April 1996

THE

PUBLICATION

OF

THE

U.S.

C

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CONFERENCE

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OF

MENNONITE

1ST

I

A

BRETHREN

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APRIL 1996

o an he rethre go the ngh why ar t there m re of us?

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CAN OUR FUTURE BE DIFFERENT? Meet Mission USA's first executive director (p. 10)

CHURCHES

INSIDE APRIL

FIRST WORDS

1996

... from the editor

F

AITHFULNESS and growth in the kingdom of God can't always be measured statistically. But even the book of Acts indicates that when the body of Christ lives and loves in the Spirit and way of our Lord, more and more people start showing up.

So we think it's fair to ask why more people haven't shown up-and stuck around-in Mennonite churches over these past few centuries. But we weren't quite prepared for the way this issue of the magazine came together.

For several months, we had planned to run the article

by Theron Schlabach, together with our Mennonite Brethren respondents. Then, late last month, we received word that Ed Boschman had accepted the call to become the first executive director of Mission USA. So we decided to "hold the presses" and include some of his insights, too.

After all, the purpose of Mission USA is to renew our faithfulness and help us attract others with the love of Christ.

We think the pieces "fit" and hope you think so, too.

You should find lots of things in this issue to talk about with others in your congregation. In addition to our feature articles, the thoughts of our three columnists-Philip Wiebe, Rose Buschman and Marvin Hein-are particularly timely and relevant.

If you feel like talking about some of these things, but don't know where to begin, you'll appreciate our new regular feature, Let's Talk About It, on page 31. The questions should help your small group get started.

So get started. OK? -DR

Page 4

COMING • JULY 22-26-Basic Institute in Conflict Management and Mediation, sponsored by the Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies; held at Fresno Pacific College.

• JULY 26-29-U.S. Conference biennial convention; Colorado Springs, Colo.

• SEPTEMBER 26-28-General Conference consultation and Council of Boards; site to be announced.

QUOTABLE

Page 10

((Like our earthly parents, God does not remove us from every source of danger or temptation. The Lord calls us forth to explore, to learn, to grow, to create, to become. If we are to become men and women offaith, we must realize that the way may not be easy, or even well marked. We do not always know where we are going. And God does not always tell us. "-Penelope J Stokes in FAITH: THE SUBSTANCE OF THINGS UNSEEN. 2 · THE

CHRISTIAN

LEADE

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,

INSIDE APRIL

1996

VOLUME 59, NUMBER 4

FEATURES - Theme: Mission & Growth 4 A question of faithfulness Why hasn't the Mennonite understanding of Christian faith attracted more people to our ranks? Maybe we haven't lived up to it. BY THERON F. SCHLABACH

Responses: 6 A desire for evangelism has diluted our distinctives. BY ELTON BERG 7 To maintain purity, we've been selective about letting our light shine.

BY PEGGY GOERTZEN 8 We have what thousands are seeking; what we need is the confidence to share it. BY LARRY NIKKEL 9 A church which embodies what it believes, without embarrassment, will grow. BY AL DUECK 9 Statistical growth is only a possible result of our true mission: to mimic Jesus. BY LYNN JOST

10 II believe itls what God wants to dol Mission USA will make a difference in our mission and growth, says Ed Boschman. Our interview with the newly selected Mission USA executive director will tell you why.

DEPARTMENTS Ph'lip Side

by Philip Wiebe 14

.

• Antidote for an anti-world

On the Journey

.

by Rose Buschman 16

• Help the children celebrate

Inquiring Minds ..

• •

............. by Marvin Hein 17

Flags in the church Violent speech

BodyLife

.

18

• The positive side of India's story 18 • Ownership shift for Tabor College 20

Miscellanea

28

Editorial

32

• Guilt, grace and growth

EDITOR Don Ratzlaff

ASSISTANT EDITOR Connie Faber

BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS: Noelle Dickinson (acting chair), Jeanie Klaassen, Herb Schroeder, Kathy Heinrichs Wiest MANDATE: THE CHRISTIAN LEADER (ISSN 00095149), organ of the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, is published monthly by the U.S. Conference Board of Communications, 315 S. Lincoln, Hillsboro, KS 67063. The Christian Leader seeks to inform Mennonite Brethren members and churches of the events, activities, decisions, and issues of their denomination, and to instruct, inspire and initiate dialog so that they will aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelicaljAnabaptist theological tradition.

EDITORIAL POLICY: The views and opinions of our writers and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of The Christian Leader, the Board of Communications or the Mennonite Brethren Church. The editors invite free-lance article submissions, but ask that each submission be accompanied with a SASE. The editors reserve the right to edit, condense or refuse all copy submitted for publication; anonymous contributions will not be published.

READER PARTICIPATION: The editors encourage readers to interact with our articles through letters to the editor and essays to Forum, our op-ed column.

Letters for What Readers Say must include the author's name and address. Forum is open to members or attenders of Mennonite Brethren churches.

Essays to Forum can address any issue of relevance and interest to the faith and life of the Mennonite Brethren Church. The essay should be no longer than 800 words and should include the home church, occupation and a clear photo of the writer.

COMMUNICATION: All correspondence should be addressed to The Christian Leader, Box V, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Phone: (316) 947-5543. Fax: (316) 9473266.

ADVERTISING: Clearinghouse ads should be submitted in writing. Cost: $.40 per word. Send no advance payments. For display-ad rates, contact the editor.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Rates: $16 for one year, $30 for two years, and $42 for three years ($20, $38 and $54 in Canada); $1.50 per copy.

ADDRESS CHANGES: Send both old and new address to Circulation Secretary, Box V, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Allow up to one month for transition.

ART CREDITS: Cover and page 5, Menno Simons portrait by Kuiper.

MEMBERSHIP: The Christian Leader is a member of the Evangelical Press Association and Meetinghouse, an association of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ editors.

PRINTING: The Christian Leader is printed on recyclable paper by Mennonite Press, Newton, Kansas.

POSTMASTER: Send Form 3579 to The Christian Leader, Box V, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Second-class postage paid at Hillsboro, Kansas.

APRIL

1996

3

MISSION & GROWTH

OU'VE got to admit, it's a com-

be significantly more of us. Can it happen?

pelling question. Mennonites, of all

We thought we'd start the conversation

stripes, number about 400,000 in

with the following article by Theron Schlabach,

North America and 900,000 world-

series editor of the Mennonite Experience in

wide. Mennonite Brethren, mean-

America books. Then we asked a few Men-

while, comprise the largest single

nonite Brethren to join In with some observa-

group with about 212,000 members worldwide-and about 46,000 in North America, where we rank third in size.

None of these numbers are insignificant, but they still represent a very, very small por-

tions of their own, specificaJly about the

.~~~~

Mennonite Brethren experience in orth America.

After that, we inter-

~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ viewed Ed Boschman, who last month accepted the challenge to become the first executive director of

tion of the Christian

Mission USA. You'll

pie. So, if Menno

want to read about h's

Simons got it "right"-

vision and passion for this

that is, if the Anabap-

new assignment.

tist/Mennonite vision cap-

Finally, after you've read

tures the fullest and most

what everybody else has to say,

faithful understanding of the gospel-why aren't there more of us?

We thought the question was timely for

we invite you to join the conversation, too. Why have Mennonites, particularly Mennonite Brethren, not grown as rapidly as many

two reasons. First, 1996 marks the SOOth

other Christian groups? Write (Box V, Hillsboro,

anniversary of Menno's birth. What better time

KS 67063) or fax (316-947-3266) us with your

to reflect on his legacy? Second, U.S. Menno-

observations-but keep them concise, please.

nite Brethren are launching an aggressive

All in all, such a simple question could

renewal and church-planting thrust called Mis-

make for some provocative discussion, don't

sion USA Part of the intent is that there might

you think?-fhe editors

4-THE

CHRISTIAN

LEADER

MISSION & GROWTH

A question

of faithfulness Some explanations for our relatively slow growth are more defensible than others

by THERON F. SCHLABACH

"WHY SO FEW?" What lies in the question? Is not the primary question the more traditional Mennonite one: "Have we been faithful?"

If we had just kept our children...

Behind "Why so few?" may be some misuse of statistics. We often hear statements, such as I heard recently, that we Mennonites in North America are 400,000, but we'd be 4 million if we had just kept all our children since the 16th century, or maybe since we came to America.

I am not a statistician, but the calculus does not sound right. If there are actually 4 million people in North America who have some Mennonite ancestry, then a lot of them have other ancestors as well. If we were to turn the genealogical pyramid upside-down and consider how many nonMennonite ancestors those 4 million have had since the 16th century, the numbers would surely astound us.

Moreover, Mennonites have not only lost, we have also gained a few. How did the Alderfers and Sawatskys come to be Mennonites? How is it that my spouse, who grew up in a thoroughly Mennonite family, had one grandparent who was an Irish immigrant, another who was Jewish, as well as two who were Amish Mennonites?

If we were to use statistics on Lutherans, Catholics, United Brethren, Methodists and Jews the way we turn them against ourselves, we might be surprised how much progeny they lost to the Mennonites!

Guilt and grace

Does the question "Why so few?" rest also on a sense of failure and therefore of guilt? It often seems to, and maybe it should. But there are positive points, too. I seem to remember that Jesus said something to the effect that the route of the faithful leads through the strait gate and up the narrow path "and only a few find it."

Another positive point is that at least we are not among those who gained big numbers by baptizing defeated peoples with our swords at their backs. And while we have baptized some pretty small children, we have not baptized them willynilly, and certainly not unwitting babies, thereby APRIL

1996

5

MISSION & GROWTH

By and large, we have been true to our understanding that response and commitment of God's invitation must be voluntary. And voluntarism means freedom to say no as well as yes. gaining numbers through yet another kind of coercion.

By and large, we have been true to our understanding that response and commitment to God's invitation must be voluntary. And voluntarism means freedom to say no as well as yes.

Do we have to feel complete failure about those who, in the end, have said no? Not necessarily, if we hear the Abrahamic call to be "a blessing to the nations." Many of those saying no-perhaps

MY

most-have gone on to be constructive, upright and moral citizens, and possibly more so because of the challenges that Mennonitism left in their souls. If some of our children have become a part of the civic community more than of the church, then surely we have often given something valuable to the human community at large.

Called to swim against the current It is good to ask why more have not said yes,

RESPONSE

A desire for evangelism has diluted our distinctives

by Elton Berg AGREE with Schlabach. The issue is not why we are so few, but have we been faithful to the Anabaptist vision? The desire for numerical growth may far outweigh the importance of adhering to the principles of Anabaptism. Which is more important-large statistics or being faithful to the teachings of Anabaptism? Faithfulness is more important.

As a pastor, it was far more important to me that people of our churchthose with Mennonite backgrounds and those with non-Mennonite backgroundsmeet and receive Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and permit him to be the Lord of their lives than it was to be recorded statistically as a Mennonite/ Anabaptist church member. The matter of having a Mennonite/Anabaptist label is secondary to the experience of truly being in the kingdom of God. However, it is true that each individual should be committed to the local church as an expres-

I

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CHRISTIAN

sion of total discipleship. This includes an appreciation for and support of the Anabaptist heritage and vision. This is where faithfulness comes in.

It is true that the churches of the Anabaptist persuasion are fewer in number than the "mainline" denominations, but that should not cause us necessarily to be saddened about it. Are we true to the Lord in our relationship to him as his disciples? Do we uphold Anabaptist principles? This is the main concern.

As Mennonite Brethren, we have been faithful to the authenticity and preaching of God's Word. We have sought to have warmth in fellowship of local churches. We have likely failed in maintaining some of the Mennonite traditional distinctives due to our emphasis on evangelism.

Here again, it seems that evangelism is more important than traditional distinctives. But to be realistic, a shift in emphaLEADER

sis has possibly kept us from a strong Anabaptist vision. We have also failed on the more solid teaching of the principles of the kingdom of God. It may not be important to join the mass-culture Christianity movement. However, we do need to be in touch with what is going on in the realm of the entire church of Christ (Christ's body) and we do need to be concerned about touching lives for Christ.

We should not be defensive about our lack of growth in the U.S. Conference. On the other hand, we should express our lack of growth in reaching souls for Christ in a repentant manner.

From our own history, we can learn to be more faithful to God's Word for all of faith and life in church growth and expansion as we have Mission USA before us.

Spiritual revival is what we need.

When genuine revival comes, growth will also take place.

Elton Berg recently retired from the pastorate after a long stint of faithful service in the Central District.

Conference.

MISSION & GROWTH

but who can be surprised? If we may think of the Anabaptists as living close to their Catholic upbringing, and therefore seeing holiness in terms of accepting a vocation apart from common-culture Christianity-that is, accepting a kind of monasticism, or holy order, with its disciplinethen of course they chose deliberately not to go the way of the masses.

Or if we consider the state-church and cultural Christianity of Catholic and Protestant Europe, then it is understandable that most people have looked upon Anabaptists and Mennonites as pariahs. For in rejecting state-church union and questioning the society's tendency to combine faith and culture, Mennonites have been dividers of human community, threats to solidarity, people who seem to undermine society's very foundations.

Or if we turn our view to America-well, what German or Pennsylvania German group has ever become large? The Moravians or the Dunkards, even with their warmer Pietism? Or the more easygoing German Lutherans? No, and not the United Brethren, even with their imitation of the numerically successful Methodists.

So evidently some answers to "Why so few?" lie outside Anabaptism and Mennonitism.

Little lure in martyrdom and humility

Can we be surprised that droves of people have declined our theology? After all, it is a theology that quickly gloried in martyrdom, or at least in suffering. Then, if there was no suffering, it turned to humility. Of course, a few human beings will always find strength and assurance in martyrdom, suffering and humility to bolster their sense of righteousness. But probably only a few want to take martyrdom, suffering or humility as literally and objectively-and in such large doses-as Anabaptists and Mennonites have from time to time.

