The Lucky Struggle Pg

July 4, 2016 Volume 20 Number 14

The lucky struggle pg. 4

inside Becoming Aryan 12 Fifty years of funding relief 18 ‘Imagine’ a bright beginning 23 PM40063104 R09613 2 Canadian Mennonite July 4, 2016

Editorial only a six-month window for discernment among the five area churches and their congregations, there rather quickly arose a critique of doing away with our inter- Speaking with the heart national mission outreach, a serious ques- Dick Benner tion about the vitality of local congrega- Editor/Publisher tions taking on the work and vision of MC Canada, and wondering how our national hat will be the tenor of the less-informed. Unfortunately, that stance identity as Anabaptist Mennonites would conversation at Assembly 2016 only deepens divisions during and after the be nurtured and maintained. Win Saskatoon? Writing this 12 discussion. • Talking in the parking lot . . . or in days before more than 500 delegates and It ignores the diversity of the “people the corridors and hallways. Rather than denominational leaders gather to consider of God.” We are no longer a homogen- conduct the debate in an open forum, multiple heavy issues, we can only imagine. eous group, indeed if we ever were. We many resort to sharing their innermost We hope the scriptural theme come from different backgrounds thoughts in clusters of the like-minded for the event is a good starting and have different histories. out of earshot of the larger group, and point. The word from Jeremiah We are Russian Mennonites, oftentimes in a grumbling fashion. While can be foundational to the many Swiss-German Mennonites and that may get things off our chest, it words that will be spoken: “This new Canadians from dozens of doesn’t help the “body” come to produc- is the covenant. . . . I will write countries around the globe. We tive resolution, so that we can move on in it on their hearts; and I will be are academics, factory workers, unity, if not total agreement. This may be their God, and they shall be my people.” entrepreneurs, students, farmers, pas- from the heart, but it doesn’t serve well This is a valuable reminder that, despite tors, parents, computer programmers, the “covenant.” our diversity, our differing opinions, our oil workers and those working in “green” Delegates should have the courage, standing, our nationality or ethnicity, we industries. A better way to go is to listen both before and after the debates, to ex- are a “covenant people” committed to intently to the words of the “other,” to press their thoughts in a public way, but each other as the people of God. That is a gain a better understanding. That’s the with humility in knowing that theirs is matter of the heart, not of words. style of “covenant people” with the Word one viewpoint among many of those who So what are the dangers of this cove- of God written on our hearts. are also “covenanted in their hearts.” nant breaking down post-assembly? In a • The gap between leaders and dele- • Taking attacks to social media, this post-Christendom digital environment, a gates. It is no secret that there occurs over being the worst possible outcome of a coarsening dialogue can quickly develop the life of religious institutions a certain debate. While the Internet has opened up despite our best intentions. Here are four lingo and language by leaders that is greater opportunities for free speech, it is potential dangers that can undermine understood among fellow-leaders but can becoming one of the curses of this open- our “covenant”: amount to generalities and self-preserva- ended communication tool for many. tion to the ears of the laity. The risk is that, Our sister publication in the U.S.—The • Talking past each other. The intense as the gap grows, the understanding of Mennonite—has just declared a 30-day issues on the agenda for resolution, such the issues can become muddled, resulting moratorium on online comments because as sexuality and future directions for in the creation of camps of like-minded of their vitriol regarding the sexuality issues Mennonite Church Canada, have already persons to react negatively to what they tearing at the fabric of that communion. triggered conversations from deeply held perceive as mostly “spin.” It begins to be beliefs. We can come into these discussions seen as protection of the establishment We, as a covenanted people, are better with our guard up; with a resolve not to be and ignoring the “will of the people.” than this. We are hoping and praying that swayed by the debate; to speak persuasively A good example of this is the pushback the conversation during and after Assembly and passionately from our point of view, experienced by the Future Directions Task 2016 will be exemplary as a people with the so as to inform those who, in our view, are Force on its final recommendations. With Word of God “written on our hearts.”

About the cover: Seasonal agricultural workers from Mexico weed onions at Kroeker Farms, south of Winkler, Man. Read about their lives, and those of Jamaican workers in southwestern Ontario, in Will Braun’s feature ‘The lucky struggle’ on We acknowledge the financial support of the Government page 4. of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund for our publishing activities. PHOTO: WILL BRAUN, CANADIAN MENNONITE ISSN 1480-042X July 4, 2016 / Vol. 20, No. 14 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40063104 REGISTRATION NO. 09613 The lucky struggle 4 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ITEMS TO CANADIAN MENNONITE, contents‘Fortune and misfortune can look the same in a world 490 DUTTON DRIVE, UNIT C5, WATERLOO, ON, N2L 6H7 of incomprehensible inequality.’ So begins senior writer Phone: 519-884-3810 Toll-free: 1-800-378-2524 Fax: 519-884-3331 Will Braun’s feature on the life and times of seasonal Web site: canadianmennonite.org foreign workers on Mennonite farms in Canada. Facebook.com/Canadian.Mennonite @CanMenno

Please send all material to be considered for publication to: Voices in the wilderness 15 General submission address: [email protected] Diners at a fundraising and awareness-raising World Refugee Day Readers Write: [email protected] luncheon in Winnipeg learn that English language proficiency is the No. Milestones announcements: [email protected] 1 barrier to successful resettlement for refugees, reports Manitoba cor- Paid obituaries: [email protected] respondent Beth Downey Sawatzky. Calendar announcements: [email protected] Material can also be sent “Attn: Submissions/Readers Write/Milestones/ Obituaries/Calendar” by postal mail or fax to our head office. Becoming the people of God is a messy business 22 Reprint requests: [email protected] Arli Klassen, MWC’s chief development officer, presents strategies for living together in the church at this year’s Ralph and Eileen Lebold Mission statement: To educate, inspire, inform, and foster dialogue on issues facing Mennonites in Canada as it shares the good news of Jesus Christ from an Anabaptist Fundraising Dinner at Conrad Grebel University College. perspective. We do this through an independent publication and other media, working with our church partners. On the path to wellness 24 Pete McAdams, ‘an uncomplicated, 43-year-old, Hutterite long-dis- Guiding values: Hebrews 10:23-25 • Accuracy, fairness, balance • Editorial freedom • tance cyclist, has discovered a quieter path’ on his recumbent bike. Seeking and speaking the truth in love • Open hearts and minds in discerning God’s will • Covenantal relationships and mutual accountability New song collection project director announced 25 Bradley Kauffman of Cincinnati, Ohio, brings passion for Anabaptist Area churches and MC Canada financially support 38 percent of Canadian Mennonite’s annual budget. theology, music and worship to his lead role in producing the next Mennonite Church Canada/U.S.A. song collection. Five Canadians will sit Board of Directors (by appointing body): on the song committee. MC Canada: Doreen Martens, Henry Krause; MC B.C.: Linda Matties; MC Alberta: Kuen Yee; MC Saskatchewan: vacant; MC Manitoba: Ken Reddig; MC Eastern Canada: Tim Reimer; CMPS: Lois Epp Young Voices 27-29 Board Chair: Henry Krause, [email protected], 604-838-3192 ‘Exploring alternative ways of living’ by Young Voices editor Aaron Epp. ‘Follow the money’ by Andrew Brown. Head Office Staff: Dick Benner, Editor/Publisher, [email protected] Ross W. Muir, Managing Editor, [email protected] Regular features: Barb Draper, Editorial Assistant, [email protected] For discussion 6 Readers write 7 Milestones 11 Dan Johnson, Graphic Designer, [email protected] Natasha Krahn, Circulation/Finance, [email protected] A moment from yesterday 11 Schools Directory 30 Aaron Epp, Young Voices Editor, [email protected] Calendar 31 Virginia Hostetler, Web Editor, [email protected] Speaking with the heart 2 Advertising Manager: D. Michael Hostetler, [email protected], toll-free voice mail: 1-800-378-2524 ext. 224 Dick Benner Correspondents: Listen to the Spirit 7 Will Braun, Senior Writer, [email protected], 204-822-8288; Amy Dueckman, B.C. Correspondent, [email protected], Peter Rempel 604-854-3735; Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Alberta Correspondent, [email protected], 780-436-3431; Donna Schulz, Saskatchewan Are we missing the mark? 8 Correspondent, [email protected], 306-232-4733; Beth Downey Sawatzky, Phil Wagler Manitoba Correspondent, [email protected], 204-371-8259; Dave Rogalsky, Eastern Canada Correspondent, [email protected], 519-577-9987. Agonizing over the ‘best’ community 9 One-Year Subscription Rates Katie Doke Sawatzky Canada: $46 + tax (depends on province where subscriber lives) U.S.: $68 International (outside U.S.): $91.10 Subscriptions/address changes: (e-mail) [email protected] (web) canadianmennonite.org Printed in Canada (phone) 1-800-378-2524 ext. 221 Award-winning member of the CMCA Canadian Church Press AUDITED God at Work in the World Feature The lucky struggle The life and times of seasonal foreign workers on Mennonite farms

By Will Braun Senior Writer

PHOTO BY JANE ANDRES ortune and misfortune can look the same in a world of incomprehensible inequality. Each year, many thousands of Jamaicans apply for coveted temporary jobs on Canadian farms. The lucky applicants will work mostly on fruit farms and greenhouse operations under the SeasonalF Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP). They can stay for up to eight months, but their families must stay at home. While in Canada, they will work long hours—which they want—and earn minimum wage, which averages about $11 an hour across the provinces. That’s “pay dirt” compared to minimum wage in Jamaica: about C$1.60. Indeed, they are the fortunate ones. As are their employers. Rene Schmitz is blunt about what would happen to his 40.5-hectare fruit and rose operation near Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., without the 12 Jamaicans who work for him. “I would have to grow different crops,” he says. “It’s as simple as that,” because Canadians won’t do the work. The same is true of Kroeker Farms, the largest potato farm in Manitoba and one of the largest organic vegetable produc- ers in Canada. This year, the Winkler-based farm, owned by a The lucky applicants will work mostly Mennonite family, employs 26 Mexicans through SAWP. They perform manual labour, primarily in the 1,400-hectare organic on fruit farms and greenhouse portion of the farm. The day I visited, they were bent over weed- operations under the Seasonal ing a large field of onions. According to Wayne Rempel, Kroeker’s chief executive officer, and Ed Klassen, the head of human re- Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP). sources, the company’s organic operation would be forced to They can stay for up to eight months, scale back without them. The 26 Mexicans do the work that 130 Canadians struggled but their families must stay at home. to do—with high turnover and recruitment hassles—prior to Kroeker Farms joining SAWP three years ago. “We need them, and they need us,” says Rempel. Last year, a total of 30,579 SAWP workers came to Canada: 21,279 from Mexico, 7,713 from Jamaica, and the rest from other Caribbean nations. The program is in its 50th year. Win, win, lucha In many ways, SAWP is a perfect fit: Ideally suited workers from needy countries fill a seasonal niche labour shortage here. And Canadians get world-class peaches, onions and other products at affordable prices. Win, win, win. Unless you are the son back home who celebrates his birth- day every year without his dad, or the wife who celebrates her Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 14 5

anniversary over the phone. Some work- Schmitz says. Kroeker Farms provides proudly serves and promotes local fruit ers spend two-thirds of every year in Internet access to improve workers’ con- and wine. She regularly visits the 43 Canada for two or more decades. tact with their families. farms nearby, many of which are owned For a 2013 report on migrant workers, John Janzen, who ran J.I. Janzen Farms by Mennonites. She knows the farm- Jodi Dueck-Read—now an instructor at near Niagara-on-the-Lake until retir- ers and she knows hundreds of their Menno Simons College in Winnipeg— ing in 2014, says of the separation from Jamaican workers. conducted in-depth interviews with eight family: “Obviously that is not an ideal It started in 2006 when she was asked Mexican SAWP workers in Manitoba situation, but let’s remember that they to help with the music at an evening (prior to Kroeker Farms joining the pro- were not enslaved; it was their choice to church service for the workers. Based on gram). Many spoke of their participation come. . . . We were not unsympathetic to cautionary comments from other locals, in SAWP as a sacrifice they make for the their situation.” she had previously avoided the men betterment of their families. They spoke Janzen Farms had SAWP workers from when she walked her dog or went to the

