April/May 2011

from the editor

Henry Schmidt, MB Biblical Seminary (MBBS) president emeritus who died Feb. 8, 20II, at age 70, was a Mennonite Brethren leader who stood head and shoulders above the rest, both literally and figuratively. He blessed the MB family with his energy and commitment to biblical preaching, evangelism and practical theological training. Henry shaped our denomination by shaping the men and women who studied and worked at MBBS, people who are now serving in our churches and with our ministries in North America and around the world.

His colleagues and former students portray Henry as a fun-loving, innovative, visionary and intensely spiritual man who deeply cared for others and Christ's kingdom. The description of Henry as a father and grandfather written for the memorial folder by his two daughters, Debra Brady and Laura Roberts, highlight the same characteristics for which Henry's colleagues and friends commend him. Henry was an enthusiastic disciple of Jesus Christ who modeled joy, love, generosity and service in his private life as well as his public ministry.

Even when Henry was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, a disease that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior, his love for others and his faith in God's compassion continued to guide Henry's life. When he learned that Alzheimer's was the cause of his cognitive decline, Henry switched gears-from a retirement focused on international travel and speaking to building strong relationships with his family and to becoming a prayer warrior.

One of his prayers, say his daughters, was that God would cCbe merciful and allow him to leave this life still aware of his family and still able to tell Mom how much he loved her. God chose to answer this prayer." In June 2010 Henry calmly received the news that he had pulmonary fibrosis, a fatal disease. His wife, Elvera, cared for Henry until the day when, true to form, he took the cCfast track" to meet his Lord. giant has been in our midst and we may not see another like him in our movement," says Ron Penner, president of Columbia Bible College, Abbotsford, BC, and a former MBBS faculty member.

Memories of Henry can be shared online at http://www.usmb.org/schmidtmemorial; an article at CL Online (www.usmb.org/henry-schimdt-a-giant-in-ourmidst) highlights Henry's ministry.

5 Conference Call By Ed

Boschman

Who is an American Christian?

6 Chat Room From tee or Letters to the editor

5 erson

By the Book By Lidiya

Tokarets

By Brent Warkentin 28 Church otes No happy ending

By Tim Geddert

We call it "The Tri mphal Entry, If and just like the Jerusalem crowds, we fail to notice that Jesus is holding back tears.

13 On the brink of heave

Dave Barney is dying and life is taking on new clarity. 1 dy Life

Horse crazy It's all about the kids

Kevin Hadduck

Home P geBy Brad Burkholder My dirty little secret A Riddle By

])artnering as one fa111ily to serve one fJord 011 one nlission, for the tral1sforrnation of individuals, fanlilies and C07n'111unities.

(The Sermon on the Mo nt)

Brent Warkentin

No happy ending

esus wraps up his cCSermon on the Moun(' by talking about a gate, some fruit and a rock (Matt. 7:13-29).

The gate. Jesus tells us to choose the cCnarrow gate," a gate that he promises will lead to meaningful life now and eternal life in heaven someday. While Jesus wants everyone to choose the narrow gate, he describes the reality that most people will choose the ccbroad gate" that leads to destruction. Some fruit. There are cCfalse teachers" out there-religious folks who might leave a good first impression but whose lives bear cCbad fruit" (character). cCDon't follow them," Jesus warns. He goes on to say that just because you say you're a Christian doesn't necessarily make you a Christian-obedience (good fruit) is one of the evidences of a true follower of Christ (v. 21).

A rock. Jesus ends this sermon with a warning and a promise. The promise? Anyone who accepts his teachingsand puts them into practice will become a strong follower of God, able to withstand the storms of life. The warning? Anyone who rejects his teaching will be knocked down by these same storms. The one who follows Christ is like a person building their house on a rock; the one who rejects Christ is like one who builds his house on shifting sand. One house stands up through the storms; the other doesn't.

The gate calls us to believe in Jesus. The fruit reminds us to live with discernment and obedience. And the rock promises strength to withstand life's storms.

So choose Jesus, the narrow gate. It's hard and it takes commitment, but it will lead to life. The broad road is the easy one. You don't need directions to find it-just follow the crowd. There's no resistance and no commitment. But it won't be a happy ending. So choose Jesus.

Be discerning of spiritual leaders. Interestingly, Jesus gives more warning about dangerous religious people than about dangerous irreligious people-perhaps because we usually spot the irreligious people right away. I(s the religious ones that can catch us off guard. Let's not become skeptics and cynics who doubt every ccpreacher" that comes along, but it would be good to keep our eyes peeled for fruit.

Put Christ's teachings into practice. Doing so will not only align you with truth but will make you strong to withstand life's storms.

Perhaps the greatest testimony to the power of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount was the response of the people: They were amazed because ccJesus taught as one who had authority and not as their teachers of the law." May we walk away from this sermon with the same responses.

Brent Warkentin is lead pastor at First MB Church, Wichita, Kan.

tlWhen Jesus had finished saying the e thin the amazed at his teaching, because he taught authority, and not as their teacher.

Matt. 7.2

Connie Faber EDITOR

Myra Holmes ASSISTANT EDITOR

Shelley Plett GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Candace Ann Photography, Sioux Falls, SD COVER PHOTO

The Christian Leader [ISSN 0009-5149] is a gathering place for the people, passions and mission of U.S Mennonite Brethren. The Christian Leader is published bimonthly by the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. However, the opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the church as a whole.

COPYRIGHT The articles printed in the Christian Leader are owned by the CL or by the author and may not be reprinted without permission. Unless noted, Scripture quotations are from the New International Version.

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Ed Boschman USMB Executive Director ebed@usmb.org

Who is an American Christian?

e often watch the television quiz show Jeopardy! at our house. We like to see how quick people are with their thumbs and how smart they are. It is also an opportunity to get some low-risk information about how smart we are.

Whenever a biblical category comes up, we go into full alert mode. If ever I'd be willing to subject myself to that kind of pressure with the world watching, it seems, at least hypothetically, that this would be a category in which I could hold my own. Usually that turns out to be true, but sometimes I am amazed by what I don't know about the Bible. Some weeks ago host Alex Trebek was posing questions about what the next book of the Bible would be if thinking alphabetically. For example, what would come after Exodus? Ummmm?

For a number of years we have been alerted to the concern that we Christians are becoming less biblically literate. It seems that what Christian homes and churches accomplished in earlier decades is no longer happening. Anymore, ordinary folks among us can't list the Ten Commandments or even half of them.

And if you are becoming judgmental at this moment, take a break and see how long it takes you to list the Decalogue. Can you still quote the 23rd Psalm? How fast do you think you can find the book of Hezekiah? If you think that wouldn't be a problem, I got you!

The Barna Group conducted over 5,000 nonproprietary interviews in our nation over the past year discovered some data, published Dec. 13, 2010, on theIr Web site, that ought to concern us more than just a little: cCChristians are becoming more ingrown and less outreach oriented."

I would have hoped otherwise, with the current emphasis on the imperative of viewing local churches in

the U.S. as mission outposts. The research demonstrated that cCgrowing numbers of people are less interested in spiritual principles and more desirous of learning pragmatic solutions for life." Teenagers, for say that faith is significant to them, but that It falls behind the priorities of education, career, friendships and travel.

Another alarming discovery was that cCthe postmodern insistence on tolerance is winning over the Christian church." For whatever reasons, American believers are increasingly hesitant to make choices and hold convictions that would make others label them as judgmental or intolerant. Standing up for what is right no matter the cost appears to be waning.

Equally alarming is the conclusion that cCthe influence of Christianity on culture and individual lives is largely invisible." In recent history, Christianity has been viewed as measurable added value in our culture. These days, c'Americans are hard pressed to identify any specific value added." The narrative that follows points out that the problem is not with the substance of the faith but with the private and public implementation of the faith. That sounds all too familiar. When it comes to walking the talk, have we come off the rails?

One more. The results showed that cCthe Christian church is becoming less theologically literate." My sense is that this has the potential to create double jeopardy. Not knowing is a predictable gateway to not being and to not doing.

What do you think should be done about these realities? And who do you think should do it? Is it the responsibility of the various Boards of Faith and Life among us? Or is it a local church problem? Or is it moms and dads? Or will it take a village?

For w atever reaso s, A erican believers are increasing y hesitant to make choices and ho d convictio stat ould make others la e them as judgmental or intolerant.

Stand out or stand by Joining the TOMS craze

Let's talk straight about the unpopular part of our Confession of Faith regarding love and peacemaking. Most Mennonite Brethren don't support the gospel of peace as taught by the head of the church in the Sermon on the Mount. It is not, and never has been, an unrealistic ideal like some would now suppose. The working out of Scripture in nonviolent opposition to evil was born in the generations of sacrifice and blood of the early church. This led to the eventual overcoming of no less a power than the Roman Empire.

It is not a faith born in seminaries by liberals and dreamers but by men and women facing loss of property and liberty and death. The fact that we currently see our faith heritage coming from Mennonites facing persecution in Europe does not make our Confession simply an outdated ethnic tradition to be left behind like Low German.

Hey conference leaders, rather than watch the slow marginalization of a dwindling number of people who support nonviolent resistance to evil, let's be proactive. Start and promote some Christcentered churches where people think globally and do not put national interests before the kingdom of God and the spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth. Perhaps church leaders might be surprised to find an eager audience among the younger generation once they begin to support, even preach, an emphasis on peacemaking as the biblical solution.

