HAVING BEEN IN THE JOURNALISM FIELD for some years, I have collected file folders full of news stories and commentaries on school shootings, wars and conflicts in other countries, crime, divorce, poverty-all types of human suffering, brokenness and violeQ.ce. It's overwhelmingsometimes. So many people suffering. So many people hurting each other.
When it becomes too overwhelming, I often reach for another well-worn and bulging folder, labeled simply "peace and peacemaking." Leafing through the articles, notes and emails, I remember again the value of my spiritual heritage, Anabaptism. I remember that this violence is conquerable through working to establish God's shalom-or peace. And I remember that, as a Christian, I am called to be a peacemaker.
Peace is not a passive state where conflict is absent; rather, peace is a thriving existence where all is right, just, truthful, whole, complete and harmonious. It follows, then, that peacemaking is hands-on, nitty-gritty hard work. It is defending the poor, feeding the hungry, and helping rebuild and reconcile broken and damaged relationships.
So, how do we know that we Christians are called to be peacemakers? In this issue, Dalton Reimer looks back over the landscape of Scripture to point out landmarks and signposts that show us God's vision for shalom-even on the heels of one of the most violent centuries in history.
How can we put God's vision for shalom and peace into practice? Mennonite Brethren have long worked at putting their faith into action through peacemaking and Christian service ministries. We've highlighted several of those in this issue.
At the beginning of this new century, we also asked seven MBs from around the world to share their visions for peacemaking in their communities and the world at large.
I hope you will find these article challenging and inspiring. God's peace. -CA
COMING
FEBRUARY 20 - Peace Sunday for U.S. Mennonite Brethren churches
MARCH 3-4 - U.S. Conference joint board meetings, Central California.
-JULY 27·29 - Bieimial U.S. Conference convention, Denver, Colo.
God had a vision for shalom-for peace-from the beginning. How can this vision be realized in a broken, violent and
Mennonite
We asked a variety of Mennonite Brethren to share their vision for peacemaking in their communities and the world.
• The other side of procrastination
• Chuck Missler and saving money
the
• Be important in a
• Working to make the "integrated" in Integrated Ministries a reality 20
• Ethiopian school offers holistic ministry 21
• Seattle church does long-distance church planting 22
• Year of genesis and change for MBs 24
• BFL responsibilities assigned to national conferences 26
• MBMSI appoints members of Team 2000 28
• Vogt's legacy is a love of history and words 29
• Nothing to
Dalton Reimer, Herb Schroeder.
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BY DALTON
road
CUMBING to the top of a hill where I can r miles in all directions. A highway turnout a valley or a tall building will also do. In -ib high places, I am drawn to pick out the 'pia s below where I and my fellow travelers have bee and point out where we will yet be going.
This new year-decade-century-millenmum is a time to look back at our lives and history and to our future. We have just ended what has arguably the most violent century in human histOFY. More than 100 million persons lost their llves last century as a result of war alone. And murder,ln e view of criminologist Colin Wilson, did reilly come into its own until the twentieth century." Today, even the children kill.
From the beginning, God has had a vision of shalom---of peace-for the world. Throughout Scripture, there are references to God's desire to establish his shalom on earth. As servants of God, we journey towards this shalom community. But how do we as Christians respond to violence and conflict today? What does God's vision of peace give us for the present and the future?
To get our bearings, I know of no better place to look than the Bible. What does it teach us about violence, conflict and peacemaking? Like the hill and mountain tops, the Bible gives us the larger view from a high place.
In the beg:inaing
As we look at where we have been, we see in the far distant past the start of our journey. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," the book of Genesis boldly begins (Gen. 1: 1). And God's creation was "good." Seven times, as an artist stepping back to examine his developing masterpiece, God viewed what he was making and pro-
We have just ended one of the most violent centuries in human history. How do we as Christians respond to the conflict and brokenness in the world?
What does God's vision for shalom give us for the present and future?
claimed it to be "good"-indeed, the seventh time as "very good" (Gen. 1:4, 10,12, 18,21,25,31).
But the goodness of God's creation was soon marred by sin. Eve and Adam disobeyed God, and the shalom-the the idyllic garden of Eden God had created and placed them in was destroyed.
Shalom, a Hebrew word, is often translated into English as "peace," but it means much more than the simple absence oftension. In Shalom, The Bible's Word for Salvation,]ustice and Peace, Perry Yoder identifies three dominant meanings of shalom in the Old Testament. Shalom sometimes means "material well-being and prosperity" (Gen. 37: 14, Ps. 38:3, Jer. 33:6-9), sometimes just and right relationships (1 Kings 5:12, Isa. 32:16-17) and sometimes "straightforwardness" as in speaking truth (ps. 34:14).
Overall, shalom describes a state of goodness, where all is right, just, truthful, whole, complete and harmonious. It is the condition of Eden before the fall-and God's vision for his broken world after the fall.
How, then, is God's vision of shalom realized in a post-Eden, broken world? By looking back over the biblical landscape, we can find some answers to that question.
SIGNPOST 1: I am my brother's keeper
The first part of our post-Eden human journey was a long detour into violence, beginning with Cain's murder of his brother Abel (Gen. 4:1-16) and ending with the flood (Gen. 6-9).
God clearly was not pleased. "We must not be like Cain," the New Testament affirms (l]ohn 3:12). We, too, must say no to violence, the destroyer of shalom.
But we must also say yes to Cain's defensive question, "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Gen. 4:9). Cain's implied answer to his question was no, but God's
answer was a clear yes. Beginning with those closest to brothers and sisters and fumily-we are each other's keeper. Joseph, in the final story of Genesis, models best the meaning of being a "keeper." He forgave his brothers and cared for them, even though they had done him great harm (Gen. 50:15-21).
"I am my brother's keeper" is our first signpost on our journey toward the recovery of God's shalom in a post-Eden world.
Signpost 2: Love God and love your aeighbor
The second signpost grows out of our life together in community. In our historical journey, God determined to begin anew after the flood by creating for himself a special people through whom all the families of the earth would be blessed-that is, a world where shalom might be realized. So God called Abraham to father this special people (Gen. 12: 1-3).
All peoples of the earth require an ethic--or rule-to live by. Usually, some form of a "constitutional convention" is called. In the case of ancient Israel, God spared them the convention and simply gave them a law.
This law, though elaborately detailed, was anchored in two fundamental principles: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (Deut. 6:5) and "you shall love your neighbor as yourself' (Lev. 19:18).
"And who is my neighbor?" a lawyer defensively asked Jesus one day (Luke 10:29). Like Cain, the lawyer, too, followed his human instinct to draw boundaries. He should have known better. The law he supposedly practiced made it clear that neighbor included more than his own kind, and that he was also to love the alien and the stranger in the land as himself (Lev. 19:33-34; Deut. 10:17-19). But Jesus patiently responded with the telling tale of a despised Samaritan who modeled being a neighbor to the lawyer's kind, who were of a different ethnic and religious persuasion (Luke 10:25-37). Being a neighbor is to know no boundaries.
Love God and love your neighbor are written large on the second signpost in our journey towards God's shalom.
Signpost Lay doWll the swordtake up your cross
A fork in a road forces us to choose. Shall we go right or left? Our third signpost has to do with such a choice.
As we look back, we see that ancient Israel repeatedly failed to realize God's shalom. God's judgment for their failure was severe, but he did not leave them without hope. He promised them a Messiah, who among other things, would be "a Prince of
The cross stands at the fork in the road. It points us in the direction of God's way to shalom.
Shalom" (lsa. 9:1-7). But when Jesus came, people found his version of the Messiah confusing.
Within ancient Israel itself, competing visions of how God would establish his shalom community on earth had developed over time. The Exodus experience provided one model. God, who had condemned the family violence of brothers in Genesis, interestingly chose violence as the means of liberating his people from slavery in Egypt. Furthermore, God then pursued a strategy of military conquest to provide a home for them in the land he had promised. Indeed, the Exodus model portrayed God as a triumphant warrior (Exod. 15). With God in the lead, ancient Israel marched to the tune of holy war. Holy war was the prevailing pattern in the Israel of conquerors, judges and kings.
In the Israel of the later prophets, however, a contrasting vision began to emerge. We find this vision articulated most clearly by the prophet Isaiah. In this vision the recovery of God's shalom is seen as coming not through a conquering king, but a suffering servant (Isa. 53). A suffering servant and a conquering king are strikingly different.
These differences over the means to establish God's shalom community caused first century Jews to be confused by Jesus. He did not fully match their expec-
How MBsput
tations of the Messiah. They hoped that he would once again be their liberator as in ancient Israel.
So, when]esus began to share his understanding of messiahship in the servant terms of suffering, death and resurrection, Peter qUickly took him aside and rebuked him (Matt. 16: 13-28; Mark 8:27-9: 1; Luke 9: 18-27). Jesus, in return, most strongly rebuked Peter: "Get behind me, Satan! For you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things" (Matt. 16:23, Mark 8:33).
This dramatic exchange set the direction for all that followed. At this fork in the road, Jesuschose the narrow way of the cross over the broad way of the sword. And, as the poet Robert Frost has said about such choices, "that has made all the difference."
Peter, however, was a slow learner. So when he took his sword in the spirit of holy war and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant at the time of the arrest of Jesus in the garden, Jesus made it very clear: "Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword" (Matt. 26:52). Furthermore, Jesus said he could call on an army of twelve legions-72,OOO--Of angels if he chose, but that was not his· way (Matt. 5:53-54).
The cross is the way to God's shalom. Its reach is cosmic. Through Christ "God was pleased to recon-
Mennonite Brethren are involved in many different peacemaking and Christian service organizations. Here are profiles of some of them.
er for Peacemaking and Co flld
Studies-PACS
PACS seeks to promote greater understan· ing of the dynamics of conflict, train ons in conflict management and promote and assist the development of dispute resolution and justice programs in the church and community at large.
"PACS is rooted in the HebrewlChristian vision of shalom (peace and justice) for the church and world, " says the center's Web site. The center is an effort of Fresno Pacific University, a school sponsored by the MB churches of the Pacific region of the U.S.
PACS offers a wide range of services, from consultation to courses in the theology, science and art of conflict management. The center regularly offers consulting and mediation services and works with other organizations to create dispute resolution programs. The Restorative Justice Project, a program of PACS, is a resource and training center for those in the restorative justice field. The program offers hands-on experience and training in
operating or starting a Victim Offender Reconciliation Program (see profile on VORP on page 9). The center has also provided training for refugees and refugee resettlement workers in 12 U.S. cities.
For more information, visit the center's Web site at www.fresno.edulpacs. e-mail pacs@fresno.edu or call (800)
Mennonite Brethren Missions and services InternationalMBMI International
MBMS International, the global mission agency of North American MB churches, uses church planting, leadership training and social action to spread the gospel.
In partnership with MB churches, MBMSI has mission efforts and partnerships in place in 37 countries. Some of these have established churches and church conferences. Others have never heard the gospel message and have no sustaining church movement among them.
MBMSI supports a wide range of ministries. Some efforts are geared towards unreached people groups in the "10-40
cile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross" (Col. 1:19-20).
Jesus, furthermore, challenged his followers to also choose the way of the cross. "If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me" (Matt. 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). In The Cost of Discipleship , Dietrich Bonhoeffer said that when Christ calls us, he bids us come and die.
The cross stands tall at the fork in the road. The new way to God's shalom begins at the cross.
Signpost 4: Walk in his way
A new way requires a new ethic or rule, and the teachings of Jesus set forth this new rule.
Nowhere is this new rule stated more concisely than in Jesus' sermon from a mountain (Matt. 5-7).
Jesus made it clear that he did not come to dismiss the old, but to "fulfill" the old (Matt. 5: 17). The Old Testament's first lessons of love for God, brothers and sisters, and neighbors were foundational for Jesus. He built on them. But he also did not hesitate to reshape that which was old into something that was new.
• Reconciliation emphasized. Jesus elevated
window"-areas in Northern Africa, the and Asia between the 10th and 40th parallels. Other efforts are geared toward leadership training, like discipleship groups and Bible schools and seminaries. MBMSI also supports social ministries such as medical, agricultural, educational, relief aid and community development.
Social ministries have been integral to just about every aspect of MBMS International's work since its formation a century ago.
"Involvement in social ministry cannot be divorced from any other Christian activity. We witness to people as Christ did-meeting the needs of the whole person, whether physical, spiritual or emotional, " says Pakisa Tshimika, director for both Africa programs and social ministry.
The first MB missionaries, sent from Russia to India in 1889, began their mission work. through medical work and educational programs. Today, the India MB Church continues many of those early efforts, as well as many new ministries.
family life to a new level. Killing a brother clearly had been prohibited from the beginning, and that was affirmed. But Jesus went on to say that nursing anger or hating a brother or sister was akin to murder. He called for quick reconciliation between brothers and sisters (Matt. 5:21-26). The meaning of adultery as a physical act was expanded to include the disposition of the heart and mind (Matt. 5:2730). And easy divorce was curbed (Matt. 5:31-32).
Hate, adultery and easy divorce in the family are destroyers of shalom. Reconciliation is the creator of shalom.
• Integrity the norm. Relationships with others, Jesus said, are to be marked by a new standard of truth-speaking. In place of swearing to attest to one's truth, one's ''yes'' should simply be ''yes'' and one's "no, no." One should be so trustworthy and credible that no more is required (Matt. 5:33-37).
• Overcome evil with good. Justice rooted in the old equivalency principle of "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" was radically transformed by Jesus (Matt. 5:38-42). "Do not resist an evildoer," he said, "but if someone hits you on the right cheek, tum also the other; if someone demands your outer garment, give him also the inner; or if someone forces you to go one mile, go a second."
Similarly, MB mission in Congo began with agricultural programs, and later programs included public health and medicine, schools, and job training. MBMSI recently sent Murray and Faith Nickel as medical missionaries to Con.90. Their work is not only medical practice but also facilitating medical education and programs, both within Congo and between Congo and other countries.
Other examples of social ministry include Peru, where aid in the wake of floods was the start of new church planting efforts. MBMSI also supports agricultural programs and children's education in Panama, sustainable farming techniques that raise the standard of living in Thailand, as well as other indigenous programs in many countries.
" Socia I ministry is part of the missionary's everyday life, " says Tshimika. "A missionary may help a person combat alcoholism, work through emotional traumas, develop healthy lifestyles, or learn how to read. All of these efforts come out of our belief that the Gospel is a hope for the
Hate, adultery and easy divorce in the famlly are destroyers of shalom. Reconciliation is the creator of shalom.
whole person-mind, soul and body. Social ministry is a recognized element in MBMS International's guidelines and policies, alongside our other core functions of evangelism and leadership training."
Through MBMSI, 100 resident missionaries are serving in 22 countries. There are over 450 national evangelists and chlJrch planters in 40 countries, and the agency assists other ministries such as leadership training and community development in those countries. In addition, almost 1000 short-term volunteers are sent out annually, including those from Youth Mission International (a youth mission program administered under MBMSI) and Church Partner Evangelism (a short-term missions agency).
For more information about MBMSI, visit their Web site at www.mbmsinternational.org or call (888) 866-6267.
Mennonite central Cornmlttee-MCC
MCC is a relief, service, community development and peace agency of the North American Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches. Mennonite Brethren,
Such a strategy is anything but passive.
Such a strategy is anything but passive. It calls for seizing the initiative in the face of oppression, but with a strategy of goodness cather than vengeance and violence. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good," was the Apostle Paul's later summary of the principle (Rom. 12:21).
• Love's embrace enlarged. Finally, Jesus extended the embrace of love by drawing in even the enemy (Matt. 5:43-45).
Brothers and sisters are important, but Jesus said, "if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more ace you doing than others?" (Matt. 5:47). And the received tradition that "you shall love youe neighbor and hate your enemy" simply does not reflect the nature of God, who "makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends cain on the righteous and on the unrighteous." Like God, who shares his goodness with all, Jesus challenged his followers to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5.44-45). For "there must be no limit to youe goodness, as youe heavenly father's goodness knows no bounds" (Matt. 5:48 REB).
