We live at full volume thanks to a culture that excels at creating noise Its time to turn down the volume and think about all the noise we allow to enter our days because that noise often squelches Gods voice The challenge our congregations face is helping one another become reacquainted with silence and solitude.
13 HOMESICK by
Steve Ganger
Many of the 120 million houses and apartments in America today are suffering from "homesickness"they've lost their families. Why are so few households cultivating healthy homest What can families do to make their house a home againt
16 FOR BETTER OR WORSE, FOR BUSY OR BUSIER
By Gerald W. and L. Marlene Kaufman
Busyness sabotages marriage. Marriage prospers when we eliminate excessive activities in order to preserve time for each other. But too often our marriages are casualties of schedules that are out of control
Cover photo by Megan Garden of Hutchinson. Kan Megan entered this photo of Lauren Lund at Newport Beach in the Anaheim '07 photo contest. Megan is from Buhler (Kan.) MB Church and graduated from high school this spring
> FiRST WORDS
(from the editor]
FOUR YEARS AGO ROD SUESS, THEN PASTOR OF BUlLER Avenue Church in Fresno, Calif , came to church member Luetta Reimer with a request. Would Luetta, an English professor at Fresno Pacific University, write a narrative story about the life of co-pastor Phone Keo Keovilay. 'l\fter sharing pastoral responsibilities with Phone Keo, Rod was convinced that everyone in the church should have a greater realization of the incredible gift Phone Keo was to Christ's church as well as to Butler," Luetta said in an e-mail conversation she and I had last month.
So Luetta talked with Phone Keo, and the story she wrote was copied and distributed several Sunday mornings to Butler Avenue's English-speaking congregation. It was also translated for Butler's Spanish-language congregation . In 2003 the Mennonite Weekly Review published the story in three installments. Leader assistant editor Myra Holmes has condensed the story-not an easy task given the twists and turns Phone Keo and his wife, Chansone, have encountered -and it opens our news section this month
When I asked Luetta about her impressions of Phone Keo, she says , "Most amazing to me is Phone Keo's absolute lack of bitterness or anger Resentment from the brutal treatment he received seems to have been erased by the grace of God."
Luetta says the process of writing this story ignited a friendship between herself and Phone Keo. "I treasure his candor and his willingness to revisit some horrible memories," she says "While 1 can't begin to understand the physical and emotional pain Phone Keo has endured, 1 am filled with awe and appreciation for how he has chosen to respond by sacrificially serving God and the people at Butler."
One of Luetta's hopes was that Phone Keo's story would encourage people in her congregation to connect with Phone Keo and to understand the forces that shaped his character and his determination to minister to the Khmu people It seems to me that swapping stories would benefit many congregations. It is good in a church family to share our stories so that we better understand one another. Our stories may not be as dramatic as Phone Keo's but all the same, every story is part of God's great transforming work.-CF
> QUOT ABLE
"Man was not an accident and reflects an image and likeness unique in the created order Those aspects of evolutionary theory compatible with this truth are a welcome addition to human knowledge. Aspects of these theories that undermine this truth, however, should be firmly rejected as an atheistic theology posing as science."-Sam Brownback, writing May 31 in New York Times clarifying his stand on evolution foUowing the first Republican presidential debate.
> UP & COMING
• Aug. 2 - 3-Southem District Conference Pastors' Gathering . Hays . Kan .