PHOTO BY WILL BRAUN

Twenty-six Mexicans do the work that 130 Canadians struggled to do—with high turnover and recruitment hassles—prior to Kroeker Farms joining SAWP three years ago.

with “resignation,” referring to la lucha 1967, the second year of the program, grocery store, where the workers go in (the struggle). One worker said he tells until 2014, when the farm closed. All em- numbers on Thursday and Friday even- his kids that he suffers in Canada: “You ployers I spoke with noted, like Janzen, ings. She thought there were 75 or 100 work all day, and if you want to eat, you that the workers come voluntarily, often workers in the area, but she had nothing have to cook for yourself.” returning year after year. The defence of to do with them. That quickly changed The workers said their Canadian the program rests on this point. after the evening service in 2006. experience revolves almost solely around Dueck-Read puts that point into a She learned there were a couple thou- work. “Here, everything is work,” one told broader context. Some of the men she sand Jamaicans in the area, many living Dueck-Read. Most want long hours, but spoke with talked about the dim eco- within walking distance of her home. it takes its toll. Their indomitable work nomic realities in Mexico when discuss- She and her family learned to know ethic—praised by employers—is partly ing their motivation. Jamaican workers them—men with warm hearts and deep a matter of necessity. Loneliness was I spoke with informally also described faith. Music prep nights for the services another theme. their economic prospects at home in dis- turned into lively times of fellowship at Most said they make these sacri- mal terms. To some extent their “choice” the Andres’s home. fices for the sake of family, often their is pushed on them by an unfortunate During my visit there in March, Andres children’s schooling. “We are a family range of options. None of us would freely told me how she fell into the informal roll people,” one man said, “and that is why choose to leave family to do physical of “God’s gopher” for her seasonal neigh- we come.” Ironically, the jobs that help labour for 60 hours a week for minimum bours, a point illustrated when the phone them provide for their families also take wage. “They pay a high price no matter rang with a worker’s request for flu medi- them away from their families. how you slice it,” Schmitz says. cation; then a neighbour stopped by with a Yet they are the lucky ones, with many They pay a high price so we don’t have bag of tall-sized jeans from the thrift store others lined up to take their place if they to. to be distributed to workers; then, before could. the phone rang again, she talked about Who’s to blame? distributing posters to the 43 farms for the ‘We weren’t unsympathetic’ “People are quick to blame the farmer,” upcoming “welcome concert.” How do the employers feel about their says Jane Andres. “But it’s too simple just Andres wants the SAWP workers— workers being away from family? Schmitz to blame the farmers.” mostly Jamaicans in her area—to feel pauses. Rempel hesitates. “That’s a tough Andres operates a bed and breakfast welcome. She wants them to know more one,” he says. “They pay that price,” near Niagara-on-the-Lake, where she of Canada than just work. She wants 6 Canadian Mennonite July 4, 2016

them to share Christian fellowship with While churches in the are “specialists” and should be afforded Canadians. Niagara-on-the-Lake the consideration other specialists are. For 10 years she has helped organize Of course, not all would want to become a welcome concert. This past May, 800 area have been slow Canadians, but many advocates believe people—workers and locals—gathered to join Andres—with a that if the workers are good enough to do at Southridge Community Church in St. our work, they should be good enough to Catharines for a spirited, faith-filled event. few notable small-scale be our neighbours, permanently. While churches in the Niagara-on-the- exceptions—Southridge Rempel has no hesitation in saying Lake area have been slow to join Andres— he would “love “for his workers to be with a few notable small-scale exceptions— has embraced Caribbean allowed to stay in Canada: “We need Southridge has embraced Caribbean workers with both its people like that in our country.” workers with both its Mennonite Brethren On this point, a federal spokesperson arms. When the church, which operates Mennonite Brethren arms. would say only that a parliamentary com- the largest homeless shelter in Niagara mittee is reviewing the program, and “the Region, branched out to Vineland five years there is limited protection or recourse for government will consider the committee’s ago, members wanted an “anchor cause.” the employees of farmers who are not. report and bring forward its plan later this Outreach to workers fit. That outreach year to improve and change the program.” includes cricket games, evening services, a What’s the solution? In the meantime, the fortunate few health clinic and an outing to Niagara Falls. The theoretical solution to the shortcom- from among the unfortunate many will While a few church members had ings of SAWP is global equality. People continue to pick our peaches and weed previous experience connecting with should be able to make a dignified living our onions while their families back home workers—particularly, local store owner at home. await phone calls, wire transfers and the Maryanne Schlabach—the more com- On a more immediate scale, churches return of their loved ones. l mon response was: “How did I miss this?” can train their eyes to see, and then reach Long-time residents had never thought out as neighbours, as Andres, Southridge For more from farmers, workers, to reach out to the workers. As Andres and others have done. Mennonite Central Committee and says, she had trained her eyes not to see. Somewhere in between global equity bureaucrats, visit Tim Arnold, the outreach pastor at and neighbourliness is the option of canadianmennonite.org/ Southridge, tells me the church has providing SAWP workers a pathway to sawp-supplement. worked hard to develop relationships citizenship. In most cases, these work- with the farmers as well, a few of whom ers do not meet the various criteria for attend the church. His wife’s family owns citizenship, although Schmitz insists they a farm that employs SAWP workers. It’s delicate territory because anyone within the sphere of the program knows the stories of mistreatment. As ΛΛFor discussion two farmers noted, treatment is better at some farms than others. One referred 1. What has been your experience with the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program to a former SAWP employer who “ruled (SAWP) in Canada? Have you personally met seasonal foreign workers or visited a by fear.” Some of the Manitoba workers farm that employs them? If you had a fruit farm, would you employ SAWP workers? complained of seldom, if ever, getting a 2. Will Braun refers to farmers who say they need the temporary seasonal workers day off, as required by law. In some cases, because “Canadians won’t do the work.” How do you respond to these comments? workers who have served a farm for 20 or If Canadians won’t do the work, what does that say about Canadians? Under what 30 years receive not so much as a hand- conditions would you weed onions by hand? shake upon retirement. Workers are at the mercy of their em- 3. How would your congregation respond if there were large numbers of SAWP ployers, who can send them home at any workers in your community? To what extent are those who employ seasonal workers time or not invite them back. Many work- responsible to see that their needs are met? Should seasonal foreign workers have ers fear reporting health issues, raising more control over safety and other working conditions? What does the Bible say concerns or talking to reporters lest they about foreign workers? be blacklisted. Surely, those fears are not 4. Do you think that SAWP workers are being treated fairly in Canada? What changes well founded in every case, but there are would you make to the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program? plenty of stories of workers whose SAWP careers end abruptly. Some employers are —By Barb Draper compassionate and conscientious, but Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 14 7

Viewpoints EE ‘Testing,’ ‘nudging’ on sexual issues has already occurred

ΛΛReaders write The Being a Faithful Church document being presented at the Mennonite Church Canada assembly We welcome your comments and publish most letters from recognizes that “we differ dramatically in our biblical subscribers. Letters, to be kept to 300 words or less, are interpretations,” and that we should “learn to honour the opinion of the writer only and are not to be taken as those persons with whom we disagree.” endorsed by this magazine or the church. Please address With “unity” and “diversity” in mind, one recom- issues rather than individuals; personal attacks will not mendation being presented is that parts of the body appear in print or online. In light of the many recent letters of MC Canada be allowed to “test alternative under- on the topic of sexuality, we will edit any letter on this topic standings from those of the larger body to see if they to a paragraph and post the rest online at www.canadian- are a prophetic nudging of the Spirit of God.” mennnonite.org. All letters are edited for length, style and Making statements of inclusion, changing the adherence to editorial guidelines. Send them to letters@ Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective or canadianmennonite.org and include the author’s contact doing nothing at all could result in fracturing of the information and mailing address. Preference is given to “body,” as we have already seen. letters from MC Canada congregants. Will allowing “testing” and “spiritual nudging” help (Continued on page )

From Our Leaders

only one church—is to be listened for. Listen to the Spirit Are we willing to listen in the same way as we face divisive and complex issues, Peter Rempel whether ethical or structural? What if John would write a letter to hat direction will Mennonite from Jesus Christ is extended to all (1:4- MC Canada at this troubled moment Church Canada and its area 5). All are reminded of the one “who loves in our history. The greeting and bless- Wchurches be going into the us and freed us from our sins, and made ing could well be the same, we would be future after the assembly in Saskatoon? us to be a kingdom, priests serving God” reminded of God’s saving acts in Jesus Will we become a more faithful church? (1:5-6). John describes himself as one Christ, and the messenger would still Crucial to our future and our faithful- “who shares with you in Jesus the persecu- declare that he shares in the kingdom ness will be our understanding of, and tion, and the kingdom and the patient with us. The letter to our church would commitment to, the unity endurance” (1:9). be open for all other churches to read. of the church, specifi- The letters are open letters, accessible And what would Jesus tell us that he cally to the unity of our to all the other churches whether they knows about our church? What admo- denomination. are critical or laudatory. The flaws and nitions and commendations would he The letters to the seven failings, the strengths and gifts of each include for us? These are sobering and churches in Asia, as dic- are known to Jesus and are disclosed to humbling questions to ponder together. tated by Jesus in a vision to John and sent the other churches. Each church receives However, we would also receive a to the seven churches in Asia (Revelation a unique encouragement, and each re- promise conditional upon conquering 1-3), model the pursuit of unity among ceives a special promise if it conquers in our sins of disunity and infidelity. Let’s Christian churches and may be instruc- faith. claim that promise and strive toward it tive for us as individuals, congregations, Finally, every letter concludes with the with love. And let Jesus’ letters to the area churches, and MC Canada as a same challenge: “Let anyone who has an churches of Asia shape our attitudes to whole. ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to one another as a church, and thereby In the individual letters from Jesus, the churches.” It’s noteworthy that it is the shape our future direction towards be- some churches are lauded and others Spirit who is to be heeded—not a text; coming a more faithful church. admonished. Nevertheless, they all share that what the Spirit is saying—not has in God’s grace and salvation. The same said—is to be attended to; and that what Peter Rempel is the moderator of greeting and blessing of peace and grace the Spirit is saying to the churches—not Mennonite Church Manitoba. 8 Canadian Mennonite July 4, 2016

(Continued from page ) If a pastor feels spiritual nudging and performs a keep “unity?” Could it create “church shopping?” After marriage of a same-sex couple, but the church has not discernment with “nudging” over “biblical interpreta- felt this “nudging,” is that pastor subject to discipline? tions,” will churches be allowed to make mission state- Or should the pastor refrain in the guise of honouring ments contrary to the Confession of Faith so church those who disagree? shoppers can find like-minded congregants, or will This reminds me of the often-used term in these they keep a knowing silence as many do over remar- circumstances: “Who am I to judge?” Although this riage of divorced people? sentiment is worthy and even scripturally sound, it’s

