TELEVISION IS A PREVALENT FORCE in our culture, and I've wondered for some time what MBs thought about it. So, when it came time to do what has become our annual issue on pop culture, lV was a natural subject to pursue.
Not surprisingly, as I solicited articles and responses for this issue, I found MBs hold a variety of opinions and approaches to lV-from deciding not to own one to pursuing a career in the television industry.
Our first article reveals the reflections of a self-confessed lV addict and suggests several ways the church can become the place to escape to instead of the couch in front of the tube . Kristin Fast takes a different approach in our second article, thoughtfully reflecting on her own experiences with media news and exploring how television can both contribute to and detract from our ability to recognize God's Good News Our third article shares the viewpoints and experiences of two MBs who have spent time working in the television industry-from the set of Touched by an Angel to programming for the Christian Broadcasting Network.
We've also included comments about television from Leader readers, some ideas for reducing your lV habit and a short interview with a seminary professor who includes a section on lV in one of his classes
There ' s a lot to choose from in this issue. Whether you watch only a little lV or you share the same addiction as one of our authors, I think you will find something in these pages to make you examine your own viewing habits . So, for an hour or so, tum the lV off and read about it instead.
Blessings -CA
COMING
• AUGUST 3-5-Southem District Conference Convention, Branson, Mo.
• SEPTEMBER 28-30--North Carolina District Convention, Laytown MB Church , Lenoir, NC
• OCTOBER 25-27-Spiritual Warfare Study Conference, Calgary, Alta.
• OCTOBER 26-28-Central District Conference Convention, Lincoln Hills Bible Church, Sioux Falls, SD
• NOVEMBER 9-10--Pacific District Conference Convention, Reedley MB Church, Reedley, Calif
If you think you watch
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anWhy one self-labeled TV addid says what he thinks churches can learn from his addidion
If
I #lAVE A HORRIBLE CONFESSION TO MAKE.
atch way too much television. an average Mennonite Brethren. I grew up in an MB church and went to a good Christian college. I'm active in my church and even joined a small group recently. But give me a choice between a Sunday evening church concert and an episode of the Simpsons, and I'd really rather be at home on the couch. Invite a neighbor for coffee or catch up on Friends? The decision is clear. Ever wonder who's watching those
by m. Brethren*
II- The author's name has been changed to protect the not so innocent
reruns of Seinfeld that are on three times a day? Look no further.
I'll be the first one to agree that most shows on television, including the ones I watch, have
no redeeming value. Too many of the jokes on sit-coms include sexual topics, and the action shows contain too much violence. Many shows present a woddview that's mostly out of step with Christianity. Some shows have given up any pretense of teaching even the tritest moral lesson, like "sitcoms" (situation comedies) about people whose lives interact with seemingly no long-term positive impact on each other-in fact, there's Virtually no sign of any maturity occurring at all. Those are the ones, I hate to admit, that I gravitate toward the most.
Then there are the talk shows. My wife and I love to stay up late and watch The Late Show with David Letterman. On the odd weekday when I'm home, Rosie is a welcome break from whatever I've been doing. Both Letterman and Rosie are more interested in a quick laugh than a lasting impression or valuable lesson. But they're usually a diversion and sometimes outright amusing.
So, why do I do it? Why am I watching television, when I could be reading my Bible or Philip Yancy? And is there anything churches can do to help me-and others like me?
Why I watch
I wish I could tell you that I watch television in order to learn about the culture in which I live, to be a better witness or to be "in but not of the world " While that is a motivating factor for me, for the most part I wouldn't be honest ifl let it stand at that.
One reason I watch television is because I love a good story. A well-told tale is as captivating to me now as it was when I was a kid reading Hardy Boy novels. I love watching a television show that takes me to another place, a reality outside my own I like to immerse myself in an alternative reality not unlike the ones we find in novels and books.
Lately, I've discovered another reason--or excusefor my habit. I watch many television shows precisely because they don't have a point. Life is stressful. I work 40 hours a week and take work home with me, too. There's a harried pace to everything. Society seems to tell me that if I'm not leammgand improving
every step of the way, I may get left behind.
In short, it seems as though my goal every day is to glean everything from it I can. Television shows-especially sitcoms--offer a reprieve from the constant hectic pace and let me escape for 30 minutes. Sure, the sheer stupidity of some shows eventually makes me tum off the set, but sometimes a break from real life is worth the wasted time.
Take Ed or Everybody Loves Raymond. They're warm, funny and, for the most part, clean-but they are also largely without life lessons. These shows let you get involved in a make-believe life for a while, and then they let you go. No strings attached, no lesson learned. That's just what I need sometimes. Television shows are the direct opposite of most of Christian media, which always seems to have a point or a lesson. We evangelicals are obsessed with "redeeming" media and forget that people also like to laugh. I find little Christian media that is actually fun to watch.
An exception is Veggie Tales, the popular children's videos put out by Big Idea, Inc. These videos are great-but mostly in spite of the message. Ask most teenagers or adults, and they'll probably tell you that they don't watch Veggte Tales because of the moral lessons, most of which they learned before they reached 6th grade. They watch Vegg;e Tales because they're actually jitnny. It's a rare joy to watch a show that catches you off-guard and makes you laugh out of sheer surprise without stretching to make a point at the end. In a society plagued by stress, it's nice to escape for a half hour and veg in front of the tube.
How the church can help
So, what can the church do to help addicts like me? What would make the church the place to go to escape instead of the couch in front of • the TV?
We've been hearing for years that we need , to be more than "Sunday Christians," who show up at church but go unchanged into the workweek. Maybe television has something to teach us about how we can do that.
We'ue been hearing for years that we need to be more than "Sunday Christians, " who show up at church but go unchanged into the workweek. maybe teleuision has something to teach us about how we can do that.
Who's
watching,
how much we watch and how we watch
What
the statistics say about us and television
• Children (ages two to • 73% of Americans sub-
• 95% of youth ages eight to
• OVer three out of flye born seven) spend about 2.75 scribe to cable TV, and 19% 18 watch TV without their again Ohrlstlans (63%) have hours watching TV dally get their programming via parents, while 81% of chlJ. turned off a TV program (Kaiser Family Foundation satellite dish; among born dren ages two to seven because they did not like the 2000) again Ohrlstlans the penet,. watch TV without parents values or viewpoint It pre-
• Youth (ages eight to18) tlon levels are 71% and 18%, (Kaiser 2000) sented In the last seven days respectively (Barna Research (compared to 44% of non- spend about 3.25 hours Group, Ltd. at www .barna .org
• 49% of children live In Ohrlstlans) (Barna 1998) watching TV dally (Kaiser homes who have no rules 2000). 2000) about TV (Kaiser. 2000) • The chance that someone
• Three out of 10 (28 %) of • 44% of people consider .42% of children live In homes would tum off a TV program cable or satellite TV to be an ........ they did not like the Americans watch more than where the TV Is on most of the four hours of TV a day during essential part of their lives time (Kaiser 2000) values or viewpoint It pre(Kaiser 2000) sents riles significantly with the week (Gallop 2000)
• 58% of children live In age; 40% of busters have
• 42% of Americans watch • 53% of children have TVs In homes where the TV Is on turned off a program In the than three hours a day their bedrooms (Kaiser 2000) during meals (Kaiser 2000) last ven days compared to during the week (Gallop
• In a given week, 52% of 54% of boomers, 55% of 2000)
adults tum off a TV program builders, and 68% of seniors because they don't like the (Barna 1998) values or viewpoint It presents (Barna 1998)
Itwertally wantto,et people to stop watching television, maybe we need to provide an alternative that is more relaxing, more tun and more imaginatlueand includes a good story or two.
Humor is a gift from God. It's a gift to give someone the joy of laughter with no message stuck onto the end. What would happen if our churches decided to take that to heart?
What if we included activities at church that celebrated the common, unmeaningful and siUy? What if we took a lesson from the Lutherans and Catholics down the street and hosted a church talent show where people were encouraged to show off their lack of talent and have a good laugh? Instead of restricting ourselves to music and worship nights where everything is redeemed and scripturally sound, we could let our youth play the songs they practice in their basements and not just the ones they learn for Sunday mornings We could celebrate siUiness and get a welcome break from everyday life . We could even go a step further and become known to the rest of society as a people who celebrate the simple joys of life Like the Amish are known for buggies, we could be known for our involvement in pure joyous celebration, whether through singing, art, storytelling or video. We could be the people who provide laughter without cynicism, romance without sexual innuendo, action and suspense without violence. We could take away Disneyland's title as "happiest place on earth "
I'd like that- and so would my non-Christian friends
Also, we should all take a look at some of the shows on television and let them shake us up in a good way. Unfortunate ly, many of the things we hear in church are sanitized- safe for all audiences and guaranteed not to make us uncomfortable . But have you read the Old Testament books of Kings
lately? The stories are anything but simple morality tales. Like NYPD Blue, they present stories where the "good" guys are deeply flawed, the issues are troubling, violence is graphic and answers are difficult to accept. Likejudging Amy, they present us with snapshots of the world we live in and teach difficult lessons about life outside the church doors.
What would it take?
Television addiction may not be an issue for you. You may even be asking yourself why an adult of apparently passable intelligence who claims to be Christian would choose to waste his time away. But I'm not alone . If you aren't watching lV, I'll bet you know someone who does
How should we deal with the problem of television? Is it enough to admonish each other and remind ourselves to stand guard against the evils of our society? That might be technically correct, but for many of us it just doesn't work. If we really want to get people to stop watching televiSion, maybe we need to provide an alternative that is more relaxing, more fun and more imaginative-and includes a good story or two.
In the end, I don't honestly know what it would take to get me to stop watching television Perhaps age will bring wisdom, or I'll just eventually get bored of the limited worldview lV has to offer I'd write some more about this, but ER is on in a couple of minutes Gotta go •
M Brethren is an average MB attending an average MB church. 1be author's name has been changed to protect the not so innocent.
To the degree that teleuision fills our liues with "news"not onlg through news shows themselues, but also through euerg tgpe of program it offers-teleuision has the potential to both contribute to or actuallg detract from our abilitg to recognize and experience God's Good news.
BY KRISTIN FAST •
ME OF MY FONDEST CHILDHOOD MEMORIES are of hot, summer e nings in Fresno, Calif. Pulling myself away from the neighbor's pool, I'd walk. in our back door to the smells of dinner- sutpmer squash simmering on the stove and bright strips of cantaloupe: lining the wooden cutting board next to the sink. Once the table was set and we took our seats, grace was offered, food was served and sharing of the day's adventures began . It wouldn 't be long before my sister and I'd be sdleming overwho would have to wash the <i&hes and who . would get to dry Job completed, we ' d eventuaUy wander out to join Mom and Dad in the living room for the evening news.
To thiS day, the prediCtable, measured drone of news announcers' voices instantly bdngs back feelings of safety and security- Mom close by with mapzine or stifchery in hand, Dad glancing back between screen and neW$paper and sister and I hogging the cool, humid air pumping thtOlljh the swamp cooler mounted in the window. Full bel· lies, and the sense that everything is going to be okay. These are my strongest associations with the sounds of evening news
My next distinctive news-related memory comes from college. I took a class on international poverty and wealth, and one of the asSignments was to read the world and business sections of the New York Times each day. This was our instructor's way of helping us make connections between the carefully conceived theories we read about in textbooks and the very messy, complex realities of our world.
My experiences with the New York Times that semester couldn't have been more different than my childhood experiences of evening news . Sitting alone on the floor of my room with the newspaper spread out around me, I watched my tears spatter dark circles on the newsprint as I read story after story of suffering and contrasting prosperity-of famine, drought, civil wars and terrorism beside multimillion dollar mergers and powerful deals struck between leaders of nations. Mine was no longer a lazy, carefree lO-year-old mind but a young adult mind burdened by life's realities, eager to pour energy into addressing injustices yet nearly paralyzed by a sense of powerlessness in the face of them.
So why were these experiences so different? Why did the images of suffering flashing across the screen in my childhood not move me like the words
on the pages of the New York Times? And, all things considered, was there really any greater value in my tormented, young adult paralysis than my peaceful, childhood disinterest in local and world events? In other words, is paralyzing empathy any better than blissful ignorance or disinterest?
For me, answers to these questions came as I pondered the role of television in my life in light of something that has come to have new significance to me during my recent years in seminary: the Good News.
Good News
I grew up with "the Good News of the gospel" being as familiar to me as the church buildings I entered each week. However, my understanding of its deepest implications only began to blossom more recently, in part from my own experiences and observations of suffering as well as from a reexamination of Scripture itself.
I've discovered in the Good News of God an invitation to look horror and tragedy in the face-as God did by entering the plight of the world as one of us-but to do so with a stubborn sense of hope. God invites us to mourn for the very real calamities we see and experience, to cry our own "Eloi, Eloi," but then to help one another stand, brush the
13 ways to break free 0
ve the television set( s) a less prominent location the home. TV is far less empting when It Is not accessible.
Hide the remote
Remove the TV
he TV off during Meals are a great r conversation
Place clear limits on television viewing Try to restrict viewing to a halfhour per day or one hour other evening ·Explain ur rules In positive, crete terms Try s children away from lacing "you can't watch activities and with "let's turn off the
TV so we can •• "
ework, thinking, reading and sleeping In addition, parents may find It difficult to monitor programs that are Inappropriate or unhealthy
meal preparation
laundry folding Into a game. Give them an opportunity to help out
TV as a reward.
Wla<1laf: reases Its power and lIHfiiNllilad to conflict over its
Listen to your fav or the radio TV as
Don't fret If ch "I'm boredl" For boredom often I creativity
L De"lf.t1Iet 'llbe TV displace ortant: family lon, exercise, play, thinking
Consider living television Onc
much
Reprinted
ashes, and join hands along with God to address our individual and corporate tragedies together.