In teachings like these Jesus set forth a new way to God's shalom on earth. Angels had associated his
one of the 1S. different groups who sup- Port tne organlzatlQl1, contribute flhandally each yeilr. and-MB members' hold s_vera! positions on tbe executive board. Mec the world, partneriogwfth and organizations and other relief agenCies. In"SO countries overseas, the agency Is involved In development work such as education, health and peace and justice issues, relief work ahd job creation. In North America, MCC Is involved In immigration and refugee assistance, job creation, work with n.ative people, people with disabilities, offenders and victims of crime and more. the years, MCC has done everything 'from ship food. and supplies to c-ouAtrles ravaged bywat or natural disaster to develop socTal awareness programs. Much of the food aid goes to people 'forced frorn-tlielr homes by war. MCC assisted Rwandah refugees by -providing food, blankets, clothing and l"econciliatlonlhealing workihop$. In the Balkans and Eastern Europe, MCC has been help-
birth with the coming of "peace on earth," (Luke 2:14), and through his death, resurrection and teachings he showed the way.
The road ahead
God's shalom movement will yet someday be climaxed by new heavens and a new earth. The old will be made new, and goodness will again prevail. In the vision of the Apostle Peter, "we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home" (2 Pet. 3: 13). That is our hope.
But our waiting cannot be passive. God has called us to the continuing ministry of reconciliation in this broken, post-Eden world (2 Cor. 5:16-21).
Though centuries change, God's vision for the journey remains the same. As always, he calls his people to build places along the way where his shalom is "at home." •
Dalton Reimer is chair of the Peace Education Commission of the u.s. MB Conference and a professor of conflict and communications at Fresno Pacific University, an MB school in California. He also serves as codirector of the FPU Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies.
ing local church ministries by supplying canned meat, blankets, soap and other relief Items as well as sending MCt: w9rkers who teach Bible and peacemaking.
MCC has several programs aimed at developing relatiohships between people of different countries. The International Visitor Exchange program brings people from 30-plus African. Asian, European, Middle Eastern and South American countries to live with North American Mennonite and Brethren in Christ families while receiving vocational training for a year. The organization has teachers serving worldwide in church and government schools. MCC hosts Chinese visitors in North America and is a sponsoring agency for the China Educational Exchange, which sends workers to China to teach English and be a Christian presence.
In North America, MCC has a strong history in peace and social awareness iss\Jes. During World War II, MeC operated Civilian Public Service camps that mobilized workers who objected to war
on religious grounds and chose to serve their country through public service such as fighting fires or serving In a mental hospital. Over the years, MCC has devel()ped several programs which sponsor or send workers into urban and Inner city areas to provide support and service to people with spiritual and material needs. The MCC Washington Office monitors legislation. publishes information and facilitates contact with the government in areas of peace and justice.
For more Information about Mee, visit their web site at www.mcc.org.
MennonlU Disaster Servlee-MDS
MDS is a network through which various constituencies of the Anabaptist churches can respond to areas affected by disasters in North America.
"While the main focus is on cleanup, tepair and rebuilding homes, n says the agency's Web site, "this activity becomes a means of touching lives and helping people regain faith and wholeness."
Relief efforts are geared towards people that are disadvantaged and do not have the resources to help themselves.
Started in 1950, the organization was born out of generations of living out the principle of mutual aid practiced by the Mennonites and Amish. "Barn raising is probably the granddaddy of MDS," says the organizations Web site, referring to community efforts to rebuild barnsoften in one day-lost to fire. Mennonites would often offer spontaneous assistance after tornado disasters as well.
MDS relies on volunteers, both skilled and unskilled. Volunteers do everything from cleaning up, repairing and rebuilding homes affected by disasters to hosting or preparing meals for oth&r volunteers. Leadership, administrative and hosting positions run two months or longer, while cleanup and rebuilding positions vary from several days to several weeks, depending on the work load and the amount of time the volunteer can give. Volunteers also staff MennoNet, a group of amateur radio operators who offer communications support to MDS during times of disaster.
Recently, MDS volunteers helped repair damage from Hurricane Floyd last fall and the devastation caused by tornadoes in Oklahoma and Kansas last May.
For more information about MDS or volneeds, visit the agency's Web site at www.menno-disaster-service.org or call the MDS Akron office at (717) 859-2210.
Mennonite Economic Development Association-MEDA
MEDA seeks to connect faith and work in a needy world. Through business-oriented development programs, MEDA assists low income entrepreneurs in 10 countries in the developing world as well as North America.
MEDA believes that "the best way to help-poor people is by providing jobs and opportunity," says the agency's Web site. These economic development activities are programs which "make capital, training and marketing assistance available to local entrepreneurs so they can start or grow their businesses."
In its international programs, MEDA ministers through the development bf business by providing credit, business training, marketing and technical assistance. For example, the Small Farmer duction and Marketing of Basic Grains project in Nicaragua has successfully helped 850 small-holder farmers improve
production and export of beans. The Rural Community Banks program in Haiti has established 22 banks so far, making loans to 315 people. PROARTE, a Nicaraguan craft-exporting company 65 percent owned by MEDA, recently received its third and largest order from Pier One Imports for 33,000 pieces of handicrafts worth $159,000.
In North America, the North American Business Development program helps low income participants start or reinforce their businesses. Through ASSETS (Service for Self-Employment Training and Support), participants get practical, hands-on training, receive technical business assistance and help in finding potential loans for self-employment or a microenterprise activity.
MEDA also administers the Sarona Global Investment Fund, a social investment fund focusing on ventures that strengthen the economic prospects of the poor in low income countries. It provides loans to local microcredit lending institutions, enabling poor people to improve their business-buying new machinery, increasing inventory, marketing their goods, etc.-as well as supporting programs which allow clients to obtain training in business. The program also invests in social ventures which benefit the poor, such as agricultural cooperatives and fair trade organizations.
'MEDA got its start in 1953 with the goal to carry out small business projectS' that lead to self-sufficiency and ecOnomic independence. Some of its first programs were.in-Paraguay, where a number of families who benefitted from those early prdgrams now formed MEDA Paraguay. Their goal is to continue the MEDA tradition of investing in finandally viable, socially beneficial businesses.
For more information, visit the agency's Web site-recently selected as a "hot site" by USA roday's Internet edition-at www.meda.org, e-mail medaOmeda.org orcall (800) 665-7026.
Vidim-Offender Retonciliation Program-VORP
VORP is an alternative process made available to judges, police and probation officers in dealing with criminal offenses. VORP can offer a very practical substitute for jail or prison. Meetings are arranged between offenders and their victims viding the opportunity for communtcation, responsibility, restitution and reconciliation.
"Victims often feel twice victimized," says the Central Valley VORP Web site, "first by the offender then by a system that gives them little information Offenders seldom face the persons they have wronged or know their loss, frustration and anger or take responsibility to 'make it right.'''
Offenders are referred to VORP by the court or probation department. If both the offender and victim agree to the mediation process, the two parties meet and discuss the case and negotiate restitution. Some offenders agree to pay the victim for damages; others agree to work on behalf of the victim or the community; still others agree to combine payment and work.
Through VORP, offenders face the real human and financial costs of their actions. find relief through communication, restitution, involvement in the settlement of the case and an opportunity to forgive when appropriate. VORP helps the offender recognize the feelings of the victim and take responsibility for making restitution.
The origins of VORP can be traced to a 1974 incident in Elmira, Ontario, when two youths went ona one-night vandalism spree resulting in more than $2000 damage. A group of people working with MCC had already begun searching for alternatives to fncarceration and decided to bring the youths and their 22 victims together.
The youths were taken along their route of vandalism and instructed to go to the doors of eath of the victims explaining who they were and why they were there. As part of their probation, the judge ordered the boys to pay forthe damages. Three months later, the youths repeated their trek, this time with a check in hand for each victim.
" As a result, the two young men felt they could hold up their heads in the community, the victims felt something had been done, and VORP.was born," says Dave Worth, then MCC's coordinator for the volunteers for the probation program.
Forfurther information on VORP, information about participating in the program, or to check whether there is a VORP in you neighborhood or region, visit VORP of the Central Valley, Inc. at www.vorp.org, call (5S9) 291·1120 or e-mail vorpOfresno.edu. -CA
I..P. Asheervadam
ng salt and light In India
The Mennonite Brethren Church in India is one of!tte oldest and largest MB churches in the world. a it also happened to be the first foreign mission field to both Russian and American MB missions. Today it has over one hundred year's history and is reaching one hundred thousand members. My vision is that the Indian MB church will be both exemplary of and true to its traditional teachings of the Anabaptist-Mennonite church in thethe twentyfirst century.
Traditionally, Mennonites are known as a community of peace and nonviolence. Conflicts in the church affect the life and mission of the church, and it is against the will of God. The church is a reconciled community, and its mission and ministry is to carry out the act of reconciliation and peacemaking. Unfortunately, the Indian MB Church has not been free from conflicts in the past century. Conflicts occur when either the church deviates from or
forgets both the scriptural and traditional teachings. India was known for peace and nonviolence. It achieved its independence through the weapon of nonviolence. But it has forgotten that history, and today it is proud for successfully testing nuclear weapons. This is true in both church and state history. Therefore, there is need to teach the AnabaptistMennonite faith-and to teach MB churches in India to commit to a community of peace and be the agents of reconciliation and peacemaking.
Menno Simons, while writing about church unity, says to "be like-minded all of you with Christ]esus: be zealous to hold the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace, for indeed you are all one single temple, house, city, mountain, body and church of Christ Jesus." Simons appeals to Christians to "behave as Christians in all things" because they are "named after the Lord's name." By this, he means that Christians-who are named after Christ and the Church, which is the fellowship of such peoplehave to live together as one family without divisions
and conflicts. Otherwise, Simons feels, the "unleavened lump of the Church would be changed into an ugly leaven before the whole world."
Along with scriptural teachings, the above words of Menno Simons should be taught to root the Indian MB Church in Scripture and the Anabaptist-Mennonite tradition. The India MB Church should play a significant role both in church and society in the area of peace and non-violence-be salt and light in the multireligious, multicultural, pluralistic and democratic India in the twenty·first century.
lP. Asheervadam lives in India. He is a researcher and writer and a lecturer at the MB Centenary Bible College in Shamshabad. He also serves as the general secretary for the Historical Commission of the MB Church of India.
ifer Brandt:
ng out God's peace enever I hear the word "peace," many images e to mind-people of all races and cultural back· grounds uniting to show compassion and tolerance for one another, flower children holding up two fin· gers as they chant "Give peace a chance," the peace symbol scrawled in bright colored ink across the binders and notebooks of my seyenth grade students. But these images, though vivid and abundant, are not mine. My own vision of peace is quite different.
My vision centers on the ultimate peace that has been brought to men and women through the death and resurrection ofjesus Christ. Peace for me began with the unconditional acceptance God gave to me. Because of God's gift to me, I am compelled to communicate this peace with others. It is my response to the deep love that now pervades my life. I can live out God's peace first by loving other believers. This means giving them the benefit of the doubt and choosing not to judge them. This means admitting when I am wrong or when I have hurt a brother or a sister.
My vision is that the love given and lived among those who belong to Christ will clear the way for unbelievers to come face to face with God's offer of reconciliation-his offer of peace. God's grace, his undeserved mercy, impresses upon me the need to embrace others at whatever stage or part of life they are in. By accepting others and welcoming them into my life, I can demonstrate the peace that God offers to them. My hope is that they will embrace his offer. I cannot-nor do I want to-control the response of unbelievers to God's gift. I just know that my vision-my passion-is to live out His peace.
Jennifer Brandt, a former public school teacher, is working on her masters in curriculum with an
emphasis in conflict studies at Fresno Pacific Uni· versity. She is a graduate of FPU.
with me
Pern
Eve over 2000 years ago an angel sat, ... <J:IOI . to God in the highest, and on earth peace, g'bod toward men" (Luke 2:14).
A vision for world peace seems like an oxymoron, like a dream of utopia or a search for never-never land.
Do I sound pessimistic? Well, maybe I am. I see firsthand the effects of war on the Southeast Asian Hmong, Khmu and Central Americans, who fled their countries because of war. They were given TPS (temporary protection status) when they arrived in the U.S. When a "peace treaty" was signed, the TPS was suspended because the war was over-as if a signature could remove hate and prejudice from the heart of man.
As a church, we should be leading the way toward peace, but we can't even agree on a worship style. We feel that we will lose control if we let too many things change. Control is the opposite of harmony, goodwill, serenity and peace.
The only true peace is peace with God. As long as people live without him, the earth will remain in disorder, without real peace. If we dwell on injustice and hate crimes or atrocities like ethnic cleansing or child and spousal abuse, then we will end in hopelessness. Hopelessness brings depression and inaction.
On the other hand, "hope" is a verb--an action word. Hope moves us to continue to look for change. Hope moves us to advocate for the "least of these." Jesus calls us to be peacemakers (Matt. 5:9), to work at reconciliation and acceptance in a coun·
True evangelical fa' cannot lie dormant. It clothes the nak , It feeds the hun ' , It comforts the rrowful, It shelters the It serves those that harm it, It binds up that which is wounded, It has ome all things to all men. ennoSimons
tholic monk who became dissatisfied with h in the Ix 15005. He became an Anabaptist and was persuaded to roup whic vf/ntually became known as "Mennonites." Simons believed the Scriptures t<fbe the final authority in faith and life, over both tradition and culture.
We believe that the church of Jesus Christ reconciled across lines of class, color and culture is the greatest public witness of the power of the cross and the wisdom of God to an always watching and ever critical world. -FS
try where poverty is prevalent and the affluent rule. Where there is sadness, we sing "joy to the world," and in the midst of war we sing "peace like a river."
My vision for world peace actually makes me look at myself with the words of this song (by Sy Miller & Jill Jackson): "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God as our Father, brothers all are we, let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony."
Mary Elizondo is a staff associate for refugee and immigrant issues with West Coast Mennonite Central Committee. She and husbandJose, associate district minister for the Pacific District, are church planters in Sanger, Calif.
. • ..e-Qadeikyte: Personal commitment brings to) the world
This tit!le of the year is an appropriate time for evaluation. Looking back on the 20th century world, we see it is marked by conflict. Rich and poor, Western and non-Western countries are experiencing dramatically spreading conflicts on state, group and personal levels. This is the picture of this centurybroken and fighting.
But, on the other hand, we can see a reaction to this violent trend. Pacifist movements and academic education on conflict studies carry a hope to mend what is broken. In the context of these violent times, the biblical theology of peace gains more weight than ever. It is at the core of conflict transformation-an inseparable part of conflict management vision and mission.
It is necessary, then, to engage actively in reducing the escalating conflict and promoting a transformative approach to it. Peacemaking is for everyone and everywhere. It is a duty not only for Christians, but also for all citizens. We all belong to the same world, and every individual contribution counts in building a healthier and safer community. There are
always needs in our families, relationships, schools, work and churches-where a personal commitment to peaceful conflict resolution can be the first step in bringing peace to our world. And I desire to see the peacemaking vision grow from the individual initiative in my country, Lithuania.
Giedre Gadeikyte works at the Center for Peace and Conflict Studies at Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, Calif., while she aUends the masters program in Conflict Management and Mediation at FPU. She has a bachelors degree from Lithuania Christian College, where she is planning to start a program in conflict studies and peacemaking.
t6esz: a community of brokenness
In 1974, God called me from the potato fields of Manitoba into the city. That same year Jolene, my wife-ta-be, left the wheat fields of Kansas for her new home. Both of us were called independently to the mission field in South Central Los Angeles. We joined World Impact, an urban Christian missions organization, and Los Angeles became our home and passion. We experimented with a host of "urban renewal" projects-from thrift stores to job training programs, from camps for inner city kids to private schools giving urban youngsters a quality Christian education. Many of our holistic ministries continue to thrive.
In 1990 WI ministries expanded its ministry focus to include urban church planting. We believe that the church of]esus Christ reconciled across lines of class, color and culture is the greatest public witness of the power of the cross and the wisdom of God to an always watching and ever critical world. True peacemakers must plant churches that reflect the heart of Jesus who came to preach good news to the poor, set the captives free, open the eyes of the blind and release the oppressed (Luke 4: 18).
For the past nine years WI has dedicated itself to the "re-salting" of America's inner cities with scores of new urban church plants. This ministry of reconciliation finds its highest expression in our most broken communities. For Jolene and me, this meant planting a church in Wichita, Kan.