We will either stand out for our Confession of Faith or stand by as our hard won scriptural beliefs are swallowed up in the waves of church fads and nondenominationalism.

Clinton Bergen

Gabrielle Bergen

Carla Bergen

Orland, Calif

Kudos to the Christian Leader for its front cover and Blake Mycoskie article in the February/March issue. I had never seen nor heard of TOMS Shoes until I spent four weeks in the bush in northern Zambia this summer. It was the teenagers traveling with me that brought this very basic shoe to my attention: cCOh my goodness, Karen, TOMS really does give shoes to people in developing countries!"

It wasn't until pictures were shared on Facebook that I realized the significance of these shoes. Three weeks after returning to the United States, I sat in a social welfare class at Kansas University and noticed the same shoes worn by classmates that I saw worn by AIDS orphans north of Chingola. Of course, I joined the cCfad/' especially as my daughter, a college sophomore, wanted nothing more for Christmas then a pair of TOMS. Actually, the shoes are so basic looking they could be mistaken for something bought at a discount store.

In the midst of expanding my awareness and knowledge that for every pair of shoes bought from TOMS, the exactsame pair is sent to a child in a third world country, I was challenged by my sister. She said, CCForgo the high-end TOMS shoes and send four pairs of shoes to Africa, rather than one." Though this sounds nice and actually is true ($50.00 would easily buy five pairs of shoes for a child overseas), I know that in reality I would not go buy five pairs of shoes and mail them. I like to think I would, but in reality I wouldn't. So as I wear my TOMS to town, school and work, I am assured that the same pair is being worn by a child in a developing country. And now my 82-year-old mother wants a pair.

Karen Clark- Elliott Hillsboro, Kan.

The Christian Leaderwelcomes letters to the edito'r. Letters slto'04dbe 300 words or Jess aDd on ORe subject. Letters must be signed and include writer's city and state. Lette,rs will be ed'ileet for clarity, appr8priaten8SS and length. Letters will be published, as space allows, HRllSS marked "R'ot for publicatioA." Readers wishing to respond to articles published electronicaUy ca,A Pist comments on OUI Web site (www.u8mll.ort/cbristlanleader) and can also leave comments on the CL Facebook pa;ge.

Ministry Quest (MQL the program developed in 2002 by MB Biblical Seminary to help young people hear and act on God's call, is finding a new home at Tabor College, the Mennonite Brethren college located in Hillsboro, Kan. Professor Wendell Loewen will oversee the program and is working to keep MQ moving forward as seamlessly as possible.

"Ministry Quest provides Tabor College with a wonderful opportunity to partner with our congregations to call out young leaders and shape the future

of the church," says Loewen.

isi ·s 0 u t f rm r

'U -st

hl·nlll,... toe a L" MQ has worked with more than 115 churches and nearly 300 high school participants across North America. Every student has been mentored by someone from his or her congregation, resulting in strengthened disciple-making leaders in the local churches.

"Ministry Quest is an ideal mission fit for Tabor," says Tabor College President Jules Glanzer. "Since our inception, we have trained men and women for ministry in the local church. Ministry Quest helps us to continue to fulfill our mission of preparing people for a life of learning, work and service for Christ and his kingdom."

Supporting the shared visionof calling out young people to ministry and service, the memo of understanding which formalized the transfer was signed by Seminary Dean Lynn Jost, Steve Prieb, seminary advancement (Midwest), Glanzer and Loewen. The Tabor College Board of Directors approved the transfer at their February meeting.

Ministry Quest will function in Canada under the auspices of the Canadian MB Conference-FPBS/TC

LAMB district gathers moves to Tabor

Church members and leaders from the eight churches in South Texas that comprise the Latin American Mennonite Brethren District Conference (LAMB) met Feb. 5-6 for their annual convention.

More than 35 leaders gathered Saturday to review district and local church statistics, leadership, services and events and to approve a new district budget. For the first time, the district budget includes support for the national conference, indicating a growing desire to partner with the larger USMB family.

An estimated 200 attended a district-wide rally Sunday afternoon that included worship and communion. Guest speaker Ed Boschman, USMB executive director, encouraged attendees to "tell the Jesus story" across cultural boundaries, as Philip did in Acts 8.

"It wasrefreshing to be with our Latin American brothers and sisters," Boschman says. "There is a growing anticipation of what God will do among them and through them in their next chapter of ministry." Among the things contributing to district excitement: The district is sending students to the National Youth Convention this month, and the Mission (Texas) MB Church is looking to build and expand.

The district gatherings were followed by a day of leadership training with pastors and key leaders from local churches. -from a report by Ed Boschman

(God at work in the mennonite brethren world)

ICOMB launches scholarship 5 minutes with Dale Varian

The International Community of Mennonite Brethren [ICOMB) has launched a Global Scholarship Fund to develop leaders for MB churches around the world, not only in biblical and theological studies, but also in education, medicine, business and other professions.

"Our goal is to build visionary and sustainable local and national churches everywhere the Mennonite Brethren family exists," says Dalton Reimer, ICOMB's education facilitator. Priority will be given to candidates outside North America for study within their home country. MB Mission, the global MB mission agency, will manage the fund on behalf of ICOMB. MB Mission is directing earnings from its previous educational endowments into the Global Scholarship Fund, integrating resources for MB leadership training around the world. In its management role, MB Mission will receive and receipt all gifts on behalf of ICOMB. ICOMB is a growing, global association of 19 national MB conferences. For more information, see www.icomb.org/scholarships. -ICOMB

byTheNumbers

Fewer than 1 in 10 parents describe teens as generous.

53% of teens say the current economic climate makes them MORE AWARE of OTHERS' NEEDS.

7'010 of teens say they give to charities.

Eighty-year-oLd DaLe Yarian is well into his second career. LaureLgLen BibLe Church, BakersfieLd, Calif., ceLebrated Yarian:S 25 years of service as church custodian in September 2010.

How did you get started in this work?

I worked in the accounting department at ARCO for 27 years and retired at 55. I didn't want to just sit around and do nothing. This was something I could do that was part of the Lord's work, not just my work.

What keeps you motivated?

It's important to keep the Lord's house in good shape. It reflects on the Lord. His house should look better than our own houses.

Is it frustrating to clean and see people mess up the building again?

We've got everybody well trained. They want to keep the place in good condition, too.

What is your day like?

I start at four 0' clock in the morning, five days a week, so the heat is on and it's pretty well set up by the time people get here at eight. I can get a lot done in that four hours.

Have you seen a lot of growth and changes over the years at LBC?

I am the longest person on staff here. When I came in 1985 we had just one building, and I was the only custodian. Now we have three custodians and have been through three building programs.

At 80, how long do you plan to keep working at this job?

I've only missed one week in 26 years. I'm going to keep going as long as the Lord gives me strength.

What advice do you have for church people?

Tell people thank you. People do that for me all the time. We ought to do that with all the members.

Interview by Kathy Heinrichs Wiest

M Can

poin l ad rs

Two Canadian Mennonite Brethren stepped into key leadership roles in January. Bruce Guenther has been appointed as interim president and developer of MB Biblical Seminary Canada, and Willy Reimer has been appointed executive director for the Canadian Conference of MB Churches. Guenther's mandate is to provide oversight to the seminary campuses in Langley, Be, and Winnipeg; Man. Reimer began his duties in a one-third-time capacity, which will expand to full time in late summer.-CCMBC

Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) is helping Pakistani flood victims through a collaborative project funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The project aims to meet immediate needs while also making Pakistan's banking landscape more inclusive of the poor. Using funds provided by the government of Pakistan, United Bank Limited of Pakistan will issue VISA debit cards, preloaded with $235, to 1.6 million families displaced by flooding. MEDA will manage, monitor and report on the project. MEDA is an association of Anabaptist Christians in business.-MEOA

Watershed church planters Jason Phelps and Paul Bartel, along with church members Emily Railsback, Jenny Gaskell and Derek Hamm, have created a devotional book called, II n" I t r. hd Vade u 0 011. The devotional has been published and is being used by this Mennonite Brethren church plant in Kansas City, Mo. Vade Mecum, meaning "go with me," is designed to be a "travel guide" for the Christian community on their shared spiritual journey. The book is available online at www.Amazon.com or from Watershed Jason0watershedkc.com Biblical Seminary

eed a spiritual travel guide?

o « w ..J

Z <! 0:: u

aIm Sunday is a day of pomp and pageantry. Many church sanctuaries are decorated with palm fronds. I've even been in a church that literally sent a donkey down the aisle with a Jesus-figure on it. We cheer with the crowds-shout our hosannas-praising God exuberantly as Jesus the king enters the royal city.

But if Matthew, the gospel writer, attended one of our Palm Sunday services, I fear he would respond in dismay, you get it?" We call Jesus' ride into Jerusalem HThe Triumphal Entry," and just like the Jerusalem crowds, we fail to notice that Jesus is holding back tears.

Jesus did not intend for this to be a victory march into Jerusalem, a political rally to muster popular support or a publicity stunt for some worthy project. Jesus was staging a protest-a

PROTEST CH

a go

protest against the empire-building ways of the world.