Outside the Box

our own comfort, selfishness masked as prayerful concern for those in authority. Are we This misses the entire point of the call to prayer. The work of prayerful intercession is to seek the bullseye of heaven on behalf missing the mark? of our world, and this is the work of all Phil Wagler God’s people, not just a few die-hard prayer warriors. In intercession, we re- he team I serve with is blessed by assess your response in proportion to the orient ourselves around heaven and seek the presence of an 80-year-old prayerfulness you have invested in the an intervention led by God in our time Tsaint. He has lived a full life, includ- issues of the day, the state of your church, and place. And, ultimately, we are aiming ing serving in high levels of government, the welfare of your city and sideroad, or for all people to experience the trans- so he’s garnered significant insight and the well-being of your neighbour. It’s not forming peace of heaven—the will of our healthy scepticism. In the last few years, that we’re not busy doing good things good God. he says he has realized the power of the or have lots of intelligence, it’s that we And what is the will of God? God’s Holy Spirit and the centrality of prayer far pray token blessings over our good ideas, target is for all “to be saved and come to too late in life. rather than see the kingdom birthed the knowledge of the truth” that has come, Recently he celebrated a renewing among us out of prayer. and is coming, in Christ (I Timothy 2:4). wind that is blowing through his church Sin, in the New Testament, is “mis- This bullseye, this end of missing the and changing lives, something he and a sing the mark.” It is to miss the standard mark, is what the church is to be praying small group of octogenarians have been of God. It is to see the bullseye and be for. This spiritual aim and intervention consistently gathering to pray specifically incapable of hitting it. Hitting the mark is our work. This is the target. This is the toward for eight years! For a tenth of his requires the sight, steadiness and energy only hope for a tranquility and peace that life he has been petitioning God for this. of God. In I Timothy 2, the church is is for all people—not just ourselves—for I’m his team leader, but he’s leading me. exhorted as a first activity to entreaty, we are ultimately powerless to move the Is it a stretch to say that prayer is the prayer and intercession for all people. big stuff that is rooted in human hearts missing component of the life of Christians and the And what is the will of God? God’s target is for all ‘to churches they populate to- be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth’ day? We spend enormous energy debating, writing— that has come, and is coming, in Christ (I Timothy 2:4). says the writer, arguing our positions and even petitioning our In particular, those who govern and and cultures. To not engage this is to en- governments. But how much energy is influence are to be prayerfully engaged. tirely miss the point of being the church spent petitioning heaven? Anabaptists—at least in my experience— in any age. So let us be truly honest: Are I am coming to this conviction that the have embraced this call in light of the we missing the mark? North American church is essentially a next words: “that we may live a tranquil prayer-devoid institution, and this is why and quiet life in godliness and dignity, Phil Wagler keeps asking Jesus to teach we have ceased to be a powerful change which is pleasing to God” (I Timothy 2:2- him to pray on target. He and his family agent. Before we balk at that statement, 3). Dangerously, this can become about live in Surrey, B.C. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 14 9

missing something. It implies that judgment still needs inclusion? It’s taken so very long, but “testing” and to come. It lacks compassion, empathy and, most of “nudging” has all ready occurred. all, it lacks reconciliation. Dennis Wiens, Leamington, Ont. Will newly autonomous churches “come out” and state that “spiritual nudging” has occurred and that they have discerned biblical interpretations that use history, modern science, sociology and psychology, along with Christ-like love, compassion, empathy and

New Order Voice value language-learning. And as much as I still go back and forth, second-guessing, wondering if closer is better, I can stand Agonizing over the by this decision. Maybe what’s so different about school is that it’s a forced community. You don’t have any say in regards to who attends ‘best’ community? and who teaches. The students are just Katie Doke Sawatzky expected to make friends and grow up with each other. As a parent who is con- y son will be starting how language-learning develops the scious about building community where I Kindergarten in the fall. mind, how it’ll open up “opportunities”— am, it’s frustrating to encounter a system MAlong with feelings of excite- by which they mean better employ- where I have little control over who ment and uncertainty over seeing him go ment—for Leo down the road, all make makes up that community, where it is or to school, and the adjustment it’ll mean French immersion sound like one more what it offers. Especially when my kid is for our family, actually choosing a school tool in the toolbox for upward mobility. going to be part of it. has been the hardest part. There’s something larger at work here, Although it’s a little different, it re- Here’s the situation: There’s a public too. The impulse to figure out the best minds me of how I felt when my family school that’s a five-minute walk away. It thing for my kid is every parent’s plight, and I were looking for a church after has a very diverse pool of students, from right? Every decision is weighty. What I we moved back to Regina last summer. new Canadians and refugees, to middle- do now will affect him for the rest of his We chose the closest Mennonite church class white folks like us. The other school life. despite some uncertainty about it being we’re considering is in a neighbourhood But what is the “best” thing? A shorter an older congregation. In fact, there’s a next to ours. It’s a French immersion walk to school, a more diverse set of lot of uncertainty when you join a new school. It draws students from university family What bothers me the most about agonizing over all housing and the new suburb to the south—all these things is, well, that I’m agonizing over these things. in all, a whiter-but- somewhat-diverse, higher friends, intellectual challenges, a smaller church community. But you just slowly socio-economic demographic. class size, a more experienced teacher? plug in where you can, and try to be My dilemma is this: I really like the idea I don’t know. All of them? What both- open-hearted and willing to meet new of Leo learning French. I loved learning ers me the most about agonizing over all faces and form new relationships. French in high school and university. But these things is, well, that I’m agonizing And so I will prepare to plug into Leo’s if I believe that living locally and experi- over these things. Wanting the best for new school community in the ways I can, encing diversity is best, why wouldn’t your kid seems natural, but it’s also a even though it won’t be the school just I send him to the school just down the mark of privilege. Some kids don’t go down the street. street? to school, and many parents don’t have If I choose a school that’s farther away, the luxury of choosing from different Katie Doke Sawatzky writes and edits it feels like a betrayal of my values. It also schools. from Regina, on Treaty 4 Territory. She feels like such a middle-class thing to do. We’ve decided to start Leo in French can be reached at katiesawatzky@gmail. Arguments that people give me about immersion because Glenn and I both com. 10 Canadian Mennonite July 4, 2016

EE ‘Little to fear’ about same- churches have already left MC Canada because they sex inclusion in the church are opposed to even the possibility of a more-inclusive church. I wonder if he knows or cares that many Re: “Recommendation of same-sex inclusion will LGBTQ members and their friends have also left the lead to exodus” letter, June 6, page 7. Mennonite church, or just avoided joining. Is there It has been our privilege over the years to include in any concern for them, or for those who haven’t run de- our friendship circle friends from the lesbian/gay/bi- spite feeling deeply conflicted? We must work together sexual/transgender/queer community. It has enriched for a way forward, avoiding threats and ultimatums. our lives. Jan Schroeder, Ottawa It is with sorrow and dismay, then, that we read about folk wanting to “run” from Mennonite Church Canada or to suggest an “exodus” when we talk about EE Canadian Mennonite lauded for same-sex inclusion. In our experience, there is little to publishing review and ensuing critique fear about inclusion. The church has an opportunity to love “our neighbours,” an opportunity we should ap- Re: “Intent of Star Wars review is to criticize cul- proach with kindness and compassion. Running away ture of violence” letter, May 23, page 11. from complex issues is not the answer. I appreciated Vic Thiessen’s kind response and ex- We need each other to work at our various perspec- planation to Bev Hunsberger’s letter to the editor (“Star tives, and we need time. Wars review promotes violence against women,” April Walter and Mabel Paetkau, Abbotsford, B.C. 11, page 11) regarding his review (“Hollywood femin- ism and the decline of cinema,” Feb. 29, page 21). I’ve seen the film and share Thiessen’s views. As a male and EE Work together on sexuality former soldier, I know what soldiers are expected to do. differences, don’t run away When I read Hunsberger’s response, I was somewhat surprised that she thought it “promotes violence Re: “Recommendation of same-sex inclusion will against women.” I tried to follow her train of thought lead to exodus” letter, June 6, page 7. in order to understand what she had drawn out of the I am disturbed by the letters calling for—or at review, and I could not come to the same conclusion. least predicting—the “mass exodus” of members and I contemplated her somewhat strong response and congregations if the Being a Faithful Church (BFC) wondered if we are super-sensitive and easily offended recommendation to “create space/leave room within if someone speaks or writes what is on his or her mind our body for alternative understandings [of same sex without the intent to offend anyone, especially if the issues]” passes at the July assembly in Saskatoon. statement is excerpted from its context. Are women Many of us in Mennonite Church Canada have long and men confident enough with a healthy self-esteem been opposed to Article 19 of the Confession of Faith that we can accept, perhaps even respect, someone in a Mennonite Perspective. We want to see parts of it else’s opinion even if it differs from our views? removed, and have long hoped for a clear statement of To request that someone apologize, as Hunsberger affirmation of lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender/queer suggested to Thiessen and Dick Benner, Canadian (LGBTQ) members in our denomination. Mennonite’s editor, would require that they recognize their The BFC resolution proposes neither. Yet we have fault and repent; otherwise, the apology is only a formality remained—and plan to remain—as members of a and does not solve much. Instead of reprimanding Benner denomination we love, even though it discriminates for publishing Thiessen’s review, I commend him for pub- against a particular group of people. We have given lishing Hunsberger’s sharp criticism of him. of our time, financial resources and our hearts, even I hope Canadian Mennonite will continue to publish though in many ways to do so is in violation of our what readers think and feel, even if articles are some- conscience. Now, on the eve of this resolution, at the times controversial. first hint of compromise, some threaten to “run.” Helmut Lemke, Vancouver Letter writer Rudy Kasdorf points out that some EE Where are the non-white MC Canada pastors who need to be heard? ΛΛCorrection The photo with the ‘A hedge of protection’ article on page 19 of the June Re: “Prayer of preparation for Assembly 2016,” 20 issue was of Virginia Froese. Canadian Mennonite regrets the error. June 6, page 5. I said a loud and sincere “Amen” to your prayer, Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 14 11

especially the portion: “Together we confess that some Mennonite Church Canada pastors. Where is the of us hold power over others—implicitly or explicitly— voice of the young Chinese Mennonite pastor or due to race, gender, orientation or economic means. We leader, the Korean Mennonite pastor or leader, the lament the stories left unheard and absent in our gath- first nation Mennonite church pastor or leader, and erings. We forget that we are all part of your collective other important segments of our church whose voices body that knows no borders or division.” need to be heard? But then I noticed that you all are white young Daniel Pantoja (online comment)

ΛΛMilestones Births/Adoptions Beanco Giesbrecht, Maikel Giesbrecht, Domenila Harder, Tony Harder, Sabine Neufeld, Stefan Neufeld, Beare—Hunter Garnet John (b. April 19, 2016), to Graham Joel Neufeldt, Jessica Schroeder—Steinbach Mennonite, and Corinne Beare, Listowel Mennonite, Ont. Man., June 5, 2016. Neufeld—Emily Anne (b. May 11, 2016), to Scott and Sarah Neufeld, North Leamington United Mennonite, Marriages Leamington, Ont. Van Den Tempel—Ryker Willem (b. March 21, 2016), to Jantzi/Wagler—Krista Jantzi and William Wagler, Maple David and Lauren Van Den Tempel, Poole Mennonite, Ont. View Mennonite, Wellesley, Ont., June 11, 2016.

Baptisms Deaths

Roan Dawson, Skylar Shore—Avon Mennonite, Stratford, Baechler—Arvilla (nee Litwiller), 85 (b. Jan. 28, 1931; d. June Ont., at Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp, New Hamburg, 1, 2016), Steinmann Mennonite, Baden, Ont. Ont., June 5, 2016. Weber—Cheryl Jean (Reeve) (nee Brenneman), 53 (b. July 2, Tessa Dueck, Kay Hildebrand, Jon Strempler, Nikita 1962; d. March 25, 2016), Poole Mennonite, Ont. Wiebe, Mykenna Seymour, Noelle Bergen—Douglas Mennonite, Winnipeg, June 5, 2016. Canadian Mennonite welcomes Milestones Laurens Thiessen van Esch—Hope Mennonite, announcements within four months of the event. Please Winnipeg, May 1, 2016. send Milestones announcements by e-mail to milestones@ Leah Bauman, Max Bender, Ashley Brubacher, Maya canadianmennonite.org, including the congregation name Morton—St. Jacobs Mennonite, Ont., June 5, 2016. and location. When sending death notices, please also Micah Roth—St. Jacobs Mennonite, Ont., June 12, 2016. include birth date and last name at birth if available. Andrea Friesen, Corny Friesen, Adrian Giesbrecht,

