Vol. 42 No. 21 December 1, 2004 - Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Messenger
The
EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE
VOLUME 42 NUMBER 21 DECEMBER 1, 2004
Who adds salt to earth?
Tim Rogalsky asks questions
about a parable
Salt of the Earth:
Reflections
on salt, fertilizer,
and same-sex
marriage
Tim Rogalsky
I
T’S ONE of the better known images in
the New Testament.
I remember clearly the first “salt of
the earth” sermon I heard. I was 17. I’ve
heard many since, but they’ve all been
essentially the same: “As salt seasons and
preserves, we defend the moral fabric of
the world.” It’s almost treated as common
knowledge. References to “salt of the
earth” are casually dropped into sermons,
books, articles, as if everyone knows what
Jesus was talking about. But do we really?
There are two reasons I so clearly
remember a sermon from 20 years ago.
First, I had never understood the salt
image. Second, the sermon didn’t help. To
me, the seasoning and preserving images
have always seemed weak at best, and at
worst deceptive.
The images suggest that there is
much good in the world, and that Christfollowers merely add flavour here, and
preserve moral law there. But we believe
that the world is in fact fallen—dead,
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rotten to the core. Why bother flavouring or preserving rotten
food?
Yet isn’t that exactly what we keep trying to do? Think about
the recent furore over same-sex marriage. How often in the past
year have we been exhorted to attend rallies, write letters, and
sign petitions? “Stand up for the truth,” we’re told, “Homosexuals
are destroying the sacred institution of marriage. If Christians
don’t fight to preserve it, then who will?”
A glance at divorce rates makes it clear that the institution
called “marriage” in Canada has been dead for many years. What
it needs is not to be preserved, but to be resuscitated—the one
thing that legislation and governmental coercion can never do.
Not coincidentally, resuscitation is the one thing the church
has to offer, but it won’t happen by lobbying the government. The
world needs the church to be the church.
Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its
taste, how can its saltiness be restored?” (Matt 5:13). And in Luke,
“Salt is good; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be
restored? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; they
throw it away. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!” (Luke 14:34–
35).
Do we have ears to hear? Good listeners ask questions. Here
are two: What kind of salt loses its taste? The fact is, table salt
(sodium chloride) doesn’t. It is a stable crystal. Boil it, bake
THE MESSENGER
it, freeze it, soak it—it’s still salty.
And second: Who adds salt to earth,
anyway?
So what is this “salt” that loses
its “saltiness”? The Greek word,
usually translated “salt” is halas (V.G.
Shillington, “Sorting Out the Salt
Scenario,” in On a Journey with God:
You come too…, Springfield Publishers,
2003.) Halas can indeed refer to table
salt, but has a much broader meaning.
It’s more like chloride—any natural salt
containing the chloride ion.
But why would Jesus suggest that
it loses its taste? The verb translated
“to lose taste” is mõrainõ,
which actually means “to lose
potency.” (It is the root of our
word “moron.” So to call
someone a moron is to say,
“Your intellectual potency is
diminished.”)
What, then, is this
chloride, and for what is
it potent? The answer lies
in our second question,
“Who adds salt to earth?”
The meaning in Greek is not
world, but literally earth—soil
or land. “Earth salt” is not
sodium chloride (table salt), but
potassium chloride—a natural
salt of potassium, more
commonly known as potash.
Potash is a fertilizer used
in agriculture worldwide, very
familiar to those living in Palestine. In
fact, Israel’s Dead Sea Works Ltd. (www.
dsw.co.il) is the world’s fourth largest
potash manufacturer, exporting to over
60 countries. Their slogan: Giving life to
the earth of Planet Earth.
In our market economy, the word
earth has lost much of its significance.
But to Jesus’ Jewish listeners, the
“earth” of Canaan was life itself! It was
a holy land, promised by God, that gave
both physical food and spiritual life, the
two so intertwined as to be one gift—a
gift from God, stolen by the Romans, in
which the true owners were now slaves.
It had become a land of death.
Jesus says, “You are fertilizer for
a land of death. Renew its life! But if
fertilizer has lost its potency, how can
it regain its life-giving minerals? It’s
not fit for soil. It can’t even supplement
manure. It is useless and thrown
away. Let anyone with ears to hear
listen!” (Notice that he really does mean, “It is not even useful for
manure.” He is not, as we usually assume, using strong language to
indicate how useless it is.)
C
an you see the contrast with the traditional table salt image?
If all we do is season and preserve, the best we have to offer
is to make things a little less ugly, to polish the gray pallor of
death. But fertilizer transforms death into life. What a Christ-like
image! We, the church, his body, bring life out of death. We are
agents of transformation.
By contrast, power politics are tools of oppression and
force. Lobby groups and legal challenges, social coercion and
governmental action—these are weapons of domination, by which
the world’s power-brokers desperately grasp at their false power.
The truth is that they have been disarmed. Christ “has made
a public spectacle of them,
triumphing over them by the
cross” (Col. 2:15).
That’s why our constant
politicking bothers me so
much. The ends cannot
justify the means, if, in the
means themselves, we deny
the cross. When we lobby
the government to oppose
same-sex marriage, abortion,
gambling, etc., when we
petition our school divisions
to allow prayer in schools,
we deny the cross and tacitly
accept the impotence (mõrainõ)
of the church. The body of
Christ has failed to bring life
to the world, so we ask the
world, “Please, use your false
power to look a little less dead.”
In other words, “We will not ‘make a positive contribution to
culture’ by trying to beat the powers at their own game…Instead,
we are called to be a people walking in faithful discipleship to the
way of Christ, and thereby to be the salt and light the rebellious
world so desperately needs” (Lee Camp, Mere Discipleship: Radical
Christianity in a Rebellious World, Brazos Press, 2003).
Allow me to illustrate with two stories. For years, Tom and Sue
had struggled with Sue’s alcoholism, but lately the binges had
been getting worse, and were starting to affect the couple’s two
young children. Late one night, Tom called the pastor with a plea
for help, “Sue is drunk again, and I just don’t think I can take it
anymore.”
The pastor was inclined to offer private counselling (preserve
the marriage, preserve the secret). If that failed, he was prepared
to suggest legal separation (preserve the children). But the next
day, Tom and Sue’s Sunday school teacher phoned the pastor with
an offer to fertilize.
“Tom can’t bear this thing alone. Our Sunday school class will
take over. We’ll handle the meals, we’ll help with the kids, we’ll raise
the money for a rehabilitation program. We’ll show him that he’s not
alone.” That’s the church being the church. (As told in Hauerwas
and Willimon, Resident Aliens: Life in the Christian Colony, Abingdon
Press, 1989.)
