July 1994

THE CHRISTIAN

· E· A· D E R •

•

JULY 1994

IRA LE' THE ADOPTION OF RUSSIAN-SPEAKING SLAVIC CONGREGATIONS ACROSS THIS COUNTRY IS A MARVEL OF GOD'S TIMING AND POWER

THE

PUBLICATION

OF

THE

U . S . CONFERENCE

OF

MENNONITE

ALSO ...

On site with

PROMISE KEEPERS / p20 BRETHREN

CHURCHES

JULY

FIRST WORDS

1994

from the editor

O

ne of the joys of this job is the privilege I have to investigate the hot spots of activity and ministry in our denomination. I've had no greater privilege lately than to take a whirlwind reporting tour of our Slavic congregations in Oregon and Washington several weeks ago. This issue features what I found during those days. I hope the articles communicate the excitement and potential of this unprecedented partnership.

At the same time, this was a particularly challenging story to report. Many of the people I would have liked to talk to simply did not have enough of a grasp of English. Of course, I don't have a clue about Russian. Much of what I've written is based on extended conversations with Loyal Funk, our U.S. Conference point man in this work, and Gordon and Esther Balisky, who have come along side us for this venture. The rest is primarily intuition and observation-knowing full well that the margin of error for those endeavors is quite broad too.

I hope, after reading these articles, you will praise God for the incredibly things he has done and will do through the Slavic-Mennonite Brethren partnership. Surely he has proven that he can-and does-do more than we ask or think.

To God be the glory.

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COMING • JULY 23-26-Biennial convention of the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, Colorado Springs, Colo.

• Southern District Conference regional rallies: • SEPTEMBER 25-Colorado; host: Garden Park Church and Belleview Acres Church, Denver • OcrOBER 2- Western Oklahoma; host: Corn MB Church • ocrOBER 9- Eastern Oklahoma and Arkansas; host: Westport MB Church, Collinsville, Okla.

• OCTOBER 16-Central Kansas; host: Wichita First MB Church • OcrOBER 23- Northwest Kansas and Missouri; host: Com· munity Bible Church, Olathe, Kan. • OcrOBER 30-Western Kansas and Oklahoma Panhandle; host: Ulysses (Kan.) MB Church

• OCTOBER 2S-30-Central District Conference convention, Rapid City, S.D.

QUOTABLE • "It is not a matter primarily of whether or not we reach

our particular goals. Life is more than just reaching our . goals. As individuals and as a group we need to reach our potential. Nothing else is great enough. We must always be reaching toward our potential. "- MAx DE PREE IN LEADERSHIP Is AN ART 2·

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CHRISTIAN

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Page 10

JUNE

1994 THE CHRISTIAN

VOLUME 57, NUMBER 7

FEATURES - Theme: Slavic Church Growth 4 Managing a 'modern-day miracle' Within three years, 10 churches of more than 3,000 adult attenders have aligned themselves with the Mennonite Brethren. This is the story of what happens when we walk through the doors God opens for us. BY DON RATZLAFF

10 Worshiping with our Slavic family Based on a genuine love for God and fueled by newfound religious freedom, our Slavic brothers and sisters have a lot to show us about worshiping God with all of one's heart, mind and soul.

BY DON RATZLAFF

DEPARTMENTS What readers say . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 16 Ph'lip Side .... .. ........... . ... . ... by Philip Wiebe 17 • Quizzical fitness

Inquiring Minds ..... . .... . .... . .. .. by Marvin Hein 18 • Binding and loosing • Bible inconsistencies

Musings . ..... . ..................... by Jim Holm 19 • Was it God's punishment?

Bodylife. ... . . ... . . . .. . ... . .. .. . . .. . . . . . . . ... .. 20 • SPECIAL REPORT: Promise Keepers at Denton, Texas 20 • Lee Balzer resigns presidency of Tabor College 25 • The MB-BIC link 26 • David Dyck's sabbatical from MBM/S 27 • Pakisa Tshimika joins MBM/S staff 28 • European MBs gather in Germany 28 • MCC will fall short of income goal 29 • Jan Siemens leads a Thai Bible study 29 • East Wichita Fellowship will close its doors 30

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . by Don Ratzlaff 36 • Friendly or friend-like

EDITOR Don Ratzlaff

ASSISTANT EDITOR Deborah Penner

BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS : David Reimer. chair; Harold Franz, Jeanie Klaassen, Malinda Nikkel.

Dalton Reimer MANDATE: THE CHRISTIAN LEADER (ISSN 0009· 5149), organ of the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, is published monthly by the U.S. Conference Board of Communications. 315 S. Lincoln, Hillsboro, KS 67063. The Christian Leader seeks to inform Mennonite Brethren members and churches of the events. activities. decisions. and issues of their denomination, and to instruct, inspire and initiate dia· log so that they will aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelical! Anabaptist theological tradition .

EDITORIAL POLICY: The views and opinions of our writers and advertisers are their own and do not nee· essarily represent the position of The Christian Leader, the Board of Communications or the Men· nonite Brethren Church. The editors invite free·lance article submissions, but ask that each submission be accompanied with a SASE. The editors reserve the right to edit. condense or refuse all copy submitted for publication; anonymous contributions will not be published.

READER PARTICIPATION : The editors encourage readers to interact with our articles through letters to the editor and essays to Forum, our op·ed column .

Letters for What Readers Say must include the author's name and address. Forum is open to memo bers or attenders of Mennonite Brethren churches.

Essays to Forum can address any issue of relevance and interest to the faith and life of the Mennonite Brethren Church. The essay should be no longer than BOO words and should include the home church, occupation and a clear photo of the writer .

COMMUNICATION: All correspondence should be addressed to The Christian Leader, Box V, Hillsboro.

KS 67063 . Phone: (316) 947·5543 . Fax: (316) 947· 3266.

ADVERTISING: Clearinghouse ads should be submit· ted in writing . Cost: $.25 per word . Send no advance payments. For display·ad rates, contact the editor.

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MEMBERSHIP: The Christian Leader is a member of the Evangelical Press Association and Meetinghouse. an association of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ editors.

ART CREDITS: Cover and pages 5· 14, CL photos by Don Ratzlaff,' page 4, U.S. Conference; pages 20-23, CL photos by Don Ratzlaff; page 29, MCC.

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POSTMASTER: Send Form 3579 to The Christian Leader, Box V. Hillsboro, KS 67063 . Second -class postage paid at Hillsboro, Kansas .

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994

3

THE

GREAT

ADOPTION OPTION

I

t's the most dramatic development in Mennonite Brethren church growth since ... well, maybe 1860, when the denomination was born in the Ukraine. In less than three years, 10 congregations of recent Russian-speaking immigrants

from the former Soviet Union-totaling more than 3, 000 adults-have aligned themselves with U.S. Mennonite Brethren conferences. More churches are in the pipeline. Who are these new brothers and sisters? How did they come to us? Will they stay? On the heels of a whirlwind tour of the Pacific Northwest, the center of Slavic activity, we offer this special report about what God is doing with and through Mennonite Brethren in this unique experiment in Christian partnership.

4·THE

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LEADER

Managing a 'modern-day miracle' Sharing both a geographic origin and a theological base, Slavic congregations and Mennonite Brethren are discovering they want to live together-and may even need each other

BY DON RATZLAFF

IVEN THE EVIDENCE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT, ONE CONFERENCE

worker calls it nothing short of "a modern-day miracle." Skeptics, recalling past denominational disappointments, wonder whether the "miracle" is simply a temporary anomaly. Call it what you will, but the movement uniting congregations of recent Slavic immigrants with U.S. Menno-nite Brethren conferences has been dramatic, innovative and unprecedented.

Since the first exploratory contact less than three years ago, 10 Slavic congregations-representing more than 3,000 adult attenders-have formally aligned themselves with the Mennonite Brethren. Two more congregations, with some 700 adults, are ready to follow suit and several more congregations are in process, according to Loyal Funk, U.S. director of evangelism and church planting.

"This is the Lord's doing and it is an open door we feel he has given," says Funk, who has been the conference's primary liaison with the Slavics. "The work with the Slavic people groups is far more than just adoption. It is educational, relational and evangelistic. I doubt that in our history we have ever had a more challenging and potentially greater opportunity.»

An undisp uted miracle

Th e current Slavic-Me nnon ite Brethren connection has its roots in an undisputed miracle of God's activity: the collapse of communist totalitarianism in the Soviet Union in 1990. In

The Slavics of Portland: Could they be God's agents of renewal for Mennonite Brethren?

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cally and economically chaotic, or seize the moment to escape to a land where the promise of religious freedom and economic survival would more likely endure.

Many of the Mennonite Brethren believers have since migrated to Germany. But of Slavics-estimates are 350,000 in the last four years-made their way to the United States, particularly the Pacific Northwest. Those who comprise the Slavic congregations came from across the CIS-the majority from Russia, Ukraine, Byelarus, Georgia and Siberia, but from other republics as well.

"For many decades, our own conference, born in the Ukraine, has prayed for the people behind the Iron Curtain," Funk notes. "God has answered our prayers. The walls came down and the very people we prayed for have come in large numbers to America. When God answers prayer, he also challenges our vision."

A common heritage

As with other MB churches. choirs are an important part of Slavic worship services.

"The work with the Slavic people groups is far more than just adoption. It is educational, relational and evangelistic. I doubt that in our history we have ever had a more challenging and potentially greater opportunity. " -LOYAL FUNK 6·THE

CHRISTIA N

its wake, new religious freedom has fueled a spiritual renewal across Russia and the rest of what has come to be called the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

But 70 years of atheistic communism had not stamped out the church.

Meeting secretly, often harassed and imprisoned by the KGB, Soviet Christians-including an estimated 25,000 to 35,000 believers of Mennonite Brethren background-endured their hardships with considerable courage.

When the Iron Curtain lifted, these believers were faced with a choice: stay and help grow the church in a homeland that continues to be politiLEA DER

The Russian origin of the Menno· nite Brethren and the Slavics' exposure to Mennonite Brethren believers during the years of shared persecution, helped establish a natural link between the conference and the new immigrants when they settled in the United States. "(The Slavics) have been aware of the Mennonite influence through the years to varying degrees," Funk says.

"Most of the leaders will tell you they have a good acquaintanceship with the Mennonite Brethren, and almost all positive."

But the Slavic-Mennonite Brethren tie is more than historical coincidence. It is also based on common faith commitments. While the majori· ty of the new Slavic Mennonite Brethren believers carried the "Pentecostal" label in their homeland, they have since discovered the label connotes different theological emphases in different lands.

Funk says leaders of the Slavic churc hes coming to the Mennonite Brethren are not interested in the

SLAVIC

extreme emotionalism that often characterizes U.S. Pentecostals. "They say, 'You Mennonite Brethren are a lot more like Russian Pentecostals than we are like American Pentecostals,'" he says.

Funk adds that while the frrst Slavic congregation to join the conference includes "Pentecostal" in its name , Funk now discourages other congregations from using it. "I told them that in America that means something different. " Since associating with the conference, the new Slavic churches have embraced the 1902 Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith, which has been translated from German into Russian. Funk has found these new churches to be fully committed to Anabaptist distinctives. "They strongly believe in separation of church and state, which is part of our Anabaptist heritage. In fact, they're stronger on that than we are," Funk says. "They're all committed Anabaptists. I have never yet found one who isn't-even among the people who haven't yet come to faith as a commitment."

They also hold to adult baptism. "I doubt they baptize anyone under 16," Funk says. "They just say they're not mature enough to make that decision until then-much like our Mennonite Brethren did in earlier years."

A network of assistance Initial contacts with the Slavic congregations came as the result of inquiries from Mennonite Brethren familiar with the work of Gordon and Esther Balisky. The Baliskys had served for many years as missionaries in Eastern Europe through the Marshall Foundation of Seattle, Wash., where they were living at the time. Gordon, who is fluent in five Slavic languages, agreed to serve as a liaison and translator between Funk and the Slavic leaders, some of whom he had learned to know in Eastern Europe.

GROWTH

"Gordon's contributions were absolutely essential in the initial stages, when we had very few Slavic leaders who could speak fluent English, " Funk says. "We were pleased to be able to contract with him for the services he has provided. Our partnership with the Slavics would not be where it is today without his early involvement."

The first congregations to link with the Mennonite Brethren were in Washington State and Oregon. That area remains the center of Slavic activity. But since then, as immigrant families dispersed to other parts of the country, Slavic congregations have joined from Sacramento and Fresno , Calif., Tulsa, Okla., and Parma, Ohio.

Congregations in Denver, Colo., Salt Lake City, Utah, and Minneapolis, Minn., are in the negotiating process.

And new contacts keep emerging.

Aside from the historical and theological linkages, Funk credits straightforward but low-key salesmanship, combined with offers of reasonable financial assistance, with creating a positive image for Mennonite Brethren along the Slavic network of congregations. "Once we treated a few (Slavic congregations) well, by word of mouth they're coming to us," he notes. "Today I would say it's word of mouth totally."

SLAVIC ROLL CALL Following is the roster of churches that have joined with the conference or are in the process of doing do.

1. First Ukrainian Pentecostal MB Church, Seattle, Wash.

Pastor: Stepan Gorkavchuk Attendance: 500+ adults 2. Slavic Missionary Church, Seatt le, Wash. * Pastor: Uury Chernyetsky Attendance: 300+ adults 3. Slavic Christian Church, Vancouver, Wash.

Pastor: Peter Tishchenko Attenda nce: 400+ adults 4. Slavic Christian Church, Portland, Ore Pasto r: Vasi ly Vakulsky Attendance: 500+ adults 5. Slavic Evangelical Church, Milwaukie, Ore. Pastor: Nikolay M ichalchuk Attendance: 300+ adults 6. Slavic Christian Church, Salem, Ore. * Pastor: Vyacheslav Boynetsky Attendance: 250+ adults 7. First Ukrainian Church, Sacramento, Calif.

Pastor: Ivan Gardiuk Attendance: 170+ adults B. Slav ic Evangelical Missionary Church, Fresno, Calif.

Pastor: Vyacheslav Tsvirin ko Attendance: 130+ adults 9. Slav ic Missio nary Church, Tulsa, Okla. * Pastor: Nikolas Michka Attendance: 80 adults 10. Slav ic Full Gospel Church, Parma, Ohio Pastor: Kazymir Penkalski Attendance: 450 adults 11 . Russian Church of Spokane, Wash.

Pastor: Victgor Vya lkin Attendance : 400+ adu lts 12. Slav ic Christian Church, Denver, Colo.* Pastor: Vasily Makeimov Attendance: 300+ adults

Children are cheery and plentiful in these congregations- and are the most fluent in English.

* Indicates in process. Ot her in·process congregatio ns are located in Bellingham, Wash.; Salt Lake City, Utah; and M inneapolis, Minn. Several other contacts are in t he preliminary stages.

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Loyal Funk (right) negotiates a property boundary with the sellers of the Vancouver meetinghouse, which was formally dedicated by the Slavic Christian Church July 10.

"Of the many people who attend a typical morning service, maybe 10 percent of the adult population are not saved.

Some of them are agnostics,' a handful would still claim to be atheistic. In the culture, the fellowship and the preaching and teaching, they get converted and baptized."

- LOYAL FUNK S·THE

C HR IS T IA N

Funk cites as typical a recent contact with leaders of a congregation in the Midwest. The leaders mentioned Slavic pastors already in the conference as opening the door for Funk's visit. Funk recalls: "And they said, ' One of the things we like is that you're not pressuring us. You don't seem to care whether we join or not.'

I said, 'Oh, I care, but I don't want you coming just because you want something.' And they said, 'Is it bad to want something?' I told them, 'No, it's not bad, but it's not a good motive.'"

