• For something special / p4
• The God of holy reversal / p7
• Wanda's gift / p9
• Ch ristmas is God's open ha nd / p10
INS IDE
The gift of a quarter from Miss Harp bought more than good memories. A short story for Christmas. BY JOANN BRANDT
Mary's song in Luke celebrates the steadfast hope and faith that the God who turns things upside down is still at work with us and among us. BY KENNETH
L. GIBBLE
A small one-dollar gift from a needy young student contained the power to change a life: love. BY
ROSE F. BUSCHMAN
When God opened his hand at Christmas and gave up his only son, his hand was open and empty. Now he holds it out to us. BY
GAYLORD GOERTZEN
• Happy holidaze
Minds by Marvin Hein
• Interpreting the Bible
• Acting out forgiveness
• Time for an attitude check
• Who will care for this
by Jim Holm 17
by Ricky Huebert-Sanchez 18
• Pacific District celebrates a college 20
• Central District grapples with Native American ministry 23
• An interview with Tabor College's new president 26
• BCM appoints the first board of Mission USA 28
• Profile of two hispanic church planters 28
• MB Bible teachers gather in Fresno 28
• MEDA earns high marks 29
ART CREDITS: Cover and pages 4, 7, 9 10 and 36, Dynamic Graphics, Inc.; page 19, MBM/S photo by Craig Hallman; pages 20-25, Leader photos by Don Ratzlaff; pages 26-27, Leader photos by Steve Skjold; page 28, Carla Reimer
Don Ratzlaff
BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS: Ron Braun (chair), Noelle Dickinson, Jeanie Klaassen, Herb Schroeder, Kathy Heinrichs Wiest
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go/{ gOmething A story for Christmas
By JoAnn Brandt
quickly nudged the front door
closed with my shoulder, hoping to keep the icy wind from pushing in. I slipped off my parka and slung it over the back of the couch and slumped into my chair by the fire.
"Any luck?" my wife asked as she came from the kitchen with two mugs of hot cocoa.
"No." I took one mug; the warm porcelain felt good on my cold hands. With one finger, I pushed a large marshmallow under the chocolate foam until it bobbed up smooth and shiny.
"Did you show the picture of her?"
"Yes."
"No one has seen her or talked to her or knows where ?"
"No. No one, nothing-nothing."
My wife sighed and slowly lowered herself to the cushions on the floor between me and the fIreplace. I paused for a moment and then asked, "What was in the mail today? Anything worth my attention?"
"Hmm-a few Christmas cards, a letter from your sister-oh, and this one. It's addressed to you alone, and it's postmarked from St. George . It looks rather personal, so I thought you had better open it."
I set my mug on the hearth as my wife handed me the letter, she watched as I ran my fmgers over the shaky script on the envelope .
"Well, open it. "
I slid my fmger under the flap and carefully opened the envelope. I reached in and pulled out a single, folded, yellow piece of stationery. As I opened the sheet , a quarter slid from the crease and landed on my
lap, making a ping sound as it glanced off of my belt buckle. Slowly my eyes traced the words that were written by the same trembling hand that had addressed the envelope: DEAR ROBERT, FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, MERRY CHRISTMAS, MAYREEN HARP.
"Robert?" A hand gently touched my knee.
I handed the note to my wife, and after a quick glance, she lowered the paper and looked at me, eyebrows raised.
I picked up the coin and grasped it tightly in my right hand. It seemed the harder I squeezed the coin, the more clearly the memories emerged, until each image stood precise and vivid in my mind.
"The Christmas when I was 12 years old-let's see, that would have been 1945-we lived in St. George, you remember-my father was the pastor of a small churchabout 25 families was all. The town was isolated out there and relied on the mining companies for survival. The coal train seemed to be the only major link to the rest of the country."
My wife watched my hand working the coin.
"During that summer, my mother said she wanted to go home to Chicago for Christmas. Laura was 6 years old and had never seen any of the grandparents . Mother said Grandma and Grandpa Baxter had come to St. George when I was 3, but of
It was then that I saw exactly what I wanted to do with my quarter. There was a sign: HOT COCOA, FIVE CENTS. I had it all planned out: After we finished our buttered sandwiches, I'd excuse myself and go buy the cocoa and casually return with the special treats. I didn't think Laura had ever tasted cocoa with marshmallows."
I saw a smile tug at the comers of my wife's mouth, and then watched as she lifted her Suddenly, I could mug and gently eased a sweet no longer bear the fire of the coin. I flung open my marshmallow to her lips.
"When we returned to our bench, the girl had emptied her handbag in her lap and was meticulously putting each item back in her hand; the quarter purse-a piece of a mirror, a broken clanked on the coffee table ... comb, dirty Kleenex-she had a little coin bag that she peeked into twice before she snapped it shut and put it away. She pulled the strings of her purse shut and once again took out that yellow paper, unfolded it, looked at it, creased it again and slipped it back into her pocket. She saw us then and started to stand, but Father told her he was tired of sitting and wanted to stand a while longer. He asked her if she'd save his place a little bit longer."
The coin began to feel a little warm in my shirt pocket, so I poked it up with my finger and held it loosely in my left hand. My wife sat quietly, gazing at the coin.
"Mother pulled out the lunch bag and passed sandwiches to Laura and me. Then quite calmly, Mother announced she had packed an extra sandwich and asked the girl if she wanted it. I knew that wasn't true-we had nothing extra to share. But 1 handed the sandwich to the girl without saying anything. She thanked Mother and then quickly ate the bread. She even licked her finger and rubbed it over the waxed paper to pick up any loose crumbs. I watched as my parents shared a sandwich. I just knew that my cocoa surprise would be perfect."
The quarter made my hand feel unusually warm; I moved it to my right hand, yet 1 could still feel the coin's heat.
"Once again the girl took out the yellow paper from her pocket, unfolded it, placed it on her lap, and began searching through her purse. This time I was able to get a good look at the secret, yellow paper."
My wife nodded slightly and leaned a fraction closer towards me
"In big, black scrawling letters 1 read: NORMA JEAN FELTS, NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU'VE DONE, WE LOVE YOU! CALL HOME. But the girl saw me read her paper and quickly crumpled it and stuffed it in her purse."
The warmth from the coin radiated to the ends of my fingertips . 1 squeezed the silver tight in my hand, wanting to smother the heat.
"The girl shoved her purse on the bench between her and me and then leaned her head on the bench end and closed her eyes."
tJ1e heat in my hand became almost unbearable. "I can't explain what made me do it, but I reached in my pocket, found my treasure and quickly slipped it in her handbag. About half an hour later, as Father was digging out our bags from under the bench, the girl opened her eyes and straightened a bit. Once more she opened her purse and poked around inside of it with her hand."
By now the coin was so hot in my hand that 1 felt its searing pain reaching up my arm.
"She suddenly bolted straight up. Stood, gaping into the mouth of her handbag. She stood there a good half minute without moving. Then she slowly reached in her purse again and pulled out my quarter. She clutched it to her breast for a few seconds, reached back for the crumpled yellow paper, and disappeared among the lines of people waiting to use the phones."
Suddenly, I could no longer bear the fire of the coin. I flung open my hand; the quarter clanked on the coffee table, sending a riveting echo through the room. I rubbed my aching hand on my knee, eyeing my wife carefully. Her eyes were bright, and her cheeks were flushed. In one swift move, she was on her feet.
"Robert, get a stack of paper and some marking pens. I'll heat more cocoa."
1 scooped up the cool silver coin and slid it in my pocket as 1 hastened to my desk. A minute later, with steady hand, 1 printed in bold, black letters: KARISjOY BAXTER, NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU'VE DONE, WE LOVE YOU! CALL HOME. rt2
JoAnn Brandt teaches high school English in Dinuba, Calif. She is a member of the Dinuba MB Church.
the Magnificat: "My soul magnifies the Lord." Some of the most beautiful Christmas music written over the cen· turies uses the words of the Magnificat for its text It begins with Mary praising God: "My spirit rejoices in God my Savior "
Why does Mary rejoice?
The God who turns things upside down seeks to intrude not only into the corridors of social and economic power, but into the secret chambers of each human heart as well.
She tells us : "For God has looked with favor upon the lowliness of his servant " Mary acknowledges her lowly status. What a shocking surprise that God would choose a peasant woman like her to bear the Savior of the world! Surely one might have expected a woman of royal blood to be chosen for such an important role.
But then Mary remembers the nature of this God of Israel. She recites how God has acted in the past, how God has :
• scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
• brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly;
• filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.
What a surprising God this is -a God who turns things upside down; a God who takes the side of the poor and oppressed, who sabotages the power brokers, who subverts those who flaunt their wealth and privileged status The God Mary praises in her song is, above all else, a God of holy reversal.
Which is to say that, even before Jesus is born, we get an important clue to his messiahship. We will not be surprised that his birth will take place among humble beasts, that the only ones who attend his birth are lowly shepherds, that he will grow up to be friends of the poor and outcast, that he will tell his followers that servanthood is the mark of true greatness, that his death will be one of utter shame and degradation .
All this is foreshadowed in Mary's song. But it is a song of praise , because Mary knows that God constantly engages in holy reversal to bring salvation to the world God loves so much
Mary's song shows us why Christmas is treasured, not only by Christians, but by people of all faiths Mary's song celebrates the steadfast hope and faith that the God who turns things upside down is still at work with us and among us . The birth of the Christ child reminds us that all the powers that conspire against us have been and will be overcome . God is at work to overthrow
the oppressor, to set captives free, to comfort those who mourn, to satisfy those who hunger and thirst for justice
What in our world needs to be turned upside down? Is it the ominous trend in our country of the wealthiest getting an ever-growing part of the economic pie, while the
poorest poor suffer? Yes
What needs to be reversed? Is it the power of our country's gun lobbies that make possible the highest homicide rate in the world? Yes Is it liquor advertisers who spend millions to convince young people that drinking alcohol is essential to being carefree and "With it"? Yes Is it the epidemic of ethnic and racial hatred in Europe, the Middle East, and our own country, hatred that spawns violence and war?
Yes, yes, yes . All this is but a small sampling of the powers enthroned in our day that we must pray God will bring down And we must pray that God will empower us to help it happen We join with Mary in praising the God who, in Christ, shows that ultimately the powers of evil will be overthrown, that, in the words of Longfellow's Christmas poem: "The wrong shall fail, the right prevail. "
Finally, there is one thing more about this holy reversal we must consider, and it is this: What in your and my life does God need to reverse? The God who turns things upside down seeks to intrude not only into the corridors of social and economic power, but into the secret chambers of each human heart as well
What in your life and mine needs holy reversal? Is it fear? Is it self-centeredness? Is it bitterness from something in the past? Is it a hurtful habit? Is it unhealthy low self-esteem? Is it pride?
During this holy season, take some time to ask yourself this question : If God will give me one gift of holy reversal this Christmas, what will it be? What in my life needs to be turned upside down?
And when you have answered this question, ask the God of holy reversal to give you that gift .
Kenneth L. Gibble, a frequent contributor to the Leader, is a pastor and free-lance writer from A rlington, Va .
When God opened his hand and gave Jesus up, his hand was open and empty. Now he holds it out to us.
open banb l
OU expect to find Christmas in Matthew and Luke-after all, they are the Gospels that record
by GAYLORD GOERTZEN
door, his mother knew from the look on his face that he
was stealing again.
