Forgiveness in the Chaco (MWC Assembly Coverage Begins on Page 4)

August 17, 2009 Volume 13 Number 16

Forgiveness in the Chaco (MWC assembly coverage begins on page 4)

inside Embracing violence in sports 24 New Mennonite studies program in B.C. 27 Church snapshots 30/31 2 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

Editorial “splendour of Pentecost,” as one church leader described it—that inspired us. Or just maybe it was a renewed commitment A grand family reunion to Jesus Christ, around whom we “came together”—the conference theme. Dick Benner At a deeper level, it was the coming of Editor/Publisher age of a religious movement, a creative minority on the world’s stage that has held n the surface, the Mennonite in the management of the company. The to its core values in shaping a people com- World Conference (MWC) as- farmers “feel treated with justice and re- mitted to peace and justice, developing Osembly in Asunción, Paraguay, spect, having a new sense of dignity and and sharing a unique compassion for its last month felt like a family reunion on a empowerment,” he writes. neighbours, and, in its latest innovation, grand scale. So, yes, this 15th annual gathering of adding the care of creation to its agenda. And for Canadians attending, it must nearly 6,000 Mennonites from four con- Thanks to Larry Miller, MWC’s execu- have felt like a homecoming. tinents and 56 countries, was both tive secretary, ecumenicity moved from For it was to the central Chaco a family reunion and a homecom- the ideal to reality. It was not lost on me that many Prussian and Russian ing. Faith cousins came “home” that one of the high moments was when Mennonites from Canada emi- from every ethnicity and political MWC president Danisa Ndlovu em- grated 82 years ago, primarily persuasion, the rich and the poor, braced Ishmael Noko, general secretary because this little-known country the educated and uneducated, the of the Lutheran World Federation, after in South America offered them young and the old. It was a virtual Noko spoke of Lutherans’ plans to re- religious freedom and land. United Nations event, complete with nounce condemnations of Anabaptism in Talk to any Canadian who grew up in earphones to hear the seven different their 16th-century Augsburg Confession. the Chaco, or, conversely, anyone who translations of the official language of the Lutherans’ persecution and execution has gone to the Chaco to spend time assembly, Spanish. of Anabaptists “is a wound we carry with in study or with family, and you hear It is now almost a cliché to say that us,” Noko said. “When you meet for your compelling stories of hardship and gruel- we celebrated this diversity in song and next assembly, we hope to be with you in ling isolation in the “green hell,” heart- dance, in drama, in poetry, in native a new relationship.” warming anecdotes of mutual aid and dress (even a fashion show in the Global Father Gregory Fairbanks, the Vatican’s agricultural development, or even some Village), and in theological exposition. It representative to the assembly, didn’t go spine-tingling tales of romance. seemed that, at long last, this 500-year- quite that far, but confessed that both the And at a more serious and sophisticated old Anabaptist family, born of persecu- Roman Catholic and Anabaptist com- level, Werner Franz, director of Centro tion and martyrdom, gladly shed its munions “have sinned” in keeping an his- Evangélico Mennonita de Teologia in parochialism, its European pride and toric division alive since the 16th century. Asunción, writing in the 2009 Journal stubbornness, and its penchant for Mennonites are on record, in recent years, of Mennonite Studies, recommends the division and contention over deeply held as forgiving our persecutors for this sin. 3,100-farmer co-op, CODIPSA, as the distinctives, and with clasped hands and When our historic persecutors come to business model for Anabaptist-owned happy hearts greeted and conversed with our worldwide gathering to ask our for- commerce around the world. one another with smiles and hugs. giveness and to acknowledge their “sins,” Through this MEDA-assisted enter- Maybe it was the free-spirited Latino is it too much to think that now we—a prise, Franz reports that violence and culture and music that gave impetus to small 1.6-million-strong communion— unrest in the region have been greatly this festivity. Paul Dueck, our inspired have a place at the global faith table? And reduced due the improvement of the music leader, certainly tried his best to doesn’t it diminish the stereotype that we co-op owners’ farming techniques, the melt our hearts together in majestic are somehow a “religious sect”? strengthening of community networks, and multi-language songs. Maybe it was Now that’s something to write home and the representation of their interests the multiple spoken languages—the about, isn’t it?

About the cover: Circulation: Please contact Lisa Jacky toll-free at Jonoine, an Ayoreo chief, holds the spear that he used to kill Mennonite 1-800-378-2524 ext. 221 or by e-mail at office@ missionary Kornelius Isaak a half-century ago as he awaits his turn to canadianmennonite.org for subscriptions and ad- go on stage and hear a statement of forgiveness written and read by dress changes. Subscriptions can also be ordered at Helmut Isaak, brother to the slain missionary, at Paraguay 2009, the 15th our web site. We acknowledge the financial support of Mennonite World Conference assembly held last month (see story on the Government of Canada through the Publications page 11). Assistance Program towards our mailing costs. Photo: Lowell Brown, Meetinghouse ISSN 1480-042X PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40063104 REGISTRATION NO. 09613 Together in Paraguay 4 RETURN UNDELIVERABLE ITEMS TO CANADIAN MENNONITE contentsNearly 6,000 Mennonites from around the world met in 490 DUTTON DRIVE, UNIT C5 Paraguay last month for Mennonite World Conference WATERLOO ON N2L 6H7 (MWC) Assembly 15. To cover this momentous event, Phone: 519-884-3810 Toll-free: 1-800-378-2524 Fax: 519-884-3331 Canadian Mennonite editor/publisher joined Web site: canadianmennonite.org Dick Benner with his colleagues from Meetinghouse, an association of Mennonite Please send all material to be considered for publication to: and Brethren in Christ publications, and MWC staffers in Asunción, to General submission address: [email protected] bring readers 15 pages of stories and photos of everything from forgive- Readers Write: [email protected] ness to food, and from a suffering past to a socially just future. Milestones announcements: [email protected] Obituaries: Karen Suderman, [email protected] Embracing violence . . . in sports 24 Calendar announcements: [email protected] Carl DeGurse of Winnipeg, the father of a teenaged football player, Material can also be sent “Attn: Submissions/Readers Write/Milestones/ makes the case that Mennonites can still wear their “Wage peace” lapel Obituaries/Calendar” by postal mail or fax to our head office. buttons while cheering on their favourite “extreme” athletes. Is he wrong? Reprint requests: [email protected] Joining the ‘irresistible revolution’ 25 Mission statement: Canadian Mennonite (CM) is a bi-weekly Anabaptist/ Also last month, Mennonite Church Canada youths Mennonite-oriented periodical which seeks to promote covenantal relationships within the church (Hebrews 10:23-25). It provides channels for sharing gathered in Saskatchewan for their own assembly. ‘Praise accurate and fair information, faith profiles, inspirational/educational materials, Jesus that I went to this conference,’ Brendan Murray of B.C. and news and analyses of issues facing the church. In fulfilling its mission, the enthused about his experiences with his peers and Shaine primary constituency of CM is the people and churches of Mennonite Church Claiborne, the keynote speaker and ‘ordinary radical.’ Canada and its five related area churches. CM also welcomes readers from the 33 broader inter-Mennonite and inter-church scene. Editorial freedom is expressed Canadian MCCs prepare for budget shortfall, cutbacks through seeking and speaking the truth in love and by providing a balance of Despite previous optimism that it could weather the current economic perspectives in news and commentary. CM will be a vehicle through which storm, Canada’s national and regional Mennonite Central Committees mutual accountability can be exercised within the community of believers; the are working together to ‘share the pain’ of financial constraint. paper also encourages its readers to have open hearts and minds in the process of discerning God’s will. Regular features: Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has For discussion 18 Readers write 19 Milestones 22 promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good Pontius’ Puddle 22 Calendar 37 Classifieds 38 deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:23-25, NRSV). A grand family reunion 2 Dick Benner Board of Directors (by appointing body): MC Canada: John Goossen, Joon Hyoung Park, Les Klassen Hamm; Youth Farm a home for diverse seniors 19 MC B.C.: Linda Matties, Ed Janzen; MC Alberta: Doris Daley Haysom; Mervin Dyck MC Saskatchewan: Joe Neufeld; MC Manitoba: Al Friesen; MC Eastern Canada: Larry Cornies; A cry in the night 20 CMPS: Margaret Ewen Peters, Joanna Reesor-McDowell, Tobi Thiessen Phil Wagler Board Chair: Larry Cornies, [email protected], 519-854-9204 Important . . . in whose eyes? 21 Head Office Staff: Will Braun Dick Benner, Editor/Publisher, [email protected] Ross W. Muir, Managing Editor, [email protected] Barb Draper, Editorial Assistant, [email protected] Dan Johnson, Graphic Designer, [email protected] Lisa Jacky, Circulation/Finance, [email protected] Advertising: Lisa Metzger, [email protected], toll-free voice mail: 1-800-378-2524 ext. 224 Correspondents: Aaron Epp, National Correspondent, [email protected], 204-885-2565 New blog postings ext. 259; Amy Dueckman, B.C. Correspondent, [email protected], at canadianmennonite.org/blog/ 604-854-3735; Donita Wiebe-Neufeld, Alberta Correspondent, ab@canadianmennonite.org, 780-436-3431; Karin Fehderau, Saskatchewan Correspondent, Mellowness of heart: [email protected], 306-933-4209; Evelyn Rempel Petkau, Manitoba Cheryl Woelk Correspondent, [email protected], 204-745-2208; Dave Rogalsky, The passion of David Bazan: David Driedger Eastern Canada Correspondent, [email protected], 519-579-7258 Wafering on the wafer: Will Loewen Assembly 2009 Feature Address Micah’s warning Social justice is as important for today’s Christians as it was when the prophet Micah warned the ancient Israelites to mend their ways if their worship was to be acceptable to God.

By Nzuzi Mukawa

Nzuzi Mukawa is the academic dean and a professor at the missiology school in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and associate pastor of Batela Mennonite Brethren Church of Kinshasa. Born and raised in a Mennonite family, Photo by Ray Dirks where his father was a pastor and church leader, he began serving the church as a young man and later served as a youth leader, evangelist and church planter. Since 2004, he has travelled widely, especially in North America, for cross-cultural ministries. This article was condensed by Dick Benner, editor/publisher of Canadian Mennonite, from one of the major evening addresses at the Mennonite World Conference assembly in Paraguay last month.

onight, as we again consider our calling to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, how can we claim to be genuine followers if we forget about, or ignore, our social calling? In today’s world, several races are despised, the Tpoor are exploited in many places, several cultures are marginalized and there is still widespread discrimination against women. Can we pretend to follow Jesus and not pay heed to these issues that plague us? Nzuzi Mukawa of the The prophet Micah tells us we cannot worship God and Democratic Republic of Congo forget about social justice. He was speaking to a people challenged today’s Mennonite in the 8th century B.C. who, like us, were enjoying great Church to place as high a value prosperity and great wealth. Two classes had emerged: the on justice for the poor as God, wealthy and the poor. There was a huge gap between them. through the prophet Micah, ex- Wealth and power were exclusively held by a small group pected of the ancient Israelites. of merchants and judges. This class exerted great oppres- sion upon the lowly ones. In Micah 2:1-2, we are told the poor were deprived of their fields. Their houses and their own labour became the object of business transactions. This exploitation had spread to northern Israel, too, Paraguay Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 5 2009

Please use Pantone #662 (blue) or for 4-Color Process: C-100 M-70 Y-0 K-20 Paraguay 2009

Photo by Lowell Brown triggering the protest of the prophets the community of alliance, and, as such, Hosea and Isaiah, and, later, Jeremiah. are called to experience a great solidarity The great imbalance amounted to noth- with others. Micah reminds them that ing less than gross injustice. Yahweh insists that his justice is practised What was happening was nothing less to sustain this alliance. For everyone to than a serious violation of the alliance belong to the community there must that God, up to that point, had with his be social cohesion, a standard of justice people, a great solidarity that was to pre- between individuals. vent this exploitation of the poor by the Exploiting the poor breaks the com- powerful ones. munity apart and violates the alliance. Micah critiques this emerging social God is not happy about this, says Micah, structure and says it can’t continue if the because justice is the very nature of God. people want to live. He charges them Justice is what God does. They need to withParaguay violating the Sinai Alliance, telling restore their broken harmony. them how ungrateful they are for forget- In order to reverse this fragmented ting 2009how God had delivered them out of community, Micah calls for a renewal Egypt, sheltering them from the curse. of “loving mercy,” a new demonstra- God is fed up with their many offerings, tion of grace and pardon. This calls for their feigning of worship, which included interaction with the poor. We all know the sacrificing of their own children. that, biblically speaking, poverty is Micah calls them to repentance, specific- spiritual and physical. But this is all about The prophet Micah tells us we cannot worship God and forget about social justice. ally asking them to practise justice, love material poverty. According to the law mercy, and walk humbly with their God. (Deuteronomy), there shall be no poor What does Micah mean by practis- among God’s people. Incoming Mennonite World Conference ing justice? In that setting, it meant that Where there are poor people, all the president Danisa Ndlovu of Zimbabwe. everyone’s interest had to be safeguarded others should try to lift them up from for there to be harmony in the society. that condition. This implies that the poor them. Micah tells both Judah and Israel The fundamental rights of everyone must should focus the attention of Israel. All that they have profited from the weak- be respected. God’s people all belong to necessary help should be brought to ness of the poor by exploiting them. But 6 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

this is contrary to the harmony of the with him. destroyed the ozone layer. Moreover, alliance. The poor should be protected. The inequality in the distribution of poor countries depend on these green God insists they should not continue resources globally is an issue the church surfaces for livelihood. Rich countries to be ignored, but be brought into the should be concerned with, if it is to “love should be required to compensate for decision-making process of the society. justice.” We know that only 8 percent of this loss of wealth. In turning from their exploitative ways, the world’s population utilizes 36 percent There is the issue of homeless children, God’s people are given a new standard of conduct within the community: walking Rich countries should pay damages to poor countries humbly with their God. There has to be a new standard of compassion and hu- because they are the ones who have greatly polluted mility that lifts up the poor, rather than the air and have destroyed the ozone layer. forcing them into a lower class. Obeying this new standard equals walking with of all of the world’s resources. This is to estimated to be nearly 100 million living one’s God, getting into lockstep with a say that over half of the global population on the streets of major cities. Projections God who is just and whose interest is lacks basic items for living, such as water, are that this number will climb to some in the betterment of all, particularly the electricity, health, education, lodging and 800 million by the year 2020. It is about poor. employment. time the church awakens to this social So what does this mean for us as Do we think that with such a disparity plight and stands up for these children.Paraguay followers of Jesus in today’s society? In we can achieve God’s harmony, especially With global injustice rampant on this a world that is very similar to Micah’s when in the church there’s a handful that global scale, I am calling the church,2009 like Judah, the church must respond to the lives in comparative wealth while the Micah, to work alongside the poor in same call for repentance, for loving rest— the majority—lives in poverty? promoting resources such as drinkable mercy and for walking humbly before Then there is the load of the inter- water, vaccination of children, educa- God. We need to be reminded that God national debt of poor countries. Several tion in preventing recurring diseases, is still a God of justice, that he cannot tol- African countries are currently facing teaching agriculture, developing erate exploitation of the poor. Like Judah, the option of either paying debts or Pleasenew use technology and literacy God opposes any religion that doesn’t pay supporting their population. My own Pantoneprograms. #662 (blue) attention to injustice. homeland, the Democratic Republic of It should continue to imple- Following Jesus clearly means we have Congo, is required to pay $50 million ment business projects with to follow his path of justice. Proclaiming dollars monthly on its foreign deficit or for 4-Colorthese micro-financing Process: enter- God’s justice must be a part of our and finds itself unable to invest in healthC-100 prises that help the poor sup- worship, our discipleship and our mis- and education. This is injustice becauseM-70 port their families. The next step sion. The church must practise justice it will foster pauperization of the debtorY-0 is to assist them in marketing from within. We tend to think justice is countries. their products. elsewhere, and often fail to see how it is The international (global) trade systemK-20 There needs to be a change falling short within our own structures. operates to the detriment of poor coun- in lifestyle for Christians. Paraguay For instance, in the succession of tries. Sometimes, only rich countries Capitalism teaches people leadership, members not belong- have access to international trade by to spend their own money and 2009 ing to majority groups have a difficult means of imports and exports, whereas become greater and greater consumers. The materialism of The inequality in the distribution of resources Northern Christians is marked by luxury, where, for instance, people want big globally is an issue the church should be mansions and big vehicles. By continu- concerned with, if it is to ‘love justice.’ ing this way of life, we are destroying the other social classes. The ideal would be to time acceding to leadership positions. poor countries must be subject to duties invest for oneself, but also for the others Members from the lower class have a and quotas that keep them from gaining in order to achieve social equilibrium. hard time being accepted in some con- access to world commerce. This is unfair. Finally, let’s follow the path of him who gregations. Minorities often don’t have With the global warming issue, there loved us and who gave himself for us. access to the church’s assets. In some are far greater consequences for poor He is the one who urges us to be salt of churches, women cannot fully participate countries. Rich countries can no longer the earth and light to the world by living in all ministries, especially in pastoral exploit their green surfaces (forests). Rich in justice and practising it. By so doing leadership. This is contrary to God’s countries should pay damages to poor there will be peace, justice and mercy in Word; the Apostle Paul says that in Christ countries because they are the ones who the world. l we are neither man nor woman, but one have greatly polluted the air and have Paraguay 2009 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 7