If all we do is season
and preserve, the best
we have to offer is to
make things a little less
ugly, to polish the gray
pallor of death. But
fertilizer transforms
death into life. What a
Christ-like image!
December 3, 2004
3
The second is a story of the church
refusing to be the church. I have a
friend—let’s call him Joe—who, like
many youth, struggled with his sexual
identity. A Christian and regular
church attender, Joe frequently heard
how sinful homosexuality was, with
comments about “disgusting perverted
gays,” and jokes about effeminate men.
Rarely, if ever, did he see or hear
fertilizing love for homosexuals, only
platitudes like “Love the sinner, hate the
sin.” Desperately
conflicted, Joe
finally went to his
pastor to confess
that he was
attracted to other
men. The pastor
said a prayer,
sent Joe away,
and never said
Tim Rogalsky, BRS, M.Sc., Ph.D., is
assistant professor of mathematics at
Canadian Mennonite University in
Winnipeg, Man. He and his family live in
Landmark, Man., and attend Prairie Rose
EMC.
another word about it. The judgement, the fear, and the avoidance
are all attempts at preservation—keep the homosexuals a safe
distance away.
Given no reason to hope from the pastor, and hearing only
judgement from the church (which was too busy preserving to
recognize the pain of a young man desperate to be loved), Joe
took the only route he could see, and threw himself into the gay
community. There, for the first time, he found a hint of love,
acceptance, and friendship—a shadow of the real love that is to be
found in the church of Christ.
All Joe really wanted is precisely what the church is supposed
to offer: Love and acceptance in community. Recently, Joe told me,
“If the church would only open its arms to homosexuals, you’d be
surprised at how many would leave the gay community. But the
church doesn’t offer us love, so we go to the only place that does.”
Instead of asking the government to do something that it can
never do (transform the morality of a nation), we ought to be
fertilizing. We ought to be loving (an action, not a feeling) those
that the world rejects—the Toms and Sues and Joes in our lives,
the single parents, the teenage mothers, the widows and orphans.
Eat with them. Help raise their kids. Take them into your homes
and churches. Be an AIDS hospice. Be a rehab centre. Give up your
lives for them. Be the church.
People are the same everywhere—longing to be loved, longing
to be lifted out of oppression, into life and health and peace and
freedom. That is what Jesus does. He is the true life-giver, the
kingdom-bringer. We, the church, are to be like him. We are lifegivers in a land of death. So go find some barren soil, and start
T
fertilizing! M
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM THE CONFERENCE STAFF: Becky Buhler, Assistant Editor/Administrative Assistant; Gerald Reimer,
Conference Youth Minister; Lester Olfert, Foreign Secretary; Len Barkman, General Secretary; Terry Smith, Executive Secretary/
Editor; David Thiessen, Conference Pastor; Ruth Anne Peters, Administrative Assistant; Peter and Trudy Dueck, Church Planting
Coordinators; and Wannetta Fast, Accountant.
(photo by Ed Peters)
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THE MESSENGER
The
editorials
D
Messenger
EDITOR
Terry M. Smith
Elvis Presley and you
O YOU imitate someone?
What about imitating Elvis
Presley? Many people copy the
singer in looks, clothing, mannerisms, and
singing style. Some people have full- or
part-time jobs doing impressions. Presley
impersonators crop up in movies.
Sometimes people undergo surgery to
look like their role model. They endure
expense, pain, and risk to look like someone
they respect and wish to be more like.
But if we imitate someone, will we lose
who we are? What does God think to
see unique individuals manipulate their
physical looks and lives so that they look
like someone whom they are not?
Some pastors try to imitate the style of
their favourite preacher or mentor. Perhaps
that’s useful in a learning stage, and less
helpful if it becomes an evasion of we are.
There is no photograph available of
Jesus. Perhaps that’s good.
Why? The imitation of Christ that we are
to show is to go deeper than his physical
style or mannerisms (Luke 9:23; 1 Pet.
2:21). It relates to the grace Jesus opens for
us, the life and mission he calls us, and the
gifts that we are to use in his name.
S
Get rid of the laybel
OME CHURCHES distinguish between
pastors and lay ministers. Is it really
necessary to refer to ministers as lay
ministers? What practical purpose does it
serve?
What does lay minister mean? Does
it imply inexperienced? Second-class?
Second-best?
Does it mean undereducated? One
definition of layperson refers to people
without special training or knowledge in a
particular area. In reality, many of our selfsupporting ministers have varying and
increasing levels of training—reflecting
the general rise in education within the
EMC. Education is commonly expected of
people who are candidates for ministry
within EMC, and needed to minister to
increasingly educated churches.
Does lay minister mean a minister is
December 3, 2004
We must beware of reducing following
Christ to being part of a cookie cutter
procession. I remember being told of a
Bible institute (not SBC) that years ago
took in women and they all came out
looking the same. That sort of restriction
bothers me. What happened to their Godgiven identity?
Yes, proper imitation can be good. We can
imitate the apostle Paul as he imitates Christ (1
Cor. 4:16; 11:1). The believers at Thessalonica
became imitators of early leaders and of the
churches (1 Thess. 1:6; 2:14).
Perhaps one healthy guideline is this: If
we imitate Jesus Christ, we should discover
more of who we are in Him. Through our
discipleship we should become more
aware of our individual gifts and strengths,
discovering more of who we are in Him.
Be careful who and how you imitate.
Don’t lose your sense of being an individual
with gifts given by Christ for common
good.
Perhaps at a point in their lives, some
people might be surprised to hear God say,
“I know who is Elvis Presley, and you are
T
not him. Can you tell me who you are?” M
Terry M. Smith
self-supporting? Klaas Reimer and later
generations of EMC ministers were selfsupporting. Being self-supporting is
honoured within Scripture; in comparison,
having a fully-supported pastor is, in EMC
terms, a recent change. Historically, then,
it is paid ministers who are unusual. Is
it so important to distinguish between
ministers on the basis of who gets paid
and who doesn’t?
Perhaps churches are attempting to
distinguish between the pastor or leading
minister and other ministers. If this is
necessary, it can still be done without the
laybel. Ministers within our conference
can simply be called that—ministers.
How, or whether, we should use the term
T
lay people at all is another question. M
Terry M. Smith
ASSISTANT
EDITOR
Rebecca Buhler
THE MESSENGER is the pub-lication
of the Evangelical Mennonite
Conference. It is available to the
general public. Its purpose is to
inform, instruct and inspire: inform
concerning events and activities
in the denomination; instruct in
godliness and victorious living;
inspire to earnestly contend for
the faith.
