February Transitions 2011

Fourth Avenue Bible Church, Niverville, Man., welcomed Abe Klassen as lead pastor Oct. 7. Sieg Wall was interim lead pastor from 2008–2010. Abe was pastor of family ministries at Forest Grove Community Church, Saskatoon, from 2008–2010. Previous to that, he served as lead pastor at Steinbach (Man.) MB Church. Abe and Kathy have 2 married children and 5 grandchildren.

Benjamin Loewen began as part-time youth pastor at Richmond Park MB Church, Brandon, Man., September 2010. Prior to that he worked as a journeyman mechanic and volunteered with Youth for Christ. Ben is married to Laurel.

In keeping with its mandate, Mennonite Mission Health Association is now International Mennonite Health Association. The board confirmed the change at their October meeting. The organization’s mandate is to serve God by providing resources and services to Mennonite and Brethren in Christ health programs in developing countries. Its programs include a nurse aide bursary for Mahbubnagar Junior College in India, the Medicine Credit Program in three rural health zones of DR Congo, and Alto Refugio AIDS Hospice in Paraguay.

Evergreen Heights Christian Fellowship, Simcoe, Ont., welcomed Bret Maukonen as lead pastor, Dec. 1. Bret holds an MDiv from Ontario Theological Seminary (now Tyndale), and a Master of Education from Brock University, St. Catharines, Ont. Bret has worked as a navigation officer on the Great Lakes and deep sea, managed Christian and college bookstores, and taught adult learners. Bret is married to Lynne.  They have served together doing mission work in England and Japan.

MB Biblical Seminary Canada appointed Randy Wollf as assistant professor of practical theology and leadership studies at MBBS-ACTS in Langley, B.C. Randy’s academic credentials include studies at Briercrest Bible College, an MRE from ACTS Seminaries, an MA in adult education from University of B.C., and a PhD in educational studies–adult education, with a focus on leadership, from UBC. He also has a diverse ministry background, including supporting house churches for the Evangelical Free Church of Canada; teaching leadership courses at Trinity Western University; serving short term church planting missions in Thailand; pastoring at Langley Evangelical Free Church; and performing teaching and relief work in the Philippines, Ukraine, and Albania. “We are grateful for Randy’s commitment to the mission of the church, his affinity with the MB Confession of Faith, and his experience with innovation, tradition, and cross-cultural ministry,” says Lynn Jost, MBBS Canada president. Randy and wife Lore have 3 children.