• Aug 3-5-Southem District Conference Convention Hays. Kan
• Nov. 2-3 - Pacific District Conference Convention Shafter. Calif
July 2007 Vo lume 70 Number 7
Connie Faber EDITOR
Myra Holmes ASSISTANT EDITOR
Elai ne Ewert GR APHIC DESIGNER
MAN DATE The Christian Leader Ii SS N 00 09 -5 1491 i s pu blis he d m o nt hly by t he U.S. Con fe r e n ce of Mennon it e Bret hre n Ch urches. The Chr is t ia n Leader se ek s t o infor m Menn onit e Bret h ren mem ber s an d churches of the event s. ac ti vit ies , deci si ons and issu es of t heir denomi nat io n, an d to i nstruc t , in sp ire and init iat e dial ogu e so m em ber s w ill aspire t o be fa ith ful di sci ples of Ch r i st as unde r stood in the eva ngel ic aVAna baptist t heo l ogical tra diti on
EDITOR IAL POLICY The views ex pressed in t his publication do not nec essar ily re pres ent t he pOS it i on of t h e Chris tia n Leader, th e U.S. Co nferen ce Lea de r shi p Boa r d or t he Men noni te Brethren Chu r ch Scrip t ure re ferenc es are f r om N ew Intern ationa l Ver si on unless ot he rwi se noted The edi tor s invi t e free lan ce article submi ssi on s A SASE m ust ac compa ny art icles.
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CONNIE FABER
> READERS SAY
Sound solutions
My hearing aids have solved the problem described by Eunice Wiens (Readers Say, May Z007). They have a push button that will select three levels of sound. The loudest is for conversation, and I can now hear all of the discussion in Sunday school. The second level is somewhat muted and is the level I use in church with the loud music . The third level mutes the sound very much. I have used this level in extremely loud places Each level is programmed at the wearer's request. It really is great
Wally Loewen, Reedley, Calif
Third view of heD
In response to Marvin Hein's discussion about hell (Inquiring Minds, May Z007), there is a third position not mentioned but taught by many sincere Bible scholars and believers in Jesus Christ throughout the ages. This view holds that the redemptive death of Jesus was not only effective for a tiny minority of humanity who hear the gospel and pray a sinner's prayer before they die, but rather as the apostle Paul states in I Timothy 4:10, "God is the Savior of all men" and again in Colossians I:ZO, "Having made peace through the blood of his cross to reconcile all things unto himself."
God in his divine love may use "fire and sulfur" (brimstone), not as instruments of torture but rather as part of the process to purify and bring about restoration. However this process is not "for ever and ever." The words in the Bible translated "everlasting" or "eternal" are all forms of the Greek word aion which literally means an age or period of time. Any artempt to make this mean "eternal" is merely an interpretation, not a translation.
Some of the many beloved saints in church history who have believed in "universal reconciliation" are Origen, Clement of Alexandria, Hans Denck (Anabaptist) , William Law, Sadhu Sundar Singh, George MacDonald, William Barclay, Andrew Murray and Hannah Whithall Smith.
Marvin Friesen, Fresno, Calif
Anaheim '07 volunteers
Thank you so much for the recent coverage of Anaheim '07 (May Z007). You really captured the spirit of the conference! On behalf of the planning team, we'd also like to thank you and your staff for your attendance and participation in the life of the event. It was fun to work alongside you.
There was one omission in the coverage that we would like to correct. Anaheim '07 wouldn't have been possible withoutthe participation of a large team of volunteers who worked very long hours . This wasn't just run by the three of us.
We'd like to name and acknowledge the planning team who invested time, energy, work and prayer into the event: Jeff Nikkel. Chris Eidse, Joanna Chapa, Kelly Thomas, Jeral Gross and Elizabeth Unruh Without these people we couldn't have made Anaheim '07 happen We would also
The editors invite readers to share their thoughts and opinions on topics relevant to the Mennonite Brethren Church using letters to the editor Letters should be on one topic, not exceed 300 words and include the writer's name and city Letters will be edited for clarity, appropriateness and length
like to acknowledge former U.S. Conference executive director Chuck Buller for encouraging us to take a risk on a new model and for supporting us through the process.
There were numerous other volunteers on the program , ministry track and Tourformation teams and we want to thank all of them as well.
