May/June 2010 Recorder

Transcription

The
RECORDER
May/June 2010
Volume 47, Number 3
We are all ...
part
of a
family
Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference
EMMC Recorder May/June 2010, Volume 47, Number 3
www.emmc.ca
www.emmc.ca
The EMMC RECORDER is published bimonthly by the Evangelical Mennonite Mission
Conference. As a vehicle of communication
within the Conference, it strives to keep
members of the EMMC informed about
congregational life within conference
churches, to inspire interest and commitment
to world missions, to facilitate dialogue on
relevant faith and life issues, to stimulate
spiritual growth, to communicate EMMC
visions, to contribute toward a sense of
Christian community and fellowship within
the conference, and to inform members
of major events and developments within
the larger Anabaptist community and the
greater Christian world beyond our borders.
However, opinions expressed in the Recorder
are not necessarily those of the Conference
as a whole.
Letters, articles and photos are welcomed
but the Recorder will only publish materials
considered edifying to readers and reserves
editorial rights to improve communication
and adjust the length of submissions. All
submissions, including photos will be retained
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and Brethren in Christ publications.
Prayer Opportunities
and
Coming Events
Dates to
Remember
September 24 & 25
General Board & Council Meeting
November 6
Manitoba Central
Regional Celebration
Special Guest: Ruben Mercado
December 27 - 30
Treasured Foundation 2010
“Beyond Expectations”
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Mennonite Disaster Service
Manitoba Unit investigates after Floods
Record rain falls over the weekend (May 29 and 30) in Manitoba resulted in
overland flooding and sewer backups in Brandon and Emerson, as well as various areas
of Winnipeg. With soil conditions already saturated, the 4 plus inches of rain have caused
severe flooding.
MDS volunteers from the Manitoba Unit are already conducting investigations in
Brandon and Emerson. Calls are also beginning to come in from the city of Winnipeg.
Dan Klassen, Manitoba MDS chairperson, and others have met with Emerson officials.
A state of emergency was declared in Emerson and early estimates indicate that at
least 80 percent of basements have been flooded. Many homeowners are not only facing
basements deluged with water, but in many cases they also have sewer backup. While
some homeowners’ insurance policies may cover sewer back up, overland flooding is
not usually covered and so this leaves many Manitoba residents, especially the elderly,
looking for assistance from MDS. Volunteer inquires can be directed to the MDS office in Winnipeg at
(866) 261-1274.
Lois Nickel
Director Region Relations & Programs
Mennonite Disaster Service
Editor:
Lil Goertzen
B ulletin B looper:
The church office will be
closed until opening. It
will remain closed after
opening. It will reopen
Monday.
Cover photo used with permission from Designpics.com.
www.emmc.ca
EMMC Recorder, May/June 2010, Volume 47, Number 3
Why Small Groups?
Stephen Sheane is lead pastor of Leamington EMMC. Before
this he spent 10 years as pastor of the Lighthouse Church,
an international nondenominational church of over 4000 in
Kuwait. Stephen is married to Naomi and they have 3 girls.
Day after day, in the temple courts and
from house to house, they never stopped
teaching and proclaiming the good news
that Jesus is the Christ.
– Acts 5:42
In the book of Acts we see that the early
church met both as a large congregation and
also as small groups in homes. It understood
the importance and power of community
and that meeting as small groups in homes
was an integral part of normal Christian
development and maturity.
Every day they continued
to meet together in the temple courts.
They broke bread in their homes and ate
together with glad and sincere hearts,
praising God and enjoying the favour of
all the people. And the Lord added to their
number daily those who were being saved.
– Acts 2:46-47
Today many churches and individuals
have lost this house to house component
of their Christian walk. They go to church
faithfully every Sunday but wonder why
they are not growing in their faith. Small
groups are especially needed in large
growing churches. I have heard it said
“as the church gets larger it must also get
smaller”. The larger the Sunday worship
service the easier it becomes to get lost in the
crowd and to loose your sense of belonging
and community.
Why are small groups an essential
part of any church ministry? Why are they
the key to building biblical community?
Because there are areas of Christian growth
and maturity that develop most naturally
in a small group environment. Meeting in
small groups provides opportunities for the
following:
1. SERVING
In a Small Group you have greater
opportunities to use what you have learned
and to develop your spiritual gifts. This
occurs as you serve one another. Preaching
on the virtue of serving others is important,
but how many people put into practice
what they have heard? Their question is
“where and whom do I serve?” Sermons
about service can impress and motivate
people, but they become impotent when
people cannot find a consistent context in
A Small Group
provides a safe place
for people to be open
and transparent with
one another.
which to practice them. Often in churches
Christians can feel alone and disconnected
even when surrounded by other believers.
They have never found a small group of
people to whom they can devote their full
attention and care.
Each one should use whatever gift
he has received to serve others,
faithfully administering God’s grace
in its various forms.
– 1 Peter 4:10
When you serve another person, your
relationship with them moves to a new level.
You are no longer just acquaintances but are
now partners. We all need people to serve in
our lives. The opportunity to serve fellow
small group members during their times
of hospital stay, bereavement or personal
crisis becomes a joy for the member whose
“partners” need help. The Small Group
provides a natural environment in which
we can rise to the occasion for others. Your
faith will never be so energized as when you
use it in serving others.
2. ENCOURAGING
Small Groups provide an atmosphere
of encouragement and support. Many
of us today suffer through various
disappointments, broken relationships and
failures. We all need encouragement now
and then.
Therefore encourage one another and
build each other up…
– 1 Thessalonians 5:11
The Greek word used for encourage
is parakaleô which means to call alongside.
When Christians gather together as groups,
their sights are lifted from the depressing
to the exciting. Testimonies of victories are
shared. Failures are confessed and released.
Spiritual gifts operate and encouragement
happens. Small Groups weld people together
into family units where the members work
together to “spur one another on toward love
and good deeds”— Hebrews 10:24.
3. PRODUCING
Jesus tells us in John 15 that we were
chosen to “bear fruit”. Each of us has a
part to play in being salt and light in the
world. Small Groups provide places where
people can produce more as a group than as
individuals. Productivity in a Small Group is
not simply adding the efforts of one person
to the efforts of another. In partnership the
work increases at an exponential rate. The
product of two people is not equal to their
efforts alone added together. Partnership
causes multiplication.
This is the concept of synergy which
means that the sum of the whole is greater
than the sum of the parts. For example, if
you give a person a fishing rod they can
catch one fish. Alone, two people with
fishing rods can catch two fish. However,
bring those same two people together and
they can use a net and catch five fish. This
is synergy at work.
Continued on page 8
www.emmc.ca
now we have home
For me, it’s a regular day, one of many, in fact
I could never count them - For Ziad, it’s day 52.
I’ve always had a place to call home - Amal, only a
few years older than me, is just beginning to say she has
a home.
Today it’s my turn to be Ziad and Amal’s English
tutor, so we sit around their small kitchen table in their
apartment. They arrived at the Winnipeg airport in
February 2010 with their 7 children. They could not
understand or communicate in English, but from the
beginning there has been a dedicated group of people
helping them learn and helping them adjust to Canada,
everything from opening a bank account to using the
washing machine. It takes a caring community to make
their settlement to Canada a success.
Our lesson today is about transportation. “…
drove a car….took an airplane …” As a way to make the
lesson practical I ask them to tell me about their travel
to Canada. Like unscrambling mixed up words and
sentences we begin to understand one another. I write
it down as they tell me about their journey from the
refugee camp in Syria, to their strange, yet welcoming
home in Canada. I know it won’t take long and they
www.emmc.ca
will naturally tell their stories but for now they need the
prompts of what I have written to talk about their own
journey. They are learning fast.
Something amazing happens when we serve and
bless people with what they need, we are blessed in
return. Have you experienced that? The people I talk
to here in Altona that help with newcomers to the
community all feel so blessed to help and have these
new and meaningful friendships. I think this happens
because of Jesus. It seems every time you get mixed
up with the work of Jesus you get blessed. So getting
involved with uprooted people is a blessing but you
know it also just makes life more interesting for an
adventure seeker like me. I have felt and learnt so much
more about the world from seeing things through their
eyes.
Something else amazing …..
“Jesus is at the Altona Motor Inn. Room 143.”
Christians devote their whole life seeking him,
learning about him, trying to listen to him and serving
others in his name. But have you seen him? He’s here
in Altona…. Actually you don’t have to come to Altona
to see Jesus, he’s living somewhere near you too. In
Matthew 25 Jesus says
“It was me.” “For I was hungry and you gave
me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me
something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited
me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick
and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came
to visit me…I tell you the truth, whatever you did for
one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for
me.”
When we have
provided for, taught,
transported, sat with,
shared turkey dinner with
or walked in the rain with
one of our new-to-Canada
friends, it’s Jesus we’ve done it with. This is what we are
doing here in Altona and we repeat these verses often to
each other. Some things are difficult to put into words
and this is one. I just wish I could take you with me
and show you, but I can‘t. You’ll have to go out and
find out how it works for yourself. And you will find
Jesus when you do what’s close to his heart.
newcomers and provide them with the resources needed
to develop a sustainable life in Canada. We are a group
of people who see this mission is close to the heart of
God, and the whole community in and around Altona
has come together to make it happen. Hundreds of
people over the past five years have been involved in big
and small ways to provide for six uprooted families, plus
numerous more families that have come here because
good news travels. Build a Village is in the process of
becoming a stronger more effective organization. We see
greater things are possible
when we become more
organized. So it’s been the
local mission that I’ve been
involved with but we also
have a global mission; to
partner with the people of
La Linea, El Salvador, in the creation of a sustainable
new community. The people of La Linea are also
uprooted and in need of resettlement but they will be
resettling in their home country on new land. Nothing
is impossible with God, that’s how the BAV team works
– we listen to the spirit and move accordingly. God has
always provided as we’ve followed him.
“Jesus is at the Altona
Motor Inn. Room 143.”