Zechariah's script

The script for Jesus' dramatic action is found in Zechariah. Matthew makes this unmistakably clear (Matt. 2I:l-n). Zechariah refers to cC a colt, the foal of a donkey," and since the script has Jesus on a donkey that is what it must be. And two of them, if necessary.

The crowds have read Zechariah's script ... well, part of it, at least. I quote from Zechariah 9:9: HRejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious .... " (TN IV)

If that were the end of the text, we might well say, ccGood for you, Jerusalem crowds. Shout it out. Cry your hosannas! You got it! Jesus is playing his scripted role, and you are playing yours."

5 nay?

But really, they don't get it. Jesus' script has him coming, and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey." The crowds somehow manage to ignore the animal on which Jesus rides and thus misunderstand the script that Jesus is following. They are sure Jesus is coming to restore their national fortunes. They are certain that his popular appeal can be turned into political advantage. They envision the day his ability to rally the troops will pay handsome dividends. Here is someone who can get them out of the mess they are in.

And Jesus weeps! Each of the Gospel writers hints that Jesus is on a completely different wavelength than the celebrating crowds, or for that matter than the 12 men who are supposed to be his faithful followers. Matthew does it by telling us in the previous chapter that Jesus' followers are

still completely oblivious to what lies ahead. They are still competing for positions of power left and right of the soon-to-be world ruler.

Mark does it by having this so-called Triumphal Entry lead directly to the fateful temple inspection that confirms all Jesus> suspicions. The entire religious

establishment is a sham, and it will stop at nothing to stay that way, even if that means making protesters pay with their lives. Luke does it by directly reporting Jesus> tears: CC(Jerusalem, Jerusalem), if you, even Y9U, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace. n (Luke 19:42) John does it by bluntly saying that Jesus> followers just didn>t get it, nor would they until after the resurrection-and then just as bluntly reporting Jesus> response: ccNow my soul is troubledr> (John 12:27)

No wonder. This was not supposed to be a parade. It was supposed to be a protest march, or

rather a protest ride. After all, that is what the script calls for.

Reasons to rejoice

The script does indeed call for Israel to rejoice, but not in the mistaken hope that the oppressors will finally be wiped out of the land. Israel is called to rejoice that a king is coming, one who will spread peace through nonviolence, who will cut off the chariots, break the battle bows and spread another kind of dominion from sea to sea. But the crowds don>t read past the opening lines, and so they cheer.

Jesus understands the script. So he recruits not a warhorse but a humble donkey. And he knows where this protest ride will take him. The principalities and powers, the powerful leaders of institutionalized religion and the combined ingenuity of local and foreign politicians, ultimately representatives of the world empire, will conspire to wipe out this dangerous peacemaker. But God will have the last word.

So Jesus recruits a donkey and rides humbly into Jerusalem. People cheer as though they cannot distinguish a donkey from a warhorse. And Jesus weeps.

What about us?

So why do we sing praises this day? Why do we not weep with Jesus?

If we are cheering along with the crowds, Jesus will continue to weep. But if we cheer for very different reasons, then a smile of resur-

hy TIM GEDDERT

rection joy will spread across our Savior>s face!

On Palm Sunday, if we really don>t get it, then I suppose we can just continue cheering along with the crowds. We can misunderstand this Prince of Peace. We can explain away his call to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us. We can turn a blind eye to the fact that Jesus practices what he preaches and is killed because of it. We can say, cCThis is no way to run the world! We want someone with power and charisma. We want someone who will look out for our national security, who>ll make our nation strong, who>ll rally us and make us proud of ourselves once more!n

In fact, we can cheer because we really don>t know what to do with Easter week-all that morbid stuff about suffering and blood and death and complicated theories about how this saves us from our sin. We could cheer because the crowds around us are cheeringand Jesus will continue to weep.

But if we understand what Jesus is doing, we can cheer for a different reason. We can cheer because we see in Jesus the one who turns the world upside down, or rather right side up, by identifying with the weak and helpless, by loving and forgiving where others only condemn, by turning the other cheek where others strike back, by transforming hearts where others impose rules, by absorbing violence rather than resorting to it.

We can cheer because we have seen in this Jesus our only hope for the kind of peace that really matters

ach of the Gospel writers hints that Je us /s on a completely different wave-. length than the celebrating crowds, for tha matter than the 12 men who are supposed to be his faithful followers.

and that ultimately lasts. We can cheer because we are given the privilege of following him, of saying <eyes" even if that means carrying a cross. We can cheer because, having made this decision, having begun towalk that road, we are also experiencing the resurrection life to which that path inevitably leads.

We can cheer because Jesus takes the risky and vulnerable road and demonstrates that it leads to glory on the other side of the cross. And because we have the privilege of joining his protest ride, and his death march, and his walk right out of the tomb.

More triumphs ahead

I think we should keep on calling this the Triumphal Entry because we know about J Triumphal Exit, right out of the tomb and then his even greater Triumphal Re-Entry into our world as the one who conquers violence and death, that greater Triumphal Entry that we will be celebrating on Easter Sunday and then again on

Pentecost. And so we can celebrate already. We celebrate not with the crowds who did not get it, but with Jesus who did. For Jesus, despite the tears in his eyes, has something of asmile on his face. He knows there is suffering up ahead, but cCfor the joy set before him, he is willing to endure the (Heb. 12.2)

And so, despite our own tears, we also rejoice! We rejoice greatly, we shout aloud, we cry hosanna, we sing our songs of praise. Not because we misunderstand, but because we look back on the day we are celebrating today, from our vantage point beyond the resurrection. We celebrate because we have begun to understand. We understand that the way of the donkey, not the way of the warhorse, leads to the goal.

So we join Jesus as he cuts off the chariots, breaks the battle bows, reshapes swords into plowshares and rides a donkey to protest a world gone mad. We weep still, but not as those who have no hope. And we journey on, riding our donkeys, entering that

kingdom of peace that shall one day rule the world!

Tim Geddert is professor of New Testament at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, formerly MB Biblical Seminary, and is a member of the u.S. Conference Board of Faith and Life. He and his wife, Gertrud, are raising their family to be bilingual and bicultural (North American and German). Geddert has written several books and many articles and frequently teaches and preaches abroad, especially in Switzerland and Germany.

by MYRA HOLMES

ife takes on brutal clarity in the face of death.

Trivialities fall away, while the things that really matter rise to the forefront of thought and feeling. the things of earth will gro strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace'" as the old hymn says. Dave Barney, 67, is in that place of clarity. He is dying. Diagnosed with emphysema se en years ago and now in hospice care, Dave eighs just over 100 pounds and no longer even has the breath to use his inhaler. His days here are numbered, and he kno sit.

As Dave considers matters of life and death, his faith in Christ makes all the difference.

It hasn't always been that way. When Dave and his wife, Connie Buskohl Barney, were married 33 years ago, both God existed," as Connie says, but neither had

4

any kind of personal relationship with Christ. Connie describes Dave as a gruff, grin-and-bear-it kind of guy from a Montana family-the kind of guy who liked to be in charge. HDave has always been an in-control guy," she says. Hlf everything is going his way, he's fine. If it's not, he's not a happy camper."

Crisis points

A crisis after the birth of their youngest daughter 25 years ago was the catalyst for Connie coming to Christ. But not for Dave. HI didn't quite understand why God didn't zap Dave at the same time," Connie says.

Dave describes his faith as a wrestling match between the human nature and God. For most of this life, his human nature was winning. HThat's when the old human conscience thought it could control everything."

Then, about 10 years ago, their marriage was at a crisis point.God, in his grace, Hrestarted and realigned" their marriage, as Connie says. While Connie had attended church for many years, Dave never felt comfortable. So when the Mennonite Brethren planted a new church in town, Dave felt at ease for the first time. Connie had prayed for years that they could worship together; God answered her prayers. Shortly after they began attending Christ Community Church, Sioux Falls, SD, Dave came to a new faith in Christ, and God healed their marriage. In 2009, CCC pastor Rod Anderson led them in a renewal of vows for their 30th anniversary.

When Dave's emphysema began to take its toll, his faith came into crystal-clear focus. He has, as that hymn says, CCTurn( ed) his eyes upon Jesus."

cCKnowing that I'm getting closer to the point where the Lord has decided to take me into the glories of heaven, he has entered my mind and gotten me to think even more of the Lord," Dave says.

CCGod is in control."

Facing his earthly end, Dave has confronted his incontrol attitude, what he calls Hhuman consciousness," Hhuman anxiety" or Hhuman senses." God has now soundly won the wrestling match. cCGod is in control," he says.

Dave's labored speech is peppered with reminders of God's sovereignty and his own surrender. As he reflects back on highs and lows of their family life and their marriage, Dave is convinced that even during the lows, even when he didn't believe in Christ, God had his life firmly in hand.

c1\s I find myself where I am, I find out I didn't have any control over any of that anyway," he says. cCS o now I believe. And Ire-believe."

Not afraid to die

Because he is convinced that God is in control, Dave faces death without fear. Heaven is more than a vague hope; it's a certainty on which he's staking eternity. cClf we are in love with the Lord and we have the Lord in our minds, we will be in heaven with the Lord," he says.