Thank you again for the excellent coverage. We want to make sure that no one thinks this was a three-man show. It was the direct result of the U.S. Conference pulling together for the sake of our youth.
ruck Bartlett, Tim Neufeld, Wendell Loewen, Anaheim '07 co-chairs
One-sided picture
We felt uncomfortable with the ill-selected illustrations in Chris Eidse' article "Exerting our influence" (Conference Call, Aprilzo07) . He chose to single out the military in his discussion. Selecting two negative illustrations without a positive military illustration leaves a onesided picture It sounded much like the media's criticism of the military. We are pacifists by tradition and current belief. However we recognize that there are many Christians in the military and they, along with their fellow soldiers, have helped the Iraqis tremendously.
We would like to point out three specific ways that the military has worked in Iraq in doing good. One was reported in Parade magazine when Capt. Hurley of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commandeered bomb-sniffing dogs to organize a street cleanup where 50 volunteers and an Iraqi family toiled in nearly 100-degree heat to remove five truckloads of trash, weeds and crumbled concrete. Gulf Region Division Brig. Gen. Michael Walsh spent his z7th wedding anniversary working on the project.
Reader's Digest tells the story of a group of Marines who risked their lives, and some actually lost their lives, in an effort to save a baby with bladder exstrophy (a rare condition in which the organ develops outside the body). The Marines not only got the baby out of the surroundings so they could do surgery, but then made arrangements for the baby to be transported to the U.S. for further treatment.
Lieutenant Carey Cash, chaplain, in the book A Table in the Presence, tells of the "Operation Iraqi Freedom" portion of the war when his Marine battalion came into Baghdad and was implored by Iraqi civilians to help them. The people kept pointing to a large formidable structure with iron gates, frantically motioning to the Marines and pleading for help. Finally the Marines were able to open the structure and hundreds of children, mostly seven-IS year old boys - malnourished, filthy and with rags as clothingcame pouring from the building. They had been captured by Saddam Hussein's men and were to become forced soldiers in his army.
This is only the beginning They exerted their influence in a very positive way.
John and Caryl Wiebe, Hillsboro, Kan.
> READERS FORUM
Ministry magic
When a congregation works together, that's "magic"
Heritage Bible Church in Bakersfield. Calif.• hosted a ministry fair May 20. 2007 to offer a fresh look at opportunities to serve. It was the culminating event of Pastor Dave Froese's sermon series. "Discovering My Ministry." This series helped us understand how we are shaped for God's service.
After five weeks of teaching about how God uniquely gifts us for kingdom work. Pastor Dave gave us the opportunity to look afresh at the many ministry opportunities we have at HBC. Twenty different booths were set up displaying many ways to serve God with our gifts and talents as we celebrated Ministry Fair 2007, "Livin' in Your Sweet Spot."
building homes for people who live in substandard housing. There are so many ways we can assist this Christ-centered organization. from serving a meal to construction workers. to picking up a hammer and nails to assisting the building of a home for a family in dire need of decent housing.
Marty and Sally Gross. Deann Scott and Sandra Millard each visited Sunday school classes representing Youth for Christ's ministry opportunities in Kern County. sharing how we can assist this organization in reaching out to youth in our own community with God's message of love and redemption.
Cynthia Patton shared about Angel Tree. Prison Fellowship's ministry to children of incarcerated parents at Christmastime in the name of Christ.
LOVE INC's Carmel Hicks was here, showing how her organization helps the needy by "teaching people to fish" rather than just giving handouts. LOVE INC is a powerful presence in the community that deserves our attention and \Vhcn the various clements oJ the ministry Llir cam e participation. While HBC financially supports LOVE INC. the need is great for people to man their phones and do countless other tasks to bear up the burden of assisting the needy.
to ge ther, and the peo ple .. . wer e learning ho\v they co uld
become involve d ... that \\",lS
Does a ministry fair happen by magic? Well no. it isn't magic exactly. But it does happen when people like church secretary Kathy Beeghly spend hours fulfilling the needs of various ministries who need her to create and print brochures, brochures and more brochures. It happens when Delores Steinert. Jody Olsen and Ros and Kevin Malamma of the hospitality team barbecue 200 hotdogs, timed to be served right at the moment when the pastor's sermon is completed. It happens when a Disciple Making Community or small group commits to making enough potato salad to feed the entire church family.