This isn't some nice-sounding theory without practical relevance. This is the very hands and feet-even the guts-ofwhatJesus demonstrated and shared In Jesus we see that God loves us. God suffers as we suffer. In partnership with people, God moves in human history-sometimes with explosive drama and other times with subtlety-to bring healing, renewal and transformation. God partners with humanity to bring life in the fullest sense of the word.
Is what we see on television "good news"?
So what does all of this have to do with television?
To the degree that television fills our lives with "news"-not only through news shows themselves, but also through every type of program it offerstelevision has the potential to both contribute to or actually detract from our ability to recognize and experience God's Good News.
Think of "good" news (news not overtly tied to the Gospel but that gives us honest information about our world, both hopeful and tragic) as the bones of a skeleton. The Good News of the gospel, understood in its fullest sense, is like the muscles, tendons and organs that connect these bOnes together in meaningful ways, giving them life and direction. Our challenge is to discern the difference between "bad" news (false information about our world or real information packaged in misleading ways) and "good" news, or news that by its honest depiction of life contributes necessary strength and form that, enfleshed by God's Good News, becomes a living, thriving body.
I have become increasingly convinced that what television offers is "bad" news, false and misleading. Experience tells us that relationships are much more difficult to manage than 30-minute resolutions on TV sit-corns suggest. The products and foods that make people so happy and beautiful on the screen most often fall far short of their claims Constructive steps toward addressing suffering and injustice are thankfully more prevalent than the absence of their coverage suggests, and life is entirely more complex than 45-second news segments let on.
I was sobered last month by an article by Neil Postman on TV news in which he writes, "While brevity does not always suggest triviality, in this case it clearly does . It is simply not possible to convey a sense of seriousness about any event if its implications are exhausted in less than one minute's time. In fact . .. TV news has no intention of suggesting that any story has any implications, for that would require viewers to continue to think about it when it is done and therefore obstruct their attending to the next story that waits panting
in the wings" (Amusing Ourselves to Death). Even programs given entirely to news often package information in such a way that we're lulled into numbness at the atrocities that they depict Postman says, "We have become so accustomed to [TV's] discontinuities that we are no longer struck dumb, as any sane person would be, by a newscaster who having just reported that a nuclear war is inevitable goes on to say that he will be right back after this word from Burger King ... One can hardly overestimate the damage that such juxtapositions do to our sense of the world as a serious place" (Amusing Ourselves to Death).
Particularly when news is watched in comfortable, secure environments, a sense of shock and concern at the real calamities being flashed between commercials is less readily evoked . No, if "good" news is to relate in any way with the Good News of God, then it must help us face our lives and world honestly. It must acknowledge the depths of suffering and tragedy as well as the depths of available hope, denying neither one nor offering superficial substitutes, however comforting they might be. According to the body analogy, television news in all of its forms- sit coms, dramas, sporting events, talk shows, commerCials, news programs and the re st- largely consists offractured or synthetic limbs at best and imaginary, though seemingly attractive and powerful, limbs at worst.
Television and the invitation to thrive
If what we see on television is so rare ly "good" news, then what are we to do?
Our first instinct might be to compose a list of TV shows to be avoided or news programs known for poor news coverage Though this might be a fruitful exercise, I'd like to suggest a different starting point, one that focuses on what we want to pursue rather than on what we want to avoid.
It begins with self-reflection , asking ourselves individually and corporately what it means to part· ner with God to embody and experience Good News Our questions might begin with ones like :
• What are we most longing for as individuals and faith communities? Healing? Connectedness? Active involvement in the issues we feel strongly about? How does television hinder or encourage our experience and/or pursuit of these things?
• What are the messages we want as part of our daily "diet" in relation to God, suffering, race, possessions, sources of hope-even what it means to be beautiful? How does television help or hinder our ability to make this "diet" a regular part of our lives? An integral part of our community's self-identity?
• What does it mean for us to be "well-infdrmed"
Our first instinct might be to compose a list of TU shows to be auolded or news programs known for poor news couerage. Though this might be a fruitful exercise, I'd like to suggest a different starting point, one that I focuses on what we want to pursue rather than on what we want to auold.
What Leader readers have to say about TV
Aaron Myers
My wife and I don't plan to ever a television . Here are some reasons why
Most would agree that there Is a fair amount of Junk on the tube that has little to do with Christian ethics, morals or truth There are some that strtve to Inspire thoughts of grace, truth, loyalty and Integrity. Most, however, present a picture full of junk, the gJorIfication of sinful desires and the blatant exploitation of sex The sad scenario Is that a snapshot of living rooms across the nation, both Christian and non-Christian, on a Thursday nlaht would reveal the same photo-TVs tuned Into Su,vlvor or Friends Not exactly shows that exemplify Christian living.
What about ads? All women are six feet tall, skinny and outrageously beautiful. Americans without Microsoft are nothing And according to
Whateuer conclusions we come to, the Good news of God inuites us to make choices about our use of teleulslon with posltlue, -'full life" goals always In mind.
a recent commercial for a hair loss product, all men who are losing their hair are In danger of losing their wives as well Not only do advertisements project false Images of what we are supposed to be and look like, they also tell us to buy, to become part of the consumer nation that we are.
How many Leader readers have more than one television In their home. How many pay for cable? Do tt.math, and ftgure out the dollar amount it all costs. Now ask MBMS International or Mennonite Central Committee If they could use that kind of money to plant a church or buy AIDS vaccinations for millions Infected and dying In Africa. As Christians, we have become part of this world We are "consumervors" as much as any unchurched person, mainly through the box in the living room we call a necessity
By now, you may think I am a fanatic and maybe I am. But what really bugs me has nothing to do with the content of the shows or the advertisements that break In every 10 minutes. While I was a student at Tabor College, Bart Campolo (Tony CampoIo's son) told us that television Is not a social event, there Is no mental challenge Involved and there Is no spIrItUal growth or encouragement gained zoning out In front of the TV. So why, as ChrIstIans, do we do It? Why do we neglect our children In favor of a TV show or the news? Are we Incapable of entertaining ourselves? Old our Creator make such a borIng natural world that we woukI rather watch a box than a sunset, listen to pretend dialogue Instead of bird songs or spend time with a piece of plastic and glass than the people we love or
about our world? What are the limits and possibilities of television in helping us gain the understanding that we want?
• What are our reasons for wanting to be well informed? So we can act? So we can pray? So we can discuss the issues with others? Do our reasons facilitate connections between being "well-informed" and experienCing/offering Good News? If so, what are they?
My husband and I reflected on these questions and decided five years ago not to own a television. We discovered Good News to be far more accessible and identifiable in our lives without one.
Other families and communities might appropriately reach different decisions than ours, like keeping televisions but selecting shows and environments in which to watch them that facilitate constructive discussions and deeper relationships One family I know uses their television for a family movie night each week, following each video with a discussion of these questions:
• Who changed during this show? Why?
• Which messages in this show do we agree with? Which messages do we disagree with? Why?
Whatever conclusions we come to, the Good News of God invites us to make choices about our use of television with positive, "full life" goals always in mind It invites us to consider how we facilitate con-
strangers that don't know Jesus' love? What really seems more sane?
I would challenge us Christians to at least think about the effects of TV Perhaps we could lock our TVa In a closet for a month. If life Isn't more exciting, more relational, more true at the end of the month, then put It back In the living room. But If It Is better, If your family Is closer, your life more exciting and engaged, then leave It the...
I don't think It Is a sin to watch TV or to own one. I certainly partake at times. My mother actually became a Christian watchlng.a Billy Graham crusade on TV• • Just want to suggest that pe,.. haps there Is a better or another way••
Aaron Myers is a 1996 graduate of Tabor College He and his wife live in St. Paul , Minn .
nectedness with God and one another, how we promote deep and lasting sources of hope, identity and healing, and how we actively engage with the world around us. It invites us to honestly consider whether or not our television diets contribute to such ends.
And as I discovered in college, diving headlong into life's tragedies is not necessarily a healthy alternative to absorbing television's false reality This alone cannot cultivate the stubborn hope that comes from partnership with God and others to address the issues any more than innocent disinterest in world events breeds the engagement with the depths of tragedy and hope that characterizes Good News. The invitation is to a life of hope and active partnership-not seclusion or despair.
As people of faith, let us seek the "good life" of solidarity with God and fellow sufferers, persistently looking to discern the difference between good/Good News and the many false alternatives that television broadcasts and promotes.•
Kristin Fast is a May graduate of MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif, with master of arts degrees in New Testament and Theology She and her husband continue to live in Fresno and attend College Community MB Church.
Nearly everyone Is Impacted by television, but for two Mennonite Brethren men who grew up without it In the home, television became their livelihood. With experience ranging from four years to over 40 years, Andy Wiebe, 27, and Charles Outland, 67, found their calling early In life.
Wiebe, a member of Reedley (Calif.) MB Church and resident of Salt Lake City, Utah, has worked on the set of the nationally-syndicated program Touched By an Angel as a production assistant and now owns and manages Wiebe Productions. Outland, a member of Bible Fellowship Church, Rapid City, S.D., worked In variOUS settings Including produt:er, dlTeCtor, station manager and fPlnerai manager before retiring In :1.998
Sara Cook talked to each of them by telephone and shares exCfH'I1I$Irom their converslfltlons here. What they have to offer Is Int.,.. estlng. Perhaps more Importantly, they're tlha/lenglng. Read about the television Industry from firsthand accounts, and learn what you can do to help make television a better tool for communication.
HOW DO WE VIEW TV?
with two MBs in the television
tlan Leader: Explain how you have Involved in the television industry.
Andy Wiebe: I was technically a production assistant on Touched By an Angel. My first year was in the office performing office tasks, answer· ing phones, dealing with fan mail and assisting the executive producers in whatever they needed Then I went on to the actual film set the next two years. I was an on-set production assistant, whe re I worked with the actors, the background and extras
I have started my own video production company, which is pretty much just me, some digital desktop editing equipment and a digital camera I am working on various video documentaries, educational and promotional videos and working for different organizations doing fund-raising-type videos. I'm self-employed and my own boss-a producer. I put things together . For example, if an organization comes to me and says they want to produce a to-minute video that focuses on an issue or theme, I pull the people together to make that happen A lot of my work in the beginning is getting the logistics put together, and then I actually do most of the shooting and the editing myself It's been fun. I hope to continue growing the bu§iness and working on bigger and better things. But I'm content with where things are now
AnclyWiebe
Charles Outland
I enjoy taking stories that are important to meor that have affected me in some way-and putting them onto a screen or onto a video or film format and conveying that same message to other people. And I've found that I can do it fairly effectively. It seems like I'm better at communicating that way. For me, it's comfortable. I understand visually how things need to be put together so that the story will be told. I find that it is an enjoyable type of work, working with the kind of people that I have gotten
Charles Outland: I started working at a radio station when I was a junior in high school. I went to college in Sioux Falls, S.D., and at the end of my junior year, my wife and I were married . I worked for a year and then went back to college The lV station at that time had just started, and I was basically switched from a part-time radio job to an almost fulltime producer's job for KELO lV We were the only station in Sioux Falls at that time to work with and the people that I have met. And I meet interesting people in every project that I do.
I recently did a documentary about the history of Reedley, Calif., the town in which I grew up. The historical society hired me to produce a one-hour long documentary. I would like to get it on television, but that's not the most important thing right now. Getting a project completed and being happy with it from an artistic standpoint and a thematic standpoint is the most important thing to me.
I also worked for another station in Idaho Falls , where I had the opportunity to work in Boston for the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) We were a "combination" lV station . Certain parts of the day, we only ran religious programming, and the rest of the time periods we were like a secular station The difference betwe en us and the other networks or syndicated programming was that our programming standards were set very high Pat Robertson basically gave me a blank check to put programs on the air that fit within the basic guidelines that we had .
What a seminary professor thinks about TV
A short Interview with Mark Baker
Why do you include a • What are alienating with God and others. TelevI- sion and video games repllsection on television in forces? slon constantly brings the cate the same training the your Discipleship and • How can we resist them message of the false armed forces have developed Ethics class? and thrive as God Intended? prophets of consumerism to make soldiers more willing
Let me briefly retrace how I While constructing the Into our homes- not only bla- and able to shoot to kill came to this decision. At the course, television did not tantly through commercials The article convinced me of heart of my course is the con- immediately come to mind as but also through the pro- the urgent need for the church vlctlon that salvation through one of the four or five main grams themselves to address the issue of vloJesus Christ restores relation- forces of evil In our society Violence Is a symptom of lence and television. I could ships. We have followed Adam today Yet It kept coming up our sin and alienation that also mention the whole area and Eve by not trusting God In reading I did on Issues predates televiSion, but an of television and sexuality and grasping to be something that did spring to mlnd-con- article by an army officer, Lt. These examples underscore more than God has created us sumerlsm and violence, for Col. Dave Grossman, argues my point that I decided to to be This causes us to expe- instance. that violence has increased Include a section on television Flenee estrangement from Consumerism repeats the since the advent of television In my ethics class because of God, ourselves, others and same lie as the serpent: and video games ("Trained to its close relationship with creation. Yet as Christian what we are Is not good Kill," Christianity Today, other forces of alienation and communities experiencing enough. And consumerism August 10,1998). Grossman death In our society. Jesus' salvation, we have the promiSes that obtaining more cites statistics to back up potential to resist forces that possessions will bring "salva- his claim and points to stud- Should we just get rid alienate us from others and tlon." We could list many les that discovered that play- of our televisions or is hinder us from living as God ways our rampant con- ground violence Increased there some value to be created us to live. My course, sum,rlsm enslaves us, dramatically after television found in TV? therefore, addresses two prI- wounds creation and Inter- was Introduced In a region Perhaps the simplest way mary questions: teres with our relationships He then displays how televl- for me to answer this ques-
HOW
scribe what drew you to work In the yJ Ion Indust ry
AW: I wonde r some times if not having a television as I grew up ac tually fostered the fascination I had with t h e e nte rtainme nt world, specifically 1V and film I t w as a little bit more fantastic because I didn 't ge t to see it very much , and whe n I did, it was aweins pir ing . I dre ame d about being in the movies . When I w as seve n ye ars old, my dad took out his Super 8 film c ame ra and my brothe r and I did a little weste rn movie . It was fun . That was part of our imagination- imagining we we re movie stars
CO: I was drawn b y the challenge of doing something that was unknown In 1954, there was not an accredited television course offered in any university. The close st was probably Denver (Colo.) University, but it was more geared toward newspaper news .
