December 1997

CHRISTIAN

FIRST WORDS

Y••• from the editor

OU MIGHT NOT expect an article on the exclusiveness of Christ to be the lead story in a Christmas issue (page 4) We didn't either at first But the more we thought about the idea, the more we liked it.

As a cultural phenomenon, the Christmas season is thick with sentimentality about peace, goodwill and warm fuzzies for all people. And that's not all bad, considering the hostility and strife we endure the other 11 months of the year

But the coming ofthe Christ child also has a hard edge, at least in orthodox Christian theology . The Prince of Peace comes also with a sword, dividing peoples and families with a sharp truth: Unto us was born a savior-and there is no other by which we can be saved.

In our inclusive, pluralistic world, that's a prophetic word David Faber helps us understand the issues, not in the spirit of arrogance or belligerence, but with the hope of encouraging persuasive dialogue with our neighbors who may hold different views.

Bob Glanzer follows that with an account of his personal encounter with cultural Christmas (page 8). Is participating in the playfulness of the Santa Claus scene as harmless as we tend to think? Read how it affected one man's conscience.

Richard Schroeder follows with a few thoughts about a truly "White Christmas" (page 10). Veteran readers of the Christian Leader might remember Richard as the writer of a regular column called "The Cutting Edge," which ran for several years in the magazine The column may have been discontinued, but Richard's still on that edge.

We don't publish much fiction in the Leader, but at Christmas we like to give it a try. Especially if the writer is Mennonite Brethren, as JoAnn Brandt is. We hope you like her story, called "Special Delivery" (page 12).

I'm pleased that all four of our feature articles are written by Mennonite Brethren. To me, it is a gift exchange within our church family.

Open and enjoy. -DR

COMING

• FEBRUARY 22, 1998-"Peace Sunday" for U S Conference churches

• MARCH 13-15, 1998-Annual meeting of U.S Conference boards, Phoenix, Ariz.

• MARCH 15, 1998-First public worship service of Copper Hills Community Church, the new Mission USA church plant in Phoenix, Ariz

• JULY 17-20, 1998-U S Conference biennial convention, LaMirada, Calif

He became Santa to

children Was he misleading them about the

Snow on Christmas Day is nice, but God has provided for a white Christmas that is truly dazzling. BY RICHARD

Special Delivery

Sam James's package was far more important than he thought. Could he deliver it in time? FICTION BY JoANN

BRANDT

• PDC Invited to leave the comfort zone 20

• SOC Delegates find time to laugh, a time to pray 22

• CDC Envisioning a home in the urban setting 24

• Jon Wiebe to succeed Lynford Becker as MBF president 25

• Confession of Faith: Article 3 26

• Church notes 28 • Deaths 30

CREDITS: Cover and pages 4, 8, 10 and 12, Dynam ic Graphics; pages 2()'21 , Steve Wiest; page 22 23, Leader photos by Connie Faber; page 24, Leader photo by Don Ratzlaff

BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS : Noelle Dickinson , cha ir; Phil Neufeld, Da lton Re ime r, He rb Schroeder, Ka t hy He inrichs W iest

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Born our only savior?

Will any non-Christians make it to heaven?

BY DAVID FABER

HEN JESUS WAS BORN, AN ANGEL announced to a group of shepherds and ultimately to the world, "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

Should we take that statement literally? Is Jesus a savior, allowing that there may be other saviors? Or is Jesus the savior?

The answer to the question seemed obvious to my grandfather. When I moved to a predominately Mennonite community, my dad said to me: "These are good people here, but your grandfather would have thought that they are all going to hell." My father is, and grandfather was, a staunch Dutch Calvinist. Grandpa thOUght anyone with a non-Calvinist theology would be damned. My father's view is broader. He recognizes that nonCalvinists can also be saved.

Should my generation take another step in the direction taken by my father's generation? If my daughters move to a predominantly Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim or Jewish community, should I react like my grandfather or like my father? Should I say, "These are good people, but, sadly, they will end up in hell"? Or should I say, "Devout followers of other religions might make it to heaven"?

Three prominent answers are given to the question, "Is Jesus the only way to salvation?" Pluralism says non-Christian religions may be effective in bringing people salvation Exclusivism says only those who explicitly accept Jesus Christ are saved. Inclusivism tries to steer a middle course, holding that

some nonbelievers may be saved, but that their salvation comes through Christ. (See sidebar for a more complete description of these three views .)

Which view is correct?

Conservative Christians are united in agreeing that pluralism is incorrect . Two primary arguments are made against pluralism. First, the explicit teaching of the New Testament is that all salvation comes through Jesus Jesus taught, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (Tn. 14:6). This claim is inconsistent with the pluralist claim that there are many paths to salvation.

Second, the practice of the apostles speaks against pluralism The Roman world of the New Testament church had many religions If pluralism were the biblical picture, surely the apostles would have acknowledged that other religions were viable alternatives to Christianity But the practice of the early church was to try to convert people from other religions. The practice of the early church was not pluralistic.

The choice between inclusivism and exclusivism is not as clear. Most conservative Christians initially identify with exclusivism. But a significant minority of conservative Christians are inclusivists. In his book No Other Name, inclusivist John Sanders notes, "A survey conducted at the 1975 Urbana missions conference indicated [that] 37 percent of the five thousand evangelicals who responded could be classified as [exclusivists], while 25 percent could be classified as inclusivists." Sanders adds, "I believe the percentage of inclusivists would be much higher today."

While arguments for and against each position are too complex to address in this short article, the arguments are important and deserve our attention. The assumptions behind the arguments have important implications Both inclusivists and exclusivists are committed to the truthfulness and authority of Scripture Both groups are committed to believing and practicing what the Bible teaches.

The difference between inclusivism and exclusivism lies in their views about the fate of the unevangelized . For an exclusivist, the unevangelized are surely condemned to eternal :leath because they have not consciously acceptJesus For the inclusivist, unevangelized peo)le are, practically speaking, in a position parallel o people in the Old Testament .

Some people in the Old Testament were aved Hebrews 11 makes it clear that these peolIe were saved by their faith However, the Old

Testament believers did not have an explicit faith in Jesus . Obviously, they knew nothing of the life, death and resurrection of Christ. But it is that life, death and resurrection which made their salvation possible .

In Romans 1:20 , the apostle Paul indicates that everyone has some knowledge of God through general revelation . Similarly in Romans 2: 15, Paul indicates that everyone has some inborn sense of morality, a conscience. Paul is

11Iree views of salvation

(A ) The li fe, d eath and resurre c tion of Jes us pro vide the only possibility for salva tion for human beings (B) A p erson must have explici t knowledge of the li fe, death a nd resurrec t ion of Jesus and m us t explicitly p u t h is or her fai th in Jesus in order to be saved.

(A) and (B) may se em to be two ways of saying the same thing But there is a signifi cant difference between them (A) describes the historical event th at makes salvation possible (B) tells what a person must bel ieve in order to be saved The three major views on the fate of the unevangelized involve how one respond s to (A) and (B)

• Pluralism holds that both (A) and (B) are false . Plurali st s hold that there are many ways to salvation For a Christian, belief in Jesus is the way But for a Musli m, obedience to the laws of the Koran is the way . A Buddhist is saved by faithful practice of the principles taught by the Buddha

.Inclusivlsts hold that (A) is true but (B) is fal se That is, the life, death and re surrection of Jesu s are the source of the salvation of anyone who is sav ed But it is pos sible for someone to be saved by Jesus without realiz ing that it is Jesus that is saving them

The inclusivist reminds us of the distinction between general revelation and special revelation General revelation is the knowledge of God that is available to all through observation of nature and knowledge of morality that is available through th e con scien ce Special revelation is the direct revelation of God through Jesus and through the words of Scripture

Everyone receives general revelation . Some people do not receive special revelation Accord ing to the indusivist, a person who has never heard of Jesus may be saved if she responds appropriately to the knowledge of God that she has gained through general revelat ion Nonetheless, if she is saved , she is saved beca use of what Jesus did on the cross

• Exclusivists say that both (A) and (B) are true That is, the life, death and resurrection of Jesu s are the source of salvation and in order to be saved a person mu st explici tly acknowledge that Jesu s is the savior If a person has never heard of Jesu s, he ca nnot be saved because he cannot explicitly put his trust in Je sus General revelation alone cannot be sufficient for salvation Special revelation is necessary .-DF

also clear that everyone sins; everyone violates his or her own conscience . But the inclusivist maintains that an unevangel-ized person may put his or her faith in the God that they have come to recognize through general revelation.

Genuine respect for others includes trying to persuade them of the good news that Jesus

A statement titled, "Is Jesus is the savior. the Only Way?" was adopted at

I have an acquaintance who is Japanese-American. As she considers Christianity, the question of the fate of the unevangelized is real to her Does Christianity teach that her ancestors will spend eternity in hell when they had no chance of hearing the gospel? If exclusivism is true, then the answer to her question Waterloo '97. It is wisely is narrow enough to reject pluralism and broad enough to encompass either exclusivism or inclusivism . (See sidebar below for full text .) is "Yes , they are damned ." To my friend this answer is unjust. It is not fair to condemn someone for failing to respond to a message that was never heard .

What are the implications of these three views for our relationship to adherents of other religions? At one time this question was relevant only to missionaries But, increasingly, it is a question that faces North American Mennonite Brethren as well.

Inclusivism, on the other hand, reminds my friend that God has revealed himself to all people-some through creation and some through the revelation of Jesus Christ . Salvation is available to all who put their faith in God through the revelation that they have received Inclusivism also reminds us to look for points

Affirming redemption through Jesus Christ alone*

BElIEVERS

ALL over the world are asking : "Is Jesus the only way?"

Although the question is not new, it is asked with greater urgency today because of the rise of religious pluralism and the presence of other faiths in our communities

Religious pluralism challenges the uniqueness of the Christian faith and denies that salvation can be found only through Christ. People of other faiths often find the exclusiveness of the Christian message offensive. This has been so from the first century up to the present, as all missionaries who have worked in other cultures know However, due to the more recent influx of non-Christian religions in the Western world, evangelical churches are seeking to come to terms with religious plurali sm

Our understanding of Scripture leads us to affirm that deliverance from sin and eternal death is possible only through the work of redemption, completed through the life, death and glorification of the Lord Jesus Christ While there may be spiritual and moral bene-

fits in religions, these religions are not alternate ways to God

1 A number of New Te stament passages dearly state that " Jesus is the only way," and that there is no salvation in any other name (In 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Cor 3: 11 ; Rom 10:9-10)

2 God deals impartially with all people and does not want anyone to be lost (In . 3:16; Acts 10:34-36; 14: 16-17; 17 : 1731 ; Rom . 2:6-11 ; 1 Tim . 2:5) .

3 Creation bears witness to the presence, the power and the goodness of God (Acts 14: 16-17; 17 :17-31 ; Rom 1:182:11 )

4 Because Christ has taken away the si n of the world, God has made it possible for all people to be saved (In 1:29; 3:16; Rom 5:6-10; 2 Cor 5: 19; 1 In 2:2)

5. Although universal salvation is available to humankind , only those who put their faith in Christ have the promise of eternal life . Those who reject God's grace stand under divine judgment (In 3:36; Rom 3:21 -26; 5:12-21 ; 2 Thess 1:8)

6. In his sovereign grace , God is free

to make himself known to people in ways that seem inscrutable t'O us (Acts 10:34-36; Rom 11 :33-36), but all those who ultimately enter the gates of glory do so because of Christ' s atoning death (Rev. 5:9;7: 14). God has, however, not informed us about how he will deal with those who have never heard of the saving death of Christ . Our task is to proclaim Christ as the only way of salvation to all people in all cultures We confess that Jesus is the only way of salvation and that God is just in dealing with all people. Although God's thoughts are greater than ours, and our understanding of his ways is limited (1 Cor 13:12), this in no way diminishes our commitment to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth (Mt.28 :19)

* This statement was submitted by the General Conference Board of Faith and Life and affirmed by delegates attending Waterloo '97, the biennial convention of the General Conference held this past summer

of contact with followers of other religions . Evil is that which is contrary to God's purposes. So to the degree that non-Christian religions point people away from God, they are evil. But evil cannot exist without good, for evil is a distortion of good It is the lingering good that often makes evil attractive. Inclusivism reminds us that God may have revealed himself to a culture in a way which has now become distorted As Christians, we must search for nuggets of truth in the beliefs of another, celebrate that truth and show that the way of Jesus encompasses and completes that truth

In Eternity in Their Hearts, Don Richardson tells the story of the Santal people of India . The Santal remembered a god named Thakur Jiu who had created the first man and first woman . But they rebelled against Thakur Jiu ; eventually the descendants of the first man and woman became so rebellious that Thakur Jiu destroyed the world with a flood, saving only a single pair. The Santal were alienated from Thakur Jiu, but still reme mberedhim.

When Christian missionaries learned of Thakur Jiu, they told the Santal that Jesus was the son of Thakur Jiu and had come to reconcile them to him. Richardson comments, "The Santal story is one of hundreds of case histories which prove that entire peoples of the non-Christian world often are many times more willing to receive the gospel than most Christians are to give it to them ."

Should we try to persuade our Buddhist or Hindu or Muslim neighbors to give up their religion and follow Christ? Pluralism says no, the proper relationship between Christians and non-Christians is dialogue. Christians and followers of other religions simply need to learn about one another and understand one another. Both inclusivists and exclusivists believe that persuasion is important. Clearly, dialogue is important. Dialogue allows us to recognize points of contact, like the ones in the story of the Santal people. Dialogue for the sake of dialogue, though, is not enough. Such dialogue is usually based on the assumption that neither party is interested in changing the mind of the other In matters of faith, such an attitude unintentionally shows a lack of respect for the other. Matters of faith are of utmost importance We show respect for others when we try to change their minds about important issues. I can engage in dialogue with someone about something unimportant- say, whether socc er is a better

Making that point of cont aot

IDENTIFYING POINTS of contact with other religions is one helpful step in pre senting the gospel in a plausible way How does a person discover points of contact? Here are a few sugg est ions

1 Cultivate a friendship with a person of another faith. Dialogue is not the end of interfa ith convers ation . but it is the beginning . It can be very helpfu l to visit th e mosq ue or temple or other place of worship of your friend Thi s al so opens th e opportunity for your friend to worship w ith you .

2. Look for resources by Christians who live in a context where your friend's religion is dominant For in stance, Indian Christians may have powerful insights into Hinduism . Palestinian Christians can he lp us understan d Isl am

3 Learn about the culture surrounding the other religion In Acts 17 the apostle Paul found a point of contact w ith the Athenians In their poetry If you have a Muslim neighbor origi nally from the Middle East, read some novel s by Arab If your neighbor is an Africs,(ko __ American M us lim , rea d some literature by African-American Muslims.

4. Read a book about other religions. Books that convey both the content and the feeling of other religions are especially valuable Huston Smith's the Religiof'lS -of th e-- World is- one otthe-best surveys"at portraying the atmosphere of the rel igions of the world while also conveying pretty accurate informat ion Always remember to read the section on Chri stian ity in any book like this and compare it to your own beliefs. This will help remind you that your friend ' s faith may not be exactly like the faith described in the book

5 Know your own f aith well If you do not know your own faith, you will not be able to recog nize points of contact.-OF

sport than basketball. But if a topic is importantfor instance, whether a prostate exam is a good idea for men over 40-1 want to persuade the other person.

Genuine respect for others includes trying to p e rsuade them of the good news that Jesus is the savior Our persuasion can be a rational persuasion based on the points of contact that we have discovered between Christianity and the faith of our friends Equally important , our persuasion can be our lifestyle. living the way of Jesus will often serve as our point of contact . By imitating Jesus 's self-giving and suffering love we may, without words, announce to people that the Savior has been born. •

David Fab er is associate professor ofphilosophy and religious studies at Tabor College, Hillsbo ro, Kan He is a member of the Eb e nfeld MB Church.