No doubt much the same can be said for discipline, or for trying to apply Christianity minutely to everyday affairs and everyday relationships. A lot of humans, if the choice is voluntary, prefer status and power and red-blooded vengeance to being humble and vulnerable.

Missed opportunities

Some of the reasons for "Why so few?" are surely less defensible. We have been right in choosing fewness rather than mass-culture Christianity. But surely, from Menno Simons to the present, we could have done more to meet people where they are, in whatever cultural phases they

are passing through.

In less than a century, the Methodists grew from a mustard seed into America's largest denomination, mainly by meeting genuine human need along America's expanding frontiers. The circuit rider, the instruction classes and the better versions of the camp meeting were forms that responded to deep and legitimate human longings,

MY

RESPONSE

To maintain purity, we've been selective about letting our light shine

by Peggy Goertzen

W

E HAVE an exquisite polished brass lamp which decorates our front room, an heirloom passed down by grandparents. This lamp is lovely in every way-except it ca nnot be depended on for light. One minute it shines, the next it doesn't. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to it. Is it an electrical short, a malfunctioning switch, or just a tired artifact? No one seems to know.

In the midst of our family's frustration, we have termed this our "reluctant light."

U.S. Mennonite Brethren have been a reluctant light. We have a polished theology which should produce magnificent light to all the world. Yet in our 136 years of existence, we have been selective in our shining. We have gone to superhuman efforts to produce light in remote places-foreign mission fields-yet we have declined to shine at home to our Englishspeaking neighbors. In an effort to preserve spiritual purity and faithfulness, we let our nearest circle remain in darkness.

Now, in desperation in this late hour, we attempt to reclaim lost regions filled with almost insurmountable barriers, which we have in part created. We are uncomfortable and haunted by the fact that we have somehow lost

our true identity. What is this polished lamp really? Evangelical, Anabaptist, fundamentalist, conservative, pietistic? What is Mennonite Brethren? And in our attempts to ease this tension regarding our true self, we go through motions.

H.F. Toews told a story in the 1940s about a mill. Times were hard and grain scarce. The miller was running his grist mill day and night, even though he had no wheat. When questioned about this, the miller indicated that the sounds of milling were comforting and gave the villagers security, even though nothing was being produced.

Mennonite Brethren, in similar fashion, go through the motions and sounds of producing light, using our traditional structures, methods and mindset. We are comforted and maintain a sense of status quo, yet our passion-to bring people into a vital, lasting relationship with Jesus Christ-is not being accomplished. We need to shine consistently.

Peggy Goertzen directs the Tabor College Center for MB Studies and attends the Ebenfeld MB Church, Hillsboro, Kan. APRIL

1996

7

MISSION & GROWTH

and fit the situation. From such a history, Mennonites can learn.

Boundaries and barriers of our own making

We can learn also from our own history. As we tell ourselves ad infinitum, we have turned people away and driven out some of our own by boundaries we have marked and barriers we have raised-especially ethnic barriers.

We have stressed discipline and order-good in themselves-in ways that seem stern, prickly and cold. Actually, among ourselves we have enjoyed a great deal of warmth and support, but we have found these in family and close community; and, the world over, family and close-knit community may be the hardest circles for newcomers to penetrate.

Nowadays, however, boundary-setting is probably not our besetting sin. Today the larger sin of Mennonites, at least of the vast majority who are not plain, no doubt lies on the other side. We try to be everything to everybody, until, instead of

MY

etching the gospel with unnecessary lines, we blur it into a shapeless blob. So we should not feel superior to those who set up the barriers of the past, nor should we repudiate our heritage. We should remember that some of the offense we have given lies in the gospel itself. But yes, we surely must take care not to create barriers not implicit in the gospel.

Strong on ethics, weak on invitation

The central question is still how to be faithful.

Relatively speaking, Mennonites have been strong on ethics, moral discipline and determined obedience. We have not been nearly as good at invitation and warmth. If our gospel is to be whole, speaking to human lostness of all kinds, then our idea of faithfulness must include a more penetrable, human and godly warmth.

•

Theron F. Schlabach teaches history at Goshen (Ind.) College. His article first appeared in Festival Quarterly and is used with permission.

RESPONSE

We have vvhat thousands are seeking; vvhat vve need is the confidence to share it

by Larry Nikkel

M

ENNONITES and Mennonite after all, the "quiet in the land."

Brethren were born out of adverNever in the history of this nation has sity. It seems that they lived with there been a greater readiness for our an understandable "complex," given the theology. Our emphases on service, sacrificial giving, taking the message of Christ fact that they were ridiculed and lived seriously, and a commitment to peace under the threat of persecution.

When I realize that my - - - - - - - - and nonviolence are messages grandparents could have Never in the that our country is ripe to heard firsthand stories of these fearful beginnings, I realize that even today we are young, as movements go, and not far removed from whatever those feel-

history of this nation has there been a greater

receive.

We have unparalleled opportunities to live out our theology of peace, not in distant lands but in our own neighborhoods.

ings were. readiness for Several years ago I heard of I believe we still live out a Christian psychiatrist-in-training our theology. in a distant city. I went to visit our faith in today's society as if the ridicule suffered by him with the hope that I could hire him upon the completion of his trainour forebearers will fall upon us at the ing. I learned that he had become a Menslightest assertion of our faith. So we nonite. When I asked him how that came hang back, sure that people don't want what we (say) we have. Furthermore, we to be, he said he had observed a small group of medical students who stood out excuse ourselves by saying that we are,

8 · THE

CHRISTIAN

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from the other students. They seemed to be motivated to pursue careers in health care less out of a desire to earn a comfortable living than a desire to minister to the needy. Furthermore, they seemed to care for and nurture each other more than what was normal in his experience.

When he asked them about it, they said they were Mennonites. When he learned more about their theology he realized that this was the closest expression of New Testament teaching he had ever seen. He and his wife joined the Mennonite Church.

I believe there are many more like him who are waiting to be shown just such a relevant theology. If we can move from whatever it is that binds us to a more confident realization that we have what thousands of people are seeking, and if we can give clear expression to Anabaptist principles without bringing along our ethnic baggage, we can look forward to a very bright future.

Larry Nikkel is executive director of Mennonite Health Services and a member of First MB Church, Wichita, Kan.

MISSION & GROWTH

I

MY

RESPONSE

A church which embodies what it believes,

vvithout embarrassment, vvill grow

by AI Dueck

I

N THE past, I served as conference statistician and year after year I reported that we gained or lost about 1 percent of our members. Why so little increase? The issue is complex.

The most glib response would be to say that we are speaking the truth and they are simply not listening. I wish.

Perhaps we are speaking the truth but in a language that only insiders understand-IIchurchWe don't ese. Probably. These people think that simreally ply repeating our dog1I

what sound it should make.

Do we really believe that the experiences of a people born in 1860 have resulted in a unique reading of Christianity? I think not. For too long we have borrowed theological language from other Mennonite and evangelical groups to understand ourselves. They are, after all, the first violins.

We have not developed a theology that is uniquely Mennonite Brethren.

Most often we describe ourselves as an

MY

believe in a

mas changes people.

That hasn't been my unique experience.

It is possible that Mennonite we do not grow Brethren because most of our friends are people in view of our congregation who Christianity. understand our language. Absolutely.

Church growth is less the result of a planned program and more a product of the quality of our church life. A church which embodies what it believes and is not embarrassed by its uniquenesses will grow. Such church communities exude life and joy and creativity. They are not afraid of that which is unfamiliar; they welcome the stranger, the widow, the poor.

In part we do not grow as a denomination because we no longer believe in denominations-and we don't really believe in a unique Mennonite Brethren view of Christianity. I am not convinced that we really believe in an lIorchestra of denominations, where the best sound is one we produce together with each instrument making its unique contribution. The Mennonite Brethren Church is perhaps a small instrument, like the piccolo, but there is a place for the Mennonite Brethren piccolo. I am not sure we know ll

evangelical group with some members who are pacifist.

If we knew more fully the uniqueness of our Mennonite Brethren story, would we be willing to share it? I hope and pray we would. Is it possible to effectively share one's story if one does not really trust one's history? No, not really.

If Mennonite Brethren are unembarrassed by their unique history, I am confident we will share it with confidence. I think we will be understood and we may even grow.

AI Dueck is professor of pastoral counseling at MB Biblical Seminary and a member of the College Community Church, Clovis, Calif

RESPONSE

Statistical growth is only a possible result of our true mission: to mimic Jesus

by Lynn Jost

II W H Y SO few?1I IIHave we been faithful?1I These questions beg another: What does it mean to be faithful? As planning begins for Mission USA, never has the issue been more timely. Our response should shape the future.

Faithfulness is mission. As someone has said, the church is the only organization on earth that exists for the benefits of its nonmembers.

Mission is mimicking Jesus. Jesus tells us, liAs the Father has sent me, I send 1I you.

The Jesus model is self-forgetting. It is the IIkernel of wheat program: Unless a IIcorn of wheat" falls to the ground and dies, it remains a single seed. "Mission Jesus" sees glory in a cross, not calculations.

Imitating Jesus means service. Mennonite Brethren should be recognized by our telltale aprons, our rolled-up sleeves and the knee patches on our pants. Our homes should be bulging with foster children. We should embrace new immill

grants-without first checking for green cards. Our financial portfolios should be slim-emptied to sustain the indigent, not institutions. We should be covered by the footprints of the upwardly mobile who've walked over us on their way up the ladder of success.

"Mission Jesus" may well build growing churches. But as Daniel's friends said just before their trip to the fiery furnace, 1I0ur God is able to deliver us. But if not, be it known that we will not serve your gods or worship what you set up."

The IIMission Jesus" paraphrase might read: Our God is able to multiply the Mennonite Brethren. But if not, be it known that we will serve the IIleast of them," not worship the statistical categories in order to be the biggest of them.

Lynn lost is currently on doctoral studies leave from the Bible faculty of Tabor College. He is a member of the Hillsboro (Kan.) MB Church.

APRIL

1996

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MISSION & GROWTH -

-

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Prepared for a full-court press: Mission USA finds Its point man

W .. ...

'I believe it' ~

ILL GOD use Mission USA to spark a season of renewal and growth among Mennonite Brethren? The new ministry thrust of the Conference was birthed when lead-

u.s.

ers of U.S. agencies and conferences met for an unprecedented time of corporate prayer and soul searching. Their vision for a united effort in renewal and church planting was tested with the churches and ratified at the 1994 national convention.

Since then, a board of directors has been fleshing out a direction and strategy. Two crucial needs emerged: adequate funding and a strong staff person. In February, the joint boards of the U.S. Conference approved a bold funding plan-agreeing to borrow the money, if necessary, to get Mission USA off the ground.

Then, last month, the board satisfied its second major need: it appointed Mission USAJs first executive director. Ed Boschman will assume the role in early fall.

Boschman brings a strong portfolio to his new role. "God has clearly built into Ed's life the qualities, gifts, character and experience which make him idea fly suited for this position,'1 says Chuck Buller, chair of the Mission USA Board.

Though he comes from Canada Boschman is no stranger to U.S. Mennonite Brethren-nor to church planting. As an assistant pastor at UncolnGlen Church in San Jose, Calif., during the late '70s, he helped with the birth of a daughter church (Blossom Val.. ley).

Then, for 11 years he was the first pastor of the Laurelglen Bible Church in Bakersfield, Calif., a church..planting project of area churches. When he left in 1989, the fledgling group had grown to 500 members and an average weekly attendance of 700-800.

Since 1989, Boschman has been pastor of the Willow Park Church in Kelowna B.C. During his ministry there, the congregation has grown from around 300 members to 434 members-and birthed a daughter church of its own.

Last summer, Boschman was elected moderator of the General Conference. He plans to continue to lead the North American body until at least 1997.

Ed and Carol, who have two grown daughters, wiUlikefy locate in Phoenix, Ariz., which the Mission USA Board has targeted for a key church~planting thrust in partnership with the Pacific District Board of Home Missions, tn the following interview, we invited Boschman to give some earfy perspectives on his new assignment. l

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LEADER: Mission USA is seen by many as a relatively risky and unknown venture. What would cause you to leave a successful Canadian pastorate for a position like this?

BOSCHMAN: I would agree only in part that Mission USA is relatively risky and unknown.

God's call for renewal and evangelism is unchanged through the two millennia since Christ was here. I'm confident that God affirms Mission USA, that Jesus is committed to building his church and that the Holy Spirit is anxious to empower that process. So on that basis, Carol and I are enthused about it. We very much enjoyed our 15 years of U.S. ministry and we're looking for· ward to returning to that territory.

No doubt, this new venture brings apprehension because it's unknown territory for me. But I believe it's what God wants to do. That gives me lots of courage.

LEADER: Many U.S. Mennonite Brethren will remember you as pastor of the Laurelglen Bible Church, a fledgling church plant which experienced significant growth under your ministry.

You have been similarly successful at Willow Park Church. What have you learned from these pastorates that will contribute to your assignment with Mission USA? BOSCHMAN: I have learned that Jesus is committed to building his church. What's common to all our pastoral experiences is that genuine love in relationships attracts people to the Lord and his church, and that praying and working hard at discipleship-and just plain working hard-pays off.

I've learned that thorough preparation is essential for healthy church births. Healthy churches are born out of other healthy and growing churches. I've learned that churches are unique; there is no single and simple formula for making this happen. Each one needs individual tailoring.

MISSION & GROWTH

what God wants to do' A recruiting coup for Mission USA, Ed Boschman will bring a portfolio ofexperience, passion and charisma to a new and unprecedented assignment. But it's God's resume that gives him confidence.

I've learned that the core issues are the same.

