from the editor
Icome to this Christmas season malVeling at the scope of God's rescue plan for mankind . The apostle John uses the word "whoever" to describe how many people are invited to believe in God's Son and to gain a whole and lasting life (John 3:16). The English hymn writer Isaac Watts celebrates God's intention when he writes, "Joy to the world! The Lord is come; let eanh receive her king; let every hean prepare him room." God extends his love to everyone on the eanh, and right now that means about 7 billion people
"God invites every heart in every age to accept his invitation. And that is a number that I can't even begin to imagine-but Last month I tried.
"That's a lot of human beings, and yet the number of people God has in mind is much bigger than the current world population figure . God invites every hean in every age to accept his invitation . And that is a number that I can't even begin to imagine - but last month I tried . My husband, our three children and I were in Washington, D.C., in early November. For five days we encountered people, people and more people. There were the folks we rubbed shoulders with as we waited in airports , dined in restaurants, rode subway trains and walked the sidewalks and hallways of landmark buildings. We also met up with people from the past who were featured in the various museums, memorials, monuments and government buildings.
So one evening I imagined of all these people - both contemporary and historical-as if they were hub cities on a map. I visualized them with lines emanating from the outline of their bodies showing their connection to other people in terms of families, schools, churches, workplaces, neighborhoods, friends, hobbies and community organizations . So, for example, the young woman on crutches who stood with her college soccer team in front of the Lincoln Memorial for a group picture is linked to her teammates, coaches and the doctors who treated her injury and also to her parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins , professors, roommates , summer employer and co-workers, a boyfriend, the people in her church, the grade school kids on the recreation soccer team she coaches- I had fun imaging all of the possible associations Meanwhile, Abraham Lincoln is connected to his wife and four sons, the men and women who worked in the White House when he lived there, his cabinet members, the generals he appointed, the countless soldiers who fought in the Civil War, the slaves he set free and the man who assassinated him . While the number of people I came across that week as I followed this train of thought is endless, I know that God, in all of his mystery, knows each man, woman and child by name I also know that our Heavenly Father desires that everyone from every era will know the joy and peace that comes from living in step with him . That's what I'm celebrating this Christmas
By Pastor James Bergen
10 The (other) Christmas story By
Gaylord Goertzen
J ohn 's Christmas story in Revelation tells of a cosmic war between good and evil
13 ALL I want for Christmas By Christine
Sine
Our Christmas traditions should restore and transform our faith
15 Living on purpose By Jan
Johnson
Put away the "to do" li st and think of peo ple to love
(The Sermon on the Mount)
James Bergen
Husband Moth er Student Accountant Retiree. We all have many roles and labels in life. In Matth ew 5, Jesus reveals a prim ary role for hi s followers- light Thi s is a key patt of our identity, and it is in credibly signifi ca nt . Israel is identified in thi s role in Isai ah 49:6, and Jes us him self is described as the light of the wo rld in John 9:5. Now, all followers of Jes us join with him in hi s light-bringing mi ss ion in th e worl d
N otice the focus of Jes us' decla ration: ' You are th e li ght of the world ." It is patt of th e identity of one who knows and follows after Jes us. To be a follower of Jesu s is to be se nt on a mission, to live a life of wimess, to be engaged in culture in such a way as to dra w peopl e heavenward or maybe even be a littl e heave n on eatth. Jes us shatters the idea that mission is option al. It isn't somethin g that we do. Rath er, it is who we are . To be a C hri stian is to li ve one's life in relation ship with God and others so th at God is made known to th ose around us in real and practical ways. We are to shin e so oth ers might com e to know him.
Applying this to our lives leaves us with endl ess poss ibiliti es. What might it look like for us to shine in th e way Jes us talks about ? Matthew 5 -7 provide some practi cal ideas. Us ing th e Se rm on on the Mount, the immediate context of Jes us' words, as a statting point our good deeds could include : helping comfott th e mourn ing, making good moral and ethical choice s, showing mercy, pea cemakin g, conttolling our anger, asking for and granting forg ivene ss on a regular bas is, tteating the opposite sex respectfully, honoring our marriage pattn ers, telling the truth , res ponding to those in the wrong with respect and dignity even when we are in the right, loving others (including our enemies), giving to the poor, being generous and leading non-anxiou s lives.
These things mu st be intentional choices in our lives , but the starting point is our relationship with Jesus. As we grow in him, all th ese variou s thin gs will be th e res ult . We are light. That is a given. H ow brightly will we shin e? That is our choice.
May many co me to kn ow and prai se our Fath er because of the lives we lead. May God's kingdom com e. May hi s will be done on ea nh as it is in heaven.
Jam es Bergen is th e pastor of North Fresno (Ca lif) MB Church
"You are the a hilltop that t:aftjriiJl(j lamp and then lamp is placed on everyone in the good deeds everyone
December 2010 I January 2011 Vo lume 73 · Numb e r 7
Co nnie Faber EDITOR
My ra Holmes ASSISTANT EDITOR
Shell ey Pl ett GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Steve Skibbi e COVER PHOTO
The Christian Leader (lSSN 0009-51491 is a gathering place for the people, passions and mission of U.S Mennonite Brethren The Christian Leader is published bimonthly by the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches However, the opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the church as a whole
COPYRIGHT The articles printed in the Christian Leader are owned by the CL or by the author and may not be reprinted without permission. Unless noted, Scripture quotations are from the New International Version
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Living what we say we believe
O0 we live what we believe? Do we even believe what we say we believe? Should we review and adjust what we say we believe if we are not living up to it?
These questions were behind the decision to ask the conferees at Conection 2010, the July 2010 national convention in Vancouver, BC, to declare their thoughts about whether we live what we say we believe. Among other responsibilities, our national Board of Faith and Life (BFL) is mandated to "provide spiritual oversight and serve as the guardian of the Confession of Faith." Out of its own desire to be honorable and because of various interactions within our national constituency, it seemed good to ask July convention participants to give their feedback about this important issue. Larry Nikkel, BFL board chair, walked delegates and guests through an abbreviated form of all 18 articles of our confession and provided an opportunity to answer two questions regarding each: Do we walk the talk on this article? Should we review and possibly revise this article?
While we are aware that this survey is likely not an accurate indicator of our entire national constituency, we are convinced that it offers some clear messages. The full results are available in PDF form on the U.S. Conference Web site under "Currently."
The survey provides strong affirmation (over 80 percent) that we walk the talk on all but two articles. Thirry-one percent of the participants indicated that we are struggling for authenticity in living as honorable disciples of Jesus (Article 10: Discpleship ) Thirty-four percent suggested that we
are not living faithfully in the area of love and nonresistance (Article 13: Love and Nonresistance).
While only 16 percent suggested that the discipleship article needs to be reviewed, 57 percent indicated that the article on love and nonresistance should be reviewed. It is as the BFL had thought: We have wide variation in our understanding and practice of what it means to be authentic followers of Jesus as makers of peace.
We agree that Jesus calls us to be peacemakers and to avoid violence At the same time, it is clear that some of us believe that participation in war is wrong , while others have not reached this conclusion. Some among us have enlisted as combatants and others as noncombatants and still others have chosen altemate service. Additionally, some of us believe it would be right to use force as the lesser of two evils and some do not
We will need to deal with this together, and the BFL is developing a process by which we will do so Clearly, any approach will need to be centered in a return to the Scriptures. We have always been a people of the Book. What does the Bible say? is the right first question. We have also always been a people who pursue theological conclusions together as a discerning community. With these two road markers to help us find our way, we will move toward understanding and committing to the call of Jesus on our lives.
We are open to your counsel in the formation of the process. We will be asking for your participation in the conversation. We have no interest in doing battle about being peacemakers, but we are deeply committed to pursuing clarity about Jesus' call and living authentically as his followers
We agree that Jesus caLLs us to be peacemakers and to avoid vioLence. At the same time, it is cLear that some of us believe that participation in war is wrong whiLe others have not reached this concLusion.
D. Baker
Going to jail
Igo to jail every Tuesday afternoon Please join me
Walking into the Fresno County Jail, 1 show the guard my ID card and proceed through four locked doors before a guard lets me into the room 1 use for a Bible study with any who want to attend .
Six men, wearing red jump suits with "Prisoner" on the back, file in After reading Mark r:rs, 1 ask what "repent" means. They say, "to confess your sin , to tum around, change direction." Jason , who is a new Christian, asks , ''Why is it that even though 1 have repented, 1 keep heading back the other direction and do things 1 should not do? "
"Good question ," 1 say and silently pray : "What do 1 say, God?" 1 could give a theologically correct response, but he is not looking for information He has repented He has experienced God transforming his life but wants to know why he still stumbles.
1 invite the others to respond. They tell what they find helpful: spending more time reading their Bible, praying with others, sharing with a fellow Christian, resisting the devil, staying away from old friends, etc .
1 share other ideas and statt wrapping up so we can begin our prayer time. An inmate blurts out, " I can't mess up again. If 1 sell drugs again 1 will be in prison for a long time. What do 1 do? " Steve talks about how much he is praying, and how it is helpful, but he had tried this before, gone to church, spoken in tongues, etc ., but it has not worked.
Moved, 1 again pray for guidance, then statt asking questions. Steve tells us he has a college degree, had a good job and a nice house, but when money got tight he turned to selling drugs. He acknowledges being driven by concern of what others think of him. Selling drugs provided money to keep up appearances 1 tell them of a friend with a good job who bought a new house. 1 visited and found the living room totally empty-no furniture Why? They had used up their money 1 ask, ''What would most people do? " The group says most people would beg, borrow or steal to get furniture rather than have an empty living room, fearing what people would think. We talk about society's lies-that more things equal a better life, that people with more money deserve more respect 1 then say that trusting that God
loves us and trusting and obeying what Jesus teaches about money can deflate those lies.
Our hour is up. 1 encourage Steve to imagine himself back in his house with half the possessions he currently has and then to think of himself resting in God's loving embrace as he imagines what others might say about him. 1 say a quick, heartfelt, prayer for the men. The guard comes to take them back to their cells.
Heading home 1 reflect over the study The depth of sincerity, urgency and authenticity of Jason's and Steve's questions impresses me . 1 renew my commitment to regularly return to themes of shame, forgiveness, God' s compassionate embrace and the countercultural character of discipleship. 1 also have a deep sense of humility and realism . 1 want Steve to be able to resist the pull to sell drugs again, and 1 commit myself to bolstering his ability to do so . But it is only an hour a week. He needs so much more-especially when he gets out.
Mark Baker is associate professor of mission and theology at MB Biblical Seminary, now part of Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, Calif.
Mark
USC hires social media coordinator
The U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches [USC] has hired its first social media coordinator. Justin Salters, Bakersfield, Calif , began work Oct. 12 from the conference·s West Coast office in Bakersfield.
As the part-time social media coordinator, Salters is responsible for launching and managing a U.S. Mennonite Brethren [USMB] social media presence on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter and developing additional Web strategies to facilitate online community among Mennonite Breth r en in the U S
Salters is currently a student at California State University, Bakersfield, where he is majoring in political science with a minor in economics. He attends The Bridge Bible Church, an MB congregation in Bakersfield, where he serves the congregation·s young adult ministry as worship leader.
USMB leadership initiated the position of social media coordinator to better connect with current and future members of the church , both in the United States and abroad. Executive director Ed Boschman says, "Justin is broadly experienced, approp ri ately gifted and well suited for his assignment to get us off and running in this critical part of our com munication strategy." -USC
Conection 2012 speakers confirmed
Dan Unrau and James Nicodem have accepted invitations to speak at Conection 2012, the next U S. Mennonite Brethren natio nal convention. Unrau is pastor of Fraserview MB Church, Richmond, BC, and will address th e impact of generational spiri tuality and systems in local church and conference minist ries. Nicodem, author of Prayer C oach. will speak on spiritual disciplines. Conection 2012 is planned for July 25-28 in Omaha, Neb .-USC
DAVID WIEBE tra nsitions to ICOMB
The International Community of Mennonite Brethren [iCOMB] has appointed David Wiebe, outgoing executive director of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches [CCMBCI, as interim executive secretary. ICOMB is a global MB fellowship of 19 national conferences on five continents.
Wiebe has been the executive director of CCMBC for the past 10 years. He completes his duties at the Canadian conference Dec. 31, 2010, and begins at ICOMB in a half-time capacity Jan. 1, 2011. Since August, he has been serving as acting executive secretary in the absence of outgoing executive secretary Victor Wall, who recently accepted a leadership position at the Asuncion [Paraguay] Bible Institute
In the interim role, Wiebe will work with MBMS International, the global mission agency of North American Mennonite Brethren, to transition some responsibility for church capacity and health fromMBMSI to ICOMB and will lead the search for a new executive secretary of ICOMB, with plans to secure a leader for summer 2012. -CCMBC
heNumbers
Looking for a gift you can really sink your teeth into?
Consider the edible playhouse offered by Neiman \ Marcus in its 2010 Christmas Book.
The price tag on this munchable manor that stands over 6 feet high and is created from 381 pounds of gourmet gingerbread and 517 pounds of royal icing is $15,000.
