THREE PEOPLE WERE BAPTIZED by immersion in a church service I recently attended. I find these moments very the instant the person rises up from the water and gasps that first breath of air. Having witnessed my daughter's birth, the symbolism of this gasp for air is very powerful to me.It is life-fresh and new. That is what Christmas is about, too. In Jesus, new life has come.
Our feature articles this month explore Christmas and how our lives are affected by God's choice to send new life inJesus. D. Merrill Ewert recalls a personal experience in Africa that parallels the biblical story of Mary and Joseph at the inn, and Elisabeth Toews Harder uses the same story to illustrate our own response to immigrants and the homeless. Leslie E. Mark uses an evening under the stars to reflect on who God is and who we are to him. And Pierre Gilbert looks deeper into God's purpose in sending Jesus.
Our news section is all about life in three of the five districts in the U.S. Delegates gathered at conventions in the Central and Pacific districts, and individual cluster meetings took place throughout the Southern District.
On our back cover, we have a special feature, a poem by JeanJanzen. "Christmas promise," inspired by a Chagall painting, points our thoughts and hearts towards the promise of new life.
Have a blessed Christmas. -CA
COMING
_JANUARY 26, 2003-World Fellowship Sunday 2003, sponsored by Mennonite World Conference
FEBRUARY 1, 2003-Latin American MB District Convention
FEBRUARY 16, 2003-Peace Sunday, sponsored by the U.S. Conference Peace Education Commission
FEBRUARY 24-26, 2003-New Pastor's Orientation, ECCO Retreat Center, Central California
FEBRUARY 28·MARCH 1, 2003-U.S. Conference AllBoards Meetings, Fresno, Calif.
MARCH 22-25, 2003-National Youth Conference, Estes Park, Colo.
4 No
GILBERT
VOLUME
65, NUMBER 12
in future 20 • Holm, Bartel inspire delegates 21 • PDC continues the race 23
• Building strong churches and leaders
Challenging
the
EDrrOR Carmen Andres
ASSOOATE EDrrOR Connie Faber
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The Christian Leader (ISSN 0009-5149) is published monthly by the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, 315 S. Lincoln, Hillsboro. KS 67063. The Christian Leader seeks to inform Mennonite Brethren members and churches of the events. activities, decisions and issues of their denomination, and to instruct, inspire and initiate dialogue so members will aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelical/Anabaptist theological tradition. However, the views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the position of the Christian Leader. the Board of Communications or the Mennonite Brethren Church.
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THUNDER SHOOK THE GROUND. Lightning illuminated the midnight sky. Angry clouds boiled in the heavens, and palm trees bent in the wind. The cool, humid air signaled the arrival of a tropical storm.
And I, standing under the open night sky outside an African village, had nowhere to go.
The day had started 18 hours earlier on a little mission plane carrying me from one Mennonite mission station in Congo to another 100 miles way. I had just attended a meeting of community development workers and was on my way to the city where my wife and I served as Mennonite Central Committee volunteers. The national airline flew weekly from a nearby city to my home, but there were no seats available for several weeks. Driving was not an option because the heavy rains had washed away several bridges and closed the only road. I was stranded.
Fortunately, a missionary pilot leamed of my predicament and flew me across the desolate countryside to another mission station where I might be able to catch a ride with one of the commercial traders who traveled throughout the region. Although not where I wanted to go, at least I was moving in the right general direction.
After the pilot dropped me off at the mission station, I walked to the nearby road-a dirt path that traders used when traveling through the regionand waited under a small tree. Two or three commercial vehicles passed that way on a typical day.
After several hours of waiting, a truck finally came along. The driver stopped and offered me a ride. Though he wasn't going to the city where I lived, he agreed to take me to another town where two major roads intersected. From there, I could easily catch a ride home. I tossed my bag in the back and joined the driver and another young man in the cab. The route was indirect-like driving from Minneapolis to Chicago by way of Kansas City-but at least I was going home.
Over the next few hours, I leamed that my traveling companion was a student on his way to the city where I lived. As we approached the crossroads village around midnight, it was clear that we would be stranded for the night.
So, there we stood in the dark, a major storm moving through the area and no vehicles on the road.
''You are lucky," the young student said to me, "because you have a 'brother' in this viUage, so you can stay with him."
Surprised, I asked what he meant. He explained that two young Peace Corps volunteers lived in this community and taught in a nearby school. He would
take me to their house so I could stay with them.
"What about you?" I asked.
He said he'd sleep under a tree or something. I gazed anxiously at the lightning.
"No," I told him, "we'U both stay with my 'brothers. '"
By the time I knocked on the Peace Corps volunteers' door, I felt the first drops of rain. An almost continual flash of lightning illuminated the landscape. It was eerie.
"Who is it?" one of the Peace Corps volunteers asked.
Through the locked door, I explained that I was an MCC volunteer from the next major city-and that I was stranded with no place to stay for the night. The young man with me, I added, had been a student in their school.
"Go away!" one of the volunteers shouted. "I don't know you."
Again, I explained who I was, what I did for MCC, and why I had arrived in their village at midnight. I elaborated further-I was an American from Minnesota, a Mennonite volunteer working in community development. I also dropped the names of every Peace Corps volunteer I knew in the region:
"Go away," he repeated. "We don't know you! You can't stay here!"
I was dumfounded. With nowhere else to go, the student and I ran through what was by now the pouring rain to the center of the village. We ducked under the eaves of a nearby building. By pressing ourselves against the waU, we avoided the downpour until the wind shifted, soaking us once again.
This wouldn't do, I thought. I told my traveling companion that we were returning to the house of my "brothers."
Once again, I pounded on the door. They came with their oil lamps, peering at us through a crack. The light revealed a nicely furnished living room with a large couch, several comfortable chairs, and a dry cement floor covered with an inviting mat. It was the biggest house in the viUage, the only one made of brick and covered with a tin roof.
''You can't stay here," one shouted when I asked if we could come in and wait out the storm. "We don't know you. Besides, we don't have any room."
"What do you mean, you don't have any room?" I asked. "All we need is a dry place to sit until morning, and then we'U be on the first truck out of town."
The two volunteers began moving furniture to block the door.
"You can't stay here," they shouted. "Go away! Go away!"
that stormy
nlisht in (On80,
wondered what I would don. if and had to my house.
As the student and I ran back to the village center, he asked me what my brothers had said. (The Peace Corps volunteers and I had conversed in English). I told him that they claimed to have no room for us.
"That's what I thought they said," he responded. "Why did they say that?"
I had no answer.
By now, the tropical storm had arrived in force. The student turned to me and said, "Let's try one other thing. I think that a guy I met in school lives around here somewhere."
We ran between rows of grass houses, waking several people to ask directions. Finally we came to a tiny house where my guide stopped, called out softly and waited. Sure enough, a young man-who knew the student with me only slightly-emerged and immediately invited us inside. The young home owner apologized profusely for not having any food or hot coffee for us. We assured him that we had already eaten and weren't thirsty.
The one-room house was barely bigger than the bed that took up most of the floor. As soon as our host heard our story, he pointed to the grass-filled mattress and said, "You are going to sleep here tonight."
"We can't take your bed," I protested. "If we can just sit inside until the rain stops, we'll be okay."
"No," he replied, "you are strangers and don't know anybody in this village. You are tired from your trip, so you must rest. I should study anyway."
Then, over our objections, he gave us his thin, worn blanket saying, ''You're cold and wet. You'll get sick if you don't warm up."
He picked up a book, huddled over a small lamp in the corner of the house and began to read. Exhausted and grateful, the student and I collapsed on the mattress and went instantly to sleep.
Early the next morning, I heard the sound of a truck engine starting up. I jumped to my feet, grabbed my bag and looked for my host. I wanted to thank him, but he was not around. So, I ran to the market square and caught a truck just as it was starting to drive away. The driver agreed to take me along, so I climbed into the back of his vehicle and made myself as comfortable as I could on top of a load of cassava. I arrived home that night.
No room in Bethlehem
Although I never saw my host again, I think of him every time I hear the story of Mary and Joseph on the night that Jesus was born.
I remember the young man in a little grass house during a tropical storm in the middle of Africa. He heard my knock and opened the door. He saw that I was a stranger and took me in. He noticed that I was exhausted and gave me his bed. When he realized that I was wet and cold, he offered me his blanket. He thought I must be hungry and thirsty so he apologized because he didn't have any food in the house or hot coffee to drink.
I also remember the two Peace Corps volunteers who occupied the biggest house in the :village but sent us out into the storm because they "didn't know us" and "didn't have any room." Although supposedly there to teach the Congolese, these young Americans had much to learn. From their Congolese hosts, they could have learned about compassion, hospitality and meeting human needs.
Over the years, I've felt that we've been much too hard on that innkeeper in Bethlehem. After all, Mary and Joseph didn't have reservations. He didn't know they were coming. The inn was full of other guests who had already arrived and checked in. Instead of turning them away, however, he offered Mary and Joseph what he had-a warm and dry place in his stable.
If Mary and Joseph had arrived at the home of those two Peace Corps volunteers in Congo, I suspect that they would have been sent back out into the storm. On the other hand, I'll never forget that young Congolese man who would have given them his bed.
Every Christmas since that stormy night in Congo, I've wondered what I would have done if Mary and Joseph had come to my house. Would I have opened the door and welcomed them in? Would I have made room for Jesus? •
D. Merrill Ewert served with MBMS International from 1967-1969 and Mennonite Central Committee from 1973-1976, spending 1974-76 in Congo. Last month, Ewert was inaugurated as president ofFresno Pacific University, an MB university in Central California.
Welcoming Maria and Jose
-THE COFFEE CROP WAS bad this year, and we have lost our farm. We heard from our cousins In the north that there is work there. We have no food for our family here and we are hungry. We have no choice but to go north. and we are willing to work. Will you let usin?-
So said -Maria- and -Jose. - huddled in the cold across from the White House one night In December. What would be the response from those gathered around them. candles glowing in their hands?
-Why do you have to' come north? Why can't you stay In your own country?came the response. -We can't let you in or you'll take our Jobs and ruin our standard of living. Besides. your papers aren't in order.-
This is the common litany of immigration debates. of which I've experienced pieces over the last year in Tucson and Nogales, Ariz •• california's Central Valley. Miami and New York City. But on this December night, a new dimension was made dear in the celebration of -Las Posadas, - the reenactment of Mary and Joseph's search for hospitality in a foreign land in a time of .great need. This journey is lived out many thousands of times each year across U.S. borders. by people seeking economic opportunity in a globalizing world or refuge
from conflict and natural drsasters.
Jesus' entry into our society really is through Immi· grants such as these: people whose free movement Is restricted by nationalistic boundaries. who pay taxes in the United States but are refused public health care even when pregnant. and who are shunned even by the church preoccupied with following-rather than reformlng-proper legal procedures. On this night, the Mosaic commands to love (Lev. 19:33·34) and provide for (Lev. 19:10) the sojourner were illuminated as an explicit welcoming of Christ: -Just as you did It to one of the least of these who are members of my family. you did it to me(Matt. 25:40).
How nice It would be for my epiphanal story to end there, especially if -ah haM moments translated Into personal action. But alas. there's more.
Toward the end of the reenactment. the group gathered with Maria and Jose at the doors to the church. To their Inquiry we -ushers M replied, -We can't let you In. this Is a church-we don't have the facilities to keep people here. Our Advent services are about to start. You really must go now.-
Of course we were all appropriately struck by the lrony-but lucidly. we were also saved by the script. A
-parishioner- Invited Maria and Jose to come stay with his family. saying, MSometimes we get so busy that we forget what is important.The real. nontheatrical Irony that continues to Weigh on my mind is that two dearly homeless men were also at the church's door. observing the litany. These men, as ostracized by society and the church as immigrants often are, were not invited Inside for dinner nor were they even spoken to by members of our group. For th.em. or rather for us.
there was no redemptive script. We, with all our good Intentions and emphasis on social justice. remain Implicated by the Good News. Lord. help us to see you In the sojourner and in every single one of your children. -by Elisabeth Toews Harder. She wrote this reflection in December 2007 while serving as a legislative assistant at the Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Washington Office. She now works with MCC In Ukraine. She is a member ofof First Mennonite Church. Mountain Lake.
BY
LESLIE E. MARK
I AM A SUPERANNUATED SEPTUAGENARIAN* lying on my back on the lawn looking up at the moon and the stars. The moon doesn't impress me much because it is smaller than the planet Earth. But then I glance up and notice little lights which some, I am told, are bodies of burning things a hundred times bigger than this planet on which I am lying. The later it is in the night, the more lights I can see in the sky. The sky is full of them! And then I learn that this multitude of roaring masses of burning, moving exploding things in the sky is just one galaxy, and that there are thousands of those we can't see. It's mind-boggling.
A bird who forgot what time it is flies overhead. An ant bites me; I squash it, and he dies for his fatherland-I guess. A dog barks, two cats fight, a toad hops onto my stomach and scares me half to death. Dumb animals! Little creepy things!
But wait, aren't we human beings sort of like creepy things in comparison to this universe, stars and galaxies? Yet, we're such a unique phenomena. I've never been a toad, an ant or a bird. I and all of us humans are distinct beings. Toads don't do math; ants never pray; birds don't vote on when to fly to warmer climates; cats don't worry about tomorrow; dogs don't sin. Who ever saw an immoral canary? We worry about death and taxes, but snails don't.