Wichita sits in a supposedly conservative part of America. Yet recent television announcements tell us that in our county alone there were nearly two times as many divorces as marriages in 1999. Division, separation and brokenness are the result. Hundreds of adults and thousands of children will begin what may become a lifelong struggle with real relationships, trust and intimacy. The church is called "the
I dream of the day when we as a family of faith will participate actively in the process of healing memories in countries where war and conflict have destroyed lives of people created in God's image. -PT
family of God," and it must now stand ready to embrace the lonely and the broken, introducing them to Jesus the great reconciler.
In October 1999, United at the Cross Community Church joined the MB conference. It's an urban church and an exciting family to be a part of. It's here that I watch the once broken become brothers, the once stigmatized become sisters and the once lonely become leaders. All great peacemaking begins with an individual encounter with Jesus at the foot of the cross but it ends with the church, his bride, eternally assembled before his throne. Let's press on and plant churches in the toughest communities, daily doing our part to help increase the population of our future urban home in the New Jerusalem.
Fred Stoesz is a church planter and interim pas· tor of United at the Cross Community Church, a congregation planted in cooperation with World Impact.
imika:
aitlng for peace
dine I pick up a newspaper or listen to the on radio or television, I can almost guarantee a major part of what I read or hear will be about conflict and violence around the world--drive·by shoot· ings in North America, ethnic cleansing in Rwanda and Bosnia and rebellion in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Uganda, Somalia and Angola.
Churches, even Mennonite Brethren, are not spared from conflicts. The ministries of the India and Angola MB conferences were almost paralyzed due to internal conflicts. And so far we have only seen the tip of the iceberg of the consequences of war and conflicts in Congo and Angola-how it will fully unfold is yet to be seen.
As a community of people of faith and as individuals, we hold peace to be an important part of our confession of faith. How does it reflect itself in our com· munities and in countries where violence and conflict have become daily bread?
Conflict in the Great Lakes Region of Central Africa is forcing us at MBMS International to take a serious look at our role in regions where conflict is hampering evangelism and church planting activities. The work in Bukavu (Eastern Congo) started as a result of the conflict in Rwanda. Our Anabaptist peace testimoQY made Mennonites attractive to other Christians and non-Christians in this region. Today the work includes church planting, leadership development and seminars on conflict transformation as a means of promoting peace in the region.
From my own involve· ment with this project and from other meetings where people have discovered who we are and what we believe, one single question is usually asked: ''Why do
you keep all this to yourseill"
I feel challenged each time I travel and fellowship with brothers and sisters living in war·affected countries. I often wonder where we should go from here. Do we wait for other people to discover us?
No! The time for passive waiting has passed.
We should become proactive in our peace witness. I dream of the day when we as a family of faith will participate actively in the process of healing memories in countries where war and conflict have destroyed lives of people created in God's image. In his book No Future Without Forgiveness, Desmond Tutu reminds us of a great phrase by George Santayana: "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."
In the future, MB conferences around the world will likely have their own mission agencies. I dream of the day when each missionary going out under any of these mission agencies will have training in conflict transformation and consider peace witness as an integral part of our mission. I dream of the day when we, as a family of faith, will with humility and boldness challenge national and international structures that create and promote conflict and violence which dehumanize those created in God's image. Finally, I dream of the day when our local congregations and institutions of higher learning, especially seminaries, will consider training in peace witness a priority for current and future leaders.
Pakisa Tshimika is the director for Africa programs and for social ministry at MBMS International, the mission agency of North American MB churches. He grew up in Democratic Republic of Congo and received a bachelors degree from Fresno Pacific University, an MB school, and a masters of Public Health and doctorate of Public Health at
Loma Linda University in Southern California.
Lyrpdon Vix:
ce begins in our churches
First, a confession. When I was asked to share my vision for peacemaking, the first thing I realized was tfiat I waS going to have to get one.
Embarrassing as this may be, I doubt that I am unique. Even though the Mennonite Brethren Church is an historic "peace" church and nonaggression and conflict J;esolution are cornerstone distinctives of our denomination, I wonder how many of us truly have a vision for peacemaking. In fact, how many of us even think about the whole issue of peace unless there is talk of a military draft and we are concerned about preserving our consci· entious objector privileges?
As I cast about for a peace vision I find no end of possibilities. War in Chechnya; unrest in the Middle East, violence in Seattle, Wash., a murder in east Wichita, Kan., the threat of a shooting spree scrawled on a blackboard at the local high school. All are situations that cry out for the kind of healing that the church can supply through the message of hope and love found in the Gospel.
My fear, however, is that the church is in no posi. tion to provide peacemaking because of the conflicts within its own walls. We shake our heads gravely over the sinful failings of "the world" while at the same
time, within our congregations, conflicts fester, relationships are destroyed and cynical criticism abounds.
At the risk of overstating the case, when it comes to peacemaking I suggest that most of our congregations would do well to remove the plank in their own eye before taking on the speck of sawdust they judge to be present in the eye of "the world." The truth of the matter is that churches are made up of humans-fallen, sinful humans. As such, they are subject to the same sorts of internal conflicts as any community of individuals. In fact, since its earliest days the church has had to deal with disagreements that threatened to weaken its effectiveness (Acts 6: 16; 15:1-21,36-41; Gal. 2:11-21). What should distinguish the church from other communities is its ability to qUickly and effectively deal with conflict.
My vision for peacemaking is that within our MB churches conflicts will be addressed and resolved, that broken relationships will be healed, that the actions of leadership will be met with a presumption of validity rather than a presumption of stupidity and that all people, regardless of their failings, will be welcomed without reservation. Unless and until we can restore peace among ourselves, we will be ineffective in our attempts to bring peace to "the world."
Lyndon Vix is an attorney liVing in Wichita, Kan. He serves as the assistant moderator for the General Conference, the conference of North American MB churches.•
MB CONFESSION OF FAITH
ARTICLE 13
Love and Nonresistance
God's Community of Peace
Believers believe that God in Christ reconciles people to. himself ajld to one another, making peace through the cross. The church is a fellowship of redeemed people"'livlng by love. 'Od'r bond with other believers of Jesus transcends all racial, social and national barriers.
Christian Peacemaking
We seek to be agents of reconciliation in all relationships, to practice love of enemies as taught by Christ, to be peacemakers in all situations. We view violence in its many different forms as contradictory to the new nature of the Christian. We believe that the evil and inhumane nature of violence is cbntrary to the gospel of love and peace. In times of national conscription or war, we believe we are called to give alternative service where possible. Alleviating suffering, reducing strife, and promoting justice are ways of demonstrating Christ's love. Exodus 20:1-17; Matthew 5:17-28, 38-48; Romans 12:9-21; Romans 13:8-10; I Peter 2:\9-23.
Wait until 2001
I am amazed at how the general public is swept along with this misconception that 2000 is the start of a new century and millennium!
If a child would learn to count to 10 on his fingers and count 0-1-2-3 etc., we would tell him, "No, start with 1 and count to 10." Just so, a decade starts with one and counts through 10. A century starts with one and counts through 100. And a millennium starts with one and counts through 1000. Ifwe end this centurywith 1999, how has this ever been the 20th century?
For an authoritative word on this look in the dictionary. It defines the 19th century "as 1801 AD through 1900 AD." So 1901 through 2000 is the 20th century. Let's get it right, and let's be honest and say it like it is. 1 Cor. 14:33 says, "God is not the author of confusion." We shouldn't be either.
David F. Loewen Hillsboro, Kan.
God's new of our hearts
I strongly disagree with Marvin Hein (November 1999), concerning 1 John 3: 19-22. He seems to think that God's assessment of our hearts' condition glows more brighdy than our own. He writes, " while our hearts condemn us, God knows not only our sins, but also our loves, our longings, our intentions. He knows all those things we would like to do that are admirable and gracious." In the same bounteous way Hein concludes, "God judges us by the deep and innermost yearnings of our hearts. He sees what we would try to do but fail His unique ability to understand what we would like to do should be a comfort and encouragement."
In bold contrast to Hein, God gives us a dismal view of our hearts: "'The heart is
The Christian Leader welcomes brief letters on topics relevant to the Mennonite Brethren Church. All letters must be signed and will be edited for clarity and length. Send letters to Christian Leader, 7531 Delta Wind Dr., Sacramento, CA 95831 (e-mail: chleader@jps.net).
deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can comprehend it?" (Ter. 17:9). ''We are all like unclean things, and all our righteous deeds are like filthy rags " (lsa. 64:6). "None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands, no one seeks God. All have turned aside, together they have gone astray; no one does good, no, not one" (Rom. 3:10).
Man's heart is dead to God. In judgment, however, God looks neither on the cadaver's septic core nor even on his Holy Spirit within. We neither have nor acquire intrinsic merit; God sees only the purity of the lamb, Jesus Christ.
The tendency of sinful man is to think, "If God only knew my heart he would despise me." John is saying that God knows the filth in our hearts very well, yet God's steadfast love is greater than our guilt. Our sins, like scarlet, are washed
whiter than snow. Our confidence comes not from self-esteem, nor self-improvement, nor grand and generous opinion of mankind, but from trust in a living Savior. Holding this confidence, we are not puffed up.
Neither are we naive. For example there were those, last year, (wasn't Hein one?) who felt that the President's adulteries, perjuries and obstructions were but surface blemishes over a sterling heart, abounding in sympathy and caring. They were deceived. Outer reveals inner. "Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matt. 15.19; Matt. 12.34).
WANTED
cThe Christian Leader is looking for people who are interested in writing assi80ed news stories and/or willing to serve as correspondents for their region, reporting on the news and events occurring in Mennonite Brethren churches throughout the United States. Writers will be compensated.
If you are interested, please contact: Associate Editor Connie Faber 315 S. lincoln, Box V, Hillsboro, Kan. 67063 chIeader@southwind.net (316) 947·5543 JANUARY 2000.
Peter Stearns CA.
BY PHILIP WIEBE
The other side of procrastination
Sometimes our greatest spiritual need isn't to get more done, but to tarry longer in the garden offaith.
One resolution I often make for a new year is to stop procrastinating. Then I put off doing it, of course, until later. But not really on purpose. I don't intentionally delay tasks I know need doing. Sometimes I just feel unsure about how to begin. Supposedly, that's a characteristic of perfectionist-type folks, who absolutely have to do a fantastic job on everything from taking on an important project to taking out the trash. For people who have to be perfect, just starting something can be daunting.
I've learned to recognize those tendencies in my own life, but still struggle dealing with them. Which is why I take a dim view of procrastination. Like most people, I see putting things off as something to be avoided and condemned. At a conference I was part of recently this issue came up during a prayer time. One of the sins we were called to confess was procrastination. I could concur with that. Once again I brought those inclinations before the Lord and prayed for change.
But later I got to thinking about it in light of a circumstance at work. Around that time I had intended to send what I considered a subpar manuscript back to a writer for extensive revision. Naturally I put it off. Meanwhile several colleagues delivered praise for the manuscript, saying it was an excellent piece of writing. Surprised, I went back to the work and discovered that in my original rush to evaluate, I'd missed the point. The colleagues were right. Had I hastily gone back to the writer, it would have caused a lot more stress for everyone.
MaY\'e procrastination isn't always bad.
It's true that the dictionary defini-
tion of procrastination is the unhealthy and habitual putting off of responsibility. But the manuscript incident got me pondering the other side of putting things off. Whatever happened to waiting, considering, biding one's time? Nobody seems to have time for it anymore. In a culture that considers going fast, faster, fastest the ultimate virtue, no wonder we pray to be delivered from the sin of slowness. The old maxim "Haste makes waste" hardly applies in an era of e-mail and e-commerce-now it's "Haste makes money."
In my own hectic life, I've begun to consider again some rich Scriptures that uphold waiting as an article of faith. The Psalms often record prayers such as, "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope" (130:5). The prophet who lamented the pain of life and the mysterious ways of God could still declare, "The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord" (Lam. 3:25-26). Paul urges believers "to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:12-13).
Contrary to current trends, there are times when waiting is good. In fact, there are certain areas people of faith need to procrastinate in-things that should habitually be put off.
• First, we delay judgment. "Do not judge, or you too will be judged," Jesus said (Matt 7: 1). In our day of
personality fixation and media frenzy, perhaps Jesus' words are more difficult to apply than we realize. The whole cultural climate is about jumping to conclusions, assuming the worst, thinking we know all about someone or something after a one-minute media bite. But Jesus also said, "Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment" (John 7:24). That takes time.
• Second, we put off self-gratification. This is even harder than delaying jurlgment, in our day of easy credit and pervasive advertising that says we deserve to have it all-and have it now. The overwhelming tendency, even among Christians, is to satisfy our own wants before considering other's needs. But this is not the way of Christ, who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:28).
• Third, we put off distractions. "Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith" (Heb. 12:1-2). In our age, the unrelenting pulls of busyness, entertainment and technology threaten not only to take our eyes off the goal, but to never let us get a good look at the goal in the first place. But to seek God first, we must delay other things.
• Finally, there are times when we put off schedules. It's hard to loosen the grip on the To Do list or day book Yet when schedules displace relationships, it may be time for a little procrastination. A line comes to mind from the old hymn about spending time with Jesus in the garden: "The joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known." Sometimes our greatest spiritual need isn't to get more done, but to tarry longer in the garden of faith.
INQUIRJNG MINDS
BY MARVIN HEIN
QAre youfamiliar with Chuck Missler and his clear distinction between the "rapture of the church" and "Christ's second coming?" (California)
ANo, I am not fumiliar with Chuck Missler, nor were about a half dozen others whom I questioned. However, by benefit of the Internet, I discovered that Missler is a rather prolific writer. He often is a co-author and sometimes a contributor under the editorship of another person. One of his co-contributors in one book, I discovered, is a Mennonite Brethren. For the most part, his books center on eschatology. Some of the titles include Cosmic Codes, Countdown to Eternity, Earth's Final Days: Essays in Apocalypse m, Foreshocks ofAntichrist, Alien Encounters, and Magog Invasion.
Missler no doubt has an audience. A reviewer described one book as "Awesome. Everything comes with documentation on the Bible." Another reviewer of Alien Encounters said Missler "puts all the pieces of the UFO/Alien puzzle together."
From the inquirer's comments, together with a listing of Missler's titles, I would presume that this is once again the old struggle between dispensationalists and those who do not accept the neatly detailed schemes for the ages. Missler would probably accept most of the eschatological views of Darby, Scofield, Chafer and the more recent popularized version by Hal Lindsay.
The difference between the "rapture" and the "second coming," in most dispensationalist views, arises out of a distinction between Israel and the Church. They are seen as completely separate, not connected. That, for instance, in part is why most dispensationalists believe the Sermon on the Mount is not for our time, but for the millennial kingdom. There are, of course, many variations of views even within dispensationalism.
Generally speaking, the view I surmise is taken by Missler is that the Lord
will come in the air and take up his saints into glory. Then after seven years of tribulation on earth, he will return to earth and rule for 1000 years. Jesus' coming in the air is the rapture; his return to reign is the second coming. There are again many variations of this scheme, depending somewhat on whether you take a mid-, pre- or posttribulation position.
Many MBs adhere to some form of dispensationalism. Personally, myeschatology is very simple (and very unacceptable by many because it is not detailed enough). I do not see the rapture and the second coming as separate events. I believe the Lord is coming again. I believe that nobody knows when. And I believe you had better be ready.
QIs it biblically right or wrong to save money? If it is right, how much ought we to save?
(California)
AThe first part of the question, it seems to me, is rather easy to answer. The second part is more difficult.
Passages in the Bible, especially in Proverbs, quite openly advocate saving. Among other bits of financial advice, we are told that we are to pattern our actions after the ant, who "stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest" (prov. 6:8). While this passage probably is more an advocate of a work ethic than of saving, the implication is that the non-lazy will harvest profits that can be stored for a rainy day.
The Christian probably faces two major temptations at this point: not to save anything or to become obsessed with saving. If we Christians are in any way similar to run-of·the-mill Americans, many of us are not saving money. It has been assumed that people in the U.S. put away approximately six percent of their income as savings. The rather astonishing fact is that in the last several years Americans have not saved any
Have a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference policy, or other spiritual issue? E-mail Marvin at mhein1@fresno.edu or send your question to "Inquiring Minds, c/o Marvin Hein, 4812 E. Butler, Fresno, CA93727.
money. Rather than increasing our savings during a time of unparalleled prosperity, we have dipped into our savings to acquire those things that satisfy our desires. The average American is depleting savings each month or going into debt in order to spend more than he or she earns. It is little wonder then that last year 1.4 million persons filed for personal bankruptcy (Consumer Reports study).