]he hot" 1975 Christmas gift that s for a mere $4 was the PET ROCK. Don't laugh. It made advertising executiveGary Dahl a millionaire! Source: Esquire magaMemN
5 minutes with ...
Blues guitarist Clyde "Pop" Ferguson, 83, is a frequent guest musician in the North Carolina MB churches, He and his son, Clyde Jr., a USMB Leadership Board member, visit churches and schools teaching about the music of AfricanAmerican culture, As one of the last musicians of his era, Pop's stories and recordings will be part of the National Museum of African American History,
How long have you been playing music?
Since I was 10. Back in those days I didn't have any toys to play with. I just had a tire. My father got me a guitar somehow.
Who did you play for?
My dog and two cats. My daddy was a preacher so my start was in church.
Where did your music take you after you grew up?
In the church it was all gospel. After I came home from World War II, I started running the roads as a blues man, but I never forgot my upbringing in the church.
You're back in the church now. How is church playing different?
Church people enjoy the old-fashioned gospel style, and you don't put on so much antics. In the juke joints you let loose,
Why did the Smithsonian honor you?
I don't know. Iwas just playing, having fun and got a letter one day saying I was going to be put in the Smithsonian Institute.
Interview b athy Heinrichs Wiest
Book celebrates San Jose church
The theme of hospitality runs through a new book celebrating the 70-year history of Lincoln Glen Church, San Jose, Calif. Heavenly Hospitality includes several dozen contributors-"old timers, newcomers and past pastors"-each of whom share memories of the church through vignettes that book committee member SherrySpencer describes as "tender, funny and tearjerking." -Lincoln Glen
Discussing the atonement
Regional theological discussions this fall by Mennonite Brethren on both sides of the Can-Am border centered on the atoning sacrifice of Christ. In the U.S., the Southern District Conference's (SOC) Faith and Life Commission and MB Biblical Seminary jointly sponsored a forum Sept. 10-11 at Memorial Road MB Church, Edmond, Okla. In Canada, the British Columbia Conference of MB Churches (BCMB) hosted a oneday event Nov. 3, called, "Deep Spirited Friends Study-The Cross of Christ," at Gracepoint Community Church in Surrey, BC. The atonement will also be the subject of the next Canadian MB Conference biennial study conference to be held in October 2011.-SDC/CCMBC
The Naked Anabaptist ales strong
Anabaptist: The Bare Essentials a Radical Faith, is a bestseller for Herald Press, the ook imprint of Mennonite Publishing Network." e knew the book would resonate with many people, ut we didn't xpect it to sell out so quickly," say Ron Rempel, e,xecutive director of MPN. Five thou and copies of the Naked Anabaptist, by Stuart Murr y, were publi hed in April. A second run of 5,000 copies has b n ordered.-MPN
Book explores Mennonites in Poland, Prussia
iller, professor of biblical and religious !I.. e, Hillsboro, Kan., has authored ewest addition to the Herald Press Commentary series. "I understand ,S;"t=::'lcl::' esJ to be giving realistic counsel in a , paradox, tragedy and stressful challities of faith," says Miller The Believers ntary series is a cooperative project of groups, including Mennonite Brethren. lable from Mennonite Publishing Network
A new book written by Peter Klassen, former professor of history at Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, Calif., explores the atmosphere of . religious tolerance in Poland and Prussia that allowed these areas to become havens for Mennonites in the midst of religious persecution in early modern Europe Mennonites in Early Modern Poland and Prussia is available from Johns Hopkins Un iversity Press [www.press.jhu.eduJ.
The nativity scenes in our homes illustrate the Christmas story we know from Matthew and Luke Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus are in the center of the stable. Around them stand the sheep, shepherds and angels from Luke's account. Even though the wise men from Matthew's telling arrive after the shepherds are gone, our nativity scene includes these travelers.
But there is another Christmas story that is quite different. This other narrative is John's story revealed in the book of Revelation. The central characters in this account, as told in Revelation 12:113:1, are a woman, a dragon and a child. It is a violent story of good versus evil.
To understand John's story, we must first think about signs. One mile east of Hillsboro, Kan., is a sign that says: Ebenfeld Mennonite Brethren Church, four miles south. The sign is not Ebenfeld MB Church; the sign points to Ebenfeld MB Church A sign is not reality, but it points to something that is.
John writes of two signs in Revelation 12:1-3: "A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under
The (other) ristmas
sto
h\ GAYLORD GOERTZEN
This is not the nativity story we grew up with, but it's the nativity story just the same. The birth of Jesus excites more than wonder, it excites evil.
her feet and a crown of 12 stars on her head. She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth. Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and 10 horn s and seven crowns on his heads. "
Two signs
The woman in John's story is not Mary, the mother of Jesus. The woman is a sign pointing to something else. The first readers of John's letter knew that the woman points to Joseph. Not Joseph, the husband of Mary, but Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob. In Genesis 37 we read that Joseph dreams that the sun, moon and II stars all bow down to him. The sun in Joseph's dream is his father, to whom God gave the name Israel. The moon is his mother, Rachel. The II stats are his brothers; Joseph is the twelfth star. And so the woman in John's Christtnas story points to the nation of Israel.
The second sign in John's Christtnas story isn't wondrous; it's a horrendous sign. John sees an enonnous red dragon with seven heads, 10 homs and seven crowns. The red dragon is an awful sign pointing to more than just evil in general. It points to who's behind evil. The red dragon points to Satan (v. 9)
The ruling Shepherd
John's Christtnas story continues as the woman gives birth to a male child. ''The dragon stood in front of the woman about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it is bom. She gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron scepter. And her child was snatched up
to God and to his throne" (Rev. 12:4b-S).
Unlike the woman and the dragon, the child is not a sign, pointing beyond himself to another reality. The son is reality! The son is God's promised Messiah, and he is the center of John's Christtnas story. He will rule with a rod of iron, and John tells us how the Messiah will rule. The Greek word translated "rule" literally means shepherd. Jesus, the Lamb that is slain, will shepherd the nations along paths of righteousness to life.
And that is a reality that Satan, the dragon, cannot accept. Satan wants to lead the nations to death and destruction. In order to prevent Christ from leading. the dragon stands in front of the woman so he can consume the child. But Satan's plans are thwarted. Just as he's about to devour the child, God snatches the child up to his throne in heaven.
Cosmic Battle
This is not the Christtnas story we know, and yet it is. In his book, Reversed Thunder , Eugene Peterson writes: "It is John's spirit-appointed task to supplement the work of Matthew and Luke so that the nativity cannot be sentimentalized into coziness, domesticated into drabness or commercialized into worldliness. This is not the nativity story we grew up with, but it's the nativity story just the same.
The birth of Jesus excites more than wonder; it excites evil."
John reminds us that the throne is why Jesus was born When Jesus was on trial before Pilate, Pilate asks him if he is a king. Jesus says, "You have correctly said that I am a king. For this I have been born" (John 18:37). Jesus wasn't born just
to die. Jesus was born to wear a crown.
But the way to the crown is the way of the cross. Jesus rules by giving his life for others. That's the Christtnas story according to John, and that is why we Christians respond to Jesus' birth with joy and excitement. We sing. "Joy to the world, the Lord has come, let earth receive her king."
How does evil respond to John's Christtnas story, when the child is born and caught up to heaven? Matthew hints at it in his account when he describes Herod's response to the birth of Jesus. John fills in the full details. He writes, '1\nd there is a war in heaven" (Rev. 12:7)
The only characters from the nativity scene that appear in John's account, other than Jesus, are the angels, and they are at war (vv. 7-9 ) Satan incites onethird of the angels to fight with him and to attack God's heavenly anny of angels. Satan's goal is to capture God's throne and reign in God's place. But Satan and his angels are defeated and literally hurled out of heaven.
Where does the dragon go when he is thrown out of heaven? He comes to earth, and he's not a happy camper: ''The dragon was enraged at the woman and went to make war with the rest of her offspring. those who keep God's command and hold to the testimony of Jesus" (v. 17) Satan is at war with us, the church. Will Satan win? He didn't win the war with Jesus or with God's anny of angels, and he won't win the war with us. John declares: "They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" (v. II)
The blood of the lamb
John's Christmas story announces the good news that those who follow Christ Jesus will defeat Satan. We overcome Satan not because he is weaker than us; he is stronger. We overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb. Satan accuses us of being sinners. And he's right; we are. But Satan is also wrong, for we are sinners saved by grace. We overcome Satan by claiming the blood of the Lamb.
We also defeat Satan by proclaiming the blood of the Lamb. A young woman in our church and her family prayed for more than a year that the woman's aunt, diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, would come to salvation before she died. When the aunt was given just two weeks to live, the young woman's father, who had shared his faith with his family over the years, talked to his sister about Jesus. She insisted she wasn't interested, and he left her bedside discouraged. But he repeatedly heard God say, 'rue you giv-
ing up on her? What if you have only one more chance?"
The man asked his daughter's family to pray that their aunt would cry out to Jesus before it was too late. He visited his sister again, telling her that asking Jesus to forgive her sins was the only way to heaven. God answered their prayers; the aunt prayed to receive Jesus and was saved. She died the next morning.
Claim and proclaim
Satan is at war with the church - trying to keep people from coming to Jesus. We fight Satan and overcome him by claiming the blood of the Lamb for our sins and by proclaiming the blood of the Lamb for the sins of the world We fight Satan by caring for and loving people so that they can hear the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. It wasn't a stranger who helped the aunt receive Jesus; someone who loved and cared for her brought her to Jesus.
Eugene Peterson sums up John 's Christmas story this way: "The Christmas story in Revelation isn' t there so that we can shut the door to a cold wintry world, curl up with a cup of hot chocolate and sing Christmas carols. The Christmas story is in Revelation so that we can walk out the door of the church and into the world with a song of praise to Jesus on our lips and a sharp two-edged sword in our hands."
Christmas means war Satan wants to devour; Jesus longs to save. John's Christmas story challenges us to battle Satan. To love, care and serve others is to fight Satan and to proclaim victory through the blood of the Lamb. [!II
Gaylord Goertzen is pastor of Ebenfeld MB Church of rural Hillsboro, Kan. This article is adapted from a sermon he gave in a series on Revelation
John 5 Christmas story announces the good news that those who follow Christ
Jesus will defeat Satan. We overcome Satan not because he is weaker than us; he is stronger. We overcome Satan by the blood of the Lamb.
Creating Christmas rituals that restore and transform
Robyn was angry and confused. She had known since childhood that Santa was not real. But she had just discovered that her much beloved roly-poly red-robed Santa Claus was a marketing ploy invented in the early 20th century by Coca Cola to encourage consumerism.
She was angry because she had been duped by the commercialization of what should be the most meaningful season of the year. She was also confused because she didn't know how to break the news to her kids that Santa Claus wasn't real without destroying their faith in her honesty.
"I hate Christmas," she told me. "I eat too much, drink too much and rush from one store to another, afraid that 1 forgot to buy a gift for someone important. They fact that we are celebrating the birth of Christ hardly even registets on my screen."
When Christmas is over, how many of us look back on the season with the same sense of betrayal that Robyn experienced? An opportunity to model and teach simplicity and the tenets of our Christian faith to our children has become one of the greatest displays of materialism reflecting the values of the consumer society.
We are all people of habit and routine and need spiritual rituals to provide anchots for our souls.
When our faith does not provide these rituals the secular culture quickly jumps in with its quasispiritual offerings.
Massage therapy, aromatherapy, a day at the local health spa and our increasingly secularized and materialistic approach to Christmas all tantalize us with the promise of peace and relief from our stressed-out lives. Tragically, people of faith are just as likely to be sucked in by these rhythms and ignore the rituals of their faith.
According to Mennonite Brethren missionary and anthropologist Paul Hiebert there are two types of spiritual rituals or routines that we all need in our lives to maintain our spiritual focus and enable us to live at a healthy and balanced pace-restorative rituals and rituals of transformation.
e..Restorative rituals are those activities • . . we perform on a regular basis to renew our faith in the beliefs that order our lives and to rebuild the religious community in which these beliefs find expression. Daily prayer times, Sunday church and faith-focused celebrations at Christmas, Easter and other important Christian festivals are all restorative rituals that can refocus our priorities on the values of our Christian faith.
Not surprisingly the secular culture provides an increasing array of its own rituals that compete with these. Christmas, with its hyped-up consumerism
and panying, constantly seeks to measure of flexibility and personal Nicholas who lived in Turkey in impress on us its belief that intimacy. " the fourth century and was known '10y to the World" means eating Prayer retreats, pilgrimages for his expressions of love for God "heavenly chocolates" or setting and mission trips are all transfor- and for neighbor. up a giant inflatable nativity set in mative rituals that enable us to One of the best-known stoour front yard. continue to grow our faith and ries involves a poor man who did
Neither my husband, Tom, mature as Christian disciples. not have enough money to pronor I grew up in a liturgical Our consumer culture is very vide dowries for his three unmarchurch, but in the last few years intentional about seeking to focus ried daughters. As a result they we have embraced the tradition of our lives on its materialistic val- were likely to become prostitutes. the Advent wreath with great ues and we need to be just as Nicholas walked past the house enthusiasm. Each morning before intentional in our focus on God's on three successive nights and breakfast we light the appropriate biblical values in order to stand each time threw in a bag of gold.
candles and read the Scriptures for against these pressures. He became a symbol of anony-
the day from the Book of Tom and I love to go on a mous gift giving.
