Vol. 43 No. 12 June 29, 2005 - Evangelical Mennonite Conference

Abundant Springs 2005
I will pour out
my Spirit on all
people.
May 20–23
The
Messenger
EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE
VOLUME 43 NUMBER 12 JUNE 29, 2005
The
editorials
H
Messenger
Abundant Springs and
tomorrow’s efforts
undreds of youths, who face
crucial choices in their lives,
gathered at Abundant Springs
2005 and encouraged each other
to follow Christ.
Since 1997, I’ve been to four Abundant
Springs events (assistant editor Becky
Buhler covered 2001) and it’s always been
of personal benefit to attend.
Tremendous efforts, giftedness, organizational skills, and spiritual concern are
shown at Abundant Springs. Impressive
work is done by the National Youth
Committee and the many people it draws
upon—youth sponsors and pastors,
security, prayer and other support
members. Remarkable effort is made by
Gerald D. Reimer, our Conference Youth
Minister; he would immediately deflect that
acknowledgement to his many colleagues
in youth ministry—and we are both right.
Abundant Springs is worth the effort
and the money invested in it.
Is it a perfect event? No event is. The
type of event that will attract youth
today is different from what it needed
to be a half-century ago. Younger and
older generations will evaluate differently
modern cultural contexts, some spiritual
themes, and musical styles.
The challenge isn’t to respond to such
happenings with familiar positions; it is to
have an on-going commitment to evaluate
the culture we are influenced by (or raised
in) and to respond to it through serious
study and application of Scripture.
Where will national youth ministry of
our conference be in 25 years? We don’t
know the challenges it will face, where
the focus will be, or the forms that it will
take. But there is an ongoing need for
specific ministry to teens nationally, with,
probably, stronger regional events also
T
being held as our conference spreads. M
Terry M. Smith
No glib words about the weather
A
cross Canada, the weather has
varied—too much rain in some
areas, less in others. Some areas
have good crops, while other
areas are in poor shape. Cooler weather
has been helpful to hog and poultry
barns, where overheating can be a serious
danger. Wet weather across Canada
has hindered resorts, golf courses, and
countless supporting businesses. It has
been, for many people, a difficult spring
and early summer.
Jesus said the rain falls on the just and
the unjust (Matthew 7:45). God through
Amos spoke of judgment through weather,
both dry and wet (Amos 4:7–8). Streams
can rise and test the foundations of
followers of Christ and those who aren’t
following Him (Matthew 7:24–31).
Philip Yancey cautions us against too
quickly linking misfortunate and sin, or
trying to discover an exact meaning for
a specific form of suffering. “Maybe God
isn’t trying to tell us anything specific
each time we hurt. Pain and suffering
are part and parcel of our planet, and
Christians are not exempt” (Where is God
When It Hurts? p. 67). He says, rather, that
suffering has a general meaning: We are
limited, dependent people.
Through weather we are reminded just
how linked are our lives; rural and urban
sectors are intertwined in Canada and
around the planet.
What do we pray for? Perhaps, for a
start, as my colleague Gerald Reimer
has said: We can pray for a faith that
perseveres in the midst of trial. That,
and we can pray for better weather,
where needed, and for a harvest to share
with others in all regions of Canada and
wider. “Give us this day our daily bread”
(Matthew 6:11).
If you have prayer requests related to
the impact of the weather, let the editors
know and we will publish a collection of
T
them. M
Terry M. Smith
EDITOR
Terry M. Smith
ASSISTANT
EDITOR
Rebecca Buhler
THE MESSENGER is the publication
of the Evangelical Mennonite
Conference. It is available to the
general public. Its purpose is to
inform, 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.
THE MESSENGER is published
twice a month (once a month
in July and August) by the
Board of Church Ministries of
the
Evangelical
Mennonite
Conference, 440 Main Street,
Steinbach, Manitoba.
Subscriptions: $12 per year
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In cooperation with the EMC
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The Messenger
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E-mail: emcmessenger@mts.net
On-line edition available at
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MESSENGER SCHEDULE:
No. 14 – August 17
(copy due August 5)
THE MESSENGER
letter
coming events
Jesus endured spiritual death for us
“The wages of sin is death” (Romans
6:23). What kind of death is this? As
Adam and Eve sinned, they caused the
human race to face a physical death. But
at the same time, it caused a separation
between God and man, causing a spiritual
death. So the wages of sin is physical as
well as spiritual. To those not trusting in
Jesus’ sacrificial death, God must say, “I
know you not!” (Matthew 25:12).
The Old Testament teaches us how
very serious this is. The people had to
bring a perfect lamb to an altar. The one
bringing the lamb was to put his hand on
its head. God said that if they did this,
He would look at it as if all the man’s sin
was being placed on the lamb (Leviticus
1:3–4). So now because the lamb had the
man’s sin, it had to die.
This was only a picture for the people
to understand that God was going to
send a Saviour that would forever pay
for the sins of the people. This Savior,
Jesus, would die once for all, with no
need for another sacrifice. He would pay
the price in full. What price? The price
for sin, physical death and separation
from God.
Even though he never sinned, Jesus
willingly took all our sin upon himself.
And just like the lamb that had to die for
the people’s sin, Jesus now had to die
and pay the price that we were to pay
because all of our sin was upon Him. Did
Jesus just die a physical death for us, or
a spiritual death?
If Jesus did not experience separation
from his father, as he bore our sin, then
we are still responsible for paying for
our own sin. Would Jesus not have to
experience separation from the God
in order for our sins to be forgiven?
Otherwise, how could his sacrifice be
considered full payment?
The wages of our sin is not just physical
death. Do the wages of sin change now
that God’s own Son is carrying the sin?
If he paid for our sins in full, he felt
everything in every way that the spiritual
death had caused in the Garden of Eden,
separation from God. If Jesus’ death on
the cross was only physical death, then
what has he saved us from? We will still
die a physical death.
No, rather he died a spiritual death so
that we won’t die spiritually. If he only
died in our place physically, then he has
not really died in our place. By saying
that God did not forsake Jesus in his
June 29, 2005
suffering, and that he does not forsake
us in our suffering, places the emphasis
on the physical, and puts suffering and
sin on the same level.
God did not leave Jesus in his suffering,
but rather as God turned his head from
our sin that was taken willingly upon
His Son, Jesus suffered a spiritual death
during the three hours of darkness
before his physical death.
Vange Lough
Steinbach, Man.
The Messenger reserves the right to
edit letters for length, style, clarity,
libel, tone (charity), and for good
taste. It has the right to refuse
letters. The focus of letter writing
is to be on issues, not personalities
(from the policy of the Board of
Church Ministries, January 2002).
Letters are now to be 500 words
or less.
—Editors
July 8–10, 15–17
Manitoba’s Passion Play
The Carpenter
La Riviere, Man.
204-242-3160
www.passionplay.ca
September 23–24
Canadian Mennonite University
Homecoming 2005
Building, Renewing, Celebrating
Winnipeg, Man.
877-231-4570
October 18–19
Canadian Mennonite University
J. J. Thiessen Lectures
Curiosity: Towards a Theology of
Intellectual Appetite
Speaker: Paul J. Griffiths
Winnipeg, Man.
877-231-4570
October 19–21
Winnipeg Prophecy Conference
The Ancient Book for Modern Times
Victoria Inn
1808 Wellington Avenue
Winnipeg, Man.
204-888-7270 or 204-853-7786
EMCers graduate from AMBS
Amy Marie Epp
Lois Unrau
Amy Marie Epp (Aberdeen) and Lois Unrau (Steinbach EMC) graduated
from Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (Elkhart, Ind.) with Master of
Divinity degrees. Epp is pursuing a pastoral ministry assignment. Unrau has
accepted a one-year teaching assignment in North Korea under MCC.
AMBS
After
60 years,
would I do
it again?
Dave K. Schellenberg
Serving as a
conscientious
objector: Would
I do it again?
By the grace
of God, yes!
I
am one who chose Alternative Service when
my call came during World War Two over 60
years ago. Alternative service was provided for
Mennonites by the government of Canada. At the
time, I was married and we had one child.
I was not called up until 1943, and decided to apply
for CO status. I cannot recall that I ever contemplated
any other alternative. My decision was based more on
my church as being one of the historic peace churches
than quoting chapter and verse from the Bible.
