THE
MESSENGER
a publication of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference
volume 47, number 16
September 16, 2009
Rethinking the
simple life
A look at the
book of Daniel
www.emconf.ca/Messenger
editorials
What sort of Christian?
A
fter a person has been within the EMC. However, the marks of
through an EM church’s Evangelical Anabaptism help in assesseducational process, what ment:
Christ-centred: Committed to Christ.
sort of Christian ought they
A Disciple: Personally following Jeto be? This was raised at the EMC All
sus Christ.
Boards Visioning Day (March 3, 2007).
Baptized: Upon confession of faith.
Assessing a congregation’s ChrisIn Community: No solo discipleship.
tian Education program would involve
Literate: Possessing a
looking at its worship services, Sunday School, kids’ It is in following basic knowledge of Scripture’s authority, stories, and
club, youth group, VBS and
teachings.
more; it would involve ex- that we learn.
Having a Sense of Vocaamining both a church’s official and unofficial ways of educating— tion: All Christians are full-time servthe attitudes of members as much the ants.
Gifted: Using gifts by birth, training,
programs that are offered.
There is no cookie-cutter mold and Spirit for Christ’s glory.
Autonomy and accountability
L
ocal church autonomy has been Autonomy and accountability are not
mutually exclusive.
called an EMC sacred cow.
The irony is this: our EMC ConstituEarly Anabaptist history,
for instance, wasn’t as congre- tion provides a wide mandate for the
gational in church government as is General Board, which is often interpretoften presented. Leaders carried vary- ed in a narrower sense. Local church
ing levels of authority. The Kleine Ge- autonomy, though, is often interpreted
meinde (the earlier name for the EMC) in a broader sense, which can be challenged by the same Constitution.
had bishops.
While traveling within EMC’s reOn the other hand, in Baptist cirgions, I have, at times,
cles, where local autonoheard people say, “We
my is nearly an article of
Autonomy and
don’t feel that close to the
faith, accountability is upaccountability
conference.” Yet the Conheld in various ways. The
ordination examination of
are not mutually ference is not the EMC national office, Manitoba, or
ministers can be more deexclusive.
Steinbach.
tailed than in EMC circles.
EDITOR
Terry M. Smith
[email protected]
ASSISTANT
EDITOR
Rebecca Roman
[email protected]
Address changes and submissions to
The Messenger should be sent to
[email protected]
MESSENGER SCHEDULE:
No. 18 – October 21
(copy due October 2)
2
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
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not necessarily represent the position of
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month (once a month in July and August)
by the EMC Board of Church Ministries,
440 Main St., Steinbach, Man.
Subscriptions: Canadian subscriptions
are $24 for one year, $44 for two years,
Holistic: Concerned about individual
and community, body and soul, evangelism and social justice.
Balanced: Heavenly minded and
earthly good.
Generous: Having a sense of grace in
giving and serving.
Jesus spoke of two commandments:
To love God with all we are and our
neighbour as ourselves (Matthew
22:36–40). The best commentary on
what that means is the life and teachings of Jesus himself.
It is in following that we learn. As
16th century Anabaptist leader Hans
Denck said, “No man may know Christ
T
except he follow him in life.” M
Terry M. Smith
Rather, the conference is 61 churches from British Columbia to southern
Ontario. Churches send delegates
who, on your behalf, elect members
to boards and committees who select
national staff members. These boards,
committees, and national staff act as
your representatives.
Local church autonomy is a necessary freedom of a congregation in
some instances. It is not, however, to
be shorthand for geographical convenience, a disguised individualism, or a
lack of accountability.
In the EMC, as in the wider Christian
Church, we associate voluntarily. But
having made that decision, we have
T
obligations to each other. M
Terry M. Smith
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MESSENGER
On-line edition available at www.emconf.ca/Messenger
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
a reader’s viewpoint
‘Spin’ in reporting
Likely most readers can spot
some “spin” in pronouncements by
politicians, and possibly even in some
news stories. In Webster’s New World
College Dictionary one of the meanings
of spin is “to apply a slant or particular
emphasis to (information), as to
persuade or deceive.”
For example, Canadian media have
been pumping the 2010 Olympics in
Vancouver. British media have been
running exposés on Vancouver’s
gangs, drugs and violence.
When an opposition politician asks
that the government “make parliament
work for people,” does this mean that
their opposition party will support
legislation that implements their own
party’s policies, but otherwise likely
not?
It is so important to choose
carefully how we select
whom we trust to tell us the
truth about anything.
When a government representative
laments that opposition parties claim
they “have cards to play” but that
“managing an economy is not a game,”
does this mean that their party should
be continued in government? Do we
expect similar spins from unions and
management spokesmen in labour
disputes?
What many may not understand is
that a similar process is at work in the
crafting of news reports in all media.
This applies not only to the language
used to report events and ideas
(such as “homophobia”), but even
more to which events and ideas are
considered newsworthy, where these
reports are placed (at the “top” of the
news or later), and which dimensions
of complex events and ideas are
considered newsworthy.
In his landmark 2009 book, Through
a Lens Darkly: How the News Media
Perceive and Portray Evangelicals,
former TV news reporter David Haskell
(now a Wilfred Laurier University
journalism professor) documents the
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
left-leaning orientation of our national
media.
This first-ever quantitative and
qualitative research on this matter
did “frame analysis” on the 119 nightly
national CBC, CTV, and Global news
stories about Canada’s evangelicals
from January 1, 1994 to January 1,
2005.
Haskell also analyzed e-mail and
phone responses to open-ended
questions from 21 reporters, copywriters, and editors of this news
copy.
I’m not suggesting that our
media mean to deceive us.
Rather, their beliefs and values
are expressed in how they select,
report, and place their news
stories. And don’t we all do the
same?
For example, I gave you
one definition for “spin” from
one dictionary. I selected the
dictionary, and I used the last
definition (number eight), to
suit my purpose.
Did I deceive you? I don’t
think so. I just made my point.
This is what every teacher,
preacher, writer, parent or friend does.
Hence, it is so important to choose
carefully how we select whom we trust
to tell us the truth about anything.
For example, what are the beliefs
and values of those who teach our
children in K-12 or in post-secondary
education? Do they regard as
“homophobic” anyone who criticizes a
gay-lesbian sexual lifestyle? We need
not be surprised if our children come
to embrace those beliefs and values.
As committed Christian stewards
we need to choose such people of
T
influence with biblical discernment. M
Dr. Al Hiebert, an ordained EMC minister,
is executive director of Christian Higher
Education Canada. CHEC’s mission “is
to advance Christian higher education,
foster institutional cooperation, and raise
public awareness of the value of Christian
higher education in Canada.” CHEC has
35 members—Bible colleges, seminaries,
universities.
Dr. Al Hiebert
Young people, write
about your faith!
The Messenger welcomes
contributions from writers of any
age.
For instance, young people in
high school or college and career
are welcome to write about their
faith. There are three avenues:
the Back Page, A Reader’s
Viewpoint, and church news; all
of these are under 500 words.
There is no honorarium for
church news, but the other
two categories would pay $50
(includes use on Internet).
We reserve the right to be
selective about what we publish.
Editors
3
Convention 2009
Part three of four
Rethinking the
simple life
A look at the book of Daniel
Dr. Pierre Gilbert
?
or
The real test of discipleship is not
whether one scorns driving an
SUV or aspires to an end to indoor
plumbing. There is another element
that must be considered.
4
?
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
C
hristianity
Daniel becomes one
teaches that
of the most powerful
every man,
woman, and
administrators of his
child will one day actually
time. This is obviously
have to answer to God for
themselves. Those who
God’s doing. But why?
have accepted Christ as
Saviour will be ushered into
a perfect eternity, but those who reject him will be
condemned to an eternity in hell.
In the kind of society in which we live, such talk
represents the height of madness and arrogance.
