August 1996

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(GET IT?) II Help for the humor impaired / 4 II At play in the Word of the Lord / 8 II Confessions of the noble fishaholic / 11 II Faith in the puddle / 14

INSIDE AUGUST

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...from the editor

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HILIP WIEBE IS RIGHT when he says in his article (page 4) that Christians are right to take God very seriously, but we shouldn't necessarily bestow the same honor upon ourselves. In that vein, we focus this month on a commonly ignored spiritual truth: We are the light of the world... so lighten up, OK? This first attempt at a "humor issue" is not so much a joke book as an encouragement to review how we see our life and our faith. It's about perspective. Philip Wiebe's aforementioned article is a great help in that regard.

Likewise, Wally Kroeker, a familiar name to long-time Leader readers, helps us recognize the lighter side of God as evidenced in the words and wisdom of Scripture.

Wally's delightful article begins on page 8.

But, lest we take the topic of humor too seriously, we offer a couple of items just for fun. Believe it or not, the Leader has actually won awards for the humor we've published. One of our favorites begins on page 11, where Wilfred Martens confesses to a habit that might just hook the rest of us too. His article won a fifth-place award in 1985 from the Evangelical Press Association.

Finally, we want to introduce you more formally to an old friend of the Leader: Pontius the frog. More specifically, we'd like you to know more about the man who makes him, er, croak. You can meet Joel Kauffmann and spend some time in the "Puddle" on pages 14 and 15.

On a more serious note, the lead story in Bodylife (page 20) focuses on the difficult days of Southern District church planting. Our intent in running such an article is not to draw attention to disappointment and failure, but to call us all to prayer and mutual support.-DR

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COMING Page 11 _ SEPTEMBER 26-28-General Conference consultation and Council of Boards, Fresno, Calif.. _ OCTOBER 12-27-Southern District regional rallies: Oct. 12-Tulsa, Okla.

Oct. 13-Fairview, Okla.

Oct. 19-Cimarron, Kan. Oct. 20-Buhler, Kan. Oct. 21-Wichita, Kan. Oct. 26-Denver, Colo.

Oct. 27-Topeka, Kan.

_ OCTOBER 25-26-Central District annual convention, Harvey, N.D. _ NOVEMBER 8-9-Pacific District annual convention; hosted by Laurelglen Bible Church, Bakersfield, Calif.

Page 14

-JANUARY 6-12, 1997-India 97, Assembly 13 of Mennonite World Conference, Calcutta, India.

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INSIDE AUGUST

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VOLUME 59, NUMBER 8

FEATURES - Theme: Humor

4 Help for the humor impaired If Christians have the most to be joyful about, why are so many of us so humorless? BY PHILIP WIEBE

8 At play in the Word of the Lord God's playful side comes through in the pages of his Holy Word-when we look for it. BY WALLY KROEKER

11 Confessions of the noble fishaholic Some habits are more biblical than others. Just ask a committed fisherman. BY WILFRED MARTENS.

14 Faith in the puddle We can learn a lot about our own faith foibles from the misadventures of a frog. Meet the man who brings him to life.

DEPARTMENTS What Readers Say

. . . . . . . . . . . ..

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Ph'lip Side

. by Philip Wiebe 17

• Having a nice trip

Inquiring Minds.

• •

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by Marvin Hein 18

Disunity in dual services The shrinking sermon

On the Journey. . ..

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by Rose Buschman 19

• 'Why do you teach?'

BodyLife. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

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• NEWS FEATURE: A church planting drought in the SOC 20

• Hispanic Assembly draws a large crowd 24 • MBBS manages a black fiscal year 24 • India 97 worship plans 25

Miscellanea

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Editorial

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• The faith game

EDITOR Don Ratzlaff

ASSISTANT EDITOR Connie Faber

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ART CREDITS: Cover and pages 4, 6 and 11, Dynamic Graphics,' page 8, CLEO Photography; page 14, photo courtesy of Joel Kauffmann; pages 20-23, Leader file photos.

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

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

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

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

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

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HELP HUMOR IMPAI FOR THE

by PHILl

WIEBE

HEN MY HUMOR PIECE ABOUT THE TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS

of neW" parenthood appeared in a national filagazine a feW" years ago, there W"ere SOfile, W"ell, interesting responses to fily tongue-in-cheek reference to the choice betW"een "bottle and, uh, non-bottle feeding."

"The poor man is afraid to even mention the word 'breast-feed,'" someone wrote. "Breast-feeding," complained another, "is not a word that should cause embarrassment in fathers-to-be." And another: "Breast-feeding is not a dirty word!"

I never said it was. I was only trying to be funny!

My mistake. I forgot humorist Dave Barry's warnings about the "humor impaired" among usthose folks who consistently meet grins, winks and one-liners with a straight face. Or with letters to the editor. But before we smile too pityingly at those who never seem to get the joke, it's important to remember that humor impairment can strike all of us at times. Not long ago, for instance, I halted the car at an intersection and waited for what seemed like an eternity for the signal to proceed. Finally my wife inquired, "Are you waiting for this stop sign to turn green?"

As a matter of fact, I was. But at that moment I didn't share Kim's opinion that it was the funniest thing since Laurel and Hardy.

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I'm not the only one who has trouble laughing at himself. A few years ago I read that retired baseball star Bill Buckner was moving out of New England to escape a single play from his long and productive career-a ground ball that rolled between his legs to lose the 1986 World Series for the Boston Red Sox. A rather comical moment, when you look at replays, but 10 years later neither Red Sox fans nor Buckner have been able to forgive nor forget. Maybe that fan wasn't kidding who claimed, "Red Sox baseball isn't life or death, it's more serious than that."

Today's world, it often seems, has become a place where minor flubs, foibles and failures are not life or death, they're more serious than that.

And Christians, ironically, can seem as a group to be the least humorous people of all. We who take God very seriously are prone to bestowing the same honor on ourselves. We who have more reason to laugh at ourselves than anyone, being selfacknowledged screw-ups saved by grace, have a reputation for laughing the least.

HUMOR

But we're not alone. Author and humorist Russell Baker once reminisced that his Depression-era childhood was filled with "so much joking that my memory of the period hears laughter everywhere."

Worries Baker about our current generation: "Our children will probably not, at ages 40 and 50, hear us laughing in their memories."

It's a sad point to ponder. And one worthy of further consideration. Why is it that the post-Depression rise in prosperity has coincided with a decline in mirth? What is it about our age that has banished laughter from real life to reel lifeto sitcoms and humorous movies and professional comedians? I see several trends that would test anyone's sense of humor:

a dangerous and scary place, but also beautiful and benevolent, God's creative gift to his children.

That hasn't changed, but how we view the world has. Danger and disaster broadcast into our living rooms from all over the world seem as if they're happening in our living rooms. It can scare us out of appreciating our world's bountiful beauties and pleasures.

We who have more

4. The fear factor. The prophet Isaiah lived in a time fraught with rumor and fear and stress, a time when threats of violence and destitution threw the people into a state of paranoia and despair. "They will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness" (8:22). That was several thousand years ago. It could have been yesterday.

Yet God told Isaiah, "Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy" (vv. 12,13).

More and more I'm convinced that an important and overlooked way to regard the Lord as holy is through a sense of humor. Has it escaped us how conspicuously Paul begins his list of godly character traits, "the fruit of the Spirit," with love and joy? (Gal. 5:22). "Rejoice in the Lord!" Paul emphasizes elsewhere"it is a safeguard for you" (phil. 3: 1).

reason to laugh at ourselves than anyone, being selfacknowledged screwups saved by grace, have a reputation for laughing the least.

1. The time deficit. In many ways life is less demanding than it used to be. I don't, for example, have to go into fields or mines or factories to wrest my living from heavy labor. Sitting here in my cushy office chair clicking computer keys is considerably less arduous than many occupations of the past.

Yet even while my life is less demanding, we have many more demands. The pace is faster, the information load larger, the schedule of appointments fuller. Who has time to laugh? While there is spontaneity in the act of laughing, a sense of humor develops with consideration, with taking time to look at things from the lighter side. During the heavy demands of our days, the light side isn't often a place we have time to visit.

2. The expectation gap. Along with prosperity has come a rise in expectations about what life owes us. My parents have said that as children in the 1930s, they were happy just to have food on the table and a roof over the food. Today those are hardly worth a smile. Our culture of affluence tempts us with the comfort, mobility, and gadgetry of the good life, creating a kind of'expectation gap" between desire and reality. Because reality rarely lives up to the perfection dangled in front of us by the advertising and entertainment industries, joy in what we have can be replaced by frustration for what we don't have. How much is enough? Always a little more.

3. The information glut. From the media we get the impression that the world is a dangerous and scary place. In fact, the world has always been

Laughter, God's medicine Being a "joyful Christian" sounds great in theory, but many of us struggle with it in practice. Fleshing out joy in a sense of humor, however, puts some muscles to it. Laugh muscles. In a sense of humor, joy meets everyday life.

In response to colossal mess-ups and muckups, people sometimes say, "All I could do was laugh." But in many situations laughing is the best thing we can do. SCripture shows us how a sense of humor, a spirit of joy, can strengthen our walk and witness, both individually and as a church.

• Laughter lends perspective. "Consider it pure joy," James wrote, "whenever you face trials of many kinds" (1:2). Sure, I can easily think, buck up, put on a happy face, and all that nonsense.

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trials, though, is why. "The testing of your faith develops perseverance" (v. 3). Trials are a thing of joy when we realize they lead right past the counterfeit happiness of instant gratification to the substantial satisfaction of being "mature and complete, not lacking anything" (v. 4).

In the impressive resume of the "woman of noble character" from Proverbs 31, an unusual quality stands out: "She can laugh at the days to come" (v. 25). That's the kind of perspective a spirit of joy can bring to our lives. Tomorrow's fears and tremblings fade the big picture of God's will and work in the world. "You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with

DID YOU KNOW?

In 1900 the General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches passed the following resolution: NThat jesting and joking by our brethren, whether verbal or in writing, in conversation or in published periodicals, should N be desisted from.

Source: We Recommend. ...

joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand" (ps. 16: 11).

• Laughter spreads peace. One morning when my 5-year-old went on a personal quest to discover all the ways he could "accidentally" knock over his toddler sister, I found myself lecturing him sternly on being more considerate. At one point I described animatedly how, if he swung his arms wildly like this, then she'd go sprawling like that-and my flailing illustration got us both laughing. It was a kind of truce. When our adversarial discussion turned amicable, we could agree that more care needed to be taken around a wobbly l-year-old.

In all areas of life-in relationships, at church, in society-a little humor can go a long way. When we stop to consider how silly many of our rifts and divisions are, and how ridiculous our behavior can be even in serious disagreements, we would begin to smile together rather than fight each other. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul made a point of this: "I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord."

How? "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" (4:2,4).

• Laughter promotes health. In recent years the health benefits of laughter have been well documented. Medical professionals and researchers have gathered substantial evidence that good humor is helpful for patient recovery, the reduction of stress and pain, and even the warding off of illness.

Such findings are nothing new. "A cheerful look brings joy to the heart," Solomon said millennia ago, "and good news gives health to the bones" (prov. 15:30). Even in Ecclesiastes, his extended lament that "everything is meaningless," Solomon could allow that "Wisdom makes one's face shine, and the hardness of one's countenance is changed....

So I commend enjoyment, for there is nothing better for people under the sun than to eat, and drink, and enjoy themselves, for this will go with them in their toil through the days of life that God gives them" (8: 1,15 NRSV) .

• Laughter brings renewal. In Nehemiah, when exiles returned to rebuild Jerusalem, an entire generation heard "the Book of the Law of Moses" read for the first time. Cut to the 6·THE

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by Lois A. Cheney

quick, "all the people [were] weeping as they listened to the words of the Law" (8:9).

"Do not mourn or weep," Nehemiah responded. "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (vv. 9,10). In their relief the people then went out "to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them" (v. 12).

When we truly understand God's word to uswe are redeemed, loved, cared for-even our messiest mistakes and most stressful of circumstances can finally give way to the strengthening spirit of laughter. "Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning" (ps. 30:5).

• Laughter embodies good news. After years of wandering and testing made even more difficult by God's apparent withholding of the blessing of children, Abraham and Sarah received news that seemed hard to believe. "I will bless her," God said to Abraham regarding Sarah, "and will surely give you a son by her" (Gen. 17:16).

In their old age, was it possible? More doubt and distress followed. But finally God's amazing promise came true: "Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.

Sarah said, 'God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.... Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children?'" (21:5-7).

What a heartening illustration of God's good news for us. Who would have said that God, creator of the universe, would call us his children?

Yet God "loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope" (2 Thes. 2:16).

How else can we respond? "God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me."

In our gloomy age, a revived spirit of humor among God's people would be a powerful and timely witness. Just as the psalmist celebrated in his own people's release from physical and spiritual captivity, so we can proclaim in our salvation and freedom in Christ: "Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.' The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy" (126:2,3). •

In addition to writing his witty column, Ph'lip Side, for the Leader, Philip Wiebe is editor of Rejoice!, the inter-Mennonite devotional booklet.

He lives in Salem, Ore., where he is a member of the Kingwood Bible Church.

I was born with a need to laugh.

Laughter cleanses me; laughter settles me; It stimulates me; and it fills me. I was born with a capacity for laughter.

One day, J had a 1J1aughing" day.

Everything was a straight line...

Every situation had its funny side ...

All dayl poked, and teased, and giggled and laughed...

And I had to work diligently to interrupt my laughing day with periods of more serious work but even they got jostled with humor, And I didn't care I met laughing people that day...

People who giggled and reacted and joked.

I looked into laughing eyes and a laughing face, And my heart was warmed and my soul swelled both giggling as they did so.

Eventually, of course, things calmed down; they always do.

In the dark of night, In the quiet of prayer, I saw ChristAnd his eyes were red with tears, And I felt sick, And I looked and looked at him, At his tear-reddened face And I think I saw him squint And I saw that the tears were tears of laughter.