A W: I'm fascinated by the impact, the power of the medium itself. In most conversations among friends in restaurants or among colleagues, usually questions come up like, "Have you seen a good movie late ly?" or "Did you see the show about such and such on ' television?" That's a very common topic that e ve ryone can relate to or has some input on It's an important part of our society. Everyone is influenced e ithe r by television or film or both, and so I am fascinate d about how that medium affects people.
CO: The message I want to get across is that television is a tool that God gave us.
For example, if a local church really wants to grow, then television is the way for them to go I feel that, outside of the worship service that you can bring people into, 1V is how you are going to reach 90 percent of the people now.
tion Is to say that we have a television In our home and I occasionally use videos in my classes So, my actions communicate that I think TV has positive things to offer At the same time my TV ownership has been sporadic and totals up to only 10 of the last 25 years That fact communicates my ambivalence about television and my sense thaf the negatives outweigh the positives
Although commercials and commercial programming represent my greatest concerns, only watching programs or videos we deem positive does not solve the TV problem . Any means of communication has Its strengths and weaknesses
Television is a powerful and engaging form of communication, but the value gained from It can be outweighed by what Is lost if It replaces other forms of learning (readIng, lectures, conversations) and prevents our experiencIng life first-hand For exam-
pie, I enjoy watching sports events and nature documentaries, something positive that TV offers me, but If they take the place of playing sports or visiting the wilderness even these positive featu res of television become negative
So returning to the question, I do not urge everyone in the class to get rid of their televisions. Rather I urge them to think of ways we can lessen the negative Impact of telev ision on our lives .
What are som e of the ways your class has come u p with to lessen the negative im p act of television?
One suggestion Is for a family, small group or church to first record their TV viewIng for a week In order to become more aware of what you watch and how much you watch
Second, do not watch any TV for at least two weeks
and observe how your life Is different without TV
Third, dlscu$S the experIence and covenant with each other to make changes In your TV habits
Othe r suggestions relate to the Importance of becomIng more Intentional about critiquing commercials and discussing programs we watch on TV This can be done while watching TV or through making a video of a number of commercials and watching It with others In order to discuss how commercials' messages confilct with the truth of the gospel. Getting rid of our televisions is one option Putting them In storage periodically is another . If you and those in your home find It difficult to maintain a commitment you've made to only watch a certa i n amount of television, or certain programs, then keeping the television In a closet, or at least disconnecting the antenna or cable, might help It makes watch-
ing television an Intentional decision that requires more effort than Just pushing a button . It is crucial that we do not simply say "no" to TV or cer· taln TV programs, but that as churches, families and small groups we plan altematlve activities that allow us to relate to others and live as the people God has created us to be this refiects what I said earlier. I do not discuss television In my ethics class simply to label It as a moral taboo and point an accusing finger at those who watch too much My conviction Is that forces of evil In the world hinder us from thriving as God Intended us to thrive Through Christ we have the possibility of Joining together with other Christians to live In greater freedom from these forces ••
Mark Baker is a professor at the MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno , Calif.
It's also a tool to reach people. At the 1V station in Boston, we were associated with The 700 Club
We had a phone counseling system. I often went into the office early in the morning-about 6:00 a.m.-and we'd have a few of the phones manned. If it got busy, I would help answer the phones. I remember talking to a young man who was about 13 or 14 years old, and he had been watching a program that we had produced called The Puppet Gang. Through it, he was very desirous of knowing more about God and Jesus. I talked to him on the phone, and when he would call, he would ask for Mr. Chuck. The last time I talked to him, his dad came in He was scared to death of his dad His dad listened outside the door and threatened this young man with his life if he ever had anything to do with anything from the church.
We tried to trace him down. It took us about three or four months We had a local Church of God in Christ congregation that was starting a 1V ministry on Sunday mornings and using commercials to reach people for their youth programs Since they were in the same area as the boy, they were able to find out that he was still okay. One of the last things they told me was that they would not give up on him. I trust that they did not.
ow has your work been affected by your faith?
: My worldview is a Christian worldview. That ec the work that I do and the messages that come out in the projects-just like the projects of someone who is from a secular worldview reflect what they believe, what's important to them.
I put it in terms of how Jesus told parables They are stories that have redeeming qualities to them. They show a part of God-part of God's unconditionallove for us On my resume under the topic "purpose," it says "to seek experience in producing and directing redemptive works of art." I've used
that as a theme and a standard--does the work that I'm doing have a redeeming quality to it? It's a motto that I use because that's how I think Jesus' work-if he were a filmmaker-would be: a bunch of little parables. His films would be a snapshot or an angle of the gospel that, when put all together, would show the complete gospel story message. Each little story by itself is a good story and shows a part of what God is like
I strive to keep a good conscience about the material I work on . I've never been tempted with an opportunity to work on something that is against what I believe. Working with Touched By an Angel was a great experience, because I could tell everyone who knew me that I worked on the show and not feel at all guilty I imagine in the future there will be times when my integrity will be tested, but so far, God has been good in that way.
CO: My faith has always affected everything that I do. The defining point for me was probably 1983 or 1984. Before I went to work for CBN, my daughter was a sophomore in college. I went down on a Saturday afternoon and we watched a baseball game. When that was over, the movie Smokey and the Bandit came on. There were scenes during that movie that made me feel embarrassed to be Sitting next to my daughter. When they called me the next day asking me if I would reconsider going to work for them there (in Boston), I was ready because I knew I could make a difference. Any hesitation I'd have about going was gone.
I'm very conscious of the fact that the new generation of people coming into television want to see how far they can go and how far they can push things, such as sex and innuendoes If men and women who are Christians are going to go into something like that, they have to really gird themselves and be ready to stand for what is right.
that's how I think J eSUS'work' f el l Uhe were a 1 mm after- would ,be: parables a bunch of little , -ANDY WIEBE
I do think we need Christian TVs tations of good mo ral .
-CHARLES OUTLAND
hat role do you see television playing In s culture?
AW: In college, I interviewed Dallas Willard, who was head of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Southern California at the time. One of the comments that he made stuck with me. He said, "Art imparts reality "
What you see on everyday sitcoms is not realitya lot of it is fake. People aren't like that. However, if people watch it long enough, eventually that becomes their reality That's what I think is happening in the culture today. People see what's on television and they assume that's what reality is They believe that is what people think and say, and so they mimic that . In that regard, television plays a huge role in culture. It's very much a part of our culture Nearly every household has a television. It is very influential, especially in children's lives. People watch it and think that is how the world is and that affects their worldview.
The main message out there today is that there are no absolutes Live the life you want to live It's all about your selfish desires, relativism, no consequences. That leads to a very hard life. Everyone on television seems to be having fun living that way, but it has its consequences. People don't want to acknowledge that there is a God and that they need to give up control of their lives to God.
CO: I think 'IV has had a tremendous impact. The only reason programming is there at all is to reach the people. That's what the merchant is trying to do-the manufacturers, distributors-and that is what the church should be trying to do.
I think we need Christian 'IV stations that mix their programming with programs that are of a good moral quality We played them in Boston, and we had people tell us that nobody would ever watch them. But they did watch We had a four-hour series on Saturdays and Sundays called "Saturday Afternoon at the Westerns ." They said that nobody in that market would consider watching one of those old Western programs But those Western programs made it financially possible for us to do everything we wanted to do.
hen you look at television as a whole, do you Ize any messages that you like or dislike?
AW: I think in general I've been amazed at the kind of messages or themes that come out in television that show a hunger for spirituality, a hunger for filling up that spiritual side of us as humans. A lot of shows touch on spiritual things or talk about God in some way, shape or form . Certainly, they have not all come from a biblical Christian background, but you have this sign that people are searching for spiritual answers. People like to discuss the soul, the condition of man in relation to the thing that's out there that is bigger than themselves. Sometimes you get shows that are very New Age or humanistic at the core of what they are trying to say. But there, at least, is a sign that people are searching.
One example of a correct God-message would be Touched By an Angel. That show took off and became very popular It met the needs of both people who are biblical Christians-who know God and like to watch the show because it is faith-affirming for them-and those people who are searching and looking into this "God thing" or their spiritual lives and see some answers in a show like Touched By an Angel. I'm glad for the message of that particular show and how it comes from a biblical perspective.
On the other hand, you have a lot of junk, a lot of shows that are just crass. It's really sad to see the degradation of most sitcoms. The comedic lines in most sitcoms now aren't based on actual humor but on crassness-the ability to shock or push the envelope and say the outrageous That's what they rely on for the laugh as opposed to good humor or truer comedy.
There is a hunger for spiritual things in the artswhether it's in television , rum or music. It's great when a biblical perspective, a real solid God-message, is portrayed with absolutes and truth that is defined.
CO: The 'IV station in Rapid City that I was working for had been an NBC affiliate. I still have some close ties with some people at NBC, but when the station was bought by Murdock, who owns Fox Network, I told them I'd stay for a year. When that year was over, I was gone At the time, I was involved in sales I didn ' t have anything that I wanted to sell anymore
The programming was just too bad.
If you go back to TV in 1980-84 and compare it to TV now, the programs now wouldn't have been allowed on the air by the networks then. While I don't know that we can control the programming that Hollywood is going to put out there, I don't feel that we can allow that medium to be taken away. ,
oday, a lot of Christians argue that Until Iy, Hollywood hasn't treated religion as tfully as It should have. Do you agree?
AW: For the most part, it seems that religion is usually mocked in some way, because the majority of producers and people making the shows airing on the lOO-plus channels don't care-they don ' t have a faith. It's sort of a trend to make the religious figure in your film or television show the butt of the jokes or nerdy or weird in some way.
I have seen the evil in film and TV increase as more and more outrageous topics and things are being shown. On the other hand, there has also been an increase in good, godly and holy things-shows that portray the positive. There certainly needs to be freedom for both secular and religious people to be able to freely express what they want to
It's also important that biblical and religiOUS filmmakers strive not only t o be excellent in their craft and produce films and televisio n t hat are good in message and talk about God in a good way, but they must also strive to be tactful and excellent in stylethat their work is fun to watch and makes sense . It needs to meet the standards of what th e secular artists are producing . Their work should b e comparable in excellence of quality. This is important because in the past there have been people who made gre at God-focused films or TV shows , but I would have bee n embarrassed to show the m t o my non-Christian fri e nds. They would not have wanted to watch th e m .
We should all strive to do excellent work and not settle for m e diocrity. I've seen a lot of Christian filmmakers who have good ideas and, if they had the money, could produce the kinds of films qualitywise that are shown in the theaters But du e to a lack of funds , th ey were restricted and had to settle with less quality O ften that contributes to the lesser-quality Christian-marketed films
CO: Hollywood has done everything that it has been able to do to disgrace the Christian church. One of the things that I feel about television is that God gave it to u s , but the Christian church was afraid to step into it and so we 've given it to other groups . For example , during a n ews broadcast I saw a commercial that was beautifully done People out-
side the church or only casually involved would think the group sponsoring the commercial was wonderful-but it was the Mormons.
At the stations I worked at, I've gotten religious groups to use television. We use two-minute commercials in which we have a message . They are produced with high video quality. Basically the message is "God loves you and we love you-come worship with us" . .. . Here in Rapid City, the Assembly of God church decided to give it a try, and they were getting six to eight families every Sunday because of TV.
I hear in church groups the idea to put the Sunday morning worship service on TV. That' s going to get a 1. 5 rating. The cartoons on Saturday have a four or five rating What you need to do is get the message integrated with the program. That's the reason you do a two-minute commercial. Invite people to come . The day is gone in most locales where you can knock on a door. You can't even get the chance to talk to people unless they're already involved in a church. [Through TV] we need to reach the people that don't know Christ.
: T oday, immoral conduct and violence seem Ito sa urate shows on television. How do you respond to ose people who think that the solution is to turn off the TV or get rid of It?
A W : They can do that if they want. But if they really want to have an impact, they should go out and make a better show-a good show. That would be a better response. Or they could help promote and support quality filmmakers and producers. Rather than run away from it, go and do something better. Make a show about God and his attributes. Like the parables, there are good stories that have redemptive qualities that have a message that speaks to people in a positive way.
CO : The first thing we have to do is be honest with ourselves and with reality People are not going to turn off the TV.
Instead, we need to promote family values. It isn't a case of our trying to control it. I would like to see what would happen if we tried to use the method that was popular in the 1970s Jerry Falwell and others had enough people behind them that supported them that they could go to Proctor and Gamble and tell them that if they sponsored that program, we would boycott their products . For us to do that now would be very difficult
But television is going to be there We need to make an imprint on it so that we get our message across, too
AW: From a technological standpoint, I see it becoming blended into the internet phenomenon and eventually creating an interactive-based entertainment center where the television becomes the centerpoint for all accessible forms of information and entertainment.
From a social and ethical standpoint, I think 1V should be embraced by as many godly people as possible whose desire is to fill the airwaves with redemptive works of art that rival the secular worldview. To embrace the entertainment industry as a Christian does not imply an acceptance of its predominate ethical values, but it does imply an acceptance of its high standard in aesthetic quality and effective communication tactics.
co: I think that the face of television is going to change. We have to take ownership of television and use it for the ministry. I think we have to take it back from the world.
Also, I think we need to be very vocal. One way you can make an impact is to be one of 20 to 25 people who call and complain to a 1V station manager every time he runs a program that is bad. We have to be far-sighted enough so that when Hugh Hefner or someone like that comes along, we don't sit there and say "how terrible" and then not do anything about it. We must be vocal. •
Sara Cook is the coordinator of Public Relations at Tabor College, an MB liberal arts college located in Hillsboro, Kan. She has also worked as a staff member of the Christian Leader.