But if what the New Testament says about Jesus
Christ is true, to present the Gospel then as just
another expression of multiculturalism is the worst
offense we can commit. The missiologist Norman
Anderson puts it this way:
If many different groups of pathologists, let us
suppose, were all seeking earnestly to discover the
cause and cure of cancer, and one group—through no
brilliance of their own—were to light upon the secret,
would it constitute “crazy megalomania” for them to
share what they had found with their fellows? Would it
not, rather, be criminal folly for them to keep the secret
to themselves? (“A Christian Approach to Comparative
Religion,” in The World’s Religions, Eerdmans, 1976,
231).
The only way the Great Cure can be circulated is
if individual Christian men and women rediscover
what it means to hear the call of God. But as good
as that sounds, figuring out God’s leading in our
lives can be a little more complicated than it may at
first appear and can in fact be obscured by our own
ideological or theological blinders.
The Simple Life
In 2003, Fox Network created The Simple Life, a
reality show in which Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie,
two young urban and wealthy socialites who had
never worked a day in their lives, took on a variety
of jobs.
These two women would temporarily leave
the “complex” life to embrace the “simple” life. Of
course, we knew this was all a setup. Paris and
Nicole only pretended to embrace the simple life to
enhance their enjoyment of the complex life.
While the show enjoyed good ratings, I suspect
a lot of Christians would disapprove of those who
enthusiastically desire the Hilton version of the
complex life.
Indeed, for many of them, materialism, overreliance on technology, or driving an SUV are the
sins of this age. The sin of this North American
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
generation is too much wealth, and redemption is to
be found in the search for the simple life.
While I sympathize with those who bemoan the
extent to which materialism is beseeching so many,
I can’t help but feel some unease with those who
equate Christian discipleship with radical simplicity.
The real test of discipleship is not whether one
scorns driving an SUV or aspires to an end to indoor
plumbing. There is another element that must be
considered. This is where the book of Daniel can
help us.
Invitation to fantasy island
Daniel is taken to Babylon around 605 B.C. He is
an Israelite designated to enter the king’s service,
receiving a scholarship to study in the most
prestigious university of the ancient world.
I would have been immensely grateful for such
an opportunity. First-rate training, superb living
conditions, a well-paid job at the end of three years.
Fantasy Island! Where do I sign up?
But something odd happens. “Daniel resolved
not to defile himself with the royal food and wine,
and he asked the chief official for permission not to
defile himself this way” (Daniel 1:8). Daniel is lucky
to be alive, and he lifts his nose at the best offer he
could ever hope for!
Does this temper tantrum set Daniel back? Not
at all. In the end, Daniel and his friends shoot to
the top of their class and are quickly ushered into
the king’s service upon graduation. Daniel becomes
one of the most powerful administrators of his time.
This is obviously God’s doing. But why?
During Daniel’s era, the people of Israel are facing
a terrible crisis. Jerusalem is destroyed. The elite of
the nation have been taken into exile. The Israelites
risk losing their identity as the people of God. For
Yahweh, this is catastrophic. If this should happen,
it would signal the failure of God’s project and with
it the end of God’s plan of redemption for humanity.
(continued on p. 6)
5
The Purpose-Driven crisis
How does God meet this challenge? There is
one basic principle that governs the nature of
God’s intervention in human affairs: God works in
partnership with human beings (Genesis 1:27–28;
1 Corinthians 3:9). And so, God needs a person to
help him with the task at hand.
How can God ensure the survival of Israel as
God’s people in a foreign land? At this time, God
needs a strategically-placed administrator to
facilitate the implementation of policies to promote
the survival of the Israelite community in Babylon.
To put it bluntly, Daniel’s most pressing mandate is
to climb the corporate ladder.
Daniel’s mission is to reach the highest possible
level of authority in the Babylonian government. But
how does a lowly foreigner reach the second highest
position in the superpower government of his time?
I give you the “purpose-driven” crisis.
God nudges his agenda forward by allowing a
series of crises that create opportunities for Daniel
to climb the ranks of the Babylonian administration.
But if God calls this remarkable young man to
partner with him, for this strategy to be successful,
Daniel must be willing and prepared to embrace the
complex life.
Rethinking the simple life
In our zeal to be countercultural, some of us
sometimes value a version of the simple life that
hinges on a negative characterization of power,
money, and business.
The problem occurs when this model of the
simple life is offered as the paragon of Christian
living. We need to remember that lifestyle is to a
great extent secondary.
The most critical factor in the discipleship
equation is mission.
The overriding concern of the disciple of Christ
is not whether he or she should seek a particular
version of the simple or complex life. The disciples’
responsibility is to seek God and to discern his call
to partner with him.
Whenever lifestyle becomes the primary focus,
despicable life-sucking legalism inevitably follows.
Mission should always be our core motivation.
Whenever lifestyle becomes the
primary focus, despicable life-sucking
legalism inevitably follows. Mission
should always be our core motivation.
6
Christian integrity does not mean conforming
to any particular person’s feelings about what is
an acceptable lifestyle. It’s ultimately the ability
to recognize God’s call on one’s life and to live
accordingly. This is exactly what Daniel does.
In our increasingly complex society, God will
call many men and women to the complex life. The
imperative to bring the Good News to all ensures that
God will continue to call Christians to embrace the
complex life for the sake of those he wishes to reach.
As a church, we need to recognize that reality
(Romans 14:1–23; 1 Corinthians 9:22–23), not by
condemning those who are so called, but by giving
them the tools to manage the difficult call to the
T
complex life. M
Pierre Gilbert, EMC’s 2009
convention speaker and
an ordained Mennonite
Brethren minister, is
Associate Professor of
Bible and Theology at
the Canadian Mennonite
University and the
Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary. He is the
coordinator of the Winnipeg Centre for Ministry Studies
and the author of Demons, Lies & Shadows. A Plea
for a Return to Text and Reason (2008).
SBC offers free evening seminars
SBC offers free one evening Refresh seminars designed to
address issues in ministry.
October 5
Making the most of your time
(Children’s Ministry)
Janice Rempel will focus on preparing a lesson plan that
effectively communicates your desired objectives. It will be
geared for those who want training in children’s ministry.
October 19
Where is God when bad things
happen? (Theology)
Terry Hiebert will address the problem of evil as well as some
of the recent books published concerning this topic.
November 2
Using presentation software
effectively (Digital Media)
Patrick Friesen will help churches to use projection
technology to more effectively display song lyrics, sermons
notes, etc.
November 9 Keeping time with Jesus: Shaping a
congregation through the practice of
the Christian year (Worship)
Arlene Friesen asks: Who sets the calendar for your
church’s worship? Hallmark? The church’s programs and
activities? This seminar will discuss how patterning the
church worship year on the Christ-story can lead your
congregation into a richer experience of discipleship. For seminar time and location details check
www.sbcollege.ca
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
with our missionaries
Fiji
Water people
I come from a farming community
about as far from the coast as you can
possibly get. The world of the ocean
travel and ships was something I only
read about as I was growing up. However,
a great percentage of the world lives on
the coast, completely reliant on boats and
ships for transportation and supplies.
I, a prairie girl from Southern
Manitoba, strangely find myself now
immersed in this world. My husband
and I work for Marine Reach Ministries,
where my husband is the captain of a
37-metre long medical aid ship called the
M/V Pacific Link that brings medical care
to isolated coastal regions of the South
Pacific.
This year, as I have sailed the islands
of Fiji with this ship, I have come to newly
appreciate lives lived on the water and
the difficulties that can bring.
Recently we visited a Fijian island
called Gau. Gau is approximately 10 miles
long, with a small hospital in a village on
its northern coast. The island does have
a road of sorts between a couple of its
12 villages, but there is rarely a working
vehicle available.
People who live on the water
need medical care and they
need Jesus. Our desire is to
bring both—physical care for
their bodies and spiritual care
for their souls.
M/V Pacific Link anchored off a small island in Fiji.
While we were in Gau we learned that
a man in a village a mere six miles from
the hospital had died recently because
he could not get to medical care. And he
was only six miles from the hospital. He
simply did not have the transportation
or money necessary to get there.
It was incredible that he could be that
close to the help he needed and yet not
be able to get it. For someone like me who
grew up being able to jump in the car and
drive on a road to just about anywhere in
a short period of time, this is an entirely
new concept.