And his eyes danced and twinkled, And softly, And almost impiously, He chuckled.

And that night I took a step Toward the Christ And J loved him as I never had Before.

And t would fotlow him Anywhere!

Reprinted with permission of the author from God Is No Fool (Abingdon, 1969).

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IN THE WORD OF THE LORD SCRIPTURAL EVIDENCE DEMANDS A VERDICT: GOD CARES ABOUT FUN

by WALLY KROEKER

VER WONDERED WHICH

sport is God's favorite? I think it's baseball. For one thing, it's the only filajor teafil sport without a clock. Theoretically, a gafile could go on forever, like an eternity. Moreover, there's something heavenly about a sport wrhere the goal is to "reach home."

I think God likes play. I think God has a sense of humor and wants us to have fun. That would be news to those who mistake dourness for diligence, who equate fun with frivolity.

Does the Bible encourage play? Granted, it's not a major theme. David didn't compose a psalm to a favorite chariot racer. Paul didn't write an epistle to the Troas Trojans. Still, there's evidence that God cares about fun.

Ride the wind, frolic at sea

Psalm 104 suggests that our Maker had a good time creating the world: "He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the 8

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wind" (v. 3). God created Leviathan "to sport, to frolic" in the seas (v.26).

Job shows us mountains "where all the wild animals play" (40:20).

In the perfect society-the city ofJerusalemone can hear "the voices of those who make merry" (Jer. 30:18-19).

Zechariah 8:5 says Jerusalem "shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets," possibly an

HUMOR

early reference to hockey.

In the movie "Chariots of Fire," future missionary Eric Liddell, competing as an Olympic track star, tells his sister, "I believe that God made me for a purpose-for China. But he also made me fast. And when I run I feel his pleasure." For Eric Liddell, running-play-was part of God's acceptable rhythm of life.

A barometer of life as God intended

When all is well, when life goes as God intended, there is joy, fun and laughter.

In Ecclesiastes, our work and our play are affirmed as gifts to be enjoyed.

The Song of Solomon speaks of lovers at play. Clearly, the knowledge of God goes beyond doctrine. It also involves interaction, communion, perhaps even the playful embrace of lovers. Imagine-theology masquerading as a love story!

This might surprise those commentators who have discounted the Wisdom books as the "irreligious orphans" of the Old Testament.

What we get in the Wisdom literature isn't like the theology of Paul. Proverbs, for instance, gives its message as day-to-day advice, often with a humorous topspin. The lines aren't exactly knee-slappers, but you can imagine the picturesque language and use of hyperbole as bringing smiles to an ancient audience.

What parent or spouse hasn't sometimes wanted to say with the biblical writer, "How long will you lie there, 0 lazybones? When will you rise from your sleep?" (6:9, NRSV).

Lethargy is a favorite target of ridicule in Proverbs. "Like vinegar to the teeth, and smoke to the eyes, so are the lazy to their employer" (10:26). "The lazy person buries a hand in the dish, and is too tired to bring it back to the mouth" (26:15).

The writer evidently knew a few things about strife, too. "Better is a dry morsel with quiet than a house full of feasting with strife" (17: 1). "The beginning of strife is like letting out water; so stop the leak before the quarrel breaks out" (17:14).

How to avoid strife? "Do not associate with hotheads" (22:24). And stick to your own knitting. "Like somebody who takes a passing dog by the ears is one who meddles in the quarrel of another" (26: 17).

Speak softly, especially when others might be sleeping. "If you greet your neighbor loudly enough in the morning it will be taken as a

curse" (27:14). I had a neighbor like that once; his boisterous greetings as he picked up the morning paper would wake our sleeping children.

The writer's own home life apparently was not always free of disagreement. "Better to live in a corner of the housetop than share quarters with a contentious spouse," we read in 21:9. On second thought, forget the roof and "live in a desert land," the writer adds 10 verses later. Anything to get away from a quarrelsome spouse who is "like a constant dripping on a rainy day" (27:15).

Pity the poor souls whom the writer labels as "fools." Alas, he writes, possibly from experience, "The one who begets a fool gets trouble; the parent of a fool has no joy" (17:21).

Stay away from people like that, we're told. "Better to meet a shebear robbed of its cubs than to confront a fool immersed in folly" (17: 12).

Common sense is a virtue.

Someone who is physically beautiful but lacks good sense, the writer quips, is "like a gold ring in a pig's snout" (11 :22).

When all is

well, when life

goes as God

intended, there is joy,

None of life is beyond God's interest

fun and laughter.

In Proverbs, God expresses earthly-and earthy-concerns, often with a light touch. Look at Proverbs 14:4, a verse not destined for the Sunday morning line-up: "Where there are no oxen, the stable is clean. But from the strength of the ox comes a mighty harvest" (NRSV). With a hint of a smirk the writer tells us: "Yeah, you can have a clean barn, but what will that get you? No oxen, no manure. But if you want a harvest, you'll have to put up with some mess."

Proverbial wisdom grew out of the daily lives, relationships and struggles of people like you and me. It shows the mundane parts of life as yet another place where divine and human meet. The spirituality here shows God at work in the nitty-gritty of daily life-the tears, the sweat and, yes, the laughter.

These books show us a God with both feet on the ground, a God who cares about our daily life. It tells us what it means to be human before God. And part of being human is to play.

Have you ever watched children play? Why do Lego blocks keep them absorbed for hours?

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What exactly are they-or we-doing during play?

Play is done for its own sheer pleasure. It is done for its own sake, with no ulterior motives.

It's honest and refreshing.

Play is immediate. You don't do it for the future, like canning pickles or painting the fence.

You do it for now.

But play is not without structure. A lot of it has rules. The rules-the shared understanding of what we can or cannot do-help make it fun. Like no peeking in hide and seek, three strikes and you're out, or 10 yards for a first down.

In tennis, Crazy Eights or Rummycube, you can't really enjoy the game unless you surrender to the rules. When someone breaks the rules, it stops being fun. That should tell us something about living in God's world.

Nearlyall people, given the choice, would rather laugh than cry. That must tell us something about God, in whose image we're made.

Very funny, now get back to work

As editor of a magazine for Christians in business, I've seen that humor plays a big role in job satisfaction and effectiveness. People who see their jobs in terms of daily spirituality and discipleship also tend to be the most fun to be around.

Recent research shows that people who laugh a lot work better and faster. One study shows 84 percent of executives and personnel directors say employees with a sense of humor do better work.

Humor is said to improve decision-making and negotiating abilities. People who say they have fun at work are better able to meet the demands of the job and are less likely to be absent or late.

Humor is also good for health. Scientists say laughter and playful behavior can trigger beneficial chemical and physiological changes in the body.

"Everybody knows that stress and negative emotions can really make you sick," says Matt Weinstein, an educational psychologist. "The good news is that the flip side is also true, that laughter, playfulness and so-called positive emo-

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tions can help people heal more quickly and lead to longer, more productive and healthier lives."

Laughter is said to reduce worker stress and boost productivity because it increases blood circulation, feeds oxygen to the brain and pumps out hormones that aid alertness. It also has been found to release the body's natural painkilling endorphins and enhance the immune system.

One researcher compares a good belly laugh to a mini-workout. Jan Marshall, founder of the International Humor Institute in Studio City, Calif., says we exercise every body part when we laugh.

"Laughter is like inner jogging," she says. "I picture little Adidas on my pancreas."

Peacemaking

at the improv Tensions can vaporize in the presence of humor. John Gerstner tells of the time he filled up at a highway truck stop. He and another customer arrived at the cashier's stall at the same time, both seemingly in a hurry. The cashier handled it well: "Which of you has the gas?" she asked innocently. After that, neither motorist minded who went first.

Maybe there's a lesson here for Christian peacemakers.

A California police officer was called to an apartment block to respond to a domestic dispute. As he approached the building, he heard yelling and the sound of shattering glass. He looked up to see a television set fly out of a second-floor window and crash to bits on the ground below. He raced upstairs and rang the doorbell.

"Who's there?" bellowed an angry voice inside.

"Television repair," the officer deadpanned.

There was silence for a few seconds, and finally the door was opened and the situation was eventually resolved.

We can only imagine what domestic violence the quick-quipping officer helped avert. To paraphrase Proverbs 15:1, "A humorous answer turns away wrath.... " Nearly all people, given the choice, would rather laugh than cry. That must tell us something about God, in whose image we're made.

•

Wally Kroeker, editor of the Christian Leader from 1976-1985, now edits The Marketplace, published by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA). He lives in Winnipeg, Man.

HUMOR

Con essions 0 the noble ishaholic Fishing is not only a relaxing habit, er, hobby... it's also one of the most biblical

by WILFRED MARTENS We may say ofangling as Dr. Boteler said ofstrawberries: ((Doubtless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did;" and so, if I might be judge, God never did make a more calm, quiet, innocent recreation than angling. -Izaak Walton, The Compleat Angler

HAVE A CONFESSION TO MAKE:

I have a habit. As I gaze froOl Oly office windoW" and see and hear the signs of spring, I get sW"eaty palfils, Oly heart beats faster, I becofile restless-all signs of a fishaholic. Oh, don't filisunderstand file. My life is not in ruins; I'Ol not a total W"reck. In fact, I thoroughly enjoy fily addiction.

Even W"orse, I think I can justify it.

For persons living in our complex, stressful society, it is important to develop constructive leisure activities in order to maintain a healthful balance in life. I'd like to demonstrate not only that leisure activities are important, but also that some activities are higher on the spiritual scale than others. An article in Pastoral Psychology journal states that "leisure behavior is mainly a function of how the religious questions of life are answered." But first, let me digress and explain how my habit developed.

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HUMOR

Lured to be 'fishers of men'

evoke thoughts of fishing and can give direction One of the first tendencies of an addict is to to a young life. Fortunately, I don't ever recall try to fix blame on something or someone. I shall hymns that encouraged football or basketball or do that, too. It all began in Sunday school. That's chess or jogging. right, Sunday school. I remember as a youngster Then baptism. No artificial inside baptistry those preclass sessions where we would all join for me. No, I was immersed in a river-all the together in a joyous chorus of "I will make you way under, in real running water. My river bapfishers of men," and we would tism reinforced those early yearndo all those motions of casting ings for the outdoors, rivers and out our fishing line and reeling fishing.

Had I been baptized in a What the it in. The motions became so baptistry I most likely would have ingrained that years later, long disciples had been become interested in indoor activiafter I had quit singing the choties such as bowling, racquetball or playing volleyball checkers. rus, I was still doing the motions.

So you see, I hold the church on the beach of And then there were the partly responsible for my happy flannel graphs in Sunday school. the Sea of Galilee condition.

Noah in a big boat on a huge I blame my work, too. I teach lake. All the animals were on literature. Some of the great pieces instead offishing? of literature are about-you guessed board, all except the fish. Since the teacher never sang about or Jesus would have it-fishing. One of the great stories mentioned the fish (the lions, in the Bible is Jonah and the whale, hippos and kangaroos always lost the chance for the ultimate catch! In literature we got top billing) I began to worry have classics such as Moby Dick, about them, week after week, a valuable lesson The Old Man and the Sea, Thothen year after year. I still wonreau's Walden and so on. offaith. der why flannel graphs ignore God's little creatures.

The biblical form of leisure Then as a teenager active in But trying to fix blame is less the church I was reminded repeatedly of the sigimportant than justifying fishing as one of the nificance of hydro-spiritual activities. For exammore spiritual of leisure activities. The Bible is ple, I participated in a Scripture memorization filled with references, stories and comments contest. It was sponsored by The Navigators. about fishing. You'd have to work very hard to And the hymns, those glorious songs about say the same about golfing, bicycling or tennis rivers and streams sung with enthusiasm by the (although I will concede one reference to the latcongregation: "Shall We Gather at the River," ter: Joseph served in Pharaoh's court).

"Like a River Glorious," "I Know of a River" and Consider the analogy in Habakkuk 1:14, "For so on. Even hymns can Thou makest men like the fish of the sea... " or the great send-off recorded in Jeremiah 16, "Behold, I am sending for many fishermen, says the Lord.... "

if

12 · THE

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LEA D E

HUMOR

A number of references to the basic equipfirst. He didn't go first to the doctor or the tax ment of fishing are found throughout SCripture. collector. He went to the fishermen. Can you Proverbs 13:24 states that "He who spares the imagine the response if they had been bowling at rod hates his son" (Obviously an encouragement that moment? No, it had to be fishing. "Follow for fathers to take their sons fishing). Proverbs me, and I will make you fishers of men."

29: 15 suggests a positive result, "The rod and reproof give wisdom."

A long, rich tradition Some references give good advice to those Why is fishing better? Well, for one thing, it engaged in fishing. Isaiah 28: 10 is a reminder to is noncompetitive. Unlike many other activities, avoid grouping too closely there is no opponent; hence, there together lest you become entanis no loser. It's more healthful and gled: "For it is.. .line upon line, relaxing, less stressful. You don't For the early have to be ob-sessed with defeating line upon line, here a little, there a little." Or consider the the other person or team.

Christians, the reward of finding the right spot: It's also an activity with a long, "The lines have fallen for me in sign of their faith rich tradition of symbols. For the pleasant places" (ps. 16:6). early Christians, the sign of their A number of stories and was the fish, not a faith was the fish, not a baseball or parables in the New Testament tennis racket. The fish symbol is still baseball or tennis popular today. The boat, a symbol are supportive. Can you imagine the disappointment of the of the church, was also used in early racket. crowd of five thousand if someart forms and is still used today. one hadn't gone fishing? The Fishing also provides us with boy wouldn't have had that some useful analogies. It is often important lunch of five loaves and two fish. If used as an illustration of outreach, for example. someone hadn't caught those two fish we might In order to get the attention of the fish, the fishhave had an entirely different miracle. ermen must use the right lure or fly or bait.