Individual passion for the Lord and corporate passion for evangelism and discipleship are at the heart of renewal and church planting.

LEADER: How do you feel about leaving the pastorate for this kind ofadministrative assignment?

BOSCHMAN: Carol and I have been in heavy turmoil about that largely because we've got a little more than a couple of decades of pastoral experience but not one day of experience in this new assignment.

So, how have we resolved that? We see it as

much more than an administrative assignment. It's an exhilarating opportunity to influence and encourage local churches. I would love to be able to challenge all the local churches to experience the ferment of the Holy Spirit as he respiritualizes church families and impregnates them for growth.

If I can be involved in that in local churches, I'm hoping that will cover for the fact that Carol and I won't have an ongoing shepherding role in a local church.

LEADER: You're coming into a situation imbued with mixed expectations. On the one hand, some constituents are somewhat skeptical and have low expectations about Mission USA"One more evangelism thrust!" On the other hand, you have constituents and leaders who see Mission USA as being the vehicle for reviving the U.S. Conference. How do you deal with these mixed expectations?

BOSCHMAN: That's an understandable tension. Mission USA must not be viewed as the last possible heartbeat of a denomination. It's not a substitute for the good news of salvation or a replacement for personal Christianity. It's not a substitute for local church vitality. However, if Mission USA can effectively serve districts and

~7'm confident that God affirms

Mission USA, thatJesus is committed to bUilding his church and that the Holy Spirit is anxious to empower that process. " APRIL

1996

11

MISSION & GROWTH

local churches in renewal and church planting, then its value will easily exceed its costs.

Church planting has been proven effective for evangelism. With that truth in place, I think we can, if not dissolve the tension, at least address it.

I'm confident that this new venture will show that this is God's work and that he wants to do it.

LEADER: Certainly in these beginning stages, you will become the "face" of Mission USA in our constituency. What do you see as being your chief task/challenge in that role?

BOSCHMAN: I read recently that vision without action is just dreams, action without vision is just a waste of time, but vision and action changes the world. That is my answer to the question. Clarifying and effectively presenting the vision will be critical. Calling for action will have to be the next issue. What that means to me is identifying, motivating and equipping local churches that want to be served, helped and encouraged-and working with the districts.

LEADER: You're leaving British Columbia, an environment where Mennonite Brethren have been relatively successful at church growth.

You're coming back to the States, where you've experienced some personal success, but where we've collectively struggled-at least in our efforts to reach our anglo, middle-class neighbors. What differences have you noticed in the two environments?

BOSCHMAN: I have observed in B.C. deliberate plans and faithful financial support. We have seen how those two provide for effective leadership.

We have seen a spirit of perseverance and incredible flexibility-churches who have been ready to contextualize their forms and styles to the emerging culture without letting go of the good news of salvation and the call to discipleship.

When those two happen at the same time, there is

growth and renewal. Church planting is a natural result of that.

The caution is that if we as local churches don't adjust, we're only one generation away from decline and perhaps two generations from demise.

That's what I've observed here in B.C. I've seen it in some places on the U.S. side as well. My sense is that if we can work off of these basic principles, and then experience God's hand of blessing, it will happen.

LEADER: Mission USA is focusing on growth and church renewal. What will Mission USA need to accomplish in order to be "successful" in these two areas?

BOSCHMAN: Growth and renewal must come together. It seems to me that church planting that isn't the result of healthy churches isn't nearly as effective as that which is. Mission USA has correctly linked those two. As local churches remind themselves that we need a right view of God and ourselves so that our Christianity is serious and sincere, there will be some signs. It's not scientifically measured but there are observable signals.

When Christians choose this way there's evidence of faith, hope and love. There is evidence of the fruit of the Spirit. When people are able to see love in action they will be convinced that we are real. We start praying together. We enjoy worshiping together. The natural result is that the local church will be vibrant and grow and that creates spiritual pregnancies.

LEADER: Some people hear the words "church planting" and think, "Oh, Mission USA doesn't affect us as an established church." What kind of message do you have for those congregations?

BOSCHMAN: It's important that local churches ask themselves the question, "Ought we to be involved in church planting?" Some locations likelyare better suited for that than others. We want

((When people are able to see love in action they will be convinced that we are real. We start praying together. We enjoy worshiping together. The natural result is that the local church will be vibrant and grow and that creates spiritual pregnancies. " 12 • THE

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MIS S ION &- G ROW T H

to work with local churches to find the mind of Christ for each individual church. If we agree together that they would serve the kingdom better by hanging together in their particular location, then great!

I'm also confident there are a good number of situations where churches are in a strategic location or, in their own pilgrimage, at a strategic time, where church planting could be very healthy and an exciting adventure for them. My experience in every case-San]ose, Bakersfield, Kelowna-is that God has honored willingness on the part of local churches to be involved.

LEADER: What are the biggest challenges you and Mission USA face as you move toward "success?"

BOSCHMAN: Finding the mind of Christ for local churches is the challenge. We want to identify which local churches are ready to commit to a deliberate plan which would encourage their own renewal and growth and perhaps growth through multiplying themselves by planting a church.

Another challenge is on the practical side.

Finding effective, godly leaders for these new ventures is obviously a critical factor. Whether in the kingdom of God or outside of it, things rise and fall on leadership.

LEADER: Elsewhere in this issue we raise the issue "Why so few?" In other words, if Menno Simons and all those who followed him "got it right," why haven't Mennonites-specifically Mennonite Brethren-grown numerically? How would you respond to that?

BOSCHMAN: First, you're assuming we have it right-and in many ways we do. But I think that is not to the exclusion of other church traditions who have also "got it right."

There may be many reasons why we haven't grown. We Mennonite Brethren have been a bit exclusivist in attitude and action because of our

ethnicity. Perhaps we have majored on the minors in our practical theology. Perhaps we have a personal sense of elitism. Perhaps we've simply been too cloistered and lacked confidence.

LEADER: Are we changing in ways that will correct some of those shortcomings?

BOSCHMAN: Absolutely.

LEADER: So, what does Mennonite Brethren theology and practice offer our culture? What kind of churches should we be planting?

BOSCHMAN: Mennonite Brethren have the ability to provide a sense of family for people who are often feeling very much alone. Historically, we have had a view of the church as something more than a Sunday morning event.

A lot of people need to be loved, accepted and forgiven. My sense is our history sets us up well to plant churches that have those kinds of qualities.

We offer to people a sense that being a Christian is a relationship rather than a religion. People need to understand that true religion is found in relationship to God through Christ and to each other in the name of Christ.

We can offer people a balanced theology.

Because of our theological moorings and history, we have been able to avoid some of the extremism that surrounds us. People want a sense of balance and stability.

My sense is that in the recent decade we have awakened to meaningful corporate worship which is perhaps now more vertical than horizontal. It focuses God more effectively, and people are looking for transcendence. The New Age phenomena indicates this.

We can help people understand in our corporate times, and even in our individual faith, who God is and that our lives are an experience of worship every day, all day, rather than a sequence of events for an hour on Sunday morning.

•

((We offer to people a sense that being a Christian is a relationship rather than a religion. People need to understand that true religion is found in relationship to God through Christ and to each other in the name of Christ. n APR I L l 996

13

PHILIP SIDE BY

PHILIP

WIEBE

Antidote for an anti-world I worry that many Christians today are getting so caught up in being against things, they've forgotten what they're for

I

N THE current crop of presidential candi-

I found it amusing back when Rush awhile dates, I've heard there's only one candidate Limbaugh, who came to Republicans can truly get passionate about: prominence as an anti-liberal, spawned an anti-Rush Bill Clinton. newsletter edited by an Not that a lot of Democrats share anti-conservative, spawning a rush their enthusiasm. They're too busy of anti-anti-Rush rhetoric. So we end going crazy over another candidateup with anti-liberals against anti-conPat Buchanan. servatives against anti-liberals against It seems strange that each party's anti-conservatives in a great antizeal would be directed toward the human pyramid. That's the kind of opposition, but I guess in our day of anti-world in which we live. negative campaigning I shouldn't be Personally, I think it's fine and surprised. People often seem more necessary to be against things once concerned about the sins of the other in a while. But as a way of life, I'm party than the vision of their own. against it.

It's interesting to hear RepubliIn some ways it's easier to be cans talk about nominating a candiagainst something than for somedate who can achieve the penultithing. Not as much work. We can mate political goal of. ..beating Bill lean back and let other people sweat Clinton. Not representing the peoover policy and direction and vision, ple or serving the nation or doing then come in with that Groucho good, but trouncing the incumbent.

Marx line: "Whatever it is, I'm For their part, Democrats are conagainst it." fident that Clinton can again achieve the penultimate political goal eing for something, however, of...beating the Republicans. can get complicated. Take "FamI realize these are just typical priily Values." This issue, as debated in mary-season politics, but there's recent years, brings to mind a varisomething troubling about all this ety of things to rail against: moral negativism, this defining of what we laxity, media violence, deadbeat are by what we are not, this ability dads, easy divorce, careerism, and a to better articulate what we're host of other social ills. But what, as against than what we're for. people supporting Family Values, A year ago some wondered how are we for? Well, you know, healthy Colin Powell achieved such high marriages, good family relationships, popularity as a potential presidential those kinds of things. So what, as candidate while never getting people supporting healthy marriages around to forming any actual politiand good family relationships, are cal views. No mystery, really. Powell we for? Well, you know, assailing was simply a "wasn't." He wasn't Bill moral laxity, banning media vioClinton or Bob Dole. He wasn't a lence, punishing deadbeat dads....

Democrat or Republican, or even an This isn't to make light of needed Independent. The perfect anti-candiattempts to divert the forces that date for an anti-age. pound at the foundations of family

B

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well-being. It's simply to point out that being for something doesn't lend itself as well to sweeping generalities as being against something. As a pro-marriage person, for instance, it's easy to speak out against infidelity. It's trickier, however, to speak up for the daily relational details that keep infidelity away. Pro-family candidates won't soon be making campaign promises for "a giver in every home and a good listener for every spouse."

When I flipped months in my Oregon Coast scenic calendar recently, a]ohn Ruskin quote jumped out at me: "Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces up, snow is exhilarating; there is no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather." I appreciated the reminder. How human, I thought, to be against weather we don't like, to complain without even looking out the window, "Whatever it is, I'm against it."

Similarly, I worry that many Christians today are getting so caught up in being against things, they're forgetting what they're for. Statistics speak to some strange discrepancies in the Christian community: Political involvement is up, church going is down; voter awareness is up, Bible reading is down; campaign contributions are up, charitable giving is down. And though it would be unfair to claim these are directly correlated, I do think such trends illustrate a spiritual danger in going too far down the anti-road.

In a day when everyone seems to be against things, we'd do well to remember that faith starts with what we're for. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Since God is for us, we're for God. "Love God with all your heart, and your neighbor as yourself. " We are for God, for people.

When we start with what we're for, and stay with what we're for, what we're against will no longer seem so much like what we're about.

?

•

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ON THE]OURNEY BY

ROSE

BUSCHMAN

Help the children celebrate Do we have one meal a week that is a special time for the family to celebrate as they dine together?

!

RECENTLY READ a story which left an

to pick a small bouquet to be placed on the table. indelible impression on me. The writer told We might have lived on of an American woman with Salvadoran Campbell's Tomato Soup or Pork and Beans, or even refugees in Honduras in Central America. The Lipton's Noodle Soup durplight of the refugee women was heart-rending the week, but on Sunday we had the best dinner ing. Their husbands and sons were gonewe could afford. As I got either to fight or were dead. They had little in older, I was allowed to make a dessert for this the way of food, shelter or clothing. meal. Fancy cakes soon This American was often discourbecame my speciality. Furthermore, aged and wondered how the we were all expected to come to the refugees could survive the indescribdinner table in our best church able hardships they had to endure. clothes and to eat carefully. Sunday She soon learned. dinners were a time of celebration.

Whenever they were uprooted I remember one impromptu and had to start over again, the Salweekday supper celebration. My vadoran women immediately formed younger brother had been sent to three committees: a construction the store to get some hamburger. committee to build latrines, an eduInstead, he brought home pork cation committee to teach the chilchops-one for each of us. Mother dren, and a celebration committee, gasped at the expense, then laughed. el comite de alegria.

"I'm tired of hamburger, too," she These women had learned that said. We dined on pork chops that part of their survival depended on night and even with a tablecloth! being able to celebrate so that they could face their daily suffering. n recent years, I have found I don't remember ever consciousmyself rebelling at the idea of eatly thinking that celebrations were ing out on a regular basis, especially important for survival. But as I to celebrate. Frankly, I would rather thought about this story, I realized fix something at home, add candlemy mother understood this. Mother light and nice dishes and enjoy a insisted on celebrating even if there quiet time of good food and relaxwasn't much to celebrate with. In ation with my husband. Playing a our home we celebrated every Sunfavorite CD beats the noise of a busy day-well, almost every Sunday. restaurant any day. My husband still We would get out the best tablecooks a better steak than any I've cloth we had and the best dishes and eaten elsewhere, and fresh berries set a nice table. And, yes, the knives, with a little half-and-half make a forks, spoons and glasses had to be wonderful dessert. put in their correct places. Whoever Our meal is quick and easy to preset the table certainly heard about it pare, and guess what-we can dine if they weren't! During flower seatwo-for-the-price-of-one when we do son, someone was often sent outside it ourselves. Now that's celebrating!

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A number of years ago, I was teaching a fifth-grade class in the poorer section of town. When I asked my students what they were going to do for Christmas, I found out that many were not going to do anything special. Christmas would be bleak for many of them.

So we decided to celebrate at school, and together we planned a party. Each child was asked to bring some type of finger food or topping for an ice cream sundae. I brought my best lace tablecloth, glass serving plates and the ice cream.

