Up, to Open
It is our goal that in the seasons
Up and to Fire Up for Jesus was an
of life our church’s activities and
exciting experience for the kids
events will reflect God’s glory, that
who attended. Dookie, an acting
in all these things honour and
mute played by Gillian Plett, was a
reverence be shown to God, our
popular daily crowd pleaser.
Creator and our Redeemer.
Ecclesiastes 3:4 says, “I know
Eva Peters
that everything God does will endure forever, nothing can be added
Steinbach EFC’s sanctuary
gets a new look
EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP
CHURCH, Steinbach, Manitoba
T
he physical sanctuary of
Steinbach EFC has been receiving a new look—new carpets and
more—in July and August.
It had been estimated that
the preparation time involved in
removing the pews, carpets and
more would take two evenings.
With about 40 people of various
ages showing up on July 25, the job
was completed in about 90 minutes,
according to Tim Dyck, except
for advance work in removing
baseboards.
While renovations were happening, the congregation held its
worship services in the basement.
On Aug. 18 in early afternoon there
was a time of cleaning, including
wiping the walls; later the benches
were moved back into the sanctuary. The congregation resumed use
of its sanctuary space on Aug. 21.
Ed and Ruth Anne Peters, our
former pastoral couple, are serving
in Thailand for four months. Their
eldest child, Amy, is serving with
the EMC (under MB Mission) for
two years in Toyota City, Japan, in
TESOL. Amy graduated with a BA
from Providence College in April.
As our pastoral search continues, speakers have served from
within and outside of the congregation. LeRoy Barkman and Darrel
Guenther have served as inside
speakers; Barry Plett (Blumenort
EMC) and SBC president Rob
Reimer are among the outside
speakers.
Cross-cultural workers serving
in Paris, France, shared of their
experiences and approaches on
Aug. 14. On Sept. 11, 2011, EFC held a
community barbecue.
Terry M. Smith
PHOTO COURTESY ERNIE KOOP
(continued from p. 22)
Volunteers worked hard to remove pews and carpet to prepare EFC’s sanctuary for renovation.
23
with our churches
MENNVILLE EMC, Manitoba
G
race and peace to you from God
our Father and the Lord Jesus
Christ (Phil. 1:2).
I am serving in Diriamba,
Nicaragua, as a tutor for the four
children of Wally and Esther Wiebe,
a missionary couple. I got to know
them during an EMC short-term
missions trip at CINAG. I am currently here under EFCCM.
I had been praying about the
direction my life should be taking
after two short-term missions trips,
one to CINAG and one to Black
Forest Academy (through Millar
College of the Bible, where I attended one year).
When I got a call from Esther
asking if I would be interested in
coming to help them with home
schooling so she could focus more
on ministry alongside her husband,
I felt very much at that time that
this was where God wanted me to
be.
So on Jan. 17, 2011, I left to do
a one-year term. I love being here
and almost feel sad when I think of
leaving, though I do miss my family
and friends a lot.
An update on my summer: it has
been a busy one!
In June we celebrated Dia de
Madres (Mother’s Day), Dia de
Padres (Father’s Day) and Dia de
Ninos (Children’s Day). So in good
Nicaraguan fashion we had fiestas
for each one. We celebrate with
piñatas, cake and Rojito, which is
the worst pop flavour in the entire
world.
24
I also traveled to Costa
Rica with Esther and the
girls to renew my visa.
I had a really good time
hanging out with them
and experiencing a new
country.
In July, I joined a work
team that was here for two
weeks. We built a church’s
roof and completed the
Sunday School classroom.
We also repainted a
school for the La Semilla
ministry.
Janette stands with a group that was in Nicaragua for two weeks:
David (Alberta), Daniel (Alberta), Janette (Manitoba), Lisa (B.C.).
It was good to get to
know the team members
and build stronger relationships
with some of the Nicaraguans that
attend the services. We also did two
BOAZ – to Jay and Sara Boaz, a son, Griffin
weeks of school.
Allen, on Apr. 24, 2011.
In August I had the opportunity
DUECK – to Trevor and Michelle Dueck
to go to a school called Granada
of Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Susanne
Nicaragua Spanish School, a
Louise, on July 20, 2011.
Spanish immersion school. I stayed
KRASNIQI – to Vallon and Juanita Krasniqi
with a Nicaraguan family while in
of Lethbridge, Alta., a daughter, Isabella on
Granada.
Aug. 18, 2011.
It was a great experience. I
NEUDORF – to Abe and Becky Neudorf of
learned quite a bit of Spanish, which
Nobleford, Alta., a son, Salviano Justin, on
was the reason for attending, but
Aug. 30, 2011.
also more about the history and
PRIES – to Kendall and Sarah Pries of
culture of Nicaragua.
Winnipeg, Man., a son, Andrew Mark, on
Sept. 8, 2011.
Pray for me as I am winding
down here. Pray that I would stay
NEUSTAETER – to Henry and Sara
Neustaeter of Coaldale, Alta., a daughter,
focused on my job and that I would
Alyssa, on Sept. 16, 2011.
continue to learn and grow.
WIEBE – to John and Tina Wiebe of Picture
Pray that I would not worry
Butte, Alta., a son, Isaiah Kaden, on Sept.
about my finances. Thank you to
22, 2011.
all of you who have supported my
ministry by praying for me and
supporting me. God bless!