Photos by Ray Dirks Giant cooker assists feeding of the thousands

By Cathleen Hockman-Wert Mennonite World Conference Release

hen Adelheid Thiessen agreed to two rectangular sections in the middle. Whead the mammoth task of prepar- Rice and pasta could be cooked in the More than 60 masked servers (to prevent ing 10 meals for 5,800-plus assembly par- outer ends, while sauces would go in the the spread of swine flu) helped the nearly ticipants, she knew the menu would have middle. 6,000 assembly participants get their to be simple. She’d also need an awfully big The vat became the centrepiece of the food quickly and then find a seat. cooking pot. tent-covered cooking area outside the Originally from Menno Colony, but liv- Centro Familiar de Adoración facility. plus volunteers, the entire assembly crowd Paraguaying the last 25 years in Asunción, Thiessen Additional food preparation, baking and could get their food in less than an hour. found her mind turning to the big iron meat roasting—more than a thousand kilo- Seating was only available for some 2,000, 2009 kettles her foremothers used in the Chaco. grams of beef at a time—was done offsite. so everyone was asked to spend no more She envisioned a huge, propane-fueled “We had hoped to contract out the bak- than 20 minutes eating and then move cooking vat that would be custom-built ing, but that didn’t work out at the last elsewhere for extended conversation. at the assembly site. But there would be minute,” Thiessen said. “So we said, well, Most meals featured a sauce of chicken no time to test it with anything but water if Jesus closes one door, he will open an- or ground beef served over rice or noo- before the event began. It had to work. other.” She called another local bakery, dles, with crusty rolls, locally-sourced or- Please use Worried about the design, she gave which offered its space for free. anges or bananas, and bottled water, some- Pantone #662 (blue) a testimony at her congregation, In addition to her husband Edwin, who times with a salad of shredded cabbage Concordia Mennonite Brethren organized the dining area on the first park- with cucumbers or carrots. Paraguayan Church, expressing her concerns. ing level inside the large church, Thiessen Mennonites are famed for their beef and or for 4-Color Process: After the service a man came for- was assisted by a host of volunteers, mostly dairy production, and roast beef and yo- C-100 ward with a new idea: to divide the from the Chaco. Businesspeople but not gurt also appeared during the week, as M-70 oval-shaped vat into four chambers, food service professionals, the Thiessens did mandioca (also known as manioc or Y-0 with two half-moons on each end and previously had never cooked for a group yucca), a local staple root vegetable. Snacks larger than their 500-member church. included meat empanadas (turnovers), tea K-20 Paraguay With 12 serving stations staffed by 60- sandwiches and pastries. l 2009

With seating for only 2,000, assembly organizers asked participants to eat quickly (20 minutes) and then take their The custom-designed cooking vat used by Adelheid Thiessen and her volunteers to conversations elsewhere, so everyone Paraguayfeed nearly 6,000 Assembly 15 participants was constructed onsite. could be fed in the space of an hour. 2009 8 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

than the previous one, however, Singing each with about half as many songs. As editor, Dueck made sure that, in addition to international rep- other’s songs resentation and Mennonite World Conference favourites, a good por- By Dora Dueck For Meetinghouse tion of the 44 songs would be in Spanish. or many people, singing together was Dueck’s other main task was Fone of their Assembly 15 highlights. to put together the team of inter- For the man who led that singing, it was national singers, instrumentalistsParaguay the highlight of his life. and composers that helped him “It’s a dream come true,” said Paul Dueck. lead the twice-daily worship2009 ses- Beyond the thrill of music-making, he said, Members of Grupo Ebenezer, musicians from the sions. He kept pushing for more was “the thrill of seeing our brothers and Paraguayan Chaco, play zampoña flutes and time for singing, he said, because sisters from around the globe singing each guitars. “Raise your hands, worship the Creator,” “that’s where people get involved other’s songs.” they sang. in the conference.” Dueck is music minister at Leamington One slot was given him unexpect- United Mennonite Church, Ont., and teaching at CEMTA, a Mennonite seminaryPlease useedly when the power went out music teacher at United Mennonite in Paraguay’s capital city. Pantonein #662 the windowless (blue) sanctuary Educational Institute, also in Leamington. The energetic Dueck moved easily at during the morning service on He is also a harpist with three recordings Assembly 15 between the three languages July 16. Dueck and his team to his credit. he speaks fluently: Spanish, Englishor and for 4-Colorscrambled Process: to the stage. The A Canadian citizen, Dueck was born in German. He also moved easily fromC-100 lead- congregation joined them as Asunción to Mennonite missionary parents ing on the stage front to leading behindM-70 the they moved from one familiar and lived there for 12 years. He returned to piano or harp. Y-0 song to the next, in several lan- the country as an adult, with his wife Linda As in several previous assemblies, the guages, until the house lights and their family, for two separate stints of music committee had debated the meritsK-20 were restored. Applause and of creating a songbook for the event, since cheers concluded the spon- Paraguay Photos by Lowell Brown many people do not read notes. They once taneous and beautiful sing- again decided in favour, because a book ing in the dark. 2009 collection can be enjoyed later at home. Said Dueck of that experience This assembly’s songbook was smaller later, “It was amazing.” l Getting the word out . . . in eight languages at once Mennonite Church Canada worker Rebecca Yoder Neufeld heads translation team at Assembly 15

By Doreen Martens Mennonite World Conference Release

he dimly lit booth tucked into a but hundreds of English-speakers are de- Tbalcony at the Centro Familiar de pending on her ability to listen, translate Adoración doesn’t hold much: a table and and talk at the same time, to makeParaguay this a chairs, a pair of microphones, a bottle of meaningful evening. water, a few sticky notes stuck to the win- Epp was one of about 125 translators2009 Canadian Paul Dueck of Leamington dow, a bilingual Bible—and Carmen Epp who volunteered to translate between United Mennonite Church, Ont., leads listening intently through headphones to Spanish and French, German, English, music at the MWC assembly. For him, it the sermon being delivered in Spanish Portuguese, Nivaclé, Guarani and Enlhet was a dream come true. down below. Few are aware she’s there, on stage, in the booths, and at workshops Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 9

and meetings during Mennonite World headsets were dispensed before each ses- everyone has so little time so they have Conference (MWC) Assembly 15. sion by young volunteers. to write out almost every word they’re “It’s a high calling, but also a very hum- But for Yoder Neufeld and Paraguayan saying. ble ministry,” said Rebecca Yoder Neufeld, coordinator Jacob Lepp, the job began “When it’s something written that people a member of First Mennonite Church, a year-and-a-half ago with recruiting, read, it’s dense,” Epp said. “That’s harder Kitchener, Ont., of the vocally and mental- screening and sometimes—especially for to do; you’re almost translating from the ly demanding job. “The better you do, the the indigenous languages—training vol- paper because you don’t want to miss out. less you’re noticed. If you’re doing the job unteers who had never translated simul- When it’s more conversational style, it’s really well you fade into the background.” taneously before. easier; you can speak freely and listen to Yet without it, “all the careful preparation Then came the big task of scheduling what they say.” Paraguaydone for this assembly would pretty much equipment and volunteers to cover not Coordinating her army of talkers kept come to nothing.” she added. only the two daily mass meetings, but also Yoder Neufeld on the run all week, and 2009 Yoder Neufeld, a Canadian born in dozens of daily workshops, three concur- brought some tense moments when inter- France who is familiar with all four MWC rent pre-assembly meetings and other preters took ill or otherwise missed their official languages, coordinated the transla- gatherings at which translation, sometimes assigned times. tors for Asunción and the last assembly in in several languages, would be required. Why not just hire professionals? On a Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, as well as smaller “It involves a lot of careful thinking and previous occasion when that was neces- gatherings in between. matching about who fits what kind of sary, Yoder Neufeld said the pros didn’t do Please use Asunción was the first MWC assembly venues best, because of their experience, so well because they didn’t know “church Pantone #662 (blue) in memory at which English was not practice, the kind of vocabulary they’re language.” Two German professional trans- an official platform language, which familiar with,” Yoder Neufeld explained. lators, however, were welcomed as volun- meant that many North Americans Some feel quite comfortable translating teers this time. or for 4-Color Process: and English-speaking Africans and sentence-by-sentence; others find doing Wherever possible, written texts were C-100 Asians were learning for the first time so on stage in front of nearly 6,000 people collected in advance so volunteers could M-70 what it’s like to depend on headsets. too nerve-wracking, she said. prepare. Speakers were counselled on how Y-0 Equipment was obtained through a “I haven’t done it often enough not to to make their addresses translate easily; for company in neigh- get nervous, but it’s exciting,” Epp said of example, by avoiding expressions that are K-20 bouring Argentina translating English to Spanish, sentence- too culture-specific. Translators, in turn, Paraguay and close to 2,400 by-sentence, on stage. “I find it hard that were cautioned to keep their voices neu- tral, avoid the temptation to soften speech 2009 Photo by Lowell Brown that seemed politically incorrect, and as effectively as possible convey the speaker’s tone and message. All went through an orientation first. “Part of the point of that, in addition to practical suggestions, the ethics of inter- preting and things like that, is trying to help people think about the meaning behind this task,” said Yoder Neufeld. Hanging in the translators’ office was a colourful banner she commissioned for the Bulawayo assembly. It reflects the Pentecost story and Revelation, which picture a multitude of tribes and nations and languages praising God. “Language isn’t erased there, in that final picture of how God wants things to be,” Yoder Neufeld said. “What we’re aim- Paraguay ing towards, these gatherings are a little glimpse. And we’re part of that stream of 2009 Since Spanish was the platform language at Assembly 15, speakers and listeners helping each one hear on his or her own alike were dependent on 125 volunteer translators to get the messages into French, terms.” l German, English, Portuguese, Nivaclé, Guarani and Enlhet. Mennonite Church Canada staffer Rebecca Yoder Neufeld coordinated the translation team, as she did six years ago in Zimbabwe. 10 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

Photos by Lowell Brown Paraguay’s lessons in diversity By Paul Schrag For Meetinghouse Paraguay xperiencing the variety of Paraguay’s EMennonites proved instructive for vis- 2009 itors and valuable for Paraguayans, too. In the eight Paraguayan church bodies hosting the Mennonite World Conference (MWC) assembly—three Germanic, three conference meetings taught an import- said Cornelio Goossen, a Nivaclé indigenous and two Hispanic groups— ant lesson. “Here we are in step with the whose parents worked for a MWC general secretary Larry Miller saw a indigenous people, because SpanishPlease is not use Goossen family and adopt- reflection of the worldwide fellowship. “In the mother tongue for either of us,”Pantone he said. #662 ed (blue)their name. He said your history, your diversity and your vitality, “So we adjust to that, we learn from that.” his people learned to put you incarnate the past, present and future of Walter Neufeld, speaking in Spanish, said their confidence in God the global Anabaptist church,” he said dur- the assembly “encourages the Mennoniteor for 4-Color rather Process: than witch doc- ing the evening worship service on July 18. churches to realize that we areC-100 part of a tors. “There were many In interviews, assembly participants large body of people in the world,M-70 that the things we had to leave be- from Paraguay said the event made an im- opportunities don’t finish in Paraguay,Y-0 that hind because of our faith pact by bringing the country’s Mennonites we can work together with others.” in Christ,” Goossen said. closer together. In a workshop, indigenous ParaguayansK-20 When the Enlhet first Jakob Warkentin saw benefits both told of being drawn to the Christian faith came in contact with Paraguay for indigenous and German-speaking and later to a Mennonite identity. Since the the Mennonites in the Mennonites. “It is important for the first baptisms of seven Enlhet men in 1947, 1930s, the nomadic hunt- 2009 indigenous people to see that to be the indigenous churches have grown to in- er-gatherers were “very Mennonite is not to be white, but also clude 8,300 members in three conferences: much afraid,” said Cesar black or brown,” he said. “It is a matter of United Enlhet, Enlhet Mennonite Brethren Cabanas. “But the Mennonites said we belief, not of culture and heritage.” and Nivaclé Mennonite Brethren. could live together.” And for German speakers, Warkentin “We’re very grateful for the work of the The indigenous people began to learn said, worshipping in Spanish at the missionaries and the courage they showed,” the German language, and “the Word of God, like a seed, entered into hearts,” Cabanas said. “After the seed was growing, it gave new life. And the indigenous people decided to follow Jesus.” Among the results of their new faith was an end to the practice of infanticide, which had been common when families felt they could not care for more children. Today, many indigenous churches are third-generation congregations. Still, for some, a Mennonite identity is relatively new. Paraguay “No one told us we had to be Mennonites, so it’s only in the last generation that we realized we are part of the2009 Mennonite faith,” said Victor Perez. “ ‘Mennonite’ has Mennonites from across Paraguay and around the world celebrated communion less to do with the colour of your skin than together, bridging cultural, linguistic and racial barriers in the process. your faith.” l Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 11 Forgiving the murderer

By Dick Benner Editor/Publisher

n a moving symbolic peace gesture to- “More than 50 years ago, your clan and which the Christian can draw strength. Iwards the indigenous Ayoreo people tribe were resisting us,” said Helmut, “but “The world will know us by our helping Paraguayof the Paraguayan Chaco, Helmut Isaak now we aren’t enemies anymore, but broth- of one another inside this community of read a statement of forgiveness to the mur- ers in Christ. Brothers and sisters, this is faith,” he said. 2009 derer of his brother, Kornelius Isaak, dur- a symbolic act of peace. In [Kornelius’] A delegate from Siberia brought greet- ing the three-hour closing worship serv- memory we are establishing a centre of ings from a small 100-member Mennonite ice on July 19. studies for learning about the Christian group located in a tiny Russian village Jonoine, now a chief of his tribe in the faith,” he said to the applause of some 8,500 where they converse in Low German. northern Chaco, came to the stage carry- worshippers, the largest gathering of the Arriving by way of Canada, he said, “I never ing the spear that that he used to kill assembly. knew there were so many Mennonites.” Please use Kornelius Isaak in 1958 when a delegation According to Stoesz, some 300 Ayoreo Swelling the numbers of those at- Pantone #662 (blue) of Mennonite missionaries were trying members are now Christians, the result of tending the final worship service were to win over the Ayoreos. The fatal inci- efforts by the New Tribes Mission some local Mennonites, who came rather than dent occurred, according to an account years after the murder. conduct their own Sunday services. The or for 4-Color Process: by Edgar Stoesz in his recent book, Like In his closing message to the assem- event was originally planned to be an out- C-100 a Mustard Seed, following a presentation bly, Alfred Neufeld, dean of the theology door service, but the threat of inclement M-70 of gifts to the tribes people. Then a young faculty and a teacher at the Universidad weather kept the service inside the 10,000- Y-0 warrior, he fatally speared Kornelius. Evangelica del Paraguay, and an ordained seat assembly hall. l minister in the Concordia Mennonite K-20 Brethren congregation in Asunción, said, Photos by Lowell Brown Paraguay “Jesus needs you to love,” clinching the conference theme, “Come together in the 2009 way of Jesus Christ.” “Christians are not only members of the church of Christ,” he further pushed, “we need to be lovers of the church of Christ.” Drawing from the animal world, he used the imagery of cats versus pigs when declaring that Christians need to be the “Lord’s cats, not pigs,” explaining that cats are constantly cleaning themselves to keep their identity, while pigs seek out mud puddles for their enjoyment and sense of worth. Neufeld warned against trusting ideolo- gies and politics, rather than Jesus Christ, More than 50 years after he killed to whom God has given all authority in Mennonite missionary Kornelius Isaak, heaven and on earth. But this is not easy, he Jonoine, now the chief of the indigenous insisted. Mennonites have to “work out our Ayoreo people of the Paraguayan Chaco, salvation with fear and trembling,” he said, Paraguaywas invited to the closing worship service adding that this process is not magical, or a of MWC Assembly 15, where a state- given, but an act of obedience, a labour of ment of forgiveness was read by Isaak’s love that reaches out, like Jesus did, to the 2009 of performers brother, Helmut: “More than 50 years “most marginalized of our society.” One of hundreds ago, your clan and tribe were resisting He concluded with an appeal to attach who graced the Global VIllage stage us, but now we aren’t enemies anymore, this “working out one’s personal salvation” during Assembly 15. but brothers in Christ.” to a congregation, a place of safety from 12 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

