Cssm Ministries Mm Newsletter Winter 2008

A Pause MANITOBA MISSIONARY WINTER 2008 Reaching our province . . .

for Christ! PUBLISHED QUARTERLY CSSM Ministries Manitoba Branch 200 -189 Henderson Hwy. Phone: (204) 668 - CSSM (2776) Fax: (204) 667-1496 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.cssm.ca/mb National Office - Winnipeg, MB

That Refreshes t’s good now and then to pause from what you are doing and take a look around! Far too often we find ourselves so busy with life that we have the life we are supposed to be “living” pass us by! My wife and I had just returned from a very refreshing holiday this past October when we were abruptly awakened in the middle of the night by Fire Dept. personnel telling us to get out of our house. Our garden shed was on fire and because our RV trailer was sitting next to it, both were burnt up. Since that night we have paused to, not only ‘thank the Lord!’ for sparing our home and any harm to life and limb but also reflect on what is really important in this life. This past couple of years our Mission, as a national entity, has paused to look back over the history and growth of the ministry realizing changes were needed if we’re to continue to minister efficiently and effectively in and to our Canadian culture. Continuing to build off the foundational Word of God as Truth, much was seen as necessary to be done if the Mission was to survive as a viable agent of spiritual change in the future of our nation. This past November at our ‘once-every-five-years’ Personnel Conference our newly appointed National Director, Rob Pollett, took the results of the time spent during these last two years of consultations to outline some of CSSM’s aspirations and goals for the upcoming years. Pray that as we adjust the course of our Mission’s ship to better ‘reach out to the Lost’ and ‘build up the Church as it presently exists in Canada’, our efforts will be guided and blessed by God Himself! Pausing to correct our mistakes along the way can also be very refreshing! I was so pleased that we had put together our last

Manitoba Missionary letter newsletter issued in September by only having to use the standard four pages (no insert pages), but Turtle Mountain Bible Camp’s ‘summer wrap-up’ article was left out. My humble apology! Please note this ‘late-but-notforgotten’ article presented in this issue. Another pause was taken at the end of our fiscal year (Sept. 30th) when the Lord reminded us again of His promises to supply all our needs. We were headed for a sizable end-of-the-fiscal-year debt when a bequest came in from an estate of an individual who had come to the Lord through the ministry of CSSM years and years before. We paused to thank the Lord for a life lived in service to his King and, to the Lord, for His ‘always-on-time’ Way of taking care of our needs! With Christmas now upon us we certainly need to pause and be refreshed in and through the celebrations of this special time of the year! Might we sense the importance of sharing this “refreshing’’ news with all those the Lord would bring our way this season and during the New Year ahead!

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9 v 6,7 “Keep Encouraged!” Dean Davidson

Joining with you in celebrating our Lord & Savior’s Birth are those CSSM Ministries –MB missionaries and Provincial Council members and their wives! Picture taken at the annual Provincial Council Christmas Supper. God’s VERY BEST to you and yours this Christmas Season and throughout the New Year ahead!!

Introducing The Reimers Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ! My wife, Rose, and I embarked on a new adventure this year. We became Bible camp directors! Wow!! God does move in mysterious ways! Rose and I grew up, and currently live, in Grunthal. We have three daughters: Dez 16, Kim 13, and Lizzie 7. We both accepted Christ as our Savior at a young age but life doesn’t stay easy! I rededicated my life to the Lord as a teenager and have been trying to serve Him as best that I can ever since. I have been involved in the local church as Sunday School teacher, congregational chairman, and lead elder. In 2000 we sold our auto body repair shop sensing that God was leading us to something else. It wasn’t until this year that we heeded His call and became camp directors. Looking back now it is easy to see that all of life’s experiences are not by accident but are all a part of God’s plan. It has been a great summer at Roseau River Bible Camp with lots still to be learned! But God is always faithful and we are looking forward to what God has in store for us. Please pray for us; as the family continues to adjust to this new ministry; for Rose as she seeks to find an appropriate part time job; and, for myself as I still have much to learn. Rod and Rose Reimer (Rod became Director of Roseau River Bible Camp this past March.)

MB FINANCIAL UPDATE TO YEAR END 30 SEPTEMBER 2007 Our fiscal year ending September 30th , 2007 received an encouraging boost through a bequest that came in shortly thereafter resulting in the anticipated deficit becoming a positive. We are so grateful for those individuals who look ahead and become blessings in their death as they were also when they lived! ‘PRAISE THE LORD’ for our faithful supporters and their involvement in a work that touches the lives of so many children, adults and communities in our province!