It seems clear to me that rather than spending excess amounts of money on ourselves, the biblical pattern is to defer self-gratification and be moderate in our spending patterns. The obvious result for most of us would be that we would either save money or give it away.
That brings us back to the second question: how much should we save?
I confess that the Bible isn't always that clear to me on this point. Scripture warns us not to become controlled by our finances and suggests that we ought to be content in whatever situation in which we find ourselves, no matter how lean or plenteous. Most of us can't find much joy in that idea. We usually want more. The biblical admonition is that we should work hard in order that we might have something to give to the poor. Our culture doesn't encourage that idea very much. The Bible also tells us that we should prepare for the rainy day.
So how much can we save for our retirement?
It would hardly seem rIght to give all our money away and then live out our years at taxpayers' expense. Some advise that you figure out how much money you need before you die, and then leave just enough to pay for your burial. Others tell us we should save enough so that we could live more or less comfortably on the income and then begin to give away the surplus.
One thing is certain: saving money can become addictive. I have really only one answer: yes, we should save. Saving should not possess our thoughts and hours. We should be very generous and wise stewards now of what we own, and our last wills and testaments should reveal our love for the work of the kingdom.
BY ROSE BUSCHMAN
Be important in a child's life
Many children don't feel that anyone cares about them. While much is being done at the nationalleve/, we need to act in our own sphere of inflvence.
Last November I received a very special birthday card from one of my sisters. The pansies painted on the card by nature artist Marjolein Bastin were exquisite, but what made the card really special was what was written inside: "Happy Birthday to a very special sister who curled my hair and sewed me a yellow dress one summer long ago. Thank you!"
Now I certainly remember the hair chores. As a teenager it was my job every Saturday night to roll my younger sister's hair in curlers in preparation for Sunday. It's nice to know that after all these years she remembered and appreciated my efforts.
As far as sewing the dress is concerned, I have no memory of it. So, intrigued, I called her to find out what that was all about. With an animated voice she told me that when she was ten years old I made her the prettiest dress she ever had. She described the flocked nylon fabric (she still remembers the "smell" of it), the puffed sleeves and the yellow lining. She described the house we were living in at the time and where in the house the sewing machine was located-in front of the window in the living room.
"I remember standing by your elbow the entire time it took to sew that dress. I can still see you bent over the sewing machine working on it," she told me.
As the middle child in a family of seven she often felt "lost" in the daily routine in our home. Now here was someone who did something special just for her and after many years she still remembers that act of love. I find myself deeply touched by this.
Many children feel that no one cares about them. They feel forgotten and abandoned. Recent statistics reflect this negative attitude: teen suicide has dou-
bled, juvenile crime is at an all-time high, more than 3 million children are reported abused every year, teen pregnancy rates are alarming and marijuana, cocaine and heroin use among young people is staggering.
America's Promise, an organization led by Colin Powell, is trring to facilitate ways that we can make a difference in the life of a child. This organization is serving as a catalyst to bring together public, private and nonprofit organizations, churches, schools, corporations and anyone else willing to help in the effort of reaching children, especially those at risk.
According to America's Promise every child needs
• an ongoing relationship with a caring adult-parent, mentor, tutor or coach;
•a safe place and structured activities during nonschool hours;
•a healthy start;
•a marketable skill through effective education; and
• an opportunity to give back through community service.
While much is being done at the national level and through a variety of organizations, we need to think in terms of our own sphere of influence. Each one of us can reach out and touch a child. This can be as simple as giving a child a hug. Or learning a child's name. In the after school program where I volunteer the children beam with pride when I come up with the correct answer to their question, "Teacher, what is my name?"
At the beginning of each semester I try to learn my students' names as soon as possible. I also make individual contact with them as often as I can. However, as I was thinking about
this column I suddenly realized that I had a student in my seminar class who had returned to school.after a two month hiatus and I had not said one word to him-no hello, no recognition of any kind.
Chastened, I determined to change that. The next time he came to class I talked to him. Outwardly, this 15-yearold is a mess-unwashed straggly hair, large jacket, baggy low-rider jeans. His clothes smell as though they don't get washed very often.
It wasn't a long conversation b\lt now when he comes to class he seems to have a different attitude. The other day while the whole class was working on a problem solving activity, he suddenly volunteered one of the answers. The smile we exchanged was special. From someone who just sat there he is slowly becoming a participant.
One young mother I know makes it a point to get to know her children's playmates. They are welcome in her home and often find a snack waiting. Or they appreciate her willingness to just sit and talk with them.
Children need to feel that someone cares about them. They need to know that they are loved and that they belong. Without this sense of love and belonging it is very difficult for them to grow up and develop into responsible, productive adults.
An unknown writer understood this when he wrote:
"One hundred years from now it will not matter
What kind of car I drove, What kind of house I lived in, How much money I had in my bank account, Nor what my clothes looked like, But the world may be a little better Because I was important in the life ofa child."
Jesus said, ''Whoever welcomes a little child like this [one] in my name welcomes me" (Matt. 18:5) and also ''Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me" (Matt. 25:40).
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Working to make the Ilintegrated" in Integrated Ministries a reality
• Ministry focuses on immigrant groups
For most of the 100 years Mennonite Brethren have lived in the United States, worship services have been held in one language-first German and then English.
Today it's more like Pentecost every Sunday with over 14 different languages and dialects spoken by people groups originally from the former Soviet Union, Korea, Japan, China, India, Ethiopia, Mexico and other Latin American countries.
Since its inception in 1988, Integrated Ministries has been instrumental in planting and integrating over 50 congregations into the U.S. Conference; 42 groups are still active members. Over 10,000 people gather in these churches each Sunday and there is significant potential for continued growth.
''We are not just adopting Christians into our conference," says Loyal Funk, U.S. Conference minister and Integrated Ministries director. "New immigrant groups offer a tremendous field for evangelism, both in the U.S. and in the immigrants' countries of origin."
U.S. Conference minister and Integrated Ministries director Loyal Funk says transcultural congregations will become a larger portion of the conference in the coming years. "It is a big challenge."
"Frankly, most of our growth in the Pacific District Conference comes from the work of Integrated Ministries and our hispanic churches," says Roger Poppen, PDC chair and the pastor of Laurelglen Bible Church in Bakersfield.
While the U.S. Conference has enjoyed a dramatic numerical increase thanks to the work of Integrated Ministries, the conference still faces the chal-
Slavic young people sing with members of the Korean praise team during the 1998 U.S. Conference convention in La Mirada, Calif. Roger Poppen, Pacific District Conference chair, says most of the growth in the PDC (which indudes La Mirada) ·comes from the work of Integrated Ministries .•
lenge of truly integrating the transcultural congregations into the denomination.
"No doubt, at the current pace, this will become a larger portion of the conference," says Funk. "It is a very big challenge. "
Just talking with one another can be a hurdle to overcome. ''We are just learning English," says pastor Hang Ku Shim of Joong Ang Korean Church in Los Angeles, Calif. "Communication is very hard."
Much of 1M's work has taken place in the Pacific District, where issues of integration continue to be addressed. The PDC includes California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Utah.
There are practical matters such as the impact on PDC personnel and financial resources, says Poppen. There are also less tangible issues to tackle.
"It is challenging to the PDC, because human nature and historyeven MB history-reveal that we are drawn to people 'oflike kind,'" says Poppen.
"It's the homogeneous principle of church growth at work," he says. "I realize this is the subject of controversy in some circles, but generally speaking, the more heterogeneous the church family becomes, the less likely the prospect of
fellowshipping and working together in unity and harmony. Different people groups view and do things differently. It's not wrong-but it is reality."
Poppen believes the denomination should be excited by these challenges. "Even though the work of Integrated Ministries presents these challenges, the task remains for us to do what we can to evangelize, disciple and assimilate all people of all cultures into the church," says Poppen.
How did the U.S. MB family come to include such a diversity of people groups? It's because MBs have been busy embracing, encouraging, and assisting many people groups, says Funk.
1M was established in 1988 when the U.S. Conference decided to aggressively focus on church planting within and across cultural lines. "At that time, the Board of Evangelism realized that many new immigrant groups were coming to the U.S.," says Funk, "and they wanted to set someone apart to work with these groups." Funk has been the point man for 1M ever since.
Funk sees signs of integration progress as transcultural congregations and leaders are being drawn into the broader MB ministries. Yury Chemyet-
sky, pastor of Slavic Mission MB Church in Seattle, Wash., serves on the PDC Home Mission Board. Transcultural congregations are working with MBMS International and Mennonite Central Committee and there are currently 44 Slavic students attending Fresno Pacific University, an MB school.
"We are also trying to get some 'floor time' at district conventions and some is happening," says Funk. At the recent Pacific District Convention, for example, the Ethiopian Christian Church of San Jose, Calif., led a worship time.
Says Funk, "There are people, such as at Mennonite Brethren Foundation and individual leaders in districts, who are showing support, but it's not soaking down to the roots. I don't think people feel hostility. There just isn't much passion for it."
Nevertheless, transcultural groups as a whole feel accepted in spite of cultural, linguistic and ethnic differences.
"The MBs have been very welcoming," says Chernyetsky. "It was more than we expected. I feel like they are brothers, not just big brothers, but brothers."
Berhanu
Waldemariam, pastor of
INTEGRATED MINISTRIES
Bethel Ethiopian Church in Bellevue, Wash., agrees. "I sense a big, welcoming spirit. We don't see anything which hinders us to participate."
What has prompted these congregations to affiliate with the Mennonite Brethren?
A common confession of faith is one important factor, says Funk.
Chernyetsky says of his congregation, "Our number one purpose for joining the Mennonite Brethren is doctrinal similarities." Chernyetsky says one of those similarities is the area of military issues.
"Without fail," says Funk, "the Slavic groups are pacifists."
Funk adds, "Our less rigid demands on worship styles and our insistence on a basic confession of faith and view of the Scriptures is a comforting stance."
According to Waldemariam, "Since we are an ethnic church, we have our own style of worship. We appreciate that there is no strong push to tell us how to worship. But doctrinally, I have accountability to the Pacific District."
Funk also believes the development of personal relationships with others is attracting transcultural groups. He says finding an "umbrella" relationship
Ethiopian school offers holistic ministry
In 1994, Berhanu Waldemarlam and his wife founded a Christian elementary school in a rural area of Ethiopia.
"It is a very remote area. You must take a horse ride for an hour from the main road," says Waldemariam. "The closest school within walking distance is one and one-half hours. Without our school, most children don't go to school until they are 13 or 14 years old."
The first year 39 students attended. Waldemariam and his congregation, Bethel Ethiopian Church in Seattle, Wash., supported the two teachers.
Since that time, the school has grown to a student population of 500, under the direction of six teachers.
"It's part of a holistic ministry," says Waldemariam. "The school is run by our church, not the government. That way the children are in Bible class each day. They learn songs and Scripture, and then are able to go home and evangelize their family."
A church has also been planted near the school. The area people appreciate the ministry, says Waldemariam.
Waldemariam returns to the area several times each year. He hopes to return in February or March, when they plan to drill a water well.
"It will be hand-pumped water," he says. "We also hope to dig sanitation soon."
Waldemariam is very excited about plans for the school building during the summer months when school is not in session.
"We want to make a school of evangelism for area evangelists and pastors," he says.
Many of the evangelists and pastors in the area have only a first or second grade education, says Waldemariam. Few Bible schools or seminaries exist in Ethiopia. This school of evangelism would provide basic education and preparation to these men for further
ministry.
"They will come Monday evening, have class on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and then go back home to minister in their churches and their families on Friday through Sunday," he says. "Then they will come back Monday again. They will do this for one month."
Visiting U.S. pastors and some Ethiopian pastors will be the instructors.
He hopes in the near future to take individuals who are interested in mission work to Ethiopia for two-to-three week short-term mission trips.
Waldemariam was born in Ethiopia. In 1980, he went to Kenya, where he attended Bible College for 3 years and served as a church planter for an addltiona I2 years. In 1985 he immigrated to the United States. -EW
to a church group that cares and will assist others is important to newcomer people groups.
"People have a need to feel appreciated and wanted," says Funk.
Says Chemyetsky: "Loyal (Funk) was the first to open his heart to our people. At our first meeting, I felt we would work together."
The strong MB emphasis on missions is another reason for affiliation. Often the new people groups have a deep desire to continue to do missions in their country of origin. The network of mission and humanitarian aid services available through the Mennonite Brethren is attractive.
The Slavic congregations have been instrumental in planting over 30 churches in their homeland. (See "Seattle congregation does long-distance church planting," below.) Chemyetsky travels to Russia numerous times each year baptizing new believers and establishing new churches. MBMS International is partnering with these congregations.
Slavic congregations also send "care" packages to the former Soviet Union, where conditions are extremely difficult.
The Korean congregations send
humanitarian aid to Korea, and are networking with Mennonite Central Committee to provide this assistance.
Bethel Ethiopian Church of Bellevue, Wash., supports a Christian elementary school in Ethiopia established by their pastor, Berhanu Waldemariam. (See "Ethiopian school offers holistic ministry," page 21.)
Poppen and Funk agree that the passion demonstrated by these congregations for the Lord and his work is striking. Funk cites several examples.
"The Koreans go to their churches before sunrise, to pray for their work and the evangelism of the world," he says. The Slavic Evangelical Church in Fairview, are., recently baptized 42 adults. A Slavic group in Bellevue, Wash., is reaching out to nonbelievers in the Slavic community who are under the age of 40.
"The Japanese people also feel a real need to get the gospel to their people in America," says Funk. The Japan MB Conference fully supports the U.S. Japanese language congregations in hopes of reaching as many immigrant Japanese as they can.- Ellynne Wiebe
INTEGRATED MINISTRIES
Seattle congregation does long-distance church planting
Yury Chernyetsky, pastor of Slavic Mission MB Church in Seattle, Wash., recently returned from Russia. It was one of several trips he makes each year.
"I go to oversee our ministry there," he says.
Since its beginning in 1991, the Seattle congregation has been instrumental in establishing over 30 churches in Russia.
"This happens through the Lord's grace, mercy, and vision," says Chernyetsky.
Not long ago, a Russian airline added flights from Magadan, Russia, to Seattle, Wash. It just so happened that on one of their trips to Seattle, several crew members visited Slavic Mission Church on a Sunday morning.
"Several of these visitors accepted the Lord," says Chernyetsky, "and invited us to establish the same type of
ministry there in Magadan."
Other opportunities continue to open for Chernyetsky and his ministry in Russia.
Through assistance offered by Integrated Ministries and director Loyal Funk, Chernyetsky has built a television studio in Seattle. Here he records "The Power of the Cross," a program that currently airs in Washington state, California, Canada, and far eastern Russia.
On his latest visit to Moscow, Chernyetsky was able to meet with officials from a national television channel. They agreed to air Chernyetsky's television program on their channel.
"Now this program will be broadcast in 380 cities, reaching 160 million viewers," he says. "As a result of this program, people are miraculously accepting the Lord." -EW
Who are the newcorners7
According to the National Immigration Forum, a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C., they are our grocers, our doctors and our next door neighbors. They are average law-abiding people looking for a better life.
Legal immigrants
• Most immlgrants-about 80 percent-come to the U.S. legally.
• Slightly more than 9 percent of the U.S. population was foreignborn in 1996. By comparison, from 1870 to 1920, the foreign-born population comprised about 15 percent of the population.
• Some 916,000 immigrants arrived in the U.S. in 1996. Of that number, 840,000 entered as lawful permanent residents and another 76,000 entered legally as refugees or others fleeing persecution.
• According to the 1990 census, 6 percent of all foreign-born Americans had entered the country as refugees or people seeking asylum from various kinds of persecution. Most refugees and asylum-seekers go throughthe process to become legal permanent residents as soon as they are eligible.
• of the foreign-born population in 1995 were naturalized dtizens.
Undocumented Immigrants
•Many undocumented Immigrants do not come to the U.S. illegally. Four out of every 10 enter legally with student, tourist, or business visaS-and become "iIIegal" when they stay after their visa expires.
