MessengerMessengerEVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCEVOLUME 44 NUMBER 2 JANUARY 25, 2006

MessengerThe

of evangelism in Mennonite churches

The rise and fall

� THEMESSENGER

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MessengerThe

EDITORTerry M. Smith

ASSISTANTEDITOR

Rebecca Buhler

MESSENGER SCHEDULE:No.04–February��(copydueFebruary10)

of the three is an indication of just how small a market SBC generally draws from—though I trust that SBC’s working to change that. Through our support or lack of it, we decide how healthy the college will be. Can SBC improve? All institutions can.

In fall 1979 I transferred into Steinbach Bible College and graduated with a degree in 1980. Both the college and I have gone through changes since then. I’ve many good memories of my time on campus, and even attended a few courses after graduating. The training has served me well within my work in various settings.

Potential students might want to travel away from home. With our conference’s now being spread across five provinces, some students have to travel far to attend SBC.

For some people in southern Manitoba, the college might seem perhaps too close, too familiar. But I’d suggest they take a second look. Sometimes the overlooked girl next door turns out to be the prettiest of all.

Terry M. Smith

human heart there is a need for justice. Classic Christian concerns about sin and atonement respond more to Canadian and American human needs than Hall suspects. And even Hall has said “there is a sense in which none of us, no matter how (comparatively!) good we are, can stand before the Holy without guilt” (God and Human Suffering, Augsburg, 1986, p. 153).

But while Hall overplays the charge of “slogans” and underplays the need for an atonement to deal with our actual guilt, TV shows are inadequate to respond to the deeper realities of justice and grace. That’s where the Church comes in—through its members, pastors and theologians.

God’s bad news and good news (Romans 3:23–26) is for rebels, whatever side of the jail cell we are on.

Terry M. Smith

editorials

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In 1993 Douglas John Hall, a United Church theologian, wrote that most Canadians and Americans can’t connect with the thought that we are

guilty sinners who need the substitutionary atoning death of Christ. Those for whom it resonates, he suggests, reflect more “slogans and incantations” than “any help from hard thinking” (Professing the Faith, Augsburg, p. 474).

What might Hall say now, more than a decade later? Today many people watch shows such as CSI: Miami, Law and Order, Bones, and Criminal Minds. Viewers seem preoccupied with scientific method, truth, the legal system, crime, justice, and punishment. Many viewers, we may assume, are beyond the alleged “incantations” of the Church.

These TV shows suggest that within the

Douglas John Hall, crime dramas, and us

Considered our college?

Have you considered our college?Canada has many fine Bible

colleges; I’ve taken courses in at least four of them. The

Kingdom of God is much wider than EMC or Anabaptist circles—that awareness underlies my editorials.

But Steinbach Bible College has a unique role within our conference. It’s the only bachelor-level institution with which the EMC has an official relationship; we’re a partner. It’s our college, as EMC moderator Ron Penner and SBC president Abe Bergen have reminded delegates at national conference council meetings.

Further, SBC is an inter-Mennonite conference college that largely draws its students from within three small denominations. That the EMC is the largest

Steinbach Bible College has a unique role within our conference. It’s the only bachelor-level institution with which the EMC has an official relationship. It’s our college.

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coming eventsMarch 13–15Revive Your Soul!TyndalePastorsandLeadersConference416-��6-66�0www.tyndale.ca/revive

March 24-25Church Planting in CanadaSBCLeadershipConferenceSteinbachBibleCollegeSteinbach,Man.�04-3�6-6451,ext.���

April 1MDSBanquetRichmondParkChurchBrandon,Man.GuestSpeaker:KevinKingExecutiveCoordinator866-�61-1�74

April 30SBCGraduation�04-3�6-6451

Holiday Travelpresents 7th annual

Mennonite Heritage Ukraineand

Historical Russia Tour18 days in Kiev, Zaporazhye,Moscow and St. Petersburg

Departure date: May 29, 2006For more tour details contact

Tour host: Len Loeppky204-326-2613

aloeppky@mts.net14 Springwood Bay

Steinbach, MB R5G 2E8or

Sylvia Bartlett at Holiday TravelClearspring Centre Unit 23,

178 PTH 12NSteinbach, MB R5G 1T7

Steinbach Bible College has started the search for a new president.

Rev. Abe Bergen recently resigned as president after serving for five years. Prior to that, he served for five and a half years on the SBC Board of Directors. Bergen will be joining the staff at Canadian Mennonite University as its Director of Development in July 2006. SBC’s board, faculty, and staff wish him well in this new venture.

Abe is only the sixth president of Steinbach Bible College in its 70-year history. He stepped into the presidency in the midst of the college’s major expansion and fundraising plans. He successfully saw the completion of the project’s first and second phases, which included college classrooms and offices, along with an upgrade in the chapel. The college and its constituency celebrated this major progress at the grand opening in October of 2004 and have another phase in the planning stages.

Chairman Jake Thiessen says the college’s board of directors met on Saturday to call on the executive to start the process of locating a leader who has a love and passion for the ministry

of SBC and who can guide the college at this crucial time.

Steinbach Bible College draws students from across Canada, the U.S., Mexico, Belize, and overseas. The college serves in developing church leaders and discipled believers. Beyond its pastoral, mission, and music emphases, the college—in its commitment to offering a flexible program attractive to a wider range of students—has expanded to include the social work program with William and Catherine Booth College in Winnipeg.

Though it welcomes and draws upon wider circles, SBC’s support comes largely from within the Chortitzer Mennonite Conference, Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference, and Evangelical Mennonite Conference.

SBC

SBC begins search for new president

Elma Janzen (La Crete Christian Fellow-ship) began Spanish language study at RGBI in January 2006. Please pray for Elma as she begins studies in preparation for missionary service in Mexico.

people movement

Lester and Darlene Olfert (Steinbach EFC) have been accepted for a short-term assignment (February to June) to lead work teams at the Gethsemane Orphanage and to assist EMC-related churches in Nicaragua.

Sally and Jake Knelsen have been accepted to give guidance to the church council and assist in giving member care to Hillside Church (Camp 306) in Chihuahua State, Mexico.