Common Prayer. It is a wonderful prayer retreat during the Advent As she shared this story,
way to focus our lives on the real season as a time to reflect on our Robyn was able to encourage her
celebration-the coming of sense of God's call in our lives and kids to focus their gift giving on
Emmanuel, God with us, God in to evaluate the ways in which we those who were really in need at
us, God for us. have used our time and resources this season and in so doing to
We also like to enter into the over the last year. We spend time remember the one who gave us celebratory aspects of the sea- listening to God and set goals that the greatest gift of all - Christ our
son - not trying to out party the reflect our sense of biblical pur- Savior. The whole family volun-
partygoers but rather to focus our pose for the following year- not teered to serve Christmas dinner
joy and celebration on the true just for our vocation but for every at a local homeless shelter and
meaning of the season. Each year area of life. bought a goat for a poor family in
we hold an annual Advent party Then throughout the year we Ethiopia. "It was our most satisfy-
that focuses on our anticipation of take time on Sunday morning ing Christmas ever," she says.
the return of Christ and the com- before church to journal and to Before the Christmas season ing of God's kingdom in all its check up on our progress. Out of gets started you may like to take fullness when all things will be our prayer retreats has come a some time to really prepare this made new. whole new rhythm of life that year. Develop some short rituals enables us to pace our activities for you and your family to use
The second type of more in sync with our connection throughout the year that enable practice we need in to the life, death and resurrection you to enter into the joy of Christ's our lives in order to of Christ rather than to the dic- birth and the wonder of God comcreate healthy spiritual rhythms is tates of the secular culture. ing into our world to dwell among what Hiebert calls rituals of trans- us without the overwhelming formation. These rituals provide a
Another possibility pressures of consumerism. structure that enables us to grow is to look for ways Christine Sine is the author of and bring change into our lives. In to transform the Sacred Rhythms: Finding his book Anthropological symbols of the consumer culture Peaceful Pace in a Hectic World Reflections on Missiological Issues, into expressions of our faith. I She and her spouse, Tom, coHiebert explains that these rituals suggested to Robyn that instead of authored Living on Purpose : cut through the established way focusing on Santa Claus she share Developing a Personal Mission of doing things and restore a with her children the story of St. Statement.
Iwas excited as I drove to the home of an intelligent, much-admired woman who offered deep insights at distinguished speaking engagements. But when I saw that her lawn needed mowing and yard was untidy, I was taken aback. I'd expected better than this. Would I want to live next door? How would her unmanicured yard affect my property values?
A few minutes later, our conversation zinged with tales of how God was working: her passion for helping women overseas; the mysteries of loving and letting go in family life; an outreach project in her community. This was someone who sought first God's kingdom and righteousness. I wondered how many people would have gone unhelped if she'd spent more time on her lawn. I would probably love living next door to her.
It is not uncommon at the start of a new year to admit to ourselves that we are not satisfied with life as we know it. We have hectic days when we wonder, "Would the disciples have run their lives with daily planners in loose-leaf notebooks?" Or perhaps we find ourselves in more life-defining moments, sitting in places such as hospital waiting rooms and wondering, "Has my life counted for anything? Have I made a difference to anyone?"
Purpose in life gets muddied when we assume, as I have done, that "what God is doing" is whatever somebody asks me to do, especially if that somebody is a leader. But the cauldron of burnout and the wasteland of busyness have driven me to have ongoing conversations with God to find out what God is doing in me and in this world God so loves. Here are some snatches of that conversation.
God at work on earth
Old Testament events and gospel encounters make it clear that if the Trinity had a business card, it would read: redemption, reconciliation, mercy and justice. God pulled nations and people back from their slide into sin and despair (redemption), reconciling them to each other, to themselves, and with God. Jesus chided the religious elites for being busy being good (tithing even from their spice racks), but forgetting justice and mercy (Luke 11:42).
But how can I fault them? Even thinking redemptively is a challenge! The first time I was asked to think redemptively, it confused me. I was writing an article on teens and violence for parents, and
While I still love "to do" lists and numbered priorities, they no longer rule my choices.
Repeated reading of the gospels shows us that Jesus didn't live from lists of things to do but from thoughts of people to love.
the editor instructed me: "Don't tell parents how to protect their kids from violent situations at school. Speak to the topic redemptively."
"How?" I prodded.
"Find teens who have turned around a violent person or situation," she said.
Would I want my teenagers to act as peacemakers? To be anything but safe? I found someone else's teen who had behaved redemptively by speaking peace during a racial disturbance and began praying for the strength to want to behave redemptively rather than choosing the softer, easier path in life.
Seeking purposes within God's work
So I began asking God, "What redemptive things am I called to do? What breaks my heart that breaks your heart? What issues of redemption, reconciliation, love and justice draw me?"
Through this ongoing conversation, I saw several things that broke my heart and became my purposes in life. One of them was defending and encouraging the oppressed (Ps. 82:3) Something enormous happens inside me when I meditate on stories of Jesus interacting with have-nots I love how Jesus traveled across the lake to Gentile territory (unwise for a Jewish teacher) to interact with a man full of demons who called themselves, "Legion." With great courage and tenderness, Jesus showed justice and mercy to this naked, screaming graveyarddweller who mutilated himself (Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39).
One way I encourage and defend the oppressed is to volunteer at a drop-in center for the homeless. I've never encountered anyone like the dear man Jesus ministered to, but I keep nudging Mike and Jim and Paula back from their slide into sin and despair as I offer a smile, a clean towel and a listening ear
God keeps leading as we listen. When a mentally-impaired woman asked me to help her fill out forms to get custody of her baby, it seemed unmerciful to tell her that it might be unwise for her to care for her own child. So out of mercy, I helped her spell her words correctly. But out of justice for the baby, I prayed the child would find a home in a loving family. These moments of working within my purposes in life are not easy, but they are when I am most alive.
Listening to God instead of living by lists
While I still love "to do" lists and numbered priorities, they no longer rule my choices. Repeated reading of the gospels shows us that Jesus didn't live from lists of things to do but from thoughts of people to love . And those people often interrupted him. One time, Jesus was hanging out with a friend, Peter, after an intensive round of synagogue teaching. But after he healed Peter's mother-in-law, his day with a friend was interrupted: the whole town showed up at the door to be healed. So Jesus met those people's needs (Luke 4:31-44). Many times, our purposes in life are fulfilled in moments etched only in God's Daytimer. So I plan my day and make lists, but I also "listen to God." As I spend time with God in silence and solitude-and eschew busyness, hurry, clutter and perfectionism-God prods, nudges and urges us to love the person we've overlooked, making suggestions more practical than anything we'd find in a self-help book.
Letting go of all that distracts
Although the kingdom of God is within me (Luke 17:21), the American dream sidetracks me: making a "decent" living (although I'm rich by global standards), raising "decent" kids (who need every advantage middle-class America offers), and living in a "decent" neighborhood (no overgrown yards).
To live by kingdom purposes in 2011 and beyond, we have to stay tough. Jesus never made decisions the way we do: take the job that pays more; do service that fulfills you; seize the opportunity that will enhance your reputation. Instead, Jesus keeps asking: "In what redemptive way have I loved you that you need to pass on?"
Of course, God's nudging terrifies us sometimes, so we converse more. We take a deep breath and step out into a truly Jesus-permeated moment and wonder why we ever hesitated. Why are we surprised that life with God in that invisible kingdom is so engaging? [!]
Jan Johnson is a speaker and author of 14 books. This article is adapted from her book, Living a Purpose-Full Life (Waterbrook Press, 1999). For more information, check her Web site: www.janjohnson.org.
Ordinary obedience
IVorth Fresno falnilyfollows Jesus into the heart of the city
Matt Ford doesn't consider himself radical. all, when God calls his followers to do anythmg, no matter how strange and unusual, obedience should be the normal response.
"That's what it means to follow Jesus," Ford says. It just so happens that for Ford and his family, following Jesus has meant a dramatic change in lifestyle.
Four years ago, Ford, who grew up in North Fresno (Calif. ) MB Church and now serves as pastor of :tudent family ministries there, his wife, Beverly, and their two children sold their "very nice" suburban home and moved into one of Fresno's most crime-ridden, violent and impoverished neighborhoods.
. .
Ford describes it as an act arising out of Simple obedience to Christ's command to love his neighbor as himself. He says that even the biblical superheroes the are "jus:, everyday Joes who are following Jesus m an ordmary way He remembers clearly the turning-point moment when theoretical discussions about discipleship, community and poverty turned personal. He and friend Craig Blodgett were discussing the book The Irresistible Revolution, by Shane
Claiborne, when Blodgett asked, "What would it look like for us to make a change in our lives?"
Ford felt a "deep working of God's Spirit," stopped the conversation and said, "If we go down this road, it's going to happen. If we're not willing to let it happen, we'd better not personalize it."
As with many acts of obedience, Ford's change of heart had been brewing for a long time. He was serving as youth pastor at a different church when he began to feel disconnect between his life and the gospel. He was teachmg through the Sermon on the Mount-full of kingdom values such as love of the poor and generosity-and felt he was confusing the students. "My life wasn't matching up what I was teaching," Ford says. He realized he had a chOice: change his life or stop teaching this gospel.
In addition, he and Beverly had a growing realization that the things they were pursuing-nicer home, nicer vacations, nicer cars-weren't bringing them joy. They began to wonder how they could obey Christ's command to love their neighbors in a suburban neighborhood marked by isolation.
'The gospel invites us to love our neighbor as ourselves," Ford says. "Well, how can you love your neighbor if
As I enter into the stories otmy neighbors, see the vioLence and hatred that seems to be aLL around me and the chaos that comes with deepLy rooted poverty, my heart aches for God's redemption pLan to come to compLetion.
you don't know your neighbor?" They needed, he says, to be "liberated from the American dream."
A long series of conversations between the Fords and Craig and Amber Blodgett convinced them that God was indeed calling them to personalize what they were learning in a dramatic way. So they obeyed.
The two families committed to moving together to Fresno's Lowell neighborhood, hoping for two houses next door to each other. They chose that neighborhood not only because it is one of Fresno's worst, but also because other Christians, like Randy White and Nancy Donnett, were already building community and living out the gospel there.
Within a week the families had spotted the two houses that they now call home. Even though God led quickly, it wasn't an easy move For one thing, it was what Ford calls "a bank-breaker " Selling their suburban home didn't make financial sense, and it took every dime they had to make their dilapidated Lowell house livable.
But, Ford says, "God views money very differently than we do." Instead of fear, they found freedom in letting go and saw God's provision.
Even harder, each time they faced an obstacle-and there were many-they also faced friends and acquaintances who told them to abandon their vision Ford points out that Scripture never porttays obedience as smooth sailing. They now see the obstacles as teaching moments : "God was leading the way through the rocky, murky waters "
Looking back, Ford says the move was a wild journey-emotional, difficult, so exhausting that they're still recovering-but also good, because his family has been changed, blessed and freed.
'We desired to plant ourselves in a community where our community could transform us," he says. And it has.
As they've lived alongside people for whom the American dream is out of reach, they've learned about the art of celebration, about simple living and about family They've been freed from a "bigger and better" mentality and have discovered new depths of generosity.
'The people in our neighborhood don't have a lot, but they give a lot," Ford says. Instead of spending all their earnings on the latest "stuff," the family now lives more simply in order to have more to give at the end of the month.
Ford says his view of salvation has broadened. "Now we see that Jesus has saved us so that we could bring heaven to earth," he says. "God is in the process of passionately redeeming and transforming this world that we live in, and he invites us to be a part of that process."
Before the move, in their insulated neighborhood, it was easy to be blissfully ignorant about poverty. Now, the consequences of injustice and poverty are just outside their window. He talks, for example, about grieving when a friend was nearly hit by a bullet intended for a gang member
"I don't suffer like most of the world, but I carry with me every day a deep, deep realization that the world is not as God intends it to be," Ford says '1\.s I enter into the stories of my neighbors, see the violence and hatred that seems to be all around me and the chaos that comes with deeply rooted poverty, my heart aches for God' s redemption plan to come to completion."
He says they've come to understand that their everyday choices make a difference. So, in addition to the dramatic change of the move, they're making smaller adjustments as they learn and grow For example, they consider the source of that shirt or those groceries before they buy. "To us, that matters The gospel demands that it matters," Ford says
And, really, he says, that's what obedience comes down to: evaluating one's life against the gospel, then making adjustments where it doesn't match up. For some, it might mean moving to an urban neighborhood. For many, it will mean doing something "strange and unusual," Ford says "I think that God is inviting all of us to do more countercultural, crazy, strange, out of the box things with our lives ." -Myra Holmes
A time to mourn
Christn10s Sercice ofA1ourning admits lile's hurts
Christmas is "the most wonderful time of the year " Isn't it?
