August 1998

CHRISTIAN

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BE GI ERS? THE CHALLENGE OF STEWARDSHIP IN AN AFFLUENT AGE

AUGUST

FIRST WORDS

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1998

••• from the editor

NSTEAD OF First Words, we should call this little introductory column Last Words. With the completion of this issue, I also complete my service as your editor.

My fmal issue simply continues the tradition we've tried to maintain all these years: to exhort the church to love and good deeds and to report how the church is trying to carry out that mandate.

On the exhortation side, we explore the topic of stewardship, specifically as it relates to that generation of people we call baby boomers. And that's the message we hope to communicate: that stewardship does apply to all of us who fall in that age bracket. Jon Wiebe tells us how in a wide-ranging conversation about affluence, faithfulness and commitment (page 4).

Then, Lauren Sill describes how she and her husband grappled with the issue (page 10). We may not all reach the conclusions they did, but I would wish for all of us the intensity of the self-evaluation process they undertook.

On the reporting side of our work, you'll fmd coverage of Celebrate '98, the biennial U.S. Conference convention held last month in La Mirada, Calif. (page 18). I am personally indebted to Connie Faber, who handled the primary reporting responsibilities, and to Ellynoe Wiebe, a freelance writer who assisted us. They did a good job of reflecting the events of that weekend.

With the encouragement of the Board of Communications, I attended the convention primarily as an observerand as a reCipient of generous affirmation from those who attended. Though it was difficult to say goodbye to so many people who have come to mean a lot to me during my 20 years at the Leader, I am grateful for the opportunity to have done so.

One thing you will not fmd in this issue is another page of "thank yous" to the editor. At least I don't think you will. Staff and board worked covertly to hijack last month's issue without my knowledge. After I got over the surprise and embarrassment, I did manage to savor the kind words offered there. My thanks to all who have blessed me with your love and support all these years.

On behalf of the staff that will continue the ministry of journalism here, keep following the Christian Leader as it seeks to follow Christ. -DR

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Page 18

COMING • NOVEMBER 6-S-Central District Conference convention, Lustre, Mont. Speaker: Larry Martens, pastor of North Fresno MB Church, Fresno, Calif.

• MARCH 20-23, 1999-Estes 99, the quadrennial national Mennonite Brethren youth convention, Estes Park, Colo.

2 · THE

CHRISTIAN

LEADER

AUGUST

1998 CHRISTIAN

VOLUME 61 , NUM BER 8

FEATURES 4 Generational generosity In this interview with the Leader ed itors, Jon Wiebe talks about his generation and their stewardship of the unprecedented material blessings they enjoy.

10 It's just stuff A self-inventory of time and possessions led one Kansas couple to make significant changes in light of God's call upon their lives. LAUREN SILL AS TOLD TO NATALEE ROTH

DEPARTMENTS Ph'lip Side . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . by Philip Wiebe 14 Millenium bugged

Inquiring Minds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. by Marvin Hein 15 • •

Church membership Universalism

On the Journey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Rose Buschman 16 Shopping for the Lord

What Readers Say .. . . . . .... . .. . . . . . .. . .. . .. .. . .. 17 BodyLife. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 • • •

CELEBRATE '98 COVERAGE: Unity in La Mirada 18 Harvey MB Church celebrates 100 years 25 Farewell to Dan Friesen, a 'man for all people' 26

• •

Church notes 28 Deaths 30

Let's Talk About It .

35

Editorial . .. ... .

36

• The final harvest

EDITOR Don Ratzlaff

ASSISTANT EDITOR Connie Faber

BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS: Noelle Dickinson, cha ir; Phil Neufeld, Da lton Reimer, Herb Schroeder, Kathy Heinrichs Wiest MANDATE.' THE CHRISTIAN LEADER (lssN 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 members w ill aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelica l! Anabaptist theolog ical tradition .

EDITORIAL POLICY: The views and opinions of our writers and advertisers are their own and do not necessa rily represent the posit ion 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 w ith 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 shou ld be addressed to Christian Leader, Box V, Hillsboro, Ks 67063 . Phone: (316) 947-5543 . Fax: (316) 947-3266.

E-mail: chleader@southwind .net.

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

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

ART CREDITS: Cover and page 4, Skjold Photographs; page 10, line art by Dynamic Graphics, photo of Sills by Natalee Roth; pages 18 through 24, Leader photographs by Don Ratzlaff; page 25, courtesy photo, Harvey MB Church; page 26, Leader file photo.

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 by Valley Offset Printing, Valley Center, Kan. POSTMASTER: Send Form 3579 to The Christian Leader, Bo x V, Hillsboro, Ks 67063 . Period ica ls postage paid at Hillsboro, Kansas.

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JON WIEBE is in his first year as president of Mennonite Brethren Foundation, the stewardship ministry of the U.S. Conference. Only 34 years old, Wiebe brings to the job a special interest in the financial faithfulness of his own generation, the group we have come to call "baby boomers." He resists the notion that concern for biblical stewardship is reserved primarily for "builders," the generation near or in retirement. Being boomers ourselves in a culture of unparalleled affluence, we invited Jon to talk with us about what it means for Mennonite Brethren of our generation to live as faithful kingdom stewards.-the editors 4 · THE

CHRISTIAN

LEADER

CHRISTIAN LEADER: Why do boomer-generation Christians need to think about stewardship?

JON WIEBE: How we use our money is our

clearest statement of what's really important to us. If we claim that Jesus, church, ministry and service are what is important, then we need to put our money where our mouth is.

CL: How do you think we're doing?

JW: The majority of us boomers struggle

with budgeting and being disciplined in what we spend. It seems like most of us are flying by the seat of our pants. Even though we may be very disciplined people in other areas of our lives, money issues seem to be the exception.

I'm not sure most boomers have really dealt with the issue of stewardship. We have to lay it on the table and wrestle with it personally from time to time. How do we make our money? How do we spend it? Is it done in a way that pleases God?

CL: How would you describe the boomers' attitude about money?

JW: Many of us have the mentality that money grows on trees, but we also have this perception that from month to month we don't have enough money.

Most boomers can't quite make it through the month. Yet, if you look around at our houses, the kinds of things we do, our lifestyles, entertainment, activities-we don't seem to be wanting for much.

"Many of us have the mentality that money grows on trees, but we also have this perception that from month to month we don't have enough money.

II

CL: What are the key issues boomers should consider in managing their personal finances?

JW: The first practical thing people need to do is to set goals. I'm not talking just about financial goals, but about life goals as a couple, a single person or a family.

If we don't look at the bigger picture, I don't think we're going to really achieve what we hope to achieve. What do we want to accomplish in life? Are there dreams we want to fulfill? Are there ministry opportunities that we think God is calling us to? Lifestyle changes? Education?

How does retirement fit with these goals?

When is retirement going to happen? What is it going to look like? For example, setting the goal of pursuing a work-fot-room-and-board type of ministry for 10 years from age 65 to 75 would change how we plan for retirement.

Once we talk about life goals, then we need to talk about consumer debt and credit cards.

CL: Ouch. What effect has "easy credit" had on our generation?

JW: It's been a money monster for boomers. The builder generation use credit cards as a tool and not as a means to get things. They tend to pay them off on a monthly basis, so credit-card debt is not an issue for them.

But we boomers use credit to get the things we want. We don't have the patience to save money for a purchase; credit becomes an easy way to solve that problem. But if cash was already tight last month, won't it be tight again this month? Buying on credit just compounds the problem.

CL: So what's your advice to Christians about credit?

JW: Learn to live within your means. It is a contentment issue. The first rule of financial planning is: Don't spend more than you make.

Some people desperately need to address that concem first-then move on to other issues.

CL: You mentioned that builders-our parents' generation-tend to use credit cards differently than we do. In what other ways are we boomers different from our parents when it comes to stewardship?

JW: I sense that what the experts say is true: The builder generation gives out of loyalty while boomers pay for something when they see value in it.

Many of us between the ages of 20 and 40 haven't been taught stewardship. We simply pay for the services we receive. If we don't see value in something, or perceive that an organization doesn't impact us, we don't support it financially.

The builder generation literally built the conference ministries and schools they are now supporting. Their families have strong connections and they feel a lot of ownership.

But the question now is: How do you pass on those kinds of values to the next generation?

CL: What aspect of Christ's teaching about money is most relevant to boomers?

JW: Simply this: "You cannot serve God and money." Now, if someone would ask any of us if we serve money, we would say no. But what would it look like if I did? What characAUGUST

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"First and foremost, stewardship has to be a heart attitude, a worshipful response to God. 1#

teristics of my lifestyle would expose that reality? I think we ignore these kinds of questions because we're afraid of the conclusions we might come to.

Self-discipline in our giving and spending will help us get through weak emotional moments-just like saying the words "I love you" to your spouse gets you through those times when the emotions aren't there. But, fIrst and foremost, stewardship has to be a heart attitude, a worshipful response to God. It's more than a matter of exercising self-discipline with our money. It's a spiritual issue.

CL: So what factors should we boomers consider when we ask ourselves how much is enough when it comes to possessions?

JW: The apostle Paul talks about being

content whether rich or poor, and that he's learned to live in both situations. I don't think it's a specillc amount of money; it's more a mental attitude that says the material things

we've been blessed with are still God's, to be used for him, not accumulated and hoarded for ourselves.

We need to ask: Where is my faith and my trust? What things do I hope for? These questions are hard to ask and even harder to answer. In my role with MB Foundation, I can't answer the questions for you, but I can help ask the questions. Hopefully that will help you wrestle with whether you serve God or money.

CL: Our generation, in this country, lives in unprecedented affluence. In such an environment, how do we know if we've become materialistic?

JW: I like what Ron Blue says when he

talks about God putting things in our hands.

When we won't allow God to take it back just as freely, then our possessions have become too important to us. The minute we start holding on to our possessions too tightly and won't allow God to give and take, then we've crossed the line.

CL: What's the most difficult concept for a boomer to truly hear when it comes to stewardship?

JW: That stewardship is an all-of-life discipleship issue. It's a spiritual issue. As a disciple

of Christ, we need to understand that money is the only thing about which Jesus says, "You must choose between me and this." . I think Jesus identilled money as a competing god because he knew it can control us like few other things can. We just don't under-

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stand how deeply we're entrenched in our culture's approach to material possessions.

The power of money and the challenge that money is to the very core of our heart is something I think boomers need to seriously consider.

CL: In your experience, are Mennonite Brethren any different than the culture when it comes to the stewardship of our possessions?

JW: Stewardship in terms of giving to the

church, yes. Even though we Mennonite Brethren aren't giving up to our potential, we're still giving more to charity than our nonChristian counterparts. But I'm not sure if we're acting in a more stewardly fashion in regard to savings and the kind of spending we're willing to justify. That's a concern to me.

CL: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being "skinflints" and 10 being "extravagant," how would you rate the way we boomers give to the church in relation to our income?

JW: That's a hard one for me to place on a

scale. Some of the things I've been reading suggest that giving 10 percent to the church should be the minimum goal. If so, then 10 percent should deftne a "skinflint" Christian.

"Extravagant" giving would, by the world's standards, be unrealistic amounts. Looking at it that way, I'd rate us as a 4.

Past studies show that Mennonite Brethren give, in general, 6 to 7 percent of their income. But I have a gut feeling that those numbers are skewed by a lot of builders who give more than 10 percent. My guess is that a lot of Mennonite Brethren boomers struggle simply to give the national average, which is more in the 2 to 3 percent range.

CL: Is it reasonable to assume we boomers will start giving more when we're older?

JW: There is often a perception among the

boomers that the builders can give now because they've raised the kids, have the nest egg and are close to retirement. "I'll be there someday and then I'll give at just the same levels as they are," they say.

In fact, national studies show that isn't

true. If you're not giving when you are young, you're not going to give in great amounts when you're older. Our giving patterns start when we are younger.

Boomers will have more discretionary income when we're older, so we won't be giving less than the previous generation because we have less. We will likely give less because we haven't learned to make giving a priority.

CL: What prompts a boomer to give to a charitable cause like the church?

JW: Studies have shown that boomers are

sporadic in their giving. They're emotional and give in response to what they're receiving and to speciftc needs. That's why "project giving" works. Boomers are also very undisciplined in their giving. They're giving leftovers as opposed to ftrst fruits.

Builders are just the opposite. They have a much more disciplined approach, they give consistently and generally off the top. Sometimes they give too much out of duty and obligation and not enough out of worship, joy and generOSity. So there is work to be done on both ends of the spectrum.

CL: For many boomers, getting the kids through college and not being too far in debt are primary concerns as we think about the future. Saving for retirement seems like a pipe dream. Is there some truth to our fear that we won't have much to give away when we're older?

JW: I think we have the potential to be

better off than our parents are, but because

a disciple of Christ, we need to understand that money is the only thing about which Jesus says, 'You must choose between me and this. II' A U G U ST

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7

JW: I would encourage anyone looking for

"We at MB Foundation 'If/ould be willing to talk one-on-one with people and help them evaluate specific issues, attitudes and areas of potential change."

many of our parents had a frugal mind-set and a consistent and disciplined approach to finances, they may have more at the end than we will. Financial planners tell us that we can all be millionaires if we plan ahead. But most people don't believe it's possible.

CL: If a young family wants help in evaluating their spending habits and personal financial management, what advice do you have for them?

fmancial advice for the frrst time to talk to someone with a reputation for integrity. Some of the material out there can steer you, in my opinion, in an incorrect or incomplete direction.

Materials by Ron Blue, Larry Burkett and Howard Dayton of Crown Ministries are solid.

We at MB Foundation would be willing to talk one-on-one with people and help them evaluate specific issues, attitudes and areas of potential change. We can help people define goals and put together budgets.

CL: You were a banker before you joined the MB Foundation staff. Do you see things differently now that you've become a church-related "stewardship guru"?

JW: In a lot of ways no, and a lot of ways

yes. Even before I understood what my motivation was, things like frugality and budgeting have been part of who I am. I'm an analytical person. I write things down. I track. I've never paid a dollar in interest on credit cards. That's just who I am. So in that sense, I haven't changed much.

