ANTAR 7 MESSENGER VOL. LXIX Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission Intl., Inc. 2002 AIMM Marks 90 Years of Ministry by Jim Bertsche s AIMM marks 90 years of witness and ministry on the African continent, there are three words which perhaps best capture the heart and essence of this inter-Mennonite venture of faith. They are vision, commitment and grace. VISION It was, first of all, a burning vision that drove a handful of farming Mennonite Present International Office in Elkhart. It was vision that led the first team of IN THIS ISSUE pioneering missionaries to plant four AIMM Marks 90 Years of Ministry mission posts among three major tribes Lesotho Church Leaders Train Others of their area within the first decade of Pastor Traore Anticipates Church Growth their presence there. Cyber Café Blesses Many People Selma Unruh Frantz 1913-2002 It was vision that, in time, led AIMM “A Pilgrim's Journey of Faith’: missionaries to establish four additional Tatihelelo Khaisa centers which enabled them to work and AIMM's Venture into New Partnership for the Gospel witness among three more large ethnic Tourmagination Tour to Mennonite groups. World Conference Assembly with It was vision that early spurred AIMM Jonathan Larson Shining the Spotlight on a Renewed personnel to learn and witness in the Mennonite Church dialects of the people among whom they Tina Quiring 1912-2002 lived and moved believing that the Gospel Sparks Among the Ashes: First Karate Kerrey of AIMM AIDS in South Africa is best understood in the mother tongue of D.N. Claudon and his wife Kathryn. Mennonite World Conference General any people. It was this same vision that Assembly Tour motivated AIMM personnel across the Missionaries Who Returned to Africa New Missionaries to Africa pastors and their rural church members of years to translate or revise existing | Ministry Opportunities central Illinois in 1912 to launch an inter- Scriptures in the languages of their people. AIMM News Mennonite mission venture in the heart It was the vision of literate and healthy AIMM Directory Editorial of the African continent. continued on page 2 AIMM Revenue Sources 2002 MC USA (12.49%) OTHER (24.12%) MC CAN (14.99%) EMMC (3.93%) MB (7.50%) EMCICAN (6.96%) EMCIUS (5.00%) AIMM OFFICE (25.01%) This chart represents AIMM’s 2002 budget, excluding missionary salaries. This year the AIMM home office is responsible to. raise 25%, or $115,000, of the $459,759 total budget. The AIMM office portion is raised as you send your contributions directly to either Steinbach, Manitoba or Elkhart, Indiana. If God is challenging you to become involved with AIMM, now would be the perfect time to send your gift to: AIMM Canada AIMM U.S. Box 1268 59466 Country Road 113 Steinbach, MB ROA 2A0 Elkhart, IN 46517-3644 Thank you for your prayers and support. continued from page I Africa), Upper Volta (Burkina Faso), and AIMM Marks 90 Years Senegal. The AIMM Messenger Christians that early led AIMM missionar- And on the home end, it was the vision Managing Editor: Leona Schrag ies into extensive programs of education, of an inter-Mennonite effort of witness and Associate Editor: Sharon Whitacre health care and an experimental farm. service in Africa that, over time, led to the It was the vision of an African Church formation of a Board which in its semi- Published by Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission led by Africans themselves that led to the annual meetings brought together repre- Editorial and Executive office at early establishment of Bible training sentatives from six different Mennonite 59466 C.R. 113, Elkhart, IN 46517. schools and joint missionary/African Conferences of North America. Phone: (574) 875-5552 committees and councils which had the Fax: (574) 875-6567 oversight of local congregations. E-mail: [email protected] COMMITMENT Website: http://www.aimmintl.org It was the vision of an inter-tribal Mennonite Church which early led to It was commitment which saw a fledg- AIMM Staff annual field-wide gatherings of church ling inter-Mennonite Mission through its Garry Prieb - Executive Secretary leaders in sessions of Bible study, prayer, first shaky decade of work in Africa Leona Schrag - Assistant Executive discussion of common problems and deci- which in 1913 already marked its first Secretary Wade Handrich - Controller sion making which applied to them all. missionary grave. Marilyn Steiner - AIMM Women’s It was vision which in 1972 triggered It was commitment that resisted a res- Auxiliary Coordinator the name change from the Congo Inland olute effort in 1925 to drop a Mennonite Sharon Whitacre - Clerical Assistant Mission to the Africa Inter-Mennonite identity and to launch into the pattern of Mission, a change which signaled a the time known as “faith missions”. Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to deliberate shift of focus from a single It was commitment which, during the 59466 C.R. 113, Elkhart, IN 46517 country to the entire continent. great depression of the early 30’s, saw It was vision which motivated rural Mennonite farmers sell their corn Publication costs are covered by freewill exploratory travel in the 70’s in southern for ten cents a bushel in order to raise offerings of the readers who are prayer and western Africa which eventually urgently needed passage money for new and financial supporters of AIMM and the African mission programs of the resulted in also placing AIMM personnel missionary volunteers. respective partner conferences. in such widely separated areas as It was commitment which saw a dozen Botswana, Lesotho, the Transkei (South missionary men take their families home 2 amidst the explosive unrest of political all that has transpired and made possible Brethren Mission) plus a newly formed independence in 1960 and return alone to all that has been accomplished. Mennonite Church in Burkina Faso with a the Congo for periods of up to one year. It is God’s grace that has achieved combined membership that is approach- It was commitment both on the part of miraculous change in the lives of many ing 200,000 believers. African Christians and missionaries alike thousands of Africans as they turned in AND WHAT OF THE FUTURE? that held them steady amidst the brutal trusting faith, within their cultural set- rebellions of the Kwilu and_ the ting, to the One who declared “I am the The year 2002 finds AIMM amidst Stanleyville areas of ‘64-65 and saw way, the truth and the life.” change of historic proportions. In terms them emerge from those experiences as It is God’s grace that has attended the of Christian mission, it is clear that there witnesses to God’s enabling power. simple and faithful witness of multiplied is a sea of change under way. Former And it was commitment which char- hundreds of pastors, evangelists, teachers mind sets, former patterns of ministry, acterized a broadening network of sup- and lay folk who, within the context of former guidelines, former statements of porting and praying constituency here in their isolated, rural settings, shared and visions and goals clearly must be revisited North America that undergirded AIMM’s continue to share the “good news” with and reformulated. expanding ministry in Africa. those around them. The two flames of vision and commit- It is by God’s grace that today there ment are ours to keep burning and to exist three autonomous Mennonite transmit to those who follow us. As this is Churches in the Congo (two stemming done, we may rest assured that God’s But above all else, it has been God’s from the work of AIMM and one from the grace as it has ever been, will continue in marvelous grace which has surrounded ministry of our neighboring Mennonite abundant supply. Lesotho Church Leaders Train Others Compiled by Leona God and using the power Schrag of Christ who dwells with- in us. The second session centered on youth/elder relations. Youth were E.. year church leaders related to encouraged to earn the the Africa Federal Church Council in respect of elders by the Lesotho meet together for inspiration and way they live, and elders reporting. Bryan Born, AIMM worker encouraged to give youth a who served as a resource person at the chance to minister. When 2002 annual meeting, reported good youth do not sense oppor- times of discussion and prayer. Nine tunity for ministry they churches were represented. Bible classes often leave the church and Praising the Lord in dance and procession. continue in some areas. Bishop Setumo, find another which offers who leads a group in Maseru, reported more leadership potential. issuing certificates to nine people who A recent development in the AFCC so full they had to celebrate communion completed the course. may bring new vision and revitalization. outside of the sanctuary. He also indicat- In teaching sessions Bryan focused In May, seven Basotho attended a course ed alarming hunger this spring because of first on being in a right relationship with in Nairobi on HIV/AIDS ministry. The the lateness of planting and the abun- course coordinated by the dance of rain. Farmers were not able to Nairobi office of the get into their fields with the combines Organization of African which would sink down into the mud. Independent Churches Some threshed wheat by hand and some (OAIC) trained trainers threshed by having animals walk over it. in HIV/AIDS ministry With a very limited supply, when one with the goal of these does find corn to buy, the price is trained people going out extremely high. Often none is available at to mobilize others in the any price. churches to respond to Pray for the continued building of the AIDS crisis. God’s church in Lesotho. The AFCC has On the local church requested that AIMM send others to work level, one pastor reported with them. Ask God to provide workers - is by letter that on and listen carefully to determine if you Leading worship in a Lesotho Church. Christmas the church was are the answer to that