Janette Brandt
Submitted by Luella Brandt
births
PHOTO COURTESY JANETTE BRANDT
Janette Brandt serves in
Nicaragua
with our churches
Celebrating marriage,
baptism, and community
J
ohn and Ellen Stoesz celebrated
their 60th wedding anniversary
on June 30, 2011. This rare (in our
present society) and joyous event
was held at a local community club
where guests joined John and Ellen
in an afternoon “come and go”
celebration.
Diamond anniversary couple John and Ellen Stoesz
John attended Mennonite
Brethren Bible College intending to
become a more effective volunteer
at the local church that he and
Ellen attended. His vocation as a
school teacher changed to full-time
church-related work when he was
ordained in 1966 as a minister.
John and Ellen’s first church
leadership assignment took them
Nathan Wiens (right) with youth pastor Brad Craig
to British Columbia. From there
the Stoeszes moved to Winkler and
then, in 1982, to Braeside where
they served as leaders until 1993.
The phrase “full time retirement” is not in John and Ellen’s
lexicon. After leaving the leadership
position at Braeside, the Stoeszes
assisted a small congregation in Ste.
Adolphe, a village near Winnipeg.
It was also during this time that
John accepted leadership of the
Keenager Choir, a group of seniors
who love to serve the Lord through
singing. He continues in this position, but now shares leadership with
another conductor.
Since 1982 John and Ellen Stoesz
have been actively involved at
Braeside. In retirement they have
continued to support Braeside with
their many gifts. We have been
blessed by their presence, energy,
dedication and example.
On August 13, 2011, Nathan
Wiens was baptized by youth pastor
Brad Craig in the rippled waters of
Pinawa Bay. Nathan was leader in
training at Camp Cedarwood for the
entire summer.
Having someone baptized at
the camp was a new and unique
experience for all the staff at
Cedarwood. Braeside welcomes
Nathan as the newest member of
our congregation.
Braeside held its second community carnival on Saturday, August 5,
2011. The weather was ideal and the
parking lot was filled with people
enjoying various activities: face
painting, wild rides and obstacle
courses, music by a worship team,
visiting with and welcoming
Kids enjoyed the slide.
PHOTOS: AL DUECK
BRAESIDE EMC, Winnipeg.
Manitoba
Face painting
Pastor Angel Infantes gives a brave thumbs-up
seconds before he was dunked in cold water.
members of the community.
Pastor Angel Infantes volunteered for repeated, good-natured
dunking to raise funds for a proposed mission trip to Mexico for a
group of Braesiders in 2012.
Hundreds of hot dogs were
grilled and children particularly
enjoyed the home-baked cookies.
Al Dueck
25
with our churches
WESTPOINTE COMMUNITY
CHURCH, Grande Prairie, Alberta
M
ichael, VTI team leader,
reports on the recent trip
to Costa Rica by a team from
Westpointe Community Church in
Grande Prairie:
Pura vida! This is what they say
in Costa Rica when asked how they
are, how the day is going, how the
meal was. It literally means, “Pure
life” or in our lingo, “Totally awesome!” Costa Rica is such a beautiful country with such beautiful
people, they are pura vida!
It was a privilege to be in Costa
Rica with the team (14 youth and
four leaders) from Westpointe for
10 days. We were able to assist the
church in La Fortuna (five hours
from San Jose, the capital city) in a
number of ways, including a mixture of outreach and practical work,
visiting people in their homes,
handing out Bibles and praying with
people (one of the highlights of my
time there).
During the door to door visits
we invited the community to our
program, to share how Zacchaeus
had a life-changing meeting with
Jesus. It was clear that we were
“reaping” the church’s persistent,
prayerful efforts.
For the first time, many people
from the community came to the
church’s outreach efforts. After the
program, the younger children sat
in one group to make a paper tree
Baptisms at RGC
RIVERTON GOSPEL CHAPEL,
Manitoba
J
oel Dyck, Trent Kroeker, Adison
Kornelsen, Mike Morgan, and
Jessica Dyck were baptized on the
confession of their faith by Pastor
Don Brynteson in the Icelandic
River on August 21, 2011.
Our church, Riverton Gospel
Chapel, was blessed and encouraged by the testimonies of these
five individuals who obeyed Peter’s
command in Acts 2:38 to repent and
be baptized in the name of Jesus
Christ for the forgiveness of their
sins. They shared their struggles,
the work of God in their lives, and
why they wanted to take the step of
baptism.
26
craft with us, while older children
made a bracelet to tell the wordless
book story.
In the mornings, our team
helped remodel an existing kitchen.
When we ate our meals inside, we
knew first-hand why they wanted to
“raise the roof ” so it would be cooler
when groups come to eat.
Midday it was usually 100F
(40C) inside. Even our cook left the
kitchen because it was cooler to eat
outside rather than inside.
I often felt the Lord’s encouragement and strength to face the full
days in Costa Rica and upon returning now to Canada. It reminds me
how He uses your prayers and gives
help through His Spirit to face the
day!
Michael
Submitted by Katelyn Tarnowski
“Baptism tells the world that I
am committed to Christ. I am getting baptized to show my devotion
to the Lord and my fellowship.”
Randy and Sigi Hiebert
Some thoughts shared were:
“Sometimes I feel worthless, but I
know I am worth something to God.
He is always with me...Scripture
reassures me that I am
forgiven.”