The guest from ‘Babylon’ Photo by Lowell Brown Mennonites welcome church groups they now work with, including some whose history was antagonistic to Anabaptists

By Dick Benner Editor/Publisher

oth “Anabaptist” and “Catholic” were Bpejorative labels in their 16th century settings, the Vatican’s representative for Promoting Christian Unity, Father Gregory Fairbanks, told a workshop at Mennonite World Conference (MWC) Assembly 15. He introduced himself jokingly as the guest from “Babylon.” Because of the two churches’ conten- tious history, they are both sometimes Paraguay stuck in the 1500s, he further claimed, while confessing that both communions 2009 have “sinned” over the intervening years MWC general secretary Larry Miller, left, introduces Lutheran World Federation by keeping this division alive. Rather, both general secretary Ishmael Noko. Lutherans have announced plans to renounce con- should heed the words of Jesus when he demnations of Anabaptism in their 16th-century Augsburg Confession. prayed to the Father at the time of his be- trayal: “May they [his disciples] be one so that the world will believe.” work of peace, especially with churchesPlease use in the southern communions. Fairbanks represented one of six groups Latin America and Africa. The alliancePantone will #662 Geoff (blue) Tunnicliffe, inter- introduced by MWC general secretary be celebrating its 400th birthday next year national director for Larry Miller with whom Mennonites with a worldwide meeting in a Mennonite the World Evangelical cooperate on the global scene. A theme church in Amsterdam, Holland.or for 4-ColorAlliance, Process: said that it, too, of dropping differences and uniting in Archbishop Daniel Okoh, presidentC-100 of was moving toward that the common cause for peace and justice the Organization of African InstitutedM-70 “prophetic voice” in the around the world resounded in all of their Churches, reported a new allianceY-0 with forms of taking up the presentations. Mennonites in the southern part of the Micah Challenge to ad- Katherine Johnson, representing 68 continent, where both groups areK-20 helping dress poverty issues by million Lutherans worldwide as assistant local churches identify their African roots evangelical churches Paraguay general secretary for the Lutheran World while developing new congregations. and by becoming an Federation, claimed that while they were Hansulrich Gerber from Argentina, advocate for human rights 2009 “proud of their theological distinctives,” coordinator for the Decade to Overcome and the poor in the halls of they would not be “celebrating” their 500th Violence for the World Council of government. birthday next year due to the divisiveness Churches, said the last decade has been Eugene Hsu, representing 17 million of the Reformation. The federation’s goal is “very stressful.” He said member groups Seventh Day Adventists, said his com- to help shape the church for the 21st cen- have wanted to move forward their dis- munion is moving away from its emphasis tury, she said. tinctive agendas, but that the organiza- on prophecy and towards education and True to its roots in empowering local tion’s primary role is to develop a “proph- medical ministries, especially in poorer congregations, Raquel Contreras, vice- etic voice,” especially in the North/South countries. In that regard, he is happy to president of the Baptist World Alliance, tension, where the northern commun- partner with Mennonites in their service said it was rediscovering its own Anabaptist ions, because of their greater power and outreach around the world. l roots and pointing to a new direction in the advanced development, want to dominate Paraguay 2009 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 13

pleasantly surprised to learn how much rather than the individualism their northern Multinational they were already a part of the Anabaptist neighbours reflect in answering questions. story.” Jumanne Migiri, representing 60,000 Anabaptists “These churches have much to teach us Mennonites in Tanzania scattered over a in North America,” he said, noting that the large area, told the workshop that the pro- northern churches need this data for their cess in his country will not be easy since profiled own development and self-awareness. there are so many dialects of the Swahili By Dick Benner “There has been more interconnectedness language. He insisted, however, that the Editor/Publisher over the last years than we, in the North, data will help them understand themselves have taken notice.” better as a national church. hen sociologist-researcher Conrad Galen Groff, working with the rural “Will there be any synthesis of the WKanagy decided to do profiles on K’ekchi in Guatemala, told of some of the data when it is gathered and published?” racial/ethnic congregations in three major U.S cities, he was told by a conference lead- ‘These churches have much to teach us in North er from Chicago to throw out his models America. There has been more interconnectedness over used in sampling the 250 congregations in the Mennonite mainstream. the last years than we, in the North, have taken notice.’ “Whatever research model you used (Nathan Showalter) in profiling these historical, mainstream churches will not work here,” Rodolfo problems in gathering data from people a workshop attendee asked. Kanagy and Jimenez, told him. “And whatever you do, with a mostly oral history, half of whom are Showalter said it was difficult to accom- don’t use the word Anabaptist because illiterate. “They have a different concept plish this due to the diversity of the church- it will have little meaning in our circles.” of what this is all about,” he said. “The first es, but rather it will point to the fact that all ParaguayIt was this advice that prepared Kanagy thing they wanted to know is, ‘What are we congregations are on a journey. It answers to tackle congregational profiling on the going to get for this?’ ” the question: Who are we as Anabaptists? 2009 international scene, an ambitious project To them, data-gathering was a commod- Another attendee from Lancaster that seeks to gather comparative data on ity, Groff explained, something which they County, Penn., said his congregation has four continents. could use in daily living. They also spend already been on a “soul search” after seeing Kanagy told a Mennonite World a great deal of time coming to consensus its profile. “It triggers the question of where Conference (MWC) Assembly 15 work- on what information should be reported, we are in this journey and where we want shop that what is called the “Multi-Nation reflecting their communal living values to go,” he said. l Please use Anabaptist Profile 1” has several objec- Pantone #662 (blue) tives, foremost among them being to Photo by Ray Dirks give a voice to the southern hemisphere churches. This proved to be a domi- or for 4-Color Process: nant theme in the worldwide gathering in C-100 Asunción. M-70 While there has been conversation be- Y-0 tween the global North and South churches, this profile will increase K-20 “south to south” conver- Paraguay sations, Kanagy said in spelling out more of his ob- 2009 jectives: “It will give us a base- line against which to measure future growth and change among these churches.” That growth has been phenomenal in the last 20 years, observed Nathan Showalter, president of the Eastern Mennonite Board of Missions (EMM), the sole sponsor of the multi-nation study, who co-directed the assembly workshop. Showalter visited Indonesia and countries in East Africa and Central America as part of his orienta- The nearly 6,000 participants at Paraguay 2009 had an abundance of workshop tion as president of EMM, saying he “was options to choose from each day. Paraguay 2009 14 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

Photo by Ray Dirks A history of suffering Workshop and art show chronicle the history of Anabaptist trials and tribulations in the former Soviet Union during the last century

By Dora Dueck For Meetinghouse

istorical work on Mennonites in the in Germany, who lived in, or originated HSoviet Union from 1930-80 is add- from, the Soviet experience. Conservative ing new pages to the annals of Anabaptist estimates put the number of baptized suffering and martyrdom. Aussiedler members at about 80,000. According to Walter Sawatsky, professor “Many congregations in Germany want to of church history at Associated Mennonite do historical work now,” said Sawatsky, “to Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind., many find their way.” people associate those themes only with Katharina Neufeld, director of the Paraguay the 16th century or with refugees who Museum for German-Russian Cultural managed to escape from Russia. History in Detmold, Germany, gave an status, both on religious grounds2009 and for Sawatsky hosted a workshop at overview of the period, and Johannes P. being “German.” Strategies of adaptation Assembly 15 on “Recovering the History Dyck presented his findings on one re- included spiritual leadership by women, re- of Mennonites in the USSR: 1930-80,” that gion—Kazakhstan, a state in the former ligious practices based on meager resources highlighted a complex and relatively re- Soviet Union—where many Mennonites such as a Bible verse or hymn stanza cent story of almost unimaginable loss and eventually settled after World War II and written on a scrap of paper, and dispersal during the Soviet state war on re-established church life. Please usealliances among Christians of religion. This research and writing is being Neufeld chronicled waves of repression various confessions. done by those from the “Aussiedler” groups that stripped Mennonites of identityPantone and #662 Art (blue) and artifacts from the Detmold museum Photo by Lowellor Brown for 4-Colordisplayed Process: on the top floor C-100 of the Centro Familiar de M-70 Adoración in Asunción gave visual testimony to the Y-0 workshop presentations. K-20 Particularly gripping were several works in bronze Paraguay by Jakob Wedel (see above). “Road of Suffering” de- 2009 picts the farewell of con- scripted women as they are torn from their children. The artist is an 11-year-old who tries to comfort his sister while covering his own face in despair. “I can still hear the crying and the sobbing,” the artist’s statement says. “I would like to forget about it, but my conscience pushes me again and again to tell people the truth about this horrible past.” Former Paraguayan president Nicanor Duarte Frutos and his wife, Gloria “The Very Last Bit of Strength” shows the de Duarte, take part in the opening worship service of Mennonite World artist’s mother in a Soviet work camp, her Conference Assembly 15. The Duartes attend Raíces Mennonite Brethren 30-year-old face that of an old woman. The Church in Asunción. piece is inscribed in memory of “the mar- tyr’s death of our mothers andParaguay sisters.” l 2009 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 15

de Leon-Hartshorn, U.S., and Ron Penner, 2008, with positive fund balances. What’s new Canada, representing North America. • Four commissions, which have been developing over several years, and ap- Other news pointments to them were approved by the with MWC? • The first action of the new executive com- general council. The commissions met mittee, which met on July 19, was to accept for the first time in Asunción. Discussion General council, executive by consensus a report from Amigos, the between MWC and the Global Mission committee decisions from young adult team, and its nominations for Fellowship concluded with the formation Assembly 15 many and varied a youth task force to operate for one year. of the MWC Mission Commission, whose Its mandate is to propose MWC youth chair, Richard Showalter from the U.S., By Ferne Burkhardt programs and structures by 2010. was elected in Asunción. Other commis- Mennonite World Conference Release • Four national churches (conferences) sion chairs, named earlier, are: Deacons— esides installing a new president For the first time, management of MWC’s Band vice-president last month at its global gathering, other Mennonite World finances has moved to the global South . . . . Conference (MWC) changes include a new general council and executive committee, were accepted as full members of MWC. Cynthia Peacock from India; Faith and Paraguaywith a woman representing Africans for In addition to the Vietnam Mennonite Life—Alfred Neufeld from Paraguay; and the first time; new member churches, in- Church, new members are the Brethren in Peace—Mulugeta Zewdie from Ethiopia. 2009 cluding the Mennonite Church in Vietnam; Christ Church in Mozambique, the Gilgal • MWC is also looking into the future. Under growing involvement of young people; a Mission Trust (Mennonite Church) in consideration is reconfiguring its offices and new treasurer from Paraguay; a revised India, and the Bible Missionary Church staffing, intending to shift some administra- constitution and four new commissions in Myanmar. tion to the global South, with MWC repre- ready to work. • For the first time, management of MWC’s sentative offices in each continent. Danisa Ndlovu from Zimbabwe, who finances has moved to the global South, • There is strong support for continuing Please use has been vice-president for six years and with the appointment of Ernst Bergen from global assemblies. A study is underway to president-elect for three, was installed as Paraguay as treasurer. Paul Quiring from determine the time and place for the next Pantone #662 (blue) MWC president for six years. He suc- California concluded 11 years as treasurer global gathering. Already a major celebra- ceeds Nancy Heisey of the U.S., who at the Asunción meeting. During the past tion is anticipated in Europe in 2025, the or for 4-Color Process: served in various MWC-related roles decade, MWC’s income, investments and 500th anniversary year of the beginning C-100 since 1995 and as president since 2003. expenses have increased dramatically, to of the Anabaptist movement and MWC’s M-70 Janet Plenert from Canada was elected approximately $1.2 million at the end of 100th anniversary. l vice-president for six years. Plenert chaired Y-0 the Global Mission K-20 Fellowship for three Photo by Lowell Brown Paraguay years and worked with the fellowship and MWC in establishing what has be- 2009 come the MWC’s Mission Commission. The general council elected a new executive committee from its members. For the first time, the African caucus chose a woman, Mawangu Biavula Ibanda from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as one of its representatives. The second African is Thuma Hamukang’andu from Zambia. Other executive committee members are: Prem Prakash Bagh, India, and Adi Waludjo, Indonesia, representing Asia; Edgardo Sanchez, Argentina, and Felix Rafael Curbello Valle, Cuba, representing Latin America and the Caribbean; Rainer Burkart, Germany, and Markus Rediger, Nancy Heisey of the United States, left, passes the MWC presidency to Danisa ParaguaySwitzerland, representing Europe; and Iris Ndlovu of Zimbabwe, pictured with his wife Treziah. 2009 16 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

Viewpoint Like a Mustard Seed: Mennonites in Paraguay. What about the non- Ratzlaff, a Germanic Paraguayan Mennonite, German Mennonites? tells the story of After 80 years faith founders now outnumbered by the Paraguayan indigenous and Latino Mennonite Christians Mennonite church from its roots in the Old Testament through today, honestly and carefully By Scott Bergen discussing its triumphs and struggles. Stoesz, an American, is a formerParaguay ’m going to Paraguay to teach American Mennonites, but are Latino or Mennonite Central Committee director English,” I told curious friends indigenous. to Latin America and a great writer2009 who “Iand family last summer. “The The Mennonite church in Paraguay uses stories to help his North American Paraguayan Mennonite churches have has approximately 28,000 members in audience connect with, and understand, invited young adults to teach English in total, about 13,600, or 49 percent, who the Mennonites of Paraguay. their congregations to prepare for the are Germanic; 9,100, or 32 percent, who At first, I was very excited about these Mennonite World Conference assembly.” are indigenous; and about 5,300, or 19 new books. I had hope that they “That’s great,” they’d respond en- percent, who are Latino. would add to our under- thusiastically. “So you’re going to learn There are about 204 MennonitePlease usestanding of the Mennonite German, then?” congregations in Paraguay, 39 of Pantonewhich #662church (blue) in Paraguay, “Well, no,” I’d explain. “I’ll be working are part of Germanic Mennonite confer- and that through them with Paraguay’s Spanish-speaking Latino ences, 39 of which are part of indigen- we would be blessed Mennonite churches, living with a Latino ous conferences, and a whoppingor 126 for 4-Colorby knowing Process: the stories Mennonite host family, and am going to of which are of Latino conferences.C-100 not only of our German learn Spanish, not German.” Clearly, in order to tell the story ofM-70 today’s brothers and sisters in the It makes sense that we in Canada so Paraguayan Mennonite Church, oneY-0 faith, but our Latino, often think of “Paraguayan Mennonites” must speak as much about the SpanishK-20 Guarani, Nivaclé, Lengua, as German-speaking, North American and indigenous Mennonite groups as the Sanapaná, Toba, Angaité, and European immigrants. After all, the Germanic Mennonite ones. Ayoreo, Mbyá and Paraguay first Mennonites to settle in Paraguay Enlhet Mennonite more than 80 years ago were German- Unbalanced Information family as well. However, 2009 speaking, Russian Mennonite set- Two of the most popular books pub- I was disappointed to tlers with names like Toews, Fast and lished recently about the Paraguayan learn that these books did Neufeld, and came from the Canadian Mennonite church are Gerhard Ratzlaff’s not provide as much information about Prairies. Today, many of these Germanic One Body, Many Parts: The Mennonite indigenous and Latino Mennonites as I Mennonites (as I’ll refer to them in this Churches in Paraguay and Edgar Stoesz’s had hoped. article) come to Canada to Ratzlaff’sOne Body, Many study, work or to live perma- Photo by Lowell Brown Parts starts off by talking nently, and are, here in Canada, about Mennonites in gen- our fellow churchgoers, co- eral before spending 146 workers, pastors and friends. pages detailing the story of Of course we know who the Germanic Mennonites in Paraguayan Mennonites are. Paraguay, 22 pages on the indigenous Mennonites, and Not a complete picture a mere 10 pages on the Latino It may be surprising to learn Mennonites. Information about that slightly less than half of all the Germanic Mennonites of the Mennonites in Paraguay outnumbers the other two are Germanic. The majority, in Mennonite groupsParaguay in Paraguay fact, are not immigrants or des- at a rate of over 4.5 to 1. cendants of European or North I held out hope for 2009Stoesz’s Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 17