Letters, articles, photos and
poems are welcomed. Unpublished
material is not returned except by
request. The views and opinions
expressed by the writers are their
own and do not necessarily represent
the position of the Conference or the
editors.
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in July and August) by the
Board of Church Ministries of
the
Evangelical
Mennonite
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MESSENGER SCHEDULE:
No. 1 – January 12
(copy due December 31)
5
Field Visit
Mexico urgently needs more workers!
Lester Olfert
Foreign Secretary, Board of Missions
A
PPLE harvest was just beginning
during our field visit to Mexico
in August. Sweet Golden
Delicious and crunchy Red Delicious
apples were ready to be picked. Every
morning trucks full of workers left
for the many apple orchards around
Cuauhtémoc City, in the northern state
of Chihuahua.
Every afternoon, loaded semitrailers left the orchards to transport
harvested apples to markets in
southern Mexico. Cuauhtémoc area
produces the majority of apples that
are consumed in Mexico.
Together with board member Ruth
Penner and her husband Ron, who is
EMC moderator, Darlene and I spent two
weeks visiting missionaries, churches,
national workers and a variety of
ministries. Here are glimpses of ministry in Mexico.
Spanish leaders held a workshop at Santo Tomás Retreat Centre.
which they are considering, but they feel they still need
outside pastoral leadership for a couple of years. Where are
the workers to fill this need?
German work
As we drove into Oasis community we were impressed by
There was evidence of growth in ministry with Germanirrigation pivots and the beautiful crops of cotton, peanuts,
speaking people. Hillside Gospel Church is nearing completion
alfalfa, watermelon and cereal grains. But what really caught
of their new church facility. The kitchen and some Sunday
our attention was the large church construction. The basic
school classrooms need to be finished. Regular Sunday
outside structure is complete and they are already using the
morning attendance is around 80. During the congregational
multi-purpose area for services. The sanctuary and Christian
meeting one man remarked, “I feel like I have come home.
education area still needs a lot of work. They anticipate
I feel welcome and accepted.” During the past year he had
needing another $88,000 to complete the building. The
renewed his commitment to God and is finding victory over
former church building was remodelled to accommodate the
alcoholism and mending family relationships.
growing school.
In light of Peter and Anne Wiebe’s retirement in April 2005,
There was also evidence of growth in Camp 67 church. An
the congregation expressed concerned about future pastoral
older couple, long-time adherents and faithful supporters of the
leadership. I challenged them to elect their own ministers,
church, recently became members. They commented that this
was a special occasion for them; they now realized
that they should have taken this step long ago.
The congregation was appreciative of Peter
and Kathy Friesen’s ministry over the past eleven
years. But they were concerned about future
pastoral leadership. Although local people are
taking greater responsibility in ministry, they still
feel the need for someone to come serve as pastor.
Where are the workers?
We also saw evidence of God is at work in
wider German Mennonite circles. Steinreich Bible
School is planning to expand their facilities to
accommodate a growing student body. They expect
about 150 students for the next school year. Plans
are underway to build a two-story men’s dormitory.
Pray for board members, teachers and staff as they
train these students for life and ministry.
A ray of hope is shining for German Mennonite
Part of a group at a congregational meeting of Hillside Gospel Church.
men struggling with addictions. Centro de
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THE MESSENGER
Rehabilitación Luz en mí Camino (Light on my Way
Rehabilitation Centre) is a ministry started by Old Colony
Administrators and German Mennonite businessmen in
partnership with MCC to help men overcome their addictions
and destructive lifestyle.
John Janzen, a retired schoolteacher from Hanover
division, told of men being transformed. He said one man
testified, “I lost my job, my family and health because of the
addiction to alcohol, but since I’ve come to Centro de Luz,
God has changed my life. It is not easy, but every day is better
than the previous one. After I leave here, there will be many
struggles, but for the first time in my life, I know that I can
trust God to help me through it.”
Spanish ministry
The two-day workshop with pastors and leaders of
Spanish-speaking churches was encouraging. I shared
principles of leadership from the apostle Paul’s address to
the Ephesian elders as recorded in Acts 20. There were times
of prayer and discussions on the challenges of ministry. Most
of the 13 congregations were represented in the group of 40
attendees.
A number of leaders
requested prayer for
strength and wisdom
in
dealing
with
difficulties they were
facing: Criticism, lack
of commitment and
cooperation, and a
shortage of time for
ministry because of
full-time jobs. There
is an urgent need
for more workers in
Spanish ministry. Cathy
Thiessen retires in the
Arnoldo González is president of the spring of 2005. Who will
Evangelical Missionary Conference of go to fill in the gap?
Mexico.
There was evidence
of God at work. The leaders decided to have a two-day meeting
to evaluate and assess their needs and then set goals for their
Conference.
Oscar and Guadalupe of the OSM congregation were
grateful for the encouragement they received by meeting
with other leaders, and expressed a desire to becoming more
faithful in serving God.
A recent e-mail from a pastor reported, “Recently God is
showing us great things. I believe that He has great things
for us, because his grace and love are great. God has been
working things out in our congregation…He is healing our
land.”
Ebenezer Church of Cuauhtémoc strengthened their
ministry team this past year by electing four deacons.
This has enhanced their ministry effectiveness. Recently
the congregation decided to reach out to a new housing
development in Cuauhtémoc. May God grant that the seed
that is sown will fall on fruitful ground!
Who will go?
The rains with which God blessed Mexico this year
beautified the landscape all around. Most of the field had the
promise of a good harvest. Harvest is anticipated with great
expectation and rejoicing.
December 3, 2004
The ministry team of the Ebenezer Church, Cuauhtémoc.
In southern Manitoba the weather conditions have hindered
harvest operations. There was concern and frustration over
the inability to bring in the harvest. Some farmers are facing
great difficulty because of the financial losses.
What about the spiritual harvest? Are we equally
concerned about the people that are perishing without Jesus
and without hope? Jeremiah echoes the despair of such
people, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we
are not saved” (Jer. 8:20). Where are the harvesters for the
T
whitened fields? M
Lester Olfert is EMC Foreign Secretary, responsible for oversight
of mission efforts in Mexico, Paraguay, and Nicaragua.
Mexico has about 120 million people and 31 provinces. With
one exception, EMC mission efforts have been confined to the
one northern province of Chihuahua. In 1969, the EMC had a
high of 18 workers in Mexico; currently we have four in Spanish
work, five in German work, and two at the El Paso guesthouse.
7
letters
‘All the red lights went on’
Thank you for touching on the issue
of the “lostness” of the heathen [Are
the heathen still heathen and are they
still lost? Terrance L. Tiessen, Nov.