For the following, I rely on documentation and my
memory:
The procedure began with a required medical exam;
this I took in Winnipeg, Man. I appeared before a judge
there in May 1943, accompanied by a minister. The
question was directed to me. The hearing was brief
and I can’t recall being put to a real test. I quoted
Scripture to support my appeal. A notice came
dated May 7, 1943: “After due consideration, your
application for the postponement of your period of
military training has been granted by the Board of this
Administrative Division as a conscientious objector.”
My service consisted of trucking lumber in northcentral Saskatchewan.
THE MESSENGER
Recently I was invited to an
event entitled Working for Peace:
Conscientious Objector Appreciation
Night at Mennonite Heritage Village in
Steinbach, Man. Part of the invitation
read, “Come…explore the experiences
of Mennonite Conscientious Objectors
from Manitoba during World War Two.”
I attended and appreciated the gesture
that was made.
If I were a young person, would I
object to going to war today?
Much has happened in the
intervening years. I have been
enabled by the grace of God to
serve Him in home missions, and as
an administrator, a pastor, and an
editor—although in weakness.
N
ow, after 60 years since the
end of the war, would I again
apply for conscientious
objector status? By the
grace of God, I would answer in the
affirmative.
By now, though, I would be able
to support my conviction more
adequately with Scripture. Jesus
said, “Blessed are the peacemakers”
(Matthew 5:9). Paul said, “But
overcome evil with good” (Romans
12:21). “Thou shalt not kill” (Exodus
20:13). Jesus said, “My kingdom is not
of this world. If it were, my servants
would fight to prevent my arrest by the
Jews. But now is my kingdom is from
another place” (John 18:36).
The Mennonite peace position
has a long history going back to
Menno Simons and 16th century
Anabaptists. When persecution drove
Mennonites from the Netherlands to
Prussia (Poland) starting in the 16th
century, this distinctive went with
us. It was retained at a price. At one
time in Prussia delegates petitioned
the king and “King Fredrick granted
them ‘for all times’ exemption from
military service on the condition of
the payment of an extra assessment
of 5000 thalers annually for the
cadet school at Kulm” (Mennonites in
Europe).
However, in 1789 a decree was
issued that prohibited Mennonites
from purchasing additional land. At
about the time when such measures
were enacted, Czarina Catherine II
June 29, 2005
invited Mennonites in Prussia to colonize the wide steppes
(prairies) of South Russia with favorable conditions, which
included freedom from military service. Mennonites of Prussia
took this as divine providence and many moved to Russia.
“We believe in the life of peace. We are called to
walk in the steps of the Lamb of God, the Prince of
peace. Everything about his life, his teachings and his
redemptive death on the cross, summons us to a life
of non-violence.”
– EMC Statement of Faith
Then after about 80 years, in the 1870s Russia changed its
mind about the privilege of military exemption for Mennonites.
This was a major reason for the mass migration of Mennonites
to North America from 1874 to 1880. “A universal conscription
law was to be introduced and a general plan of russianization of
foreign settlers was to be inaugurated. As a result of the latter,
the Russian language was to be the language of instruction
in all public schools including those of the Mennonites” (The
Mennonites of Western Canada).
Delegates were dispatched to North America (1873) to look for
where Mennonites could settle with their distinctive beliefs in
mind. “Enthusiastic reports” came back of good land, “a promise
of absolute military exemption in Canada, and a fair degree of
certainty that war service never be demanded in the United
States” (Smith’s Story of the Mennonites). One-third of Mennonites
in Russia emigrated to North America—about 18,000. Some 8,000
settled in Canada (Manitoba) and 10,000 in the United States.
U
nlike Russia, Canada
continued to honour
their commitment of
military exemption.
A copy of the privileges
(Privilegium) granted the
delegates in 1873 can be seen
in our EMC Archives. Dated
July 25, 1873, and signed
by John Lowe, Secretary,
Department of Agriculture, it
contains 15 points. The first
reads: “An entire exemption
from military service is by
law and order-in-council
granted to the Denomination
of Christians called
Mennonites.”
It’s commendable that after
60 years after the hostilities
of World War Two ceased that
the historic peace position,
part of the Mennonite faith, is
still alive. In fact, it’s so much
alive that 2004 saw an awardwinning website developed,
Dave K. Schellenberg, with wife Helen and son Gordon,
in 1943 or 1944.
Alternative Service in the Second World
War: Conscientious Objectors in Canada
(www.alternativeservice.ca), a site worth
checking. It seems that Conscientious
Objectors are today being recognized
and honoured—a far cry from when
some were sent to prison during World
War Two. Alternative service was
provided by the Mennonite church as an
alternative to taking part in war. Some
7,500 Mennonites served in this capacity.
Objecting to war is a tradition in
which our own Evangelical Mennonite
Conference stands today. Our
Statement of Faith says in The Life of
Peace, “We believe in the life of peace.
We are called to walk in the steps of
the Lamb of God, the Prince of peace.
Everything about his life, his teachings
and his redemptive death on the cross,
summons us to a life of non-violence.”
Do we still value this distinctive?
Sometimes it takes someone born
outside of our Conference to bring
to our attention some treasures we
have in the Mennonite faith. Tony
Campolo, from Eastern College,
Pennsylvania, said at a recent youth
event at Colombia Bible College in B.C.,
“In many respects the Mennonite church has not understood its
own attractiveness. Young people, youth culture is hungry for
an alternative church that holds as one of its highest values the
Sermon on the Mount” (Canadian Mennonite, April 18, 2005).
A
nd consider Jon Bonk, born outside Mennonite
church circles. In 1988 five Mennonite Conferences,
including EMC, published his book The World at War,
The Church at Peace. Bonk has served as a minister in
Kleefeld EMC and missions professor at Providence Seminary.
His words are appropriate as we consider our responsibility
today: “But as a people of God we are called upon to do more
than unquestionably uphold the beliefs of our ancestors.
Each generation must examine the Scriptures carefully…If
contemporary teaching on Mennonite non-violence is seen
as merely the residue of a quaint tradition…we can hardly be
surprised if many among us question both its relevance and
validity in today’s world.
“If on the other hand, it can be demonstrated…the Scriptures
clearly advocate non-participation in lethal violence, we then
have a foundation for our belief and practice that goes down
to the bedrock of our sovereign God’s will. Such a foundation
will endure throughout time; and only those Christian beliefs
and practices…built upon that foundation are worth defending,
maintaining and advocating.”
T
Would I again object? By the grace of God, yes! M
Rev. Dave K. Schellenberg was editor of The Messenger from 1963 to
1987, and since then has remained a regular columnist.
with our missionaries
Churches focus on Native ministries
Our three North Peace, Alberta, churches (La Crete, High Level, Grande Prairie) coordinated
their April missions emphasis with a common focus on Native ministries.
Nearby missionaries Bera and Bonita Ledua (High Level) and Phillip and Rhonda Peters (La
Crete) were joined by Fred and Stella Neff (Grand Rapids, Man.) and those pictured: George
and Ulli Hertwig (La Crete conference Bible teacher), Annette and Arlyn van Enns (children’s
teacher, music, planning, speaking), Bonnie Marten (testimonies), and Anna and Bill Penner
(reporting, speaking).
Bonnie Marten and Annette van Enns are smiling because
Phil Peters and Dave Friesen flew them safely through the
snow and dark to bring them out from Fort Chipewyan.
Ann Knelsen is a long-time missionary supporter. Frank
Winsor and Marion Bueckert lifted a collage from an
NCEM pamphlet and produced this exceptional conference
poster.
Arlyn van Enns
THE MESSENGER
Russia
Training leaders, driven to prayer
The Biblical Leadership Training Centre
in Salekhard, Russia, now called Yamal
Bible College, is a daughter centre of
BLTC in Krasnodar. Students who studied
in Krasnodar went north last year to
start the college. Their student base is
made of local evangelists and church
planters who desire
further
biblical
education. They are our arctic missionary
trainees.
I worked as a connector for North
American churches to Salekhard for over
a year now. In this time I have been in
Salekhard three times and had members
of our team live in our home here in
Krasnodar.
In September 2003 the BLTC’s
president and I travelled to Salekhard
to visit our student team who studied in
Krasnodar. They were working under their
pastor’s leadership. I spent five days there
and got to a couple of villages. During this
trip my eyes opened to the north’s needs,
and I began to pray about how the Lord
would have me serve our former students
and their trainees who were working
there.
In November 2003 Kim and I accepted
to work as a temporary coordinator
for Salekhard. In February 2004 a local
evangelist lived in our home for two
weeks. He is from Salekhard and came
to Krasnodar for a conference. We got to
know this dear brother and his heart to
reach the lost in the Arctic villages. He
had planted a couple of churches and was
regularly traveling to them to minister.
