Messenger. AU Evaluating the Emerging Church. The EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 44 NUMBER 7 APRIL 5, 2006

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1 Messenger The EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CONFERENCE VOLUME 44 NUMBER 7 APRIL 5, 2006 CAUTION AU Evaluating the Emerging Church

2 The Messenger EDITOR Terry M. Smith 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 Unpublished material is not returned except by request.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 (Manitoba residents add 7% PST, total: $12.84). Subscriptions are voluntary and optional to people within or outside of the EMC. In cooperation with the EMC Conference Council, members and adherents pay through their church. THE MESSENGER is a member of Meetinghouse and Canadian Church Press. Second-class postage paid at Steinbach, Manitoba. PAP Registration #9914 Publications Mail Agreement # We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Publications Assistance Program (PAP), toward our mailing costs. The magazine and its publisher, the Board of Church Ministries, are obligated to work within the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act. Mailing information: All correspondence, including undelivered copies, change of address and new subscriptions, should be addressed to: The Messenger 440 Main Street Steinbach, Manitoba R5G 1Z5 Phone: Fax: emcmessenger@mts.net On-line edition available at MESSENGER SCHEDULE: No. 09 May 3 (copy due April 21) ASSISTANT EDITOR Rebecca Buhler editorials What it s all about Sam Torode was raised Baptist and later became a member of the Eastern Orthodox Church. In Christianity Today (December 2005) he says, When I became Orthodox, I was tired of what I saw as evangelicalism s cheap grace. I was ready for some discipline and hard work along the path of salvation. But in the midst of all the discipline that Torode says Orthodoxy prescribes, a church friend confided to his wife, Sometimes, I forget it s all about Jesus. Torode says, That s when it hit us we d forgotten that it s all about Jesus too. It took me a while, he says, but I think I ve finally learned about what really matters. Liturgical is not enough, sacramental is not enough, Catholic is not enough, and Orthodox is not enough. Only Jesus is enough. Liturgical is not enough, sacramental is not enough, Catholic is not enough, and Orthodox is not enough. Only Jesus is enough. Sometimes when people find out my last name is Smith, they ask, How did you ever become part of the Mennonite church? I ve responded in various ways, sometimes quipping by grace or that the Mennonite church sometimes can t help but be gracious. Behind the quips, there s a deeper reason: It s all about Jesus. The Christian faith is centred in Jesus Christ. During Good Friday and Easter we remember that Jesus, God and man, achieved our salvation. Saying it s all about Jesus doesn t mean it s all about our individual salvation. We are to live our faith together in radical, whole ways in his world as we await his return. It s all about Jesus is many miles away, though, from saying it s all about our last name. CPTers and naiveté With the death of one CPTer and the rescue of three others in Iraq, some Christians and secular leaders are saying that civilians shouldn t place themselves in such dangerous situations. Critics point to the weeks of work, millions of dollars spent, danger to rescue personnel, and naiveté of untrained civilians. Christians must continue to place themselves in harm s way even if we are misunderstood. But Ron Sider, whose passionate concern in a speech two decades ago led to the launching of CPT, said then that non-violent Christians must be prepared to place themselves in harm s way to effect change. He said that we should be prepared for thousands to die. There is much irony that coalition forces rescued non-violent people present partly to protest the coalition s involvement in M T Terry M. Smith Iraq. The CPTers rescue in Iraq illustrates the ambiguity of living as citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20) on earth. Still, Christians must continue to place themselves in harm s way even if we are misunderstood (1 Corinthians 3:18 20). And if CPTers are naïve, they are not alone. Military reservists who seek adventure and an education can find themselves on the battlefield where some never thought they would be. Some Canadians say our country s soldiers should not be in nearby Afghanistan because some have died and others might. Soldiers are, however, warriors. When soldiers are placed in harm s way, some will die. What s right or wrong isn t decided by whether soldiers live or die. The real issue between CPTers and their critics is both clear and complex: What is morally right to do? Terry M. Smith M T THE MESSENGER

3 Leading Christian women awarded for their contributions Eight Canadian Christian women received awards for extraordinary leadership contributions to the success of work and ministry in their particular vocational areas. The Leading Women awards ceremony constituted the culminating event at the Leading Women 2006 Conference, held in Calgary, March 2 4, The award recipients included (see for further detail): Bev Foster, President, Strongheart, Music for Life s Journey, who received the award in the Arts, Culture and Sports category; Irene Pfeiffer, President, Moorgate Holdings, in the Business, Professional and Entrepreneur category; N.J. Lindquist and Wendy Elaine Nelles, Founders, The Word Guild, in the Communications and Media category; Lynn Smith, author of Gender or Giftedness and co-founder of NextLEVEL Leadership, in the Education, Training and Development category; Eileen Stewart-Rhude, Executive Secretary, World Evangelical Alliance Women s Commission, in the Ministry category; Florence Kehl, Executive Director, Pregnancy Care Centre, in Public Service category; Christina Kirkley, a young leader involved in international development projects, in the Young Leader category; Shirley Bentall, awarded posthumously in recognition of a lifetime of transformational leadership in the Christian Church, in the Distinguished Leading Women category. The Leading Women Awards, presented for the third time since 2002, provide an opportunity to celebrate the many women in Canada whose lives demonstrate strong faith in God and who have made an outstanding contribution to their vocation, says Aileen Van Ginkel, director, ministry partnerships at the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada and cochair of the Leading Women Conference Partnership. One of the significant things about the Leading Women Awards program is that it profiles Canadian women in particular, added Margaret Gibb, president of Women Alive and Awards Committee co-chair. The Leading Women Conference, held earlier in Toronto in 2002 and 2004, is a bi-annual leadership development initiative supported by 15 partnering organizations, including: Alliance University College; Alliance Women s Ministries; Building Together Ministries; Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches; Canadian Nazarene University College; Christian Association of Pregnancy Support Services (CAPPS); Evangelical Fellowship of Canada; Inter-Varsity Christian Fellowship; The Navigators of Canada; NextLEVEL Leadership; Rocky Mountain College; The Salvation Army of Canada and Bermuda; Women Alive; Wagner Leadership Institute; and Women Today: Campus Crusade for Christ. EFC letter Support for The Road Less Traveled Let me express appreciation for the article Abe Warkentin wrote sharing his concern for some trends in our conference [Pacifism: The Road Less Traveled, March 22]. The point he is making that there is significant meaning to the name Mennonite is one that I also affirm. The role of peace Christians is more needful today than ever. Thanks, Abe, for bringing it to our attention. Ron Penner Winnipeg, Man. coming events April 23 CMU Convocation Portage Avenue MB Church Winnipeg, Man. Speaker: Tim Yoder Neufeld or April 30 SBC Graduation Steinbach EMC Steinbach, Man May Dialogue with the Emerging Church Providence Seminary Christian Leaders Day Speaker: Dr. Daniel I. Block or June 2 3 Wild at Heart: Live in Canada Centre Street Church Calgary, Alta. June Bike the Interlake MCC Canada Birds Hill to Hecla Island, Man or pmf@mennonitecc.ca June 11 Eden Foundation golf tournament Winkler Golf Course Winkler, Man or or edenfdn@valleycable.com June 13 EMC Golf Classic Steinbach Fly-In Golf Course Steinbach, Man June MCC Relief Sale Didsbury Sportsplex Didsbury, Alta or hiltonmierau@hotmail.com June MCC Relief Sale Canadian Mennonite University Winnipeg, Man or gpbt@mts.net July 7 9 EMC Annual Convention Speaker: Ron Sider Winnipeg, Man April 5,