Sure, he's sad to leave family and friends, but that's not the same as fear. HI'm with the Lord, and the Lord has control of my life. All of my life," he says. HNo, I'm not afraid to die."

Dave's certainty has rippled out to Connie and to the rest of their family. In a reversal of their time-worn roles, he has become her spiritual advisor, comforting and calming her. Connie notes the beautiful irony when Dave tells her to surrender to God's control-wise advice from cCsomeone who knew how to fight him the best."

CCEach day is more grace."

Resting in that peace, Dave and Connie are making the most of each day. Dave says, cCOur anxiety is gone, the Spirit is with us. He's given me one more day. I'm OK with that. I'm OK with that."

Connie-a Certified Public Accountant-says that even when the demands of a busy tax season seem to pull them apart, she sees God orchestrating treasured moments: watching John Wayne movies or sharing memories over a slice of apple pie, Dave's favorite.

cCEach one of these days is just more grace that he's spread upon us," Dave says. cCThank you, Lord, for one more day."

Dave and Connie Barney shared their story with CL assistant editor Myra Holmes primarily via a series of recorded conversations gathered over many weeks, in which they wrestled together with matters of life and death and answered specific questions from the CL. Christ Community Church pastor Rod Anderson was an invaluable liaison.

Jesus knows that the plan he is being asked to execute requires him to take on the sins of all who have come before, of all who are then living and of all who will follow

have generated in Jesus a great deal of anxiety that his disciples could not understand, even though in hindsight Jesus spoke quite clearly about what was to transpire.

Brutal aloneness

The depth of Jesus' distress in the Garden of Gethsemane seems to revolve around two issues. One is his growing sense of cc aloneness" and the other is facing pain and humiliation, something he no longer anticipated in the future but that awaited him that very night. This sense of aloneness had Jesus returning to the disciples, asking that they watch and pray with him.

One of the things we know with certainty is that sin is repulsive to God. Jesus knew that the plan he was being asked to execute required him to take on the sins of all who had come before, all who were then living and of all who would follow. He was being asked to become the very thing that was most repulsive to him. It wasn't only the murder, adultery, stealing, lying and hypocrisy that have been a part of the human experience from time eternal. It was also the plotting, conniving, distortions and ill will of the religious leaders thatcaused him so much personal grief. He had to be willing to love even them and could love them only if he could forgive them.

We miss the depth of Jesus' despair unless we understand one thing about the experience in Gethsemane. The fact is that he wanted out. The awfulness of what lay ahead was more than he thought he could bear. He plead with God to find another way. We don't know how much time expired between Jesus' request and his recommitment to yield to God's will. We just know that this was a brutal time for Jesus.

Devastating hurt

Once Jesus resolved his ambivalence about following through on his commitment, things began to happen quickly. The soldiers came. Judas betrayed Jesus; surely the disciples were stunned. Jesus watched as the disciples flee, and he was left alone with those who would do with him as they wished.

Then came the hostility of the crowds, the false accusations, the cowardice of those who should have protected, the total disrespect, the injustice of a mock trial. The crown of thorns penetrated his skull, the force of the lash laid his flesh bare, causing rivulets of blood to make their way down his legs and collect in a pool on the floor. The

thirst, the spit in his face, the unspeakable agony; and then came the final blow.

After a horrific night of suffering, the dawn was about to break. Jesus heard the crowing of a rooster, and he looked up. He saw Peter. And Peter saw him, and Peter remembered. Peter fled into the night, filled with agony and the knowledge of having failed his word and the test of his faithfulness. He wept bitterly. Jesus now was truly alone.

The walk to the killing field was more than Jesus could bear. He received help. He was laid out on the cross, nails were driven through his hands and feet, and the cross was lifted up and dropped into the hole. His whole body was aflame with pain. He could hardly breathe; he was thirsty. He saw his mother whose own heart was filled with anguish.

But then came the most devastating pain of anything Jesus had ever encountered and had not anticipated. Until this time Jesus could escape to the mountains to pray, to be ministered to by the Father. He could find renewed energy and clarity of the vision that propelled him forward. This time it was not to be.

Judas' betrayal was one thing. Peter's denial was another. But now on the cross Jesus felt totally alone, totally abandoned. All he could do was to cry out in desperation: CCMy God, my God. Why have you forsaken me?" I suspect that God himself wept at the depth of pain and despair experienced by his Son. It didn't take long then before Jesus was dead.

So ends the story of the pain and suffering of Jesus. It is a story we often pass over too quickly so that we can get to the story that follows, for that is a story with a happy ending.

I thank God for the story of Jesus' pain, for in it we come to a full understanding that Jesus has experienced our pain, and that he walks with us in all circumstances of life. We understand the lengths to which Jesus went to reconcile us to himself. And thank God for the story that follows. For in these stories we find the God of justice, the God of love and the God who desires that we, all of us, find our way home to him.

Larry Nikkel chairs the USMB Board of Faith and Life. He and his wife, Elaine, live in Wichita, Kan., where they attend First MB Church. Nikkel was president of Tabor College for nine years, 1998-2007, and prior to that worked in the mental health field for more than 30 years.

Horse crazy

Kids win as SD woman combines passion for God, horses

l1lil1li

Nothing

is worse than when we squander the gift God has given to us," says Angela Mendel. cCl think it blesses God when we use whatever passions he has given us." For this South Dakota woman that means using her love for horses and children for God's glory and the sake of wounded kids.

Mendel, of Christ Community Church, Sioux Falls, SD, got hooked on horses as a girl riding at her grandmother's farm. Eventually, she got her own horse and learned to trainhorses and teach riding. Several years ago, she opened a forprofit equestrian center, but her dream was always to use horses as an outreach.

Her desire to help the hurting springs from her faith and from her personal experience. Mendel grew

up in a Christian home and had a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and desire to help others-especially children-from a young age. cCfve always had a tender heart for the underdog," she says.

She has had her share of personal peaks and valleys, including a failed marriage, divorce, remarriage and financial difficulties. So when she meets a child facing rejection, uncertainty, failure or neglect, cCl can identify with those."

During her own valleys, her horses played a part in her healing. cCThroughout it all, the horses have been faithful," she says. CCThey've been such a blessing to me."

The healing power of animals generally and horses specifically is something of a mystery. But the benefits have been confirmed repeatedly by experience, and so horses are being used more and more in therapies for the disabled and troubled, especially children.

cCfve watched it many times: A horse that might be difficult for an adult will walk by the adult, walk up to the child and snuggle right up to them," says Mendel. Unfortunately, many children don't have anyone else in their lives that will give them that kind of undivided attention, she says.

Given Menders love of Jesus, her passion for horses and her heart for hurting children, it was perhaps inevitable that she would want to combine those passions. About a year ago, she started Hope Reins, a

nonprofit therapeutic program for children under the umbrella of Spirit Horse, a faith-based program in Corinth, Texas. Spirit Horse had already CCinvented the wheel," as Mendel says, and has proven a rich source of wisdom and guidance.

Hope Reins offers hurting children one-on-one sessions or day camp experiences with horses. cCWhen kids come in, we're going to first show them love; we're going to show them Christ'" Mendel says. cCO ur goal is to be mentors to these children first. Then we teach them about horses, giving them a sense of ownership, belonging and value that they may not be getting in their circumstances."

Children who come to Hope Reins face all kinds of challenges, including foster care, broken or dysfunctional families, imprisoned parents, learning disabilities, autism, sensory disorders and serious illness. They are referred from hospitals, organizations like Big Brothers or Social Services, churches and individuals. And they are funded with sponsorships, so the experience costs them nothing.

When a child arrives for a oneon-one session, he or she is paired with a horse and with a volunteer who not only has appropriate horsemanship skills but also a love of Jesus and a heart for children. All children are taught certain basics like grooming, riding and safety, but beyond that individual needs determine how the time is spent.

CCWe leave it open to the child and their needs and their hurts," Mendel says. Some children are content to pour out their heart to a horse. Some want to walk through the property with their mentor, exploring the farm. Some want to take a trail ride, which Mendel says is a perfect opportunity to talk with the child, listen and show love.

Day camps are run in conjunction with the camps at Mendel's commercial equestrian center, West Ridge Equestrian Center. Each camp accommodates 10 children, and Mendel has found that mixing the cc needy" children with the regular camp kids benefits both, even though nobody knows which are there under sponsorship.

One child last year received Christ through a day camp, which includes devotions and Bible-learning activities. Mendel says that nothing is more rewarding than seeing a child come to faith in Christ, but she doesn;!t expect dramatic transformation in every child;!s life. It takes time to build relationships, she points out, and the obstacles many of these kids face aren;!t easy to overcome. Still, she is confident Hope Reins will make a difference. C]ust loving these kids with a Christlike love is the most important thing to start with/;! she says.

In the last year, Hope Reins worked with about 40 children; Mendel hopes to reach out to 100 in the next year. To do that, they will need sponsorships-a huge limiting factor and some of the hardest work for Mendel. She advertises locally and spreads the word through local agencies, businesses, support groups and churches.

Her own congregation, Christ Community Church, has sponsored individual children and supports the outreach through prayer, moral sup-

port and words of encouragement. As thanks, Mendel hosts a popular hayride for the church family each fall, which allows attendees to see the outreach facility firsthand.