But families don't always fit the Norman Rockwell image of perfection and joy. Singles often feel pangs of loneliness. Those struggling in a difficult economy can't meet expectations to spend, spend, spend. Those who've lost someone dear feel the absence keenly.
"It's the time of the year when everyone tells you to be joyful and be happy," says Bill Braun, pastor of College Community Church MB, Clovis, Calif., "but it seems to me this time of the year is when the daily realities of life come back to us."
So, along with all the usual holiday celebrations, the CCCMB congregation offers a unique opportunity to address life's hurts through a Christmas Service of Mourning "It's a wonderful time to stop and ground ourselves in what it means that God loves us and that God in Christ is with us, " says Braun.
He credits a magazine article in Reformed Worship for the idea that first prompted him to try such a service in 1996; CCCMB has been doing it ever since. The service is always held the last Sunday before Christmas, right in the midst of the height of the hustle and bustle. That in itself has value: "It's also a time to slow down and relax," Braun says.
The services are simple, filled with Scripture readings, reflection and music. Always, they include a time to share and to light a candle of remembrance. The Service of Mourning gives attendees permission to grieve as they explore Scriptures-such as the Psalms in which the psalmist cries out to God-and put grief in the context of biblical hope.
In a season of unrealistic expectations, the Christmas Service of Mourning is "very real," Braun says. After all, Christ didn't come to earth to enter into a picture-perfect existence. "Christ came because we're in a mess," Braun says. "It doesn't hurt to be reminded of that at Christmas ."
The gatherings are always small, with only a handful of people in attendance, but Braun notes that success can't be measured in numbers. "I would do it if it were only for me," he says. Over the years, about a third of the CCCMB congregation has come to a Service of Mourning as they've had need.
For those who do come, the Christmas Service of Mourning makes a difference. "It's pretry clear to me that when people leave, they're feeling better," Braun says. "They have a better sense of who they are, who God is in their life. There's a better understanding of our place in this world."
The service has other, less direct benefits, too. Those who hurt find they're not alone Even those who don't feel a need to attend are reminded that others in the congregation are struggling, so the service provides an opportunity to think about and support others.
To those interested in exploring the idea of a Service of Mourning at Christmas, Braun offers two words of advice: "Whoever leads it ought to believe in it, and it doesn't matter how many people show up." He welcomes further conversation on the topic and may be contacted at wdbraun@yahoo com. -Myra Holmes
In this 23rd volume of Believers Church Bible Commentary (BCBC) Series, Doug Miller respects the pastoral and theological contribution of Ecclesiastes. It is particularly useful for Christians who need a fresh look at the insights of this ancient sage in an era of uncertain identity, the flux of worldviews, and the elusiveness of truth.
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A matter of life and death
Bible study offers healing for po st -abortive women
If the statistics are right, a woman in the next pew has experienced abortion. At least one in four women in the United States has had an abortion, including Christians Some say the number is more like one in three.
Abortion not only takes the life of a child but, all too often, destroys the life of the woman as well. That woman in the next pew may never have told anyone, least of all her church, about her abortion. She may live with heavy shame and a long list of ugly symptoms known as post-abortion syndrome: anxiety, numbness, depression, eating disorders, substance abuse and more.
But God is in the business of life, not death So next month, as every January, two California Mennonite Brethren churches will extend God's forgiveness and healing to women who have experienced abortion.
Reflections, supported by Laurelglen Bible Church and The Bridge Bible Church, both in Bakersfield, began with prayer. Heidi Williams, who had had an abortion, found help through a Bible study at a pregnancy center, then began to pray with a non-post-abortive friend, Kelly DeMoes, about how others might also find healing. For three years they prayed.
Then Williams met Debbie Haupt, another woman who had experienced abortion, who had found freedom through the same Bible study and had the same desire to see other women find healing. Both women thought the church, not a preg-
nancy center, would be the ideal place for a postabortion ministry. As Haupt says, "Church should be a safe place to heal."
They named their new ministry "Reflections" and began in January 2004 with only four participants. Williams served as director for the first years, with Haupt as co-director. When Williams moved away from the area, Haupt stepped in as director. Now, as Haupt moves into a women's ministry staff position at The Bridge, Debbie Charpentier of Laurelglen has stepped in as director . Haupt continues in an advisory role.
The ministry is based on 2 Corinthians 3:18: 'l\nd we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transfortned into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." Haupt says the verse conveys their desire for the women who come: "unveiling our faces before the Lord, seeing him transfortn us, then radiating his glory to the community and to other women."
The first step for many women is that "unveiling" -speaking aloud the very word "abortion," telling their story to a woman who's been there and confessing to God. Often post-abortive women feel alone, isolated, with such shame they feel they could never tell anyone. To be able to admit their sin, even in church, is unbelievable, says Charpentier.
Because shame makes that honesty so difficult, confidentiality is critical. For healing to happen, women must feel safe So the Reflections phone line is confidential, the site of the study is not made public and names of participants are protected.
Haupt and Charpentier make it clear that God, not human effort, brings transformation to the women who come. Reflections is a Bible study, not counseling or professional therapy. The lo-week study uses Forgiven and Set Free , a Bible study specifically for post-abortive women written by Linda Cochrane. Through the study, women explore the need for healing, the character of God, relief and denial, anger, the need to forgive, depression, forgiveness and fteedom and, finally, acceptance. The study is offered only once a year, because it is so intense for both participants and leaders.
Just as the ministry was founded on three years of prayer, prayer continues to be an essential part of Reflections.
"That's where all God's power is unleashed and lives are changed," Haupt says. Not only is prayer a key for the ministry team, but each woman who comes to the study is prayed for by two women - one post-abortive and one non-post-abortive-throughout the study.
The involvement of those non-postabortive women is important. That became clear even before the first Reflections meeting during the prayer partnership of Williams and DeMoes. Non-post-abortive women are welcomed as prayer partners and participants seeking healing ftom other sins, and the study is always taught by a team of one woman who has experienced abortion and one who hasn't.
The involvement of non-postabortive women communicates acceptance and love. As a bonus, it transforms the non-post-abortive women. One nonpost-abortive prayer partner says, "God has made me dependent on him in a way I had never been before . In my own strength I had nothing to offer, but God used my weakness to bring him glory."
It's important to note that Haupt and Charpentier don't shy away ftom calling abortion sin Haupt describes it as "Satan's territory" and a particular assault on God, the creator of life . But when it comes to forgiveness, sin is sin. "No sin is too great for God to forgive," Haupt says.
As post-abortive women receive God's forgiveness, extend forgiveness to others who played a part in their abortion and-most difficult- learn to forgive themselves, God brings new life, even out of a place of such death.
Charpentier recalls the transformation in her life after she participated in the study. She talks about being joyful, open, wanting to share God's love with everyone. "I was bursting," she says.
Another post-abortive participant says, 'Through the ministry of Reflections, God has completely transformed my life and led me to a better life. He showed me his love and his mercy. He showed me that I am forgiven. He set me ftee "
Sometimes transformation is even visible in a new haircut, a change in posture or a new glow. 'They're just a different person at the end," Haupt says.
Many of the women- Haupt estimates 95 percent-want to give back. They often become part of the Reflections ministry team of prayer partners or help in a second arm of the Reflections ministry: sharing about abortion recovery and educating churches throughout the area.
For women who have experienced abortion, Haupt and Charpentier say, ''You are not alone." Help and hope are available. -Myra Holmes
To contact Reflections confidentially, visit www.reflections318.com. e-mail reflections3I8 @gmail.com or call 661-599-2307. Other starting places can be found online; visit www.hopeafterabortion.com, www.silentnomoreawareness.org, www.abortionrecovery.org, or www.ramahintemational.org.
NCDC celebrates
New building sparks renewed vision
Three years ago work began on The Life Center (TLC), a multipurpose ministry center in Lenoir, NC, and the North Carolina District Conference (NCDC) anticipated the year when its convention would be held in the new building.
The six NCDC churches built the center with the assistance of MB Foundation. As an investment in the ongoing ministry of the NCDC, Mission USA, the church planting and renewal ministry of U.S. Mennonite Brethren, is providing a monthly subsidy to help with building payments . "The Life Center is designed to have a community impact." says Don Morris, Mission USA director
Unfortunately city. county and state agencies could not agree on how best to address drainage issues on TLC's sloping site, and the completed building sat vacant for 20 months. A drainage plan was finally approved in September and the entire project is now completed.
So it was with thankful hearts that delegates and guests gathered Sept. 18-19 at TLC for the Hath NCDC convention. Saturday was devoted to the district business meeting that included worship led by "Act of Praise" and reports from each church, Tabor College and Mennonite Central Committee.
Following lunch, USC executive director Ed Boschman and a local hospice staff member provided seminars.
Saturday evening Tabor College hosted a youth event. 'We challenged the youth to take their future seriously," says Chris Eidse, who served for the past six years as the NCDC youth pastor. "Jim Elliot (Tabor College representative ) spoke about the importance of building a strong foundation at college."
The convention worship service Sunday was the first official church service held at TLC. The NC Mennonite Brethren Mass Choir led worship and Jon Wiebe of MB Foundation reported. NCDC moderator Terry Hunt preached from Deut. 28:1-6 on "Blessed to Be a Blessing."
The morning concluded with the annual "assigning of the pastors" and recognition of Earl Yount and Eric Lipford, two pastors that are taking a lesser role because of health struggles. Mike Mathis continues at Beech Bottom MB Church, Fred Howell at Laytown MB Church and
James Wilfong at West End MB Church, currently involved in a building expansion. Terry Hunt will continue to pastor Lenoir's Bushtown congregation with Bryant Corpening as associate pastor, and the congregation will meet at The Life Center.
A significant change is Eidse's assignment to lead Boone MB Church and to pattner with Mission USA in the area of staffing. outreach projects and ongoing counsel.
"Boone MB has a long, rich history and is located in a college town and community that suits the progressive passion that Chris has for ministry," says Don Morris , Mission USA director. "It's an ideal place for a multicultural church that is missionally oriented."
Morris Hatton. who was serving the Boone congregation, will serve Darby MB Church and continue leading a Bible study in Wilkesboro, NC, that leaders hope will develop into a new church.Connie Faber with a report by Chris Eidse
Our Method:
Don Morris Mission USA di rector
Time for a checkup
Ijust received a notice in the mail from my primary care physician telling me that it is time for me to come in for a complete physical examination. I hate complete physicals. They take me way out of my comfort zone. I can do without all the questions, tests and prodding. It's even worse if the doctor finds something wrong, because then I have to do something about it. Or at least I should do something.
Church health checkups are somewhat the same. When a church takes a good, honest, in-depth look at its health, the results can be enlightening. And challenging. And may even require some radical lifestyle changes.
On a personal level, I could easily let several years go by without checking in on my health. I'm comfortable. I think I'm okay. But maybe that's not really true. And that's why the doctor ends up prescribing some medications; everything isn't quite as good as I think or hope it is .
Likewise, it's easy for us in our congregations to let time slip by without really checking to see how we're doing or to understand why certain things are happening that cause us concern. Things like why we haven't baptized very many new believers in the past two years. Or why the youth group is smaller than it used to be. Or,
maybe we wonder why we don't see as many visitors as we did back in the mid-90s . Or, gulp, why haven't I led anyone to Jesus in the past, hmm, I don't know, zillion years?
We need checkups, both on a personal level and for our churches. That's why I, along with our district ministers and other district leaders, have been talking about how we can enhance our national church health program . What would a congregational health check include? The first step in a church checkup would be to take a church-wide survey to obtain people's perception about the health of their church. The program would also utilize several trained consultants from our Mennonite Brethren constituency who would spend quality time with a church, exploring, discussing, dreaming, praying and strategizing.
Overseen by the u.s. Conference, this national church health program would be designed for churches of all stages of health, growing or struggling. It would be for large churches and small churches, city churches and rural churches.
So, you may be getting a letter in the mail sometime soon saying, "It's time for a church health checkup." If you call us back, well make an appointment!
About one-sixth say that having a of parents child helped them reconnect with church after a long period of not attending.
Source: Barna Group: Barna Update
Whats in a name?
A name is not given lightly - and that includes the name of a new church. Melissa Nickel is a member of Watershed , a church plant in the WaldolBrookside area of Kansas City, Mo., and she talks here about the name chosen for this new Mennonite Brethren congregation.
The nature of a watershed, where multiple water sources combine and drain into a larger water source, is a picture of community. Individual sources of water drain into a common place creating a new body of water. Each smaller water source contributes to this newly formed body of water, rendering each water source changed. Each source no longer solely carries elements of its own joumey.
Church planting and community creation is much like
this process. Each of us in this Jesus-centered, missionfocused, story-guided community comes with distinctive traits, personalities and journeys. And when we "dump" into each other, something new is created. Equipped by the community's strengths and admonitions, we don't stay in the watershed. We leave into the "sea" of the world to proclaim a new way of modeling Jesus.