Building for growth What a number of Slavic congregations want-and four have received-is financial help to purchase meetinghouses. "Buildings are absolutely important because the Slavics all have services at leas t five days o f t he week," Funk says. "You ca n't re n t buildings that way. It's also important because their main worship service runs two to five ho urs .... Dual w orship services just don't work because of the duration of their services."

LEADER

Given the size of most Slavic congregations, finding buildings of adequate size is another c hallenge-not just for the present, but also the future . Funk notes that the Slavics are among the few congregations in the conference where growth is being hindered by the size of the facilities.

"Even some of the buildings we've helped them purchase are already too small," he says . "They need more space to accommodate the people coming to them."

One source of growth for these churches is simply the arrival of additional families from the CIS. "That 's going on all the time, " says Funk .

"Every person who has permanent residency can keep o n sponsoring family members. That will go on for years to come. That's why these churches are going to keep right on growing, if for no other reason."

But there is another reason, he adds: These churches have a heart for reaching fellow Slavics. "Of the many people who attend a typical morning service, maybe 10 percent of the adult population are not saved," Funk says. "Some of them are agnostics; a handful would still claim to be atheistic. In the culture, the fellowship and the preaching and teaching, they get converted and baptized."

A model of cooperation For a denomination struggling to meet the operating budgets of its ministries, generating funds to help acquire property for the Slavics is no small challenge. That's one reason Funk and the U.S . Board of Evangelism have moved more cautiously than they could . It has also made them more strategically creative.

From the beginning, Funk has spearheaded an initiative that has become an unprecedented model for intra- denominational cooperation .

The partnership involves the U.S. Conference, the respective district conferences and also MB Missions/Services, the North American agency that helps underwrite the cost of administration, training and materials.

Because to this p oint most of the

S "LAVIC

GROWTH

Slavic activity has occurred on the agrees: "If I thought they were only in Funk says he senses a sincere West Coast, Funk has worked closely this for the short term, I' d be very desire from Slavic churches to remain with the Pacific District Conference concerned. But I don't think it's true. I Mennonite Brethren and be participatto nurture the new congregations and think they could well be the renewal ing members of the denomination . help them arrange financing for their agent among us because they're truly But, he adds, like many new immigodly people." buildings. grant groups, the Slavics are focused Funk adds that the Slavics aren't on the immediate needs of their conAs churches emerge in other distric t s, Funk will follow a s im ilar necessarily the ones who will ulti- gregations. "They're very inward lookcourse. So far, only one congregation mately determine their staying power. ing, but they want to be part of a largapproved for membership, located in "I think whether or not they're going er family," he says. "They want to be Parma, Ohio, exists outside the tradi- to be a strong puller with us is as part of the larger evangelical movetional boundaries of the five U.S. dis- much what we're going to do or not ment-though they too think elements tricts. It will be formally aligned with do as what they are going to do or not of the evangelical movement in this country have gone to pot." the U.S. Conference. But whenever do." geography allows it, the Funk believes one key step toward assimilation new congregations will be would be to recruit Slavic received into the appropristudents for the two conate district structure. fe renc e- related colleges .

The partnership between He would also like to see the national and district Slavic members be invited conferences includes the to regional rallies and acquisition of property. "At meetings. "They will parthis stage, we have only ticipate when they're prebought property with the sent at a meeting," he said.

Slavic churches with help "They're not just going to and approval of the boards sit back and listen." of finance in the districts," Individual Mennonite Funk says.

Brethren can make a differTypically, a Slavic conence by contributing to gregation will receive a the Evangelism Partn e rs grant of between $30,000 fund or volunteering as to $50,000 through the English as a Second LanEvangelism Partners fund of guage teachers in Slavic the U.S. Conference for the churches. Funk believes down payment on the Music has been a valuable part of Gordon and Esther Balisky's ministry. that will happen if longbuilding. With the help of But assimilation will be a challenge. standing Mennonite Brethren realize the district trustees, the congregation itself amortizes the remainder of the Despite many similarities in theology the potential benefits of linking arms debt with MB Foundation over 15 to and practice, the Slavics also bring with their new brothers and sisters.

"I think (the Slavics) can give us a uniquenesses which the larger body 20 years.

"We as a U.S. Conference have will need to understand and accom- sense of the urgency of the return of never (purchased a building) apart modate, according to Funk. For exam- the Lord," Funk says. "That's one of ple, Slavic believers always kneel or their strong themes .... I really think from a district, " Funk says. "However, we always say that if and when that stand when they pray, they practice they could have a lot to do with a becomes necessary, we may do that. foot-washing, and the married women renewal amongst us."

What do the next five years hold I'm trying to avoid it, but I have a wear a head covering when they worfor the Slavic/Mennonite Brethren ship. hunch it may start happening."

"I can se e t he m visiting som e of link? "We will go one of two ways," The assimilation challenge our churches where w e do n't even Funk predicts. "We will have a district Despite the best judgment of con- stand to pray when we're celebrating confere nc e, or some configuration , ference leaders, some observers fear com munion ," Fu nk says . "Yo u ask made up of Slavs with its own autonothe Slavic churches are coming to the how w e can build bridges w ith them- my but living under our umbrella. Or Mennonite Brethren primarily for these are the things that bother me. I we will have 20 to 30 Slavic churches financial help in the short run and will don't think it will be easy. I think we that have joined us . We can readily not become long-term , p articipating can do it, but w e better be very sensi- re ach 20 churches , even if we are only partially faithful. " e2 members in the conference . Funk dis- tive ."

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SLAVIC

GROWTH

Worshiping with our Slavic family The language was foreign, the length of service more than two hours; fortunately, much about Slavic worship transcends translation and mere endurance

BY DON RATZLAFF

E PUll INTO TIlE PARKING LOT OF TIlE SLAVIC CHRISTIAN Church in Portland, Ore., about 20 minutes before the Sunday morning service is to begin. The spaces are filling fast, the parking strategy here is already discernible: squeeze in one more car. By the time the service begins, the lot and the side streets will be bumper to bumper with cars. Likewise, worshipers will fill the pews inside in 10 • THE

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LEA D E R

much the same style. Maybe 500 in all. The main floor and balcony are filled with a mix of faces, young and old, thin and round, handsome and homely. The children, many of them sitting together in rows, smile and giggle. Once the service begins, though, the youngsters are remarkably attentive, considering the length of the wait expected of them.

The adults are more sober, focused. The dress code for young men ranges from the modem doublebreasted suit to open collar and shirt sleeves. The older men prefer the simple, plain-cut gray or black suit-a carry-over from a not too distant time past when clothes were bought for function, not fashion.

The older women have that stereotypical "babushka" look-round figures adorned in neat but simple dresses. Most of the younger women, though, are more brightly attired.

Married women, young and old, heed the literal words of Scripture by covering their heads with a scarf when they worship.

A testimony of faces But the real story of these people is written in their faces.

The older adults, their stark and rugged features chiseled by years of hardship, now radiate renewed hope and gratitude.

Who could have envisioned the sudden and dramatic plot change penned in these late chapters of their lives?

I recall the dinner conversation the night before with Yuriy Savinskiy, 66, a former civil engineer in the republic of Georgia. With the help of an interpreter, he described the challenge of being Christian in a totalitarian communist state.

Secret house-church gatherings late into the night. KGB agents tearing apart family pillows and mattresses in a desperate search for Bibles and other damning evidence of Christian allegiance. The 20 years of hard labor in a Soviet prison. Now,

though, there is a joy in Yuriy's face that belies his years. God has liberated him and his family.

As I survey the faces of these older saints, I wonder how many could tell me similar tales. I will never know for sure. English is still a barrier for them, even though some have been on u.S. soil for almost four years. As in most immigrant situations, fluency in English correlates conversely with the age of the person. Here, most of the children speak English without a trace of accent.

The youth and young adults are becoming fluent as they enter school and the job market. But for many older adults, who have few outside contacts, managing a new language seems an almost unattainable goal.

For the young to middle-age adults, language is the key to employment, which in tum is the key to economic stability. In their eyes I see a mix of optimism and apprehension in this new environment. On their backs rests the burden of transition; they carry the responsibility to support not

A young soloist adds her gift of song to the service.

only their children, but, in many cases, their parents and sometimes members oftheir extended family.

Those working closely with the Slavic churches say the employment rate among attenders varies from area to area. In some churches, as many as 90 percent have found jobs; in others, the rate is closer to 50 to 60 percent.

Construction and manual labor are the primary sources; language limitations and years of living in a state-regulated employment environment have resulted in few Slavic-owned business ventures to this point.

Beyond translation For me, the challenge of language suddenly takes on new meaning when the worship service begins-in Russian. Now I am the one grasping for understanding in a foreign environment. Gordon Balisky, who has served as a liaison and translator for us among the Slavics in the Pacific Northwest, offers an occasional explanation, but the content of the songs and messages is lost on me.

Fortunately, there is much about Slavic worship that transcends translation. Most North American Mennonite Brethren would fixate on the sheer length of the services. Two and half to three hours is not uncommon; five hours is not unheard of. But the time moves quickly. Interspersed between the three or more Bible messages featured in each service are periods of corporate prayer, readings and recitations by chilo dren and women, and rich music-some congregational singing, but many numbers from the choir and smaller ensembles.

What fuels a Slavic service along more than anything is the intensity of the experience.

The preaching is impassioned, whether the speaker is an elder of long standing, or a young man given the opportunity to test his gifts. During this service, pastor Vasily Vakulsky, JULY

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unspoken cue, the tide of prayers sub· sides. Pastor Vakulsky, the last one praying, concludes the time with an "Amen." Whether these expressions of piety and devotion, as sincere as they appear to the visitor, become routine and mechanical for those who follow them service after service, I don't know. For this "foreigner, " though, the visible evidence of their deep and potent faith is certainly one gift they offer the rest of us in their newly adopted denominational family.

Corporate prayer, Slavic style.

Unlike the traditional Mennonite Brethren service, where corporate prayer usually means the pastor or leader prays audibly on behalf of the congregation, the Slavics express corporate prayer quite literally: everyone prays-audibly and simultaneously.

12 • THE

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quiet and reserved before the service, now punctuates his message with vigorous gestures and intonation. As the lead pastor, his is the final and climatic message of the service. He leaves no doubt the Word of the Lord is being spoken.

And it seems to take hold in the pews. At the conclusion of each Bible message, the congregation is invited to respond in corporate prayer. Unlike the traditional Mennonite Brethren service, where corporate prayer usually means the pastor or leader prays audibly on behalf of the congregation, the Slavics express corporate prayer quite literally: everyone prays-audibly and simultaneously.

For such a sacred moment, no one sits passively in the pew. Some stand, the rest kneel on the floor facing the front-no small feat amid these crowded pews. Immediately a low rumbling of righteousness rises from the congregation. The emotion quickly swells. Within moments, the sanctuary is filled with a cacophony of confession and petition. Tears flow . Some believers raise their arms heavenward, others bury their face in their hands.

After several minutes, as if on LEA D E R

Celebration of family Two other components of the morning service make it special, if not uncommon. The first is a child dedication. Children are celebrated and cherished in Slavic households. In contrast to their new American culture, where families average the proverbial 2.5 kids and a dog, Slavic families bring with them a high regard for larger broods. Four to six children per household is more the norm than the exception. Some families have more.

On this morning, three young families come forward to receive a bouquet of flowers, words of affirmation, and a prayer of dedication from Pastor Vakulsky. Working his way down the line, he holds each infant warmly.

Judging by their smiles, the parents are obviously pleased-with themselves, the pastor's blessing, and a faith family that welcomes and nurtures a new generation in a new land.

The cycle of life continues unabated.

Later in the service, another family is called forward. Balisky tells me the couple and their three young children have just arrived in Portland from the former Soviet Union. They have been invited to the podium for a word of public welcome and prayer.

As they step onto the stage and stand self-consciously before the congregation, I see in the faces of the husband and wife both gratitude and fear. This must be a traumatic time in their lives. I try to put myself in their place. What would prompt me to uproot my family from a familiar environment to a foreign one? Yes, the

SLAVIC

GROWTH

Slavics fear the game isn't over yet in the CIS

W

HY DO SLAVIC CHRISTIANS insist on leav- Russian Republic, brought a message of hope to the ing their homeland just when they've been United States. "The current religious climate is more or granted new freedom to worship and evan- less stable," Zaichenko told EP News. "The number of gelize there? The answer to that oft-asked question isn't churches is growing very fast. " complicated.

"Five years ago, there was one Protestant church.

"Their response is they don't think the game is over, " Right now there are more than 80 denominations," says Loyal Funk, U.S. director of evangelism and church Zaichenko said. "People are looking for reason in their planting. "They really believe (the lives. There are obstacles for ChrisCommonwealth of Independent tianity in some fields. I think this States) will go back to totalitarianprocess is inevitable. But Christianiism, though maybe in a different ty knows no boundaries. " form. I have yet to find one who Zaichenko said the Orthodox doesn't believe that."

Church is "split into pieces" and Those fears are not without that it is impossible to induce a merit. For example, rampant inflachurch state right now. "It is only tion in the Ukraine has led some to nostalgia for the past," he said. believe it is on the verge of civil "There is no future for the past in war-and that Russia threatens to my country... swallow it up. Beyond that, Despite Zaichenko's optimism, attempts at restrictive legislation many Slavics simply are not willing and the threats of hardline nationalto take the cnance. "Why are they ist Vladimir Zhirinivsky to limit relileaving?" Funk says. "They're leavgious freedom have caused Chrising for the same reasons our Mentians to closely monitor the situanonite Brethren forebears lefttion in Russia. largely religious freedom and ecoDuring an April visit to Washing- Peter Tishchenko with his wife, Nelly: "I have nomic interests. And the value of a ministry here now. ton, Boris Perchatkin, a Russian family definitely enters in too." evangelical leader, met with U.S. members of Congress, Peter Tishchenko, pastor of the Slavic Christian State Department officials and advisers to President Clin- Church in Vancouver, Wash., is a case in pOint. He said ton. He told them the former Soviet region-widely he intended to stay in Georgia after communism colviewed as relatively free despite its growing pains-is lapsed. But when members of his family began emigratactually a time bomb of persecution that, when it ing, he decided to join them. "I have a ministry here explodes, will vent unimaginable horror. now," he says.

Perchatkin warned that after the next Russian presiTishchenko and his fellow immigrants have not fordential election in 1996, if not before, widespread, open gotten the believers they've left behind. His congregapersecution of Protestants will become the rule in Russia. tion and others in the Pacific Northwest have helped He predicts a systematic "cleansing" of Protestants, simi- arrange for several shipments of clothes, food and matelar to that experienced by all faiths under Josef Stalin, as rials back to their homeland. nationalists tout the Orthodox and Muslim religions.

In the meantime, congregations and individuals conBut not every Russian agrees with that dismal predic- tinue to sponsor as many Slavics as they can-fully tion. Shortly after Perchatkin's visit, Alexandr believing they are rescuing loved ones from a tragic Zaichenko, a leading Russian economist and president drama ... before the curtain falls again.-DR, with EP of the Association of Christians in Business (ACB) in the news releases H

'They're leaving for the same reasons our Mennonite Brethren forebears left-largely religious freedom and economic interests." -LOYAL FUNK

JULY

1994

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SLAVIC

I could only hope our Slavic brothers and sisters would gain a healthy perspective on the connection of faith and ethnic traditions more graciously and quickly than the rest of their adopted denomination has through the years.

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future of the Commonwealth of Inde· pendent States is uncertain, but what kind of future awaits them here in this strange new land?