Wh at Leader readers have to say about TV
Paul Chernyetsky
It's a very Important and Invited to meet with the that concentrates on helping trate the air with different great topic you picked up for local TV broadcasting dlrec- people find Jesus Christ as spiritual topics and meet the the discussion As a Slavic tor There was no question their personal Savior Each needs of adults as well as Mission MB Church In Seat- that God was opening a new week we receive testimony the youth We also believe tie, Wash , we actively door for the Gospel One after testimony of how peG- that Christian Musical TV Involve ourselves In televi- week later the contract was pie like watching the pro- programs are great tools to sion ministry We see how signed to have a Christian TV gram and the positive Impact reach the youth for Christ Christian television Is mak- program on the air As a of this program in their lives, We pray to God that by Ing a positive Impact on peo- result a new church was whether they are Christian or watching our TV program, pie's lives among the Slavic planted and many people non-Christian. people will be drawn closer community in the U.S and found a new life watching We seek God's direction to God and their lives will be abroad Today, the program our television program God for the future This year, W& changed. May God be glori"Power of the Cross" is used this experience as a are planting another new fledl reaching millions of people In cornerstone for the future church In Saint Petersburg Revelation 14:6 says, California, Oregon and Saint great work In the television The response to the program "Then I saw another angel Petersburg, Russia The host Industry Is so great that we can't flying In the midst of heaven, of this weekly program Is After pastor Yury came walt any longer. God Is open- having the everlasting gospel Yury Chernyetsky, a pastor back from our mission trip In ing another tremendous to preach to those who dwell at Slavic Mission MB the Far East, God placed an opportunity for our program on earth-to every nation, Church even stronger vision in his to go on the national Rus- tribe, tongue and people•••• " In 1998, a team from heart to use television as a sian TV channel and cover We believe this angel could Slavic Mission MB Church mighty tool for his Kingdom 170 cities throughout RUB- be a television satellite•• went to evangelize people in As a result, all necessary sla. We are already negotlatMagadan, an area In far east- equipment was purchased Ing a contract with the offiern Russia. The team prayed and a new TV studio facility clals. Also, we are In the pro- Peter Chernyetsky is the for a more fruitful reaching of was built. All this was dedl- cess of producing another TV coordinator for Power of people's hearts with the cated for the glory of God program with a live aud!- the Cross Outreach at the message of the Gospel. One The "Power of the Cross" Is ence We believe that Chris- Slavic Mission MB Church in morning pastor Yury was a Gospel-orlented program tlan programs have to pene- Seattle , Wash
BY PHILIP WIEBE
Golf tops the news
IT HAS BEEN SAID THAT GOLF is mostly a mental game In my case that's good, since these days I seem only to have time to think about playing golf rather than actually play it. But as an avid (mental) golfer, I was interested in a golf-related story that recently topped the news : • Supreme Court decision allows golfer Casey Martin to use a motorized cart during PGA tournaments The reason Martin sought the use of a cart is because he has a disabling circulatory condition in his leg and can't safely walk a full-length golf course. But the PGA doesn't allow the use of carts in championship-level golf and didn't want to make an exception for Martin They feared it would open the gate for more dubiously "handicapped" golfers to request motorized assistance. ("My bunion is acting up, so could I have a cart?")
Personally, I don't like golf carts and think they should largely be banished from public golf courses If ablebodied people want to sit around in carts drinking beer between shots, I say, tough Save it for the clubhouse. If golfers aren 't playing partly to get a little exercise, what's the point of getting out in the first place? Might as well stay in the easy chair and watch Tiger Woods on lV.
But notice I said "largely be banished" and "able-bodied people." Of course carts should be made available to those who really need it, such as the 100 year old man I read about who recently scored a hole in one in Florida Apparently he still gets out and plays three times a week. I love that. Absolutely give that guy a cart (even at no charge), and others for whom just making the shots and getting out in
the air requires more exertion than it takes the rest of us to walk 18 holes. Which brings me back to Casey Martin. I think the PGA had it wrong and should have made an exception for Martin from the start. It takes far more effort for him to play golf with a cart than it takes the average professional to play without one. The fact that Martin can even play at the championship level is amazing and an inspiration. You'd think it would boost golf ratings rather than hurt them. Sadly, the resistance shown by many further muddies golfs reputation as a biased and exclusionary game and reveals that we still have a long way to go toward accepting and embracing those who don't fit our mold of "normal."
In other news :
• The movie Pearl Harbor evokes memories of the famed historical event. Pearl Harbor has been in the news and on people's lips , both the movie and the occurrence Unfortunately, the overlap is marginal. Though the movie powerfully portrays the actual bombing of the harbor, I've heard , the rest is pure made-up melodrama. Among the mostly bad reviews, one critic wrote that the movie "is a blockheaded, hollow-hearted industrial enterprise." Another complained that "the bulk of the three-hour epic is third-rate schmaltz that pays only lip service to history."
It's not unusual, of course, for Hollywood to trivialize its subject matter More surprising is when movies are actually faithful to books or history or the human condition But what concerns me more than a bad movie is its effect on some of the audience. When Pearl Harbor first came out I was depressed to read the response of one
person who was interviewed about the movie. He commented that he liked movies about real events because they are much more interesting than reading history books.
Well, he was probably not wrong about that last part, given the eye-glazing dryness of many history books. It's the first part that gets me . Because the movie Pearl Harbor doesn't depict "real events" at all, only uses a real event as backdrop for trotting out a load of moneymaking Hollywood cliches It concerns me that so many people today would rather watch the film and call it good than do the work of learning what really happened. And I'm speaking about much more than Pearl Harbor
• According to an article in the newspaper, the Christian Wrestling Federation came to Portland recently I had to look twice at the article to make sure my leg wasn't being pulled. I'm still not entirely convinced I didn't imagine the whole thing. The piece mentioned wrestling stars named Apocalypse and so on, presumably cleaner-cut counterparts to those nasty WWF fellows.
I'm not against the "alternative entertainment" trend-the effort by Christians to provide more wholesome (or at least less heinous) music, Video, print and other amusements for young people. But it seems that the Christian entertainment biz has become more intent on copying secular pop culture than trying to set trends of its own To see all these Christian wrestlers and boy bands and girl groups makes one wonder if following Jesus has become less important than following the ways of the world .•
BY MARVIN HEIN
Questions about faith and -life
Old Testament killing and leaving a church
QHow are we to understand all the killing that takes place by and among the supposed people of God In the Old Testament, and often with the blessing and direction of God? (Minnesota)
AThe question comes with disarming frankness from a pastor who challenged his congregation to read through the Bible. In serving as a good role model, in his own reading he was impressed with the killing that takes place There is killing of pagan people and killing among the Israelites And he found himself saying, "I can't believe this How can this be?"
Some would answer this question very simply: remember that Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Old Testament, so throw out the Old and don't worry about what you find there . I can't do that. Paul couldn't do that The apostle referred to the Old Testament (Law) as the "schoolmaster" and we dare not throw out the "teacher."
Since Anabaptists probably major in the New Testament, taking the Sermon on the Mount, for instance, along with the gospels and epistles as their chief texts, the question of Old Testament violence-sometimes apparently God-sponsored-arises often. A quick review of some "Inquiring Minds" columns in the past makes clear how troublesome these passages become One inquirer asked to have God's action in 1 Sam. 16: 14 explained: "Now the Spirit of the Lord had departed from Saul , and an evil spirit from the Lord tormented him " That doesn't sound like a loving God Then there was the person who wondered about}er. 18: 11: "Then says the Lord : 'Look, I am a potter shaping evil against
you and devising a plan against you ,,, That doesn't sound like Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount Still another wanted to know how to understand the brutal story in Judges 19 where a man cuts up his concubine in 12 pieces.
How do you reconcile "God the warrior" with the loving God of the New Testament? How can the "Lord of Hosts" be the same person as the "Lamb" of Revelation? I cannot answer all these questions . I can say, however, that any deSCription of God may be true but not necessarily complete God was a "warrior" in that he chose to participate in human history That participation, however, points not to his moral being but to his will and activity There were actions he took as the ruler of a theocratic nation, when the Christian religion was only a seed thought, that are not appropriate for us in this time of grace . Jesus would change all that
Closer examination reveals that even in the Old Testament violence often begat violence . God knew that, but he worked with what he had. Even the "conquest" stories had "defeat" stories as counterparts. And what we often forget is that while our modern culture places people at the top of our concerns, God, in many instances, seems to be more concerned about righteousness and justice That 's harsh language for our ''I'm okay; you're okay" culture. If God's righteousness and justice are more important than people, then even people become expendable I suggest that is what was involved when, in the Old Testament, God "dispatched" groups of hard-core sinners Hence the flood. It wasn't that God didn't love the sinners of Noah's day, but at that point the image of righteousness took precedence. Think about that.
Rave a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference policy, or other spiritual issue? E-mail Marvin at mheinl @jresno edu or send y our question to "Inquiring Minds, " c/o Marvin Rein, 4812 E Butler, Fresno, G4 93 727.
QHow do you leave a church? (Minnesota)
AIs there a "decent" way for members to bid farewell to their brothers and sisters in a congregation? All of us know that more often than not the exit is filled with bitterness rather than with good feelings and blessings. I know of one congregation that took this matter of "exiting" seriously when it wrote its first bylaws This group of believers decided that since members come into the congregation by the will and vote of the people, any exit should be processed similarly So they arranged for an "exit interview" whenever anyone left the church . This system has not always worked, but the church continues to practice it as often as possible. Sometimes the "interview" is more one-on-one or with a smaller group, but there is some effort expended to get the people exiting to share their genuine concerns and leave with the church's blessings rather than with ill feelings.
Somehow we should make it clear in our churches that it is not the brotherly/ sisterly thing to simply walk away from the church The "family" is involved That will not insure that everyone will part happily, but it does mean there is opportunity to confront or plead or discuss or share what lies :It the root of dissatisfaction There is nothing more disarming and freeing than to face one another honestly and in love when we have differences that can easily separate. In my judgment we need to practice this kind of Matthew 18 theology-at least inasmuch as Jesus' words have to do with separated people being reconciled . Our culture teaches us otherwise . This world that squeezes us into its mold says, "This is my business and none of yours. " I submit we oUght to be countercultural in this respect.
BY ROSE BUSCHMAN
Suffering for faith
D o we rea lly know wbat it's lik e to suffer for our faitb
PERSECUTE. NOT A NICE WORD. The dictionary says it means to "oppress or harass with ill treatment." Martyr. An even more difficult word. It means "one who chooses to suffer death rather than to deny Jesus Christ or his work."
Many Christians face persecution and martyrdom in the world today. In a study done at Regent University there were close to 156,000 Christians martyred around the world in 1998. At that time it was estimated that 164,000 would be martyred in 1999. This does not include the hundreds of thousands who are severely tortured, imprisoned, enslaved and badly mistreated for their faith.
A Focus on the Family fact sheet lists the follOwing:
• There have been more people martyred for their faith in Jesus Christ in the 20th century than in all the previous 19 combined.
• More people have died in circumstances related to their faith in this century than in all the 20th century wars combined .
Several months ago my husband picked up a prayer/action alert entitled "Christian Persecution." I looked through it and put it down. It was not fun reading, but neither could I forget it.
There was the story of a 14-year-old Christian Pakistani girl who was abducted because she shared her faith with some of her friends at school. She was raped and criminally assaulted Her family has been threatened. She is being held somewhere against her will even though attempts are being made to find her.
Another section described the constant harassment many Vietnamese house churches receive. Pastors are forced to pay fines for "illegal meetings," their homes are searched any time of the day or night, their houses burned, some have been abducted and their whereabouts are unknown . One pastor was severely beaten and, at last
report, was near death in a local prison.
I went to the web site listed in the bulletin and found more horror stories.
In the African country of Sudan the atrocities are many The Islamic government in Khartoum is determined to wipe out the Christians in the south. Bombing raids are frequent and deadly. Most of the schools there have been destroyed . At those that remain children have dug foxholes outside the school building so that they can seek cover when they hear bombers approaching. Especially appalling is the practice of abducting some of these children into slavery. The suffering, misery and despair continue and yet Christians there cling to their faith in God to see them through these terrible times.
There is also severe persecution in Indonesia. Homes of Christians and their churches have been burned Many have been forCibly converted to Islam. Atrocities too horrible to mention have been committed with women, children and the elderly as targeted victims. Others have been severely beaten , cut and even beheaded by crazed mobs In one province alone, an estimated 8,000 have been killed and many more are refugees who have fled their homes and are now living in the jungles.
Stories of persecution coming out of Mghanistan are heartrending. The list of countries where Christians are oppressed is long.
In the midst of all this carnage, the stories of faith triumphant over suffering abound One 20-year-old Indonesian Christian was found lying in a pool of blood following a raid on his Bible school. Emergency medical workers thought he was dead, but with superhuman strength he was able to speak four words, "I am a Christian ." Miraculously, he survived and recovered from the near-fatal attack. He says the incident helped him grow closer to God,
that he prays for his attackers and that he forgives them, unconditionally, as commanded by Jesus.
A 30-year-old worker at Chrysler'S Jeep plant in Beijing was arrested for collecting signatures for a petition seeking government registration for his church, so it could meet legally. For this "crime" he was sent to a "re-education-through-Iabor" camp . Very hard work and poor living conditions made surviving difficult . He was subjected to torture and numerous attempts at brainwashing. After he was finally released he said, "I would prefer to be in prison for two years than to do nothing for God."
When I hear people talking about how Christians in the USA are being persecuted today, I shake my head in disagreement. We desecrate the suffering of bur brothers and sisters around the world when we claim what happens to us here is in the same league We don't know what real persecution is. Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we should be praying for those who face daily challenges to their faith and life. These believers need to know that we care about what is happening to them, that we are praying for them and that we will help them in any way we can.
