The counselor confirmed what my pected: I was depressed . But then pist. who was also a Christian said that medication. my faith in God was aU I sion Was he right?
12
THE GREAT DEPRESSION
by David Bruce Rose and Amy Stone
Everyone feels sad. tired or irritable from time to time. With selfdiscipline we can do what's necessary. and on reflection we may even enjoy it. But it is important to know that the illness called depression is more complex than an occasional low mood. How can congregations minister to people who deal with depression.
15
LIVING HIGH AND LOW
by Joanne Klassen
Since mental illness occurs at the same rate in Christians as in the general population. it is important for congregations to learn how to interact with people affected by various mental illnesses. including bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder often involves experiences few of us are prepared for: run-ins with the law. devastated relationships. involuntary hospitalization and a lifelong diagnosis that may require lifelong medical treatment. How can congregations minister to bipolar individuals and their families?
17 PRAYING IN THE VALLEY
by David Funk
Why is Psalm 88. the prayer of a person in unrelenting pain. even in our Bible? It offers no resolution, no words of praise and no indication that praise will be offered in the future . And that is exactly why it is part of our canon - it speaks to the insistent hurt that many Christians experience. including the pain that mental illness brings.
> FiRST WORDS
(fr om t h e ed i to r l
THE START OF A NEW CALENDAR YEAR IS TYPICALLY a time when we make changes, and so it is appropriate that with the January issue of the Christian Leaderwe offer a new column and a new CL Online feature
This month we introduce Paul Bartel's "Practically Anabaptist" as the newest CL column. When we began looking for a new columnist, we wanted to find a writer who represents our newest generation of leaders . Paul, a 2007 graduate of MB Biblical Seminary, is one of the young adults recommended to us, and we are delighted th at he agreed to write a monthly CL column. Paul has writte n an introduction to his column, and it is posted at www.usmb org/cl- columns
At one time, Paul wanted to pursue a career in journalism but changed his mind when people encouraged him to consider full-time church ministry. Now Paul, who has served as the interim associate pastor at Fairview (Okla.) M B Church, has the opportunity to utilize his writing skills while also pursuing his love for ministry and outreach This month Paul and his wife, Amanda, along with their two sons Micah and Silas, are moving to Kansas City, Mo., with the goal of planting a new Mennonite Brethren church. The Kansas City church plant is a joint project of Fairview MB Church , the Southern District Conference and M ission USA, the denominational church planting ministry The Bartel's first priority is getting established, and they anticipate beginning to develop a core group this coming fall.
Our second add ition is study questions for our feature articles. These questions are des igned for congregations ro use as curriculum for adult Christian education classes and for individuals to use in their personal study The questions are available at www.usmb.orglchristian-Ieader.
I hoped to introduce online study questions this summer as part of the redesigned U S. Conference Web site, but we needed someone to write the questions . Some might say it was a coincidence that Joanna Felts, a writer who is an MB Biblical Seminary graduate and who also worked for MBMS International in their communications department, submitted an article to the CL this fall that just happened to include study questions. But I think Joanna's submission was God 's way of answering my prayer for a question writer . Joanna has developed the format for CL Discussion and will author questions for the next several months. We hope you find this a helpful addition.
> CL QUESTION
H ave yo u ever
a Thought you were depressed but did not seek treatment?
a Thought you were depressed and treated it using alternative medicine?
a Been diagnosed with depression and followed prescribed treatment?
a Been diagnosed with depression but didn't follow through on prescribed treatment?
a Been diagnosed with depression and treated it primarily as a spiritual issue, focusing on prayer and positive thinking?
a I have not ever considered myself depressed
Answer this question online at www usmb org!christian-leader. Survey results will be posted online
> UP & COMING
• Jan. 25, 2009 - MWC World Fellowsh ip Sunday
• April 29-30 - Nation al Board of Fa ith and Life meeting
• April30-May " 2009 - Leadership Summit
• May 1-3, 2009 - Leade rs hip Board meeting
• July 14- 19 , 2009 - MW C World Assembly, Asun cion , Paraguay
January 200 9
Volume 72
Number 1
Connie Faber EDITOR
Myra Holmes AS SISTANT EDITOR
Shelley Pletr GRAPHIC DESIGNER
The Ch r is ti an Leader (l SSN 0009- 51491 is publ i shed m ont hly by the U S Conferen ce of Men non i te Br et hren Churc hes.
MANDATE The Christia n Leader seeks to inf orm Menn on it e Br et hren m em be rs an d churches of t he event s. act ivit i es. deci sions an d issues of t heir den omi nati on , and t o in st ruct, inspir e and in it iate dialo gue so m emb ers will as pire t o be fai thf ul disciple s of Chr ist as und er st ood in the eva ng eli caV Ana baptist t he ologica l trad it ion
EDI TO RIA L POLICY The views expre ss ed in t hi s publica tio n do not necess arily re pres ent th e posi ti on of t he Chris tian Leader, t he U.S. Co nfe r ence lead ership Board or the Menn onit e Bret hren Chur ch Scrip t ure refe r ences are f rom N ew Internation al Ve rs ion u nle ss otherwi se noted The ed it ors invit e free l ance art icle su bmi ssio ns A SASE mu st accompany arti cles.
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Am I crossing the line?
Making our national mission statement come alive
This is a New Year's call to be who you need to be and to do what you need to do. Am lover the line on this one? I have no desire to declare a papal-like edict, but there is a part of me that would like to cross that line. Serving in leadership for a denominational family of
impact were well funded? These all are being and doing calls that make for healthy family. How about it?
• Serving one Lord Two things here : What if we adjusted our everyday living in one significant way so that what we say we believe was better connected to how we live? churches and people does at times seem an assignment that would be well served by everyone having some being and doing stuff in common. And this is where the temptation to cross the line shows up. When a playing coach calls a ---'i 1'111
about to put my toe right lip to the line by some \vJY" that you as individuals and as local churches can m..lkc ollr national fmni1\' mission st;.ltement come aliyc.
series of plays and every team member commits to being their best and doing their part, games can and will be won
Our approved national game plan-our mission statement-is to demonstrate that: 'We are one family, serving one Lord, on one mission for the transformation of individuals, families and communities." So who does that mean we need to be? And what does that mean we need to do?
As the national executive director, I know I cannot presume to tell you who to be and what to do. But I'm about to put my toe right up to the line by suggesting some ways that you as individuals and as local churches can make our national family mission statement come alive.
• Be one family. What if we each commit to pray for one another regularly, specifically and passionately? That our nuclear and church families would be healthy and spiritually reproductive? That our shared ministries and educational institutions would experience the blessing and power of God in their kingdom contributions? That honorable Christian stewardship and generosity would flourish among us?
What if we would reject passivity and aloofness and rather choose to care about the fact that we really are a family? That there are teams of servant leaders, staff and many volunteers, striving to provide added value to both the local and the bigger denominational realities?
What if we would make ourselves proactively available to collaborate as functional partners in pursuing church health and multiplication and leadership development by sharing resources? What if we each committed to do our appropriate part in tithes and offerings so that both our local and denominational opportunities for effective kingdom
Because we have chosen Jesus as Lord, we need to intentionally give him the right to tell us how to live. This is the year to bite the bullet on a bad habit, on laziness or greed or on prayerlessness.
It is our God who mandates that we should love each other, right? What if we took that critique weapon right out of the minds of our neighbors, classmates and colleagues this year? If that happened, they would need to conclude that Jesus was changing us. We could never pull that off on our own . Doing so would make him our Lord.
• On one mission. Let's make it simple. What if we asked God to give us a real burden for a pre-Christian or family we know. So that what breaks his heart would break ours too. And then what if we absolutely committed to intentionally build a spend-time with, come-on-over, you-matterto-me friendship with them? There are, no doubt, churchfamily based outreach and connection options too. But even these will be best served by existing, healthy and caring relationships.
The last part of our mission statement says that it's all about transformed lives. If we would be and do this, the Spirit of God will do the transforming. He has promised that. This really is one of those times when I'd like to cross that line I talked about. Since I can't, would you be willing to accept it as an urgent call from an undershepherd? My heart aches and prays for this to happen among U.S. Mennonite Brethren.
'1J Comment on Conference Call by going online to usmb.orglchristian-leader.
> READERS SAY
Responding to Muslims
Now that we have entered the 21St century, I do not believe Christians are ignorant of Islam nor are the Muslims ignorant of Christianity. Down through thousands of years of Judeo-Christian history God has instructed his people as to how false prophers are to be treated, i.e Deut. 13, Mark 24:23-25, Luke 22 :36-37, and if we speak of love, Rom. 12:9. And so I ask you: How should we respond to Muslims in light of these teachings?
James Bachar, Bakersfield, Calif.
A Christian's first priority
In the October 2008 issue of the Christian Leader, Del Gray said, "(being) missional refers to active participation in God's project of redeeming the world." At first glance that seems like a good thing to be part of, right? But let's look before we leap. An emphasis on being "missional' is spreading through our Mennonite Brethren family like wildfire. But is the emergent mission really God's mission?
It's high time we acted on a: truly biblical understanding of God's redemptive plan Correctly understanding our place in God's eternal plan requires us to have a clear view of two things First, we must understand his purpose in the world. Second, we must understand the means by which he will arrive at that purpose.
God is not interested in redeeming the planet-the rock we call earth Jesus himself flady says, "heaven and earth will disappear" (Matt. 24:35, Mark IBI, Luke 21 :33). Instead, the Bible teaches God's purpose is the redeeming of people, the flesh and blood souls of the world. The only biblical way people can be redeemed is through repentance of sin and faith in Christ Jesus alone. Jesus is the means by which God will complete his plan There is no other way
Thus the only way for Christians to be involved in the redemption of others is to preach the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ. As true Christians, everything we do must be subordinate to proclaiming God's truth. We cannot equivocate on Christ's last command to "go and make disciples of all nations teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20). Christ's last command was not to feed the hungry, heal the sick or care for the poor. These things are good (Matt. 25), but only as far as they serve to present the gospel.
The Bible makes it clear that if tsunami victims are fed and sheltered, if people are cured from AIDS or even if all the children of Abraham are hugging each other, all will be in hell if they haven't repented of their sin and put their faith solely in Jesus Christ. All the good works for which Mennonites are known are absolutely useless if they do not clearly present the gospel of Jesus Christ If we alleviate physical hunger but don't provide the Bread of Life, we have done nothing but delay eternal starvation . Better to die of famine and live forever than to have a full stomach and be separated from God.
The editors invite readers to share their thoughts and opinions on topics relevant to the Mennonite Brethren Church using letters to the editor. Letters should be on one topic, not exceed 300 words and include the writer's name and city Letters will be edited for clarity, appropriateness and length
Now maybe I'm preaching to the choir, but I don't think so. Remember the words of Jer. 17:9: 'The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Ou r hearts naturally want to be accepted by all mankind Thus, we gravitate towards commonality with non-Christians, and we tend to emphasize unity above all else. In this era of missionalliving and cultural relevance, we have to remember that our biblical priority must be the proclamation of Jesus Christ. Good works and "common ground" must never, ever come before that. Let us not forget that it is Jesus who asks: "What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?" (Mark 8:36).
Tim Smith. Greenville, SC Member of Good News Fellowship, Ferndale, mzsh.
Emergent church a scary phenomenon
Now that you are dealing more rigorously with the emergent church, I encourage you to know that you have a serious role in promoting a true love of God's Word. In an age where we are witnessing the train wrecks of mainstream denominations, there are Mennonite Brethren pastors who are scared to death about what this phenomenon means for their people. The Bible is full of warnings about movements like this one and how we can be strong in the faith.
You got not a few things wrong. For one, the emphasis is on a select portion of Jesus' teaching rather than on who he is and what he came to do. They (the emerging church) are more interested in what they think than in what they believe And that does not seem to troubleyou .
My exhaustive concordance of the King James New Testament gives 243 uses of the word "faith" and 123 uses of "believe" but only 47 for the word "think." The emerging church folk are making a golden calf out of their thought life Luke 18:8 says, "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" (KJV)
You were not troubled by the downplaying of reliance on Scripture. Tendencies toward apostasy are not combated precisely because, by definition, to be a member in good standing means you would never use the Bible to defend a key principle.
The necessity for throwing everything overboard is the old liberal canard about saving the children. Actually, in my church the youth group is not drawn into this movement; it seems for adults only I make two observations This movement thrives in European -type cultures where traditions are not strong and parents tend to give up control over their children's spiritual lives Second, postmodems fail to give the true church any props for what has been achieved and, beyond that, they have insulted the Holy Spirit of God, because God will call whom he will.
If there is a lack of conviction because the fundamentals have not been taught, the conviction will return by coming back to the fundamentals-not by getting farther away.
Young people know what the concepts of judgment and hell are about. They are not convicted that it applies to them, of course. But their lives indicate that they yearn to have these elements incor-
Rarders Sa, cont. page 28
Vietnam Mennonite Church legalized
First official General Assembly includes global guests
Mennonite Central Committee is supporting Zimbabwe's pon fulfilment of all requirements for full legal status, the Vietnam National Religious Affairs Committee approved the request of the Vietnam Mennonite Church to organize its first official General Assembly. The assembly, actually the second such gathering according to the church's historical records, was held Nov. 15-17 in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
With full legal status, the church can now hold corporate title to real estate property, establish a Bible institute for training pastors and leaders, forge relationships with other denominations to sponsor joint projects, serve as an official partner with Mennonite Central Committee in relief and community development work, extend and accept invitations for international conferences and more.
At the assembly's opening ceremony, Pastor Nguyen Quang Trung, provisional president of the Vietnam Mennonite Church, praised God for leading and protecting his church in Vietnam. Trung presented a brief history of the Mennonite Church in Vietnam and a summary of the work of both Eastern Mennonite Missions and Mennonite Central Committee, two Mennonite organizations that have been active in Vietnam. He thanked God that the national Religious Affairs Committee of Vietnam had given permission for this General Assembly to be organized.
Nguyen Thanh Xuan, deputy director of the National Religious Affairs Committee, noted the long-term involvement of Mennonites in Vietnam through MCC and EMM. He expressed appreciation for the uniqueness of the Mennonite emphasis on both religious and social concerns.
A six-member delegation from Mennonite World Conference representing five continental regions offered congratulations and a token gift. Each MWC delegate shared a message and gift from his or her respective continent. This global expression from MWC was deeply appreciated by the Vietnamese church and was considered unique.
Also present at the celebration were representatives from MCC Vietnam, Mennonite Church USA, Eastern Mennonite Missions and EMM Vietnam. Duting business meetings, the constitution was ratified and officers were elected. -Geny Keener for MWC
MCC and BIC Church respond to hunger in Zimbabwe
Mennonite Central Committee is supporting Zimbabwe's Brethren in Christ Church in providing emergency food supplies to 23 high schools. Zimbabwe is in the midst of economic and political crises. Unemployment and skyrocketing priceswith basic foods now costing hundreds of thousands of Zimbabwean dollars - have driven more than 3 million people to flee the country Government and opposition political leaders have been deadlocked since March 2 00 8 over a disputed presidential election.
The Brethren in Christ Church is distributing 72 tons of wheat and soybeans to 23 high schools in Matobo District. a rural area in southwestern Zimbabwe Many of Zimbabwe ' s 33,000 Brethren in Christ live in Matobo , according to Abraham Nyatsanza. a consultant to the Brethren in Christ food relief program .
Food distribution was delayed from June to September because of government restrictions on humanitarian aid following the disput-
ed election. according to Nyatsanza. Food shortages have affected the health of many children in Matobo district "1 can confirm to you that we did find instances where children were fainting in school because of lack of food.'" Nyatsanu says.
The food distribution, which started in early October. allows schools to serve a mid- morning meal. However. it was anticipated that the food would run out in December. and hunger is expected to be a continuing problem MCC is planning further food distributions to schools and communities in Zimbabwe, according to Willie Reimer. MCC's director of food. disaster and material resources programs MCC is the peace, relief and service agency supported by North American Mennonites and by Mennonite Brethren.- Tim Shenk for MCC
The SO-voice choir of Vietnam Mennonite Church leaders, pastors and evangelists sing the "Hallelujah Medley."
MCC prepares to weather economic storm
Mennonite Central Committee is preparing for leaner times but remains optimistic that a faithful constituency and diverse sources of income will lessen the impact of the economic downturn and unpredictable exchange rates
MC C is an Anabaptist peace, relief and service agency supported by many Mennonite Brethren .
In the United States, executive director Rolando Santiago projects an overall budget shortfall of approximately 5 percent. MCC's international program is currently facing a budget shortfall, says Jerry Shank, interim director for these programs. Reasons include the declining value of the Canadian currency, decreased income from investments and the possibiliry of a decline in giving.
In C anada, MCC is anticipating that income will meet financial commitments that were approved in its 2008 - 2009 financial plan. However, the amount forwarded from Canada for international programs will be less than projected because of the sharp decline in the value of the Canadian dollar MCC's work in the developing world is calculated in U.S funds, and a
lower C anadian dollar buys fewer U .S dollars
MC C will use a " rainy-day fund" to cover the initial budget shortfall. MCC will also begin tightening its belt to bring down expenses In the short term these steps should not affect the people that MCC is called to serve However, further reductions may be required in the new year if contributions to MCC are lower than anticipated, says Shank.
"This is forcing us to examine our priorities and make hard choices, " says Shank
Despite the economic turmoil, MC C remains firmly committed to helping people in need . "Reports indicate that this economic crisis will bite deeply, and that many lives will be profoundly affected," says Arli Klassen, executive director of MCC's binational operation, which is responsible for most of MCC's international programs .
