There was once a young lady growing up in an unstable home, who was attracted to a man somewhat older, but not much more stable. They got married and soon a daughter joined the family. Time went on, they moved hither and yon. The daughter grew up and left home to work hither and yon. … Continue reading Happy birthday to my wife
spirituality
An answered prayer
We had talked over our situation that night, prayed for direction and believed we had been shown a direction that we should pursue. There still remained the question of whether Dennis would need or want my help. It didn't take long for the answer to come. The phone rang the next morning before we had … Continue reading An answered prayer
Disappointments
Pastor Harvey* was immediately hired by another congregation of the same denomination. The young people followed and so did we. This church was the same distance from our home, but out in the country on gravel roads. Before long there was a baptism service for several of the youth and for Chris and me. Now … Continue reading Disappointments
Still looking for an entry level church
We still appreciated the people at the Lowe Farm church, but decided we needed to go shopping for another church. We wouldn’t have been able to put it into words, but we were looking for an entry level church, one that wouldn’t cost us too much in the way of commitment. Nevertheless, we had been … Continue reading Still looking for an entry level church
An entry level Mennonite church
“I like to use the New English Bible, it’s easier for people of our time to understand.” We had eaten supper with Peter Dueck and his wife in their home near Lowe Farm. Mr. Dueck (he didn’t want to be called Reverend) was the senior minister of the Lowe Farm Mennonite Church. Chris and I … Continue reading An entry level Mennonite church
The scandal of divided Christianity
For years I have been reading statements that go something like this: "The greatest stumbling block to Christian missions is the confused message coming from the divisions among those who call themselves Christians." I would like to propose a radical solution. Jesus said "I will build my church." Why don't we just let Him do … Continue reading The scandal of divided Christianity
Memories of a Bridge Builder
My mother was born to a family that spoke Plautdietsch at home and German in church. Those languages, sometimes called Low German and High German, were meant to be a protective wall, preventing folks of that heritage from feeling at home with the people around them. They also served to exclude the people around them … Continue reading Memories of a Bridge Builder
Flee temptation
Why do evangelical Christian leaders get ensnared in sex scandals? It's because they so easily forget that they are still flesh and blood and that the tendencies of the flesh are contrary to their high spiritual ideals. I wouldn't call it hypocrisy; at least not deliberate hypocrisy. It is a tragedy when a man with … Continue reading Flee temptation
Spiritual drought
About this time every year farmers here on the dry Canadian prairies can be heard worrying about whether there will be enough moisture to produce a crop. This year we a are midway through the fourth month of winter with no end in sight according to the long range forecast. There is not a lot … Continue reading Spiritual drought
No longer alone
It was a small wedding, just a few of our family and friends. I remember that we barely made it to the church on time and I remember when we signed our marriage certificate. My meory doesn't seem to have recorded anything else, but that's the important stuff anyway - we were there and we … Continue reading No longer alone
Flatlander Faith 