And what if the disciples had been playing That's even more important than the rod or reel. volleyball on the beach of the Sea of Galilee And a fisherman must be prepared to move. In a instead of fishing. Jesus would have lost the stream or river I try a few casts, and if there is no chance for a valuable lesson of faith. Because action, I move on to another place and try anoththey were engaged in fishing and had caught er technique. The odds are against you if you sit nothing, the disciples could respond to Jesus's and wait for the fish to come to you. command to cast their nets on the other side.

Because fishing is given so much attention in The result was a fisherman's dream: 153 huge the Bible, and because it's such a positive and fish! And a significant lesson for us also. healthful activity, it should not surprise anyone After his resurrection Jesus appeared to the that it rates so highly as a leisure activity. Theregathered 10 disciples. Since some of them were fore I don't feel too badly about my habit. I enjoy fishermen, they were prepared when the Master it. Why should I give up such a noble activity? asked, "Have you any meat here?" What a priviFor those of you that are still skeptics let me lege to offer him his first meal in his new body-a remind you that the last chapter in the Bible fish dinner. Because they had been fishing they describes a beautiful river in Paradise, flowing could respond to his request. What other leisure from the throne of God. Some day, that's where activity has such an honored history?

I'll be, singing praises to God with a golden rod But the real clincher is the account in the in my hand.

• Gospels where Jesus calls his disciples. He must have traveled far and wide, wondering whom he On the days he isn Jt fishing, Wilfred Martens might call to follow him. Then he saw two brothteaches at Fresno Pacific College. He is a memers on the Sea of Galilee. They were fishing. He ber of the College Community Church in Clovis, must have realized that Peter and Andrew were Calif. His award-winning article was first pubdoing something significant, for he invited them lished in the Leader in 1984.

AUGUST

1996

13

HUMOR

----JOEL KAUFFMANN----

He pokes at truth

"I'M

CONVINCED MORE AND MORE THAT JESUS had a tremendous sense of humor," says Mennonite cartoonist Joel Kauffmann, creator of the strip "Pontius' Puddle." In 1983, Christian Leader readers first met Pontius, the loud and boisterous frog who, according to Kauffmann, is basically good-hearted but wrong 99 percent of the time.

"Humor is the one avenue that people have for really exploring difficult issues," says Kauffmann, who lives in Goshen, Ind. "If you would take some of my cartoons and write them out in prescriptive form, I think a lot of people would be offended. Humor creates an openness to think about an alternative stand or to rethink your own position in a way that an editorial or an opinion statement doesn't."

Kauffmann describes "Pontius' Puddle" as pew humor aimed at bridging the gap between issues of faith and day-to-day issues that shape society and the world. "Cartoons should be about things on the intense level of our feelings as opposed to things that maybe we care about and maybe we don't."

Kauffmann prides himself in not being mean-spirited as he takes aim at common shortcomings. "If I poke fun at myself, then I've hit my target audience because we're all struggling with the same things. A cartoon strip should be advocating the true nature of faith and God and what Jesus called us to-reconciliation."

Kauffmann introduced "Pontius' Puddle" in 1982 hoping to create a cartoon strip with appeal beyond the Mennonite community.

The strip currently appears in about 220 IF YOU'v£ SAT magazines including ON ON£ Christianity Today, World Vision and the Ch urch of Tl-\b..M England weekly newspaper, where it often shares page space with pictures of the British royal family.

Joel Kauffmann: Kauffmann's first cartoon At the intense level. strip, "Sisters and Brothers," ran for about three years in Mennonite and related periodicals, including the Leader.

- Connie Faber

ALL!!!

14 · THE

C H R I S

fAar if the churcJ frogs-eye vt 'eW 0

HUMOR

0-

A RETIe ORTWO.

RE"AL RELI(3.tON TA\<ES ALL THE FUN OUT"

OF 8£INCTIN BOT 'lOUR TROE ""SS'ON, SttOOLD VOO CI(OOS£ TO

l-r;

J; ACC-EPr 'S SIMPLV "' TO LOVI: OTl-(ERS AS I: . ) HAVE'" LOVEO YOO. TO . ,) DfrMCNSTRATE tl\V

Hlf I poke fun at

then I've hit

my target audience because we're all struggling with the same things. H

M£RCV ANO

-Joel Kauffmann AUGUST

1996·

15

WHAT READERS SAY

Attitude is what counts Thanks to Ron Klassen and John Koessler for their splendid article, "Small Can Be Beautiful, Too" Guly). I have worshiped on Sunday mornings in large churches of 1,000 and 2,000 members where you are just a number. I have also worshiped in small churches of 10-15 members where you felt that your presence was really appreciated.

It is true that large churches with great programs seem to get more publicity than smaller churches that struggle for existence, but it is the attitude in which you worship God that truly counts.

Menno L. Kliewer Reedley, Calif.

Why so few?

In response to your question "Why so few?" (April), I would like to tell you about our Mennonite Brethren church.

Our son died of cancer in May. During his last few months on earth, not one person from the pastoral staff called or came to see us.

We had a couple of calls from a fellow member who was also dealing with cancer, but no pastor came by.

We have been members of this church since 1961.

Even now, three weeks after our son's death and funeral, we have not received one pastoral call or visit.

Would you want to remain members of a church like that?

Meanwhile, our son and family attended a Baptist church in their community. During the three months we spent with them before our son died, not a single day went by that both of the pastors from the church weren't over-and often three or four times a day! Also, for several months members of the congregation provided a meal every other day.

I do volunteer work in a local hospital and receive much more love and support from friends and fellow employees there than I have ever received from our church.

Think about it.

Name withheld 16 · THE

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JlJJ I would like to respond to your question "Why so few?" out of my own experience.

I have a Catholic background, but I appreciated the Bible teaching and grew spiritually while attending a Mennonite church and Sunday school.

Our Sunday school group grew close over the years and learned to care and pray for each other. We yearned for a deeper relationship with God, so we started meeting for Bible study and prayer.

During that time, we each gave control of our lives to God and so the desire grew to be obedient to him.

We would study and pray for four to five hours and it never seemed long.

We were totally surprised how God responded. God touched each of us; I began to see changes in others and in myself as God dealt with our flaws.

God began showing us through his Holy Spirit how joyful our lives could be.

I found out the more we yield to God, the more God allows us to experience spiritual blessings. Many of those blessings came in the form of spiritual gifts and new experiences.

We were not prepared for the resistance we started to get from the church. Many seminaries teach that the spiritual gifts died when the apostles died, that we no longer need them because we have Jesus and the Bible.

I don't understand that. Who and what changed? Don't we still have so many needs?

Why are we so afraid of a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit? I know I was once prejudiced in this area. All I ever heard about were the abuses. I learned caution and fear.

Caution is still in order because there are abuses-but not so much caution that we miss the blessings God intends for us.

It was very painful for me and the others who saw no other alternative but to leave the church we were attending. We did not fully understand where or why God was leading us. All we knew is that we could never back up, rewrap our gifts and blessings and LEA D E R

put them on a shelf and never talk about our wonderful relationship with God in order to coexist in the church.

Once God touches your life and becomes so real and takes you on a spiritual adventure, you will not settle for anything less.

Marion Bartz Anamoore, N.D.

Something for the Lord When I was a pastor, I sometimes found it difficult to assign tasks to lay people who desired to do something special for the Lord. Since then, I have discovered several such tasks. Let me give you one example.

About six months ago, Jackie Balakian, one of our young women, came to the church office and asked how she might "do something for the Lord."

Together with the pastors, she decided that she could deliver homecooked meals to people in the church who found it hard to cook for themselves. She chose several people who had such a need. Because my wife had recently passed away, they also thought of me. Since then, she has delivered a wonderful, complete meal to my home at least once a month.

You may say that is not very much.

But if you need such help, you would be astonished what a joy and blessing such a gesture is. This woman manages a lovely farm home and is busy with three little children, but she finds time to serve a number of us in this manner.

I don't know how many meals she delivers, but I know there are several, mostly to people with disabilities and those who have lost spouses. What an exciting experience!

The Lord has promised to reward the person who shares even a cup of cold water in his name. How much more reward for a steaming hot meal!

Maybe there are many more ways, ways we have yet to discover, to serve the Lord. In doing so, we will remind others that we truly are missionary minded.

Dan Friesen Reedley, Calif.

PH'LIP SIDE BY

PHILIP

WIEBE

Having a nice trip In ourjet-set, Internet age, there was something pleasingly slow and inefficient about traveling cross country by car.

HEN WE MENTIONED we were

buckled in and the trunk packed within an inch of its life, hoping none of the kids (or maybe the other way above would go SPROING before we made it out of around) and embark on a road trip from Oretown. gon to Nebraska and back, it amazed me how About 20 miles east of Salem, as we ascended into many people responded with shock and disthe scenic Cascade Mounmay. "There are such things as airplanes you tains, we got our first real know," they'd inform us. "They probably even taste of the Classic Summer Road Trip. From the back have an airport in Omaha by now." seat, 5-year-old Seth uttered those cherished words: Probably so, but I liked the idea "Are we there yet?" of driving through the wide-open And we thought that was just a West like we did every summer in cliche. my own childhood, making our way Fortunately, Seth got a little more to the homes of Midwestern relacreative as the trip went along: tives for the privilege of being Seth: Are we there yet? scared sleepless by apocalyptic thunUs: Not yet. derstorms various cousins kept Seth: Are we almost there? insisting were "just a drizzle." I Us: Not yet. wanted, of course, to pass along Seth: Are we halfway there? such wonderful memories to my Us: Not yet, but we're halfway to own kids. halfway.

"OK," people would say when Good thing Seth didn't know his they got used to the idea, "so you're fractions yet, or we might have doing a road trip. How quaint. spent our entire trip hearing, "Are Where'd you say you were going we a third way there? Are we a again?" fourth way there? Are we a fifth way "Nebraska. " there? .. " "Nebraska? Why Nebraska?"

"Actually," I'd reply, "Nebraska ther than that, the kids traveled isn't just corn and tractors. It really pretty well. But then, we never has some beautiful and diverse saw the trip as a trial to conquer, as scenery for those willing to venture some people seemed to, but as famioff the beaten path." ly time to be savored. At the end of People would mull that over a two weeks, in fact, we were ready moment, then say, "Right. Now to go two weeks more. At least I what's the real reason you're going was. Even listening to Seth ask "Are to Nebraska?" we there yet?" several hundred times "Er, family reunion." seemed preferable to tackling the So, with the smug looks of airsurly piles of work I knew would be plane-traveling Nebraska-avoiders waiting for me back home. lingering in our minds, we set off It was reassuring how little some one June morning with the kids going to pack the car, load up the

O

places had changed since my earlier traveling days as a child and later as a touring musician. Southern Wyoming was still desolate, the Colorado Rockies still majestic. All four presidential profiles still gazed from Mount Rushmore and the sprawling old hot springs resort at Glenwood Springs still looked pretty much like it did 20 years ago and probably even 70 years ago. Flaming Gorge was still flaming, Old Faithful Geyser was still faithful, and Craters of the Moon still looked like the moon.

Nebraska still had plenty of corn and tractors, but also lots of other beautiful and diverse scenery for those willing to venture off the beaten path.

In a world moving faster than a speeding computer chip, it was refreshing to step out of time, leave the To Do lists and planning calendars at home, and enjoy whatever scenes or situations the road would bring us that day. In our jet-set, Internet age, there was something pleasingly slow and inefficient about traveling cross country by car.

Back here in the office, I find myself thinking I could use more slowness and inefficiency in my life.

As one who's always trying to figure out how to do more stuff in less time, it was relaxing and renewing to spend a couple of weeks doing less stuff in more time. In theory I know I should do that regularlyGod's whole idea behind Sabbath is that we would take breaks from our human strivings to "be still and know that I am God"-but like so many people these days, I find doing less to be more and more difficult.

Kim and I are talking about making the Classic Summer Road Trip an annual event, though, in which case I may be able to do less stuff in more time for at least a couple of weeks a year. So if you someday happen to spot a gray Honda Accord idling through your town with a couple of bouncy kids and a trunk looking like it might go SPROING at any moment, be sure to wave.

AUGUST

1996

17

INQUIRING MINDS BY

Q A

Are we being unbiblical by fostering division when we have multiple services, one ((traditional" and another ((contemporary"? (CALIFORNIA) I almost accused this inquirer, who came to my office to ask this question, of wanting to end my career as a writer. To speak about styles of worship or debate the validity of seeker-sensitive services is to invite all kinds of responses. But the inquirer was serious-and had an interesting case to make from the Scriptures. So allow me to pursue this question.

The Book of the Acts tells us about a church that appealed to a wide range of persons. Worshiping together were rich and powerful, landowners and the poor and disenfranchised slaves. In those congregations were blue-blood Jewish Christians with centuries of ethnic history, and Gentiles who probably could not trace their ancestry beyond their parents. The church included people who loved the carefree, charismatic style of worship that led to speaking in tongues (and, at least in Paul's view, to some excesses) and no doubt others who wanted a form of worship that appealed more to the intellect than the emotions.

These differences did cause trouble in the early church. The first chapters of 1 Corinthians provide ample evidence that division erupted because believers had strong convictions about these matters. My inquirer was quick to point out that Paul never suggested that these congregations divide into two churches or devise two worship services, so that each group could worship in a manner appropriate to their natural inclinations. Rather, they were counseled to be of one mind and heart.

Obviously it is dangerous to argue anything on the basis of what isn't said in the Bible. But is it possible

MARVIN

HEIN

we are promoting disunity by devising two formats of service? On the other hand, some would probably say we are enhancing the possibility of oneness by dividing into groups where people are comfortable in the way they worship.

While thinking about this matter, I ran across an article in the Navigators' Current Thoughts and Trends Guly 1996) where writer Gerrit Gustafson suggests the 1 Corinthians 3 model is a biblical directive requiring cultural flexibility so we can enjoy a variety of worship expressions. In other words, he argues for the contemporary and the traditional in the same service. The reviewer closes by saying: "In the past we've solved this dilemma by offering two kinds of services, segmenting the congregation. The psalms-hymnsspiritual songs paradigm, however, moves us to a new solution: unity within diversity."

