August 2008

. CONFERENCE I

5 CONFERENCE CALL by Ed Bos c hman Jesus Christ at the center

30 ON THE JOURNEY by Rose Buschman Faith stories from Afghanistan 33 PH ' LI P SIDE by Philip Wiebe Get rich quick

FEATURES [Singleness]

10 JESUS: A SINGLE-MINDED SINGLE by Joanna Felts

Jesus was single- mindedly single. From the beginning, Jesus lived on purpose- intent on fulfilling God's call and purpose for his earthly life . He was single-minded in this pursuit. And he was a single man. So what can we learn from Jesus' approach to life and ministry as a single adult?

13 CONFESSIONS OF A SINGLE WHITE FEMALE by Sherryl Koop

What keeps a middle-aged, single woman who deeply loves Jesus Christ sexually pure in today's society? How does one joyfully live as a sexual being and yet not be sexually active? Sherryl credits God's grace, prayer and the advice and support of family and friends.

15 SINGLED OUT by Steve Fast

In theory, Mennonite Brethren congregations are places where singles are blessed, respected and fully included. In fact , many single adults find church life to be quite different than the ideal stated in our confession of faith. What one sampling of Mennonite Brethren men and women has to say about their congregational experience is humbling and eye-opening

> FiRST WORDS

[from the editor)

WHERE 00 YOU READ YOUR FAVORITE MAGAZINES? SoMEONE admitted the other day that they keep the Christian Leader in their bathroom. The person quickly added that this isn't a bad thing since the bathroom is the place where people in their household most frequently read.

If you like reading at your computer screen, this month you have the option of reading the Christian Leader in its new online format-CL Online. Statting with the July 2008 issue, all feature articles, most news stoties and the columns and editorial will be available online in text rather than PDF form. Visitors can now comment on feature articles and interact with columnists. We're also introducing a monthly CL Question related to the theme. As the magazine staff becomes more comfonable with the new site and as time and financial resources become available, we hope to introduce additional features unique to CL Online.

U. S. Conference staff members have been diligently at work for the past several months preparing for this enhanced Web site that went '1ive" in late July. The new format highlights recent work done by the U.S. Conference Leadership Board to develop a shon, pithy statement that best summarizes the mission of U.S. Mennonite Brethren. So the idea of "oneness" is a common thread running throughout the redesigned Web site.

The new site allows visitors to see at a glance what ministries are supponed by U.S. Mennonite Brethren and provides links to these agencies. Previous Web site features, such as the ability to donate to the U.S. Conference online and to locate a local congregation, are improved. New features include the option for pastors to log on to "Pastors' Connection," a special section of the site that gives pastors the opponunity to dialogue with U.S. Conference executive director Ed Boschman and to receive his monthly e-note as a video

The majority of the Mission USA section of the Web site is new and tells visitors about current projects, provides links to church plant Web sites, will inform visitors about upcoming projects as they unfold and will help people know how to specifically pray for each church plant. The Mission USA pages include photos and video segments with news, lifechange stories and reports from church planters themselves. As the resources section develops, Mission USA director Don Morris hopes to provide a wealth of information on church planting for anyone interested and specific information for church planters. We invite you to visit U.S. Conference ministries online at usmb.org.

> CL QUESTION

If I were a single adult in my church:

o I would want to attend the regular activities designed specifically for singles.

o I wouldn't be caught dead attending the events planned for single adults

o I would be uncomfortable because I am a different age than most singles that attend .

o There would be nothing planned specifically for single adults.

Vote online at usmb.orglchristianJeader Results win be posted online.

> UP & COMING

• Sept. 20-21-Nonh Carolina District Conference Convention. Lenoir. NC

• Oct. 9-10-U.S. Board of Faith and Life meeting. Denver. Colo.

• Oct. 10- 11 - U.S. Conference Leadership Board meeting. Denver. Colo.

Connie Faber EDITOR

Myra Holmes ASSISTANT EDITOR

Elaine Ewen GRAPHIC DESIGNER

The Christian Lea der USSN 0009- 51491 i s published monthly by the U S Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churche s.

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ED ITORIAL POLICY The views expre sse d in this publication do not necessarily rep res ent th e position of the Christian Leader, the U S Co nference leaders hip Board or the Me nnonite Brethren Church Scripture references are from New International Version unle ss otherwi se noted The editors invite freelance article submissions A SASE must accompany articles.

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Jesus Christ at the center

Calling U.S. Mennonite Brethren to a renewed "oneness"

For the past several months, the U.S. Mennonite Brethren Leadership Board and staff have been prayerfully and carefully reclarifying our conviction statements about who we are, why we exist, what we believe and what our mission for this next chapter of ministry should be.

Some months ago, we agreed with strong resolve to call our U.S. Mennonite Brethren family to a renewed "oneness." A few weeks ago, a group of 27 leaders representing our national Leadership Board and ministry partners affirmed our vision to commit to "partnering as one family to serve one Lord on one mission, for the transformation of individuals, families and communities."

One of the reasons we chose to put "one Lord" in the middle of our statement is because of our unswerving commitment to the centrality of Jesus Christ in our personal and corporate faith.

There can be no doubt that you've been hearing about attacks on the uniqueness and the adequacy of Jesus Christ as Savior. Some, both inside and outside the church, are saying that Jesus may not be the "only way." Others are suggesting that Jesus' death on the cross may not be adequate for our salvation. Clearly these are often personal opinions, but just as clearly they challenge us to think again about who Jesus is and how he is connected to our salvation.

In addition to the challenges, some are implying or suggesting that the institutional church in any form is a losing proposition.

It is true that everyone is free to hold and express his or her own thoughts. However, the culture in which we live has adopted some values that deserve scrutiny at the least and outright rejection when appropriate. When individualism and relativism trump biblical declaration of truth, it's time to draw the line.

Our mission statement and new logo are intended to make a statement about these issues. We want to be clear about the fact that we believe that there is only one Lord Jesus Christ and that no one comes to the Father except through him We

want to be clear that God the Father took decisive action in the sacrificial substitutionary death of his Son. Jesus took upon himself all our sin, absorbing all its consequences in our place. We want to be clear that Jesus' resurrection from the dead anchors our faith in that one Lord.

Some of the would-be infIuencers of our current church and culture are associated with a big, broad and hard-todescribe movement linked with the terms emerging and/or emergent Some current and popular writing and magazine dialogue in the Christian church community has the potential to directly impact our understanding of who Jesus is and how his life, death and resurrection relate to people finding peace with God and an intimate personal relationship with him. Some theologians connected with the emerging church movement are wondering out loud and in writing whether Jesus really is the only way.

Additionally, the introduction of a new theology claiming that nothing can be known for sure gives hints of being a full frontal assault on truth as we understand it. It is true that no one can be absolutely clear and definitive about how God views his redemption story, but the fully dependable biblical record of what Jesus demonstrated and taught does give us significant anchors for understanding and some rock-solid conclusions.

Let's face it: newness is always emerging, and it should be. As in all times of review and renewal, some ideas are good and helpful, some are questionable and some are harmful. Careful and prayerful discernment is imperative in times of change. The resulting wisdom will clarify for us what we should embrace and what we should discard.

We are committed to being unswerved by any winds of doctrine that would violate our confessional agreements. We believe that Christ is the only true Savior sent from God to reconcile us to him (Acts 4:11-12). We believe that Christ inaugurated the church and he committed to her as his bride and messenger (Matt. 16: 13-19).

These truths emerged long ago and are not up for review. Be encouraged to keep living by and sharing these truths.

This month's Conference Cau was sent to aU u.s. Mennonite Brethren pastors in the form ofa letter.-EB

> COMMON MUS N G S

New Breezes

Reflecting on cross-cultural communion in Honduras

We stood together - 16 Central Americans and six North Americans from the MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif.brothers and sisters, sharing the elements of communion. And I thanked God for the gifr of communion with Mennonite pastors and leaders from Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala. We were all members of a weeklong class on Galatians taught by MBBS professor Mark Baker for the Latin American Anabaptist Seminary (SEMILLA), based in Guatemala. Participating in this class was one element of our own course, Cross-Cultural Encounter, a requirement for all degree programs at MBBS. Mark led this international Encounter class, drawing on his years of living and teaching in Honduras .

Living in Honduras on and off since 1979, Mark and his family have developed deep relationships and have friends they think of like family. This meant that everywhere we went there were stories to hear. "Relational networks are central in Honduras and .. .Ileft Honduras deeply impressed with people's hospitality, generosity and willingness to help," Mark told us.

We all found this to be true at various times during the week, whether it was a cup of coffee served to us, a bed sacrificed, special fruits served at breakfast or a cell phone lent by a stranger.

Our second night in Honduras, Mark took us to the home of Juan and Isidra Hernandez . We listened to Juan's stories of the colonia where he lives. We heard of government corruption and the struggle of church members to work for good roads, clean water, schools and peace in their part of town. Isidra spoke of her desire to help neighbors have food and a home. Both Juan and Isidra demonstrate the generous nature of the gospel to their neighbors and to us.

Sunday morning, the congregation of Amor, Fe y Vida welcomed us as family. Their love and respect for Mark was reflected in our reception. After lunch in the church, a small group of us walked through the colonia, visiting the library

&says published as part of Common Musings are submitted by Mennonite Brethren or inter- Mennonite agencies.

and walking to the cliff by the river where we could see some of the poorest homes in Tegucigalpa, the city where we stayed.

The library, while supported by the city, was started and is run by a committee of six people, four of whom are members of Amor, Fe y Vida. The homes we saw at the bortom of the ravine had been rebuilt after Hurricane Mitch. The perseverance of the people was evident in the library project, the rebuilt homes and the occasional flourishing mango and banana trees we spotted in otherwise bare dirt yards.

The next day we joined the SEMILLA students at EI Centro Shalom, a Mennonite retreat center. Mark prayed for brisas nuevas (new breezes) as we embarked on our study together. There were indeed new breezes blowing all week as we studied and discussed a holistic gospel, using the text of Galatians and Mark's book, Religious No More. Mark conducted class bilingually, translating for himself and the students

During the week, one Central American and one North American shared their personal story each day in class. Mark says, "When a North American talks of an abusive father, growing up in a single-parent home or struggles with alcoholism, I can sense the barriers falling down -the Central Americans feeling connection , thinking , ' Oh, they have had that experience too '" It was an honor each day to be invited into someone's life.

Though we are different, I will carry with me the similarities between North America and Central America We discovered common struggles, orientations and visions. Each friend of Mark who shared his or her story with us and each student in class are walking in the way of Jesus. We are searching together for ways to read the Bible and to let it transform our lives. We are trying to live faithfully and obediently.

We spent a week in communion with brothers and sisters in Central America, discovering the hands and feet of social justice, peace, simplicity and love for neighbor that grow on the " body" of ministry. It is my hope that we will be able to carry this new breeze into our ministries in North America, bringing with us this message of a holistic gospel to our local churches.

Sarah Bergen is the admissions and public relations assistant at MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif She is also a part-time MBBS student and a member of College Community Church Mennonite Brethren in Clovis, Calif.

USC opens Bakersfield office, Verharst joins staff Board affirms decentralized office arrangements

The u.s. Conference has relocated its West Coast office from Fresno, Calif., to Bakersfield, Calif. Executive director Ed Boschman and administrative assistant Cindy Verharst will work from the new office.

Boschman opened the Bakersfield office after working out of his home since October 2007.

Former executive director Chuck Buller and administrative assistant Carol Hagen shared space with the West Coast staff of MBMS International in the previous Fresno office space, located in a converted private residence near the campuses of MB Biblical Seminary and Fresno Pacific University and next door to Butler Avenue MB Church. MB Foundation West Coast staff now occupies the space vacated by the USc.

The USC Leadership Board has discussed centralizing the USC staff. Don Morris, executive director of Mission USA, works out of his home in Edmond, Okla. Connie Faber, editor of the Christian Leader, occupies office space in Hillsboro, Kan. Myra Holmes, part-time Christian Leader assistant editor, works out of her home in Denver, Colo. Donna Sullivan,

national administrative secretary and bookkeeper, works out of her home in Wichita, Kan. Given that the decentralized approach is working adequately at this time, the Leadership Board has deferred the centralization discussion to a future time.

The Bakersfield office, located on the second floor of a larger office complex, is a single room that provides space for two workstations. Verharst joined the USC staff May 26 as a part-time assistant to the executive director, replacing Hagen, who retired earlier this year

Boschman and Verharst invite visitors to the new Bakersfield office: "You would be most welcome," they say. The office is located at 4900 California Ave ., Tower B-210, Bakersfield, Calif. 93309. The phone number is 661-377-2928; the fax number is 661-377-1848.-USC

FPU shortens summer workweek

Fresno Pacific University, the MBowned university in California, is taking some of the heat off summer gas prices and air worries by giving employees a four -day summer workweek Flexible scheduling keeps offices open Monday through Friday.