" In the face of all this we are deeply grateful for people's steadfast support and prayers Together we will continue to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter the homeless and welcome the stranger, in the name of Christ, " says Klassen.Gladys Terichow for MCC
FPU announces budget plan
Since fall 2008 enrollment was lower than expected, Fresno Pacific University has put into effect a plan to ensure a balanced budget. FPU is the Mennonite Brethren -owned university based in Fresno, Calif., with centers in Visalia, Bakersfield and North Fresno, Calif.
According to the plan, announced Oct 20, there will be a one -month delay in moving into the new Bakersfield Center building, now scheduled for March I instead of Feb. I. Capital expenditures will be reduced, particularly in information technology. Staff and administration will not accrue new vacation from November to April; normal accrual will resume in May The university will also be closed for two additional days before Christmas and for two days during spring 2009 break. The se will be four additional days off with pay.
The overload rate for regular faculty and staff and administrators who also teach, will be 50 less for courses offered during spring
2009 The university retirement match will drop from 6 percent to I percent; the normal 6 percent will be restored in May Some or all of the university-owned Ranchwood condominiums will be put on the market. In addition, faculty, staff and various groups came forward with a number of cost-saving suggestions that will be studied for implementation
A total of 2,377 students began classes this fall, the same number as fall 2007 Based on past performance and expected conditions, university administrators had projected, and based the budget on, 90 more traditional undergraduates and 40 more degree completion students.
''While these are certainly challenging times , opportunities nevertheless abound, " President D . Merrill Ewert told faculty and staff. "Fresno Pacific University has a solid foundation and we look forward to working with you in the years ahead to advance our mission ." - FPU
NEW USC STAFF
Lori TayLor has been hired as the new assistant to the executive director, replacing Cindy Verharst who resigned at the end of October. TayLor, her husband, Geoff, and four teenagers are active at LaureLgLen BibLe Church in BakersfieLd, Calif. Executive director Ed Boschman says, " It is an answer to prayer to have found (Lori). She has a heart for the Lord and the U.S Mennonite Brethren and is enthusiastic about Learning the new position." TayLor wiLL work part time out of the U.S. Conference's BakersfieLd office. She can be contacted at 661-3772928 or Lorirausmb.org -USC
MDS MONITORS WILDFIRES
Mennonite Disaster Service is monitoring damage from fires in California to determine if MDS couLd be invoLved in cleanup. InitiaL reports indicate that there may be many residents who Lost their homes and were not insured. In addition, MDS representatives have been in con t act with Anabaptist churches in Southern CaLifornia to determine what damage the churches and the members have sustained from the wildfires. MDS currently has eight projects open and will open three additionaL projects this month. MDS had worked in Cameron, La ., and New Iberia, La., following Hurricanes Rita and Katrina in 2005. MDS will re-open projects in these Locations, where Hurricanes Ike and Gustav caused new damage. A new project opening in Dulzura, CaLif., will concentrate on rebuiLding homes destroyed by the wildfires of 2007 MDS is a disaster relief agency supported by many Mennonite Brethren - MDS
I LOST MYSELF IN JULY 2,°03 WHEN THE LIGHTS went out, and 18 months passed before I felt the warmth of light again. I realized the darkness was passing when a dear friend, who walked alongside me every day of that bleak time, said: "It's you. There you are . I really missed you."
I became depressed that summer after a heartbreaking and disorienting disappointment. I had been disillusioned and sad many times in my life, but I had never felt like this before. I experienced frequent panic attacks. I was restless I was afraid to be alone. I stopped eating. I cried and cried, and most of the time I had no idea why. I had no energy. I could not concentrate The darkness settled on me like a thick fog - heavy and oppressive.
and medication bring healing
It was apparent to my roommate, my parents and me that I needed help. I met with a county mental health therapist who, after learning of my own faith commitment, told me he was also a Christian. He could provide me with medication, he said, but I should be able to deal with my depression by having faith and submitting to God. The therapist's message was clear: Medication is for people without faith in God. I should quit fighting and trust God.
A depressed Christian?
I know many Christians sha re the opinion of the county mental health professional. They see depression as an indication of some moral or spiritual failure - a lack of faith Christians, the assumption goes , trust in God and have joy in the Lord. We should not feel such
sadness because we have the Comforter If a Christian is depressed, it means that there is a deficiency in her relationship with God . Most of all, Christians should be able to control their emotions. After all, what kind of witness is it to a non -Christian if a Christian is depressed?
This was not how I understood my experience and certainly is not how I read the biblical text. I was not fighting God, and I was not harboring some secret sin. I was struggling to make sense of traumatic events. Because I see life as a joumey of faith, I took my questions and pressed God for clarity and healing and direction for the future.
With the encouragement of family and friends, I next visited a medical doctor who prescribed medication for a general depression/anxiety disorder . But I wrestled with whether or not I should take this medication . Two conversations helped me sort out my need for antidepressants.
Why take an antidepressant
The first conversation was with a friend who said that her father-in-law, who is a diabetic, takes insulin every day because his body does not produce insulin Why not understand depression and antidepressants in a similar way, she said. If my body is not able to cope with whatever triggered my depression, it is not doing what it should . This warrants outside medical assistance. If my depression is situational, I will be able to discontinue the medication once my body recovers. If the depression is biochemical, medication may be a long-term or permanent necessity in order to counteract my body's deficiency.
The second exchange was with another therapist . In one of our first appointments she explained the way the body handles stress and trauma In the same way that stress can cause ulcers or a heart attack, it can also cause depression. This therapist said that in order to process the situation and heal emotionally and spiritually, I had to care for my body in ways that would address the emotional and physical issues. For me, this included medication.
After several weeks of taking the prescribed medication, I was able to better process the hurt and disappointment that triggered my depression in the first place. Healing has been an ongoing process, and I have required the assistance of medication on and off since then.
While the medication aided my physical healing, the love and care of people also helped me to mend emotionally These people were not afraid to take depression seriously and to consider it holistically.
I still do not know why God allowed depression to be part of my joumey. Often in my darkest moments I asked God, 'Why? " and "How long?" Though these questions were not answered. I did receive the answers to other questions: "God, are you there? Do you care? Axe you able to save me?" These answers came in the people who supported me. Through them I heard God say: "I am here I care deeply I may not lifr you out of this darkness today, but I will go with you through it "
The value o f fe llowship
This reminds me of J R.R. Tolkein's story, The Lord of the Rings. Friendship is one of the many themes in this story. Frodo, a hobbit, is appo in ted the task of carrying a ring of power into an evil land ru led by the Dark Lord Sauron where it can be destroyed Co mm itted to journ eyi ng with hi m in a fellowsh ip is Sa m, ano th er hobbit.
Sam's heart b reaks as he watc hes hi s dear friend Frodo deteriorate unde r the burden of the rin g he carries. But Sam persists, giving himself up for his friend so th at their journey might be completed When Frodo is at the end of himself, a mere shadow of the person he once was, Sam offers Frodo a memory of home:
Sam: "Do you remember the Shire. Mr. Frodo? It will be spring soon. And the orchards will be in blossom, and the birds will be nesting in the hazel thicket. And they11 be sowing the summer barley in the lower fields. And eating the first of the strawberries with cream . Do you remember the taste of strawberries?"
Frodo: "No, Sam. I can't recall the taste of food. Nor the sound of water. Nor the touch of grass. I'm naked in the dark ... there's nothing, no veil, in between me and the wheel of fire. I can see him, with my waki ng eyes."
Sam: 'Then let us be rid of it, once and for all Come on, Mr. Frodo. I can't carry it for you. but I can carry you!"
At every tum Sam chooses to remain loyal to Frodo. He does not tum away from Frodo in his suffering or return to their home in the Shire. Instead, he chooses to walk into the darkness alongside Frodo.
Ofrentimes we do not want to remain close to those who are suffering Suffering, struggle. pain and sorrow th reaten us. They remind us that we are not ultimately in control; that life is fragile, that the evil in the world is real and prompts honesty, self-reflection and change. The journey through darkness is risky business. However, offering oneself on behalf of another is a great act of love, one that makes space for healing. Compassion takes seriously the wou nds of those within our communities.
I am blessed to have had people willing to walk alongside me. There are so many who do not have such willing people. There are many who are mistakenly told by fellow Christians that depression is their fault. that they do not have enough faith. We should rather open ourselves to the Holy Spirit's guidance and ask: How might I love my brother or sister struggling with depression?
Michelle Ferguson is a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminazy and currently resides in Fresno, Calif. She is a member of College Community MB Church and serves as registrar at MB Biblical Seminazy and adjunct faculty at Fresno Pacific University
'1l Post your comments at usmb .orglchristian -leader questions are available at usmb orglchristian -leader
The Great
BEFORE I (DAVID BRUCE ROSE) BEGAN AS associate professor at MB Biblical Seminary, I had a private practice as a psychologist and served as a parish associate pastor in Fresno. A few years ago, that church's head of staff asked me to teach an adult Sunday school class on depression. He said that depression was a recurrent theme as he visited with people . Since this man was usually very sensitive to the needs of the congregation, I agreed despite my concerns that only a few might attend. Mer all, while the scientific research shows that Christians are less likely to be depressed than the general population, believers are no more immune to depression than they are to cancer or heatt disease .
We were completely surprised by the response So many people attended the class that we had to move from the normal classroom to the sanctuary. Question after question came regarding the relationship of depression to faith, the causes of depression and ways to alleviate depression. Clearly depression was more imporrant to the people in my church than we thought, and I imagine that is rrue for most churches
Despite being called the "common cold of mental health," many Christians feel alone, cut off from the church and our Lord when they are depressed. But the promise that" neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom . 8:38-39) includes depression . While depression may cause us to "feel" cut off from God, those feelings are not accurate.
More than a low mood
Everyone feels sad , tired or irritable from time to time. Sometimes we just don't want to face the tasks of the day. But, most of us have ways that help get us back on track- take a walk, have a nap, call a friend, etc. With self-discipline we can do what's necessary, and on reflection we may even enjoy it. These "down " feelings and lack of energy are sometimes labeled depression, and it is normal for people to experience worries, sadness and negativity But it is imporrant to know that the illness called depression is more complex than an occasionallow mood.
Depression (sometimes called Major Depression, Unipolar Depression or Clinical Depression) is one of several mood disorders. These affect the whole person : feelings, thoughts , behaviors, physiology, relationships and even one's faith Depression disrupts normal life. It is debilitating and at times can even lead to death.
Unlike the times when we feel "down ," willpower alone does not help depression In fact , fighting depression by sheer force of will can even make the problem worse The inability to power through the pain can often lead us to feel worrhless , helpless or guilty These feelings are especially true for those who believe that depression
demonstrates a failure of faith . And this is why talking about depression in our homes and churches can be critical to our spiritual health and our relationship with God. Mood disorders , like depression, are often more frustrating to cope with than physical illnesses or injuries because they are "invisible ." When you look at a person who has depression, you don't see a wound. They don't have a fever, and there is no lab test to diagnose the problem Rather, depression is diagnosed based on a person's feelings, thoughts and behaviors.
Depression causes many people to feel sad, helpless and hopeless most of the time , while causing others to feel irritable and angry. Some describe feeling numb, without any emotion . They don 't enjoy activities that once brought them pleasure . Their thoughts change as well. Life seems gloomy, and they perceive themselves, their environment, and their future more negatively than other people do Surprisingly, the objective facts about their life may be relatively positive .
On the other hand , people with depression are sometimes more accurate in their assessments of reality, but have lost the capacity to manage their negative feelings . In either case, even if they can remember good times, they frequently cannot imagine enjoying life again
Physical effects
Depression is not just "in your head ." In addition to excessive negative emotions and thoughts , this illness affects people's physical bodies as well. Depressed people have less energy and may avoid physical activity not because they are "lazy," but because they simply don 't have the energy Sleep problems are common, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep or sleeping far too much Appetite changes can also occur - loss of interest in eating or wanting to eat more than usual - and can result in significant weight changes. In addition, depressed people are frequently more sensitive to pain and may develop aches and pains they never had before.
With this in mind, it is not surprising that depression affects more than just feelings, thoughts and physiology. It also affects relationships, making it much more difficult to connect with others. Normal activities may feel exhausting , leading depressed people to avoid friends and family They may resign from volunteer positions or perform poorly at work. Many find that family life becomes unusually stressful as spouses and children are also affected. Depression is isolating and significantly limits one's ability to be present in ways that build relationships. These troublesome changes are, in parr, biological. Commonly called a "chemical imbalance." depressed people show lower levels of cerra in neurottansmitters, chemicals that help the neurons in the brain "fire ." Because of the low levels of these chemicals and the damaging effects on the neurons themselves the parrs of our brains that we use to feel hope and joy are impaired, as are the parrs that help manage our stress levels .
Depression and faith
Finally. depression can affect our faith. The negative perceptions. hopelessness. discou ragement. confusion and lack of energy all make it difficult for us to relate to God and his people. For depressed people. prayer often seems empty and ineffective Worsh ip may become difficult and painful. Fellowship can become awkward and Bible study can result in increased confusion guilt and hopelessness. It is very easy to confuse an episode of depression with a crisis of faith.
Depression can be discouraging. both to people suffe rin g from the disorder and to the people around them . But there is hope. and. as seen in other articles in this issue. we. the church body. have power and resources we can use to help ourselves and one another Counseling. medication and behavior changes. along with spiritual practices such as worship. prayer and Bible reading can help.
include: licensed counselors, clinical social workers , psychologists, family practice physicians, psychiatrists and specialized support groups.
Share our own suffering
Third, we must all consider the ways that dep ression may have affected our own lives, whether in ourselves or in our families. Often our own experience with suffering is the best place to start when helping others. Henri Nouwen writes about giving real help in his well-known book, The Wounded Healer. Nouwen encourages us to minister in the way that Jesus did, sharing our pain. Likewise, the prophet Isaiah describes the servant of the Lord as "a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering" (Isa. 53:3).
Nouwen goes on to say that transparency abo ut our own experience with suffering "does not call for a sharing of superficial pe rsonal pains but for a constant willingness to see one's own pain
ClearLy depression was more important to the people in my church than we thought, and I imagine that is true for most churches.
When symptoms of depression seem apparent in members of our congregation. we need to carefully consider how to minister to them . Sometimes we try to help church members struggling with worry and cynicism by telling them to remember God's goodness and care. While this is true. it is important to see that because depression can affect our thinking. encouragement to simply trust God more may actually increase feelings of self-condemnation. Sometimes these messages can make us feel more alone. as though no one understands how hard we are trying. Or they can make us feel even more hopeless. as if even God cannot help us . We may wonder why other people are able to walk in faith while we cannot. We may ask. "What is wrong with me that God has abandonedme?"
What can churches do?
So. what kinds of faith expression can we expect from those of us with depression? Maybe showing up at church and trying to worship may require all the strength they have. Maybe our meager offerings of silent attention to them are as appreciated as much as the widow's last two coins.
What practical things can congregations do? First, we can speak against the powerful stigma that still surrounds mental illness. We can communicate messages of love, hope and acceptance in sermons, small groups and through prayer. We can encourage those of us who are chronically sad or worrisome that they are not simply lazy Christians. Faith and hope that one day God will relieve the pain, in spite of present emotions, can be a powerful demonstration of Christ-like character.
Second. we can be a resource for members who need the expertise of professional helpers. Pastors cannot do it all, but they can offer themselves as a resource in the church for connecting people with physicians and licensed counselors who are sensitive to the special concerns of Christians while they continue to help the depressed person address their spiritual needs . A resource list may
and suffering as rising from the depth of the human condition which all men (and women) share."
Nouwen describes a young man named Peter who came to him for help. Peter's life was filled with the loneliness, apathy, and despair that many depressed people know.
Nouwen writes, "I did not paint this portrait of Peter to show you a picture of a man in need of psychiatric help. No. I think Peter's situation is in many ways typical of the condition of modern men and women which we too recognize in our own life experiences."
Nouwen does not see Peter's life, though painful, as uniquely disturbed. Likewise. in serving those with depression, we must not create a special category of troubled persons. Instead, when we know the shape of our own suffering, leaders can empathize with the depressed person's struggle and offer help even more effectively. As some of the writers in this issue found. knowing that the church is walking alongside us to Jesus, our common source of help, without condemnation, is a powerful blessing.
David Bruce Rose is associate professor of Marriage, Family and Child Counseling at MB Biblical Seminary. He received his doctoral degree from the California School of Professional Psychology and his master's degree from Fuller Theological Seminary. Amy Stone is the first student in MBBS' new combined masters of divinity and masters of marriage. family and child counseling degree program in Fresno, Calif., and is the mother of five children. The first lesson from the Sunday school class mentioned in the opening of this article was published in the MB Herald and can be accessed at their site: http://old mbherald.com/4oo5Imessiah.html?view=p.
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JOANNE KLASSEN
Living high and low
Bipolar disorder and the church's response
BEN'S PARENTS WERE MYSTIFIED AND DEEPLY CONCERNED. They had received a call that their 22-year-old son was being taken to the local emergency room for a psychiatric exam.
Ben was a regular kid: bright, creative, fun loving and caring. Now he was acring in ways that were unusual for him - making wild accusations, seeming paranoid and going without sleep for days at a time. Ben had complained about school pressures, and his grades had suffered this past term. He wasn't keeping up with his friends, because he was working on a secret project.
When his parents arrived at the hospital waiting room , Ben was sitting handcuffed between two police officers He had a wild look in his eyes, but his body was slumped in defeat. He glared at his parents and accused them of trying to have him arrested .
Ben's parents were shocked that their son would say and think such things They were worried about Ben's mental health and wellbeing, and they were mortified since they knew many of the families sitting in their small town emergency room.
When Ben's behavior was diagnosed as bipolar disorder, he and his parents found themselves in unexpected territory. Bipolar disorder can give people with this mental illness and their families and friends experiences they never imagined: run-ins with the law, devastated relationships, involuntary hospitalization and a lifelong diagnosis that may require lifelong medical treatment.
