Vol. 45 No. 18 October 17, 2007 - Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Messenger
The
EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE
VOLUME 45 NUMBER 18 OCTOBER 17, 2007
Sola Scriptura!
Scripture Only!
Sola Fide!
Faith Only!
Sola Gracia!
Grace Only!
Celebrating the
Reformation
The
Messenger
The privilege of holding Scripture
A
EDITOR
Terry M. Smith
ASSISTANT
EDITOR
Rebecca Buhler
THE MESSENGER is the 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 Unpublished material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.
THE MESSENGER is published
twice a month (once a month in July
and August) by the EMC Board of
Church Ministries, 440 Main Street,
Steinbach, Manitoba.
Subscriptions: $12 per year
(Manitoba residents add 7% PST,
total: $12.84). Subscriptions are
voluntary and optional to people
within or outside of the EMC.
Subscriptions are purchased by
the Conference for members and
adherents.
THE MESSENGER is a member of
Meetinghouse and Canadian Church
Press.
Second-class postage paid at
Steinbach, Manitoba.
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#40017362
We acknowledge the financial
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Mailing information: Undelivered copies, change of address and
new subscriptions, should be addressed to:
440 Main Street
Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1Z5
Phone: 204-326-6401
Fax: 204-326-1613
E-mail: [email protected] or
[email protected]
On-line edition available at
www.emconf.ca/Messenger
MESSENGER SCHEDULE:
No. 20 – November 14
(copy due November 2)
2
editorials
s we near Reformation Sunday
(October 28), do we realize at
what a high price we Protestants
gained
the
privilege
of
translating, copying, distributing, owning,
reading, and studying the Bible?
Do we remember how Bibles were
confiscated and burned, and how
translators suffered for their actions?
For being heirs of the Protestant
Reformation, some of us are in an odd place.
Too many Protestant Christians leave their
Bibles at home on Sunday morning. Biblical
illiteracy in mainstream Canada risks
rivaling that of the Middle Ages.
For being heirs of the Protestant
Reformation, some of us are in an
odd place. Too many Protestant
Christians leave their Bibles at home on
Sunday morning. Biblical illiteracy in
mainstream Canada risks rivaling that
of the Middle Ages.
Some conservative Anabaptist circles
have regressed to leaving it for leaders to
study and interpret Scripture; this move
reflects 16th century Roman Catholicism
better than the original Anabaptist
movements or even modern Catholicism.
What might think English reformer
John Wycliffe (d. 1384), who sparked the
translation of the New Testament from
Latin into English? Or Martin Luther
(d. 1546), who translated it from Greek
to German? What of sixteenth-century
Anabaptists who sometimes astounded
church leaders with their knowledge of
Scripture?
Because of Wycliffe, Luther, and others
we have copies of Scripture to own, read,
and study. How shall we honour their
hard-won gifts to us?
Part of our response can be shown
by carrying Bibles to services, valuing
exegetical and doctrinal preaching,
publicly reading more of Scripture, and
engaging in Bible study (individual and
T
group). M
Terry M. Smith
The necessity of doctrine
P
rotestant Reformers—Anabaptists
among them—were convinced
of the need for proper doctrine.
There are major doctrines to
be proclaimed and false teachings to be
avoided.
Doctrine is a basic need of the Christian
Church. Indeed, the Christian Church
can’t identify itself properly apart from
teaching. We relate to Jesus Christ as
Saviour and Lord, which involves knowing
to some measure what these terms mean.
Experience or relationship isn’t enough.
What is that experience based on and what
authority does it have for us? A relationship
with whom and what does it involve?
Explain this and you are teaching.
Teaching and doctrine are synonyms. If
people say, “We don’t teach doctrine, just
the Bible,” they misunderstand what the
word doctrine means or fail to recognize
how we all are interpreters of Scripture.
Scripture itself says we are to “encourage
one another by sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9)
and “teach in accord with sound doctrine”
(Titus 2:1). All Scripture is “useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training
in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
What’s a major doctrine? A sound
starting point is located within The
Apostles’ Creed: A central focus on Christ
and his work, and our response to Him.
Early Anabaptists were able to take The
Apostles’ Creed and show how woven into
it is to be an emphasis on discipleship and
ethics—not doctrine isolated from life. Do
we use the Creed and show that?
Perhaps in the past some Mennonites
memorized a catechism without understanding, but, when well done, structured
teaching remains useful.
“Watch your life and doctrine closely.
Persevere in them, because if you do so,
you will save both yourselves and your
T
hearers” (1 Timothy 4:16). M
Terry M. Smith
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
CMI appointments
Paul Giesbrecht, a graduate
of Steinbach Bible College, is
the new director of Continental
Mission. He has previously served in
leadership at Midway Bible Camp.
Ferlin Abrahamson of Birch River
has joined the Board of Directors of
CMI. He directed Steeprock Bay Bible
Camp for 10 years, and been involved
for another 11 years. Ferlin is the
former pastor of Christian Fellowship
Church (EMC). We welcome Ferlin,
Elizabeth, and family into the
Mission.
CMI
coming events
October 25
Eden Foundation Fall Banquet
Altona EMM Church
Altona, Man.
204-325-5355 or 866-895-2919
www.edenhealth.mb.ca
November 1–4
MEDA: Trust in a World of Change
Business as a Calling 2007
Hilton
Toronto, Ont.
800-665-7026
www.meda.org
Ferlin and Elizabeth
Abrahamson with children Jeffry and Bethany
Note: Continental Mission seeks to build
the Church among First Nations in Canada,
mostly in northern Manitoba.
Paul Giesbrecht
EQUIPPING MEN AND WOMEN FOR THE MINISTRIES OF THE CHURCH
Winter 2008 Courses
Practical Theology: Critical Issues in Congregational Worship
One-week intensive: February 18–22, Christine Longhurst
The Problem of Evil in Biblical Perspective
Monday, 6:00–8:45 p.m., Pierre Gilbert
The New Testament: A Theological Introduction
Tuesday, 2:30–5:15 p.m., George Shillington
History of Christianity: From Apostles Creed to
Vatican II
Wednesday, 2:30–5:15 p.m., Karl Koop
Theology: Barth and Bonhoeffer
Tuesday, 6:00–8:45 p.m., Harry Huebner
Contemporary Theological Themes: Hermeneutics
and Critical Theory
Wednesday, 6:00–8:45 p.m., Chris Huebner
www.ministrystudies.ca
500 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2
Tel: 204-487-3300 | Fax: 204-837-7415
November 2
Eden Foundation Fall Banquet
Steinbach Mennonite Church
Steinbach, Man.
204-325-5355 or 866-895-2919
www.edenhealth.mb.ca
November 6–7
Mennonite Identity in
the 21st Century
Dr. John D. Roth
Laudamus Auditorium
Canadian Mennonite University
Winnipeg, Man.
204-487-3300
November 7
Maintaining Pastoral Identity and
Dignity in the Face of Criticism
A one-day workshop with Dan Unrau
Canadian Mennonite University
Winnipeg, Man.
204-487-3300 ext. 322 or 350
www.ministrystudies.ca
November 27–28
Stronger Together
Interchurch gathering for
agencies and congregations
engaged in mental health and
disabilities issues
Pre-conference to Canadian
Mental Health Assembly
Victoria Inn
Winnipeg, Man.
204-275-0394
mcc.org/canada/health/conferences
November 30
EMC Ministerial meeting
Braeside EM Church
Winnipeg, Man.
204-326-6401
December 1
EMC Conference Council meeting
St. Vital EMC
Winnipeg, Man.
204-326-6401
January 25–27, 2008
Break Forth Canada 2008
Shaw Conference Centre
Edmonton, Alta.
www.breakforthcanada.com
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
3
What difference does
Evangelical
Anabaptism
?
make
Rev. Terry M. Smith
Reformation
Sunday (October 28)
reminds us of central truths:
Sola Scriptura!
Scripture Only!
Sola Fide!
Faith Only!
Sola Gracia!
Grace Only!
T
he Protestant Reformation
recaptured Scripture’s
authority and focus on Christ,
the Church’s precious centre.