Just this week, while attending a Brethren in Christ convention, I heard a stirring testimony from a young pastor who talked about his congregation growing from about 60 to almost 300. He indicated they used the "blended service" approach rather than dividing into traditional and contemporary groups. I recall his closing words: "People told us we couldn't grow with that approach, but we didn't know any better."

I'm also aware that Paul said he was willing to become all things to all people, so he might win some.

I'm not sure what that might mean in our current debate on styles of worship. But maybe my inquiring friend had a point. We would do well to think about what long-range influences may result from our present practice of separating congregations into smaller, more cohesive groups. The immediate results seem to be positive. Are there long-term implications we will discover only

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

18 · THE

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when "the chickens come home to roost"?

Q

With new forms of worship that emphasize audience participation, longer periods of praise music, testimonies, special music and (jJromotions" that used to be reserved for evening services (missionary reports, youth projects, etc.), are sermons becoming shorter? (CALIFORNIA)

A

Yes and no. In some instances, as in the congregation with whom I worship, the length of the services has simply been extended-not much, but usually at least 10 minutes. The only alternative, if you prefer the worship style described above, is to shorten the sermon.

Having visited many churches, I am inclined to think sermons are shorter than they were 10 or 20 years ago. Repeatedly, as a guest speaker, I have found that by the time I am to preach I have about 12 to 20 minutes. I would ordinarily prefer 25 to 30 minutes.

But I would not want to indict all seeker-sensitive, contemporary services. I understand, for instance, that in the Willow Creek Church near Chicago, the sermons are almost an hour long. They have purposely resisted sacrificing sermon time.

That, of course, means their services are considerably longer than an hour. And that is no sin!

The question is somewhat akin to another: Does the removal of the pulpit from the stage indicate that preaching is deemphasized? Yes and no. In some instances drama and other forms of communication have displaced the preaching from behind a pulpit. In other cases, a strong emphasis on preaching remains but it is done without benefit of the pulpit. In terms of long-term effect, it may be legitimate to ask whether these supposed "attacks" on preaching will result in less attention to the proclamation of the Word. If so, then we need to be on guard.

ON THE]OURNEY BY

ROSE

BUSCHMAN

'Why do you teach?' stayed in teaching because God has called me to be a missionary in the classroom. they generate. Other factors are often more imporcould make so much more tant. I told him teaching students like him was one money if you worked someof the reasons I stayed in where else?" Tony asked me. Startled, I looked the classroom. He gave me at him, trying to figure out what might have a big smile and went back prompted him to ask. I quickly realized it was a to his work.

I've thought a lot about serious question on his part, so I didn't that question this summer.

Why do I stay in teaching? I respond flippantly. But the question was unexcan look back to a number pected and I didn't know how to answer him. of key turning points in my life when I consciously With two weeks of school left in the current renewed my commitment year, all I could think of was how to finish to teach even though I was what had to be done and to survive to the end. encouraged by others to go into administration, or Tony was a student in one of my computers, or even to open one of ninth-grade algebra classes. What he those ritzy restaurants where a meal didn't know was that I had been costs a fortune and eating it is construggling for several months with sidered a "dining experience." whether I should stay in teaching I've stayed in teaching because and, if I did, at what grade level.

God has called me to be a missionary Teaching teenagers was becoming in the classroom. I believe Christian more difficult for me. With 30 years teachers are missionaries, whether to my credit, I decided I had paid my they teach in a public or private debt to society and it was time for a school, in this country or overseas. change.

By their daily example they exempliJust that week I had made the fy the life of Christ to impressionable students. decision to leave my high school math position and move to a local private school where I would teach his is August and right now I'm math and science to fifth and sixth on vacation. That means I don't graders. In fact, I had signed a conhave to be somewhere by 8 every tract just the night before, but had morning and I don't have to meet not yet handed in my resignation to hourly deadlines all day long when a my high school principal. One of the different group of students comes in issues I had to deal with in making and expects me to be ready to teach this change was a significant reducthem. It means I don't have to deal tion in salary. Instead of switching to with serious discipline problems or a position that made more money, I call parents to tell them their child is was moving down the salary scale. not doing the assigned homework.

How could I explain that to Tony?

Being on vacation, however, does I finally told him that not all jobs not mean I don't think about school are measured by the amount of salary or that I don't plan for the coming

"

HY DO YOU teach when you

T

year. I'm doing both, especially since I will be changing grade levels and subject areas.

In most parts of the country, school will soon begin. Students already wonder who their teacher will be or if they will like him or her.

Some already know and either are excited about or dread the coming year. Will school be fun or boring or confusing?

Will their friends be in their class?

Parents wonder if this will be a good year for their children and if they will learn as they should. Will their children be influenced in a positive or negative manner by their peers? In some areas parents wonder if their children will be safe.

While students and their parents have beginning-of-the-year jitters, so do teachers. I used to think that I was the only teacher who hardly slept the night before the first day of school. Then I talked to some of my colleagues. I now know I'm not alone. Will I have good classes? Will my students have the necessary prerequisites for the courses I am assigned to teach or will I have to do a lot of remedial work with them?

Will I have students with severe learning disabilities or behavior problems and will I be able to deal with these? Will parents support me as a teacher? Will we be able to work together as a team to provide the best possible learning environment for all students?

Recently, I saw this unattributed quote on the wall in a school office: "A hundred years from now.. .it will not matter what my bank account was or the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove ...but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."

Tony, that's why I teach.

AUGUST

1996

19

BODyLIFE MENNONITE

BRETHREN

NEWS

Withering heights in the Southern Dist.

BY CONNIE FABER

II Once blossoming with church plants, the SOC agonizes over a crop failure

D

URING THE 1980s, the Southern District Conference appeared to be a fertile seedbed for planting new churches. The district's home missions board, called the Church Extension and Evangelism Commission (CEEC), had set a lofty goal in 1980 of starting 25 new congregations during the decade.

And it seemed possible. By the mid'80s, 10 projects, including five on the Front Range of the Rockies, had taken root. Several other sites showed potential. The district seemed on the verge of a bumper crop.

But it didn't happen. In fact, the promise that once blossomed has since withered. This spring, the last of those 10 church plants was formally closed; none of the other potential

sites on CEEC's list even germinated.

But Colorado showed the most Today's seemingly barren fields have promise of all, with new congregaleft district leaders disappointed, frus- tions emerging in Denver, Aurora, Castle Rock, Colorado Springs and trated and looking for answers.

Greeley.

"It's natural to reproIn addition, the disduce," says David Froese, current SDC chair and "These are dark trict was exploring potenpast chair of CEEC (protial sites in the Colorado years, and I don't nounced "seek"). "We Springs area; in Salina, see the light yet.

McPherson and Dodge should take great joy in City, Kan.; in Barren Holreproducing. These are We aren't going low, Ark., and in the Daldark years, there isn't to be out of the las-Fort Worth area of any doubt about it, and I don't see the light yet.

Texas. Church planting dark until we among ethnic groupsWe aren't going to be have a successful especially hispanics and out of the dark until we Asians-was also being have a successful church church plant." considered. plant."

-DAVID FROESE, In addition to starting SDC CHAIR new churches, CEEC was A blossoming start also busy helping small or CEEC's ambitious plan in 1980 to plant 25 churches in 10 young congregations in Amarillo, years sprouted quickly. The list of Texas, Marshall and Siloam Springs, viable church starts stretched from Ark., Littleton and Burlington, Colo.; Houston, Texas, to Norman, Okla., to Clinton and Edmond, Okla.; and Halstead, Peabody and Wichita, Kan. Hays, Hesston, Manhattan and Olathe, Kan. CEEC had its hands full of promise.

Lessons learned, changes made When the Houston plant faltered in 1985 after just two years, the setback raised serious concerns among district leaders. But before these concerns could be addressed in detail, several of the church plants in the Front Range were lost and workers left the district. Aurora Faith Fellowship and New Hope in Greeley closed in 1987; the work in Colorado Springs was discontinued a year later.

Meanwhile, the church plants in Peabody and Norman chose not to affiliate with the Mennonite Brethren.

Adding to the district's sense of loss was the closure of established churches in Amarillo, Burlington and ]oes, Colo., Wichita (Open Bible) and Clinton, which had become too small to continue.

In response, CEEC began to change its church-planting strategies. The commission adopted a more deliberate and careful process for selecting church planters and began focusing 20 • THE

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LEA D E R

BODyLIFE

on church plants located closer to existing congregations. It also developed a team approach to church-plant leadership, and began concentrating district resources on fewer projects.

"We had our fingers in a lot of different stuff," says Froese of the '80s. "Lynn Jost, who was CEEC chair at the time, said, 'Let's stop putting a drip (of funds) here and a drip therelet's soak down a place."

Declaration of 'bankrnptcy' In spite of the changes, new congregations did not emerge. A frustrated CEEC came to the 1989 convention with a blunt analysis of district church planting: the church growth storehouse was bankrupt and the commission was suffering from a "paralysis of mission vision."

"Why have we been so spectacu-

larly unsuccessful at church planting, especially in larger cities?" asked Jost, who was CEEC chair at the time.

Believing the goal of planting new churches had come at the expense of

encouraging local church evangelism, CEEC and other district leaders called for a three-year plan of prayer, evangelism and growth.

The declaration seemed to help. By

Topeka congregation on 'target' for growth

T

HE GOAL of the Topeka (Kan.) MB Church is to double in size and then plant new churches from that base. Because the 120member congregation recently became a Mission USA target church, pastor Rick Eshbaugh believes they have the resources to succeed.

"We could continue to grow at our present rate, but it would be another five or six years before we would be able to do the type of things we're doing now through the targetchurch program," Eshbaugh says. He credits Topeka's growth to the willingness of the congregation to change.

The congregation caught a new vision for outreach in 1989 when Eshbaugh

arrived as their pastor. At that time, the group of about 60 met in a facility on a somewhat isolated cuI de sac. Improving their facilities was the most pressing need. A new building located in a busy, developing urban area was completed inJune 1994.

Fostering people who have an evangelistic outlook on life and who minister to their neighbors is a primary goal of congregationalleaders.

"Evangelism is a vital part of our life as Christians and as a church," says Dellis Birkey, who chairs the coordinating council. "As the level of accountability and discipleship within our small groups improves, sharing our faith with others will be a natural by-

Pastor Rick Eshbaugh poses in front of Topeka's new facility during its construction in 1993. The congregation has sinced moved i-n and looks for a surge of growth with the help of Mission USA.

product."

The church has been evaluated by two consultants as part of the targetchurch program. At their recommendation, the congregation is reevaluating its organizational structure and programing. Leaders hope to make changes that will add to the infusion of energy, help and expertise already contributed by new staff members.

James Mason, a graduate of Denver Theological Semi-

nary, was installed July 14 as associate pastor with responsibilities for adult ministries. Kevin Friesen, a graphic artist by occupation, had been working with the youth on a volunteer basis. He was recently hired as part-time minister of youth ministries. This summer he is being assisted

by Tabor College sophomore Drew Roberts.

Roberts is a summer youth intern working primarily with junior highers.-CF

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CEEC, World Impact link arms in Wichita

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ECESSI'fY has spawned creativity when it comes to starting success.. ful church plants in the Southern District.

A year ago, the district entered into a churchplanting partnership with World Impact, a nondenominational inner-city ministry. The goal is to plant a multicultural church in Wichita, Kan. World Impact has provided the church planter: Fred Stoesz, who helped to start a similar church in Los Angeles. The SDC has

provided the facility: a building used by the former Open Bible congregation. The district also committed financial assistance for utilities, programs and supplemental salary support for Stoesz, a Mennonite Brethren from Canada.

"World Impact felt their work was incomplete if they could not incorporate the people they were working with into a body of believers," says Rick Eshbaugh, chair of the Church Extension and Evangelism Commission (CEEC). Rather

the 1991 convention, CEEC had received word of numerous evangelism seminars, outreach activities and spiritual conversions as a result of the emphases. The commission reported "with joy" the start of an emerging fellowship in Lawrence, Kan. In 1992, it reported an initiative begun in Lee's Summit, Mo. Southern District leaders entered the 1990s encouraged, even though

than establish another de.. nomination, World Impact works with existing denominations to plant multicultural churches.

The church plant will be nondenominational until the end of a two-year period. At that time, it will be asked to affiliate with a denomination.

DUring these two years, the church is a fraternal member of the SDC and will receive assistance from Mennonite Brethren programs. Youth Mission In-ternational, the denomi-

only four of the church plants initiated in the 1980s had survived.

But the optimism was short-lived.

Castle Rock Faith Fellowship, a Front Range church organized in 1983, closed in 1991. In 1994, after almost 10 years of ministry, both Koinonia Christian Fellowship in north Denver and East Wichita (Kan.) Fellowship closed.

Then this past May, the district lost

nation's short-term missions organization, played a large part in gathering a starting nucleus.

"The risk for us is that the congregation will not select the Mennonite Brethren denomination," says Eshbaugh. "The value for us is that we are participants in establishing a multicultural church in an area (of Wichita) that is losing churches. We also have the opportunity to work alongside an organization that has been successful in planting churches." -CF

its only remaining congregation with roots in the ambitious '80s when Community Bible Church closed its doors in Halstead, Kan. Meanwhile, the church plant in Lawrence became nondenominational in 1995 and eventually disbanded. District funding for Summit Church in Lee's Summit, Mo., expired, prompting the pastor to become a tent-making leader for the struggling group of believers there.

Only two new congregations have been added in recent years; both were "adopted" as existing ethnic churches: Korean Mustard Seed Church of Denver, and Slavic Missionary Church in Broken Arrow, Okla.

Corporate vision needed The failures of the past continue to concern current SDC leaders like Froese and Rick Eshbaugh, CEEC chair.