In March my family and I travelled
to Salekhard for 10 days. We lived in a
pastor’s home and met daily with trainees
and team members. I hosted a couple of
teachers from a supporting church in
Texas who had come to teach a seminar
to missionary trainees. At the same time
a team of builders from Indiana worked
on the church building/training centre.
What a privilege to see the Body of Christ
working to advance the gospel!
In May, after our students had been
out on the field for a year, we had them all
back for their graduation from our BLTC
program. (Students don’t graduate from
Krasnodar BLTC without church planting
experience.) This was an exciting, busy
time. Kim and I had people living in our
home with us for over a month. This
allowed us to get to know our teammates
well and understand issues they face in
the north. In June I found out I would take
on the ministry as Arctic Coordinator for
the BLTC.
In October 2004 Yamal Bible College
officially opened its doors with 13
students. The building didn’t have a roof,
and the students and teachers were under
supported. One teacher from Krasnodar
taught the trainees for two weeks. After
students returned from practical village
assignments, in November I taught a
workshop on Chronological Bible Teaching
Methods and to catch up with our team.
We’ve worked hard to solve problems of
support for the Salekhard work. Everything
is beginning and needs a financial push to
get on its own. We seek to move the Arctic
Centre toward financial independence,
but many students and staff live on next
to nothing and the building is unfinished.
A team of volunteers is to come in April
to help with the building and to find areas
where their church can work with us
more.
Pray for us as we look to the future.
Many needs constantly keep us asking
the Lord for wisdom. Pray for financial
partners for Salekhard work and for
wisdom in discipling our graduates and
their missionary trainees. Pray for more
Russian and ethnic labourers. The North
is a spiritually needy area. Ask God to
send us those people who will use their
God-given gifts to advance the Good
News across the tundra.
David Field
David Field (Steinbach EMC) serves in
leadership development in Russia under
New Tribes Mission.
with our churches
Pastoral changes at MacGregor EMC
MacGregor, Man.: Pastor Jerry Plett had
resigned in January 2004, effective at
the end of August. On August 29 in the
afternoon we had a program to show our
appreciation to Pastor Jerry and Phyllis;
and their girls Alicia, Amy and Jana for
their years of service and friendship to us.
In December 2004 Menno and Dorothy
Kroeker joined our church as our
interim pastoral couple. They faithfully
served our congregation till the end of
April when we said a fond farewell. The
service they brought to our church was
deeply appreciated; we made some good
friends.
Our pastoral search committee had
been busy during this time looking for a
pastor, and God saw fit to bring someone
from within our own congregation to step
forth and be willing to lead us. On June
1, 2005, Bill and Bev McCaskell became
June 29, 2005
our pastoral couple. We welcome their
leadership and pray that God will unite
us all as one body, eager to serve Him.
We also want to recognize other
workers in our church. On July 11,
2004, we held a special potluck lunch
to honour Jake and Agatha Friesen, our
deacon couple for many years and who
were moving on to serve in other areas.
We thanked them for their service and
let them know how much they meant to
us.
In August 2004 John and Tina Toews
celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary
with friends and relatives in our church.
A ladies tea was held with Ruth Windle
from Rio Grande Bible Institute. Ruth
grew up in our church and has continually
chosen to serve God. RGBI is now where
she, her husband, and four children are
working for the Lord.
George and Evelyn Rodgers, faithful
members, left for the Philippines to serve
with New Tribes Missions of Canada for
a short-term mission. They returned in
June 2005.
Elizabeth Sawatzky
Games were a part of the Sunday school picnic in
June 2004.
New arrivals and church events
Kola, Man.: Congratulations to Rob and
Sherry Plett on the arrival of their chosen
son, Dainnon Bryce, on December 22,
2004. Grandparents are Wilbert and Carol
Friesen and Denver and Mary Plett.
Also, congratulations to Jolene Wiebe
on the birth of her son, Kayden Shae.
Grandparents are Abe and Marion Wiebe.
February 13 was our church’s annual
winter outing. Generally, the outing is
held at the Maryfield rink with skating and
curling. To cut costs, the event was held
at the church. We started with a potluck
lunch, then held several broomball
tournaments outside and crokinole and
Dutch Blitz tournaments inside. While
people 12 and older played broomball,
young children busily followed Dorothy
Plett around a Fox and Goose trail. When
they got tired or cold, they went in and
played or watched a movie.
The youth group has been raising funds
to go on a missions trip to Toronto. They
held a Mexican Valentine supper for church
adults and invited guests. Babysitting was
provided by youth. They served a meal
with Nacho chips as an appetizer, chicken
and beef enchiladas for the entrée, and
Mexican sombreros (cinnamon rolls with
ice cream) for dessert. Throughout the
evening, Mexican music played. Walter
Kruse played his guitar as part of the
entertainment.
How Well Do You Know Your Spouse, a
game that involved specified couples, was
hosted by Conrad Penner, a youth leader.
Thank you to Pastor Jason Friesen, helpers
and youth for a fun-filled evening. More
pictures of youth events are available at
http://kolaemc.blogspot.com.
Trees have been cut to make way for
the church building’s addition. Thank
you, Gerald Martens! Youth cut the wood
into blocks and stacked it. Most of it has
been bought and cleaned up. The money
went for the youth’s Toronto trip.
On Saturday, February 26, Len Friesen
presented an Awana training seminar. He had
the message for the Awana Awareness service
on Sunday and Grand Prix races. For Awana
Awareness Sunday, clubbers conducted the
morning worship service—a junior praise
band, Scripture reading, junior ushers and
greeters. New positions were incorporated
to involve many Awana Clubbers. They did a
good job. People were invited to stay for the
soup and pie fundraiser.
On March 6–13, Virden and area
ministerial invited Gerhard DuToit to
present a deeper life prayer conference.
Monday through Thursday the meetings
were held in Virden Alliance Church; Friday
night and Sunday meetings were held in
the Kola church. Faye and Neil Rempel
had the children’s service the first Sunday
night, Lincoln and Marilyn Velacott on
Monday, and Curtis and Bonnie Szakacs
for the rest of the meetings.
The Easter cantata, The Wonderful
Cross, was presented Palm Sunday
evening, and a few songs were repeated
on Good Friday morning. The choir was
led by Dorothy Plett and Trinette Friesen
played piano.
Lori Koop
Many community activities held
Roseisle, Man.: As 2005 began so did Kids
Club. Journeys with Jesus was our theme
for this year, and on January 20 many
kids and volunteers turned up for seven
Thursday afternoon meetings.
The Ladies Fellowship held a Bridal
Fashion Show on January 22. Many
wedding, bridesmaid, and flower girl
dresses were modeled or displayed,
dating as far back as 1905 and as recently
as August 2004. All ladies and girls of the
community were welcome to have one of
their dresses modeled. It was a fun way to
reach out to other community ladies.
An informal night of fellowship and
games was planned
for
January
29
for all who were
experiencing
the
winter blahs. The
youth headed to
Providence College
on January 28–30
for Youth Encounter,
while the junior
youth attended Splat
at SBC on January 29.
Elections were held
on January 31.
An
awesome
weekend was had
those
who
Crestview Fellowship’s by
pastor Vern Knutsen attended our Winter
spoke at Roseisle’s Camp Retreat at
Camp Assiniboia on
winter retreat.
February 19–20. We were joined by our
guest speaker Vern Knutson, his wife Lana
and daughter Olivia. Vern challenged us
to find what our gifts are and where we
belong in the church. There were many
outdoor and indoor activities planned for
the weekend, which kept everyone busy.
A Kids Club finale spaghetti dinner was
planned for kids and parents on March 3.
Over 90 people were served supper. The
youth curling bonspiel was held on March
5. Youth were skips and parents and
others made up the rest of the rinks.
On March 25 we had our combined
Good Friday service at the Roseisle
Pentecostal Assembly. Our Easter sunrise
service was held on at 6:30 p.m. on March
27. Because Easter was early this year we
decided not to have our regular outdoor
service at Stephenfield Provincial Park, but
to enjoy fellowship in the church building.
Everyone was welcome to plan voluntary
items to contribute to the service. A light
brunch followed the service.
The youth participated in the 30-hour
famine on April 8–9. Each participant was
encouraged to raise at least $30; however,
youth leaders Cam and Pam Dyck were
thrilled to raise over $1,100 and to exceed
their goal.