4 McLaren says that not only is postmodernism here to stay, we as Christians need to restructure our churches and theology to appeal to those with postmodern beliefs. Evaluating the Eme Michael Zwaagstra The Emerging Church movement is sweeping across North America and having a profound impact on a wide variety of Christian denominations including our own. Some of the most prominent Emerging Church leaders include Brian McLaren, Leonard Sweet, Steve Chalke, Dan Kimball, and Rob Bell. Each of these individuals has a prominent ministry role and has published books openly advocating Emergent Church ideas. In order to properly evaluate this movement, it is important to have a basic understanding of the postmodern assumptions made by Emerging Church leaders and what these mean for Christian theology. Do we make our own truth? Postmodernism is a philosophy that says that it is impossible for us to step outside of our cultural and language backgrounds and assumptions. As a result, we cannot make objective truth statements about reality. Postmodernists reject the belief that truth is that which corresponds to reality. They say, instead, that we construct our own understanding of the world around us which, for us, is true. Postmodernists also argue that the main point of reading a text is not to discern the author s original intent (since that is impossible). Rather, we construct (or make up) our own understanding of what the text is speaking to us. They prefer to deconstruct writings until they come up with a meaning that has little, if anything, to do with what the original author intended. Along with that, postmodernists have little trust in reason and logic since these are dependant upon the belief that truth corresponds to reality. It should come as little surprise to discover that the pre-eminent postmodern philosophers (Jacques Derrida, Michael Foucault, and Richard Rorty) are atheists. They see our existence as having no ultimate purpose beyond what we choose for ourselves. Postmodern philosophy has little in common with the biblical worldview. The Bible is filled with objective truth statements that leave no room for ambiguity or doubt. One example can be found in Deuteronomy 18:20 22, where Israelites are told that if a prophet prophesies something that does not come to pass, then he was to be rejected as a false prophet. That truth is what corresponds to reality, far from 4 THE MESSENGER

5 being a recent innovation, finds solid this is typical reasoning of postmodernists who regularly support in Scripture. build meanings that fail to correspond with reality. In addition, Emerging Church leaders hold a postmodern What is the Emerging Church view of biblical inspiration that serves to fatally weaken its embracing? authority. Rob Bell is pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in The Emerging Church movement Grandville, Michigan, and the main speaker on the popular is unique in that it embraces, NOOMA video series. rather than rejects, postmodern In Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith (Zondervan, philosophical assumptions. Brian 2005), Bell states, The Bible is a collection of stories that teach McLaren, founding pastor of us about what it looks like when God is at work through actual Cedar Ridge Community Church in people. The Bible has the authority it does only because it Maryland, is generally regarded as contains stories about people interacting with the God who has the movement s most prominent all authority (p. 65). spokesman. This quote is typical of how weak a view of biblical McLaren says that not only is inspiration and authority Emerging Church leaders generally postmodernism here to stay, we as have. While the Bible contains narrative, it is much more than rging Church Christians need to restructure our churches and theology to appeal to those with postmodern beliefs. Upon examining the writings of McLaren and other emerging church leaders, the extent to which postmodernism has influenced their theology readily becomes evident. In A Generous Orthodoxy (Zondervan, 2004), McLaren regularly claims to adopt mutually exclusive positions and makes nonsensical statements such as the following: this book suggests that relativists are right in their denunciation of absolutism. It also affirms that absolutists are right in their denunciation of relativism. And then it suggests that they are both wrong because the answer lies beyond both absolutism and relativism. I ll bet that sounds like nonsense to nine of 10 readers (p. 38). It does sound like nonsense because it is nonsense! But Rather than embracing postmodernism, we as believers need to stand firm for biblical truth and refuse to dilute our beliefs to make them more appealing to the world. April 5, 006 5

6 just that. The Bible has authority because it is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), not just because it contains stories about people interacting with God. Just as postmodernists say that our personal response to what we read is more important than the author s original intent, Emerging Church leaders feel free to read biblical texts in ways that have little, if any, connection to the original intent of the writers. Rob Bell goes so far as to insist that, For Jesus, s, heaven and hell were present realities. Ways of living we can enter into here and now. He talked very little of the life beyond this one (p. 147). One wonders how this statement corresponds with Jesus saying, And if I go and prepare e a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also (John 14:3). The apostle Paul also didn t think much of those who said our main hope in Christ consists of our life here on this earth: If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19). In typical postmodern fashion Bell doesn t seem to care whether his statements correspond with the original intent of the biblical authors. In their zeal to deconstruct evangelicalism, Emerging Church leaders are continuing to undermine sound systematic theology and replace it with a theology that no longer makes clear and precise doctrinal statements. Emerging Church leaders openly advocate closer relations between Protestants and Catholics and many even recommend adopting Catholic practices such as the veneration of Mary and praying through icons. Contrary to what emerging church leaders claim, there are serious theological divides between Catholicism and Protestantism that cannot simply be papered over. D. A. Carson has written an informative critique of the Emerging Church movement entitled Becoming Conversant with the Emerging Church (Zondervan, 2005). Carson notes that, in their writings, Brian McLaren and Steve Chalke consistently undermine an essential component of the doctrine of the atonement penal substitution. In The Lost Message of Jesus, Chalke rejects penal substitutionary iona atonement as cosmic child abuse and prefers to interpret the cross as a vivid statement of the powerlessness of love (pp ). This is a rejection of the heart of the gospel and a denial of many Bible passages that testify to the fact that Jesus, by dying on the cross for our sins, took our punishment upon himself. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities (Isaiah 53:5). One can see why Carson, who has a reputation for moderation and careful analysis, states, I have to say, as kindly but as forcefully as I can, that to my mind, if words mean anything, both McLaren and Chalke have largely abandoned the gospel (p. 186). While Emerging Church leaders have good motives, they have made significant compromises with postmodern philosophy. Postmodernism, in its rejection of objective truth, is a bankrupt philosophy that is fundamentally at odds with true biblical orthodoxy. Rather than embracing postmodernism, we as believers need to stand firm for biblical truth and refuse to dilute our beliefs to make them more appealing to the world. See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ (Colossians Emerging church leaders openly advocate closer relations between Protestants and Catholics and many even recommend adopting Catholic practices such as the veneration of Mary and praying through icons. Contrary to what emerging church leaders claim, there are serious theological divides between Catholicism and Protestantism that cannot simply be papered over. 2:8). M T Michael Zwaagstra, B.Ed., P.B.C.E., M.Ed., (Steinbach EFC) is a public school teacher and an adult Sunday school teacher. 6 THE MESSENGER