"We made some corrective measures during my term with CEEC, but we didn't really see progress," Froese says now. "You can only be as effective in church planting as the churches are. Our churches generally speaking aren't reaching people and yet we expect a conference to give birth to churches. Renewing our hearts is key."

Eshbaugh says the district needs a 22·

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corporate church-planting vision. "It are pure. But I am not sure that we is very easy for us to focus our energy have the experience or the time to adequately guide church plants." on our local church or city," he says.

"It is harder to get excited about a Flickers of growth corporate venture."

Today, concern for the health of SDC leaders hope Mission USA, the newly formed national church-plant- district churches has prompted a new ing and renewal thrust, will renew CEEC emphasis on assisting estabthat vision and be a source for practi- lished congregations.

Church-growth grants cal help in future venwere initiated about 10 tures. "Practical help" years ago to strengthen would take the form of "You can only be smaller urban churches in expertise, funding and as effective in the hope that they could management. someday grow and give • Expertise. "One church planting birth to daughter churchof the things we are as the churches es. While the program has frustrated with in are. Our had positive results, church planting is that growth in these churches we don't have the needchurches has been slow. ed expertise," says generally Froese. "We need someCEEC has also begun an intern program with Tabor one to come alongside a speaking aren't College in an effort to prochurch planter for a reaching people vide students with opporweek to give ideas, tunities for practical minresources and feed and yet we istry experience. back. Mission USA can expect a The district is working provide that kind of on the "target church" resource." conference to concept in cooperation • Funding. Eshgive birth to with Mission USA. The baugh believes limited churches." purpose of this new profinances and a slow gram is to help existing start-up process have -RICK ESHBAUGH, churches grow by identifyhindered church plants CEEC CHAIR ing specific needs and like Lee's Summit. Plantthen developing solutions ing urban churches requires planning and resourcing for to barriers preventing growth.

The Topeka (Kan.) MB Church is rapid growth within the first year, the first target church. Parkside MB says Eshbaugh.

He dreams of being able to supply Church of Tulsa, Okla., and Pine a new church plant with a team of Acres MB Church of Weatherford, workers and having the financial Okla., are in the process of becoming resources to meet facility, advertise- target churches.

While leaders admit to being disment and program needs.

"People in the urban setting have couraged, they also find bright spots.

"Because of our presence in Housmany churches from which to choose and are unlikely to stay with a church ton and Lawrence, people came to that takes too long to develop," says know Jesus," says Froese. "That's happened in Lee's Summit, too. Mark and Eshbaugh.

• Management. Froese, Eshbaugh Sonya Fuller at Koinonia ministered to and other district leaders see the com- a lot of people.

"Our purpose in going to these position of the all-volunteer CEEC board as another handicap. Ten years places was to plant a church that ago, CEEC began looking for a full- would continue to reproduce-but time church-planting specialist. With that didn't happen. We've not prothe birth of Mission USA, CEEC was duced churches very well but we encouraged to continue relying on its have reproduced lives of people.

"There are good things happening volunteers.

"None of us on the commission has in the Southern District," Froese says. actually planted a church, so our "There are bright lights where people have a renewed passion for the Lordexperience is limited," says Eshbaugh.

"Our hearts are good. Our intentions but it still flickers."

IN BRIEF • TRANSITION: Ron Penner, interim dean atMB Biblical Seminary, has resigned his position to become academic dean at Columbia Bible College in Clearbrook, B.C. His resignation is effective in June 1997. Penner served MBBS as student dean from 1986 Penner to 1995 and was associate professor of church and family ministries. This past year he has covered both the student dean and academic dean offices. (MBBS) • APPOINTED: John Olfert was been appointed MB Missions/Services secretary for finance in the Winnipeg, Man., office. Olfert, who recently finished the required training to be a certified general accountant, just completed a twoyear commitment as controller with Youth For Christ in Winnipeg. At 27, Olfert becomes the youngest administrator on the MBM/S team. He and his wife, Brenda, are members of the Mcivor Avenue MB Church in Winnipeg. (MBMjS) • SPEAKER: Winnie Bartel of Shafter (Calif.) MB Church was the speaker for the annual British Columbia Women's Conference. Bartel shared her experiences from the United Nations Women's Conference in Beijing last fall and challenged the women to be godly influences. The one-day conference was held at the WHlingdon Church in Burnaby. (MB Herald) • COORDINATOR: Lynn Jast, professor of biblical and religious studies at Tabor College, will serve as Youth Missions International midwest representative for its college missions in addition to his teaching position.

Tabor hopes YMI will Jost be able to offe r internships to students majoring in Christian ministry.

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IN BRIEF • FUNDING: The Southern District Women's Missionary Service (WMS) recently disbursed more than $9,750 received from offerings and donations.

Increased giving this past year allowed SDC ministries} MB Biblical Seminary, MBMissions/Services and Tabor College to receive additional funds.

Among the projects supported were scholarships for MBBS students from the district, Lithuanian Christian College, chapel chairs for Tabor College and the trip made by Roland and Lois Reimer, district minister couple, to MBM/S missionaries in Mexico. (SDC)

• STARTING: Terry Sawatsky has begun work as Mennonite Central Committee co-secretary for Africa.

Sawatsky and his wife, Cathy Hodder, previously served as MCC country representatives to Chad and Zaire. They were part of the Mennonite team that ministered to Rwandan refugees who poured into Zaire in 1994. Sawatsky spent his childhood in Zaire, where his parents were Mennonite Brethren missionaries. He is a member of Bateta MB Church in Kinshasa, Zaire, and of L'Egfise Evangelique Chretienne de Lorraine in Quebec. (MCC)

•

LOSS: The Mennonite Brethren Church of India lost a valuable leader July 7 when Karuna Shri Joel died of injuries suffered in a traffic accident. She was the executive secretary of the Women's Conference of the India MB Church, editor of their conferJoel ence magazine and taught preaching at the MB Centenary Bible College at Shamshabad. She also served on the Governing Council of the India Conference. Joel and her eightmonth-old daughter were killed when they were hit by a vehicle while riding a scooter from Shamshabad to Hyderabad. Her husband, P. Menno Joel, and their two older children escaped serious injury. The Joe's were known to many people in the United States and Canada as a result of their tour of churches in 1990. (MBMjS)

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Hispanic Assembly draws 780 people to Reedley, Calif.

II Participants from Mexico

churches join poe members for weekend of worship, growth

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HAT'S THE largest gathering of Mennonite Brethren in the United States? Next to the national youth convention, which draws more than 1,000 participants, the answer may surprise you: It's the annual Hispanic Assembly.

Hispanic churches in the Pacific District Conference (PDC) gathered on Memorial Day weekend in Reedley, Calif., for their sixth annual praise festival. The assembly drew 780 participants from churches as far away as Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, Wash.

This was the first year a delegation from Mennonite Brethren churches in Mexico attended the two-day event; around 10 pastors and leaders from Mexico participated.

The theme for the festival, held May 25 and 26, was taken from Isaiah 40:31. Eight Saturday afternoon workshops were offered on topics such as church planting, care groups, family issues and marriage. The evening banquet was attended by about 400 people and highlighted the ministry of Juan Martinez, who is serving as rector of the Anabaptist seminary in Guatemala through MB Missions/Services.

On Sunday morning, assembly guests attended area worship services with their host families. The Reedley area is home to nine hispanic churches. In the afternoon, a worship and praise service was followed by a light meal.

The Hispanic Assembly was first held in Bakersfield, Calif., and was hosted by Heritage Bible Church and then Laurelglen Church. This year, leaders moved the gathering to Reedley, which is more centrally located.

Unlike its anglo counterpart, the hispanic churches have traditionally separated business from worship. The annual business meeting will be held Aug. 3 at Heritage Bible Church. Hispanic church activities are coordinated by a 10-person executive council LEADER

chaired by Sam Resendez of Del Rey, Calif. Resendez is also the hispanic representative on the PDC executive committee.

The 26 hispanic churches in the district are involved in several churchplanting ventures. New projects are being planned for the Los Angeles area and in Portland, Ore.-Connie Faber

MBBS finishes fiscal

year in black despite revenue shortfalls II u.s. sources fell $45,000 short of subsidy and unrestricted goals

M

B Biblical Seminary finished the 1995-96 fiscal year "in the black," showing a year-end balance of $2,300 according to Linda Bowman, executive administrator.

From U.S. sources, MBBS received $271,004 in guaranteed church subsidy, plus $260,500 in unrestricted donations. The U.S. church subsidy goal was $287,500 and MBBS's unrestricted goal was $289,000.

From Canadian sources, MBBS received $347,500 (U.S. dollars) in guaranteed church subsidy plus $233,309 (U.S.) in unrestricted donations from individual and corporate donors. The Canadian unrestricted goal was $253,000 (U.S.).

"We were able to finish in the black in spite of not reaching all our fund-raising goals because of B.C. Centre startup funds, budgeted salaries that were not spent due to mid-year faculty and academic dean transitions and Linda's good internal management," says Henry Schmidt, MBBS president.

The fund-raising goals also included some nonbudget items, Schmidt explains, such as additional B.C. Centre reserve funds, student aid and $40,000 to cover the anticipated shortfall in the U.S. Conference subsidy. The shortfall turned out to be $16,496.

"I give praise to God and thanks to many generous people for an increased financial support base to MBBS over the past years," says Schmidt. -Kent Gaston, MBBS

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India 97 to feature varied international worship experiences

Stories of faithfulness will frame the evening worship time. Three stories of God's faithfulness and three responses-each about an example of answering God's call by living faithfully-will be presented. Scripture readII North Fresno pastor will ing, a liturgical dance, songs of faith lead convention Bible study and a prayer of the peoples will be included as well. on North America Day Storytellers, musicians, speakers A GROUP of seven people from and presenters are being selected now rtacross Canada and the United that a more complete list of registrants States have been busy planning North for India 1997 is available. Since there America Day at Mennonite World is no budget to bring special speakers Conference, sched- or choirs to Calcutta, North American uled for Wednes- presenters will be invited from the day, Jan. 8, 1997. pool of registrants.

The planning committee is also Assembly 13 of Mennonite World developing ideas for the North AmeriConference takes ca tent in the Global Church Village. place Jan. 6-12 in Designed as a setting for visiting and conversation about common interests Calcutta, India.

The committee and concerns, the Global Church Vilis cochaired by the lage will be a cluster of tents, with Martens two North Ameri- each continent being given a tent to cans on the MWC furnish and staff. executive committee, Phyllis Pellman North American churches are invitGood and Vern Preheim. ed to provide "symbols or artifacts The committee includes Mennonite that represent their life together... as Brethren representative Ed Boschman, part of the setting and atmosphere of moderator of the General Conference, our tent," says Good. and representatives from the MennoAbout 20 young adults from five nite Church, General Conference Men- continents will be chosen to work as nonite Church and Brethren "youth stewards" at India 97. in Christ Church.

The program is sponsored North American Program planning for by a grant from the DeFehr churches are MWC is being done on five Foundation, Winnipeg, invited to continents by continental Man., and provides travel planning committees. Each provide subsidies to India 97 for persons aged 18-30 representing day at "Assembly Gathered" Ilsymbols or will begin and end with MWC member churches. worship. The morning wor- artifacts that The goal of the program ship will have a spirit of represent their is to help foster understandconfession; the evening life together...as ing and appreciation for the worship a tone of celebrainternational, intercultural part of the tion. reality of the global Anabaptist-Mennonite family.

"Our opening morning setting and service will invite extensive atmosphere. II Ten youth stewards will audience participationbe sent from India churches; from singing to Scripture the rest will come from reading to a time of prolonged churches in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin prayers," says Good. "We will break in America and North America.

The youth stewards will arrive in the middle of the service for a brief sermon and a story, each reflecting Calcutta in mid-December, to help prepare the Global Church Village. upon God's call to us to be faithful."

Mennonite Brethren participants Applications for North Americans will include Larry Martens, pastor of interested in the youth steward prothe North Fresno (Calif.) MB Church gram are available from MWC, 50 and assistant moderator of the General Kent Ave., Kitchener, Ont., N2G 3Rl. Conference, who will lead the Bible The deadline for receiving applications is Sept. 30. (MWC) study which follows morning tea.

IN BRIEF • VOLUNTEER: Lourdes Lopez is serving her community for 10 weeks this summer as part of Mennonite Central Committee's Summer Service Program. Lopez is teaching English as a second language with EOC and her home congregation, Orange Cove (Calif.) MB Church. Lopez is a graduate of Reedley (Calif.) High School. (MCC) • CREDENTIALS: Fresno Pacific College received word in June that the Western Association of Schools and Colleges has approved FPC's proposal to offer an advanced credential and a master of arts with an emphasis in administrative services through its Bakersfield center. (FPC) • FIELD TEST: Thirty-two Mennonite Brethren, Mennonite Church and General Conference congregations in the United States and Canada have agreed to help field-test a church conflict resolution self-test and study guide created by six Mennonite mediators. The project is being coordinated by Marlin Thomas, a former Mennonite Brethren pastor who is founder and director of Resources For Living in Colorado Springs, Colo.

• ASSISTANCE: Colony Mennonites in north central Mexico have been helping their neighbors during the recent drought. But because their food stores are also low, the colonies have requested help from Mennonite Central Committee. MCC will provide $4,500 to purchase beans and tortilla flour to distribute at schools. Colony Mennonites will purchase the food focatly and deliver it. (MCC) • SUPPORT: A conference to be held Oct. 5 at Akron, Pa., is designed to gather people with mental illness, their families, pastors, church leaders and mental health professionals. The keynote speaker is Mennonite Brethren educator John Toews, professor of psychiatry and associate dean of continuing medical education at the University of Calgary in Alberta. The oneday event is sponsored by a number of Mennonite agencies including Mennonite Mutual Aid and Mennonite Central Committee.

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• CHURCH NOTES •

Baptism/Membership

EDMOND, Okla.-Don Groff was baptized and welcomed into membership May 19.