A moment from yesterday

Irene Klassen is pictured touring a sawmill at LaCrete, Alta., in September 2003, when the Mennonite Historical Society of Alberta meeting was held in the northern Alberta town. The trip was almost a thousand kilometres, so it took a long day to get there. Participants were provided with a tour of the LaCrete Mennonite Heritage Village, the Heimstaed Lodge for seniors, and the sawmill. Klassen was a long-term volunteer for the historical society for many years; it would not have survived had it not been for her determination. She is still contributing by donating her collection of photos to be posted on the Mennonite Archival Image Database. Text: Alice Unrau Photo: John Klassen / Mennonite Archives of Alberta

archives.mhsc.ca 12 Canadian Mennonite July 4, 2016

Viewpoint to think of themselves as Aryan. But tens of thousands of Jews in and around the settlements met a different fate. Toews Becoming Aryan recalled with horror in her post-war memoir how one SS officer shot a Jewish Ben Goossen girl, about her age, on the village out- MENNONITE HERITAGE CENTRE PHOTO skirts. Every dignity denied to Jews and hen Susanna Toews arrived (ALBER PHOTO COLLECTION) Slavs was extended to Mennonites, some in Litzmannstadt, Poland, in of whom received clothes and housing W1944, she was already a mem- taken from Holocaust victims. ber of the Nazi racial elite. Her native vil- Even in 1943, as Hitler’s soldiers suf- lage in Ukraine had come under German fered massive losses on the Eastern Front, occupation in 1941 with Adolf Hitler’s Germany’s retreating forces continued invasion of the Soviet Union. During to assist Ukraine’s Mennonites. Nearly the intervening two-and-a-half years, all, in fact, chose to accompany the the young Mennonite woman became a Wehrmacht on its trek back to occupied beneficiary of racial warfare. Poland. There, in large processing centres While German forces deliberately like Litzmannstadt, evacuees experienced starved Russian and Ukrainian speakers, new bouts of racial testing. or shipped them to the Reich for forced “In order to become German cit- labour, so-called “ethnic Germans” like High-profile Nazi officials toured izens, we were interviewed many times,” Toews and her family received generous the Mennonite colonies in occupied Toews later remembered. “Samples of rations. In the same months that SS death Ukraine. During his 1942 visit to blood were taken from us. . . . Twice squads murdered nearly all of Ukraine’s Molotschna, Heinrich Himmler, head of we were X-rayed. Then we were given 1.2 million Jews, Nazi “welfare com- the SS and an architect of the Holocaust, our German citizenship papers with all mandos”—also run by the SS—distrib- exchanged greetings with Mennonite German rights.” uted aid to local Mennonites. surgeon Johann Klassen. The process of becoming Aryan, as de- What can explain the general interest, scribed by Toews, tracks with the experi- even enthusiasm, among high-ranking ences of tens of thousands of Mennonites Nazi officials for Eastern Europe’s “non-Aryan” was not always clear, so in Nazi-occupied Europe. Today, a Mennonite inhabitants? The short answer officials created a multi-tiered racial ma- majority of Mennonites in Europe and the is that Mennonites—unlike Ukrainians, trix, known as the “German Racial List,” Americas—including many direct rela- Russians, Poles and certainly Jews—were which specialists used to categorize per- tives of those who profited from Nazism— Aryan. At least Nazi war makers thought sons with muddled or uncertain ancestry. continue to live rich, privileged lives. they were Aryan. In Hitler’s Third Reich, While millions in the newly conquered What responsibility do we, as Christians this was a catch-all category denoting areas were sorted into the list’s lower cat- and as members of a peace church, have racial privilege. It was associated with fair egories, most of the approximately 9,000 for the victims of a system that benefited skin and hair, as well as a high degree of Mennonites in occupied Poland and the our co-religionists and, in many cases, our “blood purity.” One group of Mennonite neighbouring Danzig area would have own families? After more than 70 years, it refugees from the U.S.S.R., for example, been awarded top slots. is time to respond. l scored a German bloodline “heredity They were not the only—or even quotient” of 98.8 percent. the largest—group to be categorized Ben Goossen is a scholar of global Mennonites themselves often facili- in this way, however, being dwarfed by religious history at Harvard University. tated racial testing, providing their bod- the 35,000 Mennonites in Ukraine who He is the author of Chosen Nation: ies and congregational record books for came under German rule two years later. Mennonites and Germany in a Global “scientific” research. In at least one case, Despite decades of starvation, emigra- Era, forthcoming in 2017 from Princeton members met to fill out racial papers tion, persecution and deportation under University Press. This Viewpoint piece together as a formal church event. Bolshevik rule, Ukraine remained home is adapted from a longer article entitled Achieving Aryan status generated to Europe’s largest group of German- ‘Measuring Mennonitism: Racial categor- substantial benefits. These included speaking Mennonites, and generally wel- ization in Nazi Germany and beyond,” citizenship, legal protections and career comed the invading Nazi forces, hailing published in the 2016 issue of the Journal prospects, all of which were unavailable, them as liberators who had come to end of Mennonite Studies. or severely curtailed, for Jews and other Stalin’s tyranny. alleged non-Aryans. It was during these years that Toews Visit canadianmennonite.org/ But who to count as “Aryan” versus and other local Mennonites first learned becoming-aryan for more photos. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 14 13

Viewpoint a vehicle again. We might decide to buy one some day, just not a gas-guzzling van. Today we gave up our car I’m also not saying everyone should ditch their cars, since I may need to borrow Randell Neudorf one from a friend in the near future. But I do think we need to always be prepared s a family we have been talk- • We will be healthier and stronger. to make drastic changes to the way we ing for a while about giving up Every time we go somewhere we will be live our lives. Aour mini-van and switching to sneaking in some exercise. When something like getting rid of our bikes and public transit. June 1 was • We will be less consumeristic. your car, moving into a smaller house the momentous day when that finally Everything we buy will now cost us or giving up a well-paying job that you happened. something to bring it home: either a hate for a job you will love even though it We are a family of five, with our kids’ delivery charge or our effort. pays less, becomes a total fantasy, that is ages ranging from 3 to 13, so this was • Life will slow down a little. a sad and dangerous day indeed. That is no small decision for us. We have tried • This will be the first step in making the day a little bit of our soul dies on the over the last couple years to use our bikes even more environmental changes that inside. more and more, and our car less and less. are good for our planet. On the other hand, God is creative, and We know biking is good for our health • We will be more connected to our when the Holy Spirit whispers a plan to and the environment, and it saves money. neighbourhood and city. A bike has no you over and over again, it might sound Lots of times we have done well with walls, and conversations can happen at a little crazy and far-fetched but that is leaving our car at home and lots of times any stop sign. when things just might get exciting. If we have found excuses why we needed • We will be in solidarity with people you step out in faith, following the crazy to use the car. The straw that broke the who would like to have a car but can’t path God has put in front of you will camel’s back—or the mini-van’s axles— afford one. bring your soul back to life. The great- was that all our savings were going into • This will be an important step in fol- est and most freeing moments of my life keeping our car on the road. It seemed lowing Jesus. I hope my kids can see that have always been when I have been brave like every time we put some money in the this is really about trying to make radical enough to do something drastic. Here’s bank, our vehicle knew just how much decisions and life choices that push us hoping this is another one of those mo- was there and would then need a repair towards living more like Jesus, by being ments. l that would clean out the account. This present in the moment, taking care of the happened over and over again, so we environment, and storing up treasure in Randell Neudorf is pastor of the decided that we just needed to get rid of heaven instead of on earth. Commons, a Mennonite Church Eastern our vehicle and make a drastic change. Canada church plant in downtown I had a minor panic attack yesterday Now I’m not saying we will never own Hamilton, Ont. as I was driving around my old mini-van for the last time, with so many frantic PHOTO COURTESY OF RANDELL NEUDORF thoughts rolling around in my brain:

• What are we doing? • Are we crazy? • Are we ready? • We don’t own rain gear! Stupid me, for not going to buy some rain gear while Randell Neudorf I had the car. of Hamilton has • Will my kids get tired of this? traded his family • Can my family actually bike as far as I mini-van in for a need them to? bicycle. • When I need a car, where do I rent one from?

Today I still have random thoughts of panic, but I also have some feelings of hopefulness. I hope: 14 Canadian Mennonite July 4, 2016

Women Walking Together in Faith Saskatchewan for grades 11 and 12, and participated in church catechism classes both of those years—in Passing on the Grade 11 at Rosthern Mennonite Church, and in Grade 12 at Eigenheim (Sask.) Mennonite Church, as well as faith by example my home church, Hanley (Sask.) Mennonite, when- By Ev Buhr ever I was home for a weekend. Add to that the Christian ethics and Mennonite history classes at RJC, and I think I had a pretty well- s parents, you hope that you have done rounded understanding of what it meant to Aall that you can to nurture and encour- be a Mennonite Christian. However, under- age your children on their faith journey, lying all of that was the unspoken expectation and yet there is that inner voice telling you that when you were in Grade 12 you took the that you might not have done quite enough. catechism class as part of Sunday school and Maybe you could have read more Bible stories when then you were baptized. they were children. Was this expectation real or had I imposed it on my- PHOTO BY PATRICK BUHR Maybe you should self? At my home church, all four of us in Grade 12 were have prayed togeth- baptized that year. We had all participated in the cate- er more as a family. chism classes that were part of our Sunday school cur- Maybe you should riculum. Perhaps this wasn’t the best route to an adult have had more in- believer’s baptism, but it did give everyone a chance to depth discussions be a part of the discussion. on being a part of the Every year I hear about how difficult it is to get youth church. together for the faith exploration class: their schedules This spring, when are so full and their time so limited. If this is such a the faith exploration struggle, why don’t we still do this during the Sunday classes at our church school hour? If everyone takes the class, will there be too were announced for much peer pressure for all to be baptized? Is choosing to any interested youth, join the faith exploration class the first step in choosing my husband Patrick to be baptized? How do we best pass our faith on to our and I asked our son children? Tom, in Grade 11, if I don’t really have answers to these questions, but he wanted to be part have read some articles that show how we have changed of this group. There our approach to catechism or faith exploration over the was some interest, years, as the “choosing to take the class” approach has but also hesitation. superseded the mandated “everyone takes the class” ap- Would any of his proach of my youth. Perhaps there’s a place for a bit of friends be taking both, with an emphasis on Mennonite beliefs and prac- the class as well? tices in Sunday school and an opportunity to explore this Would he have to be further within the faith exploration sessions. Or maybe baptized? the best way to pass on our faith is by example, trusting We didn’t know that the way we live our lives as we seek to we follow in the answer to the Christ’s footsteps testifies to what we believe. first question, but When Tom chose to be baptized at Pentecost after Co-pastor Donita Wiebe-Neufeld of First we assured him that attending the faith exploration classes, he stated that his Mennonite Church, Edmonton, baptizes Tom he could take the faith journey had begun on the day he was born, and that Buhr. class this year and his parents had taken him to church that first Sunday then decide if he was after and every Sunday since then. ready for baptism. Maybe we did enough after all. l We didn’t want to pressure him into baptism, knowing that he had to come to that decision for himself. Ev Buhr is president of Alberta We saw it as a good opportunity for him to learn more Women in Mission and the office about what it means to be a member of Christ’s body of administrator at First Mennonite believers. This also led to some good discussion of our Church, Edmonton. own baptism experiences. I attended Rosthern Junior College (RJC) in Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 14 15

God at work in the World Manitoba’s legislative assembly for Rossmere, attended the lunch on behalf of Premier Brian Pallister, to voice the government’s ongoing support and mindful- Voices in the wilderness ness of refugee needs. Regarding the specific local needs English language proficiency No. 1 barrier to Mesidor highlighted, Micklefield re- successful resettlement for refugees: MCC sponded in ready agreement. “I think, by far, language is the biggest problem [for By Beth Downey Sawatzky refugees],” he said. “And the government Manitoba Correspondent of Manitoba wants very much to offer sup- WINNIPEG port [by backing current local initiatives and developing new solutions]. That said, aising awareness and funds for the families and we ask them, what are their this really is an all-hands-on-deck situa- Rongoing demands of the global refu- main challenges, and again and again it is tion. It’s not just government groups that gee crisis was the goal of a “ration meal” always ‘learning English.’ ” He emphasized are needed, but church groups, mom’s lunch hosted by Canadian Foodgrains that access to quality EAL instruction is groups, school groups, apartment groups. Bank at Sam’s Place in Winnipeg on June essential to achieving positive outcomes The nuts and bolts of this situation come 20 to honour World Refugee Day. for refugees in Canada. down to all Canadians, ordinary people, Ahmad Khattab, a former refugee from Mesidor explained that many obstacles doing what they can to address basic prob- Syria who is now settled in Winnipeg, was inhibit refugees seeking to learn. “What lems in simple ways.” a keynote speaker at the event. His sharing is required, first of all, is more funding As headlines continue to feature centred mostly around his previous work for the provincial EAL program, which is boats full of people overturned in the in Syria as an English teacher, his hope of generally where refugees go first,” he said. Mediterranean, the phrase “any port in a working in his own field again some day, “Right now, the system is overwhelmed, storm” rings with greater and greater ur- and his excitement for the progress his the classrooms are full and the wait times gency. Nevertheless, Mesidor urged that, family has made since coming to Canada. can be very long.” He noted that access to while new solutions are necessary, qual- “My wife is now taking EAL [English as childcare is a major barrier for mothers, ity EAL teaching for refugees is critical an Additional Language] classes, and our which quickly creates a Catch-22 situation. now. l two children are attending school,” he said. Andrew Micklefield, a member of “Our oldest is seven and doing very well, especially in math, so says his teacher. The CANADIAN FOODGRAINS BANK PHOTO BY AMANDA THORSTEINSSON younger one is five. He likes to draw. And he loves to dance, which you may know in Middle Eastern culture is unusual. But I am very encouraging of him and his dancing, and I hope that one day he will become a dancer!” It was clear that this family had seen dark times, but even the solstice sun couldn’t compete with the pride and joy shining in Khattab’s face. English was a major theme in his speech. The power that English proficiency has given him was obvious, as was the im- portance he places on his wife’s learning. Still, it may not be obvious to the average Canadian just how pivotal English skills really are for incoming refugees. Arsinel Mesidor, coordinator of Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba’s Provincial Migration and Resettlement Andrew Micklefield, a member of Manitoba’s legislative assembly for Rossmere, Program, said that English proficiency is attended the Canadian Foodgrains Bank’s ‘ration meal’ lunch on behalf of Premier by far the No. 1 barrier to refugees’ suc- Brian Pallister, to voice the government’s ongoing support and mindfulness of refu- cessful resettlement: “Regularly we visit gee needs. 16 Canadian Mennonite July 4, 2016

