Canadian Mennonite
Volume 13, No. 15
Jul. 27, 2009
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
Camp Valaqua Celebrates 50 years.
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Bird song harmonized perfectly with a joyful congregation as Camp Valaqua celebrated 50 years of ministry to Alberta Mennonites on June 13-14. An outdoor Folk Fest, worship service, camp activities, and tours were all accompanied by a hearty dose of reminiscence and fellowship.
Camp Valaqua began as an initiative of the Alberta Mennonite Youth Organization. In 1959, 20 acres of land was purchased along the Little Red Deer River just north of Water Valley. A boy’s wilderness camp and a youth retreat were held the first summer. It soon became clear that more land, especially off the flood plain, was needed and a price of $5,500 was negotiated for the rest of the quarter section. Walter Paetkau, Cory Hildebrandt and Jake Harder communicated to churches the value and vision of the camp. By March of 1960, the debt was paid and an incredible legacy of faith and community building began.
Walter Paetkau, the first camp director, said; “It is a rich heritage to know I was part of something that has grown far beyond what we first thought.”
Over the years, facilities, program and staff have undergone much growth and change. The camp progressed from being completely rustic to having a winterized lodge available for year-round conference and rental use. Summer programs have included horseback-riding, archery, trampoline, crafts, nature, basketball, climbing, ropes courses, fishing, swimming, and a sky-swing. A variety of off-camp trips have offered hiking, biking, and canoeing. Through the years, pastors of Mennonite Church Alberta congregations volunteered as chaplains, bringing solid Bible teaching to campers.
According to its vision statement, “Camp Valaqua is dedicated to proclaiming the Good News that God is the Creator, we are God’s people, and the earth is placed in our hand as a gift and a trust.” Jon Olfert, current director, says; “It’s a huge blessing to be a part of Camp Valaqua…to meet and connect with staff and campers every year. The relationships and community we form here are unlike any other place.”
At the worship service, Doug Klassen, pastor of Foothills Mennonite Church, said; “I can’t help but think that the apostle Paul would have liked Camp Valaqua. I can’t help but think that when he was writing this letter to Timothy for his work in the Ephesian church, if there would have been a Valaqua option close by, I could have seen Paul getting everyone out of the city to a place free from distraction and nonsense, so that they could grasp the fullness of God as revealed in Jesus Christ.”
Camp Valaqua’s legacy lives on in the lives it has touched, building relationships between people, discovering and deepening faith in God, and developing leadership among young people. For 50 years, Valaqua has been a place to encounter God. Klassen concluded his message saying, “Let’s continue to walk the next years firmly rooted in the word of God, looking to Jesus as the author and perfector of our faith. Amen.”
A history book, compiled and written by John Schellenberg, details the first 50 years of Camp Valaqua. The book, including a photo DVD, is available through the camp (403-637-2510) for $25.
Call for understanding and prayer in Bolivia rape case
WINNIPEG, Man.
MCC is urging people not to judge the Mennonite colony that grabbed international headlines last month with shocking stories of mass rape.
Eight members of the Manitoba Mennonite Colony in Bolivia have been jailed on charges of allegedly drugging and raping more than 100 colony women over the course of several years.
“We can stand in judgment at the side and deride this awful immoral incident or we can compassionately stand with our brothers and sisters in working through the incredible pain, suffering and public scorn,” says John Janzen, coordinator of MCC’s Low German program.
As part of the wider Mennonite community and as an organization with a long association with Low German-speaking communities, MCC feels called to “reach out to our Bolivian brothers and sisters,” says Janzen. “We ask that the wider Mennonite community, and others, pray for the people in these communities as they struggle with what is happening.”
“We stand with our brothers and sisters, not in any way condoning this act or any other similar acts, but working through the pain, seeking justice, learning the lessons and preparing for a better future.” MCC Bolivia has offered counselling support for the victims, but it has been declined.
It is alleged that the men used an aerosol veterinary spray to drug the women and their husbands at night while they slept. They then used the opportunity to rape the women.
Hans Schroeder, director of MCC’s Low German program in Bolivia, visited the colony shortly after the arrest and talked with some of the victims, families and community leaders to learn about the issue firsthand.
The initial capture was made at 2 a.m. on June 20 by residents of the colony who harboured suspicions of what was happening.
The suspects were not beaten, as is often the case in the Bolivian colonies, but initially put into isolation and asked to record the names of their victims on a piece of paper with their signature at the bottom, according to Schroeder.
On June 22, colony leaders decided to bring the suspects to the Bolivian authorities.
It was a very sad day, Schroeder reports, for the colony to have to take their own to jail, but they felt that this was the right decision.
Two days later, the men pleaded not guilty in a hearing. The lawyers now have six months to prepare their cases for trial.
Forensic doctors and psychologists have been sent into the colony to examine the victims.
One colony leader made it clear that anyone who would enter another’s home with the intention to abuse the inhabitants was no longer welcome on the colony.
“I don’t think the colonists fully understand what after-effects the victims and the many families affected might face down the road,” says Schroeder. “My hope and prayer is that we, the broader community of believers, will be sensitive to their needs and be ready to help our brothers and sisters when the time is right.”
There are approximately 25,000 Mennonites living in colonies in Bolivia. They are the descendants of conservative Mennonites who came to Bolivia in the 1950s in search of greater agricultural opportunity and religious freedom.
The story has appeared in media around the world.