A kind of magic happens when the youth pastor is out of town and so 17-year-old youth group member Andre Blanton gathers a couple of friends to help set up a booth in order to ensure that the youth are well represented. clear evidence that they have ministry minded hearts. too. It happens when the efforts of many. many people both in the church and in the community come together to show what is happening in the body of Christ. When all these elements came together at Heritage Bible Church, we had a magical atmosphere of pink and brown balloons. hot dogs. ice cream. homemade potato salad and service opportunities for all!
The Black Sheep Harley Davidsons for Christ motorcycle riders were there giving away "Blood Drops. " small red glass drops intended to remind us of the reason they meet to share their faith with fellow motorcycle riders who do not know Christ.
Christina Aronhalt of Habitat for Humanity brought information about the many opportunities for service with Habitat. offering assistance
The editors invite readers to share their thoughts and opinions on topics relevant to the Mennonite Brethren Church using Forum essays Forum is open to members and attendees of Mennonite Brethren congregations. Essays should not exceed 800 words and should include the writer's name, home church and occupation.
In addition, the church's many commissions and committees were represenred. including evangelism. missions, Mission Connection. children's ministries and hospitality. Other church opportunities included volunteering at the church office, working at a church picnic. assisting as an usher and/or greeter and joining the choir or worship music team Truly, there is something for everyone to do in the life of the church.
As I coordinated and organized this event in the course of my workday. I knew that there were many tasks to be done. But when it was all over. there really was a sense of "magic" about what had transpired. When all the various elements of the ministry fair came together. and the people atrived to spend an hour of their Sunday afternoon learning how they could become involved where the needs are great. that was God-inspired magic! It was a celebration of what it means to fit the shape that God has given us as individuals and as a church family
What really tickled me was the privilege of seeing the response of so many who signed up for various ministry opportunities. the many more who took brochures away to consider for future projects and all the openhearted. receptive people who actively participated discovering where they could best fit in God's family to serve with their special talents and abilities. When I see that much response from people's hearts to the needs placed before them. it shows me that God has indeed worked his love-inspired. wonderful magic.
MicheUe Welch is the office administrator at Heritage Bible Chu rch in Bakersfield, Calif This essay was also published in the church newsletter.
God's gift or Satan's tool?
Study conference on culture set for October in Abbotsford
The Canadian MB Conference Board of Faith and Life is hosting a study conference on culture, gospel and the church Oct. 11-13 at Bakerview MB Church in Abbotsford, BC. The plenary speaker will be George Hunsberger, contributing author in the Gospel and Our Culture Network conversation. Hunsberger is currently professor of congregational mission at Western Theological Seminary in Holland, Mich.
The study conference will address questions such as: Is culture a gift of God, or a tool of Satan? Is it a blessing, a curse or both? Is culture to be shunned or embraced, feared or domesticated, protected or crushed? Is it a "power" that "simply is" that is subservient to Christ's supremacy and God's providential sovereignty? Has not God always disclosed his kingdom in and through culture? Can Mennonite Brethren claim to have a workable theology of culture? Will our participation in the mission of God be hampered or enhanced by our predisposition toward culture?
The study conference will follow a format of plenary presenters and responders, while building in time for table discussion, an open microphone for feedback, prayer and worship. Bible study sessions and workshops dealing with practical ministry concerns are planned.
The Canadian MB Conference holds biennial study conferences; this year two additional events are being held in conjunction with the study conference. Saturday morning the Canadian MB Conference will hold its annual general meeting, as required by a new governance structure initiated in 2004 and finalized in 2006.
The U.S. Conference Leadership Board and the Canadian Conference Executive Board will meet Saturday afternoon together with representatives of MB Biblical Seminary and MBMS International, the North American denominational ministries owned jointly by the two national conferences.