On April 22 the Ladies Fellowship
served our annual Perogy Supper to more
than 200 people.
Lyndsey Bourgeois
Roseisle members enjoyed indoor games at our winter retreat.
THE MESSENGER
Special privilege of ordination
Pansy, Man.: On May 24 we had a very
special privilege when Ed and Sabrina
Giesbrecht (presently our youth pastor,
part of the leadership team and still in
training as well) were ordained. Gerald
Reimer, Conference Youth Minister, came
out to speak and encourage. As a church
we found this a momentous and joyous
day. Many shared and later remained for
an extra time of celebration over a plate of
refreshments in the lower auditorium.
Ed Giesbrecht is Pansy’s newly ordained youth
pastor. His wife is Sabrina and they have a son,
Isaiah.
Looking back through several
months, we have experienced
highlights by supporting some
of our own people on missions.
Harry and Levina Friesen were in
Paraguay on a two-month stint,
giving leadership, training and
assistance to a barely-on-its-feet
new MEC church in Rio Verde,
where Henry and Lena Peters are
the aspiring young pastors.
The challenges there are many.
The people, mostly new converts,
are hospitable and enthusiastic; Levina and Harry Friesen (right) assisted Henry and Lena
but the problems they face— Peters, pastor of Rio Verde MEC, while on missions in Mexico.
persecution from their own
seven services each—beginning with Taber,
community people and their own almost
Alberta; later in Copeland, Kansas; and then
total lack of education or training—create
three weeks in Mexico. They very much
big obstacles. That gives us opportunity to
experienced the power of the Spirit being
know how to pray. Harry and Levina Friesen
with them, seeing numerous commitments
did not let much grass grow under their feet
and recommitments being made to the
after returning. They are now on a fairly
Lord. They rejoiced in the fact that they felt
similar assignment in Copeland, Kan.
carried on the hands of prayer.
Leonard and Betty Barkman had
The church held an all-day Family
opportunity to preach and teach in five
Seminar in April, with Pastor Al Friesen.
churches during March and April, in series
This was well-received and appreciated.
of deeper life meetings ranging from five to
Betty Barkman
For the sake of the call
with daughters Melissa and Hilary.
Don’s pastoral duties at the Chapel
commenced in January 2005. The first
order of business was to meet us on a
personal level with visits to our homes.
Don and Diane have shared with us their
individual journeys toward faith as young
people in the province of Nova Scotia,
the difficult and the victorious. It was an
exciting moment in the life of our church to
present them with an official welcome into
our local church body.
The official installation service on the
evening of April 11 included regular members
and attenders, representatives
from area church leaders and
supporters, as well as our own
EMC conference pastor David
Thiessen. We were encouraged
to worship together in unity.
A call to be a light in our
community and to understand
our purpose here on this earth
was given by Brad Kornelsen
through the reading of Romans
15:17–22. Brian Dyck sang For
the Sake of the Call: For Jesus
had called them by name and
they answered/We will abandon
it all/no other reason at all/
wholly devoted to live and to
Diane and Don Timmons were installed as pastoral couple of die/for the sake of the call.
In his address David
Riverton Gospel Chapel on April 17, 2005, with conference
Thiessen reminded us that
pastor David Thiessen officiating.
Riverton, Man.: Don Timmons answered
the call and Riverton Gospel Chapel is
grateful. He followed the call which led
to his present position as pastor of our
congregation.
In 1995 Don made a decision to attend
Briercrest Bible College, which led to his
graduation with a BA in Theology; and
later from the seminary with an MA in
Christian Ministries in Marriage and Family
Counselling and, as recently as April 24,
2005, with an MA in Missions. The 10 years
that have transpired have resulted in many
uncertainties and moves for Don and Diane,
June 29, 2005
God is preparing, speaking to, and calling
people. We were told that people in
ministry need to develop a leadership
team, as Jesus did not work independently.
An interactive relationship is required
to reproduce church leaders. As Jesus
demonstrated, ministry not only involves
preaching; rather, it is participating out in
the community.
We were left with a challenge, to fill and
to add to Don and Diane’s ministry, to fill it to
completeness. Our motivation for ministry
should come through our basic identity as
God’s beloved sons and daughters.
Following the formality of questions
directed toward each of them and the
congregation, Don and Diane were
surrounded by the ministerial team of
our church, David Thiessen, and daughter
Melissa for a prayer of blessing. In
response Don shared Isaiah 40:31, stating
God had a plan and how they needed to be
content and wait patiently even through
disappointments.
Thanks to Tom Warner (Steinbach
EMC), Neill Von Gunten (Riverton
Fellowship
Circle),
Tom
Gerbrandt
(Arborg Christian Fellowship), Abe Harder
(Lakeside Pentecostal), and Paul Peters
(Riverton Gospel Chapel) for your words of
encouragement. Blest be the tie that binds,
our hearts in Christian love, the fellowship of
kindred minds, is like to that above.
Carol Kornelsen
Abundant Springs 2005
Can you Imagine a
of Blessings?
“I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”
T
he theme verse for Abundant
Springs 2005 was taken from
Joel 2:28 (and quoted in Acts
2:17 by Peter on the day of
Pentecost). The event’s symbol was a
glass waterfall that trickled throughout
the weekend. Many people would
testify, indeed, that the Spirit was at
work during this EMC national youth
event held May 20–23, 2005, on the
campus of the Briercrest Family of
Schools at Caronport, Sask.
According to Tim Gibbons, 463 teens and 183 other
people (youth leaders and pastors, band members,
seminar leaders, security and more) came from 31
churches, with all but Region 9 represented. This
attendance was slightly higher than in 2003 and 2001,
according to Gerald Reimer, Conference Youth Minister.
The evening began with a youth leaders’ meeting,
where event staff and others introduced weekend
events and wider youth needs within the conference.
Then leaders and teens gathered for an inspirational
session.
Conference Speaker
Matt Wilkes, a youth pastor and then senior pastor
at Grace Baptist Church in Calgary, Alta., said he was
a youth worker at heart. He spoke six times. He asked
10
Church youth groups occasionally met separately for sharing and prayer.
young people if they feel loved by God, probing to
help them move past viewing God as impersonal and
punishing. How does God speak to us in 2005? When
God speaks, what kind of listener are you (shallow,
hard-hearted, cluttered, or good hearted)? How much
have you invested “dollarwise” in your spiritual life this
year?
THE MESSENGER
Wilkes said there isn’t a worse word in the English
language than confrontation. He said there are three
camps of people (testing, spiritually dead, spiritually
alive). Are we willing to do what is necessary to follow
Christ? God is not a secret to be kept, he said. Wilkes
has been described as more direct than some previous
speakers.
Seminars
Seminars were held three times. They included
Hearing God’s Call (Garth Friesen), Focus and Purpose in
the Sports Arena (Dave Fehr), Integrity: A Life Devoted to
God (Trevor Esau),
Homosexuality—
What Would Jesus
Say? (Tye Gamey),
Just Thought
You Oughta
Know—Girls Only
(Fiona Thiessen),
Straight Talk about
Purity—Guys Only
(Chris Reimer),
Improv Comedy
101 (Panic Squad),
Youthworker/
Pastor Sharpening
Tool (Matt Wilkes),
Missions: Why
All the Fuss? (Flo
Friesen), and Did
Kirsten Sandland and Matt Starr, an eloquent
You Call Me a
speaker, were among the Inner City Youth Alive
Mennonite? (David
representatives. A total of $1,537.90 was raised
Kruse).
for ICYA.
Afternoon events
On Saturday afternoon teens endured street hockey
in the rain and enjoyed volleyball, an art walk, table
tennis, Dutch Blitz, life-size Dutch Blitz, hemp jewelry,
drama, dance, and pool. Trophies were handed out on
Sunday evening.
Youth participated in indoor and outdoor activities.
June 29, 2005
On Sunday
afternoon was the
“world’s largest
Menno Run,” a take-off
from The Lord of the
Rings trilogy. The rich
radio-quality voice
of Rob Hildebrand
in an English accent
came across in an
intricate PowerPoint
presentation that
introduced the goal
and rules of the game.
Teams of teens had
to elude the Orcs
(youth leaders and
pastors) and various
dangers, go to various
checkpoints, and
ultimately rescue “the
four Mennonites of
Tye Gamey of New Direction for Life Ministries held a
seminar on Homosexuality—What Would Jesus Say?
renown.” The winning
team got a midnight run to Dairy Queen in Moose Jaw
and passes to go to the front of the food line.