Within it, the Radical Reformation drew
out truths that continue to influence
evangelical and mainline churches of
today.
Permit, then, a partial, inadequate
response to the topic posed to me.
4
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
Anabaptists varied in the sixteenth century, as
do current evaluations of them. However, Menno
Simons and other evangelical Anabaptists are
respected for holding to Scripture’s final authority,
salvation by grace through faith in Christ, and
believers’ baptism.
Anabaptist history
Anabaptists varied in the sixteenth century, as
do current evaluations of them. However, Menno
Simons and other evangelical Anabaptists are
respected for holding to Scripture’s final authority,
salvation by grace through faith in Christ, and
believers’ baptism.
As highlighted by Harold Bender during World
War Two, we benefit from studying the major
emphases of “original evangelical and constructive
Anabaptism”: Christianity as discipleship,
voluntary membership shown in holy living, and
“an ethic of love and nonresistance as applied to
in all relationships” (The Anabaptist Vision). Early
evangelical Anabaptists viewed teaching, ethics,
and lifestyle as inseparable—as we need to do
today.
Lester Olfert, when EMC foreign secretary, took
some Nicaraguan brethren to Mennonite Heritage
Village in Steinbach, Man. The settlers’ effects likely
didn’t say Mennonite to them. The leaders, however,
honoured early Anabaptist leaders and connected
with their spiritual history.
The value of Menno
My copy of The Complete Writings of Menno
Simons shows evidence of some study. Why study
Menno? It’s because Menno, though imperfect, is a
teacher. We can profitably learn from any leader of
the Protestant Reformation (such as Menno Simons,
Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, or John Calvin),
even if we disagree with them at times. They often
sharply disagreed with each other. Frequently that
disagreement is instructive!
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
Menno was a Reformation leader who spoke
against some beliefs, practices, and lifestyles of
magisterial Protestants and Catholics alike—a
Protestant’s Protestant. His discipleship cost him
dearly. We study his writings in relatively peaceful,
prosperous Canada; Menno penned them with a
price on his head while his family suffered.
Ironically, who best helps many of us to
understand Menno? It’s perhaps Rev. Leonard
Verduin, by his act of translating Menno’s writings
into English (published by Herald Press). Verduin,
who died a few years ago in the United States, was
part of the Christian Reformed Church. Did Verduin
value early Anabaptism? Yes. Both his affection and
critique are recorded in his book The Reformers and
Their Stepchildren (Herald Press, 1964).
Evangelism
Early Anabaptists, it’s said, were the forerunners
of the modern missions movement. They practiced
evangelism when other Protestant Reformers were
unconvinced. Hutterians are described as the
flaming evangelists of the sixteenth century; and,
because of evangelism, many Anabaptists literally
died in the flames.
Later, because of persecution and compromise,
the Anabaptist church hesitated to share its faith. In
the 1870s, while some Mennonites sought a quiet life
in Canada, Presbyterians here sent a missionary to
Taiwan; the former evangelists became silent while
Calvin’s followers favoured missions.
Still, the past 60 years has shown much change
in EMC attitude toward missions. Roughly three of
four dollars in our conference budget currently goes
toward missions.
Community
To be an Evangelical Anabaptist is to be called
to live our faith in Christ together with others. Our
history as a Believers Church is bloodied by those
who died for a church decided by personal faith, not
by birth.
It seems ironic, then, that some people try to
identify Mennonites/Anabaptists by their surname.
Would Ulrich Zwingli smile wryly at modern
attempts to identify Mennonites/Anabaptists by
5
birth, rather than by rebirth? He might
even argue he has the last laugh!
However, the Swiss Reformer would
likely be amazed at how the
worldwide Anabaptist church now
encompasses many cultures.
By early Anabaptist heritage,
we offer a rich sense of
community. Compared to
the early years of the Kleine
Gemeinde in Canada, the EMC
is now far more welcoming to
people of a non-Anabaptist or a
non-Low German background.
Many of us are evidence of that!
Even after 133 years in
Canada, though, the EMC
remains a small conference with
more than half of our churches
residing in one province and likely
80 percent of our members having
Low German cultural roots. Clearly,
the EMC has much more to do to form
a wider community in Christ across
multicultural Canada.
Christ didn’t
enter our
world so that
we would live
in isolation
while others
live in need.
Biblical justice
It’s been said that Menno Simons wasn’t so quiet
in the land! He declared that a “true evangelical
faith cannot lie dormant,” but cares for those
around us (Complete Writings, p. 307).
Simons spoke for religious freedom and against
war. He rebuked leaders: “O kings and rulers of
the land, where indeed is your faith and love with
their pious nature? Where is your fear of God, your
burning lamp, your humble heart dead unto sin?
...The pitiful moaning and misery of the wretched
men does not reach your ears. The sweat of the
poor we find in your houses, and the innocent blood
on your hands” (p. 195).
He protested against those who “tax and toll,
grasp and grab, without any measure or mercy; they
suck the very marrow from the bones of the poor”
(p. 367). He took on judges, lawyers, advocates;
captains, knights, foot soldiers, and “similar bloody
men”; priests, monks, and preachers; wicked
merchants and retailers (pp. 367–368).
Christ didn’t enter our world so that we would
live in isolation while others live in need. “For
you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became
poor that you through his poverty might become
rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Peace
Are we agents of peace? “Instead of taking up
arms, we should do whatever we can to lessen
human distress and suffering, even at the risk
6
of our own lives. In all circumstances we
should be peacemakers and ministers
of reconciliation” (part of The Life of
Peace, EMC Statement of Faith).
Catholics and Protestants
currently share power in the
Northern Ireland Assembly. Our
Lord doesn’t favour Catholics and
Protestants killing each other;
the reconciling work of his Cross
points elsewhere. That’s my
conviction as a Christian and as
a descendent of Protestants in
Northern Ireland.
Christians need to oppose
war, to remind others there
is sadness, not glory, in war.
Whether or not an individual
claims to be a pacifist, there’s an
ugliness to war that calls for more
thought and response than happens
from behind our EMC pulpits.
Rodney Sawatzky wrote in 1972 that
“given the seriousness of the world’s
social ills, the Mennonite pacifist witness is
much too weak.” He says the Mennonite church
“dare not water down the pacifist implications
of the Good News in order to gain numbers by a
cheapened grace” (Call to Faithfulness, CMBC, pp.
194–196). Does disagreeing with pacifism mean we
settle for cheap grace? Not necessarily. However,
the Church does need to respond to the violence of
our age.
Does disagreeing with pacifism mean we
settle for cheap grace? Not necessarily.
However, the Church does need to respond
to the violence of our age.
Is there value in Evangelical Anabaptism today?
To borrow one of Dr. Stan Hamm’s expressions:
Absolutely!
The value, though, isn’t shown by extolling it
while minimizing how our practice sometimes
contradicts our theology. The value of Evangelical
Anabaptism is in living it through following
Christ. Is to be a Christian a noun or a verb? Early
Anabaptists would say that without action a claim
means little.
What difference does Evangelical Anabaptism
T
make? That remains to be seen. M
Rev. Terry M. Smith is Executive Secretary to the Board
of Church Ministries.
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
writings shared
Politics Under God by John H.
Redekop (Herald Press, 2006),
224 pp., $14.99. ISBN 978-0-83619355-8. Reviewed by Erica Fehr,
member of Kleefeld EMC.
R
edekop’s three chief
purposes are to discuss the
central issues in churchstate relations, to provide
suggestions and guidelines on how
to navigate faith and citizenship,
and to present a positive view
of government and church-state
relations. He calls this “Anabaptist
realism” or “reformed Anabaptism.”
A particularly useful chapter
compares the foundational
“beliefs” of each political party
to Christian beliefs.
Erica Fehr
his approach is positive. He
encourages involvement at
any level based on ability and
opportunity as long as Christian
values are not compromised.
Much of his argument is
for those in the Anabaptist
theological tradition who tend to
have a negative view of politics. He
reminds us that many duties that
good governments take on—
particularly in education, poverty
programs and healthcare—were
initiated by Christians. For that
reason it’s appropriate to be
involved in these areas as policymakers.
