o an II he rethre II go the g I ngh ,ll why ar t there m re of us?
CAN OUR FUTURE BE DIFFERENT?
Meet Mission USA's first executive director (p. 10)
VOLUME 59, NUMBER 4
4A 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:
6A 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
9A 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
• Antidote for an anti-world On the Journey
• Help the children celebrate Inquiring Minds ..
• Flags in the church
• Violent speech
BodyLife
• The positive side of India's story 18
• Ownership shift for Tabor College 20
• Guilt,
ART CREDITS: Cover and page 5, Menno Simons portrait by Kuiper.
Philip Wiebe
Rose Buschman
by Marvin Hein 17
EDITOR
Don Ratzlaff
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Connie Faber
BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS: Noelle Dickinson (acting chair), Jeanie Klaassen, Herb Schroeder, Kathy Heinrichs Wiest
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MISSION & GROWTH
OU'VE got to admit, it's a compelling question. Mennonites, of all stripes, number about 400,000 in North America and 900,000 worldwide. Mennonite Brethren, meanwhile, comprise the largest single 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 portion of the Christian pie. So, if Menno Simons got it "right"that is, if the Anabaptist/Mennonite vision captures the fullest and most faithful understanding of the gospel-why aren't there more of us?
We thought the question was timely for two reasons. First, 1996 marks the SOOth anniversary of Menno's birth. What better time to reflect on his legacy? Second, U.S. Mennonite Brethren are launching an aggressive renewal and church-planting thrust called Mission USA Part of the intent is that there might
be significantly more of us. Can it happen?
We thought we'd start the conversation with the following article by Theron Schlabach, series editor of the Mennonite Experience in America books. Then we asked a few Mennonite Brethren to join In with some observations of their own, specificaJly about the Mennonite Brethren experience in orth America.
After that, we interviewed Ed Boschman, who last month accepted the challenge to become the first executive director of Mission USA. You'll want to read about h's vision and passion for this new assignment.
Finally, after you've read what everybody else has to say, we invite you to join the conversation, too. Why have Mennonites, particularly Mennonite Brethren, not grown as rapidly as many other Christian groups? Write (Box V, Hillsboro, KS 67063) or fax (316-947-3266) us with your observations-but keep them concise, please. All in all, such a simple question could make for some provocative discussion, don't you think?-fhe editors
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
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 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.
Imost-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,
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.
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-
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 a bout 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 empha-
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.
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-knitcommunity 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 RESPONSE
We have vvhat thousands are seeking; vvhat vve need is the confidence to share it
by Larry Nikkel
MENNONITES and Mennonite after all, the "quiet in the land."
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.
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.
Brethren were born out of adver- Never 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, sacrifact that they were ridiculed and lived ficial giving, taking the message of Christ under the threat of persecution. seriously, and a commitment to peace
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 history of this receive. these fearful beginnings, I We have unparalleled realize that even today we nation has opportunities to live out our theare young, as movements there been a ology of peace, not in distant go, and not far removed lands but in our own neighborfrom whatever those feel- greater hoods. ings were. readiness for Several years ago I heard of I believe we still live out a Christian psychiatrist-in-training our faith in today's society our theology. in a distant city. I went to visit as if the ridicule suffered by him with the hope that I could our forebearers will fall upon us at the hire him upon the completion of his trainslightest assertion of our faith. So we ing. I learned that he had become a Menhang back, sure that people don't want nonite. When I asked him how that came what we (say) we have. Furthermore, we to be, he said he had observed a small excuse ourselves by saying that we are, group of medical students who stood out
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.
Prepared for a full-court press: Mission USA finds Its point man
WILL GOD use Mission USA to spark a season of renewal and growth among Mennonite Brethren? The new ministry thrust of the u.s. Conference was birthed when leaders 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 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.