Since mental illness occurs at the same rate in Christians as in the general population, it is important for congregations to learn how to interact with people affected by bipolar disorder.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder has two components: depressive episodes and manic episodes. There are several types of bipolar disorder, with different expressions of the depressive and manic episodes.
Symptoms of a depressive ep isode include a
depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in what used to be enjoyable, an irritable mood, dramatic change in weight or appetite, insomnia, fatigue, fee li ng worthless, feeling guilty about everything, difficulty thinking or concentrating and recurring thoughts of death or suicide
Symptoms of a manic episode include an abnormally elevated or irritable mood. The person feels larger than life, needs little sleep, is more talkative than usual, has racing thoughts, is easily distracted, has bursts of goal-directed acrivity or is physically agitated and acts impulsively, doing things that may have painful consequences (spending sprees, sexual indiscretions, gambling or driving recklessly)
Sometimes a person with bipolar disorder will also have psychosis, which is hearing or seeing what the rest of us don't see or hear, or having bizarre or unusual ideas. Usually these symptoms are disturbing enough that a person can't function or may require hospitalization
Problems for the church
What can shock church folk is that people with bipolar disorder may act out of character or do things the church considers sinful, like stealing, lying, boasting, sexual behaviors and substance abuse. The church may have a dilemma knowing how to respond morally.
There may also be a great sense of loss, especially before a person is diagnosed or stabilized. It may feel like the person is no longer him- or herself; family and friends struggle to cope with changes in their loved one.
A great problem in the church is that people with mental health issues often disappear - sometimes by choice and sometimes because they are ignored or misunderstood A common belief among Christians is that mental illness is the result of sin or Satan's influence These beliefs make it hard to walk compassionately alongside a person with mental health challenges and may increase people's fear of relating to someone with bipolar disorder .
Another issue a congregation faces may be the time and care required to be with a person in the most painful parts of their illness. Caring may be difficult when the per-
son doesn't change - or doesn't change fast enough. Caring can also be difficult when the illness causes the person to be unpleasant or challenging to be with. Congregations may tire of going through a cycle of care, intelVention, assistance or crisis.
Strategies to introduce
There is no cookie cutter strategy for meaningful connections with people with bipolar disorder While the illness may affect the brain in similar ways, the effects and outcomes of both the illness and the treatments are individual. Here, though, are some strategies that congregations can introduce into church life:
Education
Many people are afraid of those who have bipolar disorder : Will this person act sttangely or be violent? How do I handle
sayings reflect a lack of understanding of what mental illness is and how to be with people who have a mental illness
Misusing these phrases and attitudes implies that people with bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses are choosing sinful behaviors and attitudes, and that they should be able to triumph over their illness through confession, their spiritual relationship with God and willpower.
Forgotten, at times, are Elijah's and Jonah's stories . Both men begged God to let them die. Forgotten are the Psalms in all thei r raw humanity : "My tears have fed me day and night" and pleas for God to intelVene while the psalmist is down and out. Forgotren are Paul's "thorn," a burden he had to bear that would not go away, and his admission in Romans 7 that he is unable to control his behavior. These, and more, are examples of passages of understanding and
A great problem in the church is that people with mental health issues often disappear-sometimes by choice and sometimes because they are ignored or misunderstood.
unusual thoughts and/or experiences a person might talk about? What do we do if the person talks about suicide and other fears? By acknowledging these fears, a congregation can address these concerns by gathering information and knowledge . For instance, people with mental illness are less likely to be violent than the general population This is helpful to know.
Organizations like the Mood Disorder Association offer information, reading materials, factual brochures, small groups and oneon-one meetings. A counseling agency, mental health facility or mental health professional might offer an adult education option Sunday momings or provide information or suggestions to pastors, deacons or other congregational caregivers.
When I worked in community mental health, I welcomed calls from a client's support network. While I respected a client's confidentiality, there was still general information I could share.
People with any medical problem, including mental illnesses, tend to do better when they have social and family supports. A congregation that asks, "How can we help?" is a great resource for health in a person or family member's life.
The fear of having to deal with someone who is, or may be, suicidal, is profound. Most of us know someone who committed suicide and the horrible pain that comes in the ahermath. Most of us cherish life and find the possibility of another's suicide foreign and frightening. It is important to know what emergency resources are available nearby. Check into local information by consulting the phone book or regional health lists. These are helpful in an emergency or when caregivers and friends don't know how to respond.
Theological education
Sometimes we look for theological hints or biblical clues when it comes to understanding mental illness. Most of what is known about mental illness has been learned in about the past century. In biblical times there were few ways to explain or understand mental illness .
Some common stories or sayings from the Bible have influenced the way we think about mental illness: "Go and sin no more. " "Be healed. " "C hoose the good things ." "Don't be anxious. " These
mercy that we can identify with when we or a family member suffe r with mental illness.
Far beyond these stories, the Bible contains powerful theological precepts that are more fundamental to Christianity than specific exhortations . The Bible is clear that God's people are to be a light to the world. We are to be leaders in compassion and justice.
When does the church seek to be a compassionate light to individuals and families affected by bipolar disorder? A church community begins by acknowledging and identifying with a person's suffering. It works to include people with mental illnesses in the congregation.
The Bible urges us to care for those who have less. Many urban street people have mental illnesses. Many with bipolar disorder are on disability or social assistance, which provides only substandard and even dangerous housing and not enough money to make ends meet. People who have a higher level of functioning may need support to finish schooling, return to work or find suitable work. Can our congregations find ways of helping people help themselves? So much more could and needs to be done in caring.
The list of fundamental Christian values goes on: love, forgiveness, restoration, inclusion and not judging. The applications of these virtues to people struggling with bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses are endless. As the church, we are limited only by our imagination and determination.
Joanne Klassen is the director of Recovery of Hope, a counseling program oUered by Eden Health Care Services in five communities in southern Manitoba. She has completed master's degrees in martiage and family therapy and theology. Klassen wrote this article for Meetinghouse, an association of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ publications. A second article by Klassen that further explores ways congregations can assist those with mental illness is posted at www.usmb orglchristian-Ieader.
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PSALM 88 IS TERRIBLE. IT IS THE ONE PSALM THAT has no ingredient of resolution, no praise, not even a commitment to praise in the future. The poet ends his prayer by stating: "I have been afflicted and dying from my youth on; I have suffered your terrors; I am desperate Your burning anger has crossed over me; your terrors have annihilated me. They swirl around me all day like water; they have encompassed me completely. You have removed lover and friend from me; Darkness is my closest friend "
The fina l word in Hebrew is "darkness." Marty Martin, author of A Cry of Absence: Reflections for the Winter of the Heart, writes that "the Psalm is a scandal to anyone who isolates it from the biblical canon, a pain to anyone who must hear it apart from more lively words. Whoever devises from the Scriptures a philosophy in which everything turns out right has to begin by tearing out this page of the volume. "
What is this psalm doing in our Bibles, we who have a faith characterized by hope , joy and the love of the Lord? Part of the answer must be that sometimes we as God 's faithful people find ourselves in the shoes of this poet.
Life is a God -ward journey, but the road toward him sometimes takes us into valleys. In those valleys we are not able to see our goal. More than that, some of these valleys are so deep that
BY DAVID FUNK
Praying in the valley
VVe larnent because we believe in God passionately
not even a ray of light enters the bottom. This is the valley of Tzel-Maweth, H ebrew for "the shadow of death." We need this prayer because sometimes we so journ in the Valley of Tzel -Maweth.
Psalm 88 is the prayer of a person in unrelenting pain. We don 't know the exact situa ti on the psalmist was in , and that is inte ntional. This psalm is written in such a way that it can be the prayer of any of us who experience insistent pain for any reason But one of the more common expe riences of the Valley of Tzel - Maweth is the pain that mental illness brings.
Mental illness touches almost all of us in some way, whether because it is yo ur own personal experience or because someone you love is walking that valley. Perhaps you know what it is like to visit the psychiatric ward when someone you love is on su icide watch. It is said that 22 1 percent of all adults suffer from a diagnosable psychiatric disorder in any given year.
To be sure, mental illness is a physical event. It has to do with synapses, neurons and chemicals of the brain . But believe that we are created beings, in inextricable relationshIp with our Creator. We believe that we are not just souls , but embodied souls Matter matters. Mental illness is therefore a physical event that has profound spiritual fallout .
The experience of mental illness raises some profound and troubling quest ions. We wonder, "I s it God who sends this suffering? If so, why? " Theologian Kathryne GreeneMcCreight writes of he r experience with bipola r disorder and clinical depression in Darkness Is My Only Companion: A Christian Response to Mental Illness. She writes: "Why, with my religious convictions about the love and mercy of God, with my belief in that unconditional and free grace of God poured out in Jesus even in spite of my basest longings and actions, why would I not be filled with joy at every moment, eager to greet the day with the love of the Lord?"
The basic ques t ion on which all others return is, "What is the relation of God to my suffering? "
Enter Psalm 88 This prayer is te rrible, but it is not ulti ma tely hop eless . It is not a psalm of mute de pressi on. The fact that it
is not hop el ess co nsi sts no t in wh at it does or does not say but rather in how it is said Hopele ss nes s soun ds like res ign ation H opeless ness sounds like silence, like no n- prayer This psalm speaks to God , an d therein li es all the difference Old Te sta ment sc holar Wa lter Brueggemann writes, "This psal m, like the faith of Is rael, is utte rl y contained in the not ion tha t Yahweh is there and mu st be addressed ." It is as if on t he bottom of t he Va ll ey of Tzel -Maweth th ere is a pit, and it is praye r like this th at is the lifeline that keeps us from falling into that pit .
Prayer like this is, therefo re, an act of co urage and an act of defiance. By it we remember and insist that in all things it is the Lord with whom we have to do. Even in that horrible valley we are on a journey towards God, and that terrible valley cannot be- is not-where that journey ends.
So, why do we have t his prayer in our Script ures , which are otherwise characterized by hope, joy and love? Because this is what faithfulness sounds like in situations of unrelenting pain . We're in real trou bl e when we stop praying like this , when we cease our part in this difficult conversation wit h God Then th ere ttu ly is hopeless ness and we slip into the pit on the bottom of Tzel-Maweth.
The majority of the prayers that God has given us to pray to hi m give some express ion to bruta ll y honest lament. If this awful kind of prayer is one of God's provisions for us when we are in the Valley of Tzel - Maweth, then we must have room in ou r faith fo r this kind of prayer But we don't. Lamen t has been mostly exiled from our personal and corporate worship, and the loss is great indeed.
Lament is driven by a conviction that God cares and matters and is who he says he is . We lament not because we don 't believe, but because we believe so passionately Con versely, loss of lament is a sign of unbelief God has given us Psa lm 88 and other laments because this is what faithfulness sounds like when we walk in the valleys . Even here it is the Lord with whom we have to do. Yes. Lord!
David Funk is the senior pastor of Abbeydale Christian Fellowship , an Evangelical Mennonite congregation in Calgary, Alta This article was first published in The Messenger, the Evangelical Mennonite Conference publication. and is reprinted with pennission.
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ADNet offers resources on mental illness
Mennonite Brethren congregations and individuals looldng for resources on mental illness can explore Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet), an interMen nonite organization whose miss ion is to encourage families and eq uip the church to include persons with disabilities fuUy in the life of the congregation and community. Disabilities are defined broadly to include physical. sensory cognitive, and emotional disabilities, including mental illness.
ADNet is committed to making available to families and congregations the best in Christian resources related to all types of dis abilities, including mental illness. The organization offers print resources, including classic titles originally published by their predecessor Mennonite advocacy ministries at Mennonite Mutual Aid and Mennonite Central Committee. The classic booklet. Supportive Care in the Congregation, describes care circles. a method for congregations to offer supportive care to families and persons who deal with disabilities,
mental.illness. chronic illness or other needs. A ' more " recent .booklet, published in this decade, Horning's..A Christian View of Menral I11ness. The booklet' p rovides backgJyunci 'On the-- cn urch'S'
" iJ»isfinll ql,lkm""11111/...'1."
response.tomentalj1lness and-outlines a Christian response based ..on Scripture.
ADNet alsQ offerSllewettides '., by Christian and secular pub)jsh,. . ers and a variety of artides, papers ". and graphics online.at toneline org VHS tapef and ..,DVJ) j discs are available .lor loan.. with newer titles available -also for purillcluding widely used new video on ness, S/,ladow Voices ADNef's newel" resources are the ter. publi$hed three to four 1im.es 5 year. and .a quarterly e1ectrOnic newsletter AnNotes, which offers tjps and resources especially for churches MQSt of ADNet's resources are others are , offered for sale at minimal cost. The ADNet Web 'Site .:;: offers full details.lnformation is also available bywriq " . or by leaving a ttlcssage via vokemail or lax at J-877-ZI4-9838.
source of MB growth
Ethnic congregations help U.S.
While Mennonite Church USA, the largest Mennonite group in the United States, tries to reverse a membership decline, the Mennonite Brethren conference has a much different story to tell
The U.S. Conference, the second-largest U.S . Mennonite group, has more than doubled its membership in 25 years, growing from 16,942 members in 1983 to 35,496 in 2008. The Canadian MB Conference also is expanding, though not as fast. Since 2000, membership there has increased 10 percent, to 36,946. By contrast, Mennonite Church USA lost 9 percent of its membership between 2001 and 2007, falling to 109 ,315.
How did Mennonite Breth ren in the United States manage to grow so much? Not primarily th rough ch urch planting, though they've had some success at that . Th e biggest factor, conference leaders say, was the "adoption" of ethnic congregations - especially Slavic churches of Ukrainian immigrants
'They found in us a theology they could say yes to," says Don
Conference double in 25 years
Morris, director of Mission USA, the conference's church-planting and renewal arm 'They are very much peacemaking people They are very evangelical."
From the mid-I990S to the early 2ooos, 35 Slavic congregations - many of them in the Pacific Northwest, most with Pentecostal and Baptist backgrounds in Ukraine-became Mennonite Brethren.
'These churches were aware of the Mennonite Brethren family, and some early linkages had a snowball effect," says Ed Boschman, executive director of the U.S . Conference.
In the early 1990s, more than 350,000 Slavics, including this young family being welcomed by Pastor Vasily Vakulsky to the United States and the Slavic Christian Church family of Portland, Ore., immigrated to the Pacific Northwest Slavic Christian Church was one of 10 congregations, totaling more than 3,000 adults, that aligned themselves with the U.S. Conference from 1991 to 1994
In all, 62 ethnic congregations have joined since 1995, accounting for more than 80 percent of the conference's growth. The other leading groups are Hispanics with 35 churches, Ethiopians with nine and Koreans with seven. Today, 94 of the 200 U.S. MB congregations are identified as ethnic.
Morris and Boschman credit Loyal Funk, former U.S. conference minister, with bringing Slavic churches into the Mennonite Brethren fold Also, the MB Foundation gave loans to enable some of the congregations to build churches
'There was a huge immigration after perestroika," Morris says , referring to the restructuring that contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. '1\s we look back, we are very grateful that we were able to help these churches get established in the U.S."
Questions remain, however, about the strength of the Slavic churches' Mennonite Brethren ties and whether all will want to stay with the conference. Many of their people wouldn't even know their churches are affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren, Morris says. "We're doing some investigative work to see what level of relationship they wish to maintain," he says
" In retrospect. we would have been well-served to clarify our understanding of family in the longer-term " says Boschman '1\.mong the Slavic congregations, some churches lean in more than others Our relationships with many Slavic churches are complicated by additional denominational affiliations and history in their motherland
' This is a complex and challenging reality that we are seeking to address," says Boschman. "While the Slavic congregations are connecting with MBMS International in new initiatives, we know that our partnerships and arrangements are not as healthy as they could be and ideally should be," he says
In Canada, churches outside the traditional Russian-German MB ethnic group have contributed to growth , though not as
bodyLIFE
much as in the U.S The Canadian MB Conference has 22 Chinese churches, almost all in British Columbia, says Ken Reddig of Pinawa , Man. , executive secretary of the MB Historical Commission. Most were established in the 1970S and '80S.
He says Chinese immigrants could identify with the Mennonite Brethren experience of living under communism. Many Canadian MBs are descendants of those who fled the Soviet U nion in the 1920S and after World War II.
"They really identify with the Russian Mennonite story and say. 'You are a group of people who understand what we have been through ,' " Redd ig says. ' 'There is a sense of a suffering church, because many of them were C h ristians under communism."
Reddig believes a willingness to change is a Mennonite Brethren trait that contributes to growth
''There' s been a little more ease in being influenced by other confessions." he says. ' 'That's been both a criticism of MBs as well as a strength. "
These influences, he says included fundam enta li sm, early acceptance of gospel musi c and contemporary worship styles, the church-growth movement and an openness to ethnic diversity
Mennonite Brethren churches in C an ada have advantages for growth com-
It is common in Slavic worship services for members to stand or kneel for t imes of corporate prayer during which participants speak the ir ind ividual prayers out loud at the same time.
pared to the United States, Morris and Reddig say. With Canada's smaller population-33 million compared to 305 million in the U.S. -mainstream Mennonites have a higher profile. They are much better understood and not confused with the Amish and other plain groups.
"It's a different ballgame on this side of the border," Reddig says. " It's not that our churches are different, but society is different."
In Winnipeg, whose 700,000 people make up the bulk of Manitoba's population of 1.2 million, there are more than 50 Mennonite congregations, and almost everyone knows of Mennonite Central Committee, Reddig says
Also, in Canada "it's fairly cool to identify with an ethnicity," Reddig says, "and Mennonites are primarily seen as an ethnic group." This fact cuts both ways, he says. Mennonites are esteemed but also seen as exclusive
Morris sees U.S. Mennonite Brethren facing tougher challenges.