A particularly useful chapter
compares the foundational
“beliefs” of each political party to
Christian beliefs. By presenting
them in this way Redekop shows
how each party has points
of agreement and disagreement with Christianity.
Understanding this allows us to see how we can to
work alongside or within each political party and
combats the tendency Christians often have to become
deeply invested in a particular party as the “Christian”
one.
My disappointment is that Redekop chose not to
address issues of international politics, and his few
comments do not reflect his usually careful thought
and understanding. This might be because it’s outside
his area of expertise, could require another book, or
involves the controversial topic of military action.
I suggest, though, that it is in international politics
where the need and the risk are the most urgent,
and, therefore, discussion regarding politics and
Christianity is most relevant.
I recommend Politics Under God for readers
interested in politics—and even more for those who are
T
ambivalent or find it difficult to see politics positively. M
The central issue Redekop identifies is that church
and state operate as two separate “kingdoms” with
different purposes, citizens, and ethical frameworks.
He goes through the church’s historical and modern
attempts to resolve or cope with that tension, from
fusing Church and State to complete withdrawal from
the political arena. Redekop disagrees with these
extremes.
He says that attempting to create a Christian state
must fail. Either the Christian ethic of unselfish love for
the entire world or the State’s requirement to protect
the person, property and economic well-being of its
own citizens will give way to the other.
Isolationism is mistaken because government is Godordained and expresses his care for all humankind. To
withdraw completely is impossible because Christians
are physically part of a state—even doing nothing is
participation. Others’ lives and well-being
are the church’s concern (whether or not
My disappointment is that Redekop chose not to address
they follow Christ) and political decisions
issues of international politics. This might be because it’s
directly affect them.
The suggestions and guidelines
outside his area of expertise, could require another book,
Redekop offers on navigating faith
and citizenship are fairly general but
or involves the controversial topic of military action.
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
7
The Dungeon
Q
and the Cathedral
uiet steps echoed off the stone walls as
visitors walked through the cathedral. With
the sun filtering through the stained glass
windows, I sat in awe of the grandeur in front
of me. The towering columns and the vast arches of
St. Denis made of feel insignificant. Not only was I in
Paris for the first time, I was in that cathedral that had
been around in the 12th century. It felt like I was being
transported to a different time and place as images from
the 12th century drifted through my imagination.
What were the circumstances like 900 years ago?
How did people back then view the church? Was it
a place of meaningful worship or was it a place of
hypocrisy and greed? Did the church look after
and nurture the people, or were they just
after the money? As I reviewed
all that my professors
and teachers
tried so hard to
teach me about
church history,
I began to get a
picture of what
this magnificent
building might
represent.
Looking back at both
the dungeon and the
cathedral I see that God
is the author of all beauty,
whether it is in a building
or a heart.
The picture that entered
my mind filled me with mixed
feelings. On one hand, this
structure so beautifully spoke
of God’s beauty and splendour
that I was deeply grateful for
the time and money that went
into its design and construction. On the other hand, I
was mindful of the corruption and greed of the church
in that era. Knowing that money used to build this
cathedral likely came from over-taxed peasants or the
8
Matthew Plett
sale of indulgences cast a shadow over the building’s
beauty.
This shadow took on new meaning when a few days
later I stood in the dungeon of Trachselwade Castle in
Switzerland. Thinking of all the Anabaptist prisoners
held within those thick stone walls, St. Denis in all
its glory began to dim in comparison. What can be
more beautiful than someone giving everything they
have, even their very life, for the sake of Christ? It was
convicting to stand in that dark, cold dungeon and think
of what the early Anabaptists went through to ensure
the future of biblical Christianity in their communities.
Even though that dungeon had no
beauty or splendour, it played a role in
showing me that a heart fixed on God
has a beauty that no cathedral can
match.
Even after seeing that the state
of the heart is what matters, I
am left with many unanswered
questions. Can a building really
point us towards God even
if it was built in pride and
materialism? Can a dungeon
be made beautiful by what
goes on inside?
Looking back at both the
dungeon and the cathedral
I see that God is the author
of all beauty, whether it is
in a building or a heart. I
am grateful that I got to
see a glimpse of both
on my trip through
Europe. This leaves
me with one final
question: How do
I as a twenty-first
lter)
owa
century Christian
h
S
Jon
to b y
o
create
things that reflect
h
P
(
God’s beauty while having a heart
T
like the early Anabaptists? M
Matthew Plett (Morweena) is from Arborg, Man., and
works on his father’s farm. Currently he is the men’s
Resident Assistant at Rosedale Bible College in Ohio. This
article was first published in Brotherhood Beacon (October
2007).
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
with our missionaries
Tadoule Lake
More than a truckload of blessings
We had a fantastic baseball camp at
Tadoule Lake in northern Manitoba on
July 8–13. There were so many blessings
for us and them that a big truck couldn’t
hold it.
We were an unusual team in ministry
because we put together the strength of
five churches. Athletes in Action took the
initiative. Karen Barkman (Blumenort)
and I (Steinbach) are EMCers. Dave
Schmidt, Brittany McIntosh, Nicole
Melnyk, Josh Bernier, and Brenda
Scharach were from Grant Memorial
Baptist Church (Winnipeg). Conrad and
Lois Dueck and their four children were
from Gospel Mennonite Church (EMMC)
in Winnipeg; they did the VBS. Edgar
and Gisele Schreiber were our cooks
from north of Selkirk, Man. The gifts and
talents were put together by God.
Memorial and our head baseball coach,
says this about the trip: “We didn’t know
what to expect when we left Winnipeg.
We have hoped to see lives impacted
through God’s power, and we hope to be
warmly accepted into a community that
is very different from our own. What we
experienced was more fun, fulfilling, and
God-filled than we could have imagined.
“We learned that while it is easy to
love the people of Tadoule Lake, to love
them like Christ is something different.
It was eye-opening and heartbreaking
to know and understand a little more
that God loves each and every one of
us equally, regardless of race, religion,
lifestyle or sin.
“We went to this community full of
hope—for safety, hope that God would
use our presence, hope for an eternal
impact upon their lives. Now that we’re
home we continue to have hope—the
hope that what God has started will be
finished and completed.”
Albert Martens
Albert Martens (Steinbach) is with Athletes
in Action.
“We learned that while it is easy
to love the people of Tadoule
Lake, to love them like Christ is
something different.”
There was great unity and joy among
the team. As Matt Dehaene, a young
pilot, lined up the plane to land on the
incoming runway, there was a bright
rainbow touching down. It was so
beautiful; it was like the Lord was telling
us there is a place of hope and blessings.
We found it that way in the next week.
We were received very well. The
people of Tadoule Lake were needy.
However, God allowed us to touch the
people spiritually—and physically, too,
as children came for hugs.
A young man wanted to be on my (old
man’s) team as he came to put his arms
around me. We did several VBS sessions
and put on some fireworks on Beach Day.
We held a men’s breakfast (a first ever)
and prayed for men to come. I went to the
band office 15 minutes before the start
of the breakfast, and they announced it
on the radio. Fifteen men came. We were
blessed in so many ways.
The flight was good, and we were so
happy to have Matt fly with us. He has
attended our church many times, and
has played the trumpet in our church.
Dave Schmidt, youth pastor at Grant
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
Tadoule Lake coaches and baseball camp participants
Theological journal still
needs submissions!
Theodidaktos: Journal for EMC
theology and education invites
essays, book reviews, and articles for
consideration within its third issue.
Editor Darryl Klassen, senior pastor
at Kleefeld EMC, can be contacted
at 204-377-4773, [email protected], or
Box 344, Kleefeld, MB R0A 0V0. Essay
length is a maximum of 3,500 words.
The Journal is a way to see EMC
discussion and education in print.
The payment is to see EMCers
listening to Scripture and to each
other.
9
Mexico
EMMC and EMC merge (in Mexico)
At the first annual weekend convention
at Steinreich Bible School on September
21–23, 2007, a number of decisions were
made affirming earlier decisions to merge
Mexican EMC and EMMC churches.