This means that people either need
to walk or take small boats from village
to village. This limits the amount of
travelling that people do, as they either
need to own a boat or the money to
travel on one.
Not only are the people reliant on the
availability of boats and funds, they are
also at the mercy of nature. The ocean’s
tides go in and out each day. When the
tide is out the water can be too shallow
to travel safely in by boat, which strands
people in their villages for several hours
until the tide comes back in. Either that
or they need to go several extra miles
around a coral reef that is exposed due
to the low tide. This uses up more fuel,
which, in turn, uses up more money.
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
People who live on the water need
medical care and they need Jesus. Our
desire is to bring both—physical care for
their bodies and spiritual care for their
souls. A ship can be cumbersome, costly,
and difficult to crew, but sometimes it’s
the only way to bring these people what
they need.
We appreciate your prayers as we
continue to help those in need who live
on the water.
Lori Schierer
Lori Schierer (Portage) serves with Marine
Reach Ministries.
You’re hired! helps
youth in job search
A new online career guide from MEDA
aims to help young people flavour their
work with faith.
You’re hired! Looking for work in all
the right places has been posted for free
download at www.meda.org/hired.
It targets youth who face a blizzard of
choices as they enter the job market. Many
soon find that a job is more than earning
a living.
You’re hired aims to help young people
see their careers through Christian eyes
and make a difference in the world.
The Marketplace (MEDA)
7
with our missionaries
Paraguay
five of six
Protection over many miles
Just the other day, when I finally took
our pickup to the mechanic shop for
a check-up, the mechanic showed me
the worn-out ball joints on the steering
rods and remarked that I must have a
very powerful “saint” watching over me.
Praise the Lord, I could tell him that I had
the living and true God with me.
There’s really no excuse for being
careless about maintenance. We put on
many miles every month on all kinds of
AIDS-related activities and are thankful
to God for daily protection. By the way,
we have just purchased a van for Alto
Refugio, so our workhorse (pickup) can
get a break.
We are preparing for our big trip to
Canada to be together as a family for a
month, beginning July 22, when we are
scheduled to arrive in Winnipeg. We will
be staying for two more months, when
we hope to do some traveling in Western
Canada and the U.S. We hope to meet
some of you during this time.
Before we leave, we plan to be very
active at the Mennonite World Conference
here in Asunción, offering an AIDS
workshop and having an information
table set up.
We ask for prayer for the board of
directors for Alto Refugio as they are
regrouping with several new members
added to cover for those who have not
been participating. Also, pray for the team
that is staying on at the Centre during
our absence. A team of four, including
Joanne Martens, will be carrying the
responsibility.
David Schmidt
David and Judy Schmidt (Rosenort EMC)
serve in Asunción.
Judy Schmidt
8
Alto Refugio ministers to people with HIV-AIDS.
Canada/Ethiopia
Seeking to know Christ’s future
Summer temperatures arrived in
Pray for the thousands of Sudanese
Manitoba recently with a high of 33C. who have returned to a homeland
Daily temperatures in Sherkole, Ethiopia, devastated by war. Few clinics, roads, or
were generally a few degrees warmer schools exist.
and so it felt familiar.
I recently found myself emotional
It has been a busy July for us. Rolf while processing tragedies in Kenya. In
finished two seminary courses. Then we early August two AIM Air missionaries
were at a 50th anniversary celebration were killed in a plane crash over Nairobi.
for Kola EMC. It was special to connect Please pray for the families of Frank
with relatives and friends, many that Toews and Ryan Williams. Their wives
Rolf has not seen for many years.
Tiffany and Dawn each have four children
Unexpectedly Rolf was asked to speak and their lives are changed forever. As
at our community’s church camp. The a missionary mom of four, this has hit
kids and I could not join him. As Rolf hard.
spoke each day, my prayer was that God’s
Word would go forth with power
and hearts would be changed.
Since 2002 we have been
involved in teaching Sudanese
refugees in Ethiopia. What a
privilege to train church leaders
(both men and women); share the
Good News to the unreached; and
teach men, women, and children to
read their mother tongue.
When we arrived in the Sherkole
refugee camp there were more
than 18,000 refugees from south
Sudan. Now only 3,000 remain
to complete education or await
resettlement to another country.
Saying farewell to Sila, one of Rolf’s Bible school students.
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
with our missionaries
AIM Air transports many SIM
missionaries into Sudan. They are not
flying any planes at this time, and this
affects many missionaries who rely on
them for supplies and transportation.
Pray for wisdom for AIM Air and that God
will provide for everyone involved.
Pray also that missionaries would
not be filled with a spirit of fear but of
power, love, and a sound mind. Pray
especially for Tiffany and Dawn in the
many decisions they will have to make,
and for their children who have lost their
dads.
It seems easier to connect with those
who make an effort to connect with us.
We would love to hear from you and get
together. We are glad for those who stop
by (even unexpectedly, African style).
Thank you for praying for us, for God’s
direction and protection. Some verses
speak of our Good Shepherd who leads
us perfectly:
“For the sake of your name, lead and
guide me” (Psalm 31:3).
“I will lead the blind by ways they have
not known, along unfamiliar paths I will
guide them; I will turn the darkness into
light before them and make the rough
places smooth. These are the things I
will do. I will not forsake them” (Isaiah
42:16).
For all those mothers with young
children, like me: “He tends his flock like
a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His
arms and carries them close to His heart;
He gently leads those that have young”
(Isaiah 40:11).
Angela teaches God’s Word to new believers.
Thank you for being a part of our
team. You are special to us.
Angela Kruse
Angela and Rolf Kruse (Kola/Rosenort
Fellowship) are currently in Canada
discerning Christ’s direction for future
service.
Grad class and SIM team
Mexico
Being an MK: Was it worth it?
When I was four years old, my
parents, my three brothers, and I moved
to Paraguay to be missionaries. We spent
eight years there. So I am a Missionary
Kid, as we are commonly called.
My memories of growing up there are
good ones.
Eating mangoes, misperos, peaches,
bananas, lemons, and oranges from
the trees in our backyard. Playing with
firecrackers with my brothers. Having
other missionary kids close by to relate
with. Having national Paraguayan
friends. AWANA program. Going to a
Spanish/Guarani church.
Living away from Canada for eight
years also meant that there were things I
did not experience in those years.
Playing with snow. Learning to ice
skate. Getting to know grandparents,
cousins, aunts and uncles.
Our return to Canada brought many
changes. It was hard for me to adapt to
the culture. Even though I am
Canadian, I was more used to
the Paraguayan culture and it
wasn’t easy to understand the
way people thought, the things
that were important to them,
or how to fit in.
Fast forward 15 years.
Dallas and I have been married
for seven years, and we have
two boys, Carter and Logan.
This year in August we moved
down to Delicias, Mexico,
where we are church planting
with the EM Conference.
As we thought and prayed
about becoming missionaries
in another country, one thing
that was on my mind was how
this move would affect my two
boys.
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
Tara Wiebe with son Carter and his friend Estrellita.
(continued on p. 10)
9
with our missionaries
Was it worth having
time spent with family that
What was it about my is far away. I learned that
them miss out on times
with family at home and
people of another culture
life as a missionary
having to try and adapt
can become close friends.
kid that made me feel
within two cultures?
I learned that the most
Would they remember
important thing in this life
this was a good thing
their childhood as misis to show God’s love to the
sionary kids positively?
world. I learned to open
for my own boys?
What was it about
my eyes to what was going
my life as a missionary kid that made on in countries besides my own.
me feel this was a good thing for my own
I learned that obedience to what God
boys?
asks us to do is the most important thing,
I learned to value people—that no whether we are called to serve at home
matter their race, language, or back- or in another country.
ground, they are all valuable in the eyes
I know that my boys can become great
of God. I learned not to take for granted men of God by staying in Canada. But I
also know that they can become great
men of God by growing up as missionary
kids in Mexico.
Our desire as parents is to expose
them to the world around them and
instill in them a love for people of other
cultures so that they will see the love
God has for the world. Our job then is to
model this as we show Christ’s love to
them and to the people in Mexico.