I recall the conversation I had had the previous day with Peter and Nelly Tishchenko. Peter is pastor of the Slavic Christian Church of Vancouver, Wash. Through the translation of a family member, I asked him about the fears he and his family had about being in this country. He seemed hesitant to respond. I wasn't sure whether he didn't understand the question, or was merely reticent to admit to fears .

Given the language barrier, I was helpless to clarify my intent.

Nelly, who is further along in English, broke the silence first . "We wonder if our kids will keep our culture," she said. Peter nodded his agreement.

It wasn't the answer I expected, to be honest. I thought they would express concern about the threat of North American materialism and secularism to their faith. Or the hazards posed by crime, gangs and substance abuse, especially for their youth. But

to be concerned primarily about their language and foods?

I wanted to probe their response with more questions, but decided not to. They had been honest with me.

And, the more I thought about it, the more appropriate their response seemed for an immigrant people. In truth, I had to admit it mirrored a primary concern of the first Mennonite Brethren immigrants who came to the United States from Russia 120 years ago. I could only hope our Slavic brothers and sisters would gain a healthy perspective on the connection of faith and ethnic traditions more graciously and quickly than the rest of their adopted denomination has through the years.

These broader issues, I'm sure, were far from the minds of this young family which now stood before us on the stage. A place to live, a job to support the family, a language to learnthese are the concerns I saw in their eyes. And I breathed a prayer of thanks that they have a local church family committed to helping them make the transition.

Pastor Vakulsky leads in a prayer for the newest arrivals to the United States.

Time for connections Then, almost abruptly, the worship service ends. The meetinghouse empties slowly. Because my opportunities for conversation are limited, I grab my camera and head out a side door to survey the scene there . Across the crowded parking lot, pockets of people coagulate to catch up on the latest news and events of their lives. A few cars inch their way toward the exits, but no one seems in a great hurry to leave. This too is church, I note.

These people value each other and take the time to make the connections.

What lies ahead for the Slavic-Mennonite Brethren connection, I wonder as we finally drive away from the church. God has opened doors for us that no one had even imagined three years earlier. The potential for denominational numerical growth is significant, but so are the challenges of assimilation. Some wonder whether the Slavics are committed to stay with

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us for the long haul, or are merely interested in a short-term step up to something else. Others wonder whether the denomination is truly committed to incorporating these new people, or interested only in a short-term step up in growth statistics.

Questions like these can't be answered after one whirlwind reporting tour in one isolated region. But having listened to our denominational leaders who work most closely with

GROWTH

these churches, and to the few Slavic leaders I have had the opportunity to encounter, I sense the key to the longterm outcome may lie more with the denomination than the Slavics.

I leave wondering: Are we interested only in hosting a few thousand outof-town house guests for a brief visit, or will we invest the resources necessary to enlarge the house and invite our adopted brothers and sisters to take their rightful place at the family e2. table?

MBs in CIS burdened by a history of suffering

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EUEVERS OF Mennonite Brethren background women wearing "men's" clothing, wearing modem hair in the former Soviet Union, estimated only six styles and not wearing head coverings. They are also years ago to be as high as 25,000 to 35,000, have gravely concerned about the invasion of television. dwindled dramatically in the aftermath of communism's Younger leaders struggle under this authoritarian collapse in 1990. Open doors of immigration to Ger- leadership, which often deals with disagreements by many have, by some reports, all but drained Mennonite excommunication. But as yet, according to Falk, the Brethren from the cradle of the denomination's birth. younger leaders are not challenging the older leaders.

But some are holding on. Ben Falk, a Mennonite Following years of isolation, Mennonites in Siberia Central Committee worker from know little of their Anabaptist roots or of the Virgil, Ont., attended the biannual Following years of worldwide Mennonite fellowship. News that the meeting of the Mennonite Mennonite church of the southern hemisphere Brethren Conference in Putschko- isolation, Mennonites is as large or larger than that of the north is va, Western Siberia, May 2. MCC in Siberia know little of greeted with disbelief. workers believe this is the first MCC seeks to find ways to gently interact time a non-Russian Mennonite has their Anabaptist roots with Siberian Mennonites who remain cautious attended this conference. of outsiders. "We will need to walk with sensior the worldwide Falk and wife, Erna , have tivity and grace with these brothers and sisters been working in the town of Neu- Mennonite fellowship. who have experienced so much pain and disapdachino since 1993. According to pointment in the last 70 years," says Walter Falk, the 110 delegates-representing 2,400 members in Bergen, MCC country co-representative in the former 24 churches and 13 fellowships-reported on baptisms Soviet Union. "They are burdened by a history of sufferand conversions of the last six months, and also spoke ing and honorable persecution. Now when change of the problems facing the church. comes, it is shaking the security they had established in Among pastors, the prominent concern was emigratheir villages and church life." tion to Germany. One reported that the choir director At the end of the meeting, delegates asked Falk to and most of the choir had applied for permission to emispeak. Using 2 Corinthians 5, he spoke about the new grate, leaving a leadership vacuum. "Many are leaving creation in Christ that brings a new mandate to meet and few are taking their place," the pastor said. the needs of a changing society. Falk said the church This is a time of transition for the Mennonite must be prepared-not to compromise its theology, but Brethren Church in Siberia. Older leaders, who successto adjust its ministry to effectively address the problems fully led it during years of communism, now find it diffiof today's changing sOciety.-Adapted from an MCC cult to accept change. They are still concerned with release

JULY

1994

15

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-------ll h 1---1- Choices of life and death

as an especially cruel concentration It strikes me that Irvin Wall, in his camp guard. He didn't recognize her, letter in the June issue, isn't so much he knew only that she had spoken questioning the rightness of capital about God's forgiveness and Christ's punishment. He seems to be saying, atonement. Corrie realized this man "Why should we take the message of had become a Christian since the war, redemption to those convicted of cap- and that almost beyond comprehenSion, all the terrible things he had ital crimes?"

I admit, when I read about another done had been cleansed from him. child molested and killed, or another If this man had been required to mass murder, or a serial rapist, I strug- stand before a human court, to be gle to understand why these people charged for his past, he would have should be allowed a chance at heaven . done so. If his life had been required after the horrible things they've done. as payment for those crimes it would Why shouldn't they die in their sin have been taken-unless God chose to and spend eternity in hell? The only move his hand to save his life. answer I get to these questions is that Do we dare tell the Creator he it isn't our place to decide who will can't call whom he chooses? "Whatevbe in heaven and who will not. er is under the whole Heaven is Corrie Ten Boom told the story that mine," says God in Psalm 115:16. We sometime after World War 2, she was don't have the right to withhold the addressing a group on forgiveness of good news of salvation. sins. Afterward, a man came up to Elaine Jelinek shake her hand, a man she recognized Wichita, Kan.

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Clarifying a taxing point For my own clarification on the question of churches having to keep records of donations (Inquiring Minds, June), I have contacted the IRS at Houston, Texas. They say they are not demanding such records. In fact, nothing has changed, except the donor is encouraged to ask for a receipt for donations of $250 or more per day.

Cash or other donations are still hon· ored with your own dated, valid record. Canceled checks are still valid receipts, etc.

The church need not keep records and give quarterly or annual statements because of government demands.

If you have more questions, I encourage you to call the Houston IRS number: 1-800-829·1040. It is often busy, but keep trying. Have questions ready. A recording will say "Touch 1. " When the operator answers, ask for a person infonned on church contributions.

Milo Schroeder Buhler, Kan.

Editor's note: The IRS is still in the process of finalizing its regulations, according to Dale Regier, U.S. Conference treasurer. He cites a bulletin from Church Law & Tax Report, which states.' "Single, individual contributions of $250 or more made after Dec. 31, 1993, cannot be substantiated with canceled checks.

Donors will not be allowed a tax deduction for an individual cash (or property) contribution of $250 or more unless they receive a written acknowledgement from the church or charity.... Most donations will not be affected by these new rules. However, if you give more than $250 at one time [including the use of multiple checks, Regier adds], make sure you receive a written receipt that satisfies the rules.... Otherwise, your contribution will not be tax deductible. " Regier adds that Mr. Schroeder is technically correct in that a church is not required to keep detailed records of all donations- unless it plans to issue a one-time receipt at the end of the year for multiple individual gifts over $250 made during the course of the year.

'lip Side

Quizzical fitness

J

UST WHEN IT SEEMS that all the possibilities of exercise technology have been exhausted, someone comes up with some fabulous new contraption, like the Super SkiStair Cycle-Stepper, guaranteed to provide a lifetime of well-being knowing you could haul it out of storage at any time and actually attempt to exercise. Of course, you could also have done that with your treadmill, rower, stationary bike, stair climber, dumbbell (if he'd ever get his rear off the recliner), ankle weights, aerobics, videos and other fitness apparatus you've accumulated over the years, only to discover a recurring flaw. To get in shape, you actually have to use them.

That's why when my wife enticingly points out some new handle-barred, fly-wheeled gismo in a sale ad, I generally say "Naw." I hardly use the high-tech exercise apparatus I already own.

My anns and legs.

I'm not sure how fitness got to be a multibillion dollar industry, but I suspect it has something to do with the infonnation age. The info age shoves many of us behind desks, where the heaviest thing we lift is ourselves out of the chair, and then barrages us with images of perfectly sculpted hunks and babes who got that way primarily by conscientious efforts of heredity. But the fitness industry, of course, wants all of us squatty folks to believe we can become perfectly sculpted hunks and babes too, so we'll buy their stuff. And we do. Which may not be all bad. Somebody has to keep the home storage-system industry in business.

Deep down, though, I think we all know that well-being isn't achieved via apparatus, but attitude. Which is exactly why we keep buying all this apparatus. Getting a new attitude takes major effort, while getting new apparatus only takes a major credit card.

Lately though, I've been wondering where all this fitness anxiety comes from in the first place. Why do I think I need to get in better shape, anyway? To impress women? Naw, I've been safely married for nearly a decade. To impress my wife? Naw, if Kim married me for my body, she desperately needs an eye exam.

To improve job performance? Actually, it doesn't take a high rate of cardiovascular fitness to type "cardiovascular fitness." To feel better?

Well, I don't know if I want to feel better and give up my excuse for being a crank . To enhance my self-esteem? I'm not sure getting in

shape would enhance my self-esteem. Could make it worse. If I looked in the mirror to see a sculpted hunk, I'd probably think 'There's a really vain dude."

The fact is, I'm already reasonably healthy (so my doctor tells me) and fit into most of my clothes. I don't have too many nutritional vices, beyond cream in my coffee and the inability to snarf less than half a dozen chocolate chip cookies in one sitting. And I even get a little exercise, by virtue of the fact that I am a fairly average American doing fairly average American stuff: • I own a house. Anyone who thinks owning a house means you have it made, think again. A house is never made, with all the hammering, sawing, painting, repairing, digging, planting, weeding and other cardiovascular improvements you have to make over the course of a 30-year mortgage.

• I have a spouse. And spouses tend to have a natural "listing instinct" that compels them to draw up weekend project lists longer than the Boston Marathon.

• I purse hobbies. Games of tennis or basketball are great ways to tighten the old muscles a little, particularly the laugh muscles of anyone who happens to be watching a wannabe athlete like me whack tennis balls over the fence or toss air balls under the backboard.

• I am a parent. And parenting is God's own exercise program, designed to regularly work every conceivable muscle group, including your brain. Actually, I didn't even know my brain had muscles until Seth started walking, then climbing, then materializing at precipitous heights, to which my brain responded by performing olympian back flips.

So I obviously don't need a Super Ski-Stair Cycle-Stepper to get into shape, unless I only want to trim a few inches off my wallet. But I do admit that I could stand to walk more. In fact, I have to. Stand to walk, that is, which is probably why I rarely walk. I have to go out of my way. It's the same with eating more vegetables, which I also should do. I mean, I'd have to cultivate the ground, plant seeds, hoe and irrigate ....

OK, all I'd really need to do is rip and tear and chop a little, and crunch a lot. I mean, when I eat vegetables. If I rip and tear and crunch when I walk, I'm in a lot worse shape tf2 than I thought.

JULY

When my wife enticingly points out some new handle-barred, fly-wheeled gismo in a sale ad, I generally say "Naw." I hardly use the high-tech exercise apparatus I already own.

My arms and

legs.

Philip Wiebe lives in Salem, Ore. 1994

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A former neighbor, with whom instead of reading power I have a Bible study, is a and authority into the pasCatholic. She asks: "What do sage, I prefer to see it as a Protestants say about John 20:23? 'If declaration that Jesus wants you forgive the sins of any, their sins us to announce forgiveness. have been forgiven them; if you He wants us to tell the retain the sins Of any, they have whole world God's grace is been retained. (CAliFORNIA) available, that forgiveness can be real.

Catholics and Anabaptists both If we don't make that have interpreted this passage to announcement, people are give tremendous power and not forgiven and don't authority-to the priesthood for know about forgiveness. They remain Catholics and to the local congrega- unforgiven. We have arranged for tion for Anabaptists. Were the follow- them retaining their sins. The sent ers of Jesus or their successors community, by proclamation, or the endowed with power to forgive and neglect of the missionary task, procondemn? Did God abdicate his vides the possibility of sins forgiven or sovereign authority to forgive? retained. Our gossiping of the good If the answer is "yes," then it news doesn't guarantee that anyone would seem Jesus gave us the "keys of will have his or her sins forgiven, but the kingdom" to do precisely what he we make the choice possible. If we condemned in the Pharisees: "Woe never provide alternatives, people are unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hyp- certain to have their sins retained. ocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against people .. . " (Mt. Is the Bible inconsistent or con23: 13). It is difficult to see how Jesus tradictory when in one passage would have recommended the comit speaks of one angel and in a munity of believers to do the very corresponding passage in another thing that is condemned. gospel it speaks of two angels? (CAliWhat then is included in "binding" FORNIA) and "loosing"? I have good friends who believe Jesus is talking about the When Jesus spoke in the first internal discipline of the congregacentury, no cassette tapes nor tion. And I am among those who are even scribes recorded every sad that churches largely do not enter word he said. Believers probably into disciplinary procedures in an age didn't value the recording of Jesus's where the "marketing" of the gospel words during his active ministry and doesn't ask too many hard questions after his death because they thought nor generally take any active postures he would return soon. Only later did in church discipline. However, the they see the need for an account of context of these words hardly allows his life. That must have taken a generfor an interpretation that suggests ation or two-perhaps when the aposinternal discipline. Sufficient biblical tles began to pass from the scene. references demonstrate the responsiThis is not to say that some in the bility to exercise congregational disci- early church did not have keen memopline without using the "binding and ries. But when they did get around to loosing" passages. recording the life of Jesus, they did These words come in connection not intend to give anything like a modwith the missionary command. Jesus ern biography. They obviously exeris talking about sending the disciples. cised considerable freedom in reportNo church polity talk here, only mis- ing details. They were painting porsionary language. The commission traits of Jesus. The superintendence of spoken of here is to proclaim the pos- the Holy Spirit was always present to sibility of forgiveness for all people. It prevent basic errors, but in an eastern isn't absolution language at all. So culture, word-for-word accuracy was 18

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Do you have a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference policy, or other spiritual issue?

Send it to "Inquiring Minds, " c/o Marvin Hein, 4812 E. Butler, Fresno, CA 93727. never insisted on like it is in our western culture. The gospel writers were painting a picture.

The question reminded me of the words of eminent New Testament theologian, George Eldon Ladd: "When there are problems within the gospels as to setting, geography, details, and so on, I am not bothered.

That's not what the gospels are doing.

They are bringing a message. They aren't concerned with chronology, time, and so on. So when one gospel says there was one angel and another says there were two, don't get hung up on that. It just means they went with a minimum of equipment."