For some time church leaders from
Canada and Mexico had seriously
considered the benefits of forming
one fellowship of churches that would
over time become independent of the
conferences in Canada.
In March of this year representatives
met in Mexico and made a merger
proposal that was accepted by churches
and mission boards. At the same meeting
it was proposed and accepted that Don
and Minna Thiessen would be asked
to move to Mexico for one year to help
the churches make the transition from
mission churches to an indigenous
conference.
A major decision involved the
choosing of a name for this new
conference. Chosen by ballot was
Conferencia Misionera Evangelica
(CME).
The weekend convention began with
an inspirational evening on Friday for
leaders from the churches. Diedrich
Harms from Lubbock, Texas, spoke on
Moses as a leader using Hebrews 11.
On Saturday morning the newly formed
Direktiva: (Names to come from Len Sawatzky)
Direktiva (Council) met to begin the
administrative work of the conference.
In effect, this was an ad hoc group
because no officers had been officially
appointed. An earlier decision had been
made that the Direktiva would consist of
the pastor and congregational chair from
each of the seven churches.
Len Sawatzky, EMMC mission director,
participated at all the meetings and spoke
at the Saturday night session as well.
The seven churches are from Nuevo
Ideal (Durango), Oasis, Lowe Farm, (67),
Santa Rita (79), Los Jayos (Hillside), and
El Valle.
At the Direktiva meetings the
secretary (Willie Wiebe), the treasurer
(Henry Rempel), and the vice chair (John
Froese) were appointed. The General
Assembly voted to appoint John Wall as
the chair of the Direktiva.
A major decision involved the
choosing of a name for this new
conference. Two names that had been
suggested from an earlier meeting were
presented for discussion and a vote by
the General Assembly. Chosen by ballot
was Conferencia Misionera Evangelica
(CME).
Another major decision, showing
commitment to the new conference, was
that each congregation would forward
10 percent of its Sunday offerings to the
work of the Direktiva.
Although the administrative business
of the weekend was historically significant,
what many will remember most will be
the inspirational sessions. The singing in
Spanish, German, and English was led by
a music team from El Valle. It was obvious
from the hearty singing accompanied by
guitars and piano that the songs were
a deep expression of their worship, no
matter what the language.
While singing was in three languages,
it was evident that Low German is most
The first annual weekend convention of the newly formed Conferencia Misionera Evangelica was held September 21–23, 2007.
10
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
familiar to these congregations, since all
the meetings and speaking were in Low
German. Don had to admit to thinking his
own words during the singing of a Spanish
song to the tune of Red River Valley. To the
River felt like back home.
The weekend also had a lot of time
for visiting before and after the meals.
The banter and laughter around the
tables was good to hear, and seemed to
strengthen the general sense of optimism
on the weekend.
Don Thiessen, John Wall
On Saturday morning the newly formed Direktiva (Council) met to begin the administrative work of the
conference.
Don Thiessen (Ridgewood) and John Wall
(Straffordville) are serving in Mexico.
Paraguay
Alto Refugio celebrates expanded building!
We are so excited to have actually
been able to celebrate this special
inauguration event with many very
special people (see www.altorefugio.org
for pictures on the blog).
Most of those present for this event on
September 28 were not important society
people, but they were important to us as
friends, and many of them are part of the
Alto Refugio (High Refuge) family.
For days before the event there was a
buzz of activity getting the last touches to
the construction, cleaning, and cooking.
We had no idea how many might show
up, but we prepared lots of finger food
and an especially big cake, and there was
more than enough for everyone (about
300 people came).
There was the usual confusion as some
musicians did not show, but others had
offered, so that all the special numbers
were excellent, and the music during the
socializing time afterward was
superb.
Besides the music, those
who
contributed
to
the
program were: The architect
that has done a wonderful job
(always enthusiastic with the
building project), the presenter
of certificates of appreciation,
Before
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
a message by a pastor friend, and an
audio-visual review by me. There’s a
Scripture song that just can’t be left out
of any occasion (see Hannah’s song in I
Samuel 2).
So now we have a three-story building,
and a challenge to use these beautiful
facilities for the glory of God. Thanks
for all of you that are standing with us
regularly in prayer and encouragement.
We want this work to be different than
any other work that is being done so
that all can see that there is a God who
is above all.
Thank you for all the support that we
have received from many of you to make
this work possible. This building project
is finished, but our vision extends on to
more possibilities that can help us to
better serve the people of Paraguay that
are affected by HIV/AIDS.
Dave and Judy Schmidt
Judy and Dave Schmidt (Rosenort EMC)
are involved with a centre that assists
families living with HIV/AIDS in Asuncion,
Paraguay.
Das EMC Archivkomitee sucht
Freiwillige die fähig sind
Predigten, die in der alten
gotischen Schrift geschrieben
sind, ins heutige deutsch und
auch ins englische zu übersetzen.
Wenn gefragt, soll dieses Material
in ganz Kanada verschickt werden.
Diese Arbeit ist unentgeldlich aber
alle Unkosten für Material und
Versand werden gedeckt werden.
Wenden sie sich an: Terry
Smith, Tel. 204-326-6401 (er
selber spricht kein deutsch) oder
schreiben sie entweder (deutsch
oder englisch) an: Evangelical
Mennonite Conference, 440 Main
St., Steinbach R5G 1Z5 oder
[email protected].
After
11
with our churches
Ben Eidse speaks on divine guidance
Ben and Helen have seen God work,
lead, and do miracles, in numerous ways,
mostly with people who come to them.
Learning to recognize God’s voice is a
process that takes time, he admitted. We
know God speaks to us. But Satan tries to
deceive us. Also, our own hearts speak
to us. Though our hearts are deceitful,
the more we seek to become like God,
the more reliable our hearts will
become.
Learning to recognize God’s voice is a
To recognize God’s voice, he
process that takes time. We know God
encouraged us to meditate on His
God speaks through His
speaks to us. But Satan tries to deceive Word.
Word, Eidse said. When we practice
meditation with a commitment to
us. Also, our own hearts speak to
obey, we will hear more and more
us. Though our hearts are deceitful, the from God.
“Memorizing relevant Scripture
more we seek to become like God, the
is one of the best approaches to
more reliable our hearts will become.
this kind of meditation and the
subsequent transformation into the
and particularly during his retirement image of Jesus, which is God’s ultimate
years. Housebound in order to assist his goal for us,” he pointed out.
A humorous recollection of memorized
wife Helen, who has had a stroke, Eidse
prays, “Lord, lead people to me. I am scripture alongside God’s protection
here to love them, and to pray for them, occurred years ago while they lived in the
Congo. Eidse was crossing a crocodileand to watch You help them.”
Lorette, Man.: How does God lead? Will
I hear Him when he speaks? Does He do
miracles today? On September 16, 2007,
Rev. Ben Eidse spoke in our morning
service on this topic. As always, it is a
treat for us to sit under his teaching.
Mr. Eidse began his sermon expressing
gratefulness to God for the way he
has revealed himself during his life,
infested river on a ferry operated by an
inexperienced man.
Nearing the shore the operator jarred
the ferry by catching his pole in the
riverbed, abruptly swinging the ferry
around, and throwing Ben, his brief case
and motorcycle into the river. Helen and
a local Christian brother were waiting for
him on shore. As Ben struggled to make it
to shore, the brother quipped in French,
“The Lord shall guard your going in and
your coming out.”
Eidse closed his sermon with
personal examples of how he and his
wife have seen God lead, and do spiritual
and physical miracles in many ways
in recent years, both in people close
to them, and in strangers they have
never met before. God’s way is always
best, he said. After the service he spent
considerable time praying over needs in
our congregation.
Thank you, Mr. Eidse, for sharing your
time, experience, and faith with us this
Sunday morning.
Jolyn Braun
Honour your heavenly Father!