Tara Wiebe
Tara and Dallas Wiebe (Kleefeld) have
moved to northern Mexico as EMC
missionaries.
Brazil
How big is your God?
How big is our God? Really? Is it true
that we really can do everything through
him who gives us strength?
The theme verse for our winter camps,
which we held in July, was Philippians
4:13. With a play on the Portuguese
words used in this verse we were able to
concentrate on technological influences
in our lives. Our theme was iPode tudo….
iPode tudo…naquele que me fortalece!
I can do everything...through him who
gives me strength!
Are we really able to do everything
with God’s strength? Is it smart for us to
trust in God rather than in technology?
How big is this God anyway?
To introduce God to our campers,
we brought them back to creation,
specifically the stars. You may not, as I
did not, have a clue about how massive
are some of the stars.
I encourage you to check out the You
Tube video The biggest star known to
man.
Psalm 33:6 says, “By the word of
the Lord were the heavens made, their
starry host by the breath of his mouth.”
After watching that video, then reading
this verse, we challenged the kids that
this same God knows every detail about
them.
He is in love with them. He knows
their secret hurts and joys, pains and
struggles. He even knows the number of
hairs on each of their heads (Matthew
10:30).
We next focused on the virus which
entered the world in the Garden of Eden
10
through Adam and Eve. Each of our
systems have been infected and are
doomed to an eternal crash.
The good news is that there is
one antivirus that can eliminate this
virus and fully restore our systems.
This antivirus is Jesus. Only through
accepting and allowing him to clean our
hard drives will we be able to live the
abundant life we were created to live.
The third day we concentrated on
the fact that accepting this antivirus is
our choice and only our choice. Choices
we make today can influence the rest of
our lives as well as make an impact on
those around us. We cannot live on the
choices of others. Most influential in our
lives are choices only we can make for
ourselves.
The last day of camp we brought in
the practical response each of us needs
to make. What is the message your life
will send to the world? MSN, e-mail,
Facebook, Twitter, and text messaging
are all used to send messages. The
message we send with
our lives is another
choice we need to
make.
Though our camps
were drenched in
rain, the message was
clear and lives were
touched. At the fireside the last night, one
camper said the best
part was receiving his
own Bible. Money for
these Bibles was donated by a church
in Saskatchewan. With other donations
we were able to give four needy people
a free camp.
Thank you for your prayers for the
ministry of Quest. Please check our
website www.questbr.com.
Dwayne Klassen
Dwayne and Shannon Klassen (Community
Bible Fellowship) serve with Janz Team in
camping ministry.
Teaching from the Bible
Singing outdoors
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
with our missionaries
Mexico
A 4,000-word report
Mexico missionary staff retreat with speakers Peter and Martha Doerksen (left). Supper together was at a
restaurant in New Mexico. EMC missions work is among peoples of Spanish and German language backgrounds.
Special wedding in Cuauhtémoc:
Helena and Pedro Gonzalez with
their children. The couple was previously married civilly, but Helena
dreamed of having a church wedding.
Young students: Raul and Alejandro
after club, Vista Hermosa outreach.
Alvira Friesen (Rosenort EMC), serving in Mexico since 1987,
has been involved in leadership training, administration, and
pastoral ministry.
Dedicating Maria Fernanda and Brandon Obed to the Lord in Ebenezer church, Cuauhtémoc.
EMC mission work in Mexico began in 1954 with Rev. Cornie B. and Tina Loewen.
Alvira Friesen
25 Annual EM Cup Hockey Tournament
th
November 13–15, 2009
T. G. Smith Centre
Steinbach, Man.
18 teams expected!
For information,
contact Colin Loewen
204-346-1380
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
Pray for EMC workers in Mexico:
LeRoy and Faith Siemens (EFC Steinbach)
Dallas and Tara Wiebe (Kleefeld)
Alvira Friesen (Rosenort EMC)
Elma Janzen (La Crete)
John and Lorna Wall (Straffordville)
11
with our churches
Unnamed missionaries are many
Blumenort, Man.: We are planning
on starting up a Christian day care in
September.
Several families from our church
included an element of Christian service
into their vacations. Leo Penner and his
relatives went to Mexico to build houses
for poor people, as did Danny and Shirley
Reimer and their family.
Pat Plett, and Gerald and Brittany Plett
helped to rebuild houses after Hurricane
Katrina. Jerry Penner was in Nicaragua
helping to build an orphanage. A word of
appreciation goes to all those who gave
up some of their summers to work at
Bible camps this year.
There were a large number of high
school graduates the last weekend of
June. Graduating from Steinbach Regional
Secondary School were Samantha
Mandel, Troy Penner, and Samantha
Thiessen.
Graduating from the Steinbach
Christian High School were Alecia
Barkman, Paul Barkman, Lucia Bartsch,
Jason Brandt, Kathryn Brandt, Mark
Budala,
Stephanie
Cullen,
James
Driedger, Ryan Konrad, Heather Loewen,
Rebecca Loewen, Michelle Penner, Jonna
Peters, Theresa Petkau, Alain Reimer,
Brock Reimer, and Rodney Thiessen.
Congratulations to each one of you.
May God give you wisdom as you enter
the next phase of your life!
Because of the overabundance of rain
on Saturday, June 27, the Blumenort Fun
& Fair Days service and disco lunch were
affected. The church service was held at
Blumenort EMC instead of at the park.
The disco lunch in the church basement
was well attended.
It is good to see people involved
with short-term missions. They include:
Roxie Penner in China, Nina Cullen in
Tanzania, Marlaena Frayle in Haiti, Shana
On Sunday, June 21, 2009, we watched as Cynthia
Reimer, Thomas Penner and James Barkman were
baptized. Our prayers are with you as you continue in
your faith.
12
Blumenort EMC offered its church basement for the Blumenort Fun & Fair Days disco lunch.
and Natasha Plett in Uganda, Emily
Hill in Ukraine, Stephanie Barkman in
Switzerland, Stephen and Elaine Cullen
in Africa, and Krista Reimer in the U.S.
(Camden, New Jersey). Let’s remember
to pray for these as well as for our longterm missionaries.
A large percentage of the people
in our congregation are unmentioned
missionaries. They never get mentioned
in the bulletin or Messenger reports.
They are self supporting. They share
their faith at their workplace. They give
generously to support missionaries who
devote their whole time to spreading the
Gospel.
These unmentioned missionaries are
the ones who work for a living at regular
jobs. They are a vital part of the church
in spreading the gospel. My prayer for
you is that the Lord would bless you as
you go and be a blessing to others.
Martin Penner
VCF hosts Region One conference
Vanderhoof, B.C.: In April we had the
opportunity to host the Region One
Conference. Throughout the weekend
we were continually blessed by the
fellowship and sessions.
It was a wonderful time of getting
together with brothers and sisters in
Christ and of having the opportunity to
hear about what’s been happening in
the churches and lives of people in our
region.
Warren Charlton, who is a professor
at Peace River Bible Institute, spoke
about the vision of God’s Church. He
challenged all who attended the sessions
and gave us a new perspective. We were
all truly blessed by the words God spoke
through him.
We look forward to the next
opportunity we have to get together as
one big body of Christ to worship and
celebrate his name.
Stephanie Peters
Togetherness in Christ made the Conference special.
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
with our churches
Pansy Chapel celebrates 50 years
Pansy, Man.: If you have ever tried
“Not to us O Lord, not to
reflecting back on 50 years, you know a
lot of water has flowed under the bridge.
us but to Your name be
Fifty years is pretty long, even though,
the glory, because of Your
in hindsight, it’s gone amazingly fast.
Fifty years ago a tiny church began
love and faithfulness.”
in the Barkfield one-room school, which
(Psalm 115:1)
has since graced the Mennonite museum
in Steinbach for the past number of
mittee leader, and many others helped
years.
When resistance to that idea broke out.