We set the table with candles and a Christmas centerpiece and used nice Christmas napkins, paper plates and cups. The children were asked to wear the best outfit they had. Several mothers helped, and the children were instructed in the rules of good behavior at a special party.

What a wonderful celebration we had that afternoon. My principal told me later she was convinced that for many children, this was the only Christmas celebration they had that year.

Recently, I went on a tour of a local youth detention center with a group of teachers. The administrator took us around and showed us the dining room with its picnic-style tables and seats molded together. He told us that for almost all of the teenage inmates, this was their first experience of ever sitting down at a table to eat a meal together as a "family." This never happened in their homes.

And we wonder about dysfunctional families?

Are we teaching our children to celebrate? Do we have one meal a week that is a special time for the family to celebrate as they dine together-or is a birthday party at Burger King a child's perception of what a celebration is?

When the entire family pitches in and prepares a simple but elegant meal, then enjoys it together around a nicely set dinner table-that's celebration.

INQUIRING MINDS BY

Q

Does the flag have a place in the church? Where is our citizenship, really? Do we owe ourfreedom to God or the country?

What are the incongruities ofa follower ofJesus pledging allegiance to the flag? How far are we removed from the ancient Roman practice of offering incense to the gods (Caesar) before sporting and public events? (COLORADO)

A

The questions above are only a few of many similar inquiries contained in one long paragraph. Along with the questions was a page-long article about the refusal of Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, the NBA Denver Nuggets' leading scorer, to stand while the national anthem was played because "I'm a Muslim first and a Muslim last. My duty is to my creator, not to nationalistic ideology."

I realize that whatever I say in response to these questions will open the proverbial can of worms.

But I'll take a stab at it anyway.

During my pastoral career, I led two Mennonite Brethren congregations. One displayed the American flag, the other did not. In neither case was I the one who made that decision. But let me make several blunt statements: • I am grateful to the United States for allowing my great-grandparents to settle in this country and I thank God I live in this land.

• I am grateful for the freedoms I enjoy.

• In my youth, I gave 32 months of Selective Service to my country.

• I do salute the flag-and pay taxes.

• I would not sanction flag-burning.

• I have no objection to playing or singing the national anthem at a secular event, such as a basketball game.

MARVIN

HEIN

Having said all that, I will also say this: I believe displaying the national flag in a house of worship is out of place.

A fellow church member once threatened me with violence when I articulated that preference. I know what an emotional issue it is. I will not fight for the flag's removal. My conviction arises not out of a lack of gratitude for my country, but out of the biblical truth that the believer's primary allegiance belongs to Jesus Christ and his church, which has no national boundaries.

Long ago I learned the protocol for our nation's flag: When more than one flag is displayed, the Stars and Stripes always is to be placed to the right of the podium or speaker to symbolize its preeminence. So, in most churches displaying two flags, the Christian flag is usually placed on the left. I'm not keen on the Christian flag either, but I object when we symbolically say our country has priority over our religion.

I will never forget how the Russian Mennonites and Baptists, visitors to our 1978 General Conference convention in Buhler, Kan., refused to enter the school assembly room until we removed the national flag.

Having lived under the hammer and sickle, they were not about to worship in a place that so closely connected country and God. We can rationalize their behavior.

We can say living in a democracy makes a difference. But no one can deny that the Bible commands that our first allegiance be to God. I don't feel sorry for Denver's Abdul-Rauf, who complains that the U.S. flag symbolizes tyranny and oppression even as he is paid more than $31,000 for every game he plays. I won't for a moment accept his statement, "Islam is the only way." But I do resonate with the view of his teammate, LaPhonso Ellis, who said: "I wish those of us

Have a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference policy, or other spiritual issue? Send it to (inquiring Minds, c/o Marvin Hein, 4812 E. Butler, Fresno, CA 93727.

JJ

who are Christians were as dedicated to our religion as he is to his."

The story of Peter and the apostles in Acts 5 tells us there are times when we dare to choose our chief priority. Christians have died because they refused to place the authority of government and rulers over the lordship ofJesus Christ.

Q A

Does our Anabaptist/Mennonite theology have anything to say about the angry dialog present in mostpolitical campaigns today? (CALIFORNIA)

We would all profit by reading the revised Article XV in our Confession of Faith. We usually think of violence in terms of war and physical assaults, but Article XV broadens our thinking: "We view violence in its many different forms as contradictory to the new nature of Christians." Violence in its many forms includes inflammatory, derisive speech.

Violent speech is destructive in politics-but also in the marriage relationship, the church business meeting and the bleachers of an athletic contest.

Debate can be healthy and necessary. But somehow we have regressed to the point where men and women think conversations must be hyped with angry words and shouting.

Our view of nonviolence predicates that we do not have to shout to be dramatic. When four or five presidential candidates behind a dais shout, with little respect for the other participants, and call it debate, I have to wonder whether they are qualified to lead our country. We have lost the capacity to listen to each other. Being civil and being polite apparently don't sell. Belligerence does!

When respect and soft speech are no longer acceptable, then following the way ofJesus readily will set us apart from our culture. That is, if we believe in nonviolence!

APR I L l

9 9 6

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BODyLIFE MENNONITE

BRETHREN

NEWS

India's 'whole story' has a positive side

BY WERNER KROEKER

resistance and persecution (see sidebar). One new Christian told of being invited to his uncle's home and warmly welcomed with an offer of a glass of milk. For reasons he could not Eds. note: Werner and Elsie Ann explain, he did not drink it. When his Kroeker, retired pastoral couple uncle left the room, he offered the milk to the cat which went into confrom Reedley, Calif., were commissioned last summer by our General vulsions and died.

Conference to travel India a second In some villages there are threats and even beatings. What is impressive time to help mediate the ongoing leadership conflicts in our largest is that not much is made of this-it is national conference. as though it is to be expected. Sometimes preachers are ridiculed. The HEN WE came home from salary they receive is often patheticalIndia in 1994, people almost ly small. When the amount of one vilwithout fail would ask about lage preacher's salary became known, the leadership struggles going on he was ridiculed by someone saying there, wanting to know if we had that his God was certainly not taking been able to solve or at least impact good care of him. His reply was that the situation. the one he worshiped was able to Often we wanted to say, "But take five small breads and two little that's not the whole story-in fact, fish and feed 5,000 people with it's not the real story! Let us tell you them. something of the rest of the story."

Spiritual forces seem more obviThe story of India is rich and varied ous here. A woman told us that and that's true of the Mennonite while she was seriously ill, Jesus Brethren Church here, too. came to comfort her. She has believed and served him ever since. * * * I was sitting on the bus with one A wealthy man, the only Chrisof the team that had just finished tian in his rather large village, two weeks with the Church Partbought a plot of ground which he ners Evangelism program under donated for a church building. The Peter Loewen. He commented on Mennonite Brethren pastor from the kindness and courtesy of the another village came to "cleanse" people in the Indian villages. They the plot of its idol. Shortly after that had been generous with their the former owner's crops failed. He things and their time. blamed the Christian, who told him "We could learn ... ," he said. I that it was not he who had removed agree. Indian Mennonite Brethren the idol. He should tell his god have much to teach us. Not infreabout the Christian preacher. After quently we watch someone give some days he returned to the Chrisaway something of which, in our tian to tell him that his god had told opinion, they have too little. "Give him that he had no power over us today our daily bread," is often Christian preachers. prayed here with deep sincerity.

Jesus is here in India. One brothWe have heard their prayers of Indian Mennonite Brethren have er told us, Jesus loves the Indian gratitude for things which for us much to teach us. Not infrequently people very much, so much that he just as surely as for them come was willing to die for them. There from God. Yet living closer to the we watch someone give away someare many people here for Jesus to edge of necessity, as so many do, thing of which, in our opinion, they love. They stare at us, especially Indian prayers of both asking and the children, with our bleached have too little. "Give us today our receiving so often seem to ring skin and strange ways. Their matedaily bread, " is often prayed here true. rial poverty is too often oppressing.

Yes, they-as we-often practice with deep sincerity.

One of our dollars can easily

• Love, service reflect a side of India's MBs we haven't heard much about lately

W

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form without meaning or substance.

Sometimes the forms are embarrassingly recognizable. But to us it seems that authenticity, almost child-like, often characterizes their faith.

Village preachers are sometimes the most impressive people we meet.

Among them are those who walk long distances or, if they are the fortunate ones, ride their bicycles to places where there is not one single Christian.

They do this so that they can tell people about Jesus Christ and that the way to heaven does not take them through many reincarnations but is available by faith. Many listen with interest. This is good news. Here and there one believes.

Sometimes for the preacher-and often for the believer-there is strong

LEA D E R

BOI)yLIFE

become a day's wage here, often for an entire family.

In the cities, the poor and professionals alike paw our arms to get a coin. In the markets they aggressively hawk their wares and smile when we purchase things which they have stocked just for the rich like us. They crowd the sidewalks, flow over into the streets, jam the buses and often the churches too.

They live in a country much smaller than Canada and less than half the size of the United States, more than 900 million of them of whom only a small minority are Christian. The vast majority of them are eagerly searching

for more than life is presently offering them. Many Mennonite Brethren here know that. They see it as a high privilege to share with them that God was in Christ, reconciling Indian people to himself.

Yes, here in India people cheat, bribe, beg, sometimes they fight, they stretch the truth or tell you only part of it. Usually they do this to impress, or to gain some advantage. (How strange!)

Even if all the negative things you may have heard were true, please remember: there's more to the story.

We have told you only a small part of the rest of it.

Persistence, courage spur worker's witness II Poverty and death threats didn't silence India's Pastor David " I f you come back here again, we will kill you!" Pastor David, a new church extension worker for the India MB Conference, heard that threat from many Hindu villagers the first time he visited Arepally, in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.

David had been assigned to bring the gospel to five villages. Arepally seemed the least receptive. But this young man had sensed God's call and, through plenty of adversity, was equipped for hard tasks.

Converted in the early 1980s by an Indian Mennonite Brethren preacher in the village of Saudapurum, David was encouraged to attend MB Bible Institute in Shamshabad.

But such a dream seemed hopeless.

David's family was indentured to a local landowner. Neither parents nor children had ever attended a day of school. Nor would the owner give them permission to attend church.

But David, without telling his parents, set out for Shamshabad, arriving penniless and, of course, illiterate.

Beginning with the alphabet, David began his studies. Three years later he earned a certificate enabling him to begin as a church extension worker.

In 1986, he and his wife, Aruthma, settled in Rachintala, living in a room in the home of a land-owning family.

David began his itinerant preaching.

The death threats soon followed.

Ten years later, David is still alive and well. Some of the men who once

wanted to kill him are now elders in the Arepally Bethesda MB Church, and David is their pastor.

Though the adults continued to harass and threaten him, David faithfully persevered with the children.

Slowly, a few people began to listen.

After six years, 14 people were baptized, and the church was born.

On Dec. 31, 1995, the most recent baptism took place for seven new Christians. The church now numbers more than 30 baptized adults, plus children and other nonmembers.

Though the people scarcely earn enough to sustain themselves, they collected $78 U.S. and bought a small plot of ground for their church building. On one side they have built a small thatched building which serves as a temporary worship center. Construction has started on a larger, stone "prayer house."

People still threaten David and the Christians of Arepally. "That, it seems, is expected," says Werner Kroeker, who is on a pastoral assignment in India for the North American conference. "They seem astonished that we show surprise at this."

David's work in the other towns has also borne fruit. His adopted home base of Rachintala had two Christian families 10 years ago; it now has 10. No one has yet responded in the other two locales, but that seems unlikely to deter God's determined messenger.-MB Missions/Services

IN BRIEF • GATHERING: Around 35 Mennonite Brethren pastors were among 42,000 clergy to attend the first clergy conference sponsored by Promise Keepers Feb. 13-15 in Atlanta, Ga. PK reported it was the largest gathering of clergy in history with a tenth of all U.S. churches represented. The Central District was represented by nine pastors, the Southern District by 10 and the Pacific District by at least 16.

• ADOPTION: Loyal Funk, U.S. Conference minister, requests intercessory prayer on behalf of a new outreach among Ethiopians in the Seattle, Wash., area. In March, about 100 Ethiopian Christians, under the leadership of Waldemariam Berhanu Feleke, began meeting in a facility also used by the First Ukrainian Pentecostal (MB) Church in Seattle. Berhanu and his board believe they will have 200 in regular meetings by the end of the year. Seattle is home to 17,000 Ethiopians who left their homeland as refugees. Many have a strong Christian background and are rapidly joining the city's work force, according to Funk.

(U5MBC) • NAMED: The Tabor College Board of Directors recently voted to name the proposed science building the Solomon L. Loewen Natural Science Center. The building's major feature will be called the William Johnson Atrium. Loewen, professor emeritus of biology who Loewen served the school for 41 years, died March 15 at the age of 97. Johnson, professor emeritus, came to the college in 1947 to build the chemistry department. He taught for 35 years.

College officials hope to break ground for the project in spring 1997. (TC) • GROWTH: Mennonite Mutual Aid assets grew by 21.9 percent in 1995, the fastest rate in the recent history of the organization. Total assets under management jumped from $562 million at the end of 1994 to $685 million in 1995. Total MMA membership increased to about 72,000, up from 70,000 one year ago. (MMA)

APR I L l 9 9 6

•

19

BODyLIFE

I

IN BRIEF • HONORED: Burton Buller, executive director ofMB Communications in Winnipeg, Man., was honored as a 1995-96 Tabor College Alumni Merit Award winner and Distinguished Alumni Lecturer March 4-5.

Buller Buller addressed the faculty and students at a morning convocation and led a faculty forum in the afternoon. A public showing of his film IJThe Hutterites" in the evening was followed by a time of discussion. Buller graduated from Tabor in 1968. (TC) • DETERIORATION: Mennonite Central Committee workers in the former Soviet Union are alarmed byever-worsening conditions in the Ukraine. IlThis place is unraveling," Mary Raber says.