The same rationale can be applied to the two accounts of the temple cleanSing or the story of the Gadarene demoniac. Were there two or one? It makes little difference. Don't let our modern, western penchant for correct arithmetic get in the way of understanding what Jesus is really saying. The gospels don't worry about details; they promote basic truths.

Someone is certain to respond , "Well, then for you the resurrection can just be a story, not a real event?"

No, for me the resurrection is a necessity in the gospel story. But how people saw that event (actually no one saw it) or remembered the reports of those closest to the scene may vary.

That's no big deal. The real message is not whether there were two angels in the tomb or only one, but that Jesus did rise from the dead. The intention of the resurrection account is clear.

Let's not waste our time trying to clear up the discrepancies that arise because we think "westernly" while the writers thought "easternly." tf2

ot(usings

Was it God's punishment?

S

OMETIMES, WHEN A series of events happens in a relatively short period of time or space, many of us wonder if they are connected. When those events are traumatic or disastrous, we may ask the question, "Is this the judgment of God on sin?" For example, when we fIrst began to be aware of AIDS, it was found mostly in the gay community. Many Christians believed that AIDS was the punishment of God for an immoral lifestyle.

I faced a similar question about God's judgment recently when I read the following series of events. These were reported in a messianic Jewish prayer letter. The author was concerned that President Clinton was cozying up too closely to the Islamic rulers of the Arab states in order to get a peace agreement in the Middle East. Such a peace agreement could be interpreted as a threat to Israel, which many believe is still God's chosen nation. These Christians teach that the Bible promises judgment on any who would threaten the Israelis or the Jewish state. With that background, consider the following events. Are these coincidences, or the wrathful hand of God? Each of these events occurred in 1994: • January 13-The foreign minister of Norway, who brokered the peace agreement between Israel and the PLO, died unexpectedly of a stroke at the age of 56.

• January 17-A terrible earthquake hit the city of Los Angeles.

• January 18-President Clinton shook hands with President Assad of Syria to talk about dividing the Golan Heights, which many Israelis believe are part of God's inheritance for his people .

• January 21-The son of President Assad of Syria, head of the secret police, was killed in a car crash.

While all of this was going on, the portion of the Torah read by Jews on January 15 was chapters 10-13 of the book of Exodus, which deals with the plagues that God sent on the Egyptians for oppressing the Hebrews.

In the logic of the writer ofthe letter, these things were not coincidental. They were most likely connected to the selling out of God's peo· pie, the Jews, by the United States and by the evil religion of Islam.

So, did God show his anger here? How do we know? We know that God has anger and that he shows it. The Bible, in both Old and

New Testaments, speaks of that. Even Jesus, the It is often easy redeeming Lamb, is an agent of judgment.

Romans 1:18, using a present-tense verb, makes to put a string clear that God does reveal his wrath in the present age. The rest of the chapter details some of of events the reasons why he makes his anger felt. together in a It is often easy to put a string of events together in such a way that they appear to be way that they connected. But to determine if God is punishing people, we need to consult the Scriptures. appear to be There are at least three points made there about the judgment of God against evil.

First, when God sends judgment, he states connected. the purpose and doesn't leave any mystery But to deterabout it. So, when Noah built the ark, he was preparing for God's punishment of a sinful world. When the plagues fell upon Egypt, they mine if God is were in response to the hardness of Pharaoh's heart. When Saul attacked the Amalakites, we punishing are told it was for "what they did to Israel" (1 Sam. 15:2). When God scourges he states his people, we reasons. There isn't any doubt about that.

Second, God's judgment is always recog- need to connized as coming from him. According to 2 Peter 2:5, Noah preached righteousness while he was suit the Scripbuilding the ark_ For 100 years, Noah tures. announced what God was going to do. In the Egyptian plagues, Moses proclaimed to Pharaoh, "This is what the Lord says." Even the famines that came from the Lord were disclosed by his messengers. In short, when God acts, not one asks, "Who did that?"

Third, in God's judgments, he spares the righteous. Moses and other true believers were told to stand away from the tents of Korah when the earth opened and swallowed the latter (Num. 16:23). When Noah entered the ark, there were only eight godly people in the world, but they all survived. God even told Abraham he would spare the entire city of Sodom if only one righteous person could be found there. God's judgments are not indiscriminate, but selective. This is not to suggest that his people never suffer, nor to imply that they aren't sometimes caught in the evil that affects this world, but to point out that God protects his own when judgment falls.

In a sinful world, dreadful things happen.

The events recorded in the prayer letter were dreadful. Were they the hand of God? I don't think so, though they do make a striking pattern. But when God sends his wrath, all the jim Holm is from world will know it. He has said so. tf2 Reedley, Calif.

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1994

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A few signs of Promise (Keepers)

BY DON RATZLAFF

• Storm dampens but can't extinguish a movement of men on fire for their faith

W

I decided it was time to find out firsthand. Though the Boulder gathering, scheduled for July 29-30, is still seen by many as the summer's main event, my own schedule dictated a one-day gathering in Denton, Texas, June 11.

This is what I found there ....

and pro sports than I thought possible.

We check in at the front lobby, which is already teaming with men who look as bonded as we do. As we enter the elevator for the sixth floor, I wonder what spending two summer nights in a Texas dormitory will be like. When we open the door to our room, I experience my first answer to prayer: air conditioning. God is good.

ITH APOLOGIES to poet Robert Burns, I type the lead to a story I'd hoped to begin much differently: The bestlaid schemes of mice and men-even 35,000 Christian men (no tally on the mice)-are subject to the whims of God and nature.

My personal scheme was a good one: Attend a regional Promise Keepers men's conference, then write about my experience as a way to introduce Leader readers to a mushrooming national renewal movement that is attracting a growing number of Mennonite Brethren men.

The timing was right for such a story. Now in its fourth year, Promise Keepers has exploded onto the evangelical scene with impressive impact.

Hatched in the mind and heart of Bill McCartney, head football coach at Colorado University, PK's goal is "to unite men through vital relationships to become godly influences in their world."

From an initial gathering of 72 men in 1990, the event grew to 4,200 men the next year, then to 20,000 in 1992.

Last summer, 50,000 men filled the CU football stadium in Boulder. This year, to accommodate anticipated growth, planners switched the format from one central site to six regional rallies. Total attendance is on pace to reach 250,000.

Mennonite Brethren participation, meanwhile, has grown from a handful in 1992 to several dozen last summer.

But the enthusiasm of past participants indicated a quantum leap in attenders this summer. Testimonies of past participants have been almost unanimous in citing the life-changing impact of the experience. One district convention even allotted time during a men's luncheon to promote the movement.

What is Promise Keepers anyway?

What are its goals? Why have so many men been attracted to the movement?

Rod Hamm (left) and Steve Greenhaw, both of Hillsboro, join in the singing.

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June 10, 2 p.m. About 20 of us gather on the front lawn of the Hillsboro MB Church to travel to Denton.

We represent three area congregations, including two Mennonite Brethren ones. I am reminded of the trans -denominational emphasis of Promise Keepers. I assume we will not pass the time discussing doctrinal distinctives. Just as well.

Actually, I'm looking forward to the seven-hour drive. The bond that develops between traveling companions is half the benefit, I have been told by PK vets. After we pray for a safe trip and rich blessings, 20 fullsized men squeeze into three mini vans. Yes, the bond will be close.

10 p.m. We arrive at the University of North Texas dormitories, where

we will be lodged. The trip down was a success: We still like each other.

And I learned more about engine parts

June 11, 7 a.m. My roommate and I climb out of bed and prepare to shower. Oops, too late. The strangers in the adjoining room reach the communal bathroom before we do. Seems like an inappropriate environment for introductions. So we wait quietly for our turn.

7:30 a.m. Showered and dressed, we head down to the dormitory cafeteria for breakfast. Real-men food here: eggs, sausage, pancakes, and more. The coffee line is far too long for my comfort zone, but I remind myself that patience is a fruit of the Spirit and that I am here to grow spiritually.

8:15 a.m. The sessions don't

begin until 11 a.m. Two comrades and I decide to walk the half-mile or so down to Fouts Field to scope out the territory and save good seats. As we near the stadium, I conclude that at least 10,000 other men had the same bright idea.

I am struck by the logistic miracle unfolding before our eyes. How do you plan an event for 35,000 men?

One huge tent erected outside the stadium accommodates late registrants.

Others hawk PK wares and souvenirs ranging from t-shirts, to books, to CDs . Lively business too. For an instant, my cynical mind flashes the image of Jesus clearing the temple.

But I resist the urge to verbalize this vision. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit too.

As we walk through the stadium gate, we receive a program. It is our first look at the day's schedule. Session 1 starts at 11 a.m.; the final session is scheduled to end at 10 p.m.

This will be a full day, for sure. The schedule includes a one-hour break from 1:30·2:30 (no food, though) and a two· hour dinner break beginning at 5 p.m.

From the bleachers, the three of us watch the bustle of last-minute prepa· ration. Without question, this is a major production. A huge stage, crowned with a blue tent roof, anchors the south end of the field.

Large PA speakers hang suspended from scaffold towers on either side of the stage. A shorter tower with two TV cameras is planted in the middle of the field. It will block the view of the poor fools who have seats behind it.

But the cameras are necessary. A large mobile video monitor will be the only view of the stage the majority of the men will get.

The three of us head down to the field itself and find some well-positioned seats close to the stage area.

Will our Bibles and water jugs be enough to save these chairs? No, but they might put them under convic· tion. (Old evangelical joke.)

We leave our paraphernalia there, then trudge back to the dorm to gather with the rest of our group. The Texas sun is already bearing down as we walk . I glance at my watch. It's only 9:40 . Mentally, I rehearse the symptoms of heat stroke I learned years ago in a college first·aid class. It passes the time.

The Marantha Praise Band leads 35,000 men in a vigorous time of singing and worship.

10 a.m. Once regathered, our group heads en masse back to Fouts Field. The good news: Someone in the group has reserved a bloc of seats to accommodate all of us. The bad news: The seats are located in the very middle of the field; we are the poor fools whose view of the stage will be blocked by those TV cameras. Oh well. In the spirit of camaraderie, my two companions and I fetch our Bibles and jugs and join the group.

We pass time by watching the ebb and flow of men tilling Fouts Field. It strikes me that the only thing register· ing higher than the humidity in this stadium today is the testosterone level.

Men, men and more men. Young and old . Tall and short. Thin and round. Handsome and homely. Pony· tails and buzz cuts. Black, brown and

We pass time by watching the ebb and flow of men filling Fouts Field. It strikes

me that the only thing registering higher than the humidity in this stadium today is the testosterone level.

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A market truly does exist for "gospel" t-shirts. I see them everywhere here .... I wonder, is it easier to wear one's faith than to live it?

The promises of Promise Keepers

P

ROMISE KEEPERS believes that Christian growth starts by making some fundamental promises.

According to PK literature, "these promises are not designed as a new list of commandments to remind us of how badly we're doing with respect to the often-competing demands of home, work, and church. Rather they are meant to guide us toward the life of Christ so that He might transform us from the inside out. " A Promise Keeper is committed to: 1. Honoring Jesus Christ through worship, prayer, and obedience to his word, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

2. Pursuing vital relationships with a few other men, understanding that he needs brothers to help him keep his promises.

3. Practicing spiritual, moral, ethical and sexual purity.

4. Building strong marriages and families through love, protection and biblical values.

5. Supporting the mission of the church by honoring and praying for his pastor and by actively giving his time and resources.

6. Reaching beyond any racial and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity.

7. Influencing his world, being obedient to the Great Commandment (Mk. 12:30-31) and the Great Commission (Mt. 28:19-20).

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white (predominantly white, though).

Rich, middle class and - poor? I wonder. I know Promise Keepers seeks to cross racial and class boundaries. I wonder about their success at it.

I make a few more mental notes: • It is downright hot. The air is pungent with the aroma of sun screen. Someone mentions that concession drinks are available for absentminded folks, like me, who didn't bring water jugs. Good to know.

• A market truly does exist for "gospel" t-shirts. I see them everywhere here. Some slogans are politically clever: "Prayer is environmentally clean-Create in me a pure heart."

Most, though, are billboards for a more macho gospel: "Salvation is not for wimps," and "Shut up and pray" and "Lord's Gym: His pain, your gain. " I wonder, is it easier to wear one's faith than to live it?

• Boys will be boys. Don't expect 35,000 men to sit quietly on their hands. Beach balls bounce across the crowd like popcorn. A roar erupts as a model plane floats successfully from the press box down to the stadium floor . Occasional "waves" ripple through the stands. Spontaneous cheers echo back and forth: "We love Jesus, yes we do. We love Jesus, how 'bout you?" Is the spirit festive or frivolous? I file away that question for later.

• Did I mention it is hot? I slap on another dab of sun screen, then head for the concession stand.

11:30 a.m. As a few -clouds drift in, offering some relief from the sun, James Ryle, a Vineyard pastor and chaplain of the Colorado University football team, takes the podium as the first featured speaker. He makes a clear and Q,on-manipulative gospel presentation. Without Jesus, he says, we are like a football without air-unable to achieve the purpose for which we were created.

As he concludes, Ryle invites men to come forward to accept Christ-but, he warns, they must come without the usual "every head bowed and every eye closed." This is to be a public decision, he adds, made before a multitude of witnesses. From across the stadium, hundreds make their way to the stage amid the sustained applause of their peers. It is a moving moment.

12:20 p.m. During the brief break following the first seSSion, the emcee makes an announcement: "The National Weather Service informs us that a storm is bearing down on Denton .... " I glance behind us, to the north. The clouds have suddenly become thick, heavy and ominously dark. The emcee leads the multitude in prayer, asking God to part the clouds but also surrendering the situation to God's sovereignty.

10:45 a.m. The event kicks off early. The crowd is ready and so am I. The Maranatha Men's Praise Band leads us in singing. A jazzed-up version of "Rise Up 0 Men of God" never sounded so appropriate. Or so loud.

Those giant PA speakers are, well, extremely powerful. What does it sound like when 35,000 male voices join in song? We may never know.

12:58 p.m. After more praise music, Steve Farrar, executive director of Men's Leadership Ministries in Dallas, is introduced as the second speaker. By now the sky is threatening. It does not appear our prayer for a weather miracle will be answered.

Acknowledging that his time on the podium is likely short, Farrar launches into a five-minute summary of his intended message. "War has been declared against the family of God," he begins. But his words are all but lost in the rumbling of thunder that grows ever closer.

11:10 a.m. Tom Landry, former head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, is introduced and receives a standing ovation . He hits on a familiar PK theme: "Moral values can only be restored (in America) when people return to the Christian standards that made America great." It's a theme that rings well with the men here. Another standing 0 for Landry.

1:03 p.m. PK officials decide to abandon ship, quickly giving evacuation orders to the mammoth crowd.

The wind suddenly picks up. Empty chairs tumble in the gusts as clouds swirl menacingly above our heads.

The first drops of rain begin to fall as we shuffle at a snail's pace toward the designated exits.

Camped in the middle of the field,

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our group will be among the last to find cover. Needless to say, heat is no longer our concern. As we near the exit, we notice the wind has played havoc with the stage decor and that one of the scaffold towers holding the large PA speakers is leaning dangerously.

The rain intensifies as we move quickly to our designated shelter: the basketball arena located about two blocks from Fouts Field. As I near the arena steps, I hear a crash from the stadium. I assume the scaffold tower has collapsed.

ly make my way to the soggy lines of men forming outside the stadium. Feeding this multitude may be the most impressive logistic accomplishment of them all. In amazingly few minutes, I am holding a barbecued chicken meal of my own.