"In Canada the name (Mennonite Brethren) is seen as an asset, and in the United States it is seen as a barrier," he says. "In Canada the peace position is seen as a high virtue, but for us here that is not going to be understood by the majority."
Reddig generally agrees but says " Brethren" is sometimes seen as a barrier because it sounds sexist.
Morris says the U.S. Conference will not plant churches and then try to hide the fact that they are MB "I believe fully in who we are as Mennonite Brethren-our discipleship, being true followers of Jesus, changed lives, our view of Scripture," he says ''The Bible will be taught well and strongly and not watered down in our church plants."
Boschman says the key to growth is to understand that Notth America is a mission field " We have moved in the direction of calling ourselves Anabaptist evangelicals, " he says. - Paul Schrag with Connie Faber, reprinted by permission from Mennonite Weekly Review , an inter-Mennonite newspaper
Modeling passion for mission
Slavic congregations send youth on summer trips
It' s not uncommon for Mennonite Brethren congregations to send young people on summer mission trips. They know that the experience never fails to be spiritually invigo rating for the youth and that host communities get a shot in the arm from short-term help. What may be surprising to Christian Leader readers is that some of the MB congregations most passionate about sending their youth on shortterm mission trips are still learning to call the United States home
The U.S. MB family includes 33 Slavic congregations. mostly on the West Coast. comprising at least a third of U.S. Conference membership. Each year. these Slavic congregations send hundreds of young people on short-term mission trips to the former Soviet Union -the parts of the world they once called home.
House of the Gospel Church, a Slavic MB congregation located in Fresno. Calif • sent 27 young people on short-term mission trips last summer. And, for the second time, they expanded their sending beyond Russia and Ukraine to include Mexico
It's all part of a larger vision for the congregation's mission department to expand the mission of the congregation to new global regions. Slavid Gladysh. mission department head at the House of the Gospel, says. "Our goal is to offer as many options as possible. including Mexico and the countries in the 10/40 window. "
The pews of House of the Gospel are filled with immigrants from the former Soviet Union, so it's not surprising that many members have a passion for ministry in their homeland. They faithfully support missionaries and pastors in those countries. eagerly
look for news from those ministries and regularly send short-term teams to help This past summer House of the Gospel supported four teams of Slavic youth who went to Russia and Ukraine.
House of the Gospel worked with MBMS International, the global mission agency of North American Mennonite Brethren, to send one of these teams to Ukraine May 27-Aug. 5. They served first alongside MBMSI workers John and Evelyn Wiens. then with local missionary Luyba Dzhymik in Kiev
The team encouraged a youth grou p in Zaporizhiya, sang and shared testimonies in the historic German Mennonite village of Malochansk, did street evangelism in Feodosia. led an impromptu kids' camp in Nikolaipolia and led more kids' camps in Kiev.
Although the Ukraine team experienced persecution as villagers threw rocks at them and sabotaged their van. team leader Vitaliy Kovalinskiy says, 'This did not stop us from spreading the gospel, for
The House of the Gospel summer missions team prayed for good weather when plans for a baptism service in the Arctic Ocean were jeopardized by a snowstorm When the time came, the sun shone for the baptism of two believers from the remote village.
it is the power of God unto salvation." He says the trip inspired a hunger for God that remains long after the team's return to the U.S . "The team has been transformed to be intensely gospelfocused," he says.
House of the Gospel worked with other churches and organizations, including Power in Truth, an organization that focuses on the former Soviet Union, to send youth with other teams One team of four went to the northernmost part of Russia, near Pevek, where they assisted the local missionary in visiting nearby villages, conducting youth camps and outreach.
Team leader AIik Shipuk tells how the team saw God answer prayer in one remote village near the Arctic Ocean. Plans for the island's first baptism were jeopardized when a snowstorm blew in. So the team prayed for good weather and in faith invited villagers to the ocean baptism. ''They looked at us in a very strange way," Shipuk says. But when the time came, the sun shone, two believers were baptized and two more came to faith in Christ.
Shipuk says, "God was in control of the whole trip. We were so confident and didn't doubt at any point that he would not provide or would not open doors for us. We also learned the power of prayer."
Gladysh says that the congregation must expand its vision beyond the former Soviet Union to other areas of the world. He says the younger generations don't remember the country their parents emigrated from, so their passion for mission is not necessarily focused on the former Soviet Union but on "the most needy area " He feels it's important to give youth opportunities to pursue mission in many countries and cultures, lest their passion be lost.
So for the second time the congregation sent youth to Mexico House of the Gospel worked with an English-language church in Fresno and with Caravan Ministries, a mission organization focused on Mexico, to send a team that included eight Slavic youth to TIjuana, Mexico, over spring break. In addition, the congregation sent one girl to the Texas/Mexico border with MBMSI's SOAR S. Texas program in July.
The Tijuana team's primary job was to build relationships with local people, which they did as they built small homes for those in need. Team leader Veniamin "Ben" Morgun says the 12-bY-I2 foot homes could hardly be called houses . 'We Americans would probably use something like that for our tools ." Yet he was impressed by the
gra titu de exp ressed by the families receivin g the homes . He says the poverty he observed was eye-opening.
"I learned so mu ch abo ut God and the worl d while I was there," Morgun says. '1\n d th e biggest thi ng I learn ed about God was that he deserves all of our honor and prai se "
Gladys h says that Slavic yo uth oft en live in two cu ltures. "On Sunday. they are Russian , bu t the res t of th e time, they are Americ an "
Kovalinskiy says that mi niste ring in t he Uk ra ine as an American-raised Ukrainian made him rea li ze he is both Ukrainian and American, yet doesn't fit comfortably in either culture "This led me to conclude that I am not a citizen of the world but of heaven ," Kovalinskiy says. "Wha t a thought!" At the same time, that cultural adaptability may have been an advantage as the youth faced another culture in Mexico. "They have already experienced two cultures, so an additional one culture is easy to accept," Gladysh says.
Summer missionaries from all of the West Coast Slavic congrega tions were celebrated at a "Blessings of Missions" dinner Sept. 27, hos ted by Power in Truth Miss ions, th e organizatio n ma ny Slavic MB congregations work with for missions to the former Soviet Un ion. An estimated 250300 young people attended , which hints at the large numbers of Slavic youth involved in short-te rm mission trips. Randy Friesen, general di rector of MBMSI, challenged the group to serve God regardless of the cost or risk.
Gladysh hopes that at least that many Slavic youth will be sent on short-term missions next summer He also hopes to involve youth who can't go internationally in local outreach. House of the Gospel recently decided to begin an English -language service, and the church's mission department dreams of various outreach activities designed to welcome Engli sh-speaking neighbors into the church. "We want to make our church full of people from the neighborhood," Gladysh says. Those neighbors , by the way. aren't likely to be Slavic, but American, African-American and H ispanic .
Mark Thompson, who helped coordinate the Ukraine team as short term mission coordinator with MBMSI, says the Slavic MB congregations like House of the Gospel are modeling passion for mission. "Our MB Conference should take a good look at their passion for prayer, the ir devotion to Word of God and their heart to share Christ with others - and lea rn from them, " he says. - Myra Holmes
Twenty-seven young adults from House of the Gospel, including this yo ung woman, pa rti cipa ted in sum me r mission trips to the former Soviet Union and Mexico. Her team's trip to an "autonomous protected region" in north er n Russ ia was co mplicated by few flights and expensive tickets Once the team arrived, challenges were few, exce pt for the "enor mous amount of mo squito es," says team leader Alik Shipak.
leOMB plans sesquicentennial
Globa l de lega t es m ee t, ce le b rate in India
Be. The two national conferences will also be holding their biennial conventions in connection with Celebration 2010 .
ICOMB is involved with several projects commemorating the denomination's 150th anniversary. induding the current global study of Knowing and Living Your Faith: A Study of the Confession of Faith. The study book, released in July 2008. is being translated into at least seven languages. ICOMB is requesting that all denominational schools study the ICOMB confession in connection with the anniversary.
Celebrations-present and future - were an important part of the annual International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) gathering the first week of N ove mbe r 2008. ICOMB is comprised of one delegate from each of the 19 national Mennonite Brethren conferences and a representative from MBMS Internationa l, the Nort h America n denominat ional mission agency. Ed Boschman. U.S. Conference executive director. represents the United States national conference
"As a first-t imer. it was an amazing moment for me to realize that we had a group representing 19 nation al con fere nces in 15 countries sitting togethe r in India that represents 150 yea rs of global mi ssion work " said Boschman in an interview afrer the meeting "We were together celebrating a global family. connected through identity. theology and mission activity . And God has added his blessing to the sacrifices that this denominational family made."
The 13 ICOMB conference representa tives present at the 2008 meeting continued planning for a 2010 global celeb ration marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Mennon ite Brethren Church and attended weekend events cel ebrating the Golden Jubilee of the formation of the India MB Conference Govern ing Counci l.
While sesquicentennial celebratio ns. each wi th an international component. are being planned by the national conferences in India Japan. Panama. Paraguay Brazil and Portugal. the annive rsary celebration in Germany. along with tour options to the Ukraine and Holland and Switzerland. is emerging as a key event .
The European ce lebration begins May 14-1 5. 2010 with a symposium planned by the three German confe rences that will highligh t the history of Mennonites in the forme r Soviet Union The annual ICO M B gathering will be May 20-22 in con junct ion with a Ge rman conference convention. The European celebration will conclude with a one-day M ission Conferen ce M ay 24 with a second German conference. Travel days are in clu ded in the schedu le and participants are encou raged to attend loca l wors hip se rvic es on the two Su nd ays
The interna tional Mennoni te Breth re n co mmun ity is also invited to th e North America n celeb rati on sa id Bosch man and David Wiebe. the C an adian Co nfe rence exec utive di rec tor. Boschman and Wiebe reported that they have already beg un pl an ni ng for their joint anniversary celeb rati on to be held Ju ly 21-2 4 201 0. in Vanco uver
Plans call for the Mennonite Brethren History Project. directed by the Historical Commission of the U.S. and Canadian Conferences. to be completed for the sesquicentennial year ICOMB delegates also discussed using short videos and YouTube to share national conference stories. ICOMB anticipates developing a theme and supporting Scripture text that local congregations would incorporate into worship services Jan 10 2010.
The ICOMB delegates did more than talk about celebrations they joined the India Conference Nov. 7 in celebrating the Golden Jubilee of their Governing Council. the formation of which marked the transition in leadership from MBMS International to local leaders .
In keeping with past practices. the India Conference, as the ICOMB meeting host was given the opportunity to present an extended report and a variety of leaders from the India Conference attended the ICOMB meeting as guests. The ICOMB delegates were "warmly welcomed and hosted by the India Conference," says Boschman. and were able to visit the Mennonite Brethren Bible college and medical center as well as other area attractions Delegates also attended local church worship services Nov. 2. and many of the representatives preached at the services.
Significant time is given at the annual ICOMB meeting to national conference reports. " It is an opportunity for those of us who represent the conferences to talk about the real effect of ministries and challenges that we are experiencing " says Boschman. Boschman notes that common challenges emerged in the 2008 updates. "Clearly, theological identity is on everyone's mind," he says.
In other business, the group heard a report from Victor Wall, the ICOMB executive director. Wall was appointed to a second two-year term and was commissioned with prayer for his ongoing service. The delegates discussed an upcoming education consultation for all Mennon ites in Congo, reviewed the ICOMB Global Scholarship Fund and discussed the role ICOMB can play when national conferences encounter significant conflict and challenges. The ICOMB delegates examined the relationship between MBMS International and the national conferences. noting the importance of developing and maintaining good working partnerships . - Connie Faber
Members of the ICOMB executive committee are Ed Boschman, U.S, David Wiebe, Canada, Ernesto Wiens, Brazil, and Victor Wall, executive secretary from Paraguay
Giggle, gab and grow
Oma h a church freshens up women's ministry
When was the last t ime you gave yourself pennission to relax, giggle and gab with girlfriends?" asks Tam i C lassen, connecting director and di rector of women' s ministry at Shadow Lake Community Church (SLCC) of the greater Omaha, N eb., area
In a world of overbooked sc h edules, the need for having fun and connecting with friends is often overlooked. That is where t he women ' s ministry, Girlfriends Unlimited, at SLCC steps in.
"We a re passionate about women," Classen says. "We want women to giggle again and again like the little girls we are inside. We want women to unwind and relax. We want women to experience a safe place. Girlfriends Unlimited is about sharing the love of Christ with every woman we come in contact with."
The group, now in its foutth year, was formed "to help develop a new, fresh vision and
direction for women's ministry that would reac h and ministe r to women-both young and old ages as well as seasoned and starters in their faith," Classen says.
Believing that if you " befriend women so they feel they belong, then they will be open to hear what we believe which will open their hearts to become someone different- a follower of Jesus," Girlfriends Unlimited is divided into several "B" components. Befriend
Falling under the " befriend" category, Classen says "big-event" activities are planned for women to relax, laugh and talk. Last April, SLCC hosted an overnight retreat for over 100 women with the theme, "Clearing Your Clutter."
CAMPUSES
body LIFE
"We piggybacked with the Open Door Mission to take and put to use our clutter," Classen says. 'They brought a truck that they parked in our pa rking lot Sunday mornings as we asked everyone to 'Fill the Truck' by clearing your clutter."
In November, 85 women attended an overnight weeke nd focusing on 'Walking by Faith-Different Shoes for Different Seasons. " "Girlfriends Unlimited is where we energize women throug h vivacious gatherings and experiences," Classen says. "It's sill y, signi ficant and totally surprising."
Belong
A year ago, the SLCC women 's ministry added "G! Gro ups" to enhance the belong component. G! Groups , or interest groups, is a format used by a worldwide women's ministry, Gi rl frie nds Unlimited; therefore the SLCC women's ministry began using the same name.
"I saw the potential and format of the G! Groups as I was trying to figure out how to incorporate sociallconnecting/interest groups and keep them low maintenance and not programmed," Classen says. 'That was the missing piece for our Girlfriends Min istry at SLCC after four years and a huge answer to prayer ."
G! Groups meet in smaller settings and are designed to promote fun, connections and friendships among women with a similar interests, Classen says. The groups include Flick Chicks who watch movies together, Book-it Babes who read one book per month and Scrappin' Sisters, a group of creative women.
Belief and become
The last two components of Girlfriends Unlimited focus on helping women grow in their faith.
G! Studies are eight to 12 week Bible-study sessions offered for women of all ages. The small groups meet either Tuesday mornings or evenings, and each group studies the same material "to keep everyone united," Classen says . This is the belief component.
"Become" is a servant-leadership team of seven women , including Classen. 'These gals fulfill responsibilities, give guidance and direction and bring our Girlfriend Ministry full circle," Classen says. 'They work under my supervision and find and form 'DO' Teams for our events. "
In addition to the "B" components, Classen attributes the success of Girlfriends Unlimited to a group of eight women called Heart Whisperers. The Heart Whisperers are faithful prayer warriors who pray for each event of the women's ministry.
'We all work together, unified with one purpose and plan, to bring glory to our Savior," Classen says.
Above all, Classen says, Girlfriends Unlimited loves women .
"I am very protective of the DNA we create in our Girlfriends Ministry," she says. "It must be full and overflowing with love and grace and acceptance of women, just as our Savior is to each of us no matter what season or stage."
That vision and purpose helps the group stay unified without getting "too broad in ministry: says Classen "We consistently remind ourselves that we will never be able to meet every woman's need - that is the Holy Spirit's job."
She says, "Our job is to create atmospheres and experiences to allow the Holy Spirit to work and speak to women's hearts and pray for them to grow in the depth of God 's love and grace and mercy in their own heart and life "- Malinda Just, newswriter
Moving toward • • mission
Transformation a key t opic
If there was a common thread running through the headlines, events and milestones in the U.S. Mennonite Brethren family in 2008, it was mission . Judging from the articles and topics in the pages of the Christian Leader, a desire to offer Christ's transformation to individuals, communities and the world shaped the Mennonite Brethren family in the United States this past year. '
When U.S. Conference leaders and constituents gathered in 2008, they talked about mission in a formal way . Under the relatively new leadership of Ed Boschman, appointed as executive director in late 2007, the national Leadership Board drafted a mission statement: "We partner as one family to serve one Lord on one mission, for the transformat ion of individuals, families and communities "
That mission statement was approved by leaders of "all things MB" at an April Leadership Summit, then by delegates to the biennial National Convention, held in Hillsboro, Kan , July 25-2 7
As part of its 100th anniversary celebration, Tabor College, together with the three Hillsboro, Kan., Mennonite Brethren congregations, hosted the National Convention. Throughout the convention and the preceding National Pastors' Conference, the focus was on reaching the lost for Christ
Then in October the Leadership Board spent considerable time brainstorming how to encourage oneness among the MB national family and how to put feet to that mission. The board and staff will continue to work out the mission in 2009 through a revamped communications strategy, renewed energy for church
Dele gates to the 2008 National Convention worship followi ng th e closing com m unio n service
•.• body LIFE "··
planting and renewal, increased connection to non-Englishspeaking congregations and leadership development.
Also significant were the first meetings of the national Board of Faith and Life. The board had been disbanded as pan of national restructuring, then reinstated as leaders and constituents quickly realized the need for a theological rudder to stay on course in the pursuit of mission.
Even before the formal mission statement put words to the vision, congregations were working hard at the local level to offer Christ's transfonnation to their communities and their world, and the CL featured many of them in the news section. Several churches pursued building projects as tools to transform their communities, including Birch Bay Bible Community, Blaine. Wash .• and The Bridge Bible Church of Bakersfield, Calif.