Like a Mustard Seed, We Russian and Swiss Mennonites but think that the incredible story of and while he wrote a still proudly declare that “Mennonites the Germanic Mennonite pioneers who bit more about the in- sing awesome four part harmony,” arrived in Paraguay with nothing and digenous Mennonites, even though the majority of the world’s are now prospering in so many ways is Latino Mennonites Mennonites can’t read music, have never anything less than astounding, and theirs made an appearance heard “Praise God,” and are much more is certainly a story worth telling. in only 10 out of 289 comfortable singing praise and worship But the stories of the indigenous and pages. songs. Latino Mennonites are no less miracu- We, as Russian Canadian Mennonites, lous or amazing. Why should we limit Who is a Mennonite? still talk about “Mennonite food” being ourselves to knowing the stories of only In Paraguayan culture—both within farmer sausage, paska and borscht, even one group? If God is at work in all the the Mennonite church and in the larger though traditional dishes for people like many parts of the church, what’s stop- society—the word “Mennonite” isn’t used my Latino Paraguayan Mennonite host ping us from learning as much as we can Paraguayto refer to someone who chooses to fol- family would include none of those, but about all of the various and diverse parts low Jesus in the Anabaptist faith; rather, rather empanadas, guiso and asado. of the church and expanding our idea of a Mennonite is someone of Russian or We cheerfully play “The Mennonite what a Mennonite is—both in Paraguay 2009 German Mennonite ancestry who speaks Game,” where two Russian or two Swiss and in Canada? l German. Mennonites each trace their family Ratzlaff uses this same definition of trees far enough back to find a com- After completing his “Mennonite” in his book. Sentences such mon link between them. It’s harmless first three years of a as, “[b]ecoming increasingly popular with enough to find out how two people are bachelor of arts degree the Mennonites, beside rollkuchen, zwie- related to each other, but when we stick with majors in theology Please use back and [borscht], are guiso, chipa and the title “Mennonite” onto it, it turns and music at Canadian Pantone #662 (blue) sopa Paraguaya” (One Body, Many Parts, into an exclusive and dangerous ritual. Mennonite University page 296), assume that to be Mennonite When we call this game “Mennonite,” in Winnipeg, Scott is to eat borscht (a traditional Russian it reinforces the idea that to be part of Bergen spent 10 months living in San or for 4-Color Process: Mennonite cabbage soup). This is odd, the Anabaptist faith is to be born into a Lorenzo, Paraguay, fulfilling a practicum C-100 as most Mennonites in Paraguay prob- certain race as opposed to living out a requirement by serving as a volunteer M-70 ably couldn’t even tell you what borscht faith commitment. with Mennonite Church Canada Witness. Y-0 is, but eat the traditional Paraguayan I by no means strive to diminish the He taught English in a Spanish Mennonite K-20 foods guiso (meat and story of the Germanic Mennonites congregation and at CEMTA, a Menno- vegetable stew) and in Paraguay or the Russian and Swiss nite seminary. He is part of Sterling Paraguay sopa Paraguaya (corn- Mennonites in Canada. One cannot help Mennonite Fellowship in Winnipeg. bread) on a regular basis. 2009 I was disappointed when I read these books. Where were all the stories about the indigenous Paraguayan ΛΛFor discussion Mennonites and my Latino Paraguayan 1. What have been your experiences in listening to translation of another language? faith community? At the Mennonite World Conference in Paraguay, Spanish was the primary language

Exclusivity in Canada and English-speakers needed translation. How do you think this changed the dynam- ics of the conference? I’m not convinced that those of us with Russian or Swiss Mennonite ancestry in 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having so many different cultures Canada do any better than those books at and languages represented at Mennonite World Conference? What role does music including Mennonites from non-Russian play in helping to bridge language and racial barriers? and non-Swiss backgrounds. I have come 3. Nzuzi Mukawa had a prophetic message for the North American Mennonite to the hard realization this past year— church. What does he identify to show that injustice is rampant in the global church? and I’m ashamed to admit this—that I How do you respond to his message? Why might some North Americans respond know next to nothing about my fellow with defensiveness rather than shame? What should churches in Canada be doing First Nations Mennonites, Vietnamese about global wealth disparity? Mennonites and most others who do not define their heritage as coming from 4. What is the most important thing that Mennonite World Conference does? What ParaguayRussia or Switzerland, even though there should it be working at in the future? How important are global assemblies? Is enough are many Mennonites from these groups being done to give voice to the churches of the southern hemisphere? 2009 here in my own city in Canada. Paraguay 2009

18 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

Please use top two Photos by LowePantonell #662 Brown (blue)

or for 4-Color Process: Viewpoints C-100 M-70 Y- 0 K-20 Paraguay 2009 Mark Diller Harder, co-pastor of St. Jacobs Mennonite Church, Ont., second from right, joins other Mennonite World Conference participants in front of a sign at the Centro Familiar de Adoración, a church with a 10,000-seat sanctuary that hosted most assembly events. Of the 5,838 people who registered for the assembly, 3,109 came from Paraguay, 766 from the U.S. and 730 from Canada. Paraguay 2009 Lars Åkerson of Harrisonburg, Va., right, and Jonathan Spicher of Lancaster, Pa., arrive by bicycle on July 9 in Asunción, Paraguay, for the Global Youth Summit and Mennonite World Conference Assembly 15. The pair biked for six months, travelling more than 12,000 kilometres through 12 countries. They also raised money for the youth summit. The trip, known as BikeMovement Americas 2009, followed BikeMovement trips across the United States in 2006 and part of Asia in 2007.

Photo by Ray Dirks

Planting a Palo Santo (holy wood) tree in the courtyard of the local Roca Iglesia Menonita congregation in Asunción on the last day of Assembly 15 symbolized the importance of caring for creation—a major theme at the assembly. The native tree is used as a healing agent for cancer. Pictured from left to right: Wilfried Giesbrecht, a Mennonite born and raised in Paraguay, who is director of the Foundation for Sustainable Development of the South American Chaco; Carlos Ferrari, a member of the 80-member congregation who takes care of the garden; Gaston Guzman, pastor of Iglesia; Stuart Clark, senior policy advisor with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, who, as a workshop convenor, headed the MWC International Planning Committee; and Luke Gascho, executive director of Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College, Ind. Clark sees the MWC workshop and tree-planting ceremony as opportunities to begin discussions on how Anabaptists can respond as individuals, congregations, and at national and international levels. He wonders, “Can Anabaptists be the ‘leaven’ for a Christian response to the ecological challenge, just as Christian Peacemaker Teams grew out of discussions instigated by Ron Sider at the Strasbourg, France, Mennonite World Conference assembly in 1984?” Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 19

Viewpoints EE Whitewater remains an active congregation ΛΛReaders write I am responding to the “A church of grey hairs” We welcome your comments and publish most letters sent article on page 20 of the April 13 issue concerning by subscribers intended for publication. Respecting our our congregation (Whitewater Mennonite Church). theology of the priesthood of all believers and of the im- It mentions that we worshipped structure and had portance of the faith community discernment process, this too much program instead of new life. I wonder if the section is a largely open forum for the sharing of views. writer really knows our past and present situation. Yes, Letters are the opinion of the writer only—publication we are an aging, declining membership and our com- does not mean endorsement by the magazine or the church. mittee has planned a year of jubilee. Letters should be brief and address issues rather than Many of our members, such as myself, have been individuals. active members for over 65 years. Most of us served Please send letters to be considered for publication to on many different committees with the blessing of [email protected] or by postal mail or fax, the larger congregation. Our missions committee has marked “Attn: Readers Write” (our address is on page 3). worked to inspire mission outreach, our education Letters should include the author’s contact information committee has helped with biblical learning, and our and mailing address. Letters are edited for length, style service committee has been responsible for church and adherence to editorial guidelines. structure and maintenance. We also have a person

From Our Leaders federal government, which resulted in the purchase of this land. Over the years, the property has been home to many dif- Youth Farm a home ferent programs and institutions. Currently, the nursing home is the predominant building on the property. Although governed by regional poli- to diverse seniors cies and government standards, the Mervin Dyck Saskatoon Health Region supports us as a faith-based facility. This is important to he mission of the Youth Farm laundry and housekeeping are supplied many families who are looking for long- Complex—which includes the to residents who pay rent for their units. term care. Knowing that their senior TMennonite Nursing Home, As well, six houses within the complex family members are being cared for by Pineview enriched housing complex, are rented to staffers. staff with similar values as the residents and Country Gardens for independent Country Gardens is comprised of themselves is comforting for families. seniors—is to provide the best emo- two buildings, each with four units for Myrna Rempel from Hague has her tional, intellectual, physical independent seniors. Half are rented at mother, Attie Huckabay, 92, and her and spiritual care for our market value, while the others are subsid- mother-in-law, Katharina Rempel, 94, residents within a secure, ized for low-income seniors. in the home, which she visits every stimulating Christian atmo- Farm land owned by Youth Farm is afternoon. She and her husband chose sphere. All of the programs rented out to local farmers. Proceeds it because of its proximity to Hague, but run out of these buildings from the rent (after expenses) are sent to the faith-based focus of the home is im- allow seniors to live with dignity and as the MC Saskatchewan office for further portant, too. She has been very pleased independently as possible. use. with the care both family members are The day-to-day operations of the Also on the farm property is the Youth receiving. nursing home, which is home to 68 long- Farm Bible Camp, which is operated by a “When the staff see me coming, they term-care residents, are governed by the separate board. get my mother up,” she says appreciative- Saskatoon Health Region, which includes Mennonite Youth Farm came into be- ly. “There’s not one caregiver I don’t like. participating in an accreditation process ing back in 1943, when a federal experi- There’s always a smile on their face.” every three years. mental farm was closed and rented to Pineview housing, which includes a local farmer. Some of our forefathers Mervin Dyck is in his sixth year as a 32 units, allows seniors to live on their had a vision for the future of our young member of the MC Saskatchewan Youth own with assistance. Services like food, people and made a proposal to the Farm Complex board. 20 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

or persons to inspire service for MCC and MDS. We Mennonite chose to include information about this also have a ministerial committee to support and give process in its July 6 issue (“MCC pours out ‘new wine,’ ” inspiration to the pastor and other spiritual leaders. page 14) and welcome further conversation. This letter We still have a vibrant ladies sewing group. clarifies several items that appeared in Dick Benner’s Maybe we were and are somewhat over-structured, editorial (“Unexamined generosity,” page 2). but it has been for important reasons. Arli Klassen does not “head U.S. operations in —Jacob J. Unger, Boissevain, Man. Akron.” She is executive director of MCC Binational, which has programs and workers around the world. EE MCC Binational board chair The editorial indicated that within New Wineskins clarifies editorial statements recommendations, Mennonite World Conference (MWC) would have responsibility to convene the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) is global bodies of MCC under its umbrella and fashion deeply appreciative of the support of Mennonite both the vision and the structures of MCC. We want Church Canada and the interest of its members in to clarify that MWC will convene and facilitate a po- MCC’s ongoing reshaping process called New Wine/ tential global forum for all Anabaptist service agencies New Wineskins. We are grateful that Canadian worldwide. It is not being asked to be the centre for Outside the Box hiddenness of God is actually one of the more beautiful aspects of the reality of a A cry in the night loving Redeemer. In remaining hidden God acts in grace Phil Wagler and holiness: • First, he does not coerce us into belief. ver a number of summer nights repeatedly called out to the Holy One: God respects our humanity in all its cre- I was shook from my sweet “Where is he? Where the %#&* is he?” ated beauty and sin-induced brokenness. Oslumber by the same couple How would you answer her cry in the • Second, he heightens the joy of discov- walking beneath my open bedroom night? ery. God both looks for us and waits to be window conversing in loud and inebri- Elie Wiesel, in his famous little book, found, so that our joy is complete, even in ated tones. Over the course of a week or Night, tells of prisoners in Auschwitz the midst of trial. so they were like clockwork—very loud asking the same troubling and very hu- • Third, and uniquely Christian, God clockwork—and the conversations were man question: Where is God? We must enters our suffering. God does not ignore a cornucopia of slurred, liquored chatter take this question seriously. We must be us, but meets us in our pain, and we are that was a convoluted combination of with those who ask it. We must admit awakened to a grace and love that would cursing and startlingly deep and thought- that even we who believe ask it. Even the never have come into view otherwise. provoking sermon material. Scriptures wonder, “O my God, I cry by God in Christ enters humanity’s an- On the last night of these midnight visitations, the robust banter God respects our humanity in all its created went all-out theological. God, Jack Daniels and John Labatt were stirred beauty and sin-induced brokenness. together in a curious mix, and the results whetted my appetite for more day, but you do not answer, and guish and answers our question of where as they rounded the corner and drifted by night, but I find no rest” (Psalm 22:2). he is with a cross that flips the question off into the darkness to disturb someone We must have an answer for the seeming around: “Where is humanity? Is this what else. hiddenness of God or we’re no longer you people do with love and grace? Who The man was quoting Scripture, talk- human, let alone honest. do you think you are? Do you crucify the ing about life and the reality of God. If you’ve ever walked with the frustrat- Good and then blame the Good for not The woman, consistently the more ed, you know there are no pat answers. stopping you?” obnoxious of the two, was throwing a The fact that many rely on pat answers, Now there’s a question or two that classic God-objection in his face. “I have clichés or Oprahisms is perhaps proof might keep us up at night. prayed and tried to see him,” she said. “I we’ve been far too asleep and in need have gone to church,” she claimed. She of a midnight walk. Still, we must be Phil Wagler is a pastor of the Kingsfield recounted some of the pain in her life, the able to point those crying in the night to churches in Huron County, Ont. disappointments and anxieties, and then hope, to some reason to believe, and the ([email protected]). Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 21

MCC in the future. Rather, MCC wants to be part of the appropriate ways for MCC to be accountable to all such a forum and support it. of its constituencies. It is important to reiterate that MCC, at present and We acknowledge that it will be difficult and compli- as envisioned in the future, does not operate alone. cated to implement change, but are committed to doing Our mission is focused on relationships with part- so in ways that reflect God’s calling to us through the ners and constituents worldwide, and our programs churches we represent. Our work “in the name of Christ” emerge from these relationships. New Wineskins continues, and, with prayerful support, can increase. strengthens that approach by advocating for organ- Herman Bontrager, Akron, Pa. izational structure and accountability that include Canada and the U.S, and beyond. We are searching for Herman Bontrager is chair of the MCC Binational board.