prayer. Pastor Traore Anticipates Church Growth By Chris Lehman simple: church growth. “Our goal is to reach the town of Djigouera for Christ.” Traoré says he’s used everything from door-to-door evangelism to week-long cru- n the village of Djigouera, Pastor sades. A recent such campaign featured Benjamin Traoré has a flock of 24. The singing, preaching, and a film. It even Evangelical Mennonite Church he leads attracted some of the village leaders. “The in this secluded corner of Burkina Faso two Imams came for every meeting and exists only in the sense that a church con- stayed the whole meeting. The village sists of a body of believers. The church Chief came once, and the head nurse also meets at 9 o’clock on Sunday mornings came, as well as the director of the school.” under the shade of a mango tree, which AIMM assisted the church with partial provides more than adequate protection funding for this campaign and had earlier from the blistering West African sun. purchased the PA system and video equip- When it’s too windy, the congregation ment. Through such collaboration, AIMM gathers in a local storefront. works with the local church in evangelism The 29-year-old pastor attended Bible and church planting, when the church school in nearby Mali, and has been in planting is in a multi-ethnic situation where Djigouera since August 2001. His vision is the trade language is used of necessity. sae ees “yi : ee os a 3 ee te. From left to tight: Pastor Traoré, the Chief’s wife, the Chief of Djigouera standing in the shade of the mango tree under which — the congregation meets. 4 AEE ET eT SE TE LT OD I MT I OT PI TT Se NL ET CDI GI IIT RTS Oe OE Benjamin first heard about where to find forgiveness. And this congregation grows as more people are Christianity at age nine. “I was with my leads a lot of people to idolatry and converted to Christianity. If that’s the father. I got to know about the gospel making sacrifices.” case, it might be back to the mango tree. from a Catholic priest. At that time I did- When Benjamin spreads the word While Benjamin has encountered little nt know the difference between about the power of God, he simply shares open hostility from non-Christians in Protestants and Catholics because I was about how Jesus Christ has worked in his Djigouera, one man warned him that the so young.” Later, he spent time with a life. “Jesus Christ has done so much for place where his home is being built is on Burkinabé pastor named Phillipe, and he me,” says Benjamin. “He gave me joy. a path where a demon or a possessed per- began baptismal classes. In December Not only joy, but also life, and He for- son used to travel. Benjamin told the man 1987, he was baptized. gave my sins. He protects me, and that that he was not afraid. “The power that I Religious life in Djigouera tends to makes me very joyful.” believe in and dedicate myself to is much fall in two camps: the Muslims and those who practice animism, or traditional ancestor worship. While Pastor Traoré feels it is important to collaborate with members of other faiths for the better- ment of the community, he makes no secret of his intentions. In fact, three of the recent converts in the village have been two of the Chief’s sons and one of the Chief’s three wives. Chief Kolufa, on the other hand, practices animism. A “Jesus Christ has done so much for me,” says Benjamin. “He gave me joy. Not only joy, but also life, and He forgave my sins. He protects me, and that makes Sigs me very joyful.” Construction of Pastor Traoré’s home. The church will likely meet here when the home is completed. stump where he sacrifices chickens is The Mennonite Church in Djigouera greater than the power that passes by evident in front of his hut, which—like is one of six in the Evangelical here. So I have no fear.” He told the man most in the village—is made of mud Mennonite Church of Burkina Faso that “the demon that you consider strong bricks and a grass roof. (Eglise Evangélique Mennonite du and powerful, he was created too. And Pastor Benjamin uses the existence Burkina Faso - EEMBF). While the con- it’s that Creator that I believe in.” of traditional religious beliefs to his gregation in Djigouera meets outside, Nevertheless, Traoré desires prayer advantage when he evangelizes. For that may change when a house being from believers in North America. “We instance, he says most villagers already built for Traoré is completed. At that can do all things when we pray. And with have a basic concept about the exis- time, Benjamin hopes to conduct servic- their prayers we will be able to work well tence of sin. “They know they have sin es in his living room. But he acknowl- here. By collaborating with brothers and and they need to be forgiven,” says edges that there won’t be enough room to sisters far away, we can encourage each Traoré. “The problem they encounter is hold services there if, as is his goal, the other and help each other.” Cyber Cafe Blesses Many People “We pondered