“God helps me through
my ups and downs...I hate
it when I mess up and
when that happens I feel
like God does not like me
very much. Although I
believed that God could
forgive my sins, I still
felt like a failure until
the Holy Spirit helped
me grasp God’s love and
Five new members and their pastor: (back) Joel Dyck, Trent
revealed to me that all
Adison Kornelsen, (front) pastor Don Brynteson, Mike
God wanted was for me to Kroeker,
Morgan, and Jessica Dyck
love Him back.”
PHOTO: RANDY AND SIGI HIEBERT
Costa Rica is pura vida!
news
150 golfers attend Project Builders tournament
Projects chosen affect Winnipeg and Democratic Republic of Congo
PHOTOS: LEN BARKMAN
STEINBACH, Man.—It was a perfect day for golf—on
Len Barkman noted the sacrificial giving the
June 16, 2011, those were the words of Ron Penner, com- Congolese believers have provided in time and resources
mittee chair for the 17 th Annual Project Builders Golf to complete the foundation and basic structure of this
Tournament.
large facility. PB will help with supWith memories of last year’s
plies such as windows, doors and
Project Builders is committed to
rain-out, it had been with some
roofing materials.
supporting projects to help our
trepidation that the organizers
This facility is designed to serve
EMC-associated missionaries
studied the weather forecast. Their
the conference of churches as a
concerns were laid to rest, however,
Bible training and resource centre
and national churches to more
as the day spent at the Steinbach
complete with dormitories, kitchen,
effectively communicate the
Fly-In Golf Club turned out to be
dining facilities and an auditorium
love of Christ.
sunny, warm, with a gentle breeze
for large gatherings.
and no signs of rain on the horizon.
PB is committed to supporting
And the golfers came, one hundred and fifty strong, projects to help our EMC-associated missionaries and
from across the province, as far west as Kola and north national churches to more effectively communicate the
as Morweena. Enjoying the game of golf is always an im- love of Christ. We are truly grateful to the sponsors and
portant part of the event, but it is certainly not the only golfers who annually make this a financially successful
reason why people come together.
and socially uplifting event.
The camaraderie and good-natured fellowship is
To support projects such as these, we invite you to
always seen as a highlight, together with support- become a Project Builders member. See www.projecting charitable endeavours promoted by EMC Project builders.ca for contact information.
Builders (PB). Just more than $26,000 was raised for the
Len Barkman
two projects designated to the golf tournament.
Kent Dueck, director of Inner City Youth Alive,
expressed his heartfelt thanks for the support Project
Builders has given over the years.
This year ICYA’s need for a 15-passenger van was
highlighted, and half of the funds raised will go toward
purchasing one. It will be used in transporting youth
and supplies to the camp at Gem Lake as well as for local
use in the ministries of ICYA.
The other half will go toward construction costs of
Golfers in action
a Training Centre in Tshikapa, Democratic Republic
of Congo, where the Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission
churches will be celebrating 100 years of God’s faithfulness in the life of the church.
Radical Followers of Jesus DVD
Produced by the Evangelical Anabaptist
Fellowship of Canada, these DVDs can be
obtained for $11.20 (plus shipping) from the EMC
office (204-326-6401 or [email protected]).
Registration
27
news
Stolen aid not whole story of disaster response
Bigger story is many things that go right
WINNIPEG, Man.—As I read in August about stolen aid
in Somalia, I thought: “Yep, right on schedule.”
The media begins with alarming reports of dire need,
follows with encouragements for people to respond,
along with stories of how people are being assisted. It
then turns, with sad predictability, to stories about misappropriated aid.
The story said the UN’s World Food Program acknowledged it has investigated food theft in Somalia for
two months, but that the famine crisis does not allow for
a suspension of assistance.
Little aid actually gets stolen—most assistance gets
to the needy. Any loss is regrettable, but aid groups know
things can go wrong, especially where security is lax,
when lawlessness abounds, corruption is rampant and
guns are many.
the difficult circumstances facing aid groups during
emergencies.
The media are vital to mobilizing Canadians and
those of us who work in international relief and development appreciate their help. But articles about stolen aid
can dampen enthusiasm for giving, and that would be
unfortunate.
Nobody wants to see aid stolen—aid groups least of
all. They don’t like it, but they know they can’t stop helping the vulnerable because some aid went missing.
John Longhurst
John Longhurst directs Resources and Public Engagement
for Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Go to www.foodgrainsbank.
ca to learn how the CFGB is responding to the East Africa
crisis. This article was condensed.
PHOTO: FRANK SPANGLER
When aid is stolen or is found for sale, the media’s
focus is usually on what’s gone wrong. What’s more
amazing is how much actually goes right.
Some aid for sale may have been sold by needy recipients to obtain cash to buy more food or other essential
and needed items.
When aid is stolen or is found for sale, the media’s
focus is usually on what’s gone wrong. What’s more
amazing is how much actually goes right, considering
Pastoralists in Somalia
More than Enough:
My Breast Cancer Story
by Sherri Hildebrandt
$18.99, 240 pp.
can be ordered from
the EMC national office
(mailing extra) or
www.sherrihildebrandt.com
Sherri and her husband were
previously involved in youth
leadership at Morris
Fellowship Chapel (EMC).
28
Meditations
By Peter B. and his daughter,
L. Marie
This 550-page book (Guardian
Books, 2010) has short meditations by father or daughter;
many were previously published.
