We Need to Seek the Best Way to Address Climate Change

By Delmer Plett, Arborg, Man.

Climate change is a topic we bump into regularly in the news that can lead us to fear and guilt. I applaud The Messenger (March 2021 issue) for taking on a relevant, controversial, political topic like this.
I would like to recommend viewing Bjorn Lomborg’s video, “Don’t waste trillions on BAD Climate Policy” on YouTube. While I don’t totally agree with everything he says, he bases what he says on recorded scientific data, on climate data, quoting other qualified sources. Continue reading Letters May 2021 →

Complaining About Restrictions?

by Bethany Matejka. Birch River, Man.

I have heard quite a few people, many of whom are Christians, complaining about the restrictions being put on us because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I am not here to discuss the necessity or effectiveness of any of those measures. I am also not here to draw a comparison between the Manitoban or Canadian government and the Roman government of New Testament times. Continue reading Letters June 2020 →

So, Who Are We?

by Agatha Rempel, Steinbach, Man.

I am replying to Mervin Dueck’s article about being a Conscientious Objector in our world (Jan. 2020). I, too, have concerns about how our people will be able to use the 1873 document. Continue reading Letters April 2020 →

Great Issue in January

by Gordon Dyck, Steinbach, Man.

Congratulations on the last Messenger [Jan.]. Front to back, great issue. I was so inspired by Arden Thiessen’s article that I read The Messenger from cover to cover. I went back to reread Arden’s article and like his accuser found a singular expression that could be misinterpreted. Arden used the word “once” in reference to making a mistake. I know I couldn’t make the claim of once I made a mistake. It struck me as a point of irony that even in our defense we can be misunderstood in a different manner, and the cycle continues. Great job, Arden included, and I will say that more than once. Continue reading Letters April 2019 →

by Ray Hill, MacGregor, Man.

Thank you, Adam Harris, for broaching the subject of loving one’s neighbour, regardless of who he is [Go And Do Likewise, Jan. 2019]. Part of our mandate as non-resisters is to reduce the suffering of others. So, yes, there is room for exceptional acts of kindness.

Unfortunately, many see Jesus’ command only in terms of exceptional acts of kindness illustrated by the photo accompanying the column of a man helping a lady start her car (or is it the other way around?). Jesus’ love is illustrated differently with his disciples—investment of his life in others and risk which sometimes backfires. Love means doing the ordinary, like taking time on the street to chat with a neighbour not from our “circle,” visiting others at their home or inviting them to ours, or taking out the garbage for a disabled neighbour so she can stay in her home another year. For some this is a no-brainer; for others, it needs to be stated plainly.

Unexceptional acts are relatively high in cost (my precious time!) and offer no glory but we are often surprised by what we do receive—returned human warmth that is beyond price. Jesus said to cast your bread on the waters and it will return after a time.