New Order Voice mark such a life—a life that was not “full and rich,” as they say? It was a question I had agonized over in previous months. Important . . . What I wrote is that in his weakness and simple existence my uncle was closer to “the least of these”—with whom Jesus iden- tified—than most of us. He was closer to in whose eyes? the blessed poor than most of us, although Will Braun in a completely unromantic and non- dramatic way. And when we share in the ’m attracted to importance. to work around his rough edges, and lives of such people, I wrote, we discover Subconsciously, I gravitate towards always appreciated the times together, something of God—something we cannot Ipeople who are smart, talented and but the many “important” obligations in discover in our busyness, strength and influential. I’m not saying I have a knack my life left little time for him. However, accomplishment. We discover simplicity, for endearing myself to such people (I when he ended up in hospital, I started relationship and the tenderness of struggle. don’t). I’m just confessing that if you visiting him regularly, partly because I The broader issue for me is whether look at the people I stop and talk with, was his nearest relative, partly because our Mennonite subculture is one those whom I invite for supper, and those I couldn’t tolerate the thought of him enamoured with importance or drawn whose emails I respond to quickest, you alone at such a difficult time, and partly to simple, ordinary weakness? In my ob- would see that I make more time for because I recognized an obvious oppor- servation, too often we tend to follow the people who are “important.” tunity to experiment with putting aside dominant culture in celebrating growth, That said, some small part of me my “important” obligations to attend to achievement and success. knows the value of smallness, weakness something “unimportant.” Do preachers and church publica- and unimportance. That part of me won Over the course of the seven months tions tell stories that celebrate success out—despite the odds—last year when I found out that an It is not easy to pay tribute to someone who uncle of mine was terminally ill and would be in hospital achieved nothing noteworthy in his life . . . . for an extended period. This uncle was not an “important” person. He my uncle was hospitalized, our visits and achievement? Do people who did poorly in school as a young person, became a valued part of my life. Not never graduate, marry, have kids, get suffered multiple physical disabilities because I discovered he was actually an noteworthy jobs, buy houses or serve throughout his life, and was, frankly, extraordinary person in unlikely disguise, in official church functions ever receive not the easiest person to be around. but simply because I came to appreciate official communal affirmation? Do our Although he certainly had a softer side, him as an ordinary person. announcements, sermon anecdotes and he tended to be more irritable than gra- When my uncle died last spring, my special prayers of blessing (as for gradu- cious, more opinionated than polite. As relatives asked me to write a tribute for ates or service workers heading overseas) the pastor at his funeral put it, referring his funeral. It was both an honour and reinforce a hierarchy of importance or to my uncle’s inter-personal relations, the a tough assignment. It is not easy to pay radical inclusion of all? roses were to be found among the thorns. tribute to someone who achieved noth- Over the years, I had infrequently vis- ing noteworthy in his life, and had only Will Braun attends Hope Mennonite ited my uncle, who lived alone. I learned “12 good years” out of 76. How does one Church in Winnipeg. 22 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

ΛΛMilestones Births/Adoptions Roes—Naomi Lynette (b. June 16, 2009), to Tom and Lynette Roes, Zurich Mennonite, Ont. Billings—Cody Robert (b. June 11, 2009), to Chris and Roveri—Nicolas Rodriguez (b. April 3, 2009), to Geisa Rochelle Billings, East Zorra Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont. Roveri and Nino Rodriguez, Toronto United Mennonite. Brenneman—Ethan Bradley (b. June 27, 2009), to Brad and Salese—Eric Steven (b. July 23, 2009), to Karla and Steve Jenny Brenneman, Maple View Mennonite, Wellesley, Ont. Salese, East Zorra Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont. Crouch—Isabella Payton (b. July 16, 2009), to James and Schellenberg—Luke Heinrich (b. June 25, 2009), to Harold Tiffany Crouch,R osthern Mennonite, Sask. and Shannon Schellenberg, Douglas Mennonite, Winnipeg. Driedger—Liam David (b. June 29, 2009), to Allison and Schlegel—Kaelynn Victoria (b. June 12, 2009), to Erin and Grant Driedger, Elim Mennonite, Grunthal, Man. Toby Schlegel, East Zorra Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont. Enns—Nora Claire (b. July 24, 2009), to Chris and Lori Enns, Thiessen—Joel David (b. June 30, 2009), to Debbie and Glenlea Mennonite, Man. Kendall Thiessen,G lenlea Mennonite, Man. Friesen—Cole Jacob (b. July 29, 2009), to Maria and Darryl Visser—Connor Richard (b. July 19, 2009), to Jason and Friesen, Carrot River Mennonite, Sask. Leanne Visser, Bethany Mennonite, Virgil, Ont. Friesen—Corban Glen (b. July 6, 2009), to Nancy and Ryan Friesen, North Star Mennonite, Drake, Sask. Baptisms Gerber—Hailey Morgan (b. April 10, 2009), to David and Laura Gerber, Poole Mennonite, Ont. Kristin Friesen, Lori Pauls—Carrot River Mennonite, Sask, Gerber—Wyatt Michael (b. June 23, 2009), to Chad and May 31, 2009. Kaitlin Gerber, Maple View Mennonite, Wellesley, Ont. Stephanie Eisan—First Mennonite, Calgary, Alta., May 24, Gilmore—Carson Michael (b. June 12, 2009), to Darolyn 2009. and Mike Gilmore, Cassel Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont. Caitlin Warkentin, Rob Schwartzenberger—Wildwood Hiebert—Parker Reid (b. July 7, 2009), to Rachel and Stan Mennonite, Saskatoon, Sask., July 19, 2009. Hiebert, Bergthaler Mennonite Church of Plum Coulee, David Doerksen, Andrea Fehr, Jacy Friesen, Jeremy Man. Hildebrandt, Heidi Houle, Christine Nickel, Matthew Laforme-Workman—Austina Ann (b. July 21, 2009), Penner, Melissa Penner—Blumenort Mennonite, Man., to Sharon Laforme and Scott Workman, East Zorra June 21, 2009. Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont. Olivia Siebert, Victoria Thorburn, Richard Loewen—Daniella Maria (b. July 23, 2009), to Andrew and Strickland—Vineland United Mennonite, Ont., May 31, Jennifer Loewen, Douglas Mennonite, Winnipeg. 2009. McMahon—Connor Matthew (b. June 25, 2009), to Julie Phyllis Ramer, Linda Hendrick, Samantha Mitton, and Pat McMahon, Bergthaler Mennonite Church of Plum Matt Relouw—Zurich Mennonite, Ont., June 28, 2009. Coulee, Man. Mondue—Donald Wesley (b. July 3, 2009), to Leah Marriages (North Star Mennonite, Drake, Sask.) and Don Mondue, in Bergen/Gifford—Brittani Bergen and Jonathan Gifford, Saskatoon, Sask. Zoar Mennonite, Waldheim, Sask., June 20, 2009. Rodda—Owen Robert (b. July 7, 2009), to Andrea Bock/Tar—Leah Bock (Douglas Mennonite, Winnipeg) (Neufeldt) and Chris Rodda, Nutana Park Mennonite, and Ovunc Tar, July 17, 2009. Saskatoon, Sask. Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 23

Boehlig/Pichette—Harvey Boehlig and Patrica Pichette (Portage Mennonite, Portage la Prairie, Man.), near MacGregor, Man., July 25, 2009. Like a Mustard Seed Craddock/Warkentin—Matthew Craddock and Amanda Mennonites in Paraguay Warkentin, North Star Mennonite, Drake, Sask., July 18, 2009. Driedger/Nighswander—David Karl Driedger and Gina Did you attend the Mennonite Rachel Nighswander, Rouge Valley Mennonite, Markham, World Conference in Paraguay, Ont., June 27, 2009. or wish you’d gone? Want to Jutzi/Kelley—Jessica Jutzi and Stephen Kelley, Erb Street know more about Mennonites Mennonite, Waterloo, Ont., July 25, 2009. in that country? Then Like a Klassen/Rachul—Amy Klassen and Devon Rachul, Morden Mennonite, Man., July 18, 2009. Mustard Seed by Edgar Stoesz Lichti/McKay—Tim Lichti and Annie McKay, Tavistock is the book to read! Mennonite, Ont., at Calvary United, Tavistock, June 27, 2009. Peters/Roe—Victor Peters (Glenlea Mennonite, Man.) and Kristina Roe, at Trinity Baptist Church, Winnipeg, May 9, “An important overview of the many dimensions to the 2009. Mennonite experience in Paraguay . . . a compendium of Rogalsky/Steele—Allan Rogalsky and Christine Steele, Erb rich descriptions from the perspective of a first-person Street Mennonite, Waterloo, Ont., May 23, 2009. observer.”—Marlene Epp, Conrad Grebel University College Deaths

Koop—Jacob, 86 (b. June 18, 1923; d. July 2, 2009), Ottawa Paper, 312 pages, $28.74. Call 1 800 631-6535 or visit Mennonite. www.mpn.net/mustardseed Lemky—Sarah, 77 (b. Feb. 26, 1932; d. July 9, 2009), Carman Mennonite, Man. Neufeld—Joyce, 74 (b. July 1, 1935; d. July 19, 2009), Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite, Waterloo, Ont. McAllister—Roy, 68 (b. March 22, 1941; d. July 18, 2009), Steinmann Mennonite, Baden, Ont. Reesor Peters—Mary, 95 (d. July 7, 2009), Zion Mennonite, Swift A play about Mennonite pioneers in northern Ontario Current, Sask. in the early 20th century Rempel—Gerhard, 80 (b. Aug. 1, 1928; d. July 8, 2009), Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite, Man. by Erin Brandenburg and Lauren Taylor

Schachowskoj—Arnold, 76 (b. April 28, 1933; d. July 24, Fri. Sept. 18, 8 p.m.  Sat. Sept. 19, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 2009), Niagara United Mennonite, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Sun. Sept. 20, 2 p.m. Ont. Schwarz—Helene, 90 (b. Dec. 20, 1918; d. July 17, 2009), St. Jacobs Church Theatre Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite, Waterloo, Ont. 1376 King St. N., St. Jacobs, Ontario Siemens—Margaret, 95 (b. Dec. 16, 1913; d. July 28, 2009), First Mennonite, Calgary, Alta. General Admission: $20  Seniors/Students: $15 Steinman—Neil, 83 (d. July 11, 2009), Cassel Mennonite, Tavistock, Ont. Tickets available at: Wiebe—Anna B., 95 (b. June 3, 1913; d. May 11, 2009), Conrad Grebel University College Kelowna First Mennonite, B.C. Mennonite Savings and Credit Union Wilkinson—Doreen (nee Braund), 85 (b. June 24, 1923; d. (Elmira, Waterloo, Kitchener, New Hamburg) May 13, 2009), Danforth Mennonite, Toronto. For further information, contact: Canadian Mennonite welcomes Milestones Laureen Harder-Gissing [email protected] announcements within four months of the event. 519-885-0220 x 24239 or x 24238 Please send Milestones announcements by e-mail to Sam Steiner  [email protected] [email protected], including the 519-884-1040 congregation name and location. When sending death notices, please include birth date and last name at birth Sponsored by the if available. Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario 24 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

Viewpoint God at work in the Church Embracing violence . . . in sports By Carl DeGurse

ur 15-year-old son Tom (pic- many biblical teachings about violence tured in his school uniform, don’t seem to apply directly to the weird Obelow, and on the gridiron, category of sports, where the perceived right) is like many Mennonite teens. violence is more like make-believe. He attends church and Sunday school So here’s why I believe we can follow regularly. His the Prince of Peace and still in good con- closest friends science enjoy extreme-contact sports: come from • One reason pacifists need not object his Friday to contact sports is because the partici- night church pants volunteer to get hit. When boxers youth group. pummel each other at the Olympics, Judging by his they are both willing. But if the same attitudes and men punched strangers on the bus, their trust and robs victims of their dignity and actions, Tom violence would be reprehensible because respect that is their God-given due. seems on track the victims didn’t consent. But in contact sports, no one loses to becoming • Also, the dramatic collisions and blows dignity or respect. After a bruising game, a committed in sports are often not as violent as they opponents often shake hands, smile and Christian. seem. It looks brutal when hockey play- sometimes socialize together. In fact, play- But Tom also loves to hit people. As ers slam each other into the boards, and ers often gain respect for opponents who a linebacker on his high school football football players collide with impact that “play with intensity.” This is an important team, he sprints towards ball carriers and hurls himself like a missile, bashing One reason pacifists need not object to contact sports them with all the strength in his well- conditioned, 90-kilogram body. He hits is because the participants volunteer to get hit. opponents with zeal, not reluctance. As parents dedicated to nonviolence, rings throughout the stadium. But the clue that contact sports are not the type of we wince on the sidelines and ask, “How players are protected by their pads and violence that should concern pacifists. should Mennonite parents counsel a son helmets, and they’re in superb physical As I write this, the CFL season is in full who seems gifted at hitting?” condition, which lets them absorb blows swing and NFL teams south of the border The issue is bigger than our family. that would put us mere mortals on a are preparing for their run at the Super We’re not the only pacifists wondering stretcher bound for the emergency ward. Bowl. I submit that we Menno men can whether to support sports that celebrate It’s like contact sports are not violence. throw open our living room curtains and extreme body contact. If Mennonites like They’re more like “pretend violence,” en- let the world see our TVs are tuned to the watching hockey, or martial arts compe- acted by armour-protected combatants CFL on TSN. We can be practising paci- titions, must we discard our lapel buttons within strict rules to minimize injuries. fists and openly enjoy hard-hitting sports. that say “Wage peace”? They’re just playing. Or am I wrong? l I raise this tricky issue because I • To include contact sports in the seek feedback from the greater church category of violence is to downplay real Carl DeGurse is a community that’s linked by Canadian violence, such as random street attacks, member of Douglas Mennonite magazine. This is an argu- schoolyard bullying, wife battering Mennonite Church in ment I am working out and I don’t often and “spanking” assaults on children by Winnipeg. forge original opinions. I usually adopt parents. This is real violence, despicable my opinions from sources including violence, soul-destroying violence that wise teachers and the Bible, but the exploits the power imbalance, shatters Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 25

God at work in the Church ‘Ordinary radical’ encourages youths to join the ‘irresistible revolution’ Story and Photo by Deborah Froese Mennonite Church Canada Release CARONPORT, Sask.

his conference is awesome!” en- people outside of it do not see the power of forgiveness, date abuse and cautionary “Tthused 15-year-old Brendan God’s love. Through our lifestyle and deeds tales about social networking on sites such Murray of Peace Mennonite Church, it should be evident we are Christians.” as Facebook. Richmond B.C. “I came away . . . changed,” The assembly began with a dramatized Marijke Reesor of Community he said after Mennonite Church Canada’s communiqué at the opening service by Mennonite Church, Stouffville, Ont., youth assembly that ran from July 6 to 10 Michele Hershberger, an author, playwright was particularly moved by the workshop at Briercrest College in Caronport. and teacher. Addressing those gathered as on forgiveness led by Candace Green. “Not at first,” he admitted, “but over an angelic bag lady, she delivered a message “[Green’s] father was murdered by these the next few days. I start to read [key- that “you always forget, but [it’s] some- two guys and then in the end she forgave note speaker Shane] Claiborne’s book thing that you need to get by in this world.” them,” Reesor enthused. “She started going The Irresistible Revolution, which encour- Opening an imaginary envelope, she read to church and she realized she needed to ages me to love others in Christ’s name. four simple words: “I, God, love you.” get closer to God and he helped her.” Somehow reading about something that Claiborne, a writer and self-proclaimed Service projects while in Caronport in- has nothing to do with me tells me some- “ordinary radical,” said that too many cluded a school kit challenge that had the thing about God’s love. I don’t know what, Christians have been taken in by the gospel youths assembling more than 5,000 kits but just by reading a few pages, a new, fresh of prosperity, which causes them to “lose destined for Cuba, as well helping out at relationship with Yahweh starts forming. the secret in the heart of Jesus.” Faith de- a children’s fair in Moose Jaw, the Regina And I love it. Praise Jesus that I went to this mands action that may clash with societal Food Bank and Re-Store, and Shepherd’s conference! I hope and pray that whoever “norms,” he said, adding, “If you want to Gate Ministry, a group home near went to this gathering will be changed dra- keep your life, you have to give it away.” Caronport that helps children in crisis. A matically by it.” Assembly workshops dealt with topics special youth assembly offering raised in For four days, more than 200 youths and ranging from mental health issues to excess of $1,500 for Shepherd’s Gate. l their sponsors gathered to explore “Living inside out,” the same theme used at the MC Canada adult assembly a month earlier. Based on Colossians 3:12-17, youths fo- cussed on the call for God’s chosen and beloved to live as Christ did, expressing internal values of faith and love through intentional living. Of her experience, 18-year-old Aleta Martens of Hoffnungsfelder Mennonite Church, Rabbit Lake, Sask., said, “I grew in my faith as I learned how to put it into action. . . . Throughout our lives, our goal, whatever our occupation, should be to let others see the love of Jesus Christ shining through every aspect of our lives. As we share the joy Jesus has given us, it makes our lives more meaningful and creates a better world to live in. “The church today is going through an Participants at this year’s MC Canada youth assembly in Caronport, Sask., blew off image crisis,” Martens noted, “and many steam competing in an old fashioned tractor pull. 26 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