3:30 p.m. As I carry my food back into the stadium, I pass a PK staff member with a megaphone who announces that the rally will resume at 5:30. Hoping to be reunited with my group, I trudge back to the spot on the 1:30 p.m. Several thousand field where our group had settled drenched and dripping males have before the storm. On the way, I filed into the arena. In the havoc of notice that one scaffold tower the evacuation, I find myself separat- had, indeed, collapsed and that ed from the rest of our group. No mat- the stage area is in disrepair. A ter. I climb the steps to the top of the crew is at work to establish a arena and fmd a seat. A wave of weari- makeshift alternative.

I fmd no familiar faces when I AI Grunau (center), Hillsboro, shares an insight ness and introspection sets in. Whatever momentum was built in the ini- arrive at our block of seats. No about his soggy chicken dinner with Willis Herbel. tial session has surely been broken . matter. I settle into a wet chair, This is not the event any of us had eat cold chicken, and drink cold pop. for the evening. Following an extendI am shivering now. planned or hoped for. ed time of prayer, he reports, PK lead· ers felt led to address a specific issue: 5:00 p.m. My spirit has been racism.

2:30 p.m. We've been in the arena an hour, but it seems longer. revived by a reunion with most of our Citing a "spirit of oppression" in The time is filled with more beach group members, a cup of McDonald's Dallas, McCartney says with convicballs, waves, cheers and an occasional coffee, and a serendipitous conversa- tion, "God is telling Promise Keepers song. Thankfully, word ruters through tion with Wayne Wilson, pastor of our and all men that are here that we're the crowd that the rain has stopped. church in Halstead, Kan. I have heard not going to conduct business as The rumor hasn't been confirmed, but that a number of other Mennonite usual. There's a problem here we who cares? We make our way toward Brethren from the Midwest are here need to deal with." too, but I have not been able to spot the arena exits.

He hammers home two central them among the masses. truths from Scripture: "Every single By now, the stadium has pretty one of us has been built by God to be 2:40 p.m. Outside, it is still sprinkling. Most of us stand under the shel- much refilled. We may have lost a loved unconditionally" and "God ter of the overhanging roof. As we couple of hundred men as a result of designed every one of us to love oth· wait, I strike up a casual conversation the delay, but it is apparent the vast ers." But, he adds, "many of us are still with a young and apparently success- majority have hung in .for the finale. harboring hate in our lives."

McCartney's presentation is ful real estate developer from the The spirit has hung in too: beach balls straight-forward and direct, as you Houston area. We trade basic informa- are bouncing, model planes floating, tion about ourselves and touch lightly waves rippling and cheers echoing. might expect from a successful Divi· Boys will be boys, indeed. sion I head coach. I try to assess the on a few faith-related topics. impact of his pointed message on the Above us, an airplane circles, 5:40 p.m. With a roar from the crowd, but can't. I glance at the othpulling a banner which reads: "Real men love Jesus ." At this moment, crowd, the program resumes. The ers in our group, wondering what given the flash of lightning that occa- alternative PA system and fewer they're thinking. If they're like me, sionally streaks across the sky, the instruments on stage actually enhance the feelings are mixed. Who can diswisdom of the pilot's macho-gospel the singing. I can actually hear the guy count the cancer of racism in our next to me. country and in our churches? What message simply escapes me. person doesn't struggle with it at 6:20 p.m. Bill McCartney takes some level? At the same time, the 3:15 p.m. We see cardboard platters with food carried past us. Some- the podium. Using the analogy of the agenda suddenly feels localized; those one reports dinner has been moved half·time of a football game, the CU of us who came from long distances up so that the evening program can coach announces that the extended and other circumstances feel like dis· continue without interruption. I slow- break has led to a change of strategy tant relatives who find themselves lisJ U L Y

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tening to the host family discuss their problems.

Two African-American speakers follow. The first is A. Louis Patterson Jr., a Baptist lecturer and pastor from Houston. The second is Tony Evans, a Dallas pastor and writer. Using the power and oratory style of gospel preachers, both call for Christian unity that supersedes racial barriers.

Patterson scores when he addresses the hypocrisy of men who pray to Christ but harbor racist hearts: "Anyone who bows and comes up with color on his mind should bow again because the problem isn't skin, it's sin."

But Evans wins over the crowd with his prophetic and poetic style.

Noting the moral deterioration of the country, he proclaims: "There is no time for racism. There is no time for culturalism. There is no time for elitism .... We may have come here on different ships, but we're all in the same boat now."

Racism is not a problem only of the dominant white culture, he adds. It crosses racial boundaries. "Black is beautiful only when it is biblical," he says. "White is right only when it squares with Holy Writ."

Once more an altar call is made.

This time the focus is on those who need to confess their racial prejudices and desire to live out true brotherhood. Again, men by the hundredswhite, black, brown-converge on the stage area.

Following a time of prayer, Randy Phillips, Promise Keepers president, invites all of us to attend a hastily planned "continuation" of this conference. A date hasn't been set yet, he says, but the goal will be to carry on the work of racial unity in the Dallas area. When he asks how many men would be willing to return-and to invite an acquaintance from another race-hands raise all over the field.

Except ours. We wish the venture well, but the logistics of returning don't bode well for these distant relatives.

Then, following a few more announcements and a song, the rally is suddenly over. It is only 8 p .m., but the local fire marshall, concerned about the safety of the stage area, has recommended that we clear the stadium before sundown. Our group files

But the rhetoric of Some speakers and participants seems to hearken back to an authoritarian and hierarchi· cal tradition where men rule with Sunday, 8:15 a.m. We load our machismo and privilege rather than a vans and head back to Kansas. servant's heart that recognizes and Between conversations with my travel affirms the gifts of women too.

As if to underline that perception, mates, I replay the events of the weekcoverage of the rally in The Dallas end. Each of us seems hesitant to Morning News quoted featured speakexpress disappointment, but I can sense it. As a participant, I missed the er Steve Farrar: "I think a lot of Chrisspiritual boost I had hoped for. As a tian ministers have been feminized . I don't think they're strong men and most guys don't relate to that. I think Jesus Christ was a real man .. .. " PK is most prophetic Added one participant: "Men are no longer leaders of the family because of when it challenges men the feminist movement in America.

Men need to take a stand and become to take responsibility the head of the household again. " for their spiritual growth What is PK's vision for men? If the movement can energize a truly Christby forming strong bonds centered understanding of manhood with each other and and leadership, it will do the church a great favor. then becoming active • The church in America needs PK's call for racial unity in Christ. participants in their Granted, the Denton rally was overfamilies, churches and whelmingly white, but every movement must start somewhere. The test work places. will be to note the demographics of a PK rally a few years from now. Will the movement's reality reflect its reporter, I had hoped to experience a rhetoric?

• PK should be affirmed for its "typical" Promise Keepers rally. intention to energize the local church Instead, I got a most unusual one.

What conclusions could I make based rather than drawing men to itself.

Again, only time will tell whether the on such an experience? movement will achieve this goal, but HeSitantly, I scratch out a few: PK's long-term effectiveness will rest • God is at work through the Promise Keepers movement. What on its ability to translate its vision into other explanation could there be for the local congregation. Though PK its meteoric growth? Men every- rightly encourages cross-denominawhere, I sense, are yearning for a tional unity, I would also hope PK's wake-up call. Many of us can't even "bloom where you are planted" vision identify the nature of our malaise. We could extend to denominational comknow we want to be alive and vibrant. mitments too.

So, what did I find in Promise KeepWe want to experience again the joy ers?

I return from Denton grateful for of our salvation and the confidence of the experience.

Promise Keepers is our identity as males in Christ .

Promise Keepers has tapped into that not above the need for critical discernment, but I see God's involvement in felt need. the movement and the potential it has • PK's call to a return to "tradito renew my life, church and denomitional values" needs further definition and discernment. PK is most nation. In short, we Mennonite prophetic when it challenges men to Brethren have much to gain from take responsibility for their spiritual Promise Keepers. Yes, the schemes of growth by forming strong bonds with men may go awry from time to time. each other and then becoming active But I am also convinced that God, the participants in their families, churches ultimate promise keeper, will carry his work to completion. and work places.

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out, almost quietly. The day has been good, but, to be honest, it hasn't been all that we had hoped.

BODYLIFE

TRANSITION

Lee Balzer to conclude Tabor College presidency at the end of July • Professor emeritus Clarence Hiebert will lead the college as interim president until successor is found

L

EE BALZER, Tabor College presi- particular gifts and experiences. dent for the past six years, "[We] love the people of Tabor, stunned the Tabor community June Hillsboro and central Kansas. People 23 by announcing that he IIE-::;::;::::IIO:::;:::-- . have been very supportive would be leaving the school and gracious to us. We to become president of wish God's very best in John Brown University, the future of Tabor. It has Siloam Springs, Ark. His resbeen a privilege to have a small part in many lives at ignation is effective Aug. 1.

Clarence Hiebert, profesTabor College." sor emeritus of biblical/reLee Jost, chair of the school'S board of direcligious studies and history from Hillsboro, Kan., has Balzer tors, said the board is been appointed interim "grateful for the service president on an open-ended basis, the Balzers have given to Tabor. A good spirit is evident on campus and beginning Aug. 1.

Balzer said the decision was one of people within the Mennonite the toughest he has ever made. "Alice Brethren conference have developed and I have long believed we should a deep trust for his leadership at the always be open to God's leading and college. the voice of his people, especially as "We are obviously disappointed in they relate to needs and opportunities the timing of the decision, but we are that we feel can be met through our grateful for so many gifted and experi-

enced members of staff and faculty.

Tabor personnel are very committed to the special mission of Tabor College .. .. The mission of Tabor College is secure."

Balzer came to Tabor in 1988 from Seattle (Wash.) Pacific University, where he was professor of biology and dean of arts and sciences.

During Balzer's term at Tabor, the Wohlgemuth Music Education Center and Campus Recreation Center were built and funded. Several other buildings were acquired and facilities renovated.

The college is completing the first year of a threeyear plan to raise funds for a new science building.

Balzer's other achievements include the development of Tabor Foundatio n to build a strong endowment. For five consecutive years, the college balanced operating expenses with income.

Academically, the general education program was revised and several majors were strengthened. Balzer also chaired a long-range planning committee composed of faculty, staff, alumni, administrators and other Tabor con-

stituents.-Deborah Penner, from a TC news release

. SCHOOL NOTES MB BIBLICAL SEMINARY

Hans Kasdorf, who retired after 15 years of teaching missiology at the seminary, was feted May 14 by having the spring issue of Direction magazine dedicated to his honor.

Direction is the joint publication of Mennonite Brethren.

Kasdorf's retirement plans include writing, teaching and ministering at the Freie Theologische Akademie in Giessen, Germany, which w ill provide him with entree to Umsiedler (Mennonite immigrants from Russia) .

FRESNO PACIFIC COLLEGE

• For the 10th consecutive year, Fresno Pacific has finished its fiscal year in the

black. Exact figures are pending results of the annual audit.

The total budget for 1993-94 was more than $13.3 million .

The college received more than $2 million in gift income.

TABOR COLLEGE

• Tabor reached its annual fund goal of $900,000 for the 1993-94 fiscal year, which ended June 30. The school expects income to balance operational expenses, pending the results of the annual audit, according to Tim Ratzloff, executive director of advancement. Considering severe economic setbacks in the constituency during the past year due to crop failures, business setbacks and numerous church building programs, Ratzloff

said the school is "quite excited" by the achievement.

• Wesley J. Prieb, who served on the faculty of Tabor through four decades, was inducted as a member of the emeritus faculty May 20.

Through the years, Prieb served as a professor of English, interim president. dean of academic affairs, director of the Center for MB Studies and most recently as curator of the Historic Church .

• Stanley Clark, Tabor's academic dean, was recruited by the Christian College Coalition to help lay the groundwork for the first Christian liberal arts college in Russia . A team of four North American educators traveled to the Com-

monwealth of Independent States in June to sign papers and locate a facility and faculty members for the college. The Russian-American Christian University is a joint project that has been in the formative stages for two years. Classes are expected to beg in on a limited basis this fall.

• Tabor has received a $44,000 grant from the Teagle Foundation for the continuation of enrollment growth and retention activities. This grant follows $88,000 received from the New York-based foundation over the past two years.

The Teagle Foundation was established in 1944 by Walter Teagle, long-time president and later chair of the board of Standard Oil Company. ) U L Y

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FRATERNAL RELATIONS

Mennonite Brethren, Brethren in Christ: a case of 'casual hand-holding' • Smaller evangelical-oriented Anabaptist groups explore cooperation in the wake of a potential MC/GC merger

T

HEY HAVE HAD their first dates, and while neither is talking about marriage, North American Mennonite Brethren and Brethren in Christ are enjoying each other's company and getting to know each other better.

Edmund Janzen, moderator of the General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, called it "casual hand-holding. " The two Anabaptist groups have been holding quiet, low-profile and largely informal meetings for the past three years. And with no set agenda.

"Our agenda is what we can learn from each other," says Brethren in Christ general secretary Don Shafer.

Topics discussed included theolo-

gy, pastoral leadership, missions and education.

According to Mennonite World Conference statistics, the Mennonite Brethren have 45,000 North American members, 28,000 of them in Canada, while the Brethren in Christ have 21,000 members, 17,000 in the United States.

No great driving force brought the two together, participants say. The talks evolved out of Council of Moderators and Secretaries sessions where Mennonite Brethren and Brethren in Christ found themselves meeting over coffee and breakfast. CMS is an annual meeting of various Mennonite conference leaders.

The discussion developed about the same time the larger Mennonite Church and General Conference Mennonite Church started seriously pursuing merging into one body. But both the Mennonite Brethren and Brethren in Christ say that didn't prompt their meetings.

"It was perhaps a sense of mutuality," Janzen says. "Size wasn't an issue.

We weren't feeling left out .... It was just an idea that sprang up."

Similarly, any sort of formal union is not part of current talks. "They are not the point [of] any sort of conciliatory unit or merger," Janzen says.

But that doesn't mean the idea isn't out there. Janzen says some members of both conferences would like to see them join. Brethren in Christ moderator Harvey Sider says, "Who knows what will happen in the next generation?"

The conversations have been largely informal, held among leaders of both conferences, although recently each party has been inviting the other to formal meetings as observers. More

. NEWS IN BRIEF • BOTTOM LINE: The U.S. Conference finished its 199394 fiscal year May 31 with a positive balance for its national ministries, but another significant shortfall for the MB Biblical Seminary guaranteed subsidy, according to Dale Regier, treasurer. Ministry expenses totaled $272,591 for the year, almost $25,000 below budget. Church contributions toward those ministries totaled $222,670-down about $1,500 from last year.

Special fund -raising appeals and direct gifts made up the difference. Though church contributions to the MBBS subsidy increased slightly from a year ago, total receipts still fell $67,212 short of the $306,416 commitment. The U.S. Conference still owes an almost identical amount from last year's subsidy shortfall, according to Regier.

• RESIGNED: Deborah Pen·

26 •

THE

ner has resigned as half-time assistant editor of the Christian Leader, effective Aug. 31.

She has accepted a graduate teaching assistant position at Wichita State University, where she is a master's degree candidate in English. Penner joined the Leader staff as an editorial assistant in summer 1991. Her role was upgraded to assistant editor the following spring. "I will miss Deborah's many contributions to the magazine, but the U.S. Board of Communications and I wish her well as she pursues her career goal of teaching English at the college level," says Don Ratzlaff, Leader editor.

• NOMINATED: Harry Heide· brecht, pastor of the Bakerview MB Church in Clearbrook, B.C., for the past 12 years, has been nominated by the Canadian Conference Executive Board and the Board of

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Faith and Life to be executive secretary/conference minister of the national conference.