We aren't animals and are worth infinitely more. One of my teachers at the University of Guadalajara went to great lengths to draw pictures of the skull of humans and apes. He said we were just animals whose purpose in life was to be born, reproduce and die. The only immortality was to have a statue of oneself in the park or have a street named after you. For this reason, he had no difficulty in planning with his sons a student riot that left 32 students dead. He explained to us that they were not good elements to have in the university, and being essentially animals, they were dispensable.
Now, I don't know how God created man other than that the human body is made of the same elements of which the rest of the earth is made. But there's a whopping difference between you and me and toads. Toads don't think about life, death, judgment, resurrection and God. But we do. Seals don't reason things out, nor talk with verbs, nouns, prepositions and modifiers. But we do. If any of these creepy things begin to pray, build fires, do math and break way from their instinctive urges to reason, they would no longer be creepy things. They would be humans. Don't tell me that we are just animals. We are unique, different and special.
But isn't it strange that here we are as special,
*Aperson in his 70s who bas outgrown his competence
unique, little specks of dust in comparison to the sun, stars and galaxies, and yet we have the audacity, arrogance and uner stupidity to shake our fist in the face of God and ask him why he does what he does? What is man, anyway, that God who fills the whole universe by his Spirit and keeps all things held together, should even think of him or give him the time of day? (Heb. 2:6-8) Who is this being to whom has been given the task of governing and developing this plane to its highest possible development in order to portray the person of the Creator? (Gen. 1:28) Who has more value, we or the bugs?
The God of all the universe came in all of his fullness to live as a human being, but not in a toad, a pig or cockroach. What did he do that for? He did it because we are made in his image. But we marred and distorted that image. We are scared to death of the consequences of that action, and he has become one of us to bear the penalty for our sin and break the power of the devil, who has sin and death at his command. God has come to liberate us from the fear of death and from the power of sin and Satan.
If we are so loved that our God would come and save us from depravity, rot and ruin, why don't we see our worth, bury our arrogance and love him by obeying him? I don't know about you, but as I think about this, I plan to show my love and appreciation by simply being obedient. That's enough to keep me busy for a while.
Right now, however, I'm going to bed before another toad jumps on my stomach. Good night stars, bugs, Mr. Toad-and thanks for reminding me .•
Leslie Mark and his wife served as missionaries in Mexico for over 18 years and also served in India. He a/so taught at Fresno Pacific University for 17 years, where he is now professor emeritus.
CHRISTMAS BY PIERRE GILBERT
CHRISTNfA$. THE MERE WORD IMMEDIATEL Y evokes a myriad of images--snow, evergreens in the liVing room, decorations, presents, singing, families getting together and foods of all kinds. For me, C}uistmas calls to mind images from my childhood. Mt grandfat1}!twould invite his children and grandchlldren dinner. I still remember the roasted piglet with all the trimmings, in its mouth. I do not remember what it tasted like, but what a mouth-watering sight that was. To this day, the mere mention of Christmas brings back a flood ofwarm roasted piglet-centered memories.
Christmas also evokes a strange kind of romanticism, even if only for a few days. Some refer to it as the "Spirit" of Christmas. Television networks serve up innumerable remakes of the quintessential evil rich man Ebenezer Scrooge who experiences a miraculous conversion. From the old miserable, tight-fisted creature that he was, Ebenezer turns into a generous, turkey-giving, benevolent old gentleman. The powerful materialistic drive of the holiday season cannot completely overshadow the call to show kindness and compassion to others.
From where does this remarkable sobering effect of Christmas come? Amid the flurry of glitter, lights, food and presents, there is the baby Jesus. The birth of Christ still has a dynamic and power that the enormous weight of this 21st century secular society is simply unable to crush.
For many, the baby Jesus is another cute image, the coziness of which is irresistible. But for the theologically informed, the birth of Jesus represents much more-it is God becoming flesh. The baby Jesus embodies God's ultimate attempt at showing who he really is.
What could possibly motivate God to adopt such a radical course of action? The answer is both simple and profound: God has a project.
The divine project
Throughout history, God's project has manifested itself in various ways. It predates the creation of the world, spans all of human history and rushes into eternity. God's purpose is to create a community composed of individuals who have freely chosen to love and serve him. Ultimately, it is an invitation extended to every human being to love God and to become a member of a new people (1 Pet. 2:4-12).
Something, however, went terribly wrong with the human race. God endowed humanity with free will-particularly the freedom to love or hate God. But at some point, humans chose to disobey God, and something broke in the deepest recesses of the human soul (Gen. 3).
Although no one can quite explain what exactly happened, we know that this terrible event deeply affected the entire course of human history. Evil and suffering entered into the world. Humanity discovered the true significance of freedom-the knowledge of good and evil-hut this choice also locked humanity into the sphere of death. Thus was ushered in the age of fear and misery, the age of superstition, idolatry and magic, the age of violence.
This massive setback should have signaled the end of God's project, but God did not abandon his divine undertaking. He proceeded to save humanity.
Why? Because the God of the Bible is a God of salvation (psalm 107). In the Old Testament, God saved his people through leaders like Moses, Joshua, Samson and the prophets. In the New Testament, God dispatches the ultimate savior, Jesus Christ.
However, even the birth of Jesus--God becoming flesh-was not exempt from the evil and suffering that was now part of humanity's existence. Matthew records a horrific event after Jesus' birth that reveals the terrible predicament in which humanity finds itself. He gives the reader an insight into the ultimate "alienness" in all of us. It is a story about death in its most revolting shape: the death of little children (Matt. 2:13-23).
But again we find that God was not deterred. Instead, this event provides yet another insight into God's divine project of salvation.
Slaughter of innocents
The story is well-known. Herod the Great learns that magi from the East are looking for a newborn king. The news that a new king is born would create somewhat of a stir inmost courts, but this piece of "intelligence" proves to be disastrous in the hands of this particular Herod.
Herod the Great is not a man to be trifled with. He is mentally unstable and deeply evil-a volatile combination. He kills his wife Mariamne simply because he suspects her of unfaithfulness. He executes his two sons on suspicion of treason. On his deathbed, he will order the members of prominent Jewish families to be gathered and executed the instant his death is official, simply to ensure his subjects will mourn his death.
Herod wants to know where the child is, so that he can kill this pretender to the throne. But Herod can't locate the child. In a moment of characteristically blind fury, he decides to eliminate all the boys two years old and younger who live in and around Bethlehem. An estimated 30 to 40 children are slaughtered.
"A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and
refusing to be comforted, because they are no more" (Matt. 2:18). This verse, quoted from a prophecy by Jeremiah, reflects the deep sadness and anguish that results from this terrible act of cruelty. In Matthew's day, the Jewish community still preserved a vivid recollection of that painful episode. Matthew's audience would still deeply grieve upon hearing this story.
The Herod in us
We modem readers, on the other hand, often read such a text without as much as batting an eye. There is no dramatic description of the murders. We do not hear the mothers' screams of terror nor see the desperate attempts of the men to protect their children. It happened such a long time ago. It is difficult to feel the full impact of the events that transpire in this text.
But to understand why Matthew includes this incident in his gospel and to grasp its significance, we too must feel the pain of this story. This isn't really that hard to do. These 2000-year-old deaths are not as far removed as we might think. The darkness and alienness of Herod are still with us today.
Three modem stories of pain
•A little girl. In the early 1980s, when I was a pastor in Waterloo (a small town in the eastern townships of the province of Quebec), a friend and I decided to visit the homes of people who had sent their kids to a nearby Christian camp the previous summer. On one visit, we dropped in on a woman who was taking care of three foster children.
.As I entered the living room, I noticed a young girl about seven-years-old playing in the kitchen. I subsequently learned she was in fact 13-years-old. .As soon as I sat on the sofa, this girl ran towards me, literally jumped on my lap and held onto me as if her life depended on it. After a little while, she let go and went back to the kitchen.
It hadn't taken me long to notice that she was physically and mentally handicapped. Her foster mother later told us that this girl wasn't born this way. Her condition had resulted from severe physical and emotional abuse she suffered at the hands of family members. She had been fair game for those who should have extended love and protection. Evi· dently, her tormenters had figured out what would kill her and stopped short. It has been almost 20 years since my encounter with the little girl, and my heart still aches for her.
• Two little boys. In the same foster home, there were twin boys, about five years old. They too had encountered evil. Their father had abandoned them at birth, and their mother lived in the clutches of drug addiction and resorted to stripping in area
bars to survive. Occasionally, these children had been locked up in an empty barn with little food and water, sometimes for three days at a time. By the time they were rescued by child welfare services, they were profoundly traumatized and psychologically scarred by their experience.
• An older man: Many years ago, I met an older couple. The wife had recently become a Christian. The husband didn't mind her newfound religious fervor, but it wasn't for him. Over time, he and I nevertheless became good friends.
He had a tendency to make fun of the fact that I was a "man of the cloth." His jabs were relentless. "Where is your collar? Did you lose it?" he'd joke. Or "I hope you said your prayers this moming-you look like you need them." Comments every pastor loves to hear.
After a while, however, he began to ask some questions about the Christian faith. I tried to explain to him why Christ died and what his resurrection meant. I knew this man was on the verge of making a commitment to Christ, but he could not bring himself to do it.
Since he pestered me with his clergy jokes, 1 felt uncharacteristically free to pester him with my questions: ''Why? Why won't you accept the forgiveness God wants to extend to you?" I'd keep asking him.
"I can't! And that's all there is to it," he'd answer.
One day, I insisted on asking him what the real problem was. To my surprise, he told me.
"An accident," he kept repeating. "It was an accident."
.As he spoke, I realized he was seeing a scene he had played in his head thousands of times. Right in front of me, the nightmare was unfolding all over again.
My friend was a war veteran, stationed in Europe during World War n. It was in the final days of the war, and military intelligence had determined that German soldiers were hiding in a house nearby. He and a few other men had been given the mission to neutralize them. The soldiers surrounded the house, broke down the door and began shooting everything in sight.
But it was still dark, and they could not see well. Once the dust settled, they made a horrific discovery. There were no German soldiers; only children and a few women. At that moment, this man's soul was ushered into hell.
"That's why," said my friend, "I don't deserve God's forgiveness. I don't deserve to live."
1 didn't know what to say. Finally, I told him again what he could not accept-that God loved him, and Christ died for the sins of the whole world, including his own, so that he might live.
This is what the Lord says:
"A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because her children are no more."
This is what the Lord says:
"Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded," declares the Lord.
"They will return from the land of the enemy."
"Today is a good day to come home," I told him.
On that day, myoid friend did come home. For 40 years, this man had been doing penance. For 40 years, he had been slowly killing himself to atone for his sins. Without Christ, this is what we do. But on that day, he quit doing penance. He found forgiveness and peace.
Behold the horror
Sooner or later, we must face the reality of who we are in all of its horror. The abuse and death of children reminds us most vividly, perhaps even most cruelly, of what sin has done to us. As we ponder these incidents and others like it, we are compelled to ask, What is wrong with us?
As this question screams from our souls, we despair and we grieve, for we know too well that the moral disease that afflicts us is rooted beyond our reach. Can someone deliver us from what we have become (Rom. 7: 24)?
Matthew inserts this horrible story in his gospel to compel the reader to ask this question. When the Jews read the story of the slaughter of the little ones, Matthew knew that something would grab them in the gut. They would be reminded of the ultimate reason for the coming of the Messiah, and they too would ask, Who shall deliver us from death?
The stories I have told bring out the cold and harsh reality of what sin has done to human nature. For a few moments, we too feel the choking weight of sin, and we too ask, Who shall deliver us from the horror of death?
Unfortunately, for a lot of people in our world there is no answer. They look towards the heavens, and the heavens are empty-or are they?
Joy to the world
In Matthew's story, death does not have the final word. Something wonderful is happening.
In the Jeremiah text that Matthew quotes-a text the Jews knew well-the lament is tied to a promise
of salvation. Right after the lament comes the words: "This is what the Lord says: 'Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,' declares the Lord. 'They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your future,' declares the Lord. 'Your children will return to their own land'" (Jer. 31:16-17).
Jeremiah emphatically indicates that there is hope beyond death and suffering.
Although he does not quote Jeremiah's promise, Matthew nevertheless applies the promise of hope found in Jeremiah's text to the horror of the human condition highlighted by the slaughter of the little ones: "After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, 'Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child's life are dead'" (Matt. 2:19-20).
Those who were trying to take the child's life are dead. These words remind us that in the end evil did not triumph. In these words lies a powerful promise of hope. The victory of the one who faced opposition and death in childhood is the guarantee that he will ultimately be victorious.
But this will not simply be some triumph over an evil ruler or a malevolent system. As incisively painful as sin, pain and death might be for us now, the story of Jesus' victory over Herod is the promise that one day death will be engulfed in a hurricane of life. It is the promise that one day we shall be transformed.
Christmas is much more than a time to party and to cultivate good feelings about others. The celebration of our Savior's birth is the promise that death, pain, old age, disease and evil will be eradicated and will forever fade into nothingness.
It is indeed a Merry Christmas! •
Pierre Gilbert is associate professor of Old Testament at ME Biblical Seminary and Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, Man.
BY PHILIP WIEBE
Christmas (thought) list
AS I BEGIN TO JOT SOME NOTES
for the December issue of this magazine, I can't say, here in late October, that I feel much enthusiasm for the holiday season yet. Of course, I don't always feel much enthusiasm for the holiday season dUring the holiday season either.