MB Foundation resources on personal finances for individuals & churches THE GIVING PROJEOT ' . A OhristJan View of Money biblical study of the Christian beliefs and practices regarding money. , • Teachlnga Christian View of Money OUtlines seven practical inltlallves for inteQratihg this new (see above) belief system Into the heart of congregatlonallife.

VIDEO (VHS) SERIES

II. Master Your Money- In these six

$$$$iOns. Ron Blue spells out the biqlioal principles he has diseoyered and put into practice through his Christian financial planning firm. (Walk tM.I the Bible Ministries)

• How to Manage Your Money- In this 12· part (six hours) Bible study,larry Burkett teaches the foundations for personal financial management. (Christian Financial Concepts)

• the Financial Planning Workshop - This video series provides practical bu(fgeting advioe in an eight-part, four-hour presentation

by Larry Burkett. (Christian Financial Concepts) • Beyond the News; Money - Ten six-minute

a·THE

CHRISTIAN

segments des1gne4 to lay 8$Ide the taboo on discussing what we do with our money and to encourage us to talk tOgether abOUt how we make Jegai'dlng money matters.

(Mennon1te Media) OPTIONS FOR BIBLE STUDIES • Above listed video_lies.

• A Ohristian View of Money referenced under The GMng Project. A teacher's guide is available from Me-Foundation.

• Crown Ministries SMail Group Financial Study.

• The stewardship serie$ Bible study by Larry Burkett.

BOOKS ON STEWARDSHIP • A Biblical Theology of Material Possessions

by Gene A. Gell (Moody Press,1990). A theolOgiCal work whioh clearly outlines the biblical (espons&- to material possessions and proVides guidance for Church leaders and lay people who want to apply the material in their ChurCh.

• Your FinsfJC(t$ In Changing Times by Larry Burkett (Moody Press. 1975). A complete LEADER

money guide, offering biblical concepts 'and practical suggestions. ,

'

• What the Bible Says About Money by larry Burkett (Wohlgemuth & Hyatt, 1989). A • topical concordance contalninf1 every verse in the Bible related to money and pe.rsonal financial matters.

• FinanCial Parenting by Larry Burkett..and Rick Osbome (Viotor Books, 1996). Gives solid, practical advice to parents on teaChing their children biblical financial mafl1lgement • Master Your Moneyby Ron Blue (Thomas Nelson, 1986). A step-by-step plan for financial freedom.

• Taming the Money Monster by Ron Blue (Focus on the Family, 1993). Five steps to conquering debt. .

• Your Money Counts by Howard Payton (Tyndale, 1996). The biblical guide to e!lfOing, spending, saving, investing, giving and getting out of debt.

• The Christ/an's Guide to Worry-Free financial Management by Daniel Busby. Kent Barber and Robert Temple (Zondervan, 1994).

What has changed is my attitude-how I look at other people and their stewardship.

I'm less judgmental about others and focus more on my own attitude. Am I still trusting God when the balance of my savings account grows a little bit or am I trusting my nest egg? ? What is my motivation for giving and saving?

Am I the best steward I can be of what God has enabled me to make?

CL: In addition to working with individuals, what resources do you offer congregations?

JW: So many of the materials that we've talked about deal with stewardship within the family. But are congregations modeling stewardship in the way that they do church? Most churches have at least a few weaknesses they can address.

We have several resources in our library that we make available to congregations (see resource list). I invite churches to use them in Sunday school or small groups.

We also do diagnostic weekends for congregations participating in The Giving Project.

This seminar deals with the organization of the church and how it's either consciously or unconsciously communicating values about money.

Some of our long-held practices communicate values and we don't even realize it. For example, for many congregations, the offering is simply a time for regular attenders to support the building and the staff as opposed to viewing the offering as a vital part of worship.

We encourage churches to communicate

stewardship principles to families in specific, verbal, hands-on ways-through seminars, Sunday school classes, Bible studies, etc.

CL: How can the local church help us with this process?

JW: I think that within the church we

need to create opportunities to discuss these kinds of issues.

We've gotten to the point that we don't talk about money in church-even though we talk about it everywhere else. We talk about fmancial issues in the world, but we don't often counter what we hear there with the principles offered in the Word.

Small groups can provide a caring environment where believers can challenge each other in regard to contentment, our attitudes about possessions, and whether we're really serving money or God. From the pulpit, we need to talk about our use of money in all of life-not just what we give to the church, but what we spend on ourselves, how we pay our taxes, what kind of employee/employer relationships we foster.

Stewardship is so much more than what we give to the church.

I think one of the big challenges in the church today is to understand that stewardship deals with 100 percent of what we've been blessed with.

It's not just whether I paid my bill to God and gave him the 10 percent he may require.

God is also concerned about what we do with the other 90 percent.

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AUGUST

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BY LAUREN SILL

AS TOLD TO NATALEE ROTH

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Wayne and Lauren Sill

For one Kansas couple, getting serious about stewardship meant trading in their dream home ... and gaining a rich blessing from God in the process 10 • THE

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LEA D E R

IS MY DREAM

home, Lauren," my husband, Wayne, told me excitedly. "This fits the picture I have of what I want. I couldn't have built it better myself."

We were house shopping and had stumbled upon this one in the new part of town. The ranchstyle house had plenty of space, a large garage and yard, and all the amenities a home could offer.

We didn't stop to consider whether God wanted us to buy this house. We just knew we could afford the payments-we weren't tithing at the time-so we jumped at the opportunity.

We had everything together as far as material possessions, but in our marriage we were pulling in different directions. We each had our own goals and we were fighting a lot. I was into competitive cycling, which takes a lot of time, money and energy. I was selfish with our resources.

Meanwhile, Wayne spent lots of time away from home officiating sports. He did this year round for high school, college and semi-pro teams.

About six months after moving into our new home, we decided something had to change.

"Wayne, I'm tired of all the stress, the frustration, the fights," I said. He agreed.

We started attending church regularly at Buhler Mennonite Brethren Church. Soon we made a recommitment to the Lord and to each other. After nearly 10 years of marriage, we were ftnally pulling in the same direction. Growth was taking place in a lot of areas of our lives.

But we continued to keep our activities separate most of the time. Last summer, I planned a solo bicycle trip from our home to Lake Louise near Banff in Alberta, Canada-about a 2,100-mile ride. The night before I left, my bike was parked in front ofthe house. I looked at it and thought, "Everything I need for 30 days except for foodall the clothes, shelter-it's all right there on that bicycle." Then I looked at our huge house and three cars, and thought, "Man, something doesn't seem quite right here."

I took off on my bike the next day. During the next 30 days, the Lord showed me how important it was to rely on him. He taught me a multitude of lessons.

One day I was just crawling up a mountain on my bike at 11,000 feet. It was so hot and windy, and I was hoping I'd make the next 75 feet . Rather than ask God for strength to keep pedaling, I wanted to ask God to change the wind. Then it occurred to me that the same thing applied to my life: I usually asked God to fIX things rather than asking him for enough energy to press on in the place where he's taken me.

I called Wayne nearly every other day to tell him about the trip and about the insights I was receiving from God. He was happy to hear God seemed to be working in my life and that I was being protected.

During the trip I got to spend entire days studying and praying. Riding down the road by myself, I had lots of time to talk to God. I realized I had been filled with anger, bitterness and selfishness during most of my marriage.

The time I spent with the Lord gave him an opportunity to work on me. He really changed

my perspective. God was teaching me what's important in life, and it was very evident to me that it wasn't the "stuff" we had accumulated back home. Rather, it's relationships, it's pouring my life into people, it's how I share my life experiences with others. It's serving God. When I ftnally reached my destination, Wayne drove up to meet me and we spent a week backpacking. We had a great time together enjoying nature and sharing our lives.

Back home again, I started asking myself, "What about my life is going to make a difference? What's going to last?" I decided I wanted God to use me to make a difference. I wanted my life to be worth something in the long term for somebody else.

I

realized more and more that our house was the biggest "thing" that tied up our time and finances . It was also an indicator of where our hearts were. So a couple of weeks later I dropped on Wayne what he considered to be a bomb.

"What do you think about selling the house?"

I asked him.

He looked at me like I was crazy. "No," he said firmly. So I dropped the question for awhile, but kept praying about it.

Meanwhile, we continued to attend church regularly. We'd made tithing a priority, but hadn't thOUght seriously about stewardship in any other way.

Back home again, I started askThen in the fall, Jon Wiebe, president of MB Foundation, ing myself, "What about my talked in our Sunday school class about the Christian view of life is going to make a differmoney. What he said really struck a chord with Wayne and ence? What's going to last?" I me. We'd never realized before that stewardship isn't just about decided I wanted God to use finances; it's about time, energy and lifestyle, too. Wayne and I me to make a difference. I decided this was an area we needed to think about and make wanted my life to be worth some changes. something in the long term for Later, we made an appointment to talk to Jon about stewsomebody else. ardship and our lifestyle. He affirmed us for tithing and for our desire to increase our giving. He suggested we talk about prioritizing and establishing financial goals so we could have more flexibility at the end of each month. We also talked about ways to downsize and eliminate some of the debt we had accumulated with our house and vehicles.

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As the conversation drew to a close, I ventured one last thought. "By the way, we came up with this idea about selling the house. What do you think?" Wayne got this big frown on his face; I could tell he still wasn't too sold on the idea.

When Jon voiced some affirmation of the idea, I felt like I'd scored big.

But then Jon slowed me down a little bit and cautioned, "You both have to be on the same page here." I agreed to wait.

Wayne and I prayed about our When we were tied up in stewardship goals and continued to our possessions, we didn't talk more seriously about selling the house. It was our biggest debt; we really didn't have a lot of debt otherreceive God's intangible wise.

In January, Wayne concluded rewards. Now, those that selling the house was the right rewards have far outthing to do. "God gave us the opportunity to have our dream house," he weighed anything we have said, "but I can see that he's saying now, 'Do you really need this given up. house? Will you give it up?'"

A few months later, Jon Wiebe came to our church and presented The Giving Project, a financial stewardship program for congregations. We were able to participate, and that affirmed the changes we had made and gave us some ideas for more improvements. The program allowed us to look at stewardship not just as it applies to us, but as it applies to the church.

Afterward, Wayne and I talked about what we had heard. Wayne thought it was eye-opening to learn that stewardship is a form of worship. It encompasses our time, talent and tithe. Ifwe're stingy even in one area, we still don't meet the requirements that God in Christ gave to us. We understood that God wanted us to grow closer to him. It's not something we can earn-it's God's gracious gift.

I thought it was a real practical revelation that what we need, what we think we need and what we want are all different things.

We continued to make gradual changes in our lifestyle. We rearranged our schedules so we'd have more time to get involved in church and with other people. God began to open our eyes to opportunities to serve him.

And we actually started scheduling time together. Though we're still involved in some separate activities, we try to spend more time as a couple. We try to share our home with other people and we also loan things more easily than we used to, without worrying about what might happen. After all, it's just stuff.

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That doesn't mean we still don't struggle sometimes, especially me. For example, one day we cracked the front windshield in the van. Then Wayne was trimming weeds in the yard and blew out the rear window of the van. Then the mower bit the dust. All in the same day. We were looking at a couple thousand dollars worth of repairs.

Had this happened a year ago, I would have blown up. Instead, I simply said, "Oh well. " Only the Lord could make that kind of change in my life. The stress I had always felt is replaced with peace. I have a deep joy now that I hadn't known before. Wayne and I don't have to rely on ourselves and work an extra job or work extra hours to stay financially afloat. Yes, we have to do our part, but at the same time, we don't feel we have to rely only upon ourselves.

God is watching over us. spring we casually let a local real estate agent know we were interested in downsizing. Before we had even put the house on the market, the agent called and said someone was interested in seeing it. They liked the house and agreed to pay about what we wanted for it.

Soon after, we got a contract and recently purchased a smaller house. We plan to move in October.

Our goal now is to look at our resources differently. We ask, "What should we spend on ourselves? What should we be giving? What can we spend on things that are going to benefit other people?" That doesn't mean we've stopped spending money on ourselves, but we look at it differently. Instead of asking, "Can I afford this?" we ask, "Is this the best way to utilize this money? Would God approve of this?"

God's work of stewardship in our lives has been a rich blessing. We've found that we're not really "giving up" stuff; we're simply letting go.

We've found that it's really an exchange that takes place between us and God. When we were tied up in our possessions, we didn't receive God's intangible rewards. Now, those rewards have far outweighed anything that we have given up. We sold our dream house, but we're gaining some fmancial freedom, emotional freedom, and freedom of time. We still have a nice roof over our heads with all the space we need. It will be every bit as much of a home as our other one because home isn't a building, it's where the heart is.

•

Teachers by profession, Lauren and Wayne Sill attend Buhler (Kan,) MB Church.

BOTH NEED AN ESTATE PLAN. I

t may be a simple will, a living trust, perhaps a creditshelter trust...but some kind of plan is needed. A will or trust allows you to accomplish many good things:

Would you like to know more?

r----------------·CLWANDMML-----------------, _

Please send me the leaflet, "Your Legacy ...

Planning for a Better Tomorrow."

_

Please send me the leaflet, "Understanding Living Trusts."

_

Please send me information on making a planned gift to a ministry or charitable cause I value.

• Make a charitable gift to support the ministries you value.

_

No document in human affairs is more important than your estate plan, whether a will or a living trust. Such an instrument speaks with authority as to how your family should be cared for and how your assets should be distributed. It is the final and finest expression of your real character, love for family, and love for God.

I1We have already included a Mennonite Brethren ministry in our estate plan in the following way:

_

Please contact me by phone. The best time to reach me is: _ _ _ __

• Name a personal representative or trustee to manage the distribution of your estate.

• Name a guardian for the care of minor children or family member with a special need.

• Possibly reduce or eliminate estate taxes.

Name: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ____ Address: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ City: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State: __ Zip: _ __ Telephone: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

-MENNONITE - BRETHREN - FOUNDATION-

Send to: Mennonite Brethren Foundation 315 S. Lincoln, Box V Hillsboro, KS 67063 1-800-551-1547 • mbfound@southwind.net

Encouraging & assisting Christians in faithful stewardship

L ________________ _ __________________ _ _____ _

BY

PHILIP

WIEBE

Millenium bugged The thought that modern life could be so thoroughly derailed by a computer glitch proves that our culture has come to rely far too heavily on technology.