"People who were optimistic and energetic seem much less hopeful. ... Christians want to help their neighbors but often are barely managing to support their own famiJies." Four shipments of MCC material resources arrived in the Ukraine in January and another shipment is planned. (MCC) • BUILDING: Tabor College will begin building a new residence hat! this spring. Completion of the first of two wings is scheduled for fall. Each wing will house 30 to 40 students. The first wing will help meet current demand for campus housing; the second wing will accommodate growth potential, according to Judy Hiebert, vice president of student development.

Also included in the project is a plan to renovate all existing residence halls.

(TC) • APPOINTED: Larry Nikkel of Wichita, Kan., has been named executive director of Mennonite Health Services.

Nikkel, who has been serving in an interim role since last May, will serve permanently until June 1997. Nikkef is a member of First MB Church inWichitao He and his wife, Elaine, wilt continue to live in Wichita. He will make monthly visits to the MHS office in Lancaster, Pa., for supervision and planning. (MHS)

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Tabor to shift its ownership to district conferences III Senate votes itself out of existence in favor of a streamlined governance

I

T ISN'T OFTEN that an organization votes itself out of existence. But that's what the Tabor College Senate did at its annual meeting in Hillsboro, Kan., in late February. A majority vote by both the school's board of directors and the Senate began the process of shifting legal ownership of the college from the Senate to the four supporting district conferences.

The Senate was formed in 1979 when the U.S. Conference transferred ownership of Tabor to the Southern, Central, Latin America and North Carolina districts. Ownership of Fresno Pacific College was transferred to the Pacific District Conference.

The function of the Senate was to elect board members and to provide guidance for the institution, primarily through its annual meeting on campus. The Senate bylaws gave ownership of the college to the Senate, a fact which few people really understood, says president David Brandt.

Both the president and the board of directors answered to the Senate, a relationship which at times was uncomfortable and cumbersome, according to Brandt.

"The Senate served us well and has seen the college through some difficult times," Brandt says. "However, the Senate is one more layer of leadership in a governance system with more layers than we need or can afford.... Our intent is to fine-tune the system, not destroy it. The ownership of the college is not going to a different entity, but a different structure."

A Senate Task Force was appointed last spring by the Senate Advisory Committee to evaluate the purpose and function of the Senate.

The task force surveyed senators, college personnel and denominational leaders. Delegates to last fall's joint convention of the Southern and Central districts also were involved in the study.

The surveys and conversations LEA D E R

revealed a broad-based call for change. The study suggested that participation in Senate activities was declining because senators were confused about ownership issues and were uncertain of their role aside from electing board members.

"I think the senators saw themselves more as advocates than as owners, but we had this legal document to deal with," Brandt says.

The four districts will now elect representatives to the boarQ of directors, most likely during their respective annual conventions. The board of directors will be responsible to the four districts in much the same way as Fresno Pacific College is responsible to the Pacific District, Brandt says.

"The districts will continue to delegate the running of the college to the board of directors. That is not going to change," he says.

The vote to disband the Senate also authorized the creation of an "Advocate Council," with representation coming from each church in the four districts. The advocacy functions of the current Senate will be transferred to this new entity. Task force member Marlene Wall of Wichita, Kan., characterizes the Advocate Council as having a public relations role.

As preSident, Brandt will be responsible for providing direction, structure and support of the new organization.

"The intent is to form a group that is smaller than the Senate which will relate to us not as owner but as advocate," he says. "My hope is that we will meet that group once a year here on campus and another time in the year in regional cluster meetings."

Details about the Advocacy Council have not been finalized, but Brandt sees the purpose of the meetings to pass on information and give advocates the tools they need to be effective.

"I am looking forward to working with the advocates to connect church and college in the best way possible," says Brandt.

The bylaws of the senate and board of directors are currently being rewritten and the two groups will meet on the Tabor campus during the 1996 homecoming weekend to formally change the governance structure of the college. -Connie Faber, with Tabor College releases

""'.

Mission USA names Boschman executive director Welcome to the third Mission USA "infomercial." Mission USA desires to communicate with the Mennonite Brethren constituency on a regular basis to build support and prayer within the denomination for the purpose of church planting and evangelism.

y1, vv

~ e have good news to an..

nounce! The Mission USA board has taken an important step forward in the mission given us by the United States conference. We have appointed Ed Boschman, an experienced and proven Mennonite Brethren pastor, to help lead the Mission USA cause. You can learn more about Ed on the back of this page.

Ed comes to us with significant experi.. ence in both church planting and church renewal. God has clearly built into Ed's life the qualities, gifts, character and experience which make him ideally suited for this position.

At our February board meeting we affirmed two important principles that coincide with our invitation to Ed to serve as our Executive Director.

First, we reaffirmed our commitment to see churches planted in significant U.S. urban centers, in partnership with district Home Mission Boards. We were praying for an Executive Director who sees church planting as a primary means of evangelizing our nation.

Mission USA and the Pacific District Home Mission Board have chosen Phoenix, Arizona as the first location to plant a church. Phoenix is the seventh fastest growing city in the nation, and ripe for church planting.

Experts project that 300 new evangelical

churches will be planted in Phoenix in the next 10 years.

Pray for our board as we seek the people God would choose to be a part of the church plant.. ing team.

Ed Boschman Second, we affirmed that our Executive Director should live in a city of his choosing. In order to better network with existing churches for renewal work and be a part of a church plant himself, Ed has chosen to move to Phoenix in September. The Mission USA office will be located there as well.

We encourage each of you to consider becoming part of the enthusiastic support team for these new projects by praying and giving financially, and perhaps many of you will sense God's leading to be a part of a church planting team.

Each of you will be receiving a special giving letter from Mission USA in the next month, and we encourage you to respond in whatever way the Lord enables you.

Let's praise God for his gift of Ed Boschman as our new Executive Director!

Chuck Buller, Chairman

MISSION USA BOARD: Chuck Buller, Visalia, Calif. Clarice Rempel, Buhler, Kan. Mike Schuil, Reedley, Calif. Steve Schroeder, Bellingham, Wa. Fred Leonard, Clovis, Calif. Clint Seibel, Hillsboro, Kan. Tim Sullivan, Hillsboro, Kan. Jim Weems, Gettysburg, S.D. Neil DeFehr, Fresno, Calif. Ernie Friesen, Wichita, Kan. Loretta Jost, Aurora, Neb. Howard Loewen, Fresno, Calif.

Tim Geddert, Fresno, Calif.

Ex Officio Members: Henry Dick, Fresno, Calif.

Clinton Grenz, Bismark, N.D. Roland Reimer, Wichita, Kan.

BODyLIFE

IN BRIEF • HARDWOOD: The Tabor College men's basketball team advanced in March to the "eliteeight of the 32team National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics men's championship tournament by defeating No. 1 ranked Bethel College of Indiana. The BJuejays, who lost in the next round, came into the tournament as the undefeat.. ed champion of the Kansas Coffegiate Athletic Conference. Interim coach Don Zimmerman, who was named KCAC Coach of the Year, is completing a one ..year coaching assIgnment.

Coach Don Brubacher, who took a year's leave to direct the science center capital campaign; resigned his coaching and teaching position March 18.

During his 17 years as coach; Brubacher compiled an overall record of 254192 and was named KCAC Coach of the Year seven times and NAIA District 10 Coach of the Year three times.

Brubacher's replacement has not been announced. (Te) ll

• RESTRICTED: Mennonite Central Committee reported March 15 that its workers have been unable to leave or enter the Gaza Strip for two weeks due to the Israeli closure of its Gaza border following three bomb attacks in Israel. In the past, the closing of borders has applied only to Palestinians.

This time foreigners without diplomatic status are also prevented from cross.. ing. MCCers Sonia and AlainEpp Weaver and their children have been unable to leave. John F. Lapp and Chip Poston, based in Jerusalem, have been prevented from traveling to Gaza to visit MCe's development projects.

(MCC) • HOT SPOT: Mennonite Central Committee continues to work for peace in the African country of Burundi. MCC volunteers Susan Seitz and Keith Miller recently moved to the village of Babanza to establish a ilpeace presence" there. The town is near the site of fierce fighting between the Tutsi army and Hutu rebel militia. Seitz, a nurse, will offer community health education. She and Miller will also organize interethnic peace committees where community leaders can search for ways to resolve disputes. (MCC)

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.CHURCH NOTES •

Baptism/Membership

DENVER, Colo. (Garden Park)- Glenn and Rita Balzer were accepted into membership Feb. 4.

VISALIA, Calif. (Neighborhood)-Jennifer Franco, Cassie Huffman, John Franco, and Corbi Schaak were baptized and received into membership Feb. 2. Michelle Cummings, Josh Bergman, Sharon Retz, Gerald Schaak, Lorinda Medeiros and Luis Medeiros were also accepted into membership.

MOUNTAIN LAKE, Minn.-Emily Doughty, Travis Hulzebos and Garret Wall were baptized and received into membership Feb. 11. Jim and Linda Brandt, Ben Doughty, Germaine Ross and Joe Kim were welcomed as new members.

FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News)-John Andres became a member Feb. 25.

BLAINE, Wash. (Bible Community)-Leo Baldwin and Jaime Penrod were baptized and taken into membership Feb. 25.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)-Rick

and Pam Gavin, Paul Sisemore, Chris and Caren Sykes and Becky Thomas were baptized and received into membership Feb. 11. Chuck and Debra Abbe, Bill and Jan Black, Scott and Jeanette Dobbs, Alice Estes, Anne Frapwell, Lillian Galasso, Wes and Debra Horton, Harland and Bev Lehr, Jim and Dianne Lewis, Susan Randour, Richard and Mary Riepe, Jenny Sisemore, Scott and Angie Stumbo and Jimmy Thomas were welcomed as new members.

ULYSSES, Kan.-Ben and Abby Vining were baptized March 3. They, along with David and Gayla Vining, were accepted into membership.

•

Celebrations

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (El Camino)-The congregation honored charter members Paul and Zelma Heier Feb. 11 with a luncheon following the morning service.

FAIRVIEW, Okla.-A floral arrangement March 3 was placed in honor of Frank and Evelyn Huebert's 50th wedding anniversary.

SHAFTER, Calif.-Dan and Joanne Frantz were honored with a 50th wedding anniversary reception March 30.

A MEMO TO: Members of Canadian and U.S. Mennonite Brethren churches FROM: Ed Boschman, moderator of the General Conference RE: Our binational union Christian greetings! The Executive Council of the General Conference spent a couple of days together last September and now again in February to think, pray and plan together for God's good future.

Our priority agenda item for these meetings has been the shape, content and direction of our future. This is a good time for us to be planning how we'll work together in our joint ministries over the next decades. Our sense is that we cannot continue to do things the same way we did in the past.

Therefore, we have scheduled a consultation prior to and in conjunction with the General Conference Council of Boards meetings slated for Sept. 26-28. On the agenda will be issues such as our theology and philosophy of ministry, as well as the management, efficiency, effectiveness and funding of conference work. The Executive Council will invite several objective-thinker types to be with us for this consultation. Join us in praying that this strategic planning meeting will be an occasion to find the wisdom of God for our binational conference.

We are delighted to see the Lord changing lives in and through our "together" ministry ventures. We're confident that Jesus will be pleased as we sincerely and faithfully carry out our part of his worldwide mission.

• All of the above is subject to "Lord willing."

• Remember what that great philosopher, Will Rogers, said: "Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there."

• Plan now to be in Ontario July 10-12, 1997, for our next convention. This event will feature a new format that is interactive and high on inspiration and challenge. The theme will be "Straight paths for a twisted world."

• Also remember what the great theologian Paul said, "Those given a trust must prove faithful" and "God is faithful."

LEA D E R

BOI)yLIFE

•

Facilities

VISALIA, Calif. (Neighborhood)-The congregation voted to sell their facility to New Hope Church. The congregation will locate to a new site and is presently investigating interim housing, should it be needed.

•

Fellowship

TULSA, Okla. (Parkside)-Yury and Valentina Bogachev shared their testimony and sang for the congregation Feb. 11.

Yury is a Ukrainian opera singer who became a stage and screen actor. Valentina is a graduate of the Odessa Conservatory of Music. They live in Tulsa, where he works at the International Slavic Christian Institute.

BRIDGEWATER, S.D. (Salem)-Country and gospel singer Donna Chapel gave an evening concert Feb. 18.

IDLLSBORO, Kan.-The church hosted a benefit concert for the Mennonite World Conference Travel Fund March 3. Participating choirs came from area Mennonite colleges: Tabor College in Hillsboro, Bethel College in North Newton, Kan., and Hesston College in Hesston, Kan. They performed individually and as a mass choir.

senior choir presented a musical program March 17. This group of singers age 60plus has been together for five years.

KINGSBURG, Calif.-The New Life Sunday school class took a day trip to Monterey recently for an afternoon of whale watching.

YELM, Wash.-The Pacific District Women's Missionary Service is sponsoring a retreat April 12-14 at The Cascades Camp and Conference Center in Yelm for women attending Mennonite Brethren congregations in Region V of the PDC.

NEW HOPE, Minn.-The congregation is participating in preparation activities for

FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News Fellowship)-Men of the congregation, along with men from a neighboring church, enjoyed a wild-game dinner March 14. The menu was caught and cooked by members of both groups. The speaker was Tom Flick, a former NFL and Washington University quarterback.

GRANT, Neb. (New Life Fellowship)-The women of the congregation planned the annual statewide retreat for Mennonite Brethren women held in Aurora, Neb., March 15-16.