At times, Mendel admits, balancing her business, outreach and family life-she;!s married and has four children-is a challenge. And the needs can seem overwhelming. cCWe live in such a dark world," she says. cCHow are we supposed to shine in a way that they;!ll know that ies through Christ that you get through challenges r;!

At the same time, she notes that any outreach worth doing will be challenging, so support and prayer is essential: cCWe can;!t do these things alone.;!;!

Mendel says, cCI do love my God, I do love kids and I do love horses. I think combining my gifts with horses and incorporating that into my love for those kids who need Christ is important."

For more information on Hope Reins, visit www.hopereins.net. For more on using horses in therapy and outreach, see the site of Hope Reins;! umbrella ministry, Spirit Horse: www.spirithorsetherapy.com.-Myra Holmes

miSSion

For over 110 years, MBMS International has served Mennonite Brethren Churches world wide, living out our faith and sharing the Good News of Jesus. The faithful support of men and women like you has been the foundation on which we have accomplished this work.

We have chosen to simplify our name to MB Mission to honor our past and emphasize our purpose. To learn more about this name change, please visit our website at www.mbmission.org.

Passionate about Jesus Obedient in Taking Risk

Centered in Relationship

It's all about the kids

SDC invests in youth with new district youth minister

Youth are a big deal in the Southern District Conference (SDC), the branch of the u.S. Mennonite Brethren family tree that includes Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Colorado. The district-run camps and youth conferences are not only the most extensive in the USMB family but also represent some of the largest USMB gatherings, bar none.

Now the district has upped their investment in youth by hiring a half-time district youth minister, Russ Claassen. In his new role, Claassen will provide leadership to district youth events and serve as pastor to youth workers.

A district youth minister (DYM) is not a new idea in the SDC. Wendell Loewen served in that role for nearly 10 years in a quarter-time capacity until he resigned in summer of 2009 to expand his responsibilities at Tabor College, the MB school in Hillsboro, Kan. With a shift to a half-time DYM, the district is clearly communicating that youth are still a priority.

we can do to connect kids to Christ will make a difference for the future of our church-

es," says Christy Goentzel, chair of the district's Youth Commission. She points out that the SDC has seen the dividends of their investment as youth events have grown exponentially and local youth programs have been strengthened. As the district youth ministry has grown, so has the need for a resource for youth workers-a key reason the district has increased the position from quarter to half time. In a unique arrangement, Claassen will serve half-time as DYM and half-time as youth pastor at Koerner Heights Church, the MB congregation in Newton, Kan.

Claassen is no stranger to youth ministry or to district youth ministry. Before embarking on this new adventure Jan. I, he served as youth pastor at Corn (Okla.) MB Church for almost 12 years and on the district youth commission for about six years.

CClt was just obvious he was the right guy," says Goentzel.She lists his demonstrated commitment to the district youth as one of many reasons he ended up on the Youth Commission's short list.

Claassen's passion for youth is quickly evident as he talks about the opportunities for genuine, lifechanging ministry during these critical years. cCThere's a huge opportunity to give direction and meaning to their passion and energy, and there's an openness to exploring God," he says. His personal highlights in youth ministry involve relationships in which he's walked alongside teens that have made God their passion and directed their energy toward serving him. It

doesn't get sweeter than that, he says, not even at SDC's summer camps or at the hugely popular district youth conventions.

Claassen and Goentzel hope that the increased DYM hours will allow Claassen to invest more deeply in the youth workers, both paid and unpaid, throughout the district. Claassen says that when he was youth pastor at Corn MB, the DYM was a resource and encouragement to him. HI always felt like I could call (Wendell Loewen)," he says, whether for expertise in youth trends or for advice on personal and ministry matters. Claassen hopes to become that kind of accessible resource and encouragement for youth pastors and to expand opportunities for face-to-face relationship building.

Those relationships are one of the strengths of SDC's youth ministry, whether between youth workers, between adults and youth or between the youth themselves.

Youth workers network at learning opportunities such as the youth worker intensive, students build relationships over years of attending camps together, and congregations use district youth events as ways to invest in and support their young people. Each of those relationships provides companions, guides and encouragers for students along their spiritual journey.

cCThose connections are vital," Claassen says.

He says that, although each young person's journey is unique, he hopes that through involvement in district youth ministry, each student will have a foundation for a

lifetime of cCfalling in love with Jesus more and more every day."" He notes that youth ministry, whether at a congregational or district level, is not a sprint with quick results but a marathon, a lifelong journey. His hope is that involvement in SDC youth ministry will be ee a part of the journey that inspires the remainder of the journey"" for youth.

r t' s not a journey without obstacles, Claassen points out. Since youth tend to be on the leading edge of cultural changes in thinking and attitude, youth ministry must stay current. res a challenge Claassen recognizes as one of the biggest for himself as DYM and for youth ministry in general. cCWe want to be sure that we continue to be relevant in proclaiming the eternal truth of God" s Word and the message of Jesus in a real way, an effective and efficient way, to the youth of today and tomorrow,'" he says.

To address that challenge, Claassen will read, keep in touch with key people at the MB schools and stay connected with those involved in youth ministry. And here, the dual nature of Claassen" s new position will be an asset: as he works as youth pastor at Koerner Heights, he"ll stay eein the trenches,'" as Goentzel says. Far from youth ministry being theoretical, he"ll be living it.

eer get to stay on the front lines, in the middle of the lives of youth," Claassen says. Clearly, there's no place he'd rather be.Myra Holmes

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Lidiya Tokarets

A simple conversation

ast summer I went to Portugal and Greece for three weeks on a shortterm mission trip. Slavik Gladysh (Fresno Pacific University staff member) led our group of 12 people. Before we left, we went through some training sessions with Mark Thompson, the shortterm missions coordinator of MB Mission. These sessions helped us to prepare for all types of situations we might have and also united us and brought us closer together as a group.

In Athens, Greece, we did a lot of evangelism out on the streets, inviting others to the local church and talking to many different kinds of people. Some did not want to talk, but there were many who were very interested in what we had to say and asked questions. It was amazing when we actually saw a change in a person right in front of us.

I remember a specific instance in which this happened. We walked up to a group of ladies and just casually began talking. As soon as Christ was brought up, one of the women didn't want to hear about it and encouraged her friends to leave since we were going to talk about

religion. She tried to convince them that we had nothing important to say, even though some of the ladies wanted to hear us out. Being outnumbered, she was forced to stay and listen.

After a long conversation and prayer for the women, it was this very same lady that thanked us for talking to them and praying. It was a real eye-opener for me to see God work in such a mysterious way. This was the very same lady that tried to pull her friends away from us. But it turned out that she was the one that was changed and saw Christ in a new light.

It felt like a typical visit and yet through it, God was able to open up her heart to hearing more about him. God can use something as simple as a conversation with another to bring someone closer to him. This experience made me realize the importance of encouraging one another, praying with one another and just engaging in conversation about spiritual life with others.

Those three weeks in July were a time of great learning experiences and a lot of spiritual growth. It truly was a blessing to have the ability to be able to

share God with people halfway across the world. God opened my eyes and showed me what it means to be a servant, to follow him and to trust in him completely. One of the biggest things I learned was that there is a great need for evangelism everywhere, including our own country. It is important to be a servant and bring others to Christ, not just overseas but in our own local community as well. We need to view our very own neighborhood, school and workplace as a mission field and get involved in sharing Christ with those around us.

Lidiya Tokarets is a student at Fresno Pacific University and attends House of the Gospel, an MB church in Fresno, Calif Slavik Gladysh, who is the mission department director at Pacific Coast Slavic Baptist Association, organized the summer trip to visit Slavic churches in Portugal, Italy, Spain and Greece. Europe is home to more than 5 million Ukrainian, Moldovan and Russian immigrants and less than I percent of these people are Christians. Read more about this ministry when you read this article online at usmb.orglchristianleader.

ITo help fund our nationaj mission of church planting and renewal, MissIon USA is promoting

The leadership of the U.S. Conference hopes this new annual weekend event wHI create more interest & passion for the collective efforts of planting more MB churches and church health programs.

Don Morris Mission USA director

Slip sliding to heaven

his may seem a little morbid, but bear with me.

I drive a lot from Edmond, Okla., where I live to places like Kansas City, Omaha, Wichita, Enid, etc. I also fly to places that are farther away, and after landing I drive a lot there too. By the time this comes to you, we'll hopefully be enjoying the warmth of spring, but right now we have ice, snow and sleet. The roads are often hazardous and downright treacherous.

While driving on one of these treacherous, icy stretches in Nebraska, going about 40 mph in a 70 mph zone, I started wondering what it would be like to suddenly be in the presence of Jesus. The old CCwhat-if' game started pinging in my mind: What if I hit a really bad icy spot and go see Jesus right this moment?

I pictured in my mind standing there before the throne of God, awestruck by the wonder and majesty of his presence and being incredibly thankful that I was adopted into his family. I would bask in the joy of being reunited with loved ones who have gone before and so on. I guess it's easy to be whisked away to a vision of heaven when your car is slipping and sliding in a way it's not supposed to.

