A tribute to Menno Wiebe - (1932-2021) INSIDE - Canadian Mennonite
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February 1, 2021 Volume 25 Number 3
A tribute to
Menno Wiebe
(1932-2021)
pg. 20
INSIDE
PM40063104 R09613
Stones of remembrance 4
Losing freedom? 11
‘Help me to see how you see it’ 19
2 Canadian Mennonite February 1, 2021
editorial
Hope in a bleak midwinter
By Tobi Thie s sen
Pub lish er
C anadians are
struggling with the
heaviness of this
winter. The prospect of
several more months with physical
singing together. It gives us hope that
we will meet together again one day.
When we do, we will rejoice and sing
praises to God for the chance to do
what we once took for granted.
examples in every issue of this
magazine.
It is a bleak midwinter but the days
are getting longer. Some of our most
at-risk citizens have already been
gathering restrictions is as depressing as We generate some hope for ourselves vaccinated. We can find physically
the grey skies of southern Ontario in by thinking about what church will be distant ways to help bring God’s hope
February. As a society, we have started like when we gather in person again. to others in this hurting world. Amaz-
to squabble, point fingers and shift This is hope as an act of imagination ingly, these acts of goodwill towards
blame. that makes a tough present situation others will kindle and strengthen hope
The arrival of COVID-19 vaccines in more bearable. It is the same type of within ourselves.
December buoyed our spirits as much hope that we take by lighting candles at
as Christmas lights did. We knew it Advent and remembering God’s Print and digital issues
would be months before we all got a promise that the Messiah will deliver us will continue
turn to be inoculated but it is hard to be from oppression. It is a quiet, meditative In 2021, Canadian Mennonite will
patient. Now there is nothing festive to kind of hope we seize when the challen- again publish 22 regular issues plus four
warm our hearts and there seems to be ges of the day are too great for any one digital-only ones. As a subscriber, you
more bad news than good. Where do we person to resolve. can have a print issue mailed and a
find hope in this bleak midwinter? To hope is to envision an outcome in digital copy emailed to up to two email
Hope and optimism are not the same which life is better in some way. In some addresses in the same household. To
thing, but of course we look on the instances, the hope allows us to with- add digital delivery to your subscrip-
bright side of a situation to help get stand the present situation despite our tion, email Lisa Jacky at office@
through dark days. The pandemic forced inability to change it. In other cases, we canadianmennonite.org.
us to try new ways of being a church create hope when we act within our Select articles from a digital-only
and community. To enable online own sphere of influence to make life issue are printed in the next print issue
worship, we embraced new technologies better for someone else. to ensure that print-only readers get a
and learned new skills. Our commun- We are, after all, the hands and feet of sampling.
ities, sorely challenged to minister to God on this journey towards liberation
the most isolated among us, have tried from oppression. Resolving the pan- Corrections for Jan. 4 issue
new ways of reaching out. We have demic is something beyond our capacity, • F irst Mennonite Church in Kitchener,
tested both the potential and the but we can still take action to improve Ont., has 245 members. Incorrect
limitations of online worship and virtual life at a very local level. information appeared in the feature
community. We will bring the benefit of In this issue, Donna Schulz writes “A rich and diverse version of God,”
this experience into church when about one such effort initiated by the pages 4 to 7.
in-person gatherings resume. Mount Royal Mennonite Church in • The head shots of Karen Schellenberg
The arrival of the new hymnal Voices Saskatoon (page 18). Joanne De Jong and Lisa Enns in the “Pastoral
Together brightens this winter as well. writes about the pastor of Edmonton’s transitions in Manitoba” news brief,
The music collection is something Oromo Mennonite church teaching page 30, were transposed.
exciting and new to explore that is anger-management skills to Ethiopian
rooted in our centuries-old tradition of youth (page 23). There are other Canadian Mennonite regrets the errors. l
Printed in Canada
Award-winning
member
ISSN 1480-042X
contents
Canadian Mennonite Vol. 25 No. 3 3
February 1, 2021 / Vol. 25, No. 3
ABOUT THE COVER: Stones of
Menno Wiebe, left, presents a riding crop to renowned Lubicon remembrance 4
Cree chief Bernard Ominayak in Little Buffalo, Alta., in 1993. Danielle Raimbault
Wiebe’s presentation was accompanied with the words, “Ride on, recalls the stones erected
sir!” Story starts on page 20. on the banks of the Jordan
PHOTO: MICHAEL BRYSON / MENNONITE HERITAGE ARCHIVES River and makes a
connection to God’s
Wise stories can build peace 12 faithfulness in her own life.
Barb Draper reviews MC Canada’s Common Read book for Winter
2021.
Committed to seeking a deeper understanding 13
Mennonite Central Committee begins research into historical
connections with national socialism.
The importance of a ‘generous space’ in Manitoba 16 Regular features:
LGBTQ+ Mennonites find a supportive community through an For discussion 6 Readers write 7
ecumenical ministry. A moment from yesterday 9 Online NOW! 27
Schools Directory 28-29 Calendar 31 Classifieds 31
There is no peace without Christ 23
Mennonite pastor Mezgebu A. Tucho teaches anger management The crowd Caleb Kowalko 9
and discipleship in Ethiopia.
Connections Arli Klassen 10
Losing freedom? Troy Watson 11
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4 Canadian Mennonite February 1, 2021
feature
Stones of
remembrance Feature an d Ph o to s by D an i el l e R ai m b au lt
“And Joshua set up at Gilgal the twelve stones they had taken out of the Jordan. He said to the Israelites, ‘In the
future when your descendants ask their parents, “What do these stones mean?” tell them, “Israel crossed the
Jordan on dry ground”’” (Joshua 4:20-22).