Menno Run was a top event, Gerald Reimer said
(after reviewing the evaluation forms). For the record,
teens ran and dodged, but did not fight back, and the
most that youth leaders had for weapons were water
balloons, marshmallows, and face paint.
Late night events
On Friday evening young people showcased their
talents and faith through Abundant Springs Star,
endured culinary oddities in the Barf-o-limpics, and
tested their skills at Wheel of Fortune. On Saturday
evening Phil Bacquie, an Australian transplanted into
the U.S., held a concert.
On Sunday evening Panic Squad, an improvisational
comedy trio from Vancouver, caused laughter by antics
that included volunteers, situations, and statements
The rain came down and street hockey teams played on.
11
The Barf-o-limpics came with messy twists and culinary oddities.
from the crowd (such as “Landmark rules!”). Still later
on Sunday evening was a Celebration of Praise. Mo
Friesen, a national youth committee member and a part
of the worship band, said it was “exciting…to see kids
stand up and make statements about their faith, and to
see how God was moving in their lives.”
10 minutes (he had to travel to Moose Jaw for a
flight). But some young people were called on to
the stage to lead in the song I Can Only Imagine!
Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel
Will I dance before you Jesus
Or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence
On my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah
Will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
During the weekend a worship band
member spoke publicly of how dry he had felt
spiritually entering into the Abundant Springs
and how the Lord had helped him. Based on
what others have said, he was far from alone in
being met by the Lord.
T
Cascade? Yes, the Spirit was at work. M
Terry M. Smith
Overall impact
Churches attended from all regions except Region
9; the youth and leaders that traveled the farthest
were from northern Alberta (in a school bus for 21
hours). There were times for youth group times when
church groups gather separately to talk and pray about
weekend events. A prayer team quietly circulated
among people on the campus. During inspirational
sessions special times of prayer were held for the
needs of young people and their leaders.
Perhaps the event’s impact is shown by what happened
on Monday morning. The inspirational session was
running late, the buses were scheduled to leave, a special
offering wasn’t taken, and the speaker’s time was cut to
In the Menno Run, youth sought to elude capture and free others.
Donavan Friesen (right) encouraged youth celebrating birthdays to do the
Chicken Dance.
Matt Wilkes, conference speaker, first met with many leaders on Friday evening
prior to the first inspirational session.
12
THE MESSENGER
Reflections on Abundant Springs 2005
I
would like to share a huge affirmation of Abundant Springs. Many of us go into
survival mode at these things (such as our editor reading a book in the lunch line
while a student is body surfed to the back of the line). I asked students on our bus
if they had any comments on Abundant Springs. Enjoy them, be encouraged, and let’s
Duri
ng o
keep building this retreat together.
ur
d
God showed me that he loved me. He let me feel that I was
forgiven; I’ve never felt at peace like that before! The seminars
spoke volumes for me. God made me feel alive, and now I
know that he’s active. Praise to Him!
I think I’ve worshiped in a way I’ve never
had before. I felt freedom and joy.
if ficu
.
y
Peter Hall
lt pr outh gr
h Hi m
t
i
a
w
n
o
d it
blem oup ti
h ip
m
s
i
n
h
f
o
Anola
Fellowship
Chapel
m
e
i
o
I had
lt so
e Go
relat y heart t urt
y
g
n
d
m
o
e
h
p
v
o
u
e
d! I r
Anola, Man.
new
ut m
ere
eally r shared shed me
me re to pour o se who w
d
e
p
f
l
t
w
o
elt G
e
w
o
h
i
od’s th anyo share a
God h ght me ho to help t
I have re-learned how to
n
e
p
u
e
m
a
r
. We
esen
He t mpelled
forgive people.
all c
ce.
o
c
ried
.
and
e
m
d
n
God placed a new heart inside me. I will not be
arou
I strengthened my beliefs and my relationship with God.
It
shaken.
so was
I went there having missed church for a while or doing
sp fun ho
anything to even learn about God. However, I came out
lea ecia to w un
with a new perspective on life, my actions and my faith.
th rne l pe spe ite
em d o nd d
Thank you to everyone there for this amazing experience.
. new ple m our
y
th that we you
ing I
e th
s a usu ken gro
nd all d w up
sa y ta ith w
w ke 1 as
ne fo 2 o . It
w r g th w
sid ra er as
es nte ve
of d. ry
al I
ot
of
I could feel Jesus there
and giving us all a great
big comforting hug. After
that I totally gave it to
him because I know He’ll
help me through it. At one
point everyone was sitting
underneath the cross. It
God
is am
was very touching to see.
az ing
no t a
…
lo
never ne and w I’m
I have been drawn
God showed me that he loved me!
ill
be ag
by
ai n .
closer to God and
I’ve never felt at peace like that
wer uth
o
p
is
yo
I felt like he cared
Je
I don’t know what
before! He just
led H ugh our m all s
su
a
e
m
v
e
i
s
about me. I learned
e
o
I would do without
called out to me that
od r ing thr g ing th God. Th . It
m any tou
G
n
y
i
p
that God would take a e t w ch
o
a
r
e
t
Him.
I am forgiven, I am
g o a
swe p and b er and ompt w as
care of me no matter th ain list ys. ed m
s
r
h
free. I can know that
g rou r toget ver y p prayer s us
er , a en He e
r
a
e a nd a h in
what. I loved how
e
s
n
o
i
God is in control of
e
o u ourage M
clo
T
elp so
n
t
n
n
r
o
j
d
e
u
dh s
my youth group all
as d answ nd enc Jesus.
ed
t
my
life
and
that
I
t
w
o
av ge h
sa
an
ve
connected with each
e f t o ea
don’t need to worry.
was h leader e do. Lo
r
u
t
n. ut
other, and we grew
you what w
o
closer together.
I was able to meet God and new people.
to d
June 29, 2005
13
focus on...
Len Barkman
General Secretary
EMC and Frontiers sign agreement
O
n June 1, 2005, the Evangelical Mennonite
Conference and Frontiers expanded the
role of their partnership agreement to
include the formation of EMC teams to
Central Asia. I represented the EMC and Hernan
Leusink represented Frontiers in making this new
arrangement official. Under the new agreement the
Conference will assume greater involvement in the
following ways:
1.Recruit and jointly assign EMC workers to
serve on EMC teams in Central Asia.
2.Together with Frontiers identify and assign
EMC team leaders.
3.Provide some financial support as well as
prayer and moral support to the team.
4.Provide a structure for accountability and
reporting of the team’s ministry.
5.Jointly provide member care for the team,
which could include pastoral visits and
supports through local EMC churches.
The effectiveness of this team’s ministry will be
integrally linked to the fervent prayer of our EMC
members. It is expected that spiritual and physical
opposition will be part of the team’s experience.
14
Len Barkman and Hernan Leusink re-enact signing to expand the partnership
agreement between EMC and Frontiers to include EMC teams to Central Asia.
Please pray for care and protection of the team
and that by the power of God people’s hearts will be
drawn to Christ. There is much evidence of God at
work in phenomenal ways in many areas of Central
Asia as hundreds of home churches have been
started in recent months.
The strategy of an EMC team will be to initiate
church planting in an urban area of
Central Asia and establish reproducing
home churches. Team members will
model Christian community through
relationships with neighbours and
proclaim Christ through personal
relationships and Bible study.
The team welcomes several
additional members. There will be
opportunity for the formation of new
teams as qualified members avail
themselves for service. If the Lord
is placing his hand on your life and
asking for your obedience to minister
to seeking hearts, please be ready to
T
respond. M
THE MESSENGER
JUSTINA FRIESEN DUECK
1919-2005
Mother was born on June 28, 1919,
to Henry W. and Helena Friesen in
Morris, Manitoba. She passed away on
Monday, March 21, 2005, at the Betel
Home Foundation in Selkirk at the age of
85 years, 8 months and 23 days. Mother
accepted the Lord as her personal Saviour
as a teenager and was baptized in May of
1937, becoming a member of the Rosenort
Kleingemeinde Church.
Mother and Father, Abram B. Dueck,
were married on May 21, 1939 and began
farming in Morris. In 1948 the family moved
to Quellen Colony (Mexico), continued
farming and managed a community store.
In 1962 the family moved to Belize along
DAVID E. PLETT
1918–2005
David E. Plett, age 86, of Steinbach,
Man., passed away peacefully on Sunday,
May 1, at Bethesda Hospital with family at
his side.