7 with our missionaries Mexico A language beautiful and quite adequate Abraham appeared at our house in Santa Ana one Sunday morning with his older sister in tow for moral support. He came with a speech in Spanish that he wanted translated into Zapotec. Their father had come by earlier with the same request, saying that Abraham s fifth grade teacher had told him to ask us to do the translation. So I knew Abraham s request was a serious one. It tickled me to see that Abraham and his sister came with a blank piece of paper. They wanted this translation done straight away. After reading the speech, however, I knew that I could not translate it without help. Benito Juárez, a Zapotec Indian from the state of Oaxaca, became president of México in the 1860s. school competition in the neighbouring village of San Isidro. I wondered if he would really give the speech since he had only a few days to memorize it. Interestingly enough, the variety of Zapotec which Abraham speaks is very similar to the one Juárez spoke so many years ago. One of my teammates was in San Isidro during the week of the competition and heard the speech. She said it was absolutely wonderful. They asked everyone to be quiet because Abraham was going to deliver the speech without the use of a microphone. And deliver it he did, complete with all the gestures, pauses and intonation typical of these kinds of speeches. There was one difference, however: It was given in Zapotec. Things became absolutely still as Abraham spoke. People were so pleased that Abraham was asked to repeat the speech the next evening as well. And I m pleased too pleased to have been able to help Abraham and his teacher, and pleased to have had a small part in showing the Zapotec community that their language is beautiful and quite adequate, even for delivering speeches about important historical figures. May God use this incident to help fan into flame the idea that having the Scriptures in Zapotec is a beautiful thing also and nothing of which to be ashamed. Grace Thiessen Grace Thiessen (Steinbach EMC) has been working for 23 years to translate Scripture into Zapotec, a language spoken by 500,000 people in Oaxaca, a southern state in Mexico. Zapotec is divided into about 50 variants and she works in two of these. The total number of people who speak these two varieties of Zapotec is about 6,000. It was full of flowery words, poetic images and other words like culture, democracy, monopoly, proletariat, and bourgeoisie that would take some thought to translate into Zapotec. I told them that I would need help from a native speaker and promised to give them the translation a few days later. So that is how it came about that Juliana and I spent two mornings translating a somewhat left-leaning speech about Benito Juárez, a Zapotec Indian from the state of Oaxaca who became president of México in the 1860s. Juárez birthday on March 21 is celebrated every year in Oaxaca, but this year special celebrations are planned in that it is 200 years ago that he was born. Abraham told me that he was supposed to give the speech at a regional primary July 12 to August 4, 2006 For youth age 16 and older (application deadline is May 1, 2006). The team will focus primarily on German Mennonites who have settled in the area. The ministry will include children s, youth and family ministry, work projects, as well as programming in our Tri-Conference churches in the area. Contact Gerald Reimer at the EMC national office for information at or emcger@mts.net. April 5,

8 a womanʼs journey of faith Betty Koop Bernice: Bloom Where You re Planted! As I approached Bernice s greenhouses, I noticed they were still huddled in the snow. But inside, as I watched Bernice s nimble fingers transplant tiny seedlings, and saw the rows and rows of flats filled with plants, I could almost smell the flowers. Soon this dome of vinyl would be alive with the sight and aroma of delightfully blooming flowers. Later they would be transplanted and give pleasure to many. To me, blooming where you re planted is an apt illustration of Bernice s life. Much transplanting took place in Bernice s early years: From southern Manitoba to the province s Interlake area, and on to Stratton in northwestern Ontario. Here she took grades three to 11 in five different schools, although they never moved out of Stratton. It wasn t that she couldn t get along in school. Rather, it was a time of transition within the school division, the beginning of a private school, and finally a transfer to a high school. But, Bernice smiled, because my friends moved with me, it wasn t all that traumatic. Then came a big transplant. When Bernice was 17, she moved with her parents and siblings to Tres Palmas, Paraguay. For the next three years, she bloomed in this new garden, energetically exercising her gift of helps: In the clinic helping with laundry, cleaning and cooking; at home when a new baby arrived; in the church involvement in Sunday school, youth, and music. And she finished her Grade 12 by correspondence, a few courses each year. Bernice mentioned it had seemed like going back a generation. For instance, they did the back-breaking work of clearing trees and plowing new ground for a garden. She learned to kill and prepare ducks for food. Grocery shopping was across the counter no shopping carts. She was thankful for electricity from the generator, even though it was sporadic, and gravitational flow from a Bernice has a lot of time to pray as she works. One of her prayers is that the plants will bring joy to buyers and rejuvenate others as they pass by. barrel produced running water on laundry day. However, being part of the missionary family with its intergenerational friendships was special. The whole cross-cultural experience enriched her life. Soon after she was transplanted back to Canada, Bernice moved in with her grandparents in Blumenort, Man. A job at a poultry processing plant and attending Steinbach Bible College occupied the next years. Prayer was important to young Bernice. Early in November, when she was 18, she prayed that if her future husband was not a Christian, that God would draw him to Himself. She had at that time not met this man. At the end of that November, Tim, her future husband, made a commitment to the Lord. When, some time later, she met him at a small group Bible Study (as well as at work), it wasn t love at first sight. But obviously love blossomed. They have now been married for more than 22 years and have four teen-aged children. For about 10 years the family lived in a nearby predominantly French town. Here she had the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with a back-door neighbour who spent a lot of time in Bernice s home, sometimes from morning tea break until school was out. She also joined a Moms in Touch prayer group and benefited from this sharing across denominational lines. However, Bernice felt she hadn t connected a lot. But now she finds many of her greenhouse customers come from that area and that it is a natural extension of her ministry. She has a lot of time to pray as she works. One of her prayers is that the plants will bring joy to buyers and rejuvenate others as they pass by. I may not always have chosen my physical location, but this [moving around] has contributed to the development of my present and future ministry, Bernice noted. Blooming where I m planted is still going on. How are we doing at blooming where we re planted? M T 8 THE MESSENGER