The top 10 countries from which the U.S. received immigrants in 1996:
• Mexico (163,572)
• Philippines (55,876)
• 1ndia (44,859)
• Vietnam (42,067)
• China (41,728)
• The Dominican Republic (39,604)
• Cuba (26,466)
• Ukraine (21,079)
• Russia (19,668)
• Jamaica (19,089)
Statistics provided by Mennonite Central Committee
MISSION USA:
'Responding to the Great Commission and the Great Commandment to build a great community. '
Church renewal is an integral part of the Mission USA vision and mandate. We are desirous to assist churches in commitment to renewal and strategies that help prepare the local church for growth and outreach opportunities.
MISSION ANALYSIS is a self study on church health and effectiveness which enables the church to look at essential elements necessary for growth: Need oriented evangelism, passionate spirituality, holistic small groups, inspiring worship services, loving relationships, empowering leadership, gift oriented ministry and functional structures. Churches may contact Mission USA for information on the survey and the action steps to follow.
TARGET CHURCH is the designation given to churches which partner with Mission USA to resource and encourage growth in outreach/evangelism. The Target Church Program is a partnership between the local church and Mission USA which enables the church to develop the mission and ministry that is unique for them and their area of influence.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT and RESOURCING
Mission USA is cooperating with the districts in resourcing churches through Church Resource Ministries' "Refocusing Your Church" seminars, a two year revitalization process. In year one, pastors and congregational leaders experience personal renewal as they surrender afresh to God's rule in their lives and clarify their personal mission. Year two focuses on strategic planning for the local congregation. Contact Mission USA for information regarding these seminars as well as information on additional programs and available consultants.
Ed Sosehman, Executive Director, Mission USA
20165 N. 67th Ave. Suite 120
Glendale, AZ 85308
Phone: (623) 825-7112 • Fax (623) 825-7135
E-mail: ebmusa@phnx.uswest.net
MISSION USA BOARD:
Ed Boschman, Phoenix, P;z
Chuck Buller, Visalia, CA
Phil Glanzer, New Hope, MN
Joe Johns, Weatherford, OK
Loretta Jost, Aurora, NE
Brad Klassen, Glendale, P;z
Nancy Laverty, Jones, OK
Fred Leonard, Clovis, CA
Stephen Reimer, Shafter, CA
Randy Steinert, Bakersfield, CA
Tim Sullivan, Hillsboro, KS
Gary Wall, Lodi, CA
Ex Officio Members:
Henry Dick, Fresno, CA
Clinton Grenz, Bismark, N.D.
Bruce Porter, Fresno, CA
Roland Reimer, Wichita, KS
Clint Seibel, Hillsboro, KS
Jim Westgate, Fresno, CA
Year of genesis and change for MBs
• The Leader picks its top 10 news stories of 1999
Wt,ve already celebrated the beginning of a new year-the birth of a new millenniumbut the old year deserves one last look before we move on. As years go, 1999 struck the Leader editors as a "genesis year." During the last 12 months, U.S. Mennonite Brethren have initiated an astounding number of new ventures. While the immediate wallop of these events is minor, their potential impact is significant.
1MetroNet
2005 unveiled. Some would say planting 20 new Mennonite Brethren congregations in urban centers across the United States in five years is just another pie-in-the-sky dream. Maybe, but Mission USA executive director Ed Boschman and other conference leaders agree that anything is possible with God. According to Boschman's calculations, MetroNet 2005 could add as many as 10,000 people to the denomination. With growth like that, the face of our denomination could look a lot different in five years.
2 Integration no easy task. The U.S. Conference is already experiencing the birth pangs of integrating newcomers into the denomination. Just ask leaders in the Pacific District Conference, the largest and fastest growing of the five regional conferences. The PDC is enjoying growth on two fronts-successful church planting ventures as well as the integration of entire ethnic congregations. With as many non-English language congregations numbering 400 members or more as English-speaking congregations of the same size, the PDC is searching for the best way to assimilate both immigrant and suburban Anglo congregations into the denomination.
Representatives and delegates from Canada and the U.S. gathered in Wichita, Kan., July 1999, where they decided to dissolve the General Conference and divest its ministries.
3
Divestiture brings more ministries into the fold. Growth is also coming to the U.S. Conference in the form of ministry responsibilities, thanks to the decision of General Conference delegates in July to dissolve the bi-national conference. Plans for how best to divest the ministries of the General Conference Board of Faith and Life were drafted in November (see page 26) and involve creating a U.S. Conference board of faith and life. Representatives of the Canadian and U.S. Conferences, the General Conference executive committee and the Board of Trustees will next determine how to transfer MBMS International (2000), Board of Resource Ministries (2001) and MB Biblical Seminary (2002) to national conferences.
4
More staff and more funds. Growth in membership and ministries means the conference will need to see a growth in income. The need to generate funds and coordinate its growing ministries prompted U.S. Conference leaders to announce plans to double the number of its full-time staff members in 2000. But don't get too worked up about the enormous size of the denominational staff. Of the six people currently on the payroll, only twothe Mission USA executive director and the Leader editor-are full-time employees. Additional staff will include a fulltime MUSA fund-raiser and a national conference executive director. These new staff members will be calling on U.S. Mennonite Brethren to put our money where our dreams are.
5
New confession approved. We MBs may be confessing a "new" faith, but we are doing so warmly, having fully embraced the revised Confession of Faith this summer at the General Conference convention. After reading through all 13 of the 18 articles, delegates to the convention in Wichita, Kan., responded with an enthusiastic standing ovation not only for what was confessed but also for the hard work of the Board of Faith and Life. The Confession of Faith has also proven to be something of a denominational best-seller. In less than a month, 14,890 Confession of Faith booklets were sold by Kindred Productions. A third printing is in the works.
Western University welcomes MBBS into the AOS Seminaries consortium.
6ChangeS in higher education. This past year, MB Biblical Seminary took its first steps toward offering a decentralized, regionally driven educational model. In October, MBBS became a partner in the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) consortium in Langley, B.C. Winnipeg, Man., is slated as the site of a second Canadian center. On the Fresno, Calif., campus Mark Baker
Trinity
has begun teaching theology, missions and ethics and Nzash Lumeya of Kinshasa, Congo, will arrive next school year as associate professor of missions. Joining these new faces in denominational higher education is Larry Nikkel who agreed last winter to make his work as interim president of Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., a permanent assignment.
71ndia celebrates centennial. The Conference of the MB Church in India hosted a celebration in October in recognition of the ministry of North American MBs in planting the church in India 100 years ago. Today the India Conference is the second largest worldwide and is actively involved in reaching others in their COlmtry for Christ. In spite of ongoing disunity among denominationalleaders, the MB church in India continues to grow.
Members from 16 of the 17 national MB conferences met in Buhler, Kan., July 1999.
81COMB consultation a success.
This summer 175 Mennonite Brethren leaders from 16 national conferences met together in Buhler, Kan., for the International Committee of Mennonite Brethren global consultation. One hope for the four-<lay event was that a new level of cooperation would emerge as the spiritual offspring of earlier mission endeavors joined with Canadian and U.S. leaders in charting a course for the future. In spite of the language barriers, differing theological positions and a variety of economic realities, significant steps were taken toward international cooperation. One was the composition of the new ICOMB executive committee. For the first time since it was organized, the ICOMB executive committee does not include two North Americans nor is English the common language.
9March 1998.
Estes '99. If it's true that the future of a denomination depends on the youth, Mennonite Brethren can breathe easy knowing that our young people are committed to others, to prayer and to making a difference for Christ. At least that's the word from two nationally known youth speakers, DeForest "Buster" Soaries and Lori Salierno. They were the keynote speakers at the national MB youth convention held in March at Estes Park, Colo. Hundreds of students responded to invitations of commitment given by Soaries, Salierno and singer Rebecca St. James. Estes '99 drew 1,796 high school students and sponsors.
1OSChOOI
shootings affect MBs. The commitment of many Christian teenagers was both shaken and grounded more firmly by the shooting incident in mid-April at Columbine High School located in Littleton, Colo. Many in the Belleview Acres Church congregation were familiar with the school and the 12 students and one teacher who were shot by the two teenagers, who then killed themselves. Among the dead was Cassie Bernall who is said to have answered yes when the two killers asked if she believed in God. Bernall's statement has spawned a renewal of sorts among young people and a commitment on their part to also "Say Yes." Survivors of the shooting are also carrying forward the call for commitment. Kim Fox, who was a sophomore last year at Columbine, was recently the special speaker at a community youth rally sponsored by Fairview (Okla.) MB Church. If 1999 is remembered as a year of new beginnings, may God use these events to help us say yes to his leading for us individually and corporately.
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MB youth from across the U.S. gathered in Estes, Colo•• in
BFL responsibilities assigned to national conferences
• First North American conference ministry transfer to national conferences worked out.
The Canadian and U.S. conferences should be responsible for faith and life issues in their own countries, say General Conference, U.S. and Canadian officials.
General Conference executive committee members and representatives from the U.S. and Canadian national conference and General Conference Board of Faith and Life voted to transfer responsibility of faith and life issues to the national conferences at a meeting Oct. 22-23 in Fresno, Calif. They released a memorandum of understanding following the meeting.
Last summer, delegates to the General Conference convention in Wichita, Kan., voted to dissolve the North American conference and transfer its ministries to the Canadian and U.S. BFL, which oversees the North American MB confession of faith and handles matters of faith and life in both countries, was the first ministry slated for transfer.
In addition to voting to transfer responsibility of faith and life issues to the national conferences, the representatives also unanimously accepted five statements which will be recommended to the two national conferences at their conventions in July 2000.
Confession of Faith
• Name Change. The confession will be changed from Confession of Faith of the General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches to Confession of Faith of the United States and Canadian Conferences of the Mennonite Brethren Churches.
• New amending process. Historically, the confession was lodged with the General Conference BFL. Any amendments went through that committee.
The memorandum recommends that if a national conference identifies an issue that may justify an amendment to the confession, the national BFL examines it. If further consideration is war-
ranted, a binational committee will become involved.
This binational committee will prepare a draft of the proposed amendment and either call a binational study conference, send it for discussion at the national, provincial or church levels and/or publish it in the denominational media with invitation for comment, etc. The proposed change will also be submitted to other national MB conferences for review and comment.
When the proposed amendment has been fully processed, it will be submitted for approval to each of the national conferences at their biennial conventions. A two-thirds majority of the delegates voting at each of the national conventions will be required for the amendment to pass. If the proposed amendment is significant or of considerable debate, a binational confessional convention will be called. If the proposed amendment is rejected, it will be referred back to the binational committee for appropriate action.
As the International Committee of Mennonite Brethren develops and emerges as the new "General Conference," the memorandum encourages the two national conferences to actively pursue the possibility of creating an international confession of faith.
North American boards
• National boards. The memorandum encourages the two national conferences to create boards of faith and life to deal with issues that arise within their congregations. These boards are free to organize study conferences to address national issues, but encouraged to consult with each other through the binational committee and form binational study conferences if needed.
Canada already has a BFL, but the U.S. will need to form a new board.
"The U.S. has considered the General Conference BFL as the primary BFL," says U.S. Conference chair, David Reimer. "The Board of Church Ministries has served as a BFL in instances where it seemed more appropriate to handle things at the U.S. level."
Reimer says that BCM has not yet officially processed the decision to form
national boards. "BCM will be reviewing this matter at our March meetings, and I anticipate that we will recommend the creation of a national BFL to the delegates at the U.S. convention in July."
Reimer noted this will take place following discussions and voting on the decision by delegates of the General Conference last summer to dissolve the North American conference.
• Binational Structure. The memorandum recommends that a binational committee be created with equal representation from both countries. The committee would process and lead in amending the confession and call study conferences when warranted.
New pastors' orientation, eredentialing
• Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary will facilitate, organize and host the March 2000 new pastors' orientation in consultation with the General Conference BFL. After the July 2000 national conventions, the responsibility for this orientation will rest with the national BFLs. At the same time, MBBS will host and facilitate continued joint orientations if desired by both national conferences.
At the Wichita '99 convention, the delegation passed a resolution that all pastors new to the North American MB churches who wish to have their credentials recognized by the denomination must take courses in MB history, theology and polity. MBBS agreed to assume responsibility for developing these courses and a strategy for their implementation.
Finishing up business
• Translation of the confession will become the responsibility of the respective national conferences in which the language group primarily exists-for example, French and Chinese in Canada and Slavic and Spanish in the U.S. A proposed study conference on spiritual warfare will be the responsibility of the national conference executives until the bi-national committee is in place.
Final celebration, July 2002
The General Conference, U.S. and Canadian conference executive committees will plan the final thanksgiving celebration for God's goodness and faithfulness in leading the MB Church over the past 102 years. -General Conference press release and Carmen Andres
7th Annual Restorative Justice Conference IN BRIEF
APOLOOY, PARDON a FORGIVENESS
Featured Speakers
David Augsburger, FUller, l Lawrence Hart, Cheyenne Peace
Theological seminary Chief and Former Pastor
"Apology and Hate: Antidote for Animosity"
M"Learning &Inculcating Forgiveness From
"Mea Culpa: The Psychology of Apology" Cheyenne Peace Chiefs"
"Cross Cultural Apology: Honor,Dignity,lntegrity" "The Cheyenne Way of Restorative Justice" Lisa Rea, Sycamore Tree Project, fllso: Panels Ii Workshops J Prison Fellowship International "Restorative Justice in Prison"
HOST: Grulla MB Church of La Grulla, Texas, will host the 18th annual Mennonite Central Committee Central States meeting Feb. 26. The public is invited to the evening program on the theme, "Peacemakers." The Central States office is one of four regional offices of MCC U.S. and serves 16 states. MCC is the relief, service and development agency of North American Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches. (MCC)
TRANSLATED: Tabor College professor of history and religion Richard Kyle will have his book, The Last Days are Here Again translated into Korean. The Korean Christian Literature Crusade will release the book, which was released in the U.S. by Baker Books. Earlier Kyle's book was published in the United Kingdom by InterVarsity Press under the title of Awaiting the Millennium: A History of End Time Thinking. (TC)
DIED: Lorina Marsch, who was in the middle of a term of service along with her husband Roland with MBMS International in Dresden, Germany, died of a brain tumor Nov. 7 in Winnipeg, Man. Before joining MBMSI, Marsch served for eight years as editor of Mennonitische Rundschau, the longest existing Mennonite periodical in the world. The Rundschau is published by the Canadian MB Conference and is read by German speakers In Paraguay, Germany, Brazil and Russia. The Marsches served the Neuwied MB Church in Germany as pastoral couple for 12 years and also the North Kildonan MB Church in Winnipeg.
SERVICE: A group of Tabor College students have deClicated themselves to doing "random acts of senseless kindness (RASK) in the Hillsboro community during the 1999-2000 school year. Most recently, that meant raking leaves; shoveling snow is another service- project on the agenda for this winter. The Mission Advance Leadership Team (MALT), which is responsible for planning the annual missions emphasis week, organizes the RASK events. "MALT's aim this year is to get out into the community and make opportunities for Tabor students to serve the people of Hillsboro," says Brian Goentzel, a MALT member from Wichita, Kan. (TC)
MBMSI appoints members of Team 2000
• Six young adults commit to 10 year mission effort
MBMS International has appointed Andy and Carmen Owen, Ricky Sanchez and Karen Huebert Sanchez, and David and Louise Sinclair-Peters as the first members of Team 2000, a new and unique missionary team. An additional member may be added in spring of 2000.
"We've never before had the opportunity to send a team of people with a similar long-term commitment," says Dave Dyck, acting MBMSI general director. "We believe that the potential for sustained impact in their service setting is significant. Furthermore, this team will help us fulfill our goal of ministering to unreached people in Asia."
The missionaries share many common characteristics. They are all under age 35; they have a variety of gifts; they are alumni of Youth Mission International; and most are graduates of MB Biblical Seminary.
Team 2000 grew out of the desire of a group of young adults to serve together for at least 10 years among an ethnic group that has no exposure to the Gospel message, no access to the Bible and no Christian neighbors. The group approached MBMSI in early 1998.
"We proposed the idea of a team of missionaries based on the experiences we had with YMI and YWAM," says team member Andy Owen. "We saw the effectiveness and positive experience of team mission-using a variety of gifts and not feeling like you're a lone ranger.
"To make an impact long-term requires learning the language and the culture, and raising up leaders," says Owen. "Those aren't things that happen in a one or two year term."
The team will officially come together in May 2000, and spend six months in team building, cross-cultural ministry training and church visitation.