The national MB family celebrated new and growing young churches. including Eagles Harbor Community Church. Clovis. Calif.• that was binhed in 2008. Other church plants continue to grow and show signs of thriving. One. sadly. miscarried; the Pacific District Conference and Mission USA mourned the loss of a planned church plant in a suburb of Ponland. Ore.• when planter Nathan Carlson confessed in fall to "conduct unbecoming of a minister of the gospel."
Other church losses in 2008 included Millard Bible Church. Omaha, Neb .• which closed its doors in September. Manhanan Mennonite Church. a dually-affiliated congregation in Manhanan. Kan , chose to pan with the Mennonite Brethren and more closely affiliate with Mennonite Church USA. The Leadership Board accepted this unique and amicable paning at their meetings in October.
Mennonite Brethren mourned the deaths of many loved individuals in 2008. including some who were known as leaders in denominational circles: Marvin Hein, well-known pastor. conference leader and
CL columnist. died Jan. 5. Jonah Kliewer. influential educator and musician. died July 12
Leadership transitions played a pan in this move toward mission in 2008. Jules Glanzer took the helm at Tabor College. Hillsboro. Kan .• in spring following the retirement of Larry N ikkel at the end of 2007. Nikkel, meanwhile. was honored as the college's first president emeritus. Jim Holm. president of MB Biblical Sem inary in Fresno. Calif., resigned in August under less-celebratory circumstances. having admitted to an extramarital affair. Lynn Jost is acting as MBBS interim president
The sense of mission extended beyond home as U.S. Mennonite Brethren kept an eye on news of the extended Mennonite family in the nation and the world. Mennonite Disaster Service. the disaster relief agency of Nonh American Mennonites, did what they do best in the aftermath of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav. even as work from 2005'S Rita and Katrina continued. Flooding in Iowa and wildfires in California also drew MDS volunteer attention. And Mennonite Central Committee's founh dialogue with Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sparked controversy and conversation.
On the global front. U S Mennonite Brethren watched issues and crises that especially affected those in the extended Anabaptist family. Kenyan Mennonite leaders called for prayer during violence following disputed elections in that country. Mennonites pannered in relief efforts in China following devastating eanhquakes in May. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe. where Anabaptist church members find themselves in the midst of hardship and crisis. continued to draw headlines.- Myra Holmes
The complete 2008 index includes a listing of news stories, feature articles, deaths, columns and editorials and is available through CL Online at www.usmb.orglchristian-Ieader.
Heart-challenges for youth Districts
hold youth conference
High school students from across the Southern and Central District Conferences gathered for their annual youth conventions in November.
SDYC. the Southern District event that draws youth from Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Colorado was held in Weatherford. Okla., Nov. 14-16. Dave Gass. a pastor from Cedar Point. Kan .• addressed the group with hean-challenging messages. urging attendees to choose a life of actively following God. Gass challenged the students to choose a life that was either hot or cold, on fire for God or separate from him When students were invited to stand indicating their intention to choose God. countless individuals rose to their feet.
Central District Youth Conference, pictured left. drew youth from Minnesota. Montana. Nebraska . Nonh Dakota and South Dakota for a four-day conference Nov. 20-23 in the Black Hills of Rapid City. S.D. Cam Priebe. of the MB Biblical Seminary Ministry Guest program. joined the group at the Cedar Canyon Wesleyan Camp as the speaker for the weekend . Priebe encou raged the audience to find out who they are. and then based on that to determine what they will donot the other way around
Holding youth conferences in both the Southern and Central districts provides an opportunity for the young people in these regions to grow and develop spiritually. "The U.S . Conference holds the National Youth Convention every four years." says Joanna Chapa. a Tabor College student who attended both youth events as a representative of MBMS International. "SDYC and CDYC give youth groups and leaders an annual venue to be challenged and panicipating in God's kingdom work." - Jenny Gaskell, newswriter
SA is dedicated to helping - I(s an etethal investment/ -
> Readers Say cant.
porated in their lives . If they sometimes have a fascination with death and hell. it is because we have left out the proper teaching about these things and how Jesus wants us to avoid them. But you will find less emphasis on judgment and hell in the emerging church than anywhere else. bar none.
Styles come and go but the truth has to be there. Our heavenly Father is still looking for people who will worship in "spirit and in truth'. "
John Musgrave. Fresno Calif.
No Difference?
Phil Wiebe's commentary (Ph1ip Side. November 2008) has me more than a little perplexed. How he could not see any difference in the two presidential candidates?
I realize that this is meant to be somewhat tongue - in-cheek humor. but if this column left even one person believing that there was no real difference between the presidential candidates or believing their vote does not matter. then Christian Leader has done a real disservice to its readership.
Never mind the I80-degree difference on how each candidate views America and its future role in the world. Or how much government's future role will be (felt) in our daily lives. But the candidates' views on moral issues should have taken the priority with each one of us . On the issue of abortion and the direction in which they planned to lead this country. their views are as different as the east is from the west. The one fact I would think all Christians would agree on is that God cares deeply about the helpless and the unborn. God demands we defend those who cannot defend themselves.
I was surprised that an entire issue of the CL was not devoted to reminding Christians of the biblical views of the many moral issues of today. This would have seemed the absolute bare minimum before an election where so many of these issues are now going to be addressed. But scarcely a word is spoken in our churches or discussed in our Christian publication.
Wiebe jokingly writes. "The tally comes out even. How do I break the tie?" I suppose a person would think 1.2 million murdered babies each year could tip the scales just a wee bit. But I guess not this year. compared to our savings accounts or how much a person disliked the current administration.
John Hagen, Inman, Kan
Come to Paraguay
This summer Paraguay will host Mennonite World Conference's Asuncion 15. a global Anabaptist gathering. Paraguay is a wonderful "Mennonite zoo" with at least 20 species. The Mennonite Brethren Church has been here almost from the beginning . Already crossing the ocean. the Soviet Low German refugees planned to establish a church. Today Spanish. German. Enlhet and Nivacle call themselves Mennonite Brethren. Here are seven reasons why Mennonite Brethren should come to Paraguay this July.
I. Paraguay has an 80-year story of inter- Mennonite relationships. Mennonite and MB churches have become close in history. doctrine mission and fellowship.
2 In its first decades. Mennonite Central Committee invested in Paraguay Mennonite Economic Development Associates was founded with projects in Paraguay. Vigorous deacon work continues to produce fine institutions like ASCIM. Mennonite hospital Km 81. Mennonite Voluntary Service. schools and media ministries.
3. MBMS International has been a pioneer and partner in bringing the gospel to the Chaco First Nation people. to Asuncion and the campesinos of eastern Paraguay.
4. Mennonite Brethren leaders have played key roles in past assemblies : B.H. Unruh. C.F. Klassen and B.B. Janz in Danzig in 1930 requesting help for Russian refugees in the Paraguayan Chaco; C F. Klassen and P.C. Hiebert signing the peace document in Amsterdam "against the sin of war" (World War 2); J.B Toews and Waldo Hiebert giving key addresses in Basel in 1952 and in Wichita in 1978
5 Paraguay represents the "microcosmos" of Mennonite reality says MWC general secretary Larry Miller The past meets the future. Germanic Prussian and new indigenous churches coexist. A "global church village" and a "Mennonite holocaust under Soviet terror" exhibit will enlarge this perspective.
6. Asuncion 15 will be a gathering of the Mennonite faith family. but also a big Glaubenskonferenz. a missions festival. a Sangerfest and a service consultation .
7. The theme. "Come together in the way of Jesus Christ." points to the core of Mennonite Brethren biblical convictions. Authentic Christian unity is based on the mind and heart of Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:1-10)
Alfred Neufeld, Asuncion, Paraguay Chair of MWC National Coordinating Committee for Assembly IS
Tension time
Is salvation a f ree gift or d i sc i pleship?
Christianity is more than saying a prayer when you are seven years old - iJ's repentance and discipleship. That's how the speaker at the November Southern District Youth Conference began one of his talks to the 600 high school studenrs. The speaker challenged studenrs to live lives of repentance rather than comfortably relying on a prayer spoken several years back. While the speaker's point was to challenge their understanding of salvation, some students took this to mean that their salvation was not secure Thi s is not a new challenge for Anabaptists.
Our Anabaptist fathers had a succinct, one word definition of Christianity: discipleship. In fact, the early Anabaptists held such a high view of discipleship they were accused regularly of "works-righteousness" or salvation by works. However the early Anabaptists viewed it differently. Followers of Jesus are saved by grace, and that grace empowers them into a life of Christian discipleship-following Jesus. If a person chooses not to enter into a life of discipleship, that person has rejected the grace Jesus offers.
As contemporary Mennonite Brethren, we find ourselves in a unique and difficult situation. As evangelicals, our focus turns to the free gift of salvation offered by Jesus Christ, no strings atrached. But our Anabaptist side says discipleship is not simply a "follow-up" to salvation. Rather the choice to enter discipleship is the beginning of our salvation .
So what do we do here? I believe we have to hold these two ideas in tension, never allowing ourselves to fall to one extreme or the other. Our denominational confession (Article 5) reminds us that we are saved from something and saved to something. We are saved from sin , and we are saved to wholeness and freedom
The moment I begin to think that I'm more of a Christian than another because of my actions, I've forgotten the point of discipleship-humility and love. And the moment I begin to think that I've"made it" because I said a prayer when I was seven (or 70), I've forgotten the meaning of Christianity-following Christ.
I recently heard a sermon in which the preacher reminded us that witness is not a verb, but a noun . We don't witness; we are witnesses When we think of the whole of our lives as a witness! we begin to rethink how we live and act We no longer are to "be Christian" at home and church, and "be secular" at work and play If I am a disciple, my whole life serves as a witn ess.
As long as my faith remains intern al and does not le ad
me into action, it is useless. 'J\s the body without the spirit is dead, so fai th without deeds is dead " (James 2:26) . If we view Christianity as discipleship, it becomes impossible to separate our walk from our talk.
As Mennonite Brethren, our first step has traditionally been to look at the teachings of Jesus to see what discipleship looks like. Because of the countless examples in the Gospels of a life of discipleship, th is can be overwhelming. But if we take serious ly the teachings of Jesus as the foundation for Christianity, defined as discipleship, then who Jesus was and what Jesus did will surely call us to do likewise.
I have a friend who has taken this call to discipleship to heart. Although he has a fu ll -ti me job and a family and lives in the "sub urbs," he spends one morning each week volunteering at a local homeless shelter and soup kitchen. This is the one ti me in the week he looks forward to the most. Could it be because he has found ful fillment through following Jesus ' call to discipleship ?
Early Anabaptist Micha el Sattler penned his un dersta nding of discipleship as a poem:
When Christ with his true teach ing ca me
And gathered up his flock so fair, He taught them all to follow him And patientl y his cross to bear. He said, You my disciples true Must watch and be alert eac h day, Love nothing more upo n this earth
Than me and all my words always The world will seek to do you harm
With mocking and with hate and shame Theyll scatter you and slander you And brand yo u with the devil's name. And when for my sake and the word They persecute, revile and kill , Rejoice! for your reward is great
Before God's throne on Zion's hill o Christ be pleased to aid your own Who dare to follow and confess, That through your lowly bitter death They may be saved from all distress
To Mennonite Brethren, disciplesh ip means much more than a personal relationship with Jesus. It requires that we take Jesus' words and actions to heart and seek to live in response to them. This month, may we take Jesus' call to discipleship seriously and fi nd new ways to live out our faith as disciples of Jes us.
Read Paul's online introduction to this new column at www.usm b.orglcl-columns.
-1J Comment on this column by going to usm b.orglchrist ian-leader
First Bank of Heaven
Why I 'm loan i ng money to Afghan i women
My experiment began last spring when I received information in the mail about MEDA Trust, a new microfinance program sponsored by Mennonite Economic Development Associates. This program gives small loans to poor people, many of them women, who need a ''hand-up'' to help them improve their family's livelihood . Loan recipients are expected to repay the loan with interest.
I was directed to a Web site where I could choose a person to make a loan to. Using my credit card, I could make a payment toward my account that would then fund the loan. At the time I was reading the biblical admonition to "give to the poor. Get yourselves a bank that can't go bankrupt, a bank in heaven far from bank robbers, safe from embezzlers" (Luke 12:33, The Message). I became convinced that becoming a part of this program was something I should do.
MEDA Trust is ope rating a microloan program in Afghanistan. I divided my $100 account into two parts that were designated to help two women get loans. I have received periodic e-mails giving me upda tes on the loan repayment hisof these women According to the most recent update, the initial loans are over 95 percent repaid, including a small interest charge.
When completely repaid, the $100 will be put back into my account so that I can designate it for other recipients. It's a lot of fun knowing that my money will be recycled and will continue to give and give and give, something like the Energizer Bunny. Furthermore, the knowledge that my investment is safe in a bank of heaven is a great bonus.
A news article in Mennonite Weekly Review (Dec. I, 2008) describes this loan project to help Afghani women. In many parts of that country, women still face serious cultural restrictions, and working outside of the home is one of them So a program has been developed to help women work from their homes, growing crops in kitchen gardens that are then sold in local markets.
The project has creatively found ways to help these women buy supplies and sell their produce since many of them cannot leave their homes to do so. Older women and widows have more freedom of movement than young girls and younger married women, so they have been designated as the buyers and sellers for those who grow the crops but who can't get out to sell them.
According to this report, ''Villages form groups of 20 to 25 women and then appoint a lead farmer to tra in the members in capital marketing, horticulture quality and storage tech -
niq ues. On the average, women involved in the project earn about $350 a yea r after deducting supply costs." Furthermore, "the project's group meetings have increased a sense of community among women and young girls formerly denied social privileges."
After only two years, six villages, representing 1,500 women, are part of the program They are looking to increase produce production by installing green houses, solar dryers and drip irrigation-all with the help of microloans. The end result is that women are gaining status as valuable contributors to their families and the communities in which they live. Food security in their villages is also increased.
What is so exciting for me is that I have had a small part in making this happen
MEDA has 10 microfinance projects in 12 countries reaching 67,000 clients. It is currently exploring new sites in several other countries. MEDA was recently chosen as one of three finali sts for the Ontario (Canada) Innovation Excellence Awards for its leadersh ip in creating a global microfinance industry. More information can be obtained from their Web sites: www.medarrust.org or www.meda.org or by calling (7d 560 - 654 6
A news headline in the Nov. 17, 2008 Time caught my attention: "Giving Circles. Want a bigger bang for your charitable buck? Gather friends and pool your (shrinking) resources." According to the article there are approximately 400 giving circles in the United States today. They function similarly to an investment club in that members pool their resources and then decide with which charity to invest their money. Some meet every month, others once a quarter. "Such circles have become especially popular among aging boomers looking for a way to bring meaning as well as fun into their retirement yea rs," says the article.
So I'm thi nking, why not share the fun Ive had with my microfinance investment with some of my friends? Why don't we form a giving circle and decide as a group what person(s) we want to support?
With MEDA we can go back to Afghanistan or to N icaragua, Peru, Tajikistan or even Tanzania We can learn about these countries and support the p rogram with prayer as well as our money. One thing is sure: Investments in the bank of heaven pay high dividends and are secure.
JEJ
BAPTISM/MEMBERSHIP
Bakersfield, Calif. (Laurelglenl- Jaso n Peterse n, Nicol as Scott and Cl air Witham we re bapt ized th e weekend of Nov 29-30
Fresno, Calif. (North Fresnol-K ri stin a Miller, Kr ishauna Fiel ds, Pa tti e Flanaga n and Michae la Carpent ier were baptized Nov. 23
Papillion, Neb. (Shadow Lakel- Tre nt Cl asse n, Tracy Dro lli nger, Em ily Jantzen, C.J John son, Cade Johnson, Andrea Johnson, Mike Miller, Nat han Mill er, Eldon Stille, Randa ll Vance , Cor i Vance and Br iana Weekly were bapt ized Nov. 23 Brian and Lara Anderson, Robert and Dan ielle Bald i, Mary Lo u Be ll, Ken and Kat hy Bri scoe, Robert and Laura Ch ilders, Kate Chretian, Tracy DroLLinger , Rae Lynn Frogge, Jason and Wilmarie Huggi ns, Gregg and Ka ri James, Andrea Johnso n, Kev in and Juanita Leonhard t, Justin and Chris Mayfie ld, Don McCoy, Mike and Kim i Miller, Dave and Becky Newman, Ky le Perc ifiel d, Denn is and Steph Shook, El don and Lois St ille, Randa ll and Cori Vance and Sha ron Vicker man were received as members Nov. 16.
Reedley, Calif.-Me li ssa Cowan, Ka itlyn Jones, Derek Kliewer, Hannah Re im er, Courtney Wa rkent in and Hannah Willems were bapt ized and received as members Nov. 16 Laura Wiebe Nicke L , Amy Heinrichs, Fr ank He inrichs, Rand i Wiebe, Leroy Friesen and Eddie and Verona NeufeLd were also received as members.
Phoenix, Ariz, (The Bridge on Glendalel- Th ree adults and three youth were bap tized in October FALL CELEBRATIONS
Grant, Neb. (New Life Fellowshipl-Randy Fr iesen, of MBMS International, was the scheduled guest speaker for Harvest Miss ions Nov 29 -30 Events included a men's breakfast, women 's luncheo n and harvest dinner.
Reedley, Calif.-Community members were invited to a Thanksgivi ng meaL Nov. 27. Miss ion emphas is Sunday Nov. 16 featured a "mission faire " to prov ide information on local and international missions. The giving cha llenge was $75,000 for loca l and globa l missions.
Edmond, Okla. (Memorial Roadl- The congregation's annual fa LL ce lebrat ion, he l d Nov. 23, included a "Fruit N' Nut Banquet" du ri ng wh ich part icipants brought a symbol of their gratitude Fresno, Calif. (North Fresnol- Because th e church kitchen is being renovated, the annua Lcong regational Thanksgiving dinner Nov 23 was ho sted in homes of var ious ch urch members The ch urch hosted a
free "Co mmuni ty Ca rni va l" Oct. 31, wit h games, pri zes, bo unc e house, snow con es, cotton candy, popcorn and a snac k ba r.