About 300 people work at FPU 's main campus in Southeast Fresno and its centers in North Fresno, Visalia and Bakersfield Each person working over the summer will take one day off during the week and work four nine - hour days . The plan is in effect June 23 -Aug 8

The university's action complements requests from Fresno County officials to organizations throughout the Valley to find ways to lessen traffic Vehicle emissions, along with hot temperatures , help create the dangerous pollutant ozone , a particular problem in the region.

«Reducing the workweek for employees by one day while staying open the entire business week allows us to save gasoline , save the air and serve those who need us ," says president D Merrill Ewert «It's the responsible thing for us to do ."

Responsible to the community and a

relief to employees "I'm thrilled about this, " says Andrew Bodine, manager of network services , who drives 80 miles round-trip each day from Yosemite Lakes Park Most of the drive is on two -lane roads over hilly terrain, which lessens fuel efficiency. At current prices , Bodine estimates he puts $14 .50 worth of gasoline in his tank each day

"I estimate that between carpooling and moving to four days 111 be saving about $120 per month, " says Lisa Alvey, Web content editor. Alvey lives in Madera Ranchos and has begun sharing the 70-minute round-trip ride with a coworker.- FPU

World pressure can change Zimbabwe

The morning after Zimbabwe's muchdisputed presidential election, Danisa Ndlovu said God's grace sustains Christians in the country. Ndlovu, vice-president of Mennonite World Conference, was in Toronto, Ont., from Bulawayo to speak at the Brethren in Christ General Conference (North America). MWC is a global fellowship of Anabaptist-related churches.

Two days after the June 27 election, discredited by much of the world, Robert Mugabe was sworn in as president of Zimbabwe in time for him to attend the African Union summit in Egypt as the nation's newly elected head of state. His election was announced within hours of the polls closing in contrast to the March 29 election when citizens waited for more than a month for vote results. Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, had withdrawn from the ballot, condemning the runoff election as a farce.

The June election was said to be neither free nor fair, with bearings and harassment happening within sight of African and international obselVers, says Ndlovu. Rural areas were pattic-

ularly vulnerable. Mennonite Central Committee, the peace, relief and setvice agency of North American Mennonites, reported that a project to feed 2,700 students at high schools in rural Zimbabwe was put on hold due to the preelection violence in the country.

While Ndlovu hopes the harassment of opposition party supporters will lessen, he does not expect much change in the country without regional and international pressure on the president. He is grateful to the global faith community for the presence of Dan Nighswander and Yvonne SniderNighswander, Mennonite Church Canada workers in South Africa whom MWC sent to Zimbabwe to pray and walk with BIC church leaders and their families for two weeks around the time of the election. The Brethren in Christ Church is the largest MWC-member denomination in southern Africa, with about 35,000 members.

'We are overwhelmed by the moral support of the international church and the prayers of God's people everywhere It is a great encouragement," said Ndlovu.MWC,MCC

Iowa flood cleanup "rushing right

Mennonite Disaster SelVice volunteers and volunteer leadership in Iowa are setting up a coordination response center as they continue to work in areas impacted by recent flooding. MDS is the disaster-response agency for North American Mennonites.

First Mennonite Church in Iowa City is allowing MDS to use some church facilities as a headquarters. MDS anticipates one or two satellite operations in other cities.

'We are seeing quite a few volunteers," says Marlin Gingerich, MDS state director for the flood response. Gingerich says that MDS volunteers are eurtendy cleaning up houses and "peeling off drywall." Many of the calls about volunteering are coming from Iowa Mennonites and many non- Mennonires, from people living within an hour away. Local churches are also helping coordinate volunteers. "Right now, our greatest need is funding," he says.

along"

Volunteers are seeing homes where water may only have been one-foot deep, but also houses where the water went all the way up to the ceilings, especially in Cedar Rapids. In addition, many dwellings are not safe to enter. 'There are people who have sufficient funds and are able to get help; wel1 help with cleanup focusing especially on those most in need," Gingerich says.

Jerry Grosh, MDS director of field operations, expects cleanup to take weeks or even months. "It will take much longer for longterm recovety. People may ask, 'Shouldn't you be already rebuilding homes?' But it will take time until the long-term needs are known "

Local volunteers are currently meeting the needs in Iowa, but those interested in helping can donate as well as monitor future long-term recovery needs on the Web site, www.mds.mennonite net. - Scott Sundberg forMDS

THOMPSON JOINS MBMSI

Mark Thompson joined MBMS International at the Fresno, Calif , office July 14 as the short-term missions coordinator, replacing Andi Goetz. Since 2004, Thompson has served Butler MB Church in Fresno, Calif., as the lead pastor of English ministries. He planted Shore Life Community Church, Capitola, Calif., and served in other pastoral roles on the West Coast from 1997-2004. Thompson's vision is to create a connection between short-term and longterm missions: "There's a certain excitement in short-term missions, but our great hope is that people will be stimulated onto long-term missions, " he says. "That's the vision that we want to cast." -MBMSI

HOSTS NEEDED

The Mennonite Your Way Directory, a listing of 1,700 Mennonite and like-minded hosts in 58 countries who offer space in their homes on a "for donation" basis, is seeking hosts for its 2009-2011 directory. Additional hosts are needed in most countries and communities. Travelers use the directory to contact potential hosts to see if a visit is convenient. MYW editors Jay and Glola Basler say, "The MYW Directory has really gained in popularity in recent months as gas prices, air fares and lodging costs have skyrocketed." To register as a host or request a copy of the new directory, visit www.mennoniteyourway.com or call 847 - 949 - 6179. A donation is required to receive the directory.-MYW

community is typical of national statistics, single adults comprise 44 percent . of the population. This also means there is likely a . significant number of single adults in your church. Our feature writers this month remind us that feeling different- singled out-'-isa common experience for single adults wbo attend and minister Mennonite Brethren (;ongregations. Read on for ights into hoW eongregatioas can bless, " d fully i nclude those who are

Jesus accomplished his earthly purpose as a single adult

HEBREWS 2.:14 SUMMARIZES WHY JESUS came to earth The writer states that "he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is the devil." His purpose in coming is simple - destroy death and in so doing destroy Satan's power over God's creation.

As we grow up, most of us discover that God has a particular purpose in mind for us . Sometimes we know exactly where this will take us, and sometimes we have no idea where the road will lead Having turned, let's say, a late 30-something 1 still tell my friends and family, "I don't know what 1 want to be when 1 grow up."

Even though 1 look in surprise at the past and see how God has used me, it is not completely clear to me how he will use me in the future. Yet 1 know that by following him and grasping the opportunities he gives me, 111 never be in the wrong place.

Jesus didn't have this problem. He was born knowing the end result of his life-the death of his physical body to destroy Satan's hold on death. Jesus was single-minded in pursuit of this purpose.

We often overlook the fact that Jesus chose to follow this path as a single man. Jesus is God himself, and so he was present at creation. He knows that the creation of the woman completes the man. Jesus knows and intends that the martiage union he establishes between the man and the woman should bring harmony, love, enjoyment and completeness. Yet when God became man and lives among us, he chose to live as a single man to achieve his purpose. He is singlemindedly single

Many times through the ages stigmas have been attached to being a certain race, creed, sex, age or marital status. Just as Jesus elevates the place of women, children, Gentiles, outcasts and the poor in society, Jesus , by his very life, destroys the stigma attached to being and remaining single

Being single, however, in no way holds Jesus apart from other people. Everywhere he went Jesus is a vital part of people's lives. He is not just involved with those who need him ; he is involved with those who want him for who he is. He is a likeable person. He is invited to weddings and dinners, and Jesus even throws a couple of picnics where he provides the food. People want to be around him. His singleness makes no difference to them. Jesus demonstrates God's love to others, not just by dying for them at the end of his life but also by responding to their need and desire for friendship and companionship during his physical lifetime.

Even with his involvement in the lives of others, Jesus probably

experienced times of loneliness. There are many in our world today who are lonely. I have met single people who spend their time focusing on the loneliness in being single. I have met married people who are lonely in spite of their married state.

Sometimes loneliness comes from a state of being, and sometimes it comes from a state of mind. Jesus must have felt this loneliness often since he was

scenario occurred. I worked with the teens and their families and they with me-disregarding my marital status.

Just as Jesus ministered to people in all walks of life and in all situations of life, we need to minister to everyone around us. Our congregations and their married people need to reach out to and fellowship with those who are single. Our congregations and their single people need to reach out to and fellowship with those who are married. We are together

Let's not allow our m arital st atu s to keep us from serving the one true God or fellowshipping with his peo pLe.

so completely in the world but not of it. Yes, he relies on friendships with his disciples and followers, but when Jesus feels the loneliest he seeks the companionship of his Father. Joshua 1:5 reminds us that God will not leave us, nor fail us, nor forsake us. Whether married or single, young or old, we must rely on this promise just as Jesus himself does.

Being single does not isolate Jesus from the weekly time of worship either. We find him entering the temple and parricipating in the corporate worship of God. He gathers with others to study the law and the prophets and to focus on God's work in the lives of individuals.

We human beings are so contradictory. We say that we do not want to be like everyone else. But then when we gather with others, we want to know if therell be someone 'Uke me" in the crowd. God provides a purpose for our lives and we must determine to do his will, regardless of the circumstances or the people surrounding us.

Single people can minister to those who are married and married people can minister to those who are single. Let's not allow our marital status to keep us from serving the one true God or fellowshipping with his people. Just as Jesus was single-minded in the pursuit of the goal for which he had been sent, we need to remain focused on God's call to each of us and serve one another.

When I was a single college student, I remember the churches where I was allowed to work and minister. In one church I directed the children's choir. The adults of the congregation accepted and respected me, and they worked with me. We worked together in spite of the fact that I was single and they were married. I worked one summer in my home church with the youth and the same

the body of Christ. Paul writes in Galatians p.8, 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." I think this can be expanded to cover marital status.

As a member of the trinity, Jesus Christ created individuals and he created the institution of marriage. He knows the benefits and the joys of marriage and family as well as the constraints of marriage. If we are married, we are called to take care of the needs of our spouse and our children. We must take care of them as Christ would care for them, or we will have to answer to him for our actions. If we are single, we are freed from these constraints and there is more time and energy to put into God's work.

God, in his wisdom, chose that Jesus should perform his earthly ministry as a single man. That means that the church, his bride, is his immediate family, and as such he is committed to taking care of our needs. When we pray, we pray to the bridegroom who answers our needs with stunning accuracy and infinite compassion.

Jesus Christ's purpose was to conquer death and to bring us to life eternal. Jesus achieved his purpose in conquering death and now waits with bated breath as we choose the life he offers or the death he conquers. He did this with single-minded singleness. He did this so that he can minister to us, the bride for whom he waits with patience, gentleness and understanding and to whom he ministers eagerly and lovingly.

Joanna Felts is a freelance writer living in Fresno, Calif. She is a 2004 MB Biblical Seminary graduate and from 2004 to 2006 served as the interim editor of MBMS International's Wimess magazine.

Confessions of a Single White Female

I AM A PASSIONATE, SEXUAL, CURIOUS, MIDDLE-AGED, single woman who deeply loves Jesus Christ, loves life, thrives on adventures and receives energy and life from relationships.

God also created me to be someone who speaks out on things that many others avoid conversations about. So the time has come to talk about being single, sexual and yet not sexually active.

Sexuality and sex are not words that we ofren hear, see or read about in our churches, especially when mixed with the words single adult. Yet society screams the words at us constantly in all we hear, see and read .

In fifth grade my attraction to a neighborhood boy was exceptionally strong My mother quickly noticed the growing amount of time we were spending together and in one of our conversations she made several statements that I remember to this day. She reminded me that I had choices about what we did in our time together. Not only did I have a choice in how I treated him, I could be intentional about how I allowed him to treat me.

SHERRYL K 0 0 P

She emphasized that these decisions had to take place long before we were in an "adoring" moment together, as my emotions rather than clear thinking might have swayed me . She also reminded me that she could still make some decision s for me and that I needed to be home by the time the street lights went on.

As life has gone on, I have found myself in a variety of different relationships with men - as friends, serving on a committee or board together, ministering on a short-term miss ion trip, casually meeting or dating. As I review where my self-confidence and purity are, I have a great deal for which to be thankful.

In reviewing several of these relationships there have been numerous times when I was greatly tempted to derail my resolve to embrace my sexuality, yet not be sexually active By embracing my sexuality I mean being feminine, living as a gendered person and allowing myself to feel attraction and desirous of sexual intimacy.