So I made myself snap out of that heavenly day-

dream and focus on staying solidly right here on earth by driving a little more carefully. But that caused another wave of thinking: Why do I want to stay on earth? Well, certainly for my loved ones-my wife and our kids and their families and others too. But also because there is still so much work to be done on earth to help build God's kingdom until he does call me home. I thought of all the people who won't ever have the experience of standing before the throne of God, basking in his majesty, because they don't belong to his family. So as the car swerved and slipped a little more, I was reminded that this is all very real, eternally real. What if? What if the car in front of me left the road and the people were immediately ushered into eternity. Would they stand joyfully before the throne of God? Or would they Wow, this was getting a little unnerving. Those people that just passed me going 42 mph looked nice enough. But were they Jesus-followers?

Perhaps we don't think about heaven enough. If we did, maybe what's going on in our lives right now would include more passion, real passion, for reaching those who aren't yet adopted into the family.

Source: (Ralph Moore J author of How to Multiply Your Church, 2009, Regal Books)

2.7 million church mem ers becom / 'ACT/V have never heard the gospel.

(Schaeffer Institute)

LEAD Seminar deemed a success

More than 80 pastors and church leaders attended the first ever Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Seminar held Feb. 24 and hosted by Memorial Road MB Church of Edmond, Okla. Mission USA, the USMB church planting and renewal ministry, facilitated the seminar, designed to provide key leadership ideas for pastors and leaders. This first LEAD Seminar featured Craig Groeschel, pastor of LifeChurch.tv, as well as USMB presenters.

LEAD seminars could become a regular feature of a new national church health and renewal program being formulated by Mission USA in consultation with district leaders, says Morris, Mission USA director.

Other aspects of the new program being discussed are a coaching network, church surveys, conflict resolution initiatives and a church health resource exchange.-MUSA

Event to raise funds for church pLanting

he weekend of April 30- May I has been designated Mission USA ONE Weekend. Mission USA ONE Weekend was created for churches to individually and collectively organize and designate various fundraising activities for the benefit of Mission USA and church planting.

The USMB Leadership Board also hopes ONE Weekend will increase interest and passion for planting additional MB churches and for renewal efforts.

ccHopefully this will get our MB churches thinking more about church planting and becoming active participants in helping to make it happen," says board member Clyde Ferguson of Hudson, NC, and a member of the Mission USA subcommittee.

While some congregations may choose to raise funds by taking a special offering for Mission USA, organizers encourage groups to plan special fundraising events such as car washes, garage sales or sponsored walks.

clbu

Information about Mission USA ONE Weekend has been sent to all USMB churches. Questions about the event should be directed to Mission USA Director Don Morris at don@missionusa.net- MUSA

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY

PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH

The Board of Governors of Canadian Mennonite University invites applications and/or nominations for the position of President, expected to be effective July 1, 2012.

CMU is an Anabaptist Christian university located in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It was chartered by the Province of Manitoba in 1998, and received membership in the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada in 2008.

The President will lead CMU in accordance with its mission, vision and core commitments that are based on Biblical principles and rooted in AnabaptistMennonite and Evangelical perspectives, and will oversee all aspects of CMU including academic, student life, enrolment and marketing, administration and finance, development, strategic planning, and external relationships.

A full position profile and other details can be found at http:/www.cmu.ca/presidential_search.html

Nominations or expressions of interest should be addressed to: Ron Loeppky Chair, Presidential Search Committee 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2 CANADA Or sent by email to:presidentialsearch@cmu.ca

Brad Burkholder

My dirty little secret

Iwas introduced to the world of pornography in sixth grade.

Walking home from school, my friend asked me to come to his house to look at some magazines he found in his dad's closet. Some would say it was boys being boys. Curious. Ignorant.

Porn wasn't a cCproblem" for me until my mid-20s when suddenly it was free and anonymously available on my computer. I knew I needed help to fight the lie Satan repeated over and over to me: ccYou can't tell anyone about your addiction to porn! You're a pastor's kid. You're a missionary. They'll never forgive you." Ignoring that lie, I finally talked to my wife. That was one of the best choices I have ever made.

Porn and you

It's difficult to lead your family toward purity when you have your own struggles. Premarital sex. Fantasies. An affair. Masturbation. Homosexuality. Lust. Pedophilia. Porn. We all have our intimacy issues. They have different consequences, but God calls them all sin. To the woman caught in adultery (John 8:I-n), Jesus offers love and compassion, not condemnation. He leaves her with, ccGo. From now on sin no more."

We all need someone to talk and pray with about purity. If you don't have that someone yet to hold you accountable, start asking God for someone. An anonymous place to begin is the Christian Web site www.xxxchurch.org.

Porn and the family

I have amazing parents. At a young age my dad talked to me about the ccbirds and the bees." But that's where the conversation ended. Here are some ideas to keep the conversation going:

Early and often: As appropriate, take the opportunities life provides to talk about the uniqueness God intended and made in boys and girls. Jim Burns has written an amazing book, The Purity Code, which should be a requirement for all parents with children of any age. Check out Jim's ministries at www.homeward.com.

Purity vs. abstinence: Decide what you and your family are going to define as ccpurity." This will take you way beyond simply porn and cause your family to consider movies, music, magazines, etc. Teach purity, not just abstinence. Location, location, location: Have your computer in an open area where anyone can walk up behind the user. Have a computer curfew.

Install a SafeEyes program. Don't forget that smart phones have taken porn to a whole new location.

Porn and thechurch

We've taught abstinence and shame at the price of purity. Sex isn't bad. God made sex. Sex is good. When it comes to sexuality and intimacy, there are three areas where I think the church could do a better job of communicating God's design: Transparency. As church leaders we need to talk honestly about lust, sex and intimacy. Follow Jesus' example (Matt. 5:27-3°).

Small groups. There are some great resources from guys like Chip Ingram and John Eldridge that deal with marriage, intimacy and lust. Start a group. Join a group.

Seminars. Parents need to be equipped and encouraged to teach their children about sex, porn and intimacy. I've now held two seminars on the subject. Parents loved being able to talk openly about how to connect with their kids.

My prayer is that God will use my past sin and current struggles to encourage us all to talk about purity, intimacy and our dirty little secrets.

Brad Burkholder has been youth pastor at Hesston (Kan.) MB Church since 2002. Prior to that, Burkholder and his wife, Sally, were missionaries for eight years with Avant Ministries at Echo Ranch Bible Camp in Juneau, Alaska. The Burkholders have been married for 20 years and have two teenage children. Burkholder can be reached at brad@hesstonmb.org

Jan Woltmann

The calendar

It hangs on a prominent wall in the hub of our home. Every so often our kids or our visitors stand in front of it and gaze awhile. No, it is not a gallery of pictures collected from family and friends. It is The Salt of the Earth: The Christian Seasons Calendar 2010/2011, published by the University Hill Congregation in Vancouver, B.C.

It wasn't always the center of attention. When I first got it, I placed the calendar alongside my devotional material for personal use. But after a while, I decided we could all benefit from this subversive form of tracking time. So much to the chagrin of my husband, I put a nail in our maple wall cabinet to stake its place.

Unlike its popular counterpart, the Christian calendar exclusively tells the story of Jesus Christ-his life death, resurrection and ascension; its origins can be traced back to the festivals held in the early centuries of the church. The calendar begins in late November with Advent, followed by Christmas, the season of Epiphany (Christ made manifest), Lent, Holy Week, Easter and finally the Season After Pentecost. Interestingly, the 12 days of Christmas and the seven days of Holy Week earn their very own page on the calendar, indicating their significance. Each season tells the story of the Christian year through weekly Scripture readings,an explanation of liturgical color and provocative artwork.

So why is this form of marking time important?

There are several reasons.

First, the calendar reminds me that I am part of a discipleship community that began long before I arrived on the scene and will continue long after I'm gone. In the short time I'm given, I take my place in the communion of saints that stretches over 2,000 years.

YSecond, I need to surround myself with visible and tangible reminders of the gospel story that define my life-it is a story I desire to know by heart. But this is no easy task, as there are other storylines that compete for my attention daily. The calendar orients my mind and heart to the Christ-narrative.

In their book, Resident Aliens, Stanley Hauerwas and William Willimon point to the significance of being trained by the salvation story: cCEarly Christians, interestingly, began not with creedal speculation about the metaphysics of the Incarnation They began with stories about Jesus, about those whose lives got caught up in his life. Therefore, in a more sophisticated and engaging way, by the very form of their presentation, the Gospel writers were able to begin training us to situate our lives like his life" (emphasis mine).

The Christian calendar keeps my life rooted in the life of Christ-training me to situate my life like his life. And isn't this the prayer of us Mennonite Brethrenthat our life together in the 21st century would increasingly reflect the life of Christ and his first followers? We need all the help we can get to embrace the fullness of this reality, and so the calendar will stay in its prominent place at the busy intersection of our home life, reminding us again and again of the storyline by which we live.

Jan Woltmann lives in Winnipeg, Man., and belongs to The Meeting Place MB faith community. She enjoys spending time with her husband and grown children and loves to read and write. She is a writer for the Canadian Conference of MB Churches. Her calendar reflections can be found on the Canadian conference Web site http://www.regenerate2101.ca/blog/?cat=4 8.

lQuth workers and Barents: Tike a.look at two BOOks '. .' . . by Mennonite Brethren leaders .. in youth ministry-Wende.l}.J. ·re .; youth resources

TaOOvCo-leJe prefessoI, BaRlett, pastQ( of Beth«nyMB Cllurelim Fresno, Calif,,, and Jame.s Penner Of Lakeview Bible Church, an MB congreganon in LethlJt'dge, Alta.