The event began on Saturday, July Kelvin and Kim Goertzen give their son Malachi one
out in the community, in 1961 we were
forced to look for different options. 11, with baseball games and other fun final ride on that beloved slide. Our MLA has roots in
This led to building the shell of the first activities leading up to the day’s meal: a Pansy. He attended church here as a child, plus his
version of Pansy Chapel, which, in part, hog roast and chicken barbecue, with a grandfather sold us the church lot at the beginning
bean bake, vegetables, salad, and other for $20.
is hidden in the present-day building.
The building has seen numerous times goodies.
The evening’s main events were present and we had a chance to hear
of being changed, completed or added
worship
and praise, both with our own from old friends we hadn’t seen for years.
to. It now offers comfortable seating for
about 120 (more when needed), a dining talented groups and a special concert by Mr. John Dueck, who was on Blumenort
room and ample kitchen, classrooms, friends (Soul Purpose). As darkness EMC’s original planning/sponsoring
descended on us, we celebrated with an board 50 years ago, brought along a list
bathrooms, carport, and more.
of attendees of an early Vacation Bible
In regular attendance (being only excellent display of fireworks.
On Sunday morning we began by School class. This included the names of
a hamlet and having no town to draw
from) we tend to peak around the 100 hosting a hot breakfast and continued several of our guests, such as Anne (nee
with our services which included, both Martens), mother of our MLA Kelvin
mark, sometimes a little more.
Often, it seems, every time we rejoice times, contributions by those able and Goertzen.
Later the day wound up with a picnic
about a new family coming in, we soon willing to reflect. A number of our guests
lunch and more activities. The children
say a sad good-bye to someone who obliged and blessed us.
Some had come a long way to be absolutely loved the inflatable slide at
has chosen to move on. But that, they
their disposal.
say, may well be the fate of a
We had a great weekend
small country church.
and our regrets are simple:
In any case, we decided
longing for faces that couldn’t
to celebrate and create a
make it and wondering what
special weekend that we
excuse we could come up
won’t soon forget. Psalm
with for throwing another
115:1 was our theme: “Not
similar party soon.
to us O Lord, not to us but
Indeed, God is good! And
to Your name be the glory,
all the people said, “Amen.”
because of Your love and
Betty Barkman
faithfulness.”
An overflow crowd at the 50th anniversary’s service time in the rented tent. Pansy
Byron Falk was our com- Park’s facilities in background. The whole event took place at the park.
Guests were seated in the tent and beyond during the service.
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
Our worship team led us from the special flatbed turned into a stage.
13
with our churches
Showing love, a faith journey, and a farewell
Braeside (Winnipeg, Man.):
Braeside again participated in the Love Winnipeg campaign in June. The first action was to
obliterate graffiti, a common problem defacing both public and private structures. The City
of Winnipeg supplied the paint and Braeside provided brushes, rollers, and peoplepower
to cover some of the defaced property.
On Saturday Braeside also served free breakfast to passersby and at noon offered free
hotdogs and burgers. As in previous years, we coordinated these community meals with
the annual Africa Inland Missions basement sale.
It was with mixed emotions that Braeside bade farewell to Tim, Danae, Kaia,
and Hadley Gibbons. For seven years they faithfully and effectively served as
an associate pastoral couple with the primary role of working with the youth of
our church and community.
Danae and Tim were involved in many other facets of Braeside’s church
life, but perhaps the most visible (and audible) was their gifted participation
in the music program of the church. We wish them God’s continued blessing
and guidance as they begin a new phase in their life as Campus Ministry Pastor
at Foothills Alliance Church in Calgary, Alta.
births
DUECK – to Joshua and Helyn Dueck of
Steinbach, Man., a son, Tairus George, on
April 25, 2008.
of Grande Prairie, Alta., an adopted daughter
(born August 21, 2006), Chloe Leanna Mae, on
January 20, 2009.
TJART – to Phil and Andrea Tjart of Kitchener,
Ont., a son, Parker Jamieson, on June 26, 2008.
WIEBE – to Dave and Anita Wiebe of Grande
Prairie, Alta., a daughter, Rebecca Evelyn, on
February 11, 2009.
BRANDT – to Craig and Angela Brandt of
Steinbach, Man., a son, Ryan Joshua on July
9, 2008.
DUECK – to Leonard and Christine Dueck of
Kleefeld, Man., an adopted daughter, Gracia
Aregath Samuela Marie, on October 8, 2008.
BRANDT – to Jay and Cherie Brandt of
Grande Prairie, Alta., a son, Ethan David, on
November 20, 2008.
KOOP – to Nolan and Roxanne Koop of
Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Sierra Olivia, on
November 27, 2008.
KEHLER – to Randy and Laura Kehler of
Steinbach, Man., a son, Casey Gage, on
December 24, 2008.
FRIESEN – to Kyle and Laura Friesen of
Steinbach, Man., a daughter, Carys Brianna,
on December 26, 2008.
KRAHN – to Richard and Heidi Krahn of
Grande Prairie, Alta., a son, Tyler Jeremy, on
January 5, 2009.
VION – to Chad and Gloria Vion of Sexsmith,
Alta., a son, Seth Isaiah Chad, on January 6,
2009.
DRIEDGER – to Larry and Monica Driedger
14
THIESSEN – to Arnold and Wendy Thiessen
of Roseau River, Man., a daughter, Kyanna
Lauren, on March 20, 2009.
EIDSE – to Shaun and Victoria Eidse of
Rosenort, Man., a son, Nolan Douglas, on
April 17, 2009.
WIEBE – to Nick and Natosha Wiebe of
Vanderhoof, B.C., a daughter, Sullyn Eleigha
Amara-May, on May 7, 2009.
DYCK – to Ken and Monica Dyck of Vanderhoof,
B.C., a daughter, Megan Ashley, on May 27,
2009.
REMPEL – to Ernest and Carissa Rempel of
Arborg, Man., a son, Elijah Orion Ernest, on
May 27, 2009.
FIGUEROA – to Josue and Maria Figueroa of
Winnipeg, Man., a son, Cristian Josue, on May
30, 2009.
LOEWEN – to Albert and Josie Loewen of
Aylmer, Ont., a son, Aiden Benjamin David, on
June 11, 2009.
WOHLGEMUT – to Oz and Melissa Wohlgemut
of Winnipeg, Man., a son, Tobias, on June 16,
2009.
The congregation was inspired by Kayla Vanderzwan’s
story of her faith journey. She was baptized by Associate
Pastor Tim Gibbons and welcomed by the congregation
as a member of Braeside.
Al Dueck
WOLFE – to Jason and Jennifer Wolfe of
Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Jessie Helen, on
June 28, 2009.
STEEVES – to Uriah and Norma Steeves of
Clairmont, Alta., a daughter, Brooke Renae,
on July 2, 2009.
KOOP – to Malcolm and Noella Koop of
Calgary, Alta., a daughter, Samantha Eryn, on
July 20, 2009.
THIESSEN – to Chuck and Laura Thiessen of
Winnipeg, Man., a daughter, Autumn Royale,
on July 25, 2009.
KLASSEN – to Brennan and Michelle Klassen
of Steinbach, Man., twin sons, Brady Clarence
and Bryce Henry, on August 29, 2009.
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
with our churches
Wymark gains 11 members
Chortitz, Sask.: Sunday, June 28,
2009, was a perfect summer day for an
outdoor baptism by immersion of nine
candidates.
This group of committed Christians
had been meeting with Pastor Archie
Neufeld for the past 10 months. They
studied and prepared themselves for
this most important day.
The church sanctuary was full to
overflowing with family and friends of
the baptismal candidates. Following
a challenging yet relevant message
by Pastor Neufeld, the candidates all
gave personal testimonies. The entire
congregation then proceeded outside to
a baptismal tank that been placed under
the shelter of large trees in the church
yard.
Along with the nine baptismal
candidates, there were two others who
became members of Wymark EMC.
Fred Wernicke and Robert Shumborski
had been baptised previously in other
evangelical churches.
This public commitment to serve our
Lord Jesus Christ was a tremendous
encouragement and blessing to the
Wymark congregation and a witness
to the glorious work of God in these
people’s lives.