These moments of temptation have involved married men who carry great leadership in the evangelical church, seeking sexual involvement with me outside of what they claimed were unhappy marriages; single men that I have dated with whom passionate moments could so easily become sexual moments; single and married men who travel greatly for their business and expect that a woman who does the same is always open to a sexual tryst; and men in foreign countries helping on short-term mission projects who thought I might be looking for some sexual excitement.

What has made it possible for me to remain sexually pure all these years while interacting with and relating to men?

God's grace

My mother's willingness to pray, listen, give advice and not shy away from some very blunt conversations on sexuality and sex.

The prayers of many who love me and know my deep desire to keep this area of my life pure.

Friends and ministry colleagues who are willing to ask the hard questions to keep me accountable in my resolve to remain pure sexually.

Great advice from women who had walked the path before me and chose to mentor me. A single woman who had been in ministry for over 25 years said to me at the beginning of my ministry life, "Sherryl, as a woman who will interact with many men in leadership, you would do well to know your boundaries as far as intimacy-emotional, spiritual and physical - are concerned You would do well to introduce yourself to the man's spouse if at all possi -

ble so she has an idea whom her husband is spending time with at home and on the road . You would do well to remember that visual stimulation is strong for men and you own the responsibility of carrying yourself in a respectful manor in this regard."

Great insight from male friends who have honestly shared their struggles and given me glimpses into the male psyche. They have taught me what a struggle it is to rema in pure when so much visual, sexual stimulation surrounds them. They have enlightened me on how a man can dearly love his wife. yet compartmentalize that from the affair he chooses to be a part of. They have informed me on how differently men and women approach relationships and define intimacy. They have reminded me that a woman can attract with her beauty but that her

confidence, humor and adventurous spirit can be sexually attractive as well.

A growing love for myself. Jesus commanded us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul , mind and secondly to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:37-39), and we often miss the very important equation found in the second command. We are only able to love others once we love ourselves If I could bottle self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth, I could make millions since many North American believers find it difficult to believe in themselves.

A growing understanding of what it means to love and be loved. How respect, patience, kindness, selflessness, humility and grace are integral in loving someone and someone loving you!

Jesus knows that we have to embrace our relationship with him in a way that fully engages our heart, soul and mind and that out of this fully engaged relationship with him we are able to love ourselves and in tum be able to love others

So far this equation has worked for this single white female who enjoys embracing her sexuality but chooses not to be sexually active. My prayer is that this equation will continue to be the foundation of my life in all the relationships of which I am privileged to be a part.

Sherryl Koop works for a travel agency in Winnipeg. Man., and is involved with the youth ministry program at McIvor Ave. MB Church. This article is reprinted with permission from the MB Herald, the Canadian MB Conference English language publication .

L.,$.... Pontius' Puddle

Singled out

What Mennonite Brethren have to say about being single in the church

YOU TRYING TO SEDUCE MY husband?"

'rue you gay?"

''What's wrong with you?"

These are the messages many single adults in our churches are hearing, leaving them feeling singled out.

There are millions of single adults across America today whose lives can and should be touched by God. I preach to some of them occasionally; I work with them in leadership situations in the church regularly; I interact with them socially far too seldom.

But when I listen to single adults tell their stories and talk about their values, feelings, hopes and desires, I learn a lot about them. I am confronted with the reality that those of us in the married world have a ways to go when it comes to entering the single world and clearly and fully understanding single adults.

I focused my research for this article by posing questions to a focus group of single adults from four different locations. Eighty-six percent of those who were given the survey responded; that says something about how strongly this segment of our population feels about this.

Those who responded come from a variety of walks of life. Some are single adults who have never been married; some are divorced; some are single parents; some are widows. The respondents communicated with passion and conviction, often with emotion, sometimes with hurt or anger

The remainder of this arricle consists of the questions posed in the survey and the responses I received. Rather than summarize the responses, I will let these men and women speak for themselves. I close by offering five action steps based on the comments and my observations.

I. What myths do people have about single adults?

Singles are unhappy with being single and want/need to be martied.

If we aren't engaged or married by the age of 22, we won't find anyone.

Singleness is not a gift from God.

We have to marry to be fulfilled.

Those who have never been married are better off financially

Church singles groups are for finding your spouse.

Singles should have more time to offer the church.

Single adults are somehow dysfunctional and can't make relationships work.

Single adults are irresponsible, uncommitted, unttustworthy and unstable .

There is something wrong with a person who is single.

Single women are domineering, have wrong values (other than marriage and children) and/or are selfish

Single adults are too focused on work.

Often when we view those who are different than us, we develop caricatures that are inaccurate, unfair and hinder our ability to relate to them effectively. These myths suggest that some married adults may spend more time talking about single adults than talking with them.

:%.. Are there things that the church typically says or does that deemphasize the value and importance of single adults?

Most sermon illusttations refer to husbands, wives or children, which makes me feel like they are most important in the church.

My church does a good job of valuing singles/divorced adults. Our pastor often finds a way to specifically relate his sermons to the single life.

The majority of church programs , terminology and mottoes are directed at families and children.

Married women don't appear to want to have meaningful relationships with single mothers

We (single adults) are n't discussed or used as the example of good service

An event may be advertised for everyone, but there's still a part of me inside that wonders, will I get that "what's-he -doing-here?" look

Some churches isolate the single adult by having ministries that focus on married couples and families, without regard for the single mother or unmarried professional.

When an event came up for a Sunday school class, "couples" were asked to sign up .

A sermon series ...on marriage for four weeks .

The church plays a strategic role in equipping couples and parents for their responsibilities in the home and there are a variety of settings where this can happen, sermons included. The disparity comes when the focus of church programs and activities and sermon topics and applications ignores the needs and feelings of single adults.

3. What are the most important things the church can do to minister to you as a single adult? Would you enjoy more opportunities to connect with married adults?

I want my voice to be taken seriously even though I don't have a spouse or a large joint income to speak for me

When I was part of a mixed small group I enjoyed the viewpoints of the female members. It was a chance to associate in a comfortable setting. I don't often get the opportunity to chat with women about serious issues.

I would enjoy more opportunities to connect with married adults . My daughters need positive male role models in their lives.

Phone calls and invitations for a meal or other activity.

Phone calls are mostly about church ministry areas rather than showing interest in me as a person.

After my husband passed away, one of our couple-friends always saved me a place to sit with them and that meant a lot. I didn't feel as lost or displaced.

Pastors should be more involved with the singles ministry whether it is simply appearing at a social event or speaking at a Bible study on the unique issues we face as single Christians.

I need to visit with others about the problems and concerns that I face daily. My Sunday school class is there, but they don't understand what it is like.

I would love to see ministry within the church that recognizes the needs of single women, in particular. Single women generally don't make as much money and are usually the primary caregivers for children. The single woman may need a babysitter and have no family around or finances to commit to such a luxury. Perhaps her car is in need of repair, or her residence is substandard. I remember feeling like a fifth wheel in many social situations after my husband died.

Things like someone to volunteer a day to help with home repairs or lawn care. I also enjoyed the Sunday lunches that were provided for single parents.

I don't want to connect with most married adults. If they have kids, that's all they talk about.

Remind us, as Christ would, that we are loved. We need our friends to cover us in prayer, not withdraw from us when we are at our lowest point.

What ministers to one single adult may not be helpful to another. Planning ministries/activities with rather than for single adults may be more successful

4. Are there any leadership roles that appear "off-limits" to single adults? Do you feel that the church provides adequate opportunity for you to serve in ministry?

I don't think anyone part of it seems off-limits.

I have plenty of opportunities to serve.

I've served in several ministries without feeling any pressure.

My church offers plenty of opportunity to serve.

Typically, elder positions seem off-limits, but I find no lack of places to serve especially when Christ calls it to be.

Most staff positions come across as being off-limits.

My church is very open to everyone who wants to serve.

This question seems to be the least controversial and is one where the church "scores" the best.

5. What are the most awkward things that people have said to you as a single adult?

There have been long awkward silences when people discover that I am divorced .

I was real mad when someone in a church meeting wanted to remove a minimal amount from the budget for young adult ministries.

"If only you had more faith in God, he could have saved your marriage."

"Maybe you should start going to another church so you can find that special someone."

"I understand what you're going through," when, in fact, they don't have a clue. Don't patronize me!

"Everyone has to die sometime."

"Why aren't you married yet?"

<'Why don't you date so-and-so? He's a nice guy."

"You shouldn't be so picky." I truly hate this one My single status is an example of what happens when you aren't so picky.

"Don't you miss sex?" Thanks a lot! That has not been on my mind until just now. Lord, help me through this again.

Finding a place to meet a solid Christian person that may lead to a possible relationship.

I do want to marry and have children so I do feel like I am waiting to marry so I can get on with my life.

To hold off dating too soon after a failed relationship.

Loneliness.

Going places alone.

Attending a church function where there are all couples and when a single sits down, it really messes up seating arrangements.

The fe elings and emotions ar e so raw and painful th at I had to tak e a break while reading them. Whether intentional or not, those of us in the married world r eceive a low score on this one.

<:Are you gay?"

<Tm afraid you might try to make a move on my husband."

Several invitations to dinner where they were trying to match me up with someone else.

Someone scolded me for being selfish-the reason I was single.

Some people asked me about the status of a single guy in church. I think they were hoping to play matchmaker. That was awkward.

This question receives the most volatile respomes . The feelings and emotiom are so raw and painful that I had to take a break while reading them. Whether intentional or not, those of us in the married world receive a low score on this one. Comments like these (and many were repeated more than once) do not honor God or the people who are so valued by him.

6. What are some of the biggest struggles that single adults face?

Raising a teenage daughter alone is draining. There is no one there to visit with about it.

Raising children alone, being both father and mother. Feeling overwhelmed by the enormous responsibility of trying to "do it all" and falling very short.

Lust for women and pornography. You can't go through the grocery store or watch TV without being bombarded with it.

In dating, sexual purity seems to be the biggest struggle. No sex! Prayer is what helps more than anything and not putting my thoughts or myself in that direction.

I had struggled with pornography, but God saw fit to prove it possible to trust in his Word to make me clean by the death of his Son and trust in the same Word to keep me clean. which is holiness. I have experienced victory in this spiritual warfare

Sexual purity! We want to honor God with our bodies and yet crave physical touch! It is soooo difficult!

Not being invited by couples unless I am paired with another single, kind of like two singles make a couple.

As a relatively young widow with two small children. I had no one in my circle of mends who could relate to my situation At my most vulnerable moments, I felt very much alone.

Not having another adult to give perspective when making significant decisions or facing problems, feeling overwhelmed or having low self-worth.

Not being asked to lunch after church.

Where I fit in the world . It seems like everything is focused on being a pair or a family.

Finding a Sunday school class with which I feel a real connection. Living out my Christian lifestyle among non-Christians and being ridiculed for not going out and partying.

Financially it is a real struggle to survive. I have only one income, get very limited child support and am barely scraping by. I can't afford to go to many activities, to travel, etc.

Statistics are staggering

The u.s. Census reports some interesting statistics about single and unmarried people in our country Of the 300 million pe0ple living in this country, 41 percent (almost 90 million) are single or unmarried adults 18 years and older Of these single or unmarried adults, 60 percent have never been married, 25 percent are divorced and 15 percent are widowed

As an adult ministries pastor, this statistic is staggering The demographics of most American churches hardly reflect this division of adults . An analysis of the congregation I serve reveals that about 84 percent of participating adults are married, meaning that only 16 percent are single/unmarried

Even more staggering is the reality that many single adults who are committed participants feel that the church 'bas a ways to go" in addressing the issues that they face . This may indicate why only 16 percent, rather than the national average of 41 percent, of single/unmarried adults attend our church.-SF

I especially appreciate the vulnerability and honesty of the responses. The struggles are quite varied and reflect deep feeling. And in case you are tempted to stereotype people, some of the ''sexual'' responses came from women.

Here are some action steps that married adults can take to build or improve relationships with single adults:

• Avoid stereotypes. Single adults come in all different sizes and shapes. No two are alike. Assuming that they all think and feel alike or that they all have the same concerns or challenges fails to treat single adults as unique individuals. Choose to ask sincere questions rather than make inaccurate, uneducated conclusions. Some single adults would like to get married, while others prefer remaining single and are offended by innuendoes to the contrary

• Engage and include single adults. Single adults enjoy healthy interaction with other adults. Instead of always going out to eat with another couple, invite someone you may normally overlook because they aren't married. I have found that single adults are fun to be around and offer valuable insights and perspectives. Get over your paranoia that they are "out to get your spouse." Avoid the temptation to invite two of them together. Invest your life in a relationship that will be rewarding for both of you.

• Listen. Single adults need to be heard. They have great ideas, legitimate thoughts and feelings and worthy goals. Married people can (and should) learn from them.