T
he crossing of the Jordan River was a key up on the church?
event in Israel’s history. As the Israelites The Israelites were reminded of God’s vitality in their
found themselves on the other side, Joshua lives by creating a pile of stones. And so, I went search-
commanded the Israelites to take 12 stones ing for my own pile of “stones,” shown in the following
from the river and carry them to their camp. photos. I don’t have 12, so four will have to do.
Joshua set up the stones as a symbol of God’s faithfulness
to them as they crossed into the promised land. Dancing girl
The pile of stones was just as central to this story as the
physical crossing of the river was. It reminded the people
of that day—the week after, the month after, the year
after—until those who had gathered the stones had their
own children and those children had their own children.
The remembrance of these stones, a physical rep-
resentation, stood out for the children to ask, “Why are
these stones here?” The stones cried out with Israel’s
story that their God was faithful.
Looking for stones
But here we are. Our congregations are aging. It seems
as though the church in North America is aging. Folks
from the younger generation aren’t involved in church
anymore. The church population is getting kind of old.
Yet we are called to further Christ’s church. Our
congregations need to work at being sustainable and
being a place that will continue on with the younger
generations. Our congregations can do that by being
vital. If the church continues to be vital in people’s lives, This figurine reminds me of my grandma’s house. I
it will continue to be sustainable. remember my grandma, who was a single mother in the
I don’t know how to make the church sustainable. 1960s. The figurine reminds me of how she became a
And I have questioned whether the church is vital. And, devoted follower of Jesus, beat alcoholism, spent all her
many times in my life, I’ve seen the church population time volunteering for her church and how she spoke
age and younger people dwindle away. Sometimes I do about Jesus wherever she would go. It reminds me of my
love to trash-talk about the church. But here I am: a grandma, who knelt with me as I welcomed Jesus into my
young, under-30 person who is actively a part of the heart, as children in my context were taught to do. It
church. And it’s not just because I get paid to be here. reminds me of my grandma, who heard about my strug-
So, why am I part of the church? Why haven’t I given gles in finding my identity as a pastor and said, “I wish you
would have told me, I could have prayed for you.”
Canadian Mennonite Vol. 25 No. 3 5
I have no doubt that my grandma was Baptismal certificate
praying for me that whole time.
This figurine reminds me of my
grandma, who, to me, embodies what
the church should be. It reminds me of
my grandma, who taught me that God
is faithful.
Photo of Genesis
This baptismal certificate This necklace still has a special place
reminds me of the church I in my heart. I often wear it at times
went to while growing up in when I need to feel God’s presence
Manitoba. I don’t have too with me, whether it’s attending a
many good memories of that visitation for a funeral I’m officiating
place, but this is one that is for someone I’ve never met, or a
very special to me. workshop I’m doing for a room full of
This is a photo of me in all my teenager I was 15 and asked to be baptized in pastors who seem much wiser—and
awkwardness, with a Nicaraguan girl the river at a provincial park near our older, and “maler”—than me.
named Genesis. She was one of the first house. I loved the outdoors. As I rose This necklace weighs on my neck and
children to arrive at an orphanage from the water, the church members, reminds me that God is there with me.
where my dad and I worked. She and I lined up along the shoreline, began It reminds me that the presence of God
became fast friends despite our lan- singing “Amazing Grace.” goes with me wherever I may be. It
guage differences. It was a congregation that always reminds me that God is faithful.
I promised Genesis that I would come welcomed me back home. This certifi- What are the stones of remembrance
back next year and visit her; I didn’t. I’ve cate reminds me that this church did, in in your life? What are the rocks that
thought about her often. I have no idea some roundabout way that I didn’t see point to God’s faithfulness? Why have
where she is, but I want to call her and then, nurture me into becoming a you stayed in the church for as long as
tell her about the impact she made on pastor. This certificate reminds me again you have? Why is your faith vital to you?
my life. It’s very possible she doesn’t and again of my baptism into Christ’s I invite you to share these stories with
even remember who I am. church, however messy it looked in my your children, with your grandchildren.
This photo reminds me of all the life during that time. It reminds me that Ask them to share their stones of
people we interact with in our lives, on God is faithful. remembrance with you.
whom we make a lasting impression The Israelites did not become the
without even knowing it. It reminds me Cross necklace people of God easily. They became
that the Holy Spirit works in powerful I received this necklace from someone God’s people through the experience of
ways that are beyond our control. This whose house I was billeted at during a redemption from Egypt, the experience
photo makes me hope that God was as choir tour. I don’t remember anything of their time in the desert and the
faithful to Genesis, wherever she is, as about him other than his generosity to experience of crossing the Jordan River.
God has been faithful to me. give me a gift after barely even Israel became the people of God
knowing me. through these, as they witnessed God’s
6 Canadian Mennonite February 1, 2021
souls.
I believe that you aren’t able to
show others that the church is vital
unless you first think about how the
church is vital to you.
I still don’t know how to make the
church sustainable. But I do know that
I’m here because God has been faithful
in my life. I know that it is better for
me to be here listening to the ways
that God has worked in people’s lives.
And I wonder: if we continue to tell
others about how the church is vital to
us, perhaps the sustainability part will
work itself out. l
Danielle Raimbault is a
co-pastor of Preston and
Wanner Mennonite
churches in Cambridge,
Ont. She preached this
sermon to both
faithfulness over and over again. other, dedicate our babies, and give congregations in a series based on a
Joshua built the pile of stones to packages to our youth in the hope that covenant the two churches formed to
remind the Israelites why God was vital they will know that we love them even guide their relationships as they share
in their life. Like them, we can talk, though they are distant. We collect food pastors.
share our “stones” and our stories about for the hungry and we feed our own
how God has been faithful to us.