Vibrant ministry in India Story and Photo by Evelyn Rempel Petkau Manitoba Correspondent WINNIPEG

he story is told of two men walking Talong a beach dotted with stranded starfish. One of the men frequently stops to pick up a starfish and toss it back into The ministry of Das and Doris Maddimadugu of India is supported by Larry and the ocean. “What difference will that make Jessie Kehler (behind) of Charleswood Mennonite Church, Winnipeg. when there are so many?” asks the other man. “It makes a difference to the one that my people are like that today. Doris and I sharing, Bible study and prayer. Twice a is saved,” was the response. felt we must go back to the people I came year he provides theological seminars for That is the way Das and Doris from. I felt a calling to release these chil- them. “This shows the many Hindus and Maddimadugu of India view their work dren, to educate them and to teach them Muslims that, as Christians, we are one.” in the second-most-populous country in about Christ.” After the devastating tsunami in 2004, the world. Since 1991 the Maddimadugus Although the government has tried they visited the destroyed communities have been trying to live out the biblical in- to abolish the caste system and bonded about 300 kilometres away. They con- junction of healing the sick, feeding the labour practices, they still exist, explained structed 20 new homes, repaired boats and hungry and clothing the naked as they of- the Maddimadugus, “because the land- provided new nets for the fishermen. “We fer a growing number of ministries in their lords need cheap labour. The landlords were asked to build a church there. That impoverished rural community about 100 want profit and do not provide health care church was dedicated in April this year,” kilometres from Hyderabad. or proper food. The change is slow and has said Das. “Thirty years ago I stood here in fear and to come from within the communities.” “Many Christians still suffer,” he said. trembling when I was a second-year stu- In 1991 Das and Doris established the “In some areas, violence against Christian dent at Canadian Mennonite Bible College,” Matilda Educational Society. It has grown activity has escalated. Radical Hindus have Das recently told a group of people gath- to include a high school for 800 students, asked us to shut down the school at times. ered at Charleswood Mennonite Church. an upper primary school for 400 students, We try to dialogue with them, but peri- Together with Doris he was travelling and the Bindu Home for 120 rescued chil- odically we do have to shut down because across western Canada at the invitation of dren, “tribal orphans who would other- they would turn to violence.” churches and individuals who have sup- wise be sold into bonded labour because The Maddimadugus are still able to reported their ministry. of poverty,” said Das. They have also estab- port “it is an exciting time. The Shanghai Das’s journey to ministry began when lished Grace Children’s Clinic that offers church has provided for much of the tsu- he was seven years old and was rescued minor treatments and dental check-ups. In nami reconstruction work. The Calcutta from bonded labour by a Mennonite more recent years they have started night church has given money for Sunday school Brethren missionary, Helen Warkentin schools for children who are working in supplies and the Taiwan International from Winkler, Man. Being of the lowest the fields. They have a sewing centre for Church has provided support for the den- caste, the “untouchables,” he was destined young widows and single mothers, provid- tal work, including supplies and staff. We to a life of slavery had it not been for this ing them with six months of training. Once are so grateful for all the support.” intervention. He became a Christian, at- they finish the program they are given a “God has given me a purpose and I tended Christian schools and the precur- sewing machine. Several graduates have still want to go strong,” said Das, now 65. sor to Canadian Mennonite University, and started their own tailoring business. Their son Nathan has begun to take over served with Mennonite Central Committee Das also gives ongoing support to 25 the management of some of the ministries. in Vietnam. Christian pastors in the area. They rep- “We are hoping that some of our alumni Although he was invited to stay in North resent different denominations or are in- will come back to work as doctors and America, he said, “I remembered as a child dependent pastors and are not educated. teachers,” he said. l that I almost became a slave. So many of Das meets with them once a month for Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 27

Centre for Mennonite studies established Historic agreement between university, Mennonite society

Story and Photo by Rachel Bergen Special to Canadian Mennonite Abbotsford, B.C. Signing the agreement to establish a centre for Mennonite studies at the University of the Fraser Valley are Ed Janzen, left, and John H. Redekop, he University of the Fraser Valley and a major and a chair in Mennonite right, of the Mennonite Faith and Learning Tthe Mennonite community made studies. Society, and university president Skip Bassford. incredible strides on June 24 when the Representatives from different university and the Mennonite Faith and Mennonite organizations spoke Learning Society announced their partner- of their optimism about the centre. is “more than [he] could have hoped for.” ship to establish a centre for Mennonite Erna Friesen, founding president of Wayne Bremner, executive director studies. The signing took place in an out- the Pacific Centre for Discipleship, com- of Mennonite Central Committee B.C., door ceremony on the university campus. mended the university for being “cognizant shared that “every day [he sees] the work The university will first offer a certificate of the components of the community,” in- of the Mennonite community through in Mennonite studies that can be com- cluding aboriginals and Indo-Canadians, MCC,” but usually their work goes unseen. pleted in a semester. Eventually, it hopes as well as Mennonites, who make up as Bremner said he welcomes the day that the to add more classes and opportunities for much as 25 percent of the community. Mennonite community can be recognized growth. “This will create a foundation on John H. Redekop and Ed Janzen, co-pres- for its work. which to develop more elaborate certificates idents of the Mennonite society, expressed Harry Heidebrecht of the Mennonite and minors,” said Eric Davis, the university’s excitement for this historic day. Redekop Historical Society quoted Proverbs 78:3- acting vice-president and provost. noted that Mennonites were once perse- 4: “What we have heard and known, we Davis went on to say that the classes of- cuted and beaten for their nonviolent re- will tell the next generation.” Heidebrecht fered in the new centre could one day be sistance to war, but that they have made said this verse aligns with the goal of the combined with a variety of bachelor of arts their way up in the world since then to be centre, as this generation must pass on its majors, including conflict resolution, com- unsung heroes. He said the creation of a knowledge of the good done to the next munity service and international develop- centre for Mennonite studies “was a hope generation. l ment. The university also hopes to create and a dream” for him. Seeing it come to life Reverence and mirth stories. Neufeld’s poems covered everyday topics such at arts festival as “Potatoes” and “My Mother’s Hollyhock.” Leonard Neufeldt of Gig Harbor, Wash., read a va- By Amy Dueckman B.C. Correspondent riety of poetry based on his formative years in Yarrow, Harrison, B.C. B.C. His topics included “An afternoon at Cultus Lake in raspberry season,” and the “First clear cut on Vedder he literary café at the Harrison Festival of the Arts Mountain.” Ttook on a West Coast Mennonite flavour on the The third writer was Andreas Schroeder of Roberts evening of July 13, when three home-grown Mennonite Creek, B.C., who credited the other two authors present authors took the stage to share their writings. The even- for being on the forefront of the recent Mennonite lit- ing, entitled “Reverence and Mirth,” was co-sponsored erary movement. Schroeder’s writing reflected his up- by the University of the Fraser Valley’s continuing stud- bringing in Agassiz, B.C., where, he read, “duty came ies department. before pleasure, and, since duty was never done, there First to read was Elsie K. Neufeld of Abbotsford, was little room for pleasure.” Schroeder recently pub- B.C., a first-generation Canadian poet who said she was lished Renovating Heaven, an account of growing up in greatly influenced by her Russian Mennonite mother’s the Fraser Valley. 28 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

Mathies encourages Mennonites to think about themselves globally Story and Photo by Dave Rogalsky Eastern Canada Correspondent Waterloo, Ontario

aul Mo, pastor of Markham Chinese alone, but by gathering together belief state- of Grebel’s master of theological studies PMennonite Church, and Noé ments from around the world. The under- program. l Gonzalia, part of the pastoral team at First lying assumption of Mathies’ presentation Mennonite, Kitchener, both noted that was that globalization of the Mennonite they had been attracted to the Mennonite Church is good, but he cautioned that Church because Mennonites both pro- “we need to be careful to not have North claim the gospel and work within society. America drive the agenda even now.” Speaking at the annual Ralph and David Martin, MC Eastern Canada Eileen Lebold Endowment for Leadership executive minister, noted that the Lebold Training fundraising banquet at Conrad Endowment has now reached two-thirds Paul Mo, left, and Noé Gonzalia, centre, Grebel University College on June 11, of its goal of $1 million and is already address the Lebold Endowment fund- Gonzalia noted that simply asking the funding aspects of the leadership portion raising dinner audience. question about how MC Eastern Canada can become a global community of faith was a very positive step. Canadian society ΛΛBriefly noted is becoming more diverse and the church Mennonite Publishing Network needs to use that diversity to spread its message, he said. Mo challenged Mennonites enjoys successful convention sales to proclaim the good news in their society, Canadian Mennonites are thinking about a flu pandemic, American Mennonites to stop keeping such a low profile, and to want to sing. At least that’s one conclusion that can be drawn from sales of books be more clear that they care. from Mennonite Publishing Network at the national conventions of MC Canada and Their sharing was followed by keynote MC USA this summer. The top two books sold in June in Saskatoon, Sask., at the MC speaker Ron Mathies, Grebel’s acting Canada convention were Don’t Be Afraid and Beyond Our Fears, both of which deal president during Henry Paetkau’s sab- with preparing for a pandemic and other natural disasters. The top two at the MC batical. Mathies, former executive di- USA convention in July in Columbus, Ohio, were used copies of Hymnal: A Worship rector of Mennonite Central Committee Book and the new book Words for Worship 2. Rounding out the Top Ten for Canadian (MCC) Binational, spoke about “Extending sales were Jesus Matters, Walk in Peace, Reasoning Together, Dark Night, What is the table: Becoming a global community Iran, Plant a Seed of Peace, Sing the Journey and Sing the Story. In the U.S., the rest of faith.” A key idea in his encyclopedic of the Top Ten MPN books sold were Jesus Matters, Sing the Story, Pax Avalon, The history of MCC is the increasing con- Mennonite Handbook, Dark Night, Practices: Mennonite Worship and Witness, the vergence between MCC and Mennonite Sing the Story CD and Simply in Season. Altogether, MPN sold more than $56,000 World Conference (MWC). Repeatedly, he worth of books, curricula and other items at the two national conventions. noted that MWC has a “global mandate” —Mennonite Publishing Network Release and MCC has a “global infrastructure.” Reminding the audience of the recent Amy Gingerich appointed editorial director for MPN move by MCC to move towards global- Amy Gingerich, a member of Summit Mennonite Church in Barberton, Ohio, ization of its governance structure he has been appointed to the newly created position of Herald Press editorial dir- reviewed MWC’s increasing role among ector at Mennonite Publishing Network (MPN). She is presently the managing Mennonites internationally, moving from editor of “Gather ’Round,” the Christian education curricula published by MPN and strictly fellowship of mostly European and Brethren Press. From 1998-2004 she worked for the South Bend, Ind., Tribune and North American Mennonites to gatherings the Vacaville, Calif., Reporter. Gingerich has a master of divinity degree from the in Asia, Africa and South America, where Pacific School of Religion in Berkley, Calif., and a B.A. in communication and Bible- the majority of participants are not white. religion from Goshen College. She also studied at Eastern Mennonite Seminary. With the publication of What We Believe —Mennonite Publishing Network/Mennonite Church Canada Joint Release Together, MWC is moving to define who Mennonites are, not by Western speakers Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 29

well as support for Mennonite Central Waterloo-Kitchener women’s Committee and the local House of Friendship. In later years, as many of the group celebrates 50 years women retired after returning to their ca- reers, the group again focused primarily on By Dave Rogalsky Eastern Canada Correspondent fellowship. WATERLOO, ONT. “We’re tired,” says Unrau, laughing. While the group continues to meet, it has also spawned a “Lunch Bunch,” a day- ifty years ago a group of young sin- So the Servettes were born in 1959, time quilt-tying group, and a book club. Fgles, homemakers and professional meeting in homes in the evening for fellow- At the Servettes’ May 2 celebration, women wanted a women’s group of their ship and socializing with Christian women. Hedy Sawadsky, a founding member own. They were Russian Mennonites and The focus of those early years changed as who later moved away to work for peace “English” (women from non-Mennonite many of the women started staying home and justice issues, and as a Christian backgrounds who “married in”). Many had to raise families. Peacemaker Teams member overseas, mothers or mothers-in-law in the existing Many projects were done through the spoke about the long chain of women— women’s group—the Verein—which met years, including bazaars, lunches, din- from the Old and New Testaments, to the during the day. In the younger group those ners, three cookbooks to raise money, and early Anabaptist martyrs, and up to the who worked as nurses or teachers, or in of- beautification and upkeep of Waterloo- Servettes themselves—who served God fices, could not meet during the day. Kitchener United Mennonite Church, as in their own way. l Erna Unrau, a long-time member, says, “Some of us didn’t want to belong to our Photos courtesy of Waterloo-Kitchener United Mennonite church Servettes mother’s group.”

ΛΛBriefly noted Kelowna Mennonites safe from fire Raging wildfires in the Kelowna area of British Columbia this summer have been making national news, but no members of First Mennonite Church of Kelowna have had to evacuate their homes, reports pastor Clare Neufeld. In a phone conversation with Canadian Mennonite on Aug. 4, Neufeld said, “At this stage our congregation is not that badly affected,” although he noted that there were some members on evacua- tion alert (where notice is given to get ready to leave quickly if necessary). With Servettes in 1974. the fires across Okanagan Lake about 20 to 25 kilometres from the church, Neufeld said air quality varied from day to day, making breathing particularly difficult for older people. “We have per- sistent heavy smoke in the air, and we do have to be careful. You can smell [the smoke], you can taste it.” He added that the previous day, visibility in the city was only about six to seven blocks. —By Amy Dueckman Servettes in 1990. 30 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

Photo by Bill Heavener snapshotsPhoto courtesy of St. Catharines United Mennonite Church

Hunta Mennonite Church in

Church Rev. Kenneth C. Gazley, kneeling, was ordained into Mennonite northern Ontario held its annual Church Eastern Canada on May 31, at St. Catharines United outreach picnic on July 26 at the Mennonite Church, where he is lead pastor. Also pictured, from home of Ian and Angel Carney, left to right: MC Eastern Canada conference minister Muriel who took over from Bob and Esther Bechtel; Mieke Gazley; council chair Peter Huebert; daughter Landis, who had hosted the event Shannon Hamill; area minister Al Rempel; and Charles Byer, pas- since 1975. Despite the weather, a tor of Erie View Mennonite Church, Port Rowan, Ont. good time was had by all. Leamington Mennonite Home photo

Mark Vickers, Gregg Charlton, Neil Adamson and Marilyn Ribble display the Thomson Guardian Drugs new platinum sponsorship at Leamington Mennonite Home’s seventh charity golf tournament. An over- night downpour of seven centimetres made the Erie Shores Golf & Country Club course in Leamington, Ont., unplayable on June 20, so organizers quickly changed the format and invited the 142 registered golfers to a noon meal. The tournament raised a record $29,000. Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 31

Photo by Maryvel Friesen

Robert and Rachel Roth were among 70 or so congregants who put their backs into the sod-turning ceremony at Saskatchewan’s Eigenheim Mennonite Church on June 13. Three days before the sod-turning, the congregation had decided to proceed with the construction of a $1.2 million, 854-square-metre facility. The church decided a new building was necessary after high water levels in 2007 destroyed the interior of the church basement and compromised the founda- tions of the current sanctuary.