by Paulus Widjaja, director of the Centre for the Study and Promotion of Peace at Duta Wacana Christian University in Jogjakarta, Indonesia, whose talk focussed on the social construction of violence and how to work at change depending on where a community finds itself in rela- tion to other faiths. Then Lisa Schirch, a research professor at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va., described a series of eight paintings she created to promote peacebuilding in various situa- tions, like the current discussion about inclusion of lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgen- Jeff Gundy, professor of English at Bluffton University in Ohio and a poet, discusses der/queer members in Mennonite Church the piece “A tribe called Mennonite” with the painter Lisa Schirch at the Global U.S.A., under the title “Tongue screws on Peacebuilders Conference and Festival, held from June 9 to 12 at Conrad Grebel Pink Mennos.” University College, Waterloo, Ont. The piece, made up of buttons, and hooks and eyes, Other arts components included a con- looks at how Mennonites have set themselves apart from the world through their dress cert featuring Gamelan, an Indonesian en- codes. semble of percussive instruments directed by Masie Sum, an assistant professor of music at Grebel, which came together with Art, theology and peace come the University of Waterloo Choir and the Factory Arts String Quartet to premiere together at global festival “Earth Peace” by Carol Ann Weaver on Story and Photos by Dave Rogalsky June 9. Two nights later, Theatre of the Eastern Canada Correspondent Beat premiered its new play, Yellow Bellies, WATERLOO, ONT. that explores the experiences of conscientious objectors in Canada during the ake almost 200 mostly Mennonite University of Hamburg, Germany, looked Second World War through first-person Tpeacebuilders from around the world, at how Mennonites have both influenced narratives, letters and the media of the day. bring them together for four days in June and been influenced by ecumenical en- Live music was provided for the play by No at Conrad Grebel University College in gagement, especially through the World Discernible Key, a local blues, folk and rock Waterloo, liberally mix in keynote speak- Council of Churches. He was followed band. ers, 30-plus workshops, warm sunshine, a concert and original play on conscientious objectors, and you have the making of a fabulous four days of building peace in the world—a world where there is none, or where it is in too-short supply, or where there is peace but it can be grown bigger— all nonviolently but passionately, and with painful honesty and humility. Originally conceived of a conference to coincide with the 2015 Mennonite World Conference assembly, the event became not just a conference—but a festival that approached peacebuilding from other an- gles, including music, storytelling, drama and art. From left to right: Ilona Paganoni, a Swiss peacebuilder working for MCC; Kyong Jung Theology, sociology and art were in- Kim, former executive director of the Korea Anabaptist Center; John David Ashworth, termingled from the beginning. On a mediator and conflict management specialist from Toronto; and Paul Heidebrecht, June 10, Fernando Enns, director of the director of the MSCU Centre for Peace Advancement at Grebel, partake in one of the Institute of Peace Church Theology at the Conversation Café’s at the Global Peacebuilders Conference and Festival. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 14 17

CONRAD GREBEL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE PHOTO and the Deutsches Mennonitisches Missionskomitee, answered the second question, saying they weren’t as pacifis- tic as some scholars have argued, and it doesn’t really matter as Anabaptists continue to apply the Bible today. One workshop hit close to home with a study of the “Doctrine of discovery,” a be- lief that lands without Christian princes were empty and ripe for Christian conquering, while another looked at “white privilege” in Mennonite justice institu- Andrew Suderman, left, an MC Canada tions like Mennonite Central Committee Ben Wert and Johnny Wideman (front Witness worker and director of the (MCC). in white shirts) play two weary con- South African Anabaptist Centre, visits While one participant wondered about scientious objectors (COs) arriving with Fidele Lumeya, a member of the the low level of theological and biblical at the Montreal River Camp during Congolese American Council for Peace underpinnings for peace, others found Theatre of the Beat’s premiere of Yellow and Development and a long-time the conference inspiring for the practical Bellies during the Global Peacebuilding MCC co-country director in Congo, nature of many of the workshops in which Conference and Festival. Surrounding during one of the breaks at the Global the foundations of peacemaking were them are members of No Discernable Peacebuilders Conference and Festival. referenced. Key, who provided live music for the play Participants included a Kurdish man and in this scene played COs already at married to a Dutch pastor, and a Muslim the camp. June 10 and 11 began with “Stories peacemaker from Asia who declined to be for peace.” Dann Pantoja, a Mennonite identified. MCC worked at bringing many Church Canada Witness worker in the peacebuilders from around the world overcome the denial of visas to 10, mostly Philippines, shared about bringing evan- to the conference, but even it could not African, peacebuilders. l gelical Christian leaders together with Muslim rebels for conversation and peacebuilding. With news of Canadians being GIC Special killed by hostage-takers in the Philippines, * Pantoja was asked about the danger in his SHORT .55% work. “It’s just as dangerous,” he said, “as 15 Month Term driving your car down the 401 [highway] and 1*Rate subject to change to Toronto from Waterloo.” Sweet! Following the June 10 banquet, keynote speakers Steve Heinrichs, Mennonite With a rate this sweet, now is a Church Canada’s director of indigenous great time to invest with MSCU! relations, and Leah Gazan, a member of Wood Mountain Lakota Nation, located Speak with a member of our Investment team today. in Treaty 4 Territory in Saskatchewan, spoke on “Giving up privilege, pursuing decolonization.” In order to make sense of this, the international visitors needed to be brought up to speed on Indian Residential Schools, the ’60s scoop and current conditions in first nation communities in Canada. The workshops wrestled with questions like, “What for you defines Mennonite …Psst. You don’t have peacebuilding?” and, “Were the early to be Mennonite! Christians pacifist? Does it matter?” Jennifer Otto, who co-leads an urban church plant in southern Germany in www.mscu.com | 1.888.672.6728 partnership with the Verband Deutscher 18 Canadian Mennonite July 4, 2016

COURTESY OF MENNONITE ARCHIVAL IMAGE DATABASE

The first Ontario Mennonite Relief Sale committee consisted of, from left to right, seated: Ed Wiens, Margaret Brubacher, Ward Shantz, Pauline Bauman and Oscar Snyder; and standing: J.W. Fretz, Elven Shantz, Karl Enns of Waterloo, Ont., and Volunteer auctioneer Robert Beer Irvine Cober. shows off the Peter Etril Snyder painting “Going once, going twice” just before selling it for $5,000 at the 50th New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale in late Fifty years of funding relief May. New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale has given every penny to MCC order to give, the encouragement among these frugal Mennonites was to spend Story and Photos by Dave Rogalsky more than a thing was worth because it Eastern Canada Correspondent was giving to a good cause. NEW HAMBURG, ONT. Over the next 50 years, the sale raised more than $12 million. While not part of he way Ross Shantz remembers it, his Christ, the “Swiss” Mennonite Conference Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Tfather Ward contacted his buddies of Ontario and Quebec, “Amish” Western Ontario, the Relief Sale and its sister from the Second World War conscientious Ontario Mennonites, and the “Russian” Heifer Sale have given every dollar to objector camp at Montreal River and they United Mennonite Conference of Ontario. MCC for relief work around the world— began the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Following the example of a sale that had so far. John Reimer, the current Relief Sale Sale in 1967. begun a decade earlier in Pennsylvania, the chair, says that the committee has never It is more complicated than that, though, New Hamburg group raised funds to cover had to dip into sale proceeds to cover ex- as these buddies and their spouses came expenses so that every dollar earned at the penses, but he can see the day when that from many different Mennonite and sale went to relief. While some balked at might be necessary. And funds aren’t the Anabaptist groups, including Brethren in the idea of needing to get something in only concern for the future. At the North American Relief Sale Board’s gathering that took place at Conrad Grebel University College the week before this year’s May 27 and 28 sale, many of the boards noted increased difficulty in finding volunteers. Volunteers are getting older, and younger people do not seem as interested as they were in the past. Reimer says that the sale has become technologically savvy, but needs to become more so in the future. This makes handing jobs on difficult, as it is not just what the past volunteer knew that is important, but how to implement that Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 14 19

knowledge in a new time. That said, though, the new feature this year was a crokinole room staffed by young adults who enjoy playing games. Another new item this year was a focussed fundraising effort specifically for Syrian humanitarian relief. Shantz con- vinced the group to try to raise $50,000 for this project; over the two days, cash dona- tions for Syria totalled nearly $4,000. In total, about $310,000 was raised at this year’s Relief Sale, with about half of that coming from the quilt auction alone. Fiftieth-anniversary events included the planting of two trees at the New Hamburg Fair Grounds and the placing of a park bench. At the sale itself, old quilts were displayed and a 50th anniversary tent had memorabilia and photos from years past on display. As usual, there was a feature quilt among the 230 that were auctioned, and Peter Etril Snyder, a local painter originally from Erb Christina Edmiston, left, a pastor at First Mennonite Church in Kitchener, Ont., her Street Mennonite Church in Waterloo, husband Greg and their daughter Evangeline, pose with Mohamad Alasad in front Ont., painted a work specifically for this of a tent focussed on raising $50,000 specifically for Syrian humanitarian relief at 50th-anniversary event, incorporating ma- this year’s New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. Alasad is a Syrian refugee spon- terial from photos and newspapers. The sored by First Mennonite Church. painting was auctioned off for $5,000; it was bought by Snyder’s brother-in-law who says he just “wanted to keep it in the family.” When thinking about the sale, Reimer says the committee has increased its efforts to show the connection between faith, churches and the sale. Colourful signs at each booth named the congregation doing the selling. In the 50 years since the sale began, society has changed and visitors do not necessarily understand the connection between Mennonite Christian faith and service to others. That and a continuation of the inter-Mennonite nature of the sale, with Old Colony Mennonites from around Aylmer, Ont., selling traditional Russian Mennonite and Mexican food, and new Mennonites like the Lao and Hmong churches of Kitchener selling spring and egg rolls. “Different groups working together to help those less fortunate,” Reimer says of their efforts. At this year’s sale, Muslim volunteers worked alongside Mennonites in thankful- ness for the work MCC has done in helping www.mscu.com | 1.888.672.6728 Muslim refugees. l 20 Canadian Mennonite July 4, 2016

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ALBERTA PHOTO

This year’s MCC Relief Sale in Coaldale, Alta., raised more than $218,000 for MCC ‘s ongoing international ministries.