• Treat single adults with respect. Single adults are not second-class people. God never created "half" people who wander aimlessly around looking for "the other half." They are "whole" adults. Single adults don't need to have a spouse to make them complete or "normal."

In 1 Corinthians 7:8 Paul writes, "Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried, as I am." I get the impression from Scripture that Paul was an OK guy. And research also indicates that Jesus was single his whole life.

Article II of our Mennonite Brethren confession of faith says, "Singleness is honored equally with marriage, sometimes even preferred. The church is to bless, respect and fully include those who are single."

Add single adults to your mental list of leaders who can serve as well as be served. They have strengths and weaknesses, just like married people. And for those who look forward to being married, don't get in a bigger hurry to "make a match" than they are.

• Demonstrate compassion. Imagine being a widow or a divorced person and never getting a hug or a pat on the back or a word of encouragement. Single parents can use a break from parenting once in a while or a meal that they didn't have to cook themselves or pick up at the fastfood restaurant. Some singles enjoy spending time with a couple or family that cares; just remember not to spend all your time talking about kids and grandkids.

Single adults are sometimes lonely and just want someone with whom to converse. Divorce or death is ofren painful for months and even years; others can help bear the burden. And remember to ask questions before you draw conclusions Some people could use help with fix-it projects that need another person's expertise; sometimes it takes two people to move furniture around. Ask how you can help.

When you go to a worship service, look for a single person with whom you can sit; save a place for a widowed adult. Some of us may need to go and be reconciled with those we have offended. The best comment that someone offered to a widow was, "I have no idea how you feel but I care." Above all else, apply the counsel of Proverbs 12:18: "Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. "

Being the church

Whether you are part of a large church or a small congregation, all of these steps are possible without ever starting one "program" in the church. It's simply "being" the church.

Larger congregations may be in a position to provide a variety of opportunities for single adults to grow spiritually and relationally. Some activities may be targeted to specific areas such as: DivorceCare for those who are single again; small groups that are designed for both single and married people to interact together; support groups for those who have lost a spouse through death; group activities where single adults can interact without feeling like it's a speed dating opportunity. Brainstorm ways that your church can become known for treating single adults with love and respect.

Steve Fast is the adult ministries pastor at First MB Church in Wichita , Kan . He gives special thanks to Pam, Janelle, Dwight, Naomi , Janice, Joel, Kala, Debbie, Charlie, Christy, Waneta, Angela, Annette and an anonymous group of other single adults

Alive on Saturday night

MB church plant Bible study morphs into community ministry

Saturday Night Alive started as a home Bible study and has grown over the past 25 years into a fellowship of Christian singles headquartered in Rapid City. SD. that hosts a Web site announcing upcoming events and sponsors an annual fall retreat that has drawn as many as 125 singles from five states to hear nationally-recogni2ed speakers.

The 2008 Saturday Night Alive retreat is planned for Oct 3-5 at Camp Kinship in the Black Hills. The three speakers for this year's retreat are local; registration fees are typically kept under $100. Retreat information is available at www .saturdaynightalivesingles.com .

Rapid City. with a population of over 60.000 and home to Ellsworth Air Force Base. is statistically much like the rest of the U.S.

The U S Census Bureau lists single adults at 44 percent of the population; Rapid City lists 46 percent of its households as headed by a single adult.

Single Adult Ministry Journal reports that the age of both men and women when they first marry has risen steadily in the last several

Single adults from a four-state area attend Saturday Night Alive events, including the annual fall retreat pictured here.

decades. Meanwhile. between 1960 and 1998. the number of divorced adults in the U.S. grew from 3.920.000 to 19.424.000. an overall increase of 395 5 percent.

Lisa Sissentein. a Saturday Night Alive leader. credits the group with helping her through rough times after a divorce. Sissentein was not sure what to do when she found herself single after 25 years of marriage. While she had always attended church. "it was not untiL.! started attending Saturday Night Alive Bible studies that I learned about the Word and how important

"It is wonderful to have the help and support of Pastor Nickel as well as other local pastors." says Decker. She says that Bible Fellowship continues to foster the group even though Saturday Night Alive is now an interdenominational ministty that holds its meetings in a local Christian counseling center.

In time the Bible study participants decided to call their gatherings "Saturday Night Alive" and developed the current format. Two Saturday nights each month are devoted to Bible study. one night to an infor-

area nonprofit fund-raising events. The ministty has also sent two small work teams to the Pine Ridge Reservation.

Decker's committnent to helping congregations meet the needs of single adults of all ages has prompted her involvement in additional minisrries. She recently was appointed to the 12-member Single Adult Leadership Team of the national Assembly of God denomination. Leadership Team members provide consultation. encouragement. ttaining. resources and networking for congregations interested in beginning and building their min-

[] 'rhe self-supponing ministry targets single over the age of 35

who

are

widowed,

divorced and

ne\'er

married . istty to single adults. Dennis Franck. director of the Assembly of God's ministty to single it is to have a personal relationship with the Lord " says Sissentein.

Saturday Night Alive includes people who are single by chance. change and choice. says Sissentein. but she says that all find the group to be a safe. nonjudgmental place. She is clear in saying that the group is not a dating service and that its focus is Jesus Christ.

The mission of Saturday Night Alive. according to its Web site. is to provide a safe place for Christian adults to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ and to be encouraged and challenged meeting together in an attnosphere of fun and acceptance. The self-supporting ministty targets single adults over the age of 35 who are widowed. divorced and never married

Saturday Night Alive grew out of a college and career Bible study started in about 1982 by Waldo Wiebe. Bible Fellowship's pastor and Jim and Esther Weems when Bible Fellowship was a Mennonite Brethren church plant. When Pastor Richard Nickel came to Bible Fellowship. the class ttansitioned into a home Bible study that Nickel led for 10 years.

Darcie Decker. a Bible Fellowship member and an original member of Saturday Night Alive. says that the group grew due to word of mouth and was soon ministering to singles beyond their own church circle . Nickel's gift for interacting and connecting with people helped many people feel comfortable and accepted in the group. says Decker.

mal activity. and the fourth Saturday is reserved for a coffee house. Attendance fluctuates anywhere from 25 to 60. and participants hail from as many as 30 congregations. Some single parents bring their children with them for activities but Saturday Night Alive events are not planned specifically with children in mind. says Decker. A SNA leadership team helps plan events and steer the ministty; Decker and Jackie Dittman are SNA co-leaders.

The monthly coffeehouse held at Black Hills Bagel creates a nonthreatening attnosphere that Decker says puts nonchurched singles at ease. The shop caters to breakfast customers and allows Saturday Night Alive to use their facilities for a small fee for the monthly coffee house featuring Christian performers. typically local talent.

During the summer. Saturday Night Alive participants take advantage of the many recreational opportunities. including bicycle rides and hikes in the Black Hills. rafting ttips and picnics and barbeques. They attend community events together. including the annual "Festival of the Presidents." a blues festival and car show. Participants can visit the group's Web site for the what. when and where of each event

The group also serves the Rapid City church community. They have provided ushers for community events. including the National Day of Prayer service at Mount Rushmore. a Josh McDowell presentation and Superchick concert and volunteers for

adults. has been the speaker at Saturday Night Alive retreats.

Decker. who is the nuttition director for Rapid City's Youth and Family Services. was also instrumental three years ago in beginning a young adult ministty they hope will reach across denominational boundaries to singles in their 20S and early 30S. The group meets two Tuesday evenings a month in Decker's home for a Bible study led by Greg Blanc. a pastor in the Rapid City community The group also meets for social events throughout the week.

Decker feels that young adults often become disengaged from church after they graduate from high school or leave home. She describes this age group as energetic. exciting and frequently underserved as they begin their careers and enter a period in life when careers and friends are ttansient.

The purpose of the ministty. called Oasis. is to encourage and refresh single young adults through Bible study and fellowship and by offering assurance that "each person is not alone in the world." says the group's Web site. 'We want to be an oasis in the 'desert of life."'

Reflecting on working with other singles. Decker says. "God designed both singles and married as a part of his plan Therefore singles need not think of themselves as second-class citizens. " Decker says she is living a full life as a single. "knowing that God loves me exactly where Iam."Lori Belden Pope CL reporter

Service, fun in the sun

100 gallons of Gatorade fuel North Carolina teen mission

This summer's mission experience for Mennonite Brethren youth from Lenoir, NC, was fueled by Gatorade, not gasoline.

Chris Eidse, district youth pastorfor the North Carolina District Conference, explains that as he and two other local youth pastors began to plan a summer mission experience, they took note of both high gas prices and an abundance of local needs. So they decided to try a local mission project rather than a mission trip.

Bushtown MB Church, Lenoir, partnered June 9-12 with Lenoir's 1St Presbyterian Church and 1st United Methodist Church for the four-day, threenight Lenoir Missions Project. The 35 teens and 10 adult sponsors who signed up for the challenge invested the first week of their summer break to meet needs in their own backyard. It meant working long days in a heat wave. And lots of Gatorade.

Eidse says the goal was to help youth begin to view Chrisrianity as a matter of giving, not getting. "Instead of being a 'me gen-

eration: we have to be a 'we generation,"' he says. Each evening, teaching and worship sessions focused on the Sermon on the Mount. The three youth pastors taught on being salt and light, living the Beatitudes and bearing fruit.

Each day, the group put the teaching into practice. 'We taught on it and we lived it," Eidse says.

Eidse scouted out about 20 specific needs in the neighborhoods near West End MB Church and Bushtown MB Church, both in Lenoir. 'We had plenty to do right in our own backyard," Eidse says.

Some projects met needs of seniors who could no longer keep up with yard work or home maintenance. Some encouraged community organizations, like a women's shelter and a tutoring center, with a fresh coat of paint or newly-planted flower beds.

The teens worked from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., pruning trees, weeding, building, painting, mowing, cleaning, planting and more. As they worked, adults taught the teens basic on-the-job skills.

To add to the challenge, Lenoir was hit by an early summer heat wave, with temperatures around 100 degrees each day. Still, the teens rose to the challenge.

"Our teens had great attitudes and persevered through their perspiration," Eidse says. 'We actually had to force some youth to take Gatorade breaks and get out of the sun." Eidse calculates the group drank a total of 100 gallons of Gatorade during the week.

Eidse says that, although adults had to gently"motivate" the reens at times, he was pleasantly surprised by their general enthusiasm and lack of grumbling.

'We didn't have to push, pull and drag:' he says. The youth completed 15 of the projects during the week and hope to complete the remaining few soon.

The reens' hard work caught the attention of local residents and the media, earning a front-page article in the lifestyle section of the local newspaper. One passerby scolded the adults for making the teens work so hard.

A woman from the Bushtown church, who benefited from the teens' work with a

Teens from three congregations in Lenoir, NC, worked together the first week of their summer break on a variety of community service projects. The event was a good "mixing experience" since the Mennonite Brethren youth attend predominantly African American churches while the Presbyterian and Methodist youth attend primarily white congregations.

new retaining wall, express ed her gratitude enthusiastically "I'm so proud of that wall," she told them

To make the experience as close to a missions "trip " as possible, participants slept in the Presbyterian and Methodist churches and showered at the local aquatic center. No cell phones or iPods were allowed . Evening meals were provided by volunteers from the three churches.

Participants paid a modest $75, which covered basic food and expensesincluding Gatorade - and helped pay for supplies for the projects, such as paint and gas for the mowe rs.

" Most of the money went back to the people we were working with, " Eidse says

An interesting side benefit of the project is what Eidse calls "a good mixing experience" between different cultures. While the youth from the Mennonite Brethren churches are mostly African -American, the youth from the other two churches are primarily white Eidse says, "I enjoy taking every opportuniry I can to bring these cultures together under the banner of Jesus and emphasize that we're all in the same church but just different buildings."

Eidse says this project is an example of how the North Carolina youth benefit from support by the larger Mennonite Brethren family. Eidse's work as district youth pastor is made possible in part by support from the u.s . Conference and Mission USA, the church planting and renewal ann of the denomination.

Eidse is only one of four full-time youth pastors in Lenoir, a position he says makes it possible to network with larger, wealth ier churches . ' We get to take these little churches and go along with these big churches with their big budgets and do all the same things," he says. "We give these kids the opportunities they wouldn't otherwise have."

Eidse calls the Lenoir Missions Project an experiment that "exceeded all our expectations. " He admits, ''The concept of youth actually paying money to work four days in a heat wave on their first week of summer holidays was risky. "

But Eidse says the end result was so positive that they hope to make the Lenoir Missions Project an annual event.