The recommendation to appoint Heidebrecht will be acted upon this month during the Canadian Conference convention . If confirmed, Heidebrecht has agreed to begin serving May 1, 1995. In addition to his pastoral work. he is assistant moderator of the General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches.

• TRANSITION: Elias Wiebe, former academic dean and head of the teaching education division at Fresno Pacific College, died June 12. He was 73 . A native of Corn, Okla., Wiebe came to Fresno Pacific in 1963, serving six years as academic dean, He then devoted himself to teacher education, becoming "the father of the FPC teacher-training program ." He retired in 1986 but continued to teach courses

until three years ago. Services were held June 16 at College Community Church, where he was a member.

• TRANSITION: Former Mennonite Brethren missionary to India, Margaret Willems Balzer, died May 19 in Saskatoon, Sask. She was 86. A native of Rosthern. Sask., she arrived in India for her first term of ministry in 1946.

Assigned to an area of 250 villages with no medical services, she initiated and supervised the construction of a hospital with living quarters for workers. Later, she led a building expansion in Wanaparty which added an operating room, six wards for high cast patients and TB wards. Willems also helped establish and direct a girls camp; she later adopted and raised two abandoned girls, Lois and Eunice, who sur vive . She continued her service until 1961 and briefly returned

BODYLIFE

infonnally, Brethren in Christ bishops and U.S. Mennonite Brethren district ministers have also met.

The two groups have discussed seminary and college education. The Brethren in Christ have one college, Messiah in Grantham, Pa., and no sem· inary, while the Mennonite Brethren have two colleges, Tabor in Hillsboro, Kan., and Fresno (Calif.) Pacific, plus MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno. Shafer says both groups are interested in placing a Brethren in Christ professor at a Mennonite Brethren school.

The two groups are also interested in working together on home mis· sions and church planting. The Mennonite Brethren have success in that area on the West Coast, particularly among hispanics in urban areas. The Brethren in Christ are struggling to relate to a Cuban congregation in southeast Florida, Shafer says.

The Brethren in Christ and Mennonite Brethren have similarities.

They are members of Mennonite World Conference and have representatives on the Mennonite Central

for one more year in 1967.

That same year, she was married to retired missionary P.V. Balzer, who died in 1986.

• FULL-TIME: Craig Hallman began June 1 as full-time secretary for media for MB Missions/Services, Fresno, Calif.

His assignment includes major expansion of video production, new desktop production of Witness magazine and managing the Fresno office. For three years, Hallman has been parttime associate director for MBM/S and part-time director of information at MB Biblical Seminary.

• SERVICE: Three Mennonite Brethren are among the 67 ethnically diverse young people participating in the Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Summer Service Program this summer. The program enables youth of diverse ethnic backgrounds to work with a church

Committee board. They both embrace strong pietist and evangelical emphases, and have had success in overseas mission work. Both Mennonite Brethren and Brethren in Christ have more members outside North America than within it. Both are rewriting their confessions of faith .

But differences exist as well. The Mennonite Brethren have their roots in the Russian Mennonite heritage and in North America are located predominately west of the Mississippi River.

The Brethren in Christ have a Swiss Mennonite background and are found primarily east of the Mississippi.

In addition, the Brethren in Christ have historically had dress requirements, but do not now. The Menno· nite Brethren have not had dress requirements. Unlike the Mennonite Brethren, the Brethren in Christ do not oppose the ordination of women.

The Brethren in Christ also have a holiness tradition, emphasizing the Holy Spirit's work in the life of believers and in congregations.-Rich Preheim, for Meetinghouse

or service agency in their home communities for 10 weeks. MCC and local churches provide financial support.

The three workers are Maricela Bejar and Maribel Ramirez, beginning assignments as community workers with their home church, EI Buen Pastor MB Church in Orange Cove, Calif.; and Reyna Maestas, a member of the Garden Park MB Church in Denver, Colo., who is beginning an assignment as sponsor for VOA programs with First Mennonite Church in Denver.

• AWARDS: The Marketplace, the bimonthly magazine published by Mennonite Economic Development Associates and edited by Wally Kroeker, former editor of the Christian Leader, received an Award of Merit at the annual convention of the Evangelical Press Association, held May 9-11 in Costa Mesa, Calif. The award signi-

MISSIONS

MBM/ S retools for Dyck sabbatical • Four workers appointed to cover diverse portfolio

W

HEN DAVE DYCK, director of programs for MB Missions/Services started a one-year leave of absence July 1, a colleague quipped that "it will take four people to replace him. " The Winnipegbased administrator wears several MBM/S hats, each of which has been reassigned.

John Wall has Oyck been appointed interim director of programs for one year on a half-time basis, working out of the Winnipeg office. A veteran missionary and MBM/S board member, he

fied the magazine's accomplishments as first-runner-up in the Awards of Excellence division for general magazines.

Meanwhile, The Mennonite, published by the General Conference Mennonite Church, and the Mennonite Brethren Herald, published by the Canadian MB Conference, received awards for poetry. The EPA represents some 300 Christian periodicals from across Canada and the United States.

• GRANTS: Mennonite Mutual Aid issued more than $58,000 on fraternal benefits to assist mutual aid in the Mennonite Brethren Church in 1993. Most of the assistance came in the form of grants which matched funds raised in local congregations to meet a wide variety of needs in 59 families . MMA's fraternal benefit programs are available because part of MMA is classified as a taxexempt fraternal benefits asso-

ciation. Funds which would have to be used for taxes are instead used to provide special assistance programs without increasing members' premiums. Additional funds come from individual contributions to the Sharing Fund program.

In all, MMA distributed more than $940,000 in fraternal benefits nationally in the interMennonite community.

• PRESENTER: Jean Janzen, who teaches poetry at Fresno Pacific College and is a member of the College Community Church, Clovis, Calif., presented a workshop at the seminar "The Great Circle: Singing, Speaking and Moving in Church," held at Union Theological Seminary, New York, N.Y., Apr. 28-30. Janzen has written several books of poetry, including Words for the Silence, Three Mennonite Poets, and The Upside-Down Tree.

JULY

1994

27

BODYLIFE

has resigned his board position to assume this responsibility.

Agnes Hubert will administer MBM/S relief and development ministries as interim secretary for development on a quarter-time basis. She will coordinate funding and evaluation for medical, educational and social programs in Colombia, Peru and Zaire, working out of the Win-

nipeg office. For the past five years, she has supervised education and development programs for Mennonite Central Committee Canada.

Steve Klassen, secretary for Canadian constituency ministries, has taken over Dyck's job coordinating Youth Mission International, a ministry based in Ontario which deploys evangelistic t eams made up of young adults .

Tshimika to guide "MBMjS in Africa • Zairian is second non-North American secretary

P

AKISA TSHIMIKA of Kikwit, Zaire, has accepted a position as MB Missions/Services regional secretary for Africa, a permanent appointment at one-quarter-time.

In that role, Tshimika will be responsible for supervision of MBM/S personnel and program in Zaire and Angola, including communications links between the Zairian MB Church and the mission, as well as logistical and pastoral support for personnel in the interior.

Those personnel include Glen and Beverley Miller, medical workers in Kajiji, and Bernard Wiebe, a surgeon, and his wife Elfreda, a nurse, who will join the Millers. The medical center at Kajiji is the chief service provider for ...----.____ an extensive government demarcated health zone.

Tshimika earned his doctorate in public health administration in the United States in 1992, and assumed duties as coordinator of health and development for the Zairian church, jointly approved by the church and MBM/S. Dave Dyck, director of MBM/S programs (currently on leave), says, "Pakisa brings to this position a strong commitment to a quality leadership training program for the _ _....L..J CEFMZ [the Zaire MB Church], as well as improved standards of practice and efficiency in health services."

In November and December, Tshimika ministered to the Mennonite Brethren community in Luanda, Angola, where he conducted seminars with Itumba Mulalu, the national evangelist for the CEFMZ. While in that war-torn city, he also helped distribute relief funds. He has carried out similar efforts on a larger scale in Zaire.

As health coordinator, Tshimika, and his wife, Linda, a former MBM/S missionary nurse from Wichita, Kan., travel throughout the Bandundu Province of Zaire. They consult extensively with medical and church workers, including the staff at the Kajiji hospital.

"Pakisa's new duties will dovetail nicely with his present responsibilities," Dyck says. To fulfill the assignment, the Tshimikas will move from Kikwit to Kinshasa, the capital.

The appointment of Tshimika illustrates the commitment of MBM/S to recruit leadership from partner conferences from around the world. Tshimika joins Franz Rathmair, regional secretary for Europe, as the second nonNorth American on the leadership team.

The move also continues the trend toward regional decentralization: national leaders on the scene replacing North Americans based in the U.S. or Canada.-Gary Hardaway, MBM/S

28

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LEA D E R

Klassen and wife, Evy, worked with the first YMI Lithuania team in 199293.

Pakisa Tshimika of Kikwit, Zaire, who recently accepted a pOSition as regional secretary for Africa on a quar· ter-time basis (see sidebar), will be, according to Dyck, "responsible for the supervision of MBM/S personnel and programs in Zaire and Angola .

This will include communications link· ages between CEFMZ (the Zairian MB Church) and MBM/S, as well as logisti· cal and pastoral support for MBM/S personnel in the interior of Zaire."

Dyck's leave fulfills a promise he and his wife, Milly, made to them· selve s some years ago, when they agreed to "retire for a year." The leave includes eight months of unpaid free time and a four-month study leave.

The study leave will begin January 1995 with two months at the Overseas Ministry Study Center in New Haven, Conn. He will focus on Asia, particularly the Muslim World, and the for· mer Soviet Union. Plans are uncertain for the last two months .-Gary Hardaway,MBM/S GIVING

Europeans meet for faith gathering • Sessions favor worship over business meetings

B

IELEFELD, GERMANY, home to 15 Mennonite congregations, hosted this year's faith convention of the European Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, May 21-23.

Thirty congregations from Germany/ Aust ria, with a total membership of 2,000, were represented by more than 500 conference participants.

The conference, uninterrupted with business meetings, featured a spirit of worship and celebration. At the closing session, the Hamburg Philharmonic Orchestra and a 75-member choir from area churches presented a cantata "Praise and Wo rship Un to You," composed by Klaus Heizman.

Rudi Heizman, brother of the com· poser and member of a Bielefeld Men· nonite Brethre n congregation, con· ducted the orchestra and chorus. This

BODYLIFE

first public perfonnance of the cantata, along with a public Christian concert, drew city-wide attention.

Members of the International Committee of Mennonite Brethren, in Bielefeld for their annual meeting, were introduced later. Their presence illustrated that most Mennonite Brethren are African and Asian, rather than European.

One participant said having "all that translation going on made us aware of the global nature of the Mennonite Brethren. " Harold Ens, general director of MB Missions/Services, challenged listeners to get involved in global mission with the MBM/S team, which-so faris mostly North American. In a twohour seminar on world mission today, all international guests had a chance to share about the present state of the work in their region.

The event took place in the newly constructed church facilities of Immanuel MB Church, seating 700.

Additional seats were set up in the fellowship hall with television hook-up.

A large tent in the parking lot housed hundreds of children involved in special activities.-Franz Rathmair and

to $7.5 million last year_ The decline in the value of the Canadian dollar, which has cost MCC $300,000, was cited as one contributing factor.

"We hope to manage expenses to

partially offset the shortfall," Ken Langeman, MCC financial controller, told executive committee members at a meeting in Akron, Pa., June 24From an MCC release

DISCIPLESHIP

Siemens, back row, second from right. with her Thai students who meet for Bible study.

Gary Hardaway, MBM/S GIVING

MCC not likely to meet giving goal • Income is steady from last year, but less than hoped

M

ENNONITE CENTRAL Committee's goal of increasing its income by 8 percent, or $1.1 million, in 1994 looks unreachable. With contributions at midyear coming in about the same as last year, MCC income will probably fall short by about $500,000.

"We are grateful for the strong support people have show n us," says executive secretary John A. Lapp.

"The budget increase was planned so w e could start a $ 1 milli o n bomb removal project in Laos and do a few other special projects, w ithout cutting current programs. " MCC received $7.6 million in the first six months of this year, compared

Bible study nurtures Thai Christians • Jan Siemens uses drama and drills to disciple them

E

ACH WEEK HALF A DOZEN university students take a break from their studies to gather in the Church of Christ in Thailand's student center in Bangkok for English Bible study. Jan Siemens, a member of the College Community (Mil) Church of Clovis, Calif., dramatizes parables and drills. Siemens is a country representative in Thailand with Mennonite Central Committee.

The student center, established 40 years ago, is one way the Church of Christ in Thailand nourishes and supports Christians, who make up less than 1 percent of Thailand's population. Most of the young Bible study participants are Christians.

Two nurSing students say they became Christians when they attended a church service while researching Christianity for a comparative religion course.

Another student says he was born into a Christian family.

Although Buddhism is Thailand 's official religion, freedom to practice other religions is guaranteed. And the students say Thais are quite tolerant. However, one student says his Buddhist friends, who pray in temples before many images, find it difficult to understand how Christians can simply fold their hands and pray anywhere.

Over the past five years, seven young people from the Church of Christ in Thailand have come to North America through MCC's International Visitor Exchange Program. Several have served as pastoral interns in Mennonite churches. Upon their return to Thailand, many have entered church ministry and now work in Hilltribe churches, youth and women's programs.-MCC news r elease

J U L Y

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COMPLETION

East Wichita Fellowship will end ministry after 10 years of effort • Attendance decline leads to closure vote June 22

T

HE EAST WICHITA (Kan.) Fellowship, in consultation with Southern Dis· trict leaders, voted June 22 to close its doors. Services will continue through July, with a final service of reflection and remembrance scheduled for July 31.

The congregation, which began as a daughter congregation of First MB Church of Wichita, held its first public service in September 1984. The group grew from home Bible studies on the east side of the city.

Early meetings were held at rented locations, and a church building was pur· chased at Oliver and 10th in 1990. Peak attendance was 100 persons.

Glenn Lygrisse, one of the charter members, served as the congregation's first preaching lay leader. Gordon Bergman was called as pastor in 1985 and served in that capacity for eight years. In 1993 he became pastor of the Kingwood Bible Church of Salem, Ore. During the past several months, the congregation has been led by Ernie Friesen on a part-time interim basis. Friesen recently accepted a call as interim pastor to the Hesston (Kan.) MB Church.

Membership and attendance declined in recent years. Throughout June, several congregational meetings have focused on the church's future ministry.From an SDC release

• CHURCH NOTES •

Baptism/Membership

HILLSBORO, Kan.-Chris Coryea, Brad Davidson, Eric Driggers, Kyle Fast, Brad Foth, Jimmy Janzen, Justin Kenas, Kakim Kunantaev, Ben Penner and Katy Terman were baptized and received as members of the church May 29.

and Pat Williams were baptized May 22 .

Michelle Farrell, John and Lynn Hill, Shelley Jensen, Bret and Suzy Kingbury, Jennifer Kurtz, Yale and Donna Kushner, Lillian Loden, Chris and Kathy Vochoska, Brand and Jill Wattenberger, Michelle Waugh and Pat Williams were received into membership that same day.

TULSA, Okla. (Parkside)-Bob Schwartz and Darrell and Sheila Zehr were received as members May 22.

MANHATTAN, Kan. (Manhattan Menno nite)-Kelley Ann Robinson and Heidi Leigh Swann were baptized and welcomed into fellowship Apr. 24. Sally Rein'l was received into membership May 29 by transfer.