"There are numerous challenges and risks that come with this kind of venture," says personnel director Ron Penner. "We want to make sure these people have the proper training and sup-
Team 2000 members include (from left) Andy and Carmen Owen, David and Louise Sinclair-Peters, and Karen HuebertSanchez and Ricky Sanchez.
port ahead of time."
A particular challenge is developing a strong sense of teamwork prior to overseas placement, so that conflict between team members is minimized.
''We're very aware, and history has proven, that the mission field is a difficult environment in which to work as a closely-knit team," says Penner. "Because this group of missionaries is forming ahead of time here in North America, we have a unique opportunity to structure the team-building process before they head overseas."
Penner says the team members will have different gifts and roles. "This will hopefully help us avoid some of the problems that can occur when team members face conflict over different approaches to shared tasks," says Penner.
In November, MBMSI staff and several of the Team 2000 missionaries traveled to Thailand to research suitable target regions and ethnic groups.
"Many people groups have been neglected in the past because they were perceived to be resistant," says Dyck. "It takes a great amount of creativity, commitment, and courage to enter these areas of the world and reach people with the Gospel message. We believe a multidisciplinary team is the best approach to this type of mission work."
MBMSI leaders anticipate that Team 2000 will consist not only of the missionaries, but also a group of 2000 North American supporters dedicated to ongoing prayer, financial support and communication with the team. Part of the team's responsibilities prior to their January 2001 departure is to build up that support group as they visit churches across Canada and the U.S.
"Sending a team of five to seven people is a huge financial challenge, and we intend this to be funded beyond our current budget," says Dyck. ''We're looking to the constituency to come alongside as part of Team 2000, through ongoing financial support."
Penner says that financial support is not the only important element of involvement of the supporters. ''We are looking at Team 2000 as a test case of new ways to develop church involvement in cross-cultural mission," he says. "Our goal is to build direct relationships between supporters and missionaries, using teamto-supporter contact alongside technology such as video and the Internet."
The agency is looking to younger adults in particular for ongoing support and relationship for the missionaries.
''We have many older church members who have been strong supporters of mission for many years," Dyck says. ''We are looking to draw in younger adults who perhaps don't see themselves as being involved in mission. We're presenting a challenge to them-to get involved in something that's risky, something that will require long-term commitment."
Team members will be instrumental in developing new methods to involve their supporters. A team member will be responsible for communication media such as frequent video updates, an interactive Web site, and other tools for building relationships.
MBMSI is the cross-cultural mission agency of North American MB churches. Youth Mission International offers mission experience and discipleship training to MB youth from high school through college age.-Brad Thiessen, MBMSI media and communications director
Vogt's legacy is a love of history and words
• Prolific award-winning MB author wrote columns, juvenile fiction
Mennonite Brethren author
Esther Loewen Vogt made good use of her gift for storytelling right up until her death last month at the age of 84.
"A fire burned inside Esther," says Don Ratzlaff, former editor of the Leader, "a fire for writing and for telling stories. And it burned more intensely within her than in almost anyone else I know in the writing field. No doubt she was thinking through story plots to the very end."
From 1956 unti11980, each issue of the Leader carried one ofVogt's chilo dren's stories. In 36 years of writing "The Junior Leader" column, Vogt never once repeated a story.
Vogt was a relative late bloomer in the publishing field. She had her first book accepted for publication when she was 50 years old. At the time of her death, two dozen more had reached print, making her the most prolific MB fiction writer.
"If you've written one book, it's like salted peanuts," she told the Leader in a 1995 profile. "You have to have another."
The majority of her books were in the genre of juvenile fiction. Most were cast in a historical Kansas setting, many contained a romance and all featured Christian main characters.
Among her most popular works was a trilogy of children's novels about Mennonites settling in Marion County, Kan., during the 1870s. The first installment, called Turkey Red, won the David C. Cook Juvenile Book Contest in 1975. The sequels, Harvest Gold and Purple Prairie, have been recommended by the Kansas Reading Circle as good sources of Kansas history.
"She did a real service for people in this area by giving them some background about the developments that came through hardship," says Paul Friesen, who taught literature for many years at Tabor College. Friesen included some ofVogt's books on a reading list for students in his Introduction to Literature class.
"She was very realistic in presenting the people of this area of the country," he says.
Though her books were historically accurate, they also were usually tempered with a positive and even moralistic message.
''You always knew everything was going to come out OK," says Friesen. "If somebody got lost, you knew he was going to be found shortly. If someone was ill, or if there was a big problem, it would be solved and usually it would not take more than a couple of chapters. She just didn't want her readers to worry."
Vogt may have been small in stature, unassuming and sometimes even frumpy-but her peers respected her. Her writing has been compared by some to the works ofI.aura Ingalls Wilder, Bess Streeter Aldrich and Willa Cather. Her book Splendid Vista (Herald Press) which relates the story of the pacifist German Baptist Brethren living in a Dunkard settlement when a Civil War battle was fought in their community, won the 1990 Silver Angel Award for Religion in Media.
The Enchanted Prairie (Horizon House) won the J. Donald Coffin Memorial Book Award from the Kansas Authors' Club in 1992.
Vogt considered her talent and love for writing a call from God.
"It seemed to me the Lord just grabbed me by the neck and set me up straight in my chair and said, 'You'd better get busy and use your talent or you'll lose it, '" said Vogt of her call from God in the early 1950s. "I simply said, 'OK Lord, I will if you provide the opportunities.'
"To me, writing is my call," Vogt said, "entertainment with a message. The Lord has given me this gift and I want to use it for him."
Given the stack of books that bear her name, one can imagine hearing the Lord saying to Vogt, "Well done, good and faithful servant." -Connie Faber with The Free Press of Hillsboro, Kan.
Baptism/membership
BAKERSRELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)-Stephen Hancock, Rebecca Hancock, Melissa Miller, Stephenie Ellis, Jalene Ellis, Kellie Meiners, Rebekah Haas, Sarah Hoffman, David Greenfield, John Greenfield, Leisel Bogan, Lindsey Bogan, and Liam Bogan were baptized Nov. 29. John and Carrie Balfanz, Greg and Bette Bell, Linda Brenner, Monica Cortez, Matt and Sandy Davis, John and Phillis Findley, Rich and Denise Guthrie, Yvonne Jacobsen, Frank and Pat Jones, Suzanne Meyer, Larry Michaels, Connie Parker, John and Sandy Penrose, Suzie Rooke, Jim and Kathy Saiki, Robert Scales, Alan and Lynn Schultz, Elizabeth Tieszen, Chris Thornton, Mark and Dee Turk, and Judy Wasden were also received into membership Nov. 20. Chris Addis, Jeff and Stacey Christiansen, David and Marie Hoffman, Chuck and Beverly Johnson, and Kenneth Weldin were baptized Oct. 23 and 24, and received into membership Nov. 20.
NEWTON, Kan.-Craig and Noelle Dickinson, Richard Kliewer, Shawn Wiebe, and Ed and Judy Wolfe were received into membership Nov. 28. Marian Heidner, Dave and Patsy Person, Arlene Jordan, and Marie Loepp were received into membership Nov. 21.
SHAFTER, Calif.-Peter Franz, Allison Penner, Becky Haley, and Donna Nickel were baptized and received into membership Nov. 14. Mark Haley was also received into membership.
MOUNTAIN LAKE, Minn.-Henry and Gert Vonk were welcomed as new members Nov. 14.
DINUBA, Calit.-John and Lori George were received into membership Nov. 7.
GRULLA, Tex.-Carlos and Becky Martinez, Juana Guerra, Elena Guzman, Samuel Barrera, and Arturo Garcia were baptized and received into membership Oct. 31.
CAPITOLA, Calif. (Shorelite Community)-Ken Radliff, Steven Conely, Jesse dePuglia, Christopher Thompson, Keith Huffman, Keith Wigley, Joanne Sprenkel, Tim Peltzer, Bev Peltzer, Ed Peltzer, Ashley Derrick, Gina Cavuoto-Miller, Phil dePuglia, and Billy Peltzer have been baptized. Keith Wigley was received into membership Nov. 14. Rob Brough, Shari Brough, Kent Cruz, Kimie Gamma, Tonya Huffman, and Karen McReynolds were received into membership April 18. Christina Cree, Jacqueline dePuglia, Jaime Derrick, Lynn Derrick, Gina Cavuoto-Miller, Bob Spisak, Bari Miller, Jerry Miller, Jennifer Schadel, Joanne Sprenkel, Keith Sprenkel, and Tisha Vogt were welcomed into membership Jan 24. Steve Conely, Doris Correll, James LaBrie, Bev Peltzer, Marie Powell, Doreen Rodrian, Thomas Rodrian, and Karen Thompson were received into membership July 30, 1998. Anna Barker, Linda Barker, Steve Barker, Dave Cree, Ruth Cutshaw, Brian Griffin, Chad Huckaba, Richard Kerwin, Drew Lewis, Henry Thomas, Susie Thomas, Mark Thompson, Bill Willis, and Judy Willis were received into membership June 14, 1998.
Celebration
fRESNO, Calif. (North Fresno)-A Thanksgiving Festival and 30th Anniversary Celebration was
held Nov. 21. Marvin Hein, a former pastor, spoke at the service following the meal.
OLATHE, Kan. (Community Bible)-The congregation celebrated the burning of their mortgage with a Thanksgiving meal following the worship service Nov. 21.
GRULLA, Tex.-In celebration of Pastor's Appreciation Day, a banquet was held Oct. 16 to honor pastor David Loyola and his wife, NeiL
Fellowship
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen Bible)-Duopianists Mel and Holden Bowker gave a concert Nov 7. The concert was a family-oriented program featuring a blend of keyboard artistry, humor, singing, and worship.
HESSTON, Kan.-The women's fall retreat was held Nov. 12-13 at Morning Start Ranch near Florence, Kan. Julane Hiebert was the guest speaker.
Ministry
WICHITA, Kan. (First)-A men's retreat is scheduled for March 3-4. Rod Cooper, professor at Denver Theological Seminary and national Promise Keepers Conference speaker, will speak on this year's theme of "Taking A Stand."
BUHLER, Kan.-A four-month trial period of two morning worship services began in January.
DRAPER, Utah (South Mountain)-The congregation joined with two other evangelical congregations to present a Christmas concert in the Draper city auditorium.
FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News Fellowship)-A "Praise Nite" was held Dec. 6 which included contemporary worship music, personal testimonies and an evangelistic message. Refreshments were served following the service.
HIWBORO, Kan. (Ebenfelcl)-Joe and Jan Waiter shared in the morning service Nov. 21, of their work with Mennonite Central Committee in Central America to assist in rebuilding following Hurricane Mitch.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)-A commissioning service for Stephen Ministers was held Nov. 21. Volunteers for this ministry include Homer Brown, Linda Fannon, Ramona Ferdon, Bonita Ford, Anne Frapwell, Faye Fulwyler, Anita Hapken, Chris McCormick, Leo McCormick, Karen McDuff, Virginia McGauhey, Fern Mesa, Alan Penman, Yvonne Powers, Diane Price, Doug Ray, Patty Ross, Tom Ross, Debra Shelton, Barbara Shipman, Debby Stockton, MaryLou White, and leaders Steve Rowlee and Connie Schmidt.
PHOENIX, Ariz. (Spirit in the Desert)-A Saturday evening worship service began Nov. 13. Following the service refreshments were served.
fRESNO, Calif.,.....HISP, a ministry of Pacific District Conference Home Missions, recently introduced WHISP, Widows in Hospitality to International Students Program. Widows and singles will meet people from other countries and minister to them by providing meals, hosting, entertaining, and transporting students.
LA GRULLA, Tex.-The congregation held an
outreach rally Oct. 23-24. Thirteen people received Christ and six rededicated their lives to Christ.
Proclamation
HENDERSON, Neb.-Special speaker Pierre Gilbert brought the message entitled "Encountering Jesus as Lord" Nov. 21. Gilbert works with MB Biblical Seminary in Manitoba.
BAKERSRELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)- Clive Calver, president of World Relief, spoke on "Market of Hope" Nov. 14.
fRESNO, Calif. (North Fresno)--Delores Friesen, profescor at MB Biblical Seminary, spoke on children, conflict, and community Nov. 7 in a continued emphasis on "Building Strong Families in an Age of Chaos." Friesen began a Sunday School elective on this same theme.
CORN, Olda.-Dr. Herb Friesen shared in the morning and evening services Nov. 7, the first Sunday of Missions Month.
Workers
LITTLETON, Colo. (BeIlevi_ Aaem)-An installation service was held Dec. 5 for Daniel Moore, pastor of worship and youth ministries. A catered noon meal followed the service.
FREEMAN, S.D.(Silver Lake)-A church family dinner was held Nov. 7 to welcome pastoral couple Will and Bonnie Fadenrecht. Following the dinner an installation service took place with special guests Ron and Kathy Siebel, Clint and Carol Grenz, Tony and Mary Ann Randall.
FRESNO, Calif. (Bethany)-Senior pastor Sam Freshwater has resigned.
Youth
OLATHE, Kan.(Community Bible)-The CBC senior high youth group hosted a "Kids Day Out" Dec. 11, to say thank you to the church for their support.
MADERA, Calif. (Madera Avenue Bible)-The morning worship service Nov. 14 consisted of the youth sharing their talents through songs, skits, and testimonies.
OMARRON, Kan. (Valleyvi_)-Funeral services for Olessia Mihailova, a 16 year old Russian exchange student. were held Nov. 4. She died following a horse riding accident. Pastor Stuart Pederson officiated.
Deaths
IIALZER, WALTER, Dinuba, Calif., a member of Dinuba MB Church, was born Aug. 8, 1924, to Bernhardt and Anna Balzer at Hillsboro, Kan., and died Oct. 22, 1999, at the age of 75. On Mar. 12, 1954, he was married to Tiena Dyck, who survives. He is survived by two sons, Lorin of Kingsburg, Calif., and Jerold of San Francisco, Calif.; two daughters, Karen and husband Kelvin Stehr of Langley, B.C., and Jolene and husband John Schroeter of Colorado Springs, Colo.; two brothers, Alvin and Sam; four sisters, Leanna Balzer, Esther Remple, Martha Thiesen and Frieda Regier,
and six grandchildren.
BOESE, HENRY WALTER, Corn, Okla., a member of Corn MB Church, was born Sept. 4, 1918, to Andrew L. and TIna Jest Boese near Lehigh, Kan., and died Nov. 10, 1999, at the age of 81. On Sept. 15, 1950, he was married to Alvina Fast, who survives. He is also survived by one son, Paul and wife Patricia of Winchester, Va.; one daughter, Lawanna and husband Dennis Schmidt of Com, Okla., six grandchildren and one great grandchild.
CASAVANT. RICHARD EDMOND, Bakersfield, Calif., a member of Laurelglen Bible Church, Bakersfield, was born sept. 29, 1934, at Los Angeles. Calif., and died Oct. 23, 1999, at the age of 65. On April 24, 1954, he was married to Lynn, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Steve and Scott.
CORNELSEN. HERMAN W., Bakersfield, Calif., a member of Heritage Bible Church, Bakersfield, was born Feb. 21, 1920, to Peter and Mary Cornelsen at Tumhill, Sask., and died Aug. 28, 1999, at the age of 79. He was married to Sally, who survives. He is also survived by one son, Dennis; two daughters, Judy and husband Bob Wert, Eileen and husband Don Vignaroli; two sisters, Verena Golick and Doris Unruh; one stepbrother, Harry Eitzen, and three grandchildren.
DALKE, MARTHA THIESSEN STUCKY, Hillsboro, Kan., a member of Hillsboro MB Church, was born April 23, 1905, to Cornelius and Helena Unruh Thiessen at Inman, Kan., and died Nov. 9, 1999, at the age of 94. In 1950, she was married to Paul Stucky, who predeceased her in 1961. On Jan. 16, 1965, she was married to Ben Dalke, who predeceased her in 1987. She is survived by two sons, Paul Stucky of Bull Head City, Ariz., and Richard Stucky of Shawnee, Kan.; five daughters, Ruby Christensen of Wichita, Kan., Anne Schroeder of American Falls, Idaho, Kathryn Caffrey of Charleston. S.c., Beth Schroeder of Wichita and Delores Strosnider of Georgetown, Tex.; one sister, Elizabeth Ann Ringering of Hillsboro; 24 grandchildren, and many great grandchildren.