Alvin and Kristin Friesen and Doyle and Donna Orrell also became members.

BUHLER, Kan.-Mike Lorett was welcomed into membership April 14. Henry and Alma Behrends were accepted as members June 2.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Heritage Bible)Jason Armistead, Kevin, Gloria and Danielle Baker, Kevin Dickey, Peter Dolton, Crystal Henderson, Carmela Morales Schwartz, David Schwartz and Seth Winter were baptized June 9.

HILLSBORO, Kan.-Jennifer Hagen, Naila Kunantaev and Shelly Weibert were baptizedJune 16.

FAIRVIEW, Okla.-Jim Warkentin, Shari Rowe, Eldon and Carol Nickel, Melvena Ewald, LaVonda White, Scott and Natalie Church, Edith Thiessen, JoAnn Wieler, and Justin and Jodi Hurst were received as new members June 23.

FREEMAN, S.D. (Silver Lake)-Kari Adri-

an, Kim Adrian, Cam Becker, John Deckert, Jessica Ortman, Derrick Walter, and Dustin Walter were baptized and received into membership June 30.

FRESNO, Calif. (North)-Jim Chow, Bettie Wilmoth and John Wood were baptized and received as members June 30. Jayne Chow, Steve and Connie Freeland, Doug and Shelley Halverson, Heidi Halverson, Greg and Val Quiring, Steve Regier, and Lue and Mary Verharr also joined.

REEDLEY, Calif.-Sheryl Doerksen, Kim Friesen, Josiah Grauman, Anna Grunau, Dustin Pauls and Karen Pauls were baptized and welcomed into membership in June. Brian Griffin, Anne Marie Rosenfeld, and Lois Rosenfeld were also accepted into membership.

•

DINUBA, Calif.-Flowers were placed in the sanctuary June 2 in honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of Donald and Lillian Thiesen.

REEDLEY, Calif.-Sanctuary flowers were placed June 9 in honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of Henry and Erica Dick; on June 2, flowers in the sanctuary marked the 50th wedding anniversary of Henry and Elizabeth Thiesen.

CHURCH PARTNERSHIP EVANGELISM (CPE)

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

Cost /person*

1. UKRAINE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Sept. 9-29 / 96

$1,500

2. ZAIRE, AFRICA, Kikwit

.

Oct. 13-31 /96

$1,500

3. INDIA, Hyderabad & Jongoan

.

Nov. 10-28 /96

$1,500

4. PHILIPPINES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Jan. 13-30 /97

$1,000

5. NICARAGUA

Feb. 10-27 / 97

$1,000 *Canadian dollars

NOTE: Dates may be subject to change.

BRIDGEWATER, S.D. (Salem)-Andrew and Mary Glanzer celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary June 16.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)-Flowers were placed in the sanctuary June 23 in honor of the 60th wedding anniversary of Henry and Adeline Karber.

INMAN, Kan. (Zoar)-Wes and Martha Epp furnished sanctuary flowers July 7 to mark their 50th wedding anniversary.

•

Celebrations

.

CORN, Okla.-The children of Marion and Irene Penner hosted a reception June 9 in honor of their parents' 50th wedding anniversary. The family of Pete and Luella Pauls hosted a reception in honor of the 50th wedding anniversary of their parents June 16.

Fellowship

ENID, Okla.-Ken and Marilyn Fast, MB Missions/Services missionaries to Brazil, spoke about their work at the June 23 evening service .... Mothers and children are meeting for lunch at the church each Wednesday during the summer months for informal fellowship.

NEW HOPE, Minn.-Choir members and their families enjoyed a barbecue June 5.

MINOT, N.D. (Bible Fellowship)-Adults participated in a progressive supper sponsored by the Women's Missionary Society to raise funds for MB Missions/Services workers Russell and Elizabeth Schmidt.

EDMOND, Okla.-The kick-off event of the men's ministry was a June 15 breakfast at a local restaurant followed by a workday at the new church site .... An all-church swimming party was held at the home of Perry and Jeanie Klaassen June 30.

CORDELL, Okla. (Bible)-The Corn MB Church was invited to attend the June 16 showing of the film "The Reluctant Prophet: The Charles Colson Story" .... The family of A.B.P. Schmidt led the morning service July 14 as part of their family reunion.

• 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.

YALE, S.D. (Bethel)-The congregation held their morning worship service June 23 at Lake Byron and were joined by permanent and summer lake residents.

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

FREEMAN, S.D. (Silver Lake)-The annual Silver Lake/Salem MB (Bridgewater) picnic was held July 7.

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.

DINUBA, Calif.-Fourteen people participated in the family backpacking trip June 21-23. A men's trip took place July 12-14.

Peter Loewen Promoter

HESSTON, Kan.-The Christian Education Committee sponsored a pancake breakfast and softball games July 4.

Peter Huebert Missions Committee President 26

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REEDLEY, Calif.-The congregation rented the entire Fresno Chaffee Zoo July 17 for an all-church fun night.

DENVER, Colo.- The Garden Park MB Church and Belleview Acres Church of Littleton met for a joint worship service July 21 at Deer Creek Camp. During the afternoon they toured the camp and played games.

FRESNO, Calif. (Fig Garden)-Women from the church participated in a backpacking trip July 26-28.

FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News)Women from the congregation hiked to Fragrance Lake July 27.

HILLSBORO, Kan. (parkview)-The MBY and adult volunteers completed a variety of projects at World Impact Ranch in Florence, Kan., May 30-]une 1.

NEW HOPE, Minn.-Ten volunteers from the church distributed flyers inviting people to visit the church and to attend the Billy Graham crusade June 19-23 in Minneapolis.

REEDLEY, Calif.-The church's fellowship hall is open to area youth as a summer recreation center every other Wednesday night.

BUHLER, Kan.-The MBY went to Denver in late June to work with two inner-city ministries, Brother's Redevelopment and Neighborhood Ministries.

HESSTON, Kan.-Richard and Rosemary Prieb were commissioned July 7 for a missions trip to Lithuania and the MBY was commissioned for their mission trip to Denver, Colo.

HILLSBORO, Kan. (Ebenfeld)-Jamie Loewen and Shannon Unruh were commissioned for ministry with Youth Mission International July 7.

FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News)-A seeker service with a western touch was held July 14. Afternoon activities included a barbecue lunch, games, and horse rides for children.

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Desert Valley)-A Mennonite Central Committee drama group presented a program on racism June 30.

.,_ Workers

HENDERSON, Neb.-MBY members were commissioned July 14 for their trip to Chicago where they taught Bible school in an inner-city church July 20-27.

LODI, Calif. (Vinewood)-Darren Rempel was installed June 2 as associate pastor of music and worship.

MOUNTAIN LAKE, Minn.-The MBY traveled to Minneapolis, Minn., in late July to work at Mary's Place, a shelter for homeless families.

DINUBA, Calif.-Sharon Leppke, church office manager for over 21 years, and her husband, Allen, were honored with a farewellJune 16.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Lincoln Glen) Bev Wiens, counselor and San Jose Christian College professor, was the guest speaker June 16.

BRIDGEWATER, S.D. (Salem)-Larry Horner, president of Freeman Academy, was the guest speaker June 23.

INMAN, Kan. (Zoar)-Dennis and Susan Nicholls, directors of World Impact Ranch near Florence, Kan., and two of their students, Manuel Contreras and Mike Zuniga, shared their testimonies June 23 .... The congregation held their all-church picnic July 14 at World Impact Ranch.

EUGENE, Ore. (North Park)-A farewell for Sid and Christine Harms, pastoral couple, was held June 23.

MINOT, N.D.-Pastor Dennis Webber and his family were honored with a farewell meal June 30.... Bob and Wanda Kroeker will be interim pastoral couple for nine months beginning in early September.

WEATHERFORD, Okla. (pine Acres)-Hal J. Penner was commissioned as youth pastor July 7.

TOPEKA, Kan.-James Mason was installed as pastor of adult ministries July 14. He and his wife, Kelly, and their son moved from Denver, Colo.

TOUR MAGINATION

''',9·6'/

Center for Peacemaking & Conflict Studies Fresno Pacific College

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

HENDERSON, Neb.-The church hosted 12 youth from Central District churches for a discipleship retreat June 28-29.

November 14-25, 1996

.·.or· .-..

CONFERENCE FRESNO, CALIFORNIA OCTOBER 25-26, 1996

Come participate in defining the roles of legislation and the church in restorative justice.

Our Leader Cal Redekop will introduce you to: * German-Speaking Mennonite Settlements in Chihuahua * Spectacular Copper Canyon via the Chihuahua-Pacific Railway

* Tarahumara Indians, Paquime Ruins You CAN START A

CHURCH-BASED VORP (VICTIM OFFENDER RECONCILIATION PROGRAM)

1996 TRAINING SEMINARS

Lancaster PA August 19-21

I

Fresno, CA October 22-24 (pre-conference)

* Spanish-Speaking Mennonites in Sinaloa

Call 1-800-565-0451 or write TourMagination 1011 Cathill Road Sellersville, PA 18960

22 King St. S., Suite 401 Waterloo, ON N2J 1N8 Reg.# 1567624

HTTP://WWW.fRESNO.EDU/PACS/RJM.HTMl

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.DEATHS ANDERSON, HERBERT, Gettysburg, S.D., a member of Grace Bible Church in Gettysburg, was born Oct. 23, 1912, near Avon Springs, S.D., to Primus and August Nelson Anderson and died June 9, 1996, at the age of 83. On Sept. 12, 1937, he was married to Evelyn Todd, who survives. He is also survived by one son, Kenneth and wife Corrine of Bedford, Texas; one sister, Lucille Anderson of Gettysburg; and four grandchildren and their spouses.

BLOOMQUIST, ROSE, Minneapolis, Kan., a member of Harvey MB Church, Harvey, N.D., was born Feb. 20, 1907, to Frederich and Magdelena Faul in Pony Gulch Township and died Jan. 31, 1996, at the age of 89. She is survived by two daughters, Betty Bloomquist of Minneapolis and Verna Porter of Portland, Ore.; one brother, David Faul of Harvey; one sister, Bertha Lorz of Harvey; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

BRAUN, AGNES WILLEMS, Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was born Sept. 19, 1904, to Abraham and Suzanne Neufeld Willems at Inman,

Kan., and died June 10, 1996, at the age of 91. On Dec. 14, 1928, she was married to John Braun, who survives. She is also survived by two sons, Donald and Wesley, and their spouses; one daughter, Elaine, and her spouse; one brother, three sisters, seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and a great-great grandchild.

DUERKSON, WALLACE, Clovis, Calif., a member of Butler MB Church, Fresno, Calif., was born Feb. 10, 1918, at Orienta, Okla., and died June 26, 1996, at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife, Leona; two sons, Kerwin and Terry; a daughter, Marva Duerkson, all of Fresno; two sisters, Irene Duerkson and Alice Just, both of Oklahoma; two grandchildren, five stepgrandchildren and one step great-grandchild.

ENNS, HERMAN H., Buhler, Kan., a member of Buhler MB Church, was born March 1, 1897, at Shoenau, Ukraine, to Herman H. and Maria Woelk Enns and died July 1, 1996, at the age of 99. He is survived by his children Margaret, Harry, Elsie and Ramona; one brother, John of San Diego; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

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FROESE, JUSTINA ESAU, Phoenix, AriZ., was born Aug. 27, 1923, to Jacob and Helena Esau at Orenburg, Russia, and died Feb. 28, 1996, at the age of 73. In 1944 she was married to Jacob Froese, who survives. They pastored Mennonite Brethren churches in Minnesota, Kansas and Arizona. She is also survived by two sons, Leonard and wife Marlene of Phoenix, and David and wife Susan of Owasso, Okla.; one daughter, Viola and husband Jim Smith of Glendale, AriZ.; one brother, Isaac and wife Elsie Esau of Chilliwack, B.C.; four sisters in-law and six grandsons.

HEINRICHS, SAMUEL LUCAS, Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was born Aug. 27, 1908, at Gotebo, Okla., to Frank B. and Nettie Richert Heinrichs and died June 19, 1996, at the age of 87.

On May 28, 1932, he was married to Lola Eitzen who survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Joyce, and her family.

ISAAC, AGNES V., Turpin, Okla., a member of Adams (Okla.) MB Church, was born June 6, 1904, in McPherson County, Kan., to John T. and Maria Wiebe Siebert and died June 6, 1996, at the age of 92.

On Dec. 9, 1926, she was married to Abram A. Isaac, who survives. She is also survived by two sons, Harold and wife Karen Isaac of Adams, and Vernon and wife Karen Isaac of Edson, Kan.; two daughters, Emmalene and husband Ronald Thomas of Bartlesville, Okla., and Josephine and husband Joelle Balzer of Prairieville, La.; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

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ESAU, MARTIN M. Buhler, Kan., a member of the Buhler MB Church, was born May 22, 1901, near BuWer to Martin and Justina Pauls Esau and died July 10, 1996, at the age of 95. On May 6, 1923, he was married to Selma Schroeder, who predeceased him in 1977. He is survived by a son, LeRoy and wife Jo Ann Esau of Hutchinson, Kan., three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

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KARBER, ROY, Perryton, Texas, a member of Balko (Okla.) MB Church, was born Sept. 30, 1915, in Beaver County, Okla., and died April 25, 1996, at the age of 80.

On July 18, 1937, he was married to Eunice Patzkowsky, who survives. He is also survived by one son, Braden Karber of Perryton; one daughter, Karen Mills of Beaver, Okla.; three brothers, Herb Unruh of Newton, Kan., Clarence Karber of Fairview, Okla., and Bill Karber of Marlow, Okla.; one sister, Clara Loewen of Dodge City, Kan.; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

KLIEWER, HENRY A., Reedley, Calif., was born Nov. 22, 1909, in Keddo County, Okla., to Henry E. and Margaret Gunther Kliewer and died June 21, 1996, at the age of 87. On June 30, 1938, he was

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BODyLIFE

married to Hannah Nikkel, who predeceased him. He is survived by two sisters, Lydia Balzer and Margaret and husband Henry Isaac, all of Reedley; one brother, John and his wife Ruth Kliewer of Reedley.