your love-in-action, God, waiting in your temple: Your name, God, evokes a train of Hallelujans wherever it is sooken, near and far; your arms are heaped with goodness-in-action.” —Psalm 48:8-9, from The Message tors, treat people fairly, and generate a try to get all his teacher friends to come profit. These are not lofty, obscure goals to the café, because the atmosphere is so od’s faithfulness and goodness-in- for us to fantasize about; rather, they are calm and all the computers work well. action has been our strength this past year indicators of whether we are serious Another said it took her an hour and a in Senegal! We have seen His hand at about dedicating this business to the half to write three e-mails elsewhere in work as we pondered how to become Lord. The topics generated lively discus- town because of old and malfunctioning more involved in the life of our communi- sions as the group considered things from computers, and she could do it in minutes ty. The business team that came in an angle that sometimes is at odds with at this new café! We also have some September proposed that we open a cyber accepted cultural practices here. Bibles and some other good reading café here in town, and we worked to that A “seeker” is the night guardian of the material on several tables which has been end during the months of October through café, living in a small room at the front of a blessing to several workers and clients. March, along with our discipleship activ- the café. Two followers of Jesus are the Discipling the new believers through ities. Since April 1, the cyber café has hosts of the café, one that has had train- daily life events and many conversations been operational, and we are already see- ing in computer operation and one that is is a continual joy and challenge. We are ing that it is a blessing to many people. responsible for serving coffee to the also using a cassette series called The A training of the café workers and two clients. We are open each evening for Way of Righteousness, a chronological other believers in Biblical business prin- four hours and will add hours as we are study through the Bible. We often find ciples was fruitful. The following princi- able. Each evening, we start our work ourselves asking the Lord for wisdom ~ ples were discussed: keep out of unneces- with a time of prayer, and we’re now when asked for our perspective on ques- sary debt, disciple others, fund God’s excited to see the workers take ownership tions about marriage, family, health, and work, provide for needs, be accountable, in this and other aspects of the business. temptations of many kinds. Some ques- provide a quality product, honor credi- One of our clients says he is going to tions of the past week have been about Wage «; Working on a sign to invite clients to ha ve a taste of Brazilian coffee, roasted in Dakar by some followers of Jesus there. the Trinity, about our relationship to Jewish people, and about the stance of the U.S. in relation to Israel and Palestine. The generosity and hospitality we experience and see here is one of the many areas in which we are being stretched. Many here would give their food money and only available cash for | the coming week to someone in need | without hesitation, trusting others to help them out when they are in a pinch. May mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance (Jude 2), and may the Lord continue to show each of us our place in ministering life and healing to those Two of the café employees, both followers of Jesus, are learning more and more around us. about the resources on the Internet as they run the café. Selma Unruh Frantz 1913-2002 by Martini Janz supervise the primary school girls’ compound at Kandala sta- (from AIMM files and remembrances) tion. In July of 1960, at the time of Congo’s independence, Selma was evacuated with the other Kandala missionaries to Angola and back to America. She writes, “we wanted to stay but God saw otherwise....[magine, in 15 days I arrived safely on my bel African name was parent’s doorstep in Kansas - but my heart stayed in Africa”. Mama Bongela, meaning “to She taught school for three years in Kansas and was finally make things nice or to straighten able to return to Kandala in August of 1963. Again, she helped them out”. with the girls’ compound and also taught classes in the Bible But long before she had this Institute, which had been moved to Kandala for safety reasons. name, as a young Bible School Occasionally on a week-end she and the chauffeur would trav- student in Freeman, South Dakota el to the villages to have services. She was thrilled to report Selma saw a vision of African that a number of villagers made first time commitments and children with raised hands, calling others came to make things right with God. her “to come over and help us”. After only five months at Kandala, Selma experienced a She kept this vision ever before her as she finished her school- “baptism by fire”. The