Fresno, Calif, (Butlerl-A Fami ly Miss ions Celeb rati on Nov. 16 and 23 feat ured mi ss ionary upda tes, an As ian mea l and guest speakers Nzash Lum eya of Congo and Ricky and Karen Sanchez of Thailand
Kingsburg, Calif.-Nov 23 was Harvest Mission Sunday, with U.s. Co nference execut ive dire ctor Ed Bosc hm an and Phone Keo Keov ilay, pastor of the Lao congregation at Butler MB Church, Fres no, Calif., as the guest speakers
Henderson, Neb.-Harvest Mission Sunday Nov 23 focused on the miss ion of Tabor Co llege
Corn, Okla.-Craig Jost , reg ionaL mobilizer for MBMS Interna ti onal, was t he guest speaker for Harves t Miss ions Su nday Nov. 23.
Shafter , Calif.-Nov 23 was Miss ion Harvest Sunday, wit h guest speaker Robertos Sa l aza r, a corpora te coach who spoke on the marketplace miss ions, and an even in g dinn er Part of the offeri ng supported a short - term mi ss ion fun d.
Eugene, Ore. (North ParkJ- The co ngregat ion had lunch together Nov 23, th en packed food boxes to be de li vered dur in g t he week They aLso collected hyg iene it ems for the locaL rescue mission
Sioux Falls, SO (Christ CommunityJ- The cong regation celebrated Thanksg iving with a meal together Nov. 23
Fresno, Calif. (Mountain ViewJ-A Nov. 23
Tha nksg ivin g serv ice and mea l fea tured t radit ionaL turkey, pie and sweet potatoes A harvest fest ival Oct. 31 included pizza and candy.
Gettysburg, SO (Grace BibleJ-Randy Friesen , general directo r of MBMS Internat ional , was the guest speake r fo r Harves t Fest iva l Nov 16.
Yale, SO (Bethell-D ick Nicke l, form er Ce ntral District pastor, was the guest speaker fo r the morning serv ice of Harvest Festi val Missio ns Nov. 16 Even ing act ivities included a mea l and service
Capitola, Calif. (ShorelifeJ-Nov 16 was "Sou per Sunday. - Volu nteers donated specific items for food boxes to be given to th ree needy fam ili es and enjoyed a so up and sa Lad lunc h as they assemb led t he boxes. Th e church hosted a "Trun k or Treat" eve nt Oct. 31.
Huron, SO (BethesdaJ-Nov 14- 16 was the Miss ions Conference Guest speake rs included Ra ndy Friesen, Cra ig Jost and Luke Haidle of MBMS In ternat iona l, Dav id and Sa lly Lott, wo r kers in Zambia, and Denn is and Eden Lin ebarge r, workers in t he Ph ili pp ines.
Buhler, Kan.- Th e an nua l HarvestlThanksgiving Festiva l Nov. 9 inclu ded a noon mea l. A Fall Ca rn iva l Oct. 31 prov ided "a wholesome environm ent" fo r kids.
Collinsville, Okla. (Discovery Bible FellowshipJ-A " Fa ll Fest ivus" Nov 9 included bo th pie bak ing and pie eating contests
Mountain Lake, Minn. (Community Biblel-Mission USA di rector Don Mo rri s was t he guest speaker for Fall Miss ion Festi val Nov. 9.
Hesston, Kan.-A Harvest mea l was held after t he Nov 9 service.
Clovis, Calif. (Eagles HarborJ-Voluntee r s helped with the Nov 8 Fa ll Harvest Party hosted by the ir commun ity's homeowne rs' associa tion . They also ran a carn iva l booth Oc t. 24 at the Harvest Festiva l at t he eleme ntary schoo l where t his church plant meets.
Hillsboro, Kan. (Ebenfeldl- Tim Su llivan, Southern District min ister, was the guest speake r for Harvest Missions Festi val Nov 2
Cimarron, Kan. (ValleyviewJ-Cra ig Jost, reg iona l mob ili ze r fo r MBMS Internationa l , was the guest speaker for Harvest Missions Nov. 1-2.
Bakersfield, Calif. (Heritage BibleJ- Nov 2 was Harvest Sunday, with guest speakers Josh and Melissa Gonzales, church plan t res ident at Shadow Mountain Church 1MB), West Jordan, and guest worship leader Sara h Kelly. A luncheon followed the morning service. The church hosted a "Trunk or Treat" event Oct. 31
Dinuba, Calif.-November was miss ion emphas is month. Guest speakers includ ed Sheri Wiedenhoefer of Me nnonite Central Comm ittee, Tim Neufeld of Fresno Pacific University, Garry Prieb, former missionary to Congo , Ricky Sanchez, mi ssionary to Tha iland, and Mark Baker of MB Bib lica l Sem inary. A Fam iLy Fun Nigh t Oct. 31 included food and free games
Lodi, Calif. (VinewoodJ-A Ha lloween alt ernative Oct. 31 included a costume contest, face paint ing and rad io remo te car races.
FELLOWSHIP
Corn, Okla. (Corn Bible AcademyJ- The sc ho ol, wh ich is sponsored by loca l MB churches in Co rn and Cordel l. is planni ng its annua l German Feas t and Auc ti on Feb 7. The auctio n is expected to includ e qu iLt s, crafts, farm suppl ies and mo re
Corn, Okla. -Hu nte rs we re in vit ed to br ing their mou nts to show off for "Show your Trop hi es " day Ja n 17
Olathe, Kan. (Commun ity Biblel - A bu llet in board was provided for post in g Christmas card s during Dece mbe r.
Eugene, Ore (N ort h Parkl- Pas toral co uple Mike and Chery l Spin elli hosted a carolin g party Dec 20 Caro l er s offe red coo kies to tho se th ey sa ng for
West J ord an, Utah (S hadow Mounta inl" Na r rat ives, " a Chri st mas conce rt feat ur ing mu sici an Jos h Rose nth al with loca l guests Rod Jos t Andy Brownin g, Be n Rob ie and Dav id As kvig, was pl anned for Dec 19
Cim ar ro n, Kan. (Valleyvi ew Bib lel - Ca ro lin g and a soup supp er wa s planned fo r Dec 21. Women who att end ed a Chri stm as pa rt y Dec. 13 brou ght small gift s to exchange as we ll as gifts fo r t he chu rc h ki tche n.
En i d, Ok l a.- Dec. 14 was a " Day of Ch ri stm as Ce leb rati on." Eve nt s in cl uded a ticketed dinn er theater with short dra mas, mu sic and stro llin g ca rolers , a children's mu sica l and the annu al "t ast in g pa rt y" of favor it e Chri stm as good ies
Bakersfield , Ca li f (Her itage Biblel-Wo men part icipated in a Chri stm as orn ament exc hange Dec 8 Sta ff fr om Heri tage Chr ist ian School we re al so invited
Freema n, SO (SalemI-Wo men held a Chri stm as lunc heo n Dec 6
Fres no, Ca lif. (Bethanyl-A wo men's Ch ri stmas " bo ut ique and desse rt" Dec 4 foc use d on "turn ing stress into j oy "
Fairv i ew , Okla - Wom en brought th eir fav or ite desse rt t o a Ch rist mas ce lebration Dec 4; rec ipes for th e desse rt s we re compiled and later distr ibu ted
Dinuba, Calif.- Th e deacons in vited se niors ove r 70. widows and widowe rs to a Chri st mas dinner Dec 2.
Edmond, Okla (Memorial Roadl -P as tora l staff expressed apprec iati on to t he co ngrega ti on Nov 30 by serv ing Ru ss ian pa nca kes after the serv ice
Hesston, Kan -Me n hel d a brea kfas t Nov 22 to bra insto r m ideas fo r me n' s mini stry op port un ities
Bakersfiel d, Calif. (Laurelglenl-A " Groovy Gi ft in g" women's eve nt Dec 4 featu red cost-cu ttin g, crea t ive gift ideas Men we re invited to partic ipate in a free pancake break fast Nov 12 and a fl ag football tou rnament Nov 15
Grant, Neb. (New Life Fellowshipl - A soup supper preceded a Ch ri stmas decora ti ng party Nov 30.
Fresno, CaUf. (North Fresnol- The churc h's firs t annua l " Broom Ball Challenge " took place Nov 14.
Rapid City, SO (Bible Fellowshipl-A fam ily movie night Nov 14 featured "Flywhee l.·· MINISTRY
Clovis, Calif. (College Communityl- The congregation recen tly gathe red 33 bags of groceries and distributed t hem to fam ili es of child ren from the Headstart that meets in the churc h and to fam ilies from Igles ia El Buen Pastor a Span ish -language MB congrega t ion in Ora nge Cove, Ca li f
Hender son, Neb.-As part of t heir Chri stm as ce lebrat ion co ngrega nt s gave The Pu rpose of Christmas bo ok to peop le in t heir co mmu nity, t hen
invited th em to a t hree-week disc uss ion of t he boo k Bakersfiel d, CaUf (Heritage Biblel- The miss ion co mm itt ee 's proj ec t t his winter was to make small pa rac hutes fro m wh ite beds heets, whic h will be use d to dro p Chr ist ian li terat ure and Bib les into t he Colomb ian ju ng le
Clovis, Calif. (Eagles Harborl - Vo lun tee rs worke d th is fa ll wi th an after sc hoo l Good News Club fo r stude nts at th e elementary sc hoo l in whic h the church mee ts Nine chi l dren ac cep ted Chr ist thro ug h t he prog ram Two Dece mber ou t reac h eff orts we re plann ed in th e co mmun ity : ha ndin g out fl owe rin g plant s do or -t o-door and an eve ning of ca rolin g.
Huro n, SO(Beth esdal- The chu rch hel ped organiz e vo lun tee rs willi ng to clea r snow fo r those in th e chu rch fami ly who have difficu l ty wit h thi s
Bake r sfiel d, Calif (Laurelglenl-As pa rt of Adven t, t he church prov ided Chr istm as gift s for 50 nee dy fam il ies
Fresno, Calif. (Mountain Viewl - Vo lun tee rs de li vered fl owe ri ng plants to neighbors in th e area around th e church Dec 20 and th en had lun ch toge th er.
Cor n, Okla - In Decembe r, wo men orga niz ed a givin g tree with gift sugges tions for comm unity ch ildren in nee d
Cordell, Okla. (Biblel - A cann ed fo od dr ive Dec. 1 be nefi ted needy famili es in the commun ity through th e l ocal mi nister ial alli ance
Hesston, Kan. - Vo lu nt ee rs sent care packages to college st ude nts durin g final s tim e Wi ch ita , Kan. (First l - Vo lu nt eers packed 316 Operat ion Chr istm as Ch il d boxes in Nove mber to be distri but ed to ch ildren arou nd th e wor ld through Sam aritan's Purse . Many ot her co ngregat ions al so pa rticip ated in Ope ratio n Ch ri st mas Ch il d, including Hill sboro (Kan.! MB Church; Be llev iew Comm uni ty Chu rch, Li ttl eto n, Colo.; Bible MB Chu rch, Corde ll, Ok l a ; Co mmunit y Bible Churc h, Olathe , Ka n ; Reed ley (Ca lif.! MB Church; North Oak Comm un ity Ch urc h, Hays , Kan. ; Di nuba (Ca li f J MB Churc h; and En id (Ok la.J MB Church WORKERS
Sioux Fa l ls, SO (Christ Communityl-Ne il Pete rson is the new assoc iate pastor , serv ing primarily in the area of wors hip
Fresno, Calif. (North Fresnol-Ma tt Fo rd is the new pastor of studen t and fam ily minist r ies, effe cti ve Jan 2
Garden City, Kan.(Garden Valleyl - Carey and Nettie Gossen have accep ted a ca ll as the new pastora l couple The Gossens were the pastoral couple at Grace Bible Church, Gettysburg, SO WORSHIP
Fresno, Calif (Bethanyl-A Christmas choir musical, "Agnus Dei - The La mb of God, " was featured dur ing a combi ned service Dec 14
Huron, SO (Bethesdal-Th e Nov. 30 service featured " old fashioned church" with trad it ional gospe l so ngs
Minot, NO (Bible Fellowshipl-Congrega nts were
encou raged to share one thin g th ey were thankful fo r du ri ng the service Nov 30
Bakersfield, Calif. (Heritage Biblel-M ic hael Sajbel, directo r of fea t ure films such as One Night with the King, and The Ultimate Gift, was the guest speaker Nov 9
Wichita, Kan (Firstl-J ules Glanze r, pres ident of Tabor Co llege , preac hed Nov. 9.
Bakersfield, Calif. (Laurelglenl - Ricky Sa nchez, MBMS Inte rn at iona l wo rker in Th ai land, preached Nov 1-2.
YOUTH
Grant , Neb. (New Life Fe llows hipl - Chil dren participat ing in t he Chr ist mas progra m ga t he re d Dec. 20 to make cook ies, dri nk hot cho co lat e and prac t ice
Sioux Falls, SO (Christ Communityl -Mid dle sc hoo l yout h visited residents of a loca l nursing home Dec 6.
Buhler, Kan.-S unday sc hoo l chi l dre n raised funds in Dece mber to provide Ch ri sti an storybooks fo r Thai chi l dren, to be given at a Chr istmas party planned by MBMS Internat ional wor kers in Tha iland
Hillsboro, Kan - Th ird and fourth grade students used "Good Behavio r Bucks " to purchase gifts for fam ily membe rs at an auct ion Dec. 10 Youth collected to ilet pape r for a rescue mission in Dece mber
Denver, Colo. (Garden Parkl - Youth fro m Garden Park and another loca l church gathered fo r "open mic" night Nov 23. The event was " payor play;" the money supported the youth groups
DEATHS
BARCUS, ANNE ELIZABETH, Fresn o, Calif , member of No rth Fresno MB Church, Fres no, was born Dec 17, 1919, and died Oct. 29, 2008 , at the age of 88 She was married to Bi ll, who survives She is also survived by fo ur daug hters, Judi Rivet, Ka thy Lequ ieu, Wil ma Ha nsen and Bobb ie Hufferd , nine gra ndc hildren and 13 great -gra ndchildren
GRAY, JAMES AL , Buh ler, Kan ., member of Buh ler MB Church , was born Jan 1, 1948, to Virgil and Betty L. Shattuck Gray in Colorado Springs, Colo , and died Nov 9, 2008, at t he age of 60 On June 23 1968, he married Sharon Kirkham, who survives He is also survived by his mother of Calhan, Colo ; one son, Randall and wife Audra of Hutchinson, Kan.; four daug ht ers, Ange l a and husband Terry Sader of Wichita , Kan ., DeAnna and husband Er ic Jack lovich of Manhattan , Kan., Serena Gibson of Buhler, and Annalisa and husband Shawn Lux of Kingman, Kan ; one brother, Tom of Colorado Springs; one sister, Vick i Kline of Tennessee ; one stepsister, Fern Forge of Pueblo, Colo ., and 12 grandchildren
PAULS, KATHRYN FRANCES, Garden City, Kan ., member of Adams MB Church, was born June 24, 19 16, to Bernard B. and Anna Dick Gerbrandt in Buhler, Kan , and died March 29, 2008, at the age of 91 On Oc t 27, 1935, she married Curt W Pauls, who prede ceased her June 22, 1996 She is survived by two sons , Gary of Gle npoo l, Okla , and Randy of Brazo ri a Texas; one daughte r, Caro l and husba nd G l en n Suderman of Garden City, four grandchi l dre n and six great -grandc hi ld ren
Resolutions made easy
How to avoid abandoning your New Year's promises
Not many people would pick January as their favorite month of the year, but I kind of like it. It's nice and quiet after the hectic holiday season. There's hardly any yard work to do and few extra school and work activities going on. Chilly January evenings are great for lounging by the fireplace and reading a good book.
January also marks the beginning of the new year, when I always feel a wave of enthusiasm . I'm invigorated by visions of new activities to try, fresh opportunities to pursue and unfinished projects to complete. It's really annoying. If it weren't for the temporary feelings of optimism that come over me, January would be perfect.
Nonnally I'm a skeptical type of guy who prefers to expect the worst. Or at least the not-so-great. That way when something good happens, it can come as a pleasant surprise But in spite of myself, I find a new year to be an inspiring time to rethink my pri-
record on my ancient VCR is American Idol. (It's for my wife and daughter! Really!)
Second, I resolve to not worry about where leBron James will end up in 2010 One of the biggest basketball stars and product endorsers on the planet, James is committed to play for the N BXs Cleveland Cavaliers through next season. But there's a huge controversy going on about whether James will leave Cleveland in 2010 to seek a bigger stage playing for the New York Knicks. Cleveland fans are already crying "unfair" while Knicks fans are gloating like it's a done deal.
When I read the constant headlines about this I can't help thinking, 'l\ren't there things going on in the world that might be a teeny bit more worrisome?" About leBron James' future , then , I vow to care less. If that's even possible.
Third, I resolve not to take naps at work. This one is tricky due to the universal temptation to doze at one's desk after lunch. orities. I really will organize the garage this year, or spend an hour a day doing devotions or write that book Ive been thinking about.
This leads to something I do every year that I always say I'm not going to do
\Vriting Year's resolutions. In theory I'm against it. doing should b e done ;,111 ye;,H not just at cert ain motivational junctures.
every year. Writing New Year's resolutions. In theory I'm against it. Things worth doing should be done all year round, not just at certain motivational junctures. My friend the fitness trainer says that January always fills his club with new clients who want to get in shape after the holiday eating frenzy. Then about April the clientele falls off. That bothers my friend, who says people should maintain their health and fitness all the time rather than for a couple of months after Christmas.