'I believe it'
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.
what God wants to do'
A recruiting coup for Mission USA, Ed Boschman will bring a portfolio of experience, 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 of administrative 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
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. "
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. "
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
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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 indelible impression on me. The writer told of an American woman with Salvadoran
refugees in Honduras in Central America. The plight of the refugee women was heart-rending. Their husbands and sons were goneeither to fight or were dead. They had little in the way of food, shelter or clothing.
This American was often discouraged and wondered how the refugees could survive the indescribable hardships they had to endure. She soon learned.
Whenever they were uprooted and had to start over again, the Salvadoran women immediately formed three committees: a construction committee to build latrines, an education committee to teach the children, and a celebration committee, el comite de alegria.
These women had learned that part of their survival depended on being able to celebrate so that they could face their daily suffering.
I don't remember ever consciously thinking that celebrations were important for survival. But as I thought about this story, I realized my mother understood this. Mother insisted on celebrating even if there wasn't much to celebrate with. In our home we celebrated every Sunday-well, almost every Sunday.
We would get out the best tablecloth we had and the best dishes and set a nice table. And, yes, the knives, forks, spoons and glasses had to be put in their correct places. Whoever set the table certainly heard about it if they weren't! During flower season, someone was often sent outside
to pick a small bouquet to be placed on the table.
We might have lived on Campbell's Tomato Soup or Pork and Beans, or even Lipton's Noodle Soup during the week, but on Sunday we had the best dinner we could afford. As I got older, I was allowed to make a dessert for this meal. Fancy cakes soon became my speciality. Furthermore, we were all expected to come to the dinner table in our best church clothes and to eat carefully. Sunday dinners were a time of celebration. I remember one impromptu weekday supper celebration. My younger brother had been sent to the store to get some hamburger. Instead, he brought home pork chops-one for each of us. Mother gasped at the expense, then laughed. "I'm tired of hamburger, too," she said. We dined on pork chops that night and even with a tablecloth!
In recent years, I have found myself rebelling at the idea of eating out on a regular basis, especially to celebrate. Frankly, I would rather fix something at home, add candlelight and nice dishes and enjoy a quiet time of good food and relaxation with my husband. Playing a favorite CD beats the noise of a busy restaurant any day. My husband still cooks a better steak than any I've eaten elsewhere, and fresh berries with a little half-and-half make a wonderful dessert.
Our meal is quick and easy to prepare, and guess what-we can dine two-for-the-price-of-one when we do it ourselves. Now that's celebrating!
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 Christmasnapkins, 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 MARVIN HEIN
QDoes the flag have a place in the church? Where is our citizenship, really? Do we owe our freedom to God or the country? What are the incongruities of a 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)
AThe 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.
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, JJ c/o Marvin Hein, 4812 E. Butler, Fresno, CA 93727.
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 of Jesus Christ.
QDoes our Anabaptist/Mennonite theology have anything to say about the angry dialog present in most political campaigns today? (CALIFORNIA)
AWe 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 of Jesus readily will set us apart from our culture. That is, if we believe in nonviolence!
India's 'whole story' has a positive side
BY WERNER KROEKER
• Love, service reflect a side of India's MBs we haven't heard much about lately
Eds. note: Werner and Elsie Ann Kroeker, retired pastoral couple from Reedley, Calif., were commissioned last summer by our General Conference to travel India a second time to help mediate the ongoing leadership conflicts in our largest national conference.
WHEN WE came home from India in 1994, people almost without fail would ask about the leadership struggles going on there, wanting to know if we had been able to solve or at least impact the situation.
Often we wanted to say, "But that's not the whole story-in fact, it's not the real story! Let us tell you something of the rest of the story." The story of India is rich and varied and that's true of the Mennonite Brethren Church here, too. ***
I was sitting on the bus with one of the team that had just finished two weeks with the Church Partners Evangelism program under Peter Loewen. He commented on the kindness and courtesy of the people in the Indian villages. They had been generous with their things and their time.