The Voice of the Martyrs, an organization dedicated to helping persecuted Christians around the world, has published a book, Jesus Freaks (1999, Albury Publishing, Tulsa) This book is chock full of stories about people over the centuries who have stood up for their faith, even though it meant suffering and death. For further information you can also log onto the VOM web-site at www.persecution.com Another helpful book, recently reviewed by Elaine Sommers Rich in Mennonite Weekry Review, is Please Pray for Us: Praying for Persecuted Christians in 52 Nations (2000, Bethany House, Minneapolis) •
Seven out of every ten people die without a Will.
315 S Lin coln, P O Box V Hill sb o ro, KS 67063
tel : 1-800- 551 - 1547
fax: 316 -947-3266
e-mail : mbfound@southwind.net
When this happens:
• there is often unnecessary expense
• the law specifies distribution
• the Court selects a guardian for minor children
Most important, a powerful opportunity is missed for the expression of your hopes and dreams for the future.
Many individuals and families utilize the personally prepared Will to communicate specific wishes- including the permanent support of charitable organizations.
This charitable bequest can be made in a number of ways, including a fixed amount, specific property, or a percent of the estate.
For information on how to include a charitable bequest in your Will " we invite you to write us using the response form or call our office at 1-800-551-1547.
Adoption journeys build a family
Oklahoma couple sees God at work bringing together their family of multi-cultural children
BY MIKE FURCHES
It's Saturday morning and things are hectic at the Hudgeons ' house. Nine-year-old Samuel and Michael, who is seven, are getting ready for soccer. Emily, also seven, is turning cartwheels in the driveway as her dad, Dean, finishes packing the minivan with supplies for the soccer game . Three-year-old Aunah is with their mother Jeanette who is cleaning up two-year-old Abbey.
Surveying the busy household, one notices the variety of cultures repre-
sented Dean and Jeanette are a Caucasian couple in their mid-30s. Samuel and Michael are of Korean descent. Emily is of Milado origins ; her birth parents were from Caucasian and African American backgrounds Aunah I is African American and Abbey is Caucasian . As a bank trust officer, Dean is responsible for the assets of others However, Dean fe e ls he and his wife have been given an even greater responsibility: raising the children
entrusted to them by four women "to know the Lord and to honor God."
"America is badly in need of parents who care passionately about their kids and are willing to make them their top priority," says Dean . "I hope that the passion we have for our kids encourages people to be patient parents Children are a gift of God Hopefully, parents will see that parenting is reaUy the number one occupation "
The Hudgeons embarked on a remarkable journey when they adopted their first child seven years ago. Along the way, they have learned lessons beyond parenting as they've trusted God in each adoption situation.
When it became t ' t conceiving children would requir medical procedures that were not nly expensive but had a low rate of uccess , the couple began looking int adoption
"It was reaUy hard for ,me because even though I had my cdUege degree and was working, I never reaUy wanted to be a career woman, " says Jeanette. "My goal was to be a mom , a wife and a mother. Dean was the one who took my hand and led me down that adoption road "
The Hudgeons have worked with Life Choice Ministries, a pro-life agency in Manhattan, Kan., in the adoption of each of their children. In each situation, the Hudgeons have participated in an open adoption, which means the identity of the birth parent(s) is known
"We are so proud that our birth mothers chose the path they did as opposed to abortion," says Jeanette . "God has strengthened our faith because we have seen God at work."
"Our open adoptions are not co-parenting," says Jeanette. "They (the birth mothers) let us be the parents. They know that is our role and that is what they want us to do."
Emily, the first child the Hudgeons adopted, went home with them the day after she was born Emily's birth mother chose the Hudgeons from a list of applicants. Still, Jeanette was concerned: "Was the birth mom going to change her mind?"
Aunah jumps into the conversation to reassure her mom, "She didn't change her mind ."
The process of naming the unborn
child went a long way to assuring both parties. The process confirmed for the birth mother that the Hudgeons were the right choice and was "a sign of God's seal of approval" for Jeanette.
The birth mother, Dean and Jeanette each selected three male names and three female names for the baby without consulting the others. "Emily" appeared on each of the three lists. The birth mother wanted to give the baby her middle name, Elaine, which is also Jeanette's middle name
When adopting biological brothers , Samuel and Michael, the couple had less than 30 minutes' notice to respond. They immediately prayed. The Lord confirmed that the boys were to be their sons The next day the boys joined the family.
Adopting Samuel and Michael was an answer to jeanette's prayer for twins Shortly after receiving Michael and Samuel, she realized that Michael and Emily were both the same age. The two quickly became like twins . Emily was praying for a younger sister when Dean and Jeanette learned
they could adopt a son. Before his adoption papers were signed, the birth mother decided she wanted her son back. This was a discouraging time for the family. Their church, friends and , family prayed for the family. Two weeks later the Hudgeons were notified that Aunah's birth mother would be giving birth in about two months and had selected them as the adoptive parents.
As her parents tell the story, Emily adds, "I wanted a sister to sleep with, but I don 't want to sleep with her now." At this comment, Emily and Aunah start teasing each other
The Hudgeons were not actively looking for a fifth child when they received a phone call from a I5-yearold girl who was involved in a church, telling them she had chosen them to be the parents of her child. The call came December 3, Dean's birthday The couple say they knew this was another gift from God and a gift of love from the , birth mother.
"It was such a selfless decision out of love for Abbey," says Jeanette . "(The birth mother) knew the pain it was
Couple shares their love story with Tulsa
News that Dean and Jeanette Hudgeons had been chosen as adoptive parents by a young African American woman couldn't have come at a better time. An Infant son had been In their home for eight days and had then returned to the birth mother at her request. News of this new baby two weeks later was an answer to the couple's prayers
The addition of Aunah to the Hudgeons' family not only gave Emily the sister for which she longed. It has also forced Dean and Jeanette to c0nfront the twin Issues of rape and abortion and has given them the opportunity to publicly share their beliefs.
"Some have said that
abortion Is wrong except In the case of rape," says Jeanette. "God put us face-to-face with that "Even though Satan meant this for evil, God Is going to use this for good," says Jeanette "Life Is sacred and even though (Aunah) might not have been conceIved In the Ideal clrcllmstances, she was not a mistake "
During the two months prior to Aunah's birth, Jeanette developed a good relationship with the birth mother and her grandmother. Jeanette went with the mother to her doctor's appointments and was present during the birth Aunah's birth mother and grandmother continue to visit on a regular basis. The Hudgeons' are proud
of the birth mother's reeent accomplishment: she has received a scholarship to study music and drama at a local university.
Dean and Jeanette have found the open adoption process to be very positive for their children, Including Aunah As Dean describes how a birth mother releases her child Into their care, Aunah Jumps In. "I don't belong to Mom and Dad," says the three-year-old in an emphatic tone "I belong to Jesus."
In a similar vein, the Hudgeons,.Aunah and her birth mother have deelded that their story belongs to the greater-Tulsa community Together they share
their experience In churches, women's groups, public schools and other venues They tell how the birth mother was going to have an abortion. How she changed her mind after being told she had to walt seven weeks for the procedure How Instead, as Jeanette describes It, she made a "sacrifice of love for Aunah " - MF
1:! going to cause but (she) wanted the
He continues, "We don't want our best for Abbey." children to feel like they are in com-
While the Hudgeons are quick to tell partments. They are a part of the whole. how God has blessed them with their Our first heritage is that we're God's family, they also share the difficult children, after that we're Hudgeons, lessons they have learned along the then Jeanette's family is Stigges. way. Front and center are the chal- "It is fun to explore Africa, Korea lenges associated with raising children and everything else that is a part of our from a variety of racial backgrounds. biological background. But really our
Dean says that while learning how to spiritual heritage is what is important care for each child's skin and hair and that is what we try to highlight," requires different techniques, these Dean says. things are learned rather quickly. Other
The multicultural dimension of their challenges are more difficult. For exam- , family has forced the Hudgeons to deal pIe, the couple works to balance educa- I with issues of racism. tion about each child's individual her- "For a long time Christians were a itage with the creation of their family big part of the problem in regard to identity. racial relations," says Dean. "Scriptures Dean and Jeanette are often asked used to support racism were taken out about how they educate each child of context. Today a lot of churches are about his or her heritage. The fact that leading the way to restore racial relathey home school three of the children tionships." and eventually will all five makes this
ly has given the people in their own extended families the opportunity to consider their own attitudes about racism.
"A lot of times people will go through their whole lives and they will never have to deal with, 'How do I feel about people of a different race?'" says Jeanette.
"I think our family didn't know what (racial diverSity) was going to be like because they had never been put in (the) situation," says Jeanette. "It is so neat to see how they have just embraced our kids and loved them."
Jeanette remembers watching Aunah and her father share with one another during a Thanksgiving dinner and realizing how far people can come.
Acceptance didn't come with ease for all family members. In spite of his Christian upbringing and his own involvement in church, Dean's grandfather was not able to accept a biracial child into his family. Over time, the grandfather's attitude changed and he affirmed their family.
"The bleSSing came when he began to see all of our children as children of I God and that there was absolutely no difference except for a little difference of skin tone," says Dean. "For someone of that generation to say they were wrong was quite a big deal."
With tears in her eyes Jeanette says, "To see an SO-year-old man, set in his ways, changed by God-we have seen God do that. He can change someone's heart like that."
The Hudgeons admit that they don't know what the future holds in regards , to additional children. "If the Lord puts it in our hearts, we'll know," says Jeanette. "It's been clear each time."
The makeup of the Hudgeons ' fami-
Dean and Jeanette are thankful that easier, they say. Home schooling gives , the people of their home church, Westthe Hudgeons the freedom to select port MB Church of Collinsville, Okla., curriculum with their children's her- don't overcompensate for their family's itage in mind . Some of the birth parents diversity. have also assisted in the integration of a "Our church has been wonderful," child's culture. says Dean. "It's just no big deal that we "We don't want to over do (cultural have the family we do. Our church uniqueness) though, because we don't doesn't overreact. We're just a family, want them to think that we're differ- another family in the church, another ent," says Dean. "We have our own family with an extraordinary God." Hudgeons'traditions."
Jeanette reflects on their journey thus far. "When times were difficult and we wanted children, there was a verse near the kitchen sink that gave us comfort-Jer.29:11-13."
Jeanette and son Samuel recite it together: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
Then the two head for the van with the rest of the family. •
Alive and growing after 125 years
Ebenfeld
congregation-the oldest organized MB church-celebrates its founding over a century ago
BY ELLYNNE WIEBE
Church planters and missionaries frequently face the difficult predicament of bidding farewell to their closest family and friends in order to establish a new church in a new land, many times in a country an ocean away
The U S. Mennonite Brethren church can trace its beginning to families who did just that more than 125 years ago when they left homes in Russia in search of religious freedom and exemption from military service and settled in this country
Those who arrived in Kansas settled in the Gnadenau Village in Marion
County, two miles southeast of Hillsboro. They began meeting as a congregation in 1876 and eventually became known as the Ebenfeld MB Church, making this the oldest organized Mennonite Brethren church in North America This month , the Ebenfeld congregation is celebrating its anniversary
What Significance does a church's 125th anniversary have?
"It's significant because we're still alive and growing," says Gaylord Goertzen , pastor of the Ebenfeld congregation. "God is still at work in an incredible way . We ' re seeing people's lives changed ."
Evangelism broadens church family
Even before immigrating to America, this group of people was intent on seeing lives changed. Peggy Goertzen, director of the Center for MB Studies at Tabor College, is currently writing the 125-year history of Ebenfeld She is also married to Ebenfeld's current pastor.
Peggy says, "These people had a passion for evangelizing. They were not allowed to evangelize the Russians, so they went to the other German villages nearby."
Through their efforts, many individuals from Lutheran and Catholic traditions experienced spiritual revival and were baptized, joining the Mennonite Brethren church. The congregation continued with the same passion upon their arrival in America They continued adding to their numbers, holding revivals to reach out to their community and conducting extensive house visitation.
Newspaper reports as well as church records mention several large revivals held by the Ebenfeld congregation. For example, in 1893, over 1,000 people came to a revival where missionary Peter Wedel was the speaker. Fifty-four people were baptized. Another large revival was held in 1938 with George B Huebert as the speaker. Fifty-nine individuals were baptized as a result.
In the late 1890s, daily choir practices were used as outreach opportunities In those days, the church was one of the major social organizations in the community, and many people would come and listen to the choir practice. Following practice , a time of prayer was held. Church records indicate that at one such practice, over 30 people were saved.
Diversity continues today
Peggy says, "The congregation has experienced diversity from the very beginning. They've been able to be a church family with diverse backgrounds and cultures. This is one of their strengths."
Pastor Goertzen agrees and sees that trend continuing "Today we have a whole group of new people coming from diverse traditions and backgrounds," he says "That's what makes Ebenfeld unique and special It's what I see the church being--diverse backgrounds becoming one in Christ More and more that's what we ' re becoming ."
As with all churches, the early immigrants felt the need to build a structure to house their growing congregation.
Ebenfeld's first building was constructed in 1883 . In 1904, a new, larger building was built in the same location. In 1924, that building burned to the ground and in 1925 a more spacious structure complete with a sanctuary and full basement was constructed . The Ebenfeld church structure still retains some of its original 1925 components, including the front entryway and the sanctuary with its decorative tin ceiling .
In 1956, an education wing was added According to Peggy Goertzen, the impetus for this addition came when the church received finances from the estate of one of its members , Albert Horton. Horton had been an orphan living in Chicago during the early 1900s He was brought to the Ebenfeld community and was welcomed into the homes of several families He stayed in the community until his death, maintaining perfect Sunday school attendance. A plaque in Horton's honor hangs above the door to the education wing.