He's right, of course Yet with New Year's resolutions I do exactly what would bug my friend. I make them in an inspirational moment and then heartlessly abandon them a few months later.
Something I've heard is that people should try to be realistic when setting goals for the future. They shouldn't try to overreach, which inevitably leads to failure. That sounds sensible. So this year I'm going to make some resolutions I know I can keep.
First, I resolve to not become a victim of "TiVo guilt." This is a troubling syndrome I read about that's sweeping the nation For those of you who aren't into the latest gadgets, TiVo is a brand of digital video recorder that allows television viewers to save an abundance of television shows for watching later. But a lot of viewers are filling up their TiVos and not getting a chance to watch the shows Which makes them feel guilty Oh, the horror!
I'm pretty sure avoiding TiVo guilt is a vow I can keep Especially since I don't own a TiVo. And the only TV show I
Since my office has open workstations where everyone can see me, however, napping isn't a good idea.
But you never know. I read about a study concluding that taking naps at work is more effective for staying alert than drinking coffee. Maybe I should suggest to my boss that we switch out our desk chairs with comfy recliners so we can increase our alertness. Yeah, I'm sure that will go over well. Coffee, anyone?
Finally, I resolve to keep my priorities straight. '1\ha," you might be thinking, "there is a resolution you cannot keep Because we humans are far from perfect, we can't possibly keep our priorities straight all the time."
Exactly. It's by not being able to keep my priorities straight that I keep my priorities straight. When I get overwhelmed or go off track or mess something up, I go to God for help. And shouldn't God always be our number one priority? There you go. As the Apostle Paul wrote, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done" (Phil. 4 :6 NLT) .
For this year or any new year, that about covers it.
-1J Comment on this column by going to usmb orglchristian -leader
Nothing changes on New Year's. Day
When is the day of new beginnings?
It is common this time of year to make New Year's resolutions. We commit ourselves to a particular project, to reforming a habit or to some other helpful lifestyle change. Popular resolutions incl ude losing weight, paying off debts, saving money, securing a better job and getting fit I read of a recent New Year's resolution study in which 52 percent of the participants were confident that they would be successful in meeting their goal, but only 12 percent actually achieved it.
We Christians add a spiritual twist to making resolutions, and we determine to grow and improve spiritually. Our reasoning for resolving to make lifestyle changes and committing to a more disciplined spiritual life seems to be that the start of a new calendar year is our chance to start over. It's as if we think the new year brings with it a clean slate.
But this isn't true. We may be writing 2009 instead of 2008, but if we are honest with ourselves we know that the obstacles we encountered in our efforts to grow spiritually and to change old habits were not overcome with the arrival of a new calendar year. "Nothing changes on New Year's Day," as Bono wrote in his popular song New Years Day.
This new year I am thankful that as followers of Jesus Christ we live with joy and celebration because there is a day when things really did change. that day is Resurrection Sunday. Because of God's great love for all of mankind, he provided his one and only Son as a sacrifice for our sins Resurrection Sunday is the day we were given the possibility of a clean slate before the Lord our God. We stand spotless before the Lord when we confess our sins and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ
This month, on Epiphany, Jan. 6, we celebrate the founding of the Mennonite Brethren Church, a denomination born almost ISO years ago in the Ukraine among a group of 'brethren" who were meeting for Bible study and prayer. They became convinced that a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and its express ion in believer's baptism and communion are essential to one's faith. And so they seceded from a Mennonite mother church that had grown cold to this truth. Some 50 individuals were charter members of the Mennonite Brethren Church, and today this group has grown to more than 290,000 Mennonite Brethren in IS countries.
The 18 heads of households who signed the document of secession were committed to a "genuine, living faith effected by the Spirit of God," as they describe it. They understood the clean slate of Resurrection Sunday, and their commitment to discipleship has provided a framework for generations around the globe to find new life in Christ Jesus
I praise God for the resolve of our spiritual forbearers to be men and women who lived as Jesus taught, even when their commitment put them at odds with the established church and community structures of their day. As we anticipate celebrating in 2010 the I50th anniversary of the Mennonite Brethren Church, I pray that we will be bold in our faith and that we will see God move in new ways among our global Mennonite Brethren family beca use of it -CF
-1J Post your comments to this editorial by going online to usmb orglchristian-leader
Senior Pastor: Saanich Community Church, in greater Victoria on Vancouver Island, BC, is seeking a Senior Pastor The congregation is a diverse, urban West Coast group, with a passion for social justice, for challenging discourse and for growing together. Our purpose is "to worship God with our whole lives, build one another up as a community of faith and engage in God's mission in the world." We seek someone who is passionate about inspiring people to follow Jesus, to live out their faith in community-both in the church and in the world and who has a well-articulated understanding of and commitment to an Anabaptist approach to faith Greater Victoria is a large urban center with two universities, a college and a beautiful natural setting. See www.saanichcommunity.ca for details. Contact Carolyn Fast, fastciOtelus.net, with questions, applications. Accepting applications until February 15,2009. [1/2J
Lead Pastor: Hillsboro MB Church, a congregation of 400+, is seeking a lead pastor with a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. The successful candidate is expected to bring spiritual vision and direction for the church 's mission and programs , have positive relational skills and a strong preaching/teaching ministry. The lead pastor is one who desires to lead, develop and partner with other members of the pastoral staff and lay leadership team This intergenerational church is located in a progressive college town. Seminary graduate preferred. Please send resume to Pastoral Search Committee, Hillsboro MB Church, 300 Prairie Pointe, Hillsboro, KS 67063 or e-mail inquiries to: hmbcsearchiOyahoo.com [9/12J
Clearing HOUSE
Employment: SeminarY
Faculty: Faculty position opening soon in the Marriage, Family & Child Counseling department at MB Biblical Seminary Join the team at MB Biblical Seminary's campus in Fresno, Calif., a community rooted in the Anabaptist and evangelical traditions This position will be at the assistant or associate professor level. In addition to a strong emphasis on the integration of counseling and the Christian faith, the seminary 's MFCC program includes a priority of helping students grow in a wide range of areas not limited to academic achievement and counseling skills. Teaching and mentoring are prioritized but research is encouraged. MFCC faculty functions as part of an interdisciplinary team with Bible, Theology and Missions faculty For complete details and resume information, visit www.mbseminary.edu/employment. [5/11J
Historical Tour
The Mennonite Heritage Cruise and its international resource team, including historian Paul Toews and genealogist Alan Peters, invites you to join the 15th annual cruise in Ukraine on the Dnieper River and Black Sea in late September 2009 This has been the ultimate 15-day roots discovery experience for 2,500 descendants of Russian Mennonites. For details of the cruise Google " Mennonite Heritage Cruise" or phone Marina Unger 1-800-387-1488, ext. 2827. [1/5J
I will face and overcome my fears associated with money.
I will receive the whole counsel of God, including those texts that mention generosity, sharing, possessions, greed and contentment.
I will model a Christian lifestyle unburdened by debt and consumerism.
I will challenge myself to give a major gift in proportion to my wealth.
I will give another $5 every time I want to buy a latte.
offeriAgs to meet the needs of the hurting, hungry,
I will encourage my brothers and sisters in Christ to step onto the giving path.
Table of Contents
Transforming Lives in Mission 2. 3
Transformed by the Word of God .4
MBMSI Annual Report 5-12
Turning Dreams Into Reality 13
Becoming the Least of These 14-15
All photos by MBMS International Staff and Team members except as noted
MBMS International Winter 2009
Editor in Chief Randy Friesen
Managing Editor Natalie Binder
Graphic Design Everglow Design Group
MBMS INTERNATIONAL VISION Holistic church planting that transforms communities among the least reached.
MBMS INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY Mobilizing churches through intentional discipleship in experiential mission that contributes to holistic church planting.
ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES
• Unreached People
• Holistic Church Planting
• MB Theology and Family
• Prayer
• The Word of God
• The Great Commission & the Great Commandment
OFFICE LOCATIONS
INTERPERSONAL VALUES
• Oependency on Jesus
• Risk-taking Obedience
• Transforming Community
• Relational Integrity
• Celebration
WESTERN CANADA (INTERNATIONAL OFFICE)
302 -32025 George Ferguson Way. Abbotsford. BC V2T 2K7
Gaow is a young evangelist in the Thai province of Chachoengsao One of her biggest challenges has been living with the death sentence of AIDS hanging over her head. Jesus has g iven Gaow a new reason to live. She found Christ through a hospital nurse, and now the hope and love she has in Jesus is contagious. Her boldness to share the Gospel has impacted her entire community. When a church from Canada donated a playground to MBMSl's Thailand church planting team, Gaow asked if they could give it to her spn's school, which had none. The same school, -which is too poor for an English teacher, received lessons from the church planting team at Gaow's request. Once rejected and ridiculed as an AIDS sufferer, today the entire village welcomes Gaow because of the positive impact she has had on her community. God has used these tangible acts of love to open hearts and provide an opportunity for Gaow to share the Gospel. Many adults and children have given their lives to Jesus in Gaow's home.
The Gospel of the Kingdom brings transformation to all of life When Jesus proclaimed he had come to bring "good news to the poor proclaim freedom for the prisoners sight for the blind release for the oppressed" (Luke 4:18) he was describing a life transforming Gospel that is holistic in scope. The new life that the Holy Spirit brings changes our desires, our thoughts, and our behavior. This transformation begins on the inside but doesn't stop there Those filled with the life and Spirit of Jesus love their families and neighbors with new tenderness. They forgive others with the same grace that they have received.
They look for ways to serve those around them with the love of Jesus. Communities are transformed by people like this
For over 100 years MBMS International has been bringing this life transforming Gospel of the Kingdom to least reached regions of the world Our vision is focused on "holistic church planting that transforms communities among the least reached."
We believe that the transforming power of God's love is best lived out in a community of believers . The Church Planting churches that respond to the needs of their surrounding communities creates beachheads of hope and love in unreached territories
In the Khmu village of Hoy Yen, Pastor Sohn has worked with the community to respond to their need for a daycare for village families where both parents are working This practical help for families has built many relationships despite the opposition of the village shaman .
In Burkina Faso, the Bergen family has spent the past 10 years translating the Bible into the Nanerige language However, we're not content with just a Nanerige Bible We have been praying for a Nanerige church The Bergens are now meeting with 35 Nanerige in their courtyard each week to read the Nanerige scriptures and understand together what it means to follow the way of Jesus This process of hearing, understanding, and following God's Word is transforming people's lives
What will it take to bring transformation to lives and communities in North Africa where official government statistics claim a 100% Muslim population? Water management engineers, early childhood education teachers, community health practitioners , and small business coaches have all been requested by communities looking to Western community development agencies for assistance
This is the new frontier in mission In addition, the many Muslims who are discovering the love of God in Isa (Jesus) throughout this region need mentors, life coaches, and assistance in extending their witness to their communities in ways that bring transformation.
Holistic church planting that transforms communities among the least reached.
I recently received an email from one of our three year Jornada participants She shared the growing vision that God is giving her to invest her life in reaching Muslims regardless of the cost. She has already been used by God to reach many Asians As she has followed Jesus in mission through serving on a one year TREK assignment and a three year Jornada assignment. Jesus continues to give her more to do This young leader will need a praying church behind her, significant givers supporting her, and a team to serve with her. Living life on a mission of transformation changes us , those around us, and focuses us on those who have never had an opportunity to respond to Christ's love.
This issue of Witness focuses on our mission vision We're passionate about holistic church planting, community transformation, and the least reached. Our annual report is included reflecting the investment of our churches in this shared mission effort.
God has called each of us to join Him in His mission of transforming lives, using our gifts and abilities to serve Him wherever we are How will you participate? --
The believers In Chachoengsao gather together for a worship serv ice
RANSFORMED by THE WORD OF GOD
By Natalie Binder
When MBMSI missionaries Phillip and Carol Bergen followed God's call to N'Dorola, Burkina Faso to work among the Nanerige people, they went to fulfill Jesus' Great Commission to take the Gospel to the least reached. Belonging to the Senufo people - an agricultural group scattered across West Africa - the Nanerige are a hard-working and conservative tribe that lives without the conveniences of plumbing, pavement, and electricity. In the past Christian missionaries held evangelism campaigns in N'Dorola, but had given up after seeing no results When the Bergens arrived in this close-knit community in 1992 they knew that a long-term holistic approach was needed in order for God to open hearts of a people group resistant to the Gospel. To gain the trust of the Nanerige, the Bergens would have to become like the Nanerige - adapting to their culture, language, and way of life
Holistic church planting endeavors to meet the emotional, social , and physical needs of a community, along with the spiritual needs. Time and relationship building, developed upon a foundation of prayer, have birthed a growing spiritual interest among the Nanerige. The people of N'Dorola are coming to Phil and Carol to get what they have been preparing for them: God's Word in their own language.
Phil and Carol have been translating the Bible from French and Jula into the native Nanerige language since 1998, continuing the work begun by former partners Dan and Kathy Petersen. To date six hours worth of stories, chronicling the creation of the world to the birth of the church, have been translated and recorded on audio cassette to share easily with the Nanerige. They are working through the Gospels and hope to finish translating the New Testament in the next few years.
The Bergens have prayed faithfully that God would raise up people who are excited about His Word. Drissa is the first fruit of that prayer. When Carol and teammate Michelle Warner decided to tryout the Nanerige writing system, Drissa, the Bergen's trusted night guard of 13 years and a Muslim since birth, volunteered to read the translated text as they wrote He enjoyed this task so much that he came back daily to read the Word of God After several months Drissa proclaimed, "Someday I'm going to be teaching these scriptures!" God's Word has power!
October 7, 2007 marked the very first church service in N'Dorola . It was a service of celebration with eight people in attendance The congregation praised God for bringing them a pastor to teach the Word of God, and for Drissa, who made a commitment to Christ only days earlier. One year later the congregation has grown to 35 people. Nine members, including Drissa and his wife, have stepped forward to declare their faith through baptism Sixteen years after arriving in N'Dorola, the Bergens are seeing a community transformed
God values intimacy. He works through sustainable relationships developed with patience and built on trust Tangible acts of love cultivate spiritual interest, and as the Word of God penetrates hearts, God transforms lives, one person at a time
Visft http//mbmsivideo.corrv'burkina to see how God is transforming the Nanerige people in the village of N'Dorola
First baptism service In N' doro la
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
The mission of MBMS International is "transforming lives in mission."
The vision of MBMS International is to see holistic church planting that transforms communities among the least reached.
Everyone has values - individuals, organizations, churches, and businesses. Those values determine and shape the activities of the organization or of the individual's life. The board has affirmed a set of organizational values that have guided us as we lead and guide your global mission. These values are detailed in this report.
It is very encouraging to notice the increase of interest and commitment throughout the conferences in global mission. This shows itself in an increase in prayer support, giving, and in the number of people contacting our offices to find guidance and placement in response to hearing God's call to global involvement.
We are called by God to reach the world for Him. Many people are still unreached. Let us work while it is day and join with others to fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Commandment in this generation.
It is a privilege to lead you in global mission.
Ike Bergen Chairman of the Board MBMSI
FROM THE GENERAL DIRECTOR
We have much to be grateful for as we reflect on this past year of ministry! God continues to send us growing numbers of long term workers, short term teams and the resources to support them. We are grateful that the financial and prayer support of churches and individuals for mission through MBMS International continued to grow over this past year. We are a growing family on a mission and we are grateful for your participation!
While we are growing in numbers and scope, we are focused on growing in our depth of knowledge and obedience to Christ our leader. The values statements within the various service delivery areas contained in this report reflect our commitment to live in the path ofJesus and His Kingdom As we call least reached peoples from around the world to know and follow Jesus, it is who we are more than what we say that will be reproduced.
If these values resonate with you we encourage you to join us in living on mission by praying, giving and going that the world might know.
Randy Friesen, General Director MBMSI
PRAYER VALUES
1 W e believe prayer ex pre sses our dependence on Jesus. Pray first. (L u ke 11:1)
2 W e believe prayer is entering God's presence , hearing G od's voice, interceding and cooperating w ith His Kingdom w or k on earth
3 W e believe prayer is the wor k and the battle of the ministry. In all things pray.
4. W e beli eve effective m ission service is birthed and s u staine d in prayer. Prayer changes things .
5. W e believe prayer is ess e ntial to intim acy with Christ and bearing fruit that lasts (John 15)
6. W e beli eve corporate prayer bu il ds sp iritual co mm unity. (Matthew 18:20)
7 W e believe prayer can be worsh ipful, petitional, intercessional and authoritative. All be lievers are called to pray
8 We believe in intentionally modeling, training and equipping each of us (the church) for prayer. (Romans 8:26-27)
COMMUNICATIONS VALUES
1 W e believe God is the master communicator and as we co mm unicate with creativity, relevance and exce llence , we reflect Him
2 We believe the glory of God is o ur focus as we tell the storie s of mission
3 . W e b e lieve everyone on the t e am is responsibl e for comm unicating the life tran sfor m ing stori e s of miss ion
4 We believe t im ely, eff e ctive communication w ith our su pporting constitu e ncy, staff, m issi o nary fa m ily and part ner conferenc e s n urt u re s meani ngful relationships.
5 We are co m mitte d t o respecting the status of our creative acc es s country w or ke rs , and will use discretion in all c om municati o ns.
We give praise to God for the growing prayer ministry that is supporting and encouraging the spread of the Gospel among the least reached. Each month we see more and more people are committing themselves to pray for the harvest fields among the nations and for the workers going out into those fields. Prayer is the work of the ministry.
Over 2000 copies of the MBMS International Daily Prayer Guide are emailed.mailed or downloaded (www.mbmsi.org/prayer) each month. The Daily Prayer Guide highlights prayer requests from our missionary teams for different people, projects, and countries. We are very thankful for all those who faithfully pray for missions.