HARMS. MARTHA JANE PETERS, Dinuba, Calif., a member of Dinuba MB Church, was born Dec. 4, 1920, to lE. and Anna Peters at Inman, Kan., and died Aug. 6. 1999, at the age of 78. On Dec. 15, 1940, she was married to Henry Harms, who survives. She is alsosurvived by two daughters, Jean and husband Chuck F. Boldwyn of Dinuba, and Linda and husband Bob Bereman of Tehachapi, Calif.; four sisters, Elizabeth Reimer of California, Anne Kroeker, Hilda Thiessen, and Margie Johnson, all of Kansas; and five grandchildren.
HEINRICHS. EUZABETH KLASSEN, Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was born Jan. 8, 1908, to Henry H. and Katherina Fast Klassen at Alexanderfeld, South Russia, and died Nov. 4, 1999, at the age of 91. On Dec. 31, 1933, she was married to Reuben B. Heinrichs, who predeceased her in 1975. She is survived by two sons, Dan of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Paul and wife Carolyn of Reedley; one daughter, Janet Harader of Hanford, Calif.; three sisters, Susie Krause, Marie and husband Frank Wiens, Helen and husband Walter Krause; and eight grandchildren.
HODEL. SUSAN KLIEWER, Hillsboro, Kan., a member of Hillsboro MB Church, was born May 13, 1913, to Johann and Julianna Penner Kliewer
near Lehigh. Kan., and died Nov. 28. 1999, at the age of 86. On June 30, 1934, she was married to Jacob F. Hodel, who survives. She is also survived by two sons, Dwight and wife Adrienne of DeSoto, Tex., Richard and wife Beverly of Grapevine, Tex.; one daughter, Nelda and husband Mike Regier of Hampton, Neb.; two brothers, Vernon Kliewer of Tucson, Ariz., and Norman Kliewer of Grainfield, Kan., eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
HIRST. WILLARD ARTHUR, Bakersfield, Calif.• a member of Laurelglen Bible Church. was born Oct. 6, 1915, to Arthur and Freda Hirst at San Francisco, Calif., and died Nov. 16, 1999, at the age of 84. He was married to Amanda, who survives. He is also survived by three sons, Paul and wife Shirley of Stockton, Calif., Willard Jr. and wife Jenny of Salinas, Calif., and Brian and wife Marcia of Bakersfield; one sister, Aileen Boyd of Bakersfield, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
KLAASSEN. ERMA REDDIG. Hillsboro, Kan., a member of Hillsboro MB Church, was born May 16. 1921, to Jacob and Elizabeth Prieb Reddig near Inola, Okla., and died Oct. 31, 1999, at the age of 78. On Dec. 4, 1945, she was married to Albert Klaassen, who predeceased her in 1952. She is survived by many nieces and nephews and other extended family.
KUNKEl., MARIE FAST RAnLAFF, Freeman, S.D., a member of Silver Lake MB Church, Freeman, was born April 30, 1906, to Abraham and Susanna Dirks Fast near Freeman, and died Nov. 7, 1999, at the age of 93. On Sept. 6, 1928, she was married to John J. Ratzlaff, who predeceased her in 1934. On Feb. 25. 1945, she was married to Gustav L. Kunkel, who predeceased her in 1965. She is survived by two sons, Eldred Kunkel and wife Evelyn of San Jose, Calif., and Arlo Kunkel and wife Miriam of Williamsburg, Va.; one daughter Janice and husband Fred Halva of Denver, Colo., 15 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.
MCNABB. ANDREA, Bakersfield. Calif., of Laurelglen Bible Church, Bakersfield, was born Jan. 16, 1964, at Bakersfield, Calif., and died from leukemia Nov. 16, 1999, at the age of 35. She was married to Lewis. who survives. She is survived by two sons, Jacob and Dylan of the home; her parents, Mervin and Elaine Neufeld of Shafter, Calif.; her in-laws. Leonard and Jeanie McNabb; and one brother, Scott Neufeld.
NEUFELD. JAKE, Corn, Okla., a member. of Corn MB Church, was born Jan. 4, 1912, to John and Elizabeth DeFehr Neufeld near Corn and died Nov. 19, 1999, at the age of 87. In 1939, he was married to Kathryn Peters, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, J. Averrell of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Daniel of Denver, Colo.; one daughter, Dianna and husband Mark Franz of Fresno, Calif.; four sisters, Bertha and husband Pete Gatzke of Earlsboro, Okla., Matilda Sawatzky of Clinton, Ok la, Mary and husband Manuel Flaming of Fairview, Okla, and Minnie Miller of Weatherford, Okla., and four grandchildren.
NEUFELD, WlWAM, Fresno, Calif., a member of Bethany MB Church, Fresno, was born Oct. 15, 1918, at Drake, Sask., and died Nov. 29, 1999, at the age of 81. He married Elvira, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Lowell and Roger,
and five grandchildren.
OSTROVSKl, FRANK, Bakersfield, Calif., of Laurelglen Bible Church, Bakersfield, was born Oct. 4, 1935, to Gordon and Ruby Ostrovski at Shafter, Calif., and died Nov. 22, 1999, at the age of 64. He was married to Leanne, who survives. He is also survived by three sons, Michael and wife Cheryl, Brett, and Brian and wife Debi; two daughters, Lisa and husband Mark Thacker, and Amy Ostrovski; one sister, Mary Brigham, and seven grandchildren.
PETERS. ABE, Corn, Okla., a member of Corn MB Church, was born Apr. 19, 1918, to David C. and Lena Bartel Peters at Corn, and died Nov. 29, 1999, at the age of 80. On June 8, 1967, he was married to Theresa Gomez, who survives. He is survived by three sons, David and Victor of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Robert of the home; two daughters, Adina of Oklahoma City, and Daniella of the home; two brothers, Henry of Corn, and Don and wife Frieda of Stillwater, Okla.; three sisters, Kathryn Neufeld of Com, Adina Martens of Fairview, Okla., and Mayra Peters of Pharr, Tex.
RIFFEL. MARIE, Reedley. Calif., of Dinuba MB Church, was born Feb. 21, 1909, to Jacob and Molly Wolf Maier in Russia and died recently. In 1931, she was married to Alex Riffel, who predeceased her in 1996. She is survived by one son, Richard of Irvine, Calif., two daughters. Marian Riffel of Long Beach, Calif., andDarlene Winters of Wheatland, Calif.; two brothers, Alex Maier of Vacaville, Calif., and John Maier of Fresno, Calif.; one sister, Molly Gillanders of White Salmon, Wash.; four grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
SUDERMAN. LOIS MARGARET. Delft,Minn., a member of Carson MB Church, was born Mar. 24, 1930, to Isaac and Nettie Friesen Wiens at Mountain Lake, Minn., and died Nov. 5, 1999, at the age of 69. On Jan. 26, 1952, she was married to Jean Suderman, who survives. She is also survived by one son, Dwight and wife Danielle of Moundridge, Kan.; two daughters, Elaine and husband Eric Goedde of Valley Center, Kan., and LaVonne and husband Joe Blowers of Portland, Ore.; and eight grandchildren.
VOGT. ESTHER LOEWEN. Hillsboro, Kan., a member of Hillsboro MB Church, was born Nov. 19, 1915, to Henry and Agnes Penner Loewen near Collinsville, Okla., and died Dec. 3, 1999, at the age of 84. On May 24, 1942, she was married to Curt T. Vogt. who predeceased her. She is survived by one son, Ranney of Emporia, Kan., two daughters, Shirley Adams of Salem, Ore., and Naomi Eitzen of Fairview, Okla., three sisters, Ruth Loewen of Hillsboro, Rosena Warkentin of Lincoln, Neb., and Rosella Schellenberg of Omaha, Neb., and three grandchildren.
WIENS, ELMER S Hillsboro, Kan., a member of the Parkview MB Church, Hillsboro, was born Nov. 3, 1915 to Henry L. and Anna Schmidt Wiens at Hillsboro, and died Nov. 13, 1999, at the age of 84. On Sept. 24, 1945, he was married to Susanna Blondina Wiebe, who predeceased him in 1986. He is survived by two daughters, Patricia and husband William Gilliland of Topeka, Kan., and Mary Sylvia and Raymond Flaming of Gardiner, Mont.; one son, James and wife Connie of Goessel, Kan.; one sister, Evelyn and husband Art Thiessen of Corn, Okla., 6 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.•
Clearinghouse
Have a position to fill? Looking for a new employment or ministry opportunity? Have a gathering or celebration to promote? Reach U.S. Mennonite Brethren through a Clearinghouse classified ad. The charge is 40 cents per word, with a $15 minimum. Withhold payment until an invoice is received. MB institutions advertising vacancies or position announcements may be eligible for a no-cost ad. Contact the editor for more information.
EMPLOYMENT-CHURCH
Church planter
Waterloo MB Church seeks candidates for the position of Church Planter. We are committed to reaching our local community for Christ by planting a multicultural church with a heart for the poor. Send resumes to: Greg Reed, Discernment Team Chairperson, 140 Frobisher Drive, Unit B, Waterloo, ON, Canada N2V 1Z8; e-mail greed@youthmission.org; Web site http://www.waterloomb.orglplantlDefault.htm.
Worship Leader
BridgePoint Church, a brand new MB Church Plant in the Twin Cities area, is currently looking for a person with a vision to reach lost people for Jesus and lead God's people in a contemporary, authentic worship service. This person should be someone who has gifts in leading singing, gathering and working with a worship band/team, leading genuine and heartfelt worship, planning and organizing worship materials, and exposure to contemporary music produced by Hosanna, Integrity, etc. This is an exciting opportunity with the chance to work within the dynamic and ever-changing atmosphere of a church plant. Resumes may be sent by mail or e-mail to: BridgePoint Church, 6392 158th Street W., Apple Valley, MN 55124; e-mail: TOMCARTNEY@PRODIGY.NET; or call pastor Tom Cartney at (612) 431-6159.
EMPLOYMENT-EDUCATION
Full-time faculty
Mennonite College Federation is seeking fulltime faculty for September, 2000, in the following six areas: English, Conflict Transformation Studies (2 openings), Computer Science, International Development Studies (2 openings), Psychology or Sociology, and Athletics Director. Please see our web site for detailed information about these positions: www.mcfed.mb.ca. All openings are pending college board and budgetary approval. Mennonite College Federation is a cooperative association of three colleges in Winnipeg, (Canadian Mennonite Bible College, Concord College, and Menno Simons College) committed to the biblical faith and rooted in the Anabaptist/Mennonite tradition.
Principal
Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute invites applications for the position of Principal for the start of the 2000/2001 academic year. M.B.C.1. has a student body of 560 (7-Senior IV) and a professional staff of 40 teachers. Please address inquiries and applications to Search Committee by February 29, 2000. Address: 180 Riverton Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R2L 2E8, FAX: (204)661-5091, e-mail: mbcis@mbnet.mb.ca
EMPLOYMENT-oTHER
Stewardship/Planned Giving Advisor
Mennonite Brethren Foundation is accepting application for the position of Stewardship /Planned Giving Advisor. This full-time position is responsible for activity in the midwest and would be based in Hillsboro, Kansas. Our purpose is to
encourage and assist Christians in faithful stewardship. Specific responsibilities include planned giving, charitable estate planning, individual counseling, stewardship education, and other Foundation-related activity. Direct inquiries to: Jon Wiebe, President, PO Box V, Hillsboro, KS 67063; telephone (800) 551-1547; fax 316-947· 3266; e-mail mbfound@Southwind.net.•
HILLSBORO MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH IS SEARCHING FOR A
SENIOR PASTOR
with leadership, teaching and preaching gifts for a nurturing congregation having:
• average weekly attendance of more than 500
• multiple pastoral staff
•a desire for transforming worship, local outreach & worldwide ministry
• opportunities with Tabor College
If prompted, send your resume to: Pastoral Search Committee Daryle Baltzer, chm. 104 S. Washington Hillsboro, KS 67063
MI..... USA is accepting resumes for a thne Dir&tor of Development whose primary resp\lnsibilj:ty will be gathering of funds t9 suppotfthe {Tlinistry of churd"pl,nting and qiur<:h renewal.
Resumes lilay rii'sublnitted tiJ and additional fMUested tr..-: MisskMtUSA Z01&ft. 17th Ave. 1120 Glendale, AI 15301 (623) 825-7112 (phone) (123) 825·7135 (fax) ebmusa est.net www.mlsslonusa.org
19991ndex
The following is an alphabetical index of the major articles and events recorded in the Christian Leader in 1999. The notations following each entry indicate the volume number, issue number and page number. For example, the volume number for 1999 is 62, the next numbers in the first entry below indicate the first issue of the year and that the article begins on page 28 of that issue. Following the article index is an index of authors who have written feature articles during the past 12 months.