"Bobby, what did you steal?"
the birth of Jesus. But Christmas is everywhere in God's Word, If you look for it, you'll be amazed by what you fmd-and what you learn. For instance, can you find a better Christmas passage than Romans 8:32? "He who did not . "Nothing, mother
spare his own Son, but gave him
nothing!"
"Bobby, show me!"
He held out a pack of gum and hung his head in
shame.
love you, Bobby," srud his mother "I don't want to up for us all-how will he not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?"
hurt you, but you must learn " not to steal. Go get the needle ,
This Christmas passage reminds me Bobby got the needle and .... \! handed it to his mother She held of a story I heard when I was a boy. I don't know if it's true or not, but it impressed me so much I still remember it 40 years later
Bobby, 10 years old, lived with his mother His father had died when he was a baby; his mother had done her best to raise him in a Christian home. But Bobby was a thief. Sometimes he stole candy, sometimes gum or a small toy. His mother was heartbroken. She did not want her son to be a thief. In agony she poured out her heart in prayer and asked God for a way to teach Bobby not to steal. The answer came,
"Bobby," she said one day, "you have to learn not to steal. This will help you learn." She took a large needle out of her sewing box and held the sharp point against Bobby's hand,
"The next time you steal something, Bobby, I am going to heat this needle red-hot and plunge it into your hand to remind you not to steal."
Bobby knew his mother was serious and for several months Bobby did not steal. Then one day he was late coming home from school and when he walked in the
it over the kerosene lamp. "Bobby, give me your hand," she
said as she held out her hand. Bobby's hand was shaking as she took hold of it. The point of the needle was now glowing red-hot. Bobby's mother held the needle high over his hand and said, "Bobby, this is to teach you to never steal again."
Bobby winced as he watched the needle plunging toward his open hand. But in the last instant, his mother let go of his hand and moved her hand over his. The red hot needle plunged into her hand, Bobby heard the needle sizzle; he smelled the burning flesh.
"No, Mother, no!" he screamed. "Not your hand! You didn't steal, I did! Why did you do it?"
With tears in her eyes, his mother said, "It's because I love you and I want you to know that Jesus died for your sins . He took the punishment you deserved, just as I did."
With tears running down his cheeks, he threw his arms around his mother'S neck and said, "Mother, I love you and I will never ever steal again ." And he never did, for that night Bobby accepted Jesus as his Savior.
A red-hot needle, and an open hand-that's Christmas.
Love is a core issue
Thank you for taking the risk of writing "Attack Mode?" (November). Your words are timely and to the pOint.
In the first sentence of your editorial you called this "growing tendency to respond-by-attack" a "side issue." I encourage you to write again on the subject and refer to it as a core issue. For Jesus instructed his followers in John 13:35: "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (NRSV). This love is shown through tangible acts of kindness toward others, as in listening to and forgiving them.
Five aspects of listening have increased my ability to refrain from attack and better understand others: attending to them, acknowledging what they say, inviting them to say more, summarizing what I heard them say, and asking them questions to gain more information about what they've said. From what I read in the Christian Leader, you are already putting these things into practice.
Thank you for your helpful encouragement to me and to your readers.
Mark Isaac, pastor Parkside MB Church Tulsa, Okla
We
have songwriters
Where are the Mennonite Brethren songwriters (November)? Everywhere, I'm sure But if they're anything like me, they feel the frustration of not knowing what to do with their songs. Where do I go? Who wants to hear them? Does the Lord give them
to me just for me? Or should I share them with someone? But who? How? Where?
My local church has just recently learned two of my songs for congregational singing. But the reality is that they won't be able to use everything I write. Other songwriters in the congregation are in the same situation
I would like to see a place where we can send recordings and/or sheet music of our songs, and so make them available to all the Mennonite churches. It could be called "The Mennonite Music Library." I'm aware this is a big dream that would take a great deal of organization and work, but I'm sure Clarence Hiebert and Christine Longhurst can attest to the fact that dreams do come true.
One of the "Praise ProftIes" in the same issue said composers have received little encouragement or motivation to write. Maybe knowing they had a place to send their finished pieces would provide some of the motivation needed Then maybe we could all start naming more than one or two Mennonite Brethren who are contributing songs for worship today.
Laura Wiebe-Ramirez Fresno, Calif.
Too sophisticated?
In your "First words" and also your editorial, you talk about the loss of denominational loyalty (November) If it is repeated enough, maybe it will be a reality
We have traveled through several midwestern states and find this to be a Mennonite Brethren problem. We
found a number of Mennonite churches who display their denominational affiliation and have consequently visited a number of Baptist churches. They sing the old hymns and few choruses.
Two of the churches had an altar call and one was going to have revival meetings. Have you ever heard of such a thing in this age? It seems the Mennonite Brethren have reached a degree of sophistication so that this is no longer needed. Just preach a social gospel and they will come. Don't preach an evangelistic message or someone might be offended.
I certainly agree with the letter from Jerry Ingrim Jr. (November) . Maybe we need to get away from what the "experts" are saying and get back to the old-time gospel and the saving grace ofJesus Christ.
MaroinKoop Fresno, Calif.
Feminism and atonement
We were pleased to read Frances Hiebert's article, "The latest feminist outrage" (October). It pointed out the various forms of "Sophia" heresy and their influence. However, we believe her explanation of the atonement falls short of the biblical and historical doctrine regarding atonement.
The Bible uses a rich array of ideas we call atonement, reconciliation or peace with God; but the context consistently explains these primarily as a result of the death of Christ. In the moral economy established by God, sin results in death and death for sin is required by the justice of the God who hates sin. To satisfy this justice, God, showing his love and grace for us, gave his son to die in our place. This provided expiation for our sin, expiation appropriated by faith.
The death of Christ is therefore not simply the meaningless act of a perverted God , but rather has meaning both in the justice and the love of God . It is a dilution of the doctrine of the expiatory work of Christ in his death to say that Christ came simply to "show humanity how to repent and live in a reconciled relationship with
Pontius' Puddle
18t'lip Side
BY PHILIP WIEBE
Happy holidaze
LAST LABOR DAY it occurred to me that I must be holiday impaired Like most good Americans, I realize Labor Day was established to honor something about which I am clueless ; but I do know I'm supposed to commemorate Labor Day by not laboring. There's my problem. If Labor Day is a day off from labor, why do I always make it so laborious?
Perhaps it's due to positioning; there Labor Day perches on top of September, when I'm invariably nowhere near the bottom of my Summer Projects list. So the day becomes an exhausting attempt to chase down home and yard improvements that have somehow gotten away from me. Tuesday morning I'm glad to drag back to work to take a day off from my day off.
I seem to have trouble locating the spirit of other holidays too. Every Memorial Day, my wife and I honor the memory of those gone before by taking a long weekend of solemn waterskiing and sober hot-tubbing. On the Fourth of July, we celebrate the founding of our great land by trying to burn it all down with frreworks. On New Year's Day it's always the same old thing: My standing resolution to eat less and exercise more sinks in a quagmire of cheese dip and college football.
Then there are your high-minded holidays . On Easter, I've been known to celebrate Christ's resurrection by burying myself in enough church services and musical productions to render me comatose. Every Thanksgiving, I show my appreciation for God's bounty by attempting to gobble the entire bounty in one sitting, resulting in that annual Thanksgiving gripe: "I can't believe I ate the whooole thing!"
Come Christmas, we tend to commemorate Christ's humble birth by giving extravagant gifts to each other Strange. Not that Christmas isn't worthy of hearty celebration and extravagant giving, after the fashion of angels, shepherds, and magi. But that's the point: after the fashion The original partying and gift-giving were directed exclusively toward Christ and his coming kingdom. And it didn't happen on a single star-studded night, like in our yearly Christmas pageants, but over a period of time.
Every year I carp about the commercial Christmas hype starting two months before the fact, but Luke informs us the original celebration began nine months earlier.
Elizabeth: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!" (1:42) .
Mary: "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (1 :46-47).
Months later, upon the birth of John the Baptist, the party continued.
Zechariah: "Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people. He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David" (1:68-69).
After more months came the Big Event:
Angel: "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord" (2:10-11).
Heavenly Host: "Glory to God in the highest, and an earth peace to men on whom his favor rests" (2:14).
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen (2:20).
Eight days later, at Jesus's circumcision, partyers were still popping in:
Simeon: "My eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people" (2:30-31).
After more months yet, at Joseph and Mary's house, folks were still dropping off presents : Magi: "They saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh" (Mt. 2:11).
All told then, the frrst Christmas party lasted a year, at least. Maybe today's relentless retailers have the right idea after all. Or maybe they don't. Retailers tend to be considerably less interested in Christ and his coming kingdom than customers and their coming cash.
Not that I'm much different. On the whole my holiday doings are decidedly materialistic: decorations, dinners, gifts, gatherings, programs, performances, and so on. Yeah, sure, I try to toss a tribute or two at the "real meaning" of the season, but my trinkets seem tacky compared to the frrst celebrants' bright gifts of blessing and glory and praise, joy and peace and worship.
We toss these terms arounq in our holiday plays and cards and songs and such, but sometimes I wonder if we've really got a grip on them . How can we? Trying to get into a "Christmas spirit" sounds suspiciously like my attempts to do all my labor on Labor Day. No way
If I'm not in the spirit already, Christmas isn't going to get me there $2
Retailers tend to be considerably less interested in Christ and his coming kingdom than customers and their coming cash.
Wiebe lives in Salem, Ore
Philip
BY MARVIN HEIN
QHow can I trust my interpretation of Scripture when people sincerely study it and come up with such different interpretations?
(KANSAS)
AThe best of us-the most spiritual
or the most educated or the most spiritually gifted-has no faultless hold on interpreting the Bible. Not one of us becomes so godly that we can no longer err in determining what the Scriptures mean. The person most consistently faithful to the Word of God can nevertheless interpret a passage incorrectly.
While the Scriptures were not available to New Testament persons in the same way they are to us , it is instructive to remember that the apostle Peter somehow "didn ' t get it " when it came to the matter of accepting Gentiles. So Paul, in Galatians, says he confronted Peter "in front of them all " (2 : 14) . Peter didn't get everything straight in spite of being very close to Jesus
History also reminds us that the best of God's giants can be wrong . We are indebted to Martin Luther for calling the church back to God and to the doctrine of justification by faith , not works . But Luther could also be wrong. He was wrong enough to believe that at times you should kill other Christians . We Anabaptists took the brunt of his mistaken zeal for God . But Mennonites can be wrong too The one overriding factor that persuaded Menno Simons in the 16th century to cast his lot with Anabaptists in a leadership role was the mistaken zeal of the Mennonite Muensterites (they weren't yet called Mennonites) who somehow saw in the Scriptures a scheme for making the "New Jerusalem " a city in Europe with Anabaptists in charge .
The ftrst answer to the inquiry then is this : You can't trust your own private interpretation of the Scripture. Insisting that you have the final answer to biblical questions is the sure way to heresy. Remember those who have created the most havoc in the name of God recently David
Koresh and Jim Jones were men who knew exactly what the Bible said _ And they alone were the sole judges of biblical correctness. Even their spiritual communities could not critique nor examine their beliefs _
We have a wonderful tradition as Anabaptists. Our forebears met around an
open Bible. Why? Because they didn't trust anyone person's view of Scripture . They compared. They debated. They prayed for light and wisdom. Heresy cropped up among them at times, but no one person created their theology.