Actual(Audit not complete)

Same period last year

Income

$222,189.53

$231,008.00

Expenditures

$239,216.10

$230,845.77

Total

-$17,027.47 + $17,027.47 $0.00

$162.23

Introducing Ela Klaue:

Follow-Up & Day Camp Coordinator (Ela joined us part-time, year-round January, 2007)

‘m so thankful for the Lord’s guiding hand upon my life. In 2003, I packed up my things and moved to Winnipeg from BC. upon marrying an amazing God-loving and God-fearing man, Daniel Klaue! After three years of marriage I accomplished my dream of graduating from university with a BA in Sociology. During my studies I was introduced to CSSM Ministries through a friend from class, Leanne Friesen-Harder, and through my neighbour, Freida Johnson. Through them I had an opportunity to see and be part of the VBS/Day Camp ministry and the CSSM’s yearly banquets. However, it did not become obvious that my future would lie with this organization until one month after I graduated in 2006. I remember so clearly how I felt ready and open to whatever God had in mind for my life when I made that call to Dean Davidson, Branch Director, at the exact that time the CSSM Ministries - MB Branch was urgently praying for help with the VBS/Day Camps ministry. Our prayers were answered and that summer I joined the Mission. After that busy summer was over I had become convinced that this was where I wanted to be and, with prayer, where God would want me also. So I insisted on sticking around the Branch Office. I asked to be given any work that needed to be done, even if it meant for it to be volunteer work. That’s how much I appreciated CSSM’s people and vision to ‘reach the unreached’. There was plenty of work to be done and I was given the Day Campers follow-up. I had many letters to send out that fall and much to learn. Thank God I happen to know my dear neighbour, Freida, and I was able to call on her for all kinds of workrelated questions; since, in essence, she had a similar role at an earlier time. By January, 2007, I was officially hired as a ‘Day Camps & Follow-Up Coordinator’. As Christians, we are many parts in one body, building God’s Kingdom. I’m so thankful that the Mission trusted the Lord’s Guiding Hand and gave me a chance to discover my unique God-given gifts and the time to learn how to put those gifts towards eternal efforts. Today, I trust, along with the Mission and the bigger body of Christ, that God is working in us all according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” As a missionary for the next generation I pray and ask, if God puts on your heart to support the Day Camps and Follow-Up ministry or myself financially or prayerfully then let me know. Let’s see together what else our Father in Heaven has planned for us! Thanks, Ela! This type of ministry continues touching Manitoba children and families for Jesus Christ. Perhaps being at another end to the taxation year you will consider an extra gift that will help change lives in 2008! Through planned giving there are many ways to support CSSM Ministries Manitoba… • Outright gifts (cash, real estate, etc.) • Regular donations (check out our Pre-authorized Monthly Donation program) • Bequests –giving to CSSM in your will. • Life Insurance policy (with CSSM as beneficiary) • Charitable Trusts ASK FOR A BROCHURE! ATTENTION: If wanting your gift to go to a specific camp, please mark it clearly on your cheque or donation insert so we can pass it on to the camp indicated. Otherwise, donations received go for the operation of the Branch Office and the services it provides.

[Cut out and post as a reminder to pray

CONGRATULATIONS! “Jake Friesen, Gimli Bible Camp Board Chairman, presenting the final loan payment cheque for the Dining Hall/Lodge Complex to Dean Davidson (Manitoba Branch Director.”) ongratulations to the Gimli Bible Camp Board as they have now completely paid off the money owing on their Dining Hall/ Lodge Complex! GBC had borrowed money from the CSSM Ministries - MB Capital Loan Fund a number of years ago and had $19,000.00 owing until a gracious gift from an estate came in to allow them to pay all this amount off. ‘Praise the Lord!’ for His bountiful care of this ministry and for our many supporters who see the importance of having their lives count for the Lord in both life and death!

All Things Are Possible

By Howard & Kathy Weir - Turtle Mountain Bible Camp Nothing is as remotely powerful as when God’s people go to the ONE who rules a hundred billion galaxies to focus His love and power on a ministry, person, situation or need. We are deeply humbled and grateful for those who come alongside us through prayer, finances and active involvement. Your partnership enables the ministry to impact the lives of staff and campers for His glory! We rejoice at the opportunities God has given Turtle Mountain Bible Camp the past 60 years in sharing the truths of the Gospel with precious campers. This message has not only changed the eternal destination of many campers, but has given their lives hope and meaning. Many were very receptive to the message and as children have given their hearts to Christ, we can never underestimate how far reaching the effects will be as they impact their family, friends and world. It is always encouraging to be contacted by individuals who have witnessed a change in the lives of campers and staff when they return home. As part of our camp promotion in the spring we showed a DVD entitled, “Facing the Giants”. It emphasized that: “WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE”. We can truly say we have evidenced the prayers of God’s people and His intervention in ways that are nothing but miraculous. A few weeks prior to camp starting, we only had about 25% of our summer missionaries in place. Once again God has proved Himself faithful in providing an incredible, united, godly and focused staff to meet each need. Seven staff came from Ontario and Shirley, a dear Hutterite lady (who left the colony in June) provided consistency in the kitchen all summer. She won everyone’s heart and was such a testimony in her deep hunger for God and desire to learn and grow in her faith. She was such an encouragement to Kathy who faced new challenges in preparing menus and food orders this summer. Megan, a blind cabin leader, had such a positive attitude and listening ear. Her passion for Christ and the campers and perseverance amidst her ‘challenge’ was an incredible testimony to us all. God enabled the ministry to side two more cabins, install a safety barrier on the climbing wall, relocate several buildings, make some waterfront upgrades and build a new and much needed washroom facility. Only God could have raised up the needed volunteers and finances to see these projects to completion. We still need volunteers to help us complete the basement of the staff/guest accommodation. We praise God for the safety, wisdom and staff unity He provided. PRAYER is the language of dependency on God! It is through prayer that every victory, provision and breakthrough comes from God’s throne room. Our hearts desire is to give HIM the glory as He has done ‘exceeding, abundantly, above anything we could ask or imagine!’