4 THEMESSENGER4 THEMESSENGER

The

fall

and

Background image from Martyrs Mirror by Thieleman J. van Braght. Published by Herald Press, Scottdale, PA 15683. Used by permission.

rise

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In recent years, there has been an increasing growth in evangelism and outreach around the world. To the early Anabaptists of the sixteenth century, this would not have been surprising; they might have expected better results.

Theirs was also a time when many people came to faith and new churches sprang up. Yet there were many differences between their times and ours. Faith, for them, was a matter of life and death.

Despite persecution, Anabaptists bore witness to the power of God in Christ, and many people responded to the bold pronouncement of gospel truth. Tens of thousands of Europeans became Anabaptist believers.

These new Christians expressed their faith through their work, family relationships, and church life. This became a distinctive feature of these early believers. Before conversion, they may have attended church once a week; as Anabaptists they were at all times the believers’ church.

This pointed out their difference with churches around them. Catholics, Lutherans, Calvinists and Anglicans were members of state churches, not by choice, but by birth. Anabaptists chose the church, and full personal responsibility for evangelism. All members actively proclaimed the message of salvation which they themselves had accepted. Not all could read, but their hearts and minds were fi lled with God’s Word. The cost was high, but the rewards were greater—it would bring eternal bliss in heaven.

of evangelism in Mennonite churches, 1525–2006

fall

Jake Knelsenrise

6 THEMESSENGER

Late in the sixteenth century, however, something happened. The first generation of Anabaptists had lived and died. Succeeding generations took a different view of evangelism. Persecution decreased, and zeal and impact diminished. What prompted this change?

First, constant danger must have been a factor. Calvinist religion won the upper hand in Europe, and did not permit the Mennonites to meet freely for worship, or to freely propagate their principles. Governments, too, told them to “keep silent and quiet.”

Thus those who had turned Europe upside down now became the Stille im Lande (Quiet in the Land).

Centuries later, on the plains (steppes) of Russia, Mennonites were given some important freedoms,

but proselytizing their neighbours was forbidden. Yet, these problems were also encountered by the first generation of Anabaptists. Why did they dare to evangelize when later generations did not?

One reason was the high expectation of the soon return of Christ. When Christ did not come in their time, evangelism waned and new church emphases emerged. Leaders paid more attention to organizing individual congregations and the focus turned inward. Evangelism took second place.

There was also a move toward individual and personal faith. The Anabaptists ceased to hold one another accountable—that would be meddling. The result was a greater emphasis on the inner life, one not open to scrutiny and judgment. But the church’s real message was not verbal, the leaders said. The witness of the brotherhood, love, unity and devotion was its message. Church growth should come from within, and the aim of the Mennonite faith was to create a separated community.

When revival began to touch the churches of Europe in the 1800s, the messages of personal salvation and assurance and the accompanying evangelical responsibility filtered eastward to Russia. Mennonite elders found themselves in a dilemma. Would they “keep the traditions of the fathers,” or would they acknowledge the truth of the revival message? The latter required some reversals.

The emphases of discipline over outreach, on cultural trappings as signs of the God’s blessings, the accrual of power to the elders—these did not fit well with revival liberty. As well, assurance of salvation smacked of heresy. All one could do was live a disciplined life in the hope of salvation, they said.

By 1860 some groups separated from the larger church, in part so that they could become missionary churches. These new groups soon commissioned missionaries to India, then to China, and eventually around the world. Between 1880 and 1930, North American Mennonites founded at least 16 foreign missionary programs and deployed over 400 missionaries. The real Mennonite ethic had been dormant long enough.

As in all evangelical churches, there has been a rise, fall and rising again of the missionary zeal in Mennonite circles. Are there peculiarities in the Anabaptist-Mennonite experience that can be identified? Are there tendencies we can learn from?

First, it should be noted that the initial evangelical thrust is mirrored in other denominations. Luther shone more brightly in his time than later Lutherans. Knox spoke more boldly than later Presbyterians. John and Charles Wesley in their time were the most active and prolific Methodists. Menno Simons stands out among Anabaptists.

The 1600s do not present themselves well for any of the early churches. Neither Lutherans nor Calvinists occupied themselves with missions. After the early reformers, all or most of the new denominations fell into a pattern of church governance. In this, the Mennonites were not unique.

But Mennonites were unique in several respects in the 1500s. The believers-only church rejected the implications of child-baptism, that is, the state church. This difference put them in conflict with other churches. Consequently, the pesky Mennonites were harassed and harried out of their towns and cities, and sometimes out of their country, into remote places, the winkles (corners).

It was a small step for these persecuted Christians to find biblical support for “coming out from among them.” By 1650

Between 1880 and 1930, North American Mennonites founded at least 16 foreign missionary programs and deployed over 400 missionaries.

As in all evangelical churches, there has been a rise, fall and rising again of the missionary zeal in Mennonite circles. Are there tendencies we can learn from?

January�5,�006 7

with our missionaries

God is above, He’s so faithful, as I walk on life’s long winding road, He is tenderly guarding and guiding, of His grace He’s so freely bestowed. God is so good to me.

This song sung by Jack Stenekes has been a blessing and encouragement to me for the past year and half. As 2005 has closed and I reflect on the many blessings to be thankful for, they could fill several pages.

Probably many are the same ones that you are thankful for: Good health for myself and my family, the ability to travel, family reunion, opportunities to share some of the highlights of my life with others, a church family that cares, mentors to help me grieve and grow through difficulties, children and grandchildren that extend themselves on my behalf building relationships, as well as extended family that cares

Texas

Learning in order to servedeeply. I am blessed indeed.

The year 2006 will have some additional challenges as I prepare for the future. I recently received confirmation from Rio Grande Bible Institute, Edinburg, Texas, I have been accepted to enter their Spanish language program. Without a doubt this will be a challenge unlike any other I have ever attempted to do. Only by the grace and strength from the Lord will I be able to accomplish my desired goal: To learn Spanish and work with believers in Mexico.