The view that every individual is his own expositor, without need for others to critique him or her, is a relatively recent notion and is not scripturaL It is the community of faith that interprets. Even those communities must compare with other communities and their beliefs_
The task of interpretation and seeking truth never ends. For one thing, the task is never ftnished because the world changes and calls for added interpretations . Moreover , we never become so wise that we know truth in its completeness. If you ' re not certain you're right, rejoice! The greatest danger is to be certain you can't be wrong.
QWhen I know intellectually what my biblical response to forgiveness and loving people ought to be, but I can 't change my attitudes and actiOns, what should I do? (KANSAS)
AThe questioner is essentially asking, how do I get my thinking, feelings and actions on the same track? We all know the problem. I recall how, when we lived in California during a ftve-month sabbatical in 1975, our youngest daughter (and we as parents, no doubt) struggled with prejudice against other races. Having been nurtured in the quietness of a homogeneous community in Kansas, she wasn't prepared for her ftrst day
Do you have a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference policy, or other spiritual issue? Send it to "Inquiring Minds, " c/o Marvin Hein, 4812 E. Butler, Fresno, CA 93727.
in fust grade in Los Angeles. It shattered most of the nonprejudice we had tried to teach our daughter. At the close of the school day, with paper in hand to show mother and dad what she had done that day, a fellow student of another color grabbed the paper, stomped it into the dirt Our daughter stood there in fear and amazement Welcome to a different world!
I confess that my feelings have not always caught up with what my mind tells me is right. So the inquiry is a good one. What do you do when the Bible says: "Love your enemies," and you can't? What's the remedy?
A professor-friend put it this way : "We say: 'Don't act until you feel.' Jesus said: ' Do what is right and in time your feelings will catch up with your action. '" In other words, Jesus urged us to act out love, not hate, toward our enemies regardless of how we feel about them. Can you do that? The carnal Christian most likely cannot, but a person sensitive to what God wants can
I first read the words of Louis H. Evans 50 years ago. He had some suggestions for getting mind, feelings and actions on the same track_ He said the secret begins with acknowledging the trouble is deep within us. We can't remedy this matter by ourselves. We need God 's Spirit. But he went on to say that God needs us in the remedy So practice love and praise , or whatever it is you don ' t feel like doing Pray for those who are mean to you, Evans said , because it is spiritually impossible to go on hating someone for whom you pray regularly and sincerely. Start a campaign for love . i2
BY JIM HOLM
Time for an attitude check
GEORGE BARNA is the current doyen of religious information gathering, the George Gallup of the evangelical world. Barna researches the opinions and ideas of people of faith and nonfaith across the United States, and then tells us what we and people like us think . In November 1994, Barna spoke to a group of Christians engaged in fund-raising . His topic was current attitudes in American culture. His insights make stimulating conversation. Barna identified several issues that affect church and culture in the USA:
• The rejection of absolute truth vs. the ascendancy of moral relativism. While this is nothing new, it remains disturbing. It is a mark of the post-Christian age in which we live. Recently a teacher in a Christian high school told me her students understand clearly what the Bible says about the conduct of believers. Yet, in making ethical deciSions, those students would place the Bible alongside other things, such as the attitudes of their peers, or their own feelings, in determining what they would do. In other words, Scripture did not receive any special consideration in decision-making The Bible was considered, but it was no more important than other things .
• The demise of Christian orthodoxy vs. the rise of synthetic spirituality. Let's fact it: Almost everybody searches for spiritual beliefs, but few get excited about traditional Christianity. Not for one moment am I suggesting that traditional Christianity is foolish or a waste of time, but it doesn't appear to many people to contain satisfactory answers to life's questions .
Synthetic spirituality is a belief system fashioned by my own construction It is building a kind of "god " I would like to believe in, if I had my choice . Such a "god" is very popular. Consider the current raving about angel worship. Angels are popular because we can make them anything we like.
• Ineffective confrontational evangelism vs. Socratic evangelism. Put simply, people like to engage in dialogue about faith, they like to have their questions answered rather than respond to a memorized gospel presentation. This doesn't mean that door-to-door evangelism using little booklets is finished, but it is losing popularity. As one who has done a fair amount of door-to-door witnessing, I welcome the change. It seems consistent with the New Testament model of faith -sharing.
• Academic education for clergy vs.
practical training for church leaders. Seminary education is being revamped. A recent issue of Christianity Today revealed startling differences between what seminary professors and church lay people see as the top priorities for pastors. The professors said theological knowledge should be a pastor's main concern, while the lay people listed spirituality first, and theological knowledge fifth. This is important, and it suggests we oUght to see a change in seminary education
• Cultural transmission by written tradition vs. cultural transmission by audiovisual tradition. We are no longer a nation of readers and writers (with the exception of graffiti). Tragic as this seems to those of us who read or write, or both, we have to recognize that the generation on the Internet is full of visual learners. We'll have to adapt our style of communicating the ancient truth.
• Effective leadership in family, church, business and government vs the repulsion of strong leaders. No surprise here either But, sadly, the church also experiences this phenomenon. I have both witnessed and felt the rejection of attempts at leadership by Mennonite Brethren pastors and lay leaders. Even though churches want a pastor who is called by God to a pOSition of leadership , they resist when that person tries to lead.
Frankly, I don't like every trend that Barna reports In fact, I hope some of them can be reversed. But we do need to understand the kind of world in which we live. This is how it is, even in the small, rural communities which many of us inhabit. This is America today.
One thing more, sort of an aside, yet germane to the issue. Many Mennonite Brethren were heartened by the recent election results. Like lots of you, I too voted for change . But know this: The future of America will not be ultimately decided by which political party is in power, but rather by the kind of culture in which we live What is needed today, as always, and perhaps more than ever, is, in the words of former TIME magazine correspondent David Aikman, " a kind of awakening or revival that has such a dramatic effect that politics is merely an outflow of it " Aikman says the lives of Christians must reflect a serious cultural difference from the rest of pagan society. Simply stated, we must now live like disciples of Christ.
Have w e got that? Then let's begin . E'2
Even though churches want a pastor who is called by God to a position of leadership, they resist when that person tries to lead
Jim Holm is from Reedley, Calif
Who will care for this baby?
BY RICKY HUEBERT-SANCHEZ AS TOLD TO GARY HARDAWAY
IT WAS LOVE at first sight. The moment my wife, Karen , looked in the eyes of that helpless, needy 8-month-old baby in that hospital in Bangkok, she was completely captivated. An instant bond , like motherhood , sprang into being.
"Ricky, you've got to see this baby," she told me later. The baby , whom we nicknamed Joy, had never been out of the hospital. Nor had she had much attention or love . Her motor skills lagged far behind other children her age. She couldn ' t sit or crawl or use her hands with any coordination .
Karen , who was adopted by her parents, asked, "Who's going to take care of this baby? "
We had come to Thailand for discipleship training with Youth with a Mission. Part of our assignment was visiting hospitals to pray with and encourage patients In February 1994 , Karen had found "Joy " in the children 's ward
Through a translator, we learned a few isolated facts about her. Apparently abandoned , the little girl had parents in a village some distance away. They had never visited or showed any interest in her since her birth.
Did God want us to adopt? We decided to ex-
plore the possibility. The hospital social workers , however, were reluctant to talk to us about adopting this particular child They offered us another, a 5-month-old girl who was available, but our hearts were already wrapped up in Joy's future and wellbeing.
After a couple of weeks of pursuing information with government officials-including immigration-we came to the conclusion it might be simpler and easier to contact the parents and perhaps get their permission to adopt. We obtained the address from the hospital , and, with an interpreter, set out to meet Joy's mother and father
We caught a ride with a big truck which carried us a long way out from the city. At a drop-off point, we caught a taxi into a beautiful mountainous jungle area and , after miles of twisting , slippery , muddy road, came to our destination: a village of about 50 people who lived in a few primitive shelters. Our arrival created quite a stir. Everyone came to see us. As the people exam-
ined our caucasian faces, they whispered among themselves, wondering who we were and why we had come all the way to their village They pointed out the thatched-roofed hut where the baby's parents lived, though neither was home. The mother was out cutting sugar cane, and the father had hired out as a laborer It was early afternoon , and they were not expected back until sunset
At this point the Lord seemed to interVene Within a short time the mother came home unexpectedly. We discovered she had not abandoned her daughter at all. With tears, she told how the family had been unable to pay the hospital bill, and the hospital had not allowed her to take the child away. Nor did she and her husband have money to travel to visit the child. We were floored to realize that she longed to be reunited with her daughter, longed to take her home and raise her in their home , just like any caring mother would.
Our translator, who was also quite an evangelist, wasted no time sharing Jesus Christ with this women. He brought out his Bible and read many passages , proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ . After a couple of hours, we were interrupted by another wonderful surprise: the husband came in a few hours earlier than planned. He too was overjoyed to hear news of his daughter.
We decided then and there to take them back to Bangkok to visit their baby. As we made the long journey back, Karen and I realized our
Ricky and Karen HuebertSanchez: Captivated by Joy
dream of adopting Joy was not going to be fulfilled. She had parents who loved her, a family to whom she rightfully belonged. Bouncing along the road, we shed a few tears as we had to give up one who had become so precious to us.
At the hospital, when we all came to the children's ward, the staff seemed rather nervous and embarrassed, possibly because we had found out that they had been holding the baby hostage. After a joyous reunion, and some heart-to-heart negotiations, the hospital administration decided to waive the entire bill. When they released Joy, they even threw in two free large containers of milk
In Bangkok, the church we were working with welcomed the poor village couple with tremendous love. In addition to providing lodging and food, the church people bought a crib, donated clothes for the parents and gave them two huge duffel bags of baby clothes.
The pastor and his wife went out of their way to show them that Jesus cared about their situation. The mother got to attend a prayer meeting at church and seemed moved by the presence of the Lord there,
As the time come near for us to return to the States, Karen wrestled with continuing pain in her soul. At times she cried out, "Lord, you broke my heart to reunite a mother and her baby. That's not fair." God seemed to answer, "Do you really trust me or not?"
The day before we left was a Sunday. With fmancial help, the mother and child were able to make the trip to the city for one last time together
with us. She attended the church service that morning, staying in the back of the room, walking to and fro with the child in her arms, trying to listen as I preached through an interpreter. When I gave an altar call, she raised her hand to indicate a desire to accept Jesus.
That day she said she understood the message and wanted to follow Jesus. We spent much of the day explaining, teaching, preparing her for return to the village. There are Bibles and Christian literature available there.
The next day, shortly before we left for the airport, we had the joy of seeing her reading the Bible to her 10year-old who was with her.
Now we're going back to Thailand as MB Missions/ Services vocational missionaries to teach in a mission school. We will soon see how the family is doing. We hope to start a church in that village and possibly other villages too. Our encounter with Joy has led us on a spiritual adventure we could not have arranged ourselves. i2
Ricky and Karen Huebert-Sanchez, members of Butler Avenue MB Church in Fresno, Calif, are now vocational missionaries with MBM/S. They graduated from Fresno Pacific College and have served with several short-term missions. In summer 1993, they led the MBM/S-sponsored Youth Mission International team in Maracaibo, Venezuela. In early 1994 the couple ministered for three months in Thailand with Youth with a Mission. They have now accepted a teaching assignment in a mission school in Thailand. Gary Hardaway is secretary for communication and public relations for MBM/S.
At til1'leS she cried out, ((Lord, you broke Iny heart to reunite a Inother and her baby. That's notfair. )) God see1ned to "Do you real!:)! trust rne or not?))