Information and registration materials have been sent to all U.S. Mennonite Brethren churches and are available online at mbconf.ca/events.-from CBFL news releases
Cooking up a blessing for Low German women IIII).S
far as we know th is is the only Low German cookboo k in the world," says Helen Funk, Family Life Network Ge rman radio producer who created a full -color cookbook using her own recipes and photos T itled Met Helen en de Kyaak; (In the Kitchen with Helen), the book features over 100 recipes, along with proverbs, prayers and encouragements .
Many of the Mennonite women who receive the cookbook may not read, but Funk says their school -age daughte rs can read the recipes to them. Full of photos of Funk cooking with her grandchildren , th e family-oriented cookbook "will strengthen the bond between mothers and daughters "
C anadian churches have been invited to sponsor cookbooks and Funk appreciates the overwhelming support the project has generated The donor's name and chosen Bible verse is in serted inside ea ch book's cover "When I hand the Bolivian women the books 111 tell them, 'This woman in C anada is thinking of you '"
Funk says, "I want to encourage them , not just in cooking, but in everyday life I have seen the oppressiveness they are living under We're giving them a gift they will never forget. "
Funk produced the cookbooks to distribute at a Bolivian Bible sc hool she and her husband Jacob planned to teach at in June
Cookbooks will al so be sent to radio stations, miss ionaries and bookstores in Mexico, Paraguay, Germany, and Canada Funk has already begun work on a second volume
Individuals interested in sponsoring a cookbook for a woman in Bolivia. Mexico or Paraguay or in purchasing one, can call 1- 204667- 9576 or e-mail info@fln ca Family Life Network is an international media agency of the Mennonite Brethren Churches.-FLN
FPU offers new degree
This fall Fresno Pacific University's new criminology and restorative justice studies major will allow qualified adults to complete a bachelor's degree in a field with many openings for employment and a strong need for ethical leaders.
The university says its new criminology program stands out for several reasons: FPU's success in helping working adults complete bachelor's degrees, the focus on restorative justice that involves victims as well as offenders, and the moral and ethical foundation.
The university will offer a criminology, rather than a criminal justice, major. Criminology focuses on the study of criminal justice practices rather than the implementation of law enforcement .
Students will learn about crime and society, restorative approaches and social and psychological theories of crime, criminals and society. The program is part of the FPU School of Humanities, Religion and Social Sciences.
FPU has been on the forefront of these practices through its Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies, which was recently honored with a statewide award by the California Community Justice Project and Partners in Restorative Justice Board of Directors. CPACS and the Fresno County Juvenile Probation Department were cited for innovation and pioneering work in restorative justice. FPU is an MB university headquartered in Fresno, Calif.-FPU
Protesters disrupt talk with Iranians
p rotests by Iranian expatriates shut down a May 28 public meeting with Iranian clerics organized by Mennonite Central Committee, but this will not stop dialogue with Iranians promoted by the relief agency, an organizer says.
About 50 protesters disrupted the public gathering on the campus of Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ont., leading organizers to cancel the gathering and a similar public assembly May 31.
Arli Klassen, executive director of MCC Ontario, which co-hosted an academic conference on Mennonite and Shia Islamic theology at Conrad Grebe\, says that efforts had been made to talk with the protesters beforehand. Klassen says some of the protesters had been driven from Iran amid the 1979 Islamic Revolution that saw the ouster of Shah Reza Pahlavi and the rise to power of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and his regime of conservative Shiite clerics.
Klassen says MCC wanted to respect the concerns expressed by the protesters about the presence of the Iranian clerics at the conference. "We met with them; we listened to them," Klassen says. But as soon
as one of the Iranian clerics began to speak during the public gathering, the protesters erupted in shouts and refused to stop. 'We were not prepared to block the protesters altogether," Klassen says. so the gathering was canceled.
Klassen says the remainder of the theological conference. the third of its kind organized by MCC and the Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute. a Muslim seminary in Qom. Iran. went on as planned May 27-30.