Community makes missionalliving possible God has graciously granted me opportunities to proclaim this new way of life inside the context of community. I invite you to look at your community and ask how it is helping you live a mission-centered life If you don't have a life-giving community, ask God to give you one.
From pain to new life
The birth of a child is not without pain, and the same can sometimes be said for a new church. Millard Bible Church, Omaha, Neb. , experienced a tremendous amount of pain , turmoil and conflict to the point that it was decided that closing this struggling church would be in the best interest of all parties.
Today, God is doing an amazing thing through a whole new ministry at this location A new church plant has developed out of what began as a multisite satellite campus of Shadow Lake Community Church, Papillion, Neb. Over the past 22 months, a small congregation of 50-60 people came to this satellite to worship and to be challenged by a taped video message from Brian Classen, Shadow Lake' s lead pastor. Classen recently took another pastoral position near Kansas City, creating a teaching and preaching void at this satellite campus in Millard
A year ago Chad Stoner began serving the Millard site as the campus pastor, and following Classen's departure Stoner began to preach live . Attendance grew and it became obvious in just a few weeks that a stand-alone church plant could be born and would thrive under his teaching and leadership
This fall, the Central District Conference church planting board, Mission USA, representatives of Shadow Lake Community Church and Stoner and his wife, Elaine, realized that God was leading in a powerful way to create a new church plant at this location And so Stonybrook Church, named for Millard's Stonybrook area , was born The Stoners completed their church planter assessment in November and official support from the CDC and Mission USA will begin Dec . I.
Since August, this fledgling church has grown to over 100 in attendance on Sunday mornings , including 30 children. Four adult baptisms occurred in October and another seven occurred in November. Nov. 21
the church began holding two worship services in order to handle the growth.
Stonybrook Church is a Mennonite Brethren church plant, supported by the Central District Conference and Mission USA, along with support from Shadow Lake Community ChurchMUSA
Six ways to celebrate Epiphany
Epiphany, celebrated Jan. 6, is a special holiday that concludes the Chrisnnas season of honoring God's gift of love to mankind. Epiphany commemorates the arrival of the wise men to pay homage to Christ Jesus, as recorded in Matthew's account of the binh of Jesus .
The word epiphany means manifestation; this holiday reminds us that God showed himself to us in the form of his son Jesus. Because the magi were not Jewish, the occasion also commemorates God's love and salvation for all people, Jews as well as Gentiles.
The period between Christmas and Epiphany has been called the original 12 days of Christmas. In some cultures, Christians wait until Epiphany to give gifts, imitating the gifts the wise men gave to the Christ Child. If you'd like to extend your family's Christmas celebration to include Epiphany, here are some ideas for doing so.
• Save one Christmas present for each family member to open on Epiphany. These gifts represent the gifts that the Magi gave to Jesus when they found him. Choose one family member to dress up as one of the wise men to distribute the gifts. Let other family members help the wise man don royal attire - a bathrobe or bath towel cape and a crown made of construction paper.
• Start the tradition of giving spiritual gifts on Epiphany. Make cards or slips of paper with one Christian vinue such as love, patience, faithfulness or kindness written on each. Without being able to see what is on the cards, each family member draws a spiritual gift to nunure and work on during the coming year.
• As part of the days festivities, make a special cake with a surprise such as a dried bean or nut baked inside. You can also use a small trinket that can withstand baking but does not present a choking hazard. The family member who finds the surprise is king for the rest of the day. In addition to any extra privileges you may choose, give the king the honor of offering a special prayer of blessing for the whole family.
• Host an Epiphany party. As part of your celebration, playa game in which someone hides a small baby doll somewhere in the house. All of the guests are wise men except for one who plays the role of King Herod.
The object of the game is for one of the wise men to find the baby Jesus before Herod does. At the end of the patty, ask everyone to go home by another route just as the wise men did to elude King Herod.
• During the evening of Epiphany, spend time together outside gazing at the stars. Ask the children to point out stars they think look like the star the wise men followed. Talk about the excitement and joy the wise men must have felt when the star they were following finally stopped over Jesus' house.
• If your family uses an Advent wreath with a Christ candle, light the Christ candle during the evening meal on each of the 12. days from Christmas until Epiphany. Let the light of the candle remind you that Jesus is the light of the world and that without him, we would be in darkness.
Taken from Celebrate . Published by Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, Mich. Used by permission of thepublisher. All rights reserved.
Robin Deich Ottoson
Examining eyes
We are awash in electronic infonnation, and it is not easy to make sense of what comes our way.
We librarians are big on evaluating infonnation, discovering what is valid and advocating values like credibility, accuracy, authority, objectivity and currency, all of which are elements necessary to critical thinking and discernment. This concern extends to all webbased transmissions that communicate with large numbers of people in a short period of time, from mass emails to Web sites. Consider some Web sites that illustrate how important taking the time to evaluate sources and facts really is.
• www.dhmo.org warns consumers about a deadly health threat caused by dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO). Sponsored by ''The United States Environment Assessment Agency," the pages apprise readers that DHMO "corrodes metal," "is a major part of acid rain," and is an industry solvent that "kills thousands every year." The site links to conservation and watchdog groups and lets visitors e-mail members of Congress. But the fuss is over nothing more than water, good old H20.
• RYT Hospital (www.rythospital.com) purports to be at the forefront of nanotechnology design, gene therapy, molecular modeling and animal intelligence. It boasts links to "Clyven, the first transgenetic mouse with human intelligence," a chance to chat with Clyven online and discussion on research conducted at RYT on male pregnancy. The site won an INVI-
SION New Media Award for digital creativity. But it is, for all its artistic execution, simply a virtual research hospital, a figment of imagination and an exercise in digital acrobatics.
Christians have a precious gift in their hands: a life given back to them by the saving work of Jesus Christ. This gift is for the individual and for the community and both are called to exercise an examining eye. Like the Bereans of Acts 17, discerning Christians take what they hear and verify it with the facts. They guard their hearts and minds from believing whatever they encounter or what someone intentionally puts in their way.
How can this same care be applied to the Internet, this sea of infonnation that most of us choose to sail? There are Web sites like Snopes (www.snopes.com ) the granddaddy of fact-checkers; About Urban Legends (http://urbanlegends.about.com); and Break The Chain.org, specializing in chain spam e-mail. Someone using Snopes, for example, would catch the DHMO and RYT hoaxes, as well as bogus claims about political and religious figures.
Stopping to examine Web sites, e-mail messages and social networking sites is a habit to cultivate, whether we discover them or someone sends them to us "as true." As we walk through life, we have a responsibility to others and to ourselves to practice the same discernment with electronic infonnation that we would exact on other claims for truth.
Robin Deich Ottoson is associate professor and director of library services at Tabor College, the Mennonite Brethren college headquartered in Hillsboro, Kan.
Looking for a new family Ad ent activity?
Consider a story like latham 's Journey by Arnold Ytreeide. publi hed in 1997 by Kregel Publication Written a a daily devotional for parents to read to their children during Advent. readers follow 10year-old Jotham acros ] rael a he searches for his family. Though he faces thieves. robbers and kidnappers, Jotham also encounters wise men. shepherd and innkeepers until he finds hi wa) to the Savior in Bethlehem. Ytreeide has written two more family Advent stories and readers were di mayed when all three books went out of print. But wi hes do come true and this year the la t of the latham's Journey trilogy was reprinted.
Family advent resource
(glimpses of God at work among us)
BAPTISM/MEMBERSHIP
John and Jennifer Nieman, Cody Drake, Fhelhis Rameriez, Alyssa Byers and Cierra Guerra were baptized Oct. 17 at Mountain View Community Church, Fresno, Calif.
Sam and Carolyn Green and John and Sarah Guffey were received as members of Cornerstone Community Church, Topeka, Kan., Oct. 17
Karen Jones, Kendra Kroeker, Abb ie Voth, Izaak Runnels and Brittney Regier were baptized and received as members Oct. 3 at Enid (Okla.) MB Church Rod Jones and Weston Jones were received as members.
Cole Glanzer, Matt Porter and Alex Waldner were baptized Sept. 26 and received as members of Bethel MB Church, Yale, SO.
Mike and Tina Yutzy were received as members of Buhler (Kan.) MB Church Sept. 19.
Fairview (Okla.) MB Church received Brenda Bartel, Larry Bates and Clint and Jessica Wilcox as members Sept. 19.
Recent baptisms at Garden Valley Church, Garden City, Kan. were Chayne Sturgeon, July 22, and Jessica Wedel, Sept. 19.
Grace Emig was baptized Sept. 19 at Laurelglen Bible Church, Bakersfield, Calif•
Jon Bonsall was baptized and received as a member of Shorelife Community Church, Capitola, Calif., Aug. 8. John and Laura Lukin were also received as members.
Sam Littau and Bobby Stewart were baptized and received as members Sept. 12 at Crossroads Bible Fellowship, Balko, Okla.
Tracy Byers, Alexis Faris, Greg Faris, Ryan and Dana Littau, Teresa Littau, Sandy Stewart and Seth Mills were received as members.
Tedd Gunderson and Michael Seely were baptized Sept. 12 at The Grove Community Church, Fresno, Calif.
Erica Cibrian, Betty Ponce, Stephen Kodur, Oscar and Ana Hernandez, Belinda Nunez, Deborah Flores, Pat and Eve Hibner and Cliff and Ernie Miller were received as members Sept. 12 at Grace Community Church, Sanger, Calif,
Some 43 people have been baptized in the past year at the various campuses of South Mountain Community Church, Draper, Utah
Among the most recent were Amanda Allred, Christy Allred, Misty Baxter, Jediah Colton, Jessica Gardner, Wayne Hansen, Abigail Hughes, Cynde Hughes, Erin Jensen, Liz Mason, Ken Neff, Emily Rushton, Sausan
Shakerin, Brad Smith, Sierra Trostrud and Mindy Webster, baptized Aug. 15 CELEBRATIONS
Birch Bay Bible Community Church, Blaine, Wash., celebrated the groundbreaking for their new church building Oct. 24
Cornerstone Community Church, Topeka, Kan., celebrated being debt-free Nov. 21 with a thanksgiving service, a mortgage burning and a potluck.
WORKERS
Assefa Alemu, pastor of Ethiopian Christian Fellowship Church, Olathe, Kan., has announced his retirement. Alemu has been the only lead pastor this church has known for 20 years
Tom Cartney, pastor of Community Bible Church, Olathe, Kan , took a sabbatical Oct. 25-Jan 3.
Josh Jost recently joined the staff of South Mountain Community Church's Daybreak campus, South Jordan, Utah, as a part-time junior high and high school youth pastor. Dave Plett, pastor to seniors at Hillsboro [Kan.! MB Church, has retired. He arid his wife, Elvira, were honored at a Sept. 15 celebration.
Russ Claassen, youth pastor at Corn [Okla.! MB Church forthe past 11 years, has accepted a position as half-time district youth minister for the Southern District Conference and half-time youth pastor at Koerner Heights MB Church, Newton, Kan He and his wife, Chandelle, will transition to Newton at the end of December.
Mary Anne Isaak has resigned as assistant pastor at College Community Church, Clovis, Calif. Her last Sunday was Oct. 31
Students Ashley Irvine, Melody Whiteaker, Phil Schmidt and Chris Becker served as interns at North Fresno [Calif.! MB Church th is fall.
Garden Valley Church, Garden City, Kan., recognized youth pastor Steve Ensz for 20 years of ministry at the church Sept. 26.
Roy Burket was installed Aug 8 as pastor at Bethesda Church, Huron, SD.
DEATHS
Balzer, Tiena Lillian, 83, Dinuba, Calif , member of Dinuba MB Church, died July 11, 2010. Spouse : Walter Balzer, deceased Parents: Gearhardt and Tiena Quiring Dyck Children: Karen Stehr, Lorin, Jolene Schroeder, Jerold; six grandchildren ; four great-g ra ndc hild ren.
Harleys in Hillsboro?
Hillsboro, Kan., is a mildmannered small town-not the kind of place you'd expect to see crowds of motorcycle enthusiasts. But every year some 200-300 bikers roar through town for their annual "toy run" event, which collects Christmas gifts for underprivileged children.
For the second year, Hillsboro's Parkview MB Church reached out to these bikers. According to associate pastor Stephen Humber, in a community that's "very homogenous," Biker Sunday is an opportunity to connect with a different group of people, and, hopefully, welcome those who are often looked down upon.
The bikers were invited to Sunday worship Nov. 7, which featured guest speaker Bobby Gill, president of a Christian Motorcyclists Association chapter in Colorado. Parkview volunteers then served lunch , followed by "biker games" in the church parking lot. The games, like "the slow ride," and "the tennis ball grab," are typical at rallies and are a fun way to display bike control. The first Biker Sunday last year drew about 25-35 additional guests; Parkview hopes that attendance will grow as word spreads.