BY BOB GLA N ZER

Sadly Santa

By dressing as Santa Claus, I was playing a game. But those children took me seriously.

IHUNG UP THE PHONE WITH A sinking feeling. I had just agreed with the branch manager in another town to play Santa Claus for his bank's Christmas open house.

I was both anxious and eager about the assignment. I had acted a few times in high school and college, but after aU these years I was not sure I was up to playing Santa. Sitting for more than four hours and meeting aU those children concerned me. How was I going to keep the conversations going? To my knowledge, Santa asks three basic questions that he's supposed to know the answer to anyway What's your name? Have you been a good little boy or girl? What do you want for Christmas?

The morning fmaUy came. I worked on my Santa voice as I showered and shaved I practiced the Santa dialogue as I drove the 30 miles to the branch bank I was pumped emotionally and looking forward to having some innocent fun Although as a youngster I never believed in Santa Claus, this seemed

like a great opportunity to interact and joke around with children, something I'm somewhat gifted at anyway. I felt a little goofy in the costume but I was determined to be the best Santa I could possibly be.

Even before I was ready to take my place on the ornate chair, the ftrst guest arrived. It was apparent immediately that this young man had been anxiously awaiting the moment when he would be in the presence of Santa Claus All the poetic descriptions of wide-eyed excitement and wonder of children at Christmas ftt every minute of my encounter with this charming preschooler.

Since no other children had arrived and I was still fresh, this ftrst conversation continued far past the three basic questions I had rehearsed. Now he was quizzing me. Where's your reindeer? How did you get here? Where's Mrs. Claus? How come you're wearing that ring on your ftnger? Where are your white gloves?

He sincerely believed I was Santa Claus. So I played along and gave an answer to each question. From that time on the line of children waiting to see me never let up. All afternoon child after child came to sit on my lap-either willingly or as forced by a parent-to spend that traditional minute or two with Santa

As I reflect on the activities ofthe day, I admit I had a great time laughing and interacting with the children. But I am also vividly aware of the fact that everything my life stands for was compromised by a sweaty red suit and fake plastic beard.

That afternoon I was simply playing a game. But those children took me seriously. They genuinely believed that what we talked about was real. They accepted at face value the charade that somehow on Christmas Eve I was going to come to their house, land my reindeer on the roof, slide down the chimney, eat their snacks and leave them every toy on their Christmas wish list.

The traditional fantasies surrounding Santa Claus make him out to be almost like God. By pretending to be Santa, I was taking on :he personiftcation of the almighty, all knowing, llways present God I love, worship and want to with my life.

In my role as Santa, I was distracting those [ear children from the truth of Christmas . Would

a child believe Santa talking about a God who knows whether children have been good or bad? A God who loves persons so much in spite of their sinfulness that he sent a Savior so they each could experience eternal life, the greatest gift of all? That God's truth gives a real and lasting peace and a joy that goes far beyond Santa's empty promise of gifts and a sack of peanuts? How could Santa tell them about a loving and kind heavenly Father who knows and cares for them long after the lights and tinsel are stored away?

As I was driving home that evening, my heart was burdened for the salvation of the children for whom I had performed.

. Over the years, bringing young

people to a saving faith in God has been one of my goals. I have spent many hours working with and have ftnancially supported youth evangelism ministries and have discipled many youth in their quest for spiritual growth But that afternoon in

my role as Santa, I perpetuated a fantasy that could tum children away from the truth of God 's love. I cried as I drove and my prayer was long and fervent.

"Lord, please forgive me for the wrong thoughts and impressions I left with these young lives today. During this Christmas season, give each child,

How could Santa tell them about a loving and kind heavenly

Father who knows

and cares for them long after the lights and tinsel are stored away?

each mom and each of those dads an opportunity to hear your precious plan of salvation. May they learn the true meaning of this blessed season . And most of all, Lord, I pray that they would respond to that message and accept you as their personal Savior."

As I continue to reflect on this experience, I am certain of two things. God will answer my prayers on behalf of these children and I'll never "play" Santa again! •

Bob Glanzer is an agricultural loan officer from Huron, S D. He and his Wife, Penny, attend Bethesda MB Church in Huron and have two grown children.

E'VE ROUNDED THE LAST TURN AND ARE HEADED down the final frenetic stretch toward the Christmas finish line. All of our figurative stockings are hung by the fire, waiting to see who will make our hopes and dreams come true.

Seems like the season is more about getting than giving. Our wish lists are subtly circulated among family and friends who allow themselves to be dutifully taxed Sigh! Perhaps the givers need a union to protect them against "taxation without representation. "

Oh, well, perish the revolutionary thought!

Of course, the forecasters layout the odds of snow falling on or shortly before Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so we can have a sentimental "white Christmas. " Where we live , the statistical probabilities are not good-about 30 percent for old snow making the ground white, and only about 11 percent for snow actually falling on Christmas Day. Not strong odds for stroking our nostalgia

But the season is about a different kind of whiteness.

The sign at a local business establishment daringly proclaims, "He Is the Reason for the Season " A local pastor use s his church's highway marquee to post a warning, "Take Christ out of Christmas, and You Lose the Reason for the Season."

Well said , but the slogans themselves have already become almost a new evangelically cor-

BY RI C HARD J . SCHROEDER

White Christmas

rect tradition-the hue and cry of Christians struggling to distance themselves from the commercialism and secularization of Christmas

It's hard to extract ourselves from all of itwe as individuals and families become so much a part of our communit ies and culture.

It's hard to not lose sight of the importance of a good whitewash job .

The prophet Isaiah carried the word of God to the people ofJudah and Jerusalem about their decadence and selfish superficiality. God warned them to "Cease to do evil ; learn to do good; seek justice " And then God said, "Come now, and let us reason together Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" (Is . 1:1618).

Of course, Isaiah's prophecies were still looking ahead to the coming of the Messiah . Now, we look back at the coming of Jesus to make that whitewashing possible That is, indeed, the central event of history that we claim to observe at Christmas but which seems to get crumpled and tarnished or forgotten .in the party-time celebrations

It mayor may not snow for Christmas, but it doesn't really matter That's just emotional sentiment What matters is that God is going to see my desperately scarlet heart as pure, dazzling white because his Son has bought and paid for it!

I'm so glad it's going to be a white Christmas at my house!

•

Richard J Schroeder is a member of the Garden Park MB Church, Denver, Colo. God guarantees his people a white Christmas ... whether it snows or not

PECIAL ELIVEElY

FICTION BY JoANN BRANDT

No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light. "

PLACING THE MARKER BETWEEN THE WORN, yellow pages, Sam]ames closed his Bible, set his nearly empty coffee cup in front of him and stretched his long legs. Leaning back in his chair, he ran his fingers through his curly, dark hair and locked his hands behind his head. It was quiet except for the occasional "pop " and "hiss" from the old potbellied stove in the comer

The December night had brought a gentle breeze over the hills. But Sam knew before the day was over, that wind, now soft, would come roaring across the face of the mountain, through the trees, and down to the valleys, packing with it the first heavy snow of the winter

With a start, Sam gulped the lukewarm bitterness left in his tin cup, shoved himself away from the table and reached for his saddle pack. A

quick check inside revealed flint, coffee, a box of cartridges, four pieces of jerky, and some dried apples. Grabbing four baking-powder biscuits left from breakfast, Sam rolled them in paper and pushed them in among the other things. After banking the stove, he slipped into his duster, slung the saddle pack over his broad shoulder, grabbed his worn hat, and stepped out on the porch. With a wary glance at the sky, Sam stepped back in his cabin and took his yellow slicker from the peg and stuffed it in the bag. Picking up the rifle by the door, he headed for the bam. If the weather held until nightfall, Sam would finish his round and make it back to the cabin before the storm broke.

The roan greeted Sam with a muffled snort and a shake of his thick mane. With a gentle slap on the horse's flank, the young ranger reached for the blanket and saddle .

"Well, fella, let's get a move on. Come evening we don't want to be up on that mountain. Mike Scott said he has a special delivery for us to make, and it can't be put off another day. He seems real anxious about this package; must be a special Christmas surprise for someone. "

Settling into the saddle, Sam felt the impatience of the horse as the roan started off at a crisp canter The animal was a good mountain horse and knew the route well, so Sam threaded the reins loosely through his fingers and let the horse have his way.

An hour later, Sam rode into the neatly kept yard of Charles Brodie

"Howdy, Sam."

Turning, Sam saw the weathered old man come around the side of the cabin wiping his brow and resting an ax on his slumped shoulder.

"Morning, Charles How's everything out this way?"

"Things are dandy here, but word came down off the mountain that Megan Leigh is left alone with the young-uns again. Seems her man is held up over by General's Junction and with this storm creepin' in, they be needin' someone checking on 'em "

"I'll head up that way now. You sure you don't need anything?"

The grizzled old man shook his head.

"I'll try to come by once more before Christmas, weather permitting And Charles? Next time I come by, I don't want to find you frozen in some snowdrift with an ax buried between your toes ."

"Aw, Sam, I can handle an ax better than any man half my age. You just be careful that this

storm don't get the best of you. Somehow frozen ranger atop a nice lookin' roan doesn't conger up a pretty picture Be a pity to lose such a fine horse "

With a good-natured laugh and a strong handshake, the ranger turned the roan and headed to the Leigh place . Within a few minutes, the path turned into nothing more that a game trail which climbed among thick trees. The going was slow; Mike Scott's special delivery would have to wait a few more hours.

bout mid morning, Sam entered a small, flat meadow surrounded by heavy forest. A milk cow was picketed about fifty yards from a plain, bare cabin. A straggly pile of was strewn by the door, and a water barrel stood guard under the sole window of the cabin's face.

Sam spurred the reluctant horse into the yard. "Hello Sam James here. Anyone home?"

The door of the cabin slowly opened and a dirty little face with stringy blond hair peeked out .

"Hello, little lady. Is your rna here?" But as he spoke, the door opened wider and a weary looking Mrs. Leigh came forward.

Three hours later, the tired ranger rode out of the meadow and into the forest. He could feel his shoulder muscles tighten from chopping wood and hauling water, but at least he was satisfied that the Leigh family would be fine until the storm played out. Megan Leigh was grateful, had fed him a hearty, if plain, meal, and admonished him to "take care down the mountain; storm's a'comin'." And indeed it was. Sam turned up the collar of his duster, tugged on his gloves, and began the journey downhill; the roan needed no encouragement

The sky was rolling with heavy clouds, but the day still held plenty of daylight left when Sam entered Mike Scott's store. Sam's day had stretched longer than he had anticipated. He hoped Mike's delivery wouldn't take long; he and the roan were anxious to get home.

"That you, Sam? Be right out."

Sam walked to the storeroom door just as his friend lifted the last sack of flour to the shelf. Wiping his hands on his apron, Mike reached for Sam's hand and gave him a friendly slap on the back.

"Kinda late. Mraid you wouldn't make it this round."

"Yep, I thought so too. Got held up at the Leigh place. " "Everything all right out that way?"

"It is now Say, about this delivery, weather's changing awful fast . I want to be sheltered before the worst breaks, so if you'll hand over the package and tell me whe re it goes, I'll be on my way."

"The 'package' goes over to a widow lady in Sandy Creek. Don't think you know her; she runs the post office Name's Kate Jordan "

As Mike spoke, he led Sam back to the counter and poured him some coffee . "The package is kinda fragile and will need some extra care ; you gotta keep it warm. " He reached below the counter and brought up a tattered travel bag.

"That doesn ' t look very fragile to me "

"This is only part of the delivery; the rest is behind you ." Turning, Sam spied a mite of a girl no more than seven years old. Freckles splashed across her nose and thick, russet hair was braided loosely down her back. Her skinny arms hung from the frayed cuffs of her ragged coat and her worn shoes were too big for her tiny feet

The ranger squatted down in front of the little girl. "Hello, Miss So, you have a package for me?"

Her blue eyes widened As she opened her mouth to speak, Sam noticed a missing front tooth. "I am the package," she whispered as she leaned closer to his ear

"What?"

"That's right , Sam. Meet Miss Bethany Paige. Bethany, this is Mr. James, and he's going to take you to Mrs Jordan's house. "

Minutes later, Bethany sat astride the saddle with a perplexed Sam right behind . A few snow flurries had already begun to swirl across the road with the promise of biting snow not far behind . Mike had said Sam would know Mrs . Jordan's house when he saw it. Sam hoped that was true

s they rode, Sam opened his duster and wrapped it around the little girl making sure her legs were tucked under the warm fleece. He buttoned the big coat the child 's chin, leaving enough of opening for her nose and eyes to peek through Sam could feel the weariness of the roan as they pushed into the dimming twilight. It was several minutes before the ranger was able to coax any information from the girl.

"I've been at the orphanage long as I remember Don't rightly ' member my pa and ma "

"What about the o t her c hildren? " Sam asked as he watc hed for familiar landmarks

"Ain't many children at the home no more 'cept girls like me . Boys don't stay long 'cause farmers want 'em to do chores, and bigger girls get choosed real fast 'cause they can help the rna with the young-uns. Course, babies get picked first. "

The ranger's eyes tried to adjust to the falling darkness as he listened to the child. With a sense of urgency, he spurred the roan to move faster . "They try to get all the children gived away by Christmas. But I'm the one nobody ever wants. Ain't never been away from the orphanage before, 'specially at Christmastime Ain't never even had a real Christmas tree." She paused for a bit, then added with childlike seriousness, "Don't even know if the widow lady will want me ."

Sam James had been a ranger for nine years. He wasn't much use in a kitchen, but kept a tidy cabin He was a good horseman and a God-fearing man who did his job with integrity and grit

But Sam James was a lonely man

Sam's heart began to warm toward the little girl as she relaxed into easy conversation. He tightened his arms around her more securely. This was one package he was going to deliver safely; one little lady who was going to have a special Christmas.

Abruptly, the flurries c eased. Big, thick flakes began to drop in the sudden stillness Sam quickly dug out his slicker He shoved his arms through the holes, making sure the tent was draped over the child. Within minutes, the trail vanished under a blanket of snow An eerie blackness seemed to suck in horse and riders

Feeling the skittishness of the horse, the ranger pulled the roan to a stop Sam could see nothing in the darkness, yet he could sense the wind, thief-like, closing in . Suddenly, with a piercing scream, the roan dug down on his hind legs and lunged to the left plowing through the brush and trees.

"Whoa! Easy there, fella!" the ranger shouted as he jerked the reins, almost bringing the animal down. But the horse continued thrashing with a vengeance through the whipping branches into the sting of the now biting snow.

Clinging desperately to Bethany, Sam hunkered down as wet branches slapped his face. The seconds of confusion turned into minutes of terror as the horse recklessly charged forward, driven by some unknown force

Quite suddenly, the roan came to a standstill, nearly throwing his riders. Steam puffed from his mouth and sweat ran under his mane Sam lifted

his head as the prowling wind stung his cheeks; he pushed his hat up a bit on his forehead. Up ahead and to the right, he thought he glimpsed a faint glimmer. He reined the horse sharply toward the flicker; the animal blew and puffed and gave a fierce sling of his mane, then lunged to the right.

tumbling from his horse and grasping Bethany who was still bundled inside his duster and slicker, the ranger pounded on the door of the house as he stood in the light pouring from the upstairs window . The door opened quickly, and Sam nearly fell through the threshold as the heat pulled him in. He quickly unbuttoned his coat and gently set the child before him Her once braided hair was now hanging a bit askew and her blue eyes were wide with fright

"You're here! Oh, you're really here!" came a delighted voice.