It is available from L. Marie
Enns, Box 119, Rapid View, SK
SOM 2M0 ($32, includes postage)
or from essencebookstore.com.
news
Thanks expressed for East Africa donations
$851,000 donated, but other countries also need help
A year that will change your life
SALT is an intensely rich cross-cultural
immersion experience for Christian
young adults. Openings are currently
available in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin
America/Caribbean and the Middle East.
Qualifications:
participants must be single I 18 to 27 years old I
Canadian or U.S. citizens I actively participating in
a church I committed to non-violent peacemaking
apply at salt.mcc.org
Mennonite
Central
Committee
®
At the same time, he notes, East Africa isn’t the only
place where people are in need of food assistance—this
summer the CFGB also approved 19 projects worth $4.2
million in 11 other countries.
“Donations for those and other needs—which didn’t
make the media—will also be important in the months
ahead,” he says.
CFGB
PHOTO COURTESY CFGB
WINNIPEG, Man.—Over $851,000—that’s how much
had been donated to Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB)
for east Africa drought relief by September 16, the deadline for the Canadian government’s matching program.
“We are grateful for this outpouring of generosity”
says Jim Cornelius, CFGB’s executive director. “The donations will help us provide food and other assistance to
many people in that region.”
In addition to many individual donations, the CFGB
benefited from fundraisers such as a radio-athon put
on by Manitoba’s CBC Radio One 89.3 FM that raised
over $105,000, a Facebook challenge organized by two
Winnipeg sisters that raised $2,700, and a fair held by a
B.C. church that raised $13,000.
Together with support
from the Canadian
“We are grateful for this
International Development
outpouring of generosity”
Agency (CIDA), the CFGB
says Jim Cornelius, CFGB’s
has committed $8.8 million of assistance for
executive director.
270,000 people in Ethiopia,
Kenya and Somalia.
“We expect that figure to grow,” says Cornelius. “The
needs in the region are great, and the effects of this
drought will last a long time.”
Tamara (with daughter Maelle) and Johanna Petkau, a pair of sisters from
Winnipeg who challenged their friends, colleagues, and family to give something up in support of East Africa.
Dealing with Traumatic
Stress in Ministry
taught by Chris Marchand
Whether you work in the church or the community, you
know that caring for others in crisis takes its toll on you.
Why do so many caregivers have high levels of stress and
burnout? This course will give you a biblically informed
self-care strategy that may extend your ministry or work life.
November 17–19, 2011
Thursday 7:00–9:45 pm, Friday 7:00–9:45 pm,
Saturday 9:00 am–4:00 pm
mcc.org I 1-888-622-6337
Visit www.SBCollege.ca for more info or to register.
29
news
Child-centred preschool bolsters Batwa education
PHOTO COURTESY: JODI MIKALACHKI
MCC assists Hope School in Burundi
AKRON, Pa.—New child-centred teaching
child-centered. Rows of desks were
The Batwa feel proud that replaced with low tables, chairs and
for preschoolers and the continued growth of
they, despite their poverty floor mats. Preschoolers engage in
Hope School are improving opportunities for
the Batwa, an ethnic group in Burundi that
crafts, games and other activities
and few numbers, are
has historically been pushed to the bottom
rather than gaze at a blackboard.
providing a quality school
rung of society.
Historically hunter-gatherers,
to their community.
The Batwa represent one percent of the
the Batwa gradually lost their
population in Burundi, and director Béatrice
forest home to farmers, to governMunezero founded its only school in 2001 to empower ments and even wealthy individuals in search of gold.
her people through education.
Landlessness has left the Batwa at the bottom of the
MCC Global Family education sponsorship program social heap, impoverished, illiterate, their traditions
has supported the school with funds for teacher support looked down upon.
and training, as well as some material resources. Hope
The Batwa feel proud that they, despite their poverty
School is located in Nyangungu Hill.
and few numbers, are providing a quality school to their
Jodi Mikalachki, MCC worker from Cambridge, Mass., community, Mikalachki added.
has helped Munezero make its preschool program more
Ninth-grader Claude Mbonimpa said he hopes his
education will allow him to help other Batwa.
The school, started 10 years ago, has added one classroom and grade level a year. The school’s success gives
hope that the Batwa eventually will be accepted and able
to contribute to their country.
Emily Will, MCC
An MDS update
Jodi Mikalachki, a former MCC worker in Burundi, helps Gakobwa Bélize, a
student in Hope School’s preschool, to find the number one on the ground.
SBC’s 75th Celebrations
Celebrations will include complimentary dinner or dessert, sharing
of SBC stories and raising funds for additional dorms.
Friday, Oct. 21 Grande Prairie, AB
Sunday, Nov. 6 Landmark, MB
Saturday, Oct. 22 La Crete. AB
Friday, Nov. 18 Swift Current, SK
Saturday, Nov. 19 Calgary, AB
For more details, contact Steinbach Bible College at 1-800-230-8478
Watch for more Ontario & Manitoba (including Winnipeg) dates in 2012
30
• Scheduling for Fall Projects is open. We
are now scheduling short-term groups for
Birmingham, AL, New Orleans, LA, and Minot,
ND, from Oct. to Dec. Call 866-261-1274 in
Canada.
• MDS investigators connected with local officials
up and down the East Coast to determine how
and where MDS will respond to the damage from
Hurricane Irene.
• Requests for assistance continue to come in
from various locations. As needs become known,
volunteer teams will be dispatched.
• If you would like to volunteer, contact your
church MDS contact person, or call the
Binational Office for the contact person in your
area.