MCC's outreach to Iranian political and religious leaders has been criticized by some Iranian expatriates. including in a May 21 article in Macleans. a popular Canadian magazine The seminary's founder. Ayatollah Muhammad Taqi Mesbah Yazdi. is regarded as a "violenceespousing fascist " according to Macleans. and a spiritual adviser to Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad Yazdi was never scheduled to appear at the MCC conference. but his affiliation with the seminary apparently fueled many of the protesters' concerns. Klassen says. - Robert Rhodes for Meetinghouse
WIEST TO BE REGIONAL REP
Galen Wiest will begin serving Aug. 20 as the MBMS International regional mobilizer in the Pacific District Conference. Wiest has served for 12 years on the pastoral staff of Neighborhood Church in Visalia, Calif., and he and his wife, Linda, have served as both shortand long-term missionaries with MBMSI. ''We are pleased the Lord has prepared the Wiests to be instrumental in raising up a new generation of shorter term and longer term missionaries from among our MB churches in the Pacific District Conference," says an MBMSI press release.-M8MSI
CBC APPOINTS PRESIDENT
Ron Penner has been appointed as president of Columbia Bible College, a Mennonite Brethren institution in Abbotsford, BC. Penner has served as vice-president for academics and administration for the past 10 years and this year served as interim president.-C8C
KYLE'S BOOK TRANSLATED
The Last Days Are Here Again: A History of the End Times by Richard Kyle, Tabor College professor of history and religious studies, has recently been transla t ed from English to Korean. The book, originally published by Baker Books in 1998, was recently translated to Korean and published under a modified title by Christian Literature Crusade of Seoul, Korea. Kyle's book has also been published in Britain unde r the title Awaiting the Millennium - TC
he word many of us use to describe our lives is "busy." There is the good kind of busy- the doing, going, giving and helping that is part of living a productive life . Then there is perpetual busynessthe kind that takes a toll on us physiemotionally and spiritually. When we are distracted by frenetic schedules, activities become a substitute for relationships and we, become human doers instead of 'buman beings. The feature section this month looks at the way busyness affects our fami1y relationships. The authors remind us that the solution to , our busyness is not to be better organized but to make choices about how we live. Don't have time? Make time to read these articles- I think it will be w orth it. - Connie Faber
--Where the river is the quietest, it is the deepest. "-Italian Proverb
NOISE. WE ARE SURROUNDED BY IT. Cell phones . iPods. iTunes. MP3 players. Television. Cable networks . CDs. DVDs . Satellite radio with hundreds of stations.
Recently I purchased a new winter jacket. The design of the jacket fascinated me. There were pockets built right into the lining for a cell phone, MP3 player and a PDA-
amount of data that could be analyzed for patterns and insights into how most people do life. One of the interesting findings of the study related to the effects of silence and quiet on the human mind. When the human subjects were alone or away from distractions, busyness and noise, something interesting happened-their minds naturally began to focus on their frustrations, concerns, worries and insecurities. So immediately they would do anything or search for some activ-
Our faith communities mu st ad dre ss th e challeng e of helping people become reac quainted with s ilence and so litude . The noi s e we allow into our lives mu st be ex amin ed
Personal Digital Assistant. It was almost as if the manufacturers assumed that my life would be filled with noise, especially electronic noise.
Psychologists are now talking about a new form of noise that they are referring to as visual noise. Have you ever considered the visual chatter that assaults us daily? Billboards. Ads. Magazines. Web site pop-ups. Marketing campaigns. Posters. Images. Video screens. Oprah flickering in the background while a meal is being prepared. All this is noise that enters through the eye gate.
The reality: we live in a culture that excels in creating noise.
And we love it.
Don't we feel naked and incomplete when we misplace our cell phone or PDA?
Don't we feel like we're cool when we put on our earphones and plug in?
Don't we instinctively tum on the radio when driving?
Noise has become our constant companion. When this companion is removed we just don't know what to do with ourselves.
Many years ago Mihalyi Csikszentmalyi, a famous researcher at the University of Chicago, undertook a massive research project to study human behavior and thought. In one of his studies he had several thousand people wear pagers over a period of several years . The pagers would go off at random rimes throughout the day. When the pager went off subjects had to write down what they were doing, what they were feeling and what they were thinking at that moment.