These stories shape who I’ve become
and they are a part of why I show up to ΛΛFor discussion
church on a Sunday morning. I don’t
show up because there is flashy worship 1. What are your “stones of remembrance”—the artifacts or stories that remind you of
that catches my attention. I don’t show how God has been faithful in your life? Are they portrayed in your photo albums? What
up because there are a bunch of other is the advantage of having your own “pile of stones” out on display where you can see
young people here that are my age. I them daily?
show up because these stones in my life
have shown me that I need to be with 2. As you think of your church building, what are the objects or photos on display that
the people of God, and I’m not going to remind people of God’s past faithfulness to the congregation? How often is attention
do that by sleeping in every Sunday drawn to these items? Does a Mennonite museum do a good job of reminding us of
morning. God’s faithfulness?
I show up because it is in the church
where I have seen God active. I show up 3. Danielle Raimbault wonders about the sustainability of the church in North America
because it is in the church where I have and admits she doesn’t know how to make it sustainable. What questions do you have
seen the Holy Spirit moving. I show up about the future of the church? How does reminding ourselves of God’s faithfulness in
because being with the people of God the past help us deal with fear about the future?
and hearing their stories tells me what
the Israelites learned over and over 4. Raimbault writes, “[I]t is in the church where I have seen God active.” Where have you
again: God is faithful. seen God active in the church? In what ways is the church vital for you? How can the
Sure, church is messy. We fight. We church better remind itself of times when God was faithful?
are impatient with one another. We are
tired of committee meetings. We roll —By B arb D r ap er
our eyes when certain people are talking
and we zone out perhaps more often S ee related resources at
than we should. www.commonword.ca/go/2241
But we also fall in love, cry with each
Canadian Mennonite Vol. 25 No. 3 7
opinion
ΛΛReaders write as he would have us believe are those of some of the
survivors who reached out to him: “They unfortu-
LL Might Jesus have really said ‘Our Mother’? nately experienced [Yoder Neufeld’s] letter as
shaming them for coming forward, and pressuring
Re: “Gendered images of God,” Nov. 23, 2020, page them to quickly forgive.”
23. But after reading Yoder Neufeld’s letter a number
The committee that worked on the new hymnal, of times, I find no indication that he suggested,
Voices Together, says that “the decisions made about encouraged or even hinted at the survivors’ need to
the language used for God may be unsettling for forgive Rempel for what he has done. His comment
some.” on forgiveness was clearly directed at the church, to
I am one of those. I’m sure we all believe that Jesus those who have done the harm [Rempel] coming to a
spoke the truth when he said, “I am the way the truth “full acknowledgment and true repentance.”
and the life,” and taught us to pray, “Our Father who Survivors who have interpreted his letter different-
art in heaven.” ly are doing so from their internal emotional process,
How can we now say he could have been wrong not from what is written by Yoder Neufeld. Further-
and may have said, “Our Mother”? more, they are using their energy to enlist an ally
In all the Bibles I have, God, Jesus and the Holy rather than using their energy to reflect on their own
Spirit are always referred to in the male gender. pain, turmoil and trauma, which is where the healing
I also think it is wrong to change words in hymns must take place.
that we all love and that were written for us hundreds Shantz, in becoming that ally, has slipped into an
of years ago. When we use someone else’s words and either/or approach and has lost some of his freedom
claim that they are our own, that is called plagiarism. to be helpful. I would, however, completely support
Doing the exact opposite has to be wrong, too. his position that “the day may come when we can
I’m sure the committee is sincere and wants to be talk of forgiveness,” but for the survivors that must
inclusive, but making these changes is not going to always be left in their hands—whether to forgive
help. and, if so, when.
Cornie Martens, R abbit L ake, Sa sk . G eorge Enns, Sa sk ato on
LL Dealing with sexual abuse should be LL Mother and daughter can’t
a ‘both/and’ exercise for the church keep from singing hymns
Re: “Point: Compassion needed for both victims My 92-year-old mother, Ruth Marie Wideman
and perpetrator,” and “Counterpoint: No quick Reesor, lives north of Toronto, where she is a
forgiveness for perpetrator” letters, Nov. 23, 2020, member of Community Mennonite Church in
page 7. Stouffville, Ont. I live in north Florida.
As a retired family therapist who has worked with At the beginning of the first pandemic lockdown, I
both perpetrators and survivors, I know it’s common realized how important our phone calls were. I
for individuals, therapists and the church communi- started bringing poetry books for our daily chats.
ty to approach difficult problems within an either/or The Zoom choirs on social media sparked an idea.
paradigm, which is limiting and insufficient. We On Mother’s Day last year we started singing hymns
need a paradigm of “both/and,” one that I believe is together, she on her landline phone and me on the
more closely aligned with the teaching of Jesus. speaker of my cell phone.
From my perspective, Tom Yoder Neufeld elo- We quickly realized how good it feels to sing with
quently outlined the painful dilemma of John D. someone else, despite the lag or the bad reception.
Rempel’s sexual misconduct, his devastating After four months of hopping around in three
behaviour and the church’s need to take a clear stand hymnbooks, we started in September to systemati-
with “those who have been harmed” and “with those cally sing our way through each book. What a
who have done the harm.” I also agree with Yoder treasure this heritage has been for us! It’s amazing to
Neufeld that the church has done a much better job realize how many hymns we know. Mom has lots of
of dealing with those who have been hurt, abused stories about specific songs, especially from the old
and traumatized than it has in dealing with those Church Hymnal (1928).
who have offended, where we have too often slipped It continues to be so gratifying to sing seven to
into an either/or approach. eight hymns every evening. Last week our new
Marcus Shantz’s letter is one clear example of this, Voices Together hymnals arrived, and we began our
8 Canadian Mennonite February 1, 2021
journey. It looks like a great resource for many for healthcare workers, Dec. 7, 2020, page 16). She
decades to come. We do have to watch the pronouns worked hard to interview local residents and not
and new words, so it keeps us alert. I bought the resort to stereotypes and potshots, and her work
CDs, so hopefully we can learn some new songs too: should not be undone by printing a glib, self-right-
“My life flows on in endless song, above earth’s eous letter to the editor from somebody across the
lamentation. / Since Love is lord of heav’n and earth, country.