ACADEMIC VICE PRESIDENT
ROLE: Responsible to the president for consensus-building leadership in accomplishing the educational mission of the college as expressed in the Fresno Pacific College Idea and in the mission statements of the educational programs of the college.
DUllES: Provides intellectual and academic leadership of the educational program, which includes instructional and academic support functions, and the student development program. Articulates the academic mission of the institution internally and externally and is an advocate for faculty within institutional governance. Member of the President's Cabinet, chair of Academic Cabinet, and staff liaison to the Academic Commission of the Board of Trustees. Responsible for budget preparation and budget management of the educational programs, and for faculty personnel functions, including recruitment, evaluation, policies and their implementation, faculty salary determination and contracts
QuAUFlCATIONS:
• Earned doctorate
• Commitment to integration of Christian faith and learning in the liberal arts tradition and in graduate and nondegree adult education
• Demonstrated excellence as a teachel' in a college or university setiing
• Administrative experience
• Clear understanding of and commitment to the theological distinctives and mission of the college, including its foundation in the Anabaptist Believers Church tradition
• Evidence of scholarly achievement
• Ability to effectively represent the institution to its various constituencies
COLLEGE DESCRJP110N: Fresno PacifiC College is an evangelical liberal arts college sponsored by the Mennonite Brethren Church. The college offers the associate of arts, bachelor of arts and master of arts degrees. Undergraduates number about 800 and graduate students, 800 . The college is accredited as a senior college by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Fresno Pacific is known for its academic excellence, strong sense of campus community and Christian commitment. All employees of the college must be able to support the theological orientation of the college and express a personal Christian commitment.
STAR11NG DATE: July 1, 1995
SALARY: Near the mean for type and size of institution. Health, life and LTD insurance, TlAA!CREF retirement options, four weeks vacation, moving expenses, tuition waivers.
APPuCATlON: Send letter of application to: Sue Kliewer, Personnel Director, Fresno Pacific College, 1717 South Chestnut, Fresno, CA 93702
Review of applications will begin 1 / 15 / 95 Review will continue until position is filled
Fresno Pacific College provides equal opportunity for employment without regard for race, color, national origin, sex, age , or handicap. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.
Answering a call to celebrate
• Pacific District delegates bask in the achievement of their school's 50th birthday
SOMETIMES YOU just have to party. That was the case at this fall's Pacific District Conference convention, held Nov 10-12 in Fresno, Calif. The occasion was the 50th anniversary of the district-owned school, Fresno Pacific College.
Though delegates tended to other business too, the FPC bash took center stage this year A series of commemorative events was climaxed in a two-hour gala celebration in the FPC Special Events Center on Thursday night
In truth , this party celebrated more than reaching a milestone on the calendar Delegates and friends formally acknowledged a "coming of age" for the institution Not only was the school still going after 50 years, it was going very, very well. The evidence was convincing: near-capacity enrollment, a large operating surplus the
previous fiscal year, a recent $1 million land gift that gave the school a banner headline in the Fresno Bee , and several years of recognition in U.S. News & World Report as one of the best regional colleges around.
The weekend focused more on the "remembering" aspect of the " Remembering, Reaching" theme. "Remembering is more fun than reaching," noted Harold Enns, PDC chair, in his convention-opening address on Thursday. Enns used a former athlete he had coached at FPC 30 years ago as a metaphor to describe the efforts of the district to grow a college through the years. "George," drafted by Enns as a last-miriute entry in the two-mile run , won a dual track meet for the school simply by plodding his way to the finish line and winning the third-place point in a three-man field.
Enns recalled several of the early struggles of FPC and the faith of leaders to plod ahead, believing in God 's guidance. Because of God ' s faithfulness, he said, "we shouldn't be surprised that our George-like efforts pro-
duced good results "
And yet, as the weekend theme suggested , the school and its supporters made it clear that while the past has been good, the future holds promise for bigger and better.
"We truly do worship a God of miracles," said Richard Kriegbaum, FPC preSident, as he addressed the crowd at the Thursday night celebration. "Nothing is too great for our God. No dream is impossible "
In addition to Kriegbaum ' s concluding message, the evening included a parade of national flags representing the homelands of FPC students and alumni , music from a variety of college groups, historical reflections about the past from school historian Joel Wiebe, the unveiling of portraits of the school's seven presidents, and a three-part video about the school's past challenges.
In addition to Kriegbaum, former presidents R.M. Baerg, Arthur Wiebe and Edmund Janzen offered brief comments about their tenures Bob Ewert spoke on behalf of alumni and Hilary Brown represented the current FPC
Clarence Hiebert, interim president of Tabor College, throws another shovelful of dirt on the newly planted red oak seedling, a gift from FPC's sister school in Kansas. Hiebert noted the "intertwined loyalties" of the two institutions: nearly 80 present and past FPC faculty had attended Tabor at some point.
Richard Kriegbaum, FPC president, watches as his wife, Elona, unveils his presidential portrait during the school's 50th anniversary celebration The portraits of the seven presidents were permanently hung the following day in McDonald Hall. Three past presidents participated in the program: R.M Baerg, Arthur Wiebe and Edmund Janzen.
student body. Clarence Hiebert, iJ.lterim president of Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., was on hand to extend greetings. The following day, Hiebert helped plant a red oak seedling on the campus as an anniversary gift from FPC's sister school.
The FPC board and administration had a chance to outline some of the "reaching" they intend for the near future during their PDC stockholders meeting on Friday afternoon. Chief among them, in regard to facilities, is the proposed $7.5 million student commons project. The multi phase proposal includes a student services center, a new dining hall and a chapel-auditorium. Kriegbaum reported that within a few months, the college should have sufficient cash in hand to clear the proposed construction area . The first phase of construction will not begin until the cost of it has been covered in pledges and half the cash is in hand.
Four churches added
When delegates weren't celebrating the growth of the school, they were celebrating the growth of the district. Four more congregations were formally added this year, raising the total of PDC indigenous and emerging churches to 76 . Those joining were: Iglesia Cristiana Hermanos
Menonitas in Hillsboro, Ore.; Iglesia La Senda Antigua in North Hollywood, Calif ; Primera Iglesia Hispana Ebenezer in Portland, Ore.; and Russian Church of Spokane (Wash.)
During the annual home missions banquet on Friday night, church planter Fred Leonard reported that the Mountain View Community Church in Clovis, Calif., which held
its first public worship service in May, has been averaging 160 in attendance this fall, with almost weekly conversions.
The Board of Home Missions (BHM), though, won't be launching new projects in the coming year-at least not within their existing budget. Faced with projected income shortages, the board was forced to cut the
LEFT: District minister Henry Dick introduces a brief testimonial from Pablo Castillo, pastor of the Templo La Plaz congregation in Orosi, calif Castillo reported that 12 men had made recent decisions to follow Christ following a congregational commitment to fasting and prayer. RIGHT: Jose Natal, pastor of Iglesia Cristiana Encuentro in Shafter, calif., mans the translation booth during a business session. Simultaneous translation was offered in Spanish and Russian. This past year, the district added its 10th worship language: Japanese.
The choir from the Slavic Evangelical Missionary Church in Fresno sings a Russian -language number for the delegation The district welcomed its 10th Slavic congregation into the fold.
Vern Heidebrecht, pastor of Northview Community Church, a fast-growing church plant in Abbotsford, B.C., was the guest speaker at the home missions banquet. Heidebrecht challenged his listeners to build transforming churches through small groups and creative use of facilities and other resources
$42,000 it had budgeted for new projects.
One new project is possible, however, if the board can raise sufficient funds through fts new above-budget revenue option called "Church Planting Associates." BHM has its eye on Selma, Calif., as the site for an Englishspeaking hispanic church. According to Don Enns, director of church planting, an anonymous donor has already
pledged $15,000 toward the project. If the proposed Selma church takes root, the board would like to see it begin a ministry to Spanish-speakers in the future.
In addition to its new projects line, the BHM also cut $11,000 it had originally proposed for project development, public relations and leadership development. Other cutbacks included $5,000 from the Board of Youth Ministries budget and $10,000 from a proposal for the PDC to participate in the multiagency video center being developed on the FPC campus . The revised expense budget approved for 1994-95 totaled $224,000, a reduction of almost 21 percent from the previous year.
Delegates approved a recommendation from the Coordinating Council to hold seven regional rallies next fall instead of meeting in convention. The plan, offered as a one-year experiment, is similar to the one adopted a year ago by the Southern District. The PDC rallies would begin Oct. 1, 1995, in Washington State and continue southward on successive Sundays, ending in Bakersfield, Calif., .Nov. 12. The rallies will include some business, but will focus on reporting, challenge and celebration.
A second Coordinating Council recommendation met with more resistance. Included in a series of relatively routine constitutional bylaw changes
was a proposal to change the name of the Coordinating Board to "Executive Board" and to give it "all the powers and authority to act on behalf of the Conference membership during the interim between sessions of the Conference."
Harold Enns, who heads the council composed of board chairs and conference executives, said the change was necessary so significant decisions, such as purchasing property for new church plants, could be made in a more timely fashion. Some delegates, though, felt it wasn't necessary or helpful to grant the council such explicit authority
After an amendment to remove the clause failed, the package of bylaw changes was approved with some dissenting votes.
In other matters:
• The Hispanic Assembly and Council reported that their annual rally drew around 800 participants to Bakersfield, Calif., last May.
• Delegates approved a recommendation to change the name of the Board of Reference and Council (BORAC) to Board of Faith and Life.
• The Board of Youth Ministries reported that 140 youth and sponsors attended "Youth Quake '94," the first regional event planned for Mennonite Brethren junior highers. The gathering was held on the FPC campus. The board also awarded more than 350 scholarships this year to help high school youth participate in churchrelated mission trips.
• District minister Henry Dick reported 36 pastoral staff changes or additions in the churches during the past year; BORAC approved 21 licensing applications for church workers.
• BORAC commended two documents for congregational use: "Dealing Redemptively with Sexual Moral Indiscretion Among Church Leaders," prepared by the U.S. Conference; also, "AIDS Policy Formation Guidelines."
• The Women's MiSSionary Service raised $11,875 this year for home missions and MB Biblical Seminary and FPC student scholarships.
• The Board of Christian Education announced their strategic goal for the year ahead to be "Meaningful Relationships and Ministries through Small Groups "-Don Ratzlaff
FPC's four living presidents were on hand for the weekend : from left, Edmund Janzen, Richard Kriegbaum, Arthur Wiebe and R.M. Baerg. The school's other three presidents, now deceased, were Sam Goossen, G.W. Peters and B.J. Braun.
Confrontation at the crossroads
• Central District delegates back off from decision to close its Native churches
DELEGATES TO this year's Central District Conference, held Oct. 28-30, discovered that the crossroads of change can lead to one of three ends: consent, casualties or compromise. Tugged and stretched on several levels regarding their ministry to Native Americans, they fmally opted for compromise.
At the center of an extended debate were recommendations from the district's Church Planting Committee (CPC) to close the two Mennonite Brethren mission churches on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and to rethink mission strategy there for the future.
Perhaps it was fitting that this year's convention was held in Rapid City, S.D . , itself a crossroads of cultures and perspectives. The gateway to monuments honoring two traditions, native (Crazy Horse) and newcomer (Mount Rushmore), the state's second largest city is less than two
hours' drive from Pine Ridge
Rapid City is also home to the host congregation, Bible Fellowship Church, which stands as a monument of sorts to church-planting success in the district. In its 16 years, it has become the second largest church in the district. (See sidebar )
Though the discussion of CPC's recommendations took on cultural and racial tones at points, the real crossroads concerned mission strategy. Following a year-long evaluation of the two works, the CPC noted that "due to a variety of reasons" neither church had become self-supporting and likely would not become so in the foreseeable future with the current mission philosophy.