PHOTO BY LEONA LORTIE Relief Sale Reflection Moments to remember Rose Klassen Mennonite Central Committee Alberta

he auction began. Among the was complete. crowds in Coaldale for the annual As part of the My Coins Count effort, TMennonite Central Committee young children pulled a small wagon with (MCC) Alberta Relief Sale on June 10 and a yellow cardboard school bus mounted 11, stood two Syrian men whose families on top. As they journeyed through the had recently been assisted by MCC and venue with lights flashing on the bus, sponsored by Mennonite churches to re- people dropped coins into the wagon to settle in Canada. To their surprise, a loaf support Edupaz, an education project in of bread was auctioned off for $200! Colombia. My Coins Count raised more A sapling oak tree was next to go. The than $23,000. price climbed and climbed. Enthusiasm Some favourite Mennonite dishes were filled the room. As the two Syrian men enjoyed by long lines of hungry people, watched the bids rise, they began laugh- with all food prepared and served by ing and hugging each other. Now they volunteers. were beginning to understand some of Many beautiful quilts were auctioned the unique ways MCC gathers funds so off, in all shapes, sizes and colours. people like them have been able to re- The effort and energy that goes into a ceive vital support during difficult times. relief sale is huge. The dividends are huge, This year’s MennoniteCentral This small tree sold for $2,500. And so too. More than $218,000 was raised to did the next one. support MCC’s ongoing international Committee Saskatchewan Relief Three more trees sold, each bring- ministries. In the end, volunteers and Sale and Auction, held in Saskatoon ing in between $2,200 and $2,500. All those who attend support a cause that on June 10 and 11, started with bid- of these trees were grown from acorns reaches beyond their own families, coun- ding on a piece of bannock, instead that fell from the giant old oak tree in the tries and faith groups, as Christ’s follow- of a traditional loaf of bread. The Chortitza area of Ukraine, that is famous ers working for God’s kingdom. l bannock sold for $1,550 to Allan in Mennonite historical memory. Klassen of Nutana Park Mennonite Rowis, a participant from Egypt in To view Rowis’s treadmill experi- Church in Saskatoon. Pictured, the International Volunteer Exchange ence, visit youtu.be/4Gyy_fmrpY0. Program, ran for an hour and 45 min- Rachel Eyahpaise of Bannock utes on a treadmill, while calling out to Express hands the bannock over to passersby, “You donate! I’ll run for you!” the successful bidder. The donation basket was full after his run Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 14 21

Helping raise awareness of World Refugee Day, walkers in Abbotsford, B.C., make the trek to the MCC Centre on June 18.

fabric, which they fastened to a quilt on a wall in the MCC Centre lobby upon arrival. The patchwork of colourful materials was intended to symbolize the patchwork of a society with many different peoples. “When you put [these things] together, you make something even more beautiful,” said Wayne Bremner, MCC’s executive director. Abbotsford Mayor Henry Braun, himself a product of a Mennonite refugee family following the Second World War, extended a welcome to all newcomers on behalf of the city and its council, saying, “Together you represent hope for the future. There is a whole community of support to support Walk of hope in each one of you. I am living proof that, by making a difference in the life of just one support of refugees refugee, you’re making a difference in generations to come.” Celebrating newcomers, raising awareness Several former refugees and current sponsors also spoke, encouraging the Story and Photos by Amy Dueckman community to continue to be welcoming B.C. Correspondent to newcomers. ABBOTSFORD, B.C. “MCC believes refugees deserve our best efforts,” said Jennifer Mpungu, MCC he rain that fell on the morning of June the sponsors awaiting their arrival,” said B.C.’s newcomer program coordinator, as T18 didn’t stop a group of walkers from MCC spokesperson Julia Buckingham. she encouraged individuals and churches making a three-kilometre trek in support Each participant carried a square of to consider sponsoring refugees. l of the upcoming World Refugee Day. Starting out from the Abbotsford Pentecostal Assembly church, the group— including adults and children, the able- bodied and those in wheelchairs, long- time community residents and newly settled refugees—ended up 40 minutes later at the MCC Centre on Abbotsford’s Gladys Avenue. The Refugee Hope Walk was sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) B.C. in observance of World Refugee Day on June 20, a day to commemorate the hope, resilience and strength of the 60-plus million refugees around the world. “The Refugee Hope Walk aims to cele- brate the hospitality of our community and Participants on the Refugee Hope Walk in Abbotsford, B.C., on June 18, add their the stories of those who have safely arrived squares to the refugee quilt at the MCC Centre. The patchwork of colourful ma- here, while continuing to inspire hope for terials symbolizes the beauty of many different people from a variety of ethnicities those still waiting—both the refugees and coming together as single entity. 22 Canadian Mennonite July 4, 2016

God at work in the Church ΛΛStaff change MCC Saskatchewan hires Becoming the people of new program director Mennonite Central God is a messy business Committee Saskat- chewan has hired Gil Arli Klassen addresses annual Grebel fundraising dinner Dueck as its new program director, effec- Story and Photo by Dave Rogalsky tive June 15. Dueck Eastern Canada Correspondent most recently served Gil Dueck WATERLOO, ONT. as academic dean and instructor at Bethany he 2016 Ralph and Eileen Lebold But, she said, this is not easy to do. At First College in Hepburn, Sask. An announce- TFundraising Dinner, held on June Mennonite Church in Kitchener, Ont., where ment from MCC states that Dueck “is 2 at Conrad Grebel University College, she attends, the congregants keep on asking deeply invested in conversations and ini- featured Arli Klassen, chief development whether they are two congregations in one tiatives across the Canadian Conference officer for Mennonite World Conference building—one Anglo and one Hispanic—or of Mennonite Brethren Churches and (MWC), who spoke on the “Messiness of whether they are one intercultural congrega- is finishing doctoral work focussing on becoming the people of God.” tion that speaks two languages. faith formation among young adults.” She began by telling the story of her shift She told the story of MWC general sec- He assumes the role from Eileen Klassen in identity when she, a Christian woman retary César García working at this with Hamm, who was recently appointed to from North America, went to Lesotho, the organization’s 14-member Executive the executive director’s position. South Africa, where she was a white mother. Committee. He suggested that they go out —By Donna Schulz Culture forms people’s identity, she said, not- to a restaurant and eat frog together. There ing that her missionary aunt told her years was deep disagreement around the table, earlier that “you can’t really know yourself with some expressing an “ick” factor, while until you live in or interact with a different another objected to eating frog for faith • Taking time to dialogue, give and take, culture—and only then we can begin to see reasons. speak and listen. how we are shaped by our own culture.” Klassen, referring to the Pluralism Walking through a series of Bible sto- Project at Harvard University in Klassen took traditional liberal multicul- ries—from the tower of Babel to the glori- Cambridge, Mass., suggested strategies tural tolerance and pushed it into a faith- ous cross-cultural worship in Revelation 6 for living together in the church, including: based intercultural goal. Christians don’t and 7—she noted that the biblical vision just tolerate each other, but learn to live of the people of God is not sameness, but • Energetic engagement in diversity; together while holding deep differences diversity, with no one people being all that • Active seeking of understanding over because of their deep unity in Christ in an God’s people could be. differences, not just tolerance; and Anabaptist perspective. She concluded: “As César García said at the MWC meeting, it is not easy to be together, but it is special. I believe that it really is through our diverse cultures that we can learn to know the depth and height and breadth and width of the love of God, and that we can be strong enough together to withstand persecution.” Originally established to build an en- dowment to fund a position in pastoral leadership training at Grebel, the dinner currently raises funds for the new Anabaptist Learning Workshop, a non- Fred Redekop, left, pastor of Floradale (Ont.) Mennonite Church, visits with Arli academic program that hopes to train lay Klassen, chief development officer of Mennonite World Conference and keynote and pastoral leaders in longstanding and speaker at this year’s Ralph and Eileen Lebold Fundraising Dinner, a joint project of new Mennonite congregations. This year’s Mennonite Church Eastern Canada and Conrad Grebel University College. dinner raised $15,200. l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 14 23

‘Imagine’ a bright beginning Rosthern Junior College launches new learning program

By Donna Schulz Saskatchewan Correspondent ROSTHERN, SASK.

his is our first kick at take students out of the class- He expects the renovation will be com- “Tthe cat,” quips Rosthern room for day and even overnight pleted in time for the coming school year. Junior College (RJC) principal trips to sites where theories can He also notes that funds were in place for Jim Epp. be put to the test with experi- the $200,000 to $250,000 project before Nevertheless, he is confident ence. Although details have yet work began earlier this year. Future dreams his school’s new integrated to be finalized, David says trips include: learning program will be “a dy- to local organizations, such as namic learning experience” for Mennonite Central Committee • Moving the second-floor administra- Grade 10 students. “Recognizing Saskatchewan, as well as sites tive offices to the main floor and relocating that pedagogy and student David Epp that are further afield, like the a refurbished library to the second floor. learning styles are different than Museum of Human Rights in • Renovating the 1976 residence they were, we’re offering an edu- Winnipeg, will give depth to stu- building. cational opportunity that’s different but dents’ learning. still very consistent with the mission of our Imagine will be in place for Grade 10 These projects will be tackled as funds be- school,” he says. students in the 2016-17 school year, but come available. The program, dubbed Imagine, will throughout the year RJC’s board and staff In addition to David, the school has hired involve up to 26 students engaging in a plan to explore how the program might two other new teachers and two new resi- multi-disciplinary learning program. be extended to accommodate Grade 11. dence deans. Allison Schmidt will teach David Epp, Jim’s son, has been hired as The following year, they will look at ways math, replacing her father Lloyd, who is the Grade 10 home room teacher, who will to extend the guided experiential learning retiring. Jill Olfert Wiens will teach senior provide instruction in English, Spanish, program to include Grade 12. Epp says that English and Christian ethics, taking Emily history and Christian ethics. David says his as students prepare for post-secondary Dueck’s place. Scott Feick, who has been a most deeply meaningful learning experi- education, their course loads become more part-time men’s dean since February, will as- ences have been those in which theories individualized and they no longer move sume full-time responsibilities in September. and ideas have been tested with hands-on from class to class as a group. For this rea- Hugo Malan will join Feick as men’s dean, experience, such as learning both history son, it will take time to work out what the replacing Scott Kim. Andrea Enns-Gooding and biology while gardening with his grand- program will look like for the upper grades. will work alongside Michaela Pries-Klassen parents. He hopes to create an environment Imagine fulfills the third broad goal of as women’s dean. Enns-Gooding fills the role in which his students can enjoy similarly the RJC board’s Do More Be More cam- vacated by Lisa Isaak. memorable learning opportunities. paign, unveiled in November 2014, which Significantly, five of these six new staff To illustrate how this might work, David is to enhance student programming. With members are alumni of the school, who suggests that a history lecture on the the new program in place, Epp hopes that know “what RJC is all about,” says Jim. He French Revolution might lead to reading the campaign’s first goal—to grow student expects they will bring “enthusiasm and poems about equality and freedom, “while enrolment—will also be realized. And so fresh perspectives on education,” adding, also seeing what it means to be the coven- far, interest in Imagine is promising, with “It’s going to be exciting around our staff ant people [of] a liberating God” through enquiries coming from as far away as table to see what their views are all about.” a study of the Israelite Exodus from slavery Toronto and Florida. David echoes his father’s sentiment: “It’s in Egypt. The campaign’s second goal—to develop a bright beginning for September. I can’t Jim says most days will probably look like and enhance the RJC facility—is also be- wait for it to start.” l typical school days, with students attending coming a reality. Currently, the school’s classes and collaborating on projects in the chemistry lab and biology classroom and To read more about RJC’s Do More school building. But, as David points out, lab are being renovated and upgraded into Be More campaign, visit bit.ly/ a significant component of Imagine will state-of-the-art learning spaces, says Jim. rjc-envisions. 24 Canadian Mennonite July 4, 2016