Women enjoy Christmas tour
Each year around the holidays, women from Pine Acres Church, Weatherford, Okla , pile into the church bus and head out for a tradition they call their Christmas Tour of Homes. The women stop at several homes that have been volunteered for the occasion, each decorated for the season and offering appetizers, snacks or desserts. At the final stop, women take time for sharing and a brief devotional. According to Judi Harms, women's ministry director, women especially enjoy the fellowship. Even the bus ride between homes is full of chatter and laughter, she says.
Churches reach out to families
Many U.S. Mennonite Brethren churches hosted familyfriendly fall activities on or around Halloween, using the holiday as an outreach. At Salem MB Church, Freeman, SD, Fall Fun Night was viewed as a continuation of their vacation Bible school outreach Belleview Community Church, Littleton, Colo., invited families from a transitional housing unit to their Trunk or Treat event. Games at a Fall Carnival hosted by South Mountain Community Church@Daybreak, South Jordan, Utah, at the local community center had Bible-based themes and included a gospel presentation. Roughly 300 visitors from the stopped by Garden Church, Denver, Colo., for candy and games.
Dick, William R. "Bill," 67, Hesston, Kan , member of Koerner Heights MB Church, Newton, Kan , died April 1, 2010. Parents: J J. and Anna [Baergi Dick Spouse : Violet Wohlgemuth Children : Noelle Dickinson , Hilary, Aaron; four grandchildren
Dirks, Rueben, 85, Dalmeny, Sask., of Dalmeny Community Church, died June 5, 2010 Parents: Jacob and Susanna [Luetkei Dirks. Spouse : Lois Schmidt. Children : Carrie, Arlene; seven grandchildren; eight great-g ra ndch ild re n
Fadenrecht, Edwin J., 89, Hillsboro, Kan , of Hillsboro MB Church, died Aug 13, 2010. Spouse : Helen Faul. Parents: John B and Elizabeth [Enns] Fadenrecht. Children : WillaJean Reddig, Ki rby; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.
Friesen, Anne Warkentin, 93, Fresno, Calif , of Butler MB Church, Fresno, Calif , died Sept. 3, 2010 Spouse: Dietrich, deceased Parents : Cornelius and Katharine Warkentin Ch ildren : Walt, Allan, Eugene, Milton; 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren
Hiebert, Frieda, 88, Corn, Okla , of Corn MB Church, died Nov. 3, 2010. Spouse: Albert F. Hiebert, deceased Parents: J.D. and Justina [Friesen] Schlichting Children : Roma Jean Earles, Ronald, Marcia Gerbrandt, Linda Harms ; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren
Isaak, Henry Jr., 85, Dinuba, Calif , member of Dinuba MB Church, died Aug 26, 2010. Spouse : Rosella Wiebe Parents : Henry P and Margaret Isaak. Children : Roland, Naomi; two grandchildren
Penner, Cornelius "Corny," 74, Dinuba, Calif., member of Dinuba MB Church, died July 6, 2010. Parents: Frank and Sarah Penner Spouse : Margaret Petker Children : David, Dan, Duane, Debbie Yrigollen; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren
Penner, Ella Irene, 89, Glendale, Calif , member of Shafter [Calif ] MB Church , died Sept. 22, 2010. Spouse : Johnny H Penner, deceased Parents: Abram and Elizabeth Penner. Children : Richard, Elizabeth Jost; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren
Penner, Wayman Robert, 74, Cordell, Okla , member of Bible MB Church, Cordell, died July 22, 2010 Spouse : Adalou Isbell. Parents: Henry B and Carrie [Wahl] Penner Children: Vickie Esau, Cathy Dick, Sandy, Sherry Widener, Randy; 13 grandchildren
Schultz, Marie, 90, Hillsboro, Kan , member of Hillsboro MB Church, died Oct. 23, 2010
Spouse: Orlando Schultz, deceased Parents : John B and Elizabeth [Wiens] Ediger Children: Verda Converse, Harold, Paul, Linda, Ruth Funk, Rachel Griffith ; 13 grandchildren ; nine great-grandchildren
Suderman, Eli J., 94, Hillsboro, Kan , member of Ebenfeld MB Church, Hillsboro, died Nov. 1, 2010. Spouse: Edna Koop, deceased. Parents : G.w and Anna [Loewen] Suderman Children : Don, Lyle, Carla Koslowsky, Krista Bryant; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild
Warkentin, Clarence H , 83, Corn, Okla , member of Corn MB Church, died Oct. 12, 2010 Spouse : Dena Wichert, deceased.
Parents : Jacob and Malvena Warkentin. Children: David ; two grandch ildren rea c
DISCIPLESHIP
Cornerstone Community Church, Topeka, Kan., hosted a time of prayer and fasting Nov 1 for national, local and church elections
Jon Wiebe, president and CEO of MB Foundation, presented a workshop on "Top 10 Things to Ruin Your Financial Life" at Grulla MB Church, La Grulla, Texas, Oct. 2 He also preached Oct. 3 on biblical stewardship
Shadow Mountain Church, West Jordan, Utah, hosted a "Compassionate Boldness" symposium Oct. 9, The goal of the four-hour event was to help attendees understand the differences between Christianity and Mormonism
A support group for parents of teenagers began Sept 19 at Community Bible Church, Olathe, Kan.
Jon Wiebe, president and CEO of MB Foundation, preached and taught a threehour financial workshop Aug 29 at Love of God International Ministries, Portland, Ore.
FELLOWSHIP
Men from Valleyview Bible Church, Cimarron, Kan., had an evening of trap shooting Oct. 29
An all-church fall outing at Gospel Fellowship, Wolf Point, Mont. , featu red "Gospel Fellowship chili," in which everyone's pot of chili is mixed together
Volunteers at Martin Box MB Church, Marshall, Ark., installed new vinyl siding and remodeled two restrooms Church women provided meals and snacks during the work days.
churchNotes
Women at Shafter (Calif.) MB Church held a "Feast from the East." featuring an Asianinspired meal and a fashion show. Oct. 17.
The Oct. 26 women 's event at First MB Church, Wichita, Kan., was "Repurposed" and included a silent auction and a room makeover for one winner.
Oct. 17 was "Chili and Bluegrass Sunday"" at North Park Community Church, Eugene, Ore
An all-church "Rail Voyage " Sept. 25 at Vinewood Community Church, Lodi, Calif., featured a train ride to Sacramento for lunch and activities.
A Sept. 22 women's gathering at Bethel MB Church, Yale, SO, centered around "Clothing $en$e, " with an "inflation fighting fashion show" and a guest speaker on "Common $en$e for Living."
Women from Garden Valley Church, Garden City, Kan., "savored time with God" at a one-day retreat Sept. 25 called "Sweet Life Cafe."
"Corn's Got Talent," a community talent show based on the popular television show "America's Got Talent," was held at Corn (Okla.) MB Church's new Corner Hardware building Sept. 19.
reaching out LOCALLY
The Bridge Bible Church, Bakersfield, Calif., collected underwear, diapers and socks Nov. 7 to meet needs of the homeless in Bakersfield and women in a prison in Mexico.
Volunteers from Mountain View Community Church, Fresno, Calif., deep cleaned a community center Nov 13, then hosted a neighborhood block party, including live music, free food and games
Enid (Okla.) MB Church hosted a Saturday morning prayer time for school teachers and staff, called See You at the Playground, at the local school Sept. 25
Neighborhood Church, Visalia, Calif., partnered with the city Oct. 23 for "Make a Difference Day " Volunteers helped with a school carnival and cleaned graffiti.
The Asian Grace congregation of Butler MB Church, Fresno, Calif , hosted a revival event Oct. 16. People from Lao, Khmu and Asian churches in Fresno attend the annual event
Shorelife Community Church, Capitola, Calif., worked at a local
CLEARINGHOUSE
Local Church: Youth Pastor: Buhler
IKanl MB Church is looking for someone who loves God, loves students and desires to lead a balanced ministry of discipleship, outreach and mission with junior and senior high students. For more information about our church and applying for this position, e-mail resume and inquiry to bporter0buhlermb.org or go to our Web site at buhlermbchurch.org
U.S. Conference: Slavic Ministries Director: The U S Conference is seeking someone to provide leadership to a renewed collaboration between Slavic congregations and the U.S. Conference and its agencies The Slavic Ministries Director will seek to inspire Slavic youth for connection and mission; equip Slavic churches to join with USMB in mission at home and internationally; and provide mutually advantageous avenues for ministry relationships This is a part-time position; the
staff member should have adequate personal time to do the job efficiently. Qualifications: membership and active involvement in a USMB church; bilingual; college and theological degrees preferred; ability to connect with both Baptist and Pentecostal Slavic constituencies. For more information contact Ed Boschman 1661-412-4939, ebed0usmb.orgl; a full job description is available at http://www usmb org.
Education: Fresno Pacific University, a fully accredited private Christian university in Central California, has open positions in the following areas: Dean, School of Humanities, Religion, and Social Sciences; Dean, School of Business; Director, Special Education Program; Director, Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies; Faculty in History. Full job descriptions and applications may be viewed online at the Fresno Pacific University Web site at http ://www.fresno edu/hr
elementary school Oct. 23 as part of "Serve the Bay," a day in which many area churches work to serve the community. An evening of worship and prayer Oct. 21 helped prepare for the service day.
Volunteers from Pine Acres Church, Weatherford, Okla., sent goodies and cards to faculty at the local school Sept. 13, with a promise to pray for them
Ulysses (Kan.) MB Church held a block party for the neighborhood Sept 28, with music, a bounce house, six grills of food , balloon animals, a small train for the children to ride, water games and puppets
About 225 people attended
Grace Community Church, Sanger, Calif., is partnering with the elementary school across the street from the church At the beginning of the school year, lunch was served to about 55 school staff members. Each teacher is "adopted" by a church member and prayed for daily. Church members also volunteer in the classrooms.
Most of us think of writing a will or trust as a legal process. We want to encourage you to think of it from a different perspective.
TRANSFERRING STEWARDSHIP
Contact us today at 800 .551.1547 to learn about our . BIBLICAL ESTATE DESIGN services !
When you consider that God is the owner of all and we are His stewards (Psalm 24:1), the process and purpose really is about transferring stewardship.
At MB Foundation , we offer Biblical Estate Design services to assist you in preparing a God-honoring estate plan. We can lead you through a process that clarifies your objectives, helps you understand Biblical truth about transferring stewardship, and helps you make estate planning decisions. The process is easy and enjoyable and can be done face to face or by phone
Through our Biblical Estate Design process, you will receive a personal Analysis and an Attorney Planning Packet prepared for your specific situation. With our exclusive Attorney Planning Packet, you will be prepared to seek legal counsel to have a will or trust drafted MB Foundation will assist you throughout the process to ensure your documents meet your objectives and that you take all steps needed to complete your plan
·'In planning for our future we realized that our trust needed updaling We consulted MB Foundation to gUide us in the steps necessary to form a plan for proViding for our family and also cany out our wishes to give charitable gifts to Tabor College, MB SeminalY and the Conference. We received excellent adVice from the Foundation on how to make thiS happen. It gives us peace of mind to know that, With the help of MB Foundation, our estate can be of selvlce to our Lord."
Ron & Cora Regier H
enderson NE
East Meets West
India is a cg uptry of contrasts and extremes. There are apparently more mill(onaires in India than in America. There are also hundreds of millions ofl>eople who live in abject poverty.
India 15y train,or motor vehiCle is to be overwhelmed with the sourfds, smells, and crov.iCls of, "people everywhere. However, what most grabbed my-attention t he hu nger of greC)t
During several days of trayel With John Sankara Rao, our Ipdian MB !: evangelism director, we visited villages our Church - Extension Workers are serving · I' was ' re,;eatedly astounded by people's response tp the gospel. Upon entering a village, my travelling com'panion would pull out a guitar andbegin singing a worsh ip chorus. Acrowd of 100 people would from nowhere. Following several songs, one of u"S would share our ·testimony and the g"ospel. John would translate and give peopJe i m opportunity to respond. Inevitably, the majority of the audience:would indicate that they wanteCl to become followers of Jesus t.heir idols. When this response repeatedly, I·asked John .if this was normaL He assured me that people were spiritually and searching for analternative to their socially r epressive caste realities. It reminded me of what Jesus must have -When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, tbey were harass&! and helpless,like sheep without a shepherd." (Mt 9:36)
It was to these Indian crowds that our pioneer missionaries, Abraham and Maria Friesen, travelled in 1890. The thouSands of baptized belie'!ers that they left behind 20 years later were an indication that the gospel was still good news. Our mission work as MBs, along with • that of many other mission groups, primarily focused on the southern states of India. The majority of all Indian ChrJstians are still from these southern states.
If turn qur attention to the 'northern states of India, we discover that there are many people who have never heard the gospel and more urireached people groups than anywhere else in the world.
The of the South are responding to this huge mission opportunit5' in their backyard and they are inviting their partner churches iii the West to join them. What's even more interesting is
'both in North America and North India, the mission mandate has come full circle. East meets West and back again.