Last night I took one of my friends, Dudu, into
the city for dinner. We had lots of time to talk. I enjoy
Dudu’s company and simplistic approach to life. I learn
to be a better person when I am with her. Plus she is
just so funny. We overate at the Indian Buffet, because,
I have to tell you, that food was amazing! On the way
home we moaned and groaned about our full bellies.
We laughed and moaned and laughed some more,
“What have we done to ourselves? We are suffering
now!” and we moaned and laughed some more. But
after a few miles of that, remembered realities altered
the perspective of our present pains, “It’s better to be
suffering because of a full belly than to be suffering
from hunger.” Dudu remembers. Dudu came to our
small town of Altona 5 years ago fresh off the plane
seeking refuge from the war of her country and the
tug of Winnipeg inner city gangs on her vulnerable
teenagers. She loves Altona. Dudu is proud to say she
is Altona’s first African and that after her they have all
followed. We’re proud of her too. She was the one that
hooked me. Now I’m an addict.
Build a Village is the organization formed to
accomplish the work of helping uprooted people.
Our local mission statement is to receive uprooted
Coffee is served thick and black at this English
class. It’s really quite good, especially for me because I
like my coffee STRONG. And this is really strong. Have
you ever tried Palestinian coffee? I ask Amal and Ziad if
they are happy. I kind of wonder because it’s been almost
two months now and the “honeymoon” stage of a new
country must be over. They say “Happy! Yes happy!” and
show extreme joy … but then I wonder maybe it’s for
lack of vocabulary that they can not express themselves.
Happy is safe and easy, so I show them “homesick” in
the Arab/English dictionary.
They understand and then I
am clearly told “No!”, “Ziad
baby, no home. Ziad boy, no
home ... Palestine, Jordan, Syria,
Iraq.” While gesturing with the
universal language of arms. “...
No home! ... Now Ziad home.
Amal home!”
That touched me … I
have a part in this, I am blessed.
Thanks Jesus.
Cindy Klassen lives in Altona
Manitoba, her husband,
Ben Klassen, is the Pastor
at Altona EMMC. Cindy and
Ben have been involved with
Build a Village for five years,
helping newcomers settle
in Altona.
www.emmc.ca
Familiar face - new job
Interview with Darrell Kehler, Region 2 Coach / Missions Facilitator
Now that Darrell and I have worked together in the same office for a number of months, I had the priviledge of
taking some time to ask questions about the Spanish Ministries in Bolivia and his new role at the EMMC Home
office in Winnipeg. I’d like to share that conversation with you.
~ Lil Goertzen, Editor
Recently, you and John Krahn, pastor at
Blue Creek EMMC in Belize spent three
weeks in Bolivia, visiting the LIEAB*
churches and leaders. You were the Field
Director in Bolivia for a number of years,
and saw first hand how LIEAB developed
and matured. Having been away from
that setting for 10 months what were
some of your observations?
There was a definite positive shift,
with LIEAB taking increased responsibility
for their various ministries. Some of this
may not have happened at this point of
the journey with the continued presence
of a missionary on the field. They certainly
are not without challenges, but they are
actively addressing those challenges and
are continuing with preaching, teaching
and discipleship.
What were some of the positive shifts
that you observed?
Younger leaders who had the
advantage of more education are getting
involved with the ministries. Their
influence is becoming obvious in ministries
like La Fortaleza School. With these new
skills and training in administration and
organization, these leaders are making
a positive impact. They also have a
different mind-set and are able to provide
a different kind of leadership for the
ministries.
The older, established leaders
are still viewed as “key” leaders. The
younger leaders are working more with
development and implementation of
ideas and approach. Practical mentorship
comes into play with the established
leaders taking the younger ones along
and doing on-the-job training.
Earlier this year, Jack and Ruth
Heppner of Steinbach Manitoba spent
three months in Bolivia. The LIEAB leaders
were encouraged by their visit, and had
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opportunity to interact with Jack. Since
Jack and Ruth have lived in Bolivia on
two different occasions, the leaders were
familiar with Jack’s writing on theological
themes, Anabaptist history and his book
Radical Discipleship, and were eager to
interact with him.
LIEAB is in process of revisiting their
legal status in Bolivia, and updating their
constitution. In doing this revision, the
leaders are calling for LIEAB to become
more Anabaptist.
What does it mean to be more
Anabaptist?
To LIEAB, it means to have a clearer
understanding of what they believe and
why; to interpret Scripture from a more
Anabaptist perspective. The Academic
Dean of SETA (theology by extension
course) is developing a small group study
material that will explore the roots of
Anabaptism, and what it means to be
Anabaptist.
Tell me about other observations you
had in Bolivia.
While John and I were there, we
were hosted by the LIEAB church leaders.
This is a significant and healthy shift in our
relationship. As missionaries we used to
do much of the hosting of foreign visitors.
It was good and exciting to see the leaders
take responsibility and initiative to host us
and to see themselves as partners in the
relationship.
LIEAB has also initiated two new
outreaches, which was very exciting,
especially since there was no prior
involvement of EMMC or EMMC
personnel. LIEAB is expanding and
growing on their own initiative.
The ministries in Bolivia also face
challenges. The current government is
becoming tougher on private and non-
profit institutions. These changes also make
it more difficult for La Fortaleza School to
meet the government requirements. The
government is becoming meticulous from
a legal perspective, forcing the school to
keep their records in order and to avoid
any legal mistakes. This has also created
financial difficulties for the school.
I’ve heard a bit about RIIMA, so can you
tell me more?
RIIMA (Red de Iglesias Internacionales
Misioneras Anabautistas) is an Anabaptist
house church movement in Bolivia.
John Krahn and I spent a day with these
leaders in our recent trip. They are
working very intentionally with leadership
development, outreach and discipleship.
This is a relatively new ministry, but they
are quickly starting new house church
groups.
The beauty of these house churches
is they are grassroots, adaptable and selfsupporting. The groups meet in homes and
need limited infrastructure and financial
costs. The groups are mobile and can
meet wherever they have opportunity.
They are certainly open for short-term
volunteers who would want to assist with
these house churches.
Darrell, you were born and raised in
Manitoba. Talk about this past year and
the transition back to North America.
After being out of the country for
most of twelve years, it has been quite
an adjustment coming back. One of the
big adjustments was the whole idea of
time orientation and less emphasis on
relationships. In Canada, we need to
schedule things more in advance. Another
adjustment is the use of electronic
communication vs personal contact. I find
myself doing more correspondence by
email but there seems to be less time for
building relationships. In Canada we tend
to be more private and individualistic.
I believe that is partly influenced even
by our extreme weather here in Canada
where more time is spent indoors.
Since January 2010, you have been at
the EMMC office in Winnipeg, carrying
the role as Region 2 Coach and Missions
Facilitator. Say a bit more about that.
As our conference shifts to function
in a more regional model, the idea of
a regional coach is to encourage and
facilitate churches to help them carry
out their God-given mandate. Two of
my priority goals are to understand
better our North American context and
where the Canadian evangelical church
is at in relation to our context. It takes
time to figure out how things operate
here. It relates back to taking the time
to build relationships and then enter
into the connections that have already
been established. My passion is to see
individuals and churches living out God’s
calling for their lives.
In what ways are you connecting with
the Regions as coach?
I’ve been taking time to get to know
the pastors in Region 2 Manitoba Central,
and build relationships. I’ve spent time
observing and learning how the regions
function, and the dynamics within the
region. In the next few days, I’ll be meeting
with Region 2 pastors, discussing what it
means to be a “real church.” The topic is
timely, and I look forward to the interaction
to hear their input and perspective.
Our society is very individualistic, and
this is also reflected in our churches. Many
churches have become very independent
and removed from one another. I hope
that we will be able to reach out and
grow and expand the kingdom together.
People are not lacking things to do, yet I
find that many are willing to sacrifice for
something that counts.
For 2010 I also spend about a day
a week with the Niverville Community
Fellowship working through a visioning
process with them. This has been an
insightful and exciting opportunity to
be part of a vision to participate in the
movement of God’s love toward those in
our community and beyond.
Missions Facilitator is a new position.
What does that involve?
My job as Region 2 coach relates
specifically to the Manitoba Central
Region 2, whereas the Missions Facilitator
role reaches across the EMMC. In this role,
I am available to churches and individuals
to facilitate cross-culture missions
participation and exposure either locally
or abroad.
One of the greatest joys Elaine and
I have is working with missionaries.
Earlier in the year, we had the privilege
of doing some orientation with Kevin and
Carol Hiebert, the new school teacher
at Pailón, Bolivia. This was a real joy. We
also had the opportunity to work with
Terry Thiessen from the Gospel Mission
Church in Winkler who will be taking a
short-term team to Bolivia in August.
We did an introductory orientation with
the team and the youth parents. I also
spent some time with Cornie and Agatha
Wiebe of Grunthal Manitoba (Chortitzer
Mennonite Conference) who will be going
to Bolivia for three months later this year
to do visitation and evangelism in some of
the colonies.
Jacob Friesen and I spent time with the
missions class at Steinbach Bible College
– speaking about and answering their
questions about EMMC missions. I am
working with Wayne and Sadie Thiessen,
pastor at Villa Nueva church in Bolivia to
have them visit Manitoba in June. Also,
we hope to have Rubén and Guadalupe
Mercado, evangelist and church planter
in Mexico, visit Regions 2 and 3 later this
year. All of these help to connect us with
ministries in cross-cultural settings.
Are you available for mission teams
connect with you?
YES! The best way to connect with
me is probably by email. I am available to
meet with individuals or groups who are
considering or preparing for a short-term
missions trip. Helping with orientation
and introduction to missions can help
prepare individuals and leaders to make
the ministry trip a more meaningful
discipleship experience. Equipping people
to do ministry is energizing!
Darrell Kehler’s contact information:
email:
darrell@emmc.ca
EMMC Office
204-253-7929
Cell phone:
204-250-9687
*LIEAB La Iglesia Evangelica Anabautista en Bolivia,
the Spanish sister-conference to EMMC.