3, 2004]. Actually a better term than
“heathen” is the biblical term used in
Acts 26:18, when Jesus sends Paul “to
open their eyes, that they may turn
from darkness to light and from the
power of Satan to God, that they may
receive forgiveness of sins and a place
among those who are sanctified by
faith in me.” Here Jesus confirms how
complete the Fall of man is, and how
necessary is a personal faith in Jesus
for salvation.
In the article that you published, I
find some disturbing statements that
cannot remain unchallenged. I will
comment on a few of these:
“God’s saving work is not restricted
to the confines of the Christian church.”
There is indeed a lot of general
revelation that comes to us in many
ways, but “there is salvation in no one
else” (Acts 4:12) so Jesus commands,
“Go into all the word and preach the
gospel to the whole creation. He who
believes and is baptized will be saved,
but he who does not believe will be
condemned” (Mark 16:15–16).
Regarding those who have not
heard, the article states that certain
Scripture texts “are silent about people
who do not hear about Jesus.…” One of
those texts mentioned, but not quoted
is Romans 2:12 which states, “all who
have sinned without the law will also
perish without the law” (emphasis
mine), but the article does include the
quote, “though not having the law, are
a law to themselves. They show that
what the law requires is written on
their hearts.”
In other words, everyone will be
judged by what they do know, and
Romans 3 makes it absolutely clear
that nobody ever measured up to God’s
standard. That is why the sacrificial
system was established from the very
beginning for salvation to those who
looked forward to “the Lamb of God
who takes away the sin of the world”
(John 1:29). When the “true light that
enlightens every man” (John 1:9) came
into the world, “all who received him,
Thanks for Celebration!
I have just read through the joint
publication called Celebration! [Oct.
20, 2004]. You folks did an excellent
job. It has good variety and interesting
articles. I am sure that this type of
venture takes a lot of time but I also
feel that it is a great resource to foster
unity and cooperation among your
three conferences.
I also appreciate the effort you folks
have put in to show the partnerships
that your conferences have with the
related agencies. I have appreciated
the excellent relationships that I
have had with the leaders of all three
conferences and the support they
have shown for MFC and our work.
Personally, my life has been enriched
by the many conversations (business,
faith, and personal) that I have had with
various people at the conferences.
8
As I enter the last month of my
tenure with MFC, it is these types of
initiatives that I will miss participating
in. Obviously, I will also miss the
relationships that I have enjoyed
among the people and especially at the
golf tournaments.
You folks are doing a really
good job of keeping the people of
your constituencies informed and
resourced. May God continue to
grant you appropriate words to write
and wisdom and stamina to keep the
publications going. May your efforts
be blessed and may God be glorified
through your work.
Robert Veitch
General Manager
Mennonite Foundation of Canada
who believed in his name, he gave
power to become children of God”
(John 1:12).
All the red lights went on when I
read statements like some used in
this article. “…it seems very unlikely
to me that people who clearly would
have believed had they heard the gospel
will be damned because they did not
hear.” God says, “For my thoughts are
not your thoughts.” God’s thoughts
are, “For God so loved the world that
he gave his only Son, that whoever
believes in him should not perish but
have eternal life” (John 3:16).
“But how are men to call upon him
in whom they have not believed? And
how are they to believe in him of whom
they have never heard? And how are
they to hear without a preacher? And
how can men preach unless they are
sent? (Romans 10:14–15, emphasis
mine).
These verses clearly refute another
statement in the article, “…no New
Testament writer ever cited the idea
that the unevangelized cannot be saved
as a motivation to evangelism.” The
Bible says, “How beautiful are the
feet of those who preach good news!”
(Romans 10:15). What a powerful
motivation to evangelism it is to one
day stand before him whose feet were
pierced and have him say that my feet
are beautiful.
There was a time when I chose
to become a career missionary and
church planter because I believe that
everyone is absolutely lost until they
“repent, and believe the gospel” (Mark
1:15). Paul says it this way, “You who
were once slaves to sin…have become
slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:17–
18).
I believe that Satan will “steal, kill
and destroy” (John 10:10) everyone
under his authority. I also believe that
“he who is in you is greater than he
who is in the world” (I John 4:4). That
is why I consider being a “sent one” the
greatest privilege in all the world. Who
will join me?
David Schmidt
Rosenort, Man.
THE MESSENGER
Christmas 2004
Dear Friend of SBC,
Living out the Spirit of Christmas happens in many ways throughout the Christmas
season. We listen to Christmas music, sing carols and attend Christmas programs. We
decorate trees, spend time with family and give gifts to each other. Christmas seems to
bring out the best of thoughtfulness and generosity in most people.
As we celebrate Christmas this year, let’s make an effort to remember the reason for
this celebration. Isaiah the prophet wrote “The virgin will be with child and will give
birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” Remembering that our Savior was born,
in humble circumstance, should help us keep perspective in the midst of the hype of the
Christmas season.
What does this mean in practical terms? Buy a gift for someone in need. Invite
someone who is alone over for dinner. Listen to the words of familiar Christmas
hymns. Be grateful. Remember the Father giving up His perfect Son.
As you give gifts this Christmas, I invite you to put SBC on your Christmas list. Your
gifts make it possible for us to teach and disciple students to advance the work of God
in this world. Our students are making a difference in their churches, workplaces and
communities. It’s only with your help that we can continue to train students to live
dynamic lives for God.
P.S. Please clip and fill in the form below to send with your gift.
Make cheques payable to Steinbach Bible College. Thank you.
Abe Bergen
SBC President
Yes, I want to put SBC on my Christmas list.
Here is my gift of:
 $50
I would like to pay by:
Credit Card #
 $100
 $250
 $500
 Cheque
 Visa
 Master Card
exp.
Signature

 $_______
Name
50 PTH 12 N
Steinbach, MB
R5G 1T4
Address
City
 This is a new address
Province
Postal Code
A 2004 tax receipt will be issued for all gifts postmarked by December 31, 2004.
All gifts are gratefully accepted.
014428
with our churches
Members and fundraisers
Tilbury, Ont.: We were excited to have
nine members join our church on June
13. Five were baptized and two couples
transferred their membership. What
a joy it was to see them make a public
commitment to Christ and the church
with a confession of faith.
And the fact that we, the church, had
gotten to know these individuals and
became friends with them made the whole
day more exciting. We look forward to
building closer relationships with these
individuals as they continue to serve God.
Hopefully we as a church will do our best to
help our new members grow and mature in
their walk with God—just as they look for
opportunities to help build our church.