The evaluation, which included two visits to the reservation and numerous contacts with CPC, was conducted by Dan Kelly of Nanaimo, B.C. Kelly had been recommended for the assignment by MB Missions/Services . A member of a Mennonite Brethren congregation in Kelowna, B.c., Kelly had had mission experience and conducted reviews of other Native ministries.
Without offering specifics, the CPC
Rapid City church grew from flood to fellowship
IF COMPASSIONATE Mennonites hadn ' t been "Reaching to a Broken World " 22 years ago , the Central District Conference likely wouldn ' t have had cause to gather in Rapid City for their annual convention this fall.
Seeds which led to the growth of the host congregation, Bible Fellowship Church, were planted in 1972 after a flood ravaged Rapid City. The deluge destroyed hundreds of homes and killed more than 200 people. When Mennonite Disaster Service volunteers responded to the need, several families were reached for Christ and a youth work was begun.
In August 1978 Dale and Marilyn Wiebe officially began a church-planting effort in the city through smallgroup Bible studies and extensive door-to-door evangelism and publiCity. The original church building was dedicated in 1980.
Waldo Wiebe, former Central District minister , fol-
lowed as pastor from 1981-83 and continues in a supportive role today. In July 1983 , Dick and Elvira Nickel began their present ministry. Tom and Amy Cartney joined the staff in youth ministries in June 1994.
The future of the congregation was in doubt during the early 1980s. But under the Nickels ' ministry , which has emphasized counseling, music and practical Bible teaching, the church has grown rapidly in recent years . Today it is the second largest church in the district , with 221 members and an average Sunday moming attendance of 266.
The facilities have been enlarged twice. The first addition, a foyer with two large classrooms, was dedicated in 1989. The second addition, a worship and activity center of almost 9,000 square feet , was dedicated during the Oct. 30 Sunday morning service following the convention
In addition to serving its own members and attenders , the facilities accommodate Rapid City Christian High School, a fully accredited high school with 136 students.-from the SentineL the CDC newsletter
Carol Coomes, one of three Native women to address the CPC recommendations, asked the conference to keep the Pine Ridge churches open with the help of younger workers.
report stated, "In spite of our wellintentioned efforts, we have failed in utilizing various fundamental principles of missiology and have not adapted and changed our methods and approach rapidly enough to adapt to the culture, racial issues, and the various other needs of the people. As a result, the American Native people have not taken ownership of the ministry and have at times viewed the works with indifference and irrelevance."
CPC's recommendations included affirmation for long-time workers Ted and Mamie Standing Elk at Lakota Gospel Church in Porcupine, and Earl and Alice Hedlund at Gospel Fellowship Church in Pine Ridge. But they also called for bringing "a dignified closure" to both works-Porcupine by Feb 28, 1995, and Pine Ridge by Aug. 31, 1995. The Standing Elks and Hedlunds would both receive the equivalent of six months' pay as a "ministry bonus," plus receive a love offering from the other district churches. The recommendations also empowered the CPC and Trustees Committee to negotiate the ownership of church property with tribal leaders.
A key element to the recommendations was a commitment from CPC to explore the possibility of "rebirthing a new type of ministry as some point in time with a new methodology and focus."
Garvie Schmidt, chair of the CPC, tried to soften the edges of the written statement by adding "at times" and "not always" to references to past strategy failures and the lack of Native ownership. He also said the CPC is planning other project reviews; the review of the Pine Ridge churches was "not an isolated situation." The fact that both workers were of retirement age contributed to the timing of the decision.
Extended and emotional debate
Schmidt's qualifiers, though, did not satisfy everyone. For the rest of the morning session and most of the afternoon session, the recommendation was debated vigorously from the floor. The discussion included long, impassioned and sometimes pointed statements from two Native women. They particularly criticized the evaluation process, citing a lack of consultation with church members.
"Every time a Native American is born, you are born with a question mark," said one of the women, Myrna Whiteface Youngbear. "You don't own yourself. Someone else is making your decisions for you. "
Schmidt and the CPC listened quietly to the two statements and did not elaborate on their fmdings or respond publicly to specific accusations. At one point Dennis Webber, a CPC member from Minot, N.D., did say
that CPC had communicated its recommendations to the workers well aheaQ of the convention and "had left with the impression that the leaders would tell others so there would be no surprise."
But process wasn't the only issue Several delegates focused on the great spiritual and physical needs on the reservation and tied it to the convention theme, "Reaching to a broken world." One delegate, a schoolteacher from Rapid City, reminded delegates that Shannon County, located in the heart of the reservation, is the poorest county in the United States. "If we take away our support," he said, "we don't know the ramifications."
Still other delegates said it was shortsighted to close the churches so abruptly. "If we were closing any other church, we'd do it over two to three years, not in six months," said Curtis Hoyt of Rapid City.
Some, like Carol Coomes of the Pine Ridge congregation, encouraged the CPC to keep the churches open and find younger workers to replace those who would be retiring.
Despite assurances from CPC, some delegates, like Ed Eytzen of Delft, Minn., weren't convinced the district would remain committed to the needs of the reservation once the two churches were closed. "We will forget about them and never come back, " he said. "We can't just look at numbers
LEFT: Elizabeth Tieszen (far left), MBM/S missionary who served as translator, joins hands with a women's ensemble from the new hispanic church planting work in Omaha, Neb The women sang several songs in Spanish during the home missions rally. RIGHT: Garvie Schmidt leads the delegation of leaders formally welcoming the hispanic group as a new district church. Pastor Walter Preza stands at the far right.
INTERVIEW
Tabor's new prexy: 'I'm an incurable believer in the Christian college'
•
IDavid Brandt to begin assignment Feb. 1
N OUR PREVIOUS ISSUE, we reported the appointment of David Brandt as the next president of Tabor College. Brandt will begin his tenure at Tabor Feb. I; he comes with more than 20 years experience in Christian higher education. He was dean and vice president of academic affairs at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa., before accepting his current position as provost at Bethel College in St Pau4 Minn. The Leader editors recently interviewed Brandt about his new assignment Following are excerpts from that interview.
junior in high school, I was unhappy to go there. But I met this woman who was an MB. She became my wife. Melva went to Tabor for one year. Having married into an MB family, the Mennonite Brethren became much closer to me.
LEADER: What kind of impressions did you have of the Mennonite Brethren as you got to know them?
LEADER: Tell us about your personal and spiritual pilgrimage. What connections do you have with the Mennonite Brethren?
BRANDT: I grew up in an Evangelical Mennonite Brethren (EMB) home. My dad was a pastor and a business person in Steinbach, Man. The town had a variety of Mennonite churches, including Mennonite Brethren I had lots of school friends who were Mennonite Brethren. My maternal grandfather was a Mennonite Brethren from Saskatchewan and his brothers were Tabor people.
When I was in high school, my father sold his business and became a full-time pastor. He took the EMB church in Mountain Lake, Minn. As a
BRANDT: I discovered that for all practical purposes the MB Church held beliefs that I bought into and agreed with As a young person I wasn't always sure about this Mennonite stuff. It took going away from this small Mennonite place for me to begin appreciating what it was I had grown up with and what this theology really meant. I discovered it had really "taken.» I had not only become a Christian, but a Mennonite Christian. The tenants of Anabaptist theology are really very important to me.
I'm looking forward to coming to this Mennonite Brethren environment . We Anabaptists have a lot to contribute and I'd like to be part of that
LEADER: You were a finalist for the Tabor presidency seven years ago, but decided to withdraw. What has Changed-for you or for Taborthat prompted you to accept the job this time around?
BRANDT: It wasn ' t clear to me seven years ago that I wanted to be a college president. That's become clearer. So that's one thing.
Second, at that time I wasn't ready to leave Messiah. It turns out I left shortly afterward anyway. But that
wasn't an obvious decision to me at the time I was talking to Tabor.
My decision about Tabor never felt terribly good to me. Usually when I make decisions, I move on. But this one came back to haunt me time after time. It's a decision I was never able to leave .
LEADER: What is it about Tabor that attracts you?
BRANDT: I'm a long-time fan of Christian higher education. I could give you a speech on that one, but I'll keep it short. -
A lot of things are wrong with the American church, but if you look around the world you could probably argue that the Christian church in America has survived the 20th century remarkably well. You might ask why
Well, the Christian college has made a lot of difference. The American church is still vibrant in part because we have not left the church to the clergy. Lay involvement in American churches is terribly important. Walk into most any church that you would call Christian, and you will find the product of our Christian schools working in a variety of capacities.
I'm an absolute incurable believer in the Christian college. It really works It changes people. So I am coming to Tabor in part to keep on doing what I've been doing for a long time-Christian higher education
LEADER: How do you see the Christian college and the church relating to each other?
BRANDT: I think the college and the church, in general, have not worked as well as they could. I have a dream of bringing college and church together to be mutual servants of each other. I would like to work at this business of how the college and the church together promote the kingdom.
LEADER: Do you have any specific ideas how Tabor College should relate to the Mennonite Brethren denomination?
BRANDT: Without knowing very well how they function now, I don't want to be presumptuous. But, for example, I would love to bring together on campus Mennonite Brethren pas-
APPOINTMENTS
Premier board selected for Mission USA
• BCM appoints a mix of clergy and laity
THE FIRST Mission USA board has been selected and will begin the monumental task of creating the structure and focus for energizing church planting and renewal for the U.S Conference.
The U S. Board of Church Ministries (BCM) announced the names of the lO-member board Nov. 21 , climaxing a four-month process of discernment and interviewing.
BCM's choices represent a mix of clergy/laity and male/ female :
• Chuck Buller, pastor of Neighborhood Church , Visalia, Calif., has agreed to be chair of the board;
• Neil DeFehr, North Fresno MB Church , Fresno, Calif , is in private business;
• Loretta Jost , Henderson (Neb .) MB Church, is a partner in the family agribusiness operation;
• Clarice Rempel is office secretary for the Buhler (Kan.) MB Church;
• Mike Schuil, Reedley (Calif.) MB Church, sells real estate;
• Tim Sullivan is pastor of Parkview Church , Hillsboro, Kan.
Three of the remaining four members were appointed by their respective district home mis sions boards; the fourth was appointed by MB Missions/ Services:
• Steve Schroeder , pastor of Community Bible Fellow s hip , Bellingham, Wash ., representing the Pacific District;
• Clint Seibel , pastor of Belleview Acres Church, Littleton , Colo. , representing the Southern District;
• Jim Weems, pastor of Grace Bible Church, Gettysburg, S D ., representing the Central District;
• Ernie Friesen , retired pastor from Wichita , Kan ., repres enting the board of MBM/S.
Hispanic planters see U.S. as tough but important field
• Montes, Zabala team up to start Mennonite churches
A FTER MANY years of experience 1"\.as Mennonite church planters, Juan Montes and Emilio Zabala have no illusions about their line of work.
"It is hard because you begin with zero," Montes says " You have no building. You wonder how you will share your vision for a church You have to trust that the Lord will help you "
Montes recalls how in his fIrst years as a church planter in the United States, his family lived in one room and had to shower at a local restaurant Today he is thankful to have two part-time jobs, working as a pastor at Iglesia Hermanos Menonitas, the Mennonite Brethren church in Parlier, Calif , and at Iglesia Vida Nueva, a dual Mennonite Conference/General Conference Mennonite mission church in Reedley, Calif.