T

already warned me, "Don't fly on January I!" Not that I ever have.)

• Businesses may fail, causing a recession or even referring to the coming of the new millennium, depression. of course, that fast-approaching day when the • A wave of hospital calendar will hit the year 2000. deaths may occur when computerized medical apparatus fail.

But my reference to the end of the • Owning by far the most computworld has nothing to do with visions ers and potentially problematic softof Armageddon or the Second Comware, government could literally shut ing, events that will undoubtedly be down (perhaps causing some to wonprophesied with increasing frequender, as they did when the governcy over the next 16 months. What ment closed a few years back for lack I'm talking about is the "millennium of money, "Will anyone notice?"). bug" that may strike down many Reactions I've seen to all this run computers at the tum of the century. from apathetic to paranoid. One The problem, I gather, is that a lot of older software applications were retired computer engineer, undoubt-. edly speaking for many, claims he is written with inadequate date codes. stockpiling food, gold coins and guns When programs without four-digit in preparation for the coming global year designations go from "12/31/99" famine and economic collapse. to "1/1/00," the theory goes, they will become confused about the true y contrast, a researcher looking date and cease to function properly. into this matter has said "there Quite a bit of speculation persists will be some extremely annoying, about what might be the result. Some disruptive failures. But it's not going experts believe, according to a Time to be the apocalypse. " article I read, that "millions of comA few people I've talked to about puter systems could go haywire, the situation have also given a range shutting down life as we know it and of responses. Someone I visited withturning our information age into a in the computer information business digitally dysfunctional society." didn't seem too worried. His feelings: Here are some other reports on Sure, there could be some problems, what could happen: but nothing that can't be fixed.

• The power grid could be severeAnother person I talked with, ly affected, causing widespread whose business relies only marginally blackouts. on computers, though, displayed • There could be a run on and/or more than a little anxiety over the closure of banks. possibilities, even admitting plans to • The food-distribution system stockpile emergency rations, cash could collapse and supermarkets be and other supplies, just in case. boarded up.

As I reflect on the portended mil• The air traffic control system lennium meltdown, my first thought could crash. (Several people have ALK IS GOING around that the world will end in a little over a year. Or at least the world as we know it. I'm

B

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is that I wouldn't want to take too lightly the potential problems it could cause. People could be hurt.

What would merely be inconvenient for me-the possible interruption of power, banking, information, transportation, supply and other servicescould cause genuine hardship for others.

But my second thought, I admit, is that a temporary technological shutdown may not be such a bad thing.

The thOUght that modem life could be so thQroughly derailed by a computer glitch is living proof that our culture has come to rely far too heavily on technology. In many ways it has become our god. We bow down to it for provision, guidance, safety, comfort, companionship, entertainment and a host of other needs.

Anyone who doubts it only needs tune into the series of "We Love TV" ads currently being run by a major network. "If it wasn't for television," one ad quips, "how would we know where to put the sofa?" Indeed, if it wasn't for technology, we could ask of today's society, where would we center our lives?

One of the ultimate celebrations of Old Testament Israel was the Year of Jubilee. "Consecrate the fiftieth year," says Leviticus 25:10, "and proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all its inhabitants." Debts were to be canceled and slaves set free; property was to be resumed to original owners and the land left fallow. It was to be a year of rest and renewal for the land and the people.

In a similar way, maybe we should declare 2000 the "Year of Technology-Free." Rather than resisting the millennium meltdown, we could go with it by unplugging the TV, logging off the computer, disconnecting the phones and faxes, shelving the airline tickets, and enjoying a refreshing year of peace and quiet. But that will never happen, of course. We'll probably work out the bugs with minimal difficulty, and life will go on.

In this case I wonder if that's such a good thing after all.

Ii\QUlRINCi Mri\DS BY

MARVIN

HEIN

ences of those Christ-followers in the Book of the Acts. When people were saved, they lost little time in gathering in homes and small groups with other believers. Those groups fostered a tight kinship among the believers. They were responsible to Increasingly, people who felone another.

When Ananias and Sapphira lowship with Mennonite deceived the church about their Brethren congregations say fmancial stewardship, they did not they do not want to join as formal lie only to God. Peter made it clear members. Their reasons include not they had deceived their brothers and agreeing with everything in the Consisters as well. And it was through fession of Faith, having been bapthis local group (congregation) that tized as an infant and feeling offendjudgment was carried out. ed (sometimes it's the family who is We cannot deny that the New offended) at the idea of believer's Testament speaks about a universal baptism, or having had bad experichurch. All who are redeemed ences in other denominations where belong to that church. But most they were members. often the Scriptures speak about a According to the Confession of local congregation. The universal Faith-and our practice through more than 100 years in church is rooted in local realthe Mennonite Brethren liTo avoid linking ities.

To avoid linking by memChurch-new believers by membership bership with a local congrecome into the fellowwith a local gation is probably more ship of the church often an excuse than anythrough baptism, and congregation is thing else. It takes commitbaptism without memment to join. It costs somebership is not in keeping probably more with the New Testaoften an excuse thing to unite with other believers. To refuse to join is ment. than anything to take the easy road.

Likewise, we have Early Anabaptists took historically urged those else. " seriously the matter of assowho come to our churches from other evangelical ciating by radical commitment with other members of the spiritual famichurches to "join" the church as a ly. sign of their desire to become part of a community of faith where memA final thought. If we could find no solid biblical support for church bers not only support each other, but are accountable for each other. membership, would it mean we should not practice it? After all, no That is the reason why, when many of us oldsters were brought solid biblical support exists for Sunday school, youth groups, stewardinto the church membership, we ship committees, or men's and were asked: "Are you prepared and women's organizations. willing to be admonished and to The New Testament does not give extend admonishment?" It was no detailed outlines of organizational small matter to affiliate with the structures for the church. Many of local church.

But is local-church membership our activities are based on man-made biblical? Not explicitly. But it is cerarrangements, but they arise out of inferences we discover in the Word. tainly implied by the earliest experi-

A

I'm not too worried about the biblicity of a membership roll.

Q A

What is your answer to the person who reads 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 and concludes that these verses clearly proclaim universal salvation? (CALIFORNIA)

The passage to which the inquirer refers says: "For Christ's love compels, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him who died for them and was raised again."

IfJesus died for "all," are not all saved?

If this were the only verse in the Bible that speaks of salvation, you might consider the idea of universal salvation. But the New Testament is replete with passages that indicate the necessity of having to respond by faith to Jesus Christ. Much of what the Bible says about heaven and hell, being born again, and walking the broad and narrow paths would be nonsense if everybody automatically goes to heaven. The one who hears and believes shall be saved. Salvation is available to all, but not all appropriate the grace of God. A leading minister of the Lutheran Church in Finland recently declared that hell does not exist and everyone will end up in heaven. Even though only 15 percent ofthe 85 percent of Finns who belong to church attend regularly, most of them are angry about the minister's bold remarks.

They have termed his views heresy.

If mostly unchurched persons reject universalism, how much more should we?

Have a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference policy, or other spiritual issue? Send it to '1nqutrlng Minds," c/o Marvin Hein, 4812 E. Butler, Fresno, CA 93727.

AUGUST

1998

15

ON THE JOURNEY BY

ROSE

BUSCHMAN

Shopping for the Lord What really amazed me was how I was directed by an inner voice to stop at certain stores and check their sales from time to time.

I

an official of the children's home asked me, "How in the world do you find these fantastic buys?"

"The Lord and I are doing this together," I replied.

Another thing that amazed me was how the Lord provided the money for all this shopping. We were on a tight budget at the time, but somehow the extra money was there when need· ed. Finally, the sales were over and my shopping came to a halt.

However, over the years I've tried to keep my heart and eyes open.

Like the time I heard of a children's home that needed boys' white dress shirts for school uniforms. I had just been to a local department store the day before and had seen a stack of exactly what was needed in various sizes at a greatly reduced price.

T ALL STARTED with a quick stop at a department store on my way home from school. I wanted to check out an advertised sale for polo shirts since my 8-year-old son needed a shirt. Sure enough, the name brand shirts were marked down from $10 to $2 each. There was a whole stack ofthem, different colors, but all the same size. I bought one and drove home.

While fixing supper, I kept think· ing about those beautiful $ 2 shirts and who else might be able to use one, but none of my friends had children that size. Finally, I called a children's home I knew of and asked them if they could use some new polo shirts.

"With over a hundred children here, we can always use them," I was told. "New clothes are especially welcome, since we mostly get used ones donated here."

The next day I went back to the store, bought what was left of that stack of shirts and mailed them to the children's home.

At that time a new shopping center was opening up in our city and a number of stores were planning to relocate to the new facilities. Rather than move their inventory, they featured fantastic pre-moving sales. I found children's clothing and toys often 60 to 80 percent off their regular price. I bought only top quality stuff-things that I would buy for myself or my family and would not be ashamed to wear or use.

What really amazed me was how I was directed by an inner voice to stop at certain stores and check their sales from time to time. At one point

16 • THE

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A fter we moved to Western

I noticed an ad one day for an unusual auction. The owner of a "mom and pop" department store died unexpectedly and the entire inventory was up for sale. Curious, I went to see what was available.

There was so much stuff that the auctioneer sold everything by the "bunch" or "shelf' or "pile," but bidding that evening was slow. I jumped in when the bidding stalled at 50 cents per item, or a dollar, or sometimes even no bid at all.

By the time the evening was over, my car was packed with new clothes and shoes. Most items were sent to a children's home which took what it could use and distributed the rest to the needy in the community.

LEA D E R

I haven't done too much of this kind of shopping in the last few years-until something happened several weeks ago. While shopping in a discount department store the word "sale" taped to a shelf half·way down the aisle caught my attention. Uppn investigation, I found six very nice single·bed linen sets-the best quality the store had-on sale. They were marked down from $16 to $6 per set.

Now, I didn't need any single bed linens so I didn't buy them. I left the store but couldn't forget about them.

The inner voice telling me to buy them was so strong that several hours later I made a special trip back to town and purchased all six sets.

Later that evening, I received a phone call from a friend who is associated with a crisis pregnancy center in a major U.S. city. During the conversation, at one point I said to her, "I don't know where I'm going with this, but ...." I told her about my strange purchase of bed linens several hours earlier.

"You won't believe thiS," she replied, "but we have a home for unwed mothers that has just added some new beds and is almost ready to open. We need sheets for them."

"How many new beds are there?"

I asked.

"Six," she replied.

Chills went up and down my spine as we spoke. Now I understood the events of the day and where the bed linens had to be sent.

I've had some serious arguments with myself about writing this column. On the one hand I don't want readers to think I am bragging about what I've done. But on the other hand there might be people interested (or called?) to do something similar. Maybe I can provide the encouragement for you to take the plunge, as I did.

Is God calling you to do some shopping for him? Jesus said, "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Mt. 25:40, NlV).

WHAT READERS SAY

Beyond the comfort zones

My husband and I are with Wycliffe Bible Translators, working in Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Our January issue of the Christian Leader arrived not too long ago and, as usual, I sat right down to look through it.

I want to thank you for including the regular articles by Burton Buller on Media Matters. He brings up good issues and asks very appropriate ques· tions about how Christians should live in a world filled with "the media."

We have lived in Indonesia since 1983, and each time we return to the United States for a furlough, we are struck by the subtle ways the media (television, movies, videos, music, books, etc.) have worked to change and shape the attitudes and thoughts we see within the churches we relate to and our family and friends. Expo· sure to the world is easier than ever, and walking in the Light continues to draw more persecution-even within Christian circles.

Buller consistently asks us to be a people who live in the world, but are not a part of it. To know what is there and to be prepared to answer the questions it raises. To know who we are in Christ and to stand firm in himbut to also know the world's vernacu· lar so we can use it to bring other people to him.

Please keep challenging us to break out of our comfort zones and live like Gale Fields Jesus.

Irian Jaya, Indonesia

Peter Stearns and Jim Goldring wrote letters which outlined Mormon beliefs that most Christians would consider to be pretty strange and dif· ferent (June issue). I can remember not so long ago the articles that would frequently appear in Protestant journals pointing out the strange beliefs of Roman Catholics. Of course, Mormons aren't Catholics. At the same time, allow me to look at something from a little different perspective.

For several summers, my wife and I taught at a summer music camp in Northern Michigan. Some Mormons were in attendance, including some

students from Brigham Young University. I could not help but notice the many things that the Christians at the camp had in common with the Mormons. I found the Mormon students to be hard workers, from whole families, regular in church attendance, students who did not smoke, drink alcohol or use drugs, and people who did not go to the rooms of the opposite sex after hours. Two students were involved in a pro-life organization in Northern Michigan.

One summer, a young woman from the University of Illinois started a Wednesday night Bible study and invited the Mormons. Most of them attended regularly. A different topic in the Bible was studied and discussed each week. At the end of the eight weeks, I believe the Christians and the Mormons learned a lot about each other, from each other. The meetings were open, friendly and supportive.

God knew each heart and I believe God was at work. It was an experience I will remember for a long time.

Perhaps we might include in our theology not only an understanding of the things that are very different between us, but also respect and honor for the things we have in common as a way of allowing God to do his work.

Stan George Tulsa, Okla.

Words of appreciation

Many times I have wanted to write you to tell you how much we appreciate the work you have done there.

You have shown such insight, maturity, discernment and skill in dealing with myriad issues. You will be greatly missed.

We wish God's blessing upon you and your family as you move on to another ministry.

Leonard and Grace Thiessen Dinuba, Calif.

Afunny sign from God It was an unusually windy day even for the suburbs around the "Windy City. " I walked out of the store and pushed a shopping cart across the parking lot to my car. Having stowed

my purchases, I took the cart back to the area near the store. My clothes were flapping around me and my hair blowing across my face.