Pushing his hat high on his brow, Sam quickly turned. A lovely young woman with golden curls brushed past him and scooped Bethany up in her arms and planted a kiss soundly on the little girl's cheek.

"I was so afraid you wouldn't make it; 1 had almost given up!" she cried as she hugged the astonished little girl more tightly and kissed the other cheek. Looking to Sam, she continued, "You must be Sam James. Mike Scott said you were the best, and you'd see to it that I'd receive my special delivery "

A smile tugged at the comer of Sam's mouth as the woman squeezed the child once more before setting her down "You and your horse must be just about worn out . The storm won't let up for hours yet, so you best stay the night. You can bed your horse out back in my bam, and by then, I'll have something for you both to eat "

Swallowing, Sam replied, "Yes, Ma'am We're both tuckered." He began to button his duster once again, but his eyes never left the woman's bright face "And 1 take it you are Kate Jordan," he added matter of factly.

In the moming, Sam was roused by the smell of strong coffee and cinnamon buns. He had slept comfortably in a heavy chair pulled up to the stove Slowly turning his head, he focused on a freckled, splashed face with tumbling red hair not more than five inches from his eyes

"Mr. James? I've been a'waitin' awful long time for you to wake up ," Bethany whispered as she snuggled in the chair beside him "And Mr. James? She said 1 was her special gift She had

Sam's heart began to warm toward the little girl as she relaxed into easy conversation. Be tightened his arms around her more securely. This was one package he was going to deliver safely; one little lady who was going to have a special Christmas.

this nightgown all ready for me, and there's shoes that look like right to be my size You thinkin' she might keep me?"

The ranger tucked the little girl under his arm. "I think she 's going to keep you "

Two hours later, a reluctant Sam James mounted his rested roan. The sun's rays bounced off the crystal snow and the air was filled with the crisp fragrance of washed pine.

Kate Jordan handed Sam three cinnamon buns and reminded him , "Don 't forget that you are invited for Christmas dinner next Monday."

"I'm not likely to forget, ma'am. And Bethany, you best clear out a comer in the parlor for that big tree I'm going to bring."

The young girl's squeal prickled the horse's ears and he gave a quick, uncomfortable shake of his head

"And ma'am, thanks for that bright light you put in your upstairs window last night; the roan here was the first to spy it. We'd have missed your house altogether without it. "

"Upstairs window?" A puzzled look clouded Kate 's face

"Yes, ma'am. Until next Monday then." The ranger tipped his hat to the ladies and reined his horse around. A smile broke across his face; a man could get mighty used to coming home to a woman and little girl like those two .

About fifty yards up the lane, Sam pulled up the horse and looked back at Kate's house . The ranger sat astride the impatient roan for several seconds not hearing the jingle of the bridle or the creak of saddle leathe r

Kate Jordan had a single-story house •

JoAnn Brandt, a member oj the Dinuba (Calif) MB Church, tea ches high school English.

WHAT READERS SAY

A 'successful' Christian politician

The response to a question asked in Inquiring Minds (October) kind of touched a nerve. I hope to offer another point of view.

The question was, "Does a Christian politician have a chance to succeed in the kind of world in which we live?" The answer lies in how one defines "succeed." To me, the success of a politician is in direct proportion to the consideration and respect given to his or her ideas. Immediate acceptance is not important since most signdficantchanges or acceptance take time-sometimes a lot longer than one wishes. Rarely does important legislation pass the first time.

For Christian legislators to retain credibility, they must be careful not to call things "Christian" that are really just a conservative agenda. This is why the Christian Coalition doesn't carry the respect it could. If you look at their scorecard, more than 50 percent of the questions have nothing to do with being a Christian or touch on moral issues.

Daryl

Toews Montana State Senate Helena, Mont.

Standing in the gap

I recently had the opportunity to attend Promise Keepers' "Stand in the Gap" gathering in Washington , D.C. The experience was quite awesome and moving. A number of things stuck out. The most obvious was the size of the gathering and the preparation for it.

My father and I arrived on the Mall at about 9 a .m., just in front ofthe Capitol. The steps of the Capitol were teeming with people One of the speakers pointed out that this was the largest gathering of God's people since Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt It was truly immense

Second was the feeling of acceptance and unity. It didn't matter your color, disability, political alignment or church affiliation. At one point we were asked to respond by saying what church we belonged to. When we shouted as one it was indeed mighty-

but incomprehensible. However, when we were asked to say to whom our allegiance belonged, the name of Jesus Christ roared forth like no battle cry ever heard.

We gathered ftrst of all to stand in the gap, as reflected in Ezekiel 22:30: "And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none. "

I proclaim to you today that on Oct 4, a great hedge was erected at the heart of our nation-a hedge of flesh and blood, humbled and broken before God. This assembly of men gathered not to make a statement to our nation or government, but to our God , saying, "Here we prostrate and humble ourselves repenting of our sins and seeking revival. "

Some have said they missed the boat, they didn't make it to this sacred assembly that may never be repeated. The fact is, revival begins with one heart igniting with God's flame and then allowing that flame to be fanned into a blaze that can't help but spread. God didn't stop with Abraham. He didn't stop at the burning bush. He didn't stop with Passover or the Red Sea. He didn't stop with the giving of the law, or the Jordan and Jericho. He didn't stop with the birth of his son or the death of his son. He didn't stop with his son's victory over death. He didn't stop during the persecution of the churc h, or the holocaust . And he won't stop with the Promise Keeper's "Stand in the Gap."

Will you stop? Will you still your witness?

Fred Alberti Jr. Hillsboro, Kan

Joy for protection, ministry

I write with my heart filled with joy and thanksgiving toward the Lord for his nume rous wonders directed at us . As a hen assembling her chicks under her wings when a predator comes, the Lord has protected us under his wings during the most threatening period in which we have just lived between April and May 1997 during

the change of government in Congo .

The spectrum of death was on us and it was caused by the people who are not accepting the change of government. God has protected us in Kikwit and Kinshasa, where we were afraid of living through a bloodshed .This protection of the Lord is due to your prayers and to ours.

However, in Kenge, where we have a church of more than 100 members, two children have been injured because of the gunftghts and the husband of the president of the parish (who was not yet a member) was one of the hundreds of victims of gunftghts .

But joy has ftlled our hearts, and our mouths have sung the praises of our Lord who has brought the Esengo choir in peace and in good health, physically as well as spiritually. What a joy it was to welcome them and to receive the diploma of recognition given to our conference for their participation in the ministry of joy to the conferences in India, Japan, United States and Canada

They have told us how the Lord has used them to bless their ministry wherever they went. We have also heard from North America regarding the gratitude of the churches

In light of this testimony, we too believe that the goal has been fulftlled. May the Lord be glorifted for this and may he continue to bless our churches and to prepare other occasions which will allow the continuation of our partnership for the coming of his kingdom in this world filled with abominations

Masolo Manunga, chair MB Conference of Congo Kikwit, Democratic Rep of Congo

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

BY PHILIP WIEBE

That old holiday spirit

Thanksgiving is often called the last "pure" holiday.... Most obviously, it is considerably less commerical than shopping-crazy Christmas

PcrnE FESTIVE DAYS of Christmas approach, I want to dwell for a oment on the subject of Thanksgiv-

ing projects like painting the house or building a deck . It is true that the holiday· dependent retail industry goads us every year to drag ourselves out on Thanksgiving Friday to christen the Christmas-shopping season,

ing No, I haven't slipped into some kind of "calendar warp. " These days between Thanksgiving and Christmas just seem like a good time for a little holiday reflection. So then but I've never had any prob· lem whatsoever resisting such prodding. Who wants to spend a precious day off scouting for parking spaces a mile from the mall?

Thanksgiving is often called the last "pure" holiday. I tend to agree. Of all modem holidays, Thanksgiving seems to carry the least amount of baggage. Granted, many of us carry a bit of extra baggage around the middle after stuffing down one or two Thanksgiving dinners But, of course, I speak of more symbolic kinds of baggage. Most obviously, Thanksgiving is considerably less commercial than shopping-crazy Christmas. Not that there haven't been attempts to cash in, such as greeting card makers trying to peddle Thanksgiving cards. But what chance did that marketing ploy ever have? By late November most people-except possibly Martha Stewart-types who are already working on Christmas 1999-are hyperventilating over their Christmas lists and letters and what gift to buy for their spouse's second cousin Fred.

Thanksgiving has a peaceful symmetry to it For most, it means a fourday weekend-long enough to get a little rest but too short to attempt some frenzied, exhausting vacation trip like people tend to do over Christmas/New Year's or spring break. And Thanksgiving is pleasingly free from any Memorial- and Labor Day-like home-improvement overtones . By Thanksgiving the yard work is basically done and it's too cold or damp to take up any migraine-produc-

Of course, Thanksgiving can be stre ssful for travelers, for those hosting meals and guests, and for sufferers of loneliness or loss. But in its purest form, the holiday revolves around the most accessible of concepts: giving thanks and gathering for fellowship For most of us, it doesn 't take much effort to find meaning and enjoyment in these. We are blessed . We have material provisions far beyond our need. We have acceS 5 to a rich abun· dance of worship, service and spiritual-growth opportunities . We enjoy peace and freedom unmatched throughout history and throughout the world

Bycontrast, Christmas as celebrated today seems to hinder the finding of meaning and enjoyment. So much energy is invested in the "duties" of decorating and gift-giving and card-sending and party-going and program-hopping, we hardly have time to rest and reflect . How ironic it is that we commemorate the simplest and most humble of births with overwhelming pomp and pageantry.

Although I'm certainly thankful that in Christ we've been freed from the complex Levitical requi rements of

sacrifice and ritual, Old Testament feasts and holidays had a depth of meaning that seems to be missing from our holidays today. A list of festivals and sacred days observed throughout the Jewish year reveals the recurring themes of rest, remembrance and repentance.

For example, the most sacred day ofthe year, the Day of Atonement, was highlighted by this requirement from Leviticus 23:28: "Do no work on that day, because it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the LORD your God "

Other holidays and festivals listed in Leviticus 23-Passover, Firstfruits, Tabernacles, and so on, all commemorating God's deliverance and provision-are sprinkled with similar requirements.

"You are to proclaim a sacred assembly and do no regular work," (v. 21).

"Do no regular work, but present an offering made to the LORD" (v_ 25) "Celebrate the festival to the loRD for seven days; the first day is a day of rest, and the eighth day also is a day of rest. rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days" (vv. 39,40).

It is interesting that the first "holiday" listed in Leviticus 23 is the Sabbath. We no longer celebrate the Jewish Sabbath, of course, but I like the idea of thinking of the "Christian Sabbath" as a holiday rather than a duty or a day like any other day except for interrupting the shopping or yard work with an hour or two of church. A weekly holiday celebrating God's salvation and provision-for the whole day and not just for a few minuteswould go a long way toward relieving the stressful, breathless pace that assaults so many of our lives today.

During this holiday season, it's good to remember that Old Testament holidays were times to cease human strivings and acknowledge the greatness and graciousness of God. I'd like to think that Christians could accomplish something similar with Christmas, but there probably aren't enough shopping days left .

Ifyou are away from home for the weekend and attending a local church, should you give your tithe to that church or to your home church when you return? (CAUFORNIA)

AThe person asking the question suggested he wanted a "biblical" answer. As with so many practices in the Christian church, we proceed not so much on biblical mandates as on biblical principles You will not find much information in the New Testament about how you should give your money or to whom. It is clear that Paul teaches us to give regularly, proportionately and cheerfully.

The key to the question lies in the kind of covenant we make with a congregation when we join. If we are true to our Anabaptist Mennonite heritage, membership takes on serious proportions. We become willing to admonish and be admonished. We submit our judgment and wishes to the wisdom of the larger body or family. We are bound in covenant with this family You cannot form that kind of allegiance to a church where you are a weekend visitor

While it is true we are members of one Christian family, membership in a church ought to bind us together in a fashion not experienced in wider circle s . For that reason, I am biased against participating often in communion services outside my local congregation. The 1 Corinthians 5 passage, where a man is excluded from the Lord's Supper as discipline for sin, shows rather clearly that a serious relationship or covenant is created when people join together as a congregation

If I am correct in viewing my membership in a church as a binding, covenant-forming relationship, then my financial stewardship is also involved in that covenant. While our proneness to individualism dictates

INOUIR[NG MINDS

BY MARVIN HEIN

against this, when we join a fellowship or family, we also surrender to some extent our determination of how the church's funds are spent. Moreover, we pledge to support this local group with our finances. We have no such binding relationships with the United Fund or Salvation Army or the Bulldog Foundation or World Vision or any other of hundreds of otherwise legitimate organizations Our first responsibility is to our covenant family.

If and when I am a guest in a friend's home, I am not as responsible for providing food for my friend's children as I am for seeing to it that my children eat. My status as guest does not place on me the duty to support my host's family. In a similar way, when I am a visitor in a church which is largely a stranger to me, I do not feel responsible to support fmancially such a group, unless it does not impinge on my support to my local family of believers. More and more I fmd pastors stating before the offering is received that guests should not feel obligated to give I believe that is consistent with biblical principles

QDo you have to go to church to keep the Sabbath? (CALIFORNIA)

AI assume the question arises from the biblical injunction to "remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy" (Ex 20:8). It is fascinating to notice that when God gave the Ten Commandme nts, and spoke of the Sabbath, he said nothing about going to worship In the original setting , it is clear that God spoke more of resting from work than anything else.

It is equally clear that as the religion of Judaism developed, Sabbathkeeping certainly implied going to church . But later it became obvious that simply going to worship with-

4812 E Butler, Fresno, CA 93727

out the heart involved did not constitute keeping the Sabbath day holy. Rather, such legalists were condemned by Jesus

In the New Testament, Christian believers, after the resurrection, made attendance at worship services part of what was the new version of the Sabbath-Sunday. So it becomes clear that there are at least two prerequisites for keeping the Sabbath day holy- rest and worship

Keeping in mind that Jesus distinctly condemned church-going when it is done out of impure motivation or simple ritual, but also deliberately attended even Jewish services of worship while he was on earth, the answer to the inquirer would seem to be both yes and no . It is surely possible for a believer both to rest and worship without showing up at the local worship service on Sunday morning. Those physically unable to join the church family for worship can nevertheless worship and keep the day holy. But who can deny that even those who are well can find ways to worship outside the gathered community? Yes , you can keep the Sabbath holy without gathering in a formal worship service on the Lord's Day.

But we should not forget that Jesus by example, and Paul by instruction, gave direct instruction to attend worship services. The New Testament church met regularly and saw this as one way to keep the chosen day holy The writer of Hebrews minced no words when he talked about some people forsaking the assembling of themselves together (Hebrews 10:25). Jesus knew how to worship as he viewed his own hand of creation, but that did not keep him out of gathered assemblies where people met to exalt the Lord.

What we oUght to discover from any examination of the biblical references to Sabbath-keeping (in the New Testament sense) is that ignoring the Sabbath is wrong and remembering the Sabbath but for wrong reasons is also wrong .

ON THE JOURNEY

BY ROSE BUSCHMAN

The Christmas nail

The nail is known only to the home that hangs it. Understood only by the heart that knows its significance.