9 with our churches Two young people stand for Jesus Portage la Prairie, Man.: Two young people were baptized on January 22, 2006, and were received into membership. Here is a bit from their testimonies. Jonathan Petkau: Along with other people, I asked Jesus to come into my life when I was about four or five years old. I m pretty sure I was with my mom in her bedroom. I don t remember much. I just thought I should. After a while it didn t mean much to me. I just did what friends did and kind of forgot about Jesus until this summer! Then it hit me what I was doing with my life. So I decided to recommit my life to Jesus at camp. It was a cool feeling. It was awesome because for four weeks of my summer I was surrounded by Christians and Christian friends. I want to be baptized to show all of you that I want to live for Jesus. A verse that I really like is Jeremiah 29:11, I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. That verse means a lot to me because it just shows you that God is in control of your life and I don t have to worry. My most important spiritual moment so far in my life would have to be our Mexico trip to Tijuana. It was an amazing and eyeopening experience for me. I would have to say that the hardest thing to do on our trip was leaving the orphanage. Playing with all those kids was so fun. We all felt for them because they had to live in such poverty and such dirty conditions. That was only a peek at all of the great things that God has done in my life. Jessica Kroeker: I live in a Christian home, and I became a Christian at the age of four. I didn t fully understand a lot about Christianity at that age, but I loved God and knew who he was. As I got older, I began to have a much deeper relationship with God. I believe that everyone on this earth is not perfect, and everyone has sinned (Romans 3:23), but God took our punishment by shedding his blood on the cross so we can be forgiven and receive God as our Saviour and Father. I would like to be baptized to show that I would like to follow and trust God all of my life. People such as friends, family, camp counselors, small group, youth, and Sunday school leaders have helped me dig deeper into my relationship with God and start thinking more about life. A verse that encourages me is Matthew 5: It says, Don t hide your light under a basket! Instead put it on stand and let it shine for all. In the same way, let your good deeds shine for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. It helps me to remember to keep being a shining light for God and not hide my gifts that he has given me, that I shouldn t worry about what other people think of me, and I should always be myself. Over the past few years I have had the privilege of going to camp (Valley View Bible Camp) and have a week full of fun, worship and praise, which has helped bring me a lot closer to God over the years and helped me learn new things. This past summer I had the privilege of going to Mexico with my family. It was a really cool experience of seeing and enjoying being with different people and experiencing a different culture. It Jessica Kroeker and Jonathan Petkau reminded me of how everyone is uniquely created in their own ways; and it doesn t matter how people live, dress or do things; and that everyone is special. I also thought it was real cool seeing a different part of the world and enjoying God s awesome creations. Portage Church Farewell to Warners Steinbach EMC (Man.): Sunday, March 26, saw a farewell service for Pastor Tom and Andrea Warner held at Steinbach EMC. Henry Nickel, chairman of church council, on behalf of the church thanked them for being with us for one and a half years. We wish you God s richest blessing, he said. Robert Goertzen, speaking for the pastoral committee, expressed his thanks for Andrea: We have appreciated you. He recalled that Tom wanted to get to know people individually. Goertzen expressed his appreciation. Adrian Reimer spoke on behalf of the College and Career group saying, Tom cared about each of us as individuals. We are very sad to see you go. Before the closing prayer anyone was invited to come to the platform and join in the closing prayer. A number of individuals did this. Our youth pastor Chris Derksen and our music minister Kyle Friesen both spoke a closing prayer. Both Tom and Andrea spoke briefly in closing. Dave K. Schellenberg A number of people went to the platform to join the closing farewell prayers for Andrea and Tom Warner at Steinbach EM Church on March 26. April 5,

10 A member s response to street people Abbeydale (Calgary, Alta.): It is 7:30 a.m. Sunday. You ve slept fitfully. You weren t very warm. You didn t make it to the shelters before curfew so you were locked out. Your garbage bag of belongings is tucked close for safe keeping as you sleep wrapped in a ragged blanket in front of a church s main entrance. The stench of unwashed, alcoholic, human waste and vomit surrounds you, but you rarely notice anymore. Each day is a struggle. You constantly have the craving to sniff some crack so that you can forget about your hopeless life. Tonight is Streetlight night. This is a Youth for Christ outreach whose mission statement is: To share God s love with street kids through friendships that support, protect and enhance their lives. They do this by parking a custom built semi-trailer in downtown Calgary twice a week and opening our doors to serve warm meals, play some video games and just hang out (visit org/streetlight.html). As a volunteer, I go hang out with street youth up to age 24, and showing them that someone cares and wants to be their friend. They tear at my heart strings and yet can make me laugh. They are special. Why are they on the streets? Unfortunately, most are not loved at home. They have abusive (emotional and physical), neglectful families who also have addictions of some sort and are very self-absorbed. Thus these youth look to the streets for love and acceptance. What the youth first find on the streets may be someone who appears to care but is actually looking for another client or a quick way to make money. After being lulled into a sense of false security, the harshness of the street draws them into a life of prostitution, substance abuse and violence. By the time they realize what has happened, they are so deep into street life that they can hardly escape. Street youth face insurmountable pressures. They can trust few others out there. Drugs and sex surround them and are basically forced on them. Unbelievably, street people use and abuse each other. Relationships don t last long and are very unhealthy (mentally and physically). These youth appear rambunctious, disrespectful, violent, deceitful and scary, but they have learned to be in order to survive. But deep down in each of them is much more. You just need to look into their eyes to see a child desperate for love and acceptance but afraid to admit those needs. Streetlight reminds me that a dark world exists. I desire to demonstrate to these looked down upon, forgotten youth that I love them despite who or what they are. And if I love them that much, just think how much more God loves them. It is a pleasure getting to know the street youth that come to Streetlight and what an encouragement when the parents or the youth themselves express gratitude for the part we have played in their lives and the difference we made (saving lives actually) just by being a friend. What would be your reaction to seeing the person described in the beginning of this article? Would you see this person as a lesser thing, as the trash he or she looks to be and send him or her on their way? Would you gently wake the person, welcome him or her inside, offering some coffee along with an invitation to stay for the service? Scripture reminds us that whatever The trailer used by Streetlight ministry. New pastoral couple and 26 members at Mount Salem Mount Salem, Ont.: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! (1 Peter 1:3). In October 2005 we welcomed Gerhard and Maria Dyck, along with daughter Lili and son Paul, into our midst. We had prayed for a long time to have a pastor and God answered. On November 19, 2005, they were installed as our pastoral couple. They have blessed us a lot already and we look forwarding to serving God with them. Welcome! In December 2005 we hosted a trichurch Christmas program. We were richly blessed through songs from a choir led by Tillsonburg pastor Dave Wiebe (Church of Living Water) and also from special numbers brought from the different churches. It was our second year that we have joined with Tillsonburg and Straffordville for a program such as this. We celebrated Jesus birthday through a program brought by the Sunday school children. We laughed at the Family Feud Ivy Friesen you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me (Matthew 25:40). Not everyone is able to work with such organizations, but each of us is able to pray for and treat with respect those who are on the street. Please pray for the people God has sent to touch the street youth. We need protection, wisdom, patience and endurance. Especially pray for those living on the streets, dealing with the pressures and violence, day-in and dayout. God has not forgotten them and we must not either. Ivy Friesen game presented by one class. In January 2006 we said goodbye to Bill and Helen Friesen and family as they left us to take up a pastorate in Leamington. We wish them God s blessings as they follow His call. With blessing comes sorrow and we Pastor Gerhard and Maria Dyck 10 THE MESSENGER