Marvin Allan
June 28, 2009, baptism: (back) elders Dave Peters, Tena Peters, Paul Funk, Betty Funk, Marie Funk, Nellie Dyck;
baptismal candidates Nancy Walloschek and Sherri Wernicke, pastoral couple Sylvia and Archie Neufeld; (front)
baptismal candidates John Heinrichs, Grant Friesen, Paula Friesen, Ulricke Shumborski, Dianne Fehr, Bianca
Wall, and Katrina Neufeld.
news
IDOP Sunday is November 8
The International Day of Prayer for
the Persecuted Church (IDOP) is on November 8. Information on the free 2009
resource kit Persecuted, Not Abandoned
can be found at www.idop.ca.
As we remember our suffering
brothers and sisters, they are being
used like jars of clay to carry and communicate Christ’s message. We pray for
their safety and freedom, knowing that
we are called to live our lives for His
glory. We can take comfort in knowing
that, even in suffering, we are not abandoned by our Saviour and His grace is
weddings
DUECK – NEUFELD: Joshua, son of Corny and
Esther Dueck of Steinbach, Man., and Helyn,
daughter of Peter and Helena Neufeld of
Steinbach, were married on July 26, 2008, at
Steinbach EMC with Harvey Plett of Steinbach
officiating. The couple lives in Steinbach.
BREER – NICKEL: Kurt, son of Waldemar and
Mary Breer of Winnipeg, Man., and Crystal,
daughter of Henry and Corinne Nickel of
Steinbach, Man., were married on September
27, 2008, in Steinbach, with Garry Koop of
Steinbach officiating. The couple lives in
Steinbach.
KLIPPENSTEIN – FRIESEN: Peter Klippenstein
and Betty Friesen were married on September
27, 2008, in Steinbach, Man. The couple lives in
Steinbach.
DUBOIS – KLASSEN: Andre, son of Rheal and
Odile Dubois of Grunthal, Man., and Rachael,
daughter of Robert and Connie Klassen of
Grunthal, were married on May 9, 2009, in
Steinbach, Man., with Reynold Kroeker of
Steinbach officiating. The couple lives in
Steinbach.
KROEKER – MacKAY: Nolan, son of Vern and
Anne Kroeker of Tuelon, Man., and Sophia
MacKay of Fisher Branch, Man., were married
on June 13, 2009, in Tuelon, with Terry Dueck
made known through us.
If November 8 is unsuitable for a
congregation, they are encouraged to
set aside another time to remember
their persecuted brothers and sisters.
IDOP is an annual event around the
world, supported by EFC, of which EMC
is a part.
More than 200 million Christians
around the world face brutal opposition
and persecution. They endure discrimination, intimidation, attacks, fines, imprisonment, torture, and death.
Adapted from IDOP release
of Mennville officiating. The couple lives in
Tuelon.
Steinbach, Man., with Garry Koop of Steinbach
officiating. The couple lives in Steinbach.
DOERKSEN – MILLER: Eric Doerksen and
Rebekah Miller were married on June 21, 2009,
at Pine Ridge Hollow, Man. The couple lives in
Winnipeg, Man.
JANZEN – WIEBE: Reginald, son of Alvin and
Berradette Janzne of Steinbach, Man., and
Kendra, daughter of Gilbert and Betty Wiebe
of Steinbach, were married on July 18, 2009, at
Pansy Chapel, with Garry Koop of Steinbach
officiating. The couple lives in Steinbach.
KALTECK – BRANDT: Sam, son of Larry and Eva
Kalteck of Winnipeg, Man., and Krista, daughter
of Stan and Luella Brandt of Riverton, Man.,
were married on June 27, 2009, in Riverton,
with Terry Dueck of Mennville officiating. The
couple lives in Winnipeg.
DUECK – HINTZ: Ryan, son of Gerald and Laura
Dueck of Steinbach, Man., and Melissa, daughter
of Doris and Gerald Hintz of Winnipeg, Man.,
were married on July 11, 2009, in Winnipeg. The
couple lives in Winnipeg.
McLEAN – KLASSEN: Eric, son of Gary and
Marge McLean of Steinbach, Man., and
Stephanie, daughter of Ross and Barb Klassen
of Steinbach, were married on July 18, 2009, in
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
KEHLER – GOERTZEN: Sam Kehler and Jennifer,
daughter of Gerry and Sandra Goertzen of
Steinbach, Man., were married on July 18, 2009,
in Steinbach.
TARNOWSKI – HEIN: Brennan, son of Alex and
Mary Ann Tarnowski, and Katelyn, daughter of
Rocky and Ruby Hein, were married on July 18,
2009.
FRIESEN – OLESKI: Tyrone, son of Roger and
Anita Friesen of Riverton, Man., and Kelly,
daughter of Ralph and Darlene Oleski of Arborg,
Man., were married on August 28, 2009, in
Riverton. The couple lives in Winnipeg, Man.
15
pictures of God
Joanna Plett
V
The God-collage
isiting churches in cities throughout
eastern Europe and Turkey this
summer, I was bombarded with pictures
of God in mosaic, fresco, and statue form.
As I moved from Polish Catholic to Ukrainian
Orthodox to Greek Orthodox churches, it was
fascinating to see the different ways they
depicted God.
Incarnation and miracle motifs of Jesus
were common, and the disciples
were featured prominently. Church
fathers, saints, and even the Old
Testament patriarchs were commonly
honoured, but few attempted to portray
God the Father. Of the churches I visited
on this trip, only the Ukrainian Orthodox
Church in Kiev, Ukraine, really featured
God the Father in its major art themes.
In this series of paintings, God was depicted
in glorified human form in the centre of each day of
creation.
Chora Monastery
Church in
My knowledge of the Bible made it easy for me to
Istanbul, Turkey
recognize many of the stories and characters depicted.
(photos by Alex Sawa)
But the church leaders who commissioned these
pictures between the 5th and 18th centuries AD created
on me, lifted by the
them for basically illiterate audiences. For many of
grace of Christ, freeing
them, this was the only Bible they read, their only visual me to live in peace and
access to God.
joy. Images of the Holy Spirit,
I was constantly amazed at
often shown as a dove,
the attention to detail and the
would be prominent in panels
If I tried to tell my
skill of the artists in creating
of ministry. They would show
faith story visually to him giving me words, strength, and direction.
these images. Every picture was
clearly attempting to tell a story
Although these pictures roughly follow my
an
illiterate
audience,
or communicate a message about
life timeline, the story is not essentially about
God. Even their location in the
me. In the centre of the images, at the climax
how would it look?
church was symbolic, with Jesus
of the stories, these pictures would remind the
usually appearing at the central
audience that the story is essentially about Jesus
point of the picture or series and in the highest domes.
and what he has done in my life. Reading the story of my
As people looked up to marvel at the glory of the
life, they should find themselves looking at the face of
architecture and the artwork, they found themselves
God and marvelling in his glory and power.
looking up at the face of God and his glory. I wonder,
Although my life will likely never be memorialized
if I tried to tell my faith story visually to an illiterate
on a cathedral ceiling, I hope that my day-to-day life
audience, how would it look? How would I communicate
will somehow bring people face to face with God. As
my understanding of God in images?
the church has decentralized its role in regular life in
My spiritual birth would be surrounded by a panel of
much of the western world, the Christian community
saints—parents, grandparents, teachers, and mentors
interacting in mainstream society has become, for many
who helped to form my understanding of God. My
people, their only visual access to God, a collage of GodT
growth would show the weight of the law bearing down
images to a spiritually illiterate world. M
16
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
EMC
and
Statement of Faith
Church
Practices
A 25-part series
Flo Friesen
Church Practices
Article 7: Divine
Healing
The Board of Leadership and Outreach has invited EMC pastors and other
leaders to reflect on the meaning of our Statement of Faith and Church
Practices. These writings are intended to inform and to invite conversation.
In the end, this 25-part series might be published as a booklet. Have you
heard a sermon on these articles? Encourage the preacher to forward the
material to The Messenger.
7. DIVINE HEALING
We believe that the redemption through our Lord Jesus Christ is for the whole
person. God may choose to bring healing and encouragement through
medical care, through prayer or through the anointing of oil and prayer by the
elders of the church.