"We could learn ... ," he said. I agree. Indian Mennonite Brethren have much to teach us. Not infrequently we watch someone give away something of which, in our opinion, they have too little. "Give us today our daily bread," is often prayed here with deep sincerity.
We have heard their prayers of gratitude for things which for us just as surely as for them come from God. Yet living closer to the edge of necessity, as so many do, Indian prayers of both asking and receiving so often seem to ring true.
Yes, they-as we-often practice
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
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 explain, he did not drink it. When his uncle left the room, he offered the milk to the cat which went into convulsions and died.
In some villages there are threats and even beatings. What is impressive is that not much is made of this-it is as though it is to be expected. Sometimes preachers are ridiculed. The salary they receive is often pathetically small. When the amount of one village preacher's salary became known, he was ridiculed by someone saying that his God was certainly not taking good care of him. His reply was that the one he worshiped was able to take five small breads and two little fish and feed 5,000 people with them.
Spiritual forces seem more obvious here. A woman told us that while she was seriously ill, Jesus came to comfort her. She has believed and served him ever since. A wealthy man, the only Christian in his rather large village, bought a plot of ground which he donated for a church building. The Mennonite Brethren pastor from another village came to "cleanse" the plot of its idol. Shortly after that the former owner's crops failed. He blamed the Christian, who told him that it was not he who had removed the idol. He should tell his god about the Christian preacher. After some days he returned to the Christian to tell him that his god had told him that he had no power over Christian preachers.
Indian Mennonite Brethren have much to teach us. Not infrequently we watch someone give away something of which, in our opinion, they have too little. "Give us today our daily bread, " is often prayed here with deep sincerity.
Jesus is here in India. One brother told us, Jesus loves the Indian people very much, so much that he was willing to die for them. There are many people here for Jesus to love. They stare at us, especially the children, with our bleached skin and strange ways. Their material poverty is too often oppressing. One of our dollars can easily
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
"If 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 Arep ally , 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)
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)
Tabor to shift its ownership to district conferences
III Senate votes itself out of existence in favor of a streamlined governance
IT 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
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
IN BRIEF
• HARDWOOD: The Tabor College men's basketball team advanced in March to the " e liteeight ll of the 32team National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics men's championship tournament by defeating No. 1 ranked BethelCollege 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)
• 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)
.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."
• Facilities
VISALIA, Calif. (N eighborhood)- 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.
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.
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
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
AcadeJnic Dean
HELP US CELEBRATE!
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.
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
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
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
FRESNO, Calif. (North)-Pastor Larry Martens attended the 1996 National Conference on Preaching in Orlando, Fla., during the last week of February.
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.
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,
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 predeceasedhim 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.
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,
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
1. PHILIPPINES, Manila
2. NICARAGUA, Managua
3. UKRAINE, Kirowograd
4. PARAGUAY, Asuncion and Interior
5. FIJI ISLANDS
6. PERU, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Piura or Talara
7. CANADA, Manitoba
8. ZAIRE, AFRICA, Kikwit
9. INDIA, Hyderabad & Jongoan
NOTE: Dates may be subject to change.
April 8-25 / 96
April 30 - May 16/96
June 3-22 / 96
July1-18/96
July 14 - Aug. 2/96
July 22 - Aug. 15 / 96
Sept. 9-26 / 96
Oct. 13-31 / 96
Nov. 10-28/96
• 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
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 of Jesus Christ in a contemporary format. MBM has appointed videographer D. Michael Hostetler, executive producer of the feature film "The Radicals," to direct a
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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 be true? The Door thinks so. The MarchiApril issue of the Christian satire and humor magaZine, known for its regular feature, "Loser of the Month, " proclaimed the revered nun its "Loser of the Decade." Seriously.
"According to a growing number of reputable sources, it's becoming apparent that Mother Teresa, the mod- Mother Teresa: ern symbol of compassion, High stakes. is just as susceptible to self-promotion and-dare we say it?greed as the rest of us," the article begins.