ENID, Okla.-A "Super Saturday" event held March 16 included crafts, activities and several skits presented by the Hesston (Kan.) MB Church youth drama and puppet team.... The Corn (Okla.) MB Church

Country Bible Church (formerly Orland MB) will be celebrating its 75th anniversary in October 1997. To help us prepare for that event, we invite friends and former members to send us photos, anecdotes and memorabilia about the congregation. Items can be returned upon request. To send items, or for more information, our address is: Anniversary Committee, Country Bible Church, 5000 w.

Third Ave., Orland, CA 95963. Or call (916) 865-2836. If no answer, call (916) 865-3497.

AcadeJnic Dean Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary is accepting applications until April 10, 1996 for the position of Academic Dean (two-thirds) and teaching faculty (one-third). Job description available upon request.

Please submit vita to Academic Search Committee. Dr. Henry J. Schmidt, President. Equal opportunity employer.

_Biblical S~ii1fu~

FRESNO, Calif. (Bethany)-The congregation hosted the eighth annual Praise Festival for the Mennonite Brethren congregations of Clovis, Fresno and Madera March 3. The guest mass choir director was Roy Klassen of Fresno Pacific College. An offering taken at the event benefited MB Biblical Seminary.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Heritage)-The men's ski retreat March 8-10 included talks

by Jim Adkins of First Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton, Calif. ... The retired women of the congregation were honored by the women's ministry organization at an appreciation brunch March 23.

HELP US CELEBRATE!

'Y" 4824 E. Butler Avenue • Fresno, California 93727-5097 (209) 251-8628 • Confidential fax: (209) 452-1763

A Special Menno Simons SOOth Anniversary Eastward Tour (Amsterdam, Friesland, Hamburg, Bad Oldesloe, Gdansk and Berlin)

July 15 - 26, 1996

Leader: John L. Ruth

A/l our 1996 European tours feature this special 500th anniversary.

Menno Simons SOOth Anniversary Tour June 10 - 26 European Fall Harvest September 26 - October 11

Call 1-800-565-0451 today for a brochure or to make a reservation.

TOUR MAGINATION 22 King St. S., Suite 401, Waterloo, ON N2J 1N8

1011 Cathill Road, Sellersville, PA 18960

Reg. #1567624

APR I L l 996

• 23

I

BODyLIFE

IN BRIEF • MISSION: Youth Mission International teams will begin ministry in Zaire during 1996. A summer assignment in Kinshasa wilt involve four North Americans and four Zairians in a joint leadership training initiative, says Randy Friesen, YMI director. The group will be hosted by a local congregation and will focus on the needs of the surrounding community. A one-year YMI assignment to Zaire will begin thisfalJ with a combined focus on training youth ministry practitioners as well as serving and participating in the international tour of the choir Esengo Zaire. (YMI)

• RESTRICTED: Mennonite Central Committee reported March 15 that its workers have been unable to leave or enter the Gaza Strip for two weeks due to the Israeli closure of its Gaza border following three bomb attacks in Israel.

In the past, the dosing of borders has applied only to Palestinians. This time foreigners without diplomatic status are also prevented from crossing. MCC workers So,nia and Alain Epp Weaver and their children have been unable to leave. John F. Lapp and Chip Poston, based in Jerusalem, have been prevented from traveling to Gaza to visit Mee's development projects. (MCC) • DROUGHT: Zambian Christians are growing weary and need the prayers of North American Mennonites for adequate rain in March and April, critical months in the growing season, reports Mennonite Central Committee. Food and seed distributed by MCC earlier last year has not been enough to meet the demand; at some locations, disturbances occurred when the amount of food available was not sufficient. In addition to rain, the Zambian Christians need prayers for physical, emotional and spiritual strength and patience, and for enough food to last untit the harvest is ready. (MCC) • GENEROSITY: Delegates to the Mennonite Disaster Service all-unit meeting in February learned that contributions resulting from a MDS December fund appeal totaled $206,000; the organization had hoped to raise $100,000.

(MDS)

24 •

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the Billy Graham Crusade scheduled for June 19-23 at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.

FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News)-The congregation held a "seeker sensitive" service March 31. The congregation invited nonbelieving friends, neighbors and family members to the service.

•

Proclamation

DENVER, Colo. (Garden Park)-Keita Andrews, outreach pastor at Colorado Community Church, preached the morning sermon Feb. 25 and led an evening evangelism seminar.

LITTLETON, Colo. (Belleview Acres)-A Sunday school elective offered Feb. 4 through March 31 focused on worship.

Class members planned the congregation's Easter celebration.

BUHLER, Kan.-A prayer enrichment seminar was held March 24-27.

KINGSBURG, Calif.-The library committee is sponsoring a spring reading contest March 1 to April 15 for children and adults. The person in each of three age categories who reads the most books from the church library will receive a gift certificate to a local Christian bookstore.

•

Workers

INMAN, Kan. (Zoar)-David Loewen, member of the Southern District Christian Education Commission, gave the morning message Feb. 25. Loewen also led the congregation in a self-study of its Christian education program.

FRESNO, Calif. (North)-Pastor Larry Martens attended the 1996 National Conference on Preaching in Orlando, Fla., during the last week of February.

OLATHE, Kan. (Community Bible)-The message March 3 was given by Jack Braun, vice president of institutional advancement at Tabor College. The Women's Chorale from Tabor provided music.

CLOVIS, Calif. (College Community)-Pastor Stan Friesen and Delores Friesen, on the counseling faculty at MB Biblical Seminary, attended the Human Disability and the Service of God Conference at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., March 8-10.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)-Keith Phillips, president of World Impact, Inc., brought the morning message March 3 as part of a week-long missions conference.

Missionary updates and testimonies were shared during the morning worship services as well as during the week.

HENDERSON, Neb.-Spring renewal meetings were held March 3-5 with Edmund Janzen, Bible professor at Fresno Pacific College, as the featured speaker.

COLLINSVILLE, Okla. (Westport)-A missions conference March 2-3 focused on reaching children and youth of the community. Steve and Bonnie Aldrich were the speakers at two workshops Saturday night and Steve preached the Sunday morning message.

FAIRVIEW, Okla.-A family life conference March 15-17 included communication and conflict resolution seminars and a Sunday morning message by guest speaker Thomas Hayward.

YALE, S.D. (Bethel)-Retired MB Missions/Services medical workers Maynard and Dorothy Seaman were featured at the morning and evening services March 31.

•

Teaching/Nurture

VISALIA, Calif. (Neighborhood)-City council member Wally Gregory and Cliff Unruh, who is running for Congress, talked at the Feb. 18 evening service about the role of Christians serving in public office.

LEA D E R

FRESNO, Calif. (Bethany)-James Aiken has resigned as pastor, effective May 31.

Aiken has served as senior pastor since 1984 and on the pastoral staff since 1980.

He plans to pursue another pastoral ministry.

INDIAHOMA, Okla. (Post Oak)-Wilfred Niedo has resigned as pastor.

COLLINSVILLE, Okla. (Westport)-Jim Parris, pastor of adult ministries, has resigned effective May 31. He and his wife, Arline, have served the congregation for more than seven years.

BALKO, Okla.-Paul Harkness has resigned as pastor; he has not announced his plans.

MARSHALL, Ark. (Martin Box)-Robert Martz was installed as pastor March 10.

Eighty people attended the morning service, filling the meetinghouse.

BUHLER, Kan.-Mike Yutzy, a Tabor College student, has been hired as a part-time intern for one year. He began working in early March. He will work in a variety of areas, including Christian Education, worship, music, youth and pastoral care.

INMAN, Kan. (Zoar)-Brad Willems and his wife, Gina, have resigned as youth pastor couple.

•

Youth

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Lincoln Glen)-Camp Courageous, a 14-week VBS-style program,

BODyLIFE

began Feb. 4 with Larry Albright and Mike Spinelli as coordinators.

NEW HOPE, Minn.-Youth Sunday Feb. 11 featured testimonies and music brought by the youth group; Jason Schott preached the morning message .... A "Student Sunday" was held March 10 for college and university students from Mennonite churches studying in the Twin Cities. The morning included a fellowship time before the service and a meal following.

SANTA, CLARA, Calif. (El Camino)-The junior and senior high youth were in charge of the Feb. 18 morning service.

They led in congregational singing, gave testimonies, read Scripture, provided special music and ushered.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Heritage Bible)The Women's Missionary Circle is creating a Noah's Ark quilt prepared by the firstgrade children of Heritage Academy. The quilt will be sold at the Mennonite Central Committee relief auction April 13.

.DEATHS DICK, EMIL W., Mountain Lake, Minn., a member of the Mountain Lake MB Church and a former Mennonite Brethren missionary, was born July 19, 1917, near Mountain Lake to Jacob L. and Maria Warkentin Dick and died Dec. 15, 1995, at the age of 78. On June 18,1948, he was married to Annette Ewert, who survives. He is also survived by one son, Ronald and wife Sherry of Omaha, Neb.; one daughter, Marlene and husband Russ White of Mankato, Minn.; one brother, Henry L. and wife Cecelia of Mountain Lake; one sister, Minnie Ewert of Mountain Lake; and five grandchildren.

EPP, EDWIN F., Hillsboro, Kan., a member of Parkview MB Church, Hillsboro, was born June 16,1911, near Lehigh, Kan., to Gerhard E. and Cornelia Friesen

WANTED: Retired Christian RV'ers To travel with the Son.

Epp, and died Sept. 20, 1995, at the age of 84. On Oct. 28, 1936, he was married to Margaret Flaming, who predeceased him in 1978. In 1979, he was married to Wilma Wohlgemuth, who survives. He is also survived by his children, Norman and wife Rosella of Hillsboro, LaVerna and husband Alden Quiring of Henderson, Neb., Evelyn and husband Dale Peterson of Clifton, Kan., Rosalie and husband Roy Mays of Enid, Okla., and Alvin and wife Kay of Bradshaw, Neb.; stepchildren Eldon and wife Jan Wohlgemuth of Whitewater, Kan., Howard and wife Carolyn Wohlgemuth of Hesston, Kan., Larry and wife Betty Wohlgemuth of Houston, Texas, Dick and wife Sue Wohlgemuth of Spring Grove, Minn., and Kathy and husband Larry Wiebe of Whitewater; one brother, Paul of Newton, Kan.; two sisters, Sara Plenert of McPherson, Kan., and Cornelia Nickel of Hillsboro; 14 grandchildren, 14 stepgrandchildren, one great-grandchild and four stepgreat-grandchildren.

FAST, BEN, Freeman, S.D., a member of Silver Lake MB Church, Freeman, was born Nov. 24, 1897, to Abraham and Susan Dirks Fast near Marion, S.D., and died Jan. 29, 1996, at the age of 98. On Aug. 20, 1922, he was married to Martha Thomas, who predeceased him in 1992. He is survived by one sister, Marie Kunkel of Freeman.

GLANZER, MICHAELJ., Freeman, S.D., a member of Salem MB Church in Bridgewater, S.D, was born March 15, 1913, to Jacob S. and Anna Glanzer in McCook County and died March 1, 1996, at the age of 82. On March 13, 1938, he was married to Mary W. Gross, who predeceased him in 1984. He is survived by one son, Herb and wife Edwina Glanzer of Huntsville, Ala.; a daughter, Marilyn and husband Derrold Hofer of Sioux Falls, S.D.; one brother, Jacob and wife Katy Glanzer; four sisters Anna and husband Jake Hofer, Jessie Gross, Marcella and husband Aaron Glanzer, and Rosella and husband Melvin Glanzer, all of Freeman; and four grandchildren.

• VOLUNTeeR WORgeRS NeeDeD • Skilled or Non-Skilled For Construction, Renovation, Remodeling • Help Build, Remodel Churches, Camps, Missions, Orphanages, etc.

• Work A Project Of 3 Weeks, 4 Days weekly, 7 Hours Day • BENEFITS: 1- TRA VEL THE CONTINENT AND MEET PEOPLE 2- WORK AND PLA Y WITH 5-10 OTHER COUPLES 3- SHARE DAIL Y DEVOTIONS TOGETHER 4- FELLOWSHIP THROUGH SIDE TRIPS, GAMES, POTLUCKS 5- LEARN NEW SKILLS 6- HOOKUPS PROVIDED AT WORK SITES

REQUIREMENTS: RETIRED, SELF CONTAINED RV, SELF-SUPPORTING, WILLING TO WORK A MINIMUM OF FOUR PROJECTS YEARL Y, AND BE A CHRISTIAN.

I

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND APPLICATION FORMS: CONTACT:MOBILE MISSIONARY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (MMAP) P,O.BOX 725, CALIMESA, CA. 93220 TELEPHONE: 909-795-3944

26·

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LEA D E R

FfiWI ' ~

HOFER, DOUGLAS GENE, Elkhart, S.D., was born July 7,1951, at Mitchell, S.D., to John W. and Bernadine Hofer and died Jan. 18, 1996, at the age of 45. He is survived by his parents; one son, Gabriel; one sister, Marla Gilbert; and one brother-in-law, Doug Gilbert.

HOLLOWAY, KATHERINE, Shafter, Calif., a member of Shafter MB Church, was born in Russia to John and Elizabeth Krause Giesbrecht on June 27, 1908, and died Feb. 17, 1996, at the age of 88. On March 27, 1931, she was married to Claude William Holloway who predeceased her in 1959.

She is survived by her sister, Susan Dueck of Canada; one sister-in-law, Lorine Giesbrecht of Shafter; and "adopted" children Gary and Karen Hurley and their children, Sam and Susan of Oildale, Calif.

JANTZ, KATIE, Lodi, Calif., a member of Vinewood Community Church, was born Sept. 6, 1893, in Russia. On Nov. 9, 1913, she was married to Reinhold Janz, who predeceased her in 1969. She is survived by one son, Reuben of San Francisco; four daughters, Esther Miller of Richmond, Calif., Alida Frazier of Palm Desert, Calif., Geraldine Lagger of Walnut Creek, Calif., and Ann Janz of Lodi; two siblings, Harold Wahl and Leoma Brenden, both of North Dakota; nine grandchildren, 17 greatgrandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.