Beyond Me: Youth Ministry in Gods Story by Wenden J. 2010, Fai;.th·

Consuming Youth, Leilding Teens ThroughCansumer Culture by John Bernard, James Penner and Rick Bardett, 2010, Ql1denr.an.

Note: The final two chapters of Consuming ¥@uth show oow the ideas presented play out in .Ministry Ques-t, the lJSMB youth mini'Stt:y program that Wendell Lpewen will hewn directing later in 20II.

churchNotes

mIlestones

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Matt Brandt was baptized March 6 at Garden VaLLey Church, Garden City, Kan.

Maggie Cornish was baptized Jan. 30 at HiLLsboro (Kan.) MB Church.

Marisha Vernon was baptized Jan. 23 at BuhLer (Kan.) MB Church.

Two adults and three youth were baptized and received as members of Madera Avenue

BibLe Church, Madera Calif., Nov. 21: Christina Edgeman, Luisa Kelly, Andrew Ayala, Pradnya Bergdahl and Garrett Bohall.

Dan and Connie Bowman, Jackie Campbell, Kurt and Gwen Eiklor, Nate and Jill Hower, Clay and Vicki Jaco and Jeff and Sharlene Schreter were received as members of BibLe FeLLowship Church, Rapid City, SO, Jan. 30.

Genesis Cruz was baptized Feb. 6 at LaureLgLen BibLe Church, BakersfieLd, Calif.

Deb Keller-Mitchell, Derek Keller-Mitchell, Micah Keller-Mitchell, Judy Janzen, Yanet Perez, Betty Smith, Janette Torres, Orlando Torres, Santiago Torres and Jessica Warkentin were baptized Jan. 23. Dylan Grimes was baptized Jan. 16. Richard and Catherine Njoroge, Ray Marquez, Radu Hanganu, Ryan Pearsey, Charles and Margie Emig, Chris and Amy Brakeman, Laura Johnson and Delia Wilkerson were received as members Jan. 9.

Tyler Oliver, LaDonna Shepherd, Anna Velasquez, Catherine Madison and Corbin Ail were baptized Jan. 16 at ULysses (Kan.) MB Church. Cassidy Reimer, Garrett Cornelson, Sabrina Branscum, Misty Ortivez, Patricia Butler and Mary Ortivez were baptized Oct. 24, 2010.

WORKERS

AshLey Irvine, MeLody Whiteaker and PhiL Schmidt are serving as interns this spring at North Fresno [Calif.] MB Church.

Aaron and Jenn Box were installed March 20 as the new pastoral couple at North Park Community Church, Eugene, Ore.

Jonathan Grubbs began serving as interim pastor at Hesston (Kan.] MB Church Jan. 18.

Chad Stoner was installed Dec. 12 as pastor at Stony Brook Church, Millard, Neb., the most recent Central District Conference church plant.

DEATHS

Dick, Vernon Richard, 89, Reedley, Calif., member of Reedley MB Church, died Jan. 4,

2011. Parents: Dietrich and Justina Dick. Spouse: Frances Driedger. Children: Robert, John, Steven, Karen.

Epp, Virginia Mae David, 71, Corn, Okla., of Corn MB Church, died Dec. 29, 2010. Parents: Alfred and Martha (Berg] David. Spouse: Donald Epp, deceased. Children: Michael, Randy, Pamela Ediger; seven grandchildren.

Fast, Geneva, 80, Ulysses, Kan., member of Ulysses MB Church, died Jan. 14, 2011. Parents: John and Lydia [Neufeld] Siebert. Spouse: Roy Fast, deceased. Children: Caroline Harden, Jeannette Leigh, Regina Chase; 10 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren.

FLaming, Margaret, 87, Corn, Okla., member of Corn MB Church, died Feb. 17, 2011. Parents: C.H. and Anna Dick. Spouse: John Flaming, deceased. Children: Robert, Judi Harms, J. Roger, Sharon Jenkins; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

FreeLand, Connie, 67, Fresno, Calif., member of North Fresno MB Church, died Jan. 4, 2011. Parents: lC. and Mary [Conner] Neufeld. Spouse: Steve Freeland. Children: Mark, Rod, Nathan; seven grandchildren.

Friesen, NickoLai John, 97, Reedley, Calif., of Reedley MB Church, died Jan. 5, 2011. Parents: Johann Heinrich Friesen and Anna P. Willems. Spouses: Helen Klippenstein, deceased; Mary Krueger. Children: Erma Martens, Verna Penner, Dennis; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren.

Gaede, Dennis JoeL, 70, Shafter, Calif., member of Shafter MB Church, died Feb. 23, 2011. Parents: Leonard & Evelyn Gaede. Spouse: Helen Gaede. Children: Randall, Rhonda.

Gerbrandt, Erma Marie BarteL, 74, Reedley, Calif., of Reedley MB Church, died Dec. 12, 2010. Parents: Leonard Bartel and Marie Penner. Spouse: Richard Gerbrandt. Children: Shelley, Connie, Douglas; eight grandchildren.

Graf, Annie Lee, 84, Corn, Okla., member of Corn MB Church, died Jan. 30, 2011.

Parents: J.C. and Annie [Vogt] Gossen. Spouse: Rhiney Graf, deceased. Children: Jolene Thiessen, Harlan, Lyndon, Mark; 11 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.

NeufeLd, ALvin H., 90, Hillsboro, Kan., member of Ebenfeld MB Church, Hillsboro, Kan., died Feb. 4, 2011. Spouse: Ruth E. Neufeld. Five children; 18 grandchildren; 13 greatgrandchildren.

NikkeL, Vincent J., 49, Hillsboro, Kan., member of Hillsboro MB Church, died Jan.

Henry J. Schmidt, President Emeritus of MB Biblical Seminary (MBBS), died Feb. 8, 20Il, at the age of 70.

"Henry often said if we can see further than others, it is because we are standing on the shoulders of giants," says Lynn Jost, seminary dean. "Henry was one of those giants. He was full of life and larger than life."

Schmidt spent 27 years at MBBS" as professor of evangelism and mission from 1976"'2°°3 and as the seminary's longest-serving president, from 19932003. He is remembered for innovative courses, a keen intelligence, his pastoral nature and his love for the mission of the seminary. His commitment to mentoring others is a hallmark of his life. Schmidt also served the U.S. Mennonite Brethren church as pastor, conference evangelist and moderator and leader of the Church Mission Institute for cross-cultural missionaries.

Schmidt was born July 2, 1940; in Grande Prairie, Alta. He is a graduate of MB Bible College, Winnipeg, Man., Fresno Pacific College and MB Biblical Seminary, both in Fresno, and the University of Southern California.

Schmidt is survived by his wife, Elvera; two daughters and their families, an ccadopted" son .and his family, one sister and one brother and their spouses, two brothers-in-law and five grandchildren.

Ce e rating aster in a big way

Every other year Pine Acres entire1\, Weatherford, Okla., produres an Easter page,ant with a scope that defies the congregation>s size. About 250 people attend PAC on any given Sunday; about 174 helped in some way with the 2 09 pQ:geant. PAC writes their own script for the pageant, which draws up to 1,500 community members.

Tony Cannon, pastor of worship and music, says, HOur people roll up their sleeves so we might all be used in spreading the wonderful story of the love of Christ.»

This year>s pageant will take place in three showings April 15-17. Eor more on the Pine Acres pageant, see www.usmb.org/christian-Ieader.

Snow day prompts Jouth service

When a Feb. 8 storm dropped IS inches of snow on Buhler, Kan., closing schools for the next day, the Buhler MB Church youth saw it as Cl;n opportunity not for sledding and s:IeeBing in but for service. At the prompting of church deacons and Dustin Dick, Buhler MB>s youth 'nistry assistant, about 10 young people grabbed snow shovels and began clearing driveways, porGhes an 51 ewalks for older members of ehur'Ch and community. the end of the day, the team had S oy61 :d snow for six people and gathcl donatiGns of about $125, Which wit go teward this montl-{s tionAl Youth Confetence in 5: n tonio, Texas.

9,2011. Parents: Leon and Karen [Rodgersl Nikkel. Spouse: Jessie Jost. Children: Jandi, Taylor.

Pauls, Virginia Lee, 95, Buhler, Kan., of Buhler MB Church, died Feb. 3, 2011.

Parents: Jacob J. and Tina [Schroederl Unruh. Spouse: Dave Pauls. Children: Joan Dick; two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.

Regier, Wesley, 90, Hillsboro, Kan., of Hillsboro MB Church, died Jan. 3, 2011.

Parents: Henry and Tena [Rempel! Regier. Spouse: Evelyn Seibel, deceased. Children: Karleen Vogt; five grandchildren; seven gre at-gra ndchi ldre n.

Schroeder, Clyde S., 60, Hillsboro, Kan., member of Hillsboro MB Church, died Dec. 16, 2010. Parents: Edward and Frieda [Schmidt] Schroeder. Spouse: Sharon Dahl. Children: Jana, Marc.