LAST CHRISTMAS a friend gave me a nail as a gift Yes, a nail. She told me that when she went shopping and found this

particular nail, it had my name written all over it She just had to buy it for me

Now, this is no ordinary nail It is called "The Christmas Nail" and until I received this gift I had never even heard of it . About seven inches long, it is fash· ioned into a rectangular spike that tapers with a flat head at the wider end to a blunt point at the other end. It looks like it could be made out of pewter or some type of iron. Near the head of the nail, a hole has been drilled and a red ribbon threaded through it It is packaged in a gold· colored box lined with blue velve· tized cardboard

The nail comes with very specific instructions: "It is to be hung on a sturdy branch [of the Christmas tree] near the trunk that will hold such a . spike without being noticed by wellwishers dropping by to admire one's tinseled tree The nail is known only to the home that hangs it Understood only by the heart that knows its significance It is hung with the thought [that] the Christmas tree but foreshadows the Christ-tree which only He could decorate for us, ornamented with nails as this. "

A t first I wasn't sure what I would 11..do with my nail, but after some thought I hung it on our tree I told no one except my husband what I had done Strange as it may seem , I could not forget the nail's presence nor the symbolism it represented Every time I walked by the tree, I

would think of the nail hid· den behind the decora· tions, and what it stood for.

When Christmas was over and it was time to put the tree and its decorations away, I realized I had received a special blessing

from the nail 's unseen presence. It was a powerful symbol that remind· ed me daily of the spiritual signifi· cance of the Christmas season . My friend was right. That nail had my name written all over it

From the symbolism of this nail, my thoughts often jumped to the symbolism of the Christmas tree as I experienced it in Morocco . In our small Protestant church, the custom was to decorate a freshly cut junipe r tree for Christmas. During the se r· vices the children gathered around the tree and we all sang:

"Joy to the world! the Lord is come."

"Hark the herald angels sing, 'Glory to the newborn King.'"

"0 Come, all ye faithful ... come let us adore Him."

After the Christmas services were over, the tree would be taken down, the branches cut off and the trunk carefully stored for Easter

For Palm Sunday, this trunk was cut into two pieces and fastened together into the shape of a cross A stand was made for it and several palm branches fastened to the rough cross . It was a dramatic symbol for our Palm Sunday service .

Later in the Passion Week, our church held a Maundy Thursday evening service at which time the palm fronds were removed from the cross and replaced by a "crown of thorns " This wreath was made from

a thorn-stu dded vine that grew in the region . Again, a dramatic symbol in remembrance of the events leading up to Golgotha.

When Easter Sunday came it was time to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.

For this day, the wreath of thorns was removed and the cross covered with chicken wire. Before the service starte d, we worshipers were all invited to come to the front of the church and fasten fresh flowers into the wire. Soon the cross was transformed into a b laze of color. Again the children gathered around the c ross

Now we all sang:

"When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of glory died .. . "

"Up from the grave He arose .. .]esus my Lord ... !"

"Christ, the Lord, is risen today."

Our little church in Morocco was a spiritual oasis for me The re making of our Christmas tree into the Christ tree provided a symbolic c onnection between the birth and death of Jesus in a country which does not accept him as Savior. It was a simple, but powerful, object lesson that restored the connection between the two seasons for both children and adults .

I don't know of any c hurch in this country which has a similar tradition, but in our home the Christmas nail hangs on our Christmas tree again this December

If you come to visit us and ask about it, I will show it to you. Otherwise, it will hang there hidden among the branches near the trunk as a quiet, but powerful, reminder to me that Christmas and Easter really do go together.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given But he was wounded for our transgressions, he w as bruised for our iniquities That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (Is . 9 :6, 53:5 ; In . 3 :16 KJV) .

PDC: Invited to leave the comfort zone

• Pacific District delegates challenged to reach people who do not know Christ

THE PADDED chairs were comfortable, as was the fellowship, and even the temperature of the room. But organizers meant for the discussion to be anything but comfortable at the Pacific District Conference convention held Nov. 7-8.

Under the theme "Beyond the Comfort Zone," delegates from Mennonite Brethren churches in the western states meeting at Bethany Church in Fresno, Calif., heard several challenges to step out of their comfort zone to reach people who do not know Christ.

Conference moderator Roger Poppen of Bakersfield, Calif., addressing the topic in his opening keynote address, pointed to several factors that make church life uncomfortable today. The predicted demise of denominations, conflict over worship styles, and the changing ethnic makeup of society and the conference can all take people out of their comfort zones, he said.

But God's people should not be surprised to fmd themselves uncomfortable, Poppen added, because Jesus came as the ultimate example of one leaving his comfort zone. "The call to the gospel is also a call to share in Jesus's suffering, his uncomfortableness."

Poppen challenged the gathering to see change as an opportunity for ministry. Individuals and churches could reach out to their neighbors and their communities. Conference outreach efforts would benefit from fmancial giving that extended outside the comfort zone.

"So much more could be done if our churches would give the suggested norms," he added "We need to stretch our wallets out of their comfort zone ."

In two addresses to the conference, Ed Boschman, director of Mission USA, the national renewal and

outreach ministry, emphasized how churches and individuals must reach beyond their comfort zone to share Christ with their communities .

Referring to a church-health survey conducted in several Mennonite Brethren churches, Boschman noted that many were weak in "deliberate disciple-making." Rather than focusing primarily on the needs of people already in the church, churches must "reprioritize winning lost people as a highest value ," he said.

In his Friday evening Home Missions banquet message, Boschman called on Brad Klassen to reinforce the point with testimony from his experience planting a new church in Phoenix , Ariz.

"We are doing some things I thought I'd never do," Klassen confessed, "like going door to door and saying, 'Hi, I'm planting a church.'"

To his surprise, the one-day door-todoor campaign yielded 10 of the 14 people currently part of their small group

"We are committed to do whatever it takes to communicate the love of Christ to the people of Phoenix," Klassen said.

At the banquet, other church planters also testified to the rewards of risk taking in outreach. Referring to their experiment in holding services on Saturday evenings instead of Sunday mornings, Bakersfield church planter Jim Aiken declared: "It's exciting to see people show up on Saturday night and see God show up to meet them."

Mark Thompson, working as a church planter in Capitola, Calif., told the people sitting around banquet tables, "Getting out of your comfort zone is scary, but I wouldn't trade where I am with anyone of you tOnight. "

AlIen Carden, the newly installed .I'l..p resident of Fresno Pacific University, took note of God's provision "outside our comfort zone" in a message based on Psalm 23:5, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies "

Carden applied the metaphor of the table to Fresno Pacific Unive rsity, explaining that although it exists in a context of "enemies "- a world of "ignorance, injustice , intolerance, materialism and hopel es sness "-the

"We must reprioritize winning lost people as a highest value," declared Ed Boschman, director of Mission USA and the keynote speaker at the home missions banquet.

university offers "tasty dishes to nourish us in our battle for God_"

He announced the university's new "tasty dish," a major in Christian ministries to be offered as part of the college's degree-completion program designed for people who are employed full time.

Carden also called on Art Enns, FPU vice president for advancement, to announce the revision of plans for the university's College Commons. With other projects providing facilities the Commons was designed for, the proposed $12 million facility has been scaled back to a $ 5 million project for dining hall, dinner theater and mail room services, Enns said.

Reports from several other boards resonated with the comfort -zone theme. As part of the Hispanic Ministries report, church-planting couple Omar and Miriam Parada told of the sacrifices their call has involved. Both had good careers, a nice home and a comfortable lifestyle. "We even drove a Suburban," Miriam noted_ But they left these things in order to follow God's call to ministry. They now live in a rented house and get by on Miriam's income while Omar invests full time in ministry at the new Ciudad de Refugio church in Madera, Calif.

"When you sacrifice for the Lord he will become real to you," Omar testified.

"The Lord is our provider," Miriam added.

The Board of Faith and Life presented a paper on the issue of racism

Board member Rod Suess challenged the delegates to not let past experiences determine how they respond to new opportunities "As Christians we come to a chance for food and fellowship [with another racial or ethnic group] and then, because of past experience, we veer away."

The BFL paper encouraged church leaders to "prayerfully and openly discuss how bridges can be built across the cultural divides in our communities, churches and conference ministries ."

Reinforcing the need to reach across cultural divides, the delegates welcomed five new congregations into the conference-all of them immigrant churches. Three were Korean churches: Shin II in Anaheim, Calif ; Joong Ang in Los Angeles; and Sam Sung in Federal Way, Wash. The other two were of recent immigrants from the former Soviet Union: Slavic Gospel Church of Bellingham, Wash., and Pilgrim Slavic Church of Spokane, Wash.

If the delegates were stirred beyond their comfort zone by the board reports or the messages, they did not show it in discussion on the conference floor. Nearly all reports and proposals were accepted without comment. Among the recommendations approved by the conference were a $272,400 budget for 1997-98 and a bylaws revision reflecting the change in name from Fresno Pacific College to Fresno Pacific University.Kathy Heinrichs Wiest

BRIEF

APPOINTED: Brad Thiessen has been appointed secretary for communications and media for MB Missions/Services Thiessen will be responsible for all media produced by MBM/S, including print, video and the MBM/S Internet web site Thiessen most recently worked in the communication and public affairs department at Crossroads Health Region near Edmonton, Alta He has also worked on a parttime basis with the MB Herald , the publication of the Canadian Conference Thiessen will begin working in Fresno, Calif , once immigration procedures are finalized . (MBMjS)

VOLUNTEERING : A team of U-SERV (an acronym for Utilizing Skills and Energies of Ready Volunteers , a ministry of the U S Conference) workers. recently spent 47 days helping Community Bible Fellowship in Bellingham , Wash ., refurbish their facility After renting for the past seven years , the congregation purchased their own building, which needed renovation Team members from California included Eugene and Leola Loewen of Clovis; Charles and Sharon Evert, John and Marion Smith, all of Kingsburg , and John Rathjen and Don and Marian Loewen all of Bakersfield U-SERV coordinator Ted Thiessen reports the Bellingham congregation appreciated the efforts of the team in readying their church facility

HONORED: Fresno Pacific University professors Yvonne Freeman and David Freeman were honored during the Fresno-Madera California Association of Bilingual Education conference They received a plaque in "recognition of and appreciation for their dedication to bilingual education " Yvonne Freeman directs the Bilingual Education Program and David Freeman directs the language Development and Teachers of English to Speakers of Other languages programs at FPU In 1994 they spent a year in Venezuela as Fulbright scholars Their newest book, Teaching Reading and Writing in Spanish in the Bilingual Classroom, was published by Heinemann this year and will be released in Spanish translation . (FPU)

Janice Porter leads a workshop emphasizing the importance of teaching children within the church as well as using children's ministry for outreach. Annette Wiebe assisted her.

SDC: Delegates find time to laugh, a time to pray

• Revamped convention program emphasizes interaction and worship over business

DISTRICT CONVENTIONS don't usually tickle the funny bone, but Duffy Robbins had young and old alike laughing Nov. 7-9 at the Southern District biennial convention held at Edmond, Okla. "It feels so good to laugh, " said one delegate .

While the weekend agenda did include transacting business, the purpose of the convention was clearly fellowship and inspiration. Robbins, veteran youth ministry worker and a faculty member at Eastern College in St. Davids, Pa , spoke four times. His messages were thought provoking but peppered with one humorous story after another. For example, Robbins challenged his audience to be submissive before the face of God by telling why he curtsied when he met President Gerald Ford.

On Friday night, Robbins talked about the dreams God gives his followers and the obstacles that keep Christians from realizing those goals. "Does God call us to seek some dream or vision much bigger than we thinkfor ourselves, our church, our denomination? The walls will be there," he said, listing obstacles such as facilities, finances, personal issues or generational differences, describing them as "walls that block us off from God's promises."

Keeping dreams alive requires an appropriate response to God, Robbins said When Joshua was personally confronted by God outside the city of Jericho, Joshua's response was appropriate, Robbins said. Joshua submitted to God, worshiped God and served God Robbins encouraged his audience to do the same.

On Saturday morning, Robbins challenged congregations to focus on ministries that encourage Christians to reproduce themselves and grow churches . "We have a culture that is walking in darkness My greatest dis-

appointment is that at the close of this century, the church's standard of righteousness has been strangely muted," he said.

After contrasting "childish faith" with "child-like" faith, Robbins said, "We have nurtured in people a childish faith that causes them to be tossed to and fro by every doctrine. Part of our objective is to help people no longer be children in the way they think about God and the way they make life choices."

He challenged the notion that bigger is better. "We focus on growing big. God wants it deep," Robbins said. "Ministry that focuses on a few instead of many-that is deep instead of wide-is a ministry that multiplies. "

"Shepherds don't make sheep. Sheep make sheep," Robbins said after describing his visit to a large livestock operation According to Robbins, those ministries designed to help Christians grow spiritually and to then take responsibility for spiritual growth in others are ignored by many congregations because they don't attract large numbers of people.

Other congregations focus exclu-

sively on the spiritual growth of members and ignore the needs of nonChristians, he said . Robbins closed by challenging congregations to keep nonattenders in mind when they plan church events . "You almost have to be a Christian to get converted .... Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do as a congregation is the unspiritual."

The Saturday evening worship time included a concert by the Tabor College ensemble CrossWise and a testimony by a member of United at the Cross Church, a joint church-planting venture in Wichita, Kan , between the Southern District and World Impact, a national inner-city ministry. Robbins's message closed the evening service His string of humorous stories continued the evening's focus on evangelism and outreach.

In his final message Sunday morning, Robbins cautioned his listeners to avoid being "Tarzan Christians living from tree-top experience to tree -top experience without living in the jungle." He used the imagery of the Christian life as a long distance race from Philippians 3:1-16 to encourage the audience to be disciplined in ignoring the past and focusing on the future

"We don't have the luxury of looking to the past. We can't cop out on the present and the future by blaming the past," he said

Robbins used the sport of downhill skiing to remind his listeners to trust God, accept risks and venture into the future. "We're not willing to step out of our comfort zone," he said. "We're playing it too stinking safe."

If laughter was one highlight of the weekend, opportunities for prayer ran a close second. The mood was somber Saturday afternoon as a large group of convention goers walked the perimeter of the Murrah Building site in downtown Oklahoma City as part of a convention prayer ministry . The government office building was destroyed in 1995 by a bomb that killed 167 people.

When he introduced the prayer ministry to the delegates, Paul Klassen, prayer ministry coordinator and pastor of the Edmond MB Church, said the purpose was to see people as God sees them "Walk with your eyes and ears open," he said

Humor and hard-hitting truth: Robbins makes his point during a plenary session.

Three self-guided prayer tours were available. The downtown Oklahoma City tour focused on praying for those in authority as well as those who resist authority . A second tour included the Central State University campus in Edmond and encouraged participants to pray for the special needs of college students. The third tour included a variety of locations found in most cities-a school, newspaper, government offices, businesses and churches. This tour also included the Edmond post office, the location of a shooting spree by a disgruntled postal worker that killed 14 people.

Convention goers ate lunch Saturday at the new Edmond MB Church facility even though the building was not yet finished. Six individuals took turns telling the story of how the congregation had been led to sell their fonner site, purchase land and build a new facility The miracle of answered prayers was highlighted several times during the presentation . The prayer walks followed lunch.

Prayer was highlighted during weekend in other ways. Prayer tnads were incorporated into the Friday night worship time and prayer was a major component of the Church Extension and Evangelism Commission seminar Saturday morning. While business sessions took a back seat to times of worship and inspiration, the weekend was not devoid of the nuts and bolts of conference work . Saturday morning workshops offered delegates their only opportunity to hear updates from the district's five commissions

Recommendations brought to the delegates Saturday afternoon concerned financial matters and the approval of new and revised bylaws. The decision to affirm nominees rather than elect district workers did not go unnoticed by delegates but was received favorably .

the recommended 1999 budget of $250,250 by as much as 5 percent. Both recommendations passed without discussion . Discussion of the proposed bylaws focused primarily on issues related to a congregation leaving the denomination . A proposed reversion clause met with some resistance but the bylaws passed with a 92 percent majority vote. David Froese, SDC chair, said a procedures-and·policies manual will be developed during the next biennium to address matters not included in the bylaws.