LEPP, CALVIN ROY, Orland, Calif., a member of the Country Bible Church, Orland, was born March 29, 1936, to Frank and Matilda Reimer Lepp in Mountain Lake, Minn., and died Oct. 22, 1995, at the age of 59. On Aug. 28, 1959, he was married to Ida Koenig, who survives. He is also survived by two children, Carla and husband Clint Bergen of Orland, and Brian and wife Debbie Lepp of Vancouver, Wash.; his mother, three brothers, five sisters and their spouses, and five grandchildren.

KLASSEN, WILLIAM "WILL," Mountain Lake, Minn., a member of Mountain Lake MB Church, was born Feb. 28, 1911, to Abram A. and Justina Wiebe Klassen in Mountain Lake and died Jan. 15, 1996, at the age of 84. On May 18, 1938, he was married to Esther Eytzen, who survives. He is also survived by four children, Evangeline and husband Ronald Patrick of Mountain Lake, Mary Friesen of Minneapolis, Minn., Paul and wife Gladys Klassen of Edmond, Okla., Sharon and husband Berry Friesen of Lancaster, Pa.; one sister, Amanda and husband LaVern Loewens of Wichita, Kan.; nine grandchildren and one greatgranddaughter.

KLIEWER, LOIS RUTH, a member of Zoar MB Church, Inman, Kan., was born June 19, 1910, to Henry V. and Elizabeth Pauls Wiebe near Lehigh, Kan., and died Jan. 31, 1996, at the age of 86. On Dec. 3, 1933,

BODyLIFE

she was married to Henry D. Kliewer, who predeceased her in 1993. She is survived by her children, Marjorie and husband Frank Friesen of Brea, Calif., Henry W. and wife Rose Kliewer of Rochester, Minn., Timothy and wife Myrna Kliewer of Inman, Jerry and wife Kim Kliewer of Anaheim, Calif., Elizabeth and husband Edwin Black of Rackville, Md., and Anthony and wife Ruth Kliewer of Pueblo West, Colo.; one sister, Eunice Bergen of Goessel, Kan.; two brothers, Frank: Wiebe of Zapata, Texas, and Jake Wiebe, Yuma, Ariz.; 14 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

LOEWEN, SOLOMON LEPPKE, Hillsboro, Kan., a member of Hillsboro MB Church and long-time Tabor College faculty member, was born Dec. 23, 1898, near Hillsboro to Jacob and Justina Leppke Loewen and died March 15, 1996, at the age of 97. On June 8, 1922, he was married to Katherine Schellenberg, who predeceased him. He is survived by three daughters, Ruby and husband Paul Sutton of Southfield, Mich., Dorothy and Walter Weber and Esther and Harold Pankratz, all of Hillsboro; a daughter-in-law, Gloria Loewen of Norman, Okla.; 15 grandchildren; and 25 great-grandchildren.

MARLATT, ROBERT A., Shafter, Calif., a member of Shafter MB Church, was born Dec. 11, 1922, to Robert and Nola Marlatt in Taft, Calif., and died March 11, 1996, at the age of 74. On March 19, 1948, he was married to Letha Bartel, who survives. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Meyer.

ORTMAN, KATHRYN, Marion, S.D., a member of Silver Lake MB Church of Freeman, S.D., was born Dec. 22, 1908, to Katrina and David D. Tieszen near Marion and died March 10, 1996, at the age of 88. In 1929, she was married to Emil Ortman, who predeceased her in 1934. She is survived by one son, Eldon of West Lafayette; one brother, Alfred of Gardenville, Pa.; one sister, Emma of Marion; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

REMPEL, BENNIE ROY, Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was born Dec. 21, 1918, in Steinbach, Man., to Bern and Katherine Ratzlaff Rempel and died Jan. 14, 1996, at the age of 78. On Feb. 6, 1944, he was married to Mary June Enns, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Paul and wife Jean of Fresno, Calif., and Rod and wife Barbara of Santa Fe, N.M.; two brothers, Roland and wife Mary Ann Rempel of Reedley, and Henry and wife Estelle Rempel of Sacramento, Calif.; two sisters, Esther and husband Morris Jones, and Sally and husband Milton Janzen, all of Reedley; one sister-in-law, Anne Rempel of Reedley; and four grandchildren.

WINTER, ED P., McPherson, Kan.,.a member of Hillsboro (Kan.) MB Church was born Dec. 5, 1906, near Hillsboro to

Karl and Wilhelmina Prieb Winter and died Feb. 23, 1996, at the age of 89. On Aug. 12, 1928, he was married to Susie D. Klaassen, who survives. He is also survived by one son, Floyd and wife Carolyn; one daughter, Lorene and husband Eldon Smith; one daughter-in-law, Cynthia Grothe; eight grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren.

•

CLEARINGHOUSE Have a position to fill? Looking for a new employment or ministry opportunity? Have a gathering or celebration to promote? Need to sell or acquire property? Reach U. S. Mennonite Brethren through a Clearinghouse classified ad. The charge is 40 cents per word, with a $15 minimum. Withhold payment until an invoice is received. Clearinghouse copy must be received by the 15th of the month prior to the desired month of publication. The editors reserve the right to turn down inappropriate material. For display (boxed) ad rates, please call us.

POSITIONS

AVAILABLE

BOYS RANCH-Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch is a Christian nonprofit residential program serving at-risk youth. If you are interested in working with strong-willed boys and have experience in work job supervision, farm, construction, or child care, contact Ken Ortman, HCR 1, Box 458A, Lampe, MO 65681; (417) 779-5374. Salary plus board and room.

OHIO FRATERNAL ADVISER-Mennonite Mutual Aid (MMA) is seeking a fraternal adviser in the Kidron, Ohio, area to serve as a regional resource person and communication link with congregations, assisting them in accessing MMA services and programs. Qualified candidates will have the ability to motivate others, good communication, public speaking, organizational and management skills, an understanding of local church structures, and a willingness to travel. If interested, please send resume to MMA, Human Resources Dept., PO Box 483, Goshen, IN 46527.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITTEE is seeking applicants for MCC U.S. Peace and Justice director based in Akron, Pa. This three-year position is available July 1996. Qualifications include a commitment to Christian faith, active church membership and nonviolent peacemaking. Bachelor's degree required.

Applicants should have strong leadership, management and communication skills and a capacity for biblical/theological reflection from an Anabaptist perspective on current peace and justice issues. Some travel required. Interested persons in the United States contact Dwight McFadden, 21 South 12th Street, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-0500, phone (717) 859-1151.

In Canada contact MCC Canada Personnel, 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9, phone (204) 261-6381. Applications due May 13, 1996.

FOR

SALE

BUSINESS FOR SALE-Olde Towne Restaurant in Hillsboro, Kan., specializing in Dutch-German Mennonite food, is for sale. We have three children ages 2 and under. At this point, the goals at our restaurant and the requirements of the work there cannot be accomplished at the same time as those of our family.

We wish to put our family first. Established business.

Good opportunity. Busy season is fast approaching. If interested, or for more information, call Linden or Dorie Thiessen at home (316) 947-5522, or business (316) 947-5446.

CHURCH PARTNERSHIP EVANGELISM (CPE)

Invitation: TO: Born-again Christians; FROM: Evangelical churches King Road MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C., is seeking volunteers for its Church Partnership Evangelism outreach to....

Cost Iperson

1. PHILIPPINES, Manila

. April 8-25 / 96

$1,000

2. NICARAGUA, Managua

. April 30 - May 16/96

$1,000

3. UKRAINE, Kirowograd

. June 3-22 / 96

$1,500

4. PARAGUAY, Asuncion and Interior

. July1-18/96

$1,500

5. FIJI ISLANDS

. July 14 - Aug. 2/96

$1,200

July 22 - Aug. 15 / 96

$1,000

6. PERU, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Piura or Talara ..

7. CANADA, Manitoba

. Sept. 9-26 / 96

$

8. ZAIRE, AFRICA, Kikwit

. Oct. 13-31 / 96

$1,500

9. INDIA, Hyderabad & Jongoan

.

$1,500

Nov. 10-28/96

NOTE: Dates may be subject to change.

• Team up with national Christians and witness for Christ door to door.

• Some knowledge of the country's language is helpful.

• Similar campaigns have resulted in 200 to 400 conversions. Come and be part of an enriching spiritual experience, discover what GOD can do through you.

For more information, contact: Evelyn Unruh, 604-852-5744 or CPE 604-864-3941 Peter Loewen, 604-853-3173 or FAX 604-853-6482

Maybe you are interested in one, two or more campaigns. Please let us know if you find this to be valuable work for the Lord. I would ask you to bring this information to your friends and churches. We will need many volunteers in 1996.

Peter Huebert Missions Committee President

Peter Loewen Promoter

APR I L l 996

27

MISCELLANEA CLIPS

AND

COMMENTS

--I~I [,~ Pontius' Puddle

WITNESS

Good News for tourists?

An interactive visitors center based on Jesus's life and teaching could become a reality in his hometown of Nazareth, Israel, in partnership with the Mennonite Board of Missions.

MBM could join with a Scottish mission group and Christians in Nazareth to share the gospel ofJesus Christ in a contemporary format. MBM has appointed videographer D. Michael Hostetler, executive producer of the feature film "The Radicals," to direct a

ouR Cf..\ot<c.\-4 5~()OLt> Go DOT IN,O \\-\E S,~E:C\S POO'<, TI-\E .s.l~K, ,\-\E MALR>Rr-\E:D, ORUC:rAt>D\CTS, ""~E

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7

CONCrRE6-A:t"\ON'

feasibility study of the project.

The site, intended to capture the interest of the 2.5 million pilgrims who visit Nazareth each year, would consist of two areas:

• A visitors center using multimedia and "experiences" in Arabic, English and Hebrew to show the geography and history surrounding Jesus's life.

• A "living museum"

designed to resemble a Galilean village of 2000 years ago.

"Throughout the ages, Christians have sought appropriate and effective ways to share the good

Mother Teresa: A surprise pick for magazine's 'Loser of the Decade' Is Mother Teresa just too good to mous S&L Scandal. When he was be true? The Door thinks so. The about to be sentenced in 1992, she MarchiApril issue of the Chriswrote a letter to the presiding judge tian satire and humor magapleading for leniency. She also Zine, known for its regurefused to return Keating's "obvilar feature, "Loser of the ously dirty donation," even when Month, " proclaimed asked to do so by the prosecutthe revered nun its ing attorney.

"Loser of the Decade."

• She accepted a $10,000 Seriously. contribution from John-Roger, "According to a leader of the Movement of Spirigrowing number of reptual Awareness, which the Cult utable sources, it's Awareness Network categorizes as becoming apparent that "highly dangerous." John-Roger has Mother Teresa, the modMother Teresa: repeatedly claimed to have "a spirituern symbol of compassion, High stakes. al consciousness greater than that of is just as susceptible to Jesus," the article reports. self-promotion and-dare we say it?Donations from dubious characters greed as the rest of us," the article like Keating and John-Roger, The begins.

Door notes, come with strings Their evidence: attached. "In exchange, donors get a • In 1981 she accepted a "Haitian public relations affiliation with the Legion d'honneur" award from the world's foremost symbol of Duvalier family, who had been "terrespectability. " rorizing, murdering and stealing from • According to numerous reports, the Haitian people since 'Papa Doc' much of her organization's money is Duvalier rose to power in 1957." sitting in bank accounts around the • More recently she accepted $1.4 world, including $50 million in one million from Charles Keating, who checking account in New York Citywas convicted for his part in the infaeven as she claims her Sisters of Chari28·

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ty have few resources to work with.

• Calling it "really bad taste in evangelism technique," the magaZine cites reports that she is secretly baptiZing Hindus and Muslims as they lie dying in her clinic by "cooling" their foreheads with a wet cloth while whispering baptismal prayers.

• After claiming she was the author of the best-selling book, A Simple Path, it was discovered that she had only approved it, not written it.

The "coauthor" is now listed on the cover, but the book is still being promoted as Mother Teresa's book.

"We've named Mother Teresa our Loser of the Decade because the stakes she's playing are so high," the article states. "The contrast between her image and her reality trivializes the suffering of those she is supposed to help-the real saints."

The article concludes with these words to Mother Teresa: "I suppose we'll never know if you're merely operating in a holy daze or if you're running the world's biggest Catholic Charity Bazaar. Most likely you're just a normal everyday loser, like the rest of us. And that's the whole point."

MISCELLANEA

news ofJesus in the land of his birth and ministry," said Dale Schumm, MBM director for Asia and the Middle East. "We believe we are being led by the Spirit in a fresh and creative way to help people to once again consider the relevance of the life and message of Jesus for their own lives."

The Nazareth visitors center could open as early as November 1999-in time for the 2000th anniversary ofJesus's birth. (Mennonite Weekly Review) TELEVISION

And the score is...

Recent monitoring by the American Family Association found that television violence is down by 30 percent compared to a period six months earlier, but the study also found that sex was up by 31 percent and profanity by 26 percent. The study of primetime network programming was done Oct. 29-Nov. 25 of last year.

The monitoring showed that 94 percent of all primetime programs contained violence, sex and/or profanity; 88 percent of all sex presented on the programs was depicted outside marriage. Fox led the networks with an average of violence, sex and profanity incidents at 17.57 per hour, followed by NBC at 13.90, CBS at 13.76 and ABC at 7.8. (EP) GATHERINGS

PK praises pastors The first Promise Keepers clergy conference in late February drew 42,000 ministers from all 50 states and more than a dozen nations, making it the largest gathering of Christian clergy in history.