Manitoba dates for Low German ministry info
Wayne and Sadie Thiessen, pastor couple at the Villa Nueva Church in Bolivia, will be
in the Southern Manitoba Region for a limited time, sharing of their ministry among Low
German-speaking people. Come and hear their stories of what God is doing in Bolivia!
Sunday, June, 20
Report in Altona EMMC in both services 9:15 and 10:45
Wayne will be preaching in the German Service
Sunday, June 20
Report at 7:00 p.m. at Bergfeld Evangelical Church
Tuesday, June 22
Coffee time with Wayne & Sadie at EMMC office,
757 St. Anne’s Road, Winnipeg, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Report with Question and Answer Time at 2:30p.m.
Wednesday, June 23
Report night at Winkler EMMC at 7:30 p.m.
www.emmc.ca
7
Why Small Groups?
continued from page 3
This is to my Father’s glory, that you
bear much fruit, showing yourselves
to be my disciples.
– John 15:8
People in Small Groups set goals
and then pool their resources and energies
to accomplish those goals. You can do
more for the Lord as part of a group than
by yourself.
4. PROTECTING
In a Small Group we are
protected more from the plans
of the enemy than when
we are alone. Everyone
has blind spots and areas
of temptation that we
do not see without the
discernment of others.
Small groups provide places
where believers can watch out
for one another and protect one
another from falling.
Keep watch over yourselves and all
the flock of which the Holy Spirit has
made you overseers. Be shepherds of the
church of God, which he bought with his
own blood.
– Acts 20:28
As churches become larger it
becomes easier for people who fall
away or stop coming to go unnoticed.
In Small Groups there is accountability
built in. This means that our thoughts
and actions are held in check by others.
A Small Group provides a safe place for
people to be open and transparent with
one another. They are able to share their
struggles and lean on others when they
are weak.
5. PRAYING
Small Groups provide places where
prayer flows naturally. Many Christians
struggle with their personal prayer life.
While it is difficult to effectively pray
for everyone in the church, we can easily
pray for a group of believers for whom
we are vitally concerned.
I tell you that if two of you on earth
agree about anything you ask for, it
will be done for you by my Father in
heaven. For where two or three come
together in my name, there am I with
them
– Matthew 18:20
In Small Groups prayer is
fostered through prayer partners;
through prayer walks; by praying
for an adopted people group or nation
or missionary and by praying together
in other creative ways. There is power
when God’s children pray together. As we
‘agree’ together on earth it will be done
by God in heaven.
Project of reel interest
Gospel Message Ministries, Low German broadcast
Have you ever been faced with decisions about what to do
with historical materials? And no … I don’t consider the yesterday’s
supper leftovers as ‘historical materials’!
The ministry of The Gospel Message Low German broadcast
has been on-going for 53 years. This teaching and evangelism tool
has been broadcast on radio stations in Canada, USA, Mexico,
Paraguay and Bolivia. The voice of the radio pastor and the message
of hope, forgiveness and encouragement reaches hearts and homes
where a missionary or pastor may not be able to access. Radio is a
frequent companion in the hospital room, care facility, prison, home,
vehicle – anywhere a radio can be found, faithfully ministering in the
heart-language of Low German speaking people. Testimonies and
stories of the impact of this ministry are evidence of God working
through this communication tool.
Let me invite you into my little dilemma. In the early years
of The Gospel Message, the programs were recorded on reel to reel
tapes. Very few people still have reel to reel tape machines and even
fewer know what reel to reel tapes are! These tapes have been kept
8
www.emmc.ca
in storage until now. In order to make this information accessible
and usable, this information needs to be transferred and converted
to wave files so it can be stored and accessed electronically.
It’s a big job. There are about 160 8-inch reel to reel tapes that
need to be processed. The brave individual(s) who would like to take
on this project would need to be able to understand Low German so
that the program information can be catalogued appropriately. The
catalogue would allow individuals to locate a specific program, topic
or music group through cross-reference with the catalogue.
We are looking for someone who has the equipment and
know-how to transfer the broadcasts, understand Low German,
ability to accurately catalogue the required information and has
the time and interest to devote to this time-consuming, but valuable
project. An honorarium will be awarded.
Those interested should contact Lil Goertzen, Communications
Coordinator at the EMMC office in Winnipeg MB. Call 204.253.7929
or email lil@emmc.ca.
I
n any families that I have known, the birth of a
child calls for celebrations. New life brings with it
new hope. Let me paint the picture. Approximately twenty
adults seated in a semi-circle around two balloon enclosed
chairs. Our beaming daughter Ayalnesh and her husband
Tewodros sit proudly holding our newest
grandson Lucas. The oo-ing and aww-ing and
picture taking soon give way to introductions.
Oddly, while many in the group have no
biological connection to the “Kehler clan”
each introduction was prefixed by “my
sister”, “my auntie”, “my daughter”, etc. And
all claimed little Lucas as either their nephew
or grandson.
Let me explain. It was in the mid-90s that
Ayalnesh, a single mom, arrived in Canada. She
had left her home and family in war-ravaged
Ethiopia in the hopes of finding a better life.
We met Ayalnesh while taking courses at Steinbach Bible College.
Her friendliness and desire to make friends in this foreign place
and Eve’s dysfunctional beginning with their sons Cain and Able.
So God started over again by sending the flood and gave Noah
and his family refuge on the ark. But as the story goes, because of
unchecked sin, greed and godlessness, God dispersed this family
at the Tower of Babel.
However, God’s plan would not be
thwarted! He called out Abraham. Through
him God would build a new family. Later
they would be known as the Israelites, or
the Jewish people. When we follow the
story of Moses and the Israelites in the
book of Exodus, it leaves no question but
that they also failed miserably. Yet in the
sovereignty of a loving and merciful God, a
new bloodline would emerge – that through
the supernatural birth of Jesus Christ, the
Messiah. Jesus Christ came to redeem God’s
plan for the “family”, the family of God.
The events surrounding the cross of Calvary have done for family
what Adam, Noah and Abraham could not. His ascension and
outpouring of the Holy Spirit gave birth
to a new family that is fully reconciled.
The New Testament refers to this family
as the Church.
that’s what families do . . .
far outshone any language or cultural limitations. Without any
expressed intentions she just integrated into our family. So, years
later we had a family wedding, and now a baby shower. That is just
what families do. But oddly, thinking about this shower, not only did
we claim them as ours, so did at least three other family groupings
represented there (as they had at her wedding to Tewodros). End
result? All of us were blessed. In my opinion, that’s “family” as it
should be!
Over the years Anita and I have often had the opportunity to
adopt someone into our home setting – some for a short while
during a special need or time in their life, some more extended, but
all blessed our home. Thankfully we’ve also been at the receiving
end. Each of our biological children has lived in different countries
and we always prayed that God would provide a home and family
for them – and God was faithful. Now during the last years serving
as EMMC Conference Pastor, Anita and I have found ourselves in
many homes in different regions, and it’s not uncommon to hear
children‘s voices calling out “Grandma, Grandma Kehler, come
look at . . . !”
Maybe all this sound somewhat surreal, especially considering
the brokenness we see in society around us. It is often said of
our society that the North American family is under attack, but I
wonder if there is a similar spiritual attack on those who wish to
form families, whether immigrants, singles, single again, children
from broken homes, widows, etc. I truly believe that one of the
greatest missions of the Christian church of our time is to translate
God’s plan for family into our 21st century setting.
A wedding I officiated at recently reminded me of God’s original
plan for family initiated in the Garden of Eden. It’s clear and simple
– one man, one woman, for life. Jesus affirmed this in Matthew
19:5 “a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his
wife, and the two will become one flesh.” I still firmly hold to that
plan. As we read the narratives of the Bible, clearly our society isn’t
the first to struggle with carrying out the plan. Just look at Adam
I realize that there is a lot of room
for sermonizing in this quick overview of family. But the questions
I have for the church, for us as believers, is this: If we have this
new improved (potentially perfect) family model, why are so
many marriages and families in disarray? And maybe even more
significantly why are there so many lonely people in our midst? And
why are many of them leaving the church family? My Grandmother
was poor and uneducated but she had an answer for that (or at
least in part) -- simple hospitality! We were taught to stretch our
boundaries beyond our biological lines, to include the “orphans
and widows.”
A common complaint I hear from singles is that church language
and programs are geared to married couples and the nuclear family.
Yet, according to recent studies done in the U.S. shows that half of
all households are run by singles. How can we include them in our
churches and our family circles? How about that teenager without
a role model? Or the immigrant family in the low rental housing
nearby? There is someone in your neighbourhood, classroom and
work places just waiting to be invited into your circle. It is a ministry
that is easily within the reach of every one of our churches.
Today Anita and I were preparing to participate in a healing
service for a terminally ill member of our care group. This winter
the Lord had laid it upon our hearts (together with another couple)
to start a new home group. God answered our prayer to lead us to
others in our home church that were either
new or didn’t feel they really belonged.
Unless someone had asked us seriously, I
doubt that most would have known that
we were selfishly looking at meeting our
own need to “belong.” I’m really looking
forward to Friday’s gathering where we’ll
be praying for healing. I’m sure we’ll have
coffee. There will likely be some tears shed
– a lot of laughter as well.
But that’s what families do!
Al Kehler
Conference Staff
www.emmc.ca
9
notes ...
Rubén Mercado
Rubén and Guadalupe
Mercado are a LIEAB pastor
couple from Santa Cruz,
Bolivia. Since the year
2000, they have served in
evangelistic ministry, church
planting and leadership
development in Mexico.
Rubén also travels frequently to the United
States for Spanish evangelistic ministry.
EMMC Regions 2 and 3 are planning to
have Rubén and Guadalupe visit Manitoba
churches in October-November of this
year.
May 12, we received the following prayer
request at the EMMC Office from Rubén
Mercado.
God bless you dear brothers and sisters.
