Canadian MB appointed as cultural translator for Esengo

Fresno, Calif.

Her role is to prepare and coach the team for its encounters with cultures different than the villages from which most of the singers come. She will educate, explain, mediate and represent the team as it sings in conferences and churches in India, Japan, United States, Canada and Germany. She will also provide daily pastoral care to team members.

Janzen, a member of Grantham MB Church in St. Catharines, Ont. had planned to continue her studies at the Seminary until she was approached by Youth Mission International director Randy Friesen, who talked to her about the need for a special envoy to accompany and shepherd Esengo. The conversation seemed to confirm what the Holy Spirit had already begun in her heart.

"For quite some time I have felt drawn to Africa, so this didn't come as a complete surprise," she said. Through a theology class, reading African authors, personal devotions in the book of Acts and times of silence and prayer, she had already sensed this possible direction.

She and others also discerned how God has equipped her for the assignment. "My middle name is Esengo," Janzen said, noting her middle name, Joy, is the meaning of the Lingala word "esengo".

Janzen also speaks French, an essential qualification. She is an accomplished musician, with 17 years of training in piano and 12 in violin. She holds a degree in music psychology from Brock University in St. Catharines and also plays guitar. She will transcribe the Esengo repertoire into sheet music.

Previous mission experience include summers of 1988 and 1991 with Youth With a Mission International, where she became excited about knowing and sharing Jesus. She has been involved with InterVarsity Fellowship, and has attended Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, Sask.

Janzen's 13-month assignment begins when she attends Youth Mission International orientation near Toronto in late June. She leaves for Zaire July 8 to serve with the YMI summer team.

During the summer, she will meet the Esengo singers and begin her full-time ministry with them in fall. In January their world tour begins, concluding in Europe around June 30, 1997.

She has had little time to raise the $11,300 needed to finance her ministry, but she is confident that the Lord will provide. Donations may be sent to Mennonite Brethren Missions/Services, 2-169 Riverton Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2L 2E5.

Gary Hardaway, MBM/S

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