Photo by Henry Nikkel “For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come” Song of Solomon 2:12. Such was the case this spring, when more than 100 species of birds were seen during the Mennonite Church Manitoba Camps with Meaning birding retreat at Camp Moose Lake. More than 20 birders, many of them novices, spent three days in May with retreat director Ron Dueck marvelling at God’s creatures, including 21 species of warblers, as well as blue jays, gold- finches, grosbeaks, blue birds, tanagers, a Baltimore oriole, great blue herons and sand hill cranes, among many others. Besides bird watching, the retreat also included a “night owl” session listening to the sounds of the forest after dark, times for making and building friendships, and a worship service.

Photo courtesy of Len and Kathy Andres Following a fundraiser put on by Saskatchewan churches—Mount Royal Mennonite, Saskatoon; Pleasant Point Mennonite, Clavet; North Star Mennonite, Drake; and Superb Mennonite— Congolese refugee Leonie Lwamba (a member of Mount Royal Mennonite), centre, was not only able to burn her refugee travel debt document, but buy a new washer and dryer, and put money aside to begin the process of sponsoring her husband and two other children who are still in a refugee camp in Congo through the Canadian government’s family reunification program. 32 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

God at work in the World Plautdietsch scholar wins prestigious Trudeau Scholarship Award By Donita Wiebe-Neufeld Alberta Correspondent Edmonton

he call was, in Chris Cox’s words, “very his efforts to document weren’t expecting someone to want to learn Tunexpected.” In March, Cox was at a Mennonite Plautdietsch, Low German,” he said, adding, “Things linguistics conference when a call came or Low German. kind of grew from there into linguistics. inviting him to Montreal for the annual “It fits into this broad- . . . There’s always been that interest there.” Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation scholar- er picture of language Cox is also documenting the Tsuut’ina ship interviews. endangerment,” he said. language, a unique and endangered aborig- “I was beside myself, I just couldn’t be- “I think the last estimate Cox inal language in southern Alberta. “There’s lieve it. I thought this had to be the thank . . . is something in the one community on earth that speaks this you for applying phone call,” he said. order of half the world’s languages are ex- language, the Tsuut’ina First Nations,” he On May 1, though, during a conference pected to disappear in the next 100 years. explained. “Theirs is a very different situa- in Banff, the University of Alberta linguis- . . . We only have adequate documentation tion than Low German. In the case of Low tic professor’s cell phone vibrated. Quietly for maybe a third of those. There are a lot of German you still have a lot of speakers. he slipped into a hallway to learn he had, communities, especially in Canada, where . . . This [Tsuut’ina] is the only community in fact, been chosen as one of 15 Trudeau Low German seems to be on its last legs. that speaks this language. At last estimate Scholars. “Sounds might have escaped . . . If people are interested in having a there are about 40 to 70 speakers left and from my throat into the air,” he said, noting permanent record of how Low German is the youngest speaker, I think, just turned that lecturers in nearby rooms gave him spoken, or how Low German was spoken, 61 or 62. It’s a very different situation. The dirty looks for creating a disturbance. now is really the time to do that.” community has a tie to this language, it’s The foundation scholarship fund was es- Personal interest influences Cox’s re- culturally and historically important. . . . I tablished in 2001 by family and friends of search. As a young teenager, he heard a feel pretty lucky to be involved in that.” the former prime minister as a living me- Low German poem at a history event in The scholarship gives Cox the ability to morial to promote research in the human- his hometown of Warman, Sask. When purchase equipment, travel to study with ities and social sciences. Fifteen outstanding a relative translated, Cox was shocked. “I experts, negotiate access to archived re- scholars, nominated by their universities, asked, ‘How is it possible you can translate cordings, and to collect and collate scat- are selected annually. For three years Cox this foreign language for me?’ They said it’s tered materials. “It allows me to look at will receive approximately $40,000 plus not a foreign language, it’s Low German. things in a larger scale,” he said. “In the travel expenses annually to advance his . . . I had to find out more.” case of Low German, there are tons of re- doctoral studies in linguistics. His research Cox’s Grade 8 teacher instructed him cordings out there. . . . It’s just that these involves creating permanent digital rec- one on one and members of the commu- materials haven’t been brought together.” ords of disappearing languages, including nity started teaching him words. “People He dreams of making language collec- tions readily available to scholars as well as to the communities that value the language A Canadian Mennonite and its stories. University Study Tour Cox explained why this work is important. “Languages really are stores of cultur- April 29-May 21, 2010 al information,” he said. “This is collective memory. The language embeds a lot of the Tour Leader: Gordon Matties, Ph.D. stuff that people have accrued over hun- Assoc. Prof. of Biblical Studies dreds, sometimes even thousands, of years. . . . When you lose a language, it’s a tre- Ancient Stones, Ph. 487.3300 or 1.877.231.4570 mendous loss of knowledge. . . . Languages Living Stones: www.cmu.ca/studytour don’t always speak for themselves; some- The Holy Land in Perspective 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. | Winnipeg, MB times we have to speak for them. . . . It’s something I feel passionately about.” l Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 33

MCCs in Canada are meeting financial Canadian MCCs prepare for commitments for international programs, the fluctuations in exchange rates affect the amount of money that is forwarded from budget shortfall, cutbacks Canada for international programs. By Gladys Terichow The budgets for the 2009-10 fiscal year Mennonite Central Committee Release have been finalized and further reductions Winnipeg of 6.4 percent for administrative and local programming costs have been approved. ennonite Central Committee budget for MCC international programs. There could also be reductions in the M(MCC) is behind budget for the first MCC’s work in developing countries amount allocated for international pro- nine months of the 2008-09 fiscal year end- is budgeted in U.S. funds. Although the grams in 2009-10. l ing Aug. 31. “Two months ago there were hopeful Photo courtesy of the Eden Foundation signs that cash donations to MCC were increasing, but our current financial reports indicate a budget shortfall that could be as high as $1.5 million,” says MCC Canada executive director Don Peters. When MCC Canada and the five provincial MCC offices planned their budgets in early 2008, staff optimistically predicted that giving would continue to grow as in previous years, and so budgeted for an overall increase of 10 percent. Economic experiences vary among the regions in Canada. In general, donations in the Prairie provinces are steady and close to budget, while donations on the West Coast and in Eastern Canada reflect the down- turn in the Canadian economy and are well below budget. Although there has been an overall decline in cash donations from last year, there has been an increase in revenue from thrift shops, relief sales and non-cash revenues from contributions to material aid resources (relief kits, blankets). “When I’m in a circle with other non- government organizations, my sense is that we are doing well and that MCC’s constituency has been faithful,” says Peters. “But the fact is that we have lower revenues than projected and that translates to less work that we can do,” he adds. “We want our constituency to know that.” Working collectively, the MCCs in The second annualEden Foundation Tractor Trek, held on July 25, raised Canada are addressing this budget shortfall more than $40,000 for the programs of Eden Health Care Services in southern through “sharing the pain” of reducing ad- Manitoba. Forty-one tractors, 40 years or older, travelled 40 kilometres from ministrative and local programming costs Reinland to Neuenberg, stopping at Schoenweise, Gnadenthal, the Blumengart by 5.5 percent for the remainder of the Hutterite Colony and Friedensruh along the way. In Neuenberg, a 1957 Massey- fiscal year, spending down reserve funds and increasing efforts to raise funds, says Harris 444 won the race to determine the slowest tractor without the use of a Peters. These efforts make it possible for brake or clutch. Ryan Braun, 15, and John L. Friesen, 85, were the youngest and the Canadian MCCs to meet the financial oldest drivers, respectively. commitments approved in the current 34 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

political science at the University of the City of Refuge and others involved in the Rally spotlights Fraser Valley. It means different things to rally hope to “identify the gaps [in society] different people, he said. and build in to them,” said Burkinshaw. social justice The first commitment of City of Refuge According to him, there should be no is to double the amount of money that homelessness or inmates requesting churches give to the local food bank and Christians to come visit them in prison. issues ensure that its “shelves are never emp- Nor should there be human trafficking or By Rachel Bergen ty,” said Jim Burkinshaw of Abbotsford people going hungry because there is no Special to Canadian Mennonite Christian Leadership Network. food available at the food bank, especially Abbotsford, B.C. Its second commitment is to provide 30 because there are so many churches in beds for Abbotsford shelters within the Abbotsford. ocial justice brought together a di- next year. Burkinshaw hopes that City of In the spirit of coming together and Sverse group of people for a rally at the Refuge will prove to be “a model for other talking about social justice, there will be House of James, a Christian coffeehouse churches giving.” future meetings at the House of James on in Abbotsford, on July 6. Those involved The third commitment is to present vol- Monday nights. Each month will focus on in the rally hope to raise awareness of the unteer opportunities to fill the gaps in the a different social justice issue. l Christian community’s vision of taking ministries so that everyone “moves more as more responsibility in the community for a coordinated force,” Burkinshaw added. issues such as homelessness, a shortage According to Dart, what the world truly ΛΛBriefly noted of aid for the food bank, and other issues needs are “women and men on the fore- Tim Collins released from facing the citizens of Abbotsford. front of society, intellectually, who really Stony Mountain Prison The language of social justice is an “um- think through these issues.” Poverty and brella” term that covers a wide variety of social injustice cannot be minimized, he Tim Collins, who was sent back to pris- topics, according to Ron Dart, coordin- said. City of Refuge is coming together to on this spring for alleged parole viola- ator of City of Refuge, a group that en- be a team at the forefront of change and tions (“A second chance at redemption?” visions Abbotsford as a better place to to tackle issues that are often daunting to June 8, page 20), has been released from live, and a professor of philosophy and society. Stony Mountain Prison. According to a July 18 Winnipeg Free Press article, Collins, who formerly worked as a OBERAMMERGAU fundraising manager and consultant PASSION PLAY 2010 for Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba and as manager of Sam’s Place, a downtown café and used book OBERAMMERGAU OTHER TM TOURS store, “is back on the streets after federal TOURS 2010 prison officials agreed to give him an- SPRINGTIME in HOLLAND, BELGIUM AN ANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE (January 4-16) other shot at parole following a pattern and GERMANY (May 6-17) AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND (February 5-25) of questionable behaviour.” His release LUTHERAN HOLY LAND TOUR (May 8-19) VISIT MEXICO and ITS COPPER CANYON (March 5-14) came with an official “reprimand” and “a EUROPEAN HERITAGE I with JOHN RUTH (June 1-14) ALASKA CRUISE TOUR (September 6-18) SPECTACULAR SCANDINAVIA TM MYSTERY TOUR (October 15-23) stern warning that he is being watched and ITS FJORDS (June 13-28) closely,” the Free Press reported, noting PENNSYLVANIA to EUROPE (June 19 - July 2) that Collins “has assured [parole board] ISRAEL/PALESTINE (June 24 - July 5) 2011 EUROPEAN HERITAGE II THE AMAZON RAIN FOREST officials he has made plans to pay off his with JOHN SHARP (June 29 - July 12) and the GALAPOGOS ISLANDS (January 5-16) debts” to a woman and her husband as ITALY, AUSTRIA and GERMANY (July 7-17) ICELAND COUNTRY TOUR (June 14-23) the result of a failed marketing plan the ENGLAND and SCOTLAND (July 23 - August 4) three entered into. In an earlier Free SWISS GLACIER EXPRESS (July 29 - August 11) EUROPEAN HERITAGE III Press story, Collins berated Correctional with PAUL ZEHR (September 5-18) Services Canada officials for revoking THE ROAD to JERUSALEM (September 11-22) his parole, claiming that that couple he EUROPEAN HERITAGE IV (September 16-29) “Building bridges among Mennonites owed about $12,000 had “threatened and other Christians and faiths around the world through custom-designed travel.” them with newspaper articles saying they were being soft on criminals.” Of CALL 1-800-565-0451 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO BOOK YOUR TOUR the couple, he said, “It was stupid to get e-mail: [email protected] web: www.tourmagination.com involved with them in the first place.” 9 Willow Street, Waterloo, ON N2J 1V6 Canada Reg. #50014322 2308 Wood Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 USA —By Ross W. Muir Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 35

Adam and Martens agree that people are M2/W2 seeks to often fearful of prisons, and therefore decline volunteer positions, as Hollywood has conditioned people to believe that prisons reduce wait times are terrible places unsafe for the public. To dispel that idea, Martens says that Ministry needs more prison volunteers “we [at M2/W2] are as comfortable in the prisons as we are in our own living rooms,” By Rachel Bergen because the inmates are desperate for rela- Special to Canadian Mennonite tionships and would not want to cause an Fraser Valley, B.C. incident that would cause their friends to cease to visit. an to Man/Woman to Woman (M2/ coordinator for volunteer training, super- Adam hopes that people understand MW2), a restorative Christian min- vision and placement at four different that “the majority of the people that apply istry organization, is attempting to reduce prisons in Mission, Matsqui, Ferndale and to have [someone] visit them in prison are the wait times to zero for prisoners seek- Chilliwack, B.C., says that in order to ac- usually the ones who have tried to make ing a Christian man or woman to develop complish this goal, M2/W2 must “make changes in their lives,” therefore a small a relationship with them while they are [current volunteers] aware that we need time commitment can help a great deal. incarcerated. more people.” Adam has done nine pres- “The inmates are motivated to turn their According to Bernie entations at various churches in the area life around,” Martens says, otherwise they Martens, a part-time since his move from Kamloops, B.C., and would not apply. l coordinator of recruit- has two more coming up. ment and volunteer training, supervision, Photo by Aaron Epp a n d p l a c e m e n t i n the Fraser Valley, the number of prisoners requesting help has Martens “mushroomed” over the last few years. M2/W2 is having a hard time keeping up with them. The number of prisoners requesting relationships with men and women is growing even though the program is not publicized. It grows through word of mouth between inmates. Martens says inmates often ask why they have to wait if the Fraser Valley is considered the “Bible Belt” of Canada. They wonder why more people are not volun- teering with M2/W2. In order to reduce the wait times for prisoners requesting help, Martens says that M2/ W2 will look to various Christian denomina- Adam tions for aid, speak in Danielle Kasdorf, Maria Dueck and Ruth Bruinooge of Douglas Mennonite various churches to Church in Winnipeg price and sell items (including golf balls) in the used items spread the word about the organization, send out its newsletter to raise awareness, tent at Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba’s 2009 Festival and Relief Sale. and ask current volunteers to recruit their The event, held June 19-20 in Winnipeg, raised approximately $105,000 to help friends. people in southern Sudan recover from years of civil war. Pascal Adam, another M2/W2 36 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

Photo by Doug Unrau Calgary church says fond farewell to pastoral intern By Rose Klassen Special to Canadian Mennonite Calgary, Alta.