Their evidence:
• In 1981 she accepted a "Haitian Legion d'honneur" award from the Duvalier family, who had been "terrorizing, murdering and stealing from the Haitian people since 'Papa Doc' Duvalier rose to power in 1957."
• More recently she accepted $1.4 million from Charles Keating, who was convicted for his part in the infa-
mous S&L Scandal. When he was about to be sentenced in 1992, she wrote a letter to the presiding judge pleading for leniency. She also refused to return Keating's "obviously dirty donation," even when asked to do so by the prosecuting attorney
• She accepted a $10,000 contribution from John-Roger, leader of the Movement of Spiritual Awareness, which the Cult Awareness Network categorizes as "highly dangerous." John-Roger has repeatedly claimed to have "a spiritual consciousness greater than that of Jesus," the article reports.
Donations from dubious characters like Keating and John-Roger, The Door notes, come with strings attached. "In exchange, donors get a public relations affiliation with the world's foremost symbol of respectability. "
• According to numerous reports, much of her organization's money is sitting in bank accounts around the world, including $50 million in one checking account in New York Cityeven as she claims her Sisters of Chari-
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."
news of Jesus 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 of Jesus'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.
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 tc.: of his birth, we decided to interview him. Posthu- 1. mously. These are his actual words. Really. We'll 11 carry excerpts in each issue during 7996.
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
MB Circles ... by Lorlie
Barkman
"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
A transforming idea?
Faith-based community organizationsare 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
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
person. And when you introduce a transformed person into a debilitated environment, they change the environment." (EP)
FILM
Vatican picks flicks
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)
And there shall be rumors of ... rumors?
FOR THE RECORD: No film is being made about the sex life of Christ. The
rumor that such a film is being produced continues to surface.
A photocopy flyer occasionally surfaces that erroneously claims that an organization known as "Modern People News" is pl,anning to produce a film that portrays Jesus as a homosexual and that the part of Mary Magdalene will be played by a notorious French prostitute.
The "sex life of Christ movie" hoax is one of several that surface from time to time in the Christian community.
Others include the discredited claim that the Federal Communications Commission is considering a petition to ban religious broadcasting, and the equally false claim that the president of Procter and Gamble appeared on the Phil Donahue show and admitted to being a satanist.
(EP)
SESSION 1: Why so few?
Based on IIA question of faithfulness" (page 5)
GET READY -Getting started
• How have you experienced the II warm th of the gospel"?
GET SET-Examining the issues
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?
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?
SESSION 2: Why so few?
Based on the respondents to Schlabach (pages 6-9) and the interview with Ed Boschman (page 10)
GET READY -Getting started
• What perception do you think your neighbors and coworkers have of Mennonites?
GET SET the issues
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 II re l uctant light" of MBs?
5. What ideas from the Boschman interview could add to the vision and growth of Mennonite Brethren?
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. II What evidence suggests that is true?
3. Share ways you have seen people "mimic Jesus."
SESSION 3: The Christian's "anti" attitude
Based on Ph'lip Side: "Antidote for an anti-world" (page 14)
GET READY started
• Which would get your vote for a vacation getaway: the Colorado ski slopes or the Hawaiian beaches?
GET SET 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 lIaga inst"?
2. Identify reasons why it is easier to be "against" and why ifs more difficult to be l'for. 1I
3. In what ways does the church struggle with the attitude, "Whatever it is, I'm against it tl ?
GO-Applying ideas to the way we live
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. 1f
SESSION 4: Learning to celebrate
Based on On the Journey: NHeip the children celebrate" (page 16)
GET READY started
• What childhood memory do you have of celebration?
GET SET 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?
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?
Commission. Questions by Nadine Friesen.
Guilt, grace and growth
THE FUNDAMENTAL balancing act of the Christian life is to successfully navigate the tightrope between guilt and grace. To lean too far toward one or the other can set us up for a nasty fall. Kept in proper tension with each other, guilt and grace keep us standing upright and moving forward.