Convention planners hoped to attract younger delegates to this convention . For this reason, Robbins was selected as the keynote speaker and the traditional convention schedule was overhauled.

Business sessions were shortened and worship times were lengthened The worship team, led by Cathy Faszer of First MB Church in Wichita, Kan., included young musicians from a variety of congregations. Preconvention recreation options were offered. Evening fellowship times, one with live music, were incorporated to create a relaxed, family atmosphere. A hotel setting was chosen to encourage interaction among delegates, said Froese.

A quick survey of the 250 registered delegates and guests indicated that the number of younger delegates was modestly higher than previous years.-Connie Faber

Delegates approved a 1998 budget of $240,000, about a 9 percent increase from 1997, and approved a plan allowing the Executive Council to increase Sharon and Phil Plett of (foreground) of Collinsville. Okla.• participate in a session of lively worship.

IN BRIFF

RECOGNITION: The Tabor College Board of Directors voted unanimously at their October meetings to name the college's soccer field after Vernon R. Wiebe in honor of his leadership and vision for the college Wiebe served the college as athletic director and initiated varsity soccer as a fall sport. making Tabor the first Kansa s Collegiate Athletic Conference school to do so Wiebe died last January In addition to serving in many roles at Tabor, Wiebe was a Mennonite Brethren pastor general secretary of MB Missions/Services and a businessman. (Te)

EXPOSURE: Three North Koreans spent an October afternoon touring the farm of Mennonites David ana Rhoda King of Cockranville. Pa . The men were on a trip to the United States sponsored by American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) Because North Korea is at nearly the same latitude as Pennsylvania . many of the same crops are grown The visitors noted North Korean yields are lower Currently. North Korea is experiencing a severe food crisis In North Korea Mennonite Central Committee and AFSC are ·assisting the Satnbong farming community and other farms in the vicinity In mld-October the two agencies collaborated on a material aid shipment. " Humanitarian aid prepares the way for understanding each other, " said one of the North Korean visitors (MCC)

CRISIS RESPONSE: Mennonite Central Committee received more than 7,200 "Comfort 'n Joy" bundles , exceeding the goal of 6.000 The bundles- which include a towel, toiletries. a bag of candy and a toy, wrapped in a blanket- will be distributed to disheartened refugees in Serbia during December Suicide. family violence and alcohol abuse are on the rise among Serbia's half million refugees, who are from Bosnia and Croatia Many have little hope for the future ; elderly refugees are particularly disoriented and homesick Harold Otto, MCC worker in Sersays, "At a time when most have moved on to other crises. MCC s kind and faithful responses... have a big. impact." (MCC)

CDC: Envisioning a home in the urban setting

• Excitement grows over possibilities emerging in Omaha and Minneapolis

IN THIS TIlE most ruraI of the three largest Mennonite Brethren district conferences, the eyes of Central District delegates and guests were trained on "Recapturing the Vision" for urban and suburban outreach.

That the annual convention was held Nov. 14-16 in New Hope, Minn., a suburb of Minneapolis, helped attenders focus on the potential for ministry in the urban setting The New Hope MB Church, which hosted the event, was begun in 1910 as a rescue mission in Minneapolis_

Now, almost 90 years later, district leaders announced during this gathering that the Twin Cities have been targeted again for a church-planting thrust-this time in partnership with Mission USA, the national resourcing ministry for renewal and outreach. Delegates affirmed the plan of the district's Church Planting Committee (CPC) to begin demographic studies

in two communities on the eastern side of St. Paul and launch a search for a church planter.

The Twin Cities' other Mennonite Brethren congregation, the Russian Evangelical Church, which was adopted into the district two years ago, reflected the ethnic diversity that characterizes today's urban setting. The congregation of recent immigrants from the former Soviet Union provided a short musical program on Saturday evening, then served a Slavic meal to the delegation. Pastor Vladimir Sharikov said some 45,000 Russian immigrants , most of them Jewish, live in the Minneapolis-St Paul area. The congregation of around 150 adults is searching for a permanent meeting place.

It remains to be seen whether the Twin Cities will become home for a cluster of Mennonite Brethren congregations such as is developing in Omaha, Neb. Delegates heard that Millard Bible Church in suburban Omaha has almost outgrown the facility it bought less than five years ago.

That congregation is also helping to

spawn a new church plant called Rolling Hills Church in Papillion, a fast-growing community on the southeast edge of the city. The new project was formally recognized by delegate vote as an emerging congregation.

During the CPC program on Friday night, delegates had a chance to meet the church-planting couple, Rod and Donna Anderson. Rod is working parttime on staff at Millard Bible Church, but will gradually reduce that aspect of his work as Rolling Hills develops.

Anderson reported that Rolling Hills began public services Sept. 13 with 42 people in attendance and has maintained that average in ensuing weeks. He presented an aggressive time line that has them moving into a facility sometime in March

Whatever needs the fledgling group encounters, enthusiasm won't be one of them. Anderson described his ministry with an energy and humor that had attenders literally yelling his motto, "Remember Jesus Christ," by the end of the presentation.

In addition to new congregations, an old one is recasting its vision. Pastor Peter Thomas of Faith Bible Church, organized in 1968, described at the CPC program how the congregation has reorganized itself as a multicongregational church in south urban Omaha.

Unlike the suburban thrust of the other new projects , Thomas said, Faith Bible is an inner-city church intending to reach its neighborhood through four ministries:

• A "Boomer-Builder" congregation, a predominantly anglo group of 33- to 60- year-olds that has become the nucleus of the church in recent years;

• A hispanic congregation, Iglesia Agua Viva (Living Water Church), led by Walter and Amalia Preza;

• A "Generation NeXt" thrust, led by James Epp, which targets people between the ages of 14 and 33 - "the first MB grunge congregation," Epp joked;

• And "Good Neighbor Ministries," a social-spiritual services provider to the Columbus Park neighborhood in general.

Thomas said the congregation had entered into a two-and -a-half-year

What do you see when you look at the city? James Epp (left) and Steven Stout. Faith Bible staff. open their Friday night presentation with a skit about a vision for urban ministry.

"spiritual journey" to consider the mission God intended for it. In the end, the members had adopted the following statement : "Our vision from God is to mobilize, disciple, nurture and equip Christians of all ages with a heart for the city so that we might effectively present and represent J esus Christ in t h e Columbus Pa r k neighborhood of south urban Omaha, focusing on those bo rn after 1946."

Two of the staff members, Epp and Stout, are currently raising their own support through a network of supporters, with a $50,000 annual goal.

Meanwhile, delegates also heard brief reports about two urban congregations that have been struggling to continue One, the Lakeview MB Church of Chicago, had considered closing its doors, but is continuing for the time being with t he arrival of new pastoral leadership, Trevor McCready, a Moody Bible Institute student.

The other, Washington Heights Community C hurch in Bismarck, N.D. , ended its 30-year ministry in June . The building is being rented by two congregations, an independent Bib l e church and a Worldwide Chu r ch of God congregation. Delegates were told the latter group is the evangelical arm of the movement which is no longer following the controversial teachings of its founder, Herbert W. Armstrong.

"We felt comfortable with their doctrinal stance," said Leonard Reimer, conference chair.

The hope, according to George Klassen of the Bo ard of Trustees, is that if the Bismarck facility is eventually sold, the mone y will be used to start a new church in North Dakota someday.

Delegates

took action to raise revenue for new-church projects. An offering at the conclusion of the CPC program ge nerated $2,019 Delegates also approve d without dissent a recommendation from the Board of Trust ees to funnel $20,000 from the operating fund into the district's Church Grant Fund , which is used for facilities The fund balance stood at $46,364; the T ruste e s will use the operating fu nds to move toward a goal of $80,000

Laying th e theoretical and theologic al groundwork for thinking about a

more urban future was guest speaker Jim Westgate, who is director of the Center for Training in Mission/Evangelism at MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Calif.

Westgate described contemporary America as a secular society, a "generation of exoneration" that sees sin as only a sickness to be cured and depravity as mere deprivation To recapture its vision in such a society, he said, the church must reclaim the holiness of God. That will draw people who are search ing for something beyond their day-to-day existence.

"The world is interested in people who have a clear presence of God in their lives," he said

But Westgate added that the greatest issue is not the secularization of the country. "It's a sleeping church," he said. He challenged pastors not to see themselves as called to build a church, but called to reach a community. That means seeing people of all backgrounds and cultures as Jesus saw the masses in his day: as sheep without a shepherd

"The way to effective church ministry is not in programs," he said. "It's changing our perspective We need to look with eyes of faith that the harvest is ready and the harvest is plentiful."

To be effective in today's world, Westgate said the church will have to learn to manage chaos, to "keep its feet firmly planted in the air." Change is happening at such a rapid and constant pace that even businesses today settle on projecting only three years into the future, not five or 10

In today ' s pluralistic world, the Christian church no longer holds the favored position in society, Westgate added. It must realize that it cannot operate on the same rules, written and unwritten, that it has in the past. That's true not only in how the church relates to society, but how it structures itse lf.

The glue that holds a church together is not its doctrinal statement, but it's the commitment of members to read and understand God's Word together and to shepherd and encourage each other in a loving community of faith. "We don't know much about restoration, " he said "Too often, it seems w e only know about retribution." -Don Ratzlaff

Jon Wiebe to succeed Lynford Becker as MB Foundation president

• New CEO comes with church and banking experience

10N WIEBE, 33, has been appointed president of the MB Foundation, effective Jan. 1. He has been serving as vice president of the institution since September 1996

"We believe Jon has the aptitude, skills and commitment appropriate to the assignment and that he will give good leadership to the work of the foundation," Wiebe says Donald Martens, chair of the MBF board. "Jon comes to us with a good background in business and church ministry The board is c onfident that the Lord will use him as he serves in this important role."

Prior to joining the MBF staff, Wiebe was senior financial analyst and supervisor at Norwest Bank in Denver, Colo , where he provided strategic financial support for a $50 million division of the company.

"After working in a secular environment for four years, I believe God called me to return to a ministry position where I can utilize my experiences and gifts directly in his service," Wiebe says

Wiebe, a native of Marion, Kan , served the Belleview Acres MB Church in Littleton, Colo., as an associate pastor for four years before pursuing a career in banking. He also served the congregation as worship leader, fmance committee chairman, a teacher and director of choirs and praise teams

Wiebe and Ellynne, his wife, and their two children are currently members of Parkview MB Church in Hillsboro , Kan., where the MBF offices are located

Wiebe is filling the position left vacant by Lynford Becker, who had indicated his desire to relinquish his poSition as president. Becker will continue as MBF vice president with emphases on planned giving , estate planning and constituent relations. (MBF)

13(1)) LIII

VISION REVISION (2)

A call to worship the Creator and to care for his creation

The General Conference Board of Faith and Life (BFL) is in the process of revising the Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith. The board is now gathering feedback about its initial draft. BFL invites y our participation. This is the second in a series of articles written by Lynn jost, BFL chair, on selected articles of the revised confession Responses can be sent by regular mail to BFL, c/o Lynnjost, Tabor College, Hillsboro, KS 67063; the email address is lynnj@tcnet tabor edu.-Theeditors

GOD CREATED the universeheaven and earth. The Bible begins with this confession of faith : God is Creator

This faith statement determines what we believe in many areas: God 's sovereignty, humanity, our purpose as people, Pantheism

fering and death. Christ has reconciled all things to himself.

Why are these issues so important to us? First, the New Age movement presents a popular brand of spirituality. The New Age movement rests on the world view of pantheism, that God is part of nature and can be discovered in the created world. God is the sum total of the vital forces of the universe, according to the New Age. Pantheism rejects human responsibility before the loving, sovereign God. Article 3 refutes this New Age nonsense God is Creator.

things good. God cares for creation and assigns humans to exercise good stewardship. Because God created it, creation itself reveals much about God to us The beauty and wonder of creation display God's wisdom and power Even so, God is absolutely "other ." God is not the environment, stewardship, sin and death What do we confess about God as Creator, rejects human responsibility before the God's relationship to humanity, and the new loving,

sovereign God

part of creation. God is transcendent-God stands apart from creation.

God created man and woman to enjoy this creation God gave humans the creation? Why are these issues vitally important to our world?

The confessional statement reaffirms the basic

Second, evolutionism teaches that the universe is the result of chance. Life on earth is the outcome of blind fate Life continues only by survival of the fittest. If human life is the result of an undirected process, life loses meaning. By eliminating God, this world view also eliminates humanity. Evolutionism results in a meaningless world .

Article 3 refutes this New Age ability to choose between good and evil. Humans have the responsibility to care for the earth as part of the creat ion mandate. statement of Scripture. nonsense. God the Creator is deeply connected to creation but absolutely separate from the created order As Genesis 1 teaches, God created all

When humans sinned, death resulted God's will was not thwarted, however God's new creation was begun in Jesus . In the new creation God will banish suf-

Article 3: Creation and humanity

God and creation We believe God created all things All of creation expresses God's sovereign Will and deSign , but it remains distinct from the Creator The universe is good and belongs to God who cares for and delights in it. Creation points to the wisdom and power of God and calls all to worship God the Creator God and humanity Humanity represents the crowning achievement of creation God created them male and female in the -imagE' of God They were created with special dignity, to live in relationship with. God, able to choose between good and evil God calls people to rule the earth, care for it, and manage its resources wisely God and the new creation _ Sin entered the world through willful disobedience, distorted h.iJman nature, and alienated humans from God and creation Sin , gUilt, and death , however, win not prevail God will create a new heaven and a new earth in wh ich evil, suffering, and will be forever banished The first signs of this new creation are already present in those who accept God's forgiveness through Ohrist, the fulfillment of creation and of all history In -Christ all things shall be reconciled and created anew

(Gan 1:1, 26-30; Ps . 8 :6 ; 24:1-2 ; 89:11; 95 :5 ; 104; Is 44 :24; In 1:1-4, 10; 17:5 ; Rom 1:19-20; 4! f7; 5 :17, 21 ; 6 :4; 8 :19-23; 1 Cor 8 :6 ; 15 :20-27 ; 2 Cor 3 :18; 4 :6 ; 5 :16-19; Gal. 3 :28 ; 6 :15; ePh. 1:4 , 9-10; 2:11 -22 ; 4:24 ; Col. 1:15-17; Heb 11 :3 ; 1 Pet. 1:20 ; 1 In 2:8-9 ; Rev 4 :8-11 ; 21 :1-5; 22:13)

Third, God cares about both humans and the rest of the creation. Subsequent articles deal with God's redemptive plan (Article 5 on Salvation) and human responsibility for the environment (Article 15 on Stewardship) Because God cares so deeply, we must be active in pursuing God's will We resist the evil forces which dehumanize people. We become sensitive to the need for good management of the earth. We become partners in God's purpose: reconciling all things to Christ .

Questions to consider:

1. Does the article clearly express a high view of creation? Is the role of creation in pointing to God's wisdom and power stated with clarity? Are these teachings consistent with Scripture?

2. Does the article articulate the role of humans in God's design? Is the relationship between humans and God expressed well? Does the article provide an adequate base for refuting evolutionism? Pantheism? Certain tenets of the New Age movement?

3. Does the Christian hope for a new creation provide encouragement for those faCing suffering and death? Do we clearly state that alienation and death are the result of sin' activity?

Don't Miss the Miracle

Why do we give? Why do you give? Recently, Ted Turner gave $1 billion to the United Nations. Was his motivation prestige, notoriety, compassion, tax relief? We may never know. There are many reasons to give. But we who claim to be Christians, Christ-followers, should not give for the same reasons the world gives. Our reasons should be grounded in scripture and a desire to live out the command to "follow Him."