ONIDA, S.D. (Emmanuel)-Jim Minder, David Franz, Benny Gross, Cassidy Rogers, Ben Goddard and Rachel Pederson were baptized June 5.

FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News Fellowship)-Hans Geiger, Ryan Geiger, Yvonne Geiger, Sherry Patrick, Amanda Patrick and Carrie Crocker were baptized May 29.

FRESNO, Calif. (North Fresno)-Rene Froehmer, Katie Hendrix, Mark Hubbart, Jamie Huss, Ryan Prieb, Jenae Unruh, Leslie Unruh and Tricia Wichert were baptized and received into membership June 12.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelg!en Bible)Joshua Bussell, Rebekah Bussell, Cherish Burnside, Nicole DUl1n, Michelle Farrell, Chad Glaser, Carrie Gloekler , Karen Hamm, Jena Hawkes, Brian Hodgson, David Hodgson , Jason Hodgson, Shelly Jensen , Ryan Jost, Bret Kingsbury, Suzy Kingsbury, Megan Linford, Bryce Loo, Karisa McDuff, Ke lley Northey, David Parker, Bethany Rowlee, Kyrstin St. Ger· main, Matt Smith, Megan Smith, Colleen Unruh , Chris Vochoska, Kathy Vochoska 30 • T HE

C H R 1ST I A N

sen recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary .. .. Bill and Erna Goossen celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary June 3. They marked the ' occasion with a floral arrangement in the church sanctuary May 29 .. .. The family of Albert and LaVada Brandt placed flowers in the sanctuary June 19 in honor of the couple's 50th wedding anniversary.

FAIRVIEW, Okla.-Carl and Florence Wichert celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a family dinner June 5. A bouquet of roses was placed in the church sanctuary in honor of the occasion.

SHAFTER, Calif. - The congregation shared a potluck supper the evening of June 9, followed by a business meeting .

The evening also featured a commissioning service for missionaries Phil and Carol Bergen, who are returning to Burkina Faso this summer.

TOPEKA, Kan.- The church celebrated the grand opening of its new facility at 762{) S.W. 21st Street with a morning worship service and a community bpen house July 10.

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Palm Glen)-Pastor Ed Toews and his wife, Bonnie, were installed as pastor couple May 15. The day's activities also included a reception during the Sunday school hour and a noon fellowship meal. Pacific District minister Henry Dick presented the morning message.

WICHITA, Kan. (First)-LaVern Loewens, director of senior adult ministries, and his wife, Amanda, recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

LODI, Calif. (Vinewood Community)-The congregation treated retiring senior pastor Vernon Janzen, and his wife, Genevieve, to a send-off picnic June 26. Beginning July I, Janzen has been serving the Neighborhood MB Church of Visalia, Calif., as half-time minister of pastoral care.

FREEMAN, S.D. (Silver Lake)-Leo and Melba Deckert celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 4. They were married Apr. 20, 1944.

YALE, S.D. (Bethel)-Jim and Ida Hohm celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary June 18.

• Fellowship

ULYSSES, Kan.-Travis Cooper, Brenda Fowler, Alberta Meyers and Robert Hartman were baptized June 26. Norma Hartman, Don McGuire, Larry Slaughter, Paula Slaughter, Joe Fowler, Leo Miller and Sheryl Miller were received into membership that day by testimony or transfer.

ULYSSES, Kan.-The men's ministries/fellowship met for early morning coffee, doughnuts and Bible study June 9. The purpose of the gathering was to develop a vision for the church and to set goals for future men 's ministries.

• Celebrations

• Ministry

REEDLEY, Calif.- Ben and Hulda Doerk-

MINOT, N.D. ( Bible Fellowship)-The

LEA D E R

BODYLIFE

merger between this cOl).gregation and the former Sawyer (N.D.) MB Church is nearly complete. A unified constitution is being prepared, an auction of excess property from both churches was held June 9 and the Sawyer parsonage and church building have been sold.

EL DORADO HIllS, Calif. (Village Com· munity)-The congregation has added five families since Easter. Summer activities have included a vacation Bible school.

FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News Fellowship)-The church has set a goal to contribute 900 boxes of medicine and food to be sent to Christians in Dushanbe, Tajikistan. This will be added to the 300 boxes donated by members of the Good News Fellowship Slavic Church and other Slavic churches in the Northwest. The former pastor of the largest Baptist church in Dushanbe, Yuriy Golovin, currently resides in Ferndale.

UTI1..ETON, Colo. (Belleview Acres)-A day-care advisory board has been appointed to oversee the day-care center currently under construction as part of the church's "Beyond Sunday" emphasis.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)-A group of church members worked at Orphanage #7 in Bucharest, Romania, June 15·29.

• Teaching/Nurture

EL DORADO HIllS, Calif. (Village Communlty)-Pastor Chuck Grasse has started "The Oasis" for high school students, a "safe place where teens learn about God. " They meet for breakfast each Saturday.

Grasse has also started a ministry to 5th and 6th graders called the "56ers," to equip them sCripturally to face life's challenges. The first fall session, titled" A Walk with Christ to the Cross," will be taught by student intern Brett Neumann .

Sept. 1. He and his wife, Carol, who began their ministry there six years ago, have not announced their plans.

WICIDTA, Kan. (First)-David Thye, associate pastor for music and worship, has resigned his position, effective July 1. He has accepted a teaching position with Montana University, Missoula. The Thye family was honored at a farewell ice cream social]une 25.

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Bible Fellowship)Tom Cartney was installed as youth pastor during the June 19 morning worship service. He and his wife, Amy, began serving the church June 1.

FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News Fellow· ship)-Skip and Denise Suess were called June 19 to serve the congregation as senior pastor couple. Suess was associate pastor of the Vinewood Community Church (MB) of Lodi, Calif., for several years.

• Youth

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Lincoln Glen)-Thirteen students and four adults traveled to Baja California and ministered in Trece de Mayo, Mexico, in June. The team worked closely with Nicholas and Carmen Heman· dez, who lead a house church there.

INMAN; Kan. (Zoar)-Thirteen youth and three sponsors traveled to Brownsville, Texas, May 29, for a one·week service trip repairing homes in a poverty area. Each person gave $ 50 for building materials.

MINOT, N.D. (Bible Fellowship)-Pastor Ray White and his wife, Channa, were honored at a farewell meal June 5. White was pastor of the Sawyer (N.D.) MB Church until its merger with the Minot congregation last November. He will pursue his ministerial studies at Lee College, Cleveland, Tenn.

HENDERSON, Neb.-The June 12 worship service focused on commissioning 14 youth and four sponsors for a two-week mission venture in Panama, June 17·28.

LODI, Calif. (Vinewood Community)Kelly and Karena Thomas have accepted a call as interim youth pastor couple, effec· tive July 10. Both are recent graduates of Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan.

VISALIA, Calif. (Neighborhood)-A sum· mer music camp for children grades 1-6 was held June 6-17. Final performances of the musical "Short Stops" were held the evenings of June 17 and 19.

Rational Mennonite Brethren Youth [onference Park. Colorado

Mmh 25 - 28. ms

• Workers

MANHATIAN, Kan. (Manhattan Mennonite)-Pastor Harris H. Waltner, and his wife, Christine, announced that they plan to retire from full-time pastoral ministry after January 1995. A search committee has been formed and is preparing a congregational profile to share with potential candidates.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Lincoln Glen)-Loren Kroeker has resigned as associate pastor.

He began an administrator-in-training program at Lincoln Glen Manor July 1 on a limited-time basis. He plans to continue most of his pastoral staff duties until the congregation calls a new senior pastor.

MARSHALL, Ark. (Martin Box)- Steve Unruh has reSigned as pastor, effective

J U L Y

1 994

31

tlUUYLl.l'l!

. D EATHS BAYLESS, CHARLES WENDELL, Reedley, Calif., a member of the Dinuba (Calif.) MB Church, was born Nov. 7, 1916, to Charles Frankly and Ethel May Brannan Bayless near Kalvesta, Kan ., and died May 2 4, 1994, at the age of 77 . On June 29, 1946, he was married to Ruby Kroeker, who survives_ He is also survived by two sons, Bernie of New York City, and Rendy and wife Kathy of San Jose, Calif.; three brothe rs, Grove r of Arnett, Okla ., and Marion and Glenn , both of Gage, Okla.; one sister, Elizabeth Rouse of Wichita, Kan .; and two grandchildren.

BEUCHLER, BENNI E, Sawye r , N.D., a me mber of the forme r Sawyer MB Church, was born Aug. 4,1921, to Fred and Johanna Beuchler, and died May 14, 1994, at the age of 72. On July 29, 1945, he was married to Amy Fagerbakke, who survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Jacqueline Lamont of Minot, N_D .; two sons, David and Duane , both of Sawyer; one sister, Elsie Sawyer of Pine , Ariz. ; and four grandchildren.

FRIESEN, HERBERT FLAMING, Buhler, Kan., a member of the Buhler MB Church, was born Apr. 2, 1908, to Ge rhard D. and Katy Flaming Friesen in Inman, Kan., and die d May 9, 1994, at the age of 86. On Nov. 28, 1935, he was married to Sarah Seibel, who survives. He is also survived by one son, H. Landon Friesen of El Paso, Texas; one daughter, Adah Jolene vonBraun of Rockwell, Texas; two brothers, Leonard F. Flaming of Inman, and Victor ).

Flaming of Grand Falls, Texas; two sisters, Helen Wille ms and Kathryn Gee, both of Inman; six grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

FRIESEN, J ACOB PETER, Reedley, Calif. , a member of the Reedley MB Church , was born Sept. 25, 1902, to Peter and Ma ria Schmor Friesen in Mennon, Sask., and died May 21 , 1994 , at the age of 91. On Dec .

17 , 1922, he wa s married to Tena Goe rtze n , who survives . He is also survived by three sons, Harold and wife Ann of Concord, Calif., Edmor and wife Thelma of Reedley, and Irvin and wife Janie of Clovis, Calif.; two daughters, Ethel and husband Orval Ratzlaff of Fresno, Calif., and Verna and husband Charles Neufeld of Ki ngsburg, Calif.; one sister, Marie and h usband John Quiring, of Winnipeg, Man. ; 21 grandchildre n and 44 great-grandc hildren.

Lawrence, Kan., and one daughter, Denise and husba nd J o n He ndric kson of Fort Smith, Ark.; tw o sisters, Rachel Friesen and Betty Dirks, both of Hillsboro; and three grandchildren_ JUST, ROY, Fresno, Calif., Tabor College preside nt from 1963-1980 and member of Bethany Church (MB) was born Sept_ 28, 1921, to Henry and Eva Just in Reedley, Calif., and died Apr. 25, 1994, at the age of 72 . In 1943, he was m arrie d to Eve lyn Flaming, w ho survives. He is also survived by two daughte rs , Jeanne and husb and Dennis Janzen, and Beverly and husband Rick Binder; o ne brother, Marvin and wife Emma; one sisre r, Pauline and husband Bill Bartel; and three grandchildren.

KLASSEN, ROSE HIEBERT, Aurora, Colo., a member of the First Church of the Nazarene, Englewood, Colo ., was born Sept. 19, 1909, t o P .e. and Kat he r in e Nikkel Hiebert, and died May 4, 1994 , at the age of 84 _ On June 6, 1930, she w as married to Pete E. Klassen, who survives.

She is also survived by three sons, Fayne of Aurora, Colo. , James of Seattle, Wash., and Jerel of Woodland Park, Colo_; one brother, Noble Hiebert of Whispering Pines, N_C.; thre e sisters-in-law, Linda Goertze n o f Hutchinson, Kan ., Kathryn Willems o f McPherson, Kan ., and Edna Ediger of Buhler, Kan .; and one broth e r-in-law, E.T .

Klassen of Inman, Kan. KLI EW ER, H ENRY D., Inman, Kan., a member of the Zoar MB Church, was born Mar. 11, 1908, to Peter A. and Anna Becker Kliewer at Fairview, Okla ., and died Nov. 29 , 1993 , at the age of 85 . On Dec . 3, 1933, he was married to Lois Ruth Wiebe, who survives. He is also survived by two daughte rs, Marjorie and husband Fra nk Friese n of Brea , Calif., and Elizabeth and husband Edwin Black of Roc kville, Md .; four sons , Henry and wife Rose o f Rocheste r , N.Y., Tim and w ife Myrna of Inman, Kan., Jerry and wife Kim of Anah eim, Calif., and Tony and wife Ruth of New Knoxville , Ohio ; one sister, Luella and h usband Pete Pauls of Corn, Okla.; and two brothers, Leonard and w ife Linda of Downey, Calif. and Archie and wife Agnes of Nashville, Tenn.

JOHNSON, GEORGINA, Hillsboro, Kan., a member of the Parkview MB Church , w as born May 10, 1923, to George C. and Sara Harms Kornelsen in Hillsboro, Kan ., and d ied Mar. 26, 1994, at the age of 70 . On Aug. 10, 1944, she w as married to William Johnson , who su rvives . She is also survived by o ne so n , Cary and w ife Jean of

KNAUPP, ELMER E. , of Dallas, are., a member of t he Dallas MB Church , was born Feb . 22, 1902, to George and Jessie Miller Knaupp in Lincoln, Iowa, and d ied Apr. 27, 1994 at the age of 92 . In 1928, he was married to Ivy Bradwell, who p redeceased him . He is survived by one daughter, Marilyn Fleischman of Lake Oswego, are .; two sons , David o f Dallas , and Jonathan of Tempe, Ariz.; one brother, Lyle of Asheville, N.C.; four sisters, Esther Templeman of Quarryville , Pa., Naoma Stookey of Lacy, Wash., Ruby Tow of Monmouth, are ., and Edna Hen ry of Ames, Iowa; 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

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MARTENS, WILLIAM j ., Dallas, are ., a m e mber of the Dallas MB Church, was born Sept. 13, 1903, to Jacob W_ a nd Sarah Toews Martens in Russia, and died Apr_ 24, 1994, at the age of 90. On Oct. 12 , 1932, he was married to Nettie H. Klassen, who predeceased him in 1987.

He is survived by two daug hters, Ruby and husband WaIt Rickson, and Wand a and husband Eldon Thiessen, all of Dallas; th ree brothers, Nick Marte ns of Dallas, Abe Martens of Fresno, Calif. , and George Martens of St. Paul. Minn .; two sisters , Ann Hoffman of Dallas, and Sara Block of Ne w ton, Kan .; six g randchildren and three great-grandchildren.

MI ERAU, JUSTINA, Reedley, Calif., a me mber of the Reedley MB Church, was born Oct . 6, 1913, to Pete r and Suzann Toew s in Schteinfelt, Russia, and died May 4 , 1994, at the age of 80. On Oct. 25, 1936, she was married to Dave Mierau, who survives _ She is also survived by two sons, Bob and wife Sandy, and Don and wife Be verly ; one brother, Pete Toews and wife Irma; and four grandchildren .

PATZKOWSKY, RAYMOND F., Fairvie w, Okla ., a member of the Fairview MB Church, was born Oct . 2, 1923, to Theodore R. and Lydia Suderman Patzkowsky, and died Mar. 29, 1994, at the age of 70. On Oct. 28, 1949, he was married to Lavina Ruth Ediger, who survive s . He is also survived by one s on, Me rle and wife Joyce of Fairview; two daughters, Susan and husband Larry Foster of Wesley, Ark_, and Laura Branson o f Fai rview ; one sister Naomi Schmidt of Enid, Okla. ; and nine grandchildren.