Mulele rebels of Kwilu Province over- ing to become a teacher. ran Kandala, burnt the church, the missionary houses, destroy- In 1945 Selma was commissioned to serve in Africa with ing most everything in their path and taking the missionaries the General Conference Mennonite Church Mission Board hostage. A fellow missionary says, “she was amazing - she was (Commission on Overseas Mission) and the Congo Inland so calm!” After three long days a United Nations helicopter Mission which later became Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission. landed on the soccer field, picked up the missionaries and flew She was assigned to Nyanga station to work in the primary them to safety at Tshikapa. school. She wrote,” when I saw the village people, I loved them When Selma arrived back in Kansas in February of 1964, and was glad that I had come to tell them about Jesus.”. she went back to teaching school. In August of 1966 Selma’s We met her at Nyanga in 1951 as our neighbor. Often early mother suffered a stroke and she lovingly took care of her until evening, we would see her sitting quietly on a chair-like stump her death. Selma’s giving, generous spirit was evident in all in her front yard watching the sun set behind the hills. Selma she did. When after many years, Cornelius Frantz came back was not a wave-maker. Rather she was a quiet, committed, con- into her life, she wrote the office about it and in closing scientious, faithful servant of God. At Nyanga she was asked to expressed her joy over what was happening. Selma was so take charge of the dispensary and the maternity for a nine delighted with her newly acquired family. It seems appropriate month period due to the illness of a missionary nurse. She that she left us in the midst of a meal with her family. We enjoyed the work, especially comforting the mothers who lost rejoice with Selma! As one colleague wrote in an e-mail, their babies. “thanks for the news of the ‘trumpet call’ for Selma. A good Later, Selma was asked to help in the primary school and to and gentle woman with many spiritual children”. “A Pilgrim's Journey of Faith”: Tatihelelo Khaisa Compiled by Tim were married, I joined his church and the so that they can have a better life. And Bertsche following year I gave birth to my first of please prepare for each one a marriage eleven children, Florence. That is why I partner who will be kind and loving to am called Mma Florence. ease their way through life.” Our life in Marobela was not easy. My This prayer became a daily ritual. As I M y spiritual journey began when I husband Ephraim taught at the primary returned home, I would step off the path, was a little girl. I attended church with school. His salary was often paid several unload the bundle from my head and the my mother in our village of Gootau, 280 months late. We farmed the land and burden from my heart. kms north of the capital Gaborone. I raised livestock. I sold bread baked in a In 1991 we moved to Francistown. I began to read the Bible at primary school, cast iron kettle over a fire to supplement left my life of farming and got a cleaning sounding out the words. Like the pastor’s our income. We were very poor and lived job at a Nurse's Training School. messages at my mother’s church, it was by the sweat of our brows. Ephraim took a job teaching literacy difficult to understand. I used to walk long distances to gather classes to inmates at the local prison. My By the time I was 12, I stopped firewood and draw water from the river. youngest children all found places in pri- schooling in order to help my mother at One day as I returned home carrying a mary school. Three of the older ones Mma in church uniform praying at home. home. It was during this time I felt in my child on my back and a load of wood on went on to get degrees at the University heart that I wanted to know more about my head, I stopped in the bush and put of Botswana. My youngest child is now God. Looking back now, I can see that the bundle down. I kneeled and prayed in grade 3. God was already drawing me to Him. In “My God, I do not want my children to God has answered my prayers. He 1966 while visiting relatives I attended struggle through life in this way. With all gave my children exactly what I Holy Christian Church in Marobela vil- my heart I ask you for only two things. desired—an education. The elder ones — lage. It was there I met my husband. We Please help my children to go to school are now marrying and have started their Life” helped me understand that Christ has the power to make me a new creature and give me the strength to live for him. Our studies gave me the courage to leave some of the traditional Setswana prac- tices like speaking to ancestors and sacri- fices. Jesus became my Defender as I sought to place my full faith and trust in Him while living among those who do not understand. Through I was baptized years ago into my husband’s church, examining the Scriptures for myself and discussing