It's not that I don't like Christmas. It's just, well, what is there left to say about it? Every year there's talk about finding the true meaning of the season, but wasn't the meaning already found a few thousand years ago? "[Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins" (Matt. 1:21). That pretty much covers it. So the real challenge of Christmas is not to find the true meaning, which is clear, but to keep from burying all meaning under a huge wad of tinsel and wrapping paper.
Well, after claiming to have nothing to say about Christmas, I've gone ahead and said something anyway. So I might as well share more thoughts on my Christmas list
• Speaking of Christmas lists, it's common practice to come up with items you might want someone to put under the tree for you. Around our house we usually get around to that discussion: "Have you thought of anything you want for Christmas?" Since we've tried to cultivate holiday traditions leaning more towards simplicity than extravagance, our children never ask for a great abundance of stuff. But I have noticed their lists tend to be longer than mine.
I suppose that's natural. As a kid I always wanted a variety of gifts too. But now I'm at the age where it's hard to think of anything I might want, and
impossible to think of anything I really need. I've been wondering if the more appropriate activity in my case would be a "reverse" Christmas list-detailing items not that I'd like to get but things I need to get rid of.
In a way, maybe getting rid of stuff would be more in the spirit of the season. Jesus was born and raised in humble circumstances, and later preached about paring down, getting back to basics, removing hindrances to the daily practice of loving God and serving others. The standard clamor and commercialism of Christmas today seems to have exactly the opposite effect.
• Since many people seem to agree with the famous Christmas lyric, "It's the most wonderful time of the year," I sometimes wonder why I don't particularly feel that way. Perhaps it's due to Christmas traumas experienced during childhood. Yes, that would explain a lot-if I'd suffered any actual trauma. But no, my younger years were quite uneventful and pleasant. So maybe it was our extreme poverty, which left me wanting and hungry during the holidays. But of course I'm stretching again, because I never lived in poverty, got plenty of presents and gobbled down way more ham and mashed potatoes than was probably healthy. Given the complete lack of horrible holiday experiences in my life, you'd think I'd be Mr. Christmas Cheer himself. However, I suspect the real reason for my holiday ambivalence is a natural distaste for hype and hubbub. And if you were to name the peak time of year for hype and hubbub, of course it would be Christmas. An often repeated wish this time of year is the biblical "Peace on earth"-a noble
desire and prayer. But sometimes one has to wonder these days if an even greater holiday miracle would be to find a little peace and quiet.
•A popular piece of advice I've often heard is that to make the holidays more meaningful, families should come up with their own Christmas traditions. I won't argue with that. But traditions can be misapplied. They can be made with the idea that every year they're going to be followed, like it or not! And unfortunately there can come a time when participants stop liking it, but the tradition stubbornly goes on.
In my experience the best holiday traditions have been the ones springing up naturally and spontaneously, with no need to drag on past their usefulness. For example, one sunny Christmas Eve day when I was a teen in Southern California, the idea sprung up that we should have a beach barbecue. So we went out to one of our favorite beach parks, which was surprisingly deserted, and grilled burgers, explored tidepools and got up a game of beach football in which the western boundary was as far as you cared to splash out into the Pacific. The Christmas Eve beach outing became a beloved family tradition for a few years.
But it's not one I'd care to emulate here in Oregon, where sun is not the norm on Dec. 24 and the Pacific waters are somewhat less than toasty. The point is, I'm all for making traditions as long as they're timely, appropriate and enhance holiday togetherness.
If that's our focus, maybe there's hope for finding meaning in the season after all .•
BY MARVIN HEIN
Questions of faith &life
Speaking about money and explaining bad things happening to good people
QWhy do we find it so difficult to speak about money in the church and among Christians?
AThis question was raised at a seminar session during the recent Pacific District Conference by MB Foundation President Jon Wiebe. Some of the comments that follow are the result of a subsequent conversation with Wiebe on this subject.
During more than four decades of ministry it has always seemed strange to me that it is perfectly appropriate to talk about our experiences of answers to prayer, but money is so private we don't want it discussed. It is perfectly acceptable to talk, sometimes even gloat, over our successes in personal evangelism, but to talk about money and our successes (or failures) in stewardship are all too private to be discussed in the church. What is so strange about all this is that the Bible and Jesus talked far more about money than they ever talked about prayer and evangelism.
Wiebe suggested that those of us over 55 probably feel more liberty to discuss money in the church because it was talked about in our homes. The Depression made it almost inevitable that families would discuss money. That mayor may not be true. I don't recall my parents talking with us children about the difficulties in making ends meet. Perhaps I've just forgotten. It is true, however, that the church then was more involved in a personal way when members had financial difficulties.
I recall an incident early in my ministry where it became evident that a certain family, whose chief wage earner worked for the conference, had serious
debt problems and things were going from bad to worse. The deacons appointed a brother to counsel the troubled family and actually proceeded to manage the family's finances for several years until matters were in hand. It was an intensely personal but loving approach to talking about money in the life of the church.
I know that occasionally such attempts may still be made, but we are very reticent to let our financial conditions be known. I recall how incensed a person became when I discovered as pastor that a family was giving nothing to the church. Pastors are never to know about their parishioners' contributions! It's alright to talk to parishioners struggling with a drug problem or a prayer problem or a marriage problem or some ethical misbehavior, but money! That's none of his business. I didn't and don't understand that kind of thinking. Money, the Bible says, is often the chief rival of God. Are we not mandated to talk about it?
Our culture teaches us to be so individualistic that we refrain from discussing our financial affairs within the life of the church. I think that is sin! Pastors need to preach, and parishioners need to share, about the way we earn, save, give, spend and invest our money. Wiebe suggested that pastors may refrain from preaching about money because of lack of training or available resources, concern over congregational reaction or even unsettled personal stewardship practices. There is nothing that reveals our spirituality more than our approach to money. Why should we refuse to talk about it in the church?
Have a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference policy, or other spiritual Issue? E-matl Marvin at mhetn1@fresno.edu or send your question to "Inquiring Minds, "c/o Marvin Hetn, 4812 E. Butler, Fresno, CA 93727.
QWe hear a lot about child abdudions and murders in the news. How can I explain to people who aren't Christians why God would allow that to happen if he is a loving God?
AThe non-Christian probably comes to this question with a good number of assumptions that are contrary to what is the truth. The crux of the question, or the answer, lies in the true nature of God. The nonbeliever probably has little sense of the fAct that God offers "life" and goodness to people but also allows "death" and bad things to occur when he is disobeyed or disregarded. The Bible says that God's offer of salvation is a savor of life to some and a taste of death to others.
God does not arbitrarily foist bad things upon people when they disobey him. He most often simply allows sin to take its natural course-which is bad things and even death. Unfortunately, the sinful actions of unbelievers and even the unwise decisions of believers sometimes bring havoc both to Christians and nonChristians. God is a God oflove, but he is more than that. He is a God who is just, and justice calls for punishment. Fortunately God is also a God of grace, but in' his own mysterious way God works out both grace and justice.
It may well be impossible to explain to your unbelieving friend why innocent people suffer. Even we Christians do not fully fathom how God works. Whole books are written trying to explain why "bad things happen to good people." They are profitable reading in most cases, but they still leave unanswered and puzzling questions. Believers ultimately must trust God that he does all things right. The unbeliever can hardly be expected to trust God to that extent .•
ON THE JOURNEY
BY ROSE BUSCHMAN
Special Christmas music
behind the the special
I WAS LISTENING TO THE RADIO last week and heard two people discussing Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite and how it is an essential part of their Christmas celebration each year. They talked about how the music and the dancing are so wonderful and going to a performance of the ballet is so special for them.
That got me thinking. What music is special for me at Christmas? I didn't grow up with the Nutcracker Suite. I did, however, grow up in the tradition of going caroling on Christmas Eve. That was the one night of the year when it was okay for us young people to stay out as late as we wanted to, provided that we attended but didn't fall asleep during the Christmas church service which began at 10 o'clock the next morning.
After the Christmas Eve service we would gather in the church parking lot and divide into groups, pile into cars and travel from home to home in our assigned church community, singing a number of carols in four part harmony at each place. We quickly learned the words to several verses of each song, in both German and English, so we could sing in the language appropriate for the residence at which we stopped.
If I were to pick the one song that I must sing each year it would be the German version of Nun ist sie erschienen, die himmlische Sonne. The English translation, "The Sun Has Arisen in Heavenly Glory" is okay but it is just not quite the same as when sung in its original language. I'm not sure why this song is so special to me. Maybe the good memories it evokes, of standing with a group of church friends and singing from our hearts, the night air crisp and cold, stars out overhead, are what make it special.
Several years ago I came across a
video, The Songs of Christmas, which gives background information to some of the familiar carols we sing. Watching the video at Christmas time has become a "new" tradition in our home.
Francis of Assisi, in the late 11oos, began the tradition of building an outdoor stable with a manger and then bringing animals to make the scene more authentic. He had the town's people come, standing around and singing the songs of Christmas. Before that time, music had been the domain primarily of the monks, but now the common people could share and enjoy it as well.
Most of us are familiar with the story of how a mouse chewed the bellows of the organ in an Austrian church so that at the last minute Franz Gruber, the church's organist, had to compose music to the words that Joseph Mohr, the church's priest, had written. The two men performed the song for the first time, accompanied by a guitar, at the Christmas Eve service in 1818 at St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria. And so the carol Silent Night was born.
In the southern United States the slaves used music to communicate when they didn't want their masters to know what was going on. For instance, the song Steal Away to Jesus was the signal for an unauthorized church service in a secret location. In December 1837, a group of slaves had saved S2.50 and decided to escape to freedom on the underground railway. Someone singing the song, There's a star in the east on Christmas morn, Rise up shepherd and follow was the signal for the slaves to meet at a prearranged site and leave.
Not too many years later Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, the American poet, received the news that his son,
Charlie, had been wounded while fighting in the Civil War. On Christmas Eve 1863, Charlie returned home and graphically described what it was like to kill a soldier on the other Side, or be killed himself. Longfellow was so moved and disturbed by this that on Christmas morning he wrote the following words, "I heard the bells on Christmas day their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, goodwill to men." Knowing the story behind it makes the following words more meaningful, "And in despair I bowed my head: 'There is no peace on earth,' I said. 'For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.'"
The story I like best is the one about how a Christmas song stopped a war for a few hours. In 1870 the Franco-Prussian war was in full swing. There was serious fighting in the trenches around Paris with German and French troops heavily engaged. Then at one point a French soldier got up out of his foxhole and in full view of the German soldiers began to sing, "0 Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining. It is the night of the dear Savior's birth." As his voice rang out in the clear night air, the shooting stopped and everyone listened. After he finished and jumped back into his trench a German soldier got up on his side and began to sing, "From heaven above to earth I come to bear good news to every home. Glad tidings of great joy I bring, whereof I now will say and sing." For several hours that night there was peace, then, tragically, the fighting resumed.
Singing carols is an essential part of Christmas for me and knowing their stories makes the celebration even more special .•
Hooked by FPU's vision
Merrill Ewert:
Building community at Fresno Pacific University
BY KATHY HEINRICHS WIEST
DMerrill Ewert was inaugurated Nov. 8 as the 10th president of Fresno Pacific University. He came to FPU from Cornell University where he served as director of extension and associate dean for outreach. At Cornell, Ewert pursued his lifelong interest in community development as he oversaw the
university's 57 county extension offices throughout New York State.
Ewert has a long history with the MB church, raised in the Delft (Minn.) MB Church, earning his undergraduate degree at Tabor College and serving in overseas assignments under both MBMS International and Mennonite Central Committee. He has also taught at Wheaton College and the University
His wife, Priscilla, is an adjunct science professor at Fresno Pacific. They have two college-age daughters. Michelle is a graduate student at the University of Minnesota and Stephanie is a junior at Wheaton College. Priscilla grew up in Jackson, Minn., and met Merrill when both were graduate students at the University of WisconsinMadison. She subsequently supervised General Chemistry labs at the University of Maryland, Wheaton, and Cornell where Merrill served on the faculty.
Leader reporter Kathy Heinrichs Wiest recently talked with Ewert about his new assignment. Following are excerpts of that interview:
CL: You have experience at both secular and Christian institutions. Why did you choose to serve at a Christian university and particularly at a Mennonite Brethren one?
Merrill Ewert: I'm not sure that I consciously chose to serve here. It seemed to choose me. Fresno Pacific was looking for someone with a particular background, set of skills and experiences. Mine appeared to fit. Fresno Pacific offered the vision for how a Christian university with a community-building agenda could provide high quality education while addressing the problems of society. There are many things that I can resist; the opportunity to serve in a leadership role within this kind of institution was not one of them.
CL: What makes Fresno Pacific an interesting place for you to serve?
ME: The university's vision statement, TheFresno Pacific Idea, captured my imagination. It establishes FPU as a Christian university, values community and is committed to serving humankind through higher education. That vision hooked me. I was intrigued by the idea of a Christian university committed to functioning as a learning community, serving as a prophetic voice and making a difference both in the city and within society.
Since coming here I've learned much more about the university's wonderful reputation in the San Joaquin Valley. Many elected officials and civic leaders have told me that southeast Fresno is a of Maryland and served with MAP International, a global health and development organization.
much better place because the university is located here. One suggested that he would hate to even think about what this area would be like without Fresno Pacific anchoring the community.