He is survived by Helen, his beloved
wife of 63 years; two daughters: Irma
(Ray) Remple of Steinbach; Brenda (Curt)
Loewen of Steinbach; six sons: Larry
(Mary) of Okotoks, Alta.; Wayne (Liz) of
Kola, Man.; Wally (Ann) of Brandon, Man.;
Reynold (Eleanor) of Red Deer, Alta.; Lyle
(Bev) of Three Hills, Alta.; Barry (Laurel)
of Steinbach; as well as 25 grandchildren,
17 great-grandchildren, three brothers
and three sisters.
Dad lost his father at a very young age
and has often voiced how he felt the great
June 29, 2005
with their 11 children. Mother was a
gracious hostess to many guests, while
Father managed a Co-op store. After 21
years in Belize, Father and Mother retired
and settled in Arborg, Manitoba. They
enjoyed another twelve years together
before Father passed away in October
1996.
Mother had many health challenges
during her life. In her late teens, she lost
her sense of smell during a bout with
measles. She learned to cope without this
ability. Four years after marriage, a lamp
she was lighting exploded, causing severe
burns on her face and body.
More recently, Mother suffered a broken
hip on November 18 and was hospitalized
from that time with deteriorating health. At
the hospital’s request, she was moved to the
Betel Home Foundation on Friday, March 18.
She passed away peacefully at 10:30, Monday
evening, the 21st. Although it grieves us that
we no longer have her with us, we are happy
she has reached her heavenly home. We will
miss her very much.
We are grateful for Mother’s life
and ministry to us as a family. She was
generous in giving love to all. We always felt
welcome at her house. Her grandchildren
appreciated her and enjoyed visiting with
her as well. Mother had much satisfaction
in making quilts and dresses and giving
them to missions. Many people were
blessed by her sewing abilities.
Mother is survived by eight daughters,
three sons, and their spouses. They are
Leona and Walter Penner (Nova Scotia),
Lena and Jake Kornelsen (Manitoba),
Annie and Venus Kornelsen (Costa Rica),
Bertha and Frank Barkman (Belize), Susie
and Abe Penner (Manitoba), Elizabeth and
Wilbert Friesen (Ontario), Leonard and
Linda Dueck (Pennsylvania), Benny and
Nettie Dueck (Manitoba), Tina and Allen
Reimer (Belize), Henry and Marie Dueck
(Belize), and Mary and Reynold Reimer
(Manitoba). Mother had 68 grandchildren
and 114 great-grandchildren. Currently,
with in-laws, the total family numbers
246.
Mother is also survived by two sisters,
Elizabeth and Tina Friesen, and one
brother, Henry Friesen (all of Rosenort);
and two sisters-in-law, Dora Friesen
(Rosenort), and Agnes Froese and
husband (Nova Scotia). She was preceded
in death by her husband, Abram B. Dueck,
her parents, five brothers, two sisters,
three grandchildren and several greatgrandchildren.
The funeral service was held at Interlake
Mennonite Fellowship Church (KG) on
Saturday, March 26, 2005 at 2 p.m.
Her Family
responsibility of keeping the family farm
operational.
It was during one of his many days
spent out in the fields on the tractor that he
committed his life to Christ, a commitment
that was strong and unwavering till his
last day here with us.
Due to his strong faith and beliefs,
he spent some time at a C.O. camp in
Clear Lake, where he developed some
friendships that he still treasured.
Dad married Mom on October 25, 1942.
They were fortunate, with the help of
an uncle to purchase a small farm in the
Landmark area, where together they worked
tirelessly to create a comfortable life for
their family, and somehow still found time
for community involvement, as a school
trustee and teaching Sunday school.
He had a very big heart for missions,
which eventually took them to Kola, Man.,
where he had an active role in establishing
the EM Church. As well as farming and
raising eight children, he never missed a day
driving the school bus and always attended
the school board meetings as a trustee.
In 1969 Dad felt the Lord call him to
Vanderhoof, B.C., to assist in church
planting. He also worked full-time at the
mill as operator of the dry kiln.
They returned to Manitoba in 1974,
settling in Virden, where he was employed
by Co-op as a fuel truck driver till his
retirement at age 67.
During this time, he diligently served
his Lord by ministering to the people at
the Sioux Valley Reserve. As children
and grandchildren, we have many fond
memories of assisting him in his mission
there. The grandchildren especially
enjoyed going with Grandma and Grandpa
to sing Sunday mornings as they were sure
to be taken out for lunch afterward.
One of Mom and Dad’s greatest
enjoyments during retirement was
camping, which often took them to Alberta
to visit the children, and also allowed
them to make many new friends—which
was never a chore for Dad.
Dad developed a real love for sports,
hockey in particular, especially when he
could cheer on and support his grandsons
at the game.
The past 10 years were spent in
Steinbach near family and old friends.
Many days were spent taking long drives
on warm, sunny days. His eternally
optimistic and positive attitude and
genuine love for people was evident every
day of his life.
We would like to extend special thanks
to Dr. Horne and the staff at Bethesda
Hospital for the excellent care Dad
received.
Should friends so desire, donations
may be made in Dad’s memory to EMC
Missions.
His Family
15
JUSTINA EIDSE SIEMENS
1922–2005
Peacefully, with family at her side on
May 21, 2005, Tina Siemens passed on to be
with her Lord and Saviour and many family
and friends in heaven.
Tina is survived by nine siblings, her
loving and devoted husband Jac of sixty
years, and six children, Marilyn Kornelsen
(Leo), Glenn Siemens (Irene), Jerry
Siemens (Helen), Peter Siemens (Angela),
Val Kroeker (Jerry), and Elden Siemens
(Lynda). She also passes on her nurturing
spirit to her 16 grandchildren and nine
great-grandchildren.
Tina was born on August 7, 1922, in
Rosenhoff, Man., the sixth born of the 20
children of David and Elizabeth Eidse.
Tina, the ultimate caregiver, learned her
trade early on in life by providing care and
nurture to her younger siblings.
MENNO RICHARD KROEKER
1925–2005
Our loving husband, father, grandfather,
and great-grandfather Menno Richard
Kroeker passed away peacefully on March
30, 2005, at the Gimli Community Health
Centre at the age of 79 years. Dad was born
to Peter D. and Sara Kroeker on April 29,
1925, on the farm north of Steinbach, Man.
He was the oldest of nine children, with
three brothers and five sisters.
He became a Christian at the age of 21.
16
Her siblings all have fond memories of
Tina, specifically her caring nature and
ability to make light of many situations.
Tina was baptized on her profession of faith
into the Kleinegemeide Church in 1942. On
October 22, 1944, Tina married the love of
her life, Jac Siemens. Their children were
truly blessed to witness the deep love that
these two soul mates shared with each
other, as well as the abundance of love they
so freely gave to their children.
There was never any doubt that Mom
loved Jac and her children as she told them
so daily and showed it through her many acts
of selflessness and unconditional acceptance
of everyone in the family. Tina leaves a great
legacy of love, caring and doing good with all
whose lives she touched.
In October 2001, Tina was diagnosed
with Alzheimer’s disease. Although a
difficult journey for her to travel, when first
told about it by her children Mom’s initial
response was, “It has always been Dad’s
and my prayer to grow closer to the Lord in
whatever comes our way.”
That she did; never was this in doubt
even as the disease progressed, forcing
the family to make the decision to have her
admitted into the Red River Valley Lodge
in Morris, Man., on June 28, 2004. It was
there that she spent her last year with us,
family at her side, walking with her as she
faced this disease head on, drawing on the
strength of her God and those alongside of
her.
Tina took great comfort in the many Bible
verses she had memorized throughout her
life, Proverbs 3:5–6 and Psalm 69:30 were
particularly meaningful to her. As well,
even during the later stages of Alzheimer’s
she could often be heard singing or reciting
the words of her favorite hymns.
On behalf of Tina, the family would
like to thank all the countless people that
visited, prayed for and showed support
to her through this time. Additionally, the
family expresses their deep gratitude to
all the staff at the Red River Valley Lodge.
Your true caring and compassion both for
Mom and her family was always evident.
The family would also like to thank Dr.
Ann Loewen of the Morris General Hospital.
Your expertise and guidance with Mom’s
diabetes and other physical complications
over the past few years were a true blessing
and of great comfort to the family.
Although Tina’s passing will leave an
emptiness in the lives of those that loved
her so dearly, we take great solace in
the fact that she is now at peace and are
comforted by the memory of her loving and
nurturing spirit that will live on eternally.