Krista Reimer will be spending a year
Blumenort, Man.: What a great way Stephanie Barkman, Krista Reimer, and
to honour their heavenly father. Teri Chris Loewen. They are planning to in Camden, New Jersey. She will work
Brandt, Caroline Compaign, and Sarah leave for foreign mission service. Both with people in the inner city. She is
Thiessen were baptized on Father’s Day, Karen Barkman and Stephanie Barkman joining Mission Year, an urban ministry,
are joining Youth with a Mission for on September 7.
June 17, 2007.
Chris Loewen is leaving to serve
We wish to welcome back Pastor two years as leaders of the Discipleship
Barry and Norine Plett and their Training School (DTS), starting in with Venture Teams International in
September.
children Sharayah, Jayden, and Mycah. September 2007.
According to a recent
They have spent the past
Barna poll, only seven
year teaching at a Christian
percent of Christians in the
school in Cambodia. They
U.S. live a noticeably different
were honoured with a
life from their non-Christian
grocery shower, so they
neighbours. No wonder we
didn’t have to worry about
are not reaching our world
shopping as soon as they got
for Christ. If there’s no
home.
difference between what I’ve
We also welcome Arley
got and what he’s got, then
and Janice Loewen and their
why should he want what
children Rachel and Rebecca.
I’ve got?
They are making their home
We’ve got God’s love and
in Blumenort. Welcome back,
forgiveness. Let us live our
LaDawn Penner, who was
lives in such a way that our
serving with God’s Littlest
lives reflect that difference.
Angels, an orphanage in Haiti.
Martin Penner
On the other side of the Baptized: Sarah Thiessen, Caroline Compaign, Teri Brandt, and Chris Loewen. Chris
coin are Karen Barkman, Loewen is now serving with Venture Teams International.
12
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
You say hello, I say goodbye
Abbeydale (Calgary, Alta.): In August
our church family took into their home
two new IVEPers (MCC’s International
Volunteer Exchange Program).
Sopheak Ea will be staying with Perry
and Michelle Metheral. Sopheak (ignore
the h and k for pronunciation) is from
Cambodia, and will be working at the
Thrift Store and in material resources at
MCC. Anousone Phimmachanh (she goes
by La) from Laos is staying with Wilmer
and Pearl Reimer, and will be working at
the Centre for Newcomers.
Also in August, a good-bye party was
held for our church summer intern, Doug
Dyck, who will be returning to Peace River
Bible College for his final year. While Doug
was at our church, he was involved in
our Sunday morning services and with
pastoral care during the week.
Abbeydale Christian Fellowship’s Alpha
Sopheak Ea, IVEP student
program is up and running
for the second year. It has, for
La, IVEP student
the duration of the program,
combined with Kids Club on
Alpha at our church
Tuesday evenings so that those
is “the full meal deal”—a
Doug Dyck, pastoral intern
interested in attending Alpha
delicious evening meal,
can also bring their kids to have
fun for the kids, and an introduction to
some fun in Kids Club. This may be the first Christianity for the adults. Twenty people
Alpha program to provide free child care.
are attending Alpha this year.
Kathy Dueck
Gathering and enriched
Swan River, Man.: On the evening of
August 19 many of the congregation of the
Community Bible Fellowship gathered on
the lawn of Don and Darlene Buhler. The
weather in the morning had been cause
for some concern, but the evening turned
out to be beautiful and warm.
The
informal
outdoor
service
was called A Summer to Remember…
testimonials of summer experiences.
After a good old-fashioned sing-along,
individuals were invited to share. Kevin
Penner shared about his week as speaker
at Steeprock Bay Bible Camp, Pastor John
and Connie Reimer shared about their
only son Trevor’s wedding, while others
told of their experiences as counselors
and campers at the different Bible camps
they attended.
Natalie Penner shared how her teen
camping experience brought her closer
to God. It showed her how much God
loves you and how He can forgive you,
even with something you thought was
unforgivable.
Others shared their vacation and/or
work experiences. Food is an important
part of an event like this and there
was plenty for everyone. Later, people
gathered around a campfire to continue
conversations sparked by the stories
told earlier. Don Buhler gave rides in his
now famous, little red convertible. We
were united once again, richer for the
experiences which had separated us at
the end of June. Praise God.
September 9 signaled the beginning
of our new Sunday School year at CBF.
Karen Peters and Tracy Burrick, the
Christian Education Committee, called
the staff and students to the front of
the church during the morning worship
service. Pastor John Reimer prayed for
the teachers and the students and then
we left for our classrooms for our first
lesson.
After Sunday School and the service
were over, we gathered in the gym for
pork on a bun, salads, and dessert. We
had a great time of fellowship as we
enjoyed the lunch. It was, indeed, a great
start to another year of teaching children
about God’s love and faithfulness.
September 16 after the service and
lunch saw many of the church family
take the annual trek to Pikes Peak,
northwest of Swan River. As usual it was
a great time of reminiscing and memory
building. It was also a good time for some
new families to see one of the valley’s
spectacular views and for us older ones
to get to know new friends. It, too, was a
beautiful autumn day.
Betty Warkentin
Sunday School began on September 9.
Pikes Peak hike
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
13
Reaching out, saying farewell, and
welcoming new Canadians
shared their best wishes, love and
Braeside
(Winnipeg,
Man.):
affection. Braeside’s prayers will
Although church activities often
follow the Heppners.
slow down in summer, there are
Early September marked an
still many service opportunities.
important milestone for one
In June Braeside participated
of our Hispanic families. After
in Love Winnipeg, a hands-on
a long wait the Rivas family,
activity where churches go out
together with nearly 80 other
on the streets to practice what
individuals, were welcomed as
they preach. Three events were
citizens of Canada. Braeside
organized at Braeside: potted
has been blessed with many
flower deliveries (together with
Spanish-speaking people and we
a “Have a nice day; God loves
rejoice whenever they become
you!”) to about 200 surprised
Canadians, a process that can be
homeowners, a free car wash and
interminably slow and sometimes,
breakfast and covering graffiti
with unexpected delays and
and clean-up. Many people
refusals, heartbreaking.
cannot quite grasp the concept
Al Dueck
that something can be “free” and In June we celebrated baptism and membership transfers: Sandra
either want to pay or demand to Hernandez (t), Tamara Kliever, Gloria Knelsen (t), Donavon Giesbrecht (t),
Justin Fast and Jeff Mathew with Pastor Carl.
know the strings attached.
Positive
results
of
this
The report after their return was
annual event are that the community
is aware that churches do have a love given with enthusiasm. Each individual
for the community and, perhaps just as had a different experience but all were
important, it involves all ages in a group agreed on one thing: They all wanted to
activity that is not confrontational and return to Manitoba’s North again!
It was with sadness and emotion that
brings surprise and joy to both the donor
we bade farewell to Carl, Kathy, Joel,
and the recipient.
Vacation Bible School, held in early Kezia and Asha Heppner. After nearly ten
July, attracted an average of 40 kids years of service at Braeside, first as youth
daily to the western-themed Avalanche pastor and then as lead pastor, Heppners
Ranch. Many of our youth were involved have moved to Fresno, California, where
in supervising games, crafts, drama and Carl will complete the requirement for a
Master’s degree (Arts). In his Last Words
teaching.
In early July a dozen of our youth message Carl spoke of the joy of pastoral
and leaders headed north to Thompson leadership, reminding Braeside to be a
and Midway Bible Camp where the team light in the community. At a luncheon
Breakfast is served! Bert Wiens and Al Fast take a
following the service many congregants
assisted in the daily activities.
break as pancakes sizzle on the griddle during a Love
Winnipeg activity.
EM Cup Hockey Tournament
T. G. Smith Rec Centre
Steinbach, Man.
November 9–11, 2007
Final: Sunday, 2 p.m., Centennial Rink
$2 final admission (for Hockey Ministries
International)
Referees needed, certification preferred.
Referees contact Sheldon Penner
204-326-6089.
Teams contact Colin Loewen, caloewen@
mts.net, 204-346-1380 (home),
204-371-9048 (work).
The Rivas family poses with the citizenship judge and an RCMP officer, one of Canada’s best known symbols, after
being welcomed as Canadian citizens: Cristopher, Carmen, Sergio, Ely and Sergio (Jr).