We're excited about sharing this story with you in this edition' ofthe Witness and in our Celebrate Mission events this year We-have justcompleted an amazing'Video that this vision from N9rth _ Inslia which we will be showing at Celebrate Mission events:' A • number of gifted leaders from North America are currently mobilizlng -prayer and support to join this outreach and church planting visio n I n North India This is your • that Indian background Christian immigrants to North America are reaching their _neighbors here with the gospel and even sending .: some of their young people back to India to reach out. One of our J t=-"-----Indian church planters in North India has a vision to send evangelists :' V I
opportunity to join their support teams through prayer and your generosity! Thank you for, living on mission with us.
to North America to help reach our Indian here .WIth th is' 'Randy Friesen, growing Indian vision to the gospel amongst the unreachea General Director ;;
Strategic Movements in Northwest India
By Ray Harms-Wiebe
. First Face 'to the Earth (Psalm 24:1-2) kings and princes of Europe were declaring religious affiliation depended on geographical location. You were L\Jtheran or Roman How does one think strategically about India? In the case Catholic depending on where you lived. Evangelization beyond of MBMSI, strategy is the utilization of all of our mission's resources k' d b d h'b' d I h & f h 'I' d ' Ing om or ers was pro lite. n t e ,ace 0 OStl Ity an to ensure that "holistiC church planting that transforms communities" '. t" h A b' h' d ' " d b
,-. " ' • " governmen restrictions; t e na aptlsts wors Ippe an ecame
• .. actually happens amongst the least reached of North India. How " t dth th h h L d' I Th ' . - lied - h
• - convlc e at e eart was t e or s. ey were compe to s are
" - does one begin to Imagine what a church planting Initiative would th .' ft ' h . K' h Hid h A? .• . . e message 0 elr Ing were e e t em. re we.
• look like on Indo-Gangetic plain, home to 400 million people and
• , approximately 2500 people groups? • 'l;\
As' the bilihpla-ce of ' Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Jainism, '
.... '•.North ihdia offers a landscape dotted by temples and mosques. It is
Second Movement: Face to God's Presence (Psalm 24:3-6)
• - After worship, the psalm'ist humbles himself in God's Presence. To .' ; less than 1% Christian. , How will church planting teams De trained, " , " " - formed and deployed in this world of religious strongholds? Which : pend time he needs t9 cI:an and geog raphic region or specific people group will be the focus of MBMSI - a pure heart and not 11ft up hiS soul to what IS false. ThiS leads to confession and repentance. He is in the presence of "the God of his • • " salvation'; Yahweh.
Our strategic thinking begins with our faces in the dirt. Our first movemen . t follows that of the Psalmist in Psalm 24:1, "The earth is the Earlier this year, as I walked around the pool of the Golden Temple in Amritsar, I observed Sikhs reading their scriptures, medit ating and Lord's atld tfle fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers." singing. I felt the .same emptiness I had sensed on a visit two years earlier. A you!lg man, named Tajinder, approached me: '''[:>a: you We lie prostrate before our Lord and recognize that the seven statesof NorthwestJndia and "those who dwell therein" belong to Yahweh, •understand Sikhism?" he questioned. ., the God who is present to save. They do not belong to the gods and , • According to Tajinder, Sikhism is the best religion in the world: It is • 1 - • spiritual of Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism and by equality (no caste system), community (social assistance), God established the Indo-Gangetic plain on 'the rivers Indus and reverence for the one true God (no polytheism), commitment to Ganges. ·f truth (no myriad of myths) and respect for people of. other religious
the first gathering of Anabaptist leaders iii Augsburg, Germany '(1527), sixty Anabaptist leaders gathered around Psalm 24:1 '- 2. JThe
f aiths (they do not proselytize). If Sikhs follow their religion, they will 'experience oneness as a people. ",
Tajindec was visibly angry Why do Christians evangelize? If one truly follows Sikhism, one will exp,erience peace!"he emphatically declared. But, Tajinder had no peace in his eyes I egan to confess my own weaknesses - my pride, my judgmental 'spi rit, my unfaithfulness. I • my need of a Savior. I do not Mclean hands and a pure hea.rt:' I shared my yearning for true iife in the Spirit. Arndll that I found life in Jesus. Tajinder softened. f -
the hearts of the roany :g'roups New Delhi a)'ld 'surround,ing<stlttes? We pass through the gati'sEspli:itual, sociat, economic,and cultural) to these roads by following thtt-Ki!}g of Glory, Yahweh.
The India Gate is also the location where the Indian Arrjly its Tomb ofthe Unknown "Soldier, commemorating all who have given their lives for the protection and welfare of India. What is the price "Yahweh wants ' t o draw people like Tajinder into his life-giving required to reach No'rth Indi a? John Nelson Hyde (186S-l912), an p'resence. Like us, Hindus and Muslims need t o the Ch'ristianmisslontiY, and Sadhu Sundar Singh (1889-1929), life of Jesus, not adherence to religious principles and rituals: li.re · a Punjabi missibnary, were men ,w ho spent time in God's 'we living in His presence? Are we carriers of the"glory of Do • presence, seeking his fac'e and his.lEtad Through extended we sometimes follow idols? As we pray with our MBMSI missionary times in prayer, they saw come tgJaith in Jesus in ca; didates, we pray for the fullness of the Spirit. This often leads to India. They gave their lives fo'r India. " of on the part of staff and missionaries. We find life Inspired' by Psalm 24, the early : strategy for the as we humble ourselves and seek the face of God. evangelizatig n of Central Europe in 152i Missionaries followed roads What does MBMSI to repent of? On a recent visit to South Ipdia, -to Switzerland, Austria, Germany neighboring Muslim l ands I confessed to Indian MB leaders that our mission had not walked This gathering became known as the "Martyr's Synod- because most in close relationship with them as we had moved into North India. delegates 'soon died a martyr's death. Resolve to face suffering,is also -. On October 30, 2010, MBMSI leadership will meet Indian. MB' needed for us to enter and remain in Northwest India: . _ . leadership to pray about God's calling on our lives. We need to hear Over the past 12 months, we have seen God events, • God's voice together. We must plan together. God has already called mobilizing !eam ll1embers, healing relationships and • six South Indian MBs to New Delhi, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab. the way. Ten mission,ary candidates are coming from CanadaHow will we work together? " Paraguay. Others are ' coming from South India They are prayer Third Movement: Face to the Gates warriors, evangelists, discipiers, teachers and counselors. As spend time in God's presence, He is sharing his heart for India with (Psalm 24:7- 0) them. The King of Glory is going before us. May we continue to
The last movement of Psalm 24 sees the worshippers following the forward with our faces to the earth, to His presence and to the gates!: King of Glory: through Jerusalem's an cient gates and doors, into the - • heart of the city. The one leads the march is "Yahweh, strong and " To support MBMSI's church planting strategies around the world; mighty, Yahweh, mighty in battle!- How will,our MBMSI missionaries contributions can be mode to MBMSI under projea COOOO. pass through the gates of Srinagar, Amritsar, Shim la, Dehradun, Chandigarh and Lucknow? • • ".
Perhaps the spiritual gates of North India can be symbolized by the India Gate, India's national monument located in the heart of New [)elhi. This g"ate is strategically situated so that many important roads spread out from it will our missionaries follow these road s to
An Open
I arrived in Delhi at around midnight on 11 tho My journal entry t!lat night is telling: "Everything in me to go home. ,My
• is -lieavy and my stomach is already turning with It is fea - working its way-inside of me." For the next couple;.of hours, I prayed,
• read Scripture, cried, and slowly allowed God to my fear with
•• : hope My journal entry continues: "I'm asking that while I am here,
- would You either close the door completely or lay on my heart such a '-strong vision, purpose and love for the people of India that there is no question that India is where You would have '!Ie?" A bold request of ,:-. God-and He didn't disappoint...
During our vision trip, my teammate's and I learned to worl<, plan, play, and pray together We spent hours talking with nationals and foreigners serving in India, visiting ancient relics, strategizing, and watching the cultural collision of east and west; in it. I discovered that, were I to move to Delhi, I would have to get used to living with pollution, rats, garbage, and the overwhelming reality of poverty, but
• also with amazingly generous and kind people who welcome you into their homes and hearts without hesitation. I discovered a God who is moving in India; who is repairing and restoring people in unexpected and beautiful ways. In a land where gods are worshipped with ease and pride, I discovered afresh the of King of kings and Lord of lords.
But I did not discover a personal call to India. That is, not during the sixweek trip that we had planned. God had a different timeline. The day before we were scheduled to leave India, I was driven to the hospital. Hooked up to an IV, oxygen, and a steady stream of medication, I found myself fighting for my life in the middle of India. There I was, lying in a _ bed, with my faithful teammates at my what in .the worl <! was happening to me.
'It came -the second night; a memory. It was Fall 2009 and I was listening
• to a story about a missionary who died in a foreign country. :rhe result ; of his death was increPible - God raised up many missionaries to serve in that country; to accomplish what this man could not. I began topray: "Lord, if by my death You would raise up more missionariest o cOrPe to North India, then it would be an honour to serve kiRgdom in that way I am Yours - do what You would with me, in life and in I fell asleep.
At some point during the next day, I remembered what I had prayed And God spoke to me: "Greater love has no one than this; that he laydown his life for his friends. Steph, I am giving you a loye 'for these people. A love that comes only from Me." And in that moment I realized that I was willing to lay down my life for the people of India. They must hear t he gospel of Jes4s, they must know that they can have abundant life in Him, and I must tell them. I would not die - not yet God was calling me back to North India
North India is filled ' with millions of peOple who have never heard ! he gospel. But praise God for the many Indians from the South and international missionaries wlio are being called to serve in North India! He is doing a new work and for reasons far beyond my understanding, He has called me to join Him there. God has placed before me an open door. I will walk through.
To support Stepha'!ie and her other team members, contributions can be made to MBMSI under the following projects: Stephanie 06 74, Sy,a$ Natasha 06 73, or Brad 0672. -
Call to the North
By Syras
Our call was definitely supernatural, but not in an "out of the blue" Damascus road way - we sought the Lord and He answered us with each step.
In 2009, we attended MBMS International's "Spring Adventure; a week-long informal interview. We arrived in BCand it was warm and green, unlike my home in Winnipeg. I! has always been my dream to move to BC to get away from the snow.
"My feelings pour onto the journal pages mingled, with a few' , tears. EverY time I notice the radio, I feel God speaking:"lfI ooulQ, ;' then I would - i would run away with my love" then: -:.. _. tomorrow brjrigs, I'll be there with open arms and open eYE!s.": .I pray, "God, I want these words to be my prayer. I want to be7 _ obedient, but I don't know how I can move to Just.the,I'I," the lyrics play: "I wish I could has an '. awesome plan that only he can understand. I prayyou'Jllearn to:., trust." My tears are now a flood -I will trust.",
During this week, we were asked if we would consider going to Central Asia because there was a need for counselors and I have training in mental health. Late in the week, there was a presentation • with a image of Central Asia which was completely' white, covered with snow. Apparently it's just as cold as Winnipeg! After the presentation, we spent some time in worship find the tears that flowed down my face had little to dg with the Holy Spirit. Was God calling us 'After this surrender, the Lord began growing a burden and love for India in both our hearts. Natasha started to sense that revival will 'to one of the coldest placesjn world? - •••.
After Spring Adventure, we grappled with the call to Central Asia. We returned to BC in September and started missionary training. In - November, the leadership was interviewing everyone and asking, where they felt God was calling them. In the middle of this season of discernment, we had a :friend from Winnipeg over and were able to spend long hours in intercession. I asked Natasha and our friend to pra".j abouf something - in my heart I was asking for confirmation of where we s!'lould go. Natasha prayed and then said, "India!" She also got about Paul and Silas being redirected from Asia to preach our friend had impressions consistent with India. Over the next had a series of confirmations. We told leadership about our experiences and they affirmed us. We were going to India.
We were soon on, a flight for a seven week vision trip. India really is a very different land. The beauty of the people and the spiritual need ' was often overshadowed by physical discomfort and what seemed to i be spiritual oppression. It became very important for us to c;onfirm calling. - .:
Natasha then felt God speak to her while she was jourhaling-in a coffee shop:
come to this nation and that the Lord wants" us to prepare. One . morning, while still in India, she realized that she was being-very bold. , in proclaiming this. That afternoon she received an e-mail from a friend who felt prompted to share a versewith her:"Blessed is she who : has that what the Lord has sai(j to her will be accomp!isht!(i!" ', (Luke 1:45). • ' " t
The Lord does have an awesome plan for India! He will be and we will prepare in faith.
For resources to assist you in praying for MBMSI missionaries, visit www.mbmsl.oT9/Subscrlbe to subscribe to the monthly edition of the Daily Prayer Guide by mail or e-mai/.