I backed the car out of the parking space and, with no other cars around, I picked up speed. Glancing to my left, I noticed with surprise that the shopping cart I had parked near the store had been loosed from its moorings by the wind and was now proceeding along the driveway at exactly the same speed and in a perfectly straight line parallel to my car.

It was a funny sight and I chuckled to myself, but I didn't plan to stop because the cart would soon be blocked by a fence on the side of the driveway. It was then I saw a small package in the bottom of the cart that I had forgotten there.

When I stopped the car and retrieved my package, I felt the wind of God's Spirit blow through my spirit. Delight in God's humor and a reminder of God's loving care came together in that moment. As C.S. Lewis describes it so well, I was surprised by joy. It was to me a sign of God's constant presence in my life.

The small package would have been no great loss to me; the importance of what happened was in the sign. A sign points to somethingsomething beyond itself. The rainbow was such a sign. It pointed to a covenant that God made with the earth and the promise to Noah and his family that God would never again destroy all living beings with a flood (Gen. 9:12-13, NRSV).

That windy day, the traveling shopping cart was my sign that God was right beside me all the time.

Frances F. Hiebert Highland Park, Ill.

The Christian Leader welcomes brief letters of relevance to the Mennonite Brethren Church. All letters must be signed and will be edited for clarity and length. Send letters to Christian Leader, Box V, Hillsboro, KS 67063; fax: 316-9473266; e-mail: chleader@southwind.net.

AUGUST

1998

17

BODyLIFE MENNONITE

BRETHREN

NEWS

The worship dancing team that put motions to familiar hymns inspired those who attended the banquet and program at the Joong Ang Church.

Celebration of unity

BY CONNIE FABER

• Delegates to Celebrate '98 in La Mirada concluded that God is at work in the u.s. Conference .. . and increased their financial commitment to the movement

I

T WAS A COURTSHIP of sorts between the U.S. Conference leadership and its constituency.

And the courtship paid off-not only financially, but in new relationships and enthusiasm.

Delegates to the U.S. Conference convention, held July 17-20 in La Mirada, Calif., heard the first report from Mission USA since the launching of four church plants, and witnessed firsthand the fruits of the cross-cultural work of Integrated Ministries.

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By the end of the convention, delegates were enthusiastically committed to funding these projects to the tune of almost $650,000-a budget increase of around 20 percent from the previousyear.

The Los Angeles area is a strategic center for two of the conference's cutting-edge ministries: Mission USA and Integrated Ministries. Reports from both entities emphasized the cross-cultural nature of their work.

Church planting La Mirada is home to the newest MUSA-sponsored church-planting project: Journey Community Church led

by Durwin and Beverlee Keck.

A core of about 40 people, many in their 20s and 30s, has been established.

LEA D E R

Durwin said he feels these young adults are an "unreached people group." So touching people one at a time and offering biblical absolutes is the Kecks' goal.

Journey members who attended the Sunday morning sessions were commissioned with a prayer of blessing. Journey was adopted by MUSA in March and is based on a cell-church model.

Planting the first evangelical congregation in Draper, Utah, is the goal of a three-way partnership between MUSA, the Pacific District Conference and Laurelglen Bible Church of Bakersfield, Calif. Because life in Utah is dominated by the Church of LatterDay Saints, Paul Robie has said he views himself as both a church planter and cross-cultural missionary.

nUl» Llil

Robie and his wife, Gini, moved to the area in March, have begun a Bible study with three couples and are aiming to hold public worship services in October.

Two other MUSA church-planting ventures were highlighted and delegates were told of the board's plans to sponsor a fIfth venture-this time in cooperation with the Central District Conference in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minn., area.

• Copper Hills, the MUSA flagship church in Phoenix, Ariz., began public services in March, reported Ed Boschman, MUSA executive director, who with his wife, Carol, are part of the emerging congregation. Pastors Brad Klassen and Wayne Loewen are leading Sunday services that average more than 100 people and are anticipating the congregation's fIrst baptism. The group holds its services in a rented movie theater.

• MUSA board member Loretta Jost described the setting for Rolling Hills Church in Papillion, Neb., a joint church-planting venture with the Central District Conference. This emerging congregation, which is also preparing for a baptism, meets in a facility that also serves as a Christian music store. Rod and Donna Anderson are the pastoral couple.

Given that four years ago MUSA

started at ground zero, news of multiple emerging congregations energized the delegates.

In 1994, convention delegates had affirmed the concept of a united, national catalyst for renewal and church planting. A board was appointed and Chuck Buller of Visalia, Calif., agreed to serve as its chair.

In 1996, when Vyacheslav Tsvirinko, pastor from Fresno, describes developthe MUSA board ments among Slavic churches during the Integrated Miinistries gave its fIrst report report. Waiting for a chance to speak about their congregations are (right to left) Takao Nakamura, Berhanu Waldemariam and to convention dele- Peter Kulakevich. gates, the Boschmans were commissioned for their This year's smoothly chorenew assignment. The 1996 report out- ographed report, beginning with a lined their goals in general terms. The video highlighting MUSA activities of church renewal arm would focus on the past two years, ppt flesh on the leadership development and would skeleton outlined at the previous conwork with specific target churches. vention. Delegates learned of a new Planting new churches would be church-planter residency program inidone in cooperation with district con- tiated by MUSA and to be carried out ferences and Phoenix, Ariz., would be in cooperation with MB Biblical Semithe first site. Partnerships would be nary, MBMS International and U.S. disdeveloped with Youth Mission Inter- trict conferences. national and the two u .S. colleges as A prayer of blessing was offered on well as other agencies. behalf of high school students and

Ed Boschman (left photo). executive director of Mission USA. leads a convention-opening concert of prayer that involved youth and adults in large and small group prayers. Youth spent much of the weekend involved in an inner-city immersion adventure in downtown Los Angeles.

AUGUST

1998

19

Dennis Fast focuses his energy upward during a call to prayer on Monday morning.

their sponsors participating in YMI's new SOAR Midwest program beginning that same day in South Texas.

Church assessments, renewal

district minister of the Central District Conference. The inner-city church has also formed a ministry corporation called Good Neighbor Ministries to address some of the needs in their neighborhood.

Boschman reported that helping congregations assess their health and look for growth strategies using an evaluation tool called Mission Analysis has been another focus of churchrenewal activities. To date, 28 congregations have participated in the selfstudy, a response Boschman found disappointing.

While all of the congregations which have completed the assessment scored relatively high in all eight categories evaluated, Boschman said the lowest scores were consistently in discipleship and areas of church structure.

To help train pastors and assist churches in their growth, MUSA has formed an "informal partnership " with Church Resource Ministries of Fullerton, Calif. CRM provides a variety of application materials for use by congregations once the assessment is completed and staff members can serve as mentors for individual pastors. Roland Reimer, Southern District Conference district minister, reported SDC leaders hope to form CRM networks among district pastors.

Cross-cultural ministries This convention was perhaps the first time delegates interacted with a large number of U.S . Mennonite Brethren from myriad cultures. Even the daily Bible studies led by Pierre Gilbert, associate professor of Old Testament at MB Biblical Seminary, had a cross-cultural feel as Gilbert shared "true" tales of life in his native Quebec.

Saturday evening, billed as a Mennonite Brethren family gathering, celebrated the rich diversity of the conference. The Los Angeles area is the nerve center for a growing network of Korean congregations that are joining the conference. Integrated Ministries, which works with the adoption and assimilation of new peoplegroup churches, is the primary liaison between these churches and the conference .

Delegates and guests were treated to a home-cooked meal prepared and served by members of Joong Ang Korean Church at their facility in neighboring Cypress. The delicious odors of chap chae (potato-starch noodles with vegetables and beef), kung pao chicken and Korean barbecue beef filled the large fellowship hall.

The program that followed in the sanctuary was hosted by Joong Ang's

In addition to beginntng new churches, training young leaders and forging partnerships with other Mennonite Brethren agencies, MUSA is also committed to helping existing congregations improve their health, Boschman said.

"I'm thankful Mission USA hasn't forgotten established churches," said Gary Wall, pastor of Vinewood Community Church in Lodi, Calif. "We can reach lost people, too."

Paul Klassen of Memorial Road MB Church in Edmond, Okla., was introduced as the pastor of the newest MUSA target church . Klassen said establishing small groups and reaching out to their community are the steps the congregation will pursue this next year in cooperation with MUSA. Representatives from two former target churches talked about their partnership with MUSA. Pine Acres MB Church in Weatherford, Okla., added a pastor of worship and developed a new ministry focus during the past year, said pastor Don Morris.

Faith Bible Church in Omaha, Neb., recently became a multicongregational church, reported Clint Grenz,

Dalton Reimer, Fresno. and Kathy Wiest, Kingsburg, Calif., members of the Board of Communications, fill their plates at the buffet provided by members of the Joong Ang Korean Church.

20·

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THE

C H R 1ST I A N

The Korean praise motion team joins with a Slavic quartet from Bellingham to lead the congregation in a multilingual rendition of "Shine. Jesus Shine" at the Saturday night program.

English pastor Alex Pak and senior pastor Hung Ku Shin. The program, featuring both Korean and Slavic music and speakers, illustrated the spirit of unity leaders hope will come to characterize the denomination's -relationship with the 40 cross-cultural immigrant congregations recently added to the conference.

At one point, a Slavic mixed quartet surrounded by Korean praise

motion dancers led the congregation in Singing "Shine, Jesus Shine" in their language of choice. While English, Russian and Korean were the predominant languages, other languages could also be heard.

Pastor Aera Lee of Praise Motion Christian Academy had traveled from South Korea to Los Angeles for the occasion and led a small group of women from the congregation in

graceful motions to illustrate several hymns.

The concern immigrant congregations have for their countries of origin also was evident. Sai R. Park, president of Christian Medical Welfare Mission based in the Los Angeles area, told of the agency's medical work in North Korea as well as the tragic condition of the country's citizens. The Joong Ang congregation supports CMWM and the work of Mennonite Central Committee in North Korea.

Earlier that morning Peter Kulakevich, of the Slavic Missionary Church in Seattle, Wash., told of his congregation's outreach efforts in the former Soviet Union. Since 1993, this congregation has sent evangelists to their homeland and has seen 20 churches established in northern Russia.

"God is placing us in our ministries," said Walter Ilyin, pastor of Slavic Gospel Church in Bellingham, Wash. Looking at the Korean pastors, he added, "Where we are-let us shine. You know North Korea. I know the Soviet Union."

Saturday morning delegates heard from pastors of a Japanese and an Ethiopian congregation.

• Takao Nakamura said he had been converted in 1955 thanks to Mennonite Brethren missionaries working in Japan. Today he is the missionary, sent by the Japan Conference

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

Joon Ang Church pursues growth

T

HE JOONG ANG Church, which hosted the Saturday evening banquet, has a history in Southern California that reaches back 15 years.

They began with services in Korean, but recently have added an English-language service as their ministry has expanded and the Korean community in the Los Angeles area has changed.

"We figured it was going to take a couple generations to assimilate our children to American culture," says Alexander Pak, who joined the staff about five months ago to begin an English service, "but

Senior pastor Shim.

it took just 10 years."

Pak began the service last month, and the number of participants has already climbed to 40. Currently, the English-speaking congregation is made up mostly of Koreans, but four Caucasians attend .

"Through this ministry," Pak says, "we hope to capture

this lost generation ."

The Joong Ang Church holds four services each Sunday: two Korean-speaking services in the morning, an early afternoon English-speaking service, and a mid-afternoon praise service to which everyone is invited. The combined membership is about 200.

The church is involved in outreach in North Korea .

Samuel Yoon, a church elder and physician, works with Mennonite Central Comm ittee and the Christian Welfare Mission in supporting a 500-bed hospital there. Yoon has made several trips to North Korea.

The church has owned their worship faci lity, a former strip mall, for about five years .

Several businesses still use t he

property because their leases haven't run out yet. When the leases terminate, the church will use the entire facility.

Currently two other congregations use the facility, including a recent Korean church plant. The senior pastor of Joong Ang Church, Hang Ku Shim, is talking with the group about combining the two congregations .

A Spanish congregation rents part of the building, too .

They want to expand, and the Joong Ang Church plans to continue to allow them to use the building .

"We're very grateful to the Mennonite Brethren," Pak says. "We're blessed to be associated w ith them ."

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- Natalee Roth 998

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bility would be shared more broadly among all U.S. Conference board members. Conference chair Dennis Fast said the majority of the board members are willing to become involved in fund-raising efforts.

Rather than debate the budget request, delegates primarily discussed ways in which to increase giving from churches . They asked conference leaders to provide resources promoting U.S. Conference ministries, spoke of the need for stewardship education , offered ideas for improving church giving and finally, with few dissenting votes, accepted the budget.

Outgoing chair Dennis Fast (left) presents the new executive (from left): David Reimer, chair; Rolando Mireles, vice chair; Stuart Pederson, secretary; and Dale Regier, treasurer.

to Bonita, Calif., as a church planter among Japanese living in the United States.

• Berhanu Waldemariam of Bethel Ethiopian Church in Seattle, Wash., told of his congregation's desire to minister to second-generation Ethiopians living in the U.S. by beginning an evening English service. Their church also sponsors an elementary school with an enrollment of 500 and shares worship facilities with a Slavic congregation in Seattle.

Large budget passes Funding these ambitious conference ministries could have been a point of debate on the convention floor. A budget of $649,910, requiring an increase of more than 20 percent over funds collected for the 1997-98 fiscal year, was presented by Ken Neufeld, chair of the Board of Trustees. Almost half, or $320,750, is designated for the work of MUSA, almost double the amount requested in 1995-96.

Neufeld also outlined a plan for raising the additional funds. The income budget projects a 9 percent increase in church giving from 199798, a year in which giving already increased by nearly 21 percent from the previous year. The new goal will be $310,000.

22·

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CHRISTIAN

Interest and endowment earnings would add $8,500 and district and MB Foundation grants would contribute $65,000. The remaining $266,410 would be raised through fund-raising projects. Fund-raising efforts this last fiscal year generated $184,177; the goal for 1998-99 represents a 44 percent increase.