14
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
Ron Penner enters MWC talks
with Catholic Church
Ron Penner, our conference’s Mennonite World Conference representative,
is among Mennonites from 10 countries
travelling to Rome for continuing consultations on Mennonite-Catholic dialogue
and peace.
Ron Penner informed the EMC General
Board of his intention to go, said vice
moderator John Reimer. His involvement
is not seen as an official EMC visit, he did
not ask for financial support, and it is at
his personal expense, according to Tim
Dyck, General Secretary.
Penner
has
been
the
EMC’s
representative to MWC since 2004, prior
to when he began serving as conference
moderator. He is a member of Braeside
EMC in Winnipeg, an ordained minister,
and a holder of four earned degrees (two
at a master’s level from AMBS). Ron is
among our conference’s ablest defenders
of Anabaptism, according to Terry Smith,
BCM executive secretary.
The first event is a church-to-church
visit (October 18–23), hosted by the
Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian
Unity and including a brief visit with Pope
Benedict (scheduled for October 19).
The visit, by invitation of the Pontifical
Council, follows up an international
dialogue from 1998–2003 and produced
a 48-page report, Called Together to Be
Peacemakers.
The visit, approved by MWC’s General
Council in March 2006, has a threefold
purpose: Report on and discuss the
member church and General Council
responses to the report, raise concerns
about the Catholic Church arising in
the local or national setting of member
churches, and to know one another
better.
“The major focus of the visit will be on
learning to know one another as churches
rather than engaging in systematic
theological dialogue,” says Larry Miller,
MWC General Secretary.
The delegation was selected to represent both the geographic and theological breadth of MWC. Representatives are
from Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America,
and North America.
MWC member churches that accepted
MWC’s invitation to participate will
be represented by Lenemarie FunckSpäth, German Mennonite churches;
Ron Penner, Evangelical Mennonite
Conference, Canada; and Iris de LeonHartshorn, Mennonite Church USA. Also
participating will be MWC staff members
Helmut Harder of Canada (dialogue cochair) and General Secretary Larry Miller
of France.
The visit will be followed by an
October 23–25 consultation to fashion
a Catholic/Mennonite perspective on
a proposed International Ecumenical
Peace Convocation. Slated for 2011, the
convocation will be the culmination of
the World Council of Churches’ Decade to
Overcome Violence (2001–2010).
On December 2, 2005, members of
the EMC ministerial heard a first-hand
presentation by Dr. Helmut Harder on the
five-year dialogue and responded to the
commission’s report (see January 11, 2006,
www.emconf.ca/Messenger). At that time
no ministerial decisions resulted from the
discussion, and the ministerial did not
give any formal instructions to Dr. Harder
regarding Mennonite participation in it.
MWC/The Messenger
Vietnam to recognize Mennonite Church
Vietnam’s national Religious Affairs
Committee recently presented a Certificate for Religious Activities to the Vietnam
Mennonite Church. The document recognizes the church’s purpose: “Worship the
triune God and love all people according
to the Word of the Lord in the Holy Bible, live the Gospel, serve God, serve the
country and the people.”
The certificate allows the Vietnam
Mennonite Church to function throughout
the country and to organize an official
national conference within the coming
year. Should this process proceed and a
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
national conference be held, a constitution
and statement of faith adopted and officers
elected, the church might be granted legal
status permitting it to purchase property,
organize an official training school, and
publish materials.
The much larger Evangelical Church
of Vietnam was granted official legal
status by the prime minister in 2001.
This new recognition does not cover
all the Mennonite churches in Vietnam,
only about 80 congregations with 5,000
members.
MWC
Peace Sunday
resources
In early November many Canadian
Mennonite and Brethren in Christ
churches observe Peace Sunday, to
reflect upon Jesus’ call for his disciples
to be people of peace.
Worship resources prepared by
MCC invite congregations to remember
that “only peace leads to peace,” said
Esther Epp-Tiessen, coordinator of MCC
Canada’s peace ministries.
“All people are children of God, even
our enemies,” she said, noting that Jesus
Christ was born into a world of violence
and hatred, and yet brought a message
of peace and love.
The theme for this year’s resources
is Peace by Memory, a reminder “to
hear once again Jesus’ call to love our
enemies, to resist evil nonviolently, and
to live as people of peace.”
Worship resources include prayers,
scripture texts, and sermon nuggets.
There are also meal-time activities for
families and small groups, and youth
group activities. These resources are
available on-line at http://mcc.org/
peacesunday/ and at MCC offices.
MCC
PRAYER WALK
for church plant
in Redcliff, Alberta
October 27, 2007, 9:30 a.m.
Meet at Crestwood MB Church
2348 Dunmore Rd. SE
Medicine Hat, Alta.
Contact Ward Parkinson
at [email protected]
15
stewardship today
Edwin Friesen
Succession
S
uccession may be a wonderful word to the
young, upwardly mobile entrepreneur. It speaks
of progression, advancement, being included,
(finally) being in the driver’s seat.
It may look quite different and threatening if you are on
the “moving on” part of succession. There will be the loss
of control, a sense of no longer being in the inner circle of
decision making or even being out of the loop altogether.
You may feel slighted as you watch changes being
implemented. If you pass on the family farm or business,
your successors will do things differently—sometimes
for the better and sometimes not. There may be new crop
rotations, different equipment, new partnerships, and
more. Your lifetime web of friends and business associates
will, slowly but surely, be replaced with new ones as your
successors put their stamp on the enterprise.
Regardless of how much life experience and wisdom
we may gather in our lifetime, eventually we will move on
and others will take our place. The author of Ecclesiastes
captures the wistful sadness of this in 2:21: “For though
I do my work with wisdom, knowledge, and skill, I must
leave everything I own to people who haven’t worked to
earn it.”
This sobering thought was reinforced recently when
hearing a gifted minister speak. He was turning 65 and
planning to reduce his public ministry engagements. I
thought, “What a shame!” All of this knowledge, wisdom,
and skill honed on the anvil of a long life of public
ministry—was there no way to transfer this to the next
generation? Must each new generation start all over again?
Why does the wisdom of each generation have to end in
the grave? Or does it?
Jesus faced a similar situation. How would the fledgling
New Testament church carry on
without him? What if they chose
to do things differently than he
intended? What if they made
mistakes—big ones? For three
years he poured his life into
his disciples, and then he sent
them forth, empowered by the
Holy Spirit, to carry on his work.
And the Jesus movement keeps
going and growing even
as generations come
16
and go. What a movement! What a remarkable story of
never ending succession.
Though we can’t extend our life, we can extend our
influence beyond our grave. Consider these suggestions:
Intentionally mentor the people around you as you
go through life, including family, work and leisure
associates. Let them see how you handle life: A difficult
boss, a promotion, a tense home situation, a major
disappointment, criticism, and your money practices.
Tell (and write down) your life stories to the next
generation. Include stories where God seemed distant and
unresponsive as well as stories where God came through
for you. Let the stories speak for themselves—go easy on
the application.
Empower the people around you by offering your
affirmation. All of us walk a little taller and are capable of
a little more when affirmed. The effect of affirmation will
linger long after you and I are gone.
I am well aware that the meter on my life is running.
Before long, I too will pass on the baton to those who
follow. My goal is to leave behind something that is worth
more and will last longer than money. I’m sure yours is too.
T
Be intentional about it. M
Though we can’t extend
our life, we can extend
our influence beyond
our grave.
For stewardship education and
services, contact your nearest
Mennonite Foundation of Canada
office: Abbotsford – Ed Wedel,
1-888-212-8608; Calgary – Gary
Sawatzky, 1-877-717-0708;
Niagara – Darren Pries-Klassen,
1-888-212-8731; Kitchener –
Mike Strathdee, Sherri Grosz,
1-888-212-7759; Winnipeg –
Edwin Friesen, 1-800-772-3257.
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
pictures of God
Joanna Plett
Towards a Stronger Weakness
M
y extensive experience in legalism has
taught me that dependency is a sign of
weakness and that weakness is to be
avoided at all costs.