On August 14 we not only had our
annual fishing derby, but a pig roast as
well; you didn’t have to be
a fisher to enjoy the day. Six
prizes were given out—three
to the senior division (15 years
old and up) and three to the
junior division (14 years and
younger). The prize categories
were biggest, most, and
smallest fish caught. Pastor
Jake Enns’ son Tommy had the
most success with his fishing
rod. Tommy won all the prizes
for the junior division, and he
had the most fish caught out of
all of the fishers.
VBS workers: Mary Peters, Tina Klassen, Crystal Peters, Desi Root,
Our VBS this year had more Henry Neudorf.
than 30 children. The theme
Tilbury also held many successful
was the Olympic Games. In my opinion,
fundraisers in the past few months. With
it was our best VBS to date.
all the bigger fundraisers, there were
those that didn’t reach our expectations.
When fundraisers don’t generate a lot of
interest or receive many donations, we
often consider them failures. Anna Enns,
however, reminded us that these are
not so much failed projects as stepping
stones. From every fundraiser we do
learn some things that could be done
differently to improve next time. The
people have fun putting them together,
regardless of the outcome.
The donations from our fundraisers
go to various needs: Youth, help centre,
building fund, and more. Please continue
On June 13 these people were received into membership by baptism or transfer: (back) Abe Fehr, John
to pray for us especially in our church
Neufeld, Peter Hamm, John Heide, Abe Hamm; (front) Annie Fehr, Helen Neufeld, Nancy Wall, Mary Heide.
leadership and our search for a church
Pastor Jake Enns stands with them.
building.
Cornelius Banman
Dedication at Prairie Grove
Holiday Travel
presents
Mennonite Heritage Ukraine
and
Historical Russia Tour
18 days in
Kiev, Zaporozhye, Moscow and
St. Petersburg
Departure Date: May 23, 2005
For tour details
contact
Tour Host: Len Loeppky
Prairie Grove Fellowship Chapel in Lorette had a child dedication service on October 3: Chris and
Shannon Ireland with Ceanna, Steve and Brenda Kilmury with Aaron and Shania, Jason and Gaylene
Dueck with Evan, Tim and Matilda Field with Benjamin, and Ryan and Marissa Penner with Avery.
Jolyn Braun
10
14 Springwod Bay
Steinbach, MB R5G 2E8
204-326-2613
E-mail: aloeppky@mts.net
or
Holiday Travel
Clearspring Centre
Unit 23,178 PTH 12N
Box 2799
Steinbach, MB R5G 1T7
THE MESSENGER
Summer and fall—a review of events
Braeside (Winnipeg, Man.): Summer
has come and gone and the activities of
those sunny days are but memories. The
Sunday school picnic was held at a local
park. VBS this year was held during the
evening, enabling more people who work
during the day to be involved.
Our summer sermon series centred
on Old Testament characters. Although
they weren’t all heroes—think about
Tamar and Amnon, for example—each
person’s lifestyle and commitment (or
lack of it) taught a lesson in terms of
consequences of their behaviour.
In late August, Braeside invited the
neighbourhood to its Community Fiesta
and Barbecue. A colourful Colombian
dance team drew attention while the kids
jumped away the afternoon in an air-filled
bouncer and tried their skills at smashing
open a candy-filled piñata. S unny, calm
weather, good food and a music team
helped swell the crowd. In September
our church returned to a
fuller schedule—our bulletin
quickly grew in size from two
pages to its normal three
pages.
Al Dueck
Also on September 26, German and Ana Mateus
with daughter Angelica and Julieth, together with
Fernando Quintero, were baptized upon confession
of their faith. Both families came to Canada from
Colombia.
September 26 was a busy and exciting day. Miguel
and Violeta Tochez transferred their membership to
Braeside from a Mennonite church in Colombia.
Education and leadership shifts
seniors in our church. We will miss your
special leadership abilities!
At the same service, ordination took
place for our newly-elected minister,
Gary Martens. We wish God’s richest
blessings on Gary and Pat in this new
leadership position. We were also happy
to welcome two new couples to the
deacon leadership team—Bob and Iris
Bartel, and Gus and Hilde LaBelle. May
the Lord bless you as you serve in this
capacity! A fellowship lunch took place
after the worship service, and in the
evening we celebrated communion and
footwashing.
All who attended Steve Bell in Concert
on October 1 were specially blessed
and inspired by Steve’s wonderful gift of
music. The following day he
shared more of his talents
by presenting a worship
seminar.
As a church family, we
mourn the tragic death on
October 18 of one of our
members, Ken Loewen.
We extend our deepest
sympathies to his wife
Ang; daughters Elizabeth,
Alyssa and Jaime; and also
to his parents Gladwin and
New deacon couples at Kleefeld: Gus and Hilde LaBelle, and Gary Martens, with wife Pat, was ordained as a minister on Tina Loewen, and sister Iris
September 19. At that same service, thanks were given to Bartel and family.
Iris and Bob Bartel.
Louella Friesen
Wendy and Ron Dueck for serving as a ministry couple.
Kleefeld, Man.: With school back in
session and the end of our special
summer series worship services, our
regular programs started again with
enthusiasm.
This was especially evident on
September 12 as we celebrated Christian
Education Sunday. Children and adults
were eager to start in their new classes
in Sunday school, where Patti Unger will
serve as superintendent.
Jan Martens reported on the upcoming
plans for Girls Club, and a special celebration
was held in recognition of 30 years of
Christian Service Brigade in Kleefeld.
Bruce Peters, the capable coordinator of
CSB for many of those years, as well as
other leaders and boys who have been in
December 3, 2004
Brigade, presented an interesting program
of testimonies, reminiscences and slides.
Special thanks to all the men who have
given so generously of themselves to keep
this program a success in our church for
30 years!
The September 19 worship service
focused on leadership as we said
farewell to Ron and Wendy Dueck, who
have moved to Winnipeg and resigned
their ministerial position. In addition to
his pulpit duties, Ron served as director
of MCC Canada and kept the church
informed about the needs of the less
fortunate around the world and what
MCC, in particular, is doing to address
those needs. In the last few years Ron
and Wendy’s ministry also focused on
11
stewardship today
Edwin Friesen
For Couples Only
A
CCORDING to an old adage, opposites attract,
and that still appears to be true today.
Talkers are attracted to good listeners,
the cautious marry risk takers, spendthrifts marry
savers, and impulsive people often marry those who
patiently deliberate each decision. In theory at least,
the strengths and weaknesses of each are counter
balanced in the other making for well-balanced
couples. Each one has areas of strength and, if allowed,
can use them to the advantage of both. So far, so good.