So what are the biblical reasons for giving? When we recognize that "the earth is the Lord's, and all it contains" (Ps. 24:1), it causes us to put our material wealth in a proper perspective. When we acknowledge God as Jehovah-Jireh ("The Lord will provide") we become less focused on meeting.QllI day-to -day needs and more willing to be part of the solution for meeting the needs of our communities. 1 Chronicles 29: 11-12 says "we adore you as being in control of everything." Giving to God out of the material wealth which He has entrusted to us is an act of worship which honors our God and Savior.

One of the most exciting reasons to give is to be involved in God's continuing miracle of love and redemption. We all know the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand. Have you ever thought of what might have happened if the little boy hadn't been willing to give up his five loaves and two fish? After all, there were some 5,000 hungry men plus women and children, and here was one little boy with some food. I am sure this boy was hungry and had a very personal need, but he gave what he had to Jesus. He didn't know if he would receive anything in return, but he looked beyond his own needs and desires and allowed God to use what he had. He gave, of his first and best, and trusted God for the rest. This gift was used by God to impact the lives of thousands.

Jesus could have fed the crowd without the little boy's lunch. But He chose to use the gift of the little boy to feed the multitude. Through this act of giving, the little boy became a part of "the miraculous sign that Jesus did:' In the same way, God wants to use us to perform a miracle. He still desires to touch people's lives and He still desires to involve us in the miracle. Every day we have the opportunity to be part of God's work. God is at work all around us throughout our Mennonite Brethren Conference. But, we have to step out in faith, like the little boy, and give. I encourage you during this Christmas season, don't miss the miracle!

JonC.Wiebe Mennonite Brethren Foundation

MIIIIII I .. 11.1:

Ed BoschnaI, Phoenix, AI.

Chuck Ruler, rtsaliJ, CA

Rik &hIaJF, Topeka, IS

Ernie Friesen, WichiIa, IS 11m Geddert, Fresno, CA

Phil Glanzer, New Hope, MN

Fred laoncJd, Oovis, CA

Howcrd Loewen, Fresno, CA

Slephen Reimer, Shafter, CA

Clarice Rempel, BOOIer, KS

Mike Sdtuil, Reedley, CA

OntSemel, HiIsboro, KS

RcnIy Steinert, Bakersfield, CA

Tim SuHivon, HiUsboro, KS

Ex Offido Members:

Henry Dkk, Fresno, CA

Onton Grenz, 8isnDk, ND

RobId Reiner, YrKhila, IS

• Baptism/membership

REEDLEY, Calif.-Tiffany Buller, Paul Davi· son, Ashley Harms, Leah Isaak, Linda Kliew· er, Tiffany Kliewer, Dominic Parento ; Chris· tine Penner, Michael and Daniel Reimer, Marl Rickman, Jenelle and Stephen SchuH and Robby Wiens were welcomed into member· ship Oct 26 Peter McClung was baptized.

DENVER, Colo. (Garden Park)-Andy Johnson was baptized and welcomed as a member Nov. 2 Johnson is serving as youth pastor.

HILLSBORO, Kan. (Parkview)-Troy and Jonette Kemling were received as new memo bers Nov. 16.

HILLSBORO, Kan. - Sara Janzen, Kim Klein, Tina Regier, Staci Thurston and Megan Vogel were baptized and received into membership Nov. 2.

$8.00 plus shipping less 10% for 5 or more

Luminaire Studies-for personal or group study Also available-I Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, 1&2 Thessalonians, Revelation

Kindred Productions The Publisher for Resource Ministries 1-800-545-7322 or Fax 1-316-947-3266 or call 947-3151

• Celebrations

FRESNO, Calif. (Bethany)-An open house was held Oct 19 following the morning wor· ship service to celebrate the completion of the Greenwich Village Clubhouse Green· wich Village is a planned unit development for seniors. Twenty·one of 38 lots have been sold. Two more units are now under con · struction .

• Fellowship

MADERA, Calif. (Madera Avenue Bible)Women of the congregation were invited to attend an evening panel discussion on the topic of successfully raiSing children Nov. 11

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)Women's Ministries hosted a welcome gath· ering for women new to the congregation Nov 3

• Ministry

WICHITA, Kan. (First)-Vidya NarimaIla, an Indian church planter currently working in Canada , spoke about his work Nov. 22 duro ing an evening presentation that included an Indian meal and other cultural activities.

FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News)-The con· gregation hosted the 10th annual Crafts of the World Sale Nov. 7·8 featuring crafts made in developing countries through Ten Thou· sand Villages artists.

• Proclamation

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Heritage)-Allen Car· den, president of Fresno Pacific UniverSity , was the harvest thanksgiving weekend speak· er Nov. 22·23

Enjoy majestic beauty, shimmering glaciers, deep fjords , soaring eagles, thundering caribou, l,OOO-mile cruise and the fellowship of Mennonite friends from all ouer North America. Call

FRESNO, Calif. (Bethany) - Mission and thanksgiving Sunday Nov 23 included a parade of nations and message by Dale Warkentin, MB Missions/Services secretary for constituency ministries, during the morn· ing service and a presentation during the evening service by Youth Mission Interna · tional group leader David Gray from British Columbia

LITTLETON, Colo. (Belleview Acres)- Mis· sionarles John and Caye Courtney spoke Nov. 23 about their work with Native American Indians. Five other missionaries were high· lighted as part of the missions and thanksgiv· ing service.

FRESNO, Calif. (North)- Ray Bystrom , asso· ciate professor of pastoral ministries at the MB Biblical Seminary, was the guest speake r for thanksgiving festival Sunday Nov. 23

NEWTON, Kan. (Koerner Heights)Clarence Hiebert , Tabor College professor emeritus in biblical studies and history, was the guest speaker Nov 23 for Harvest Thanks Day

CORN, Okla.-Ray Badgero, executive director of the North American Indian Mission, was the guest speaker Nov. 23 for harvest thanks Sunday.

FAIRVIEW, Okla.-Ed Boschman, executive director of Mission USA, was the speaker for thanksgiving and missions Sunday Nov. 16. The evening service focused on the persecutedchurch.

COLUNSVILLE, Okla. (Westport)-Henry Schmidt, president of MB Biblical Seminary, was the speaker for spiritual emphasis services Nov 16-17.

REEDLEY, Calif.-Edmund Janzen of Fresno Pacific University was the harvest thanksgiving speaker Nov. 16

ADAMS, Okla.-Dennis Fast, MB Missions/ Services board member and pastor of the Hillsboro (Kan ) MB Church, was the harvest/mission festival speaker Nov. 9.

DINUBA, Calif.-Harvest mission Sunday Nov. 23 featured Jim Westgate of the MB Biblical Seminary teaching faculty as the guest speaker That evening, Melvin and Gudrun Warkentin, former mission workers with MB Missions/ Service, gave a missions presentation after the thanksgiving dinner Ed Boschman, executive director of Mission USA, spoke at both the morning and evening services Nov. 9.

HENDERSON, Neb.-Dick Nickel, pastor of Bible l!ellowship Church in Rapid City, S.D., was the harveSt missions celebration speaker Nov. 2.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Bible Fellowship)-Harvest missions conference weekend Nov. 2223 featured speakers Ezequie1 Villar, a Mennonite Brethren pastor from Paraguay, and

Jim and Erin Selvage, missionary appointees to Haiti with Lumiere Medical Ministries

FREEMAN, S.D (Salem) - Henry Sc hmidt, president of MB Biblical Seminary, preached Nov 9

BALKO, Okla.-Melvin Warkentin , former missionary to Paraguay with MB Missions/ Ser· vices, was the harvest and mission festival speaker Nov 2

NEW HOPE, Minn.-Ernie Friesen , MB Mis· sions/Services board member, a former misSionary and longtime pastor, was the guest speaker for thanksgiving and mission Sunday, Oct 19

HARVEY, N D.-Craig Hallman was the guest speaker Oct 19 He and his wife , Bridget, are MB Missions/ Services missionary appointees to Pakistan Before deciding to pursue a misSionary placement, he worked in the MBM/S office in the area of media services

• Teaching/nurture

WICHITA, Kao. (First)-A collection of dally advent devotions on the subject "Jesus as Sav· ior," has been written by members of the congregation.

HESSTON, Kao.-Evening worship services Nov 2 were conducted under simulated con· ditions of persecution and oppression lnfor· mation about the house church service was not announced publicly but was available from pastor Steve Toews

• Workers

DINUBA, Calif.-Brent and Teresa Cummings were installed as youth pastoral couple Oct. 26

FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News)-Erik John· son resigned as associate pastor to families and youth effec tive May 31, 1998 He and his wife , Vicki, have served the congregation for 12 years

Invitat ion: TO : Born-again Christians

King Road MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C , is seeking volunteers for its Church Partnership Evangelism

1. PHILIPPINES - Manilla, Roxas City

Jan 16 - Feb. '98

2. INDIA - Mahabubnagar Jan. 16 - Feb 9 , '98

3 PHILIPPINES - Davao

- Managua

Feb 9-25, '98

, '98

6. PERU - Sullana, Trujillo April 4-27, '98

,200

7 UKRAINE - Tchernovtsky, Alexandria, Odessa May 2-25, '98 $1,600

8. CONGO - Kinshasa, Kikwit

9. CUBA

10. FIJI ISLAND - Labasa

May 1 - June 1, '98 $2,000

June 5-22, '98

June 5 -22 , '98

11 PARAGUAY - Asuncion, Chaco July 4-20 , '98

12 NICARAGUA - Managua

13. UKRAINE - Novomoskovsk, Pavlograd Berdyansk, Alexandria, Kirowograd

14. PERU - Chiclayo, Talara

15.

16.

$1,000

July 4 -20, '98

July 25 - Aug. 18, '98

Aug 1-24, '98

Nov 8-23, '98

Nov 7-30 , '98

Note : Dates may be subject to change , pending further confirmation of some campaigns. ' Canadlan dollars

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

• Some knowledge of the language of the country is helpful

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

For more Information, contact: CPE office : Tel. -Fax : 604 -864-3941 , or Evelyn Unruh, 604852 -5744 ; or Peter Loewen, 604 -853 -3173 or FAX 604 -853-6482

Church Partnership Evangelism is a "church to church " effort that involves lay members in personal evangelism worldwide Your application to participate will be forwarded to the C.P.E. Executive Committee for processing

Peter Loewen CPE Promoter

Harold W Ens MBMIS General Director

ClUCAGO, m. (Lakeview)-Trevor McCready, a student at Moody Bible Institute , began serving as interim pastor Oct 1. Previous pastor lliff Khan completed his ministry earlier this fall

• Youth

WICHITA, Kan. (First)-The congregation hosted the annual Southern District Confer· ence youth convention Nov 14·16 About 600 senior high students and sponsors attend· ed the event

. DEATHS

KROEKER, AGATHA EPP, of Buhler, Kan., a member of the Zoar MB Church, Inman, Kan" was born March 22, 1911 , near Buhler, to John C and Katherina Regier Epp and died Nov 7, 1997, at the age of 85 On June 5, 1941, she was married to Jake Kroeker, who predeceased her in 1993 She is survived by a daughter , Janice and her husband Jerry Friesen of McPherson, Kan ; a son, Wesley and his wife Elaine of Bingham Lake , Minn ; and five grandchildren

KROEKER, LEE H. , of Visalia Calif , active in the Neighborhood Church, Visalia, was born Dec 8, 1931 , at Enid, Okla , to Henry and Helen Kroeker and died Nov 6, 1997, at the age of 65 On Nov 13 , 1954, he was married to Saralyn Just , who survives He is also sur· vived by a daughter , Christ ian Wilson of Visalia; three sons, Scot and wife Debbie of Fresno, Calif , Todd of Newport Beach , Calif., and Craig and wife Renee of Fresno ; on e brother, Jerry of Selma , Calif ; two sisters , Wilma Harbin of Coelbran , Colo , and Luella Johnston of Tulare , Calif ; and four grandchil· dren .

Have a position to fill? Looking for a new employment or ministry opportunity? Have a gathering or celebration to promote? Need to sell or acquire property? Reach U S Mennonite Brethren through a Clearinghouse classified ad The charge is 40 cents per word, with a $15 minimum Withhold payment until an invoice is receiVed The editors reserve the right to tum down inappropriate material For display (boxed) ad rates, please call us

FOR SALE

BOOK _. Buy a unique Christmas gift : Ass ignment Zaire Inspiring book for young as well as older readers, written by veteran Mennonite Brethren missionary Dorothy Louise Kopper Combines historical fact with exciting personal experiences on how the Lord has blessed this fruitful mission field from zero mem o bership to 75,000 members This makes the Demo· cratic Republic of Congo the largest body of Menno· nite Brethren in the world Contact Dorothy Kopper , 2501 Bernard , Apt. II, Bakersfield, CA 93306 ; phone 805 872-2396 Request number of copies of Assignment Zaire at $16 (U S ): include name, address , city , state and zip code If check is wri tten on a Canadian bank, please address to Ernie Dyck , 99 Heart Ave ., Winnipeg , MB R2L OK4

LEHRMAN, MELVIN, of Reedley, Calif., a member of the Kingsburg (Calif ) MB Church, was born Sept. 28, 1919, at Dubois, Idaho , to John and Anna Dalke Lehnnan and died Oct 26, 1997 at the age of 78 On Aug. 29, 1953, he was married to Gertrude, who survives He is also survived by three sons , John and wife Marilyn of Kingsburg, Walter and wife Holly of Reedley , and David and wife Cindy of Ukiah, Calif.; two daughters, Trudy and husband Dan Wallace of Turlock , Calif., and Ruth and husband David Nippoldt of Reedley ; a brother-in-law , Walter Shold ; and nine grandchildren.

WIDOWS, GLEN, of Garden City, Kan , a member of the Garden Valley Church, Garden City, was born Jan. 30,1908, at Oswego, Kan , to William Earl and Ora May Wilson Widows and died Oct 28, 1997, at the age of 89 On June 27, 1928, he was married to Grace Baker, who died Oct 16, 1997 He is survived by a son , Robert and his wife Ramona of Garden City; two daughters, Betty and husband Jim Loper of Garden City, and Judy and husband Leon Large nt of Wichita, Kan .; seven grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren

WIDOWS, GRACE, of Garden City, Kan , a member of the Garden Valley Church, Garden City , was born Oct 14, 1910, at Croft, Kan ., to Hiram and Mary Sulfridge Baker and died Oct . 16, 1997, at the age of 87 . On June 27, 1928, she was married to Glen Widows,

who died Oct 28, 1997 She is survived by one son, Robert and wife Ramona of Garden City; two daughters, Betty and husband Jim Loper of Garden City, and Judy and hus-

band Leon Largent of Wichita, Kan ; one sister, Lola Rector of Deerfield, Kan ; seven grandchildren and seven great -children • •

Mennonite Brethren Foundation

invites applications for the position of:

Field Representative

Seeking a full-time Field Representative to work primarily in the Pacific District area with a focus on encouraging and assisting Christians in faithful stewardship . Specific responsibilities include stewardship education, planned giving, charitable estate planning and Foundation-related activity Qualifications include an ability to communicate effectively and a desire to assist people in achieving their stewardship objectives .