Masquerading as humility, my pride tells me the
Christian ideal is to do it on my own and present
my righteous deeds, conquered sins, and successful
missions to God as a sacrifice to him.
The Gospel, however, reminds me that I can’t live the
Christian life on my own, so I allow God to help me in
the interim period until I can get my act together.
But as God chisels the pride out of my independence,
I am discovering that my independence often masks my
deepest fears, that acknowledgement of my weakness is
my greatest strength, and that full dependency on God
The truth is that my independence serves as both a
survival tool and a defence mechanism. As long
as I depend only on myself, no one,
including God, can hurt me
or let me down.
is a greater sacrifice than my imperfect perfection.
The truth is that my independence serves as
both a survival tool and a defence mechanism. It is
simultaneously the pride of self-sufficiency and the fear
of rejection. As long as I depend only on myself, no one,
including God, can hurt me or let me down.
So when John says that “there is no fear in love, but
perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18), I long for the
perfect love, but fear that it is too good to be true. For
those of us who have experienced the imperfections of
human love, it can be very hard to entrust ourselves to
anyone’s love, even God’s.
When Jesus told his followers not to worry (Matthew
6), it wasn’t because they were overwrought with
frivolous concerns. He told them not to worry about the
most basic life needs—food, drink, clothing—because
“[their] Heavenly Father knows that [they] need them”
(Matthew 6:32).
The phrase “Your Heavenly Father” in this verse sums
up the basis of our faith in God’s perfect love. “Your”
states that we already belong to God, outside of our
own righteousness and sacrifices. “Heavenly” reveals
the faithfulness of God that guarantees a perfect love
and the power of God that overcomes our weakness.
“Father” reveals the basis of our trust in God. When
he adopted us as his children, he took on the role and
responsibility of a perfect Father, one to whom we can
completely entrust ourselves to.
As I’ve grown up in my faith in the last few years,
I have discovered over and over that the ideal
of Christianity is not independence, but greater
dependence on God.
In righteousness, God wants me to come to him in the
midst of my sin and ask for his help, rather than fighting
my own battles and bringing him the finished product.
In ministry, God invites us to join his work, for we
can bring nothing to him that he himself has not done
through us.
In relationship, God longs not for the workbased dependence of a servant, but the love-based
dependence of a child. The acknowledgement of our
need and of his provision is the sacrifice that brings him
T
the greatest glory in our lives, ministry, and faith. M
In relationship, God longs not for the work-based dependence of a servant, but
the love-based dependence of a child.
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
17
Siberian church marks 100 years
A birch forest in Siberia was an
appropriate setting for the 100-year
anniversary of the Omsk Brotherhood,
July 29-30. For 1,500 people, it reminded
them of past persecution when large
gatherings were held in secret.
The celebration, near the village of
Miroljubowka (or Alexanderkrone),
honoured God’s faithfulness and
remembered the brutal oppression of
the Communist regime.
Attention was given to the spiritual
awakening of the 1950s that gave rise
to the Evangelical‑Christian‑Baptist
Church, a fusion of earlier Evangelical
Christians, Baptists, and Mennonites.
The Sunday program went all day
and continued Monday evening. There
was preaching, testimonies, historical
lectures, choral music and ensembles,
and poetry.
Five sermons focused on the nature,
suffering, and mission of Christ’s church.
Four historical lectures related the
devastating times of oppression, spiritual
renewal, reorganization, and the so‑called
time of freedom. Visitors from
Germany, Canada, USA, and
Paraguay conveyed greetings
via translation.
The Omsk Brotherhood
is a conference of 1,350
members in more than 32
local churches. Its vitality
belies its history of bloody
persecution,
kidnappings,
and shootings in the 1930s.
During World War Two men
and women were forced
into the “work army.” Brutal
persecution continued under Stalin,
with many preachers condemned to 25
years in prison. When Stalin died, most
believing prisoners were set free.
Mikhail Gorbachov’s perestroika made
possible an emigration to Germany which
began in 1988, when the conference had
2,306 members. Some 3,000 members
emigrated. By 2006 the conference
had 1,350 members. Missionary efforts
brought changes, including the move
from German to Russian language
Omsk festival choir and congregation
services and more effective missionary
work.
Most church buildings are relatively
new and well maintained, with several
services a week.
Leaders and churches fear worldly
influence and are cautious toward
government and the country. They are
reluctant to get excited about religious
freedom. In their view, the possibility
of renewed persecution cannot be
excluded.
MWC
Heard of Global Youth Summit and AMIGOS?
Many EMCers have heard of Mennonite
World Conference, the organization
linking Anabaptist churches around the
world. MWC holds a General Assembly
every six years; in 2009, it is on July 13-19
in Asuncion, Paraguay.
The Global Youth Summit (July 10-12,
2009) is an international youth gathering
held in conjunction with the General
Assembly. The five-member committee
overseeing the summit’s planning is
called AMIGOS (Spanish for
friends), and its theme for 2009
is SERVICE: Live the Difference.
“We want young Mennonites
and Anabaptists to understand
that service is a lifestyle, a
lifetime calling as followers of
Christ, and something to pursue
beyond our comfort zone,” says
an AMIGOS member. “We want
“We want young
Mennonites and
Anabaptists to understand
that service is a lifestyle,
a lifetime calling as
followers of Christ.”
18
to invite young people to a world of
service that is so much more exciting
than just donating spare change, isolated
projects, service trips, or evangelism
without addressing social issues. We
hope biblical analysis, cross-cultural
interaction and sharing of each other’s
experience in ministry will deepen our
understanding of service.”
The hope is that “850 young people
from Paraguay, Latin America and
throughout the world will gather here
in 2009 as delegates, participants and
volunteers.” This is “a great way to
introduce Paraguay to the world as well
as equipping Paraguayan youth with
international exposure.”
AMIGOS hope to raise $150,000 to
sponsor young people around the world
to come to the Global Youth Summit.
It raised $79,000 by August, and is
“grateful for the support” from young
people, adults, individuals, and
institutions.
The first Global Youth Summit
was conducted in Zimbabwe in
2003, with 28 delegates from 23
countries. Many GYS alumni are
strong church and social leaders
with interest in youth issues.
They communicate these ideas
so that the church can address
them and welcome more youth
back to Christ and the church.
The attendees and a network
of young Anabaptists connect
through e-mail, meetings, and
global exchange programs. See
AMIGOS is preparing for the Global Youth Summit (GYS), July 10–12, 2009. El
comite de Amigos está en preparacion para el Cumbre Mundial de la Juventud [email protected].
MWC/Meetinghouse/EMC
(CMJ), 10-12 de julio, 2009. AMIGOS committee members: Barbara Kaercher
(Germany), Khohlwani Moyo (Zimbabwe), Elina Ciptadi (Singapore), Amandus
Reimer (Paraguay), and Sarah Thompson (USA).
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
shoulder tapping
Riverton Gospel Chapel in the town of Riverton
in Manitoba’s Interlake is ready to accept a fulltime pastor. We are a congregation of about
a hundred attendees in a Sunday morning
service. We are an energetic group, with a good
representation of all age groups, and a diversity
of vocation. You may direct inquiries to Waldon
Plett (204-378-2975, [email protected]) or
Brad Kornelsen (204-378-2329).
Endeavour Fellowship Chapel in east-central
Saskatchewan, is currently looking for a pastor.
We have a fairly young congregation consisting of
18–20 families, with about 16 children in Sunday
School. Contact Tom Treen (Elders’ Chairman) at
306-547-3383 or [email protected].
Are you an enthusiastic couple called by God
to serve in full-time ministry? Hillside Christian
Fellowship (EMC) seeks a pastor to serve in full-time
ministry with a part-time emphasis on youth. We are
a family oriented rural church located in the heart of
a farming community 20 minutes south of La Crete,
Alta. Our average attendance is about 60 people.
Musical ability is an asset. Contact Johnny Wieler at
780-928-3880 or email [email protected].