Schroeder, Kenton, 28, Buford, Ga., of Buhler MB Church, died Jan. 26, 2011. Parents: Richard and LuWanda Schroeder. Spouse: Kristi na Byrnes.

Slagell, Ella E., 82, Weatherford, Okla., member of Pine Acres MB Church, Weatherford, died Feb. 19, 2011. Parents: Emanuel [E.E.I and Lovina [Swartzentruberl Miller. Spouse: Harold Slagell. Children: Darla Zook, Ranae Almos, Reonna Gossen; four grandchildren.

Suderman, Regina, 90, Reedley, Calif., member of Reedley MB Church, died Jan. 14, 2011. Parents: Abraham P. and Tina Boldt Suderman.

Toews, Frankie Kellar, 90, Lustre, Mont., of Lustre MB Church, died Oct. 18, 2010. Parents: Casbie and Viola Reaves. Spouses: Orville Kellar, deceased; Rudolph Toews. Children: Orville Kellar, Jr., Phillip Kellar. Stepchildren: Dennis Toews, Janet Berg, Leroy Toews, Eldon Toews, Ellen Miller, Leon Toews, John Toews, Karen Hallock, Violet Vix; 29 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.

reaching In

DISCIPLESHIP

Dinuba (Calif.) MB Church is offering a class on biblical Hebrew on Sunday evenings.

A new Sunday school class at Hesston (Kan.) MB Church is designed specifically for single moms.

PACK [Partners Advancing Christ's Kingdom], a new women's mentoring program at Shadow Lake Community Church,

Papillion, Neb., intentionally pairs women for six months at a time.

A weekly marriage seminar at Birch Bay Bible Community Church, Blaine, Wash., invites couple to, 'laugh your way to a Better Marriage," using Mark Gungor's material.

Ulysses (Kan.) MB Church helped organize a Women of Faith women's conference in Ulysses Jan. 22. Nationally-known speaker, Bible teacher and songwriter Sheila Walsh was the speaker.

Attendees of Enid (Okla.) MB Church are being asked to commit to reading through the Bible in 2011 as part of "The 2011 Challenge." Reading plans are provided. In addition, the congregation is memorizing one passage of Scripture together each month.

HELL WSHIP

High school youth at Zoar MB Church, Inman, Kan., organized a "Carnival of Comedy" event Feb. 27. Proceeds from this fundraiser went toward the upcoming National Youth Conference.

A womens' event Feb. 25 at Memorial Road MB Church, Edmond, Okla., featured a representative from the local YMCA speaking on the needs of local women and children. Participants brought donations of baby items to help women and children in need through the YMCA.

A women's' event Feb. 26 at Bible Fellowship Church, Rapid City, SO, focused on "Taking Care of God's Temple," and included a healthy brunch and fitness workout.

When the congregations of Butler MB Church, Fresno, Calif., gathered for their monthly time of food and fellowship in February, they ate pozole soup, brought by the Spanish-language Amor y Fe congregation, and played "Minute to Win It" games.

Women at First MB Church, Wichita, Kan., enjoyed "tastings of sweetness, offerings of talents and testimonies of encouragement" at a Feb. 19 event called "Living a Life of Love."

Attendees of Bible Fellowship Church, Minot, NO, were asked to participate in a Dec. 19 Christmas celebration with a song, skit, reading or memory.

A men's retreat at Community Bible Church, Olathe, Kan., Feb. 11-12 was called the "G4 Summit": guys, growth, grub and guns.

(glimpses of God at work among s)

IgLesia Agua Viva, Kingsburg, Calif., invited the Kingsburg (Calif.) MB Church congregation to a Spanish dinner Feb. 27. The congregations share facilities.

An all-church birthday party Feb. 20 at EbenfeLd MB Church, HiLLsboro, Kan., featured world-class yo-yo master Matt Johnson and a dessert buffet.

"Find your PURSEonality in Christ" was the theme for a women's retreat Jan. 28-29 at Bethesda MB Church, Huron, SO.

Married and single men at RosedaLe BibLe Church, BakersfieLd, Calif., competed in a flag football game, called the "Wonderbowl," Jan. 22.

Women at SaLem MB Church, Freeman, S0, heard a DVD from speaker Jennifer Rothschild on "Me, Myself and Lies" at a brunch Feb. 12.

reaching out

LOCALLY

A February "Mission Encounter Month" at North Fresno (Calif.) MB Church included weekly opportunities to serve locally, including learning about international students, building relationships with those in local senior care centers, meeting practical needs such as cleaning and landscaping, and learning about the community through an "urban plunge" experience.

Volunteers from Neighborhood Church, Visalia, Calif., read books to children at a

LocaL Church:

local elementary school for the school's annual Dr. Seuss Read-a-thon March 4. Families from Hesston (Kan.) MB Church filled kits Feb. 19 at the Mennonite Central Committee office in nearby Newton, Kan.

During a Christmas "Tasting Party with a Twyst" Dec. 12 at Enid (OkLa.) MB Church, participants sampled favorite Christmas treats and assembled 55 food baskets for needy families in the area. The event was part of the church's effort to "love all" as part of their participation in Advent Conspiracy.

The Amor y Fe Spanish-language congregation of Butler MB Church, Fresno, Calif., offered two workshops in February designed to address needs of the immigrant community: a workshop on immigration issues, led by Miriam Cardenas of Mennonite Central Committee, and an eight-week course in Spanish on "Life's Healing Choices," which aims to help people with hurts, hang-ups and habits.

North Park Community Church, Eugene, Ore., has established a hospitality fund to enable those who wish, regardless of financial status, to take newcomers out to lunch after the service. The hope is that the fund will help make strong connections with visitors.

A Valentine's dinner Feb. 12 at Belleview Community Church, Littleton, CoLo., raised funds to help inner-city women attend a retreat.

CLEARINGHOUSE

Youth Pastor: Buhler [Kan.] MB Church is looking for someone who loves God, loves students and desires to lead a balanced ministry of discipleship, outreach and mission with junior and senior high students. For more information about our church and applying for this position go to our Web site at buhlermbchurch.org

Pastor of Care Ministries: Shafter [Calif.) MB Church is seeking a part-time Pastor of Care Ministries. We are a multi-generational church striving to win, build and equip people for God's kingdom. For further information please contact David Bloemhof at 661-979-8443 or bye-mail atdavidbloemhoffarocketmail.com.

RosedaLe BibLe Church, BakersfieLd, Calif., recently held a blood drive during a church soup lunch and dessert auction.

Grace BibLe Church, Gettysburg, S0, hosted a Christmas dinner for those in the community who would have otherwise been alone on that day. The event was so well-received that the church is planning similar events on Easter and Thanksgiving.

Russian EvangelicaL Church, Shakopee, Minn., hosted a national Slavic youth congress March 25-27 at Grace Church of Edina. About 3,000 people were expected to attend.

GLOBALLY

Girls and boys at First MB Church, Wichita, Kan., competed to give the most during a February offering competition. Proceeds went for an MB Mission orphanage in Thailand, and the winners received doughnuts. For the 18th year in a row, church youth participated in a 30-hour famine Feb. 25-26. Funds raised went to help World Vision feed and care for the hungry around the globe.

A team of 23 from LaureLgLen BibLe Church, BakersfieLd, Calif., went to Slovenia Jan. 20-30 to provide a children's conference in conjunction with a Campus Crusade for Christ regional missionary conference. This is the fourth time LBC has provided the children's programming.

Youth Pastor: Corn [Okla.) MB Church is looking for a scripturally grounded, fun-loving, energetic youth pastor for 30-plus high school and 15-plus junior high youth. Unique, rural community; housing provided. New youth building and experienced youth sponsors. For a complete job description or to apply confidentially, contact Mark Graf at 580-450-2999, 580-343-2613, mvgraf5fagmail.com, or mail to Rt. 1 Box 100, Colony, OK 73021

April 16-19, 2011- National :NIB Youth Conference, San Antonio, Texas

• June 13-17, 2011-IC01\IB Global Higher Education Consultation, Winnipeg, Man.

• June 18-20, 2011- International Community of Mennonite Brethren annual meeting, Winnipeg, 1\1an.

• July 25-28, 2012-Conection 2012, Omaha, Neb.

I HAT' LOVEGOT

I "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called thildren of God!" 1 John 3:1 a

I Valentine's Day is a good reminder to celebrate the people we love, also a good reminder to celeb-tate the One who came up with the idea of love in the first place, and I'm not talking , about Valentine.

I you're probably wondering where I'm going with this, and what In the world does it have td do with money? Don't worry; there's a financial angle here, In fact, within the apostle Paul's I::ontemplation of God's love there are strong implications for how we manage our cold, hard cfSh.

I Our would have us believe we are consumers and our identity own, $uying into that worldvlew keeps us on the performance plan, 51 self-1 0rth and win the approval of others with what we bUY' God us to relax: 'Come to me, all yoU who are weary and burd. rest" i<Mat thew 11 :28), 8y accepting his invitation for relatiOnship, the new identity, We become 'a new 'The old has gc has \:0 mel" (2 Co rl nth ians 5: 17) Fin anc lally, th e old that has gon e 15 ( new1that has come is our identity as nothing less than "children of Gc out identity is fixed; It needs no shoring up with a trip to the