Total Population:
1,139,964,932
- 2.5%
- 2%
- 3%
Our Journey to India
By Sherry Heidebrecht
, Our to serve India begins with the ca li follow Jesus, the hearts and we had becjun a process of inquirj ng into what this could saine call Jesus gave to Peter and Andrew in Matthew 4:18, when He ' look like already in 1991 while at seminary, However, we felt God's saying, "Cor:.ne' and follow Me:'The disciples' response call at that time to go to-Bethany College where Doug served as an , .• -, to Jesus was immediate; they left everything and followed Him. First in'structor. and foremost, our call is to the person of Jesus, it is a relational call, During our time at Bethany, God provided many opportunities to lead to a-Ewith Him, to love Him, to worship Him, to leave everything to - student teams on cross-cultural mission trips. We both discovered
••• follow Leaving everything is a process for all of us, as we daily- • a passion for other cultures and a love for the people we visited understand surrendering to Jesus in ways that we did not previously and served. We always came home from these trips and understand before. Serving then flows out of our relationship with dreaming about being part of a global ministry by partnering with Jesus. The "doing" part of the call is about how we live our lives in the national churches in' sharing the gospel and church planting. And communities where we are; being the hands and feet of Jesus to those so we again began raising the question with MBMSI rega rd! n!if the we live with. Our call is to join God in what He is already doing in the possibility of serving overseas., world. _ " But it was precisely at this time, in 2008, that Doug was invited t o be I first visited India in 2000 as a co-leader of a Bethany College missio,n r." the Director for the Centre of MB Studies in Winnipeg; a role he ': trip. For as 10l"lg as I can remember I had wanted to visit India; it is a* , could express both his heart for the church-and his passion f9r God's country that I had dreamed about and prayed for. At the time I Word We moved to Winnipeg knowing that our time there working as a family therapist for the but likely be short. In retrospect, we have 'seen how God has continued this I seriously began to pray about whether God was a to shape us through experiences and opportunities that were t>eyond C100r to serve Him in India. Serving with MBMSI had IQng been o.Qour • our expectations. __ _
When lII(e visited India together in February 20100n a vision trip with MBMSI, Ray "Harms-Wiebe asked us, your expectations of this trip?" In my prayer time I asked God, me see what you see, -... wbat I:5reaks your heart, God:' On the train returning from Amritsar in -northef!l lndia, we streamed by cities and where I saw children pla}'ing along the tracks, families living' in tiny cramped huts, etching out an existence amongst the piles of garbage. God Spoke into my heart and I was struck by the depth of love God has' for peop le of India; His people who do not yet know.Him and who live ih darkness surrounded by shrines filled with idols that cannot heal'or sen liem free. We returned from India, both senSing that God has been preparing us for this place at this time. '
As Jesus was walking beside Sea of he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and -' his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they "Come, follow me:' Jesus said, Hand I will make you fishers of men:' At once they leftlheir nets and followed him. -Matthew 4:18-20
So we have taken a step of faith in. obedience, although I have to confess !hat I have also felt the loss of security that comes with giving up two careers. It is quite humbling to learn to trust God in this new way to supply our needs and not to worry about the future. But as we walk forward, I know that it. is a small sacrifice to and join God in where He is asking us to 'follow Him; it is a privilege. I know there will be times ahead that will be hard but I also know the Savior who • daily gives grace upon grace when I am weak. It is in Him that I find an unspeakable peace and calm, and a deep joy.
After all, God's call is to Himself, so that everything we are, everything we do and everything we have is given back to Him in our response to love and fel!ow Him first. I am realizing that I can only be satisfied in Him This is our desire as we set our hearts on Him, listen to His and f6110w His call.
To suppo rtq, issionary candidates who are discerning whether God is calling them to India, contributions can be made to: Doug & Sherry 0633 or Jose and Marisol 0657.
Church Planting through Community Development
By Katie Born
;- of people in rural India ar.e
underserved, and lack access to much needed government With little and poor health care, there are high rates of infant, child,
• 0 and maternal deaths.
·;As ' an outreach of the Indian MB 'church, the Mennonite Brethren Development Organisation (MBDO) is reaching out to the rural poor , in South India with' the goal of community in 1982, MBDO was created as a result of-t he shared concern of the tndian MB Conference and the Indian MB Church with meeting the needs of people in India. One of the main ways that MBDO strives to meet these needs is through the provision of primary health care. However, MBDO director J.L Dailid recognizes that the health and well-being of an individual is not just abO'ut physical h.ealth. This:is why MBDO is taking a holistic approach to community health wit h the - goal of bringing healing to physic'!l, spcial" em?tional, and spiritual problems . -
volunteers are able to provide health care and adyice They act educators, informers, and health care providers in hard to reach places. ':
A key example of how this holistic is being used is through Some of India's social problems are also being addressed a project that involves the training of community health volunteers. as people are educated and empowered. The P90r and marginalized These women act as a bridge between MBDO and their communities are gaining access to health care, and there is' !lnd their training is an essential part of making health care accessible different castes as they exchange health information and treatment. in rural villages. In teaching seminars, they are taught about various The status of women is also being raised as they receive training and healt h topics, such as; women's health, worm infestation, diarrhea, -, lead the way in providing community health care. - ', ' and other common illnesses in rural India Following this, J.L David 'II I db' edc' b MBDO ' I t " o • •• Addltlona y, emotlona nee sare elng car .or y vo un eers " " meets'withlhese women regularly for further training and discussion .' " h 'd C h' I ' ed 0 I t , - ..: , , at the same tlme as t ey provi e .or p YSlca ne s. ne vo un eer about healtH related prol')lems that t!;ley encounter In their villages. , h ' I d I I' d h o· , . _ • .•
shareCl that she as counse e coup es to stop quarre 109 an as :rhrough this project, physical health problemsa re improved as also encouraged a to improve her treatment of her to 'their communities with new and relevant" daughter-in-law.
With this knowledge and the skills they have learned, Moreover, the spiritual aspect of health is not in any of MB[50's work. Rather, this is the ultimate gOill of their efforts; that the • people of India would come to David and others working with MBDO are motivated by their ' love for Christ and desire to see • Him glorified. The spiritual needs of India are great as many people are bound by superstition and idol worship. But as relationships are -established in villages, people become more open to' the gospel. Many seeds are sown as love is demonstrated practif ally and the good news is shared with those in need of - "• •
Through community development, transformation' is taking Rlace :'and the church is growing in India. There is potential for this model of community transformation through health care' to spread from the:. South to the North. Pray for MBDO leaders""as they depend on for direction, wisdom, and vision, :.
Jfyou are interested in supporting MBOO as they work tei improve health core in villages in Indio, you can donate to MBMSI under project 0227. .;. -
By Paul Wiebe
Equipping Young People for Effective Ministry
Acentralized program in theological education was first- introdaced members) in 2002, an'd mote than 900 such in' 2009 .in t he Indian MB church in 1920. This program, now the Mennonite - This expansion in nuhlbers has occu; red and will continue to occur in Breth-;en Centenary Bible College (MBCBC), is still the Indian MB the central MB church area in Andhra Pradesh (in rural as well,as urban • principal program in theological education and areas), in other parts of Andl:lfa Pradesh and the of training. Many of our India conference's pastors and other Karnataka and and in the meg alopolis Mumbai. It also . . leaaers over the years have spent at least some time in education, • s'!ows great promise of further into areas of North India. training or re-training here With some twenty students curren tly studying .at MBCBC from states
While MBCBC plays a key role in the education and training of leaders, it is ,also important to our India conference in many other ways. Several faculty members are also full time pastors and almost all of our students are involved in weekend ministries. members hold many conference committee responsibilities and also cover much a.f our Inaia conference's work in scholarship and In short, MBCBC is at the heart of all that is important in providing for leadership as well as balance and coordination ! n the maintenante and development of the organizational strengths of the churches in our conference in India.
MBCBC also plays a significant role as 'an "in between" institution; an institution between different church conferences within India, and-an institution between our conference in India and our conferences in North America and elsewhere. It is here that cultural differences can be
in north east India (NagalanCl, Manipur al'fd Tripura), many 6f them interested in returning to their home places' as mimsters, it shows much promise of further developing in t!li$ of India as well. " -
The first brought MBCBe's predecessor programs int!' reality than ninety years ago envisione9 an institution that would one day serve the church both internally and With the dedicated service of all who have nurtured and ",area fdr it ever since, this has transpired. But it will take much prayer, effort and support for MBCBC to carry on with all of its growing iQt9 ' the years '
Most of the students at MBCBe, even with the support of their familles "
:: and churches, are not in a position to come up with all of the fees neeaed : ::, for their education. To support students who are in of funding, :. • =:''';contributions can be made to MBMSf under project 04!-9, .-:..-considered and taken into account, transnational planning can occur, Visit www.mbmsivideo.comlmbcbcto watch a video about MBCBe ::progra m linkages can be arranged (for instance, with Tabor College • • • vor Fresno Pacific University), translations and interpretations- can be carried through, visitors both ways can be introduced, and so on.
Finally, MBCBC continues to play an important role in the further • gro\ll{th of our conference work Jn India. Our India, MB conference counted 666 "villages with Christians" in- 1970, some 840 "church (ranging in size from at least fifty to several thousand
Focus and Follow
By R. John Sonkoro Roo
UFor to this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leavir-9 you an example, that you should follow in His steps:'· -1 Peter 2:21
> in rows (Matthew 14). Why? Some might say thC!.t this made it easier to count the people or to distribute the food. While this ma'y be'true, I also believe that Jesus' concern in this passage is that the quali!y and quantity of the food which the front row·received is the same quality quantity of food that is received by the last person. Today, 'North India is Sitting in the last rows. There is plenty of food for everyone. But faithful ' witnesses are needed to go and distribute the food; the Good News of Christ.
Jesus called us to be blessed, but also says that we will be a great blessing to many. Five thousand people were blessed through only five loaves of bread and two fish. A miracle was performed and the
On August 24th 2009, I received an email from my son Daniel. He basic needs of were met. wrote, uDad, I no longer need a secular job. God spoke to me and told
cdc II H' m D . I b d G d' II d h
me to lOCUS an to 10 ow 1m. anle 0 eye 0 s ca an now e . . h L d ' k ,. H' hiP d h N rth I d'a of Christ, it is our responsibility to remember the two billion unreached
. : is what we are all called to as believers; to f.ocus on Christ first and then to-follow Him. Life is more importa:-nt than ministry. The Lord is walking and He is invit ing us to watch and and to focus and follow in His footprints. . '
When your needs are met, thank of others who are In need. As followers
IS servang t e or as a tent ma er- an Imac a ra es, 0 n I. - • people, including the 400 million in North India. They are hun-gry. They are They in bondage. They are sick. God is calling us to do
our part by walking in His footsteps.
Call to North India
t . --Why-North
India?
- :- -' North India is the birth place of four world religions - Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism aod Jainism. And with places that are known as _ ." land of gods' or the 'valley of gods; there are many strongholdsblind and bind the people of North India.
The Christian influence in India is not evenly spread throughout the country and there are many people in the north that have never heard the gospeL South India is home to 25% of India's population and 80% of the Christians in India live in the south. In contrast, 40% of India's population lives in North India but only 5% of the Christians in India live there. There is clearly a great need in the north, and the vision of the Indian MB Church in South India is to send short and long term Christian witnesses to the north.
The Last Rows
The of North India are among the last to hear the message·of the gospel. When Jesus fed the five thousand, He asked everyone to sit I
There are already missionaries that have moved to North India and more are planning to join them. What about you? How is God calling you to be involved in reaching the reached? I you to visit the harvest field, to focus and follow th'e Lord, and to be blessed l and be a blessing to many. .'1
We want to assist our partner MB conferences around the world in mission Vision, structures, and capacities so they ca.n join with us in sending out church planting missionaries. To support these efforts, contributions can be made to project 0636.
Vision for North India
MBMS International's vision is to engage in holistic church plantin9 wherever we go. In order to see this happen in North India, MBMSI will align community development initiatives (primary health care, family counseling, orphanage ministries, 'micro-finance, etc) with church planting teams in New Delhi and Punjab. •
MBMSI will work with the India MB Conference in leadership development, the mobilization of local churches in South India, the training of short term and long -term workers, and 'tfie formation of church planting teams. We desire to see expatriate missionaries working hand in hand with Indian missionaries on these teams, under
MBMSI is praying that we will see communities t ':.ansformed bY the -:. message of Jesus among the 2500 least reached peOple groups of"- -.: North India The Indian vision already goes beyond North India to . • surrounding nations like Pakistan, Nepal, and Myanmar. to join us in interceding for the least reached of India and 'forcurrent mission candidates from North America; Paraguay, and South India. for God's vision and passion for-their respective sending ' churches
This is a faith adventure!
To learn more about the vision (or India please visit wwW.mbmsi.orgRndia the overSight of Indian leaders.
Sept. 19 - Zoar MB (Inman, KS)
Sept. 26 - Bethany MB (Fresno, CA)
Nov. 7 - Bakerview MB (Abbotsford, BC)
Nov. 14 - South Vancouver Pacific Grace MB (Vancouver, BC)
Nov. 14 - Forest GroveMB (Saskatoon, SK)
Nov. 21 - River East MB (Winnipeg, MB)
Jan. 22 - Church TBA (Waterloo, ON)
Jan. 23 - Church TBA (St. Katharine's, ON)