The newest addition, which includes Sunday school rooms and a large fellowship hall, was constructed in 1997
Education and ministry emphasized
Through the years , Ebenfeld has emphasized education amongst its members, says Goertzen . In the 1880 's, Jacob Suderman was an early promoter of Sunday school , even when it was a controversial concept By 1890, records show that so many children attended Sunday school that classes had to be held in four different locations
Several men with Ebenfeld connections were instrumental in founding Tabor College These include H.W. Lohrenz, Tabor's first president; J.K. Hiebert, who served as the first chairman of the Tabor College Board ; and P e. Hiebert, who served as the first vice president of the school. This Mennonite Brethren institution of higher education located in Hillsboro, Kan , was opened in 1908
P e. Hiebert is also considered to be a founder of Mennonite Central Committee , where he served as chairman for 33 years. MCC is a worldwide relief organization . Ebenfeld has always expressed a deep commitment to missions, as well, says Goertzen. "Ebenfeld is known as a sending church," she says "They are still sending young people to the mission field as well as to seminary ."
Looking both ways
While Ebenfeld's 125th anniversary celebration is intended to celebrate the past, says Goertzen, it also prOvides a look to the future
"It's exciting to see what's transpired over the years ," says Gaylord Goertzen "We need the past It gives us stability, which gives us the ability to change without being threatened .
"My hope for the future is that the church would be a lOving, caring place where people can find God ' s love and grace," says Goertzen. "It should be a place where we can experience Christ's love, and because we've experienced Christ's love, we can share it with others "
Ebenfeld ' s anniversary weekend, July 27-29, will b e gin with the presentation of a historical drama Friday evening . A
tour of historical sites related to Eben, feld is planned for Saturday morning. A catered banquet will be served Saturday evening followed by a traditional Chris, tian Endeavor program
The Sunday morning worship service will feature three speakers : Clarence Hiebert, former interim pastor; Gaylord Goertzen , current pastor; and Sid Litke, who grew up at Ebenfeld and is now a pastor in Wisconsin. The service will also include musical selections from different eras of history and several testimonies by families from the congrega. tion . A light lunch will be served after I the worship service, followed by a time of sharing.
Those interested in making reservations for Ebenfeld's 125th anniversary celebration should contact Don and June Suderman at (620) 947-5500.•
f CORREC'I'ION NOTICE: We apologize for not clearly IdentifyIng the two congregations profiled in the June aG01 issue of the which hold Saturday evening worshIp services. The two cc:mgregatlons are Laurelglen Bible Church of Bakersfield. calif.; and lIIorth Oak Community Church of Hays. Ran.
Seminary graduates 25
leadership gifts. Expenses were covered by members of the seminary board of directors. While in Fresno, the partic-
Highlight of graduation weekend was ,. 13 young leaders 'selected from local congregations , ipants met with seminary faculty and students, and participated in the events of the graduation weekend .
Twenty-five students graduated from the Fresno campus of MB Biblical Seminary May 21. Dan Unrau, senior pastor at Fraserview MB Church in the Vancouver, B.C. area, reminded the graduates in his address to them that they are letters, sent out to bring life-changing news to people, people who will not be the same again. Student speakers were Kristin Fast, Greg Yoder and Tesfai Tesema.
Ten graduates received the Master of Divinity degree. Of these, six are preparing for North American pastoral ministry, three for international pastoral miniStry, and one is undecided Nine of the 10 are Mennonite Brethren. Eleven received the Master of Arts degree: two will be serving in pastoral ministries, six in counseling, one in overseas mission, one in the workplace and one is pursuing further education. Six of the 11 are MB.
Four graduates received the Diploma. One is a retired missionary who serves her local church, one is a homemaker, one is in missionary service and one is pursuing further education. Two are members of an MB church.
A highlight of the graduation weekend was the visit to the Fresno campus of 13 young people from Alberta and two from Tabor College in Kansas. These high school and college young people were part of "Hearing the Call," a pilot project organized by the MBBS Board of Directors and led by Ron Toews, pastor in Calgary, and board chair.
The purpose of "Hearing the Call" was to bring bright young leaders from local congregations to the seminary campus to challenge them to hear the call of God to prepare for ministry in Christ's kingdom The young people
were each personally selected by their pastors because of their commitment to the local church and their exercise of
The MBBS board and administration hope to continue such weekends on a regular basis as part of their commitment to helping people hear the call to Christian ministry. -MBBS news release
! Congo Mis hit hard by flood
ennonite Brethren are invited to help their brothers and sisters in Kinshasa, the capital city of Democratic Republic of Congo, who are recovering from May flooding. MBMS International, the worldwide MB mission agency, is coordinating the fund-raising effort and Kinshasa MB churches will 'provide the labor and organize a local committee to implement reconstruction projects.
Congo MB Conference leaders said in their initial report that 14 MB families lost their homes, 23 families lost all household goods and 50 families were in urgent need of food. Damage was also reported at one school and two churches
MBMSI immediately sent $5,000 to provide medical aid to six seriously injured people and assistance for burial costs of the 13-year-old daughter of a MB family who was among the 60 people initially reported killed. MBMSI funds were also used to purchase food and household goods such as dishes,
rtJ:.. Pontius' Puddle
clothes, blankets, and school materials lost in the flood.
MBMSI would like to raise $32,850 to be used for roofing materials for homes and churches, continued food assistance for 50 families, rental guarantees for the 14 families who lost their homes, replacement household goods and replacement property for church and school properties.
"While the initial funds sent by our agency will help with critical emergency assistance, the after-effects of the flooding will continue to be a huge burden for Congolese Mennonite i Brethren and their neighbors over the coming weeks and months," wrote Harold Ens, MBMSI general director, in a May 30 e-mail to all MB pastors and mission supporters.
Heavy rains fell on Kinshasa May 18. According to Pakisa Tshimika, MBMSI , director of social ministries and Africa mission programs, hardest hit was the area in which the Congo MB Conference has several churches. -MBMSI
Leader editor relocates
Board approves ,. temporary relocation
The u.s. Conference Board of Communications has approved a temporary relocation of the Christian Leader editor's office to Montgomery, Ala , as of July 1. Editor Carmen Andres requested the move to accommodate a one-year university teaching appointment for her husband, Richard Andres
"We don't really anticipate much of a change in how the Leader is produced," says BOC chair Kathy Heinrichs Wiest. "Most of Carmen's work is by phone and Internet from her current office in Sacramento. That kind of communication can take place just as easily from anyplace that has Internet connections. "
The board recognizes the importance of an editor's connection to a local MB church, says Wiest, and intends this as only a temporary arrangement. This arrangement also results in the closing of the West Coast Leader office.
The Leader will continue to be headquartered in Hillsboro, Kan. U.S. mail to the magazine can be sent to the Hillsboro office. News releases, church news and obituaries should continue to be sent to the associate editor. Feature articles, ads and letters to the editor should be sent to the editor. The e-mall address and fax number remain the same for the editor
Addresses for the editor and associate editor are published in each issue of the magazine. -Christian Leader
Marking 50 years in Japan
Ishibashi MB Church-one of 28 churches in the ,. Japan MB conference today-celebrates founding
Fifty years ago, Harry and Millie Friesen, currently of Hillsboro, Kan., arrived in Ikeda, Japan, to plant a Mennonite Brethren church in that city, 10 miles north of Osaka. This spring, the Friesens were back in Ikeda celebrating the 50th anniversary of the church they helped establish.
The Ishibashi MB Church celebrated its founding May 18 with Larry Martens, pastor of North Fresno (Calif.) MB Church, as guest speaker. The congregation numbers over 200 with three ministerS, making it a large church for Japan.
The Friesens were among a number of MB missionaries working in Japan following World War II The war left many Japanese lacking essentials, prompting
I Mennonite Central Committee to begin relief and rehabilitation work in 1949. A year later, Ruth Wiens, the first MBMS International missionary to Japan, arrived Wiens and MCC worker H G. Thielman, a Canadian MB pastor, explored possibilities for a suitable headquarters for MB ministry in the area and purchased a residence in Ikeda. In 1952, Jonathon and Alice Bartel arrived to facilitate the transfer from relief work under MCC to church development underMBMSL
Last year the Japan MB Conference celebrated the 50th anniversary of Wiens' arrival Thanks to the foundation laid by Wiens and the others who joined and followed her, the Japanese conference today numbers 28 congregations. --CF
Mennonite Economic Development Assodates (MEDA) seeks a
Regional Director of Development
To be part of a team that raises support for MEDA. Responsibilities include acquiring new major gifts, working with existing donors, developing new planned gifts, and soliciting foundations, among other things. Frequent travel is involved; the position will be based in Waterloo, Ont.; Winnipeg, Man.; or Lancaster, Pa. Start date: Sept. 1, 2001. For more information, or to apply:
When is the right time?
"We ch ose to join God ... and it has been a blessing."
By Dave Froese, Pastor, Westport MB Church
"Some day we'll be ready We're not big enough yet. Right now we can't afford to lose the leadership and support of a group of people to help start a new church We'll lose our momentum " These are some of the thoughts that went through my mind as I contemplated the possibility of the Westport Church partnering to start a new church in the Tulsa/Broken Arrow area
Ever since my ministry with the Church Extension and Evangelism Commission during the late 80's God had given mea desire to pastor a congregation that would have the opportunity to reproduce itself by planting other churches When I moved to Collinsville/Owasso, OK to pastor the Westport M B Church that desire became part of our church's vision statement. Stating this objective in a vision statement might seem impressive but it is very easy to procrastinate its implementation with the thought, "When the time is right, when we are strong and healthy enough, we will plant a church."
The vision of planting a church became a priority when the Parkside Church in Tulsa merged with our congregation in 1998 The merger was seen as a time to gather strength so that a new church could be started in the Tulsa area
After a couple of years of adjusting to each other we wondered, "Is the time right?" Looking at it through human eyes the cost seemed too grea t. Statistically our attendance was declining and our financial base was unstable. Our health was questionable. We had a shortage of willing leaders We were still trying to tum
the corner on a new ministry strategy Not all of the elders were in agreement that the time was right.
It would have been easy to say, "We' ll do it later, when we're stronger and larger " However, as we sought to hear from God it became clear that He was choosing this time to begin a new church in the Tulsa area We chose to join God rather than stand in His way and it has been a blessing.
Even though 20 Westporters will join the new church plant; even though we are sending out some of our best leaders; even though our choir will decrease by 20%; even though our financial base is decreasing; it has been worth it! Through our investment with Community Church of the Heart (church plant) we have had the privilege of participating in a ministry that is changing lives. Even though Community Church of the Heart has not yet launched public services, one young man has received Jesus as Savior, numerous unchurched have come into the community, people have grown in their spiritual maturity and passion for the lost, and several adults have been able to develop their giftedness We have not been depleted, we have been blessed Our ministries have not suffered and it will be a privilege to partner with the next church plant in 'Our area
Be very careful how you answer the question, "Is the time right to partner in planting a new church?" Choose to see and respond to the question through the eyes of God and you will experience the blessings of seeing disciples being made through church planting
MISSION USA RELOCATING PLANT IN BREVARD
OFFICE MOVES TO FRESNO
Shift announced in North Carolina church plant MBF
Plans for a church plant in Asheville, N.C , have shifted, according to Ed Boschman, Mission USA executive director MUSA had announced that it would be starting the pre-launch of a new church in South Asheville at the end of this summer with Peter John Thomas as church planter .
After living onsite for the past year and assessing the opportunities, Thomas has reconsidered the plan that he
MISSI
and MUSAhad agreed upon and is taking steps towards an alternative church plant option in Brevard, a communi-
READERS ARE INVITED TO S IGN-UP
ty 20 minutes from Asheville. Asheville is located in eastern North Carolina.
"Although he [Thomas] intends for the church to be within the Mennonite Brethren family, the partnership details are under review," says Boschman in a MUSA news release. MUSA's current investment is limited to consulting, advising, prayer and spiritual support, says Boschman
"God has given me a fresh vision to plant a church based on the
USAPrinciPleS
in Acts 2:42-47 with the focus being on spiritual community within a house church setting," says Thomas in the release.
MBMSI German language newsletter available
D eaders of the Gerlanguage are invited to sign-up for a monthly e-mail newsletter published by MBMS International. 1m Brennpunkt (In Focus) is edited by Franz Rathmair, MBMSI Europe director The newsletter reports in the German language on
God's work in and through the worldwide MB community and its missionaries. To subscribe online to the free newsletter, write subscribe@ imbrennpunkt. com Back issues from March to the present can be read at http :// imbrennpunkt .com . - MBMSI
The MB Foundation Pacific District office has been relocated from Bakersfield to Fresno, Calif. Ross Merritt, MBF stewardship/planned giving advisor, is now located at 2224 North Fine Avenue, Suite .10 .1 The toll free telephone number remains the same, (888) 339-8845. The local telephone number Is (559) 458-7208
Merritt's offtce Is located In something of an Anabaptist stewardship headquarters. Mennonite Mutual Aid regional offices share the same complex. MBF Is a service agency whose primary mission Is to encourage and assist Christians In the faithful stewardship of their God given resources to benefit themselves, their families and the ministry of the church.-CL
TABOR GRADUATES 120: One hundred and twenty graduates received degrees at the 91st Tabor College commencement ceremony, May 19. Gaylord Goertzen, pastor of Ebenfeld MB Church, Hillsboro, Kan., addressed the graduates on God's plan for their lives. TC Is a four-year, Christian liberal arts Institution owned by the Central, latin America, North Carolina and Southem MB Conferences. -TC
MO NEWS
New regional rep
-Gerald Hildebrand will be the MBMS International regional representative for Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and eastern Canada, beginning next month. He will be based In Winnipeg, Man. Hildebrand joins Mike Yutzy, based In Wichita, Kan., and Don Klaassen In Abbotsford B.C., as regional representatives working fulltime for the mission agency. -MBMSI
out
-Uncommon Acts, a student drama group, will be representing Tabor College this summer at camps and churches across the Midwest. Using a variety of sketches ranging from comedy to interactive, the group hopes to develop relationships with pre-college students and encourage them to grow spiritually. Tabor is a four·year, Christian liberal arts institution founded in 1908, and located In Hillsboro, Kan. -TC
Honoring Steinerts
-A new dining and office building planned for the Fresno Pacific University campus will be named Steinert Campus Center, In honor of Marvin and Nadene Steinert, announced the FPU board of trustees following their meeting June 89. Formerly known as university commons or the dining commons, the singlestory structure will contain general dining for students, faculty and staff as well as separate space for special events. A student development leadership center and offices for the student life division are also part of the plan. Pacific Bookshop is slated to expand and move Into the present food-service facilities In Alumni Hall. Groundbreaklng for the $3.5 million center, to be located between Alumni Hall and Holman Park, could take place this fall. The campus center will also include a new amphitheater thanks to the generosity of Max and Charlotte Steinert who have pledged the cost of the amphitheater, now estimated at $30,00()'50,OOO. -FPU
MB FACULTV HONORED WITH AWARDS AND APPOINTMENT
Academia and beyo nd
.RecentlY
In the spotlight are two faculty members of Fresno Pacific University, an MB university located In Central CalIfornia, and a faculty member of Tabor C0llege, an MB college In Hillsboro, Kan
Andresen honored AnIta Andresen, FJes. no Paclftc University fac>. uIty member since 1989, was recognized for her contributions to the unIversity and named a fac>. uIty emertta by the university board of tnlstees last month In 1996 she received the FPO PresIdent's DIstInguished ServlceAwani.