In real life things are often quite different. The very
things that first attracted a couple to each other often
become sources of irritation. The listener wants the
bubbly talker to listen, the talker wants the listener
to speak more, and the impulsive person finds the
deliberate decision maker too slow and restrictive.
That same attraction and corresponding irritation
can be there regarding the management of money. Take
an impulsive spender who can’t walk by a flashing blue
light bargain bin without pulling out the plastic. He
knows he needs help with managing money.
He knows his wife is a lot better at allocating
spending, and yet when the spouse tugs at his arm to
guide him away, he is resentful and feels his maturity
questioned. And when they get into the car, were it not
for the confining space of new small cars, they would
sit a lot further apart.
Given that marriage partners are often quite
different in their approaches to managing money,
what can you do when you have married a “money
opposite”? The Old Testament prophet Amos asks the
rhetorical question: “Can two people walk together
without agreeing on the direction?” (Amos 3:3). The
implied answer is no and that would certainly apply
to money management in marriage as many couples
have discovered to their bitter disappointment. But
even couples who have significantly different money
personalities may still share common values and goals.
To get headed in the same direction, couples should
work towards agreement on some of the basics. For
example: commit to regular first-fruits giving, place five
to 10 percent of income into long-term savings/RRSP,
pay off the full credit card balance each month, make
no major money decisions without full discussion and
approval of both spouses, decide on who pays the bills,
and agree on loan limits and repayment schedules.
At the same time, give each other some room for
personal preferences. One spouse may choose to buy
12
better quality clothes believing that to be the best
value while the other spouse may prefer to shop for
no name brand rack specials. Some couples agree to
give each other some monthly discretionary spending
money to have at least some measure of financial
independence.
Sometimes the money issues are exacerbated by
gender stereotypes: “My Dad always kept track of the
money so why can’t you?” or “My mom was frugal so
how come you can’t control your spending?” Based on
my observations over the years, in about half of the
marriages, women are better at handling the money
and in the other half it is the men. Let the person who
has the skills and the discipline take the lead.
When opposites attract, there is still hope for them
to walk arm in arm into the sunset if they can agree on
T
the direction. M
For stewardship education and services, contact your
nearest Mennonite Foundation of Canada office.
Abbotsford – Dave Kroeker, 1-888-212-8608; Niagara
– Darren Pries-Klassen, 1-888-212-8731, Kitchener – Mike
Strathdee, 1-888-212-7759, Winnipeg – Edwin Friesen, 1800-772-3257. www.mennofoundation.ca
When opposites attract,
there is still hope for them
to walk arm in arm into the
sunset if they can agree on
the direction.
THE MESSENGER
a woman s journey of faith
Betty Koop
Christmas Eve with Joseph and Mary
T
HE night sky spread out a black velvet backdrop for
myriads of beautiful stars twinkling and winking at
us.
As we drove through the crunchy snow to spend
Christmas Eve with Joseph and Mary, we were thankful
for the warmth of the car heater protecting us from the
icy weather. Winter nights are long in Alberta’s far north
country, but the lovely starlight and the dancing Northern
Lights are a bit of a consolation.
I couldn’t help but wonder how the original Joseph and
Mary had felt that first Christmas Eve as they traveled to
Bethlehem. Although it probably wasn’t minus 20 in the
Judean Hills, the temperatures may well have been close to
freezing, especially after the sun set. And there probably
was no heater on their donkey, if in fact they had a donkey,
although Joseph may have gotten warm from the brisk
walk.
We arrived at Joseph and Mary’s home, and were
greeted with great warmth and friendliness. There was
lots of room in this inn, or rather this home. Even the
glowing Christmas tree in the corner seemed to be blinking
a welcome! Even though they had close family members
over to share Christmas, no one gave the slightest sign that
we might be intruding on their family celebrations. Rather,
they seemed glad to include us and made us feel like we
belonged.
Mary and Joseph back in Bethlehem were probably
made to feel very much like they didn’t belong. The Bible
says “there was no room for them in the inn.” We usually
assume they ended up in some sort of animal shelter
because the baby Jesus was laid in a manger at birth. Is it
possible that they were outside, in a corral where travelers’
animals were kept? That would also have had a feeding
trough.
It seems, at any rate, that there was no comfortable place
for parents and baby at that crucial time. How alone Mary
must have felt going through the birth experience for the first
time with maybe only her husband to attend to her needs!
December 3, 2004
Our evening with Joseph and Mary’s family was lots of
fun. I remember playing a game of Pictionary, where my
non-existent drawing ability left much to be desired, but it
certainly added to the hilarity! We enjoyed visiting with our
good friends. The family that had come to spend Christmas
with them turned out to have a connection with my
relatives back in Manitoba, and so the reminiscing began.
Mary’s fame as an expert baker made delicious food an
enjoyable part of the evening. Seeing the children set big
bowls and plates on the table before bedtime, in hopes that
they would be mysteriously filled over night, brought back
memories of my childhood Christmases.
But probably the highlight of the evening came when we
gathered around the piano and guitars, played by father
and sons, and sang our hearts out. How wonderful to sing
of the birth of our Saviour! This rejoicing united us with a
multitude of believers around the world. Glorious!
Back on the Judean Hills, I’m sure the angel choir
outshone us by far, as they poured out their joy at the birth
of Jesus. I wonder if Mary and Joseph heard echoes of that
heavenly music where they were crouched in the straw?
Were they rejoicing in spite of uncomfortable conditions?
Did they sing along, or was Mary just too exhausted from
her labour?
Did a compassionate person, maybe the innkeeper’s
wife, bring them some hot soup and bread that first
Christmas Eve? We don’t know the answers to these
questions, but we do know that the greatest gift of all time
arrived that night.
Oswald Chambers says, “Beware of posing as a profound
person; God became a baby.” Philippians 2 speaks of Jesus’
attitude of true humility and obedience: “even to death on
a cross!” It also says, “Your attitude should be the same as
that of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5).
As we celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus, may we also
meditate on and seek to follow what He taught both by
word and example as he lived here on earth. Then we will
T
have a blessed, joyful Christmas! M
13
by the way
Dave K. Schellenberg
Tell your stories to the next generation
Listen, my people, to my teaching, and pay attention to
what I say. I am going to use wise sayings and explain
mysteries from the past.
Things we have heard and known, things that our
fathers told us. We will not keep them from our children;
we will tell the next generation about the LORD’S power
and his great deeds and the wonderful things he has
done (Psalm 78:1–4 TEV).
A
1990. One of my brothers had written his memoirs
some years before and so I started putting something
on paper. When it was done it came to around 57
typed pages.