However, God often achieves his purposes through permitting suffering.
Believers who find help and hope in suffering by faith in a sufficient God
are valuable witnesses. Through faithfully enduring suffering, believers may
experience a healing of the spirit. We should leave to God the results of all
prayers and the means used. Our attitude should be the same as that of Jesus
when he said, “Not my will but thine be done” (Matthew 8:1–17; 26:39; 2
Corinthians 12:7–10; James 5:13–18).
W
hat do we, as EMC, believe about divine
healing?
God heals. The Matthew 8 stories of
Jesus healing the sick end with “he...
healed all the sick.” We often say Jesus didn’t heal
everyone in Judea, yet he did heal all who came to him.
We believe he died for our sicknesses as well as our sins
(Matthew 8:17).
We take very literally the command in James 5 to call
for the elders to anoint and pray. I remember ministers
coming to pray for my sick mother.
She was healed (after a year).
when God doesn’t heal.”
Some questions abound. disappointed
This action may seem simplistic to
Why does God not heal? How do we
those of a non-faith background. But
I’ve heard a person say,
reconcile the teaching of purposeful
they watch the results and are drawn
suffering (Philippians 3:10) and the
“I don’t want prayer for
to our faith.
fact that Jesus healed all who asked for
If someone is healed, there is an
healing, but doesn’t seem to today? Are
healing because I’ll just
awareness that a Higher Power (whom
we perhaps more committed to suffering
be disappointed when
we call Jesus) has done the healing.
than we are to healing? Do we really
Healing is a tremendous witness of
believe “by his stripes we are healed”?
God doesn’t heal.”
faith in Jesus Christ, both in Christian
As well, why do we not see as
and non-Christian communities.
much diving healing as believers in
EMC also believes that God often chooses not to
developing countries? Jesus said to several whom he
heal. When healing does not take place, there’s still the
healed (Matthew 8:13, 9:22) that their faith was part of
witness of faith through the strength, grace, joy, and
the healing process.
peace that results when people pray for those who are
Do we have less faith than Christians who have no
suffering. God is also glorified when he takes a person
medical recourse? When they cry to God, he hears and
home to heaven, the ultimate healing.
heals.
This basic statement on our belief in healing is a
Does God have a different standard of faith on
comfort to us as a faith community when we become
this side of the ocean? Do we have a full enough
T
sick. Prayer chains abound in our churches, the
understanding of what really is God’s will in healing? M
majority of requests relating to illnesses.
Some questions also abound. I’ve heard a person
Flo Friesen (Kleefeld/St. Vital) is a long-time educator.
say, “I don’t want prayer for healing because I’ll just be
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
17
in memory
MARY FRIESEN
1941–2009
Peacefully, and with her family
surrounding her, Mom went to her
eternal home on Sunday, April 26, 2009,
at the Arborg Hospital.
Mary was born February 12, 1941,
in Steinbach, Man., to Sam and Agatha
Schroeder. At the age of 12, she, along
with her siblings, were placed into foster
homes. Mary was placed into the home
of John Barkmans, in Steinbach, Man.
Here her faith was strengthened, and she
was baptized upon her Christian faith at
the age of 14.
Mary developed many new friendships, which is how she met the love of
her life, Milton Friesen. They were married June 20, 1958, and settled north of
Riverton.
In 1963, they established their
own farm north of Arborg. In August
2000, they moved to Arborg, where they
lived for six years, until they moved
back to Steinbach. One and a half years
later, shortly after Mary’s diagnosis of
cancer in June 2008, the family relocated
Mary and Milton back to Arborg, so that
they could once again be close to their
family.
Mom was known for her giving spirit
and her hard work ethic. Mom and Dad
volunteered countless hours through
missions, teaching at school in Texas
and Kansas on several occasions. They
volunteered through Mennonite Disaster
Service (where Mom would always
cook for the crews) in North Carolina,
Alabama, and California.
Mom worked out of the home once
her children were old enough to be
independent, her first job being at
Camp Arnes in the kitchen. Her love for
cooking has taken her from Camp Arnes
to the Arborg Hospital, Seniors Resource
Cooking in Arborg, Doreen’s Restaurant
in Riverton, and her last job at MJ’s
Restaurant in Steinbach. This last year,
Mom had been unable to get out much,
but kept busy at home, still contributing
by sewing baby blankets from the
comfort of the living room sofa.
Mary was predeceased by her
parents, Samuel and Agatha Schroeder;
her sisters, Emily, Gladys, Valerie; and
her granddaughter Katelyn in July 2008.
She is survived by her husband
of 50 years, Milton; her sons, Roland
(Laureen), Roger (Anita), and her
daughters, Victoria (Zenon), and Pat
(Del); her grandchildren, Keith (Stacey),
Alyssa, Michelle, Stacey, Tyrone (Kelly),
Bethany, Nathan, Justin, Jessica, Jayde,
and Kyle; and great-grandchildren,
Rowan and Bria.
Also surviving Mary are her sisters,
Doris, Violet (Cliff), Amelia (Bill), Grace
(Ben), Sandra (Larry), Rose and Susie;
brother Ed; her brother-in-law Ed
(Marion); sisters-in-law Sarah (Dave) and
Sharon (Leonard), and their families. Also
mourning their loss are members of the
Barkman family, who have continued to
love and support her through the years.
In honour of Mary’s memory,
donations may be made to Mennonite
Disaster Service, 306-2265 Pembina Hwy,
Winnipeg, MB R3T 5J3.
The family is so grateful and
appreciative of all the love and support
that has been given this last year; the
many visits and meals have been so
helpful.
Her Family
All are welcome to attend
Celebrate with us!
The 50th anniversary of
Island Gospel Fellowship
October 9–11, 2009
Burns Lake, B.C.
For more information visit
www.islandgospelfellowship.com
or e-mail [email protected]
18
The 135th anniversary
celebrations at Kleefeld EMC
October 11, 2009
Kleefeld, Man.
The church’s history will be shared
during Sunday School (9:45 a.m.)
and Jon Bonk will speak during the
morning service at 10:50 a.m. Lunch
will follow.
coming events
September 25–26
MCC Relief Sale
Keystone Centre
Brandon, Man.
mcc.org/manitoba/brandonreliefsale
October 3
Inter-Mennonite Chaplaincy
Association
Fundraiser and Coffee House
Fort Garry EMC
Winnipeg, Man.
204-474-9691
October 8
Intercultural Symposium
Transitioning a church to become
effectively intercultural
Canadian Mennonite University
Winnipeg, Man.
800-293-3717
October 15–November 8
The Story and Song Tour
World Vision
Humourist Adrian Plass,
Musician Glen Soderholm
17 cities, B.C. to Maritimes
Talking, humour, storytelling,
music, worship, hope
www.storyandsong.ca
October 16
World Food Day
Canadian Foodgrains Bank
800-665-0377
fastforchange.ca
October 30
MDS Fundraising and Dessert Evening
Music, reports, home-made pie
Crosshill Mennonite Church
Millbank, Ont.
204-261-1274 or 866-261-1274
www.mds.mennonite.net
November 5–8
Business as a Calling 2009
New Frontiers: New Solutions
San Jose, California
businessasacalling.org
November 7
New Songs for Worship IV
Dr. Christine Longhurst and others
Canadian Mennonite University
Winnipeg, Man.
www.cmu.ca
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
shoulder tapping
Rosenort EMC invites applications for a parttime, interim youth leader. This individual is
responsible to develop youth programs for junior
and senior youth from September 2009 to August
2010. The individual will work together with a
team of youth sponsors. Interested individuals
should send a resume to Rosenort EMC, Box 153,
Rosenort, MB R0G 1W0 or [email protected].
For information, please email or call the church at
204-746-8519.
Wymark EMC, a country church located 20 miles
southeast of Swift Current, Sask., is accepting
applications for lead pastor. We aim to be a
friendly, family-welcoming church body of 70 to
90 people, and seek a pastor who can encourage
us by word and example to grow to maturity in
Christ. Enquiries can be directed to the Pastoral
Search Committee at 306-773-9089 (leave a
message) or [email protected] (Paul Funk).