for these events and those involved in them.]

UPCOMING CALENDAR OF EVENTS January 1

Welcome to the Year 2008!!

January 10 –11

Annual CSSM Ministries - MB Missionary Retreat - Portage la Prairie

January 11–12

Annual Retreat/Advance Provincial Council/Camp Boards/Missionaries -Portage la Prairie

January 14 –26

Camp Summer Staff Recruitment Tour to Sask./Alta. Bible Colleges

January 30 - Feb. 7

Camp Summer Staff Recruitment Tour to Manitoba Bible Colleges

February 1 - 3

Missionfest at Grant Memorial Baptist Church, Wpg

February 6 – 7

Semi-annual CSSM Ministries Branch Directors’ Meeting

February 8 – 9

Annual General Meeting -CSSM Ministries National.

February 14 – 18; March 7 - 11

Annual CSSM Ministries - MB Branch Promotional Events (details in this issue).

(TBA)

Parade of Camps at St. Vital Centre

March 23 - 25

Spring Forum & Annual General Meeting of CCI (Christian Camping Intern’l) - MB/NW Ont.

April 28

CCI –MB/NW Ont. Spring Camps’ tour: Moose Lake Camp; Roseau River Camp; St. Malo Catholic Camp

May 18 – 20

CSSM Ministries - MB Leadership Training & Semiannual Camp Directors’ Meeting

June 2 – 6

Seniors’ Camp at Roseau River Bible Camp

June 16 – 19

Seniors’ Camp at Turtle Mountain Bible Camp

June 26 – 29

Corporate Summer Missionary Training Days (held at Valley View Bible Camp)

June 30 – July 1

Individual Camps’ Summer Missionary Training Days

July/August

Neighborhood Bible Day Camps/VBS & Children’s Residential Camps throughout the Province

August 24 – 29

Seniors Camp at Gimli Bible Camp

Involvement Project - You Are Needed! Replacement Laptop Computer Needed Older (IBM 2000) needs to be updated. Cost of replacement: $1,400.00

Mission Car Replacement Fund

Cost of replacement: $15,000.00 (three year projest) Amount needed this year: $5,000.00

Mission Promo Display Replacement Needed Cost of replacement: $2,500.00

Computer Printer Needed Cost of replacement: $700.00

Perhaps you can help make one or more of these projects listed a reality?! Often items such as these can only happen if the Lord’s people respond to the need. Is there a project listed you can get behind and help make happen? We would love to hear from you regarding such! Your gift would be tremendously helpful and encouraging!

The Annual Support Raising Tour This year, our upcoming fundraising event will be different than anything we’ve tried thus far. You’ll want to read the following carefully. Call us (668-CSSM) if you would like clarification. We’re excited to announce that the Daae (pronounced “Dō”) Family is returning for most of the events. This year, in communities with banquets, we have made attendance at the banquet entirely separate from the program that follows. Banquets will start at 6:30 p.m. Tickets will be $15 each or sponsor a table of 8 for $100. Please note: The ticket purchase deadline is one week before the banquet. No tickets will be available after the deadline! The program, will include a mini-concert with the Daae Family (all locations except Virden) and a Mission report, complete with testimonies, interviews and comedy. The program is entirely free and open to all. Priority seating will be given to those attending the banquet. Please note the dates of the following events and display attached poster.: * 6:30 banquet, followed by 7:30 program, featuring the Daae Family ** 6:30 banquet, followed by 7:30 program, featuring local and a camp musical talent *** 6:30 program, free and open to all, featuring the Daae Family, followed by dessert and coffee fellowship **** 7:00 program, free and open to all, featuring the Daae Family, followed by dessert and coffee fellowship

Concerts? Banquets? This Year, You Get To Choose!