As technology advanced, I attempted something far
more ambitious, called Stories from my Life—including
pictures, older and newer, from events in my life. Not
that my life was so spectacular, but for the family there
were things they didn’t know and places they lived
where I could jog their memory.
I need to thank a granddaughter, Lisa Riediger, for
making me aware of Microsoft Publisher, a program
that makes desktop publishing fairly simple. We
first got a free monthly sample. After I was hooked,
I purchased it and have not been sorry. If you are
debating doing something like this, get the free sample
first (which can be used for some 30 days before it
runs out) and see how you like it.
If you go ahead with it, put your finished book on a
CD and go to a place like Office Depot, who will print it
for you at a nominal price.
Another book I attempted I called My Heritage,
and it was a little more ambitious, with text and
pictures. My purpose was to leave my descendants
a brief overview of my Anabaptist roots, as well as
my ancestors back to my great grandparents. I felt
strongly that something like this was needed for the
current generation, including children, nephews and
nieces. This already required some 50 books, but I
thought it was money well spent.
And so if you, like me, have neglected to tell your
story to your children, there is still time. With the
advent of the computer, it becomes fairly simple. Feel
T
free to contact me for information. M
S I look back on the many years the Lord has
given me there are, of course, things I would do
differently today.
For instance, we were not a singing family as some
families, parents and children are. Yes, we sang, as I
remember, at family devotions, but that was just a part
of the devotions. I cannot recall that we ever sang as
a family in my parental home. However, if I’m correct,
when my uncles and aunts came over there was
singing among them, which did not include us boys.
To my regret, I do not remember telling stories of
my life when our children were growing up at home—
not that I lacked material. Nor can I recall my parents
as storytellers of what happened to them when they
were growing up.
However, now that my parents are gone, I find that
especially my mother put things in writing. In later life
she would reminisce or recall in writing things of her
past life, even her childhood. Among their possessions
I find that Dad wrote diaries and letters that tell stories
of his life. These are priceless.
In the areas mentioned above, we take far too much
for granted. Even the Bible encourages us to leave this
legacy with our descendants.
However, when it comes to storytelling I have
later in life done some catch-up. I wrote
memoirs, recounting events of my life. I
encourage all parents to do the same for
������������
their children.
����������������
You might say that you are not a writer,
that you could never do that. Let me say,
for your encouragement, make it as simple
as you please. Just put your thoughts on
paper. Start where you think you should
begin and proceed. You will be amazed at
the product. Or get a tape recorder and
speak on it. You could also dictate and
let another write it. Whatever you do or
��������������������������������������������������
produce will be better than nothing.
�����������������������������
I made a start on my memoirs about
14
THE MESSENGER
shoulder tapping
Mennville EMC, a rural church near Riverton, Man.,
seeks a half-time youth leader/pastor to give
spiritual leadership and be a program director for
a youth group of approximately 25 to 30. Call for
information or send resume to Kenton Barkman,
Box 576, Riverton, MB R0C 2R0. Phone 204-3785623 or e-mail kenton@mts.net.
The Archives Committee, under the EMC Board of
Church Ministries, seeks a part-time volunteer
archivist to work out of the Steinbach, Man., office.
Tasks involve the organizing, filing and tracking
of historical materials within the vault and overflow areas in the building. Assets are an interest
in history and a skill or willingness to operate a
computer database; an exceptional asset would be
the ability to read German. For information, contact
executive secretary Terry Smith at 204-326-6401
or emcmessenger@mts.net.
MDS workers are needed! Canadian
volunteers, remember to connect with the MDS
office in Winnipeg prior to 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 office: 866-261-1274.
Braeside EMC in Winnipeg, Man., is seeking a fulltime associate pastor of Spanish ministries. The
applicant should be familiar with the Anabaptist
perspective and willing to be guided by the EMC
statement of faith. Responsibilities to include:
pastoral care, teaching, and outreach. The Spanish
part of the Braeside congregation has an average
attendance of 60 people.
Please forward your resume and references
to Braeside Evangelical Mennonite Church, Attn:
Spanish Ministry Search Committee, 1011 Munroe
Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2K 1J7.
coming events
December 3
EMC Ministerial
MacGregor EMC
MacGregor, Man.
204-326-6401
December 4
EMC Conference Council
Portage Evangelical Church
Portage la Prairie, Man.
204-326-6401
March 19–21, 2005
EMC Ministerial Retreat
Speaker: Dave Reimer of Winnipeg, Man.
Wilderness Edge Retreat Centre
Pinawa, Man.
204-326-6401
July 1–3, 2005
2005 EMC Convention
Peace River Bible Institute
Sexsmith, Alta.
204-326-6401
December 3, 2004
Inner City Youth Alive is an organization in
the North End of Winnipeg, Man., that reaches
youth and their families in the community. It
seeks a program director that should possess
pastoral gifts and be ready to support and
encourage the staff team. Phone: 204-5828779. E-mail: icya@mts.net. Website: www.
innercityyouthalive.org.
Head cook sought for year-round employment
at Red Rock Bible Camp in southeast Manitoba.
Must work well with people, be service oriented,
be a team player, agree with the camp’s mission
and statement of faith, and have experience
and training in the food service industry or
be willing to be trained. Cook is responsible
to the food services director. Housing, partial
board, salary, medical and dental benefits
provided. Send resume to RRBC, 204-320
Main St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z1; Email:
kim@redrockbiblecamp.com.
MCC Manitoba seeks support workers for a new
fetal alcohol spectrum disorder program. They will
work as a team to provide one-on-one support
for an adult living with FASD, have excellent
communication skills and at least one year of
relevant social services experience or education.
Full- or part-time, morning and evening hours are
available. Contact program manager Jewel Reimer
at 204-783-0897 or e-mail mccmfasd@mts.net.
La Crete Christian Fellowship seeks a full-time
youth pastor, an energetic leader with vision
who has a geniune love and passion to reach out
to young people and the ability to be a partner
with us to build a strong ministry with the young
people in our congregation and community.
Join dedicated parents and adults eager to
be led and students ready to grow and learn.
This person will work primarily with high
school and junior youth, and also with children’s
ministry. We’re eager to incorporate new ideas
and capitalize on the gifts and talents of our
youth pastor.
This person should have some understanding
and respect for EMC theology, diversity, and
traditions. There is a generous salary, health
insurance, and a new house to live in. La
Crete is located in beautiful northern Alberta,
eight hours north of Edmonton. To find out
more about La Crete and the church, see
www.lacretechamber.com;
www.telusplanet.
net/public/lccfc; e-mail: lccfc@telus.net or
lfem@telus.net; phone: Frank Winsor at LCCF,
780-928-3783.