God at work in Us highways of southern Manitoba in 2002 when he saw a “mirage.” A guy was riding a recumbent bike down the highway, Friesen recalls, with a bunch of kids behind him. On the path to wellness Dresses fluttered in the wind and the closest thing to spandex were suspenders. Hutterite man finds healing on his bike It was McAdams on a charity ride with other Hutterites. The meeting was particu- By Will Braun larly fortuitous, as Friesen is the head of Senior Writer Eden Health Care Services, a Mennonite- based mental health organization in south- opular wisdom suggests the way to PHOTO BY HAL LOEWEN ern Manitoba. The two men continued to Pdeal with mental health issues is to bump into each other at biking events over talk them through. Pete McAdams, an un- the years. Now, Crystal Spring Colony is complicated, 43-year-old, Hutterite long- a big part of Eden’s annual “Head for the distance cyclist, has discovered a quieter hills” cycling fundraiser. Last September, path. Jonathan Kleinsasser, a colony member in While he prefers to focus on biking, his 70s, was the top fundraiser. rather than himself, his decidedly atyp- This year, McAdams is taking the con- ical Hutterite last name begs explanation. nection between biking and mental health Having grown up on the “fringes” of a a step further. In conjunction with the at- Bruderhof community in Pennsylvania—a tempt by Arvid Loewen, an ultra-long dis- group associated with Hutterites— tance cyclist, to break the Guinness Record McAdams’ parents went to Crystal Spring for biking across Canada, McAdams Hutterite Colony near Niverville, Man., plans a parallel ride—Guinness rules re- to assist with translation work after quire Loewen to bike alone—from Regina McAdams had left home. When he vis- to Winnipeg, 583 kilometres, a distance ited his parents, he liked what he saw of he hopes to cover in 24 hours. He says colony life. His parents ended up staying at Loewen put out the challenge and he ac- Crystal Spring and, in 1995, he joined the cepted it. McAdams hopes to arrive in colony, too. It is no utopia, nor an attempt Winnipeg on the evening of July 5 for a at utopia, he says, but it is “the best lifestyle joint rally with Loewen at the Manitoba I have seen for living out the commands of legislature. Friesen and others plan to ride J e s u s .” Pete McAdams rests beside the road into the city with him. McAdams emphasizes the non-rigid na- during a long-distance bike excursion in McAdams’ goal is simple: Share the ture of the community. I ask how he would southern Manitoba. message that biking can bring wellness respond to the stereotype that would sug- and to bring attention to the good work gest otherwise? “Look at what I do,” he says of Eden Health Care Services. Both with a chuckle, sitting at a picnic table in specifically, his temper—ruled out team McAdams and Friesen see value in for- my yard with his cycling gear on. sports. He also struggled with depression. mal, as well as informal, approaches to What he does is ride his bike. About 300 Biking helped. mental wellness. Friesen says research kilometres a week. Maybe half that in win- “I always sort of knew that a good ride shows that often it is in the unstructured ter. In good Hutterite fashion, he makes his cleared my head,” he says. “If I spent time downtime of people’s lives—time in the own recumbent bikes. on the bike, [the anger and depression] bush, splitting wood, riding a bike—that “I’m not an athlete,” he tells me. This is went away.” He did see counsellors a their brains make the connections essen- not false humility; it is part of his message. couple times, and while he does not dis- tial for well-being. Although he pedals a lot of kilometres, he count the value of therapists for some That is certainly true for McAdams. “I is not particularly fast. He has never won people, he says “they weren’t of much found something on the bike,” he says, “and a race. “I’m not competitive,” he says. And help” in his case. I want to share it.” For those who can’t bike, until five years ago, he says he was “signifi- Biking was. And it continues to be. What he suggests finding a similar activity. His cantly overweight.” Nothing he says sounds exactly is it about biking that helps? “It’s dad, in his late 70s, walks. McAdams’ story like an athlete’s words. not going to heal everything,” he says, “but is not about athletic heroics or even an or- The story keeps coming back to the there’s a power that is healing in riding.” dinary person doing extraordinary things. bike as a means of healing. As a teen- The bike is also a great way to connect It is about ordinary people doing ordinary ager, McAdams’ temperament—more with others. James Friesen was riding the things on the path to wellness. l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 14 25

Artbeat Parker. At Goshen, he studied conducting and church music with Doyle Preheim. Kauffman also has experience arranging, New song collection project composing and writing, and plays guitar and hand drums. director announced “My faith and professional life are each deeply formed by Mennonite hymnody,” Bradley Kauffman brings passion for Kauffman said. He used the 1992 Hymnal: Anabaptist theology, music and worship A Worship Book as a textbook in conducting classes at Hesston, and noted that MennoMedia it has served the denomination well. “Yet I resonate with the movement to renew and radley Kauffman of U.S.A. and a member of the song collection expand the denominational canon for the BCincinnati, Ohio, has steering committee. 21st-century church,” he stated. been named project director Kauffman has taught music in three The project director is responsible for for the new song collection Mennonite schools. From 2007-15, he was managing all aspects of the project, and for Mennonite Church U.S.A. a choral and instrumental music instructor will oversee a part-time project assistant and MC Canada. The print Bradley at Hesston (Kan.) College. From 2005-07, and various committees. Kauffman will be version is slated for release in Kauffman he directed instrumental music at Bethany responsible to a six-member steering com- 2020. He will perform work Christian Schools, Goshen, Ind. At Iowa mittee: Russ Eanes and Amy Gingerich on a contract basis before as- Mennonite School in Kalona, he was vocal from MennoMedia; Terry Shue and Nicole suming a full-time staff position on July 5. and instrumental music instructor from Francisco Bailey from MC U.S.A.; and Kauffman earned a bachelor’s degree in 1997-2005. Karen Martens Zimmerly and Irma Fast music education at Goshen College in 1996 He has led Music Week at the Laurelville Dueck from MC Canada. and completed a master’s degree in choral (Pa.) Mennonite Church Center, and Kauffman said he brings “passion for conducting at the University of Iowa in 2002. across the church has been active in con- preserving and expanding a denomina- “Bradley’s passion for the church and his gregational musical life. He has held roles tional canon in ways that are theologically keen interest in the formative role of music in professional and community choirs, and artistically nourishing. I have done a in our collective worship made him a very singing and conducting. He studied under lot of thinking, leading and writing around good fit for this position,” said Terry Shue, Timothy Stalter at the University of Iowa the topic, and am energized by the pros- director of leadership development for MC and also composer/conductor Alice pect of leading this incredible project.” l Five Canadians selected for song committee MennoMedia • Paul Dueck of Cartier, Man. Originally from ive Canadians have been chosen to serve on the Ontario, Dueck is a recently retired music educator F12-member committee for the new song collection and past graduate of Canadian Mennonite University for Mennonite churches planned for release in 2020. (CMU), Winnipeg, who taught at Swift Current (Sask.) They include: Bible School. • Mike Erb of New Hamburg, Ont. He is the music dir- • Sarah Kathleen Johnson, a graduate of Conrad ector at Hillcrest Mennonite Church in New Hamburg Grebel University College who formerly pastored in and is actively involved in MC Eastern Canada, Ottawa, has been named as worship resources editor. Mennofolk and a recording studio. She is currently a Ph.D. student in liturgical studies at • Anneli Loepp Thiessen of Winnipeg. Originally Notre Dame University, South Bend, Ind. from Ontario, she just finished a third year of studies in • Darryl Neustaedter Barg of Winnipeg. He works piano and worship at CMU. She is part of the Gathering for Mennonite Church Manitoba, with wide experience in Church in Kitchener, Ont. worship music and recording/videography. He is a member of Douglas Mennonite Church in Winnipeg. The last four will sit as committee members. 26 Canadian Mennonite July 4, 2016

Book Review ΛΛBriefly noted Chronicles commentary An evening with speaks of books’ hope Readers might skip over the two books of Harold F. Miller Chronicles on their Encounters in Africa. way to better-known Harold F. Miller. Manqa Books, 2015, 228 pages. biblical books. If they By Richard MacBride do, August H. Konkel Special to Canadian Mennonite thinks they are making a mistake. The professor n a recent April When Bishop Zedekiah Kisare, of Old Testament at McMaster Divinity evening, our book the first African bishop of the School in Hamilton, Ont., is the author Ogroup enjoyed an Tanzanian Mennonite Church, of 1 & 2 Chronicles, the 30th volume of evening with Harold F. Miller. died, Miller and his wife were the Believers Church Bible Commentary Although not literally present, among the hundreds of mourn- series. Chronicles offers a lot to today’s Miller was there through his ers who waited patiently for church, Konkel believes. “The main book Encounters in Africa, a retired president Julius Nyerere theme of Chronicles is hope,” he says. collection of articles, speeches to arrive so the funeral service “If we are faithful to our calling, then the and personal experiences could begin. When Nyerere hope God gave to David and his people spanning more than 50 years finally arrived, he humbly paid is realized.” Writing at the time of the of living in East Africa. his respects as an ordi- Persian Empire, after Israel’s return from Seconded by the Eastern Mennonite nary mourner, not as a former president Babylonian exile, Chronicles offers en- Board of Missions and Mennonite expectant of applause and adoration. At couragement to the people of his small Central Committee (MCC) to four East this funeral Annetta, who was born in nation. The writer has “a vision of the African ecumenical agencies, he worked Tanzania to Mennonite mission workers, nation that is apart from the state,” says in rural development and peacemaking. was embraced by a giggling and hand- Konkel. He notes that the Chronicler Harold and Annetta (nee Wenger) Miller slapping group of respectable middle-aged four times uses the term “the kingdom now live in retirement in Nairobi, Kenya. women who had been her childhood of God.” Chronicles provides a starting The five members of our fledgling book friends and who just could not contain place to understand the New Testament group all worked in Africa through MCC their joy despite the solemnity of the meaning of the kingdom of God, the and have known Miller for his wisdom occasion. commentary author says, adding that and wit. We chuckled at some of his “slice Miller describes the African concept this understanding of the kingdom of life” stories that add a touch of whimsy of eldership, and how one is called to be is elaborated by Jesus and Paul in the and lighten the tone, such as losing his an elder after having been observed for New Testament. The Believers Church wallet, finding himself in jail awaiting years as being a good husband, father and Bible Commentary series is a coopera- trial and a fine for a minor driving indis- respected member of the community. An tive project of the Brethren in Christ cretion, and the mysterious six seeds he elder (mzee in Swahili) is one who has the Church, Brethren Church, Church of the brought back from Ethiopia. His experi- ability “to listen, keep secrets, and make Brethren, Mennonite Church Canada ences drew out many African encounters decisions on behalf of the people in a and MC U.S.A. of our own. manner reflecting consensus and serving —MennoMedia Miller recounts a visit Annetta and he the well-being of all.” On occasion Miller made to Madagascar. He describes the has been addressed as mzee. Festival of Dry Bones during which family East Africa has grassroots develop- members exhume their departed loved ment projects inspired and owned by on Kenya’s December 2007 post-election ones every five to seven years to rewrap rural communities. Miller sums up the violence and peace efforts. Kenyan peace their bones in new burial shrouds. After achievements of the Utooni Development groups, joined by retired archbishop much dancing and feasting the bones are Organization, which over a 30-year time Desmond Tutu and former UN secretary reinterred in the family crypt. While this span, built 750 sand dams in dry areas of general Kofi Annan, were able to prevent ritual may seem morbid to westerners, Kenya—all of which still function. Kenya from going down a dark hole of Miller seems to be making the point that Miller stays away from the darker polit- civil unrest and carnage, demonstrating throughout sub-Saharan Africa ancestors ical and corrupt aspects of East Africa’s that Africans have the ability to solve are remembered, respected and honoured. recent history; however, he does weigh in many of their own challenges. l Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 14 27

young voices Exploring alternative ways of living A 22-year-old reflects on living with his 97-year-old grandfather young By Aaron Epp Young Voices Editor voices

onas Cornelsen jokes that, at the age of Formerly the pastor of Sherbrooke PHOTOS COURTESY OF JONAS CORNELSEN J22, he’s retired. Mennonite Church, Erwin lives in the While most of his peers are looking to same house he bought in 1957, a year after start their careers, the Winnipeg native emigrating from Germany to Canada. and recent university graduate moved to When Jonas thinks about the four Vancouver last month to live with, and months he spent with Erwin in 2013, the care for, his 97-year-old grandfather, Erwin biggest thing that sticks out for him was Cornelsen. observing the ways in which his grand- Although he is as healthy as a 97-year- father’s faith sustains him. “[He] delights old can be, Erwin and his family decided in walking through each day and naming that having Jonas live with him and help where God is at work,” Jonas says. ‘That’s so exciting because there’s just so much . . . he can teach and express in terms of his life story and what he’s reflected on, and his own personal faith journey is very interesting.’ (Jonas Cornelsen, on living with his grandfather for a year)

him with his daily routine and chores Erwin’s day always begins and ends around the house would be beneficial. with Bible study and prayer, and when “He has a very sharp memory, he speaks he goes to church each Sunday he circu- well, and he’s very aware of what’s going lates around the room during coffee hour, on,” Jonas says. “That’s so exciting because checking in with people to see how they Erwin Cornelsen, left, and Jonas there’s just so much . . . he can teach and are doing. Cornelsen, pictured in 2013, are looking express in terms of his life story and what “Seeing the way that he’s lived for so forward to spending time together now he’s reflected on, and his own personal long, and lived well, really was inspiring to that they live together. faith journey is very interesting. It benefits me,” Jonas says. “Interacting with people me to know those stories.” from other generations really helps us get Jonas lived with Erwin for four months to know different perspectives on meaning in 2013 while Jonas was working at Erwin’s and values and all those things. It’s as good church, Sherbrooke Mennonite. “He was for me as it is for him in a lot of ways.” my roommate, my landlord and my grand- Erwin says that he is very happy to have father, and that wacky combination of Jonas living with him. “He is a very intelli- things really worked out well for us,” Jonas gent person, and very friendly and helpful,” says. (Continued on page 28) 28 Canadian Mennonite July 4, 2016