Andresen was the ftrst woman to serve as an academic dean at the university. She served as dean of the school of professional studies for seven and one-half years and faculty In the administrative services program for four and one-half years.
While Andresen was dean of professional studies, the school moved forward technoI logically, expanded local outreach and gained national exposure. In administrative services, she helped establish a non-credlt program, develop and supervise the TIer 2 program and write a handbook for the Internship program. She also supervised Interns and fteId projects -FPU
Poetker on MWC planning commission
Katrina Poetker, of College Community Church In Clovis, Calif , Is representing North America on the Mennonite World Conference International Planning Commission The commission vested with the responsibility of helping MWC outline Its shape and future, met for the first time In April In Fresno. The commission, which Includes seven appointed mern-
Making way
Thanks to community cooperation and constituency support, Mennonite Central Committee rebuilding projects in the earthquake devastated country of El Salvador are progressing rapidly. Work and Learn Teams from North America are assisting in construction
MCC's initial commitment to earthquake response was $400,000, most of which was to go to building 200 to 300 homes . As of the end of April, MCC had received $730,907 for EI Salvador earthquake-related projects. MCC now plans to build more than 400 homes and continues to explore options for future projects. -MCC
bers and two staff persons, hopes to have Its work done by the time of the next global assembly scheduled for Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, In August 2003 Poetker teaches at Fresno Paclf. ic University. - MWC
Harder receives teaching excellence award
Judy Harder, Tabor College assistant professor of communications and drama, received the 2000-2001 Clarence Hiebert Excellence in Teaching Award given annually to a member of the faculty who best exemplifies the qualities of excellent teaching The honor includes a $2,500 cash award, given by an anonymous donor Harder Is a 1968 TC graduate and earned her masters from Wichita (Kan.) State University. She came to Tabor In 1990 and Is currently chair of the communications department. - TC
A lO-person Mennonite delegation ..n.rrom the Democratic Republic of Congo and Quebec, Canada-including three Mennonite Brethren-visited France and Switzerland Aprill-ll to become better acquainted with each other and to continue the development I of an international Francophone network under the auspices of Menno-
nite World Conference Seven of the _--guests came from the Congo, and / " three from Quebec -MWC
CHURCH NEWS
CHURCH
NEWS FROM OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
Baptism/membership
Olathe, Kan. (Community Bible)John Gramza, Rachel Hood and Chris LaBelle were baptized and received into membership June 10. Humberto and Dora Forero, Barry and Mary Goodwin, and Butch, Donna and Kim Hull were also welcomed as new members.
Denver, Colo. (Garden Park)Rayme Allen, Rocky Kavach, Andy Neufeld and Doug Wells were baptized June 10. A potluck meal followed the baptism Clovis, Calif. (College Community)- Jim Harrison was accepted as a member by transfer June 3. Wemer and Elsie Ann Kroeker were welcomed as associate members with their full membership remaining at Lincoln Glen MB Church in San Jose, Calif.
Draper, Utah (South Mountain)Rodney Orr and Jackie Orr were baptized May 27. Wendy Parker, Susan Bechard, Drew Bechard, Sara Bechard, Haley Bechard, Mary Berg, Garrett Deer, Stephanie Pratt, Kathy Gatewood and Bennie Gatewood were baptized June 3
Bakersfield, Calif. (Laurelglen)Erika Braun, Donna Dullum, Cindy Fisher, Virginia Frydenlund, Layton and Margie Lynch, Kristine Peterson and Cliff Turk were welcomed as new members May 27.
Hillsboro. Kan. (Parkview)-Andy Brubacher, Peter Fast, Josh Garrett, J.D Tippin, Matt TIppin and Tyler Weinbrenner were baptized May 6 and received into membership. Steve and Angel Garrett, Dean, Beth and Justin Hein and Joel and Lori Soo Hoo were welcomed into membership. Sylvia Bribiesca was baptized.
San Jose. Calif. (Uncoln Glen)Scott Cosso, Bill Faulconer, Donna Heinrichs, Kaity Hendra, Victor Klassen, Katherine Paolini, Barbara Thomas, Juliet Thomas, Matt Wiens and Tim Wisser were welcomed into membership this spring.
Blaine, Wash (Birch Bay Bible Community)- Kate Groen, Jeremy Lind, Jonathan Reimer, Bob Gwaltney, Stacy MeKovitch and Joe Loucks were baptized and welcomed into membership April 15. Joining upon confession of faith were Johanna Loucks, Bob and Christine Davis, Carl
and Mary Durksen.
Workers
Ulysses. Kan.-Nathan Gift, 2001 MB Biblical Seminary graduate, will be installed July 15 as pastor He and his wife Cherylen have four children.
Henderson, Neb. -J. Edward Epp will be installed as senior pastor July 15 He and his wife Lisa have two sons; they have been serving the Lust re (Mont.) MB Church. In preparation for their ministry in Henderson, the deacons asked the congregation to set aside Wednesdays in June for prayer. A special prayer gathering was held June 13.
Cordell, Okla. (Bible)-Kevin Creed, interim pastor during the past school year, has begun serving as the long-term pastor. Creed was installed June 10 following a fellowship meal.
Lawton, Okla. (Faith Bible)-Russell Schmidt has accepted the call to serve as pastor and will begin this month. He has most recently worked with MBMS International as program director for Asia and he and his wife Elizabeth were missionaries in Thailand.
Indiahoma. Okla. (Post Oak)Charles Rempel was installed as pastor June 10.
Enid, Okla.-Nathan Templin of
Cheyenne Wells, Colo., was installed June 24 as the youth pastor. He was raised in Mexico where his parents were missionaries and was most recently a high school teacher. A fellowship meal followed the installation.
Mountain Lake, Minn.-Ron Seibel has resigned as pastor as of June 3 He and his wife Kathy have not announced their future plans but they anticipate moving at the end of the summer.
VISalia, Calif. (Neighborhood)-An appreciation luncheon was held June 10 to honor Kelley Coughlin who completed her ministry as pastor of children's ministry. She had served since July 1998. Vernon Janzen has completed his ministry as associate pastor of pastoral care ministry. A luncheon June 24 celebrated his legacy at Neighborhood Church and his retirement from formal ministry.
Coninsville. Okla. (Westport)Summer ministry interns are Tabor College students Jesse Warkentin in worship and Luke Heim in youth.
Adams. Okla.-Bernardo Gutierrez is serving as a summer intern.
Deaths
BARTEl.., MARIE PENNER, Reedley,
Calif., a member of Kingsburg (Calif ) MB Church, was born Jan. 5,1910, to Jacob and Susanna Penner at Woodward, Okla., and died April 18, 2001, at the age of91. On April 14, 1929, she was married to Leonard Bartel, who predeceased her in 1983. She is survived by five daughters, Eleanor and husband Ernie Siemens of Lethbridge, Alta , Linda and husband Deibert Wiest of Dinuba. Calif., Erma and husband Richard Gerbrandt of Reedley. Reola and husband Vern Eason of Fresno, Calif., and Doris and husband Fred Harlan of Chicago, III.; three sons, Wesley and wife Lois of Madera, Calif., Jonah and wife Shirley of Salem, Ore., and Loyal and wife Rachel of Clovis, Calif.; four sisters, Minnie Braun of Oklahoma, Agatha and husband Bill Wohlgemuth of Kansas, Esther and husband Herb Wichert and Evelyn and husband Menno Toews, all of California, 19 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren.
BULLER, WALTER JOHN. Fresno, Calif., was born Aug. 2,1909, near Munich, N.D., and died May 18. 2001. at the age of 91. On Dec. 4,1927, he was married to Martha Schultz, who predeceased him in 1992. On Oct. 28, 1995, he was married to Eulah Grant, who survives. He is also survived by his children, Don and wife Marilyn,
OKLAHOMA CHURCH CELEBRATES ATTENDANCE OF 500
Carnival a successful outreach event
Organizers of the recent End of School Camlval hosted by Westport MB Church of Collinsville, Okla., are hoping that the successful event will have done more than entertain the neighborhood children. Given that 80 percent of the 500 camlval guests are not attending WMBO, event organizer Mike Furches says, "Hopefully this will be the start of an out· reach service that will ultimately reach our neighborhood for the Lord " WMBC Is located half way between Collinsville and neighboring OWasso and Is :1.5 minutes north of Tulsa. The area has experienced a tremendous rate of growth In recent years As a result, numerous communities have sprung up around the
church. Westport Is uniquely positioned to be of service to these neighborhoods due to Its centralized location, says Furches
The camlval, held May 25, was planned In less than six weeks to provide an outreach event to these communltl.es. It Included balloon games and camlval activities for all ages and speCial games and prizes for small children. Free hot dogs, popcom and soft drinks were alsO provided The camlval was provided at no cost to those partiCipatIng
The primary purpose of the carnival was to let the nel_bors know, "w, a here, they are welcome, and ,., lOOking for a church home we would love to have them," says Furches••
Evelyn and husband Marvin Koop and Ken and wife Rosalee; one sister, Linda Wiens; one brother, Alvin Buller, seven grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren
FAST, BETTY ANN. Fairview, Okla., a member of Fairview MB Church, was born Feb. 19, 1930, to Albert and Esther Schwindt Isaak at Fairview and died May 30, 2001, at the age of 71 On June 13, 1948, she was married to Harold Fast, who survives She is also survived by two daughters, Carolyn and husband Dennis Thompson of Stillwater, Okla , and Pam and husband Kevin Hipsher of Fairview, one brother Ed Korell and wife Gerry of Oklahoma City, Okla , and two grandsons
KUEWER. MENNO L.• of Reedley (Calif ) MB Church, was born Dec 15, 1921, to Peter J. and Susana Buller Kliewer near Henderson, Neb , and died May 18, 2001, at the age of 79 On Aug. 8, 1947, he was married to Ann Fast, who survives. He is also survived by his four sons, Ralph, Paul, Gene and Lynn and their wives, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild
PENNER. EUZABETH ANN REGIER. Wichita, Kan., a charter member of First MB Church of Wichita, was born to Abraham T. and Lizzie Balzer Regier Nov. 25, 1912, at Hooker, Okla., and died May 23,2001, at the age of 89. On May 15, 1949, she was married to Menno Penner, who predeceased her. She is survived by two brothers, Henry Regier of San Jose, Calif., and Wilbert Regier of Buhler, Kan ; three sisters, Bertha Ensz of Buhler, Minnie Siebert of Hutchinson, Kan , and Irene Soyez of Cedar Point. Kan ; nephews, nieces, and a multitude of "adopted" children and grandchildren
PINTER. NORMA JEAN BARTEL. Oreland, Penn., was born April 11, 1932, to Emil and Martha Duerksen Bartel near Hillsboro, Kan , and died
May 7,2001, at the age of 69 In 1974, she was married to Albert Pinter, who survives She is also survived by one sister, Frieda Wall, and one brother Earl Bartel, both of Hillsboro
RATZlAFF, FAITH Shafter, Calif., a member of Shafter MB Church, was born March 21, 1924, to Wilbert and Margaret Stalter at Livingston County, III ., and died June 9,2001, at the age of 77. On August 3, 1947, she was married to Henry Ratzlaff, who survives She is also survived by two sons, Stan and wife Linda of Fullerton, Calif , and David and wife Marilyn of Shafter; six daughters, Lois and husband Ken Seybels of Fullerton, calif , Margaret and husband Dennis Jones of Wash ington, Chris and husband Randy Bergman, Ruth Ratzlaff and carol Ratzlaff, all of Shafter and Joyce and husband Rick Wilson of Bakersfield, Calif.; four brothers, Darrell Stalter of Illinois, Roland Stalter of Wisconsin, Kenneth Stalter and Wesley Stalter both of Illinois, and 13 grandchildren
SCHROEDER. MENNO Buhler, Kan , a member of Buhler MB Church, was born July 17,1915, to Henry H and Margaretha Neufeldt Schroeder near Moundridge, Kan ., and died Dec 30, 2000, at the age of 85 On May 22, 1938, he was married to Lavina L. Prieb, who survives He is also survived by five sons, Dale and wife Phyllis of Denver, Colo , Jerry of Bradenton, Fla , Harold and wife Phyllis of Buhler, Rodney and wife Linda, Roger and wife Marietta, all of Hutchinson; one daughter, Jolene and husband Brad Snyder of Silver Lake, Kan .; three brothers, Arthur, Alvin and Irvin, all of Buhler; one sister, Frieda Siemens of Buhler, 15 grandchildren, three step-grand children and 11 great grandchildren
SUDERMAN, MARTHA EYTZEN
DICK, Mountain Lake, Minn , was born Sept 27,1907 in Carson Township in Cottonwood County, Minn.,
to Jacob and Maria Wiebe Eytzen and d ied Aug 27, 2000, at the age of 92 On Feb 1, 1931, she was married to Jacob Dick, who predeceased her in 1970. On Aug. 18, 1979, she was married to Leonard P. Suderman, who predeceased her in 1994 She is survived by two daughters, Marcella and husband Eldon Claassen of Santa Clara, Calif , and Grace Pauls of New Haven, Conn .; three sons, Daniel and wife Dorcas Pohl of Houston, Texas, Thomas and wife Betty of Fort Gibson, Okla , and Ashley and wife Nancy of Fresno, Calif ; four stepchildren, Jean Suderman of Windom, Minn , Leland and wife Marilyn Suderman of Dallas, Ore , Emery and wife Inez Suderman of Pharr, Texas, and Elsie and husband Art Rahn of Mountain Lake; two sisters, Helen Ratzloff and Esther Klassen, both of Mountain Lake, 10 grandchildren, 27 step-grandchildren and 25 step-great grandchildren
FUNK, DELMA JUNE, Wichita, Kan., a member of First MB Church of Wichita, was born Aug 8,1935, to Ike and Anna Thiessen near Conway, Kan , and died May 15, 2001, atthe age of 66. On June 8, 1956, she was married to Monroe Funk, who survives She is also survived by three children; Brad and wife Sharon of Colby, Kan., Bevand husband Joel Friesen of Wichita, and Deb and husband Dale Brubacher of Hesston, Kan ; one brother, Leland Thiessen of Henderson, Neb.; one sister, Lois Williams of Wichita, and eight grandchildren
HAMm.IDELLA, a member of North Fresno MB Church of Fresno, Calif , was born to Orville and Evelyn Trtus at EI Centro, Calif , on Feb. 14, 1939, and died May 11, 2001, at the age of 62. On Jan. 15, 1977, she was married to Stan Hamett. who survives. She is also survived by two sons, Russel and Keith; three daughters, Julie, Linda, and Rochelle, and
FOUR CHURCHES COMBINE FOR FINAL ENCORE CONCERT
Concert invites others to experience God
I t was probably Just an accident that the choir directors of four Callfomla Central Valley MB congregations chose the "experiencing God" musical for Easter season concerts But that coincidence provided the four churches with the unique opportunity to combine forces for a final .ncore concert.