how can I keep from singing?” And I was dismayed by the letter itself. Jesus told a
I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to learn story about a self-righteous Pharisee who thanked
to sing in choirs in Sunday school; at what is now God he wasn’t like that sinner over there, warned us
Rockway Mennonite Collegiate in Kitchener, Ont.; at about logs in our own eyes, and taught us that we’re
the former Conrad Grebel College in Waterloo, Ont.; supposed to treat others how we’d like to be treated.
and in the Mennonite Mass Choir. It is such a rich The letter naively generalizes diverse communities
tradition. from afar, makes no reference to the herculean and
Nor m a Ree sor , Tall aha s see, Fl a . sacrificial work done by our local congregations and
health-care staff to help and heal our local commu-
nities during a pandemic that has left beloved
LL MAID article pulls rug out members of our communities dead, and its sancti-
from under reader mony runs antithetical to much of what makes the
Christian faith beautiful.
Re: “He asked if it was okay for him to die,” Dec. 7, Kyle Penner , Steinbach, Man.
2020, page 29.
I’m guessing that I would be classified as an The writer is associate pastor of Grace Mennonite
average reader of Canadian Mennonite. I look at, or Church in Steinbach.
read, most articles and finish with the feeling that all
is well in my Mennonite world, thanks to the fine
and uplifting news and stories. LL Mayor responds to
I felt the same with the Dec. 7 issue until “wham,” erroneous COVID-19 claims
you pulled the rug out from under me. John Long-
hurst’s people story is disturbing, timely and Re: “Send free copies of CM to Steinbach and
beautiful! I was reminded of the St. Francis story, Altona” letter, Jan. 4, page 10.
when he was asked what he would do if he knew that As mayor of our southern Manitoba community of
he would die the following day, and he replied, “I Altona, I regularly hear from residents drawing my
would finish hoeing my garden.” It seems clear that attention to items involving our prairie town.
some of us are blessed with knowing in advance Imagine my surprise, when a lifelong resident
when our “gardening” is done. directed me to this letter and the comment that
Peter A D ueck , Vancouver Altona was the site of anti-mask protests, and that
our patients were in cars and ambulances outside of
The writer is a member of Peace Church on 52nd in the hospital.
Vancouver. Please note that is most certainly not the case.
Like communities all across Canada, our COVID-
19 battle has not been easy, and there are detractors,
LL Pastor dismayed at but overwhelmingly our residents have supported
‘smug’ COVID-19 letter and practised the public-health directives.
Our health-care facility has not been overrun with
Re: “Send free copies of CM to Steinbach and COVID-19 patients and, unlike the City of Calgary,
Altona” letter, Jan. 4, page 10. where the letter writer resides, the town of Altona
I am dismayed and disappointed by this smug has not been the site of any anti-mask demon-
letter to the editor about sending Canadian Men- strations.
nonite magazines to southern Manitoba as it As a former Canadian Mennonite Publishing
experienced a significant increase in COVID-19 Service board member, thank you for your ongoing
cases. efforts to engage the Canadian Mennonite reader-
I was dismayed and disappointed by CM’s editorial ship in meaningful and open conversations.
staff for printing it, thus undermining the excellent, Al Frie sen, Altona , Man.
nuanced, thoughtful and compassionate journalism
done by Nicolien Klassen-Wiebe (“Candles of care
Canadian Mennonite Vol. 25 No. 3 9
From Our Leaders
The crowd
C al eb Kow alko
M any of us are taking crowds
very seriously these days and
avoiding them as much as
possible. For the sake of public health,
I cannot encourage this enough. But
and disdain for the crowd around Jesus.
But if we take the crowd much more
seriously, something else emerges.
What is the crowd? It is made up of
the wounded, the desperate and the
human creatures, but being in the
crowd is not the same as being a
disciple. Disciples often emerge from
the crowd but, more often, the disciples
are invited by Jesus into his work of
there’s a crowd we have been avoiding hungry. Within the crowd are the ministering from within the crowd.
since long before the pandemic started. diseased and the outcast, sex workers This means that discipleship is not
That crowd is a constant reality and tax collectors, soldiers, widows and only about “me and Jesus.” As a theology
throughout the gospel stories, following orphans, Jews and gentiles, and even the professor once said, “If you don’t feel
Jesus wherever he goes. Too often we occasional rich young man. drawn towards the crowd, you might
overlook the presence of that crowd They scream, “Jesus, help me!” and need to rethink your time at the divinity
and, when we eventually do pay closer reach out to him in desperation as he school.”
attention to it, we often look down on it passes by. Indeed, they are there to get Discipleship is precisely about not
with disdain. something from Jesus. They want avoiding the crowd. As much as we
Count me among those who, for a healing, hope, restoration and life. They stand alongside the crowd, with our
long time, thought Jesus was constantly want salvation. And they’ve come to the own desperate longing as creatures
trying to escape the crowd, or that the same place—the right place—around longing for our Creator, discipleship
crowd was constantly getting in Jesus’ the body of Jesus. also includes facing the crowd with
way. We read about the crowd as if they The crowd is human. The crowd is Jesus, seeing the crowd through Jesus’
are like a swarm of mosquitos, selfishly dependent. The crowd is the point. eyes and joining in that dangerous but
trying to get at Jesus and take some- The crowd is not in Jesus’ way. Jesus life-giving work of loving. l
thing from him. Then every Easter we came precisely for the crowd. And if we
cast our scorn on the crowd as they take a step back, we can witness the Caleb Kowalko is the pastor
were so easily manipulated by the chief unfolding of a sacred event whenever of Calgary First Mennonite
priests, demanding blood as they Jesus is in the midst of the crowd: the Church.