The first semester runs from January to May. The upside of this is that I will miss the coldest part of the winter, coming back in May when everything is awakening with the spring season just in progress.

As in the past, I would appreciate

your prayers should I come to your mind in the coming days and months, and in the same manner I will pray for you.

And the Lord said to Moses, “This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

May you experience “the Lord’s blessing” throughout 2006.

Elma Janzen

Elma Janzen (La Crete) has started Spanish language study in Texas. Previously, with her late husband George, she served in the guesthouse in El Paso, Texas, and was involved with a local church in Mexico.

they developed a finely-tuned doctrine of separation. Isolation was not only necessary for survival—it was necessary for salvation. They did not deal well with the tension between the church and the world.

A second peculiarity of the Mennonite people was in their teaching of the role of the Holy Spirit. The Munster debacle of 1525 may have been responsible for this neglect. Muntzer’s militaristic methods did not fit well with the Anabaptist teaching of nonresistance. More importantly, his extensive teaching on the Holy Spirit’s work in our salvation made it difficult for other reformers to identify themselves with this area of theology.

Mennonites in particular, because of connections to Muntzer, would have been reluctant to dwell on the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian, the church, and in missions. Perhaps Mennonites, more than others, have had a conflict of interest in regard to the individual gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Third, there has been an inordinate emphasis among Mennonites on

the doctrine of discipline. The deep desire for unity—and an outward expression of that unity—has led repeatedly to disciplinary action. Reconciliation has sometimes appeared to be less important than reinforcement of the code of unity. Whereas the early Anabaptists put great weight on the importance of individual discipleship, later churches emphasized corporate discipline.

Perhaps these are some areas where Mennonites can do better and thus insulate themselves against the time when the evangelical winters come again. We can better understand the call to separation from sin, but not from the world. We can learn to live with tension between our values and those of the world—a creative tension that allows us to engage critically with the culture around us.

We can learn and teach the doctrine of the Holy Spirit more fully, permitting him to be our Teacher and Guide in the work of missions. We can become more proactive in the realm of discipleship, preparing reliable men and women to teach others also (2 Timothy 2:2).

Jake Knelsen is a retired school teacher, former chair of the EMC Board of Missions, and currently assists in giving member care to Hillside Church (Camp 306) in Chihuahua State, Mexico. He is married to Sally.

MT

Helen slowly stood up to speak. Facing an audience was scary for her.

As she looked around at the guests who had come to celebrate their 50th wedding

anniversary, she noticed some rather startled expressions. Helen did not speak in public!

She looked with love at her children and grandchildren. Eleven little ones had been born to her, and even though it happened many years ago, she still remembered the pain of losing one little girl, when medical help was unavailable in their isolated bush camp.

Helen thought of the rough spots through their 50 years together, which had begun early because the Great Depression made most people’s lives difficult. Her husband Dave supported the growing family by operating a garage in a small town.

She remembered moving to the farm in Landmark and felt a quiet pride at Dave’s ingenuity when he established a puffed wheat plant there.

But Helen’s career seemed to revolve around the kitchen, even more so than for most mothers. She remembered the many years she had cooked, not only for her family, but also for hordes of young men who worked in the intense cold, logging and cutting pulpwood at their bush camps. The outdoors made these fellows ravenous, so mountains of food must be prepared. And she served great meals, making sure they were well fed, even on occasion serving pie for breakfast!

Fortunately, she sometimes found time for a relaxing game of Scrabble after the dishes were taken care of in the evening. And, she recalled with a faint smile, she’d been rather good at it!

Then she began to speak:“I know that women don’t often share in public, and

I don’t feel comfortable doing so, but I want to tell of an experience I had early in our marriage. I have never spoken of it in public, but today I want to give glory to God for His wonderful protection.”

It happened when they lived in the small town of Lorette, Man., where Dave had his garage. This was in the days before hoists, so he had a pit dug into the floor of the garage, and shored it up with a concrete wall. When the mechanic needed to work on the underside of a vehicle, the car was positioned over the pit. The mechanic then crawled into the hole and could stand up to do his work.

Helen was a busy mother with five youngsters to care for and was expecting another one soon.

It was time to stoke the stove and she hurried out to bring in an armload of firewood. The woodpile was near the mechanic’s pit. As she pulled at the doorknob to open the door, it suddenly came off in her hand. She felt herself falling backwards, teetering on the edge of the pit. With the load of wood and her unborn child weighing her down, she was helpless to regain her balance.

Suddenly she felt a strong arm on her back, which gently drew her upright and steadied her on her feet. She felt a wonderful sense of warmth and protection flood through her and turned to thank her rescuer. But there was no one there!

“I know that was an angel sent by God,” she concluded. “I realize I will go to meet Him one of these days, and wanted to be sure I had told you of His wonderful love.” She did go to meet Him some years later, and may have had the chance to thank her rescuer personally.

We know angels are around us and probably intervene many times unbeknownst to us. But when we do sense His protection, we should praise our Heavenly Father whose love is so far beyond our understanding. It might be good for us staid German Mennonites occasionally to “shout aloud and sing for joy” (Isaiah 12:6) as we praise Him!

a woman’s journey of faithBetty Koop

HELEN: ‘He will give his angels charge over thee…’

We know angels are around us and probably intervene many times unbeknownst to us. But when we do sense His protection, we should praise our Heavenly Father.

8 THEMESSENGER

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Several years ago Mennonite Foundation of Canada produced a study series entitled Managing God’s Good Gifts. As the title implies, we are called to manage the gifts God has

entrusted to our stewardship such as creation, the good news of Jesus, time, abilities, our bodies and any other opportunities life may offer.

For some the term “gift” may conjure up images of a neatly wrapped package with ribbons and bows just begging to be opened and relished. Others may be reminded of earlier gifts that required hours of complex assembly before they could be enjoyed.

God’s gifts come in various stages of readiness. Some gifts like salvation, air, and time are simply gifts to be received as is--no assembly required. Just rip off the wrappings and enjoy.

Others are like a kit where every part is numbered and the pieces simply snap together making assembly a breeze. This might include musicians who seem to be able to pick up a variety of instruments and, without much training, play them skillfully.