A celebration of Tina’s life was held on
May 25, 2005, at the Rosenort Evangelical
Mennonite Church in Rosenort, Man. In lieu
of flowers, donations for the Alzheimer’s
Society of Manitoba will be gratefully
accepted. The funeral arrangements were
under the care of Morris Funeral Home.
The family wishes to acknowledge
former Region Coordinator Angie Braun of
the Alzheimer Society in the South Central
Region for her expertise and insight in
helping us cope with this disease. Thank
you.
Her Family
This was a life-changing experience for
him, and was soon followed by baptism
and membership in the local Steinbach EM
Church. He entered Steinbach Bible College
in 1947 and received his diploma in 1950.
While in Bible college, he developed a love
for the ministry. He did extension work in
Giroux, Lorraine, Great Falls, Pine Falls,
and Falcon Beach. He married his wife
Aurelia Peters on July 24, 1949, and was
blessed with 55 years of marriage.
He moved his family to Portage la Prairie
in 1960. In 1962 Dad moved with his family
to Kola and started a professional painting
business. This provided a wonderful
opportunity for their children to learn a
trade and provide some extra cash.
Due to his Bible school training and his
commitment to the Lord, he was elected
into the ministry in the Kola EM Church.
In 1970 he received a call to pastor the
church in Riverton, where he served for
eight years. In 1978 Dad and Mom moved
to MacGregor, where he pastored the EM
Church for 12 years. Upon his retirement
in 1990, he served short-term ministries in
Taber, Alta.; Kola; and twice in Mexico.
They moved back to Riverton in 1996,
where they settled to be closer to their
children. Some of his joys and highlights
were baptizing some of his children, and
marrying some of his children and one
grandson. He loved music, especially
singing. He loved reading and studying. He
enjoyed nature, feeding the birds, fishing,
animals, lakes and mountains.
He preached his last message on November 14, 2004. His text was from Psalm 51.
He is survived by his wife Aurelia; son
Mark and Frances, Steven, Brian (Sara),
Michael; son Roy and Viola, Chris (Andrea
and Seth), John, Alison (Kyle), Tim; son
Terry and Marilyn, Duke, Bobbi (Jeremy),
Zane; son Wendell and Rita, Matthew, Dalen
(Bonnie), Tyson (Diane), Amy; daughter
Debbie and Brad Kornelsen, Evan, Travis,
Nicolas, Kurt; son Dennis and Linda, Trent,
Lucas. He is also survived by three brothers
and three sisters and their families, as well
as by many in-laws and their families.
He was predeceased by his parents,
grandson Josh, and two sisters.
The funeral service for Menno Kroeker
was held on Sunday, April 3, 2005, at
Riverton Gospel Chapel. Officiating was
Pastor Erwin Kroeker. Interment was in
Mennville EMC cemetery.
His Family
THE MESSENGER
AGNES DUECK FRIESEN
1914–2005
“But if we walk in the light as He is in the
light, we have fellowship with one another,
and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us
from all sin. If we claim to be without sin,
we deceive ourselves and the truth is not
in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just and will forgive us our sins and
purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John
1:7–9).
Our mother, grandmother, and great
grandmother, Agnes Friesen, was born
December 6, 1914, in Rosenhoff (now
Riverside), Manitoba, to John W. and Maria
Dueck. She went home to be with Jesus on
May 5, 2005, at Bethesda Place in Steinbach
at the age of 90 years.
Agnes accepted Jesus Christ as her
Saviour and Lord at the age of 15 at Gimli
Bible Camp (CSSM). She was baptized in
November of 1934 and became a member
of Rosenort Kleinegemeinde Church (now
EMC).
Mom pledged her love in marriage to
Dad, Henry F. Friesen, on June 27, 1937.
They shared joys and sorrows for almost
52 years. God blessed their marriage with
three daughters and five sons.
She enjoyed her schooling in Rosenhoff,
being taught by her brother Peter. She
continued to learn by reading many books.
She was taught to work in the garden, the
house, and in the store that her parents
owned.
Mom was the first person from our
community to attend Bible camp. She
memorized 500 Bible verses in order to
pay for camp. From that time on, Mom was
passionate about the Scriptures and had a
verse for every situation and circumstance.
Her faith in the Lord was very real to her
and she was concerned that it should
become ours as well.
At an early age, we were taught to pray,
to seek forgiveness when we had wronged
someone and to trust the Lord in our daily
lives. She had the joy of seeing each of her
children make that decision to accept Jesus
and be baptized. She was always so happy
when she heard that a grandchild had also
made that decision. She prayed faithfully
for all of us.
Mom was a very strong, energetic, and
healthy person. She loved making meals
for her family and homemaking. She was
June 29, 2005
an avid gardener with flowers, vegetables
and fruits. She even had an income from
the raspberries that she harvested with
her children. She crocheted many afghans,
made numerous quilts and sewed lovely
clothes for her children. She had a gift
for drawing and painting which she did in
her spare time. She felt honoured to serve
on the church food committee for several
years.
Music was a source of enjoyment for her
since early childhood. She was often heard
singing songs in English and German as she
worked in the house and garden. She was
thrilled when we would gather and sing
with her at our monthly family gatherings.
She would smile when grandchildren
demonstrated their musical talents.
Dad and Mom farmed together for 42
years and raised their children on the farm
along the Meridian Road. Upon retirement,
they built a new house in Rosenort, Man.,
and lived there for the next ten years,
working together on their yard and taking
several bus tours to various parts of
Canada and the U.S. When Dad died on May
10, 1989, she had a great longing to join him
in heaven.
Shortly thereafter, she moved into
Rosewood, then to Roselane, and finally to
the Heritage Apartments. She had several
friends who prayed, visited and helped
her in each place. When she could no
longer take care of herself, we moved her
to Bethesda Place in Steinbach, which she
called “God’s waiting room.” Wednesday
afternoon, we were called to her bedside.
Early Thursday morning with Mary and
Ed by her side, her prayers were finally
answered as she joined Dad in heaven.
Mom is survived and lovingly
remembered by three daughters and five
sons: Mary and Ed L. Friesen (Steinbach),
Alvin and Frieda (Rosenort), Elmer and
Betty Ann (Rosenort), Ron and Sharon
(Riverside), Delores and Lorne Reimer
(Cavalier, North Dakota), Adella and
Rob Rattray (Winnipeg); Richard and
Bernice (Lethbridge, Alberta), and Garry
and Marjorie (Storm Lake, Iowa); 25
grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by seven in-laws, many
nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her
husband Henry in 1989; one great-grandson,
Josiah, in 1997; as well as all her brothers
and sisters, and numerous in-laws.
We will miss Mom and her prayers for
all of us, but rejoice in knowing that she is
with the One she longed so much to see!
The funeral was held May 9, 2005, in the
Rosenort EMC.
Her Family
EMC Writings
Preacher’s
Kids on the
Homestead
L. Marie Enns
176 pp.
$14.50 (includes
mailing)
306-236-2480
My Dad, Mr. Peter T.
Kroeker, as I remember
him, 167 pp.
Frank P. Kroeker
$7.50 ($2.25 supports
Paraguayan
radio and AIDS
ministries). Mailing extra.
Contact EM Conference
office
One Who Dared
Life Story of Ben D.
Reimer, 1909–1994
Doreen Reimer Peters
307 pp.
$17 (mailing extra)
Contact EM
Conference office
or Doreen Reimer
Peters
204-326-4134
17
kids’ corner
Loreena Thiessen
Listen to Your Nose!
H
ooray! School is out! But hold on. Do you
know that you will continue to learn right
through the summer?
You learn in many ways. If you want to know about
Africa you have to read about it or take a trip and
visit it in person. To play a new game, you have to
hear the rules first; then you can try it.
To understand where you are and what is going
on around you, you use your five senses, seeing,
hearing, tasting, touching and smelling. You know
you are at the beach when you see the sand and the
lake. You know you are at your favorite concert when
you hear the music.
You know that summer is here when you see the
green grass and feel the hot sun. While camping at
the lake you know it’s breakfast time when you smell
bacon and eggs cooking on the wood fire.
You need your senses. If one of them stops
working there are things you will miss. If you close
your eyes you will not see the lake. If you plug your
ears you will not recognize the music. You will not
taste your favorite dinner if you do not put it in your
mouth.
The sense of smell is different. Don’t cover your
nose too tightly to stop smelling because you smell
with every breath you take. You can’t do one without
the other.