In the past, MUSA board members and Board of Church Ministries (BCM) members shouldered the lion's share of the special fund-raising. Neufeld noted that in the future, this responsi-

Statements passed In other bUSiness, three resolutions recommended by the Board of Church Ministries were approved: a guide for how Mennonite Brethren churches and members should act in disagreements, and statements on homosexuality and lotteries (see July issue).

In all three cases, the statements originated outside of the U.S. Conference. The conflict-resolution statement was borrowed from the General Conference Mennonite Church ana Mennonite Church, while the statements regarding homosexuality and gambling were written for the Canadian MB Conference Board of Faith and Life.

Time allowed for discussing the recommendations was limited, but even when opportunity was given, little discussion emerged. Few, if any,

U.S. CONFERENCE FINANCIAL SUMMARY EXPENSES Church Ministries Trustees Mission USA Communications

Total Expenses

Actual 1996-97

Actual 1997-98

Budgeted1998-99

$18,275 61,659 193,047 118,461 $464,370

$16,866 50,601 279,971 114,964 $541,342

$37,600 76,960 320,750 130,760 $649,910

INCOME Actual 1996-97

Church contributions $235,323 Special funding 133,450 65,000 MBF/district grants Interest/endow./misc.

9,916

Total income LEADER

$443,688

Actual 1997-98

Budgeted 1998-99

$284,031 184,177 65,000 8,888 $542,096

$310,000 266,410 65,000 8,500 $649,910

01)1

concerns were raised as most speakers supported the statements_ New conference workers were elected by affirmation. David Reimer of Reedley, Calif., who had been serving as vice chair, is the new chair. He succeeds Dennis Fast, who was not eligible for reelection following the completion of two two-year terms.

Rolando Mireles of Rio Grande City, Texas, was affumed as vice chair and Stuart Pederson was reaffumed as sec-

I

retary. For the sake of continuity in the executive, Pederson was allowed to exceed the two-term limit.

BCM's intention to present updated conference bylaws met a rocky reception. Delegates challenged BCM to make more sweeping changes that would both reflect current practice and broaden representation on BCM. The need for a stronger faith and life emphasis on the national level had been raised in previous discussions.

BCM has been hesitant to make substantive changes, Fast said, given the current evaluation being conducted by the General Conference task force charged with evaluating all Mennonite Brethren ministries and structures in the United States and Canada.

In the end, delegates passed a motion requiring a representative from MUSA, Board of Communications and Board of Trustees to sit on BCM.

Christians have reason to celebrate, Gilbert says

C

OMBINING humor w ith exegetical teaching, Pierre Gilbert, featured Bible study speaker, challenged delegates to celebrate what God is doing through a series of three messages based on 1 Peter 2:4-12.

In an effort to paint a complete portrait of God and his intentions, Gilbert, associate professor of Old Testament at MB Biblical Seminary, encouraged his listeners to celebrate Jesus as Lord, to celebrate a new identity, and to celebrate a new partnership In his first message, "Celebrating Jesus as Lord," Gilbert focused on proving that Jesus really is worthy of trust.

Through incorporating the story of the demon-possessed man from Mark 5:1-5, as well as his own personal pilgrimage as a boy growing up in Quebec, Gilbert demonstrated what evil does to humans.

"It leaves them alienated, excluding them from family and society," Gilbert said.

He said the intent of the Mark passage "is to demonstrate the overpowering influence of Jesus Christ in the worst situation ." It shows the complete powerless of demons, that even 6,000 demons cannot strip people of their human dignity.

Gilbert asked, "Where are you this morning? Do you have stress, uncertainty,

Gilbert makes a point during one of his three Bible messages. anguish, fears? This text...reminds us that Christ is bigger than evil, than all the demons of this world, than all our fears."

In his second message, "Celebrating a New Identity," Gilbert described how God offers believers a new identity in Christ. In I Peter 2:9, he said, Peter was addressing both Jews and Gentiles who were feeling alienated from their community as a result of their conversion to Christianity. He offered them a new home and a new identity.

This message applies to believers today as well. "A sense of belonging is one of the most important needs of human beings," Gilbert said .

Gilbert brought a deeper

understanding of the despair which evil brings by discussing Matthew 2: 13-23, the story about the massacre of Hebrew boys under age 2.

Although this passage shows only anguish, in light of the entire book of Matthew, life comes out victorious, Gilbert said. Jesus Christ had victory over death.

For a society where people are losing a sense of belonging, he added, Christ offers a place to belong. Gilbert reminded his listeners, "Jesus said, 'I go to prepare a place for you.'"

In Christ, God's people can celebrate a new identity. "It is an identity," he said, "where we can be free to iove, to accept a stranger, to dare to

live with hope, with the joy of significance and purpose."

Gilbert's final message, "Celebrating a New Partnership," stressed the nature of a relationship with God, and its implications. "Peter reminds us, " he said, "that in God we find our ultimate other, our partner, our friend."

Referring to Genesis 1:2738 and 2:15-17, Gilbert revealed what he called "a revolutionary concept": God wants to be in a partnership with men and women.

To illustrate this, Gilbert demonstrated the two-fold mandate of Moses. Not only was he told to deliver the people from Pharaoh, but God also wanted Moses to bring the Hebrew people into relationship with God. Moses was "responsible in partnership with God to ensure that the newborn people would adopt Yahweh as God, that they would love him and accept him," Gilbert said.

Gilbert reminded his listeners, "[God] is our senior partner. He is the ultimate reason to live and to die. We must live with the certainty that this partnership is a reality now and in the life to come."

As Gilbert closed his final message, he stated, "By committing ourselves to Christ, we have crossed the threshold to a new life, to a new plane."

'-Ellynne Wiebe

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service with the Christian Leader.

While the adults met at the convention center, five junior high and high school young people participated in a cultural immersion experience led by YMI sponsors. Participants walked the downtown streets of Los Angeles, interacting with the homeless and poor.

Paul Klassen (center foreground), pastor of the Memorial Road MB Church in Edmond, celebrates God's goodness during a morning worship session. Worship was led by Jon Wiebe of MB Foundation and CrossWise, a musical ensemble from Tabor College.

where we lived. We've grown past that," Fast said in his opening address.

"The oneness we experience today is in Jesus Christ. This unity is a force to be reckoned with."

The theme of unity was echoed in the prayer time that followed Fast's message. Morning worship times led by Jon Wiebe, president of MB Foundation, and members of CrossWise, a summer music ministry team from Tabor College, were well received. Bible studies presented by Gilbert were thoughtprovoking for both pastors and lay people (see sidebar).

Convention business sessions were kept to a minimum. On two occasions, board and agency reports, which included video presentations and a variety of testimonies, were presented around the tables after the noon meal. Saturday afternoon workshops focused on conference ministries and also topics of personal spiritual growth.

The Sunday evening program focused on the three educational institutions of the conference : Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan ., Fresno Pacific University and MB Biblical Seminary of Fresno. An ice Dave Gerbrandt, pastor from Shafter, Calif., cream social after the program honspeaks from the floor regarding the lottery ored Don Ratzlaff for his 20 years of issue. The statement on lotteries passed easily.

A weekend of unity Despite a few minor bumps, a spirit of unity dominated the weekend.

"In the past, our unity was expressed in our dress, food and

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L EADER

Attendance stabilizes While the convention venues could have handled a larger crowd, attendance at the biennial convention stabilized. For the past 10 years convention attendance has been steadily dropping, from a high in 1986 of 455 to a low of 212 in 1996. At La Mirada, registered adult participants totaled 216, of which 128 were delegates (see box below).

Convention planners hoped changing the location of the biennial conference from a college campus to a convention center would attract additional delegates. Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colo., had been the site of all but one convention since 1986.

To help ease the increased costs associated with a hotel setting, convention planners found several church-related institutions and businesses to underwrite meals and coffee breaks.

Concern was expressed on the convention floor that more lay leaders were not present. Of the 128 registered delegates, 56 were not present by virtue of being a pastor, board member or agency representative-or married to one.

u.s. CONVENTION ATTENDANCE TOTALS

1986 1988 1992 1994 1996 1998

Adults

Children

455 371 288 235 212 216

87 42 29 25 25 20

"The 1990 convention was held in Wichita, Kan., as a business·only lead·in to the General Conference convention that was held in nearby Hillsboro.

01),\ JI E

Harvey MB Church

had their own Sunday school p rogram and church council. Yet they called one pastor, were served by the same deacons and the women from both congregations formed the Ladies Aid. In 195 4, the two congregations voted to become independent , and each called a pastor. Membership in either church was not determined geographically, but by personal p reference.

Even though the Harvey area was served by two Mennonite Brethren congregations for the next 21 years, t heir relationship was congenial.

Occasionally, Country MB Church and City MB Church met together for spe-

the church has ever experienced, according to Reimche, and helped to blend the two congregations into one., The Harvey congregation currently numbers 130 members .

• Congregation has a unique Reimche and her husband, Charles, organizational history in an coordinated the centennial celebraeffort to reach area residents tion, but no other committees were officially established. Instead, individHEN THE Harvey (N.D.) MB uals volunteered, formed their own Church observed its centennial committees and "the Lord made it last month, a unique history was celehappen," according to Reimche. brated: one congregation became The Friday evening kick-off two, then became one again. More focused on the early years of the than 350 people attended the weekchurch. Each scene-foot washing, end of activities July 10-12. choir practice, a reenactment of the The story of the Harvey congrega25th anniversary celebration-includtion began in 1898 when Mened a poem written by Darnonite Brethren homesteaders lene Filler and a musical numfrom South Dakota came to ber appropriate for the scene the area and organized a condepicted by the actors. gregation, Harvey MB Church.

The Saturday morning cenThe group met in homes and tennial tour included a visit selected Christian Reimche as to the first church building, their leader. They later built a which has been moved twice wooden house of worship 11 since its construction in miles southwest of Harvey.

1899. It is currently owned By 1917, the congregation and maintained by one of the had outgrown their meeting rural districts. place so a larger facility was The next stop on the tour built. By the late 1940s, the was the original church site. church building was again too Although the building consmall. structed in 1918 had been After visiting a similar chapel in another community, Mirad By this time, nearly half of Faul was Inspired to design and construct this chapel for visi- tom down several years ago, the congregation lived either tors to the Harvey MB Church cemetery. The chapel was dedi- the congregation's cemetery in Harvey or north of the city. cated during the congregation's centennial celebration. Faul is is still located there.

It seemed appropriate to con- pictured with his wife, Deloris, and their daughters Emma, A praise service honored Jean and Denise. struct the new building in the eight charter members Harvey. cial events such as vacation Bible and other former members buried But a concern for the spiritual school, Thanksgiving Day services and there. needs of families living 40 to 50 miles mission conferences. The two groups The Saturday evening and Sunday north of Harvey prompted the group cooperated as hosts for three Central morning programs gave former pasto also continue services at the coun- District Conference conventions. tors the opportunity to share memotry church when the new facility was ries of the past and words of encourfinished . In 1950, the congregation A declining membership, increas- agement for the future. Both services began meeting in two locations. .1"lJng operating costs and the also featured special music including a "In planning to build a new church forced relocation of families due to mass choir. in town, no mention was ever made the Lone Tree Reservoir building proTwenty pastors have served the of closing the church in the country," ject prompted the Country congrega- congregation during its 100-year minwrites Dolly Reimche, who with her tion to merge with City church in istry. Six served the Country congrehusband, Charles, compiled a book August 1975. The new congregation gation; six served the City congregafor the centennial. again called itself Harvey MB Church. tion; seven served the Harvey MB con"They felt this (country) church "The people of the City Church gregation prior to 1954 and five have had a mission to fulfill in the commu- demonstrated love with a warm wel- served since 1975. nity . There was no other church come and graciously extended the Pastoral couples attending the between Goodrich and Harvey in a hand of fellowship to those of the weekend event were Ben and Esther 30-mile radius."

Country Church," says Reimche, who Zerbe, Walter and Edith Janzen, WalGuidelines were developed was a member of Country MB. ter and Velma Penner, George and describing how the two congregaA revival meeting in March 1976, Helen Penner, Phil and Judy Glanzer tions would work both independently using the Lay Witness Mission model, and Gordon and Luise Kroeker. and jointly. For example, both groups resulted in one of the greatest revivals -Connie Faber

celebrates centennial

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IN BRIEF APPOINTED: Larry Nikkel has been named interim president at Tabor College. Nikkel is president and chief execut ive officer of Mennonite Healt h Services and chair of the Tabor College Board of Directors. He was appointed following t he resignation of David Brandt, w ho served nearly four Nikkei years as Tabor's president. Brandt will become president of George Fox Un iversity in Newberg, Ore . A sea rch committee has been appointed and will begin the search process for the next president immediately. (TC) RESIGNATION: John Bergman has resigned as director of support services for MBMS International. Since joining the agency in 1995, Bergman oversaw all support services functions . Harold Ens, general director, said, "John has been a great asset to MBMS Internat iona l over the past three years." While an administrative structure review is being completed , other staff in t he Fresno, Calif., and Winnipeg, Man ., offi ces have assume d portions of Bergman's responsibilities . John and his wife, Dori, live in Visalia, Calif., and are members of Neighborhood (MB) Church. (MBMSI) REORGANIZED: The Mennonite Central Committee U.S. board, meeting in Lancaster, Pa., June 12-13, approved a statement outlining the organizational decentrali zation of U.S. programs .

Ac cording to Rich Garber, board chair, reg ional offices now will be re sponsible for program operations.

The board also voted to reorganize its own structure, cutting the number of members in half. (MCC) CONFERENCE: Women are invited to attend a conference Nov. 7 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Pacific District Women's Missionary Service.

The conference will be held in Dinuba, Calif. Women from churches that do not belong to WMS are also welcome.

Details will be sent to each church this fall . (PDC WMS) 26 •

THE

C H R 1ST I A N

Dan Friesen, 'a man for all people,' left a legacy of faithfulness, caring and humor • His death in April ended a life of service that spanned more than four decades of full-time pastoral ministry and conference leadership " I 'D UKE TO BE remembered for be of his inclinations toward the pasloving and caring for people, torate on the night he proposed, long that I've not' been a stumbling block, » before he entered the ministry. "She Dan Friesen said in a Leader interview said, sure, she'd be willing to be a pasin 1982. When Friesen died April 15 tor's wife, " he recalled. "But she also at the age of 87, many would say he said I was so far from that at the time, had reached his goal. she had no fears."