MDS
news
Foodgrains Bank commits additional $300,000 to East Africa
Total assistance now $8.8 million; over 270,000 people in region to receive food
IDOP is Sunday, November 13, 2011
OTTAWA, Ont.—Today around the world over
200 million are suffering for their faith in Jesus
Christ. Each year, Christians in over 130 countries stand in prayer with our persecuted sisters
and brothers through the International Day of
Prayer for the Persecuted Church (IDOP).
Join with us as Christians across Canada
unite in prayer for our brothers and sisters
who suffer because they declare their faith in
Christ.
This year’s IDOP Canada theme is
Victorious in Christ. Resources available at
www.IDOP.ca focus on that theme, which is
based in Revelation 2:3 and 7.
IDOP
provides an annual grant of $25 million to the CFGB.
Canadian Foodgrains Bank is a partnership of 15
churches and church agencies working together to end
global hunger. Together with matching support from
CIDA, the Foodgrains Bank has provided over one million tonnes of food assistance to people who are hungry
since 1983.
Donations for east Africa drought response can be
made by visiting www.foodgrainsbank.ca, calling 800665-0377, or sending a cheque to Box 767, Winnipeg, MB
R3C 2L4.
CFGB
PHOTO: CRWRC
WINNIPEG, Man.—An additional $300,000 in food assistance has been committed by Canadian Foodgrains
Bank (CFGB) to help people suffering from drought in
east Africa.
The project will provide two months of emergency
food rations for 19,600 people in Somalia.
The new project brings to $8.8 million the total
amount of assistance being provided by the Foodgrains
Bank. The funds are being channelled through CGFB
member agencies Christian Reformed World Relief
Committee, Canadian Lutheran World Relief, Nazarene
Compassionate Ministries and Mennonite Central
Committee, for projects in Somalia, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
In addition to emergency food relief, some of the
money will also be used for a food-for-work program in
Kenya, where CFGB member agency MCC supports sand
dam projects that help communities capture rainwater
that is usually lost in flash floods. This water can then be
used for irrigation.
Some of the food is also going to pastoralist communities, who rely on livestock for their living, and who
have been particularly hard hit by the crisis.
To date, $635,000 has been donated to the CFGB for
East Africa. The donations are matched by the Canadian
International Development Agency (CIDA), which
Receiving food in Eastern Kenya
MWC begins talks with SDA
SILVER SPRING, Maryland (USA)—Representatives of the
General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and the
Mennonite World Conference held the first of several theological conversations June 28 to July 1, 2011 at the world headquarters of the 17 million-member Seventh-day Adventist
Church in Silver Spring, Maryland.
For four days representatives of both world communions
exchanged ideas and perspectives centering on the theme of
Living the Christian Life in Today’s World.
After each group presented an overview of the history of
their communion, papers were also presented by each group
on the topics of peace, non-violence and military service; discipleship and non-conformity; health, healing/salvation and
ecology; and the nature and mission of the church.
MWC
31
in memory
calendar
Minola Kroeker
1937–2011
Minola Kroeker went home to be with
her precious Saviour on Saturday, July
23, 2011, at the age of 74 years. She
passed away peacefully with her family
at her side at the Steinbach Bethesda
Hospital.
Minola was born to Dick B.
and Anne Eidse on Feb. 28, 1937, in
Rosenhoff, Man. She accepted Jesus as
her Saviour as a teenager and was later
baptized upon the confession of her
faith.
Minola married Peter F. Kroeker
on Aug. 12, 1962. She is survived by
her husband Peter; two daughters,
Gailene (Michael) Rauser, Lorraine; one
son, David (Freda); and one grandson,
Jamieson Rauser. She was predeceased
by one daughter, Lorna May, in infancy
and one daughter, Brenda, in 2008.
Minola was a very kind, compassionate, caring and fun-loving individual. She was easy to talk to because
she was a very good listener.
Minola had a great sense of humour.
She usually had a smile on her face and
was ready to laugh.
It brought her great joy when the
whole family would gather together for
special occasions. The family was her
life.
Minola was a nurse, spending the
last 14 years of her career at Rest Haven
Nursing Home in Steinbach, Man. She
was a great caregiver.
Up until approximately three
32
weeks ago, we thought Mom was
fairly healthy. She was diagnosed with
incurable liver cancer on July 15, 2011.
Thankfully, Mom didn’t have to suffer
too long before the Lord took her home.
We as a family would like to thank
Drs. Assaad, Van Der Byl, Toews, and
Christianson, and all the nursing stuff
at the Bethesda Hospital. Thanks to all
our family and friends who upheld us
in prayer, provided meals, sent flowers,
etc.
Her funeral service was held on
July 27, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Steinbach
EMC, with pastors Allan Dueck and
Glen Koop officiating. Interment was at
Heritage Cemetery, Steinbach, Man.