They11 tweak a few things next time: They11 plan for the extra time needed by teens who are learning skills. They11 try to get business sponsors to help with the cost of supplies. They11 bring "endless supplies of painter's tape. "

And theylllikely keep that Gatorade handy, just in case of another heat wave .-Myra Holmes

Tornado leaves trail of answered prayer Omaha church helps with cleanup effort

When early-morning tornado sirens warned residents in a neighborhood of Omaha, Neb., of a coming tornado, who would have thought they were also announcing answered prayer?

Stuart Pederson, pastor of Omaha's Millard Bible Church, is in the habit of walking through the neighborhood near the church, praying. During his prayer walks, he asks God for general protection of the community and for openness to the gospel. He prays for whatever general needs come to mind and for specific needs of people he might meet along the way.

He prays for Millard Bible-that the congregation will have a heart for the people in this community and be able to demonstrate the love of Jesus in a way that will draw others to him. He prays for leaders to be raised up within the congregation and for specific families to draw closer to Jesus.

Following the June 8 tornado, Pederson saw many of these prayers answered. "God answered prayers, both general and specific," he says. "God showed up in ways we never expected and allowed people to receive his empowering and blessing to be a blessing to others and to be blessed in that process. It was exciting to see."

The EF2 tornado - some say there were actually two tornados - hit about 2:30 a.m. and cut a diagonal path through the neighborhood just blocks from the church building According to a report from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the stonn damaged 113 homes. Local news reports indicate even more damage, with 539 homes hit, including 27 with "significant" damage. Pederson says downed trees and damaged roofs were the biggest problems. The Millard Bible Church building was not damaged.

First prayer answered: protection The damage could have been much worse . No one was killed; only one was injured slightly. "Considering that a tornado went through a residential area in the middle of the night," Pederson says, "that's pretty amazing "

Another answer to prayer: The church was able to demonstrate C hrist's love to the community in a very public way. " It was amazing how much God made the ministty and the presence of Millard Bible

Church known," Pederson says in hindsight.

After the all clear sounded, Pederson couldn't sleep He "felt a stirring that there might be a need," so he called 911 and offered the use of the church building. Within 20 minutes, local authorities asked to shelter a family displaced by the storm. Pederson grabbed water, sandwiches and blankets and opened up the church . Although the family never showed, two other displaced people did. At dawn, the fire chief called, looking for an initial place for an emergency command center-would the church be available?

"I said yes," Pederson says. "Well, I didn't know what yes was going to mean."

Representatives from the Red Cross, first responders, the Salvation Army, police, fire department, the National Guard and local media quickly filled the foyer. Two news crews interviewed Pederson. "Millard Bible Church was on the news right away in the morning and our phone number was out, saying this was the place help could be gotten," he says.

Even though the command center was soon moved to a larger, more suitable location, calls for help poured in to Millard Bible

A Red Cross representative fielded the calls and divided the needs between Millard Bible and another group of volunteers.

Since it was Sunday morning, the Millard congregation held its regular worship service, then about half of those who attended had lunch together and headed out with chain saws to clear trees for those who had request-

ed help, mostly older folk. The 18 volunteers divided into three cleanup crews; Pederson went ahead as scout and coordinator

One older woman expressed gratitude mixed with disbelief that anyone would help. She is quoted in the local newspaper saying, "I just can't get over these wonderful people. I can't believe that people are that nice anymore."

An Orthodox Jew commented that now the church had "flesh on" for him. Since Millard Bible is exploring the Jewish feasts , volunteers were able to discuss these feasts and festivals with him . Pederson hopes to build a relationship with this man.

With the church's name and work so prominent in the community following the tornado, Pederson had high hopes for the following Sunday. Leaders prepared for an influx of visitors with gift cards to take visitors out to lunch. Instead, another storm , pastoral vacation and illness among church leaders converged to bring attendance down to a two-year low.

"So in that sense, it hasn't produced anything," Pederson says. "But I believe seeds have been planted. We aren't done with this story yet ."

Still, Pederson is "thrilled" to see how this tornado and the resulting cleanup effort have impacted the Millard congregation, which is perhaps the biggest observable answer to prayer ''A lot of the impact that is currently observable is within our own people, in giving them a spiritual jump start," Pederson says.

For some it was an "aha moment," Pederson says, sparking a new sense that "we can be, should be and are an impact on our community." He talks about various volunteers enthusiastically giving the ir time and energy Even those who weren't part of the cleanup effort are now asking how they can serve and be more involved, says Pederson. Some found new ways to connect as they sweated together. "It provided a bonding point," Pederson says. One family relatively new to Millard Bible Church included their young daughter, still in her Sunday best, in the cleanup. As they worked, Pederson says, "they built relationships, they found a place to belong, they found something that was impo rtant to them and it really opened them up to consider getting involved."

Pederson continues to see signs of renewed passion for Christ and the community in the Millard congregation. Although he can't attribute the new "stirring" entirely to the tornado, Pederson marvels at how well the timing of the tornado coincides with the church's focus on renewal with Mission USA director Don Morris.

"That tornado was an instrument in God's hand in the process of reviving and resurrecting Millard Bible Church to be a vibrant , diSCiple - making, lost-seeking church," Pederson says.

So, strange as it may sound , those early-morning tornado sirens just may have been the sound of God answering prayerMyra Holmes

Volunteers from Millard Bible Church who joined in tornado cleanup efforts included (back) Silas Pederson, Kevin Owen, Clint Torczon, (middle) Stephen Pederson, Justin Reckling, Jeremiah Deigle, Lin Schmidt, Randy Fiel ds, Ryan Fields, (front) Stuart Pederson, Olivia Torezon, Karla Torczon, Joan Kennedy and Frieda Schmidt.

Teachers teaching teachers

Reedley educators encourage Thai school

When Suzi Peters and her husband, Fritz, returned to the U.S. five years ago after serving with MBMS International in Thailand, she thought her connection with the people she loves would fade away. Instead, Peters has found her mission expanding as she connects teachers from the U.S. with teachers in Thailand. "God just kept the doors open," she says.

"Teachers Connect," operating under the mission board at Reedley (Calif.) MB Church where Peters and her family attend, takes teams of Christian teachers to Thailand each year to run a professional teachers' confetence.

The Teachers Connect story begins a decade ago in northern Thailand, when Peters looked for a school for her daughters to attend in the city of Chiang Mai. She found Varee Chiang Mai School and began to work with the Christian director of the school. "God just put me as her right hand," Peters says.

The school began to win awards for academic excellence and quickly grew from a small preschoollkindergarten to a K-I2 school with 3,000 students and a staff of 200. Because of its exemplary perfonnance, the school is one of three in the nation allowed to operate as a "Christian" school. meaning only that they are not required to teach Buddhism.

After Peters returned to the U.S., she took up the challenge of one of the Thai teachers to "send people to us." Peters knew that the Thai Board of Education would open the door for a professional teachers' conference, so she began to explore the possibility.

She brought her idea to the newlyfonned mission board at Reedley MB Church, which had a vision for sending every church member on a short-tenn mission nip. The church sent retired educator Stan Huebert to Thailand with Peters to explore the possibility, "and we've been doing it ever since," Huebert says.

For three years now, the team has put on a teachers' conference at Chiang Mai of the highest professional level. Keynote speakers focus on a theme-the focus this year was on math and science-and team members present workshops, lead chapel times, model classroom teaching and shadow Thai teachers to give one -on-one help. Because the Thai education system requires English competency, language poses little barrier. The conference and workshops are conducted on a snictly professional level. with no discussion of spiritual matters, as required by the Thai Board of Education.

Reedley MB Church supports the teams with generous finances, intentional prayer and innumerable 'little things," like donating gifts for the team to give to male teachers. Marlin Hiett, pastor of discipleship and equipping, says Teachers Connect has become a "natural fit" for the congregation"something we are glad to be part of "

Peters says she wasn't sure what to expect on this third nip, June 16-27. With

Teachers who were part of the 2008 Teachers Connect team are (back! Stan Huebert, Chris Holmen, (front! Suzi Peters, Teresa Enns, Sandy Reimer, Carmelta Crawford, Debbie Scott and Paula Olinger, who is not pictured.

some of the initial kinks worked out with Thai and American authorities, the team was busier than ever before. Team members were invited into homes and barraged with professional questions. They had so many meal invitations that they never ate out. They were invited into so many classrooms that they didn't have time to visit them all.

When the team was finally able to catch their breath, Peters came to a sweet realization. 'We had made a new step," she says. 'We weren't outsiders anymore. We had been given a very privileged opening into their lives."

Which, of course, is the point. 'We're going for the purpose of building relationships with these teachers professionally in hopes of having opportunities personally to touch their lives," Peters says.

Outside of the conference parameters, team members are free to share their faith. Huebert tells of one opportunity he had on this most recent trip: During an informal discussion with several students about the symbols on the school pin, he was able to tell them what the cross and dove mean to him as a Christian. The students' Thai teacher, a Christian, will follow up.

Peters says they try to identify fellow Christians, which is not always easy since "the price is high to be a Christian there," and find ways to help and encourage. The first year, she says, they were able to identify only three Christians, including the director of the school, among the staff of about 200. This year, they were able to connect with a dozen "dynamic" Christians among the staff, two of whom are involved in church plants.

Peters says that once the team identifies fellow Christians, they offer whatever help they can. They visit churches and lend a listening ear. They share and encourage Often, they pray together - a precious thing in a predominately Buddhist culture. 'We just try to come alongside with them and help them do what they do best, which is reach their people," Peters says.

To further encourage relationships between teachers, two teachers from the Chiang Mai School come to Reedley each October. They stay in homes and spend time with team members in local schools "Our schools are beginning to connect nicely and there is beginning to be a flow on a professionallevel, but also on a Christian level and a friendship level," Peters says.

This year, following the official Teachers Connect conference, Peters, Huebert and another team member went on to visit Khmu villages in northem Thailand, where Peters is also working with school development among the Khmu people.

Peters' passion is unmistakable as she talks about her dreams for schools in both the Khmu villages and Chiang Mai, and Teachers Connect team members seem to have caught her passion. Most plan to go again and again. Only two members of this year's eight-member team were first-timers. Only three from former teams have not returned. Even those who cannot go every year are active team supporters, helping prepare and plan.

Peters says many of the members express joy in being able to use their talents for mission. 'They're taking the gifts God has given them and being a missionary."

Huebert has been on all three Teachers Connect trips. When asked if he plans to go next year as well, his answer is a quick and sure, "Yes." Before he has even recovered from jet lag, he is talking about the system for teacher evaluations that he plans to establish next year.

Thai teachers have asked Huebert why Teachers Connect keeps coming back and have expressed amazement that, rather than being paid, team members pay their own way. He tells them, "We come back because we love the people. We have a Lord and Savior that we love and he has called us to do this and we just love to come back and do this . That's why we do it."Myra Holmes

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Community celebrates completed homes

MCC completes $10 million Indonesia tsunami response

In the village of Ulee Tuy. Indonesia. 150 families who lost their homes in the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami are celebrating the completion of their new houses. which Mennonite Central Committee helped build as a final project in its tsunami response. The families prepared a feast. performed dances and hosted government officials during a June 24 handover ceremony in Ulee Tuy.

" It was really a very special time." says Jeff Yoder. an MCC tsunami response coordinator. "People were excited about seeing the housing."

In early July. MCC closed its office in Indonesia's Aceh province after providing nearly $10 million in relief and recovery assistance in Aceh following the tsunami. MCC's tsunami response programs in India and Sri Lanka are also nearing completion.

While MCC continues to work in other pans of Indonesia. Jeff Yoder and his wife Laura Yoder, who taught university social science courses. are finishing their MCC assignments in Aceh.

Jeff Yoder says he has observed many changes in Aceh since he arrived in 2005. In the months following the tsunami. Yoder's Indonesian friends and colleagues reflected on their personal losses in the disaster. which claimed 170, 000 lives in Aceh alone. One man cried as he told Yoder about the loss of his son a junior high school student, who disappeared in the tsunami, leaving only his shirt as a trace.

The tsunami left hundreds of thousands of people without homes More than half of MCC's funds in Aceh went to reconstruction projects, including 623 houses, 22 small bridges, one junior high school and numerous drainage canals and levees. In addition, M CC supported a wide variety of projects in relief, public health, education, job creation, trauma healing and peace-building.

The Canadian International Development Agency provided funds to support the Ulee Tuy house construction project. and John Holmes, the Canadian ambassador to Indonesia, attended the handover ceremony. MCC also worked with GenAssist, a program of Christian Reformed World Relief Committee, to carry out the construction of the houses.

The 150 families who received houses in Ulee Tuy had been renters when the tsunami struck, and they became homeowners through the project, Yoder says.

Yoder says the physical reconstruction of Aceh has been one of the most dramatic changes over the last three years, a credit to the work of many people in Aceh and the support of organizations such as MCC.