Guilt can be good. As Tony Campolo is fond of saying, "Sinners should feel guilty!" Guilt is the spiritual mechanism that sounds when we willfully take the offramp along the way of faithfulness. It tells us we need to turn around and head in the right direction.
Guilt can also be bad. It can blare so loudly within us that we can hear nothing else. Extreme guilt can overwhelm us with our shortcomingseven to the point of paralysis. We decide we are bad drivers rather than good drivers who simply made a bad choice. And if that's the case, what's the point of turning around? Sometimes we even abandon the vehicle. Likewise, grace has positive and negative elements for the believer. In proper perspective, the grace of God is what frees us from the emotional and spiritual bondage of past mistakes. Grace assures us we will not be judged by our deeds, but by what God did for us through Jesus. Grace gives us the courage to turn around, to start again, to take risks.
al and corporate change. As individuals, we've wanted to "do better," but our good intentions have always petered out. We simply don't have the commitment, the spirituality, the willpower. We're bad Christians. Corporately, Mennonite Brethren have blustered about church growth forever. We've launched new programs and wrapped them in clever motivational slogans. With little results. Why should Mission USA be any different? Let's face it-we're ethnocentric and we like it that way. We're a bad denomination.
Kept in proper
tension
with each
other, guilt and grace keep us standing upright and moving forward.
But "grace" in the extreme can become an excuse for irresponsibility. Because we are judged on God's merits and not our own, we are tempted to say it really doesn't matter what choices we make because God always forgives in the end. This is what Bonhoeffer calls "cheap grace." It doesn't paralyze us like guilt can. Rather, it simply short-circuits our navigational equipment altogether. And we continue headlong down whatever road we choose without thought of the consequences to ourselves or others.
In either case, whether paralyzed by guilt or shortcircuited by grace, the end result is the same: we won't reach our intended destination.
A balance of guilt and grace is needed as we consider the question focused in our feature section: Why so few? "Good" guilt will cause us to soberly consider the extent to which we have not been as loving or faithful as we should be. Have we created or maintained barriers of class or ethnicity that keep others at arms' length? Have we been apathetic about our neighbors, or allowed busy schedules to crowd them out? "Bad" guilt will blind us to the possibility of person-
"Bad" grace, meanwhile, recognizes our shortcomings and says, So what? God loves us for who we are-we don't need to change. Corporately, it prompts us to laud our successes in education and overseas missionshey, God doesn't expect us to be faithful in everything things, does he?
Bad grace can get us thinking that way. We're irresponsible. We choose not to care. The presence of God's good grace in our lives, though, can make all the difference. Yes, we can recognize our mistakes and failures, but also realize God is not bound by them-and because of that, neither are we. We can be forgiven and changed. This is a new day. Our future is not predetermined. I used to tell myself that Mennonite Brethren have not grown numerically because we embrace the notion of serious discipleship. Jesus himself said that few would find the narrow way. I excused myself and my people on the basis of our "radical" theology. Even felt kind of good about it, actually.
Then I decided our problem is not with our theology, but the way we've chosen to live it out-or, more precisely, chosen not to live it out. As a body, many Mennonite Brethren have ignored or chucked elements of our Anabaptist distinctives for the sake of expediency and personal comfort. I felt angry and discouraged. These days I see an element of truth in bothpositions. But I see the locus of our problem as having a different origin: me. Mennonite Brethren have not grown because I have not done much to help. I haven't moved beyond my comfort zone, haven't enlarged my circle of friends, haven't befriended many strangers. It has had little to do with my theology. It has to do with the condition of my heart. Truth be known, I don't love my neighbor as myself-let alone as Jesus loves them.
Maybe you could make a similar confession. We won't change corporately until we change individually. So I challenge you to walk the tightrope with me. Let's claim the guilt we deserve. But let's also claim the grace God extends to each of us. We can be changed.-DR