And then there are gifts that require signifi cant work before they can be used and enjoyed. Here God simply supplies the raw materials and then expects us to see the potential and make something good of the situation. Maybe the bulk of God’s gifts fall into this category. But even though these gifts come to us as raw materials, make no mistake about it, they are still gifts from God.

Gifts in this last category are like roughhewn, sturdy oak boards at the local home building supply store. Casual shoppers strolling by may simply think of them as rough lumber. But when a furniture builder looks at the boards, she can picture a beautiful oak dining room table and chair set, sanded to a glassy fi nish displaying all the natural beauty of oak.

Many of the gifts we receive from God are like that--diamonds in the rough. Though quick with numbers, the company accountant spent years learning the trade and working under supervision. The computer techie may be a natural, but

will still need extensive training and experience before a major bank will call him when their computer network fails.

Though God provides the air that makes fl ight possible, birds must still fl ap their wings and take that leap of faith. While God created an abundance of crawly, creepy bird food, the birds still have to get off their branches to hunt and scratch for food.

They still have to build nests to rear their young and keep them safe from predators (our neighbour’s cat). And unless Mom and Dad bird bring food to their young in the nest, the baby birds would starve. Yes, God “feeds” the birds (Matthew 6:26), but they still have to hunt for their supper.

To say that God “provides” for us does not mean that God does everything and we do nothing. God offers us the raw materials of life, time, and ability. Then we, as entrepreneurs or stewards, take these gifts, each within our own unique life setting and make the most of them.

Our abilities and opportunities are different, but the challenge is the same--make the most of what God has given. We are partners. God provides the wind but we must put up the sail. Make sure you hoist your sail. You never know when the wind might pick up.

For stewardship education and services, contact your nearest Mennonite Foundation of Canada offi ce. Abbotsford – Dave Kroeker, 1-888-212-8608; Calgary – Gary Sawatzky, 1-877-717-0708; Niagara – Darren Pries-Klassen, 1-888-212-8731, Kitchener – Mike Strathdee, 1-888-212-7759, Winnipeg – Edwin Friesen, 1-800-772-3257.

Some assembly required

stewardship todayEdwin Friesen

MT

We are partners. God provides the wind but we must put up the sail. Make sure you hoist your sail. You never know when the wind might pick up.

January�5,�006 9

10 THEMESSENGER

with our churches

Mennville, Man.: We had quite a few people from our church going on MDS trips. I’ve asked a few of them to help me with this report.

Stan Brandt: To go and help out with MDS is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and I got the chance to go this summer. The four of us—Daryl Barkman, Ray Kroeker, Rick Bergen, and myself left on November 28, 2005, and were gone about two and a half weeks.

One of the highlights for me was the dedication that they do for each house when the owner moves in. We worked under great project directors, Roy and Elaine Enns. The second week I got promoted to group leader and head electrician. It was challenging but very rewarding. Overall, it was a good experience and I hope to do it again sometime.

Ray Kroeker: Our work consisted of framing, roofing, electrical, and some

Mennville members serve with MDSmudding and taping. The projects we worked on were new houses, all at different stages of completion. I really enjoyed meeting and working with many other volunteers from other parts of the country. I enjoyed great food and fellowship and, of course, the nice weather too. This was an excellent experience, and I hope to do it again.

Daryl Barkman: I had the privilege of spending two weeks in Wauchula, Florida, doing MDS work. I was able to help at four different homes. I helped frame a house, did some shingling, and also some mudding and taping. At the place where I helped to frame the house, the owner told me she would not mind if she couldn’t move into her house for another year. This made me think that maybe the RV trailer she was living in was much better than the house she had before.

It was encouraging to work together

with people of different backgrounds for one purpose: To help those in need. Even though I personally had not worked at the home, it touched me when the owner was given the keys. MDS is a good experience, and I would encourage others to also make it a part of their lives.

Pete Dueck: I was fortunate to be able to go to Gulfport, Mississippi, to see firsthand the devastation of Hurriane Katrina, to hear homeowners tell their stories, see tears as they sifted through the ruins, see their smiles when they realized we were there to help (for free), and to accept the hearty thank-yous for coming to help. It was a blessing to me to have a very small part in the cleanup of Hurricane Katrina.

Rick Bergen (Wauchula, Florida) and Milton and Mary Friesen (Bayou LaBatre, Oklahoma) also report that it was a rewarding experience.

Luella Brandt

Prairie Rose (Landmark, Man.): John 3:16—that is the key to everlasting life, you see. Many people have answered the call this year, at home and abroad.

On July 4, Nita Wiebe, drama director and backdrop artist, set the stage for a week-long safari adventure in the Prairie Rose Jungle. Nita and many faithful DVBS

Who will go?volunteers presented the Gospel message in a creative way. They performed exciting skits and lively music to keep the children focused on the message. Theme crafts were also included and these would be used to remind the children of what they had learned that week.

On July 24–29, our youth pastor Nathan Plett and youth sponsor Stephanie Reimer led a team of eager senior youth, who answered the call to

a northern Manitoba town called Grand Rapids, where they ran the summer DVBS Program. Landmark’s group teamed up with local pastor Fred Neff of Continental Missions, and another missions team from Nebraska called the Lutheran Association of Missionaries and Pilots (LAMP).

Another call came, then Randy Hepner went! On August 1–5, Randy went to a small native community near

Jayelle Friesen, Kaitlin Driedger and Hannah Wiebe act out a scene from the on-going drama and later used these spray bottles to wet down the audience.

Those who became members on Feb. 13, 2005: (back row) Rob Giesbrecht, Michelle Giesbrecht, Clinton Wiebe, Keith Reimer, Kelly Chester, Henry Wieler, (front row) Shelly Kroeker, Vanessa Plett, Victoria James, Kim Chester, Karen Hiebert (Murray Hiebert is missing from picture).