"It's exciting to see all the things that have happened," Yoder says. "Now, if you drive around Aceh, it's almost difficult to tell that there was a tsunami."Tim Shenk for MCG. MCC is the world relief peace and service agency of North American Mennonites.

Dancers perform at a ceremony marking the construction of 150 houses in Ulee Tuy, Indonesia, for survivors of the 2004 tsunami.

Exploring the challenges of denominationalism

Believers Church Conference positive on denominations

Differences between denominations can be helpful, and the Believers Church tradition has a lot to offer the wider Christian community when it comes to discussing these differences . This was the prevalent message at the 16th Believers Church Conference held June 11-14 at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg. Man.

Sponsored by CMU's Institute for Theology and the Church, the conference attracted panicipants from across North America and even Europe. Some 24 scholars presented papers and three keynote speakers shared their perspectives on the theme: "Congregationalism, Denominationalism and the Body of Christ."

Conference organizers were acutely aware that denominationalism had acquired a somewhat negative reputation over the past century, thanks to scholars such as H. Richard Niebuhr who describes the church's split into denominations as "the moral failure of Christianity."

But this isn't the view of Sheila Klassen-Wiebe, CMU assistant professor of New Testament, who opened the conference with a study of the book of John . "John's 'the one and the many' is a fitting symbol for our conference," she said.

'''The church encompasses unity and diversity," she said. "It's united in a common work-bringing God's abundant life to a hostile world . The unity isn't just about potlucks and care groups. There is a missional purpose-'that the world might believe.'

"But unity doesn't eliminate individuality. There are a variety of people who encounter Jesus and believe," said Klassen-Wiebe

"I don't believe denominationalism is the cause of the church's disunity," said workshop presenter Bruce Guenther, associate professor at MB Biblical Seminary in Langley, Be.

English Puritans first aniculated the idea of a denominational principle in the middle of the 17th century It began as a "tool to exercise influence over the nation," said Guenther Denominations have had problems, he said, but also have introduced many benefits. "'They've been useful for mobilizing Christians to various kinds of action ."

Citing the work of Jeremiah Burroughs, a 17th century apologist, Guenther explained how God uses differences among Christians to bring light to biblical truth For example, "as the demographic center of gravity for Christianity has shifted southward, North American Christians are gradually becoming more aware and appreciative for the contribution that global theologies have for expanding our understanding of the kingdom of God

Guenther concluded , "Denominationalism is not equal to schism. Real schism has more to do with how people leave a congregation and how they characterize other Christians."

Conference keynote speaker Fernando Enns would agree. Enns, the founding director of the chair of Mennonite theology at Hamburg University and a member of the Central Committee of the World Council of Churches, has a passion to help the Mennonite church share its insights and also learn from the ecumenical context.

"Our ecclesiological contributions become visible in this setting," he said. 'We can share our commitment to vis-

Bruce Guenther, of MB Biblical Seminary, presented one of 25 papers at the 16th Believers Church Conference held in June

ible discipleship and our understanding of the priesthood of all believers, " as we converse with people from other traditions.

Interdenominational dialogue forces Mennonites "to articulate ourselves. We have to talk about what we stand for, not just what we disagree with," he said.

"Our dialogue will not leave us unchanged. It will strengthen us from within, so that the world may believe. This is the goal of all ecumenical dialogue."

Enns argued that conversations with other denominations should be rooted in a Trinitarian framework, which means giving equal emphasis to all persons of the TrinityFather, Son and Holy Spirit.

However, this approach doesn't come naturally for many in the Believers Church stream, which has traditionally stressed Jesus narratives and Christology and has seen the Trinity as a symbol of the bondage of mainline churches.

'We end up with a contextless Jesus if we just talk about Christ," said Enns. 'Tm not saying give up our Jesus. But maybe we've been a bit limited. What about the people of Israel? What about the work of the Holy Spirit? We can become a berter Believers Church if we enlarge the picture."

During a concluding panel discussion, J Denny Weaver, former professor at Bluffton University, observed that the conference's essentially positive view of denominationalism was understandable given the event's Canadian context, where multiculturalism and religious pluralism thrive

However, the tone of the conference would likely have been different in the U.S., a country where evangelicals dominate religious conversations and where people from the Believers Church don't necessarily sit at the table as equals.

"By starting the conversation with agreements, the dominant view is favored. Things like our peace language become peripheral and we have a truncated form of the Believers Church," he said.

This was the third Believers Church conference held in Canada, with the other 13 occurring in the U S. Since the conference's inception in 1967, Mennonites, Church of the Brethren, Baptists, Pentecostals, and others favoring "adult" or "believers" baptism have gathered to consider the distinctiveness of the Believers Church perspective.-Laura Kalmar for Meetinghouse, an association of Anabaptist editors in Canada and the U.S

NEW KINDRED SPIRITS REWARD PROGRAM

by Rose Buschman

Faith stories from Afghanistan

Christ died for Muslims, and they are coming to know him

Recently I read a story that I can't forget It took place in early 2002 in Afghanistan The Taliban had just recently been driven from power by coalition forces. Several men were driving in an SUV over very rugged mountain terrain to a clandestine meeting of Christians in the southern part of the country. They could hear American planes flying overhead on bombing missions to the nearby Tora Bora Mountains where al-Quida leaders were hiding. After a grueling number of hours they finally arrived at a nondescript house where the meeting took place.

The windows were covered with blankets to hide their activities from prying eyes. There was no heat or electricity; candles and sunlight filtering through blanket

camp in Pakistan where his family had fled from the Taliban Eventually, as an adult, he became a Christian. However there was a high price to pay. He had to choose between faith in Christ and his family. His father-in-law forced his wife and children to leave him and live with family elsewhere, until he returned to Islam. His testimony: "I now disciple others and 18 people have come to know the Lord."

All of these men were leaders of the developing church in the southern Pashtun region of Afghanistan. Before 2000 there was no known group of believers in this area. Now there are several thousand who are exuberant in their faith in Jesus. However, this faith comes with a price .

One of the men at that baptismal service shared that he had had a stroke several months earlier and that his right ann was paralyzed. He had prayed that when he was baptized God would heal him. After the cracks provided what light they had Brother Andrew and his traveling companions were met by a motley group of men, most of whom were bearded and wore the traditional garb of local tribes-

D The primary purpose of th i5 5e cre t meetin g

to baptize the 12 men Jnd two w o m e n who had g;.1thcred ther e .

men. Two women, wives of two of the men, sat in a darkened comer of the room shrouded in their burkas

Brother Andrew writes about this meeting in his latest book, Secret Believers: What Happens When Muslims Believe in Christ. He states, "For the next few hours we were transported into a world few have experienced, and in the process we became convinced that there is a genuine Christian solution to the scourge of terrorism."

The primary purpose of this secret meeting was to baptize the 12 men and two women who had gathered there The meeting began with singing some Psalms in Pashto led by a fonner mullah (Muslim religious leader) with a ''hauntingly beautiful chanting voice." He said he wanted to be a "mullah for Jesus." As the meeting progressed each man gave a testimony to his Christian faith.

One was a fonner gun smuggler who for years transported guns on mule trains via treacherous trails from Pakistan to the mujahideen in Afghanistan. He would take loads of opium with him on his return trips back to home base. Now he told how he carried Bibles and Christian books over those same trails. He stated: 'There is a way of peace and that's the way of Jesus."

Another man first heard of Christianity as a boy in a refugee

baptism he waved his ann to show that he was healed

Following his return home from this baptismal event he began teaching children in his community to read and write using Bible stories. A local mullah and some of his cohorts visited him one morning . They beat him severely and threatened to come back and kill him if he did not stop his activities

As soon as these tonnentors left, this man asked his wife to call family and friends together. Despite his intense pain, he spoke to them: "I want to tell you something very important." He then recounted his journey to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He concluded by reading from the Gospels and challenged his listeners to follow Jesus. After he finished speaking, he fell over and died Then his wife was expelled from the village. She now lives in a different area and continues to teach young women to read and write.

Brother Andrew first appeared on the world scene when he wrote God's Smuggler, an account of his efforts to get Bibles into countries behind the Iron Curtain. Now he works with Christians in Muslim countries to help them grow in their faith and reach out to others who are seeking the truth.

Secret Believers, writren by Brother Andrew and AI Janssen, tells "the riveting story of the church in Islamic countries how Christians there struggle to come to grips with hostile governments, terrorist acts and an influx of Muslims coming to Christ." It challenges all of us to view Muslims not as enemies but as people for whom Christ died I believe it should be required reading for all Christians so that we can be supportive of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are living out their faith in very difficult circumstances

BAPTISM/MEMBERSHIP

Bakersfield, Calif (Laurelglenl - Kyle Evan Pete rson was baptized the weekend of June 21 -22

Cordell, Okla. (Biblel-James Carmen, Brooke Carmen and Aaron Flam ing were rece ived as members June 1

Garden City, Kan. (Garden Valleyl - Tim Briggs, Abby Munoz and Kelsi Munoz were baptized June 1.

Hillsboro, Kan - Elaine Cargill was rece ived as a member by transfer May 25.

CELEBRATIONS

Topeka, Kan. (Cornerstone Communityl- The congregat ion will celebrate 50 years Sept. 6-7 FELLOWSHIP

Draper, Utah (South Mountainl-Women planned a rustic weekend "WILD" retreat July 25-27 to challenge participants physically and spiritually. Activit ies included a sunset hike, a geo-challenge race, team challenge course, paintball and lake activities.

Freeman, SO (Salemi-An all-church picnic July 13 kicked off vacation Bible school. The annual Sunday school picnic was held June 29

Papillion, Neb. (Shadow Lakel-Men participated in a paintball outing July 4

Gettysburg, SO (Grace Biblel-A July 4 pig roast was held at a member's home Volunteers provided a breakfast at the church June 28

Fresno, Calif. (North Fresnol - The annual pancake breakfast was served at a local park July 4 Pastors and staff thanked church volunteers with a fiesta dinner June 4

Dinuba, Calif. - Family -oriented Sunday evenings this summer included a movie night June 8, potluck dinners in homes June 22, a basketball tournament July 13 and a picnic in the park July 27

Bakersfield, Calif. (Laurelglenl- The annual fourman scramble golf tournament was held June 30 Hole -in-one prize was a new Porsche.

Hesston, Kan.-A dessert reception June 22 welcomed pastoral couple Steve and Deborah Toews back from sabbatical.

Shafter, Calif - Senior adults, "The Young at Heart," were invited to a coffee hour at the church June 19.

MINISTRY

Clovis, Calif. (Eagles Harborl - The church plant is sponsoring regular movie nights in a local park this

MB NEWS FROM ACROSS THE UNITED STATES]

summer as a way to get to know the neighborhood The July 25 event was billed as a "Kids Movie Night, " with a children 's craft to correspond with the movie Denver, Colo. (Garden ParkJ-Neighborhood kids we re invited to a hot dog feast in the church parking lot July 3. Kids launched water rockets before the picnic.

Sanger, Calif. (Grace Communityl - A fireworks stand before Independence Day helped raise funds for the congregation's youth ministry, Celebrate Recovery and food distribution ministry.

Gettysburg, SO (Grace Biblel- The church hosted a blood drive June 30 -July 1

Topeka, Kan (Cornerstone CommunitylVolunteers helped with tornado cleanup in Chapman, Kan., June 28 Work included moving debris, walking fields and chain saw work.

Bakersfield, Calif. ILaurelglenl-The church's first "Last Saturday Dinner, " a monthly BBQ to which the community is invited, drew 80 neighbors June 28 Shafter, Calif.-June 24 was "Parents Night Off," with activities at church for children through sixth grade. Junior and senior high youth helped provide the childcare and activities.

Hillsboro, Kan. (Ebenfeldl-The congregation welcomed a missionary family home on furlough with a gift basket full of gas cards, restaurant cards, summer essentials, snacks for car trips and other goodies.

PROCLAMATION

Enid, Okla.-Guest speakers during pastor Garvie Schmidt's summer sabbatical included Tim Sullivan. Southern District Conference minister, Don Morris, director of Mission USA, Del Gray, Jules Glanzer and Jim Elliott from Tabor College and Byron Neufeld, local hospice chaplain.

Kingsburg, Calif.-Rick Alonzo, artist and evangelist, gave a program July 13 using art to tell the gospel story. Katrina Lehman, a resident of Myanmar who survived the recent cyclone, was the guest speaker during Sunday school June 29.

Reedley, Calif.-Deryl Winston, a gospel recording artist, presented an evening concert June 22 that was followed by an ice cream social.

Fresno, Calif. (Butlerl-Lynn Jost, from MB Biblical Seminary, and Greg Camp, from Fresno Pacific University, were guest speakers in June

Henderson, Neb.- Matthew Cox, director of church relations for Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan , was the guest speaker June 22.