I am writing you because in these
last days we have been going through some
difficult circumstances. I am recovering from
a facial paralysis and have been confined to
rest for the past three weeks. Now that I am
just coming out of this, we received death
threat from a Mexican criminal group called
“los zetas”. They called to our house to
threaten my family and a ministry co-worker.
These people have obtained information
about my family and where we live and are
demanding money.
I know these are threats from the
devil but it does cause a sense of panic
and insecurity for my family. With all my
heart I ask you to pray for us for care and
protection. Also pray that God would speak
to us and fulfill his plans for our lives.
May God bless you.
Low German translation
Low German ministry is taking place all around us. It’s not limited
to Bolivia or Mexico. People reading and speaking the language are spread
throughout Canada, USA, Belize, Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia.
EMMC is committed to working towards providing good resource
materials in the Low German language.
A translation team is being brought together to ensure consistency
with word usage, spelling and that there is a broad understanding of the
terminology, not making words too regionally or culturally specific.
Hilda Friesen of Winkler Manitoba translated “Daut Christliche
Lawen” and “Daut wieetvolle Lawen” and is working on the workbook
series “The Life of Christ”. Diedrich and Nettie Friesen of Winkler
Manitoba are working on translating “Radical Discipleship” and compiling
a Low German songbook.
Darrell Kehler’s recent trip to Bolivia affirmed the need and request
for Low German resources. We are looking to partner with other ministries
to expand the distribution of the material, and to include the expertise and
giftedness of others.
If you are aware of others who are working on Low German
translation projects or would like to become involved in this ministry,
encourage them to connect with EMMC so we can share resources and be
a support and encouragement to one another.
Update as of May 31:
Rubén’s health has been improving
and he is becoming active in ministry again.
He changed their home phone number and
have not had further threats.
In the love of Christ,
Rubén Mercado
Mexico City, Mexico
www.emmc.ca
10
Mennonite Foundation of Canada
stewardship today
Retirement –
Kevin Davidson
Eat,
Drink
and be Merry!
Stewardship Consultant
What comes to mind when you think
of retirement? Florida, golf, hobbies,
volunteering, generosity, inheritance,
higher education, death, panic – what
will I do, will I have enough money?
The financial services industry
recommends we replace up to 80
per cent of our working income to
retire comfortably. This can make us
slaves to our own retirement. Today,
if 30 percent of our income goes
to taxes, 20 per cent to mortgage
payments or rent and 10 per cent to
raising kids – “Hey! We’re already
living on 40 per cent of our income.”
Malcolm Hamilton of Mercer (a human
resource consulting firm), suggests
that Canadians realistically only need
to replace 50-60 per cent of their
working incomes to maintain their
current lifestyles into retirement. The
$64 question is, are we happy with our
current lifestyle?
Retirement is a psychological,
social, financial and spiritual issue.
What will you do? Do you and your spouse agree? Do you have enough money?
Does God still care to use you for Kingdom work? Most of us concern ourselves
with the money question.
Moses is a classic example of someone who, with some encouragement,
believed God wasn’t finished with him even though he was 80 years old (Exodus
7:6). For many of us a 30-year retirement is a distinct possibility and should be
planned for.
How do we make our money last for decades? Most experts agree you should
not withdraw more than an amount equal to 4 per cent (plus inflation) of your
initial principal each year. A part-time job earning $10,000 per year would be
similar to a $200,000 investment portfolio. Government sources like Canada
Pension Plan and Old Age Security can provide $12,000 - $17,000 per year. And,
retired seniors typically live on less because their expenses are less. However,
having the best financial planner and earning the best rate of return is not a
guarantee for success. Ultimately, we must trust someone greater than the best
human wisdom. Psalm 31: 14, 15 says, “But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘you are
my God.’ My times are in your hands….”
I recently spoke with three retirees and asked them to evaluate their
retirement. Each spoke about a sense of gratitude – for health and strength, for
strong relationships with family and friends and for a sense of self-worth and
belonging. Their retirement is a testimony to Ecclesiastes 5:19, 20, “Moreover,
when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy
them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work – this is a gift of God. He seldom
reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of
heart.”
What is the alternative? It’s the guy who says, “‘Self,
you’ve done well! You’ve got it made and can now retire.
Take it easy and have the time of your life!’ Just then God
showed up and said, ‘Fool! Tonight you die. And your
barnful of goods – who gets it?’ That’s what happens
when you fill your barn with self and not with God.” Luke
12:19-21 (The Message).
For stewardship education and services, contact your nearest
Mennonite Foundation of Canada office.
Abbotsford 1-800-772-3257, ext. 5 - Arnie Friesen
Calgary 1-800-772-3257, ext. 4
Gary Sawatzky | Kevin Davidson
Kitchener 1-800-772-3257, ext. 3
Mike Strathdee | Sherri Grosz
Niagara 1-800-772-3257, ext. 2
Winnipeg (MB & SK) 1-800-772-3257
Harold Penner | Dori Zerbe Cornelsen (MC Canada)
www.emmc.ca
11
W
indow on
Region 1 - Alberta / Saskatchewan
Pastor resigns
o R
ur
egions
The Hague Gospel Church (Hague
SK) bid farewell to Pastor Joe and
Heather Haynes on Sunday, April
25th at a potluck dinner held in their
honour. The Haynes family have served
this congregation and community for
three and a half years. EMMC has been
enriched by their ministry and wish them
God’s richest blessings as they move on.
Initially they will be moving to British
Columbia to be with family as they await
God’s calling for future ministry.
Region 2 - Manitoba Central
Gospel Mennonite, Winnipeg
Urban school graduates
first class
Photo: Anita Kehler
Morrow Gospel Church, Winnipeg
Morrow Gospel
Church Baptism
and Membership
Reception, April
18, 2010.
Back row: Pastor
Ralph Unger,
Trevor Koop (T);
Dan Ginter (T);
Joseph Timbury
(B); Front row:
Jeremiah Buhler
(M); Bridget Koop
(B); Tracy (Wieler)
Dueck (T); Tracy
Ginter (T).
Photo: Lil Goertzen
Region 3 - Manitoba South
Altona EMM Church
Altona EMM Church
Baptism, April 18,
2010
Back row: John
Abrams (T); Sara
Abrams (T); Pastor
Ben Klassen; Front
row: Adam Neufeld
(B); Mary Neufeld
(B); Katie Buhler
(B); Diana Isaak
(B); Cindy Klassen;
Allison Siemens
(B).
www.emmc.ca
12
Cynthia Frazer, associate pastor at
Christian Family Centre and Clair
Hutman, mentor for Barnabas House
Ministries are the first graduates of the
School of Urban Leadership (SOUL) in
Winnipeg.
Photo
courtesy of
Christian Family Centre
The School of Urban Leadership
(SOUL) in Winnipeg has produced its
first two graduates, awarding Cynthia
Frazer and Clair Hutman certificates
in Christian leadership studies. A
non-traditional program for innercity residents, SOUL is a joint effort
of the Mennonite Brethren Church
of Manitoba and the Evangelical
Mennonite Conference. The curriculum
was provided by The Urban Ministry
Institute, an arm of World Impact, and
classes were held in the evenings at
Christian Family Centre in Winnipeg.
Spending two-to-three hours a week in
class over a period of 40 months, Frazer
and Hutman completed 32 credit hours
of courses in biblical studies, theology,
ethics, Christian ministry and urban
studies.
Frazer is an associate pastor at
Christian Family Centre, and Hutman is
a mentor for Barnabas House Ministries
an outreach of Gospel Mennonite
Church, Winnipeg Manitoba. EMMC Recorder, May/June 2010, Volume 47, Number 3
Glencross Mennonite Church
Ministry in the church and beyond!
Every fall marks new ‘beginnings’ at Glencross… we
settle back into regular routines after summer has passed, and
we look ahead to what this new ‘year’ will bring. The fall of
2009 began with some rather exciting things. For the first
time, the youth had extra motivation to collect and assemble
Samaritan’s Purse Shoeboxes. The youth pastor (Mike Penner)
set up a challenge to
get a minimum of
30 boxes per small
group for a chance to
paint a section on his
car. The result was
‘beautiful’…not only
on the car, but on that
Sunday morning as
boxes seemingly never
Photo: Mike Penner
ceased to come to the
stage. They put together a
total of 350 boxes, which we trust will bless the lives of kids
living in poverty.
This past January we had a service to mark the beginning
of Deacon ministry for three couples. The ministry of deacons
is essential to the church, and we are so grateful that people
are willing to serve in this way.
The willingness to serve has been seen numerous
times as we’ve sent off quite a few short-term missionaries.
Monika Neufeld went to serve in Paraguay at a leprosy
hospital, and Wendy Hildebrand returned to Cambodia for 3
months (she had been there previously on the youth mission
trip in spring 2009). Jake Hiebert served in Mexico with
Children of Hope doing maintenance at the orphanage, while
Priscilla (with husband Abe) Friesen have been in Australia
to study midwifery with YWAM. Since the winter they have
been in many countries putting their skills to work. Lastly,
Daryl Klassen served in Cambodia at the Children’s Camps
(Children’s Camps International) in spring 2010, and Kelly
Wieler went to the Dominican Republic with a team from
Youth For Christ. Those who are willing to take time off work
or away from friends and family to serve around the world are
a model to us all. We pray God’s richest blessings on them! It
is so great to hear about what God is doing when they return
back to tell their stories.
Just before Easter our annual baptism took place. We
are excited to see our congregation growing. Hearing the
testimonies of these candidates was encouraging – it gives us
all a chance to see the work of God in other peoples lives! We
serve an amazing and gracious God, who constantly pursues
us despite our wanderings. May we offer Him all the praise
for the work He does in our lives and the lives of others!
~ Terry Penner
Glencross Mennonite Church Baptism, March 28, 2010. Back row:
Gertrude and Peter Giesbrecht; Vanessa and Frank Wieler; Darren
Letkeman; Philip Klassen; Sheldon Wall. Front row: Laurel Unrau;
Becky Pauls; Rachael Friesen; Jasmine Thiessen; Jocelyn Fehr.