with others this new journey helped me to grow. My life has many difficulties. It is not always easy to follow Christ wholeheart- edly. However, I feel the peace that comes from knowing Christ Jesus and his love for me. My joy is in the certainty of this truth and that it can never be taken away from me. Today my husband and [ are pastors in the Tabernacle Christian Church. At the moment we hold services in our home. We are seeking for land on which to build a building. My prayer is that my whole family will come to know the saving power and love of God so that they will be saved. Before I knew Christ I was a: = ried = dead. I want others to know this joy that Mma Florence cleaning window at work. I have found. My desire is to live and work for Him so that others can receive what I have been given. own homes. I believe that God, in His I can truthfully say that these two gracious love spoke to me even while I years of Bible study have changed my Tim Bertsche is supported by the did not understand everything about him. life. One book entitled “The Christian Evangelical Mennonite Church U.S. He drew me to him and helped me realize that if I trusted and honored Him, he would guide me and show me his faith- fulness. I began _ to understand the goodness and love of God and wanted to know more about Him. In 1988 I was given a letter of invitation by Rev. Tim Bertsche to attend Bible Classes sponsored by _ the Mennonites. I was sur- prised to receive such an invitation at just the time I wanted to study God’s Word. Believing this was from the hand of God, I committed myself to attend these classes. Mma Florence with 4 youngest sons. AIMM's Venture into New Partnership for the Gospel Peter H. Rempel, AIMM Chairperson long-term mission worker of AIMM in DR Congo, conducted A. its annual meeting on April 5-6, 2002, the Council of the review and returned in October 2001 with the main recom- Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission passed a three-part motion to mendation that AIMM become a networking, facilitating and create distinct partnership councils to oversee each of its current educating agency. ministries and to create a networking structure to relate these The current ministries of AIMM are: councils to one another. It set January 1, 2004 as the date for implementing the new organization. 1 e Support for Mennonite churches in DR Congo, The intention and hope is that this restructuring will continue the pattern of relating to churches and ministries in Africa in a 2. Scripture translation, evangelism and church planting unified way but also intensify the connection between particular among several ethnic groups in southwest Burkina Faso, constituencies in NA and specific ministries or churches in and support for the Mennonite Church of Burkina Faso, Africa. Each of the North American Mennonite mission agencies presently within AIMM is being invited to commit to participat- 3. Bible teaching and HIV/AIDS Counseling with “African ing in the council(s) for one or more of AIMM’s current min- Initiated Churches” in southern Africa (Botswana, South istries. The partnership councils will also provide a structure Africa and Lesotho), and wherein AIMM’s partner churches in the Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo and Burkina Faso can participate in decision- 4. Evangelism and church planting among a large ethnic — making about ministries of interest to them. group in a West African country. In addition to separate meetings of each council as needed and possible, the councils will also meet jointly at regular inter- Hitherto these ministries have been governed by a council of vals. These will be occasions for sharing information, consider- all AIMM members, administered by a central staff based in ing topics of common concern, coordinating joint initiatives and Elkhart, Indiana and supported by contributions from all AIMM The intention and hope is that this restructuring will continue the pattern of relating to churches and ministries in Africa in a unified way but also intensify the connection between particular constituencies in NA and specific ministries or churches in Africa. connecting with shared counterparts. Some functions such as members. Members of AIMM are the mission agencies of the fund-raising could also be shared and coordinated through a net- Evangelical Mennonite Church (EMC International Ministries), working structure. Evangelical Mennonite Conference, Evangelical Mennonite Various developments within AIMM and within its member Mission Conference, Mennonite Brethren conferences of agencies as well as broader developments in international mis- Canada and of USA (Mennonite Brethren Missions and Service sions and church relations, prompted the AIMM Council to International), Mennonite Church Canada (WITNESS), and review its purposes and organization. Rick Derksen, a former Mennonite Church USA (Mennonite Mission Network). Visit us on the Web arasep Aaa Aclignlealiasmelac 10