Friesen was a well-known and Friesen was selected for ministry beloved leader whose full-time pas- through a "blank election" of the toral ministry spanned four decades, Corn church in 1936. He first eight congregations and two counpreached in his home tries. He was the only per__ church and was orson to chair the three largest dained in Com in 1938. district conferences as well Friesen's first pastorate as the U.S. and General conwas in Okeene, Okla., ferences . .As General Conferfrom 1939-1944. ence chair in 1960, he From there, he was presided over the merger of pastor of Mennonite the Mennonite Brethren and Brethren congregations Krimmer Mennonite in Mountain Lake, Minn.

Brethren denominations.

(1944-1950); Fresno, But for all his influence as Calif., (1950-1955); a strong leader, Friesen's Reedley, Calif., (1955legacy was his affinity with 1965); Denver, Colo. the common church mem- "I've sometimes (1965-1969); Shafter, doubted my ber.

Calif. (1969-1972); Cana"He was a man for all peosalvation, but da (1972-1975); and pIe," says Henry H. Dick, Com (1976-1979). FolI've never Pacific District minister, lowing his retirement, doubted my who was mentored by he pursued interim Friesen in the early days and call. Never." assignments in Visalia, became a long-time colCalif., Capitola, Calif., -DAN FRIESEN league and friend. "He and Hillsboro, Kan. 1911-1998 affirmed people. Anytime I "I feel very strongly visited with him, I felt as that God emphasizes though I was the most important per- certain things by changing pastors," son in the world. He had a way of he said in defense of their many affirming people. He was one of my moves. "We all have our field, our best friends to his dying day. » ability, our strength. And God uses it."

Friesen was born Feb. 5, 1911, in a Friesen said in 1982 that he had no dugout near Hooker, Okla. He was regrets about his long trail of service. one of 11 children. He spent his child- "I wouldn't want to live my life over hood in Moundridge, Kan., then again-I wouldn't have the time. But if moved to Com, Okla., where he soon I was called as a pastor, I'd do it again. felt a call to ministry. After graduating I've sometimes doubted my salvation, from Southwestern University in near- but I've never doubted my call.

by Weatherford, he taught high Never." school in Corn and Homestead. He As a pastor, Friesen was legendary attended the Com MB Church, where for starting services on time, "so that he met his wife, Eva. They were mar- people who want to come late aren't ried Oct. 1, 1933. She died in 1996 disappointed that they didn't." after 63 years of marriage.

"I don't think there's ever an Friesen said he warned his wife-to- excuse for being late to the house of LEA D E R

God," he said. "In my life I've started two services when I was the only one in church. I got up and sang a solo.

There were people on the porch, and when they heard me they came in. It happened only twice; that's all it took."

Arthur Flaming, retired Southern District minister, says Friesen was passionate and creative about promoting punctuality.

"When he was the pastor at Mountain Lake MB, one Sunday he switched the order of the service," Flaming says. "He gave the benediction first, then the sermon, then started the worship service and took offering. He told the congregation, 'You people who come late always miss the worship and offering part of the service, so here's your chance to participate.'"

Friesen also made sure he ended services promptly. "I say my messages are like fishing poles-you can break them off at every notch. " In return for a predictable start and finish, Friesen expected the attention of his parishioners. "I had promised my church once that if I ever saw three people sleeping, we'd have schluss (the end) right there," he said.

"One Sunday morning I got up, read my text and looked up. I saw three people sleeping. I said, 'Stand.' The people stood, I pronounced the benediction and said, 'We'll go home and sleep and come back next Sunday.'"

D

ick says Friesen believed in preaching short sermons. "If he was at a conference or something and was the last of the speakers, he would recite this poem: 'Violets are bluel roses are redl let's go homel enough's been said.'"

In addition to his blunt honesty, Friesen was known for his ceaseless energy, candor and humor. He said his quick wit came naturally. "I hope I never use humor for the sake of humor," he said in 1982. "But I think humor is something that God has given us. Tears are good, but humor's even better. When humor fits in and is proper, it's good for the soul. I have to hold a lot back at times."

Friesen identified the key to his pastoral success: "I like people." He expressed that in the way he affumed people in their faith but also in his uncompromising commitment to

speak the truth in love.

"That's why when we have a speaker in church who is, let's say, mediocre or weak, I never say 'Thank God for the message we heard this morning.' No, I say 'It's nice to have this brother with us.' I don't lie about these things .... I think we've got to learn to be more honest. " Closely Iipked with honesty was Friesen's concern for integrity. One congregation forbade him to attend "worldly" basketball games, even though two of his young parishioners starred.

"I didn't know how I was going to get along without going to a ballgame," he said of that time. "But I'll never forget the one day, behind a hedge, when I settled that with God, and he gave me the grace."

In the years that followed, he never attended a game. "I never saw our own boys play," he said. "It hurts me to this day. But I made a vow and I kept it."

Friesen said he was influenced by several people. One of his favorites was H.A. Ironside, theologian and prolific writer. "I wanted to be a man like Ironside until I had him in the home.

When I saw what he was like, I knew it was impossible."

As a preacher, Friesen spoke often about God's grace. "I think I've helped many people through my preaching and counseling to be liberated from law," he said. "I'm very strong on being liberated from the law, but not to misuse grace. God's love and grace should drive us to do wonderful things for him."

Beyond his pastoral duties, Friesen enjoyed pumping gas, raiSing tumbling pigeons, playing golf and crying a sale. Friesen wrote poetry for much of his life and also wrote a humor column for the community newspaper in Com called "Korn Kernals." His pen name was Tom Fesler.

Dick said the column was popular.

"He'd take a risk-he'd talk about people [in the community]. Those who read the paper just waited for it to come out so they could read his column."

Friesen is survived by two sons, John of Reedley, Calif., and Donovan of Sunridge, Ont., and two daughters, Marilyn Wall and Aldene Vogt, both of Reedley. -Natalee Roth

IN BRIEF RECOGNITION: Tabor College is one of 87 colleges and universities recognized in America's Best Christian Colleges: 1999. The book cites institutions having the highest academic standard among denominationa l and interdenominational colleges and universities. Schools are chosen from an annual national survey of ',658 colleges and universiti es. Selection is ba sed upon the high school grade point average and SAT/ACT scores of the entering freshman class. (TC) GROUNDBREAKING: Fresno Pacific University broke ground June 20 for its new $1 .35 million track and field complex. The old track was demolished 18 years ago with a promise to rebuild, says Dennis Janzen, FPU director of athletic development and chair of the track fund-raising committee . " It took longer than we wanted , but we are finally going to get it done," he said .

Construction began in July and could be completed by November. (FPU) HIRED: Natalee Roth, a 1998 graduate of Tabor College, began working full-time July 1 as an editorial assistant at the Christian Leader.

Her term of service is open-ended, pending the appointment of a new editor to succeed Don Ratzlaff, who Roth reSigned July 31 .

Connie Faber, assistant editor, has assumed the role of interim editor. Roth, a native of Colorado Springs, Colo., holds a degree in communications with an emphasis in journalism and a degree in biblical and religious studies . She served as an intern at the Leader last fall.

RESIGNED: Steve Klassen reSigned as half-time British Columbia church ministries coordinator for MBMS International effective July 1. Klassen will continue working half-t ime for the Youth Mission International TREK program, teach a missions course at Columbia Bible College, and pursue a vision for a mission and discipleship training center in the Abbotsford, B.C., area . (MBMSI)

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• CHURCH NOTES

DECISION: South Calgary Inter-Men-

•

nonite Church has decided to w elcome people "regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation." This means that practicing homosexuals in a committed relationship are allowed to take part in the church's covenanting service-the church does not keep a membership list-and participate fully in the congregation. The church was started as a Mennonite Brethren congregation in 1976, but is now inter-Mennonite .

Leaders from the sponsoring conferences have dealt with the church jointly. This has slowed the evaluation process, according to a report in the Mennonite Brethren Herald. The leadership met twice last spring and plans to meet again in September . They will deal w ith issues of accountability, conference confessions of faith and Scripture interpretation. (MBH)

HILLSBORO, Kan. (Ebenfeld)-Tonya Goertzen and Doug Miller were received as new members June 21 through transfer.

MANUAL: The Mennonit e Brethren General Conference Board of Faith and Life, togethe r with the Bo ard of Resource Ministries (Ki ndred Productions), have published a new leadership manual titled Following the Call. .

The manual, the work of several key conference leaders. was edited by Doug Schulz and Mi(hael Dick. It gives an overview of the pastor's work and ministry in the local church. The BFL has provided onE! copy for each church. 'Personal copies are available from Kindred Productions for $19.95 Pius and applicable taxes. To order, call 1'-800-545-7322. (8RM)

""fUGEE$: A s diplomats around the world work to prevent full-scale war in Serbia' s southern Kosovo province, North American Mennonites are rallying to help victims of the violence.

MeC is shippjng 15 tons of used clothing' to Tropoje, Albania, where 12,000 to 13,000 refugees from Kosovo are being sheltered by local families. Many refugees fled their homes w ith only the clothes on their backs. When the MCC<donated clothing arrives in Albania (lext mQhth, Albanian churches will repackage it into smaller, family-size bundles.. The clothing will go not only to Kosovo refugees, but also to local Albania.l'ls who are hosting refugees, at sacrifice. (MCC)

28. THE

CHRISTIAN

Baptism/membership

HILLSBORO, Kan. (Parkview)-Kathy Isaac was received as a new member June 14 through transfer.

WICHITA, Kan. (First)-Veronica Doerksen and Jim and Terri Means were baptized July 12 and welcomed into membership July 26.

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (Community Bible Fellowship)-Ruth Dalke and Steve and Lori Hortegas were welcomed as new members June 21. Betty Barker and Russ and Linda Knights were baptized and welcomed as new members.

FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News Fellowship)-John Muir was baptized and received into membership Jan. 4.

HESSTON, Kan.-Sacha Claypool, Tonya Dirksen and Staci Whitcomb were baptized and received into membership June 14. Dave, Joetta and Stephanie Whitcomb transferred their membership.

SALEM, Ore. (Kingwood Bible)-Mikayla Allen, Pat Carter and Abby Sweet were baptized recently. Rick and Angie Anderson and Pat and Ruth Carter were welcomed into membership.

COLLINSVIllE, Okla. (Westport)-Bill, LaDonna , Christy and Daniel Flagg, Pamela Gutierrez and Charlie Holzer were welcomed as new members June 21 .

Stephen Gutierrez, Catie Holzer, Heather Schaefer, Kristin Hisey and Kendra Franklin were baptized and welcomed as new members. Debbie Cornwell was baptized.

EDMOND, Okla. (Memorial Road)Megan Roberts and Jill Crawford were baptized and received as new members July 5.

FAIRVIEW, Okla.-Marshalene Koehn, Elaine Garman, Eli Kliewer and Gary Austin were baptized and welcomed into membership June 28. Jeff Graybill was welcomed into membership.

BETIIANY, Okla. (Western Oaks)-Gregg, Debbie, Dustin and Heather Unruh became members June 7. Brady, Sheldon and Wesley Brown and Daniel and Rachel Foote were welcomed into membership June 14.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)Homer and Marietta Brown, Seth Buhler, Daniel Jensen, Susan Johnson, Roger and LEADER

Karen Larson, Cami Mather, Peter and Karen Nalos, Jim and Barbara Opperman, Patricia Richardson, John and Connie Rooke, Lance and Sheila Sondrol and David and Beverly Wong were welcomed as new members June 14. Steve Mather and Sue Johnson were baptized and welcomed as new members.

DELFI', Minn. (Carson)-Deborah Kroeker, Brian Kroeker, Elisabeth Dick, Tony Dick and Katy Harder were baptized and accepted as members June 28.

HARVEY, N.D.-Kristi Bjorland, Andrew Faul, Danyiele Faul, Whitney Faul, Casey Lautt , Amanda Reimche , and Brandon Seibel were baptized and received as membersJune 21.

FRESNO, Calif. (Butler)-Ryan Braun and Martha Ramirez were baptized and received as new members March 1. R. Michael Allen and Denice Carden, Rick Ryan, Becky Higgins and Matthew White were received as new members.

Greg and Esther Camp joined the church March 29. Joel and Rosemaria Perez and Roberto and Maria Guerra were baptized June 7.

•

Ministry

DINUBA, Calif.-Summer Celebration began July 5 with the congregation's own Prime Time Players in "Bungee Jumping with God" and other powerful dramas about living on the faith edge.

ENID, Okla.-The church set aside the evening of June 14 as Neighbor Night.

Families were encouraged to plan activities with unchurched neighbors in order to build relationships with them.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Lincoln Glen)-The congregation had a joint worship service with Ethiopian Christian Fellowship July 5. All were invited to the annual Independence Day picnic following the service.

•

Proclamation

FRESNO, calif. (North)-Samir and Lewiza Youssef were guests of the congregation July 5; Samir preached the morning sermon. The Youssefs direct lnternational Arabic Ministries with MBMS International.

The ministry focuses on the Muslim world.

The Youssefs have a radio ministry for the Middle East, direct an Evangelism Training Center for reaching Muslims, and produce an Arabic magazine.

FRESNO, Calif. (Bethany)-Russell and Elizabeth Schmidt, missionaries to Thailand, shared during the Sunday school hour July 5.

MOUNTAIN LAKE, Minn.-Salina Marwa, a Mennonite Central Committee exchange

Through the Eyes of Faith You and Your Church Can Help To Win Some!

"We believe Jesus Christ founded the Christian Church, and continues to empower the church as the body through which people are saved and nurtured. Each person has been given gifts from God, and is empowered by the Holy Spirit to help further God's kingdom."

M

ission USA is partnering with churches to encourage health order to win others to a personal and meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ. We believe that healthy churches experience effective ministries and growth.

Mission USA is working to help establish new churches across the ' U.S. by partnering with districts and local churches. We are partnering with our conference institutions and organizations to prepare church planters who can build Christ's church.