Direct inquiries to : MB Foundation Attn : Jon Wiebe POBox V Hi llsboro, KS 67063

THE FOLLOWING is an alphabetical index of the major articles and events recorded in the Christian Leader in 1997. The notations following each entry Indicate the volume number, issue number and page number. For example, the volume number for 1997 is 50, the next numbers in the first entry below Indicate the twelfth issue of the year and that the article begins on page 26 of that issue Following the article index is an index of authors who have written feature articles during the past 12 months

BODYLIFE

A call to worship the Creator and to care for his creation (Confession of Faith), 60:12:26

Africa chosen for next MWC assembly, 60 :3:32

Allen Carden named seventh president of FPU , 60:4:15

Bismarck church ends 30-year 1irst aid ' ministry, 60:7 :26

Bus drivers reflect fondly on Esengo 's North American tour , 60 :7:20

Canadian conferences struggle to decide future of schools , 60 :6:24

CDC: Envisioning a home in the urban setting, 60 :12:24

Colleges kick off year with service project, 60 :10:21

Congo MBs faced few interruptions in government overthrow, 60:7 :t9

Cooking classes help build a new church , 60 :1:22

Cuban churches are vibrant. says FPU prof,60 :7:25

Enid MB Church celebrates 100 years , 60:5:16

Esengo Zaire prepares for world tour , 60 :1:18

Estes planners gear for largest youth gathering , 60:6 :26

Foundation warns Mennonites, Amish about pyramid fraud, 60:6 :23

FPU prof helps with Spanish Bible translation, 60 :6:25

Giving decline leaves conferences in red ink, 60:8:28

Gloria a Dios tops hispanic agenda, by Kathy Heinrichs Wiest, 60:7 :16

Healing In the homeland (MWC reffections) , by Vidya J Narimalla , 60 :4:14

ICOMB restructures for international strength,60 :2:23

In step wnh Awana?, by Connie Faber, 60 :9:20

India '97 (MWC Assembly Gathered) , 60:2 :14

Qh Calcuttal, 60 :2:14

Delegates see 'City of Joy' is also city of suffering, 60:2:16

Lelthe nations speak , 60:2: t 8

MB impressions, 60:2:20

Jon Wiebe to succeed Lynford Becker as MB Foundation president, 60 :12 :25

MB could feel 'at home; at World Evangelical Fellowship assembly by Jim Coggins 60 :7:22

MBBS task force considers possible conference changes , 60:6 :26

MCC India admired the love of Mother Teresa,60 : tO :22

MCC overseas programs having to live wnh less, 60 :8 :28

MCC responds to hidden famine (N Korea) , 60:6:20

MCC sees hope in Calcutta, 60:2 :24

Meet the MB Church of India (MWC Assembly Scattered), by Don Ratzlaff , 60 :3:t6

First impressions : A reporter's notes , 60 :3:21

Goodwill in Gadwell , by Oon Ratzlaff , 60 :3:16

India Conference: A century of growth (by Connie Faber) , 60 :3:20

MB Church of India profile: P B Arnold, 60 :3:22

MB Church of India profile: P Karuna Shri Joel , 60 :3:24

Mennonite megazlnes recognized by EPA, 60 :7:27

Midwest and West battle a hard winter, 60 :3:28

'Miracles ' open doors for Esengo , 60 :3:26

Mission USA revises ns board , 60:4:12

New book 'Wltnesses ' to the preaching voices of MB women, 60:10 :18

New friends wnh the Old Colony, 60 :5:12

New TREK program to focus on young adults, 60:9:27

PDC: Invited to leave the comfort zone , 60:12:20

Pierre Gilbert named MBBS dean, 60 :1:22

Rebels seize Zaire's capital, 60:6 :21

Recyling efforts making sense - and cents - at FPU , 60 :9:26

Red River Valley flooding takes toll on S D school , camp, 60:6:22

Reedley pastor accepts MBBS assignment, 60 :3 :31

Revised draft to reflect changing world (Confession of 60:11 :30

SOC: Delegates find time to laugh , a time to pray, 60:12 :22

Senior, associate role swHch clicks for Buhler congregation , 60 :11 :32

Stroke claims educator, 'Mr MB Publications : 60:11 :34

Surveys show 'no great move' for women , 60:10 :18

The Carden contribution (Interview wnh Allen Carden), 60:9:24

The legacy of Herb and Ruth Friesen, 60 :3:34

Top 10 news stories for 1996, 60:1:20

U S. districts prepare for annual conventions, 60 :10:21

U-SERV aids Raisin City congregation , 60 :1:22

Upheaval In Zaire threatens MB area, 60 :5:15

Vernon Wiebe remembered as a visionary servant. 60:2:25

Visalia congregation checks in at the Holiday Inn, 60:2:25

Waldo Wiebe dies at 83, 60 :3:33

Waterioo '97: Not yet the end, 60:8 :12

World -class athlete remembered as an 'authentiC' hero, 60 :7:24

Year of Global Mission (interview Harold Ens), 60:1:18

DEATHS

Barkman , Thomas J , 60:11 :38

Bathauer, Andrew Jr , 60 :2:8

Becker, Dean, 60:7:31

Berg, Norman Lee, 60:10 :24

Bargman, Johnnie Richert , 60:6 :29

Brainerd, Kay Thiessen, 60:2:28

Braun, John, 60:2:28

Brown, Malinda, 60:9 :30

Buller Minnie 60 :2:28

Cole, Wliliam W "Jack," 60 :2:28

Comelsen, Jonas, 60:5:19

Courts -Fast. Doris Annabel , 60:3:36

David, Martha, 60:9:30

Duerksen, Selma, 60:6:29

Ediger, J Pete , 60 :7:31

Ediger, Will ie D., 60 :5:19 John Jr., 60:4:18

Enns , Jacob W , 60 :11 :38

Enns, Ruby Bernice, 60 :9 :31

Epp, Abe J" 60 :2:28

Esau Jacob T., 60 :6:29

Fast, Jacob, 60:5:19

Fast, Jacob "Jake" H 60:2 :28

Faul , Arthur, 60 :11 :38

Faul, Jake Jr , 60:8:32

Faul, Robert , 60:2:28

Feil , lavina , 60:2:28

Flam ing, Allen H., 60 :6:29

Flaming, Minnie, 60:6:29

Flaming , Roy , 60:6:29

Foote, Martha, 60 :2:28

Foth , TIna Lee Dahlke, 60:5:19

Friesen, Bondina "Blanche ," 60:2 :28

Friesen, Helen Kl ippenstein , 60:9:31

Friesen, Tena , 60:11 :38

Friesen, TIna C. Harms, 60:2 :29

Froese, Kathryn, 60:8:33

Funk, Salome, 60:4 :18

Funk, Sara, 60:2 :29

Gloeckler, Edna L. , 60 :6:29

Goertzen, Peter, 60 :6:29

Grunau, Sara E , 60 :9:31

Haag, William James, 60:11 :38

Hamm, Esther, 60:4:18

Hanneman, Elmer, 60 :5:19

Heidebrecht, All en B 60:2 :29

Hein , Edward W. , 60:4:18

Hein, Marie, 60 :6:29

Heinrichs, Allen, 60:9 :31

Heinrichs, Donald 60 :2:29

Hiebert , Anna, 60:4:18

Hofer, Clarence , 60:8:33

Hofer, Evelyn Jeannette, 60:9:32

Hoock, Alvina, 60:6 :30

Houk, Lenard Edwin , 60:10:24

Huebert, Lillie, 60:8:33

Isaac, Jeffrey Saan , 60:10:24

Janzen, Allan Miranda, 60:9:32

Janzen , Cornelius Elmer, 60 :7:31

Janzen, Sara Olga, 60 :6:30

Jones, Rubena Siemens, 60:2:29

Jost, 60 :2:29

Jost, Katherine Unger 60:2 :29

Karber, John Alvin, 60:2:29

Klein, Clayton , 60:5:19

Kllppenstein , John G , 60 :6:30

Kliewer, Abe F , 60:11 :39

Kliewer, Leonard, 60 :3:36

Kohfeld, Emma Barg, 60:11 :39

Koop, John Henry, 60:4:18

Kroeker, Agatha Epp, 60:12:30

Kroeker, Gerald, 60 :5:19

Kroeker, John, 60:9:32

Kroeker, Lee H., 60 :12:30

Lehrman, Melvin , 60:12 :31

Letcher, Lyle E , 60 :3:36

Loewen, Gertrude, 60 :10:25

Mack, Harry James, 60 :5 :20

Mendel , Joe D , 60:7 :31

Mierau , David J , 60 :2 :29

Nelson, Jessie Mason, 60 :9:32

Neufeld, Arthur Henry, 60 :7:31

Neufeld, Bertha, 60 :8:33

Neufeld , Edna Grace, 60 :4:20

Nickel, Doris Ruth, 60 :2:29

Nickel, Susanne, 60 :2:30

Nikkel, Homer H., 60 :9:32

Nix , Laverne Cardoza, 60:7 :31

Parsons, Kirk , 60 :6:30

Patzkowsky , Richard Edward , 60:2 :30

Pauls , Elizabeth Koop , 60 :9:32

Pauls, Leona Laura , 60 :8:33

Peters, Elizabeth Alma, 60:4:20

Peters, Jacob W" 60:6:30

Payne, Effie Lorene, 60:3:36

Plett, Linda F., 60:2:30

Prieb, Wesley J , 60:11 :39

Pullman , Waner J , 60 :7:32

Ratzlaff, Esther, 602 :30

Reddig, Kather ina Nickel , 60:7 :32

Regier , Dick D , 60 :3:36

Regier, Herbert PaUl , 60 :2:30

Reimche, Emma Holter Fandrich 60:5:20

Reimer Alvin K., 60:2:30

Reimer, Willis , 60:8:33

Richert, Mary Unger, 60:2 :30

Sawatzky, Pete Jr , 60 :11 :40

Schaffer, Edna A , 60 :2:30

Schlect, Annie Wahl , 60:7:32

Schmidt, Eddison, 60:6:30

Schmidt, Tillie, 60:6:31

Schroeder, August , 60 :10:25

Schroeder, Emma Janzen , 60:6:31

Schroeder, Harry , 60:5:20

Seibel, Elmer, 60:2:31

Siemens, Harry F., 60 :9:33

Steinert, Margaret Nickel, 60:2 :31

Suderman, Leon , 60:4:20

Suderman, Tina Boldt, 60 :2:31

Thiessen , Abraham D., 60:11 :40

Thiessen , Anna E., 60 :4:20

Thiessen, Leonard, 60 :6:31

TIeszen, Willie R , 60 :7:32

Toews , Nettie Rose Epp, 60:9 :33

Unruh, Levi , 60:10:25

Vogt, Frank, 60 :6:31

Voth, Albert, 60 :7:32

Wall , Irvin Frank, 60:6 :31

Warkentin, Gladys Schroeder, 60 :9:33

Warkentine, Goldie Magdaline 60 :4:20

Warkentine , Jacob 60:2 :31

Wegermann, Ani Berta, 60 :5:20

Wenger , Norman Edson, 60 :5:20

Wicheri , Lu lu, 60 :11 :40

Widows, Glen, 60:12 :31

Widows, Grace, 60:12:31

Wiebe, Frena, 60:7:32

Wiebe, Marie, 60:5 :20

Wlebe, Vernon R. , 60 :2:31

Wiebe, Waldo , 60 :3:36

Wlens, Gertrude, 60:10:25

Wiens , Helen Selda Dirks, 60:2:31

Wiens Otto John 60 :6:31

Willems , Abram R., 60:6:31

Winter, Carl Robert , 60 :11 :40

Wright. Helen Eleanor, 60:4 :20

Zweigle , Nettie, 60 :11 :40

EDITORIALS

AwaHing a sacred assembly, by Don Ratzlaff, 60 :9:36

God sightings, by Oon Ratzlaff, 60:7:36

In a world of trouble, we don't have a prayer? , by Oon Ratzlaff, 60 :11 :44

Nothing spoken, nothing gained? by Don Ratzlaff,60 :6:36

On the road to self-discovery, by Don Ratzlaff , 60 :3:44

One Lord , one fanh , one shamiana, by Don Ratzlaff , 60 :2:36

Reaching today's USA, by Don Ratzlaff, 60:5:24

Spring cleaning , by Don Ratzlaff, 60 :4:24

Two balconies a world apart, by Don Ratzlaff , 60 :12:36

Two women who touched the wo rl d, by Conn ie Faber, 60 :10:28

Waterloo wondering , by Don Ratzlaff, 60 :8 :36

Year of global family , by Oon Ratzlaff , 60 :1:28

FEATURES

A place in the Hall of Faith , by Philip Wiebe , 60:8:7

Aging : the finer alternative , by Kenneth L. Gibble, 60 :7:8

Balanced spirituality: More than feel good fa"h by Walter Unger 60 :8 :4

Bankrupt budgets?, by Ray Bowman w"h Eddy Hall, 60 :4 :4

Barrier to bliss, by and Virgi nia Sell , 60 :6:4

Beyond common ce nts, by Katie Funk

Wiebe , 60:2:4

Born our on ly savior?, by David Faber, 60 :12:4

Christians in the crossfire , 60 :1:4

Cries of the young teen heart, by John M Drescher, 60:2:7

Friends under fire, by Krista Rigalo, 60:1:7

Giving visitors a reason to stay , by Charles Am , 60 :10:10

Helping youth connect with the Bible, by Gary C Newton , 60:9 :12

Home away from home , by Marci Winans , 60:5 :4

Meet the Mennonites of Congo, by Don Ratzlaff , 60:11 :4

Holding on by faith , 60:11 :4

Somewhere between the past and future (by Connie Faber) 60:11 :20

'We live by miracles', 60 :11 :20

Sadly Santa, by Bob Glanzer, 60 :12:8

Special Delivery, by JoAnn Brandt, 60:12 :12

Subversive fa" h by Katie Funk Wiebe, 60 :10:7

Targeted by trust , by Trever Godard, 60:1:11

The case for an empty tomb , by David Faber, 60 :3:4

The end is coming L. Eventually, by Richard Kyle, 60:9 :3

Up from the grave we arose (collection of conversion stories) , 60:3 :7

I believe more and more, by Dorothy Paquin

Protected in God's plan, by Angie Lacy

Finding a new path , by James Fowler

God never forgot us by Richard Gremsa 'Grace' means forgiveness, by Anita Snyder

What Carol Smith taught me about the holy kiss , 60 :8:10

When conflict tu rns toxic , by Marlin E. Thomas, 60:6:8

When someone else sins, by Clare Ann Ruth Heffelbower, 60 :10:4

When you r best isn 't enough , by Eddy Hall, 60 :7:4

Wh " e Christmas, by Richard J Schroeder, 60 :t2 :10

the reach of Tante Nuht by Danny Unrau, 60:9:8

Young wa lkers, by Duffy Robbins , 60:9:11

FORUM

Did we 'reform ' the joy out of worSh ip, by Brad Kunkel , 60 :7:11

Politics and fa"h: an uneasy Coal"ion, by Neil Uhl, 60 :9:14

What does it mean to be 'partners ' , by Fidele Lumeya, 60 :6:11

INQUIRING MINDS by Marvin Hein (topics)

Applause in worsh ip , 60:2 :12

Bible and SCience, 60 :10:15

Brutal Bible stories, 60 :11 :27

Chr istians In pol"ical office, 60 :10:15

Criticism in the church , 60 :6:13

Divine Intervention in the natural cycle , 60 :9:17

Formation of the co nSCience, 60 :5:9

Jesus as the "Son of Man," 60 :4:9

Looking for younger pastors, 60:6 :1 3

Marketing the church 60 :4:9

Modern day seers and psychics, 60 :9:17

Old Testament gore, 60:8:15

Paul's peace commitment, 60 :1:14

Playing the stock market, 60 :3:14

Resurrection bod ies, 60 :2:12

Seniors and change , 60 :1:14

'Supping the devil', 60 :7:13

The effects of pop culture , 60 :7:13

The spiritual co ncern of MCC workers ,

60:3:14

Tithing wh ile away from home, 60:12:18

Teens and modern music, 60 :8:15

Wearing caps during prayer, 60:5:9

Women as pastors, 60:11 :27

Worship and sabbath keep ing, 60 :1 2:18

MEDIA MATTERS by Burton Bu ller

'A father and two sons ,' 60 :6:34

A world out of focus , 60 :5:22

Call for a new ethic, 60 :7:34

Infl uence and television , 60:4:22

Gagging on our free lunch , 60 :11 :42

Media Literacy 101 , 60 :9:34

Mirror, mirror on the wall (movie rev iew : "The Mirror Has Two Faces"), 60 :3:42