11 said goodbye to two people in a short time. Mrs. Katherina Fehr passed away in December and Mr. John Peters followed in January. Mrs. Fehr s Gott ist die Liebe (God is Love) special number will be sorely missed. It was with great joy that we welcomed 26 people into our membership in February. Most of these people have been attending our church for well over 10 years and now decided to take this wonderful step. One couple got baptized and we praise God for this. It is an encouragement to see people take up this responsibility. We are looking forward to working alongside them in furthering God s kingdom. On March 5 we celebrated the Lord s Supper. We had a wonderful time of sharing and fellowship. God has so richly blessed us. Maria Dyck (not the pastor s wife) T E S O L births Practicum Option English Language Institute Ukraine -- July 5 31, 2006 Cost: $2950 TESOL is taught during module 7 each spring Dates May 1 26, 2006 Class times Monday to Friday, 8:30 am 3:00 pm Professor Elfrieda Lepp-Kaethler, M.A. Cost $2250 plus textbooks food/lodging additional cost Enrolment Limited to 24 students For more information contact Christal Penner admissions@sbcollege.ca 50 PTH 12 N Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4 NIKKEL to Paul and Kim Nikkel of Portage la Prairie, Man., a daughter, Jewel Elizabeth, on December 8, KRAHN to Jake and Mary Krahn of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Natasha Marie, on February 21, LOEWEN to Pete and Sue Loewen of Aylmer, Ont., a son, Damian Jeffrey, on March 17, FRIESEN to Dan and Liona Friesen of Aylmer, Ont., a daughter, Ruth Liona, on March 19, In February 26, Mount Salem EMC received 26 people as members: (front) Neil Wall, Sue Wall, Mary Giesbrecht, Justina Falk, Anna Sawatzky, Cindy Thiessen, Susanna Loewen, Sara Martens, Agatha Giesbrecht, Aganetha Reddekop, Lisa Giesbrecht, (middle) Christina Klassen, Phil Wiebe, Tina Wiebe, Cornelius Falk, Franz Sawatzky, Jake Thiessen, Heinrich Loewen, Frank Martens, Jake Giesbrecht, Anna Neufeld, Peter Neufeld, (back) Maria Dyck, Pastor Gerhard Dyck, Isaak Reddecopp, Herman Klassen, and Annie Klassen. MDS and winter outing Kola, Man.: On Friday, January 24, a group of eight men from our church headed down to Pointe aux Chenes, Louisiana. Another couple who had left a few days earlier met them there. Gerald Martens, Rocky Siemens, Wendell Plett, Len Koop, Leon Friesen, Terry Friesen, Abe Hiebert, Eddy Hiebert, and Harold and Liz Klassen went to work with MDS repairing a church, houses and other buildings that had been hit by Hurricane Katrina. They arrived back home on Monday, February 13, safe and sound. On Sunday, February 26, the group gave a missions report. It was really good to learn about the work they did, how they were glad to be able to help, and how they grew closer together. That same Sunday we had our annual winter outing. After a delicious potluck, there were a number of different activities for young and old alike. For the children there were quad-sled rides, a graffiti wall, and a movie. Those who participated in the broomball game had a lot of fun and escaped with only a few minor injuries. Once everybody was inside a game of Life-Size Dutch Blitz was played entertaining for those playing as well as those watching. Of course, while all this was taking place there were people playing Crokinole, regular Dutch Blitz, and various other card games. Some also engaged in Su Doku, a game that the MDS crew was introduced to in Pointe aux Chenes. Around 5 p.m. supper was put out and everybody enjoyed chili and buns made by the Mary Martha Committee. All in all it was an afternoon full of lots of fun and getting to know each other better. Courtney Kliever Life-size Dutch Blitz at Kola EMC. MDS workers: Leon Friesen, Harold and Liz Klassen, Eddy and Abe Hiebert, Rocky Siemens, Wendell Plett, Terry Friesen, Gerald Martens, and Len Koop. April 5,

12 WCMS celebrates new name Winnipeg Centre for Ministry Studies that s the name of a new seminary in Winnipeg. The Centre, located at Canadian Mennonite University, unveiled its new name and logo March 23 at CMU. Formerly called the Evangelical Anabaptist Seminary Program (EASP), it was founded in 2002 as an offshoot of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif., and the Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind., in order to offer theological education to Mennonite church members in Manitoba and other western provinces. The change in the name shows that we are not just for Mennonites, said WCMS Director Pierre Gilbert, noting that even though people from many other churches take courses at the school, the former name was seen to be too limiting. We wish to send a clear signal that we want to serve the broader church. At the same time, the name indicates that the school exists to serve people in Winnipeg, he said. We want to provide seminary education that addresses this context, he stated. Garry Fries, a member of the Church of God in Winnipeg and a student at the Centre, found it to be very accepting. It s my hope that more people seeking ministry training will further their studies here, he said. For WCMS student Kim Stoesz, an elected lay minister at Braeside EMC in Winnipeg, family obligations meant that going away for seminary studies was not an option. She said she appreciates being able to take courses with a Mennonite perspective, and enjoys the fact that classes include a good mix of those pursuing ministry, and for those in ministry the discussions are handson and practical. Stoesz also appreciates that the WCMS cooperates with the Winnipeg Theological Cooperative, which allows students to take classes leading to a Master of Divinity degree from the Faculty of Theology at the University of Winnipeg. The experiences at WCMS and the University of Winnipeg are very different, but both are beneficial, she said. I believe that Mennonites should be proud of CMU and the seminary, she added. I really believe that this is going to bless churches and further the Kingdom of God. In addition to MBBS, AMBS and CMU, supporters of the Centre include WCMS student and Braeside EMC lay minister Kim Stoesz speaks at the March 23 unveiling of the new name for the Winnipeg Centre for Ministry Studies. Name change clears up confusing issue For Winnipeg Centre for Ministry Studies director Pierre Gilbert, the new name is an opportunity to clear up some confusion and propel the school into the future. The name change clears up the sometimes-confusing issue of just what constitutes an Evangelical Anabaptist, says Gilbert, referring to the previous name the Evangelical Anabaptist Seminary Program. It s not a term that is commonly used, he says, noting that it is normally associated with Mennonites. But, he says, It s not just Mennonites who can be Evangelical Anabaptists. An Evangelical Anabaptist is anyone who proclaims Jesus as Lord, who believes in following Christ in daily life, and who also wants to show God s love through practical service. That s most Christians, but many might not have known that s what we teach, or thought they could study here, because of the name. As well, since most people equate seminary studies with becoming a pastor, Gilbert says while the Centre s Mennonite Church Manitoba; the Manitoba Conference of MB Churches; EMC, EMMC, CMC, and SBC. The centre offers spring intensive courses in April and May; go to www. ministrystudies.ca for details. WCMS name change also indicates that we provide a whole range of courses to help people in any kind of ministry pastoral, working with youth, or in church-related organizations. Anyone who wants to know how they can serve God better, in whatever kind of work, can find something at the Centre. That said, the Centre does offer courses specifically for those who are considering pastoral ministry, offering a Certificate of Christian Ministry designed to introduce beginning students to four key theological disciplines: biblical studies; theology, history and ethics; practical theology; and personal and professional formation. The Centre hopes to offer a Master of Arts degree in Christian Ministry in the next two to three years. Speaking of the Centre s new logo a four-pointed star Gilbert says that it evokes the birth and epiphany of Jesus, points to the mission of the church to bring light into the darkness, and reaches to the four corners of the earth. It highlights the Centre s commitment to Christ as the saviour of the world. WCMS 12 THE MESSENGER