CL: An urban university is a long way from your roots in the small town of Mountain Lake. Minn. Are there ways that you still feel a connectedness to those roots?
ME: If all the former Mountain Lakers currendy living in Fresno had stayed home, the population of Mountain Lake would probably rival Sacramento. On a daily basis I meet people with connections to Mountain Lake. After speaking in chapel this morning, for example, a woman came up and said, "My dad's cousin comes from Mountain Lake." It turns out that he had been my classmate. Most people I meet here came from somewhere else and brought those rural community values along. An agricultural community, Fresno is conservative and hardworking, with a strong civil society. It's a small town that grew. It feels like Mountain Lake, only more so.
CL: How has your Mountain Lake upbringing shaped who you are today?
ME: One of the core values that I absorbed as a child was the importance of community. Community shapes who we are and how we live our lives. That's something I not only brought from home, but have carried with me to every place I've ever lived, including this one. My whole career has reflected some aspect of community development. Growing up in Mountain Lake, I experienced a strong sense of community all around me before I ever understood what it really was or meant. Another important value is a strong belief in the importance of education. My parents taught me this at home and it was reinforced by others in the community. I wouldn't be doing this without that foundation.
CL: You have served internationally with MBMS International. Mennonite Central Committee. and MAP International. How have your international experiences added to your understanding?
ME: Much of my adult life has been lived interculturally so I have learned to
understand and value people and societies that are different. Working in Congo, I learned much more about designing and carrying out community( based solutions to local problems. I I learned to observe and listen, seeking to understand things that are different from my own experience. I have seen communities work together to solve some very difficult problems.
I have subsequendy led workshops and seminars all over the world, addressing different aspects of community development. I learned much about the challenges facing people in other nations. This has taught me about the ways through which my own culture has limited what I know and understand about the world. These experiences have also provided me with a global network of relationships that I continue to enrich my life.
CL: You have written that you commonly used stories in your communii ty development work overseas. Do stories playa part in how you lead , here as well?
ME: We live in a storytelling culture; I stories provide a vehicle for helping people examine and understand complex issues. I use stories to capture people's attention and get their heads around an issue. This is not something that I consciously decided. Working in Africa, I observed that people used stories to make a point, to get others to consider a different point of view or to help them remember. I figured out that stories worked better than an argument. Back home in the U.S., I discovered that stories work here too, so I use ( them in my work. Stories express our values and make us think.
For example, people sometimes ask me about the effectiveness of our teachi er education program. I could bore I them with my opinions or present various facts and figures about our graduates. I don't. Instead, I tell them about a conversation with a school principal in the Valley. Each spring, he told me, he makes a list of all the positions that he will need to fill for the next school year. He then comes to Fresno Pacific where he hires as many people as he can. If he can't find enough teachers here, he goes to some of the other universities where he fills those last openings. More graphically than any statistics I could give, that story shows that we tum out great
teachers at Fresno Pacific.
CL: Fresno Pacific's base is now much broader than its MB constituency. In what ways is it still an MB institution?
ME: If you look at The Fresno Pacific Idea, it clearly reflects an Anabaptist worldviewand is shaped by the Mennonite experience. The MB Church is a denomination that walks comfortably with one foot in the evangelical world and the other in the Anabaptist community. That was the stance taken by the university when it broadened the base 15 or so years ago. Fresno Pacific is consciously Anabaptist but serves the church more broadly by providing a Christian education to non-Mennonite students as well.
Around half of our faculty are Mennonite, but all must accept our statement of faith and responsibility, acknowledging the lordship of Christ and the authority of SCripture. The curriculum includes many courses that specifically examine Anabaptist theology and the Mennonite experience. We have a Center for MB Studies and the library (which we share with MB Biblical Seminary) hosts part of the Mennonite Brethren archives. Two-thirds of the trustees are Mennonite Brethren, coming from the Pacific District Conference which "owns" the university. The Pacific District minister's office is located in our central administration building. Henry Dick and I often talk in the halls and are in and out of each other's offices. I expect that the new Pacific District Minister, Gary Wall, and I will develop the same, close relationship that Henry and I enjoy.
This university is much like the MB church in California-culturally diverse, grounded in the community and engaged with society. Former FPU president Harold Haak has described Fresno Pacific as "the Mennonite Brethren Church's gift to the San Joaquin Valley." I couldn't say it any better than that.
CL: How do you envision the future relationship between Mennonite Brethren and FPU?
ME: What we're seeing is a maturing of that relationship. The denomination is responsible to help provide Fresno Pacific with some of the university's needed resources. The conference helps us stay grounded as a Christian
Central District invests in future
Endowment to benefit church plants
BY CONNIE FABER
It was appropriate that Election Weekend was the backdrop for the 2002 Central District Conference convention hosted Oct. 31Nov. 3 by Grace Bible Church of Gettysburg, S.D. The 2002 South Dakota Senate race raised the stakes on election spending as approximately $15 million was spent on advertising. The CDC convention raised the bar on the investment district churches are willing to make in church planting-an endeavor where winning and losing has
eternal implications.
Like the campaign signs that dotted front yards in Gettysburg, the convention was peppered with stories, testimonies, reports and decisions that reminded delegates that every dollar spent on church planting is a worthy investment.
A legacy in church planting
Thanks to the church planting efforts of the past 25 years, the CDC is a district with a future, was the message of the Church Planting and Renewal Commit-
tee. Since 1979, the CDC has planted seven congregations, one-third of the 25
the CDC. These seven congregations account for one-half of the CDC's weekly worship attendance, CPR Committee chair Tom Cartney told delegates.
But church planting is more expensive than it was 25 years ago. While one time the district spent $40,000 to plant a church, Cartney reported that
church and construct a building for congregation.
"How are 25 churches going to come up with $1.5 to $2 million for each church plant?" asked Cartney. One solution presented by the CPR Committee is by a $1 million "Lengthening the Legacy" Endowment that would annually provide $70,000 for church planting wom. .
"This is a doable thing," Cartney told delegates, breaking down the goal several ways. For example, the goal would be met, said Cartney, if each of the 2,000 members of CDC congregations made a $500 one-time contribution. The endowment has already received $20,000, funds to the new endowment from an existing CDC fund.
The "Lengthening the Legacy" Endowment, which will be managed by MB Foundation, was formally introduced at the church planting banquet and program Friday evening. The program followed three themesintroduced in the "Lengthening the Legacy" brochure distributed at the banquet: building from the past, belonging in the present and becoming for the future.
Just like rowing a boat across a lake requires the rower to fows on a starting point, planting new churches requires the CDC to hold to values of its past, said Cartney in his opening remams. CPR Committee member Rod Anderson emphasized the first theme when he said, "We want you to catch a vision. The best way to wch that vision is to look to the past."
Encircled with prayer
To illustrate the "vibrant present" of CDC church planting, Anderson, senior pastor Rolling Hills Church in PapilIon, Neb., summarized the growth his four-year-old congregation has experienced and outlined their ministry goals. Rolling Hills has grown from an average worship attendance of 55 in
1998 to 144 in 2002. People continue to come to a saving knowledge of)esus Christ thanks to Rolling Hills, and Anderson told of several individuals who recently told him of their conversions. Ministry goals include developing the congregation's leadership base, expanding Bible study opportunities and growing the group's concern for others.
Church planter Paul Rowenhurst followed Anderson and spoke to the future
of church planting. Using Power Point, video clips and video interviews, he showed how CDC churches are planting churches.
Rowenhurst began by reviewing the growth of Mennonite Brethren churches in the Omaha metro area. Faith Bible Church, founded in 1968, planted Millard Bible Church in 1987 and Iglesia Agua VIVa in 1994. In 1998, Millard Bible planted Rolling Hills Church. Two years
SPEAKERS ADDRESS THEME OF SERVICE AND FRUITFULNESS
Holm, Bartel inspire delegates
CEN1RAL DISTRICT Conference convention keynote speakers Jim Holm of Fresno, Calif., and Winnie Bartel of Shafter, Calif., addressed the theme "Equipping the church for service and fruitfulness.· Hand-painted banners and displays of autumn fruits, vegetables and foliage decorated the front of the stage and reinforced the idea of fruitfulness.
Holm spoke Friday, saturday and Sunday mornings. led a workshop and addressed the men saturday after lunch. Bartel was the guest speaker at the annual CDC Women's MinIstries service saturday luncheon.
Matt. 5:13-16 was the text of HoIm's first message. focused on salt and light. "(The text) is often used as a 'should be' text," said Holm. "But Jesus says, 'You are: If Jesus lives in us, friends, you are salty."
Holm emphasized salt's ability to add flavor to "boring" foods and challenged his audience to do the same. "People who know Jesus are interesting," said Holm. "They have flavor.· Bearing fruit requires touching others. said Holm. "The only requirement for salt to work is that it needs to touch something.... If we are Ilv-
Ing dose to Jesus, people we get next to get salty."
With regard to light Holm reminded his audience that "Jesus has already turned us on." He said, -when you rub up against people the salt passes and the light brightens. If we spend time with Jesus. God puts people in our lives.· A Christian's prayer should be, "Show me how I can serve this person." said Holm.
Freedom was the theme of the Saturday morning sermon and Gal. 5:13-15 was the text.
Holm said this text gives two opposing uses of freedom-for self or for one's neighbor. "God will allow us to use our freedom for ourselves. but he calls us to use it for others."
serving in love should describe Christians. When a congregation is not characterized by love, Holm says
later Rowenhurst joined the Rolling Hills pastoral staff for the purpose of eventually planting another MB church. Last year convention delegates recognized New life Fellowship, led by Rowenhurst, as an "emerging" congregation. These five Mennonite Brethren congregations now circle Omaha. "We will bath the city in prayer," said Rowenhurst.
Projecting photos of homes and schools under construction, Rowenhurst
and demonstrate what Jesus did. "If you are a follower of Jesus Christ. you are In ministry. Every minIstry Involves word and deed," said Holm.
Time spent with his disciples encouraged Jesus. Christians need the same. 'We need community," said Holm. -We need a safe place to go back to after we minister.·
the text warns the church will be destroyed.
Holm again asked his audience to consider whom God is bringing across their paths. He said two questions should follow: "How can I serve that person in lover and "Lord. help me to see people as neighbors.·
Sunday moming Holm used Luke 6:12-19 to identify three activities that characterize what Jesus did In a typical 24-hour day. Jesus began his day at night by spending time in solitude; he spent the morning In community and the afternoon in ministry. Holm addressed the three In reverse order but said that it is important to keep them in Jesus' order.
Jesus' ministry involved both word and deed, said Holm. His followers should do the same as they share with others who Jesus Is
Community is important because there one leams things "you can't learn anywhere else," said Holm, such as forgiveness and celebration.
"We believe In ministry and in community,· said Holm, "but In my experience most of us don't believe in solitude." Holm's definition of solitude is "being alone with God with nothing to do.· Solitude allows God to fill his followers with a sense of his love and that love "Iets us live with confidence anywhere else. H Bartel's testimony saturday noon provided an example of someone who is confident anywhere, thanks to Christ's love. Bartel shared her personal testimony, focusing on her interest in addressing women's Issues Intemationally and her recent opportunities to do so. Bartel, a member of Shafter MB Church, chairs the World Evangelical fellowship women's commission. and travels Internationally. -CF
described Omaha's northwest metro area as a growing area that also includes new shopping malls and churches, including New life. Delegates toured the school grounds and gym currently rented by New life, saw portions of a worship service and met some of its attendees, thanks to a video clip. The group currently averages 35 at their weekend worship service and was planning for two outreach events-a Thanksgiving meal and Christmas radio drama. Working with Rowenhurst is veteran CDC pastor Leonard Reimer and worship leader Dan Adolphson.
The Friday night program also included a skit illustrating the importance of being prepared and a time of worship led by musicians from Rolling Hills and New life Fellowship. An offering was taken for New life Fellowship.
Recommendations approved
Earlier in the day Friday, delegates approved two recommendations brought to them by the CPR Committee. The first recommendation makes a one time development grant of up to $10,000 available to "emerging" churches for rental property and start-up costs. CPR Committee chair Cartney explained that while the district offers a $40,000 grant to help a church plant with building costs, it might be a "long time" before a church plant is ready to build. "A church plant starts with no equipment and no funds," said Cartney. "This would give them some start-up funds."
Discussion from the floor clarified how a church plant is designated an "emerging" church and what checks and balances are in place for church plants regarding doctrinal issues and financial matters.
Approval of the second recommendation made permanent a number of trial changes and current practices related to the CPR Committee. These included adding church renewal to both the name and duties of the committee, enlarging the committee from five to seven and clarifying some of the duties and responsibilities of the committee.
Discussion from the floor raised the issue of future church planting locations. Cartney said that locations other than the metro Omaha area are possible, although no plans for other locations are currently in place. Growing urban areas are a priority. ''We need to plant churches where people are going," said Cartney. Several
delegates encouraged the CPR Committee to consider planting churches in smaller, stable communities that "need an evangelical presence." Cartney emphasized the dual thrust of the committee when he said, ''We must have rural churches that are healthy to support our church plants. "
Church giving increase
In related business, delegates approved a budget that requires each CDC congregation to increase their support of district ministries by 20 percent. The 2002-03 expense budget totals $221,700. Although 56 percent of the total is designated for church planting and renewal, that $125,000 is actually lower than the 2001-02 CPR budget by $20,000.