shouted, “Crucify him!” Creator and the creature are together
The crowd is a burden. The crowd is again.
to blame. The crowd is a problem. The gospels give the idea that there is
These are the assumptions that so a porous boundary between the crowd
often drive our ignorance, avoidance and the disciples. Both are dependent
A moment from yesterday
Scarlet fever, cholera, diphtheria, smallpox, typhoid and whooping cough were some of communicable
diseases that plagued communities in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Jacob Kroeker (1836-1914)
came to Manitoba in 1876 and settled in the village of Schoenweise. From 1881 to 1885 halskrankeit
(diptheria) was a significant communicable illness that affected many. During this time, Jacob lost his
wife Anna Zacharias (1836-Nov. 17, 1883), daughter Anna (1880-Nov. 29, 1883), and son Franz (1862-
Dec. 28, 1883). As the weather grew colder in 1884, the communicable diseases made their presence
felt again. Jacob had to say aufwiedersehen to David (1872-Dec. 5, 1884), and Abram (1877-Dec. 10,
1884). So many deaths due to these illnesses in just one family! During this time, diphtheria killed more
than half of the children it infected. Thanks to vaccines, today many families are spared the anguish of
children dying from these diseases. Pictured, Jacob poses with his second wife, Helena Fehr, in 1903.
Text: Conrad Stoesz
Photo: Mennonite Heritage Archives archives.mhsc.ca
10 Canadian Mennonite February 1, 2021
The Church Here and There • There are three Anabaptist confer-
ences (synods) in Indonesia, none of
Connections which were started by a Mennonite
church in North America, whereas the
Dutch Mennonite church has strong
Arli Kl a s s en relationships in Indonesia. How do we
Canadian Mennonites develop relation-
I believe it is important that we are
called to belong to a faith community
that is beyond our own congregation.
My main question today is: “How do we
belong, how do we connect with the
We seem to be returning to a time
when people trust the people who they
know personally, while centralized
communication systems are trusted less
than communication by the people you
ships that are not tied to our historical
mission activity?
Direct relationships are becoming an
important way of connecting with
people in our Anabaptist church know personally. I wonder how this Anabaptists beyond our congregation.
(regional, nationwide, international) changes our church world. When people use these relationships to
beyond our congregation? connect their congregation with Anabap-
In previous decades, we learned about Some examples tist brothers and sisters somewhere else
and developed relationships with people • Our Mennonite Church Canada in Canada or around the world, all
beyond our own congregation in very Witness workers are supported through congregational life is enriched, and our
centralized ways. We attended regional, relational funding mechanisms, foster- experience of God deepens and grows.
nationwide and international confer- ing strong direct relationships with When there are no informal direct
ences in person, where we learned to some individuals and congregations. It communication channels, it is the
know people from “out there.” We is harder for less-connected Witness communication tools of our larger
listened to reports and sermons by workers to be well funded. church bodies that help us to learn
visiting church leaders and missionaries, • Some congregations have direct about and support those among our
who visited our local congregations and relationships with other congregations Anabaptist family who are more
told us stories about the exciting things around the world, sharing music videos, marginalized or isolated.
happening “out there.” prayer times and sermons with each Let us continue to trust those more
Today, we live in a world where our other online. I loved seeing the Face- centralized communication channels
people, particularly younger adults, are book post last week of a church choir in along with the vast network of direct
more sceptical about what is perceived Zambia that shared its music with a relationships, which all work together
to be centralized and institutional congregation in Pennsylvania for so that we feel more connected into the
communication. Long ago, we were a Sunday morning worship. whole of our Anabaptist body. l
small-enough community that one • I participated in the Mennonite
might personally know the various World Conference (MWC) Online rli Klassen connects
A
church leaders, and trust them. Prayer Hour last weekend. We had informally and formally in
Then we grew much bigger and we interpreters to help in five different Kitchener, Ont., MC Eastern
developed proper systems and more languages, and we spent time in breakout Canada, MC Canada, and
professional staff, and there seems to be rooms praying together for the personal MWC.
less trust in our systems and our leaders. and political, and for our churches.
Et cetera
East Africa threatened by returning locusts
A return of desert locusts in East Africa is a major threat to food security in the region, church leaders
warn, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to cause severe disruptions. In 2020, huge swarms of
biblical proportions struck the region, destroying food crops and animal pastures, and pushed hunger
and economic hardship to new levels. And as though that is not enough, the United Nations warned
in January that a new invasion has started spreading in East Africa. “We are concerned about their
impact on the people’s food security,” says Nicta Luubale, a Ugandan who is the general secretary of
the Organization of African Instituted Churches. “We are also concerned about the psychological
impact they have on the farmer. This time, he is handling drought and last year there was too much
rain. We are also talking COVID-19 to the farmer. It’s a pileup of many things.”
Source: World Council of Churches / Photo by Marcelo SchneiderCanadian Mennonite Vol. 25 No. 3 11
Life in the Postmodern Shift
Losing freedom?
Troy Wat s o n
I ’m writing this on Jan. 18 and I’m
wondering how tone deaf my article
will seem by the time you read it.
I have no idea what the world will be
like in a few days, let alone a few weeks.
truth to accept.
I believe truth is often paradoxical.
Perhaps for too long I’ve been basking
being revealed to me through this
pandemic. I’m becoming convinced
As I’ve written in previous articles,
that, when I accept the unpredictable
and indifferent nature of the universe, it
does not bring fear, it brings freedom. It
in the truth that I am loved, valued and
Who knows what catastrophic event or deserve a good life, while ignoring thehelps me live more grounded in the
pivotal moment in history will have other side of the paradox, namely, the awareness that not one thing, not one
occurred between now and early universe doesn’t care if I live or die.person or relationship, not one breath,
February? I’m no historian, but it seems to mecan be taken for granted.