Hillsboro, Kan. (Ebenfeldl - Guitarist Charles David Smart presented a concert June 22.

Fairview, Okla.-The African Ch ildren's Choir, a group of ch ildren representing orphans in Africa, presented a program June 21

Shafter, Calif.-Ed Boschman, executive director of the U S. Conference, was the guest speaker June 15.

Mountain Lake, Minn. (Community Biblel-June 1 was a mission emphasis evening, with an emphasis on MB missionary work in India. Paul Wiebe was the guest speaker.

TEACHING/NURTURE

Hillsboro, Kan. (Ebenfeldl-Personal testimonies from a number of individuals will be featured during the Sunday school hour for the last half of the summer quarter An all -church breakfast Aug. 31 will mark the end of summer.

Topeka, Kan. (Cornerstone Communityl-Women met July 22 to discuss the novel Kabul Beauty School, which portrays the lives of women in Afghanistan. To help foster understanding of women in other cultures, guests Julie Reimer and Mark Hershberger, both familiar with Afghanistan, aided the discussion.

Collinsville, Okla. (Discovery Biblel-An eight-week DVD parenting class began July 9. "Strong Families Class 100," by the Center for Strong Families, includes teaching by John Trent and others.

Hillsboro, Kan.- The congregation adopted a new mission statement May 4: "Equip within to reach beyond ."

WORKERS

Fairview, Okla. - Travis Schmidt was installed as youth pastor June 22.

Fresno, Calif. (North Fresnol-Youth pastor Ryan Prieb resigned in June and is moving to Albuquerque, NM

Ferndale, Wash (Good News Fellowshipl- The formal installation service for Bill and Darby Koogler, who began work as pastoral couple Aug 1, is planned for Aug. 10.

Huron, SO (Bethesdal - Dirk and Julie Helmling were affirmed as the new youth workers June 8

Reedley, Calif.-Mandy Neufeld, Sheri Warkentin and Matt Hiett are serving as summer interns

Hillsboro, Kan. IEbenfeldl-Trent Voth, a recent Tabor College graduate from Halstead, Kan , has accepted the call to serve as interim associate pastor for one year.

WORSHIP

Draper, Utah (South Mountainl-A July sermon series was titled "Death by Suburb," and included topics such as "Alone," "Stuffed," "Busy" and 'Winning."

Enid, Okla.-The June 29 service was dubbed "Freedom Fest:' and included music by Tabor College's worship team, i268, and a sermon by seminary student and Enid native Jerred Unruh. Lunch followed.

Reedley, Calif,-Attendees were invited to submit artwork for the June 29 bulletin cover: The theme for June is "Law and Order: Godly Intent" from Kings and Chronicles.

Hillsboro, Kan. (Ebenfeldl- The congregation held its annual Church in the Park service and picnic lunch June 15 Prior to lunch pastoral couple Gaylord and Peggy Goertzen were recognized for their 20 years of ministry to the congregation.

YOUTH

Rapid City, SD (Bible Fellowshipl- The congregation used Amazon Expedition curriculum from Answers in Genesis for vacation Bible school July 21-25.

Hays, Kan. (North Oakl-Youth participated in a 12hour day of service called "Big Give " July 12. Part of the day was a race between teams to raise funds for a local pregnancy center: A car wash and bake sale raised funds for a missionary family.

Bakersfield, Calif, (Laurelglenl-Youth provided a free car wash as a service project July 2. Free snocones, bounce house, popcorn and games were also available

Hesston, Kan.- The church is hosting a weekly video-based parenting program June 23-July 28 for children ages 10-14 and their parents to reduce the risk of substance abuse and other risky behavior: Facilitators meet separately with youth and parents, then meet together in a family meeting structure. The program, including a light meal and childcare, is free.

Sioux Falls, SD (Christ Communityl- The church plant hosted a 5-Day Club through Child Evangelism Fellowship June 23-27. Volunteers from the congregation canvassed the area June 21 to promote the event, and families of the children who attended were invited to a BBQ June 29. Several volunteers from Huron, SO, came to help with this outreach effort

Huron, SD (Bethesdal-Abbreviated youth meetings at the Souled Out Center June 18, July 16, and Aug. 6 were intended to give adult sponsors additional time to "hang out" with students and get to know them over ice cream or soda

Bakersfield, Calif. (The Bridgel-During May, Sunday school children raised over $100 for Church Without Walls, a local ministry to the homeless, by collecting cans and bottles.

DEATHS

GROTHE, NORMA, Hillsboro, Kan , a member of Hillsboro MB Church, was born Aug. 18, 1937, in Hillsboro to Bill and Esther Buller and died June 21, 2008, at the age of 70. She is survived by her children, Deborah, of The Woodlands, Texas, Douglas and wife Jolene of Wichita, Kan , and Michael and wife Vivian; and six grandchildren.

KLIEWER, HANNAH INEZ, Fairview, Okla , member of Fairview MB Church, was born Dec. 8,1918, to Dan and Anna Just Martens near Balko , Okla., and died July 5, 2008, at the age of 89. On April 24, 1938, she married Herbert Kliewer, who predeceased her December 2007. She is survived by two daughters, Donna and husband Paul Wiebe, and Marcia and husband John Shewey; one sister, Mary Helen Hein ; two sisters-in-law, Mabel Martens and Viola Martens, five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren

MCGILLIVARY, EVA CLARABELLE, Hillsboro, Kan., a member of Ebenfeld MB Church of Hillsboro, was born Dec. 23, 1932, to Claude and Eva McMinn in Hamlet, Neb , and died July 10,2008, at the age of 75. On Dec. 23, 1948, she was married to Dean McGillivary, who survives. She is also survived by three children, Katheline Schirer of Halstead, Kan., Marline Thorpe of Wichita, Kan., and Larry and wife Janet of Manhattan, Kan ; four brothers, Claude and wife Ila of Cabool. Mo , Clark and wife Donna of Hamlet, Neb., Lawrence and John and wife Helen, all of Hillsboro, two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

PRIEB, HULDA, Inman, Kan., a member of Zoar MB Church, Inman, was born April 16, 1915, to Jacob M. and Maria Fast Friesen in Jansen, Neb., and died June 14,2008, at the age of 93. On June 5, 1938, she married Menno Prieb, who predeceased her March 22, 1993. She is survived by one son, Charles and wife Naomi of Inman; one sister, Katherine Penner of Inman; one brother-in-law, Eldo Prieb and wife

Erma of Buhler, Kan.; two sisters-in-law, Mary Ann Friesen of Buhler and Rosella Prieb of Fresno, Calif., four grandchildren and one great-grandson.

SEIBEL, ANNA, Harvey, NO, a member of Harvey MB Church, was born Nov. 2, 1913, to Daniel and Louise Bechthold Bich, and died Dec. 25, 2007, at the age of 94 On Oct. 25, 1935, she married Arthur G. Seibel, who predeceased her in 1994. She is survived by one son, Arnold and wife May of Kingman, Ariz ; two daughters, Gwen and husband Larry Schlenz of Fredonia, NO, and Cheryl and husband Dennis Cook, New Rockford, NO, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

WILLEMS, KATHRYN, McPherson, Kan , a member of Zoar MB Church, Inman, Kan., was born March 31, 1909, to J.J. and Agatha Klassen in Hooker, Okla., and died June 4, 2008, at the age of 99. On Sept. 21, 1930, she married P.H. Willems who predeceased her. She is survived by two daughters, Kathy and husband Loren Blickenstaff of Boise, Idaho, and Ellen Whitney of McPherson, Kan.; a sister, Lynda Goertzen of Buhler, Kan , six grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

WOHLGEMUTH, AGATHA NIGHTENGALE, Hesston, Kan , a member of Bible MB Church, Cordell, Okla., was born Feb. 29, 1916, to Jacob and Susanna Penner and died April 30, 2008, at the age of 92. On Nov. 1, 1946, she married Walter Nightengale, who predeceased her in March 1969. In November 1980, she married William "'Bill" Wohlgemuth, who predeceased her November 2005. She is survived by one son, Larry and wife Jean of Cordell; one daughter, Carolyn and husband Roger Kuter of Union City, Ga.; two sisters, Esther and husband Herb Wichert, and Evelyn and husband Menno Toews of California; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by Bill's family, Loretta and Tommy Lee and Violet and Bill Dick of Hesston, Kan.; Willis and Lucinda Wohlgemuth of Claremore, Okla., eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Stewardship Solutions

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Wiebe

Get rich quick

Books abound on how to acquire wealth

When I came across an Internet ad for a book about how to get rich, I had to smirk a little. It seems to me such books were usually written by already-rich people who got even richer by taking advantage of the gullible public Later I wondered if that was too harsh, so I went back online to give the ad a closer look. What I came up with instead was a whole list of books about getting rich.

One book was a collection of stories and advice written by "one of the world's greatest entrepreneurs," to quote the book's subtitle . When I read a few of this person's dubious business ventures, though, it didn't improve my opinion of how-to -get-rich authors Especially when I read the author's

quote that gaining serious wealth requires a person to develop a nasty stteak. I guess that ,=] mv view is

There were several other get-rich books on the list, but _ _ ..$ none of them sounded very promising Then again, I'm not ',much of a mark for wanting wealth because I already have a '" i '" nice house and plenty of food and lots of annoying ic gadgets I don't really need more material things t '\ 'I' "'; What I do need is more of the Bible's kind 9f wealth....., which is not found in money or possessions but ' in ' goOd .. \V{\. character and works of service . The Bible describes ;t variety

to get

I want to become rich in God's grace (Eph 1:7) To a

large degree this is more about God than me, since Goci'is'- 4

skewed bv not heing a rich man. but 1 have doubts ahoui money heing a rcfiahle for finding true love.

leaves me out. What's the fun of being rich if nobody likes you?

Another book that amused me was one about getting rich using the Internet. No con attists there! The publicity blurb went on about marketing techniques and advettising strategies, but said nothing at all about attempting to sell something useful. That didn't surprise me, considering all the spam I get hawking items like instant college degrees and fake Swiss watches. There are lots of reputable retailers on the Internet, but unfortunately all those shameless spammers and pop-up advettisers give the whole thing a bad name

There was also a book on the list about getting rich by "going green." While I support environmental responsibility and the sustainable use of resources, it seems to me that "going green" is one of today's most overused advettising ploys. I saw a commercial by one company that essentially claimed to be green because it polluted slightly less than average for its type of industry. Hmm. A book claiming to help me get rich by going green gives me a similarly weird feeling. I thought the goal of sustainability was to try and become less materialistic, not more.

Perhaps the tackiest book I saw about gaining wealth was called How to Get a Rich Man . The blurb said it was a step-by-step plan for finding true love of money, er, I mean finding true love and financial security. Maybe my view is skewed by not being a rich man, but I have doubts about money being a reliable guide for finding true love Because the real place to find true love is on the Internet At least that's what all the pop-up ads say.

ri ch in grace whether we humans acknowledge it or nOt. to appreciate that grace I need to cultivate an ,9ngtt awareness of it. When I do that I tend to become leSs c cal and more content. That's a rich way to live

I also want to become rich in mercy (Eph . 2:4) . Though I mess up all the time, God abundantly forgives a restores me That should inspire me to have lavish mercy those around me who are also less than perfect means everybody. I", •• :,

I want to be rich in generosity (2 Cor 8:2) .deeds (I Tim 6:18) Too often my giving and try rather than profuse Yet the apostle Paul wrote that giviijg in a meager way actually makes us feel poor, while gi$ g S;<:, generously causes God's riches to grow in us so "abound in every good work" and "be generous on every ' '<','i occasion" (2 Cor. 9:8, II) .

I want to be rich in God's Word . Or as C olQssians p6 puts it, I want the Word to be rich in me That ' means more than just read ing the Bible, but also lettitia ' it work in my mind and heart - and my feet. God' s Word gives rich nourishment for living and serving wit h bountiful pleasure

Finally, I want to be rich in faith (James 2:5): I -dQ)}: "", t- ",J:; • L. want to trust in the fleeting riches of the world, but "" .y the eternal wealth of God's love and salvation given '''''t. gandy to any and all who want it. There's no better way to get rich than that. • ':;

Early detection

"Search me, 0 God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxIous thoughts . .. [Ps. 739:23}

Cancer My dad didn't use the word itself when he broke the news to me: "Well, Myra, Mom has lymphoma " Nonetheless , cancer invaded our family's life last spring, and we suddenly found ourselves on a detour none of us wants to be on, a detour many readers know all too well. Everything stopped. Plans were dropped without discussion. Things that too often fell to the bottom of the to-do list,like calling Mom just to say I love you, now rose to the top. Shock and fear ruled while we waited for more information, and when that information came, it didn't allay our fears. We were pelted with words like: rare, fast-growing , aggressive , incurable.