"Church planting is one of the hardest things you can do. You have to make sure you are called , " says Zabala, a graduate of Fresno Pacific College . "When you have a commitment to Jesus, you don't feel as alone. "
Although both men have spent considerable time planting churches in their native country of Venezuela, they both feel called to work with hispanic Mennonite churches in North America
During the 1980s , Montes helped plant seven churches in Venezuela with the support of the Eastern Mennonite Missions. In 1990, he moved with his family to the Los Angeles area, where he had accepted a position as the pastor of Cristos es la Respuesta, a Mennonite Brethren congregation in Arleta .
But after spending some time in Los Angeles, Montes and his wife , Carmen, decided the city was no place to raise their children. They accepted an invitation to work with the Parlier
Mennonite Brethren congregation.
"Jesus called me and my family here, " Montes says . "There are millions of hispanics in California Many of them lack education and resources. They need to come to Christ."
Zabala saw the needs of the hispan· ic community while a student at FPC and the pastor at Iglesia Hermanos Menonitas in 1989.
"We have a lot of work to do in Venezuela, but there we have many leaders," Zabala says. "In the United States there are few leaders who experience the call to work with the hispanic population .
"I have traveled in many countries in Latin America," he adds. " But I think people are tired of religion in the United States more than anywhere. So many churches in the United States are dying I want to form a strong foundation so the church will never die "
Because of his convictions, Zabala and his wife, Vilma, moved to Reedley in June with the goal of planting a Mennonite church there and in Sanger. Zabala currently works with Montes in the Reedley church plant , paying close attention to what Montes does to draw people into his church.
Montes stresses the importance of
Montes (left) and Zabala : "Church planting is one of the hardest things you can do."
developing strong relationships within the church through cell groups. Once a week, he teaches the cell group leaders how they can be better disciples of Christ.
"The cell groups not only help a church grow in numbers, but also spiritually," says Montes, who has worked with cell groups for more than 12 years. "They open a little door for people to come to church.
"The doctrine for Mennonites is based on the Bible," he adds. "What I preach in church is that people need to recognize the relevance of God .... We need to take every opportunity to be a witness for God. I'm very happy when someone wants to come to Jesus . "-Carla Reimer, GCMC news service
MB Bible teachers gather for insights
• Seminary hosts first U.S. and Canadian consultation
WHAT HAPPENS when top Mennonite Brethren Bible scholars all put their thinking caps on in one place at one time to consider issues surrounding biblical interpretation? What happens most is encouragement, excitement and insight, reports Elmer Martens, coordinator of just such a gathering.
For the ftrst time in the history of the denomination, teachers of Bible from eight Mennonite Brethren high
schools and post-secondary institutions in Canada and the United States met for a conference on teaching and appropriating biblical texts. More than 20 people attended the three-day consultation Oct. 20-22 hosted by the MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif.
The specific purpose of the consultation, according to seminary representatives Martens and Ken Peters, was to work on ways to apply and give contemporary significance to biblical texts. An additional purpose was to learn from one another about teaching the Scripture and to build theological cohesion in the denomination. The seminary's Bible department had been planning the event for two years.
In the end, the consultation participants agreed on basic methods of biblical interpretation, but debated whether a text has a single or multiple meanings. Lively discussion turned on questions of authorial intent, whether the meaning of a text was found within a text, or somehow around the text, report Martens and Peters.
The consultation revolved around ftve hour-long presentations. Presentation were made by Gordon Matties of Concord College, Winnipeg, Man., Tim Geddert and Allen Guenther of MBBS, Katrina Poetker of Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., and Hugo ZorrilIa of Fresno Pacific College.
Each of those five presentations were followed by prepared responses in turn by Lynn Jost and Harold Dyck representing Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., John Vooys of Columbia Bible College in Clearbrook, B.C., Faith Wiebe, MBBS senior; and Laura Schmidt of FPC. The presentations and responses will be published in the
spring 1995 issue of Direction.
James McClendon, author and distinguished scholar in residence at Fuller Theological Seminary, was the invited observer. His role was to provide summary remarks and reflections as a scholar from outside the denomination.
A travel pool eased the financial burden of those coming from a distance. In addition to the schools already mentioned, representatives from three Christian high schools participated: Mennonite Educational Institute in Abbotsford, B C., Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute in Winnipeg, and Immanuel High School in Reedley, Calif. (MBBS)
ORGANIZATIONS
Study gives MEDA high evaluation
• Modesty may be MEDA's biggest shortcoming
MENNONITE Economic Development Associates received high marks in a recent Canadian study commissioned to determine the effectiveness of MEDA's structure, governance and overseas programs.
The study was commissioned by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) as part of its regular review of organizations it supports . CIDA engaged Universalia, a Montreal-based consulting firm, to conduct the study. Over a four-month period, evaluators interviewed MEDA staff, met with members and the board of directors, and visited programs in Nicaragua and Bolivia
"Effective development organization ... a good investment for Canadian taxpayers ... too modest in reporting its accomplishments," are phrases used by Universalia in its ftnal report. The report recommends that CIDA regard MEDA as a "funding priority."
Evaluators concluded that MEDA is "an entrepreneurial organization that embraces growth and change" and is "well suited" to respond to rapidly changing economic and political environments
MEDA was also commended for the
I ACADEMIA
Participants in the first gathering of Bible teachers from Mennonite Brethren high schools and post-secondary schools in Canada and the United States.
emphasis and concern it places on well-planned programs. MEDA's micro-credit methodology (providing loans rather than grants) and its emphasis on training "are important characteristics that distinguish MEDA from other NGOs working in microenterprise development," stated the final report.
Suggested areas for improvement included staff coordination among the various offices and divisions and clarity on how MEDA's environment policy is applied. The evaluators also observed that while 50 to 60 percent of MEDA's overseas clients are women , women are under-represented in decision making positions. The
NEWS BRIEFS
report noted that only three of 25 board members are women.
The study also found the organization to be "too modest" about its performance "While MEDA's modesty is a positive characteristic, it needs to fmd ways to keep its key stockholders .. . better informed of its accomplishments."
The evaluators were interested in MEDA's efforts to strengthen local institutions in the countries where it works. They noted that both staff and MEDA members, when discussing the effectiveness of MEDA programs overseas, typically refer to the impact on individual clients and their families. The evaluators preferred more empha-
sis on the local institutions which MEDA strives to create and support.
Allen Sauder, MEDA's director of international operations, says the encouragement to continue developing the institutional side of MEDA is a good reminder. He adds that MEDA does have a strong institutional thrust but that cooperatives, credit unions and producer associations don ' t emerge overnight or in keeping with preconceived plans.
MEDA is a 3,000-member North American inter-Mennonite organization with a two-prong thrust of using business-oriented methods to help the poor and promoting a Christian perspective in the work place. (MEDA)
• PUBLISHED: Retired eligible for membership. "Most DOOR has been a joint short- other general helpers are needMennonite Brethren mission- of these institutions are in term service program of MCC ed for cleanup and to assist carary Sally Schroeder Isaac has rural areas and face growing and Mennonite Urban Min- penters. Interested volunteers written a book about her 30 competition from urban for- istries of Denver. Now the should contact MDS Liberty years of radio work to Ger- profit health centers," Nikkel DOOR advisory committee of project at P O Box 10290, Libman-speaking people around says. "Working together -for Mennonite Urban Ministries is erty, TX 77575; telephone the world In addition to her the greatest stability and assuming full responsibility for (409) 336-8057; fax (409) 336own story, Somp Seed Fell on impact is becoming a necessi- the program. The committee, 7402. (MCC) Good Ground tells the story of ty." (MHS) made up of members of DenGermans whose lives were ver's seven Mennonite church - • REOPENING: Mennonite touched by radio HCJB, broad- • ILLNESS: The future of es, has appointed Glenn Balzer Central Committee has cast from Quito, Ecuador The the Mennonite Central Com- as DOOR's new director Balz- reopened an office in Beirut, book is published by Wind- mittee storytelling tour featur- er formerly served on the staff Lebanon, after an eight-year flower Publications of Canada. ing long-time workers Elfrieda of Belleview Acres (MB) absence during which time (Windflower) and Peter Dyck is uncertain Church in Littleton, Colo The MCC's work in Lebanon was just two months into the year- DOOR program has grown directed from Jordan and
• LINKAGES: Every Men- long tour Elfrieda suffered a steadily since its inception in Cyprus. Over the past eight nonite and Brethren in Christ serious stroke in early Novem- 1986, with 303 participants years MCC supported agriculhealth and human services ber while in Coaldale, Alta. this past summer Churches tural projects in Lebanon with institution in the United States MCC then canceled the Dyck's from many denominations are the supervision of local staff. is invited to join Mennonite trip to British Columbia, the attracted to the program One of the first things MCC Health Services in an expanded final portion of their Canadian Mennonite congregations worker Joan Barkman did business plan, according to tour, and put on hold the Unit- make up about 30 to 35 per- when she returned to open Carl L. Good, executive direc- ed States portion scheduled to cent of the participants. (MCC) the MCC office was visit with tor of Mennonite Health Ser- begin in February. The couple farmers assisted by MCC projvices."An expanded network set out Sept. 1 to tell today's • RESPONDING: Menno- ects . The cooperative represenwill help MHS members work MCC story to church groups nite Disaster Service has tatives told Barkman MCC was together to maintain an Ana- throughout Canada and the opened a project office in Liber- "the only organization that baptist focus in a competitive United States The storytelling ty, Texas, and is seeking volun - stayed with us all these years " and gradmented health care tour is part of MCC's 75th teers to help clean up and They indicated that even the environment," Good says The anniversary celebrations repair homes following mid- smallest projects encouraged expansion was approved by (MCC) October flooding MDS antici- and motivated the discourthe MHS board in early Octo- pates spending three to five aged farmers "When I told ber Larry Nikkel, MHS director • INDEPENDENT: DOOR, months in Liberty to help them that many people who of members services and a an acronym for Denver Oppor- restore some of the almost give to MCC are small and member of Hesston (Kan ) MB tunity for Outreach and Reflec- 1,700 homes in the county struggling farmers like them, Church, notes that in addition tion, is graduating from the damaged or destroyed by the their faces lit up and one said, to the 16 current members, Mennonite Central Committee flood People with carpentry 'That is why we have felt this 100 Mennonite health and family into an independent skills are needed to help kinship with the Mennonites.'" human service institutions are organization. For nine years replace drywall and flooring; (MCC)
• CHURCH NOTES
• Baptism/Membership
HENDERSON, Neb.-Lee and Martha Friesen, Lisa Quiring and Stephanie Koonce were received into membership on Oct 23.
LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. (Summit)-Gary McLallen Jr. was baptized Oct. 2 at Prairie Lee Lake. The worship service included com· munion and was followed by a picnic.
REEDLEY, Calif.-Viola Will was welcomed into membership Oct. 23 .... Mitch Arretch€:, David Dorian, Jennifer Dorian, Shushanek DOrian, Jeremy Duek, Joshua Grauman and Jerad Mendel were baptized and received into membership Nov. 13 Alfred and Dolores Friesen were also welcomed as new memo bers.
HAYS, Kan. (North Oak)-Tim and Penny Davis and Pat and lisa Coyle were received as new members recently. J B. Burkholder, Penny Davis, Nicole Ediger, Gabriel Jatnison, Jessie Jatnison, Angela Kempf, Maggie Lan· ning and June Yang were recently baptized.