Date

City/Town/Venue

Event

Ticket Deadline

Additional Information

Fri., Feb. 15

Altona - Altona EMMC: 158 2nd St. NE

****

no tickets required

Altona EMMC 324-8432

Sat., Feb. 16

Winnipeg - St. Vital EMC: 2005 St. Mary’s Rd.

*

Friday Feb. 8

CSSM MB 668-CSSM

Sun., Feb. 17

Steinbach - Steinbach CMC 479 Hanover, 346-6322

*

Sunday Feb. 10

Hull’s Books 326-2430

Mon., Feb. 18

Gladstone - Gladstone Christian Fellowship Chapel

****

no tickets required

John Klassen 385-2887

Fri., March 7

Portage la Prairie - Herman Prior Centre: 40 Royal Rd. N

*

Friday Feb. 29

Heritage Book 857-8895

Sat., March 8

Rosenort - Rosenort EMC: 509 River Rd. S

****

no tickets required

Rosenort EMC 746-6479

Sun., March 9

Oakbank - Oakbank Baptist Church: 4655 Springfield Rd.

***

no tickets required

OBC 444-3348

Mon., March 10

Winkler - Winkler Seniors Centre: 344 6th St.

*

Monday March 3

Bible Book Shop 325-4274

Tues., March 11

Killarney - Lakeview Community Church: 523-8960

*

Tuesday March 4

Ron Groening 523-7398

Wed., March 12

Virden - Virden Alliance Church: 375 Frame St. E

**

Wed. March 5

Gordon Schwindt 855-2525

DID YOU KNOW?

Seniors Music Night

• Each month (Sept. through May) a group of people join together for a time of praying for CSSM ministries in Manitoba and across Canada.

pproximately 250 people packed the Winkler Seniors Centre on Fri., October 19th as the musicians and singers from CSSM Ministries’ Seniors camps presented a program of familiar Gospel music to all in attendance. Aside from the music by the choir, orchestra and Why not join them? Call 668-2776(CSSM) for a prayer guide that is various other groups, Shirley Waldner shared her journey from a prepared for this important group of supporters! (see ‘Calendar of Hutterite colony to Turtle Mountain Bible Camp. An offering was taken Events’ so as to know what to pray for in the months ahead!) for CSSM Ministries Manitoba, and approximately $1800 was received. Prayer is upholding God’s work and workers before Him, and, in responding in Praise and Thanksgiving at seeing Him work. • Praise the Lord for a well-attended CSSM Ministries National Personnel Conference (held once every five years) at Pinawa, MB in early November! Much praise was given while celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Mission. • Praise the Lord for meeting our needs (see Financial Update) regarding the fiscal year-end that happened the last day of Sept., and, for all our faithful supporters both prayer warrior and financial! • Praise the Lord for timely diagnosis and treatment (surgery) as Dean Davidson, Branch Director, had some skin cancer removed these past couple of months!

• Praise the Lord for the many opportunities we have to serve our Lord in the New Year ahead! Did you know we had 3629 campers involved at our residential and day camps this past summer with 225 coming to know Jesus as personal Lord and Savior, and, another 102 recommitting their lives to the Lord?

www.cssm.ca/mb

Low German Music Night riday, November 16 and Saturday, November 17 were evenings of Low German music, comedy and inspiration at Steinbach and Winkler respectively. Attendees enjoyed the music of Hank and Anne Neufeld (MacGregor) and Daniel Klaue (Winnipeg). Dennis Giesbrecht provided comical emceeing and our special guest, 94 year-old Reverend John J. Neufeld shared portions of his life’s journey and shared inspirational thoughts from God’s Word. We had 320 guests over the two-day event, and nearly $3000 was raised for CSSM Ministries. Special thank you’s for Reverend Neufeld, Hank and Anne Neufeld, and Daniel Klaue and Dennis Giesbrecht, as well as Hull’s Family Bookstores in Steinbach and the Bible Book Shop in Winkler. We are also grateful for the assistance of Lynda Friesen and Abe Kehler in Steinbach, and Shirley Waldner and Phyllis Loewen in Winkler.

Video of Low German Misic Night available!

8 0 0 2 r u o T g in is a R t r Suppo sts The Daae Family!

ue with Special Musical G

Where: When:

at

p.m.

Find the complete tour schedule at www.cssm.ca/mb or call 668-CSSM (2776)

Pool Director

Prayer Warriors

Qualified lifeguard/Instructor

Grandma & Grandpa for the campers

Program Director

Financial Supporters Wranglers

Nurses

For Eternal (and maybe some temporal) Rewards, Turn Yourselves In To: CSSM MINISTRIES MANITOBA 200-189 Henderson Hwy. Winnipeg, MB R2L 1L7 PH: (204) 668-CSSM (2776)

FAX: (204) 667-1496

Email: [email protected]

www.cssm.ca/mb