Budget increases came in primarily two areas: interest expense on funds held by the district and a salary increase for District Minister Roger Engbrecht. At the 2001 convention, delegates requested that Engbrecht's position be increased to full-time. The 2002-03 increase is a step in this direction, said trustee chair Gaven Banik.
The 2002-03 income budget projects church offerings totaling $175,000 and other income of $46,700. Actual church giving in 2001-02 was $142,676, making the new budget 20 percent higher. Delegates were encouraged to carefully consider the increase.
"Can you do this?" treasurer Richard Walter asked delegates after he reviewed the proposed 2002-03 income and expense budgets.
Banik reminded delegates how often Americans question whether the decisions of elected government officials represent the wishes of their constituents. "As delegates it's easy to vote on a budget, but you represent our churches."
Banik cautioned that while the CDC does have additional funds, ''We don't want to start dipping into capital asset accounts to keep operations going."
Delegates spoke to the importance of improving church contributions to all levels of denominational ministry, noted the CDC has already reduced ministry goals for financial reasons, cited the enthusiasm one gains from attending a convention and encouraged those present to bring a new convention attendee to the 2003 convention.
Several pastors said the responsibility I for promoting the ministries and budget
of the CDC rests with leaders. Noting that 16 of the 25 CDC churches had not met their district giving nonns, Carson MB I Church pastor John Klassen said, "The onus lies with pastors and leaders." Delegates applauded his comment.
In other business,delegates elected individuals to fill committee vacancies and approved a recommendation from the Faith and Life Committee that "Churches partnering together to advance Christ's Kingdom" be the CDC vision statement. They heard reports from a variety of denominational, interMennonite and regional ministries.
More worship, less business
At the request of the 2001 delegates, this past year the Executive Committee explored date and format changes for the annual convention, reported chair Wtlfred Fadenrecht. Delegates approved a recommendation that the constitutional requirement regarding the convention date be set aside for one year so that the district can hold the 2003 convention in June. It was then announced that the 2003 convention, "MB 2oo3-Vacation with a Purpose," will be hosted by Rolling Hills Church June 26-29. A proposed convention schedule and promotional material were distributed.
"We hope to make it short on business, longer on inspiration and worship and plenty of time for vacation activities," wrote Fadenrecht in his preconvention report.
In an effort to initiate some of those changes already this year, the convention format was altered to include extended times of worship and inspiration. Teams from Grace Bible Church led morning worship times that incorporated hymns and contemporary songs, instruments, skits, congregational readings, testimonies and prayer. Jim Holm, dean of students at MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif., was the convention speaker.
The convention weekend also included two workshop sessions. Three workshops were offered both Friday and Saturday and a fourth workshop slot offered two video presentations using Grace Bible Church's simulcast technology. A communion and memorial service was held Saturday morning. Representatives from MB Biblical Seminary and Tabor College of Hillsboro, Kan., provided the Saturday evening program.•
PDC continues the race
Delegates install new district minister and church ". planting director, hear ministry reports
If the Pacific District Conference was competing in a relay race, more than one baton was passed at its Nov. 8-9 convention at North Fresno MB Church, where delegates gathered from Arizona, Utah, California, Oregon and Washington.
During the first session, outgoing District Minister Henry Dick officially installed Gary Wall as the new PDC district minister.
Dick, who served for 13-plus years as district minister, told delegates that Wall was nominated by several people during the search for a new district minister. Dick announced at the 2000 convention that he would retire at the end of 2001. At the end beginning of 2002, he began serving on a month-tomonth basis until he was replaced. Wall
served the last eight years as pastor at Vinewood Community Church in Lodi, Calif., and stepped down as PDC chair during this year's convention.
Wall reflected that a lot had changed during his tenure as district chairincluding having to deal with the search for a new district minister.
"I just didn't think I'd be such an active part of the answer," Wall told delegates after his installation.
Wall said he was excited about his new role with the PDC, which he said is all about planting churches, church health and leadership development.
"God isn't finished with us," Wall told delegates.
Later in the convention, delegates applauded the passing of another baton by voting to hire Steve Reimer as a paid
half-time home missions director. Previously, the position had been volunteer and held by Don Eons, who stayed on as assistant director. Reimer has served as a member and chair of Mission USA, the U.S. Conference church planting and renewal ministry, and also served on PDC's Home Missions Board, a church planting and leadership development ministry.
During his report, Reimer told delegates he was excited about his new position, describing PDC leaders and the church planting ministry as a great team. "And I am a part of that team," he said.
The "new runners" weren't the only ones applauded during the convention. Throughout the sessions, Dick's service was also recognized.
"Henry has been a friend, mentor and co-worker for nearly 13 years," said Wall, soon after his installation. "He has without a doubt left the PDC better than he found it."
Reimer called Dick "incredibly suptunity to work with him."
Delegates gave Dick a round of applause to show their appreciation for his service.
Dick also expressed his gratitude to delegates for his "ring side seat"-a i trademark phrase used by Dick-at the work of the Lord in the PDC.
Continuing the ministry
While baton passing highlighted the convention, delegates also heard from those who are running the race. Some of the highlights included:
• The Home Missions Board announced a significant shift in the district's church planting strategy. Reimer reported that the church planting ministry was aiming at smmng churches in communities that already had MB churches, allowing the plant to connect with an existing and established church and grow in community. He listed Salt Lake City, Phoenix and the Northwest Washington and San Francisco Bay areas as possible target areas. In recent years, plants had been focused in areas without an MB presence, like Salt Lake and Phoenix.
• While leaders announced the closing of two churches in the district, delegates welcomed five new churches into PDC membership, three from Washington and two from California.
• Associate district minister Jose Elizondo reported that the district now has 36 hispanic churches and 12 hispanic church plants, each one with a leader. Four regions within the district are holding united services several times a year, he added.
• Over the last year, the Board of Youth Ministries defined its purpose and goals in three objectives, reported chair Tim Neufeld: providing encour-
agement and support for regional youth leaders, networking youth pastors from across the PDC and supporting and promoting Christian education and ministry opportunities through scholarships for leaders, individual students and groups. They also reported they are working toward $20,000 in travel subsidies for Estes 2003, the upcoming national MB youth convention in Colorado in March.
• Board of Faith and Life chair Rod Suess challenged delegates to provide accountability and encouragement to pastors. "What are we doing for our pastors to make sure they are supported and accountable to somebody?" Suess told delegates to ask of their home churches .
• Board of Christian Education chair Michael Trostrud described the past year as both "sweet and sour" and
PDC'S HOME MISSIONS BOARD TREATS DELEGATES TO EVENING RALLY
Building strong churches and leaders
DELEGATES TOOK A break from district business Friday evening to celebrate church planting and hear from those involved in the PDC ministry.
C8IdIIr (Wasco, C8IIf.)-pastor Gabriel Espinoza wondered what he could do in Wasco. Calif.• a city of 20.000 with over 30 churches. "You can reach those that they're not reaching." Espinoza said God told him.
And that's what he and others at NHC are doing. The three-year-old congregation now has an attendanee of over 100.
The congregation is changing lives. says Daniel. who attends NHC. He told delegates how his marriage and life were falling apart until he met Espinoza, who prayed for him and invited him to NHC. Today, he plays the bass in the worship band and his marriage is doing well. HI just want to thank God for that tonight," hesaid.
(Pho ArIz.r-When people in the Bible go to the desert, it's usually not a good thing, Pastor Mike Harrison told delegates. But in his case, going to the Arizona desert was a God-thing. For him, it was going to where the lost
are and finding ways to reach them for Jesus.
Harrison brought along a thick rope tied with colorful pieces of plastic to illustrate the ueative approach The River takes to help people encounter the presence of God. After telling his congregation how the Colorado River's faithful flow through the Grand Canyon uncovered beauty under desert sand, he tied the rope across his sanctuary. Then he asked his congregation, -what's the mark you are going to leave in time and eternity'?"
They wrote their answers on the colorful pieces of plastic tied to the rope. Hit repre-
sents those who are followers of the Way and the mark they want to leave. II Harrison said.
.s-thc._I a-dI
(DnIper, utaIIHnstead of hearing from SMCC's pastor Paul Robie. delegates heard a new voice. church planter in-training Corey Anderson. who is interning under Robie.
Beginning in January 2003, however, Anderson will be working on a strategy for a new church in salt Lake City.
"God doesn't want Utah to be in its present condition, H Anderson said. "1
want to be a part of what God is doing."
Anderson said SMCC is a blessing. The five-year-old congregation's weekend services-Saturday evening and two Sunday servicesare now over 600 in attendance.
Uke the other POC plants, Draper is making a difference in people's lives. Garrett Deer testified that his family's life was transformed by God through their encounters at SMCC. "I am forever changed," he said. "I see God's fingerprint everywhere."
• liden_ips
Mountain View Community Church pastor and Home Mission Board member Fred Leonard told delegates about a task force charged with developing leaders.
Leonard has a personal interest in the project. In his eight-plus years as pastor at MVCC, the church has had 22intems.
"We are looking for the best and the brightest," he told delegates.
The program matches interns in various positions in POe churches for three months to one year.
Leonard also led delegates in prayer fot an offering, which has raised around $16,500. --eA
reported that the ministry's budget had been cut by half for the 2002-2003 year. Trostrud told delegates that the ministry faced up to the changing reality in churches, many of which no longer have CE boards. The ministry now "outsources where we used to be the source," said Trostrud, explaining that the board is now aiming to point churches and pastor towards leadership, small group and other CE sources available both inside and outside the district as opposed to creating those resources themselves. The ministry's web site, www.pdclink.org, is designed to help with this process, and Trostrud told the Leader that other MB districts are welcome to utilize the site.
In addition to hearing reports from ministries, delegates also attended an evening dessert reception welcoming the Walls and Reimers to their new positions, prayed for newly installed FPU president Merrill Ewert, elected new members to ministry and leadership boards, approved ministry reports and inquired about what PDC ministries are doing to help churches work with their members in regards to a possible invasion of Iraq. The Board of Youth Ministries reported they were working with FPU's Center for Peacemaking to develop educational tools to be distributed to congregations around the U.S.
Funding the race
When it came time to discuss how the district funds its race, PDC treasurer Jim Enos told delegates that he had both good news and bad news--"but the bad news isn't nearly as bad as the good news is good," he said.
While the district "didn't make budget" for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30,2002, Enns reported, the income exceeded expenses far more than anticipated, leaving the district in the black for the first time in five years. In previous years, funds were diverted from the church planting reserves to balance budgets.
Revenue exceeded expenses by $10,809.99, Enos reported. Much of that surplus, Enos added, was because designated giving was up in home missions.
Delegates approved the 2002-2003 budget with little discussion. It is set at $377,600, a $51,300 increase from 2001-2002. Enos noted the increase was due mostly to adjustments in the
district minister's salary and benefits, as the position moved from part-time,
semi-retired to full-time. The salary was increased to reflect those changes .•
BYSTROM TAKES FRESH LOOKS AT SCRIPTURE
Challenging from the Word
M881BUCAL
seminary professor Ray Bystrom was the keynote speaker at the Pacific District Conference convention. He addressed delegates three times, using three SCripture passages to challenge them to examine their lives and faith.
.5..........
_. Picking a tough passage In Mark 4 to start his series, Bystrom recounted the disciple's question to Jesus as to the meaning of his parables. Jesus replies that he uses them so that the pe0ple won't understand what he is saying. Matthew records the account differently, with Jesus responding that he speaks in parables because the crowds could not understand otherwise, said Bystrom. This is easier for us to handle, he said, but perhaps Mark is telling us something we need to hear-that it Is possible to believe the gospel too soon, too early or too fast. People were attracted to Jesus for the wrong reasons: to catch the glitter instead of the substance, Bystrom pointed out.
"It takes time to move towards Jesus with integrity," Bystrom told delegates. "It takes time to embrace the gospel"
and the way of Jesus . , "But God is patient," Bystrom assured delegates.
.ThrowIng" away. "Paul tossed something that was very valuable," said Bystrom, recounting Paul's list of Impressive credentials the apostle gives and then counts as loss in Philippians 3.
"Whyr
The answer comes in Philippians 2, Bystrom said. Jesus didn't count equality with God something to be grasped, and instead empties and humbles himself. If Paul was to be a follower of Jesus, then he would have to be like Jesus, said Bystrom. "What Paul is saying In this text is that the Ideal Christian life is to be like Jesus, H Bystrom said.
Bystrom challenged delegates to examine their own lives for identities-be they national, denominational or family-that interfere with their allegiance to Jesus. If they find something,
he challenged, "take it to the trash. n Bystrom lamented that he could not find a contemporary example who took Jesus as seriously as Paul, but then told delegates that we occasionally run into someone that wants to be like Jesus.
"And I have a feeling it might be you, n Bystrom told delegates.
• C. .8dInB
John 1, John the Baptist's primary role is to point people to Jesus, said Bystrom.
"Witnessing is important," said Bystrom, adding that it is the means by which news is passed on.
In the early church, Bystrom said, "AII Christians •.. made it their consuming passion to tell others about Jesus."
We must recover that same ancient truth today, said Bystrom. Ordinary marketplace Christians are the primary instrument for witness to Jesus Christ, he said. We must make the connection between Sunday and Monday and take our faith into our jobs.