TULSA, Okla. (parkside)-Chris Schaefer was baptized and received as a member Nov. 13
WEATHERFORD, Okla. (Pine Acres)Bradley Kliewer, Kasey Kliewer, Chelsea Rouse and Stefanie Sawatzky were baptized Nov 6.
SALEM, Ore. (Kingwood Bible)-New memo bers received recently were Tim and Sharon Andersen, Dan and Pat Myers, Tracy Rose and Matt Torres
• Fellowship
SALEM, Ore. (Kingwood Bible)-The church hosted a worship service Oct 9 involving the seven evangelical churches of West Salem. About 290 people attended Kingwood hosted the Dallas MB Church for a joint musi· cal service. The program also induded a humorous interview between the two pas· tors, Gordon Bergman of Kingwood and Ken Braun of Dallas.
WICHITA, Kan. (First)-A Thanksgiving cele· bration held Nov. 20 featured a turkey din· ner, missions offering and a dramatic presen· tation called "The Story of the Kingdom. "
ENID, Okla.-The church hosted a 13·state regional Mennonite Disaster Service meeting Nov. 4·5.
TOPEKA, Kan.-The congregation celebrat· ed "Heritage Sunday" Nov. 13 by focusing on their diverse backgrounds and common her· itage in Christ . Families were invited to dress in their national attire and display mementos pertaining to their fatnily history.
YALE, S.D. (Bethel)-"Pheasant Hunt Sunday" on Oct 16 featured "Preach" Robison of Albertville, Ala , as the guest speaker. A spe· cial welcome was made to all pheasant hunters worshiping with the congregation
The Innocent, a 23-minute video drana, asks who is responsible for violence and suffering caused by war. It is based on a true story of a lao woman killed eight years after the conflict in Southeast Asia. She is just one of thousands who have died from coming in contact with unexploded anti-personnel weapons. The video and accompanying study guide provoke thoughtful dialogue on peace-related issues. For free loan or purchase contact:
Central Committee
MANHATfAN, Kan.- "Homecoming Day " events Sept 25 included a celebrat ion of the final payment on the church 's meeting place A historical survey of the congregation was also part of the service
• Celebrations
HENDERSON, Neb.-The family of John and Gertrude Martens placed flowers in the sanctuary Oct 16 in honor of the Martenses' 60th wedding anniversary
SHAFfER, Calif.-Ruben and Aganetha Sperling were honored with a reception Oct 22 in recognition of their 50th wedding anniversary
REEDLEY, Calif.-Flowers were placed in the sanctuary Oct 23 in honor of Ernest and Lorene Nikkel's 60th wedding anniversary
A MOVE TO ARIZONA?
Call or write for free information packet "Pastor Ed Toews does what he says"
"I can't think of anything I'd rather do, than help students become the best teachers they can possibly be."
Dr. Sharon Zenger Professor of Education and published author
BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(Rosedale Bible)Arnold and Salome Funk celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug 20. Their children hosted a buffet dinner for family and friends
BUIll.ER, Kan -A Nov. 26 praise service and reception marked the 50th wedding anniversary of Waldo and Minnie Siebert The event was hosted by their children and grandchildren
• Workers
CLINTON, Okla.-Dewayn Isaac, former pastor of the Ebenezer MB Church near Doland , S D., began serving the Clinton Mennonite Church as pastor in October.
FAIRVIEW, Okla.-Lyle Cunningham was installed as pastor during the Nov . 6 morning service. Following the service , the MBY served lunch Following the evening service, Cunningham and his wife , Ruth Ann , were guests at a reception and grocery shower.
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Lincoln Glen)- Travis Reimer was installed as pastor Nov 20 as part of the church's "Grand Celebration, " which also included the annual Harvest Thanksgiving dinner Reimer and his wife , LOiS, were welcomed to their new role with an open house and grocery shower Nov. 6.
LITTLETON, Colo. (Belleview Acres)Andrew Gallagher began serving as pastoral assistant in youth and recreation, and ElJynne Wiebe as Christian education and children 's ministries director, Nov. 15 .
CORDELL, Okla. (Bible)-Scott and Julie Rink were installed as the pastoral couple on Nov. 6.
• Youth
FRESNO, Calif. (North)-Youth Nite on Nov 6 featured music, testimonies, drama and a slide show from the youth group 's missions trip to Baja The MBY served dessert following the service to raise funds for Estes '95
HESSTON, Kan.-The high school students prepared the Oct . 23 morning worship service. It included a children's feature , music , testimonies and a message by Brett Buhrman and Marcus King.
GARDEN CITY, Kan. (Garden Valley)-The senior high youth invited the youth from Ulysses and Cimarron Mennonite Brethren churches for an all-night lock-in held Oct. 15
• Proclamation
HENDERSON, Neb.-Gary Hardaway , MB Missions/ Services secretary for communications and public relations, and Youth Mission International participants were the guest speakers on Harvest Missions Sunday held Nov. 6.
BRIDGEWATER, S.D. (Salem)-Clarence Hiebert, interim president at Tabor College , and his wife, Ferne, former MB Missions/ Services administrator, were the featured speakers at the Harvest Mission Festival held Oct . 16
rm
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Heritage)-Harvest Sunday, held Nov. 20, featured Marty Frisk of International Ministries as guest speaker.
MADERA, Calif. (Bible)-Mennonite Brethren missionaries James and Lois Wiebe (Brazil) and Galen and Linda Wiest (Colombia) were featured at the Thanksgiving/Missions Conferenc e held Nov. 20.
mLLSBORO, Kan. (Parkview)-The annual missions conference, held Nov 12-13, featured Galen and Linda Wiest, former missionaries to Bogota, Colombia .s2
CLEARINGHOUSE
POSITION AVA IL AB LE
RESUMES AND LETTERS of application are now being accepted for the position of director of development for Palm Village Retirement Community Palm Village functions as a continuing care retirement community in Reedley, Calif. It serves about 300 residents and their families through independent living, residential care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation Palm Village is sponsored by five area Mennonite Brethren churches Applicants should have a familiarity with central California fund-development strategies, including planned giving, and the Palm Village constituency. Please send resumes and letters to David K. Reimer. Executive Director. Palm Village Retirement Community, P.O Box 1028, Reedley, CA 93654
Please send a brief resume' and references to:
Neighborhood Church 2800 W. Walnut Visalia, CA 93277
c/o Chuck Buller, Sr. Pastor
1970-1995 - 25 YEARS OF1RAVEL EXPERIENCE
You can trust your travel to 25 years 0/ experience. Join us/or a tour in 19951
Jamaica in January January 13-20
Jamaica January Journey January 20-27
Jamaica Family Business Januar y 27-February 3
Tulip Time in Holland April 18 to May 1
Lands of the Bible May 10-23
Vienna: Music & Culture May 30 -June 13
European Health Care July 3-18
Europeao Anabaptist Heritage July 5-21
European PAX July 10-26
England/Scotland August 9-24
Mexico November 15-30
Australia/New Zealand Feb. 18 - Mar 12 '96
For more information, please write:
Wilmer &Janet Martin
Sam & Helen Lapp
Henr y Landes & Leonard Geiser
Henry Landes. Pieter & Martha Gotwals Postma
John & Naomi Lederach
Wilbur Maust
Joseph G. Landis &Aldred Neufeldt
John Ruth & Ruth Jantzi
Cal Redekop & Henry D. Landes
Wihner Martin & Mar y Rittenhouse Schwartzentruber
Cal Redekop
Henry & Jane Landes
TOUR MAGINATION
22 King Street South, Suite 401 Waterloo, ON N2J 1N8 (Reg. #1567624)
CAUSES, NOT JUST CRUISES
Retired or near re tirement age and looking for a ministry opportunity? We invite you to join a splendid and uncommon cause. Answer a "Macedonian call" to "come over and help us."
Nestled in the Alleghany hills of Maryland and serving the tri-state region of Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland, are Penn Alps and the Spruce Forest Artisan Village and related non-profit service oranganizations. All creatively put incarnational flesh and blood to human lives economically, socially, culturally and spiritually. An uncommon cause: living, working, doing business and offering a peace witness to the beat of a different drummer.
We operate a craft store marketing goods for hundreds of artisans in a kind of self-help micro-enterprise, a restaurant connected to a historic stage coach stop, a village comprised of historical houses providing places for artisans to ply their weaving, qUilting, pottery, wood working, stained glass, and basket weaving, and a peace center in the historic Miller House. Thousands of travellers pass through the campus and become involved in the unique and timely witness
We also feature early American festivals on location and in Springs, Pa., and are restoring a historic school and the 1797 Stantons' grist mill. We sponsor a summer music series, support publishing the Casselman Chronicle and in numerous other ways attempt to provide a meaningful presence in the warp and woof of the region. But we march to a different drummer and therefore need the help of Christian like-minded people.
We invite you to join us for extended periods of time: 4 months, 9 months, one, two or more years. We provide lodging, meals, some expense money and in a few areas, depending on the term and the work, some remuneration. Motor homes are welcome with hook-ups provided.
Carpenters, clerks, computer specialists, researchers, story writers, supervisors, hosts for the restaurant and Peace Center, program coordinators, persons interested in promotions and tour guiding, village managers, grounds and maintenance, sales personnel, baking, cooking and food supervisors, grant writers and restoration fund raising helpers are needed. We'll even get you into things you thought you could never do! Encounter immense pleasure in it all.
This may be the most uncommon cause you'll ever enjoy.