January�5,�006 11

Grand Rapids summer missions team: (back row) Rebecca Klassen, Brendan Valks, Fred Neff (Continental Missions), Nicholas Rippstein (LAMP worker), (middle row) Prairie Rose youth pastor Nathan Plett, youth sponsor Stephanie Reimer, Sam Plett, Amanda Bridge, Karlee Dyck, Rebekah Krusemark (LAMP worker), Kathy Rippstein (LAMP worker), (front row) Lindsay Aurich (LAMP worker), Jenny Friesen, Tara Rimer, Lindsey Mellgren (LAMP worker), Niccole Sedlmayr (LAMP worker), and Stephanie Rippstein (LAMP worker).

the town of Grand Rapids, Man., where he ran a Christian baseball camp for the native youth.

So, who will go next? Well done, good and faithful servants!

Jesus said, “Follow Me,” and on February 13, twelve obedient disciples gave their public testimonies and became members of our local body of believers.

Ten were baptized upon confession of their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior; Murray Hiebert and Shelly Kroeker were previously baptized.

Each person’s testimony will reached the ears of others who will become believers. I am always fascinated at how God draws people to himself. Some who have grown up in the community of

faith have decided it was time to make a public commitment to follow Jesus, while others come by way of programs run by the church. The Alpha program, in particular, has drawn many people to seek the face of God. Be encouraged, all of you, that your public testimony has had an impact for the kingdom of God.

On May 29, 2005, fourteen couples publicly professed their desire to teach their children in the way they should go. That is to be followers of “The Way, the Truth and the Life, who is Jesus.” We, as a congregation of fellow believers, must also help and support these parents in their desire to raise godly children.

Participating in this ceremony were Peter and Vera Barg with daughter Danika Elisabeth, Scott and Janine Bucholz with daughter Liliana Gayle, Don and Val Doerksen with daughter Brooklyn Jade, Jeremy and Helena Funk with daughter Izabella Margaret, Ian and Prescilla Keating with son Dustin Riley, James and Ang Kroeker with daughter Anika, Reid Pertti and Michelle Laitinen with son Thomas Daniel, Darrell and Angela MacDonald with daughter Kyla Rochelle, Brad and Cynthia Plett with daughter Myla Marie, Kel and Kathy Plett with daughter Kieanna Danae, Kevin and Melissa Plett with son Joseph Archie, Kris and Andrea Plett with daughter Amanda Jane, Scott and Marcia Plett with son Samuel Bradley Quinn, and Paul and Cheryle Warkentine with son Bryce William.

Brigitte Toews

Vanderhoof, B.C.: Where two or three are gathered in His name, there God will stand among you. Most of us believe that with our minds, but what does it take to believe with our hearts?

Our little church has spent much time with bowed heads and kneeling hearts in the past few months. James 1:2–4 says we are “to consider it pure joy” when we have trials. They mold us, refine us, and make us mature, lacking nothing.

In June 2005 our little 15-month-old Tori Stringer was badly burned and, by God’s grace, has fully recovered with minimal scarring. This was our first miracle.

On October 1, 2005, a young girl named Hailey had a tragic swimming accident. Many of her organs were badly damaged and her life on earth hung in the balance. She fell into a coma and we fell to our knees. Once again God was

With bowed heads and kneeling heartsamong us. He wrapped his loving mercy around our church.

Hailey was given a very slim medical chance of surviving. Her parents Pat and Clarence Friesen left her life completely in God’s hands and turned off her life support. Medically her life should have been over, but God leaned in and breathed life into this precious young girl. Today she is working hard at a full recovery. Yet another miracle for our small family of believers. Wow!

Two undeserved gifts from the Almighty God! Somehow it’s hard not to think we have used up our allowance of gifts and mercy for this year. How many times can one church family be delivered from such sorrow?

God once again was present and was hands-on on November 19, 2005. He showed that he is bigger and more amazing than we as humans can wrap

our minds around. The Guenther family was traveling to Burns Lake for a church function. One minute the truck was filled with laughter; the next, cries and screams of terror.

They hit a patch of black ice, and the next moment was filled with sirens and lights. One boy was thrown from the vehicle. Only by the grace of God did the truck come to rest only on his feet.

There were six members in the truck. Out of this came some broken bones, scratches, and many prayers. Naomi, 33, was taken to hospital in Burns Lake. After insistent persistence from her brother Henry, X-rays were taken and she was rushed to Vancouver. Naomi sustained a badly broken back and extreme internal bleeding. Upon surgery, the doctors were once again amazed that this woman did not die.

Naomi should have bled to death

1� THEMESSENGER

Vanderhoof, B.C.: On May 8, 2005, we had two former pastoral couples of Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship visit our church. They were John and Clara Koop from Kleefeld, Man., and Dave and Audrey Wiebe, church planters in Tillsonburg, Ont. (Audrey is John and Clara’s daughter.) Both of these couples

at the scene of the accident. The only possible explanation: God had his loving and merciful hands upon her body. Her blood clotted at an unbelievable speed, allowing her to get to a hospital and obtain the repairs her body needed. God apparently was not fi nished with Naomi. Her work here was not done. Today she is alive, recuperating, and (amazingly enough) walking. We now refer to her as our third miracle.

In conclusion of this update of God’s awesome work in our church, Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship is thankful for our trials, as they have pulled us closer to each other—but, most importantly, closer to God. These trials have shown us God is beside us every step of the way.

In answer my earlier question, what does it take to believe with your heart? Simply look into your own life (or ours) and see how many times God held you when you weren’t strong enough to go on.

Where two or three gather in His name, there God will stand among us. May your church and home be a constant dwelling place for our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Natosha Wiebe

VCF’s present pastoral couple Cathy and Brad Schneck, former pastoral couple John and Clara Koop, missionary couple Peter and Anne Wiebe, and former pastoral couple Audrey and David Wiebe

Former pastoral couples visit VCF congregation

came for the wedding of Dave and Audrey’s daughter Jolene, which was on May 7, 2005. Peter and Anne Wiebe, who formerly served as a minister couple in VCF, had just returned from a mission assignment.

Peter Wiebe

EMC congregations are reminded that their local updated histories are needed by GAMEO, says Henry Fast, our EMC representative on the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada.

