Is the trumpet giving an uncertain sound?

For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle? So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. (1 Corinthians 14:8-9) The issue in question when Paul wrote those … Continue reading Is the trumpet giving an uncertain sound?

Verla’s first prayer

Verla didn’t know what to think when a group of Mennonites came to sing for her husband. Neither did they for that matter; they did not know the people in this house.  However, someone had suggested they sing for this dying man and so they did. Verla and the children stayed in another room until … Continue reading Verla’s first prayer

US disasters vs Canadian winters

Seventeen years ago at Easter time we drove down to Arkansas where our daughter was teaching. Deborah, a friend of our daughter, travelled with us.  There in the deep south we saw mounds of dirt here and there in the fields. We asked one of the local ladies what they were and she told us … Continue reading US disasters vs Canadian winters

What if?

Many North American Christians appear to believe that separation of church and state only applies one way.  They feel it is part of their calling to try to fix what is wrong in government.  Yet cries of  outrage are heard when government shows an inclination to try and fix what is wrong in the churches. … Continue reading What if?

If the Lord will

I had planned to begin my first post of the New Year with this thought even before the event that I will mention later.  I don’t find it useful to make New Year’s Resolutions – like most people I can’t keep them anyway.  I could declare that  I resolve to lose 40 pounds in 2014.  That … Continue reading If the Lord will

Brotherhood aid

The Church of God in Christ, Mennonite began mission work in the Philippines about thirty years ago (I couldn't find an exact date).  A number of small congregations have been established and ministers and deacons have been ordained.  While the numerical growth has not been rapid, there has been real spiritual growth in the members … Continue reading Brotherhood aid

Revival and communion

Holy Communion in the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite is not a matter of routinely gathering at fixed intervals to partake of the bread and the fruit of the vine in remembrance of our Lord.  We believe that the peace and unity symbolized by this service must be fully authentic. To this end, we … Continue reading Revival and communion

Time is NOT on my side

Minister Isaac Akinyombo of Nigeria, while preaching in a Canadian congregation, told the story of a lady in his country that got converted and wanted to be part of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.  There was a little problem, however: she intended to dance at her mother's funeral and she was told that … Continue reading Time is NOT on my side

Home

We had a wonderful weekend, except for the last 80 km. Saturday was sunny and mild.  We arrived at the home of my cousin in time for supper and spent the night there.  Kara and her husband have four children, aged 9 to 18.  Their oldest son is an enthusiastic lad of 16, almost six … Continue reading Home

Friendliness is next to godliness – part two

"The strong Anabaptist emphasis on discipleship has led to a warm fellowship among the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite congregations and a gentleness in human relations which makes visitors feel unusually welcome among them." - page 228, An Introduction to Mennonite History, Cornelius J. Dyck, editor © 1967 by Herald Press. It was many … Continue reading Friendliness is next to godliness – part two