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A second example is Numbers 11:12. Here, Moses asks if he, Moses, had conceived the children of Israel. To say this is said of God is false. Third, Isaiah 49:15 is construed as God being a nursing mother. This passage states that, as unthinkable as it may seem, even if a mother would forget her own child, God never will forget us. All other passages quoted are also misconstrued. Jesus Christ is our supreme example. In Matthew 6:5-15 Christ gives us instructions on prayer to God the Father.
Peter J. Funk,
Aldergrove, B.C.
1. Biblical Emphasis. Some have questioned whether the name change from MB Bible College to Concord College signals a move away from the centrality of the Scriptures in the curriculum. In actuality, biblical and theological studies still form the core of the program and arts courses are taught from a Christian perspective.
2. Spiritual Formation. Concord College has been criticized for focussing too much on the head and not enough on the heart. At the Concord convention on Oct. 26, I was overwhelmed by the spiritual maturity demonstrated by the students. A worship team read Scripture and led us in meaningful singing. They testified of how God is shaping their lives and helping them grow. Within the last couple of years, a prayer ministry has taken off among both students and faculty. Students serve God by playing floor hockey with community kids, going on prayer walks downtown and participating in summer mission projects (such as Youth Mission International).
3. Influence on Students. Some constituents are concerned about a few students who have severed ties with the church or even "lost their faith". While this may be true of a small handful of students who graduated from MBBC over its 50-year history (I am not aware that this is true of any Concord grads), many students (such as myself) have retained their connection to the MB church, and their relationship with God has grown as a result of the excellent education they received. Is there a church in our constituency that does not have at least one dynamic, service-oriented, committed Christian who received some training at MBBC/Concord?
4. University or Church Orientation. Some people say that Concord College is more concerned with maintaining a relationship with the university than with the church. Concord has actively consulted with Conference leaders, has reported at each annual convention of the sponsoring provinces and has ministered in dozens of churches. Its continuing education program has been a blessing to nearly 2000 people.
5. Liberal Theology. Some seem to think that Concord faculty teach unorthodox views, even though all faculty affirm and teach the MB Confession of Faith. We just had four Concord faculty members present an intensive seminar on "Christian World View" in our church. Each professor presented solid, biblically-based, Anabaptist-rooted, evangelical-minded content that encouraged us to be Christian witnesses in our spheres of influence.
I believe it is our duty as Christians within the same denomination to support our institutions. We do ourselves and our schools a great disservice when we propagate "MB urban legends". Each of us has the responsibility to check out firsthand the rumours we hear.
Roger G. Thiessen,
Concord Alumni Board Rep,
Winnipeg, Man.
I believe "the church is already being the church". The word "church" comes from the Greek "kuriakos", an adjective meaning "belonging to the Lord". In other words, true Christians are the kuriakos The word "church" is also used to "translate" the Greek work "ekklesia", which means "religious gathering" (Christians gathered for a specific function). This is not a very accurate translation, but the ekklesia (the religious gathering often at a "church" building) is what most Christians think of as the church. Thus, when we "When will the church be the church?", the answer is never<, because ekklesia is very different from kuriakos! That would be like expecting the firehall to be the firetruck, or the dirt in the garden to be the fresh, lush vegetables! We all know how important the firehall and dirt are, but they are just aids for the actual objective.
Dale E. Friesen,
Surrey, B.C.
The Dec. 9 Mennonite Reporter carried an article about Kayln Falk and the Meeting Place, an MB congregation in Winnipeg. The article, "Exploring new dimensions of worship", focussed on the dancing that happens on a regular basis during worship services. When the question of how her congregation and conference feel regarding this activity Falk stated that the large majority of Meeting Place attendees are not opposed to the word "dance" and felt the MB Conference ban on dancing is directed at one category of dance. She separates dance into three categories: sexual bar dancing; sacred dance; and dance used for community building (which she also teaches).
What I read into these distinctions is that dancing itself is not wrong, but it is the intent and the environment which cause concern. Many letters in the "Herald" have focussed on the trappings that seem to come with some forms of dance. If this is true, then the issue goes beyond dancing into areas of moral behaviour. Can we find healthy ways to dance? Kayln Falk and the Meeting Place obviously think so, and I am inclined to agree.
I also do not believe that healthy dance must take place only in a church. I work at a Mennonite high school that holds a dance as part of its grad activities. Attending last year for the first time, I was introduced to a new way of viewing dance. The teachers show the kids what dancing really is. There is a good mix of polkas, reels, waltzes and the more modern. All have a great time and the generation interaction is excellent. This is a reminder of what dancing can be--a wholesome way to include even the more inept in an evening of fun and exercise.
I believe the Board of Faith and Life missed the mark. It is far easier to ban an activity than encourage strong moral decision-making. We, as a conference need to look more holistically at all of life's options and find ways to create a healthy environment for ourselves and our young people.
Jon Unger Brandt,
Rosthern Sask.
My beloved wife Helen was converted in her teens at daily vacation Bible school. She was very happy in her newfound faith, but sometimes Satan would bring doubts into her mind. After Saturday work was done, her mother would often sit and sing songs, one of which was "Is My Name Written There in the Book of Life?" That bothered Helen. How could she know for sure that her name was written there?
One night, the Lord gave her a dream. She saw the big Book of Life with many names in it. She looked to find her name, but the names were not readable to her. All at once, she saw her name in clear print, in gold letters. She was so happy she could hardly contain herself next morning. When temptation came her way after that, she would remind Satan, "I saw my name in the Book of Life", and he would flee.
Helen was always sure of her salvation. She studied her Bible faithfully. We had a good marriage together for 52 years. We had five children and a good retirement. She was a God-given, wonderful helpmate and a great grandmother. She passed away suddenly Jan. 6, 1995. Now she is in Paradise with the Lord. There's no doubt in my mind about that, but I miss her very much.
About a week ago, the Lord gave me words in a dream. I woke up, with tears in my eyes. They were the words of an old German song based on Psalm 23:4: "Even if I don't feel any of Your great power now, I know You bring me to the goal, even through the night!"
I believe in dreams!
Aron Peters,
Abbotsford, B.C.
In the MB church in another province I referred to, I said that Jesus was not mentioned in the first part of the service. However, in the sermon in that church, the pastor clearly preached Jesus. It was good to be there.
Henry Koop
Winnipeg MB
Recently, on a flight from Winnipeg to Vancouver, I sat beside a lady who was living on Vancouver Island. Her former home had been Winnipeg, and her mother was in Bethania Seniors Home. She was not of Mennonite background, but she praised the people in Bethania that were looking after her mother. The caregivers were so friendly, their eyes sparkled. She even attended the service with her mother. She couldn't stop telling me about the Mennonite minister that helped her settle her mother into the home. She said that if there were a Mennonite church in the town where she lived, she would certainly attend. I thank God I am a Mennonite Christian.
Also, MCC is known and appreciated over the whole world!
Helen Wiens,
Abbotsford, B.C.
Gord Willison, (E)
Medstead, Sask.
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