13 CMU organizes forum on Peacebuilding Peacemakers need to be prepared to go the distance in places like Iraq When Karen Ridd hears people in the media ask whether Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) should have sent workers to a dangerous country like Iraq, she gets angry. I want to shake a non-violent fist at the radio, she told people at a February 23 forum in Winnipeg organized by the Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) Institute for Community Peacebuilding. Why is it okay for Iraqis to live in a dangerous country, but not okay for North Americans to go there to try to help? And why is this question only being asked of CPT, and not when a businessman is kidnapped? There isn t the same critique. Ridd, a long-time Winnipeg peace activist who was jailed for her activities with Peace Brigades International in El Salvador in 1989, was one of two speakers at the forum. She was joined by Gene Stoltzfus, a founder and first director of CPT. For both Ridd and Stoltzfus, being willing to make the same sacrifices as those who are willing to go to war is key to the success of peacemaking. Ridd recounted the time she met rebels in El Salvador who were prepared to die for their struggle. Said Ridd: Unless we are prepared to go the distance, we won t be able to have a fair conversation with those on the other side of the issue. Stoltzfus recalled how, as a conscientious objector in Vietnam in the 1960s, his perspective was changed by seeing the dead bodies of soldiers killed in the fighting. Like those soldiers, who were willing to put their lives on the line, going to dangerous places around the world is our purpose, why we were called into being not to run away, he said. The two also agreed that a determining factor in deciding whether or not to stay in a country was if the presence of foreigners made life more dangerous for local people. Otherwise, their presence shines the light, as Ridd put it, and is a way of helping people in other countries feel connected to the larger world. As to whether the work of groups like CPT is successful, Stoltzfus said that it s hard for little organizations like CPT to be heard. We are able to contribute to the international discussion, he says, noting that CPT tried to alert the world media to the abuse of detainees at the Abu Ghraib prison before it make worldwide news, Coming Spring 2006! Gene Stoltzfus (centre) makes a point at the February 23 CMU-sponsored forum on Christian Peacemaker Teams. To his right is Winnipeg peace activist Karen Ridd; to his left is Dean Peachey, Academic Dean of Menno Simons College. In the background, a camera operator from a local TV station films the event. Follow Me A study booklet on examining our wider task as Christians, with a striving for social justice. Possible uses: Care groups Bible studies Sunday school classes College and career Older teen groups Aid for preaching Price: Subsidized to keep it around $2.50 per book. SBC Alumni Connect with college friends by attending these events! April 29 Annual Alumni Brunch SBC Dining Room at 10:30 am. Call to reserve. Tickets $10 Alumni Reunions Being Planned Class of 56 Contact Mrs. Bernie Plett, 5 Robin Place, Steinbach, MB R5G 2C Class of 71 Contact Bill & Florence Thiessen or billthie@hsd.ca 50 PTH 12 N Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4 info@sbcollege.ca but that it lacked photos to substantiate its claims. Much of our work isn t very successful, he said of CPT s work on behalf of Iraqi detainees. But it s important for CPT to be there, he said, adding that if you aren t at the plate, you can t score. For Ridd, success is counted in various ways, including times when, as a foreigner, she was able to prevent people from being arrested for engaging in human rights activities. I have seen how effective [this kind of work] can be, she said. I have seen it work. In addition to CMU s Institute for Community Peacebuilding, other forum sponsors were the University of Winnipeg Global College; the University of Winnipeg Faculty of Theology; and the United Church of Canada, Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. John Longhurst, CMU News April 5,