(Continued from page 27) we often consider success or a career track.” Erwin says. “I couldn’t ask for any better Jonas has committed to living with his grandson.” grandfather for at least a year, after which Jonas graduated from Canadian he, Erwin and their family will decide if a Mennonite University in April with a bach- longer stay is warranted. elor of arts degree with double majors in “Part of what really intrigues me about political studies as well as communica- this opportunity is it isn’t governed by con- tions and media. He wrote an honours tracts and rules, but it’s genuinely about thesis exploring the political theology of how we find our security in a relationship A. James Reimer and capped off an impres- and how both of us benefit from this ar- sive undergraduate career by being named rangement—economically, physically class valedictorian as well as being award- [and] spiritually,” Jonas says. ed the President’s Medal, given annually Leaving his friends and family in to two graduating students in recognition Winnipeg behind has been challenging, of their qualities of scholarship, leadership but Jonas knows those relationships will be and service. there when he comes out of “retirement.” “Living with a guy like my Opa can con- “This is something I can associate with tinue to teach me [those values],” Jonas says. vocation or calling, in the sense that what “I’ll have what I need. I’ll even earn a modest I’m doing is something I strongly believe wage and all that. But, for me, the impor- in, and is something I can do differently ‘[He] delights in walking through each day tance of doing it is a lot more in trying to than anyone else could,” he says. “I have and naming where God is at work,’ Jonas walk the talk of caring for each other and plans to take this moment and do every- Cornelsen, right, says of his Opa Erwin. expressing alternative ways of living to what thing I can with it, and that’s all I want.” l

Viewpoint Follow the money PHOTO BY THOMAS COLDWELL Anabaptist convictions of justice and nonviolence ought to be applied to economics

Andrew Brown Special to Young Voices

hat is the real cost of the make their way from Central America, things we buy? through Mexico and into the U.S. We W That’s the question I asked visited migrant shelters, listened to the myself during Uprooted, a three-week stories of these people and tried to grasp learning tour for young adults through the complexities of what was going on. Mexico, Guatemala and Arizona These people’s stories will stay with me that took place in May. Organized by for a long time. Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Many of these people are fleeing injus- Alberta and MCC Saskatchewan, the tice and violence in their home countries. tour looked at issues surrounding migra- I’ve always been vaguely aware that this tion in Central America and peacebuild- was going on, but I never realized how ing projects in the region. Our first week the violence and injustice these people was in southern Mexico and Guatemala, experience is driven by economics, and our second week was spent in and how much Canadian and American eco- The Uprooted learning tour includes around Mexico City, and our last week nomic interests have to do with it. a stop at Cafe Justo, a cooperative in along the Mexico-U.S. border. The North American Free Trade Mexico that allows poor coffee farmers Throughout our journey, we followed Agreement (NAFTA) is an agreement to remain independent. the general path of the migrants who between Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 14 29

Canadians either hate it or embrace it, I compare it to the physical violence but it has helped our economy to reach that we see around the world, and how new markets throughout North America. I respond to it. Just as I stand against In Mexico, it has had a much more dra- violence, or try to learn more about dif- matic effect. ferent conflicts in the world and try to PHOTO COURTESY OF THOMAS COLDWELL A major part of NAFTA is that it allows work for peace, I try to learn where the Canadian and American companies to money I spend goes and the effect of my move to Mexico and use cheap Mexican purchases. labour to reduce production costs. The But how can we become, in language factories, or maquilas, pay an average of familiar to our Anabaptist experience, between $400 and 500 pesos, or C$30 to “economic peacemakers,” “conscientious C$35, a week for a 60-hour work week. objectors to economic injustice” and “just When we were in Mexico, we lived one consumers”? day on a maquila salary. We ate cheap When we were in Mexico, we visited bologna sandwiches and still went over Cafe Justo, a coffee cooperative that our money limit for the day. While these allows poor farmers to remain independ- Participants in MCC’s 2016 Uprooted maquilas offer many jobs, they do not ent by selling their coffee directly to the learning tour include, clockwise from top provide living wages. United States, rather than joining major left: Thomas Coldwell (MCC Alberta), When we were in Mexico, we heard coffee corporations. This sort of direct- Andrew Brown, Alannah DeJong, the story of NAFTA’s impact on Mexican or fair-trade system works well and the Allison Goerzen (MCC Alberta), Jana corn farmers. To make competition in fair-trade coffee market has really taken Klassen, Carol McNaughton and Maria the corn market “fair,” Mexico had to off recently. Alejandra Toro. lower its import tariffs on American While such products are not always corn. Subsidized and mass-produced available, they can help us become just American corn began to flood the consumers. Where the products we buy Mexican market, being sold for much less are not sold through fair trade, organiz- than Mexican corn. The Mexican corn ing fair-trade markets can be the work of PHOTOS BELOW BY CAROL MCNAUGHTON farmers cannot compete. economic peacemakers. Finally, refusing In Guatemala, we visited Marlin Mine, to buy from major department stores can a gold mine operated by Goldcorp, a help us to become conscientious objec- Canadian company. We heard stories tors to economic injustice. about how the mine has negatively af- The next time I buy something, I’ll be fected the community of San Miguel. The sure to think about where it came from, mine uses cyanide to separate gold from where my money is going and whether it the rock and uses massive amounts of is a just transaction. l water to wash it out, effectively poison- Locals cross the river between ing the drinking water. This hit me at a Andrew Brown, 23, lives in Winnipeg, Guatemala and Mexico. Uprooted personal level. I have received Goldcorp where he is a member of Charleswood looked at issues surrounding migration stock shares from my grandfather in the Mennonite Church. in Central America and peacebuilding past, as a means of getting me inter- projects in the region. ested in the stock market. I have benefited from the company, and it from my investment. This bothers me. After seeing all of this PHOTO BY JAMES CHRISTIAN IMAGERY economic violence and injustice, it makes me question my own Anabaptist convictions: What does it mean to be economically just or nonviolent? What does it look like to work for peace economically? It is easy to get lost in the vast depths of economic injustice around the world— from the production of the clothes we Uprooted participants were told that the wear and the food we eat, to our elec- Goldcorp Marlin Mine in San Miguel, tronics—but it is important to do what Guatemala, has negatively affected the we can to counter this injustice. Andrew Brown community. 30 Canadian Mennonite July 4, 2016 Promotional Supplement Schools Directory featuring MCI Elementary/Secondary New leadership team formed

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110 Doon Road | Kitchener | N2G 3C8 www.rockway.ca | 519-743-5209 Canadian Mennonite Vol. 20 No. 14 31 Promotional Supplement

(Continued from page 31) Farm Mennonite Church, position. The position has a Morden Mennonite Church specific focus on enrichment and Gretna Mennonite of residence life and program- Church, all in Manitoba. ming. MCI is excited to see We are thankful that some strong leadership in God has called this creative Student Christian Life as it team to work in the lives of pertains to the complete stu- students, staff, families, and dent body. Schlegel has been the many alumni connected active as a pastor for 30-plus to MCI. years, most recently at Lowe

ΛΛCalendar Ontario British Columbia Until Dec. 26: New exhibit at the Mennonite Archives of Ontario at Oct. 14-16: Women’s retreat, “Piecing Conrad Grebel University College, together our identity,” at Camp Squeah, Waterloo: “Conchies speak: Ontario Hope, with speaker Song Yang Her. Mennonites in Alternative Service.” Register at mcbc.ca/womens-ministry. Until Aug. 13: “Stories in Art from Nov. 18-20: MC B.C. “Impact” youth Iraqi Kurdistan,” at Conrad Grebel retreat, at Camp Squeah, Hope. University College Gallery, Waterloo. July 23-24: Wideman Mennonite Saskatchewan Church 200th-anniversary main event, Markham, Ont. (23) barbecue at 5 p.m. Aug. 6: Seventh annual Spruce River (RVSP to [email protected]), Folk Festival, at Spruce Home, 20 followed by hymn sing at 7 p.m. (24) kilometres north of Prince Albert worship service at 10 a.m., followed by on Highway 2. Pipe ceremony at 10 a noon potluck lunch, and stories and Upcoming Advertising Dates a.m. Music from 1 to 8 p.m. For more music at 2 p.m. information, or to volunteer, call July 31: Vineland United Mennonite Issue Date Ads Due Heather Driedger at 306-763-6224. Church 80th anniversary celebration. Worship service at 10:30 a.m. with Aug. 15 July 29 (early deadline because of Civic Holiday) Manitoba lunch and program to follow. Please Aug. 29 Aug. 15 RSVP at 905-562-4422. Sept. 12 Aug. 29 July 29-Aug. 1: Pioneer Days at Aug. 4-7: The Sherk/Shirk/Schürch Sept. 26 Sept. 12 Mennonite Heritage Village, Steinbach. reunion, in Waterloo. Activities include Activities include steam-powered bus tours, seminars, a children’s Oct. 10 Sept. 26 threshing, music and food. program, auction and banquet. For Focus on Education July 30: Mennonite Heritage Centre more information, e-mail schurch. Oct. 24 Oct. 7 (early deadline because of Thanksgiving) Gallery, Winnipeg, hosts a public [email protected]. reception for artists Parvin Shere of Sept. 9-11: “Building community” Focus on Books & Resources Winnipeg and Rhonda Harder Epp of retreat at Hidden Acres Mennonite Nov. 7 Oct. 24 Edmonton, at 7:30 p.m. Their works are Camp, New Hamburg. Theme: “Gifting on display until Sept. 3. our community.” Speakers: Catherine Aug. 8-12: Pioneer Day Camp at Gitzel and Matthew Arguin. For more Mennonite Heritage Village, Steinbach, information, call 519-625-8602. for children aged 9 to 12. Sept. 26 or 27: Fall seniors retreat at conference for sacramentally minded To ensure timely publication of Aug. 10: Heritage Classic Golf Hidden Acres Mennonite Camp, New Mennonites and peace-minded upcoming events, please send Tournament fundraiser for Mennonite Hamburg. Theme: “Our houses, our Catholics takes place at St. Benedict’s Calendar announcements eight Heritage Village, at Quarry Oaks Golf hearts, our faith.” Speaker: Ingrid Loepp Monastery in St. Joseph, Minn. Theme: weeks in advance of the event Course. Spaces are limited. Thiessen. For more information, call “I desire mercy: Practising the works of date by e-mail to calendar@ Sept. 18: “Supper from the field,” at 519-625-8602. mercy.” For registration information, canadianmennonite.org. For more Mennonite Heritage Village, Steinbach, visit bridgefolk.net. Calendar listings online, at 5:30 p.m. Held in conjunction with U.S. visit canadianmennonite. Open Farm Day. org/churchcalendar. July 28-31: The 15th-annual Bridgefolk MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE PHOTO CENTRAL MENNONITE BY ALISON RALPH BY KRISTIN FLORY OF THE BRETHREN SERVICE EUROPE OFFICE SERVICE EUROPE BY FLORY BRETHREN KRISTIN THE OF PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN / BRETHREN THE PHOTO OF CHURCH THE OF COURTESY skills and healthy family and healthy skills nutrition. small business sewing, onlife-skills, shops and training focussed work by providing women in which South Sudan, empowers ization’s Mother’s the ECS Project with work Union Developing - SpringFest year’s $29,000 this for the organ raised of art, works 120 lunches and a quilt show boasting barbecue sales, of plant May 29 in 27 to Winnipeg.from Throughrevenues the combined 2016 Manitoba Mennonite SpringFest, held Committee Central at the some plants buys Giesbrecht Marge showQuilt volunteer

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