Obviously, the world has always been that most people in most cultures It might be clichéd but it’s also a
unpredictable. That’s not new. What’s throughout history have been more profound truth that each moment is a
new is my deeper awareness of the gift. And as soon as I start treating
aware of this unpredictable and indiffer-
unpredictable nature of it. I think we all ent aspect of reality than most anything, including the very moment
feel this on some level. Anything could Canadians living today. Many of us haveI’m experiencing, as anything other than
a gift, I’m no longer living in truth.
The other day, I felt ungrateful
because I felt my freedom was being
The other day, I felt ungrateful because I felt taken away. But the truth was actually
my freedom was being taken away. But the the opposite. I was no longer free
because I was no longer grateful.
truth was actually the opposite. I was no longer I don’t mean to undermine legitimate
free because I was no longer grateful. oppression. I’m a freedom fighter at
heart when it comes to the rights of
others. But I think I’m being taught it’s
happen. The stock market could crash. the assumption that we are entitled to at only when I’m living in truth that I am
Civil unrest could escalate into violence. least an opportunity to get whatever we truly free. A virus or government
A loved one could die. Our freedom want in life. I think this attitude would cannot take away my real freedom; it’s
could be taken away. Aliens could be perceived as bizarre, arrogant and only when I’m in disharmony with truth
attack. A zombie apocalypse. delusional by the majority of human that I lose my freedom.
The Maple Leafs could win the beings who have ever lived. So I’m learning to pay attention to my
Stanley Cup. Okay, I’m getting carried For example, most of the people we gratitude level as a measure of my
away, but there isn’t much at this point read about in the Bible seemed to live attunement with truth. A lack of
that would really surprise me. with the understanding that every- gratitude in my life reveals that I’m no
If astronomers informed us that a thing—their money, crops and livestock longer receiving each moment, each
comet the size of Luxembourg was on a (food), possessions, children, freedom breath, as a gift. Which means I’m no
collision course with Earth, or geophysi- (if they hadn’t lost it already)—could be longer living in truth. Which means I’m
cists warned us that every volcano on taken from them at any moment. They no longer living in the freedom Christ
the planet would inexplicably erupt next would grieve, but I don’t think they offers us. l
week, I think my response would be, would be surprised.
“Yup, that makes sense.” As a theologian whose name I cannot Troy Watson is a pastor of
I’ve pondered this new attitude of remember pointedly asked, “Have you Avon Mennonite Church in
mine and I don’t think I’m becoming ever noticed that, when tragedy strikes, Stratford, Ont.
pessimistic or indifferent. I think I’m people in the Bible don’t ask, ‘Why,
just acknowledging the indifference of Lord?’ They know why. Tragedy and loss
the universe towards my survival and are part of life. Their response to
well-being. I’m not trying to be dark or suffering is not, ‘Why?’ but, ‘How long,
discouraging here. I’m trying to live in O Lord? How long must we suffer?’ ”
truth. And I think this is an important I think there is an important truth12 Canadian Mennonite February 1, 2021
Book Review
Wise stories can build peace
I Am Not Your Enemy: Stories to Transform a Divided World.
Michael T. McRay. Herald Press, 2020, 256 pages.
Reviewed by Barb Draper
Books & Resources Editor
I n the aftermath of last year’s Black
Lives Matter protests, and the
violence that boiled over in Washing-
ton, D.C., on Jan. 6 of this year, it feels as
though tensions are rising in our
steps, but there must also be remorse
and changed actions if solid bridges
between groups are to be built. He
comes to the conclusion that “forgive-
ness is more complicated than we’d like
society. As fear escalates, we wonder it to be.”
how to find a way for everyone to get He also reflects on the role that fear
along without violence. In his book I plays in ongoing conflict. “We humans
Am Not Your Enemy, Michael McRay tend to do our worst when we are
explores this very question by reporting afraid,” he writes, describing the vicious
on his research into how to foster peace cycle that fear, hatred and violence can
in divided societies. spiral into. Acting out of fear is the
McRay believes that we can be worst thing to do. High walls are
transformed by storytelling if we are sometimes built in response to fear, but
wise enough to listen to the right kind McRay believes they become self-ful-
of stories. We need to learn to listen to filling prophecies; all they do is
complex stories that are profound and perpetuate fear and conflict.
that express truth. If we only listen to We humans have an amazing capacity
the simple stories of those who are like to not understand perspectives we do
us, they will only hurt us in the end. not agree with, writes McRay, com-
“Single stories lure us toward the kind menting that “sometimes it’s easier to
of thinking that leads to funerals,” he believe a lie than to chance being
writes, but, “Wise stories are ones that what he himself has learned, frequently unravelled by a truth.” He encourages
help us face the truth around us and comparing the situations in the Middle those who want to seek peace to release
name it for what it is.” East, Ireland and South Africa with the their own ignorance and fear by
Raised in Tennessee, McRay served attitudes and racism found in North exploring their own personal stories.
for a few months with Christian America. McRay writes with humility and
Peacemaker Teams in Israel-Palestine in The first thing he learned is that draws the reader into his personal story.