Her Family
British Columbia
Nov. 19: MCC BC Annual Meeting,
Clearbrook Public Library, Abbotsford,
604-850-6639, bc.mcc.org
Alberta
no events currently
Saskatchewan
Nov. 4–5: MCC Saskatchewan Encounter
and Annual General Meeting, Eigenheim
Mennonite Church, register at sk.mcc.org
or 306-665-2555
Manitoba
Oct. 14: Everything Old is New Again:
Communication and Fundraising in the Digital
World, Going Barefoot communicators’
conference, keynote speakers: Bill Roberts
and Owen Charters, Canadian Mennonite
University, Winnipeg, [email protected]
Oct. 21–22: Anti-Modern Pathways:
Horse and Buggy Mennonites in Canada,
Belize and Latin America, hosted by the
Chair in Mennonite Studies, University of
Winnipeg, mennonitestudies.uwinnipeg.ca
Oct. 23: Roseisle EMC 50th anniversary,
morning service, lunch, afternoon
activities, all are welcome, RSVP to 204828-3242 or [email protected]
Michael (Mike) Martiniuk
February 28, 1930–July 20, 2011
After a short battle with cancer,
Michael (Mike) Martiniuk passed away
peacefully at the Arborg Hospital,
in Manitoba’s Interlake region, on
Wednesday, July 20, 2011.
His life touched many in the
Interlake region and beyond. He was a
part of Mennville EMC for years.
Mike will be dearly missed. A
service to celebrate his life was held at
the Mennville EMC on Monday, July 25,
2011.
It was Mike’s desire to be with Jesus
and to be involved in music in Heaven.
His friends
Nov. 4–5: Why Peace, When You Can Have
War? Evangelical Anabaptist Fellowship
of Canada fall conference, speaker: Paul
Alexander, Winkler, eafellowship@gmail.
com, www.anabaptists.ca
Nov. 11–13: EMCup Hockey Tournament,
TG Smith Centre, Steinbach. Teams to
register by October 12, Cam Friesen, 204371-0281, [email protected]
Nov. 15–17: RE:CALL, National Church
Planting Congress, Calvary Temple,
Winnipeg, www.thecongress.ca. EMCers
planning to attend should advise the EMC
office, 204-326-6401 or [email protected]
Ontario
Nov. 12: MCC Ontario Annual Conference,
Knox Presbyterian Church, 630 Spadina Ave,
Toronto, 519-745-8458, ontario.mcc.org
Other
Nov. 3–6: Business as a Calling – Enduring
Values, Lasting Impact, MEDA annual
convention, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 800665-7026 or businessasacalling.org
shoulder tapping
Pastoral positions
Are you a Spirit-led leader? A lover of God and of
people? Do you have a passion for prayer and a
Kingdom vision? If so, the Evangelical Fellowship
Church (EFC) in Steinbach, Man., is interested in
hearing from you. We are seeking an individual to
serve as senior pastor to a congregation of 200. The
senior pastor would have primary responsibility for
preaching and would provide overall spiritual leadership to the congregation. Please contact Trevor
Arsenault at 204-346-0302 or efcsearch@gmail.
com.
Morweena EMC of Morweena, Man., is currently
searching for an interim pastor to serve a congregation of about 250. We are located in the Interlake
near Arborg, roughly 140 kilometers north of
Winnipeg. Responsibilities would include preaching,
visiting and caregiving, working with the existing
ministerial group in event planning and helping to
facilitate/envision some administrative restructuring. The church is offering a parsonage adjacent to
the church for the duration of the interim pastor’s
stay. For information please contact Sid Dueck at
204-364-2476 (h), 204-364-2442 (w), or sid.dueck@
vidir.com.
Youth work
Mennville EMC and Riverton Gospel Chapel (EMC),
in Manitoba’s Interlake region, seek a full-time
youth pastor for a joint youth group. Candidate
should have strengths in relationship building and
have an ability to plan a comprehensive youth
program. Contact Paul Peters at 204-378-2740 or
[email protected].
Other opportunities
MCC Ontario invites applications for the position of
operations director, Kitchener, Ont.
This position requires a person with a commitment to Christian faith, active church membership
and non-violent peacemaking.
The operations director will give over all leadership to the practical and administrative functions
of MCC Ontario including finances, insurance and
risk management, physical resources, information
technology and general office management, and
will serve on the leadership team, reporting to the
executive director.
This full-time salaried position begins
December 2011. Application deadline: October 10,
2011. Complete job description available on MCC’s
website at www.mcc.org/serve. To apply send cover
letter and resume to Cath Woolner at [email protected].
MDS seeks a full-time Region V manager immediately. The manager works out of the MDS Canadian
office in Winnipeg, Man., supervising two staff
persons, managing the office, overseeing Region
V disaster response in Canada and USA (through
binational office), and coordinating promotion of
MDS in Canada.
The Region V Manager works closely with the
Region V board executive and carries out their work
plan.
The right person will have knowledge of the
Anabaptist constituency, strong communication
skills, proven leadership experience, and a vision
for growing this ministry. The applicant will fully
embrace the Anabaptist faith and peace position.
Experience with a non-profit or volunteer
agency is an asset. Post-secondary education is required. MDS Region V employs only Canadian citizens and those non-Canadian citizens authorized to
work in Canada.
Mennonite Disaster Service is a volunteer
network of Anabaptist churches that responds
in Christian love to those affected by disasters
in Canada and the U.S. While the main focus is
on clean up, repair and rebuilding homes, this
service touches lives and nurtures hope, faith and
wholeness.
Email resume with a cover letter to jobs@mds.
mennonite.net. To view the full job description,
go to mds.mennonite.net/about-us/employment.
Applications will be considered until the position
is filled.
Cedarwood (www.cedarwood-yfc.com) is looking
to fill the positions of year-round head cook(s) and
maintenance. We are looking for dedicated staff
who have a heart to serve in a camp environment.
Cedarwood is owned and operated by Youth
for Christ-Winnipeg. We are located 115 km NE of
Winnipeg near Lac du Bonnet, Man., on Pinawa Bay.