14 JOHN PETERS John Peters was born on February 21, 1937, in Cuauhtemoc, Chihuahua, Mexico. His parents were Abram and Maria Peters. He married his loving wife Margaret Peters on July 6, He was a farmer until 1982 and then they set up an RV park. His health started to decline soon after that, and a tumour was discovered in his head in He had an operation in November of that same year, yet his health was never completely restored. In 1991 they moved to Aylmer, Ontario. He enjoyed making many wooden gadgets that he could give to his children and grandchildren. However, due to his deteriorating health, he was unable to pursue this hobby for the last five years of his life. In his final week at the hospital, he suffered immensely and struggled to stay mentally alert. His greatest desire was for the salvation of every member of his family. In the times that he was able to think clearly, he prayed passionately for his children and grandchildren. He was looking forward to going home to be with the Lord, but he stressed that he wanted all of us to go there as well. He died on February 9, 2006, at 11 p.m. at St. Thomas hospital. He was 68 years, 11 months, and 19 days old. John and Margaret had 10 children born to them. He was predeceased by two children, his parents and in-laws, and two brothers. He is survived by his wife Margaret of Aylmer; his children, Jacob and Anna Peters of Texas, Abe and Sara Peters of Aylmer, John and Tina Peters of Mexico, Eva and John Penner of Texas, Lisa Peters of Aylmer, Maria and John Rempel of Leamington, Pancho and Tina Peters of Mexico, David and Lorena Peters of Texas; 23 grandchildren, and his brother in Mexico. We were able to learn a lot from our Dad. He was a friendly person and showed much love and support. He rarely complained even in his suffering. He always had time to listen to his children and grandchildren. He was a great role model as a husband, father, and grandfather. He sought the best for his family, and we are eternally grateful for the impact he has had on all of our lives. He remembered to pray for us in the hardest hours of his life. We believe if we are able to live our lives the way he did, we can make this world a better place. We will miss him, and he will not be forgotten. He has gone on to a better place, a place with no more pain and suffering, and he will be waiting for all of us to join him on that glorious day. His Family MARGARET KROEKER FRIESEN Our Mother, Margaret Friesen, was born on February 10, 1913, to Rev. Jacob B. and Helena Kroeker in the municipality of Morris. She grew up and took her formal schooling here. She made a personal decision to be a follower of Jesus, and was baptized upon her confession of faith on August 2, 1931, by her father, Rev. Jacob B. Kroeker. Margaret was the third oldest in a family of 11 children. She was an obedient child and loved her home and family. She was kept busy looking after her younger brothers and sisters as well as helping with household duties. Dad always said it had been Mother s beautiful brown eyes and her dimples when she smiled that had attracted him, and prompted him to marry her on October 6, Mother loved her garden and, as long as she was able, she spent many hours hoeing, planting, watering and pampering her plants. She was well rewarded for her efforts and usually was able to harvest a crop, even if not a bumper crop every year. She also enjoyed helping Dad on the farm, often working long hours on the fields, and then coming home to cook a delicious supper for everyone. She seemed to have endless energy. Many times she must have been extremely tired even if she didn t say so. When our father passed away in 1979, she graciously accepted the role of widowhood. A highlight in her life shortly after Dad s passing was spending a summer with her daughter Alvera baking at Echo Ranch Bible Camp in Alaska. She continued living in her home near Rosenort until 1987, at which time she moved to Oakwood Place in Blumenort, where she resided for the next 10 years. When it seemed that she could no longer take care of herself, she moved in with her children, Ed and Lena Harder, and moved back to Rosenort in In 2002, she moved with them to Kleefeld. Here she stayed until her homegoing the morning of Saturday, February 25, She will be lovingly remembers by her two sons and four daughters: Andrew and Jessie Friesen of Calgary, Alta., and his family Terry (Caroline), Leon (Trinette), Marcia (Mario) Fonseca, and Kurt (Audrey) and their mother Alma Friesen of Maryfield, Sask.; Melvin and Mary Friesen of Rosenort, Man., and their family Cora (Trevor) Dueck, Ken (Sabrina), and Trevor (Rebekah); Lena and Ed Harder and Kleefeld, Man., and their family Alana (Heinz Uwe) Siemens, and Alan (Jillian); Betty Friesen of Winnipeg, Man.; Elma and Benjamin Dyck of Edmonton, Alta., and their family Jeff, Janelle, and Krista (Duane) Plett; Alvera and Peter Brandt of Blumenort, Man., and their family: Reinnie, Brad (Rachel), Colleen (Scott) Gerbrandt, and Lydell (Renae); as well as by 21 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Anne Klassen; two brothers, Ben Kroeker and Levi Kroeker; four sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Annie Kroeker, Elizabeth Kroeker, Lillian Kroeker, Jake and Susie Friesen; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband John F. Friesen in 1979, and by her oldest daughter Alice Brandt in 1984, as well as by two grandsons in infancy. She was also predeceased by her parents, Jacob B. and Helen Kroeker; four sisters, Tina Friesen, Helena Warkentin, Mary Loewen and Elizabeth Kroeker; and three brothers, Peter, Frank and Jake. Although we will miss Mom, we are thankful to God that she has gone to her reward and look forward to meeting her again in the presence of Jesus. We thank all of you for your support through prayers and gifts of love: food, cards, flowers and visits. Her Family 14 THE MESSENGER