2012. Interested in knowing more about “reconciliation” is a loaded term. He Although the book is easy to read, it
peacemaking, he began a research writes, “People in power prefer a victim deals with very weighty subject matter.
project under the auspices of Texas calling for forgiveness and reconcilia- He suggests that living in peace is
Christian University. He tells the story tion to one calling for vindication,” possible, but challenging.
of his travels to Israel-Palestine, Ireland because it suggests that the status quo Anyone who wants to ponder what it
and South Africa, listening to stories can continue. He learned from his means to build peace will want to read
from people who are working for peace research that peace is not possible until this book. l
in places that have been devastated by justice is addressed. If peacebuilding
violence. doesn’t concretely improve the lives of This book was chosen as the Winter
He is a sensitive and careful listener, those who have been oppressed, then it 2021 Common Read book for
and all those he interviewed consented is not building peace. Mennonite Church Canada. To borrow
to having him share their stories. Empathy and compassion are very or buy a copy, download discussion
Experiences from both sides of each important for reducing violence, says questions, or view an interview
conflict are included. He doesn’t draw
lessons from the stories but reflects on
McRay, but on their own they are not
enough. Dialogue and listening are first
with the author, go to
http://bit.ly/2Y2Cy9O Canadian Mennonite Vol. 25 No. 3 13
news
Committed to seeking a ΛΛNews brief
Voices Together shipping costs
deeper understanding explained
HARRISONBURG, VA.—Several congre-
MCC begins research into historical connections with National Socialism gations have expressed concern over
the shipping charges for Voices Together
M enn o n ite Centr al Co mm itte e products. MennoMedia takes these
concerns very seriously and wants con-
M ennonite Central Committee (MCC)
has initiated research into how
national socialism (Nazism) shaped the
gregations to know that great care was
taken to keep distribution and shipping
costs as low as possible. Voices Together
contexts in Europe and Paraguay where books were printed in the United States,
MCC operated in the 1930s and ’40s, and and getting them to various locations,
how, at the time, MCC engaged with the including across the border into Canada,
German National Socialist government posed some logistical challenges. After
and worked to resettle Mennonite refugees much research and consultation, it was
from the Soviet Union. determined to be the cheapest and
At MCC’s invitation, 11 academic his- most efficient method to have the
torians from Canada, the United States, books delivered via freight truck. Menno‑
Germany, France and the Netherlands MENNONITE HERITAGE CENTRE PHOTO Media obtained three separate bids for
are researching MCC’s work in Europe (ALBER PHOTO COLLECTION) shipping and distribution and chose the
and Paraguay before, during and after the High-profile Nazi officials toured the lowest-cost provider. “Delivering these
Second World War. They will build on Mennonite colonies in occupied Ukraine. heavy books via freight truck whenever
previous research and bring their indi- During his 1942 visit to Molotschna, possible is far less expensive than
vidual scholarly specializations to bear Heinrich Himmler, head of the SS and sending via regular mail,” says Amy
in examining actions MCC and its staff an architect of the Holocaust, exchanged Gingerich, MennoMedia publisher.
undertook during this period and how greetings with Mennonite surgeon Johann “Shipping Voices Together is significantly
they wrote about those actions. Klassen. more challenging and expensive than a
“MCC is committed to developing a congregation’s usual box of Sunday
deeper understanding of this part of our school curricula and periodicals.” Due
history, and to reckoning with it once the history of Mennonites in Paraguay, Europe to the massive shipping volume during
research is complete,” says Ann Graber and the Soviet Union during this period. the COVID-19 pandemic, all the major
Hershberger, executive director of MCC The research will be presented at the freight companies announced increased
U.S. Sept. 30-Oct. 2 “MCC at 100” conference rates for their peak periods in November
“National socialism” describes the ideol- at the University of Winnipeg (held in and December. The Voices Together
ogy of Germany’s ruling Nazi Party at the collaboration with Canadian Mennonite books began shipping in November, so
time, marked by virulent anti-Semitism University and MCC), and will be pub- the slightly higher fees were applied.
that led to the Holocaust of six million lished, including in the fall 2021 edition “Please know that MennoMedia is not
Jews in Europe. “MCC rejects and repu- of MCC’s Intersections journal. making a dime on the shipping. We are
diates anti-Semitism,” says Rick Cober Alain Epp Weaver, Intersections co-edi- simply passing along the costs to our
Bauman, executive director of MCC tor and MCC director of strategic planning customers,” she says.
Canada. “Like the injustices visited upon says, “Countless displaced Mennonites —MennoMedia
other people groups, anti-Jewish actions directly helped by MCC after the Second
and attitudes need to be named, confront- World War were kept from certain death
ed and ceased. We are eager to see what or deprivation if they would have been
we can learn from the researchers’ work.” returned to the Soviet Union, from which
Recent scholarly articles have spurred many had fled a few years earlier.
MCC’s desire to learn more about this “This real account nonetheless is not
history and to grapple with the signifi- the complete picture. We are seeking to
cance of it. The research project is focused further round out our understanding and
only on the activities of MCC, acknowl- determine potential next steps to address
edging that MCC’s history is entwined this complex history.” l
with, and not easily separated from, the14 Canadian Mennonite February 1, 2021
You are invited to join ΛΛNews brief
MCC centralizing relief
the table warehouse in New Hamburg
Witness Support Networks allow congregations to extend their reach and
learn from brothers and sisters around the world
Mennonite Church Canada
M ennonite Church Canada’s Interna-
tional Witness program invites
congregations across its nationwide com-
and sharing prayer requests are examples
of support congregations can give.
“As part of the Thailand network, it has
munity of faith to join networks of support been a real blessing to be part of Zoom PHOTO COURTESY OF MCC
for its International Witness ministries. meetings with the Poovongs and hear Skids of relief kits are packed into a
“Being part of the network for the Phil- firsthand what they are doing,” says Sharon shipping container at MCC’s material
ippines reminds us that we are part of Schultz, pastor of Eyebrow (Sask.) Menno‑ resources warehouse in New Hamburg,
something much bigger than ourselves,” nite Church. Ont.
