Volume 39 Number 19 November 7, 2001

Letters to the Editor

Letters for publication, commenting on issues raised in The Messenger, are welcomed.
Their tone should be charitable, dealing with subjects rather than individuals. To be published, they must include the writer's signature and address. Names and general
location will appear, except for extraordinary circumstances, on letters published.
The magazine reserves the right to edit letters for length, style, and charity. It can
refuse publication when the material does not conform to the editorial policy
approved by the Board of Church Ministries (November 1997).

Ripples of service

In today’s mobile and restless society, it is difficult to put down roots. In fact, many people, including Christians, believe it is of little importance where we come from as long as we know where we are going.

Scripture seems to teach otherwise. In Joshua 4:6 we read, "What mean these stones?" That question is as relevant today as it was in Joshua’s day.

We need to remember our forefathers who came in 1874, disembarking from the International at the junction of the Rat and Red Rivers. It was the Métis people who helped to provide food and in purchasing oxen for plowing new land. They basically helped to settle both the East and the West Reserves.

The forming of Mennonite Central Committee in Akron, Pennsylvania in 1920, originally to help feed our brothers and sisters in Ukraine, has had ripples of great proportions—especially in today’s world with its millions of refugees and orphaned children. Among the ripples are MEDA, Voluntary Services, Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Thrift Stores, auction sales, to name a few.

The second wave of immigrants, who came after World War Two, were more cultured and educated, and introduced a new area of service. The blending of the two gave strength and broadened the avenues of Christian service.

For all the above, we are thankful. They are our stones, and they have meaning.

Wilbert Loewen
Winnipeg, Man.

A tribute to Dr. Archie Penner

I am glad to see Dr. Archie Penner is to be on the platform on December 1 at the EMC Conference Council meeting. I am convinced the participants will not be disappointed.

We need to consider the tremendous contributions Dr. Penner has made to the origin of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference and to its ongoing life. Most of our EMC scholars have been mentored by him at one time or other. Those of us who were in the "trenches" at the birth of the Conference will not forget his godly, masterful leadership as we were guided through this challenging process.

Not only is Dr. Penner highly endowed with academic credentials, he ranks among the top biblical scholars of our day. My academic exposure to him began back in the 1950s when I sat under his instruction, and although, subsequently, I have had the privilege of studying under numerous scholars in various institutions of higher learning, his keen mind and intellect hold a candle to any of them.

EMC has had a rare resource by having Dr. Penner in its ranks for over half a century. We may not all agree with his conclusions at all times—then again, only God is absolute in his understanding and proclamation—but that does not diminish his stature as a scholar.

Just a side note. A few years ago I went to see a professor friend at Steinbach Bible College and in the process I sat in on a lecture by Dr. Penner. I was astounded at his intellectual prowess; he had not missed a beat since I last sat under his instruction in the 1950s. I had one regret though, as I observed the students in the class; most of them were obviously totally ignorant of what a "treasure" was before them.

In spite of Dr. Penner’s tremendous lecture, most students—with the exception of two or three—could not have cared less; they seemed to be in fantasyland, oblivious of the rare benefit before them.

Henry Hiebert
Pinawa, Man.

Pray for leaders

Living in the USA, we always look forward to the letter from home, The Messenger magazine. The editorials, church reports, messages and letters are welcome fare when miles from home and family. The issue which referred to the tragedy of September 11 (Sept. 19, 2001) was of particular interest. I would like to share some of our observations as we have been living in El Paso, Texas, since July 2000.

A year ago the presidential election was on the minds of most people. The media made much ado about issues thought to be on the public’s mind. Some churches prayed every week at prayer meeting about the election. Others set up around-the-clock prayer meetings, seven days a week. To many of the Christian public, the election was crucial to change the direction of the nation. Election day did not give a clear winner for president, so the prayers continued, including around-the-clock prayer meetings, until Mr. Bush was announced President of the United States of America. Being relatively young and inexperienced, many felt led to continue to pray for the president.

On September 11, just a few hours after tragedy struck, as the news was being broadcast, notices were sent across the TV screen calling the people of EL Paso to prayer. Many people responded to the call for prayer on Tuesday and every day till the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance on Friday. This was broadcast live on all major networks and public broadcasting. Interviews with Franklin Graham, where he gave the plan of salvation uninterrupted by media personnel, Billy Graham, who Americans call the nation’s pastor, and others, showed people speaking freely of the Lord Jesus Christ. The newscasters continue to encourage people to pray.

The very strong focus on prayer through the national media came as a surprise, just as the use of the phrase "God bless America" was surprising in the election campaign. Many Americans pray for their president, for wisdom, peace and justice not only at home, but also abroad.

We as Christians and Canadians would do well to pray unashamedly for our leaders as well.

George and Elma Janzen
EMC guesthouse, El Paso, Texas

Openness, honesty appreciated

When my mother died in 1992, I was unable to make it to her deathbed because of the distance. I have always felt I missed something. Some years later, when our pastor was away, I was asked to visit a lady from our church who was dying. There was no response form her when my wife, Irene, and I read the scriptures to her and prayed, but we felt she heard us. Soon after we left the room the nurse advised the family that our lady friend had died. I remember sharing with Irene that perhaps our prayers had helped to release Satan’s hold on this Christian friend. Satan enjoys seeing Christians suffer and, of course, there is nothing better for a person than being in the Saviour’s presence. I enjoyed the openness and honesty in Betty Barkman’s article in the October 17, 2001, issue of The Messenger. Thank you!

Dennis Plett
Calgary, Alta.