GAMEO stands for Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia On-Linewww.gameo.org. It is an international encyclopedia that highlights the Anabaptist faith and history. MHSC endorses it and is a partner in it. Its predecessor was the Canadian Mennonite Encyclopedia On-line, a project of MHSC that began in 1996. In 2005 the project became international and was renamed GAMEO.

Congregations are welcome to submit their local updated histories. There is a standard format to use. Go to GAMEO, then site map, resources for writers, and congregations. Detailed instructions are given.

EMC Archives Committee

SBC Leadership Conference 2006

Church Planting in Canada

For more information or to register—call Christal 204-326-6451 or 1-800-230-8478visit our website www.sbcollege.ca

Pre-

regi

stra

tion

Pref

erre

d

SBC LeadershipConference 2006

Church Planting in Canada

For more information or to register—

• call Christal 204-326-6451 or1-800-230-8478

• go to www.sbcollege.ca

Pre-registration Preferred

Speaker: Ewald Unruh, Director of Leadership Development and Evangelism Canada for the MB Conference

Date: March 24-25, 2006

Time: Friday, 1 pm to Saturday 3 pm

Place: SBC Chapel

Cost: $40 by March 15 / $50 after March 15

Speaker: Ewald Unruh, Director of Leadership Development and Evangelism Canada for the MB Conference

Date: March 24-25, 2006

Time: Friday 1 pm to Saturday 3 pm

Place: SBC Chapel

Cost: $40 by March 15/ $50 after March 15

Leadership Conf 2006 CMYK.indd 1 20-Dec-2005 8:55:26 AM

GAMEO wants your church’s updated history

January�5,�006 13

MDS is active! Several project sites are now open for the spring. Please continue to pray for MDS as we seek to fi nd additional leaders as well as adequate facilities to host volunteers.

Princeville, North Carolina – Full through February 2006.

Arcadia, Florida – Full through March 2006.

Century, Florida – Full through March 2006.

Wauchula, Florida – Full through March 2006.

Bayou La Batre, Alabama – Volunteers needed for early May.

Pass Christian, Mississippi – Full through March 2006.

Point Aux Chenes, Louisiana – Full through March 2006.

Metairie, Louisiana – Full through March 2006

Newton, Texas – Volunteers needed for March and April.

New Iberia, Louisiana – Volunteers needed for April and May.

Canadian Volunteers (MDS Region V): Remember to connect with the MDS offi ce in Winnipeg, Man., after making service arrangements directly with an MDS project. This will ensure that you receive a border crossing letter, travel assistance/receipting details and other important MDS information. Extension offi ce 866-261-1274 (toll free).

MDS

Dennis and Sue Driedger from Winkler, Man., (Grace Mennonite) are currently MDS project directors in Century, Florida. Seventy Canadians are volunteering in long-term leadership positions during January-February 2006 with another 15 going out March 1. Dozens of short-term weekly volunteers will travel south during these months as well.

Several MDS projects open

Mennonite and other agencies around the world are again seeking the release of Pham Ngoc Thach, the last of the imprisoned “Mennonite Six” Vietnam church leaders.

Thach, 34, completes his two year prison sentence in March 2006. Supporters hope that the government might release him before the January 29 Tet New Year celebration, when Vietnam traditionally grants amnesty to prisoners.

Thach was arrested after a March 2, 2004, incident when church personnel attempted to report undercover agents who had been harassing them. He and fi ve others were convicted by a court of interfering with persons carrying out their offi cial duties and sentenced to prison.

He was beaten and briefl y held in Ho Chi Minh City in December 2003 when house church persons were arrested for distributing unauthorized religious

literature at the Vietnam-hosted regional SEA Games.

Later, when taking Pastor Quang home after a meeting with an international human rights person, Thach was stopped by security police and severely beaten before being released.

In the March 2004 incident, the beating by police offi cers left Thach unconscious. He suffered additional beatings during interrogation sessions over the following weeks. More than four months later, Thach’s father was fi rst allowed to visit his son.

After Thach’s court appeal was denied in April 2005, he was moved to various prisons. His father visited him on December 17 at the K2 prison at Xuan Loc, Dong Nai province. Thach is assigned to farm work, cutting grass, hoeing, and harvesting manioc and corn. He was experiencing back strain from carrying 80 kg loads up steps.

Thach was a pastor’s assistant since 1993 and served as chair of the church’s evangelism committee from 2001 until his arrest. He spent signifi cant time in the central highlands in 2001, encouraging churches of ethnic minorities. Their activities were sharply restricted after minorities protested being pushed off land and curtailed religious freedom.

He is a single man who lived simply with his co-workers after the pattern of Jesus. His aged parents now live alone in failing health in Tan Binh district of Ho Chi Minh City. A younger brother is the only other Christian member of his family.

Mennonite World Conference, Mennonite Church Canada, and Mennonite Church USA have contacted Vietnam government leaders and various diplomatic personnel.

MWC

Pham Ngoc Thach’s release sought

Pham Ngoc Thach

Follow MeA study booklet on examining our wider task as Christians, with a striving for social justice as basic.

Coming Spring 2006!

14 THEMESSENGER

ANDREW SIEMENSJanuary 21, 1991 to

January 23, 2003

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.

Dear Andrew,We miss the twinkle in your eyes and

the sound of your voiceWe would give anything to be able to

weddings

births

NIKKEL – LEGARY: Brent, son of Ed and Mary Nikkel of Portage la Prairie, Man., and Delina, daughter of Alvin and Sherry Legary of Portage la Prairie, were married on October 29, 2005, at Highway Tabernacle Church, with Les Kroeker of Portage la Prairie officiating. The couple lives in Portage la Prairie.

REIMER – KORNELSEN: Jake Reimer of Arborg, Man., and Mary Kornelsen of Steinbach, Man., were married on June 25, 2005. The couple lives in Arborg.

PLETT – LOEWEN: Corey, son of Glenn and Norma Plett of Arborg, Man., and Melissa, daughter of Peter and Rosanna Loewen of Arborg, were married on July 9, 2005. The couple lives in Arborg.

