1944-2019
Martha was born on April 10, 1944, and grew up in Rosenort, Man. Her growing up and school years were spent in the same area. She was the seventh child of Peter and Anna Kroeker. Being part of a family of 12 she took pleasure in looking after her younger siblings, more so than doing household chores. The younger children of the family were fond of playing school with Martha as the teacher. Continue reading Obituary: Martha Kroeker
Hanna Schott, Love in a Time of Hate: The Story of Magda and Andre Trocme and the Village That Said No to the Nazis (Herald Press, 2017). ISBN 9781513801254 (paperback). $22.95. Reviewed by Myra Kroeker (EFC Steinbach), BA, wife and mother.
This book challenged and inspired in various ways, mainly from Matthew 25 where Jesus says, “I was hungry and you fed me. I was in prison, and you came to me.” Continue reading Book Review: Love in a Time of Hate
by Gordon Skopnik
UGANDA – Queen is an outstanding and very capable community leader in one of the refugee camps of northern Uganda. Tall and slender, she has a presence and confidence that matches her name. Continue reading Queen, a ‘Hands Up’ Mentality, and a Holistic Gospel
1933-2019
Dad was born on Oct. 20, 1933, in Ste. Anne, Man., the first of 17 children born to Jacob and Gertrude Koop. He married Clara Fast on Sept. 12, 1954. They spent over 64 years together and had nine children: Marvin, Elaine, Audrey, Karen, Darrel, Lucille, Waldon, Sylvia, and Reynold.
Dad had fond memories of being a cheesemaker in Kleefeld and Grunthal. He told stories of working at a sawmill and in the bush. Dad worked at Schellenberg’s store prior to and while attending Steinbach Bible Institute. He felt a calling to be a pastor and had a passion for learning. It was during this time that their infant Karen passed away. Continue reading Obituary: Pastor John Koop
by Terry M. Smith
In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Whereas, the Church of _____, is no longer to be used for acts of worship, And whereas the Church building and the land upon which it is erected is about to be/being sold; now, therefore, we, by Divine Permission . . . do declare that the Church of ____ , once duly dedicated and consecrated to the Divine worship of Almighty God, has by virtue of this our sentence, lost said dedication and consecration. (U. S. Anglican rite) Continue reading When can a Rite be Wrong?
Concerned About Gender Stereotyping
Heidi Dirks, Winnipeg, Man.
Thank you to Terry Smith for his reporting on this year’s EMC Ministerial Day [July]. I am, however, concerned about the content presented on this day. I am concerned about the gender stereotypes apparently presented as fact, and how these stereotypes limit both men and women. I am also concerned that a supposed “feminization” of the church is blamed for declining attendance for men. Most churches have a group of women who have faithfully served God for many years, often in roles behind the scenes. Some women have felt called to leadership positions but were limited in their service due to their gender. It is not helpful to blame women currently in the church for the men who do not attend, or to measure “success” by male/female ratios. Churches should be places where all people feel welcome and can hear the good news of Jesus, and where they can serve God with the gifts He has given them.
by Terry M. Smith
After decades of studying wider Church and Anabaptist-Mennonite history, I suggest that a few words on any period of church history are inadequate for later generations to accurately assess the spiritual health of their predecessors. Often there were problems, yet I suspect there was also more spiritual health than is sometimes acknowledged. Continue reading Spiritual Health and Patience with the Church