During the summer we run eight weeks of junior and senior high camps. Throughout the rest of
the year we host various school outdoor education
programs, church retreats and other rental groups.
Housing is available and most food is provided.
For information contact Bernie Peters at 204-3458529 or [email protected].
The EMC Church Planting Task Force with the
Board of Leadership and Outreach is beginning
the process of calling a Canadian Church
Planting Coordinator.
The Church Planting Coordinator encourages church planting initiatives, provides
support and guidance to new churches and
church planters, and encourages links between
them and the conference family.
Qualifications of the Church Planting
Coordinator are:
• passionate and committed Jesus
follower
• understanding of and appreciation
for Anabaptism
Countess Place, a residential group home for teen
girls in Portage la Prairie, Man., is looking for energetic, motivated Christ followers to serve as group
home workers. Live your faith as you serve girls
aged 12–17, their friends, community, and other
young adults (ages 15–25) who drop in. CP is a
Christian non-profit organization that runs a group
home licensed by the province of Manitoba.
Be the hands of Jesus in all aspects of their care.
Join the team as we program for their activities, life
skills training, education plan, spiritual journey and
community building.
Currently the schedule is being modified to
include full-time, part-time, weekends, or nights.
Minimum requirements are to have or obtain a
current driver’s license, criminal record check, child
abuse registry check, level “C” first aid.
Be paid to minister; wages based on experience. This will stretch you and test your faith.
Come prepared to be challenged and grow in your
understanding of the faithfulness of God (http://
countessplace.webplus.net/index.html).
Contact: Donna Moman, countessplace@
gmail.com.
The Messenger does not sell advertising,
but provides free space (classified and
display) to enhance our Conference, its
churches, boards and ministries; interMennonite agencies and educational
institutions; and the wider church. Ads
are not to be for monetary benefit. To
place an ad, e-mail messenger@emconf.
ca or call 204-326-6401 and ask for
Rebecca Roman.
• administrative/pastoral experience
• interest in Canadian culture
• demonstrated entrepreneurial skills
• willing and able to travel
• able to empower
• strong listening skills
• well-developed people skills
For a full job description call the E.M.
Conference office at 326-6401 or email efehr@
emconf.ca.
To speak to someone about this role, contact the search committee: Peter Dueck 204364-2442 ([email protected]), Stephanie
Unger 204-779-2888 ([email protected]), or
Randy Fehr 519-773-9021 (tpmconglomorate@
gmail.com).
Resumes can be submitted to CPC Search
Committee, 440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G
1Z5 or to any search committee member.
33
pictures of god
by Joanna Enns
Temporary residents
M
PHOTO: DREAMSTIME.COM
y husband and I spent
We also spent money on the
put down more permanent roots
the summer with friends
future we hoped for. Although we
in Toronto. “Dear friends,” writes
and family in Kansas
would have loved to save our money, Peter, “I warn you as ‘temporary
while we waited for his Canadian
we never hesitated to dish it out
residents and foreigners’ to keep
visa, which was supposed to arrive
for application fees, doctor visits,
away from worldly desires that wage
by the beginning of June. As we
postage and lawyer fees, hoping
war against your very souls” (1 Peter
struggled through the instability
that each dollar spent would bring
2:11).
and uncertainty of this unexpected
us one step closer to our home in
After finding an apartment,
delay, we developed different values Canada.
unpacking the car and our becomin relating to people and possesFinally, our temporary status
ing permanent fixtures at the local
sions because we knew our stay was kept us from getting too attached
Canadian Tire, our house is finally
temporary.
to our life in Kansas. When we
starting to feel like home. The chalNot knowing how long it would
finally got the go-ahead to leave for
lenge now is to apply the principles
be before we would see many of our
Canada, it took us less than three
we learned this summer to our new,
Kansan friends and
more stable, existence.
family members again,
As temporary
we focussed our time
residents in semion relationships. We
permanent location,
went out of our way to
we need to continue
connect with people
to keep relationships
As temporary
who had built into our
at the forefront. It is
residents in
t
n
e
lives and marriage.
easy to get caught up
esid
a ry r
semi-permanent
r
o
p
We also looked
in the busyness of
t em
for opportunities to
“success,” of earning
location, we need
invest in people’s lives.
good money or good
to continue to
We spent quality time
grades at the expense
keep
relationships
with the youth in the
of building good
church and with our
relationships.
at the forefront.
nieces and nephews,
Even as we put
and we looked for
down roots, we need
ways to bless and
to keep ourselves from
encourage them.
getting too attached to
Our temporary
the things that make
status also influenced
our house a home and
how we spent our money. Instead
days to clean up our household,
that make us feel secure. As long as
of stocking a house, we borrowed
pack our goods into our trusty
we keep God as our ultimate future
furniture and dishes, and spent
Sunfire, say our goodbyes and set off and our surest security, we will be
money on relationships.
for a new life in Toronto.
able to live intentionally with the
Restaurant tabs and fuel receipts
Although this was a very diffuture in mind and be willing to
filled our wallets as we drove
ficult summer for us, the principles
set off with confidence on the next
around the countryside to visit and
we learned as temporary residents
journey God has for us at any time.
meet up with friends and family.
are good reminders for us as we
34
stewardship today
by Sherri Grosz
Marriage and money
Spenders can resent savers for being miserly
and denying their desires. Savers can
resent spenders for endangering their
financial health and future.
and saving decisions are
filtered through the needs
and wants of both parties
and measured against the
overall goals of the couple. Trust
is built and the marriage is much
more likely to weather challenges.