Promise Keepers

founder Bill McCartney called the meeting "a dream come true," and said its effect could last "for the duration of life on earth."

McCartney used the conference to address the evil of racism. "Racism is an incidious monster," he insisted. "You can't say you love God and not love your brother."

McCartney, meanwhile, was named Layperson of the Year by the National Association of Evangelicals during their annual convention March 3-5 in Minneapolis, Minn. The award has been presented annually since 1961 to "someone who demonstrates leadership in evangelical activity and thought, rooted in a life that demonstrates Christian character."

EVANGELICALS

Manifesting direction In an effort to offer direction for evangelicals as they move into the next century, the National Association of Evangelicals adopted an "Evangelical Manifesto" during its annual convention, March 3-5 in Minneapolis.

The manifesto calls all evangelicals to prayer, repentance and reform, unity and cooperation, evangelism, and cultural impact. It makes a special plea for evangelicals to "lead our nation in biblically directed racial and ethnic reconciliation. " The manifesto also addresses the divisions that form within the evangelical community and proposes five principles for increased unity: • Focus on the absolutes of the Christian faith.

• Promote the ministry of Christ and his Word above anyone ministry or method.

~

~J

;~ l

Mennonites are named after him, but what do we really know about Menno Simons, the 76th centu'~~~' ry reformer? To mark the SOOth anniversary year il1J of his birth, we decided to interview him. Posthu• mously. These are his actual words. Really. We'll ~ carry excerpts in each issue during 7996. '\

~

tc.: ~~ 1.

11

Ift\ These "Anabaptists" you led were

~ spiritually vibrant, but they also faced persecution by the state church. Tell us about that.

(1Y The great and mighty God has made the form of his

~ church so glorious and endowed with such insuperable power that many haughty and proud hearts have been humbled; the impure have been purified; the drunkards made sober; the stingy, charitable; the cruel, loving; the godless, God-fearing; but they have also faithfully sacrificed property and blood, body and life, as is still apparent daily, for the glorious witness which they bear.

What is more, they are endowed with such great grace and wisdom in their trials as Christ has promised to all his children, that all worldly-wise and famous teachers [learned theologians], together with all the blood-guilty tyrantswho, 0 God, boast that they are Christians-have been vanquished and put to shame by these invincible heroes and pious witnesses of Christ.

As a result, these tyrants, unable to find any other weapons, take recourse to banishment, arrest, torture, burning and murder, as was the practice and custom of the old serpent from the very beginning, and as may still, alas, be witnessed daily in many places.

Ifr\ What was the impact of this intense persecution ~ upon you, as leader?

~

I with my poor, weak wife [Gertrude] and small children endured excessive anxiety, oppression, affliction, misery, and persecution for 18 years so that I have been forced to live a life of misery and fear. Indeed, while the preachers [of the ruling churches] repose on soft beds and cushions, we generally have to hide ourselves in secret nooks and crannies. While they openly make merry at weddings, etc., with pipe, drum and lute, we have to be on our guard when a dog barks for fear the arresting officer has arrived.

While everyone greets them as doctors and masters, we have to tolerate being called Anabaptists, hedge-preachers, deceivers and heretics, and be greeted in the name of the devil.

In short, while they are gloriously rewarded for their services with large incomes and good times, our recompense and portion from them is fire, sword and death. Behold, in such fear and poverty, misery and death have I, wretched man, unchangingly performed the service of the Lord to this hour. And I hope through his grace to perform it to his glory as long as I linger in this tabernacle.

NEXT: Down to basics SOURCE: The Mennonite Brotherhood in Russia, by P.M. Friesen

APR I L l 996

29

MISCE.LLANEA

MB Circles... by Lorlie Barkman person. And when you introduce a transformed person into a debilitated environment, they change the environment." (EP) FILM

Vatican picks flicks

"Truth has perished!" (Jeremiah 7:28)

• Pray to raise the level of the Holy Spirit's activity in one's area.

• Appreciate others' respected interpretation of Scripture.

• Practice supportive speech and actions toward one another. (EP) SOCIETY

was shaped by a report called "Grass Roots Alternatives to Public Policy," created by social organizations around the nation. Robert L. Woodson Sr., who helped write the report, said faith has been the difference in effective organizations because the focus is on transformation, not

rehabilitation.

"When you rehabilitate someone, you're taking them back to what they were," he said. "When you take a rehabilitated person and introduce them to a debilitated environment, they become recidivist. But when you transform a person, you make them a new

In honor of the 100th anniversary of the motion picture, a Vatican committee selected the 45 best movies of all time.

Church officials emphasized the list was not intended to be exhaustive, but merely to serve as an example of good filmmaking.

Following are the American films appearing on the list, grouped in three categories: Religion: The Mission, Ben Hur, Babette's Feast, A Man for All Seasons.

Values: Ghandi, Intolerance, Chariots of Fire, It's a Wonderful Life, Schindler's List, On the Waterfront.

Art: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Citizen Kane, Metropolis, Modern Times, Napoleon, Stagecoach, Fantasia, Wizard of Oz, The Lavender Hill Mob, Little Women. (EP)

A transforming idea?

Faith-based community organizations are the key to meaningful social change, House Republicans said Feb. 27 as they introduced a sweeping "Community Renewal Act" designed to ease restrictions on religious organizations which address social ills.

The bill, drafted by Reps.

J.C. Watts (R-Okla.) and Jim Talent (R-Mo.), calls for government to playa supporting role while community organizations, such as local business and religious charitable organizations, take the lead in tackling social problems.

Much of the proposal 30

•

THE

And there shall be rumors of... rumors?

FOR THE RECORD: No film is being

The "sex life of Christ movie" hoax is

made about the sex life of Christ. The

one of several that surface from time to

rumor that such a film is being produced

time in the Christian community.

continues to surface.

A photocopy flyer occasionally surfaces

Others include the discredited claim that the Federal Communications Commis-

that erroneously claims that an organiza-

sion is considering a petition to ban reli-

tion known as "Modern People News" is

gious broadcasting, and the equally false

pl,anning to produce a film that portrays

claim that the president of Procter and

Jesus as a homosexual and that the part

Gamble appeared on the Phil Donahue

of Mary Magdalene will be played by a

show and admitted to being a satanist.

notorious French prostitute.

(EP)

C H R 1ST I A N

LEA D E R

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT A

GUIDE

FOR

GROUP

SESSION 1: Why so few?

Based on IIA question of faithfulness" (page 5)

INTERACTION

SESSION 3: The Christian's "anti" attitude Based on Ph'lip Side: "Antidote for an anti-world" (page 14)

GET READY -Getting started • How have you experienced the warmth of the gospel"?

GET READY ~Getting started

GET SET-Examining the issues

• Which would get your vote for a vacation getaway: the Colorado ski slopes or the Hawaiian beaches?

II

1. According to Schlabach, what are possible positive responses to the question, IlWhy so few?"

2. How do Scriptures such as Matthew 25:14-23 and Luke 16: 10-12 answer the question of what it means to be faithful?

3. Do you agree or disagree with his statement regarding the larger sin of Mennonites: "We try to be everything to everybody"? Why or why not?

GET SET ~Examining the issues 1. How do Scriptures such as Romans 12:21, Philippians 2: 14-16 and 4:8-9 promote a "forti attitude rather than aga inst"?

2. Identify reasons why it is easier to be "against" and why ifs more difficult to be l'for.

3. In what ways does the church struggle with the attitude, "Whatever it is, I'm against it ? lI

1I

tl

GO-Applying ideas to the way we live GO-Applying ideas to the way we live

1. In what ways, if any, do Mennonites oppose their culture and live lives of humility and suffering to the extent that people might hesitate to identify with us?

2. Are there particular reasons why people would choose not to join your Mennonite fellowship? What could be done to dispel those reasons?

3. In what ways have you or your church responded to human need?

1. Whafs your natural tendency: to be for? or against?

In what areas do you need to lean more one way or the other?

2. How can we, as Chrisfs disciples, work together to promote the things we are for?

3. Make an affirmation, praise list of things which you as a Christ follower are "for.

SESSION 2: Why so few?

SESSION 4: Learning to celebrate

Based on the respondents to Schlabach (pages 6-9) and the interview with Ed Boschman (page 10)

Based on On the Journey: NHeip the children celebrate" (page 16)

GET READY -Getting started

GET READY ~Gettjng started

• What perception do you think your neighbors and coworkers have of Mennonites?

• What childhood memory do you have of celebration?

GET SET~Examining the issues

1. Why is celebration important? What are the results of celebration deprivation?

2. What examples of celebration do we have from Scripture-both Old and New Testaments?

3. How can celebration affirm our belief in the character of God?

1. Review the reasons given by each respondent to the question, IIWhy so few?"

2. What are the "Mennonite distinctives"? How essential are they to a life of discipleship?

3. How do you respond to the idea that being faithful to Anabaptist principles is no different than being faithful to Scriptu re ?

4. What do Jesus/s words regarding light in Matthew 5: 14-16 have to say about the reluctant light" of MBs? 5. What ideas from the Boschman interview could add to the vision and growth of Mennonite Brethren?

II

GO-Applying ideas to the way we live 1. In what ways is your own life a "reluctant light"?

2. Nikkel states, IIThere has never been a greater readiness for our theology. What evidence suggests that is true?

3. Share ways you have seen people "mimic Jesus."

1f

GET SET~Examining the issues

GO~Applying ideas to the way we live

1. How does your church encourage celebration as part of Christian discipleship? What additional things could be done?

2. In addition to eating together, how can (or does) your family cefebrate?

3. Identify a person or group who seldom celebrates.

How can you involve them in celebration?

II

LET'S TAlK ABOUT IT is a project of the Christian Leader and the Southern District Christian Education Commission. Questions by Nadine Friesen.

APR I L l 996

• 31

EDITORIAL

Guilt, grace and growth

T

al and corporate change. As individuals, we've wanted HE FUNDAMENTAL balancing act of the Christian life is to successfully navigate the tightrope to "do better," but our good intentions have always between guilt and grace. To lean too far toward petered out. We simply don't have the commitment, one or the other can set us up for a nasty fall. Kept in the spirituality, the willpower. We're bad Christians. proper tension with each other, guilt and grace keep us Corporately, Mennonite Brethren have blustered standing upright and moving forward. about church growth forever. We've launched new programs and wrapped them in clever motivational sloGuilt can be good. As Tony Campolo is fond of saying, "Sinners should feel guilty!" Guilt is the spiritual gans. With little results. Why should Mission USA be mechanism that sounds when we willfully take the offany different? Let's face it-we're ethnocentric and we ramp along the way of faithfulness. It tells us we need like it that way. We're a bad denomination. to turn around and head in the right "Bad" grace, meanwhile, recognizes our direction. shortcomings and says, So what? God loves Guilt can also be bad. It can blare us for who we are-we don't need to change.

Kept in proper so loudly within us that we can hear Corporately, it prompts us to laud our sucnothing else. Extreme guilt can overcesses in education and overseas missionstension with each whelm us with our shortcomingshey, God doesn't expect us to be faithful in even to the point of paralysis. We everything things, does he? other, guilt and decide we are bad drivers rather than Bad grace can get us thinking that way. grace keep us good drivers who simply made a bad We're irresponsible. We choose not to care. choice. And if that's the case, what's The presence of God's good grace in our standing upright the point of turning around? Somelives, though, can make all the difference. times we even abandon the vehicle.

Yes, we can recognize our mistakes and failand moving Likewise, grace has positive and ures, but also realize God is not bound by negative elements for the believer. In them-and because of that, neither are we. forward. proper perspective, the grace of God We can be forgiven and changed. This is a is what frees us from the emotional new day. Our future is not predetermined. and spiritual bondage of past mistakes. Grace assures us I used to tell myself that Mennonite Brethren have we will not be judged by our deeds, but by what God not grown numerically because we embrace the notion did for us through Jesus. Grace gives us the courage to of serious discipleship. Jesus himself said that few turn around, to start again, to take risks. would find the narrow way. I excused myself and my people on the basis of our "radical" theology. Even felt But "grace" in the extreme can become an excuse for irresponsibility. Because we are judged on God's kind of good about it, actually. merits and not our own, we are tempted to say it really Then I decided our problem is not with our theolodoesn't matter what choices we make because God gy, but the way we've chosen to live it out-or, more always forgives in the end. This is what Bonhoeffer calls precisely, chosen not to live it out. As a body, many "cheap grace." It doesn't paralyze us like guilt can.

Mennonite Brethren have ignored or chucked elements of our Anabaptist distinctives for the sake of expedienRather, it simply short-circuits our navigational equipment altogether. And we continue headlong down cy and personal comfort. I felt angry and discouraged. whatever road we choose without thought of the conseThese days I see an element of truth in bothposiquences to ourselves or others. tions. But I see the locus of our problem as having a difIn either case, whether paralyzed by guilt or shortferent origin: me. Mennonite Brethren have not grown circuited by grace, the end result is the same: we won't because I have not done much to help. I haven't moved reach our intended destination. beyond my comfort zone, haven't enlarged my circle of friends, haven't befriended many strangers. It has had A balance of guilt and grace is needed as we consider the question focused in our feature section: Why so little to do with my theology. It has to do with the confew? "Good" guilt will cause us to soberly consider the dition of my heart. Truth be known, I don't love my extent to which we have not been as loving or faithful neighbor as myself-let alone as Jesus loves them. as we should be. Have we created or maintained barriMaybe you could make a similar confession. We ers of class or ethnicity that keep others at arms' length? won't change corporately until we change individually.

Have we been apathetic about our neighbors, or So I challenge you to walk the tightrope with me. Let's allowed busy schedules to crowd them out? claim the guilt we deserve. But let's also claim the grace "Bad" guilt will blind us to the possibility of personGod extends to each of us. We can be changed.-DR 32·

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