LOEWEN – REIMER: Nelson, son of Rudy and Elda Loewen of Arborg, Man., and Ronelda, daughter of Joe and Grace Reimer of Arborg, were married on July 23, 2005. The couple lives in Arborg.

DYCK – KRAPP: Scott, son of Peter and Dolores Dyck of Roseisle, Man., and Maureen, daughter of Walter and Hedwig Krapp of Roland, Man., were married on July 23, 2005, at Morden Alliance Church, with Kelly Lesser of Roseisle officiating. The couple lives in Morden, Man.

PENNER – to Robert and Gloria Penner of Arborg, Man., a son, Steven Alexander Riley, on November 6, 2005.

LOEWEN – to Ed and Sara Loewen of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Jeremiah Heinrich, on November 20, 2005.

ALDEN – to Chris and Tracy Alden of Treesbank, Man., a son, Austin Christophir James, on December 22, 2005.

The annual meeting of the Canadian Council of Anabaptist Leaders (CCAL) was hosted by Executive Director David Wiebe at the Mennonite Brethren conference offices on Wednesday, November 28, 2005. Don Peters, Executive Director of

CCAL challenges MCC to serve the church

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Canada, chaired the meeting.

Delegates from Anabaptist conferences came together to share highlights of their ministries in Canada. A number of issues of common concern surfaced: Some are

addressing governance models, others are discussing women in ministry leadership, and most have funding challenges. There was uniform concern for global challenges of education, health and poverty.

The CCAL affords an opportunity for the church to interact with MCC. This year MCC reported on its environmental scan of its supporting constituency as it seeks to focus its mission and priorities.

A clear challenge to MCC to be based out of and serve the church through its work came from the conference groups. While this is historically implicit, it was pointed out that it needed to be stated more fundamentally in the mission and vision of MCC. For example, in Colombia the church needs to take responsibility for bringing peace into the country. MCC as an agency working for peace in Colombia should position itself in a way that’s accountable to the churches.

As a summary it was noted, “Our approach is to discover what God’s preferences are, and then figure out a way to get there.” All agreed this could characterize the hopes of the groups represented.

David WiebeExecutive Director

Mennonite Brethren Conference

CCAL participants: (back) Ron Dueck (MCC chair), Dick Wiebe (Bishop of Chortizer Mennonite Conference), Ron Penner (EMC Moderator), Don Peters (MCC Canada Executive Director), Jack Suderman (Mennonite Church Canada Executive Director); (front) Henry Krause (Mennonite Church Canada Moderator), David Wiebe (Mennonite Brethren Conference Executive Director), Brian Bell (Brethren in Christ Bishop).

hold you one more timeWe cry because our hearts are broken

and we miss you so muchWe laugh when something reminds us

of you!We wonder how tall you’d be and how

you would fill your daysWe cherish all our memories of you

andWe long for the day when we will see

you again, but mostlyWe thank God for blessing our home

with you!We love you, Andrew.

Love, Mom and Dad, Jeremy and Carly

January�5,�006 15

EMC Missions seeks missionaries for Mexico and Paraguay.

In both countries, church planters are needed to work alongside national church leaders and missionaries. The fi rst year for new applicants would involve Spanish language study at Rio Grande Bible Institute in Edinburg, Texas. This ministry would include evangelism in both new and existing church locations, discipleship of new believers, Christian education, and church leadership training.

In Mexico, both English- and German-speaking teachers are need for elementary schools in German communities. A pastor-caregiver is needed for Hillside Church in May 2006. German is required. In Paraguay, a nurse is required for Lucero Clinic in East Paraguay.

Contact Ken Zacharias, EMC foreign secretary, at 204-326-6401 or emcken@mts.net.

Endeavour Fellowship Chapel in east-central Saskatchewan, with a congregation of about 50, is currently looking for a pastor. Contact Tom Treen (Elders’ Chairman) at 306-547-3383 or tdpromise@sasktel.net.

La Crete Christian Fellowship in La Crete, Alberta, seeks a youth pastor for a new position as part of our pastoral team. LCCF is a forward-looking church of about 400 regular attendees. The youth pastor will work with the senior pastor to implement our ministry vision of helping people establish and strengthen their personal connection to Jesus Christ. The youth pastor will have a primary role in developing programs and working closely with youth and youth leaders. LCCF’s service to God is based on the core values of a commitment to teaching God’s Word and outreach to the community.

The pastor will be people oriented and have demonstrated abilities in various ministries, including outreach, teaching, and visitation; and be able to train and develop a support network of lay ministers. This is a vibrant church with great potential for spreading the Word through men’s and women’s ministries, AWANA, youth ministry, and small groups. Send a resume with references to lccfc@telus.net or LCCFC, Box 385, La Crete, AB T0H 2H0 Attention: Pastor Frank Winsor.

Kleefeld EMC, a church of about 300 members in Kleefeld, Man., is seeking an associate pastor. The primary focus would be to work

with the youth program in a discipling and mentoring capacity, involving youth and youth workers. This position would also include one other major involvement—depending on the applicant’s giftedness—such as Christian Education resource, music ministry, etc. We are looking for a leader to join us in catching the vision and excitement of a growing church community. Send resumes to Ron Harder, Box 4, Kleefeld, MB R0A 0V0; e-mail kemc@mts.net; phone 204-377-4248.

Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship (EMC) in north-central British Columbia seeks a half-time associate pastor of youth with a love for God and heart for youth. The leader will give mature leadership, work with church in moulding youth, guide them into becoming faithful followers of Jesus Christ, and work within the EMC statement of faith. Our Sunday morning attendance is 100. Our youth group (without a youth pastor for some time) is rebuilding, currently 12 to 20 people, with an average age of 14. There is potential for growth. Contact VCF, Box 377, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0; phone 250-567-9198; fax 250-567-2064; vcfemc@telus.net.

Taber EMC in southern Alberta seeks a senior pastoral couple to start September 2006, due to a retirement. The church is bilingual in Low German and English, and has an average attendance of 125 people. Applicants should contact Nick Enns, 403-223-3386 (cell 634-0020); or Peter Wall, 403-382-9184 (cell 382-9184).