Photo by Jenn Klassen
Glencross Mennonite Church, Deacon commissioning, January 10,
2010
Pastor Vic Peters, Lawrence Klassen, Ken and Irma Klassen, Louise
and Pete Peters, Youth Pastor Mike Penner, Martha and Ike Klassen,
Ben D. Wiebe.
Photo by Jenn Klassen
Winkler EMM Church
Baptism and Membership
Winkler EMM Church Baptism and Membership, April 18, 2010
Pastor Loren Guenther; Sheldon Dick (B); Rachel Klassen (B); Marlin
Sawatzky (B); Randy Suderman (B); John Klassen (m). Front row:
Victoria Friesen (B); John Neufeld (B); John Ginter (M); Linda Ginter
(M); Lenora Klassen (M); Pastor Wilbert Friesen.
www.emmc.ca
13
M
issionary
U
pdates
Region 1 - Alberta / Saskatchewan
Marsden and Mandy
Giesbrecht
Northern Canada Evangelical Mission
Kinistin Saskatchewan
Home Church: Sutherland Evangelical,
Saskatoon SK
Thank you everyone for your
prayers!
Isaac James Giesbrecht made his
entry into the world at 10:53pm April 9.
He weighed in at 8 pounds, 6 ounces and
is beautiful, healthy and very content! Our
girls are just thrilled with their new little
brother.
Mandy, Marsden,
Kora, Naiomi, and Isaac
Chris and Elaine Hurst
Wycliffe Bible Translators
Based in Abbotsford BC
Home church: Hepburn Gospel Church,
Hepburn SK
Elaine had an amazing month of
March on a career discovery course. It was
a great time for her to think about strengths,
passions and direction. So far no job, but
lots of vision. One very exciting element
was that Elaine was instrumental in leading
one of her co-participants to accept the Lord
and be baptised. Our Aztec colleagues, Plácido,
Esteban and Hilario have checked over
half of Matthew with their neighbours. It is
good to get positive feedback and interest.
They also find that some of the teenagers
don’t know words we would expect them
www.emmc.ca
14
to know, such as “pay” “bed” and “mercy”.
These Nahuatl words have been replaced
in many folks’ vocabulary by Spanish loan
words. So the translation team has to make
lots of decisions about the age range we
are targeting and how to please most of the
people most of the time.
Hilario has been sharing a study
guide for Luke’s Gospel with a pastor who
is using the Nahuatl translation of Luke in
his church. We praise God for opportunities
that keep opening up to encourage the
fellows that their work is not in vain.
After tremendous efforts to get letters
of support and signatures, the funding
request for publishing our Literacy books
has been accepted! The government
department responsible for development
among indigenous people will print 2,000
copies for use in the schools in Mecayapan,
Tatahuicapan and the surrounding towns!
Praise God!
There is a new opportunity at the
local university where the language
department head is interested in our
Literacy materials. We are a bit behind
schedule with translation checking so we
have to be careful about the fellows getting
overcommitted.
Chris attended a conference in
Guatemala, with 90 people from 15
countries, mostly Latin American.
There were representatives of about 50
organizations, including many led by
indigenous people. The whole focus was
working together to promote the translation
and use of the Bible in indigenous
languages.
It is really encouraging to see the
growth in independence among indigenous
Christians in the last few decades. This
conference was organized and led in the
greater part by these fine brothers and
sister in Christ. We now see many Latin
Americans going as missionaries to other
countries. This week we heard about the
“third wave”, indigenous folks joining
these ranks; including Zapotecs and
Mazatecs from Mexico.
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly
broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12
These verses struck a “chord” with
me as one of the speakers at the Guatemala
conference shared how important it is to
team up whenever possible. I wrote to
Hilario, Plácido and Esteban to encourage
them to ALL consider going to the linguistics
course at the University of San Luis Potosi.
They talked about it and are enthusiastic
and ready to go. I’m really amazed because
this means taking a week away from their
families, churches, field work and other
responsibilities. Also they know it will be
academically challenging.
Please pray that there will be no
hindrances to the fellows being able to
follow through with this commitment.
Scott and Patsy Buhler
Teach Beyond (formerly Janz Team
Ministries)
Camp Ministry, Brazil
Home church: Niverville Com m u n ity
Fellowship, Manitoba
Summer camps
Oh, the blessings we experienced this
summer! Once more God supplied a place
for us to rent. It has been a challenge to find
an appropriate location that’s conducive to
both activities and infrastructure. We finally
found a place with an adequate kitchen,
great bathrooms and a sufficient activity area. We were able to put
to good use the kitchen equipment that we were graciously given
by a partnering church.
We had growth in all three camps Quest offers, which was
encouraging. We had a total of 54 campers, which is up by 40%
from last summer. The campers came from seven different cities
and approximately a 50% churched/unchurched ratio. We have
definitely seen a great jump in the confidence that people have in
us, mostly due to us being more involved in running retreats and
leadership training in the local churches.
One of our biggest joys this summer was training a full
volunteer staff that joined us for the entire three weeks. For the first
time, we had the majority of our staff from the surrounding region as
well as two staff members that traveled over 12 hours to come and
work with us. Once again, it was humbling to see God transforming
the lives of both staff and campers before our very eyes.
Milestone
Patsy and I just celebrated 20 years of marriage! In today’s
world it may seem like a milestone, but to us it seems like yesterday
when we said “I do.” We thank God for each other and the miracle
He has performed in our relationship.
The “sweet” news is that God has raised the amount necessary
to purchase the land for Quest! We ask that you continue to pray
that God would open the right doors so that the transaction can
happen as soon as possible. Please pray that God would continue
to open the hearts of the Brazilians to invest in this project as well.
We want to thank each and every one of you who has donated to
our property project. May God richly reward you.
Gord and Beckie Klassen
Gem Lake Wilderness Camp
Inner City Youth Alive, Winnipeg MB
Home church: Gospel Mennonite, Winnipeg
Back: Naomi, Rachel, Josh, Gord and Beckie
Klassen
“Never will I leave you; never will I
forsake you.” So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be
afraid.” Hebrews 13:5-6
We have just completed a great season
of winter camps up at Gem Lake Wilderness
Camp. Our theme at camp this winter was
“Never Alone” based on Hebrews 13:5-6
(above). It was sad to hear the stories of
aloneness and abandonment that some of the
youth shared, but it was encouraging to see
campers begin to grasp the truth that even in
the darkest times they need never again be
truly alone if Christ is in their lives.
Family Update
Hannah is 9 and is a joy to have around. She continues to
be a ray of light around our home with
her bright smile and mostly cheerful
disposition. She loves to play and spend
time with friends and continues to be
our social butterfly.
Muki is forever on the go. This
boy goes non stop! He can maintain
conversations, study, doodle, read and
do many other things all at the same
time. Our family was blessed with a
Wii for Christmas and he has really
enjoyed practicing all kinds of sports
and games.
Caleb (below) is pretty much
Dad’s size
now with
no end in
sight. His feet have already passed
mine (Scott) and it won’t be long until
the rest of him follows suit. He too
enjoys the Wii and now it is much
easier for the two us to shoot a round
of golf together!
Quest is officially registered here
in Brazil as a Training Centre/Adventure Camp and God has been
using both of these means to bring people to Himself.
A fun memory was the event in an
all-girls camp. The leaders were decorating
the dining hall for a pajama party complete
with a chocolate fountain and all manner
of beautification stuff. My job was to keep
the campers out of the dining hall until
everything was ready. We all piled onto one
of the huge sleds and snowmobiled out into
the middle of the lake. We spent some time
just looking at the stars and talking about
the “Never Alone” theme that we had been
covering in Mini-Church.
Then we tried being really, really quiet
to see what we could hear, but there were
none of the usual sounds of ice shifting or
airplanes in the distance. So I convinced
the girls that we should wake up the wolves
and have a talk with them. We all howled as
loudly as we could! Much to their surprise
we heard a real wolf in the distance when we
stopped. We howled several more times and
soon could hear the howls coming from all
different directions. The girls were somewhat
spooked by this and tried to convince me
that we really should be heading back.
Then there was another sound! It was the
“doodle-doodle-doodle” of the two-way
radio in my pocket followed by Beckie’s
voice announcing that it was time to come
back for the party. I have never seen campers
get loaded onto the sled and ready to go back
so quickly!
The next few weeks will be spent
repairing and cleaning up equipment from the
winter camps and preparing for the summer
program. Please let me know if you would
like to come and help on one of these trips. I
will also be taking my Wilderness First Aid
Training and will continue putting our staff
team together for the summer.
Praise and Prayer Items
• Praise God for the work teams, volunteer
counselors and cooks who came to camp to
love and teach our youth this winter.
• Pray for our family as we plan how much
time we will spend together up at camp.
Rachel’s grad, summer jobs etc.
• Pray that the truth the campers heard
in Mini-Church this winter will be real
in their lives. In Christ they are never
alone.
• Pray that our summer staff will bond well
and have a burning desire to see the youth
come to know Christ personally.
• Pray that I will find more opportunity to
build one on one relationships with the
youth in our community.
• Pray that I will do a good job of organizing and
prep for this summer’s camp program.
www.emmc.ca
15
W
ith over 200 ladies coming from
near and far, this year’s Ontario
Women’s Day was once again a
huge success! Held at the Aylmer EMMC,
the theme was “God’s Heart and Feet”.
The morning started off with two separate
sessions; one in English and the other in Low
German.
In the English session Annie Froese gave us
her powerful testimony in which she endured
an emotionally abusive relationship with her
partner. Through God’s power she was finally
able to break free and be released from her
partner’s bondage. The morning speaker was
Mary Anne Friesen who spoke of the journey
to our Father’s heart. Mary Anne reminded
us of our Saviour’s passionate love for all His
children. We were challenged to see ourselves
and others through God’s lens of love, and
fulfill a self-abandonment in the Lord.
