Have you ordered your Encounters yet

The fall, 1996 issue of Encounter ("Who is Jesus?") was very well received. In addition to the 15,000 copies sent to regular subscribers of the Herald, 21 churches and 6 individuals ordered an additional 2850 copies for distribution to non-Christians. About 1000 of these copies were ordered after Encounter had already been printed. However, because we are unable to guess what demand there would be ahead of time, churches and individuals gave us late orders for another 200 copies which we did not have and could not send out.

The spring, 1997 issue of Encounter will be published February 21. The theme, "What is truth?" will present a clear gospel message to a confused world that is no longer sure truth even exists. Don't miss out on this opportunity to present the gospel to a lost world. Order your copies today.

How to use Encounter

Some churches distribute Encounter to everyone in their neighbourhoods by using the mail system, by dropping them off at houses or by including them as an insert in local newspapers. Sometimes, these Encounters are accompanied by invitations to special services at the church, such as Easter celebrations. Other churches give out Encounters to visitors or to people they have made contact with through home visitation.

If churches have not budgetted for mass distribution of Encounter, we urge them to buy at least 100 copies, which they can then sell to their members for distribution at the low cost of 50 cents a copy.

Individuals distribute Encounters in various ways. Some buy gift subscriptions for friends or relatives. Others give copies out to neighbours (as Christmas gifts, for instance). Some professionals (doctors, dentists) place Encounter as reading material in their waiting rooms. One financial consultant buys 100 Encounters each time it is published and gives out copies to his clients. Other Christians give them out to people they meet on airplanes or buses. At least one person gave copies to the people she invited to her church's Christmas outreach event. Another group set up a bake sale in a local mall to raise funds for Mennonite Central Committee and gave out copies of Encounter to interested passersby. What creative ways can you think of to use Encounter?

Pray about what God wants you to do, pray for the people to whom you could give copies of Encounter, give away your copy of Encounter when you receive it, and order extra copies today.

A simple story

Delores Christoff

My story is a simple one. I grew up in a Mennonite farm home, with one sister and five brothers. I was blessed with a happy childhood. My parents were hardworking and loving; however, religion was seldom discussed in our home. I attended Sunday school and church throughout my childhood, and belonged to girls' clubs and choirs. This was a part of my life that I did not question. I believed in God and in salvation through the confession and forgiveness of my sins, and I believed Jesus died for my sins. Many times during my childhood years, I quietly gave my life to Jesus. However, I did not publicly declare Jesus as my Saviour.

After I became old enough to make my own decisions, I stopped attending church, letting my non-Christian friends influence many of my decisions. I felt I had already received grace and the promise of salvation as a birthright because I had grown up in a Christian home and had attended church for years.

It was only as I grew a little older that I realized that my life lacked meaning and I was serving no great purpose. Stopping to take stock of my life, I did not like the person I was becoming. I was becoming bitter over personal disappointments, frequently finding fault with myself and others. I became extremely discontented with my job and blamed difficulties there for all my unhappiness. I realized that if this situation continued, it could only get worse and it would only be a matter of time before I started feeling this way about other areas of my life as well.

There was something significant missing in my life. All my attempts to solve my problems had failed, and in my heart I knew that what was lacking was Jesus. I prayed many times after this for forgiveness of my sins and guidance in my daily life.

Sometime during this period of reflection, we received an issue of the Encounter magazine in the mail. (It had been sent to everyone in the community by Manitou MB Church.) Being an avid reader, I kept it on our kitchen table for a few days, reading the articles in my spare time. I sensed that here was my answer, and I began attending services at the church. I felt that this was a direct invitation for me to give my life to the Lord, completely and absolutely. With encouragement from the congregation and Jesus' guidance, I did this. Psalm 32:4-5 reflected my feelings: "For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, `I will confess my transgressions to the LORD'--and You forgave the guilt of my sin."

This is the testimony Delores Christoff gave at her baptism in Manitou (Man.) MB Church in 1996.

Community distribution

In the spring of 1993, our church made a decision to use the Encounter magazine to share our presence with our community of approximately 600 people. We decided to make this a long-term commitment, and so twice a year we put an Encounter into every post office mailbox in our town. At first, many ended up in the post office garbage can, but today 99% of the Encounter magazines go home with the mail.

Several comments have come our way stating that the positive articles and well-done magazine are appreciated. Encounter also provides conversation openers for people in our coffee shop and restaurants. Personally I really appreciated the October '96 issue, which centred on who Jesus is.

Ralph Klassen, Pastor, Linden MB Church

To order Encounter, call MBHerald office at 204-669-6575 or e-mail mbherald@mbconf.ca.

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