We truly believe that God is the master communicator and our goal in communications is simply to give glory to God. We are called to shine His light from the mountaintops. Missionary John Ervin has been providing leadership to a growing video and multi-media ministry dedicated to telling God's life transforming stories in mission. A new video web site www.mbmsiVideo.com was launched in the fall of 2008.
Each week, our stories of transformation (www.mbmsi.org/stories) and stories of prayer (www.mbmsi.org/prayerstories) web pages are updated with encouraging words from the mission field. God's light is shining brightly.
MBMS International strives to offer dynamic mission opportunities in cross-cultural settings. In 2008, multi-generational teams traveled to Brazil, Burkina Faso, Central Asia, DR Congo, France, Germany, India, Japan, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Mexico, and Thailand. Teams shared the love ofJesus as they planted mango trees, hosted VBS programs, ran sports camps, helped in prison ministry, renovated buildings, taught ESL, cared for orphans, or served wherever needed.
Lives are transformed in mission one at a time. More than 700 participants invested over 16,500 days in transforming lives as they joined MBMSI on programs such as SOAR, ACTION, TREK, DMI, Urban Mission, and Church Teams. These programs range from 2 days to 10 months and are hosted from 5 regional offices across North America.
The name of Jesus was proclaimed among the nations. The lives of the participants were transformed as individuals grew in their cross cultural awareness, learned about their own spiritual gifts, and were mentored in relationships. It all started when they said, "I will go!"
MBMS International has a passion to see missionally healthy churches being transformed as they invest in holistic church planting among the least reached. Contact your Regional Mobilizer about opportunities in mission.
MOBILIZATION VALUES
1 We believe t he c h urch is Jesus' pri m ary agent in H is m ission to t h e world.
2. We believe m obilization is our response to Go d' s invitation t o join Hi m in His global m ission (Ma t t he w 9 :35-38 & 28:18-20)
3. W e believe t he lo c al church can respond to this invitation t h rough short and long ter m cross cultur al assi g n m ent s , prayer ministry and financial support.
4. We be li eve God transforms lives and local c hurc h es through d iscipleshi p in experiential mission. Transfor m ed lives are contagious
5. W e believe short ter m m ission tea m s s hould serve wit h long ter m ho listic c h urch planting tea m s
6 We be lieve pre-assign m ent trai ning and post-assi g nm ent d ebr ief are essential to life transfor m atio n in mi ss ion
"'Vlsit www 111bmsi org/serve for a complete list of our short term missions opportunities.
CHURCH PLANTING VALUES
1. W e believe the most effective way to transform com m unities is to plant churches that bring His Kingdom to the least reached. (Luke 4:18)
2 We believe church planting is rooted i n God's salvation story and the model of the New Testament church. Jesus' incarnation and sacrificial service is our model for ministry.
3. We believe the Holy Spirit creates, shapes and empowers church planting efforts.
4. We believe in church planting through teams walk i ng in the gifts and fruit of the Spirit. (Phil 2:5-8; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph 4:11-15)
5. We believe in equipping and empowering national , leadership that is connected to the g lobal MB family working together in covenant relationsh i ps.
MISSION CAPACITY BUILDING
The Mi ssion Capacity Building service is often viewed as part of our long term church planting. Indeed, it might be thought of as the final stage of church planting. The Mission Capacity Building service is responsible for strengthening the mission sending capacity ofICOMB (International Commu nity Of Mennonite Brethren) partner churches as well as strengthening their holistic church pl a nting work both locally and nationally.
Once a group of churches have been planted in a country, they h ave the ability to form a conference and join the family ofMB churches rep resented by ICOMB. While this conference may be producing new churches in their own country, the greater vision is to see them raise up new missionaries to be sent to other countries in the world. Mission Capacity Building h elps our global MB family of c hurches participate in making disciples of all nations.
In response to Jesus' words in Matthew 28:19 to "go and make disciples of all nations," MBMS International has been focused on church planting among least reached people groups in over 20 countries and helping our ICOMB (International Community of Mennonite Brethren Churches) partners strengthen their mission sending capacity.
The key distinctive of our church planting efforts is the focus on team based church planting that transforms the community in which the church is planted. Described as "holistic church planting," it speaks of meeting the emotional, social, and physical needs of the community as well as the spiritual needs.
Our church planting teams are able to express the love of Jesus to their community through work in orphanages, E5L, HIV/AID5 ministry, disaster relief and more. In the past year, we have witnessed how the church's reaction to disasters, such as storms, floods, and earthquakes, moves from a compassionate response to an encounter with Jesus.
Over 30 new long term missionaries have been mobilized over the last 3 years. There are 11 new missionaries currendy in our Missionary Training Institute who will join the over 100 missionaries serving worldwide
'Country names not listed In order to maIntain the safety of all MBMSI workers
The Training & Team Health service is focused on supporting all of our team members. This service includes training them in North America (Missionary Training Institute), resourcing them while in field, and caring for them in the broadest possible sense. We are using a combination of in-country retreats and consultations with international prayer and support resources. Care team volunteers such as Ron & Betty Russell have been a blessing to our missionaries worldwide. We continue to pray for more couples like the Russells.
When missionaries return for MINA (Mobilization in North America), they have an opportunity to connect with their sending churches and supporters who are an important part of their team. MINA also provides a time of rest and refocusing.
This last year saw a record number of missionary candidates attend our Spring Adventure training and orientation session with 11 new missionary candidates being approved to attend the Fall 2008 Missionary Training Institute.
The results of our annual Staff and Missionary Surveys show a strong affirmation (90% agree or strongly agree) of our interpersonal and organizational values.
TRAINING VALUES
1 We believe t he m ot ivation for mis sionary leaming co me s fro m the Spirit of God. Jesus is the ma ster teacher.
2. We believe the learning process ta kes place in real life. It m ust b e experiential, contextual, re lational and outcomes-base d.
3 We believe m issionaries are life lo ng learners who are being transformed into t he ima ge of Jes us. (2 Cor. 3 :18 )
4. We believe transformat ional learning integrates character change, relational growth, sp iritual awareness, cross-cultural sens it iv ity an d m inistry skill development which sho uld be me asured and celebrated.
5 We value classroom based, seminary level, t heolog ica l and cross-cultural training
6. We will continually equip o ur m issi o nary tea m s in apostolic, prophetic, evangelistic, pa storal, and teac h in g mi ni stry (E ph esians 4 :11-13)
MEMBER CARE VALUES
1. We b elieve me mb er care is a reflection of God's love for people expressed throug h His body.
2. We value people as our greatest resource. We start with relationshi p s.
3 We believe God raises up and entrusts to this mission peop le to b e invested in and equi pp ed (Phil 2:4)
4. We believe me m ber care is a way of life, not an event. It is achieved in co mm unity (Ja m es 4:11-12)
5. We co mm it to t hinki ng and speaking t he best of each other.
6. We be lieve holistic care b egins w ith perso nal health. Beco m ing an d staying healthy (p hysic ally, m entally, emotionally, sp iritually, relationally, financially & vocationally) is my respo n sibility and will deter m ine my effective ness
7 We believe organizational health contri b utes to p ersonal health an d team health.
8. We believe in forgive ness, reconciliat ion and restoration resulting in healthy relat io nships with Go d an d others.
We continue to celebrate God's faithfulness and provision for mission We are thankful for the many team members (churches, individuals, businesses, and partners) who are faithfully dedicating resources to mission. This faithfulness has resulted in miraculous works being done for the Kingdom We are also pleased to report that the year closed with a modest surplus. (As approved by the Board, any year end surplus may be used in the following year's operation and is not deposited in reserve funds )
We are devoted to the highest standards of integrity and we are committed to financial accountability. Our financial statements are audited independently each year and we have a Finance and Audit Committee reporting to the Board We seek to support and enhance the efforts of all of our mission teams with timely, accurate, and informative processing and reporting No entity receives a commission from any donation made to MBMS International. (Transaction fees are paid for credit card donations.)
FINANCE VALUES
1. We be li eve we must approach financial matters from God's perspective as our ways are not always His ways. (Isaiah 55:8)
2 We believe God provides all that is needed so we can walk in faith and generosity and without fear. (Judges 7:2; Matthew 6:8; Psalm 20:7)
3 We believe God wants and deserves all the glory Our communication will focus on God's story to encourage spiritual growth (Isaiah 42 :8; Isaiah 48 :11; Psalm 46 :10 ; Mark 5 :19)
4 We believe God uses all gifts large and small in His work; all donors are of equal worth. (James 2 :1 -4)
5. We are committed to financial integrity, stewardship of resources and fiduciary responsibility (Mark 12 :17)
STORY OF PRAYE
Life transformation beg i ns with prayer
I WANT TO SEE JESUS! In Phuket, Thailand, children gather to learn English on Saturdays. But when Sunday rolls around, they come back to learn about Jesus. The Kids' Club, run by Operation 2nd Wave - MBMSl's church-planting follow up to the tsunami disaster relief - is a place where Thai children come to learn Bible stories and sing songs about Jesus in their own language.
Jesus said, "Let
the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdorn of heaven belongs to such as these."
MATTHEW 19 :14
One day at the end of Kids' Club, missionary Amanda Griffioen suggested that instead of praying for the children, they teach the children how to pray! They told the kids that everyone can talk to God because He is here with us. They began the prayer session by thanking God for the things He's given us. All of the children started praying together, and the volume just kept rising. Kids were thanking God for trees, their mom, dad, and all kinds of things! Next they prayed for anyone who was sick These children - none of whom are Christians yet - all lifted their voices up to God and prayed that He would heal their sick friends and family members!
After Kids' Club everyone went home, but the very next morning two little girls showed up at Rob and Judy Griffioen's gate. Both of them were crying One little girl, Sai, was sobbing uncontrollably. Judy asked what was wrong, and Sai's friend replied, "Yesterday we were all talking to Jesus and since then we've been trying to find Him again but we can't! We just want to see Him!" Sai spoke up and told Judy, "I just want to see Jesus!"
Judy talked with the girls and prayed that God would embrace them and that they would feel His presence Join with Judy in praying that these children would grow up in the knowledge of Jesus Christ so that they may become the future of Thailand, bringing the Kingdom of God into a land of darkness
God is transforming lives in mission
SOLD
OUT AND RADICAL: Joanna Chapa is a student at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas. In 2008 she led worship at SOAR South Texas, a two week discipleship and outreach program. Joanna reflects on the influence that SOAR has had on her life, bringing her to where she is today.
At SOAR Midwest '01 I told God I would go wherever He called me, whenever He called me. Years later at a convention in Rapid City, South Dakota, God spoke these words through Randy Friesen: "If He's called you, just go. Just go!" I felt God ask, "Do you remember that promise you made at SOAR? Well, now I'm calling you. Go on TREK this coming spring semester." I wrestled with God the whole time Randy was speaking. After the session Craig Jost, Midwest US Regional Mobilizer, approached me and asked, "Have you ever thought about going on TREK?" That's when I said, "Ok God! I'll go!"
TREK was a life-changing and life-challenging time, and throughout all of SOAR South Texas '08 God reminded me where He has taken me and what He's invited me to be a part of. As we led worship I saw students and leaders jump, cry, shout, kneel, and pour their hearts out to God and each other I realized this was just the beginning for them I was there seven years ago. I didn't know what God was going to call me to, but I am so glad that He's invited me to live out the adventure of Jesus!
The initial worship sessions at SOAR South Texas were rather "rough," but I knew that once these students saw God move, they WOUldn't be able to hold it in anymore! By day four they were tasting what worship really is : the giving up of ourselves to fully give glory to God, whether through music, teaching a VBS, organizing a carnival for an orphanage, or cleaning the church yard. When we raised up holy hands at SOAR South Texas, it wasn't just during "worship time " We did that with our everyday choices and acts of Jesus. I know that God has big plans for these students' lives and I can say that through firsthand experience I pray that they would have hearts that are willing to go wherever and whenever God calls them!
TURNING DREAMS into REALITY
The Mekong River is your view to the north as you stand on the land and gaze out over Laos
Behind you, high peaks that are home to the Khmu MB bel ievers are spotted with villagers carrying bags of rice on their heads
God has blessed MBMSI with property near the Mekong River on the northern border of Thailand, fulfilling Phase 1 of the dream of our Khmu brothers and sisters The Khmu are a tribal group with little or no status in Thai society. For years they have prayed for God to open up some land so they could bu ild a multipurpose training center When we listen to the Khmu share, we are struck by their magnitude of faith They have endured years of persecution and continue to steadily come to Jesus They share endless dreams and ideas for the land
A native of Northern Laos, pastor and evangelist Phone Keo makes yearly trips to Laos and the Khmu villages in Thailand His passion is to see Laotian Khmu believers trained as evangelists and apostles on this new land and then sent back to their villages with the tools they need to plant new churches Pastor Phone Keo is a gifted strategist who knows that this nation north of Thailand will only be
They have endured years of persecution and continue to steadily come to Jesus .
By Karen Huebert-Sanchez
reached by a multitude of its own people who are transformed by Jesus, trained, and dispatched back to the rice paddies that dot the countryside of Laos
A training center for key Khmu leaders in Laos; a retreat center for the emerging Thai MB Conference ; a youth hostel for Khmu high school students needing an education; a camp for MB youth; a place to take care of widows and orphans. God is calling North American builders and trades experts to partner with us to see this building project completed Is God at work in your heart. asking you to join with the Khmu and help make their dreams a reality? The possibilities are endless Don't miss your chance to help transform the destiny of a nation
Support for the capital expenditures to develop a training center among the Khmu can be made under Project Code 0525.
Ricky and Karen Sanchez are the MBMS I Tha tl and Country Leaders serving with Team 2000 in Chonburi They have four daughters. Sierra. Tassanee. M cKenna. and Aree
BECOMING the LEAST o/f HESE
By Jamie Munday
Jamie Munday is the Holistic Development Coordinator at MBMS/'s International Office in Abbotsford, BC.
for preaching the Gospel. Other missionaries held down covert jobs and planted "underground" churches Such daring missionary exploits only reinforced the stories of Paul and the early Apostles which had been played out for me on the Sunday school flannel board.
It was all mouth-wateringly fascinating for a young boy set on adventure. To me, missionaries seemed like undercover agents - creeping through the shadows, sneaking across borders, and risking their lives for the sake
of the Gospel. As I think back however, it was the utter gravity of the Gospel message that had the most enduring impact on me I knew that such courage was well placed, and that my destiny was to be wrapped up in this same pursuit
Ibeginwith a confession : I still carry with me a misguided childhood conception of the "missionary." It is a picture slightly misinformed by the Bible-translating, straw-hut-living theologian-types that would be re-introduced to our church every six years or so I could not have felt any more different from these alien visitors - dressed in strange
tribal garb, and offering unusual foods in the foyer after church
As strange as they seemed however, their peculiarities hinted at lives of untold adventure. The more I learned about them the more I was intrigued I remember hearing that one of them worked in an "undisclosed" country where Christians had been killed
By my" early 20s I found myself leading short-term mission teams around the world I was eager to evangelize with the same courage and abandon that I had observed in those missionaries. I quickly learned that the picture of missions I had developed needed some serious fine -tuning I remember
J amie and his team in Matara on the south of Sri Lanka. g iving away some soccer balls and g ett ing to know the orphans in the community
on one occasion, as our team shared the Gospel with a group of orphans in Russia - many of whom had been mistreated and abused -a skeptical member of the staff inquired of me, "What practical value does your 'Good News' have for these children?"
This was a valid question, but one I was unable to answer. She suggested some practical things that they needed: Doctors, counselors, health specialists, and basic medical supplies. She spoke of the need for a teacher so the children could learn English, as well as a legal professional who could be their advocate to the government.
In the Bible Jesus spoke specifically about the cause of the orphan, the widow, the slave, and countless other marginalized people I knew this to be true, but at the same time considered evangelism to be the much greater biblical mandate I certainly valued Christian service, but saw it as my dutiful obligation to God, with no inkling of how it might actually coalesce with the mission of the church.
A few years later I found myself in Sri Lanka in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami. We had taken a soccer team from Canada to play some matches and share the Gospel with players and fans. The trip did not go according to plan. As it turned out many of
the Sri Lankan players had lost their soccer boots in the tsunami (not to mention their homes and loved-ones), forcing us to abandon some of the ministry events we had planned. In the end much of our time was spent clearing rubble, pulling in fishing nets, and erecting tent cities for the homeless.
This turned out to be a wonderful time of ministry. I discovered that by sharing the burdens of the poor, and working in solidarity with them, the Gospel was taking root in ways that I had not expected As we humbly shared our own stories and listened to theirs, I noticed an attentiveness and openness to the Gospel
suffering, we became a visible demonstration of the Good News. This is the essence of the incarnation. As the Good News is communicated through earthly and physical expressions, the heavenly and spiritual are rightly revealed - consequently creating fertile ground for God's Word to take root and transform a community.
How had I missed it for so long?
Once I understood this reality, I was astounded to see how clearly Jesus had modeled this holistic approach in His own ministry. His acts of compassion - serving, healing, and givingillustrate the very nature of the Kingdom and the self-giving love that invites us into it.
I discovered that by sharing the burdens of the poor, and working in solidarity with them, the Gospel was taking root in ways that I had not expected.
that I had rarely seen before. As Jesus met them in the midst of their troubles, I too was being transformed spiritually as I joined in this process. In hindsight, I believe the efforts we made to verbalize the Gospel were validated by our willingness to roll up our sleeves and enter into the plight of this community
What I also discovered was that by joining with them in their
Whatever misconceptions I carried from my childhood, I was developing a new perspective on missions and the very Gospel itself. I had discovered that the sacrificial love at the core of the Gospel was not merely the message of the missionary, but also the very means by which the Gospel could be communicated to a lost and broken world.