With the offering we were given the opportunity to help both the devastation in Haiti,
through MCC, and fund tuition in the Centro Educativo Mennonita School in Pailon,
Bolivia.
Margaret Harder was the speaker for the
German session. She explained how God
gives us the free will to choose; and as long as
we seek God’s wisdom and guidance in whatever choice we select, then we are not sinning against Him. Margaret also explained
that everyone is called to serve in one way or
another; and that missions do not have to be
long-term trips to foreign countries, but can
begin right at home.
We were also blessed with a wonderful skit
that showed how each one of us can serve
God in some way or another; whether serving involves
reaching out to neighbourhood children, or visiting
the sick and elderly. The skit
showed us that we are all an
integral part of God’s plan,
and that we are all called
to be His heart, hands, and
feet.
Throughout the day we
were blessed to have Aylmer’s
worship group lead us in
powerful singing; and after
a wonderful lunch, laughter
came easily with a comedy
video tailored specifically for
us women! The term ‘mammogram’ took on a whole
new meaning for us all!
Naomi Sheane, the afternoon speaker, focused
her message on God’s feet.
Through considering the
needs of others’ and seeing
with God’s heart, out feet
will then be compelled to
move. Naomi challenged
us to see as God’s heart and
move with God’s feet.
All in all, the 2010 Women’s Day began with great
fellowship and ended with
great fellowship!
By Susie Heinrichs
Ontario Women’s Day
Photos from top left in clockwise order: Margaret Harder (Aylmer, Low
German speaker)/ Mary Anne Friesen (Blenheim, English morning
speaker)/ Naomi Sheane (Leamington, afternoon speaker)/ worship in
song/ registration table/ nose to nose for an audience participation game/
all ages welcome/ breakfast munchies to start the day right.
www.emmc.ca
16
Window on our Regions
continued
Region 4 - Ontario
Region 5b - Belize
Leamington EMM Church
Gospel Fellowship Chapel, Shipyard
Commissioning to ministry
Music Night in Shipyard
Leamington EMM Church, Ontario commissioned workers to ministry
on April 25. Pastor Steve Sheane (left) prays for Richard and
Elisabeth Hamm who are giving leadership to the German ministry.
Peter and Mary Klassen were commissioned as youth pastor.
Mexico - Conferencia Misionera Evangelica (CME)
Evangeliums Kapelle, Nuevo Ideal, Durango Mexico
Commissiong for
ministry January
24 2010
Back row: Pastor
Hein Thiessen;
Ben (Chair) Margie
Giesbrecht;
Agatha and David
Wall (deacon);
Pastor’s wife
Betty Thiessen;
Lisa and Cornelius
Z a c h a r i a s
(deacon). Front
Row: Jacob and
Anni Guenther
(youth pastor
couple); Susanna
and Cornelius
Unger (Lay Pastor Couple); Susy and Henry Vogt (deacon couple).
Baptism
and
M e m b e r s h i p
Reception, January
17 2010. Above:
Eva and Wilhelm
Thiessen; Pastor
Hein Thiessen;
Johan and Agatha
Heide; Susanna and
Cornelius Unger;
Right: Wilhelm and
Susanna Guenther; Maria Guenther (baptized); Lena Redecop
(baptized); Margaret and Gerhard Redecop.
I want to thank all of you for
praying for us, and for Shipyard. We
are blessed to know that many of you
are fervently praying at home, and
some are also gathering in groups
for prayer. Thank you so much for
partnering with us in this way.
Earlier in May, we asked that
you pray with us as we planned for a
Music Night for May 15. Specifically, Henry and Tina Redekopp
enjoying the evening.
we asked:
• For the music group as they prepared
and as they played and saing
• For Henry as he prepared and spoke to the group
• For the community, that God would prepare the hearts of
people
• That the Holy Spirit would move and soften the hearts of people
(including us) and that those who do not know Christ would
come to know Him
• That we would be discerning to the needs of people and have the
ability to minister to their needs
• Against opposition as we know that Satan always seeks to
interfere
• That God would be glorified throughout the evening
• That we would have good weather, as this was an outdoor event
Knowing that many colony people would hear about the event
through Carl Zacharias’s Low German radio program, we were
excited about the possibilities of ministering to people, and sharing
the Gospel with them.
The music night went very well and we thank God for that. We
had a couple of voltage
glitches, but it did not
seem to be a hindrance,
and everyone seemed to
enjoy the evening. We
estimated that more than
300 people attended, of
which someone who
estimated that close 100
were from Shipyard.
Later, we heard that some horse and buggies had gone to the neighbors
beside the park where the event was held. That way they could hear
everything without having to admit to being at the park.
We had guests from Spanish Lookout, Blue Creek, Orange
Walk and Shipyard. The evening was planned to reach people in the
colony with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Gospel was presented.
We may never know the effect this has had in the colony, but we are
confident that many colonists are now wrestling with the challenge
presented, and we are anticipating that we will have opportunity to
meet with these individually in the coming weeks and months
Thank you again for partnering with us in this ministry
~ Henry & Tina Redekopp, Pastors
Gospel Fellowship Chapel
www.emmc.ca
17
Missionary Updates
Renetta Siemens
Overseas Missionary Fellowship
Davao City, Philippines
Home church: Gospel Mennonite, Winnipeg
Thanks
for praying! It
is always an
encouragement
to hear from
you and know
that you prayed.
March was
graduation
month, bring
much joy to
see the students
graduate.
T h e
Renetta Siemens (second from let) and some of
summer
break
the other ladies at the team retreat.
will involve
some students in DVBS ministry in various tribal areas. It will be
good to hear what they have experienced in their time in the hills.
Dale and Lori Derksen
Mission Aviation Fellowship
Papua New Guinea
Home Church: Winkler EMMC, Manitoba
Scott, Amy, Arianna and Callum
Hi! This is
Callum here. My Mom
is busy helping Scott,
Amy, and Arianna with
their school work so I
thought I would get this
letter started for her
and tell you about some
of our new friends here
in Telefomin.
First I would
like to tell you about
“Uncle” Steven. It’s
Lori and Dale at the back. Left: Amy, Callum
pretty cool that he was
sitting on Scott and Arianna Derksen.
my Mom and Dad’s
language helper in the village of Tekin a long time ago (1997) when
they lived in Papua New Guinea. Now Uncle Steven is the MAF
agent and our next door neighbor here in Telefomin!
Another good friend is Leti. She helps keep our house nice
and clean. Leti and her sister Jenny, who keeps our yard looking
pretty, are a lot of fun! They laugh at the silly things I do and also
help us practice speaking Pidgin and teach us about the customs of
www.emmc.ca
18
continued
Our team took time for a retreat in another province. It took
about 5 hours driving time to get there. There was one instance
during the trip where we felt the vehicle make a quick turn. Another
vehicle was heading towards us and we could have had an accident.
Please do remember to pray for safety in our travels and as we move
around in our ministries.
Pray for good health, stamina, safety and for all our students.
This year Iris Gaspar, Eric Mangod, and Mariel Indac join our
college students. Iris will take a secretarial course, Eric an IT course
and Mariel goes into midwifery training. Pray that these students
would get a good start in school. Classes begin in June.
In the next few weeks we will be handling more money again
as the students enrol. Pray that we will be good stewards of all that
God has given us.
Pray too for our youth here in the city to have sufficient
spiritual input. The Flad family will go home and so Junjun and
Ghangghang Bongcalas a Manobo couple will take on some of this
responsibility. I am thankful for Junjun who also helps with extra
things for the students.
Last of all I ask that you pray that Genna and I will be able
to come to Canada this summer to have a holiday.
Thanks again for all the times you have prayed for me. God
bless and keep you!
Papua New Guinea. They can hardly believe all the snow we get
in Canada. It doesn’t snow here.
I’d better go now and see if Mom needs my help making
lunch!
Some of us might classify chocolate and coffee as a basic
essential of life. But to many Papua New Guineans cocoa and coffee
beans truly are an essential of life — not for their own consumption
but for export. The tons of coffee, cocoa beans and vegetables that
MAF transports to market each year provides these subsistence
farmers with a means to pay school fees so their children can be
educated, medical and travel expenses, materials to build a home
and countless other needs.
February 22 to March 5 we spent two weeks at the MAF
base in Goroka so Dale could help out with their flying program
while some pilots were away. It was nice to connect with the MAF
families there as well as some of the New Tribes missionaries based
in the area.
Please pray
for the Christians in
PNG. There are many
challenges for these
new Christians. The
temptation is to have
one foot in each camp,
happily accepting God’s
love and blessings, but
still living according
to age-old customs and
Dale and Lori Derksen continued
rituals, trusting in the spirits of their ancestors to guide their
decision making. When they do embrace the freedom and grace
in Christ there is the difficulty of village government. Since
the people are no longer controlled by fear and the powers of
darkness, especially the younger generation will sometimes abuse
their freedoms and rebel against leadership. Pray they will have
wisdom to live out their faith in the context of their culture and
traditions.
God is changing lives here in PNG despite the challenges.
Thank you so much for your prayers and for your partnership in
reaching the people of Papua New Guinea for Christ.
Prayer & Praise
• Praise for new friends
• Pray and praise for health and safety
• Pray for the Christians of PNG as they seek to live out their faith
in the context of their culture and traditions
Region 4 - Ontario
Dave and Cheri Bartsch
Youth With A Mission, Gold Coast
Australia
Home church: Aylmer EMMC Ontario
Just recently six young
Japanese girls gave their lives to
Christ through our Thursday night
street ministry called Coffee Van.
Sometimes it only takes something
as simple as time spent listening
over a warm cup of coffee to lead
someone straight into the arms of
their savior. What simple thing can
you do today to lead someone closer to God
YWAM Gold Coast is involved in a number of ministries,
which the students will be a part of, including street outreach with
the Coffee Van, primary school and high school religious education
programs, park outreach, beach sports outreach, feeding programs
and much more.