When spenders and savers
collide, the fireworks start.
Spenders can resent savers for
being miserly and denying their
desires. Savers can resent spenders
for endangering their financial
health and future.
Savers may squirrel away money
as protection against an uncertain
future. Spenders may keep purchases secret in order to prevent fights.
It’s a no-win situation where trust is
lost and both parties feel they have
been wronged and misunderstood.
One young man told me that
when he and his wife were engaged,
they were invited to share a meal
with an older couple in their
congregation. After the meal, the
older couple shared their process
for making financial decisions, and
how they determined priorities,
including charitable giving.
This young man said he was
amazed at how transparent and
helpful the conversation had been.
W
hen I was engaged and
focused on planning
a wonderful wedding
day, my mother reminded me that
weddings don’t make a marriage. As
exciting as the wedding day may be,
it’s the days and years that follow
that should really be the focus of
our plans.
Would you be surprised to learn
that many engaged folks don’t actually talk about money or finances
before the big day? And if they
do, it’s likely to be a conversation
limited to the wedding budget.
Pastors and parents may be
uncomfortable talking about money,
so couples are often left on their
own to sort it out—or fight it out.
Yet money is often listed as one of
the leading reasons for separation
and divorce and it’s a common area
of fights and disagreements.
We tend to have either saver or
spender characteristics. Both have
positive traits and, when combined,
create a healthy, balanced view of
money.
Savers are anxious about money.
They tend to hesitate and look for
the cheapest option when they must
spend money.
Spenders, on the other hand,
are carefree and optimistic about
money. They know it will all work
out somehow and like to have fun.
Savers need spenders to help
them have some fun and enjoy
indulgences. Spenders need savers
to help stretch budgets and consider
the future.
When they work together, there
is balance and health. Spending
“But at the beginning of creation
God made them male and female.
For this reason a man will leave his
father and mother and be united to
his wife, and the two will become
one flesh. So they are no longer
two, but one. Therefore what God
has joined together, let man not
separate” (Mark 10:6-9).
As the church, we should be
doing everything we can to ensure
that marriages are built on the best
foundation. That includes open and
honest conversations about debt,
saving, charitable giving and how
to make financial decisions as a
couple.
How does your church help
engaged and married couples begin
money conversations?
Sherri Grosz is a stewardship
consultant at the Kitchener, Ont., office
of Mennonite Foundation of Canada.
MFC, a non-profit organization,
provides stewardship education and
estate and charitable gift planning for
no cost. Contact your nearest MFC
office or visit Mennofoundation.ca.
35
kids’ corner
by Loreena Thiessen
Activity: Make a thankful
jar.
I
t’s easy to be thankful on
Thanksgiving Day. A juicy turkey
roasts in the oven and turkey
smells fill the air.
At dinner you fill your plate with
slices of its white meat along with
mashed potatoes and gravy. Dessert
is spicy pumpkin pie.
You get a holiday from school.
You remember to be thankful.
After Thanksgiving you’re
back at school and you may have
homework or chores to do. You have
soccer practice or skating.
You’re busy. Some days you feel
tired. You may have a bad day.
Perhaps you didn’t win the
game. Maybe someone ignored you
or said something nasty; you feel
hurt. Being thankful is harder. Or
maybe you just forget.
What can you do to be more
thankful when it’s not Thanksgiving
Day?
You can start when you wake
up each morning. As you get ready
and eat your breakfast think of
one person who has made your life
better.
Is it your mom or dad, your
grandparent or a teacher? What has
that person done for you?
If you have a bad day, think of
one good thing that usually makes
you happy, feel good or safe. Is it
your home or family, or a friend?
If you feel like being angry at
someone, can you think of one good
thing about that person? He may
have made you laugh in the past.
36 THE MESSENGER | October 2011
If you feel you want to criticize
or blame someone for something
that went wrong or they forgot to
do, calm yourself down and think
of something positive instead. Look
around.
Is the sky a beautiful cloudless blue? Can you hear the robin
singing? Maybe your mom has just
made your favorite chocolate chip
cookies!
If you find you’re about to complain, think of something you can
be thankful for. Maybe your best
shirt is dirty, but you have another
one equally nice to wear today.
You face a challenge, a difficult
thing to do, a page of math homework, or an essay to write and you
know it will take much of your time.
Think of it as a chance to do it well,
or better than before.
Is there something you don’t
have, or it got lost or broken, think
of something you do have and value,
not complain about what you don’t
have.
Read Philippians 4:6 and 8. Be
thankful and think about those
things that are true, and right and
beautiful.
What to do:
Cut one blank paper sheet
into strips of 2.5 cm by 7 cm.
You should get approximately 21
strips. If you need more, use two
sheets of paper.
On each strip print the name
of someone or something you are
thankfu for.
Place all strips in the jar.
Each day take out one strip.
Think about why you are thankful
for that person or thing. Tell that
person or someone you choose
why you are thankful.
Include a family member or
friend to share your thankful jar.
How to be thankful
What you need:
• a clean plastic peanut butter
jar, one litre in size
• blank printing paper, one or
two sheets
• scissors
• pencil, pen or felts
THE MESSENGER
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
440 Main St, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5
Publications Mail Agreement #40017362
Registration #09914

Vol. 49 No. 10 October 2011 - Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Transcription

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