La Crete Christian Fellowship, in the northwest
corner of Alberta, is looking for a full-time youth
pastor to be a part of our pastoral team.
LCCF’s service to God is based on core values:
a commitment to worship, discipleship, teaching
of God’s Word, and reaching our community and
Full text of ads available at www.emconf.ca/service.htm
world with the gospel. We are a vibrant church of
about 350 regular attendees who desire to spread
the Word through a variety of ministries.
The youth pastor will direct the youth
leadership team in implementing our vision of
helping our youth establish and strengthen their
personal connection to Jesus Christ. Applicants are
to be a disciple of Jesus Christ who is a willing and
teachable leader; a person whose love for the Lord is
reflected in their ability to work well with others.
Contact us for details. Call Mike Schellenberg at
780-841-9376 or e-mail [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. Submit resume to Pastor
John Froese, Box 70, Pelly, SK S0A 2Z0. Phone 306595-2074. E-mail [email protected].
Morris Fellowship Chapel (EMC), located
in Morris, Man., is looking for a full-time pastor
for a congregation of about 120. Previous pastoral
experience and leadership abilities are assets. For
job description and information, please call Brian
Klassen at 204-746-8102.
news
Honduran Mennonites call for
dialogue after coup
The Honduran Evangelical Mennonite Church is calling for peaceful dialogue and respect for human rights in
Honduras after the June 28 coup that
deposed President José Manuel Zelaya
Rosales.
In a July 6 statement in Diario La
Prensa, the nation’s largest-circulation
newspaper, the church noted that the
coup and the continuing political crisis
have polarized Honduran society and
have created a climate of violence and
insecurity. The statement called upon
Christians, government officials, and
society at large to resolve the crisis
peacefully through dialogue, with
respect for the rights and dignity of all
Hondurans.
The Honduran EMC has about 9,000
members, and it works in partnership
with Mennonite Central Committee
(MCC) in projects related to education, public health, the rehabilitation
of former gang members, and other
needs.
Pastor Adelid Romero, secretary of
the steering committee of the HEMC,
said in a phone interview that the
statement took a conciliatory position
on a critical issue.
The statement calls on Christians “to
not further promote the polarization
of the Honduran family, but rather to
forge paths that will lead to peace….”
It also calls on the government to
respect the rights of Hondurans,
including the right to information and
freedom of movement, and to respect
the rights of the deposed president,
who has been forced to remain outside
the country.
Romero added that the political
crisis has created fear and uncertainty
about the future of the economy in
Honduras, which is one of the most
impoverished nations in Central
America.
He said that the church asks the
international community to support
a peaceful and just resolution to the
crisis, and he called on Mennonites
in Canada and the U.S. to pray for
mediation efforts that are taking place
in Costa Rica.
The church’s statement is available
online at mcc.org/honduras.
Tim Shenk, MCC
THE MESSENGER September 16, 2009
Continental Mission in Thompson, Man.,
is looking for a director, assistant director,
and workers. Contact board chairman Ruben
Goertzen ([email protected]) for job descriptions,
or call Bill Penner 204-679-1005 for information. An evangelical ministry, Continental Mission
(started in the 1940s) is involved in evangelism,
church planting, camping, and drop-in ministries
among First Nations people, mostly in northern
Manitoba.
North Kildonan Mennonite Brethren Church
in Winnipeg, Man., is looking for a children’s
ministry director. The children’s director, who
will focus on visioning and implementing a Christcentred children’s program, will be an integral
part of the pastoral leadership team. The children’s
director is a half-time position. For an applicant
who also has a vision for small groups ministry,
consideration will be given for a full-time position
including both ministry responsibilities. NKMB
is a multi-generational congregation of nearly 600
members with many young families. Inquiries and
resumes may be sent to: Search Committee, NKMB,
1315 Gateway Rd., Winnipeg MB R2G 1P2 or email:
[email protected].
Mennonite Foundation, a donor-advised charitable foundation (est. 1973) with 17 employees
and an operating budget of $1.9 million, seeks an
executive director. The director is responsible to
the board and will provide strategic leadership,
directing and managing the overall operation.
The candidate must be a church member in one of
MFC’s six supporting conferences.
MFC promotes financial stewardship from
a Christian perspective, creates opportunities
for people to be generous with their financial
resources, provides stewardship education for
churches and members, is committed to socially
responsible investing, and provides loans to
constituent churches and related charities.
We are a growing and dynamic organization
with over $100 million under management. The
head office is in Winnipeg, Man., with four other
offices across Canada.
MFC offers a competitive salary and benefits
package. Resumes should be submitted to
Personnel Committee, MFC, 12-1325 Markham
Road, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6; edsearch@
mennofoundation.ca.
Rainbow Christian School, in Vanderhoof,
BC, seeks a principal.
RCS is a growing K–8 Christian professional
learning community and has been in operation
for 20 years. It is a classified Group 1 Independent
School and currently has a staff of six and an
enrollment of about 80 students.
Applications must include: resume, three
references (including a pastor’s), transcripts,
BCCT certificate, statement of faith, philosophy of
Christian education.
The principal is a full-time position (.6 admin.
and .4 teaching).
Send a cover letter, resume, philosophy of
Christian education with statement of faith.
Rainbow Christian School Search Committee,
Box 710, 2994 Burrard Ave., Vanderhoof, BC V0J
3A0; ph: 250-567-3127; fax: 250-567-3167; e-mail:
[email protected].
19
kids’ corner
Loreena Thiessen
W
Words that sparkle
hat is something that you use every day?
Your answer could be any item on a long
list of things: your sneakers, toothbrush,
soap, paper, pencils, your bike, the school
bus, or your phone. My answer is words, the units of
speech you use to communicate with your family and
friends.
There are many kinds of words. Which words will you
choose?
The words you choose to use will depend on their
meaning and your purpose. What do you want your
words to do?
Some words are strong and commanding: “Stop!”
“Private! No Trespassing!” “Don’t Touch!” “Don’t Walk!”
“Slow Down!” “Quiet!” You are expected to obey these
words. If you do not obey them you may get hurt or
you may have to leave, if it’s a library, or you may get a
detention or a time out.
Some words show your intent, what you want to do.
For example, if you say, “May I help you?” you show
that you want to do something that will help someone
out, perhaps make her job a little easier. Or, if you say
to a friend, “Would you like to come over after school?”
you are offering to share your time and your home
space with someone. This could make your friendship
stronger.
Some words are like music. Their sounds are
important, like in a poem:
Psalm 119:105 and John
17:17 say that God’s
words are truth, a lamp
to guide you.
PAGE 20
“One, two, buckle my shoe,
Three, four, shut the door,
Five, six, pick up sticks,
Seven, eight, shut the gate….”
In this nursery rhyme the words are short, simple
and bouncy. They are easy to remember. Try repeating
it to a baby or a small child. The sounds and rhythm
may make him giggle or soothe him.
Words change over time. How they are spelled may
change. Their meaning may change too.
Look at the word dog. A dog is a four-footed furry
tame animal that barks, can be trained, and is thought
of as man’s best friend. Long ago this was the only
meaning for dog. Later dog became an action word
meaning to follow. Now, to dog someone means to follow
him.
Dog can also be used to describe, such as, this animal
belongs to the dog family.
The spelling of dog has changed too. Long ago, in the
time of Shakespeare in England, dog was spelled dogge.
Words are important. Proverbs 25:11 says the right
words spoken at the right time are like “apples of gold in
pictures in pictures of silver.” They sparkle.
Psalm 119:105 and John 17:17 say that God’s words are
truth, a lamp to guide you.
T
Which words will you choose to use? M
Activity
Do you know these words? Match them if you can.
scan
sky path for birds
pipa
caught in the act
tot
donut
red handed
fridge
star dust
go away
fogdog
look
flyway
child
cruller
a cloud of stars
Shoo!
a light bow
ice box
frog
THE MESSENGER
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
440 Main Street
Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5
Publications Mail Agreement #40017362
PAP Registration #9914