BLF Canada, a non-denominational evangelical
mission that publishes and distributes Christian
literature for the French-speaking world, seeks a
director. If you feel that God has equipped you for
this position with Biblical Literature Fellowship,
see our website at www.blfusa. Send your resume
to BLF Canada, Box 42145, RPO Ferry Road,
Winnipeg, MB R3J 3X7.
MCC Manitoba seeks a full-time program
team leader. A member of the MCCM
Executive foreign secretary
for the EMC Board of Missions.
Responsibilities: Administration, visiting
Latin American mission fields, recruitment,
promoting EMC missions, and reporting to
the board. Qualifications that are important
considerations: A ministry degree, a working
knowledge of Spanish, and missions/
ministry experience. Some training may
be provided. Starting date: Mid-2005
(negotiable). Send inquiries
and resumes to: Chairman,
EMC Board of Missions,
440 Main St., Steinbach,
MB R5G 1Z5, or e-mail:
ernieloewen@yahoo.com.
management team, this person supports the
work of program staff and coordinate overall
goals and objectives of the team. Contact
Janelle Siemens at jms@mennonitecc.ca or
Sol Janzen at sjj@mennonitecc.ca or 204-2616381 for information. Application deadline is
December 10, 2004. Women and members of
visible minorities are encouraged to apply.
MCC workers are to exhibit a commitment to
a personal Christian faith and discipleship,
active church membership and non-violent
peacemaking.
Gospel Mission Church (EMMC) seeks a full-time
senior pastor to serve a growing congregation
of about 170 in the city of Winkler, Man. Primary
responsibilities are preaching, teaching, training,
and developing congregational leaders to reach
out and disciple others. This congregation has
a large percentage of younger families, active
youth, Sunday school, home Bible studies and
ladies ministries. Contact Jake Giesbrecht,
Gospel Mission Church, RR1 Box 565 Grp 39,
Winkler, MB R6W 4A9. Call 204-325-5414 or e-mail
jgiesbrecht@gvsd.mb.ca.
EMC Board of Missions seeks a pastor for
Hillside Gospel Church in Chihuahua, Mexico
for spring 2005. Attendance averages 80 on
Sunday mornings. The applicant should be
conversant in Low German and have gifts to help
the congregation to develop local leadership
and organizationally. A two- to three-year
commitment is preferred, but a shorter term
can be arranged. Contact Lester Olfert, Foreign
Secretary, EMC Board of Missions, phone:
204-326-6401, fax: 204-326-1613, e-mail:
lolfert@mts.net.
Altona EMMC, a congregation of 650 people, seeks
a full-time pastor of youth and education. This
individual is responsible to set direction and vision
for the youth programs, and to serve in education.
Submit resume and applications or questions to Karl
Dreger, Altona EMMC, Box 907, Altona, MB R0G 0B0;
e-mail: karldreger@hotmail.com; phone: 204-3248223.
15
Tears to joy
My Christmas Journey
A
S A child, Christmas was
exciting. It meant Sunday school
programs where we all got treat
bags, school Christmas programs,
plays, decorations, new shoes and a
dress—and presents, of course. I would
receive a gift from my schoolteacher,
my parents, and our cousin Christmas
box at Grandma Eidse’s.
From Grandma Eidse we would get some knickknack, a pretty hanky and a candy bag. From Grandpa
and Grandma Kroeker we received a special hanky and
the traditional candy bag with Crackerjack that had a
surprise gift at the bottom of the box. We were always
thrilled with their gifts.
At age 13 I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as my
Saviour. Suddenly Christmas was no longer exciting.
All the commercial frenzy, the list of gifts desired,
and the list of gifts required, the tinsel and glitter, the
endless baking and shopping seemed so shallow, so
vain and meaningless. In fact, I’d go to programs, come
home to my bedroom in the basement, and cry and
cry. I did that for many years.
I felt ashamed and embarrassed about my grief. I
made sure my parents would not find out about my
tears. I knew Christmas was supposed to be a happy
time, but it seemed I always missed it. Why re-read
the story we all knew? What was the point? History is
history. I didn’t get it. I was convinced that there was
something very wrong within my heart that the joy of
the season always eluded me.
Not only that, but on rare occasions I got to go to
Winnipeg to shop. There, in front of a Hudson’s Bay
store, was a bunch of people lustily singing Christmas
carols. I think this was spearheaded by the Salvation
Army. But at that time I was not very informed, and I
thought here is a group of unbelievers singing heartily
and in our church service the songleader announced,
“Let’s song Joy to the Lord as though we mean it.” That
really made me angry, confused and distressed at
the irony of it all. Were the people on the streets of
Winnipeg happier than those in church?
Then, when I was 17 tragedy struck our family. My
baby sister Clarice, six months old, died at 10:50 a.m.
on Christmas morning of spinal meningitis. Our good
neighbours, Ben and Helen L. Kroeker, came over.
PAGE 16
This good news, freedom,
recovery and release in our
hearts is for daily living.
Mrs. Kroeker and I washed dishes together. At
one point I commented to her, “It sure doesn’t feel
like Christmas!” She responded, “If it weren’t for
Christmas, we would have no hope of seeing Clarice in
heaven.” Then we continued our work. There it was!
God had used that statement like an arrow of light
in my dark, confused heart. Finally, I could go on my
knees and thank God for Christmas!
Shortly thereafter, one of our ministers had a
message on the two levels of Christmas, a child’s level
and an adult’s level. My years of weeping were over. I
now knew the adult meaning of Christmas. I had the
living hope of heaven in my heart because of Jesus’
birth and resurrection.
To this day Christmas is a joyous celebration for
me. In 1980 my sister Laura, age 20, passed away
unexpectedly in the hospital on December 26, at about
2 a.m., of viral pneumonia. Even this could not rob me
of the true joy of Christmas. If anything, it reaffirmed
it.
I think I’ve come close to celebrating and preparing
for Christmas all year round. Jesus says, “The Spirit
of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to
proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery
of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to
proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (Luke 4:18).
This good news, freedom, recovery, and release in our
hearts is for daily living.
Ever since God flooded by heart with His joy and
peace, I have always celebrated Christmas with joy. It
has also freed me to enjoy the children’s level of the
season. Jesus keeps surprising me with something new
and special every year. He has promised to “restore
the years that the locusts have eaten” (Joel 2:25).
Indeed, He is doing that over and
over again every year.
Christmas has become a fountain
T
of joy. M
Irene Kroeker
Irene Kroeker is a member of Rosenort
(Man.) EMC.
THE MESSENGER
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
440 Main Street
Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5
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