Pelly Fellowship Chapel (EMC) seeks a
youth worker or couple to develop a program for
youth and junior youth. PFC is a small church in
the village of Pelly, located in central Sask., close
to the Manitoba border. Applicants need to have
a strong personal commitment to Jesus Christ
and a sense of God’s call on their life. He/she will
need to be flexible, have strong communication,
organizational, relational and leadership skills, as
well as being self-motivated. Music skills would be
an asset. Submit resume to Pastor John Froese, Box
70, Pelly, SK S0A 2Z0. Phone 306-595-2074. E-mail
[email protected].
Fish Creek Christian Fellowship (a nine-year-old
EMC congregation meeting in South Calgary) is
seeking a bi-vocational senior pastor to begin
this summer or fall. We currently have about 40
people attending, and our aim is to reach the lost
in our area.
We are looking for an organized, self-motivated
candidate with a strong pulpit ministry and gifts in
evangelism, discipleship and visionary leadership
for church re-planting.
For details and discussion please contact
Dean Buhler, 1452 Lake Sylvan Dr SE, Calgary, AB
T2J 3C8. Phone 403-271-5171 or e-mail kbuhler1@
telus.net.
The EMM Conference seeks a full-time executive
director in its Winnipeg, Man., office. Duties and
Responsibilities: Participate with the General
Board in the preparation of the Ministry Plan;
develop action plan to achieve results; manage
staff resources to carry out the Conference’s
mandate, report on Conference activities to the
General Board; communicate, reporting, and
interact with the Council, General Board, and
Regions; ensure appropriate systems and process
are in place to carry out mandate of the Conference
in all required areas including operations, financial
management, internal controls, compliance with
THE MESSENGER October 17, 2007
taxation and other regulatory agencies and risk
management; and other matters as determined
from time to time or directed by the General
Board.
Qualifications and Attributes: Experienced
leader with demonstrated capabilities of working
with multiple priorities; strong communication
and organizational skills to work effectively with
the council, general board, regions and staff; and
collaborative approach to build consensus on
matters while staying focused on achieving the
desired results.
The EMMC is a conference of churches holding
to the Anabaptist-peace position with ministry in
Canada, USA, Mexico, Belize, and Bolivia (www.
emmc.ca). The successful applicant must be fully
supportive of EMMC’s mission and vision and be
prepared to sign the EMMC statement of faith.
Please submit your confidential application/
resume stating qualifications, experience, and
statement of faith to The Moderator, EMMC, Box
52059, Niakwa PO, Winnipeg, MB R2M 5P9.
Reserve Fellowship Chapel (EMC), located
in Sioux Valley (west-central Man.), seeks a fulltime pastoral couple to serve the church and to
develop long-term relationships with people of the
community.
The smaller 50-year-old congregation is part
of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, a community that
has a Christian history going back to 1879. The
congregation is located about 45 minutes from
Virden and Brandon.
A strong sense of God’s call and a love for people
are required. Direct inquiries to church planting
coordinator Ward Parkinson, 204-326-6401,
e-mail: [email protected].
needed are core families willing to be part of the
church plants. Together it can happen! Contact
church planting ccordinator Ward Parkinson at
204-326-6401, [email protected].
MCC Ontario seeks an executive director. It has
a staff of 65, many volunteers, and a budget of about
$9M.
The director leads the team in its mission. It is
a full-time position with a three-year renewable
term. Beginning date is negotiable.
The board seeks an individual committed to a
personal Christian faith, active church membership
and nonviolent peacemaking, who holds a related
university degree, and five or more years in an
organizational leadership position.
The director guides the development of MCCO
program plans; works collaboratively with board,
staff, colleagues and the constituent church leaders;
is effective in public communication; and leads
MCCO in fund development. A job description is
available.
Applications are accepted until November
23, 2007. Send letter, resume and three references
to Search Committee of the Board, 50 Kent St.,
Kitchener, ON N2G 3R1; ontarioedsearch@gmail.
com.
What team do you like to play on?
EMC Missions desire to send a team of church
planters to Mexico. Following two semesters
of Spanish language study, the team will be
placed in one of the cities in Chihuahua State
working alongside national church leaders and
missionaries.
For information contact Ken Zacharias at
204-326-6401 or [email protected].
MCC Manitoba invites applications for executive
director, El’dad Ranch. El’dad Ranch, located near
Steinbach, Man., is a faith-based program providing
residential and vocational support services to
men with intellectual disabilities, including
some in conflict with the law. This is a full-time
position open to salary or service worker support.
Application deadline is November 15, 2007.
All MCC workers are required to have a
Christian faith, be actively involved in a Christian
church, and have a personal commitment to nonviolence and peacemaking.
For a job description, visit www.mcc.org. Send
application to Janelle Siemens at jms@mennonitecc.
ca or call 204-261-6381 for information.
Camp
Assiniboia¸
Headingley,
Man.,
requires a manager, beginning in April 2008. Key
attributes being sought include energy, effective
communication, operational know-how and
hospitality mindset. Direct inquiries to Director of
Camping Ministries, Mennonite Church Manitoba,
200-600 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2J1,
[email protected], 204-895-2267.
EMC Board of Leadership and Outreach seeks
planters to start congregations in Canadian cities.
The national office works with local churches
and regions to envision, equip, and respond to
these needs. Cities envisioned are Grande Prairie,
Edmonton, Regina, Windsor, and London. Also
Tickets Available At:
Mennonite Heritage Village
866-280-8741 or 204-326-9661
On-Line at www.KwikTix.ca
Adults $20, Students $10
Rush Seating: Doors Open at 6:30
19
KIDS’
corner
Loreena Thiessen
What is Real?
W
hat do you do when you see someone
stumble and trip and fall on his knees or
on his back? A student has forgotten a
library book that is due today, or his lunch
and it’s lunchtime and he’s hungry? Someone gives an
answer that is incorrect or off topic?
Do you laugh at him? Do you see other students
making fun of him? What do you do?
When you look at your classmates or at people on the
street, do you see someone tall, short, pretty; someone
who dresses in the right colors and styles, someone
who always has the right answer and sounds smart?
Do you see a neighbor leaving for work in his shiny
car dressed in a business suit? Or is it an old person
who walks with a cane, trembles, and can’t always
remember where they are?
Or someone on the street wearing dirty clothes who
shuffles and mutters to himself? Is this who they are—a
smart person, an old forgetful person, a dirty muttering
person? Or are they more than what you see? Are they
also people who laugh and cry and remember times
that were important?
One day at school Ana heard her friends making fun of
people with drinking problems. This upset her. That
evening she asked her father if they could make a video
to show that these are real people.
In The Velveteen Rabbit, Rabbit asks Horse, “What
is real?” Horse answers that you become real when
someone loves you. He says that the real you is not
what is seen, it is what happens to you inside as you
play and work and are loved by someone. The real you
is the part of you that feels and thinks.
Each person has a story. Your story is your life, and
how you feel and think about your experiences.
Ana is nine years old. One day at school Ana
heard her friends making fun of people with drinking
problems. This upset her. That evening she asked her
father if they could make a video together to show that
these are real people.
PAGE 20
Ana
and her
father went to
a shelter where
people were
recovering from
their drinking. Ana
asked each person
this question: “Why
did you start drinking?”
Each one told her his story.
Ana made the film to show
that each person is a real person
with a real story no matter how
they appear. For her film Ana won
a science fair medal. Now her film
is being shown to students at school.
When Samuel helped choose David
as the next King God said to Samuel, “Do not
choose the next King by his appearance…I look at his
heart” (1 Samuel 16:7, my paraphrase).
T
David’s heart counted more than how he looked. M
Make a Circle of Friends
Need:
A sheet of computer paper or construction paper
Pencil
Scissors
Crayons or felt pens
Do:
Fold short side of paper over to meet long side to form a
triangle
Cut off extra strip
Fold over twice to create a smaller triangle
Hold the folded triangle with open side toward you and
folded sides to the right and left
Draw a person shape on the triangle feet at the bottom, head
on top, arms and hands out to the folded sides
Cut out the shoulders, head, and legs
Do not cut around the hands. Carefully unfold
Decorate the faces and clothes with crayons and felts
The circle of friends will be attached at the hands. They
should form a circle.
THE MESSENGER
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
440 Main Street
Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5
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