NIKKEL, RUTH LAU, Corn, Okla., a member of Corn MB Church, was born Sept.

19, 1910, to Michael and Bertha Kiehn Lau near Bessie, Okla., and died July 1, 1996, at the age of 85. On March 6, 1930, she was married to Walter M. Nikkel, who predeceased her in 1992. She is survived by her daughter, Ruth and husband Troy Kight; two sons, Ron and wife Elfrige and Jerry and wife Mary Ann; one daughter-inlaw, Myrna Nikkel; two sisters, Elsie Kroeker of Milwaukee, Wisc., and Martha Reimer of Bakersfield, Calif.; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchidren.

PAULS, CURT W., Adams, Okla., a member of Adams MB Church, was born April 9, 1935, near Buhler, Kan., to Frank F. and Mary Nachtigal Pauls and died June 22, 1996, at the age of 83. On Oct. 27, 1935, he was married to Frances Gerband, who survives. He is also survived by two sons,

Gary Pauls of Tulsa, Okla., Randy and wife Tricia Pauls of Hooker, Okla.; one daughter, Carol and husband Glenn Suderman of Garden City, Kan.; one sister, Lillian Kroeker of Buhler, Kan.; four grandchildren, two step grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren.

PENNER, HELEN, Hillsboro, Kan., a member of Hillsboro MB Church, was born April 16, 1919, to John J. and Helena Groening Siebert near Hillsboro, and died July 13, 1996, at the age of 77. On May 20, 1941, she was married to Lloyd C. Penner, who predeceased her in 1983. They served as pastoral couple at several churches, including Adams (Okla.) MB Church and Bethel MB Church of Balko, Okla. She is survived by her children, Linda and husband Doug Buster of Colleyville, Texas, Paul and wife Deborah Penner of Hillsboro, Marilyn and Martin Johnson of Festus, Mo., and Loraine and husband Doyle Prier of Campbellville, Ont.; nine grandchildren and one great-grandson.

REIMER, MARGIE, Hillsboro, Kan., a member of Hillsboro MB Church, was born

MCC Resource Catalog

"-. Mennonite Central Committee

.6!1

TOEWS, JOHNNY HENRY, Dinuba, Calif., former MB Missions/Services missionary to Peru, was born Aug. 6, 1927, in Alexanderkron, Siberia, to Henry J. and Elizabeth Friesen Toews and died April 10, 1996, at the age of 69. On June 14, 1949, he was married to Harriet Hofer, who survives. He is also survived by three sons, Randall and wife Ronda and David and wife Julie, all of

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THE

C H R 1ST I A N

ROBERTS, JULIANNA, Fairview, Okla., was born Nov. 20, 1912, near Orienta, Okla., to Aaron A. and Mary Kasper Penner and died June 28, 1996, at the age of 83.

On Sept. 3, 1939, she was married to Elmer Roberts, who predeceased her in 1992.

She is survived by five sons, David and wife Elizabeth of Fairview, George and wife Jeanette of Bethany, Okla., Ronald of Oklahoma City, Okla., Loyal and wife Hazel of Fairview, and Gordon and wife Lynetta of Oklahoma City; three brothers, Edd Penner of Orienta, Neal Penner of Enid, Okla., and Dan Penner of Medora, Kan.; two sisters, Eunice Isaak of Fairview and Lois Peters of Enid; 10 grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

SEIBEL, MARTHA M., Fort Collins, Colo., was born Dec. 25, 1909, to Gottfried and Magdalena Nee Adam Schimke at Martin, N.D., and died June 4, 1996, at the age of 86. On July 26, 1931, she was married to Elmer Seibel who survives. She is also survived by three daughters, Marlene Ratzlaff of Denver, Colo., Phyllis Peterson and Lucenda Schultz, both of Fort Collins; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Mennonite Central CommiUee and MCC U.S. 21 South 12th Street, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-0500 (717) 859-1151 (717) 859-3889

30·

REIMER, RUBY M., Reedley, Calif., was born Jan. 4, 1916, and died June 24, 1996, at the age of 80.

SCHROEDER, MATHILDA "TILLIE," Inman, Kan., a member of Buhler (Kan.) MB Church, was born June 10, 1916, to John S. and Lizzie Esau Schroeder near Inman and died July 11, 1996, at the age of 80. She is survived by five sisters, Elsie Dirks, Helen and husband Arnold Loepp, Adina and husband Alden Kliewer, Sue Ann and husband Vernon Plenert, and Frances Schroeder; and one brother, John and wife Doris Schroeder.

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Sept. 27, 1927, at Hillsboro, Kan., to Albert F. and Anna Penner Bartel and died July 10, 1996, at the age of 68. On June 14, 1949, she was married to Aaron Reimer, who survives. She is also survived by two daughters, Darla and husband Richard Klassen of Manitowoc, Wis., and Delora and husband Kim Kaufman of Hillsboro; one son, Cameron and wife Brenda of Marion, Kan.; two brothers, Vernon and wife Vida Bartel and Larry and wife Yolanda Bartel, both of Hillsboro; two sisters, Ruth Bartel of Hillsboro and Eunice and husband Harold Nachtigal of Aurora, Neb.; and seven grandchildren.

LEA D E R

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Dinuba, Calif., and Douglas and wife Jerri of Kingsburg, Calif.; two daughters, Dawn and husband Keith Erickson and Becky and husband Alan Lyvere, all of Hayword, Calif.; sister Betty and husband Bob Bradford of Washington; one brother, Ervin and wife Darlene of Dinuba; and 17 grandchildren.

UNRUH, DAVID, Dinuba, Calif., a founding member of Dinuba MB Church, was born Feb. 16, 1909, to David J. and Judith Kroeker Unruh at Omtk, Siberia, and died May 10, 1996, at the age of 87. He was married to Elizabeth Harms, who predeceased him in 1955, then to Bertha Ella Kroeker, who predeceased him in 1973. In 1973, he was married to Luella Toews, who survives. He is also survived by three sons, David and wife Nancy of Fresno, Neil and wife Frances of Dinuba, and Frank and wife Shirley of Fresno; six daughters, Elizabeth Barnes of Dinuba, Anna Marie and husband Clifford Davis of Lodi, Calif., Lillian and husband Stephen Schwartz of Sanger, Calif., Linda and husband Marty Bloom of Clovis, Calif., Sharon and husband Don Klassen of Reedley, and Marcy and husband Sidney Unruh of Bakersfield, Calif.; four brothers, two sisters, 26 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

UNRUH, HAROLD A., Fresno, Calif., a member of Reedley (Calif.) MB Church, was born Feb. 7, 1913, at Fairview, Okla., to Adolph H. and Adaline Becker Unruh and died in April at the age of 83. On June 13, 1937, he was married to Alice Klassen, who survives. He is also survived by three sons, Jerry and wife Lois of Los Osos, Calif., Stan and wife Grace of Fresno; and Ron of Truckee, Calif.; two brothers, Walter of Exeter, Calif. and Raymond of Visalia, Calif; two sisters, Luella Willems of Everett, Wash., and Doris Hofer of Reedley; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

WALTER, VERDA E., a member of Silver Lake MB Church, Freeman, S.D., was born Feb. 14, 1922, to Isaac and Maggie Adrian Smith at Marion, S.D., and died Jan. 14,

1996, at the age of 73. On Nov. 7, 1948, she was married to Andrew I. Walter. She is survived by one son, Richard and wife Priscilla of Bridgewater, S.D.; one brother, Harry and wife Leone Smith of Freeman; two brothers-in-law, Isaac Unruh of Freeman, and Robert Duerksen of Marion; one sister-in-law, Hulda and husband Paul Stahl of Bridgewater; one brother-in-law, Aaron and wife Laura Walker of Norfolk, Neb.; and three grandchildren.

WARKENTIN, ERNEST L., Orland, Calif., a member of Country Bible Church, Orland, was born Aug. 13, 1914, at Kremlin, Okla., to Bernard and Marie Warkentin and died April 22, 1996, at the age of 81.

On Dec. 27, 1952, he was married to Genevieve Cline, who survives. He is also survived by his brothers, Waldo of Fresno, Calif., and Melvin of Enid, Okla.

WARKENTIN, MARY MARTENS, a member of Reedley MB Church, was born June 1, 1916, at Henderson, Neb., to Frank J. and Agnes Cornelson Martens and died Dec. 20, 1995, at the age of 80. She was married to Pete Regier, who predeceased her in 1961. On Jan. 26, 1991, she was married to Leo Warkentin, who survives.

She is also survived by one son, Dennis and wife Marilyn of Reedley; two daughters, Phyllis and husband Syd Flieshaur of Sandy, Ore., and Betty Sturdevent of Chino, Calif.; one brother, John Martens of Henderson, Neb.; two sisters, Helen Quiring of Henderson, and Tina and husband Jake Regier of Grand Island, Neb.; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

WARKENTIN, SARA D., Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was born Dec. 4, 1912, to Dietrich and Sara Balzer Enns at Hooker, Okla., and died June 15, 1996, at the age of 83. On Feb. 2, 1936, she was married to Elmo H. Warkentin, who predeceased her. They served as pastor couple, conference Christian education resource persons and church planters of seven churches. She is survived by two sons, Dale and wife Joyce of Fresno, Calif., and Mark and wife Victoria of Sunland,

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Calif.; nine brothers and sisters, Olga Wall of Scotts Valley, Calif., Herman Enns of Chico, Calif., Mary Riffel of Auburn, Calif., Katie Ewert of Reedley, Orlando Enns of Castor Valley, Calif., Walton Enns of Concord, Calif, Adina Fort of Salinas, Calif., Rosella Isgrigg of Dinuba, Calif., and Victor Enns of Dinuba; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

WICHERT, CARL C., of Fairview, Okla., a member of Fairview MB Church, was born Oct. 20, 1907, to C.A. and Agnes Cornelsen Wichert. On June 3, 1934, he was married to Florence Schwalk, who survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Joyce and husband Richard Franz; a son, Sherrill and wife JoAnn; two sisters, Elda Neufeld of San Jose, Calif., and Abnis Janzen of Bakersfield, Calif.; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

CORRECTION: Louise Braun Fast, Reedley, Calif., died May 1, 1996, at the age of 77.

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.

POSITION AVAILABLE CAMPUS PASTOR-Search reopened. Seeking qualified administrative faculty member to serve as campus pastor. Reporting half-time to dean of student life in the role of strengthening the Christian character and worship life of the college, with primary focus on undergraduate students; reporting half-time to the academic vice president in the role of directing College Hour, a twice-weekly gathering of the undergraduate campus community for worship, biblical instruction and enhancing wholistic Christian thinking and action in all areas of life. Must possess an M.A. or M.Div., doctorate preferred; mature Christian faith; ministry experience; preference for some experience in a Christian liberal arts college. Fresno Pacific is a dynamic Christian liberal arts college of the Mennonite Brethren Church. All candidates must share the college's Christian commitment. Review of applications will begin Aug. 1 and appointment will be made as soon thereafter as a suitable candidate is secured. For full description and application form, write or phone: Sue Kliewer, Personnel Director, Fresno Pacific College, 1717 S. Chestnut, Fresno, CA 93702; (209) 453-2245; e-mail skliewer@fresno.edu.

ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR-Tabor College has an opening for a new position based in Colorado. Qualifications include a self-motivated individual who is comfortable communicating with all age groups. Must be detail oriented and willing to travel. Send cover letter, resume and the name and addresses of three references to Lynn Jackson, Associate Director of Admissions, 400 S. Jefferson, Hillsboro, KS 67063.

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MISCELLANEA CLIPS

PHILANTHROPY

It's the thought that counts, right?

Although church attendance is at its lowest level in 15 years, Americans remain active-if not generous-financial contributors to local churches and religious centers. That's one of several conclusions reached by a nationwide survey conducted by the Barna Research Group. The data show: • Nearly half of all Americans (45 percent) donate money to a church or other place of worship in a typical month.

• In a typical month 41 percent of adults donate to a nonprofit organization other than a church, while

AND

23 percent give to both a church and to other types of nonprofit organizations.

• In relation to their total household income, most Americans give away only a small percentage of their money. Three-quarters of adults (75 percent) gave less than $500 to nonprofit organizations, including churches, in 1995. Only 25 percent said they had given $500 or more to all types of nonprofits combined in 1995. Of that group, only 10 percent donated up to $1 ,000 for the entire year and just 3 percent gave away $3,000 or more.

• Of the 41 percent of Americans contributing to a nonprofit organization other than a church or place of worship, one-third gave to a Christian organiza-

COMMENTS

tion. This number (34 percent) represents nearly 15 million households supporting parachurch ministry efforts.

• Contrary to popular stereotypes, television and radio ministries are not taking the lion's share of parachurch donations. The parachurch ministries which had the highest proportion of donors last year were missionaries or missions groups that work overseas (61 percent of those who give to religious nonchurch ministries) and youth ministries (45 percent). Social welfare ministries (38 percent), discipleship agencies (33 percent), Christian schools, colleges or other education ministries (32 percent), Christian-based child spon-

MB Circles... by Lorlie Barkman

sorship (32 percent) and evangelistic organizations (29 percent) received higher support than did radio ministries (17 percent), television ministry (15 percent), and ministry focused on public policy or legal matters (11 percent).

• In a related study, Barna found that donors to churches or religious centers are more likely to consider themselves to be politically conservative (57 percent) than moderate (42 percent) or liberal (27 percent).

• The study also found that the amount donated to nonprofit organizations increased as the donor's level of religious involvement increased. Religious involvement was measured through 10 items of religious activity. Those respondents whose religious activity was high (defined as involvement in six or more of the 10 possible types of religious involvements) were significantly more likely to donate $1,000 or more to churches and charities than were those with lower levels of religious involvement. (EP) SEX EDUCATION

New guidelines promote character

Eyeing the last slice.