Through these practical opportunities, we will equip people
to lead and organize outreach programs and events to reach people
who don’t yet know Jesus. They will also be part of YWAM base
operations, learning the logistical, administrative and support roles
that it takes to make a ministry function. Email and ask us about it
at info@ywamgc.com.au or visit the YWAMGC website at www.
ywamgc.com.au for more details.
God speaks to us! This is such an amazing phenomena isn’t
it?! He speaks to us! It still baffles me sometimes because I just feel
like a lump of nothing sometimes and yet He chooses to use me.
Thanks again for helping us to help others experience the
reality and freedom of God. We really appreciate you. With each
passing month we know that God is calling us into a deeper place
and “expanding our tents” and we thank you for standing with us.
Please know that you are a huge part of what is happening in the
lives of us, this city, and beyond!
Pete and Cathy Dyck
Camping / Hospitality Ministry
WEC International
Mexico
Home church: Aylmer EMMC Ontario
“For here have we no continuing
city, but we seek one to come.”
Hebrews 13:14
Greetings once more from
Canada. In less than six months
we have traveled full “circle”
from Ontario to Saskatchewan and
Alberta, to Mexico and recently
back to Ontario. It has not been
easy to move around so much, but
J o s i a h , C a t h y , P e t e a n d we thank the Lord that His grace
ChristyAnne Dyck.
is always sufficient. An interesting
phrase, “Home is where the heart is,” may have deeper meaning
than at first meets the eye. Is that why the moving about in these
last months has been such a challenge? Our hearts are in many
different places, but physically we can only be in one of those at a
time. Maybe God is reminding us that actually none of these places
is really home because we are citizens of Heaven.
El Monte (our team’s ministry center) has undergone a lot
of changes in the last year. The latest additions are a soccer field
(and ground prepared for a second one), the first phases of the
maintenance shop, another area cleared for rustic camping, and a
road up to the area where we want to develop a Pastor’s Renewal
Center. The last two have just happened in the last month. Apart
from these bigger items, a lot of landscaping and improvements of
the grounds have taken place.
Another huge challenge that we are facing is the legal issue
of El Monte. The paperwork is all in order, but there is a group of
“common land owners” who are challenging our documents, saying
that they are the owners of our property, and we should pay them
for it. Please pray that this issue will be fully resolved and that we
can continue to develop El Monte for the different ministries.
One already on-going ministry on El Monte is the crosscultural training for Latin Americans wanting to minister in other
countries. There are many young people who desire to serve God
as missionaries, but in one way or another are being hindered from
moving forward. Please pray that God will raise up more workers
for His Kingdom and take care of any obstacles that impede their
progress. Please pray that by the application deadline a minimum
of six students will be confirmed.
Ezekiel and Carol have continued to grow in their walk with
the Lord. It has been such an encouragement to us to see how God
is at work in their hearts and lives. They (along with two sons)
have also been very faithful hard workers at El Monte, keeping the
grass watered, taking care of livestock, keeping the camping area
clean, etc. The biggest blessing is that they do it with such a great
attitude, not considering any task too low. However, their faith is
frequently being tried by different situations, so please continue to
pray for them.
Thanks so much for your support in different ways! You are
part of our team, and together we are coworkers for the Lord. We
appreciate your participation with us. God bless you.
www.emmc.ca
19
Graduating Class of 2010
Valedictorian Nicole Friesen (Altona EMM
Church) receiving her diploma from Dr.
Rob Reimer, president of Steinbach Bible
College. On Sunday, April 25th, 30 students received their diplomas at the graduation
ceremonies held at the Steinbach EMC. Among the graduates were 26 Bachelor
of Arts recipients. This marks the largest graduating class in the past 5 years. The
ceremonies were highlighted by the valedictorian address delivered by Nicole
Friesen and the undergrad response given by Steven Brandt. The commencement
address was brought by Tim Houck, speaker and trainer with Truth Matters
Ministries. He challenged the graduates to take a step of faith and follow God into
ministry opportunities. Ignite!, one of the ministry teams of the college, performed
several songs and spoke of the message of hope and peace that come from faith
in God.
This wraps up an exciting weekend that started with the Spring Concert on
Friday night, followed by the Grad Banquet which was held on Saturday night.
This wraps up a strong year of study at Steinbach Bible College. The faculty and
staff look forward to spending some time recharging and preparing for another
year in September.
Remember to pray for our graduates as they leave the familiar surroundings of
SBC and venture into the careers and ministries that God has prepared for them. ~ Patrick Friesen
Director of Communications
2
4
7
5
6
3
1
Altona EMMC, Manitoba: [1] Nikki (Nicole) Friesen - BA in Global Missions; [2] Kellin Friesen - BA in Youth Ministry; Aylmer EMMC Ontario:
[3] Elaine Harder - Diploma of Biblical Studies; Bergfeld Evangelical Church, Manitoba: [4] Armando Reyes - BA in Youth Ministry; [5] Doug
Giesbrecht - BA in Christian Studies; Blue Creek EMMC Belize: [6] Val Dyck - BA in Christian Studies; Winkler EMMC Manitoba: [7] Scott
Dick - BA in Pastoral Ministry.
www.emmc.ca
20
MCC Canada receives over
$8M for Haiti relief
WINNIPEG, Man.—Mennonite Central Committee (MCC)
in Canada has received more than $8.4 million in financial
contributions in support of MCC’s response to the Haiti
earthquake.
“This is remarkable—it is humbling to be part of such an
outpouring of generosity,” said Don Peters, executive director of
MCC Canada.
By the end of April, MCC had received nearly 27,000 gifts,
nearly half of which were from people who had not previously
made donations to the organization. Donations were highest
in Manitoba, followed by Ontario. Gifts came from individual
donors, organizations, congregations, schools, thrift shops,
foundations, estates, and others.
In addition to financial gifts, supporters in Canada and the
U.S. made it possible for MCC to send thousands of blankets, cans
of meat, tarps, first aid kits, sheets, and relief kits (plastic pails
filled with towels, soap, shampoo, and other hygienic supplies).
MCC’s multi-year response will include economic
development, food programs, housing projects, education and
health services, and trauma healing, said Willie Reimer, director
of MCC’s food, disaster, and material resources.
According to Reimer, experience has shown that responding
effectively to disasters means listening carefully to those who
were affected as they explain what is needed. “We don’t go into
communities and tell people what they need,” he said. “They
live here – this is their home. Haitian-led decision-making is
essential.”
Partnership also underscores the work of MCC in Canada as
it collaborates with the Canadian Churches in Action (CCA)—a
coalition of nine church-based development and relief agencies
in Canada, to access Canadian government matching funds for
Haiti.
The coalition is working with the federal government to
~ By Gladys Terichow
MCC Staff Writer
Rosette Aime, in her temporary shelter in Fragneau-Ville camp in Portau-Prince, Haiti, holds up a comforter she received from MCC. MCC is
also laying the groundwork for longer-term plans to work alongside
Haitian partners in a multiyear response.
(MCC photo by Ben Depp)
determine how best to access the matching funds, said Reimer.
CCA was formed following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and
was successful in accessing matching funds for projects undertaken
following the 2004 tsunami, the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, the
2008 cyclone in Myanmar, and earthquake in China.
“Working in partnership with churches of various backgrounds
and denominations allows us to combine our gifts, talents, experiences,
contacts and resources,” said Reimer.
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), founded in 1920, is a
worldwide relief and development service agency and a recognized
partner of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches. As the name
indicates, the organization reflects joint ownership by various MB
churches in Canada and the U.S..
Ministry in Paraguay
Diedrich Harms has been involved with
evangelistic and teaching ministry for over 30
years. His heart and passion is to see people come
to Christ, and to live and grow in the freedom
found in Christ.
With fluency in English, Low German
and Spanish, Diedrich ministers in cross-cultural
settings with ease. His explanation of the gospel
is clear and his heart for people is unmistakable.
Together with his wife Judy, they have taught at
Steinreich Bible School in Mexico for 12 years,
and have participated in and conducted spiritual
renewal / revival services in Canada, USA,
Belize, Mexico, Bolivia and Paraguay.
Diedrich and Judy were in Paraguay for
an evangelistic ministry trip for most of May and
early part of June. Mid-May, Diedrich sent the
following email message:
I have sensed the power of God in
a mighty way. Judy and I personally have
experienced the peace that comes from
the Lord. The first Sunday morning they
had a Mother’s Day program; I saw the
people, and almost panicked, seeing the
multitude of educated people. I asked
myself, “what have I gotten myself into?” By
late afternoon, the peace of God filled my
heart and all my fear was gone. After the
first message, people responded, seeking
help. The week has been wonderful, the
response has been very positive.
A lady, who was bitter, out of
relationship with the community, bitter
towards the church. She surrendered her
life to the Lord on Monday. She says “I am
free, I have let go, I am ready to step into
fellowship in the church, I am ready to help
along, and I want to start singing again.”
Thank you for your prayers and your
encouragement. May God bless you for your
faithfulness and your partnership in this
ministry.
www.emmc.ca
21
Elsewhere ...
I S
Growth at Eden
Requires More Space
Colony Outreach Couple
for 2010
n
Formoreinformationcontact:
David Wiebe, Mennonite Addictions Services,
204-325-8430 or 204-362-8833
Keith Doerksen, Segue Director, 204-325-8988
James Friesen, Eden Health Care Services CEO, 204-325-5355
Toll Free:
1.866.493.6202
Winnipeg:
477.4673
Serving Manitoba
with locations in
Winnipeg, Steinbach,
Winkler, Altona
and Portage la Prairie
22
www.emmc.ca
JOB DESCRIPTION
Preamble
This new missionary couple will be assigned via the EMMC/EBMC
cooperative agreement to serve in Bolivia, South America under the local
umbrella of the “Mision Evangelica Menonita Chorovi”. Their specific
area of assignment will be to colony Mennonites in the area surrounding
the city of Santa Cruz. They will work as team members alongside other
MEM-Bolivia staff.