The health of the church depends on it, Bystrom stressed. challenging churches and pastors to do all they can to equip ordinary Christians to take Christ into their daily lives and jobs. -CA
Bringing ministries to grass roots
Sharing information focus of Southern District ,. cluster meetings
Eleven years ago an unexpected fall snowstorm cancelled the annual Southern District Conference convention. District leaders put together a series of regional rallies that spring to update congregations on the work of the district and its churches in Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. The format was so successful that since 1993 SDC leaders have alternated the format of the annual gathering between regional "cluster" meetings and a district-wide convention.
This year, Sunday cluster meetings were held at eight different locations each weekend Sept. 15 through Oct. 27 and Nov. 10. Cluster meetings were held in Topeka, Buhler, Hillsboro and Ulysses, Kan., and Com, Edmond and Fairview, Okla. The Ethiopian Evangel-
ical Church of Aurora, Colo., hosted the Colorado gathering.
The purpose of the rallies is to "bring the news of our district to the I grass roots," said SDC district minister Roland Reimer in his monthly letter to pastors. No business is conducted. Instead information about SDC ministries is presented using a variety of methods. Leaders hope the format and wide representation from each congregation results in an increased level of commitment to district projects. Attendance at 2002 gatherings totaled 485 compared to 275 adults at the 2001 convention.
The theme for the 2002 cluster meetings was "Investing in Jesus' Kingdom." SDC chair Tim Sullivan moderated the seven meetings in Kansas and Oklahoma. He was assisted by SDC I staff and volunteer district commission
members living in each region. Although the presenters varied, the format of each gathering was the same: roll call of congregations present, a video presentation highlighting the five commissions of the district, a statistical report followed by table discussions about trends suggested by the data, a financial update and giving challenge. Written reports from each commission, Mennonite Brethren ministries, inter-Mennonite and regional ministries were also distributed.
It was reported that while district programs are well under budget, the SDC will probably have a year-end deficit. For the first time an invitation was given at clusters to give to SDC ministries and $14,841 was committed before year-end. Conference leaders are encouraged that all but four congregations have contributed to the SDC budget as of Nov. 1.
SDC church planting projects were highlighted at each cluster meeting. Community Church of the Heart in Broken Arrow, Okla., is led by Mike and Kim Miller. The church was planted by the SDC in partnership with Westport MB Church of neighboring Collinsville, Okla., Enid (Okla.) MB Church and Mission USA, the national MB church planting and renewal ministry. United at the Cross Church in Wichita, Kan., was begun in 1995 by the SDC and World Impact, a national inner city ministry. Last year, church planters Fred and Jolene Stoesz completed their work at UATC and in March 2002, Mike and Mary Jane Furches, previously members of Westport MB Church, were installed as the pastoral couple.
Cluster gathering participants were informed that District Minister Roland Reimer has announced his retirement, effective at the end of 2003. Sullivan recognized Reimer as a leader who is "tireless, dedicated, passionate." A district minister search committee has been formed and this group will review the results of a recent districtwide leadership survey as part of the search process.
Last month, it was announced that the 2003 SDC convention is set for Aug. 1-3 at the Hilton Northwest Hotel in Oklahoma City. As in 2001 when the convention was held in Branson, Mo., next year's convention will offer a family-based gathering. -Connie Faber
NEWS FROM THE MENNONITE BRETHREN WORLD
HALLMANS TO ESTABLISH NEW MINISTRY BASE
MB missionary couple leaves Central Asia
LAST MONTH MB missionaries Craig and Bridget Hallman left Pakistan, their home for the past five years, due to increasing tensions in Central Asia that have made Westerners, and Christians in particular, possible targets ofviolence.
I •
"We don't want to jeopardize the Hallmans or the tribal peoples they are working with," says Tim Bergdahl, MBMS International director of programs and a former missionary to Pakistan. "The Hallmans recognize the danger for themselves, but putting people they are trying to reach out to in danger is unacceptable," Bergdahl says.
SEMINARY ALSO INTRODUCES
NEW MASTERS DEGREE
Seminary reports record enrollment for 2nd year
MBBIBLICAL
Seminary, with educational centers in three locations, reports that enrollment increases continue for a second year. The total number of MBBS students in all locations is 231 compared to 192 for fall 2001 and 174 for fall 2000.
This fall the Fresno campus had an espe-
dally strong increase.
A total of 175 credit students are enrolled at the Fresno campus compared to 145 in 2001 and 131 in 2000.
Other seminary locations in British Columbia and Manitoba have also seen an increase.
In other MBBS news, the seminary has introduced a new
Masters degree in intercultural mission.
This two-year, 60unit degree focuses on local and global mission and was designed in consultation with MBMS International.
The first students in the new program all have cross-cultural mission experience. -MEBS
World Fellowship
Sunday celebrated
MENNONITE BRETHREN are invited to join othetMennonite, Brethren In Christ and relateet churChes worldwide in celebrating World Fellowship Sunday Jan. 26,2003.
The purpo$e of World Fellowship Sunday is to offer-thanksgiving and Intercession for one another, says WFS material supplied by '-'ennonite World
This year's resource materials have been prepared by African. brothers-and sisters on theme ·Uvilig in Hope and Joy.· Statistical information is supplied by MWC in the form of Mulletin coverlinsert. AdditionaI1"forl1'latioo is available at www. mwc-cmm.org. -MWC
AIMS HALL OF MATHEMAnCS AND sa·
ENCE: The two story, 20,097 square-foot building opened for classes in August and was dedicated Oct. 11. The Fresno Pacific University building includes laboratories as well as classrooms, a library and faculty offices. The Foucault Pendulum. one of only four in California. is the physical and philosophical heart of the facility. -FPU
Aid to Iraq prepared
! -As war clouds threaten to gather, Mennonite Central Committee is preparing a million-dollar humanitarian aid package for the people of Iraq. The package includes tents, blankets, relief kits, school kits and medicines. Because only a handful of North American nongovernmental organizations like MCC currently work in Iraq, a number of North American agencies and organizations have expressed interest in supporting MCC's efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Iraqi people, should there be a war. MCC has had North American personnel in Iraq since 1998. MCC's response is based on requests from partner agencies working in Iraq, including the Iraqi Red Crescent and Islamic Relief Agency, based in Jordan. MCC will use cash donations to purchase supplies such as tents and blankets and cover shipping and distribution costs. MCC prays that war will not come so these supplies can instead be distributed to hospitals, schools, the elderly and other vulnerable groups. -MCC
; MB addresses gathering
-Victor Wall of the MB Church in Paraguay was the guest speaker at this year's Anabaptist Andean Gathering held in Quito, Ecuador. Wall challenged participants to carry on the evangelistic spirit that characterized their ancestors in the faith. He stressed striving for peace and reconciliation as a way of life and creating a culture based on Kingdom values. In business sessions, delegates created the Congreso Anabautista de la Regi6n Andina. For the first time, participants from Ecuador and Peru were among the 70 delegates. Colombia and Venezuela had held joint Anabaptist gatherings in the 1980s. The delegates chose a coordinating committee with representatives from each of the four countries, and decided to meet every two years. They also discussed creating an Andean United Anabaptist seminary and creating a Justice and Peace Network integrated with conferences in each country. The next gathering will be in , 2004 in Venezuela. -MWC
COUPLE SPENT 2001·02 IN STUDY AND MINISTRY IN
Duerksens join MBMSI
DARREN AND Shahna Duerksen have joined MBMS International. Darren will serve half-time as area director for the U.S. Pacific District, and halftime together with Shahna as Asian Indian resource missionaries. As resource missionaries, the Duerksens will minister among Hindus and Sikhs in Canada and the U.S., encourage North American MB churches in their involvement with the India MB Conference,
connect with former missionaries and other concerned individuals involved in ministry to India and be MBMSI's liaison to MB churches in India.
The Duerksens will work toward establishing an outreach among some of the 70,000 Asian Indians in the Central Valley of California, which currently have no known Anabaptist/evangelical Christian church among them.
As the PDC area direc-
tor, Duerksen will partially assume work previously taken on by other staff in the agency's Fresno, Calif., office. He joins area directors in Abbotsford, B.C., Winnipeg, Man., and Wichita, Kan.
The couple spent 2001-02 in study and ministry in India. Darren is a 2002 graduate of MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno and Shahna is currently studying there in the Master of Arts InterI cultural Mission program. -MBMSI
SNIPER ATTACKS RATTLE BOTH ADULTS AND CHILDREN
Prayers requested by D.C. Mennos
IN SPITE OF the fact that the snipers who killed 10 people in the Washington D.C. area have been arrested, Mennonite Disaster Service officials predict that the climate of fear will linger in the nation's capital where terror has remained a household word since last Sept. 11.
Paul Unruh, MDI community worker who visited with D.C. area church leaders in late October, has seen a level of anxiety that has risen gradually as specific fears of anthrax and sniper shootings
layered on top of the trauma created by Sept. 11. "Some persons in the churches are even more
land, realized the magnitude of his own fear when he found himself zigzagging between parked cars as
UThere are nearly two dozen Anabaptist churches near D.C.... Now is the time to provide city residents with reassurance that they are being remembered and that people are praying for them. II
-Carla Hunt, MDS assistant coordinator
affected by the shootings than I expected them to be," says Unruh.
Melvin Schmidt, pastor at Hyattsville Mennonite Church in Mary-
he carried his groceries across the parking lot of a Giant food store. "I didn't even think about what I was doing," said Schmidt. "That's really a crazy
way to live." Mennonite children were particularly affected and many expressed fear as schools were locked down and recesses were held indoors. "There are close to two dozen Anabaptist churches near D.C. whose members and children have been affected by these shootings. Now is the time residents with reassurance that they are being remembered and that people are praying for them," says carla Hunt, MOS assistant coordi· nator.-MD$
CHURCH
NEWS FROM OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
Baptism/membership
Buhler, Kan.-Penny Moore and Ken and Melissa Hamby were baptized Nov. 3.
Olathe, Kan. (Community Bible)-Sarah Baffa, Bronson Briar, Steven Gramza, Michelle Hood, David Koop, Alisa Lynn and Jacob Streiff were baptized Oct. 20 and received into membership. Glen and Angie Dix, Phil and Deb Streiff and Daniel and Martha Woodard were also welcomed as new members.
Femdale, Wash. (Good News)Carol Karber and Gordon Bullivant were baptized Oct. 6. Shirley Mulka, Sandra Kellar and Josh Karber were welcomed as new members.
Garden City, Kan. (Garden Valley)-Susi Algrim and Kayla and Tyler Drake were baptized Sept. 22.
Lodi, Calif. (Vinewood)-Richard Baer and Alex Baillie were baptized and welcomed into membership Aug. 8. Stacey Baer was welcomed as a new member upon her confession of faith. Zac and Kelly O'Donnell and Bill and Belle Davis shared their testimonies and were welcomed into membership Aug. 25.
Fellowship
Blaine, Wash. (Birch Bay BibleThe congregation hosted other Pacific Northwest congregations Nov. 16 for a dinner, fellowship and celebration highlighting the work of the Pacific District Conference.
Bellingham. Wash. (Community Bible)-Nationally known author and lecturer Cynthia Tobias was the speaker at a program hosted by the congregation Nov. 7. Tobias spoke about how strong-willed women can effectively use their strong will for God.
Rapid City, S.D. (Bible Fellowship)-Women were invited to spend all or part of a Saturday in November fellowshipping with one another and participating in five seminars held in homes for
varied lengths of time. The topics included an encouragement tea for mothers of young children, bread baking, a craft, understanding football and Christ as husband.
Fresno, Calif. (North)-Gary Wall, pastor of Vinewood Community Church in Lodi, Calif., was the speaker at the men's retreat Nov. 1-2 held at Camp Sugar Pine near Oakhurst.
Ulysses. Kan.-Those interested in supporting other members and attendees in prayer were invited to participate in a month-long secret prayer partnership in November. Participants put their name in a hat and partners were assigned randomly.
Ministry
Brevard. N.C. (The River)-This new church plant got a shot in the arm last month when every Sunday morning local radio station WSQL 1240 am began broadcasting the sermon from the week
before. The first programs were sermons by church planter Peter John Thomas in a series called "Journey into Joy" with Matt. 5:112 as the text. The River is affiliated with the NC District, but has other funding sources.
Broken Anow, Okla. (Church of the Heart)-The church plant celebrated its first anniversary Sept. 8. Included in the 94 attendees were five first-time locals and several out-of-town guests. The celebration service included a pictography of the past year, testimonies, a meal and children's activities. Oct. 19 the congregation used the city's 100th year anniversary as an outreach opportunity for doing random acts of kindness.
Henderson, Neb.-Prayer and care partners have been assigned to the congregation's 11 college students. Organizers hope to have five partners volunteer for each student. Partners were asked to select one item from the students' needs list and to send a note of
encouragement along with the gift. Also, a missions trip for adults is being planned for Jan. 6-17, 2003 to Panama. The group of eight will do welding, painting, general maintenance and cooking for missionaries Eugene and Wynette Kliewer who are preparing for a missionary reunion later in January.
San Jose, Calif. (Lincoln Glen)The two-day International Gift Faire in October raised nearly $78,000 for Ten Thousand Villages.
Proclamation
Buhler, Kan.-Herb and Ruth Friesen were harvestlThanksgiving festival speakers Nov. 17. The couple have served as missionaries to Afghanistan.