We did what many have done in similar situations : We dropped to our knees. Cancer drives us into the arms of the Only

or an aggressive and disfiguring kind makes no difference; the prognosis is death. Unlike cancer, sin's destruction is eternal. And unlike cancer, sin's destruction isn't limited to the one infected but has a way of spreading to family, church and community. My soul -cancer spreads death to all I love, everywhere I go.

Because we fear cancer's power to desttoy, most of us take great care to be vigilant. My mother's cancer is one that shows little sign of its presence in the early stages, so early detection was not likely. But for many cancers, early detection makes all the difference. Doctors

_ T.ike cancer, often sm a ll, with a private thou gh t or sccrct that no one else sec ') .

One who can truly heal. We cry out to him for comfort and courage. We beg God to heal. We ask for faith enough to trust, no matter what. Brothers and sisters rally around us, praying for us when we have no words.

Mom's oncologist pays little attention to the prognosis and focuses on doing everything humanly possible to eradicate the cancer ftom Mom's body So now we watch and pray while she fights.

Because cancer is at the forefront of my mind these days, Ive been struck by the similarity between cancer and something equally insidious: sin. Cancer of the soul. if you will Like cancer, sin often begins small, with a private thought or secret temptation that no one else sees. It seems so easy to ignore. But when we do, it spreads and it kills.

Part of what makes my mother's particular form of cancer so nasty is its stealth. It grows quickly and quietly, deep inside where its destruction is unseen. So although Mom hadn't been feeling quite right, although doctors ran tests and tried to make sense of her symptoms, the cancer spread unchecked until it was far advanced.

So it is with sin. Many of us, especially those who've grown up in the church, become experts at hiding our sin and keeping the exterior looking good . Sometimes we even fool ourselves. But if we ignore that "insignificant" sin, it will spread and desttoy It is never benign

When sin is allowed to spread unchecked , the prognosis is poor indeed. Sin is fatal. Whether a hidden , slow-growing form

and medical experts issue guidelines, and we submit to unpleasant tests like colonoscopies and mammograms, certainly not for fun, but so that we can detect any cancer sooner rather than later.

Are we that vigilant for soul-cancer? How long has it been since I allowed the Holy Spirit to probe my heart and expose the sin quietly thriving there? I don't like the discomfort, frankly, so I procrastinate. Too often, I deny the diagnosis. Too often, I polish the exterior while sin rots my soul.

A new acquaintance told me recently about her mother's skin cancer - a story that did not end happily. She was fair-skinned and freckled, a gardener who loved the sunshine and didn't have time for sunscreen. When the spot first appeared, she ignored it. By the time she gave in to the pleas of her family and saw a doctor, the cancer had spread into her brain, where the finest surgeons couldn't untangle it. She died just six months later at a too-young age, from a usually-treatable cancer. If only she'd gone sooner, my acquaintance lamented

Let's not be guilty of ignoring or denying sin in our lives as it grows. Let this be our call for early detection. Schedule a spiritual check-up today. Ask God for an accurate diagnosis and let that diagnosis drive us to the Only One who can truly heal. - MH

Ct1urct1

Senior Pastor: G " a - rd-;'e - n;.;.,V"'a;.;.ll;...ey C:"'"hu - r"";ch- ,-a"";M 7 e - n-n-on""i"" te Brethren church in the diverse community of Garden City, in Southwest Kansas, is seeking a senior pastor to lead a group of approximately 150 believers. Our church has a heart for the community in which God has placed us and a heart for missions-the world in which God has placed others. Visit our Web site at www.gardenvalleychurch com Send resumes and inquires to: Search Committee , c/o Garden Valley Church, 1701 N 3rd Street, Garden City, KS 67846 or e-mail searchcommittee0gardenvalleychurch com ll/121

Lead Pastor: Hillsboro MB Church, a congregation of 400+, is seeking a lead pastor with a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. The successful candidate is expected to bring spiritual vision and direction for the church's mission and programs, have positive relational skills and a strong preaching/teaching ministry. The lead pastor is one who desires to lead, develop and partner with other members of the pastoral staff and lay leadership team. This intergenerational church is located in a progressive college town Seminary graduate pre-

CLearing HOUSE

ferred. Please send resume to Pastoral Search Committee, Hillsboro MB Church, 300 Prairie Pointe, Hillsboro, KS 67063 or e-mail inquiries to: hmbcsearch0yahoo com 14/121

Senior Pastor: Kingwood Bible Church , a Mennonite Brethren congregation in Salem, Ore., is seeking a Senior Pastor who can grow our congregation and help us reach out to the unsaved in our city. Kingwood is a congregation of approximately 100 members and is located on the west side of Salem. Besides the senior pastor position, we have one full-time youth pastor, a part-time Children's Ministry coordinator and a part-time church office secretary. We seek to grow our church through evangelism and discipleship. At least six years experience as a pastor is preferred. Mennonite Brethren background/ordination is also preferred, but not required. If interested, send a resume to: Dave Davis, co-chairman, Pastoral Search Committee, 2225 Dorchester Drive S., Salem, OR 97302; phone 503-581-9507; E-mail davyacts0aol.com A packet of information on our church and the surrounding area is available upon request. 18/121

Youth Pastor: Bethany Church in Fresno, Calif., is seeking a strong leader who is passionate about students, grades 7-12 Resumes can be sent to Bethany Church, attn: Youth Pastor Search, 9161 N. Maple Ave. Fresno, CA 93720, or office0bethanychurchonline com. 18/121

mployment: Seminal)f

Faculty position opening soon in the Marriage, Family & Child Counseling department at MB Biblical Seminary. Join the team at MB Biblical Seminary's campus in Fresno, Calif , a community rooted in the Anabaptist and evangelical traditions This position will be at the assistant or associate professor level. In addition to a strong emphasis on the integration of counseling and the Christian faith, the seminary's MFCC program includes a priority of helping students grow in a wide range of areas not limited to academic achievement and counseling skills. Teaching and mentoring are prioritized but research is encouraged. MFCC faculty functions as part of an interdisciplinary team with Bible, Theology and Missions faculty For complete details and r es ume information, visit www.mbseminary.edu/employment.ll/lll

them that they may be ONE even as Vie are may be perfectly ONE so that the world _ kn""that ,.,.. ........· John NoW the full number of those wbo believed were of ONE he'" and sou\. A£U 4:32

For as w ONE body we bave many members ... so we. tbougb many. are 0 E bodY in Christ and individually members ONE of another. Rom· \2: •• 5 Yet for us there ONE Lord. the father from wbom are all thwgs. and for wbom we exist. 1 Cor. 8:6

There is neither Jew nor Greek. there is neither slave nor free. there is neither male nor female. for you are all ONE in JesUS. Gal. 3:28 There is ONE body and ONE just as you were called to ONE bope ... ONE Lord. ONE faitb. ONE ONE God and father of all wbo is over all. and Ghrougb aU. and in aU. Epb. 4:4·6 Only let your manner of life be

worthy of tbe gospel of Cbrist ... SO tbat .. ·you are standing fton in ONE spirit with ONE mwd striving side by side for the faith of the gospel ... complete my joy by bewg of the same mind. having the same love, being in full accord and of ONE .-. Ii mwd. Pbil.1 :27: 2:2 And lettbe peace of Christ rule

ar in your bearts to wbicb indeed you were called in ONE ,;; body. Col. 3:15 For tbere is ONE God and ONE mediator ... USMS between God and men, the man Christ Jesus who gave bimself as a ransom for all .. .. I Tim. 2:5

ONE FAMILY· ONE LORD • ONE MISSION

Core Convictions

• We are a believer's church: We emphasize conversion to new life through faith in Jesus Christ and practice baptism upon confession of faith.

• We are Bible-centered: We accept the Bible as the inspired and authoritative word of God.

• We emphasize discipleship: We seek to live as authentic followers of Jesus in our daily lives.

• We value Christian fellowship: We believe the church is a covenant community that expresses itself in worship, fellowship, accountability and witness.

• We are mission-minded: We share our faith through witness and service in our neighborhoods and around the world.

• We seek peace: We believe the Bible invites us to be reconciled with God and with others, even our enemies.

• We cultivate healthy relationships: We are committed to choices that riurture wholeness, healing, joy and peace in all relationships.

Executive Director

Ed Boschman has spent a lifetime serving the church in a variety of ministry roles. From 1978-1989 he served as the founding and lead pastor of Laurelglen Bible Church in Bakersfield, Calif. He most recently served LBC as executive pastor from 2002-2007. From 1989-1996 Ed was the lead pastor of the Willow Park Church in Kelowna, British Columbia. He then served as the Executive Director of Mission USA from 1996-2002 and was the moderator of the North American Conference of MB Churches from 1995 - 1999. Ed presently serves as an adjunct faculty member at MB Biblical Seminary and also acts as a coach/mentor for leaders of church renewal and church planters. He and his wife , Carol, live in Bakersfield, Calif.

LEADING • LINKING • SERVING

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ so that you are standing firm in ONE spirit with ONE mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. .. Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of ONE mind. Phil. 1:27; 2:2

Lof MB Churches which strives to help fulfill our ONE MISSION the transformation of individuals, families and

communities through new life in Jesus. MUSA accomplishes this through a national program of church planting (starting

new churches), church renewal (assisting established churches through a program of evaluation and strategic planning), and leadership development (investing in young leaders and church planters). Many new, vibrant churches have been started over the past few years and more are planned for the near future! Our church planters are gifted people who are passionate about serving to help more people become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Mission USA is all about helping people!

Don Morris Mission USA director

Board of Faith and Life

T h e Boa rd of Fait h and Life is ch arged w it h t h e res pon sibilit y of keeping the u.s. Co n fere n ce a n d it s member chur ch es ONE in matters of faith, doctrine and ethics. T h e bo ard prov ides watch care over the spiritual life of the u.s . MBs and var ious resources on issues of faith, discipleship and polity. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts 10 wh i,h ind"d yoo we<<<aU,d in ONE body. Col. 3,15

Christian Leader

The Christian Leader is our monthly magazine. It seeks to inform our MB family of events, activities, decisions and issues of our denomination and instruct and inspire members to be faithful disciples of Christ.

USMB Web Site

VISit us on our Web site at www.usmb.org for information, current events or to find a local MBchurch.

Historical Commission

The Historical Commission collects and

preserves historical materials relating to the MB churches of the U.S. and Canada. Current projects include the writing of a global MB history, the Profiles series highlighting MB leaders and GAMEO, the Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online (www.gameo.org), the online resource comparable to an MB Wikipedia.

Kindred Productions

Kindred Productions is the publishing arm of both the Canadian and u.s. Conferences . They provide MB churches and members with Anabaptist/MB resources that are relevant to our reality as Christians in the 21st century. Their motto is "Resourcing people for Christ-like living and ministry."

National Youth Convention

The National Youth Convention (NYC) is a unique every four year opportunity which brings together the youth of our national family. MB high school students gather from churches all across the u.s. This event, the largest gathering of MB's in the U.S., is a creative mix of music, worship, speakers, workshops and ministry opportunities.

is comprised of five districts:

Central District

This district is comprised of 24 churches in the states of Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Latin America District

This district is comprised of 9 churches in the south Texas area.

North Carolina District

This district is comprised of 6 churches in western North Carolina.

Pacific District

The Pacific District is comprised of 127 churches in the states of Arizona, California, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

Southern District

The Southern District is comprised of 39 churches in the states of Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas and Oklahoma.

International is the global mission agency of the MB churches in Canada and the U.S. In response to Christ's Great Commission, MBMS International works with MB churches to make disciples and plant churches globally.

MB Biblical Seminary

MB Biblical Seminary is the denominational seminary for theological education. Its mission is to inspire and equip men and women to live as disciples of Jesus Christ and to serve and lead in the church and in the world. The seminary is headquartered in Fresno, Calif.

Fresno Pacific University

Fresno Pacific University is our four-year liberal arts university, located in Fresno, Calif., which develops students for leadership and service through excellence in Christian higher education. The university communicates a distinctively biblical, Christ-centered liberal-arts based curriculum for college and graduate = students.

Tabor College

Tabo r Co llege is our four-year liberal arts college, locate d in Hill sb oro, Ka n , wh ose mi ss ion is to prep a re p eop le for a life o f lea rnin g, work and serv ice for C hri st and his kingdom It strives to be the college of choice for students who seek a life - transforming, academically excellent, globally relevant and decidedly Christian education

stewar&bip

To end, offer a variety of financial services including assistance with charitable giving, investment certificates, loans to ministries and pastors, charitable estate planning, planned giving solutions, endowment management and stewardship education.

u.s. MB STEWARDSHIP SUMMARY

TOTAL MINISTRY INVESTMENTS