There are good smells and bad smells. Good
smells, like perfume, lilacs, and fresh baked
cookies, are pleasing and inviting. Some smells are
unpleasant and may make us feel discomfort. We
know a skunk is nearby even if we can’t see him.
If we have allergies, newly-cut grass can make us
uncomfortably itchy.
Animals depend on their sense of smell to keep
them safe and help them survive. A deer in the forest
smells danger and quickly dashes to safety. A mother
giraffe, like most animals, learns which baby is hers
by its smell.
In Psalm 139:14 God says you are wonderfully
made; even if you don’t know it, your senses
are always working teaching you something
T
important. M
18
Go On a Listening Walk
You need:
• a backyard or a planned hike
• a sunny day
• friends or parents to walk and listen with
• notepad
• pencil
Do:
Sit quietly at a picnic table or on a lawn chair, or
if you’re walking, walk quietly. Listen for different
sounds. Can you tell if it’s a robin or a wren singing?
Can you hear the rustle of leaves? Do you know the
sound of a squirrel’s chatter?
Are there any frogs croaking? Is there a
lawnmower cutting someone’s grass? Do you hear
children playing or a dog barking?
Are there any smells? Do you smell flowers, leaves
or grasses? Does the air have a particular smell?
Make a list of the smells and the sounds you
notice in your notepad. Draw pictures to help you
remember what you see or smell.
THEMESSENGER
shoulder tapping
Executive Position
Applications are being invited
for an administrative position
with the Evangelical Mennonite
Conference, responsible to the
Board of Trustees, Board of Missions, and the
General Board. This position is a sharing of
120 percent, with exact percentages to be
negotiated.
This position includes the role of chief
financial officer and requires training and
experience in financial management.
Administrative
leadership
and
office
management skills are essential. Good oral
and written communication abilities are
required. For information or an application
form, contact the office at 204-326-6401 or
Ron Penner, EMC Moderator, at 204-255-8062.
Note: This position is open to male and female
applicants.
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
440 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5
E-mail emconf@mts.net
Applications should be in by August 31, 2005.
Anola Fellowship Chapel (EMC) seeks a fulltime pastor to bring solid leadership and
teaching to our church family of approximately
130 people. This person will help equip the
people in our church family to reach out in their
area of influence and lead others to Christ.
AFC is a rural church located 25 minutes east
of Winnipeg and is comprised of people from
diverse cultural and church backgrounds.
Contact Orville Friesen at 204-371-9922 or
ofriesen@nutrihealthgroup.com.
CSSM Ministries Manitoba, with six camps,
seeks summer help: an assistant to the public
relations/development
coordinator,
two
vacation Bible school teachers, head cooks
for Valley View (near MacGregor) and Gimli,
lifeguards, cabin leaders (at least 16 years old)
and camp health officers (at least standard first
aid with current CPR certification). Indicate camp
of choice.
Also sought is a director for Valley View
(MacGregor, Man.) to start September 1,
2005 (negotiable). Contact Branch Director at
mb@cssm.ca or CSSM Ministries Manitoba, 200189 Henderson Hwy. Winnipeg, MB R2L 1L7. Phone
204-668-CSSM (2776) or fax 204-667-1496.
Mount Salem EMC in southern Ontario seeks a
full-time senior pastor. Education flexible and
some pastoral experience preferred. Services
are in English. Attendance is around 150 with
much room and potential for growth. The
pastor will work with two lay ministers and two
deacons. Contact Isaak Fehr at 519-773-2564
or Bill Siemens at bhsiemens@sympatico.ca.
Endeavour Fellowship Chapel in east-central
Saskatchewan, with a congregation of about 50,
is currently looking for a pastor. Contact Tom
Treen (Elders’ Chairman) at 306-547-3383 or
tdpromise@sasktel.net.
June9,005
Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission seeks an
executive director/fi nancial manager to
serve the Burkina Faso Partnership Council.
This position requires administrative skills,
experience with missions in Africa, and an
ability to work with expatriate and national
personnel. French and English are required and
Jula would be a definite asset.
For information contact Len Barkman at
emclen@mts.net or 204-326-6401.
Steinbach EMC is looking for a motivated,
energetic person with strong organizational skills
to be full-time pastor of youth ministries. This
position is available immediately. The applicant
would primarily be involved in coordinating junior
and senior high church programs. Contact Henry
Klassen, chair of search committee, 63 Donald
Ave., Steinbach, MB R5G 2B5. Phone 204-326-6068
or email henryk2@mts.net.
Morweena Christian School seeks three twograde split homeroom teachers: grades
5–6, 7–8, 11–12. Teachers are responsible for
core subjects and to provide recess and lunch
supervision. Valid teacher’s certificate required
for grades 11–12. MCS is operated by Morweena
EMC, and situated 25 kms northwest of Arborg,
Man. MCS is dedicated to providing K–12 in an
environment holding a high respect for biblical
values. Send resume and pastor’s reference to
Tim Reimer, Box 1030, Arborg, MB R0C 0A0.
Fax 204-364-3117 or e-mail morweenachristia
nschool@yahoo.com.
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. Contact
Kenton Barkman, Box 576, Riverton, MB R0C 2R0.
Phone 204-378-5623 or e-mail kenton@mts.net.
Continental Mission, Inc., seeks a director.
Working largely with First Nations people
in northern Manitoba, this 63-year-old faith
mission seeks a visionary team player with a
heart for Native ministry. Many opportunities
for ministry exist, and the mission is ready to
be taken to the next level.
The director will give overall leadership,
overseeing a staff of about 20 missionaries.
Candidates should have ministry and
administrative experience. The director is
expected to relocate to Thompson, Man., a city
that serves as a hub for much of the mission’s
activities. Contact: Mel Friesen at CMI, 159
Cree Road, Thompson, MB R8N 0C2; phone
204-778-4491; e-mail cmi@mts.net.
CSSM National Office seeks a national director,
a committed Christian team leader with excellent
academics, a decade of proven ministry
leadership, pragmatic and strategic ideas, biblical
purity, and good communication. Contact Ferdi
vanDongen, searchcommittee@cssm.ca. Also
sought is an office administrator. Contact
CSSM National Office, 189 Henderson Highway,
Winnipeg, MB R2L 1L7 or call 204-667-8207. Email: national@cssm.ca.
Evangelical Anabaptist Committee
Care about Evangelical Anabaptist theology
and our conference? Consider serving as a
volunteer member of the national Evangelical
Anabaptist Committee, which serves the
Board of Church Ministries and the Board of
Ministers and Deacons. This committee meets
about quarterly by conference call. Contact
Executive Secretary Terry Smith (204-3266401) or BCM chairperson Stan Hamm (204433-7488).
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.
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.
Inner-City Youth Alive, a holistic Christian ministry
in the North End of Winnipeg, Man., seeks an
administrative assistant/receptionist (full-time
permanent). Fax resume to 204-582-4729 or mail
to ICYA, 418 Aberdeen Ave. Winnipeg, MB R2W
1V7; or email icya@mts.net. Pastoral reference
required.
MCC Manitoba seeks a Voices for Non-Violence
coordinator. VNV responds of abuse situations
within the Mennonite constituency and guides
victims and offenders towards a healing process.
It seeks to promote positive family and church
life and work towards greater awareness
and prevention of abuse. The coordinator is
responsible for all aspects, including responding
to abusive situations, public education, advocacy,
training and connecting with service providers/
advocates at local and national levels. This is a
.75 FTE position located in Winnipeg, Man.
All MCC workers are required to have
a Christian faith, be actively involved in a
Christian church and be committed to nonviolence and peacemaking. Due to the nature of
this assignment and the gender of the majority
of clientele, a suitable female candidate will be
given preference. Application deadline is July 29,
2005. Contact Sol Janzen at sjj@mennonitecc.ca
or Janelle Siemens at jms@mennonitecc.ca or
call 204-261-6381.
Red Rock Bible Camp seeks a head cook. Yearround position available September 1, 2005 at
Christian camp. Must have experience and training
in the food service industry or be trainable.
Responsible to the food services director.
Agreement needed with the camp’s mission and
statement of faith. Must be service oriented, work
well with people and be a team player. Housing,
partial board, salary, medical and dental benefits
provided. Send resume to: Red Rock Bible Camp,
204-320 Main St., Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z1 Email:
kim@redrockbiblecamp.com.
19
PAGE 20
THE MESSENGER
Evangelical Mennonite Conference
440 Main Street
Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5
Publications Mail Agreement #40017362
PAP Registration #9914