Be a partner in spreading Christ's love throughout our nation. Be encouraged to start with your neighbors. Pray for them and expect opportunities to Join us in working and praying for renewal ( offer them friendship, encourageand growth in the local ment and the good news that church and the planting of churches that reach lost people.

Jesus loves them and offers them Mission USA encourages and challenges you "to become everyeternal and abundant life!

r

thing to everyone to win some'" (1 Corinthians 9:22).

MISSION USA BOARD: Ed Boschmon, Phoenix, AZ., Chuck Buller, V'lSalia, CA. Ernie Friesen, Wichita, KS Phil Glanzer, New Hopa, MN Joe Johns, Weatherford, OK

Lorello Jost, Aurora, NE Fred Leonard, Oovis, CA Stephen Reimer, Shafter, CA (Iarice Rempel, Buhler, KS Mike Schuil, Reedley, CA

Randy Steinert, Bakersfield, CA Tim Sullivan, Hillsboro, KS Ex Officio Members:

Henry Dick, Fresno, CA.

(linlon Grenz, Bismark, N.D. Bruce Porter, Fresno, CA Roland Reimer, Wichila, KS. (linl Seibel, Hillsboro, KS Jim Weslgale, Fresno, CA

Bo!)) LIII

visitor from Tanzania, talked about her experiences June 21 .

SALEM, Ore. (Kingwood Bible)-Ashley Bergman, Michael Contois, David Crawford, Paige Gasper, Derek Hunt, Jessica May, Mysti Williams and pastor Brent Hudson gave testimonies during the June 28 evening service about their involvement in the Baja '98 mission trip.

FARMINGTON, Minn.-Central District pastors and their families met at a retreat center here Aug. 3·5 for refreshment and renewal. Southern District Minister Roland Reimer and his wife, Lois, were the guest resource people . Their presentations focused on marital relationships.

•

Workers

DINUBA, CaIif.-Vic and Marty Wiens and their daughters, Bethany, Kristen and Angela , returned June 30 to Sao Paulo, Brazil, for a three·year missions term.

HILLSBORO, Kan. (Ebenfeld)-Phil and Tonya Goertzen and Bryce and Sara Wichert were affirmed June 14 as youth sponsors for the next two years.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)- Phil Stangland was affirmed June 21 to be asso· ciate pastor of discipleship ministries. He plans to begin in mid-August. Sheryl Chap· man was selected to fill the part-time position of worship ministries assistant.

. DEATHS BALZER, ARNIE DAVID, Buhler, Kan. , a member of the Buhler MB Church, was born May 16, 1914, to Mary D. Franz and David F. Balzer near Inman, Kan., and died July 10, 1998, at the age of 84. On April 25, 1937, he was married to Martha Thiessen, who predeceased him. He is sur· vived by a son, Loren and wife Jane; two daughters, Deloris and husband LeRoy Friesen and Judy and husband lloyd Yutzy; a sister, Mary Ann and husband Eldo Regehr of Inman, Kan. ; a brother, Albert and wife Ella Mae of Inman; nine grand· children and three great·grandchildren.

ESAU, JOHN, Debert, Nova Scotia, a retired MBMS International missionary, was born Jan. 3, 1926, at Kleefeld, Molotschna, U.S.S.R., to John and Kathari· na Wiens Esau and died May 9, 1998, at the age of 72. In 1951, he was married to Agnes Suderman, who predeceased him in

CHURCH PARTNERSHIP EVANGELISM IN MINISTRY WITH MBMS INTERNATIONAL Executive Director· Peter Loewen C.P.E. ITINERARY FOR 1998 AND AN INVITATION to born-again Christians under the sponsorship of MBMS International are seeking volunteers for their evangelism outreach to: C tI

os person 5. PERU - Chiclayo, Talara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Aug. 7-30, '98 . . . .. ... .. . $1,200 6. HONDURAS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .Sept. 5-21 , '98 . . .... . ... .

7. PERU - Tumbes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Sept. 4-21, '98 .. . .. . ... . . . $1,200 8. RUSSIA - Tjumen, Omsk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sept. 3-21, '98 . . . . . . . . . .. $1,600 9. BRAZIL· Teixeira, Imbituva . . . ..... . . .. . Oct. 9-19,'98 . .. . . ... .. . .. $1 ,600 10. PHILIPPINES - !locos Sur, !locos Norte . . .. Oct. 16 - Nov. 2, '98 . . . . . . . $1,200 11. NICARAGUA - Chinandega, Boaco ..... . . Nov. 8-23, '98 .. . . . ... .... $1,200 12. INDIA - Wanaparty.. .. . .. ... . . . . . . . .. . Nov. 7-30, '98 . ...... . . . .. $1,600 13. PERU - Arequipa .. . .. . ... . .. .. . . . .. ... Nov. 13-20, '98 . . .. . .. .. . .

•

• Canadian dollars

Note: * only for nationals from the participating countries.

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

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

• Between 800-2,800 persons have prayed to accept Christ as their personal Savior and Lord during a two-week CPE campaign. Come and be a part of an enriching spiritual experience-discover what God can do through you.

For more information, contact: CPE office: Tel.-Fax: 604-864-3941 , or Evelyn Unruh, 604852·5744; or Peter Loewen, 604-853-3173 or Fax 604-853-6482 Church Partnership Evangelism is a "church-to·church" effort that involves lay members in personal evangelism worldwide. Your application to participate will be forwarded to the CP.E. Executive Committee for processing.

PETER LOEWEN CPE Executive Director

30.

THE

CHRISTIA N

HAROLD W. ENS MBMS Int'l General Director

LEADER

1974. In 1975, he was married to Sophie Quiring, who survives. He is also survived by four daughters , Mary Lois of Lake Louise, Alta ., Kathy and husband Arnold Thiessen of Lethbridge , Alta., Laurel and husband Art Hiebert of Londonderry, Nova Scotia, and Lillian and husband Bruce Crump of Tantallon, Nova Scotia; two sons, John Irvin and wife Karin Esau of Chilliwack, B.C. and Carl and wife Marion Esau of Debert; and nine grandchildren.

FLAMING, ELMER "E.W." W., Hillsboro, Kan . , a member of the Parkview MB Church, Hillsboro , was born Dec . 18, 1904, to George and Elizabeth Wiebe Flaming at Lehigh, Kan. , and died July 9, 1998, at the age of 93. He was married to Emma Unruh, who predeceased him. He is survived by a daughter, Carol and husband Dave Breese; a brother, Vernon of Bakers· field, Calif.; two grandchildren and six great·grandchildren.

HARMS,JONAS "JOE" R. , Reedley, Calif., a member of the Reedley MB Church, was born Sept. 17, 1904, in Jansen, Neb., to John L. and Elizabeth Rempel Harms and died June 11, 1998, at the age of 93. On April 4, 1926, he was married to Ella Ann Brandt, who predeceased him in 1998. He is survived by a daughter, Phyllis and hus· band Sherman Lovegren of Fresno, Calif.; a son, Don and wife of Reedley; two sisters, Marie Thiessen of Dallas, Ore., and Alma Enns of Newton, Kan.; four grandchildren and seven great·grandchildren.

JANZEN, HENRY P., Reedley, Calif., a member of the Reedley MB Church, was born Oct. 1, 1909, to Peter F. and Elizabeth Klassen Janzen in Mountain Lake, Minn., and died June 2, 1998, at the age of 88. On Feb. 15, 1931, he was married to Elizabeth Dorothy Flaming, who predeceased him in 1984. He was later married to Avis Rhodes, who survives. He is also survived by a son, Ed and wife Marilyn of Visalia, Calif. ; a brother, John and wife Iva of Mountain Lake; a sister, Betty Derksen and husband Albert of Dinuba, Calif.; a sis· ter·in-Iaw, Goldie Janzen of Fresno, Calif.;

Bakerview MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C., is looking for a

Minister of MusiclWorship Bakerview has an attendance of about 600 in 2 services and a pastoral staff pf 5. The position is full-time. The individual must be a team player and give leadership in a broad spectrum of musical styles. Preference will be given to individuals with experience. Starting time is negotiable, but resumes should be in by Sept. 30.

Send applications to: Chair, Search Committee Bakerview MB Church 2285 Clearbrook Rd. Abbotsford, BC V2T 2X4 Phone: 604-855-5086 Fax: 604-855·5014

(1)'1

two grandchildren and three great·grand· children.

KRAHN, MARTHA WARKENTIN , StJames, Minn., a member of the Mountain Lake (Minn.) MB Church, was born Feb. 10, 1913, to George D. and Eva Heinrichs Warkentin in Midway Township, Minn ., and died June 22, 1998, at the age of 85.

On Sept. 8 , 1932, she was married to John Krahn, who predeceased her in 1977. She is survived by two daughters, Mabel Ewy of St. James and Ema and husband Freddie Schroeder of Mankato, Minn. ; a brother, Dietrich and wife Harriet of San Jacinto, Calif.; two sisters , Sarah and husband Harold Angell of Becker, Minn., and Anne and husband Gene Cashman of St. Joseph, Minn.; and a sister·in·law, Anna Warkentin of Humboldt, Neb. LEPPKE, HAROlD IVAN, Reedley, Calif., a member of the Reedley MB Church, was born April 27, 1923, to Corney and Susan Leppke at Reedley and died July 6, 1998, at the age of 75. On Oct. 12, 1943, he was married to Margie Reimer, who survives.

He is also survived by two daughters , Sharon and husband Charles Jones and Susan and husband Dan Ekberg; two sons, Tim and wife Carol and Jon and wife Sheila; a sister, Marylene and husband Ted Thiesen; a sister·ill·law, Peninnah; and nine grandchildren.

PAULS, PETER "PETE" N., Corn, Okla. , of the Corn MB Church, was born June 13, 1915, to John}. and Susanna Pauls near Inman, Kan., and died recently. On June

.111

16, 1946 he was married to Luella Kliew· er, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Eugene and wife Sherry Schmidt of Corn and Dennis and Patricia Flaming of Wichita, Kan.; one daughter, Victoria and husband Randall Kenton of Leavenworth, Kan.; and several grandchildren.

WICHERT, LOYD DON, Fairview, Okla., a member of the Fairview MB Church, was

WILLOW PARK CHURCH Kelowna. Be Invites applications for two ministry positions:

Assoc. Pastor of Women's Ministries Assoc. Pastor of Worship Ministries (full·time) Both ministries to begin fall 1998.

Details and more info can be obtained from the church.

Please send resumes to: Willow Park Church Attn: Search Committee 439 Hwy. 33 West Kelowna, BC V1X 1Y2

PH(250) 765·6622 • FAX: (250) 765·6615 e·mail: willowparkchurch@bc.sympatico.ca

1999 TOUR OFFERINGS ...

Snowbird Service Tour to Jamaica .. . .. .. .. . . . . ...... January 29 - February 7 Australia & New Zealand . . ...... . . . . . . . . . ......... . .. . . February 13 - March 7 Ireland ... . .. ... . . ........ . . ... .. ..... . . .. .... . ...... . . . .. ... . ... March 19-30 France ....... .............. .. . ... . .... . . . . . ..... ....... . . .. ... . . .. May 10-25 Spectacular Scandinavia & its Fjords . .. . . . . ...... . . .... ... . ... . . .. June 14-28 Alaska . ... .. . . . ..... .. .. . ...... . . . . . . . . . .... .. ........ . ... .. .. .. . . August 1-12 European Heritage .. . . ... ... .... . ... . . ...... . ... . . .. . . .. .. ... . .. . August 5-21 Lands of the Bible .. . ..... . ..... .. ... ..... ... ...... ..... .. .. . September 15-28

For information on these tours, please call

1-800-565-0451 Also ask about our four Oberammergau tours in year 2000.

TOUR MAGI NATION 1011 Cathill Road Sellersville, PA 18960

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

born July 30, 1938, to Albert and Emma Bartel Wichert at Fairview and died June 15, 1998, at the age of 59. On Nov. 7, 1959, he was married to Clara Kliewer, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Jeff of Fairview and Rex and wife Melanie of Benicia, Calif.; a sister, Stella and husband Gene Eitzen of Fairview; and three grandchildren.

•

MENNONITE BRETHREN FOUNDATION is accepting applications for two

FIELD REPRESENTATIVES The MIDWEST FIELD REPRESENTATIVE would work out of the Hillsboro, Kan., office and the WEST COAST FIELD REPRESENTATIVE would be located in central California. These are full-time positions, but we are open to a combination of part-time personnel.

DUTIES:

To encourage and assist Christians throughout the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches in faithful stewardship. Specific responsibilities include stewardship education, individual counseling, planned giving, charitable estate planning and Foundation-related activity.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong interpersonal skills • Demonstrated ability to communicate • Aptitude for detail work • Willingness to learn • Christian commitment and desire to promote the work of the Mennonite Brethren DIRECT INQUIRIES TO:

Attn: Jon President Mennonite Brethren Foundation PO Box V, Hillsboro. Ks 67063 Phone: 316-947-3151 Fax: 316-947-3266

E-mail: mbfound@8()uthwind.net A U G U S T

I

998

•

31

Palm Village

CLEARINGHC)USE 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 Clearing· house classified ad. The charge is 40 cents per word, with a $15 minimum. Withhold payment until an invoice is received. The editors reseNe the right to turn down inappropriate material. For display (boxed) ad rates, please call us.

POSITIONS COLORADO-Suburban Mennonite Brethren church seeks experienced candidates for full-time senior pastor. Must be willing to lead and mentor in a team ministry and be receptive to outreach through day care, club and sports programs. Send profile and letter of interest to: Search Committee, Belleview Acres Church, 12472 W. Belleview Ave ., Littleton, CO 80127 . Check out our web - site at www .belleviewacres.org. Phone: 303·973-0163; fax: 303-9737653.

Pro_to be Ibe Arell'.

Only COlJlilJuilJg-Cllre Relirenuml CommulJily

Patio Homes Assisted Living Health Care Rehab Therapy

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI and related programs-This person reports to the vice president for advancement and provides leadership for alumni and related programs. Direct nominations and inquiries to: Vice President for Advancement, Tabor College, Hillsboro, KS 67063; 316-947-3121; e-mail: jackb@tcnet.tabor. edu.