says Marlene Friesen of Emmanuel Men- Hanson says another benefit of the net-
nonite Church in Abbotsford, B.C. “We see works is that congregations across Canada
the work that is being done in the name of will connect with each other through their By April 1, Mennonite Central Commit-
God’s kingdom.” support of international ministries. “The tee (MCC) Canada will centralize packing
International Witness works with 18 opportunities for learning and sharing are and distributing material resources in a
ministry partners in 13 countries around endless,” she says. warehouse in New Hamburg, Ont. As a
the globe and has eight Witness workers result, its warehouse in Plum Coulee,
in four countries. Man., will close at the end of June, affect-
Witness Support Networks are a new ing one employee. According to a media
way for Canadian congregations to support release, the move is meant “to help facil-
and participate in this work. itate the more rapid distribution of relief
“In these networks congregations can supplies,” such as comforters, relief kits
connect more deeply to at least one of and canned meat. New Hamburg is
those ministries,” says Jeanette Hanson, closer to the port of Montreal, through
director of International Witness, of the which most containers of relief aid are
five networks currently in operation. shipped, bound for “families facing disas-
Four of the networks support minis- ter or crisis due to conflict, natural
try in countries where there are Witness disasters and climate change,” says John
workers: China, the Philippines, South Congregations interested in joining a Head, executive director of MCC
Korea and Thailand. The fifth network Witness Support Network can contact Ontario. The warehouse will operate out
supports ministry in Burkina Faso. The their regional church representative: of the former Ten Thousand Villages
goal of the networks is mutual sharing, Canada distribution centre. The building
learning and giving through relationships. • M C British Columbia: Kevin Barkow- also provides space for processing dona-
Each network contains four partners: sky (info@mcbc.ca) tions for the New Hamburg Thrift Centre
• M C Alberta: Tim Wiebe-Neufeld next door, and houses the MCC rePur-
• Congregations that wish to support the (tim@mennonitechurch.ab.ca) pose Centre. One full-time employee
same ministry • M C Eastern Canada: Norm Dyck will likely be hired at the New Hamburg
• Regional churches (ndyck@mcec.ca) site. Jon Lebold, MCC Ontario’s material
• MC Canada • MC Manitoba: Rick Neufeld (rneufeld@ resources coordinator, describes the kits
• Witness workers mennochurch.mb.ca) and comforters assembled and shipped
• M C Saskatchewan: Josh Wallace from this warehouse as “a tangible way
Congregations individually determine (churchengagement@mcsask.ca) l to share love and compassion and
how to contribute to their network. Distrib- remind people around the world that
uting newsletters, organizing fundraisers, Visit mennonitechurch.ca/ their needs are not forgotten.”
connecting with international partners witness-support-networks for
(online or through visits or learning tours) information and resources. —By Janet BaumanCanadian Mennonite Vol. 25 No. 3 15
Hurricanes wreak havoc Because of warmer ocean temperatures,
storms are developing higher wind speeds,
in Central America
more rain and wider ranges of occurrence.
Additionally, storms are becoming slower
and more volatile. All these factors con-
tribute to an increase in wind and flood
By Kristen Sw ar tl e y damage.
Mennonite World Conference
Prayer for change
“W hat resources on creation care
would be most useful?” The
recently formed Creation Care Task Force
November’s storms. In December, Vindel
reported that José Fernández, national
president of Iglesia Evangélica Menonita
Prayer is an important way to act for
change and find “the strength to confront
this and the means to survive,” says Karen
of Mennonite World Conference (MWC) Hondureña and local pastor of Vida en Martinez, a student at Anabaptist Menno-
asked this in a survey of Anabaptists Abundancia and Central de San Pedro nite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) in Elkhart,
around the world. Many respondents Sula, is cleaning up and helping people in Ind., and a member of College Mennonite
wanted to learn more about how climate the heavily affected area. Several church Church in Goshen, Ind., who is worried
change affects people around the world. buildings serve as temporary housing for about her family who live on the coast of
In early November, Hurricane Eta tore people who have lost homes and resources. Honduras. She is a part of the immigrant
through Central America, followed by Vindel wrote that she feels “frustrat- communities of Garifuna people.
Hurricane Iota several weeks later. These ed, discouraged, powerless because of all “Many people live under the poverty line
storms, categories 4 and 5 respectively, the destruction that happened, and all and have lost the little they have,” she says.
caused enormous destruction, including the death, pain and suffering it caused. I Along with other Garifuna immigrants
the deaths of hundreds of people, billions have cried many times during my prayers.” in the United States, she sends support
of dollars in damage, and the loss of agri- Yet she is encouraged by people who back to her family, especially in times of
cultural and business resources. are working to effect change for future need. Mennonite Central Committee has
Unfortunately for MWC churches in generations. also responded to the crisis by sending
Central America, this area of the world is emergency relief in food and supplies,
likely to experience the worst aspects of Human factors and it will continue to do ongoing recov-
climate change and also has fewer financial According to James P. Kossin, a climate ery work.
resources to deal with these changes. scientist with the National Oceanic and
In the survey, Karen Flores Vindel, a Atmospheric Administration, “It’s very Task force response
member of Iglesia Evangélica Menonita likely that human-caused climate change As MWC task force collects final results
Central de La Ceiba in Honduras, wrote contributed to that anomalously warm from the Creation Care Survey, it will
about her climate-threatened home city: ocean,” and, along with other scientists, offer more resources for the longer-term
“The church building is flooded with every he says this is “absolutely responsible for work of addressing climate change in the
heavy rain.” the hyperactive season.” world. l
Other impacts of the changing environ-
ment include power outages, overflowing
rivers, landslides, flooding, destroyed
infrastructure, and the rising sea level
that eats into the coast. These, in turn,
cause economic crises, disrupt trade and
the distribution of products, increase the
cost of living and migration pressure, and
lead to social violence.
Migration and recovery
Migration is one of the direct results of
climate change’s greater effects on those
who are poor and marginalized. After
the recent hurricanes, many people are
choosing to leave their homes, to meet
their basic needs. PHOTO BY TED SMOKER
In Honduras, Mennonite church com- High water damage from hurricanes Eta and Iota. Bezaleel, the Kekchi Mennonite
mittees are organizing recovery work from Church’s middle and high school in San Juan Chamelco, Guatemala.You can also read