A full-time teacher is needed for three elementary school children of two families serving in Russia (school to start September 2006). Contact Dave and Kim Field at 204-482-6801 or dave-kim_fi eld@ntm.org; or Tim and Joy Watson at 541-485-9888 or timnjoy@bltconline.org. Housing is paid for and support raising is required for $1,500 US per month.

Crestview Fellowship (EMC) seeks a part-time youth director with a strong personal spiritual foundation who is able to build strong relationships with youth. Must have the ability to work alongside a team of youth sponsors in discipling youth, and be creative and energetic in planning regular Bible studies and organizing fundraisers. Contact Pastor Vern Knutson at 204-837-9490. Resumes can be forwarded by e-mail to fi nkswpg@mts.net or by mail to Crestview Fellowship, c/o Christine Fink, 271 Hamilton Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2Y 0H3.

Mennonite Foundation of Canada, a charitable foundation serving seven Anabaptist conferences across Canada, seeks a full-time stewardship consultant for its Kitchener, Ont., offi ce. This person will provide charitable gift and estate planning services and promote biblical fi nancial stewardship in Ontario and Eastern Canada. Needed: To communicate with viduals and for presenting in group settings, understand charitable gift and estate planning; be creative,

shoulder tappingorganized, and self-motivated; incorporate MFC’s stewardship mission in personal life; be part of an interdependent staff team; and be a member of a participating conference. Submit applications by January 15, 2006, to Erwin Warkentin, general manager, 12-1325 Markham Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6; 1-800-772-3257; fax: 204-488-1986; e-mail: ewarkentin@mennofoundation.ca; www.mennofoundation.ca.

MCC Manitoba seeks a full-time administrative assistant for March 2006. The assistant reports to the management team and provides administrative and logistical support to it and other administration staff, assisting with special events coordination and offi ce management. Previous clerical experience is required.

MCCM also seeks a half-time Winkler family services program coordinator. The coordinator takes direction from the program team leader and a local committee. WFS mainly provides settlement assistance to newcomers, primarily Low German-speaking immigrants who seek Canadian citizenship, and works with volunteers to meet settlement needs. Fluency in Low German and English and good written English skills are essential.

Qualifi cations for MCC positions include a Christian faith, active membership in a Christian church and a commitment to nonviolent peacemaking.

Contact Janelle Siemens at jms@mennonitecc.ca or Sol Janzen at sjj@mennonitecc.ca or 204-261-6381. Written applications may be sent to them at 134 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9.

Mennonite Heritage Village (Canada Inc.) seeks an executive director for its museum in Steinbach, Man. The museum is a recognized leader in preserving and presenting Mennonite culture and heritage, welcoming over 70,000 visitors annually (visit www.mennoniteheritagevillage.com).

The director reports to a board of directors and ensures that a balance is maintained among the museum’s priorities: Collections and exhibits, visitor programs, fundraisers, personnel management, physical plant and promotion activities.

The director will have a strong background in business administration, be adept at working with volunteers, and demonstrate an appreciation of our Anabaptist-Mennonite history and perspective. Museum or non-profi t administrative experience is an asset. Application deadline: Feb. 10, 2006. Apply to chairman of the board, Mennonite Heritage Village, 231 PTH 12N Steinbach, MB R5G 1T8.

Inner City Youth Alive, a Christian ministry in the North End of Winnipeg, Man., seeks a workshop program director (full-time, permanent with support raising required). Fax resume to 204-582-4729; mail to ICYA, 418 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2W 1V7; or e-mail icya@mts.net. Pastoral reference required.

Executive PositionA church planting director

is required for the Evangelical Mennonite Conference. The position requires a passion for church growth and development. The Director will work closely with regional churches to encourage and initiate new church plants. Strong written and oral skills are essential. This is a .5 position. For a job description and information, please contact the offi ce at 204-326-6401 or e-mail emconf@mts.net.

First, ask yourself these questions:1. What does that little voice inside your head, your

conscience, tell you to do?2. Would your decision hurt anyone, including

yourself?3. If you lost your wallet which decision would you want the fi nder to make?4. How will you feel about yourself later if you do it?5. What would adults you respect say about your decision?

For a minute you consider these questions. You look over at the cashier. You know the right thing to do.

Just as you take the fi rst step you see a girl, much like yourself, come racing into the shop. She looks around frantically, then heads straight to the cashier. You reach out and hand over the wallet. Instantly the girl’s face changes from panic to relief.

You, the girl, the cashier, and God smile at each other. And deep

down inside you feel really good about your decision.Read Luke 6:31 to guide you.

PAGE16 THEMESSENGER EvangelicalMennoniteConference

440MainStreetSteinbach,MBR5G1Z5

PublicationsMailAgreement#4001736� PAPRegistration#9914

MT

Every day you make choices.Before you go out you decide on the pink T-

shirt or the white one. You wear jeans or sweats. For lunch you choose peanut butter or ham, an

apple or an orange. After school you begin working on your art project or your math assignment. Which one of these you choose on any day doesn’t really matter.

But there are decisions that do matter. These are decisions that are either right or wrong. Here is an example:

You are shopping at the mall with your friend. You have enough money for one item. Let’s say it’s a new T-shirt.

You are in your favorite shop and you spot it. It’s perfect. You decide this is it and you pay for it. Then your eye catches a darling pair of jeans. The legs are embroidered and they go perfectly with the Tee you just bought. You pick them up and let them unfold against your leg. They’re just right.

But your money is spent. Whatever the price you can’t buy them anyway. So you put them back.

As you move away from the rack your foot steps on something. On the fl oor you fi nd a wallet and check it out. Inside is $50. It’s more than enough to cover the jeans and you really want them. At the same time your brain tells you that a lost wallet belongs to a real person. Somebody has lost it and the $50.

What do you do?You can choose. You can choose to take the money,

or you can choose to hand it all in to the cashier. One decision is right. The other decision is wrong. How will you decide?

You Can Choose

Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Luke 6:31

kids’ corner

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