CLEARINGHOUSE OPPORTUNITIES YO UT H MINISTRY - Neighborhood Church is searching for a youth pastor to minister in the areas of junior high and high school as well as coordinate a program for college and career age. Those interested are invited to send a resume to: Neighborhood Church, ATIN: Search Committee, 2800 W. Walnut Ave .. Visalia, CA 93277.

MENNONITE CENTRAL COMMITIEE is accepting applications for magazine editor (Akron, Pa.). This salaried half-time position is available Sept. 1, 1994.

Qualifications include a commitment to Christ ian laith, active church membership and nonviolent peacemaking. Applicants must have four years print editor experience, ability to plan ahead, meet deadlines and make decisions while being open to counsel; must be able to connect with concerns 01 25-40year-old North Americans and be committed to popular communication 01 Christian response to public issues. Three years MCC or other se rvice is preferred. Interested persons in the United States contact Goldie Kuhns, 21 South 12th Street, P.O. Box 500, Akron, PA 17501 -0500, phone (717) 859-11 51.

In Canada, contact MCC Canada Personnel, 134

Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9, phone (204) 261-6381 . Applications due Aug. 1, 1994.

FULL-TIME TEACHING POSITION-Due to a late reSignation, we are seeking a full-tinie faculty member (rank open) in our NASM-accredited music department beginning this fall. Teaching areas: piano, piano pedagogy, music theory, private piano lessons.

Performance and accompanying skills expected. Faculty must be supportive of our mission as an evangelical Christian college. Salary depends on experience and rank. The position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is found. Send resume and three reference letters to Dean of the Faculty, Tabor College, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Minorities and women are especially encouraged to apply.

MAINTENANCE TRADE SPECIALIST and network administrator. Primary responsibility will be maintenance of physical plant heating/ventilation/air conditioning equipment and telephone communications equipment. Other maintenance duties as assigned by superintendent of plant and grounds. Secondary responsibility will be for the maintenance of a computer local area network (LAN) including servers, Novell network and other application software, hardware

maintenance including PCs, cabling, hubs and printers. The qualified candidate should have an aptitude for electrical and computer-related maintenance, a college degree and 2-3 years related experience, or a high school diploma and 5-7 years related experience. Novell CNE certificate desired. Starting date: July 1 or as soon after as possible. Send resume or apply to Tabor College, Vice President for Business and Finance, 400 S. Jefferson, Hillsboro, KS 67063; (316) 947-3121, ext. 270.

SERVICE

PRAIRIE VIEW, INC., a private, not-for-profit comprehensive mental health provider based in Newton, Kan ., is seeking a psychiatrist to serve as vice president of medical and clinical services. This top-level management position will be responsible for standards of care and program development lor community mental health centers in Newton, Marion and McPherson; outpatient services in Wichita; and a 60bed psychiatric hospital and partial hospital located on a 70-acre campus at the edge of Newlon. Prairie View was established in 1954 by the Mennonite churches and is guided by a strong tradition of Christian caring. Submit cover letter and resume to Melvin Goering, CEO, Prairie View, Inc., P.O. Box 467, New· ton, KS 67114-0467.

50th Anniversary Celebration

EDEN June 30 - J uly 2 , 1995 Niagara-on-the la ke • Friday p .m. - Family barbecue featuring Eden talent • Saturday BreakfastlBrunch - Class Reunions • Saturday p.m. - Banquet, Entertainment, Speaker • Sunday p.m. - Praise & Worship Service

DON'T MISS IT! MAKE PLANS NOW TO ATTEND Further details and registration to follow in early 1995

1\ Jr arcelo Cordeiro carne to 1. V.!Palm Village Retirement Communi1y a y ear ago &om

Brazil. A participant in the MCC Youth Exchange Program• Marcelo carne to serve, He brought with him kind words. a friendly smile and a heart full of love. Thank you. Marcelo. for

Conrad Grebel College

sharing yourself with us.

For more information. call

The Board of Governors of Conrad Grebel College invites applications and/or nominations for the position of President.

D AVI D REIMER

EXECUTIVE D lRECfOR

The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the College and Is responsible to the Board of Governors, Conrad Grebel College is a Mennonite residential and teaching college owned by the Mennonite Conference of Eastern Canada and affiliated with the University of Waterloo, offering programs of study at both the undergraduate a nd graduate level. Preference will be given to cand ida tes who stand within the Anabaptist/Mennonite tradition, who have earned a doctorate a nd who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents o f Canada,

(209) 638-6933

All Inquiries will be kept in stric t confidence. The appointment will be effective July 1, 1995. Applications a nd resumes should be received by September 30, 1994 and should be addressed to:

PA LM VILLAGE

The Ct)alr PresldenHal Search Committee Conrad Grebel College Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G6

R E T I R EM E N T

C O MM U N I T Y

LlC. # 100404809

701 W. HERBERT P,O. BOX 1028 REEDLEY CA 93654-1028

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-One strong ad

MY gle.Lt: TH"E

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A Mennonite-produced ad called "Muscular Christianity" didn't please everyone when it came out last year, but it gave Alex Beattie the message he was looking for. Beattie, who became an alcoholic while in the U.S. Navy and was given a disability discharge, eventually "found God" but "I was still lost ... 1 felt like 1 should be paying him back somehow."

Beattie saw the ad in the outreach newspaper distributed by the Smithville (Ohio) Mennonite Church.

The ad, featuring a muscular man in a T-shirt sawing a piece of wood, highlights the Mennonite emphasis on service. The message struck home and Beattie sought out the pastor. That was 11 months ago.

"I have never felt closer to God. 1 have come to

WA'I ITHE OWNER'S MAWUr>.L D-r: A. NEW APl'LIANCE..

know Jesus and repentance and now I've been saved by grace," he says. "The ad was a sign from heaven directing me to a place of love, friends, sharing, teaching and worship."

The ad, produced by the Mennonite Board of Missions of the Mennonite Church ran regionally in Newsweek last summer. It generated a few negative comments from Menno· nites because some thought its photo of a male model who looked like a body builder was inappropriate.

(MBM)

INTEGRITY

Who ya gonna believe?

Newspapers and television news are rated higher than the church in terms of believability and being a

A.s. THE f"IRS, $,E"P fOR SE.TllfII(7 p..

A roll of the dice

More than a million U.S. teenagers are gambling for money, according to a survey by a California psychol· ogist. He says that gambling forms an entrance into "crime, truancy and a desire for easy money. " Most of the teens studied went on to be compulsive gamblers because when they started out they were winners. The overwhelm· ing majority were introduced to gambling by parents or relatives who con· sidered it fun. The most common form of teenage gambling is sports betting, sometimes backed by local bookies. (youth worker Update, quoted in MB Herald)

Western European countries, according to a survey Man. The survey found that 60 percent of Americans find the church to be believable, while 68 percent find newspapers believable and 73 percent said TV news was credible. Canadians tend to rate the church much lower in credibility, at 47 percent, in contrast to the 71 percent who believe newspapers and 81 percent who trust TV news. (EP) 34

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good influence in the United States, Canada and five conducted by the Times Mirror Center, Winnipeg,

AS. f>,

ALL t<\1{ O\llN INSTINc.i""S \ I-t"-V E M.ISt:.Rt\SLY .

How will they hear?

For the first time in American missions history, the number of career missionaries is dropping, according to the Mission Advanced Research and Communication Center (MARC), Colorado Springs, Colo. Amy Stearns, U.S. coordinator for the Mobilizing New Missionaries Net-

work, said the number of missionaries is dropping because "many of the mis· sionary generation that went out after World War 2 are now retiring. But they're not being replaced." In 1988, the U.S. had more than 50,000 missionaries overseas. By 1992, the number had dwindled to about 41,000. "There's no way there will be a church for every people and the gospel proclaimed to every person by the year 2000 without a massive surge of new missionaries," Stearns says. (EP)

On the decline

Experts believer there will be 25,000 religious denominations by the year 2000, but according to an article in the Canadian magazine Faith Today, denominational affiliation seems to be less important to individual believers than it once was. The decline is the result of a cultural decline in loyalty in general and a COinciding "cynical view of institutions," says Don Posterski, vice-president of national programs for World Vision Canada. "The church is an institution, so why do think it's going to

MISCELLANEA

escape cynicism?" Denominations historically came about because of differences in theology and doctrine, but those elements are becoming less impor. tant as people choose a church on the basis of whether it meets their own needs, as opposed to denomination. (EP)

One more Bible note.

According to Seoul's Guardian newspaper, South Korea has overtaken the United States as the world's biggest exporter of Bibles, exporting 4.7 million Bibles in 102 languages in 1992. (EP)

The lite of the world

A call for help

Pastors, missionaries and Christian workers in need of encouragement can now call the National Pastor's Encouragement Line tollfree. The service, provided

by Under His Wing Ministries, Williamsport, Pa., allows leaders to call 1-800UPLIFf-U to share concerns about the stresses of ministry and receive encouragement. (EP)

First Lutheran Church of Greenwich, N.J., has responded to America's declining attention span with a "Lite" church service-all the religion in half the time. The 22-minute "express service" has no sermon or sacraments, but includes a statement of faith, prayer, song, and a bit of biblical exposition.

(EP)

Open country

Spreading the Word

At the end of 1993, it was reported that 2,062 languages have at least one book of the Bible, 799 have New Testaments and 337 have complete Bibles.

The information, compiled by the United Bible Societies, includes Scriptures that have been translated by different organizations. It is estimated that there are as many as 6,000 languages spoken throughout the world.

On a related note, the United Bible Societies reports that if every literate Christian in the world was to own a copy of the New Testament by the year 2000, 220 million copies would have to be distributed every year. In 1993, the actual figure fell short of that by one-third.

(EP)

A recent poll of 1,000 people in Lima, Peru, showed that 90 out of every 100 men are interested in knowing more about God. While only 7 percent of the population are evangelicals, that number has doubled in the past four years, according to Berna Salcedo, coordinator for Latin America for Dawn Around the World.

It is estimated that by the year 2000, more than 25 percent of the Peruvian population will be evangelical.

Mennonite Brethren have eight missionaries working in that country among four organized churches with 207 members. (EP, MBM/S)

MEDIA

.TV news coverage of religion: No news is good news?

H

OW DO U S. TELEVISION networks cover religion?

Not well, when they cover it all, according to a study by the Media Research Center. MCR researchers Tim Graham and Steve Kaminiski studied all evening, morning and magazine news stories on religion and social issues in 1993. Their study found : • TV stories on religion are numerically insignificant.

Of the many thousands of stories on network evening news stories, only 212 focused on religion; of morning news stories, only 197 covered religion; and magazine show segments, including Sunday morning talk shows, numbered only 18.

• Stories on abortion focused heavily on the "abortion rights" agenda, with the emphasis on the violence of religious anti-abortion protesters as the only story. There were no stories on the violence of abortions in America .

In 1993, 150 network news stories focused on violence or harassment against abortionists or abortion clinics.

Only one acknowledged the violence of abortion-in a story on Bosnia.

• Homosexuality received nearly twice as much coverage as religion, and stories on gay issues focused heavily on the gay agenda. There were no stories with the theme that the homosexual lifestyle is immoral. While religion drew 427 total news stories during 1993, gay issues were the primary focus of 756 stories. In non-military stories on gay rights, gay advocates outnumbered opponents by 3 to 1. While violence and intimidation of abortionists gained 150 news stories, gay violence and intimidation of opponents were never mentioned.

• Coverage of religion and controversies also showed a pattern of anti-religion bias, including coverage of clerical sex abuse, the "religious right," and polls claiming traditional values are unpopular among the religious. Tragically, the networks did 25 stories on the unfounded allegations of sexual abuse againstJoseph Cardinal Benardin, based only on a now disavowed 17-ye:,r-old's "repressed memory."

The study concluded by recommending that the networks hire religion reporters; hire religious people as reporters; present the social positions of religious people fairly and without contempt; refrain from sensationalism in stories about religious authorities; and end the "good news is no news" mentality that ignores the positive role of churches in America today.

In a related story, Peggy Wehmeyer joined ABC's "World News Tonight" in January as a religion beat reporter. She is believed to be the first person to hold such a post with an American television network. Anchor Peter Jennings had lobbied the network to create a religion beat, saying that religion was "one of the great untapped areas in our national life." (EP)

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Friendly or friend-like

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ERICANS ARE very friendly people, but they significant gesture of welcome. After all, she was a sindon't make very good friends. " I read this gle parent making a new start in a foreign community.

She needed a friend. bservation made by a foreign university student in a newsweekly several years ago. I haven't been But we never took the time. Never invested the able to shake it since. Mostly because the observation effort. Never put our own agenda on hold long enough carries the distinct and disturbing ring of truth-about to take hers seriously. And so we left her quite literally me and so many of us in our society. And the truth alone to draw her own conclusions about our friendly hurts. town. Today our neighbor and her kids are preparing to Generally speaking, we Americans are friendly peosell their house and move to another location. She said it's because of changes in her job. I'm not so sure. ple . We are qUick to smile at each other. Exchange greetings. Shake hands. Trade a light Friendly, but not friend-like-it's a comment or two. Express how glad hard judgment to live with. Yes, it is we are to see each other. Give lip impossible to be a true friend to We extend the service to "doing a meal" together. everyone because of the time and Smile more. Wave and say good-bye. energy and commitment involved in gift of hospitality But then we walk off into our sepatruly walking beside someone. But I and love only as far rate worlds again, no worse-and can't help but believe that more of us really no better-for the encounter. A followers of the loving Christ, the as the boundaries calculated exchange, with minimal Christ who gave up all his rights for investment of time or self. our sake, can't find the wherewithal of our personal Friendly, but not friend-like. to broaden our circle of involvement Sometimes the truth strikes close by one or two or three people bigger comfort zone. We to home. I was sitting in the ball park than it is today. bleachers near a neighbor who had The personal application here is look for Christ only moved to town with her two gradereadily apparent. But today I'm also school children only a few months in the familiar face, thinking more broadly than that. I'm earlier. We were there watching our thinking of "friendly" churches who not the foreign one. sons struggle through a coach-pitch spit-polish the foyer to make it game. I figured the friendly thing to impress the stranger, but so seldom do would be to engage her in conopen the doors of their homes and versation. She seemed introspective to me, so I threw their hearts to invite the stranger in. It strikes me that so out the first, nonthreatening pitch: "Well, does our many of our efforts to attract others are for statistics' community feel like home to you yet?" sake, not the Savior's. We extend the gift of hospitality Having played this game of conversational catch and love only as far as the boundaries of our personal comfort zone. We look for Christ only in the familiar countless times, I expected her to toss back the usual, face, not the foreign one. lighthearted response: "Yeah, we're adjusting just fine."

Given the focus of this issue, I can't help but also Or, "Sure, it's a nice place to live." Something like that.

Instead, she paused for moment, then said, quite seri- think of our new Slavic brothers and sisters. To this ously, "No, it doesn't feel like home. I think this is a point, our conference has mostly done the friendly thing-welcomed them to our land, treated their repreplace that doesn't ever let you feel like you belong." sentatives as guests at our public gatherings, given them Her words stuck like a dagger. Gayla and I had helped her unload the moving truck the day she moved some house-warming funds to enhance their life togethin. It seemed the friendly thing to do. During the weeks er. All of this is good; some of it has even demonstrated that followed, we waved at the appropriate time, tossed a sacrificial spirit on our part. But are we willing to go a step further, to add a chair at our decision-making table, an occasional "Hello!" across the street, even watched as her kids and ours played together. All the while, and invite them to become full partners with us and not Gayla and I both talked about doing more, like inviting just our house guests?

I'm all for friendliness, but right now we have a lot her and the kids over for a meal, or dropping off a pie of neighbors out there who need a real friend .- DR (eve n if it was prepared by "Mrs. Smith")-some more 36

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