OASIS DIRECTOR-Fresno Pacific University seeks applications for executive director of the Older Adult Social Services (OASIS) program. The executive director is responsible to and receives direction from the OASIS Coordinating Board. Responsibilities include providing administrative and operational oversight of the home care, adult day care, and weekend respite programs. The director is also responsible to write, submit and defend funding proposals to local social service agencies and appropriate foundations, manage the OASIS budget, recruit, hire, train and evaluate staff, represent OASIS to the public, and ensure continuous compliance with all applicable licensing regulations. Required qualifications include a bachelor's degree in a social SCience or a related field; five years of progressively responsible work in program administration and management; successful experience in a caregiving setting; demonstrated

budgeting, personnel and marketing related skills; and demonstrated leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills. Send letter of application and resume to Sue Kliewer, Human Resources Director, Fresno Pacific University, 1717 S. Chestnut, Fresno, CA 93702; 209-453-2245, e-mail skliewer@fresno.edu.

SALES MANAGER-Mennonite Central Committee is actively recruiting for the wholesale sales manager position at Ten Thousand Villages, Akron, Pa. Qualifications include a degree in marketing/business administration (preferred); experience in wholesale or retail management; knowledge of retail merchandising and display principles; good personnel and administrative skills; ability to supervise the implementation of marketing plans; knowledgeable about Ten Thousand Villages products and their marketability; and strong support of Ten Thousand Villages mission; overseas experience helpful. This is a full-time, two-year salaried position. For more information, or to receive a copy of the job deSCription, please contact Dwight McFadden or Becky Stahly at (717)8591151, MCC Human Resources, or e-mail djm@mcc.org or rss@mcc.org. Applications due Aug. 10, 1998.

VOLUNTEERS-Ten Thousand Villages, a program of Mennonite Central Committee, is looking for persons to volunteer at its headquarters in Akron, Pa. Volunteers are needed beginning Aug. 17 or 24 for three to four months. Room and board provided. For more information please contact Sherrie Ober at (717)859-8100 or e-mail smo@villages.mcc.org.

Come and be a part of an exciting and rewarding experience.

VOLUNTEERS-Do you want to experience something more in addition to travel? Then investigate the MMAP (Mobile Missionary Assistance Program) experience for the satisfaction you have been looking for. "Follow the Son" and build for eternity while making new friends, enjoying Christian fellowship and encouragement from like-minded Christian volunteers . MMAP is a nondenominational and interdenominational Christian, nonprofit corporation with volunteer membership for married couples only. We help needy Christian churches, camps and other selected Christian organizations using skilled and nonskilled workers four days a week on a three week per month project. You may request an application from MMAP at P.O. Box 725, Calimesa. CA 92320. or phone 909-795-3944.

Mennonite Central Committee U.S.

1-800-928-6545

invites applications for the position of

u.s. Executive Director Starting date: July 1, 1999 Location: Akron, Pennsylvania Applications will be accepted through September 15, 1998

PALM VILLAGE RETIREMENT

COMMUNITY

701 W. Herbert Reedley, CA 93654 www . palmv;llage . com

Direct inquiries and applications to: Rich Garber, Chair, Search Committee 17270 Northside Blvd., Nampa, ID 83687 Phone: 208-467-3519 • Fax: 208-467-2022 (

C . C . R . C . Lie . #100404809

Managed

by. :::::-

Mennonite Central Committee and MCC U.S. 21 Sou1h 121h 51reet. PO Box 500. Akron, PA 17501-0500 (71 7) 859· 11 51 (7 17) 859·3889

(it Admissions, room assignments and services are .... provided without regard to race, color, national origin, disability or age.

32. THE

CHRISTIAN

"" Mennonite .. Central Committee

Mannonlta Central Committee Cenada 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9 (204) 261 -6381

LEADER

We need your help! "' The following ministries are currently administered within the structure of the General Conference of Men, nonite Brethren Churches: • MBMS International , (MBMSI): facilitates international missions.

• Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary (MBBS): provides theological education and pastoral ,training specific to the Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith.

• Board of Faith and life (BFL): gives practioal interpretaf tion of the Mennonite Brethren Gonfession of Faith, providing ., splrltua1 direction for daily issues. youth Mission International (YMI): trains, disciples and provides short-term mission opportunities for youth and young , adults. YMI operates as a partnership of MBMSI, Mission USA and Canadian Board of ,Evangelism.

v' •

' . loa,rd of Resource Ministries (BRM): produces, publishes, markets and distributes resource material for local congregitions and individuals.

Ntstorlca' Commission: collects, categorizes and retains archival data.

A

t the General Conference convention at Waterloo,

Ont., July 1997, delegates voted to create a "no holds barred" task force to evaluate the structures

of the ministries of the General Conference. This task force requests input from individual members of the conference. Please complete the following survey, adding

comments where applicable.

About yourself...

1. How many years have you been a member of a Mennonite Brethren church? _ _

2. Vour age: Under 20 20 - 29 30 - 39 40 - 49 50 - 59 60+

4. Have you ever attended a ...

• binational convention?

• national convention?

3. Size of your church: 0-99 100 - 249 250 - 499 500 - 999 1000+

Ves Ves

No No

5. Are you currently serving in a leadership role in your local congregation?

Ves No 6. Have you served on a conference board at any level?

Ves No

I· •

Please answer the questions on the back side of this page, too ••.

About the work we do together...

Choose ONE answer for each question below.

1 . Global mission should be organized .. . a. internationally b. through a North American conference c. by representatives from both Canadian and U.S. national conferences d. through provinces/districts e. from the local church

2. Graduate-level education for pastors and church leaders should be facilitated by ... a. a North American conference structure b . a North American school at the Fresno facility with a representative board from U.S. and Canadian national conferences c. both Canada and the U.S. having their own seminary facilities d. the current seminary facility acting independently of the conference structures with conferences free to make alliances with it and/or other educational institutions

3. Youth Mission International should be administered ... a. by a joint structure, incorporating input from U.S. and Canadian conferences b. by MBMS International c. by the Canadian Conference d. by the U.S. Conference e. independently from conference structures

4. Practical issues of applying day-to-day faith to our lives should be addressed by ... a. a board in the North American conference structure b. a board with representation from Canadian and U.S. conferences c. Canada and U.S. having separate boards d. local congregational interpretation 5. Resource material for churches is ideally a. published by a jOint board at the General Conference level b. published by a board of members representing both Canada and U.S. c. published by Canada for Canadians and U.S. for Americans d. chosen from generic material already available from Christian publishing houses

6. The Historical Commission should be ... a. centralized under both countries b. managed separately by Americans and Canadians c. managed under a global committee

7. Decisions of the General Conference should be made by ... a. delegate representation at convention b. allowing each congregation to "vote" on their collective position c. assigning a number of votes per congregation by membership d. all members voting directly

8. Conventions of the General Conference should be held ... a. every other year b. every 5 years c. discontinued d. other:

9. Conventions of the General Conference should focus on ... a. business b. worship c. teaching d. fellowship e. other _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

10. Do you feel you adequately understand the role that each of the following ministries plays in the General Conference?

Yes No MBMSI MBBS BFL YMI BRM Historical Commission

out and mail or fax it with any attached comments by Sept. 30 to: Building for the Future General Conference of MB Churches 4812 E. Butler Ave. Fresno, CA 93727 Fax : 209-452-1752 Thank you! Please pray with us that God's work may be done effectively.

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT A

GUIDE

FOR

GROUP

SESSION 1 Stewardship and our possessions Based on "Generational Generosity, " page 4, and "It's Just Stuff," page 10.

GET READY - Getting started • What's the first thought that comes to your mind when you hear the word "stewardship"?

INTERACTION

GO - Applying ideas to the way we live 1. How should Christians respond to such predictions?

2. How does one keep computers and such technology in proper perspective?

3. Do you sense a need for a "year, month or week of Technology-Free" for yourself?

SESSION 3 Church membership

GET SET - Examining the issues 1. What reasons does Jon Wiebe give for the importance of stewardship?

2. What dynamics make it difficult for many boomers to handle money?

3. Wiebe says money management for believers is a contentment issue. Do you agree? As you skim Matthew 5-7, which verses apply to this issue? Are there others that you would add?

4. What are evidences of serving God rather than money?

5. How do the approaches to giving differ between the boomers and builders?

GO - Applying ideas to the way we live 1. What has higher priority in your life; serving God or money? How do you know?

2. In what ways can fellow believers help us deal with money issues?

3. What possessions would you find it most difficult to have God take back?

4. What impresses you from the testimony of Lauren and Wayne in "It's Just Stuff"?

5. In what area of your financial life do you see the greatest need? What is a specific step you could take to remedy that area?

Based on question 1, Inquiring Minds, p. 15.

GET READY - Getting started • If you are a member of a Mennonite Brethren church, when and how did that happen?

GET SET - Examining the issues 1. What reasons do people give for not wanting to join in formal membership?

2. What reasons do people give for membership?

3. What does Scripture teach about our responsibility to one another within the church?

GO - Applying ideas to the way we live 1. What are the implications of not participating with formal membership?

2. How can we encourage greater mutual accountability and support of one another?

3. Do you agree or disagree with Hein's final thought?

Why or why not?

SESSION 4 Listening to God's prompting Based on On the Journey, page 16.

GET READY - Getting started • How has God revealed himself to you in the last week?

SESSION 2 Technology and faith Based on Ph'lip Side, page 14.

GET READY - Getting started • How concerned are you about the computer-glitch warnings?

GET SET - Examining the issues 1. Highlight some of the potential computer-related problems in the year 2000. What is the greatest concern behind all of them?

2. What are some possible positive implications to such a shut down?

3. In what ways have computers become gods?

GET SET - Examining the issues 1. What are the similarities in the encounters these two women had with God? 2 . What was necessary on their part in order to recognize the presence of God? 3. What is the difference between coincidence and an act or revelation of God? GO - Applying ideas to the way we live 1. How can we increase our sensitivity to the work and presence of God in our everyday lives?

2. Why is it difficult for us to believe that such things happen?

3. What is something that you are presently doing for the "least of these" which you are also doing for God?

lll·, TIIK AIlOUl II is a project of the Christian Leader and the Southern District Christian Education Commission. Questions by Nadine Friesen.

AUGUST

1998

°35

EDITORIAL

The final harvest

T

HE EASIEST EDITORIAL to write is your first, when Others will have to evaluate how well I carried the possibilities and promise lay before you like a vast standard. But I had a great time trying. And I had a lot of field of ripening grain. The first bushel of ideas help. Myra Schroeder Holmes, Carol Harrison Schmidt, comes easily.

Deborah Penner and Connie Faber served as assistants durHang in there long enough-though not all that long, ing my 13 years as editor. Little did they know, they could come to think of it-and you learn that the harvest is not have done my job as good or better than I did. Maybe they always a field of dreams. It sometimes flows, sometimes did know it, but at least they had the grace not to tell me. thins, and sometimes, in spots, disappears altogether. But Undoubtedly, my task was made easier by the myriad you keep working at it because that's your assignment. writers who succumbed to my desperate pleas for articles.

You learn quickly not to look back, only forward.

I always felt voices from within the Mennonite Brethren And now the field is cut, and I am wrapping up this community added to the integrity of the message. A special harvest with a final editorial. It is a hard one to bring into thanks to those people who served as regular columnists the storehouse. Not because there is nothunder my tenure: Katie Funk Wiebe, Jim ing left to say. Rather, it's hard because my Holm, Philip Wiebe, Marvin Hein, Rose tools-words-are suddenly inadequate for Others will have to Buschman and Burton Buller. You folks the task. I have too much I want to say, made the editor look pretty smart. evaluate how weill and I don't know how to say it.

What can I say about you, the readNumber one on the list is an overers?

Without you, the magazine would carried the standard. whelming debt of thanks. But where to have no purpose. We published for you. begin? With God, no doubt, who worked in But I had a great Even though the Leader is a conference mysterious ways to lead me from a Kansas publication, I never saw its role as a publifarm and into a role I could have never time trying. cation of the conference structures. Some envisioned for myself. God planted within have wanted us to be more of a marketing me gifts and interests that defy logical device, a publication that always soothes explanation, then gave me people-so many of them-who and affimls, that paints our life together only in positive nurtured, shaped and encouraged those seeds into somecolors. I understand the desire, but we believed telling the thing useful for God's work. The notion of being a "selftruth-with discretion, fairness and accuracy-was the best made man" is laughable to me. I am thoroughly a product strategy for building the church. of the grace of God and the patience of his people.

And be assured, we made our share of mistakes along Knowing that, the task of thanking all the people who the way. Truth is not always clear, not always discernibledeserve it is daunting. I cannot mention them all because I one of many lessons I've learned along the way. I hope we don't have the space. But I must mention Wally Kroeker, published with humility. who hired me as his assistant when I was fresh out of colLegacy is an interesting notion. Some have asked me lege in 1978. In an amazingly short time, he moved from what I think mine has been as editor. I'll leave that to othboss to mentor to colleague to soul mate. When he left the ers to figure out. For me, the years are a blur. Over time, Leader in 1985, I succeeded him as editor but never surwe addressed a variety of issues, we articulated positions passed him. that encouraged some and exasperated others, and we told You were right (as always), Wally, when you said this a lot of stories. was the best job in the conference. And you set the stanLooking back, though, only one "agenda" preoccupied dard for how the job should be done. You challenged me my decisions as editor: to communicate to you and the to promote Christian fellowship and diSCipleship; to world that it is good to be Mennonite Brethren. I say that inspire, instruct and inform; to clarify vision; to discern without qualms, because being Mennonite Brethren, at its how Mennonite Brethren can be more obedient to Jesus best, is to follow the radical light of Jesus in a dark and burand be living expressions of God's kingdom. You said an densome world. editor should be both priest and prophet: as priest, to You gave me the opportunity to push that agenda for affirm whenever possible; as prophet, to challenge when20 years. May God bless you for it, for God has certainly ever necessary. blessed me. -DR 36.

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