Boli
via
Winkler, Manitoba —Two of the newest programs of
Eden Health Care Services have grown so rapidly in
the last three years that additional space is being built
to accommodate the increased activity.
Eden’s newest program is Mennonite Addictions
Services. This program is a partnership between
four congregations and Eden Health Care Services.
This program provides biblically-based, cultural and
language specific counseling and support for individuals,
couples and families experiencing challenges due to
addictions.
Initially, Bishop David Wiebe of the Sommerfeld
Church received the training to provide the counseling
and support for this service. When the counseling load
grew too much for one person to manage, another
minister, Stan Krahn, was hired to assist. The growing
number of requests for this service from across the region
has now stretched this ministry beyond the capacity of
the existing Eden office space in downtown Winkler.
At the same time Eden’s Segue employment
program has also grown at a rapid pace. This program
provides assessments and evaluates employment skills
and interests and then assists participants to actively
conduct a job search with the goal of steady employment.
With an increasing number of participants in this
program, Segue requires more space for vocational
assessments and group and classroom activities.
While some funds for this expansion have already
been committed, more is required. Both projects are
meeting the urgent needs of addictions counseling
and employment within the southern Manitoba
community.
earch of ...
Christian, not-forprofit counselling
organization.
Vision
To establish and give leadership to one or more church groups or
congregations among the Low German colony Mennonites in Bolivia. We
desire to bring lasting transformation to the desperate situation among the
Low German speaking people in Bolivia by planting a number of vibrant
& multiplying churches in the coming years. In some case our strategy for
helping will also include education and economic development. Working
together with the existing church in Villa Nueva, this couple will establish
and give leadership to this outreach work.
Many people in a number of colonies are open to change and want to
learn more about God’s Word. This would involve many visitations at first
and then doing regular Bible studies which would through God’s leading
turn into a church congregation. Because of the many social problems that
are present in the colonies it needs to be a vibrant, stable, Christian couple
that have some years of experience in counseling and/or pastoral duties.
Also, as the work would include a lot of travel and being occupied in the
evenings it would be important for the couple not to have young children.
Accountability:
To be accountable to the MEM Bolivia Field Director (currently David
Janzen) through the Evangelism and Discipleship leader (currently
Wayne Thiessen).
We would want to see this as a work of the local church (Evanjeelische
Mennoniten Jemeent in Villa Nueva), which Wayne Thiessen is currently
leading. This would mean that the new couple would work together with
the church and include the local members when possible in doing this
outreach.
Primary Responsibilities
1. To be an active member of the MEM – Bolivia Team, working
cooperatively with MEM leadership and staff.
2. Together with the local MEM team develop a strategy for starting and
nurturing a number of church plants in and among the Bolivian Mennonite
colonies.
3. To spend a large portion of time in contact with Old Colony Mennonite
people, building relationships and sharing/teaching God’s Word.
4. To initiate Bible studies and church plants as opportunities develop.
5. Designate sufficient time for family and marriage relationships.
6. Keep the EMMC and EBMC constituencies informed via letters and
reports.
7. Be available to teach/preach at the Villa Nueva Church or others as time
permits.
For more information or to submit application, contact the EMMC Home
Office, Winnipeg Manitoba at info@emmc.ca or ph: 204.253.7929
I S
n
earch of ...
Churches and congregations
Austin Evangelical Fellowship (EMMC) in Manitoba is seeking a PART-TIME YOUTH PASTOR. Position to begin
September 1, 2010. We are looking for someone who has a passion to develop and build relationships with our youth
(Grades 8-12) and the community around us. We are a multi-generational church with strong family ties and an
average Sunday morning attendance of approximately 100 people. Austin is located on the trans-Canada highway
west of Portage La Prairie. The Youth Pastor must be born again, growing in relationship with Jesus Christ, and in
agreement with the Statement of Faith of our church. For further information or to submit a resume and cover letter,
please send by June 30 to:
Austin Evangelical Fellowship, Attention: Spiritual Advisory Board, Box 189, Austin, MB, R0H 0C0
Or e-mail: austinefc@mts.net.
Grunthal Bergthaler Mennonite Church is prayerfully seeking a FULL TIME SENIOR PASTOR who has a heart for
people and is community-outreach minded. Non-affiliated. Blended worship style. Congregation of 200 to 300.
We would like a pastor who has the heart of a shepherd and a desire to see our church grow through reaching
the lost and investing in the people of the church. He should have strong preaching and teaching skills. The candidate
must have a Bible College degree. Some pastoral experience is preferred. He must be in agreement with our constitution
and statement of faith.
We are an evangelical church located in Grunthal, Manitoba, approximately 45 minutes south-east of Winnipeg,
and 20 minutes south-west of Steinbach. The rural town has a population of approximately 1000 people and is supported
by a strong farming community. We (the church) are multi-generational, with a core of middle-aged families, a strong
youth program run by a full-time youth pastor, and a strong Sunday School program.
Anyone who possesses these qualifications and is interested in this position can forward their resume, along with
references, to the following address:
Grunthal Bergthaler Church, Box 70, Grunthal, Manitoba R0A 0R0, Attention: The Elder Board
Or email: GBMCleadelder@mts.net
Rosenort Evangelical Mennonite Church is seeking a FULL-TIME YOUTH PASTOR. Position to begin August 15,
2010. Rosenort Evangelical Mennonite Church is a rural church with regular attendance of 250 people. Our church is a
multigenerational church with strong family ties. We are actively searching for a full-time Youth Pastor who will develop
a vision and provide leadership for our Junior and Senior Youth programs. The community of Rosenort is situated in
southern Manitoba with agribusiness as the main industry.
Closing when filled. Send resume or c.v. to:
Arlin Scharfenberg
ascharfenberg@xplornet.ca
P.O. Box 106, R. R. #1, Morris, MB R0G 1K0 204-746-6154
Other Agencies
Youth For Christ MacGregor, Manitoba: Satellite Director
Title of Position: Satellite Director; MacGregor, MB
Job Description: Involves giving overall leadership to YFC ministries in MacGregor and Gladstone, its staff and its
ministry; vision crafting, ministry development, staff/volunteer care and development, community/church relations,
fundraising, evaluation.
For more information on this position, please contact: yfcmacgregor@mts.net
Upcoming Events
Eden Foundation
~ Manitoba ~
June 24
Winkler Centennial Golf Course
Eden IronMan Golf Tournament
July 17
Eden’s Third Annual Tractor Trek
beginning in Reinland
Phone: 204-325-5355 | www.edenhealth.mb.ca
URGENT:
STAFF POSITION
MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE
CANADA (MCCC)
LOW GERMAN PROGRAM DIRECTORS
FOR MEXICO
Effective July 1, 2010, MCC Canada needs Program
Directors for the Low German Programs operating
in Mexico. This position would best be filled by a couple
with a strong personal commitment to Christ, the
capacity to work with conservative Mennonites, ideally
able to speak Low German, English and Spanish,
and willing to relocate to Cuauhtémoc, Mexico for a
three-year term.
MCC requires all workers to have a personal Christian
faith, be active members of a Christian church, and
be committed to the teaching of non-violent biblical
peacemaking.
MCC Manitoba’s
8th Annual Golf
Tournament
in support of literacy and education
in Afghanistan
July 15, 2010
Quarry Oaks Golf Course
Registration $160
Register by June 30 to be eligible
for early bird prizes.
Registration limited to
144 golfers —
please register early!
http://manitoba.mcc.org/golf
for more details and to register on-line
contact Kelly Dyck
204.471.3474 Winnipeg
Treasured Foundation 2010
“Beyond
Expectations
”
speaker Sid Koop
December 27 - 30
Minneapolis, MN
Registration: $270 Canadian
plus transportation
EMMC-wide event for high school youth,
grades 9 - 12. For more details, see your
youth leaders / youth pastor
or email lil@emmc.ca | www.emmc.ca
More information is available directly from John
Janzen, MCCC Low German Coordinator, ph (204)
261-6381 or email johnjanzen@mennonitecc.ca. A
complete assignment description is available at www.
mcc.org/serve/positions/mcc-program-directors-lowgerman-communities.
Portage EMCers
Where are you?
Portage EMC anniversary
and building dedication
August 28 and 29, 2010
Registration: August 28th 1-3 pm
More information to follow on our church
website.
Please respond by July 31:
204-857-4146, www.portagepec.ca, or
www. facebook.com (search PEC 50th
anniversary)
Phone: 204.857.4146 | Fax: 204.857.7598
www.emmc.ca
23
Back Page
for ticket and performance information, contact
www.passionplay.ca
INVITING
Mennonite/Anabaptist
Pastors to Projects
Tickets for “Moses: Prince of Egypt” are available at:
Manitou Box Office:
204-242-3160
Or Muellers: 204-242-2171
Morden:
Pembina Hills Art Gallery
Winkler:
Bible Bookstore
Winnipeg:
Hull’s Family Bookstore
Through a generous grant
MDS is offering travel cost reimbursement
to constituent pastors
volunteering* at an MDS project site
for a week or more.
For more details see
http://mds.mennonite.net/programs/pastors_projects/
or call Lois at 866-261-1274
Mennonite Disaster Service’s
Pastors to
Projects
Take your spouse and serve on
an MDS work crew
Be a blessing to homeowners,
volunteers and your congregation
when you return
Apply for a travel grant if your
congregational budget does not
cover the expense
*VOLUN
swinging TEERING:
with othe a hammer
r sh
crew mem ort-term
bers!
Consider coming sometime
between April and December
during our season of greatest
need
Call 800-241-8111 to schedule a time and place to serve.
Please identify yourself as a pastor, and your church.
For more information see our website
http://mds.mennonite.net/programs/pastors_projects/
or contact Lois Nickel (lnickel@mds.mennonite.net).
THE RECORDER
Evangelical Mennonite Mission Conference
Winnipeg MB R2N 4G6
www.emmc.ca
24
Publications Mail Agreement #40013811
Publication Mail Registration #1050

May/June 2010 Recorder

Transcription

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