Score one for respect (movie review : "The Preacher 's Wrte"), 60:2:34

TV : Wasteland or toaster, 60 :8:34

View now, pay later, 60 :12:34

What does " mean? , 60:10:26

When play works, 60 :1 :26

NEWS ESSAY

Do we really want to dissolve the General Conference?, by Paul Toews, 60 :6:16

ON THE JOURNEY by Rose Buschman

A matter of integrity, 60 :9:3

Esengo means joy I 60:6:14

Lesson from a campgrou nd, 60 :7:14

Mothers are vulnerable , 60:5:10

On planting and patience, 60:8:16

Producer or consumer? 60 :4:10

Read a good book lately? 60:2 :13

Sampson and the sparrow, 60 :1:15

Tants Liese, 60 :3:15

The Christmas nail, 60:12:17

Touched by a story, 60 :11 :28

Walking on hallowed ground, 60 :10:16

PH'LlP SIDE by Philip Wiebe

A fa ir time , 60 :11:26

A hard listen 60 :3:13

Just pray it, 60 :9:16 Less than " seems , 60 :8:14

Lessons of spri ng, 60 :4:8

Out of options, 60 :6:12

Oversupplying the saints, 60 :2:11

Mega worShip, 60 :1:13

No comparison , 60 :10:14

Studies in futility , 60 :5:8

Sum mer side trips, 60 :7:12

That old holiday spir", 60:12:17

POETRY

Little One, Do You Know? , by Patricia Emer· son Mitchell, 60 :12:11

TURNING POINTS

Giles , Sean , 60 :8:31

Hartman , Michael , 60 :6:27

Wei Yu and Sunni Wang 60 :7:28

INDEX O F AUTHORS

Am , Cha rles

Giving visitors a reason to stay, 60 :10: 10

Bowman, Ray

Bankrupt budgets? 60 :4:4

Brandt , JoAnn

Special Deli very, 60 :12:12

Cogg ins , Jim

MB cou ld fee l 'at home at World Evan· gelical Fellowship assembly, 60 :7:22

Drescher, John M,

Cries of the young teen heart, 60:2:7

Faber, Connie

In step wrth Awana? , 60:9 :20

New friends with the Old Colony, 60 :5:12 Faber, David

Born our only savior?, 60:12:4

The case for an empty tomb , 60 :3:4 Fowler, James

Finding a new path (testimony) , 60:3 :9

Gibble , Kenneth L.

Aging : the fin er altern ative, 60 :7:8 Glanzer, Bob

Sadly Santa , 60 :12:8 Godard, Trever

Targeted by trust , 60 :1:11

Gremsa Richard

God never forgot us (testimony), 60:3:10 Hall , Eddy

When yo ur best isn 't enough , 60 :7:4

Kauffma n, Alan

What Carol Smith taught me about the holy kiss, 60 :8 :7 Ky le, Richard

The end is com ing!. ,Eventually, 60 :9:4 Lacy, Angie

Protected in God's plan (testimony) , 60 :3:8 Lumeya, Fidele

What does " mean to be 'partners,' 60 :6:11

Narimall a, Vidya J , Healing in the homeland, 60 :4:14

Newton , Gary C, Helping youth connect with the Bible, 60 :9 :1 2

Paquin, Dorothy I be lieve more and more (testimony), 60 :3:7

Ratzlaff, Don

First impressions : A reporter's notes on the MB Church in India, 60:3 :21

Goodwill in Gadwal , (India), 60:3:16

Holding on by fa"h (Congo ), 60 :11 :4

Somewhere between the past and future, 60:11 :20

'We live by miracles ' 60 :11 :13

Rigalo , Krista

Friends under fire , 60 :1:7

Robbins , Duffy

Young wa lke rs 60 :9:11

Ruth -Heffelbower, Clare Ann

When someone else sins, 60 :10:4

Schroeder, Richard J, White Christmas , 60:1 2:10

Sell, Charles

Barriers to bliss , 60 :6:4

Sell, Virgin ia

Barriers to bli ss, 60 :6:4

Snyder, Anita

Grace' means forg iveness (testimony), 60 :3:11

Thomas, Marlin E, When confict turns toxic , 60 :6 :8

Toews , Paul

Do we really want to dissolve the General Conference, 60 :6:16

Unger, Walter

Balanced sp ir"ual ity : More than feel-good faith , 60 :8:4

Unrau, Danny

W"hin the reach of Tante Nuht, 60 :9 :8

Wiebe , Katie Funk

Beyond common cents, 60:2:4

Subversive faith , 60 :10 :7

Wiebe, Ph ilip

A place in the Hall of Fa"h, 60:8 :7

Wiest, Kathy Heinrichs

Gloria a Dios tops hispanic agenda, 60 :7:16

Winans, Marci

Home away from home, 60:5:4

BY BURTON BULLER

View now, pay later

It is easy to overemphasize the influence of violent television programs on both children and adults. It is also easy to underemphasize its influence.

6A.M. WASIHNGTON, D.C. A researcher for the Center for Media and Public Affairs turns on the television and begins

Policy, viewing media violence seems to affect viewers by way of three distinct avenues : making notes on program content . Other researchers, tuned to other network and cable

• Direct effects. Some tentative scientific evidence suggests that chilo dren and adults who ingest a television diet programs, join her Midnight. The sets turn off. Research notebooks close. Analysis begins.

Results: 1,846 violent scenes broadcast and cablecast in one day in the nation's capital.

Most violent periods: 6-9 a.m with 497 violent scenes, and 2 5 p.m. with 609 violent scenes It's no accident that these are the periods when young children are tuned in.

So, we know there is violence on television. What difference will it make in your child's life? Depending on who you choose to believe, it makes all the difference in the world, or it makes none at all . It is easy to overemphasize the influence of violent television programs on both children and adults. It is also easy to underemphasize its influence. If studies designed to test such influence were conclusive and consistent, the jobs of both media programmers and parents would be a lot easier.

But they are not conclusive That probably speaks more to the complexity of studying such ephemeral notions than to anything else It is simply not easy to isolate television as a source of influence when we all, children in particular, are also influenced by so many other things in our lives

According to John P. Murray of Kansas State University, writing in the KansasJournal of Law and Public

filled with violence may become more aggressive and may over time develop a belief that using aggression to resolve conflicts is the preferred way . This is a tentative conclusion, and the word "may" indicates the uncertainty that still exists about the actual effects . The problem here is trying to determine whether people choose to watch violent television because they are predisposed to violence and therefore would use violence to resolve conflicts even if they watched less television, or if it really is television violence that is pushing people toward violent solutions. We do know conclusively that people predisposed to violence tend to watch more violent programs than people not predisposed to violence

• Desensitization. Heavy doses of television violence seem, in some people, to make them less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others, and more willing to tolerate higher levels of vio· Ience in society generally.

• Mean-world syndrome. Those who choose to watch a lot of television generally believe the world around them is more violent than those who watch less television. For these, the real world seems to take on the characteristics of the world they view on television

A few focused rays of light do emerge from the murky research The one most clearly focused shows that

children who use violence in their day-to-<tay relationships also like to watch violence on television. These same children, after watching violent television programs, tend to act violently in their relationships with others.

One conclusion some draw is that those prone to use violence to solve problems find information in violent programs that they can use in creative ways. A predispOSition to violence is thereby fed by violent programming which increases the ways violence is used in interpersonal relationships. This in turn leads to a greater need for violent programs to feed the need for additional violent alternatives.

A second ray indicates that children who turn to violence, including violent television, early in life tend to become violent adults. One study found that boys who preferred violent media at age 8 were more aggressive and violent at age 18 than their peers . In a further follow-up, these same children were studied when they turned 30. By then, many had engaged in serious criminal behavior. Apparently, early viewing choices may be seen as a predictor of choices children will make in later life.

But here's the kicker. Those who preferred violent media programs at age 18 were not more violent at age 18 Seemingly, violent television has little effect on adolescents. Further, the kind of programs they choose to watch may not reflect their deeply held value systems Again, more research needs to be done to make sure this is really true.

TeleviSion, as all media, should be managed. If it is not, it quickly takes over where we parents leave off.

Teaching our children positive Christian values and discussing with them the television shows we are watching together empowers us to turn even acts on screen that reflect negative values into important leaming sessions. We will begin to develop in our children at an early age critical thinking skills they will need later in all areas of life

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT

A GUIDE FOR GROUP INTERACTION

SESSION 1. The exclusiveness of Christ

Based on "Born Our Only Savior?," page 4.

GET READY - Getting started

• Choose a song title that you think would fit this article.

GET SET - Examining the issues

1. Review the three prominent responses to the question, "Is Jesus the only way to salvation?"

2. What are the similarities and differences between inclusivism and exclusivism?

3. What does it mean to "search for nuggets of truth in the beliefs of another, celebrate that truth and show that the way of Jesus encompasses that truth and completes that truth"? What are some examples?

4 What does Faber suggest is a way to show respect for those with whom we dialog?

GO - Applying ideas to the way we live

1. How do you answer the question, "Should we try to persuade our Buddhist or Hindu or Muslim or Jewish neighbors to give up their religion and follow Christ?"

2. How could you and your congregation apply the steps suggested for making contact with those of other religious groups?

3. Review and share your own introduction to and acceptance of Jesus as the provider of salvation

SESSION 2 Santa and the saints

Based on "Sadly Santa, " page 8.

GET READY - Getting started

• What were your "Santa thoughts" as a child?

GET SET - Examining the issues

1 What were the positive aspects of the author's experience as Santa?

2. In what way was the experience a compromise of his beliefs?

3 What are the contrasts and similarities between the character of God and Santa Claus?

GO - Applying ideas to the way we live

1 Would you agree or disagree with the author's response to his experience? Would you play Santa, if asked?

2 . What role should Santa play in our celebration of Christmas?

3. How do we help children differentiate between God and make-believe characters?

SESSION 3 At home With the holidays!

Based on Ph'lip Side, page 17, and the editorial, page 36.

GET READY - Getting started

• If you could set the ideal dates for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas, how much time would you allow between the two holidays?

GET SET - Examining the issues

1. What are the pluses of Thanksgiving as a holiday?

2. What is at the heart of a thankful spirit? How does it affect our joy and outlook on life?

3. How does Mary's song of praise in Luke 1:46-55 bring together the ideas of these two articles?

GO - Applying ideas to the way we live

1. Which of the biblical instructions regarding Jewish festivals could enhance our expression of thanks to God in our churches and homes?

2. What attitudes and actions enable us to discern and respond in a Christ-like manner to the differences between the view from the two balconies?

3. Can or should we enjoy a place like the Mall of America when "the view" is so different in places like Congo?

4. What are some ways you can include the essence of Thanksgiving in your Christmas celebration this year?

SESSION 4 Priority of the local church

Based on the first question in Inquiring Minds, page 18

GET READY - Getting started

• Why have you decided to be or not to be a member of a local church?

GET SET - Examining the issues

1 How would you describe the "principle of covenant relationship" to someone unfamiliar with that concept?

2. What evidence have you seen that the principle may be in danger?

3 What are the implications of committing to a covenant relationship with others in the church?

4. Based on this relationship, what does Hein say about why our offering should be given primarily to our local congregation? Do you agree or disagree?

GO - Applying ideas to the way we live

1. How do you decide to respond to all the requests for financial support from ministries outside your local church?

2. In what ways is your congregation strengthened through your commitment to God and each other? In what ways are people and ministries suffering because of a lack?

3 How can we help each other recognize and experience the strength and potential of committing ourselves to a covenant relationship?

Commission. Questions by Nadine Friesen.

Two balconies a world apart

LAST MONTH I experienced the "Maul of America."

And I'm still staggered by it.

Coincidentally, it happened at a place called the Mall of America, that colossus of shops, restaurants and amusements near Minneapolis, Minn.

I had just finished some reporting responsibilities at the Central District Conference and was facing an otherwise free evening. Except for the price of admission, there's nothing free about the Mall of America. But two companions and I went there anyway.

It's an incredible place. Three sprawling levels of stores, large and small, offering everything from ... well ... everything you can imagine. And more.

Already decked for Christmas, these halls were crowded with people. Many were toting bags of booty, but many more looked a lot like us-just hanging out, experiencing this remarkable environment.

Then, suddenly, I was mauled. Sort of.

these people were typical Congolese, they could afford only one meager meal a day.

Life is hard in Congo. Extremely hard.

"We live by miracles," they told me.

And I believed them. You see, I experienced a few miracles of my own during my short stay there. Until Congo, I had never encountered mortar shelling, vehicle hijackings, or the suspicion of any country's intelligence agency. For this American, it was unnerving. For the people of Congo, it was everyday life.

Though I cherish the warmth and inspiration I experienced with my Mennonite sisters and brothers there, I can still feel the wave of relief that swept over

What does it mean to be thankful - b'U1y

me as our airliner departed the capital city of Kinshasa. I was thankful to be out of that country. I was thankful for the chance to return to America, where security, freedom and prosperity are our birthright. thankful - while standing on a second-floor balcony

The three of us were .standing on a balcony-like area overlooking "Camp Snoopy," the cavernous indoor carnival area that lies at in the Mall of America? the heart of the mall. Below us was a luxuri-

ous layout that included a full-sized ferris wheel, roller coaster, water slide and myriad other amusements-including a 20-foot inflatable likeness of the Great Dog himself.

In that moment, I was transported in my mind to a different balcony, one that I had stood upon only a few weeks earlier. This other balcony was on the second floor of a modest guest apartment in Kikwit, a city of some 400,000 people in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This is the land we knew only six months ago as Zaire. That was before rebel forces ousted the country's despotic dictator, Mobutu Sese Seko. I was in the country to report on the state of the Mennonite churches there in the midst of upheaval and hardship (November issue)

From that balcony in Kikwit, I saw a markedly different layout. The sand streets of the downtown market center were almost invisible in the darkness of the night. The city had been deprived of electricity for many months No glittering lights here.

In the eerie glow of cooking fires, though, I could see a few people walking below. More than likely they were unemployed; paying jobs are almost nonexistent there . If

And where we have places like the Mall of America. A place where our collective affluence glows like radiation at the core of a nuclear power plant.

And it may be almost as toxic, too. At least to our souls.

I was "mauled" a couple of weeks before Thanksgiving. I found myself wondering: What does it mean to be thankful-truly thankful-while standing on a second-floor balcony in the Mall of America?

It didn't mean much in the mall itself. We had clearly leapfrogged from Halloween to Christmas. Probably because true Thanksgiving has more to do with contentment than with consuming, more with sharing than with shopping.

In that sense, it hit me that I had probably seen more · genuine thanks-giving from the balcony in Kikwit than I did from the balcony in the Mall of America.

The people of Congo don't have much choice in the matter.

I do. But I usually choose to wallow in my discontent. It's what we're trained by our culture to do.

And that's what hurt so much.

Two balconies. Two very different worlds. And yet Christ came at Christmas to somehow reconcile this outrageous disparity-if not in this world, then in our souls.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for they will see God. Even in the Mall of America?-DR