year ago Joseph Kiranto said goodbye from the guitar he learned Ato his family, his fiancée and his Masai to play during his time in tribe in the Rift Valley of Kenya to live in Canada. Canada as part of the Mennonite Central During the service, Committee (MCC) International Visitor Kiranto spoke of the many Joseph Kiranto learned to play the guitar while a pas- Exchange Program. While in Canada, he experiences he had during toral intern at Foothills Mennonite Church, Calgary. He divided his time between MCC Alberta, his year with the Calgary taught the congregation a Swahili worship song at his promoting awareness of the Generations community: watching farewell service. at Risk program, and working as a pastoral children grow, witnessing intern at Foothills Mennonite Church in wedding celebrations, celebrating the lives difficult time, and how very grateful he Calgary of those who had gone to be in heaven, and was for that support. Referring to Psalm On June 21, the worship service at seeing new children born and dedicated 113, he said that “from the rising to the set- Foothills Mennonite included a farewell into the community. He remembered how ting of the sun, I will praise God for this for Kiranto, who had become an integral his community in Africa suffered a severe opportunity.” part of life at the church and at MCC. The drought during the past year, and how his Abe Janzen, director of MCC Alberta, music for the morning contained a wide caring and loving community in Canada met Kiranto three years ago during a trip variety of global worship music, including provided much-needed financial support to Africa, and was very impressed with a Swahili worship song that Kiranto taught to send to his village to get it through this his wisdom and subtle leadership. Janzen spoke of how the Holy Spirit led Kiranto to Calgary, and compared his call to North America to a passage from Acts 10. To Kiranto he said, “While you lived among us, the Holy Spirit came down upon us. Thank you so much for coming.” Doug Klassen, senior pastor at Foothills Mennonite, spoke of the gift Kiranto’s parents and his community gave the church in releasing him to serve this year. He reminded the congregation of what won- derful opportunities to serve God can be missed when parents don’t release their children. Upon his return to Kenya, Kiranto will continue to operate the Generations at Risk program in his home community. He will also be preparing for an October visit The MSCU from an MCC delegation, during which time Kim Thiessen and Darryl Neustaedter Di erence Barg will record a fourth CD with his community church choir. You’ll see it! Following that, he will be finalizing 1.888.672.6728 plans for his marriage in December. As a www.mscu.com wedding gift from Foothills Mennonite, Kiranto received a handmade quilt covered Your Values Your Credit Union with messages of blessing and thanksgiving. l Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 37

positively impacting the public’s percep- Prisoners use artwork, poetry tion of prisoners and ex-prisoners. “It forces the audience to confront some to break down stereotypes of their preconceived notions about this often-feared segment of society,” says art Story and Photo by Amanda Thorsteinsson Mennonite Central Committee Manitoba Release show coordinator Adam Klassen. Winnipeg Indeed, it is reactions such as those experienced by Herron that make integration into the community a difficult journey for f art is truly a window into the soul, then display until Sept. 12 at the Mennonite ex-offenders. After his wife died of cancer, Ithe works presented at the Open Circle Heritage Centre Gallery. Much of the art- Herron turned to a life of drugs and crime. art show reveal a side of ex-offenders most work centres around aboriginal images and However, he refuses to let his past crimes people refuse to consider. carvings. define who he is and what the future holds “When someone finds out I’ve been in “It’s an unusual opportunity to see so for him. prison, their whole facial expression chan- much art work from prison,” says gal- “We’ve all made mistakes,” he says. “In ges,” says Gerald Herron. Herron is a poet lery curator Ray Dirks. “Whatever these Rockwood Prison, I started writing poetry. who gave a reading from a selection of his people have done, they are human beings. I thought I’d take a chance. It started out works at the opening of this annual event It is good for us to see them as artists with as a personal way to process the things organized by Open Circle, the prisoner vis- hopes and dreams.” around me.” And in that chance, Herron itation and community integration pro- One of the main goals of Open Circle is found a new direction. “I’d like to teach gram of Mennonite Central Committee to help inmates eventually integrate into high school poetry,” he says. “Right now, I (MCC) Manitoba. the community upon release. That includes am at the University of Manitoba studying New for the annual event is an exhib- working with a society that often prefers to English,” he says, adding, “I don’t want to ition of prisoner artwork entitled “Beyond define ex-offenders only by the crimes they force anyone to like poetry, but hopefully Walls: On the road home…” now on have committed. The art show is a way of help them appreciate it.” l

ΛΛCalendar British Columbia of B.C. annual banquet, “An Evening Manitoba campfire. Admission by non-perishable in Paraguay,” with Jacob Warkentin, food item or cash donations to the Sept. 13: Grand opening at Camp Sept. 11-14: Camp Moose Lake work at Eben-Ezer Mennonite Church, Cambridge Self-Help Food Bank. For Squeah for Emory and Fraser lodges. days. Abbotsford. For tickets, call 604-853- more information, call 519-658-4902. Sept. 14-16: First Mennonite Kelowna Sept. 12: Camp Assiniboia workathon. 6177 or pick them up at the archives Sept. 11-13: Building Community annual retreat at Camp Squeah, Oct. 3: Inter-Mennonite Chaplaincy after Sept. 1. retreat at Hidden Acres Mennonite “Anabaptist-Mennonite faith and life” Association coffee house at Fort Retreat Centre for people with with speakers Harry Loewen and John Garry EMC Church to support U. of Alberta disabilities and supporters. Kathleen H. Redekop. For information, contact Manitoba chaplain program. Matt Cleland-Moyer will speak on “Healthy Helen Wieler at 250-762-9497 or Schellenberg and Bucky Driedger of the Sept. 18-19: Mennopalooza! A music, approaches to conflict.” Volunteers [email protected]. Liptonians performing, 7:30 p.m. worship and social gathering hosted by needed. For information contact Sept. 18-19: MCC Festival, Relief Sale Oct. 3-4: Sargent Avenue Mennonite Trinity Mennonite Church, Calgary. All Mariette at (519) 569-8723 or and Auction at Tradex, Abbotsford. Church 60th anniversary celebration; MC Alberta churches and people of [email protected]. Sept. 24-Jan. 3: “A Common Thread: all ages welcome. Battle of the Bands, evening of reminiscing 7 p.m. (3), Sept. 13: 175th anniversary celebration Textiles from Sto:lo First Nation, South Thanksgiving service, 10:30 a.m. and baseball, arts and crafts gallery, and at Breslau Mennonite. Worship at Asian and Mennonite Communities” evening of music 7 p.m. (4). more. For information, call 403-256- 9:45 a.m. with Erwin Wiens followed exhibition at the Reach Gallery, Oct. 16-18: Scrapbooking retreat at 7157. by lunch, historical displays, tours, Abbotsford. Camp Moose Lake. storytelling and music. For information Sept. 26: Mennonite Fall Fair, Prince Oct. 24: Camp Koinonia work day. Saskatchewan call 519-648-2501. George Civic Centre. Oct. 24, 25: Camps with Meaning : Junior youth retreat at Sept. 18-20: Reesor, a play about Oct. 3-4: Thanksgiving Vespers with Sept. 11-13 celebration banquets at Whitewater Mennonite pioneers in northern Ont., at Abendmusik Choir at Emmanuel Free Shekinah Retreat Centre. Mennonite, Boissevain (24) and St. Jacobs Church Theatre sponsored by Reformed Church, Abbotsford (3) and Oct. 14-18: MC Canada IMPaCT. Winkler Bergthaler (25). Mennonite Historical Society of Ontario, Knox United Church, Vancouver (4), Oct. 16: Canadian Foodgrains Bank “Fast for Change” on World Food Day. 8 p.m. (18, 19), 2 p.m. (19, 20). Tickets 8:00 p.m. Donations to Menno Simons Ontario available at Conrad Grebel or MSCU. Centre. Oct. 16-17: MC Saskatchewan Women in Mission retreat at Shekinah Sept. 5: Corn Festival at Wanner Sept. 18,20: Maple View Mennonite Oct. 16-18: Women’s retreat at Camp Mennonite Church, Cambridge, 5:30 Church, Wellesley, celebrates is 150th Squeah. Retreat Centre. : MC Saskatchewan Equipping p.m., featuring local corn, sausages, anniversary. Evening program at Faith Oct. 17: Mennonite Historical Society Oct. 24 Day at Osler Mennonite Church. hotdogs, dessert, drinks and a Mennonite Church, Kingwood, at 7:30 38 Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009

p.m. (18); morning worship service at at Grace Church-on-the-Hill, Toronto, Employment Opportunities 10:45 a.m., afternoon program at 2 p.m. 3:00 p.m. and potluck supper to follow (20). For Calgary First Mennonite Church, located in central Calgary, more information, call 519-656-2579 or U.S.A. invites applications for a full-time lead pastor position e-mail [email protected]. available for Fall 2009. Our warm, intergenerational congre- Sept. 17-19: Christian Peacemaker Oct. 10-11: Ottawa Mennonite gation of approximately 180 people seeks an applicant with Congress X (Restoring Balance: Church 50th anniversary celebration. a commitment to Mennonite theology and to the practices of Peace through right relationships), Meet and greet at 3:30 (10), to be the Mennonite Church. We seek a spiritual leader with gifts of at Illif School of Theology, Denver, preaching, teaching and pastoral care to nurture a meaningful followed by a dinner and program; Col. Through worship, workshops worship life for our congregation. Related education and ex- Worship service at 11 a.m. (11), perience in pastoral leadership is a priority. and prophetic public witness, the followed by a lunch and program. For congress invites participants to “get Please direct inquiries and resumes to our Pastor Search Com- details, visit ottawamennonite.ca or call in the way” of Jesus to bring healing, mittee Contact: Marguerite Jack – [email protected]. 613-733-6729. transformation and long-term Oct 16: Shalom Counselling Services competent strategy to peacemaking. will host Mary Wiens, CBC producer For more information, visit cpt.org and and reporter, “Facing Challenges: click on the “Restoring Balance” link. Stories of Resilience and Growth” at BruBacher house MuseuM hosts Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church, To ensure timely publication of conrad Grebel university college and the Lexington Rd., 7:30 p.m. upcoming events, please send Mennonite historical society of ontario : Pax Christi Chorale’s Fanfare are seeking host(s) for the Brubacher House Oct. 25 Calendar announcements eight Museum beginning immediately. Located on of Canadian Hymns II with guest host weeks in advance of the event the beautiful north campus of the University of Waterloo, this Eric Friesen, featuring winners of the date by e-mail to calendar@ historical home (ca. 1855) requires host(s) who are willing to Great Canadian Hymns Competition, canadianmennonite.org. live on site in a furnished 2-bedroom apartment and provide tours during the summer months. Rent and utilities are free in exchange for performance of duties. Applicants should be responsible and able to relate to a broad range of people. Prefer- ΛΛClassifieds ence will be given to persons who have a familiarity with the For Rent history of Waterloo County. For Rent: Sleepy Hollow Cot- Winnipeg House For Rent. For more information, contact E. Paul Penner, CGUC Director of tage. All-season, 3-bedroom Walk to great bus connections Operations, at (519) 885-0220, x24231 or eppenner@uwaterloo. home in a peaceful wooded val- and shopping. Available De- ca. Application deadline is August 29, 2009. ley in the heart of the Niagara cember 2009 - June 2010. Call region. Small retreat centre or Sandra or Dieter Schonwetter family accommodations. Bruce at (204) 475-4270. Trail. Shaw Festival, Wine tours. Phone: 416-534-6047 or e-mail: [email protected] WIDEMAN MENNONITE CHURCH for complete brochure. Wideman Mennonite Church located in Markham, Ont., invites Announcement Wanted applications for a LEAD PAsTOR. This position has the poten- Parent Support Group: An- I’m a McMaster Divinity Col- tial for full-time responsibilities. Duties could begin in January nouncing a bimonthly support lege student writing my MA 2010. The starting date is negotiable. group for Mennonite parents thesis on Canadian Mennonite of gay, lesbian, bisexual and The composition of our intergenerational/multicultural congre- transgendered (GLBT) persons combatants in WWII. I’d like gation of approximately 60 to 70 members continues to change. in Southwestern Ontario. We to interview Mennonites who This is the result of the church being located close to a new growth provide confidential support, fought in WWII or have letters/ area in the Markham–Stouffville area, with a large multicultural fellowship, resources and op- journals from someone who population. We view this as an outreach opportunity. portunities for dialogue in the did. Confidentiality will be re- Spirit of Christ. For more in- spected. Contact me at: Nathan The successful applicant should: formation please contact the Dirks, 258 Niven Rd., Niagara- following: [email protected], - Possess a commitment to an Anabaptist/Mennonite theology [email protected], on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0, 905- and the practices of the Mennonite Church. or Roy and Mary Gascho, 519- 468-8809, [email protected]. - Function as a spiritual leader, with gifts in preaching, teaching 742-1850. mcmaster.ca. and pastoral care - Nurture and support a team leadership model involving lay Announcement personnel. - Possess related education (such as a Master of Divinity ABNER MARTIN MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP degree) and experience in pastoral leadership would be pre- ferred. This annual scholarship is awarded by Menno Singers to a - Experience and/or interest in multicultural outreach would student who is affiliated with Mennonite Church Eastern Can- be an asset. ada and is in a full-time program of music study, graduate or undergraduate. Direct inquiries and applications to: Applications must be mailed by Sept. 15, 2009. For applica- Wideman Mennonite Church tion documents or further information, contact: 10530 Hwy. 48, Markham, ON, L3P 3J3 Lewis Brubacher, 16 Euclid Avenue, Waterloo, ON N2L 6L9. c/o Howard Burkholder, Chairperson of Search Committee Phone: 519-884-3072. E-mail: [email protected]. or email: [email protected] Canadian Mennonite August 17, 2009 39

PRESIDENT Custodian/MaintenanCe assistant (1.0) required for Camp Assiniboia, near Winnipeg, one of three camps operated Bethany College is a Bible College commit- by Mennonite Church Manitoba. Skills required include build- ted to nurturing disciples and training leaders ing cleaning; grounds, barn/corral, equipment maintenance; to serve. Bethany’s Board of Directors invites snow removal; tractor operation; minor repair; group hosting. nominations, applications and expressions of Position available fall 09. Applicants must affirm Mennonite interest for the position of President. Founded in 1927, and faith statement. On site housing and benefits package avail- situated in Hepburn, Saskatchewan, Bethany offers a range of able. Contact (204) 895-2267 or [email protected]. undergraduate Bible College programs. Further information at www.campswithmeaning.org. The President, who serves as CEO, will have a proven record of respected leadership, be committed to excellence in discipleship and transformative education, understand and embrace the mission of Bethany College, and possess the ability to represent Bethany effectively on provincial and national levels to our alumni, donor and church constituencies. Executive Director For a full job description, please visit: www.bethany.sk.ca.

Mennonite Foundation of Canada (MFC) is a donor–advised charitable foundation established in 1973 to promote financial stewardship from a Christian perspective. We create opportunities for people to be generous with their finan‐ Director of Human resources cial resources and provide stewardship education for Due to a retirement we have an exciting opportunity on the churches and their members. MFC is committed to so‐ Canadian Mennonite University leadership team. The Director of Human Resources is responsible for the delivery of all Hu- cially responsible investing and a significant portion of man Resource activities within CMU. The individual will have our investment portfolio is loans to our constituent applicable education and experience in order to administer all churches and related charitable organizations. human resource functions, including salary and benefit admin- istration, as well as developing and implementing policies and practices. We are a growing and dynamic organization with over For more information, please check the CMU web page ad at $100 million dollars under management. Our head office www.cmu.ca, or contact Susan Warkentin at [email protected] is in Winnipeg with four other offices across Canada. We or by telephone at (204) 487-3300 ext 663. have 17 employees and an operating budget of $1.9 mil‐ lion. Further information can be found at Mennofounda‐ tion.ca. Development Director Westgate Mennonite Collegiate has The Executive Director is accountable to the MFC Board recently celebrated 50 years of ful- and will provide strategic leadership to MFC, directing filling a deep sense of purpose and dedication to fostering excellence in and managing the overall operation. The candidate must education in the context of a nurtur- be a member in a church of one of MFC’s six supporting ing faith community. Westgate is a Christian school grounded conferences. in the Anabaptist tradition with a student body of 320 students from grades 7-12. We are centrally located in Winnipeg, MB. As the ideal candidate you will: The Development Director will work closely with the Principal and the Board to create opportunities which engage all mem- Have demonstrated success in leading and managing bers of the Westgate community to support the mission and a growing organization vision as we look ahead to the next 50 years. Possess excellent public relations and communica‐ The Development Director’s role is to maintain donor, alumni tion skills and church relations through various activities and communications. S/he will be responsible for all fundraising strategies Be experienced in directing and guiding staff to ac‐ and events including a capital campaign and ongoing dona- complish the organization’s goals tion programs. The Development Director will manage all Possess excellent administrative and organizational communications and marketing strategies. The position also includes administrative responsibilities relating to the donor skills database and development budgets and policies. Be fully aligned with the values of MFC and the faith‐ A complete job description and qualifications is posted on our based constituency we serve. website at www.westgatemennonite.ca Qualified applicants please e-mail your resume by MFC offers a competitive salary and benefits package. September 11, 2009 to: Resumes should be submitted by August 31st, 2009 to: Mr. Bob Hummelt, Principal at [email protected] Personnel Committee, 12‐1325 Markham Road, Winni‐ peg, MB R3T 4J6 or [email protected].