15 shoulder tapping 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 or tdpromise@sasktel.net. Fish Creek Christian Fellowship (EMC) seeks a full-time pastor, with position open May Experience and education expected are flexible. The church, started in south Calgary in 1998, is currently meeting in a rural setting outside of Calgary; it hopes to return to Calgary shortly. Fish Creek has about 50 people attending. Contact Garry Kornelsen, board chair, at ; or 55 Woodford Cres., SW, Calgary AB T2W 4C6; gskornelsen@shaw.ca. Vanderhoof Christian Fellowship (EMC) in northcentral British Columbia seeks a half-time associate pastor of youth with a love for God and heart for youth. The leader will give mature leadership, work with church in moulding youth, guide them into becoming faithful followers of Jesus Christ, and work within the EMC statement of faith. Our Sunday morning attendance is 100. Our youth group (without a youth pastor for some time) is rebuilding, currently 12 to 20 people, with an average age of 14. There is potential for growth. Contact VCF, Box 377, Vanderhoof, BC V0J 3A0; phone ; fax ; vcfemc@telus.net. Steinbach Bible College seeks a president. SBC is an Evangelical Anabaptist college drawing students from Canada, USA, Mexico, Belize and overseas. The college is operated by a board of directors called from the constituencies of the EMC, EMMC, and CMC. We seek a candidate who has a passion for equipping leaders for ministry and can help our institution move to the next level of excellence in post-secondary Christian education. The president is responsible to the board of directors for implementation of institutional objectives through executive direction and leadership. Key areas of responsibility include: Oversight of the ministry, communication with constituency, long-term strategic planning, budget preparation, coordination of donor development. A suitable candidate will also have opportunities for classroom instruction. Qualities: Demonstrated excellence in educational or ministry leadership; graduate degree in a relevant ministry, theological, or educational field; strong commitment to an Evangelical Anabaptist understanding; mature faith and excellent spiritual character; exceptional communication and organizational skills; proven ability in effective teamwork. Position to begin prior to school year. Forward applications to Presidential Search Committee, Steinbach Bible College, 50 PTH 12 N, Steinbach, MB R5G 1T4. Mennville Church (EMC) seeks a part- or full-time pastor. Experience and education expectations are flexible. Mennville Church is a congregation of about 100, located in the Interlake area of Manitoba and close to Hecla Island, in a predominantly agricultural area. Contact Wes Barkman at (wbbarkmn@mts.net) or Roland Friesen at (rfriesen@ riv.mb.ca). Conference pastor David Thiessen can also be contacted at the EMC national office ( ). La Crete Christian Fellowship in La Crete, Alberta, seeks a youth pastor for a new position as part of our pastoral team. LCCF is a forward-looking church of about 400 regular attendees. The youth pastor will have a primary role in developing programs and working closely with youth and youth leaders. LCCF s service to God is based on the core values of a commitment to teaching God s Word and outreach to the community. Send a resume with references to lccfc@telus.net or LCCFC, Box 385, La Crete, AB T0H 2H0 Attention: Pastor Frank Winsor. Inner City Youth Alive, a Christian ministry in the North End of Winnipeg, Man., seeks a workshop program director (full-time, permanent with support raising required). Fax resume to ; mail to ICYA, 418 Aberdeen Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2W 1V7; or icya@mts.net. Pastoral reference required. The congregation of the Evangelical Mennonite Church at 422 Main St., Steinbach, Man., seeks a lead pastor. This opportunity includes ministering alongside a passionate youth pastor and a creative minister of music and worship in a team caring environment and is available immediately. Our church offers active programming for all ages and supports a blended style of worship service. If you have a passion for God and His people, are self-motivated with administrative skills, are gifted in preaching and teaching, desire to lead a strong ministry team, and are willing to embrace our church vision and direction, then we invite you to consider this opportunity. For a detailed job description or to forward your resume, contact Henry Klassen, 63 Donald Ave., Steinbach, MB R5G 2B5. Phone ; henryk2@mts.net. Red Rock Bible Camp seeks an assistant cook. Year-round ministry opportunity. Willing to train. Responsible to the food services director. Agreement with the camp s mission and statement of faith is necessary. 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, Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z1; kim@redrockbiblecamp.com. Because of the pending retirement of Dave Kroeker, Mennonite Foundation of Canada seeks a fulltime stewardship consultant to work out of its Abbotsford, B.C. office. This person will provide charitable gift and estate planning services and promote biblical stewardship of financial resources in British Columbia. The consultant will communicate effectively with individuals and have an aptitude for presenting in a variety of group settings; have a good understanding of charitable gift and estate planning; be creative, organized, and self-motivated; support and incorporate MFC s stewardship mission in personal life; be willing and able to contribute as part of an interdependent staff team. The successful candidate must be a member of one of MFC s seven participating conferences. Submit applications by April 18, 2006, to Erwin Warkentin, General Manager, Markham Rd., Winnipeg, MB R3T 4J6; ; fax: ; ewarkentin@mennofoundation.ca; Reserve Fellowship Chapel (EMC), located in Sioux Valley (west-central Man.), seeks a fulltime pastoral couple to serve the church and to develop long-term relationships with people of the community. The smaller 50-year-old congregation is part of Sioux Valley Dakota Nation, a community that has a Christian history going back to The congregation is located about 45 minutes from Virden and Brandon. A strong sense of God s call and a love for people are required. Direct inquiries to David Pashe, , pashed@westman. wave.ca; or to Len Barkman, , e- mail: emclen@mts.net. Taber EMC in southern Alberta seeks a senior pastoral couple to start September 2006, due to a retirement. The church is bilingual in Low German and English, and has an average attendance of 125 people. Applicants should contact Nick Enns, (cell ); or Peter Wall, (cell ). Blumenort EMC, in Blumenort, Man., is actively looking for a youth pastor. We are open to receiving resumes from anyone with a love and passion for youth ministry. Former experience is not required, but simply a deep reliance on what God can do through a yielded servant, willing to lead youth in a deep prayer-centred walk with Him. For information, contact Dale Loewen at or at dalecori@mts.net. Mennonite Mutual Insurance Co. Alberta seeks a general manager who is an experienced insurance professional and will report to the board of directors. The manager will be an inclusive communicator, a decisive and strategic thinking leader, have strong analytical skills and financial knowledge. It s an asset to have worked with the mutual insurance system, a board, and have five years of proven management experience within the industry. A CIP or FCIP designation and/or appropriate education in a relevant discipline are preferred. Applicants should have values that support beliefs and values of Mennonite communities and Anabaptist Christians. Forward a resume by April 15 to: General Manager Competition, c/o Harry T. Vlachos, Consultant, Vlachos Human Resource Services Inc., 60 A Victoria Ave., Belleville, ON K8N 1Z7; , hvlachos@cogeco.ca; fax Abbeydale Christian Fellowship in Calgary, Alta., seeks a full-time young life pastor who is passionate about reaching out to and discipling children and youth. The position would involve initiating and running programs as well as facilitating congregational involvement in programs and mentoring leaders. Send your resume to Susan Thiessen at thiesses@telus. net or to her attention at ACF, 1352 Abbeydale Dr. SE, Calgary, AB T2A 7L8. Closing date is May 23, April 5,

16 generations Gerald Reimer Conference Youth Minister Don t Box me in! I d like to introduce you to an acquaintance of mine. We have known each other for years. I wonder how many hearts he ended up breaking? He and I have shared some great times together. Now that I think of it, how come I always had to pay the bill? He is now quite a successful businessman. I wonder who he all walked over to get to the top? He is also an active member in his local church if you mean his generous donations enable him to push his personal agenda. I hope you will get to know him without any biases. life easier so that we can live with each other in peace we will know what to expect from one another according to In our society, labels seem to be attached to everybody in almost every category of life. I have to confess that too often in life I have assumed typical stereotypes for individuals and people groups around me, giving labels to people when I have no right to do so. It happens in many areas of life, whether it is in relation to another culture of people, a different sexual orientation, a disparity in economic standing, or an issue of geographical location. I have tried, many times unsuccessfully, to respond to these people with openness and a level playing field. One method, however, that has worked for me over the years has been my determination to get to know new people from scratch, without insider information from others. This has allowed me to avoid the scenario I presented at the top of the article. When I have been able to engage people at a grassroots level, free from pre-conceptions and stereotypes, I have developed some amazing relationships with people. A trend that I find irritating in our North American society these days is this seemingly incredible need for us to label one another. I understand that globally there is no way to avoid certain labels. We see evidence of it in Two-Thirds world countries where the poor will always be poor and will always remain lower class. No matter how economically successful they become, they will always be seen as lower class and poor by others in their culture. But in our society, labels seem to be attached to everybody in almost every category of life. In school we see students attaching labels to each other like computer nerds, jocks, grunge, partiers. The rationale seems to say that if we categorize everybody with labels, it will make PAGE 16 our labels. This labelling, of course, is not restricted to secular society, but is very evident throughout religious circles. Churches are labelled as conservative or liberal, mainline or evangelical, charismatic or fundamentalist, modern or post-modern, Calvinist or Arminian. We have become good at boxing people in, giving labels and attaching stereotypes to each church down the street. We have even taken it to the next level and given each individual we meet a nice and tidy label, apparently for our own benefit. Does this labelling really benefit God s people who are called repeatedly in Scripture to unity? If you are like me, you are probably still trying to figure out your own identity in Christ, and the one thing you are sure of is that you are not sure where you have landed on many areas of your belief system and the living out of your faith. And so when someone comes along and plasters a label on you based upon some media-induced formula, it sure seems to take the wind out of your sails. I would like to suggest that if we truly want to be the Body of Christ here on this earth, then perhaps we should take the hard road of building relationships with each other and listening to one another s stories before we attach labels. This takes a lot more time and energy than the easy road of boxing in people after two minutes of dialogue. And if we want to be effective in our contact with those who do not yet know our Saviour, I would also suggest that we cast aside our stereotypes and spend time listening and caring for our neighbours, one encounter at a time. May the Lord of all Creation give us wisdom! M T THE MESSENGER Evangelical Mennonite Conference 440 Main Street Steinbach, MB R5G 1Z5 Publications Mail Agreement # PAP Registration #9914