Please contact Jack Dueck at Penn Alps and Spruce Forest Artisan Village , Rt. 2, Box 5, Grantsville, Md , 21536 Ph. 301 895 -5985/Fax 301·895-5942
1 9 9 4
THE FOLLOWING IS an alphabetical index of the major articles and events recorded in the Christian Leader in 1994. The notations following each entry indicate the volume number. issue number and page number. For example the volume number for 1994 is 57 the ne'" numbers in the first entry below indicate the fifth issue of the year and that the article is on page 17 of that issue. Following the article index is an index of authors who have written major articles during the past 12 months
BODYUFE
A 'power' struggle in Denver. 57:5:17
About ordination. we hereby agree 57:5:18
Alive and mostly well in L.A 57:2:23
And they shall be called 57:5:19
Answering a call to celebrate (PDC convention).57:12:20
Apparent heart attack ends life and service of MBM/S worker Jim Arthur. 57:10:23
Awkward moments color Canadian convention. 57:8:25
Back on the fund-raising trail again (Peter Funk). 57:11 :24
BCM to recommend a phaseout of the MBBS subsidy guarantee. 57:3:23
Bethel provost named Tabor College president. 57:11 :22
BFL on women: A confession about process
a call to 'respectful solidarity: 57:2:24
BFL: Use and abuse of authority. 57:1:22
Bible study nurtures Thai Christians 57:7:29
Buy a pig feed a family. 57:2:26
Cancer claims education leader (Roy Just). 57:5:21
Center of transformation experiences a transformation of its own. 57:10:24
Confrontation at the crossroads 57:12:23
Curriculum series takes shape with 'incubator' worik. 57:9:22
Dates. sites sat for '95 convention. 57:5:24
Districts set for annual rallies. 57:10:22
Doland church completes ministry. 57:10:27
Doland church to close doors. 57:6:33
East Wichita Fellowship will end ministry after 10 years of effort. 57:7:30
Ediger reSigns as chair of BFL. 57:3:25
Enrollment points to optimism 57:11 :22
Europeans meet for faith gathering. 57:7:28
Faber named Leader assistant editor. 57:9:22
Fall injures SOC minister. 57:5:20
First steps on a long journey toward hope. 57:5:22
FPC given biggest deferred gift. 57:3:24
Geddert to lead MBBS B C. program. 57:8:24 Hispanic planters see U S. as tough but important field 57:12:28
Hope for victims of family violence. 57:2:27
Humanitarian aid won't solve crisis (Zaire). 57:2:26
Hymnal slated for January '95 debut 57:2:25
Immigrant church baptizes nine. 57:3 :26
India now has double trouble: Maverick general council attempts leadership couP. 57:3:23
Intermenno trip attracts three MBs. 57:11 :28
Katie Wiebe resigns as Rejoice! editor. 57:6:33
Lee Balzer to conclude Tabor College presidency at the end of July. 57:7:25
MB Bible teachers gather for inSights. 57:12:29
MBBS appoints Olfert as Canadian fundraiser. 57:3:25
MBBS board adds staff. program. 57 :6:33
MBM/S: A time for 'rightsizing: 57:6:30
MBM/S: budget challenge. 57:9:21
MBM/S looks to Thailand and beyond 57:11 :25
MBM/S proposes program cuts 57:5 :20
MBM/S retools for Dyck sabbatical. 57:7:27
MCC not likely to meet giving goal. 57:7:29
MCC : Have money. will serve. by Rich Preheim. 57:4:22
MCC Zaire church aid refugees 57:9:20
Mennonite Brethren. Brethren in Christ: a case of casual hand-holding : 57:7:26
Moving from 'Vision' to 'Mission: 57:3:22
MWC proposes global fund to share resources. 57:9:24
Near tragedy reveals God s power 57:8:25
New leadership for resourcing 57:2:25
New pastors' event postponed until '96 57:11 :28
New rules will not affect China worik. 57:4:23
North American boards grapple with funding challenges and vision. 57:11 :24
Paraguayan pastor shot. recovering 57:5:24
Peace Sunday 95 to focus on crime in the community. 57:11 :27
Physician joins Pine Ridge team. 57:3:25
Pioneer missionary to Colombia dies at 92 57:10:26
Plans gelling for Estes 95 convention. 57:11:26
Pointing the direction for change 57:3:22
Premier board selected for Mission USA 57:12:28
Prieb to lead Africa Inter-Mennonite Mission 57:3:25
Rapid City church grew from flood to fellowship 57:12:23
Restorative justice is meeting focus. 57:4 :24
Retiring after 30 years of change growth in Brazil (James and Lois Wiebe). 57:6:30
Servants in Hungary (Leonard and Luella Heinrichs). 57:1:22
Slavic church dedicates meetinghouse. 57:9:24
Smuggling Bibles into China is illegal and unnecessary says ABS board member. 57:4:24
Staking a claim on the USA (Colorado Springs '94). by Don Ratzlaff and Deborah Penner. 57:8 :16
Still knee deep in flood damage. 57:2:23
Study gives MEDA high evaluation. 57:12 :29 Sunday/Monday tie is MEDA theme.
57:10:27
Surgery adds to hope for recovery. 57:9:24
Tabor's new prexy: 'I'm an incurable believer in the Christian college' (Interview with David Brandt). 57:12:26
The good news: MBM/S giving is up; the bad news: total income is down. 57:9:21
Trio participates in MCC orientation. 57:11 :28
Tshimika to guide MBM/S in Africa. 57:7:28
Typhoid epidemic in Zaire prompts call for assistance 57:8:25
Weakened roof trusses prompt Tabor chapel closing. 57:3:24
Woriking together like a family. 57:2:22
Vancouver. Wash • church celebrates new meetinghouse. 57:9:24
Visitors savor the flavor of Fairview 57:5:23
World assembly may prove costly. 57:9:23
YMI to offer summer-long missions option for high school teens. groups. 57: 11 :26
Youth join U-SERV team in Mexico. 57:5 :21
Zairian MBs join effort to assist Rwandan refugees. 57:10:26
DEATHS
Adrian Martha Louise. 57:4:25
Baker. Beverly Marcelle. 57:8:27
Bartel. Allen. 57:6:34
Bartel. Minnie. 57:1 :24
Bayless. Charles Wendell. 57:7:32
Becker Bertha 57:6:34
Becker. Regina M 57 :9:28
Bergen Arnold F.• 57:11 :32
Bergen. Wesley Femando 57:6:35
Bergman. Viola Anna Penner. 57:9;28
Beuchler Bennie 57:7:32
Boldt. Anna M 57:9:28
Brown Josaph. 57:2:28
Buller Sarah 57:3:28
Buller. Walter. 57:3:28
Classen Peter A.• 57:6:35
Collins. Anna Fay Quiring 57:10:29
Dick Justina. 57:6:35
Dyck. Lydia 57:1 :24
Drebert Mabel. 57:6:35
Ediger. Agatha Wiens. 57:11 :32
Ediger Albert W • 57:6:35
Enns Dick, 5 7:4:26
Ewald. Esther Epp. 57:11 :32
Ewert Sue 57:6:35
Fadenrecht. Helen. 57:6:35
Flaming. Emma Grace 57:8:27
Friesen. Ben. 57:3:29
Friesen. Bertha 57:3:29
Friesen. Helena Klassen, 57:6:35
Friesen. Herbert Flaming. 57:7:32
Friesen. Jacob Peter. 57:7:32
Gaede. Agnes. 57:4:26
Goertzen. Anna Rosa. 57:8:27
Goertzen, Clarence Meno 57:3:29
Goertzen Mildred Gustafson 57:8 :27
Gossen. John. 57:1:24
Hagen. Allen Lee. 57:3:29
Harder Edwin F , 57:9:28
Heffel. Lavine. 57:11 :32
Hinz. Alvin C 57:3:29
Hoffman. Anna 57:3:29
Holzworth. Lydia. 57:8:27
Horch. Esther. 57:3:29
Isaak. Anna Katherine. 57: 11 :32
Janzen, Anna. 57:4:26
Janzen, David Aaron. 57:3:29
Johnson. Georgina. 57:7:32
Jost, John B .• 57:3:29
Just. Jake 57:2:28
Just. Roy. 57:7:32
Klassen. Rose Hiebert 57:7:32
Kliewer. Henrietta. 57:2:28
Kliewer. Henry D • 57:7:32
Knaupp Elmer E. 57:7:32
Knaupp Ivy 57:1:24
Kroeker. Jacob E.• 57:2:28
Lautt Edwin 57:2:28
Martens. William J • 57:7:32
Mierau. Justina. 57:7:32
Nikkel. Cleo Earl "Bill," 57:8 :28
Ollenburger. Edwin Charles. 57:3:29
Patzkowsky. Raymond F.• 57:7:32
Penner. Mary. 57:2:28
Penner. Paul Milton. 57:2:28
Preheim. Arden 57:8:28
Ragland. Leoa "Carmon," 57:8:28
Ratzlaff. Ben. 57:2:28
Ratzlaff. Leta Kehn, 57:8:28
Reddig Florence. 57:2:28
Regier. Anne Goertzen 57:11 :33
Regier Lydia Klaassen. 57:8:29
Reimer. Elizabeth Franz 57:8:29
Reimer. Menno F • 57:3:29
Sawatzky Selma Olga Grunau 57:8 :29
Schmidt Linda Mae Enns. 57:8:29
Schroeder, Dan L., 57:9:28
Schroeder, Harold 57:1:24
Schultz Ernest. 57:11 :33
Siemens. Lena "Helen," 57:4:26
Stahl Daniel George. 57: 10:29
Stobbe. Marie E.• 57:9:29
Suderman, Annie , 57:1 :24
Suderman. Leonard J • 57:9:29
Suderman, Olga Balzer. 57:3:29
Tessman. Daniel. 57:11 :33
Thesman. Ruben V.• 57:1 :24
Thiessen, Alvina Penner 57:3:29
Thiessen. Sam. 57:10:29
Tieszen Helen H • 57:9:29
Toews, Roland. 57:3:29
Voth. Martha Stelling 57:9:29
Wall George P. , 57:4:26
Warikentin. Marie Janzen 57:9 :29
Wedel Palmer J • 57:11 :33
Wieler. Minnie. 57:4:26
Wiebe. Elias 57: 11 :33
Wiebe Elma. 57:2 :28
Wiebe Emma Friesen 57 :9:29
Wiens Sarah Berg 57:3:30
Wiens. Jacob F , 57:11 :33
Willems. Mary. 57:2:28
Willems. Peter B .• 57:3:30
EDITORfALS
A resource for the future. by Don Ratzlaff. 57:11:36
Attack mode? by Don Ratzlaff. 57: 11 :36
Breaking through the crust by Don Ratzlaff. 57:8:32
Floccinaucinihiolipilification. by Don Ratzlaff. 57:10:32
Free to die. free to live. by Don Ratzlaff 57:3:32
Friendly or friend-like, by Don Ratzlaff. 57:7:36
Help for the struggle by Don Ratzlaff. 57:2:32
Journey toward holy ground. by Don Ratzlaff 57:5:28
The mystery of the gospel : by Don Ratzlaff 57:4:28
Our grieving God. by Don Ratzlaff 57:9:32
Our biennial bonus quiz by Don Ratzlaff. 57:6:36
Peace: An idea for the 90s by Katie Funk Wiebe. 57: t:28
EDUCATION
A minister of management (Ray Bystrom). by Kathy Heinrichs Wiest. 57:6:26
Aiming for a centered life (AI Dueck) by Kathy Heinrichs Wiest 57:4: 18
An intensity for work or play (Tim Geddert). by Kathy Heinrichs Wiest. 57:5:14
No ivory tower outlook (Elmer Martens). by Kathy Heinrichs Wiest. 57:1:18
Personal, practical and pastoral (Delores Friesen). by Kathy Heinrichs Wiest. 57:2:18
Scholar with a warm heart (John E, Toews) by Kathy Heinrichs Wiest. 57:3:18
FEATURES
A few signs of Promisa (Keepers). by Don Ratzlaff. 57:7:20
A love chapter. 57:2:9
A pig for a pig : A peacemaking story for families. by Katie Funk Wiebe 57:1:12
An ounce of prevention. 57:5:9
Chain-letter religion. by Kenneth L. Gibble. 57:4: 11
Christmas is God's open hand. by Gaylord Goertzen. 57:12:10
Closing the tiack door by Henry J Schmidt. 57:2:6
Dear Sara: A pastor's wish for his daughter, by Chuck Goertz. 57:3: 12
Faith doesn't take the interstate. by Philip Wiebe. 57:8:4
For something special : A story for Christmas by JoAnn Brandt. 57:12:4
Forgiveness is the road to healing. by W ilma Deriksan. 57:4:4
Forty ways to love your pastor. by Roland and Lois Reimer. 57:3:10
Guilt and shame the good and the bad. by Jeffrey M. Anschultz 57:10:8
Identity: Sunday school teacher. by Katie Funk Wiebe. 57:9:4
Is your church child -abuser safe? 57:5:8
Kid wars: Settling disputes between children by Suzanne J Hale. 57: 1:4
Living or leaving the faith? by Lee Balzer. 57 :2:12
Managing a 'modern-day miracle,' by Don Ratzlaff 57:7:5
MBs in CIS burdened by a history of suffering 57:7:15
Mennonite Brethren music-making by Randy Klassen 57:11 :11
Missing steps, by Wilma Derksen 57 :4 :7
No labels please : Teaching kids to value the