Enid, Okla.-Mission Encounter 2002 offered a variety of hands-on ministry opportunities Nov. 10-16 and concluded the morning worship service Nov. 17 with guest speaker Nzash Lumeya of MB Bibli-
CHURCH OPENS SOLID ROCK CAFE TO REACH STUDENTS
Lunch connects church and college
STUDENTS AT SOUTHWESTERN
Oklahoma State University In Weatherford, Okla., know that once a week they can enjoy a home-cooked meal thanks to the folks at Pine Aues Church.
Pine Acres' Solid Rock Cafe serves a home-cooked lunch to collegians for $1 every Tuesday. The ministry Is In its second year. Every week a slgn-up sheet Is posted in the church foyer for people to sign up for what they will donate for the scheduled menu. A staff of volunteers coordinated by R.L and Frieda Mahlstedt collect the food, do any extra cooking and serve the meal. "These volunteers do a lot of work, " says Pastor Don Morris.
The meal Is served on the second floor of a recent addition to the church facility. Solid Rock cafe is a '50s diner complete
with booths with red vinyl seats, black and white checked tile floor;s, '50s memorabilia and contemporary piped-in music. "It's a nice setting for collegians to come and go as they please between classes and get a good lunch," says Morris. He says 40 to 50 students usually attend.
Flyers about Pine Acres' college ministries are distributed from time to time. But that's not the focus of the lunch. II As a church, we see this as an opportunity to make connections with the students. There Is no Bible study at this meal or pressure to attend anything," says Morris. -We want students to feel comfortable at our church, and then if they are looking for a church, or are struggling and need help, they know where they can turn."
-Connie Faber
cal Seminary.
Dinuba. Calif. -November was missions month. Each Sunday a different local or international outreach ministry was emphasized including Youth for Christ. Youth Mission International, Campus Crusade for Christ and MBMS International.
Corn. Okla.-Mission festival speaker Nov. 10 was Herb Friesen, medical missionary to Afghanistan.
Henderson. Neb.-Terry Hunt, pastor of Bushtown MB Church in Lenoir, N.C., was the harvest mission festival speaker Nov. 10. Church planter Paul Rowenhorst shared about the new church in Elkhorn, Neb.
Yale, S.D. (Bethel)-Mike Yutzy, area director for MBMS International, was the harvest festival speaker Oct. 27.
Rapid City, S.D. (Bible Fellowship)-Ed and Velora Willems of Fresno, Calif., representing Mexican Mission Ministries, and Fletcher Turcato of Gideons International from Laramie, Wyo.,were resource speakers for the missions conference Oct. 18-20.
Inman. Kan. (Zoar)-Mike and TIna Yutzy were the resource speakers for harvest mission Sunday Oct. 20. They serve with MBMS International as Midwest area directors.
Freeman, S.D.-Salem MB Church and Silver Lake MB Church held a joint harvest and mission festival Oct. 12. Recently retired MBMSI missionaries to Germany Lawrence and Selma Warkentin were the speakers.
Mountain Lake, Minn.-Community Bible Church hosted Carson MB Church of Delft for a joint harvest festival Oct. 6 with Nzash Lumeya who is from the Congo and is presently teaching at MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif.
TeachingINurture
Buhler, Kan.-A special event for children and their parents was held Oct. 23. Using a dinner theatre format, a program of skits provided a walk through the Bible. Following the program, a dessert bar was served.
Yale, S.D. (Bethel)-Puppeteers Steve and Faith Treague of Hartford, S.D., were the guests at a special Sunday school rally and teacher appreciation event Oct. 20.
Edmond, Okla. (Memorial Road)-pastoral couple Paul and
Gladys Klassen are leading marriage-building exercises in a small group setting. The group meets two Sunday evenings each month.
Bakersfield. Calif. (Heritage Bible)-A Sunday evening class in a small group setting for parents of teenagers taught via video by Jim Burns is being hosted by Larry and LeAnn Newfield.
Worship
Fresno, Calif. (Japanese Chapel)-A gospel concert, cohosted by North Fresno MB Church, featuring Joshua Sasaki was held Oct. 8. He is currently on the staff at Yamato Calvary Chapel in Yokohama and is the vice president of Japanese Mission Music School.
Workers
Marshall, Ark. (Martin Box)Interim pastoral couple Wilmer and Hildegard Thiessen were welcomed Oct. 27 with a potluck dinner.
Hesston. Kan.-8rad Burkholder was installed as a member of the pastoral staff Sept. 22. A dinner was also held.
Deaths
FOTH, DANIEL J., Hillsboro. Kan., a member of Ebenfeld MB Church of Hillsboro, was born July 27, 1908, at Hillsboro to Andreas and Julie Nick Foth and died Nov. 6, 2002, at the age of 94. On Nov. 27, 1932, he was married to Tena Dahlke. He is survived by two daughters, Faith and husband Rod Kornelsen and SylVia Foth, all of Denver; one son, Ken and wife Pat of Broken Arrow, Okla., five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
FRUEH, LUELLA, of Vinewood Community Church of Lodi, Calif., was born Jan. 17, 1917, at Harvey, N.D., and died Sept. 20, 2002, at the age of 85. In 1937, she was married to Herbert Frueh. She is survived by three sons, Marlowe of Reedley, Richard MLefty- and Doug, both of Lodi; one daughter, Becky Holley of Lodi; siblings, Robert Graumann of Kansas, Rosella Kessler of Reedley, Calif., Marvin Graumann of North Dakota, Glenn Graumann of Reedley, Donald Graumann of Kansas, Carolee Derksen of Kansas and Roger Graumann of Fresno; 10 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
HIEBERT, RUTH VELMA KOPPER, Fresno Calif., a charter member of
Butler Avenue MB Church in Fresno, was born June 2, 1911 in Kingman County, Kan., to Peter B. and Elizabeth Kopper and died Nov. 4, 2002, at the age of 91. On Dec. 26, 1935, she was married to D. Edmond Hiebert who predeceased her in 1995. She is survived byone son, Larry and wife Carol of Downs, III.; two daughters, Dorothy Spansel of Fremont, Calif., and Alice and husband Loyd Wiens of Lodi, Calif.; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
MARTENS, BENJAMIN P., of Fairview (Okla.) MB Church, was born Sept. 9, 1917, near Fairview to Peter and Maria Karber Martens and died Oct. 7, 2002, at the age of 85. On April 14, 1940, he was married to Rosey Harms, who survives. He is also survived by one son, Lowell and wife Joyce of Newton, Kan.; two daughters, Gaylene and Iiusband Clyde Seibel of Lawrenceville, Ga., and Gweneth and husband James Christensen of Coffeyville, Kan.; one brother, Henry and wife Elda of Fairview; two sisters, Mary Esther Martens and Eva and husband Ike Neufeld of Fairview, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.
NACHTIGALL. ELMER VlOOR, of Bethany MB Church of Fresno, Calif., was born Feb. 5,1915, in Hampton County, Neb., to Abe and Lydia Nachtigall and died Oct. 9, 2002 at the age of 87. On Jan. 12,1938, he was married to Melba Friesen, who survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Judy and husband Lou Brescia; three sons, Dale and wife Shirley, Paul and wife Cindy and Bruce and wife Pamela; one brother, Alfred and wife Loreen; one sister Rubena and husband Ken Trotter, six grandchildren and their spouses and 10 great grandchildren.
PANKRATZ, HARRY GEORGE, Hillsboro, Kan., a member of Hillsboro MB Church, was born Oct. 1, 1914, near Goessel, Kan., and died Sept. 25, 2002, at the age of 87. On March 28, 1939, he was married to Ruth Pankratz, who predeceased him. He is survived by two sons, Richard and wife Phyllis and Herbert and wife Trudy; one daughter, Ruby and husband Paul; two brothers, George and Walter, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
PAULS, BERTHA, Dinuba, Calif., a member of Dinuba MB Church, was born Feb. 9, 1925, at Corn, Okla., to Jacob D. and Anna Funk Pauls and died March 29, 2002, at the age of 77. She is survived by
three brothers, Gary and wife Gladys of Dallas, Ore., Henry and wife Adeline and Edwin and wife Twyla, all of Dinuba, calif.; one step sister, Louise and husband Ken Esau of South Texas; and her children and their families from the Elim Haven Children's Home: Raymond, Ron, John Wayne, Louise and Gilbert.
PENNER, RUBY FAST, Fairview, Okla., a member of Fairview MB Church, was born July 15,1912, to H.G. and Maria Janzen Fast near Fairview and died Oct. 23, 2002, at the age of 90. On Dec. 11, 1932, she was married to Aaron Penner, who predeceased her in 1990. She is survived by her nieces and nephews and their families.
PENNER, WALTER L, Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was born Sept. 14, 1916, at Hillsboro, Kan., to John and Katie Penner and died Sept. 8, 2002, at the age of 85. On Oct. 1, 1940, he was married to Leona Dick, who survives. He is also survived by one son, Burt and wife Debbie of Kingsburg, Calif.; one daughter, JoAnn and husband Ed Peelman of Easton, Calif.; one brother, Menno and wife Lillian of Reedley, and one granddaughter.
SUDERMAN. ALMA SCHWINDT, of Fairview (Okla.) MB Church, was born Aug. 14, 1916, near Burlington, Okla., to William and Anna Patzkowsky and died Oct. 18, 2002, at the age of 86. On July 12, 1936, she was married to Willard Suderman, who survives. She is also survived by one son, Jerry and wife Karen of Sugar Land, Tex.; one daughter, Shannon Suderman of Houston; one sister, Marguerite Moser of Alva., Okla., one granddaughter, Shelly and husband Eddie Loving of Richardson, Tex., and two great grandchildren.
WILLEMS, EDNA SCHAFER, Shafter, Calif., a member of Shafter MB Church, was born March 1, 1909, to George and Johanna Schafer at McClusky, N.D., and died Oct. 5, 2002, at the age of 93. On Aug. 16, 1942, she was married to Arthur Willems, who predeceased her in 1987. She is survived by one daughter, Judith Willems of Bakerfield, Calif.; two brothers, Herman of Harvey, N.D., and Ernest and wife Elma of Bismarck, N.D.; two sisters, Laura and husband Frank Martens of Shafter and Elsie and husband Ernest Friesen of Wichita, Kan., and one sister-in-law, Ruby SChmidt of Reedley, Calif••
IIODYIJIIE
Afghans can't go home, 65:5:28
Anthrax scare closes MeC office, 65:1:30
Bringing living water to the Water City, 65:7:26
Bringing ministries to gIlIIS roots, 65:12:28
Building strong chwthes and Ieeders, 65:12:26
canadians slash budget, 65:5:30
Celebrating church family life, 65:8:29 central District IrMIStS In future, 65:12:22
Challenglng from the Word, 65:12:27 ChristIans, Muslims find peace, 65:3:29
Church called to fight AIDS, 65:8:26
Church hosts "QIyrnpk" team, 65:2:22
ConventIon to celebrate legacy, 65:1:26
Delegates went mlnlstrles to have a home, 65:9:29
Ewert named FPU pteldent. 65:2:29
Family puts face on AIDS, 65:8:2.
GC celebrlItlons' scripts ant from the heart. 65:3:27
GIot* fellowship continues to mature, 65:10:27
Holm, Bartel Inspire d 65:12:23
Houses of answered prayer, 65:5:24
HOw MeC Is helping In Afghantst.n. 65:5:29
Keys to sharing the Gospel with Arablc king people, 65:5:27
Family dinner, an elephant and true faith, by Connie Faber, 65:9:36 fellowship true. by carmen Andres, 65:2:36
Hallmark vs. the real world. by carmen Andres, 65:10:36
Is ittime to prune or grow--« bot!', by the editors, 65:6:36
It starts here, by carmen Andres, 65:4:36
Out of the box. by Carmen Andres, 65:3:36
The Bible tells me so, by Carmen Andres, 65:8:36
The wolves among us, by Andres, 65:1:36
FlA1URIS
A community of peace.