A total of 194 choir and orchestra members from Reedley (Calif ) MB Church, thany MB Church of Fresno, Calif , Lag. relglen Bible Church of Bakersfield, Calif , and Neighborhood Church of VIsalia, Calif , presented the June 3 concert at Reedley
MB Church Bob Plett, Reedley pastor of music and worship, organized the encore concert but each director directed a portion of the program. Choir members from the four churches also provided the solo and small ensemble numbers
The musical Is based on the popular Henry T. Blackaby study material of the same name Plett describes the musical as powerful, moving and worshipful He says audience members at the Individual concerts as well as the encore concert made decisions for Christ as a result of the presentations •
eight grandsons
KLASSEN JOHN, Abbotsford, B C., a member of Bakerview MB Church of Abbotsford and an MBMS International missionary to Brazil from 1959 to 1996, was born at Blumenhof, Sask., Nov 27, 1931, to John F. and Maria Martens Klassen and died May 2,2001, atthe age of 69. In 1956, he was married to Patricia Moore, who survives He is also survived by his mother, four children, Vickie and husband Ezekiel Pessoa, Nancy, John (Bud) and wife Cle ide and Sue and husband Johann Zimmermann, and eight grandchildren
REIMER. MINNIE Corn, Okla , a member of Corn MB Church, was bom July 1, 1918, to Jacob J. and Minnie Hiebert Regier at Corn and died May 31,2001, at the age of 82 years. On Nov. 20,1941, she was married to Eugene Reimer, who predeceased her She is survived by two daughters, Karen and husband Leon Neufeld of Fairview, Okla., and Phyllis and Richard Pankratz of Topeka, Kan ; one sister, Alvina Bergman of Com; one brother, Henry and wife Frieda of Corn; two sisters-in-law Shirley Regier of Weatherford, Okla , and Virginia Reimer of Port Neches, Texas, three grandchildren and four great grandchildren
VOTH, MATHILDA, Fresno, Calif., was born Aug. 10, 1911 , at Corn, Okla., to Abram B. and Lena Nikkel and died Oct 27, 2000, at the age of 89. On March 8, 1934, she was married to Alvin Voth, who predeceased her She is survived by her son Wayne, daughter Herwanna and one brother, Ed Nikkel of Ashburn, Va.
WAHl., Lizzie, Fairview, Okla , was born Aug 3,1908, to August and Helena Neufeld Wahl at Fairview and died June 8, 2001, at the age of 92 She is survived by one sister, Paulena of Fairview, seven nieces and nephews and their families.
WILLEMS. JACOB J Dinuba, Calif., a member of Reedley (Calif ) MB Church, was born April 18, 1914, to Jacob C. and Helena Zimmerman Willems at Waldheim, Sask., and died May 20, 2001, at the age of 87. On Jan 14, 1936, he was married to Agnes Young, who predeceased him On Feb 21, 1987, he was married to Jimmie Ladd, who survives. He is also survived by three daughters, Loretta and husband William Haney of Columbia, Mo , Juanita and husband Ernest Stebbins of Santa Barbara, Calif , and Jacqueline and husband Michael Baker of Phoenix, Ariz ; seven brothers and sisters, John Willems of Dinuba, Frank Willems of Hillsboro, Kan , Ed Willems of Lodi, calif , Mary Davis of Dinuba, Elizabeth Shannon of Fresno, Calif , Martha Long of Visalia and Rosella Noble of Selma, Calif , four grandchildren and two great grandchildren
Clearinghouse
Have a position to fill? Looking for a new employment or m i nistry opportunity? Have a gathering or celebration to promote? Reach U.S. Mennonite Brethren through a Clearinghouse classified ad. The charge is 46 cents per word, with a $15 minimum. Withhold payment until an invoice is received. MB institutions advertising vacancies or position announcements may be eligible for a no-cost ad. Contact the editor for more information.
EMPLOYMENT-CHURCH
Senior Pastor
New Church Plant. A family orientated church in West Abbotsford, B.C. is searching for an experienced senior pastor who is looking for a new challenge. Our ideal candidate should be enthusiastic about his role in equipping the members for life's challenges in a proactive way. We desire a balance between a seeking and nurturing ministry where there is member involvement and strong spiritual growth Senior pastor or senior associate experience necessary. Reply in strict confidence to the attention of personnel committee. E-mail: dgscom@yahoo.com, fax: (604) 850-3007 or mail to P.O Box 518 Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 5Z5.
EMPLOYMENT-OTHER
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer: Garden Spot Village (GSV), a Mennonite-affiliated retirement community, seeks a visionary CEO with strong financial acumen and operational experience to lead its new and rapidly growing campus in Southeast Pennsylvania. Located at New HoIland in historic Lancaster County, GSV provides independent living and assisted living services to over 500 residents. Construction is under way to add healthcare beds, dementia programming and a community center. Minimum candidate requirements are: Christian actively involved in local congregation, appreciation of Mennonite/Anabaptist heritage, Masters level education, 8 years of senior management experience, and strong inter-personal skills. Preferred candidates will have extensive retirement community experience. Send inquiries to: Kirk Stiffney, Mennonite Health Services, 234 S. Main St., Suite A, Goshen, IN 46526, fax: (219) 534-3254 or e-mail: KirkStiffney@aol.com
MCC leaders needed
Is God urging you to use your leadership abilities, management skills and three years of cross-cultural experience to serve others through MCC? MCC needs people to provide leadership, starting this year or early 2002, in EI Salvador, Ethiopia, Zambia, Congo, Colombia, South Florida, Vietnam, Laos, Philippines, Egypt and Sudan. MCC will need leaders, starting in spring/summer 2002, for these locations: Guatemala, Kenya, Russia/Ukraine, Mexico, Mozambique, Tanzania, Bolivia, South East Europe and South Africa/Lesotho/Swaziland. Plan ahead Apply now Contact Charmayne Brubaker, Human Resources, (717) 859-1151, <cdb@mcc.org> or your nearest MCC office for job descriptions and more information about these upcoming MCC leadership openings.•
WHnTED-Web Site Hduisorg Committee members
A national web site for the U.S. Conference of MB Churches and our ministries will soon be online. We are looking for people to provide technical expertise and/or leadership in the continuing development and oversight of the site. Terms will be either one or two years, and all communication and meetings will be held online or by telephone. If you are Interested or would like more information, please contact Carmen Andres at
2001
Itinerary and Invitation
CPE, under the sponsorship of MBMS International, invites born-again Christians to serve as volunteers for its evangelism outreach to:
NOTE: Dates may be subject to some changes, pending further confirmation of some campaigns.
• Team up with national Christians and witness for Christ door-to-door.
• Some knowledge of the language of the country is helpful.
• Between 800 and 2800 persons have prayed to accept Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord during a two-week CPE campaign. Come and be part of an enriching spiritual experience-discover what God can do through you.
For further information, contact:
Church Partnership Evangelism office: telephone/fax: 604-864-3941
Peter Loewen (residence) fax: 604-853-6482
Church Partnership Evangelism is a "church-to-church" effort that involves all bornagain Christians in personal evangelism worldwide. Your application to participate will be forwarded to the CPE Executive Committee for processing.
PETER LOEWEN
CPE Executive Director
HAROLD ENS
MBMS International General Director
If I were a Survivor
Last summer, I thought seriously about applying to be a contestant on Survivor II: The Australian Outback-for about one minute. Arachnophobic tendencies (I can't even look at a spider without getting chills) and a strong aversion to eating bugs quickly squashed that inspiration.
So instead, I went after my husband and my best friend to apply. They both have good backgrounds that would make them attractive to the interviewers. My husband grew up on a missionary base in Indonesia, where he played with spiders the size of your hand and lived through several bouts with malaria. My best friend, now in her mid-50s, lived with her husband and three kids in a 16 foot by 8 foot cabin-with no running water and little electricity-in the early '70s and today frequently scuba dives and backpacks.
Neither of them took me seriously, but I still think they'd be perfect Why? Not because of their survival abilities, though that's what the show would be looking for. No, I think they'd be perfect because they are both committed and authentic Christians.
I'm one of the millions who watch the Survivor series each week. But it isn't the money or guessing who's going to win that intrigues me. What really draws me in is watching selfprofessed Christians under scrutiny.
Since the series began, at least four contestants have indicated in one way or another that they are Christians Dirk Been, a contestant on the first series, brought a Bible as his one "luxury item" and talked about his faith both to the camera and his fellow contestants. On the second series, three contestants indicated they were Christians: Rodger Bingham (who also brought a Bible), Tina Wesson (a member of the Christian Athletes Association) and Micheal Skupin (who owns a Christian software company).
Each week, I watch to see how the Christian contestants will act-and how the show's creators and writers will portray them. Will the cameras show them praying? Reading the Bible? Talking about their faith? Do the Christians live their talk? And, how do they "play the game"?
That last question is the most important. You see, I think Survivor is much more than "just a game." I think the show reveals how the contestants-and viewers-approach life.
"You have to switch hats in this game," says Colby Donaldson, the runner-up in the second series, in the final episode. "Sometimes you wear a white hat, sometimes a black hat. Hopefully by the end of the game you've worn a white hat more of the time than a black hat "
That is a popular philosophy in our culture. In the spirit or name of competition or people often excuse and justify unethical behavior. It is a way many view life in general.
On the other hand, Rodger Bingham says on the final episode of the second series, "I hope that whoever won will have played as morally and ethically as physically possible " Bingham reflected this philosophy in his actions. At one
point another contestant asked him who needed the money more, he or Elisabeth Filarski (another contestant) . He answered straightforwardly that Filarski needed it more, essentially sealing his fate to be the next one voted off. The money wasn't the most important thing-but his integrity was.
Viewer comments about Survivor are just as enlightening as those of the contestants. Since the series premiered, I've asked many people questions like: How would you play? Would you play to win? Would you make alliances? How would you treat people? How would you talk with them? If one of your teammates asked you how you were going to vote, what would you say? Would you withhold the truth? Would you lie?
Many people-both Christian and non-Christian-say they would approach Survivor the same way they would sports or a card game. ''You play to win," they say. "It's just a game " What about lying or misleading people? "Well, it's part of the game," most answered. "Or it's like business-sometimes the next guy gets hurt, but that's just the way it is."
Survivor has far-reaching implications on how we view life. Ifwe can reduce something in our minds to "just a game"-or "just business"-we take God out of it. Essentially we are saying, "This is separate from the rest of my life, and I don't need to apply my faith here." Faith becomes a component of our lives rather than our life, a part of it rather than the whole.
I applaud the Christians who make it to Survivor. I am not sure I could do it. Besides the bugs and starvation, I don't know that I'd want millions of people watching to see if I slip up in my faith-because that would be the most important aspect of the "game" as a Christian. How far could I get living as a disciple of Jesus? Could I be and act as an authentic disciple of Jesus and still win the game? Taking my eyes off Jesus for one minute and putting them on the money would be all it would take to stumble and fall
But what makes that so different from our everyday life? When we take our eyes offJesus and put them on money, leisure or anything else, we stumble and fall. We do questionable things in the name of the game, business or success when our eyes are on the wrong finish line.
Jesus isn't just part of our life. He is our life. He is the goal. He is the one by which we judge every single action, thought and motivation-whether it is in our family life, business life or competing in a game like Survivor. There is no such thing as "just a game." There is no such thing as "just business." There is only our life and how we live it-period.
Of all of the contestants, Been and Bingham have my utmost respect. Millions of people watched them live an authentic Christian life. They saw a real faith versus one that was only a component of their lives. They saw that authentic Christians are real people. Perhaps they thought, "I want what they have " That's what I'd hope people would say if I were a Survivor That's what I pray to be every day. -CA