BODYLIFE
Agencies join relief and rebuilding efforts in Central America, 62: 1:28
Aid continues in Central America, 62:2:22
Alberti at home working in Internet chat rooms, 62:4:22
Andres committed to publication that builds community, 62: 11 :22
Arabic language radio program reaches around the world, 62:5:30
8aja mission outreach changes one heart at a time, 62:4:26
8uilding ministries goal of MBM51 work in India, 62:10:30
California church uses phone technology to keep in touch with missionaries, 62:10:21
CDC celebrates church planting efforts, 62:12:22
Central district pastors attend national CRM seminars, 62:3:25
Community Bible Fellowship growing up, 62:2:24
Congolese MB begins joint appointment with North American institutions next year, 62:10:26
Congregations and community band together in wake of Columbine shootings, 62:6:26
Delegates gather at last "official" convention, (General Conference), 62:8:16
Earthquake aid a global effort (Colombia), 62:3:28
Estes challenges MB youth to "power up", 62:5:22
Evangelism and ministry priorities worldwide (International MB Cont.), 62:7:26
Exec council supports dissolving General Conference, 62:3:26
Fig Garden Bible Church on the move, 62:10:20
Formal recommendation to dissolve General Conference announced, 62:5:29
FPU students volunteer at Day One, 62:7:30
Global gathering of MBs this month in Kansas, 62:7:24
Hear my teaching, 0 my people, 62:8:23
Help trickles in for Pakistan flood victims, 62:10:28
Hillsboro congregation celebrates 125 years, 62:9:26
Hispanic MBs gather for fellowship, inspiration, 62:12:27
Holm leads delegates to vision of God, 62:12:24
It's official-MBB5 joins ACTS, 62:12:28
Joint gathering challenges delegates to personal, corporate renewal, 62:12:19
Kassel joins Leader staff, 62: 11 :25
living story continued, 62:8:22
Need for pastors being addressed, 62:8:24
Large first-year class drives FPU enrollment increase, 62:10:24
MBB5 appoints two to BC Centre, 62:5:30
MBB5 enrollment declines, 62:11 :28
MB85 students awarded scholarships, 62:1:32
MB champion of mental health care dies, 62:4:31
MB membership revoked for Alberta congregation, 62:5:31
MBM51 sends out 19 new mission workers, 62:9:28
MBM51 supports Mideast reconciliation, 62:2:31
MCC board gives go-ahead for new facil ities, 62:4:28
MCC donates food, funds to help storm victims in India, 62:12:30
MCC rebuilds healthy communities in Central America, 62:12:31
MCC requests prayer and refugee kits for Yugoslavia, 62:5:28
MCC workers hear tales of atrocity in KosovO,62:6:28
MD5 hay on the way, 62:9:30
MD5 volunteers rebuild in wake of tornadoes, 62:6:25
Members from worldwide MB church to gather this summer, 62:4:27
Missiologist joins MBBS faculty, 62:7:32
Mission agencies take step towards global accountability, 62:3:29
Mission agency web site updated, 62:11:30
MUSA assists U.S. districts in new church plants, 62:9:29
MUSA develops new church plant plan, 62:12:18
New adult Bible study curriculum to emphasize MB distinctives, 62:11:26
New MBMSI position meets missionary needs, 62:2:26
New Tabor College students practice their serve, 62:10:25
Nikkel: Looking at Tabor from all angles, 62:9:24
Nikkel named as Tabor's twelfth president, 62:4:24
North Carolina churches meet together in Lenoir, 62:12:26
Internship benefits pastors and Tanzanian student. 62:2:27
Pastors undertake program to work towards church health, 62:3:24
Planters challenge home mission banquet goers, 62:12:25
Publishing essential to our ministries, 62:8:25
Reedley MB children's program making a difference, 62:4:30
Revised confession embraced by delegates, 62:8:20
SOC concentrates on renewal and planting, 62:12:20
Special forum: General Conference restructuring, 62:2:28
Status quo budget, 62:8:25
Stepping into the unknown, 62:8:17
Tabor students initiate inner city ministry, 62:2:31
Tabor's Internet class gets high marks, 62:4:23
Task force recommends restructuring General Conference, 62: 1:26
The General Conference Convention (preview), 62:6:21
Three North American Mennonite denominations merge, 62:9:30
Three U.S. districts prepare for fall regional
COURSE TITLES INCLUDE:
DTabor College
Christ-centered Education
• EDUCATIONAL MEASUREMENT AND EVALUATION
EDUCATION IN A DIVERSE SOCIETY
ADVANCED EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
• BIBLICAL STUDIES CORE
MODIFICATION OF CURRICULUM FOR EXCEPTIONAL LEARNERS
• INTRODUCTION TO GRADUATE RESEARCH
DEGREE PROGRAM IS AVAILABLE ON
conventions, 62:10:22
Top 10 news stories for 1998, 62:1:24
Turning Points: Membership a celebration for Laotian couple, 62: 11 :32
Two california M8 churches walk the talk, 62:6:24
Two new national conference positions created,62:11:24
Uniting vision dominates west Coast district convention, 62:12:23
U.S. boards address funding and report ministries strong, 62:5:26
U.S. boards review General Conference report, 62:1:26
U.S. Conference finishes year with deficit, 62:7:31
U-SERV volunteers complete projects, 62:3:27
VORP program reduces school conflict, 62:6:27
World comes to Buhler for historic gathering, (ICOMB), 62:8:26
Africa delivers "moving" evening, 62:8:30
Europe night closes event with "hope," 62:8:32
How do we renew7, 62:8:33
ICOMB '99 the first of its kind, 62:8:29 India and Japan share testimonies, music and vision, 62:8:28
Latin America conferences kick off consultation, 62:8:27
Speaking in different tongues, 62:8:34
YMI volunteers complete assignments, 62:7:32
DEATHS
Banias, Bill Burton, 62:12:32 Baerg, John G., 62:9:33 Bartel, William Allen, 62:6:32 Becker, Richard Milton, 62:4:32 Berg, Hulda, 62:1 :33 Brown, Flora W., 62:10:33 Buller, Helen Toews, 62:4:32 Coppock, Herbert Leon, 62:2:32 Dalke, Esther, 62:2:33 Dalke, Larry, 62:6:32 Delk, Aldene Rowena Leppke, 62:11:33 Dick, Wesley, 62:9:33
Doane, Emmett Cecil, 62:1 :33 Dueck, William George, 62:4:32 Duerksen, Myrtle, 62:3:33 Eck, Roy H., 62:11 :33
Ediger, Martin A., 62:6:32 Ediger, Tillie, 62:9:33 Enns, Earl, 62:6:32 Ensz, Roy, 62:1 :33 Ewert, Alden H., 62:2:33 Fahrney, Elton Lee, 62:3:33 Fast, Chester, 62:4:32 Fea, Helen Rose, 62:2:33 Fehr, Katharina, 62:7:33 Feil, 8ertha, 62:10:33 Forgey, Howard, 62:1 :33 Foth, Dorothy Bertha Hamm, 62:12:32 Franz, David Ediger, 62:3:33 Frantz, Gary W., 62:12:32 Frantz, Ruth Suderman, 62: 12:32 Friddle, Robert, 62:10:33 Friesen, George Melvin, Jr., 62:6:32 Friesen, Louise Grace Thiessen, 62:9:35 Friesen, Theodore W. "Ted", 62:7:33 Froese, Albert Henry, 62:3:33 Gaede, Evelyn Sarah, 62:10:33 Glanzer, Marie L., 62:2:33 Goertzen, Levi B., 62:3:33 Goossen, Erna, 62:10:33 Gross, PaulS., 62:4:32 Grunau, Linda Mae Bartel, 62:4:32 Harder, Walter, 62:4:32 Hartso, Martin, 62:10:33 Heinrichs, Dora, 62:7:33 Heinrichs, Frieda Elizabeth Willems, 62:6:32 Hiebert, Frances Flaming, 62:6:32 Hinz, Alfred A., 62:7:33
In the midst of millennial madness, by Carmen Andres, 62:11:36
International impressions, by Carmen Andres, 62:8:36
Norman's ark, by carmen Andres, 62: 1:36
Resurrection compliant Christians, by Connie Faber, 62:4:36
She said yes, by Carmen Andres, 62:10:36
The church is not a product, by carmen Andres, 62:3:36
The light that shines against the darkness, by Carmen Andres, 62:5:36
Toward the Promised Land, by Carmen
Andres, 62:6:36
What I learned in Namia, by Carmen Andres, 62:7:36
FEATURES
A peace theology for today, by Dalton Reimer, 62:1:10
Are we in the last days7, by David Ewert, 62:11:4
Ask a translator, by Elmer Martens, 62:2:7
Before saying "I do" again, by David Reimer, 62:9:13
Creating a family safety net, by Zachary Britton, 62:4:4
Facing the future without fear, by Jon Wiebe, 62:11:9
Generations: Q&A, 62:5:4
Global missions online, by Brad Thiessen, 62:4:7
Grace to grow like Jesus, by Lori James, 62:9:7
Growing healthy churches, by Ed Boschman, 62:3:4
He comes again, Jean Janzen, 62:12:36
Healthy goals for the next millennium, by John Vooys, 62:11:6
How do we know the Bible is true7 by David Faber, 62:2:4
How do we pray for a president like that? by Richard Unruh, 62:10:14
Into the resurrection, by Phyllis Peliman Good,62:3:14
Jesus and Herod: two kinds of kings, by Ted Grimsrud 62:12:8
Jesus, the perfect one 62:12:7
Keeping the faith in a world in chaos, by Miguel Forero, 62:8:4
Making peace the Bible's way, by Lon Fendall, 62:1:4
Praying for our leaders, by John A. Lapp, 62:10:13
Quarrel at the waterhole, by Robert S. Kreider and Rachel Waltner Goossen, 62:1:14
Renewing ourselves through suffering, by Rev. Roberson Mbayamvula, 62:8:8
Search for community, by Don Isaac, 62:4:10
"Spiritual security" for the older adult, by Katie Funk Wiebe, 62:9:10
Strong Weeds, by Rhoda Janzen, 62:7:7
Summer reading, 62:7:9
Surviving the desert, by Doug Miller, 62:6:4
Taking the law into our hands, by Lyndon Vi 62:1:7
Teliing our stories, by Katie Funk Wiebe, 62:7:14
The kind of dad kids come back to, by Vange Thiessen, 62:6:8
The MB century in review, 62:9:10
The unfolding purpose of life, by Delores Friesen, 62:9:4
The way we "do" church, by Edmund Janzen, 62:3:11
Through a glass darkly, by Michael Kunz, 62:2:11
Through the eyes of a child, by Gaylord Goertzen, 62:12:4
To politic-or not? by John Redekop and Delbert Wiens, 62:10:4
Walking as Jesus walked, by Wendell Loewen, 62:3:8
Walking the halls, 62:10:8
What do youth believe7 by Norman Thiesen, 62:5:10
What is a wedding7 by Roland Reimer, 62:6:12
What is your favorite book and why, 62:7:8
When families fight, by Duane Ruth-Heffelbower, 62:5:8
Why read novels7 by Elaine Reimer Pare, 62:7:4
Wrestling with the Word, by Katrina Poetker,62:2:14
Y2K=TEOTWAWKI, by Carmen Andres and Phil Neufeld, 62:4: 12
FORUM
A lesson from Islam, 62: 10: 16
A "Mennonite experience," by Don and Marilyn Buller, 62:5:16
Change the methods, not the message, by Tim Neufeld, 62:3:18
Invest five minutes a day in the Word, by Dennis Fast, 62:1:18
The big lie, by Herb Schroeder, 62:6:14
Suffering: a loving gift, by Paul D. Durksen, 62:12:13
Waldo Wiebe, my grandpa, by Dan Kliewer,62:2:16
INQUIRING MINDS by Marvin Hein
Amy Grant's divorce and retirement, 62:7:21
Christians in sports and modern day idols, 62:8:13 -
Church decisions and quenching the Holy Spirit,62:4:19
Forgiving the president and receiving blessings, 62:3:21
Generosity of non-Christians and confronting sin, 62:9:21
God's sovereignty and Brethren in Christ, 62:12:15
Just war and 1 John 3:19-22, 62:11:19
Leviticus colors and Eli's sons, 62:5:19
Loud music and books on stewardship, 62:10:18
Pulpits and worship, 62:1:21
The potter and the clay, North Carolina and Pontius Puddle, 62:6: 17
Y2K and Christ's Return, 62:2:19
ON THE JOURNEY by Rose Buschman
A celebrity in the Kingdom, 62:10:19
8eing a grandma is so much fun, 62:9:22
Do we care7, 62:11:20
Family stories worth telling, 62:2:20
It's a matter of perspective, 62:5:20
It's back to school time, 62:8:14
Reflections on Columbine, 62:6:18
Story of a peacemaker, 62:1:22
The homeless in The Street, 62:7:22
The stories in family photos, 62:3:22
Try giving yourself away, 62:12:18
Ups and downs of technology, 62:4:20
PH'UP SIDE by Philip Wiebe
Brave new world, 62:11:18
Hard and easy, 62:6:16
It's God's call, 62:1:20
Messages from God, 62:9:20
More millennium musings, 62:2:18
Political perspirations, 62:10:17
Reason for the season, 62: 12: 14
Signs of success, 62:4:18
Something to aim for, 62:8:12
Taking care of business7, 62:3:20
The art of apathy, 62:7:20
Turning the other ear, 62:5:18
INDEX OF AUTHORS
Andres, Carmen and Phil Neufeld
Y2K=TEOTWAWKI,62:4:12
Boschman, Ed
Growing healthy churches, 62:3:4
Britton, Zachary
Creating a family safety net, 62:4:4
Ewert, David
Are we in the last days7, 62:11:4
Faber, David
How do we know the Bible is true, 62:2:4
Fendall, Lon
Making peace the gible's way,62:1:4
Forero, Miguel
Keeping the faith in a world of chaos, 62:8:4
Friesen, Delores
The unfolding purpose of life, 62:9:4
Goertzen, Gaylord
Through the eyes of a child, 62:12:4
Good, Phyllis Pellman
Into the resurrection, 62:3: 14
Goossen, Rachel Waltner and Robert S. Kreider
Quarrel at the waterhole, 62:1 :14
Grimsrud, Ted
Jesus andHerod, two kinds of kings, 62:12:8
Isaac, Don
Search for community, 62:4: 10
James, Lori
Grace to grow like Jesus, 62:9:7
Janzen, Edmund
The way we "do" church, 62:3:11
Janzen. Jean
He comes again, 62:12:36
Janzen, Rhoda
Strong Weeds, 62:7:7
Kreider. Robert S. and Rachel Waltner Goossen
Quarrel at the waterhole. 62:1:14
Kunz, Michael
Through a glass darkly, 62:2:11
LapP. John A.
Praying for our leaders, 62:10:13
Loewen. Wendell
Walking as Jesus walked, 62:3:8
Martens. Elmer
Ask a translator, 62:2:7
Mbayamvula, Roberson
Renewing ourselves through suffering, 62:8:8 Miller. Doug
Surviving the desert, 62:6:4
Neufeld. Phil and Carmen Andres
Y2K=TEOTWAWKI.62:4:12
Pare, Elaine Reimer
Why read novels?, 62:7:4 Poetker, Katrina
Wrestling with the Word. 62:2:14
Redekop, John
To politic-<lr not? 6i:10:4
Reimer, Dalton
A peace theology for today, 62:1:10
Reimer, David
8efore saying "I do" again, 62:9:13 Reimer, Roland
What is a wedding?, 62:6:12 Ruth-Heffelbower. Duane
When families fight, 62:5:8 Thiesen, Norman
What do youth believe?, 62:5:10 Thiessen. 8rad
Global missions online. 62:4:7 Thiessen. Vange
The kind of dad kids come back to. 62:6:8 Unruh, Richard
How do we pray for a president like that?, 62:10:14 Vix. Lyndon
Taking the law into our hands, 62:1:7 Vooys. John
Healthy goals for the next millennium, 62:11:9 Wiebe. Jon
Facing the future without fear, 62: 11:9 Wiebe. Katie Funk
"Spiritual security" for the older adult, 62:9:10
Telling our stories, 62:7:14 Wiens. Delbert
To politic-<lr not? 62:10:5
Pontius' Puddle
MEDA k war 5 li\Je Beyond The Virto
Six years ago Felix Calisaya of Santa Cruz, Bolivia received his first MEOA loan of $600. He used the money to buy equipment for his small one-man business. Today he has 12 employees, his business is worth $50,000 and he does $2-3,000 amonth in sales of handcrafted tables, chairs and other items. liMy last loan was for $4,000," he says.
Helping the poor start and grow businesses is a goal of MEDA. They have the know-how, but they need small loans to get started. Each year
MEOA creates or sustains about 10,000 jobs in the developing world; on average, agift of $350 enables MEOA to create or sustain one job.
Nothing to be ashamed of
IfI could be granted one wish at the start of the millennium it would be for an end to the violence that has crept into our lives. One just has to turn on the TV or open the morning paper to read of wars, murders and violent deaths in one's community and the world. And if real violence isn't enough-violence of every stripe and color can be found in the imaginary world of television, books, movies, videos and electronic games.
In my bleaker moments, I fear for our children. In the past few months they have learned that school yards and church buildings are as dangerous as a battlefield. That fathers can kill their children, even in a small Kansas town. That one way to end a disagreement is to kill the other person. That death and dying is entertainment.
Thank God there is an alternative to this violence. I'm thankful we Mennonite Brethren have a history that includes a rejection of violence. Our confession of faith states that we "view violence in its many different forms as contradictory to the new nature of the Christian."
Article 13 on "Love and Nonresistance" goes on to say, "We believe that the evil and inhumane nature of violence is contrary to the gospel oflove and peace."
For over 100 years, we have challenged ourselves to put into practice our belief that in times of national conscription or war we can best serve our country by giving alternative service where possible. This part of our history embarrasses some of us. We think that our peace tradition is too extreme and that it will turn some people off.
But this commitment to peace goes beyond the boundaries of war and extends to all kinds of actions intended to kill or harm another person-abortion, euthanasia, assisted suicide, domestic violence and the loss of life at the scene of a crime or on a school yard. Our commitment to peace means living a life permeated by God's way of doing things in our families, congregations and professions. And that commitment is what can make us attractive to our non-Christian friends, neighbors and family members.
In a recent editorial in World magazine, editor Joel Belz writes that God's "biblical pattern for protecting the unborn, for keeping marriages together, for keeping families whole, for living within our means, for protecting God's creation, for taking care of the needy, for living at peace, for setting new standards in the arts, for exercising justice in society, and for mending brokenness wherever we find it-God's biblical pattern for doing all these things leads to a lifestyle that might well be the envy of the world."
I agree with Belz. If Christians would appropriate the grace of God in all areas of life to live as he commands, the world couldn't help but want to live like we do.
Our conference leaders recently adopted a plan for planting 20 new MB congregations by 2005. Can we do it? Yes, if we're not ashamed of who we are and what we have to offer.
Just think about it-ifwe modeled for our neighbors God's biblical mandate regarding sexual purity, conflict resolution, stewardship, care for the needy-who wouldn't want to become a part of us?
Just imagine the impact of 21,456 Mennonite Brethren in the United States living at peace with themselves. Being content with who God has made them to be and the gifts that he has given them. Imagine the members of almost 175 U.S. MB congregations modeling shalom in their relationships-with spouse, children, extended family members and with one another. Imagine the impact on non-Christians if 54,155 MBs in Canada and the U.S.-regardless of profession-would treat each colleague, customer or student as if he/she was created in the image of God to be celebrated and nurtured.
At this time in our world's history, this commitment to peace-which some may regard as extreme-is just what is needed given the extreme violence that has come to characterize our world.
My prayer for the 21st century is that as individuals and congregations we Mennonite Brethren will be beacons of peace in a world that desperately needs to find new life in Jesus and shalom with others. -GF