A hand of compasslon, by Gerhard Luther, 65:1:9
A letter from Gllatemala. 65:1:10
A letter from tfle Congo, by Mesad1 Krisetya-and Larry Miller, 65:1:7
A visit with C.S. Lewis, by Doug Miller, 65:2:4
Agony out Q.f AfriGa, by Nzash.Lumeya, 65:1,5
BIo6d sacrifice, by Dwight 6¥hcho, 65:3:5
Celebrating our spiritual herltamt, 65:9:8
Challenges facing small grOUps, by
David Thiessen, 65:5:10
Christmas Promise. by Jean Janzen. 65:12:36
Contagious Christianity, by Tim Ten aay, 65:5:16
DefIning a simple word: community, by Philip Gunther, 65:2:11
Excite children about worship, 65:10:8
Giving flrstfruits--<:orporate style, by Jon C. WIebe, 65:4:8
How far does my allegiance go? by Jon Isaak, 65:8:8
How tha Bible shapes our world, by Pierre Gilbert. 65:8:4
Is anything In between? by John Warkentin, 65:1:15
Learning how to give-M8F. by Jon C. WIebe, 65:4:10
Learning how to give-MMA. by David Faber, 65:4:11
Left behind, by Naomi Gaede Penner, 65:8:14
ute, death and love, by Jenn Esbenshade, 65:3:7
Making a joyful noise, by sara Cook, 65:7:10
Making space for life, by Danette Baltzer Roland, 65:3:8
More than showing up on Sunday, by Michael Herring, 65:10:6
No longer left behind? by carmen Andres, 65:7:4
No room: A true African tale, by D. MerrIll E-n. 65:12:4
Old Is new, by John Longhurst, 65:4:14
One In vibrant diversity, 65:9:10
Partnership with God. by PIerre Gilbert, 65:8:6
Passing on the fire. 65:9:4
PuttIng first things first, by Tom Sine, 65:4:4
Romance Christian styIe-or not? by Susan Brandt, 65:7:14
Remember the fire, 65:9:14
ShoUld we eliminate Sunday School? by UIl,fia CinneO, 65:5:t4Sinall gr,OUps: What are ab9Ut-1 by Mike furches, 65:5:9
SurveyIng tt.empty cross, by klItle fun!c'W1ebe. 65:3:4
;reaching kids to give, bY Eddy flail, es:.:15
'The case forSpiPture, 'Holmes, 65:10:9
The churcf\ Is God's fatnlly-and 9U1S, by Roger Sieler. 65:$:4
The divine ,sro}ect;, by Pl." GIlbert, the anlgt'na. by Ga,r;y 61:):12
Thinking-aboutchurVtsorne more", 65:5:7
Tlttiing'tlvr laurie 65;4:6
Toads, dogs. ltnt$, sttrs tw L:tSII, t5: 12:8
71'8$ compllftle, Houser, 65,2:'14
Two musk; reviews. 65:7:13
65:t:1.9
Ustqg the Bible .5:10:1-.7 wetconl!ng Jose,tby Ell$lIbeth Harder, 6,:ti=-.
'What Ahabepti$t artISts art, 65:7:&'
What can we do? by U.S. Conference Peace Commission, 65:1:17
What do we believe, 65:1:13
What is a peace church? By Lynn Jost, 65:1:14
What is Anabaptism anyway? By John Redekop, 65:2:12
What is the cause of fights and quarrels among us? by Jan SChmidt, 65:10:12
What is yet to come, 65:9:12
What on earth is your money doing? By John Longhurst, 65:4: 12
What we believe: Society and State, 65:8:11
What's all this talk about making peace, 65:1:12
When elephants fight, by Alfred Neufeld,65:1:8
Who are the Anabaptists? 65:1:7
Who was C.5. Lewis, 65:2:6
Worship that reflects God, by Jeanne Williams, 65:10:4
FORUM
Making a difference, by Hajimu Fujii, 65:2: 17
Nightmares and promises, by Myra Holmes, 65:5:19
People Profile: Ewert
What happened to footwashing? by Arthur Flaming, 65:10:17
IN BRIEF
Aid to Iraq prepared, 65:12:30
AIMS Hall of Mathematics and Science, 65:12:29
Biotech debate affects aid, 65:10:32
8raun to join MBF, 65:6:31
Colombian MBs help MCC with aid, 65:9:31
Congolese evangelist joins team, 65:5:32
Duerksens join MBMSI, 65:12:30
Food aid arrives in Bethlehem, 65:6:31
FPU president honored by business educators, 65:4:32
FPU program revised, 65:3:32
Friesen takes on new role at mission agency, 65:7:31
German MBs help flood victims, 65:10:32
Graduation ceremonies held, 65:5:31
Grant to aid journal, 65:1 :32
Hispanics talk missions, 65:4:32
India hosts youth seminar, 65:7:32
Interfaith dialogue continues,
continued from page 19
institution and connected to the church. The university also has a responsibility to the denomination-to provide the Mennonite Brethren Church with high quality education. We are responsible to help train the denomination's leaders and to use our scholarship in service to the church. Our faculty study, teach and write about some of the most vexing issues facing our society. They contribute to the discussions when our denomination wrestles with tough questions and difficult issues. That's what a denominational school should do.
I recently attended the Pacific District pastors' retreat. The pastors first strongly affirmed their support for Fresno Padfic University as their denominational school. Then, they gathered around me, put their hands on my shoulder and prayed for the university, for the faculty, for the students, for the trustees and for me. It was a very powerful statement of the responsibility and accountability that have to each other.
Clearly, there have been times when the university didn't pay enough attention to the concerns of the denomination. Perhaps there have also been times when the denomination didn't carry its full responsibility for the uni-
65:2:31
MB addresses gathering, 65:12:30
MB magazines receive awards, 65:8:31
MB missionary couple leaves Central Asia, 65:12:29
MBs invited to join national 9-11 event, 65:7:31
MCC faces giving shortfall, 65:1:31
MCC provides swaddling clothes in North Korea, 65:2:31
MDS ministers in Washington, D.C. in wake of 9-11,65:8:31
MD5 sends funds to New York City churches, 65: 1:31
MDS trains inner-city carpenters, 65:2:32
MEDA wins contract In Vietnam, 65:8:32
More than 100 MDS volunteers build in NYC, 65:3:31
MWC, MEDA plan cooperation, 65:2:32
MWC president speaks at papal event, 65:3:32
MWC resolve to go to Zimbabwe still firm, 65:5:31
New faculty at MB seminary, 65:1:32
NY congregations commemorate
versity either. Today, people tell me that the relationship between the two has never been better. I wasn't here so take no credit for that. I do, however, find this enormously encouraging as we plan for the future.
CL: What do you see as the biggest challenge facing the university?
ME: There are several challenges. First, we must maintain the theological core of this institution. Our motto, Fundamentum Christus ("founded on Christ'') says it all. That's what makes us different from many other institutions. People frequently observe that many former Christian universities are now Christian in name only. All of us want to make sure that we remain centered on Christ and his church, the commitment articulated in The Fresno Pacific Idea. We will integrate faith, learning and action.
Second, we must maintain a trajectory of steady growth if we want to continue offering high quality education. The cost of maintaining the university's infrastructure is rising-information technology is enormously expensive. We need additional dormitory space to keep pace with rising enrollments. We must build a new fine arts center facility and expand our library. We have to malntain our existing infrastructure whUe expanding to meet new challenges and opponuni-
9111,65:10:31
Prayers requested by D.C. Mennos, 65:12:30
Program to attract teenagers to theological inquiry, ministry, 65:9:31
Reaching out, 65:5:32
Reaching out together, 65:5:31
Second l00-year flood brings MDS volunteers, 65:7:31
Seminary celebrates graduation on Fresno campus, 65:6:31
Seminary reports record enrollment, 65:12:29
Short-term evangelism program joins MBMSI, 65:10:31
Speaking out, 65:5:32
Starvation prompts MCC aid, 65:8:31
Tabor and Hesston sign articulation agreement, 65:4:32
Tabor hosts youth rally, 65:3:32 Conference Sunday" to highlight national ministries, 65:4:31
USERV aids Korean church, 65:3:31
USERV completes cabinets, 65:9:32
USERV helps church, camp, 65:7:32
USERV volunteers help church,
ties.
A third challenge is to ensure that we get the best talent on our faculty. We need to identify young Mennonite graduate students and help them catch the vision for a Christian university with an Anabaptist worldview. In addition, need to strengthen our financial base so that we can attract and hold the best talent.
CL: If you've made your imprint on Fresno Pacific. what kind of graduates will the university be producing In the years to come?
ME: I see this university as producing leaders for our churches and communities, people who help to shape the nature of society and its institutions. They will be thoroughly Christian, globally aware and committed to making a difference in the communities of which they are a part. I expect to see our graduates on the front lines of society-working in the professions, teaching in the leading universities, engaged in ministry, serving in gov. ernment and playing leadership roles in business. I expect our graduates to excel in their work but also to carry forward a deep and abiding commitment to being the people of God in an increasingly secular world. They will be people of hope, bringlng peace and reconciliation into their communities .•
Volunteers respond to U.S. fires, 65:8:32
Words of the GOsPel CDs available from seminary, 65:4:31
World Fellowship Sunday celebrated, 65:12:29
INQUIRING MINDS by Marvin Hein
Balancing tolerance and truth, and the U.S. convention, 65:2:19
Baptism and membership and the American flag in church, 65:5:21
Forgiving others and God and nations, 65:3:21
Informal worship, a holy God and Graham's nix of crusade, 65: 1:23
Money and bad things happening to good people, 65:12:17
Old Testament laws and adult children, 65:8:21
Radio evangelists and age discrimination, 65:7:21
Religious lifestyle and American morality after Sept. 11,65:9:19
Voicing concerns to politicians and what Mormons believe, 65:4:19
War in Iraq and the pastors role, 65:10:19
ON THE JOURNEY by Rose Buschman
An African covenant, 65:5:22
Christians in danger, 65:2:20
Give a gift to Jesus, 65:10:20
I will give you rest, 65:1:24
Laced with Christianity, 65:8:22
Preparing for Easter, 65:3:22
5eekye first the kingdom of God, 65:7:22
Special Christmas music. 65:12:18
Stock market lessons, 65:4:20
The rest of the story, 65:9:20
PEOPlE PROFILES
8alancing sacred and secular (David Reimer), by Connie Faber, 65:7:24
Funk loyal to call from God
Itinerary
(Loyal Funk), by Connie Faber, 65:3:24
Hooked by FPU's vision (D. Merrill Ewert), by Kathy Heinrichs Wiest, 65:12:20
Pastoring the pastors (Henry Dick), by Connie "'ber, 65:8:23
Speaking from experience (Henry Schmidt), by Darren Duerksen, 65:10:24
PH'UPSIDE by Phifip WIebe
Bring in the new, 65:9:18
Christmas (thought) list. 65:12:16
Everything about women, 65:7:20
Going on cruise control, 65:4:18
Interesting, but strange 65:5:20
The best (so far), 65:1 :22
The devotional (real life), 65:3:20
Thoughts of summer, 65:8:20
Too much time, 65:10:18 WWJDN? 65:2:18 •
fl'''NlCPE , under the sponsorship of MBMS International, invites born-again Christians to serve asvolunteers for its evangelism outreach to:
CAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN DONATION REQUIRED
Whether it's a professional visit or a friendly chat, the residents in independent and assisted living know Goldine is always there as a confident and friend. Palm Village offers all residents a caring, personal and loving environment.
For more information, call (559) 638-6933
N01nE: Dates may be subject to some changes, pending further confirmation of some campaigns.
• Team up with national Christians and witness for Christ door-to-door.
• Some knowledge of the language of the country ishelpful.
• Between 800 and 2800 persons have prayed to accept Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord during a two-week CPE campaign. Come and be part of an enriching spiritual what God can do through you.
For further infonnation, contact:
Church Partnership Evangelism office: telephone/fax: 604-864-3941
Peter Loewen (residence) fax: 604-853-6482
Church Partnership Evangelism is a "church-to-church" effort that involves all bornagain Christians in personal evangelism worldwide. Your application to participate will be forwarded to the CPE Executive Committee for processing.
Retirement Our grandparents may have spent their leisure years at the dining table or on the porch swing. Today we expect a more active, in-volved retirement. MMA can help make it happenwhether you've already put in your last day at the office, or you still have decades to go.
Your MMA counselor has solutions, from Investment plans that fund your retirement, to annuities that help you make the most of it. And to protect these assets from the high cost of health care, MMA offers long-tenn care and Medicare supplement Insurance, all delivered with the customer service MMA is known for.
If your life plans include a rewarding retirement full of possibilities, visit with your MMA counselor today, or phone (800) 348-74&8.
Clearinghouse
Have a position to fill? Looking for a new employment or ministry opportunity? Have a gathering or celebration to promote? Reach U.S. Mennonite Brethren through a Clearinghouse classified ad. The charge is 53 cents per word, with a $15 minimum. Withhold payment until an invoice is received. MB institutions advertising vacancies or position announcements may be eligible for a no-cost ad.
FOR SALE - WORDS OF THE GOSPEL
WORDS OF THE GOSPEL MUSIC CDS
Two CD's guaranteed to satisfy and bless your soul: The Best of Words of the Gospel Choir and
The Best of Words of the Gospel Men of Melody. Suggested donation: $15.00 per CD or $25.00 for both plus $3.00 shipping. All proceeds go to MB Seminary. Send to: Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, 4824 E. Butler Ave., Fresno, CA.93727; or Call 1-800-251-6227 and ask for Barb.•
LISTEN To My CRY
A video collage of music, images and interviews, "Listen to My Cry" gives an overview of MCC's work of supporting our partners around the world.
Order your free copy of this inspirational video about MCC.
( Mennonite Central Committee
Mennonite Central Committee and MCC U.S. 21 South 12th Street. PO Box 500. Akron, PA 17501-0500 (717) 859-1151 or toll free (888) 563-4676 Mennonite Central Commmee Canada 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg. MB R3T 5K9 (204) 261-6391 or toll free (888) 622-6337
Available in English, French, German and Spanish.
Correction to November 2002 Leader
We neglected to note that the inteview with Nancy Heisey and Nzash Lumeya (uQ &A with Nzash and Nancy") was conducted by Christian Leader staff for Meetinghouse, an association of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ editors.
Myth of Race
Designed as a companion to MCC's most used video, "Free Indeed: Of White Privilege and How We Play the Game."
Demonstrates how race sets us
up to think in terms- of biology and genetics and ignore the realities of power and privilege.
Order your copy
To borrow: No charge.
To buy: $23 Cdn.J$15 U.S.
Pa. residents include 6 percent sales tax.
Contact your nearest MeC office.
Committee
PA 17501-0500 (717) 859-1151 toll free (888) 563-4676 MCCCanada