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It's being touted as a "new sexual revolution" that will result in fewer teen pregnancies, lower infertility rates, fewer sexually transmitted diseases, and healthier, more fulfilling sexual lives for Americans.

The catalyst for this intended revolution is a new set of National Guide-

MISCELLANEA

lines for Sexuality and Char- short-term and long-term goals, and to develop firm acter Education, released by the Medical Institute for standards of right and Sexual Health (MISH), a wrong. Junior high and high school students are nonprofit organization based in Austin, Texas. given health information.

The new guidelines are Junior high students are to be taught about the rate of written to provide teachers and parents with a framecondom failure and the work on which to build high rate of sexually transsexuality education curricu- mitted disease among teenlum. The idea is to not only agers. High school students teach students to make are to be taught that contramedically based decisions ceptive use will not prevent on what constitutes "safe emotional problems associated with uncommitted sexsex" but also to teach charual relationships. acter skills to abide by "Teenagers can no those decisions.

MISH warns that the more be abstinent unless predominant sex education they have developed the character traits to be abstiprograms of the past 10-15 nent," MISH founder Joe S. years have been ineffective in curbing the epidemic McIlhaney Jr., told the proportions of teen pregAustin American-Statesnancy and sexually transman. "And that takes a mitted diseases. strong ability to put off for As an alternative to the future something that existing programs, the new would feel good today... respect for the other perguidelines urge character son...responsibility for your building education in early health. These are traits they grades, combined with have to be taught." honest information about MISH was founded in the benefits of sexual abstinence in later grades.

1992 as a nonprofit medical The guidelines suggest and educational organizateaching early elementary tion that provides researchbased sexual health inforstudents to deal effectively with negative peer presmation in order to facilitate sure. Upper elementary stu- healthy and life-affirming dents are urged to learn to sexual choices. McIlhaney is a gynecologist. (EP) set standards to achieve

The bare essentials of faith...

N

OTING THAT Adam and Eve covered their naked-

ness only after sinning, a group of Christian nud-

ists is returning to the fashions of Eden for an annual retreat at the Whispering Pines family nudist resort.

The resort owners-a Methodist and a Baptist-say they hope that Christian involvement will help make nudism 'Iwholesome, family-oriented fun." The retreat includes seminars on how Christians can spread their

Mennonites are named after him, but what do we really know about Menno Simons, the 16th century reformer? To mark the 500th anniversary year of his birth, we decided to interview him. Posthumously. These are his actual words. Really. We'll

(1Y' No matter how much we may talk or argue about the Scriptures, this rule will remain firm and can never be broken: If you live after the flesh, you will die.

All, therefore, who live in pomp and splendor, in eating and drinking, in adultery, fornication and avarice, hatred, envy, gluttony, fraud, and such sins; who defame the Lord's holy and high name, Word, will, and also his church; who slander their neighbors, deprive them of their honor, name, welfare, body and goods; who curse and swear by the Lord's sufferings ... are unbelieving heathen and not believing Christians.

This is as clear as the light of day. For their fruits testify before the whole world that they are not the true olive tree and vine from which we may pluck or gather the true, ripe fruits.

And what would you include as the "fruits" of the truly believing Christian?

(1Y' In this it is evident that where sincere and true faith exists, the faith which avails before God and is a gift of God, which comes from hearing the holy Word, there through the blossoming tree of life all manner of precious fruits of righteousness are present, such as the fear and love of God, mercy, friendship, chastity, temperance, humility, confidence, truth, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. For where a sincere, evangelical, pious faith is, there also are the genuine evangelical fruits in keeping with the Gospels.

I say evangelical fruits. For the strange fruits, such as infant baptism, masses, vespers, caps, crucifixes, altars, bells, etc., the Gospel knows not. For God has not commanded them, neither through Christ his Son, nor through the apostles and prophets.

The true evangelical faith sees and considers only the doctrine, ceremonies, commands, prohibitions, and the perfect example of Christ and strives to conform thereto with all its power.

Next: More on "true faith"

influence in the nudist community. (EP) SOURCE' The Complete Writings of Menno Simons

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MISCELLANEA

RACISM

Can the vandalism be vanquished?

As arson attacks on churches continue to mount, both the public and private sector are working to combat the crimes and rebuild the victimized churches.

President Clinton has designated $6 million to be used by local police to combat church burnings in 12 states, primarily in the South.

A unanimous Congress sent Clinton a bill June 27 that doubles federal penalties for burning a church, gives the federal government greater jurisdiction in

such cases and provides federal loan guarantees for rebuilding projects.

The Christian Coalition has issued an apology for past failings on civil rights issues and has offered a reward for information leading to convictions in the arsons. The coalition has also established a fund to help churches install security devices and sponsored racial reconciliation Sundays July 14 and 21.

Civil rights leaders Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have said they are not ready to accept the apology and offer for help.

Promise Keepers has pledged $1 million and "thousand of man-hours of labor" to help rebuild black

churches in the South that have been victimized by arsonists.

Several organizations have established funds for rebuilding efforts including World Relief, The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, National Council of Churches and Mennonite Central Committee.

MCC U.S. and Mennonite Disaster Service are coordinating a Ribbon of Hope campaign to express support for the AfricanAmerican and other congregations whose churches were destroyed by arsonists. Resources are available from MCC U.S. by phoning (717) 859-3889. Funds are also needed for the MDS church rebuilding efforts.

Although fires at black churches are getting most of the publicity, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) records show that white churches are burning as well. Since January 1995, the bureau has investigated 59 church fires-30 at black churches and 29 at white. But white churches greatly outnumber black churches, so the roughly equal number of arson attacks can be seen as disproportionately affecting black churches. (MCG, EP) GATHERINGS

PK for women, too $50 covers KVI's costs for program supplies, literature, first aid supplies and sports equipment for one youth between the ages of 11-17 to attend camp for 12 days. 100 camps expected in 1996.

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THE

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C H R 1ST I A N

LEA D E R

Two organizations have been founded to bring the "Promise Keepers" experience to women.

Heritage Keepers will hold its first conference Aug. 10 in Wichita, Kan., The new organization has been swamped with registration requests; more than 8,000 applications had been received by June 1 for the conference, which has a capacity of 3,000.

Pastor Bob Beckler of Wichita's Central Commu-

nity Church, co-created the conference with his wife, Lori. Heritage Keepers will feature both men and women speakers including author Florence Littauer, counselor Marge Caldwell, and John Trent, who is a frequent speaker at Promise Keepers meetings. Organizers say they have included both male and female speakers to avoid the appearance of being a feminist movement.

Meanwhile, Deborah Tyler of Morristown, Tenn., has organized "Keys for Abundant Living: A Promise Keepers Counterpart" meetings in Birmingham, Dallas, Little Rock and Nashville, each drawing about 1,000 women. Speakers included Gloria Gaither and Luci Swindoll. Seven conferences are planned for next year. (EP) LANGUAGE

Parody parables CapitaliZing on the success of a secular series of satirical books that recast familiar fables and fairy tales in politically correct terms, a United Methodist minister from Connecticut has created a volume of Politically Correct Parables.

In these retellings, the prodigal son is seen as the "negative-attention-getting son." The foolish bridesmaids are "cerebrally challenged bridespersons." And the parable of the vineyard workers who all receive the same pay regardless of hours worked becomes the story of "the differently waged persons. " Robert Martin Walker, author of the book, notes that in the language of politically correctness, everyone is a victim and no one is responsible for his or her actions. (EP)

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT A

GUIDE

FOR

GROUP

INTERACTION

SESSION 1: Humor and play in Scripture

SESSION 3: The pace of our lives

Based on "At Play in the Word of the Lord" (page 8).

"Having a Nice Trip," Ph'lip Side, page 17.

GET READY-Getting started

GET READY-Getting started

• Share an example of a recent enjoyable play experience.

• What connections do you have with Nebraska?

GET SET-Examining the issues

GET SET-Examining the issues

1. Skim several chapters of Proverbs to locate verses

1. What were the positive aspects of the Wiebes' road

that suggest biblical humor.

2. How does Kroeker describe the purpose and effect

trip?

2. Look through the Gospels and identify meaningful experiences and encounters Jesus had on his II roa d trips."

of play?

3. Do you agree with the following statement: "When all is well, when life goes as God intended, there is joy, fun

3. What are the spiritual, emotional and physical consequences of not taking time to IIbe still and know that I am

and laughter"? Why or why not?

God ?

GO-Applying ideas to the way we live

GO-Applying ideas to the way we live

1. Why is it important for the church to show the world how to play?

2. Does your life need more or less play? How could you move toward making the necessary changes?

3. Identify a tense relationship that could be helped by godly humor.

ll

1. In what ways can we as disciples of Christ help each other experience more "slowness and inefficiency" in our lives?

2. Identify specific things you could do to ensure times of slower pace and quietness if that's needed in your life.

3. Does your church life encourage IJleisurely trips to Nebraska" or is it "moving faster than a speeding computer chip/?

SESSION 2: Laughing at ourselves

Based on "Faith in the Puddle" (page 14).

GET READY-Getting started • When is the last time you laughed so hard that you

SESSION 4: Unity in worship

Based on the first question of Inquiring Minds, page 18.

cried?

GET READY-Getting started

GET SET-Examining the issues

• Would you describe your preference of worship style as being more "traditional" or "contemporary"?

1. What do you think is the key point to each of the "Pontius' Puddle" cartoons?

2. Why is the point/message easier to accept in cartoon form than when it is stated directly?

3. How can one use humor to highlight truth without being "mean spirited"?

GO-Applying ideas to the way we live 1. What would a cartoon look like that depicted a challenge in your Christian life or your church?

2. What part, if any, should the church play in encouraging humor?

3. How would you like to mature or change in your use of humor?

4. How does humor impact your perception of life and God?

GET SET-Examining the issues 1. Review the differences represented by worshipers in the New Testament.

2. What instructions were given for dealing with those differences?

3. For what reasons do some churches have two different types of services?

4. What evidence of a "blended service" do you experience in your congregation?

GO-Applying ideas to the way we live 1. In what ways can the possibly negative "long-term implications" of separate services be avoided?

2. How would you or your discussion group define the essentials of worship?

3. Does your congregation need greater unity in worship? If so, how could that unity be nurtured?

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

AUGUST

1996

-35

EDITORIAL

The faith game

.N

ing 'Faith in Jeopardy.' Choose the next category."

ND AS I SLEPT, a vision came to me, a vision "Thanks, Alex. Let's go with Common Sense for filled with shining light and the applause of an $100." ·nvisible choir. In the very center of the brightThe host sounded forth: "Give me the correct quesness stood three creatures behind a single altar. Their tion to this answer: He said to his followers, 'If anyone faces shone with confidence-and with a strangely familwants to be first, he must be the very last, and the seriar countenance, I might add. As I peered more intently, vant of all. '" I read the names that were written before them: Me, I rang in first: "Who is Yogi Berra?"

Myself and I. "Sorry."

Then came a voice from a near distance, a voice Myself answered next: "Who is Mr. Rogers?" imbued with authority and confidence. And I looked, "Wrong." and there before me stood a man whose voice and It was up to Me: "Who is...Hennie Youngman?" countenance I did recognize, for they are familiar to all "That's incorrect as well," said Alex sadly. "The who walk the earth. I trembled with excitement, for I knew I was in the presence of greatright answer is, Who is Jesus Christ?" ness. And then he spoke: A collective groan rose from the ((V "Hello, friends, I'm Alex Trebek three contestants. In the heat of com.I. ou seem to have petition, they had forgotten. and welcome to 'Faith in Jeopardy.'

Today's categories are Excuses, The host turned to Myself: "We're a natural inclination Prooftexts, Cliches and Common back to you. Choose another category, please."

Sense. Me, please select the first catfor playing llaith egory."

"I'll try to redeem Myself with a Cliche-for $200, please."

"I'll take Excuses for $100, in]eopardy. ' Alex," said Me. "Here's your clue: A helpful thing a The rather heavenly host read sincere Christian says when bad things Choose the next with a clear voice: "In the parable of happen to good people." the sheep and the goats, this I surprised Myself by ringing in category." response would have kept the goats first. "What is, Bill Clinton is the AntiChrist?" out of trouble for ignoring the hun"Sorry," said Alex, "that's a common response, but gry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked and the prisoner." not the one we're looking for this time. Myself, you were next."

I rang in with confidence. "Alex," I said, "what is, "What is: Smile, God loves you?"

Let's form a committee to assess the need?"

"Sorry, Myself. That's not quite right either."

"Correct!" said the host. "You may choose the next category."

It was up to Me: ".... " Buzzzzz.

I was thrilled. "Alex, let's try Prooftexts for $200, please."

"That correct!" said Alex. "Most Christians don't say anything helpful!"

"Very well," said the host, and he read: "This verse And so it went. The competition was fierce. When would justify buying the family a new RV while the misit came to matters of faith, I knew every Cliche in the sions board is forced to cut its operating budget." book and was well versed in Common Sense. Coming I rang in ahead of Myself. "Alex," I said confidently, up with Prooftexts was no problem for Myself. And as "what is Philippians 4:19: 'And my God will meet all for Me, Excuses came easily. your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Then came the final round. The game was on the Jesus'?" line. Then the rather heavenly host read the contestants The host grimaced. "Close, but not quite.... Myself, you were next." their final clue: "This person is good enough, wise enough, sincere enough to save himself."

"Alex," said Myself, "I'd go with an Old Testament Immediately, panic crossed the faces of the contesresponse. What is Psalm 37:4: 'Delight yourself in the tants. They could not think of a single person. And in Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart'?" that moment of revelation, they smiled. They knew the "Correct!" the host exclaimed. "I'm impressed with game was truly won.-DR Myself. You seem to have a natural inclination for play36·

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