The goal of this research project was to amass a large
ity that would get them away from the silence. Anything to avoid being alone with their thoughts.
Another reality to face: We find silence and quiet hard to deal with.
The hectic rush of modem day living has caused us to form an estranged relationship with stillness. For many of us, experiencing silence is very much like meeting a long lost friend. We want to engage this person but we just don't know where to begin because it has been so long since we had any meaningful contact.
C.S. Lewis argued that if the devil was going to distract us from God he would only need to major in three things: hurry, crowds and noise. There is something about being immersed in noise that disconnects us from the still and gentle voice of God. Maybe this is the dark side of noise. Noise-music, images, conversation-can be a very good thing. Yet, it can also be a readily available distraction that enables us to keep ourselves at a comfortable distance from life, othersandGod.
After doing the research mentioned above, Csikszentmalyi suggested that this might be why such "a huge proportion of time is invested in watching television, despite the fact that it is rarely enjoyed by the viewer." The cable networks offer easily accessible noise that allows us to tune out everything else
Silence might be one of the most elusive realities of modem day living.
A final reality to face: Our lives are simply way too noisy. God's voice and his renewing activity are frequently squelched by all the clutter and diversions we let in.
James Janson once noted ' bow seldom is it that the soul keeps itself silent enough for God to speak." This is one of the key issues in spiritual formation these days. Our faith communities must address the challenge of helping people become reacquainted with silence
and solitude. The noise we allow into our lives must be examined. Hard questions need to be asked. Decisions need to be made . Noise audits must be conducted. Tough conversations need to be had .
The formation of a quiet mind and a calm soul is not something that one randomly drifts into. This requires much wisdom and intentional resolve.
Could it be that our culture's obsession with noise and entertainment is simply a smokescreen? Could it be that we hide behind a wall of sound as a convenient way to avoid dealing with what lies beneath the surface of our lives? Could it be that silence and solitude are two ofthe greatest gifts that you could receive into your life right now? Could it be that managing the noise that we allow into our lives is a spiritual discipline that will help enlarge our souls?
Several years ago, my wife, Melanie, and I moved into a temporary home because the house that we were scheduled to move into was undergoing some major renovations. Those renovations were to be completed within one month. Due to the temporary housing arrangement we decided not to have a phone line hooked up. Why pay the phone company for a service that will need to be changed again in just a few weeks?
As these things go, the renovation project stretched into two months. Then four.
For Further Reflection:
Read Psalm 131. Do you think it is possible to live a life like the one that this psalmist pictures? How might it be done? The psalmist speaks of ''being weaned ."
Why is the language of weaning appropriate for learning the art of stillness and quietude? Read Psalm 46 as well Visit this Web site : www shutdownday org Do a Google search on Shut Down Day Is this doable? Can you find any videos on the Web that celebrate or critique this day?
Madame Guynon, a spiritual writer in the 1600's. noted that: "One of the reasons that we find silence and solitude so difficult is because we are preoccupied with
Then six. We never did end up having the phone hooked up. Can I say that it was wonderful?! Meals were not disturbed. Evenings were restful. If someone wanted to get a hold of us, friends would drop by and relay a message. This provided the opportunity to connect with these folks more significantly than we would have otherwise. It almost sounds like a modem day heresy to suggest that it is possible to live without a phone but it can be done! Maybe, for the sake of our souls, it needs to be done.
Physician Richard Swenson suggests that the next time you buy someone a gift. instead of buying them a cordless phone you should buy them a phoneless cord. This would be the kind of gift that would truly bless someone. Plus, it is much cheaper
Go ahead and disconnect. Unplug the earphones. Tum down the volume. Pull the plug. It might be one of the wisest things that you have done in a long time .
Kevin Johnson is the director for spiritual formation and campus pastor at Tabor College in Hillsboro. Kan. He and his family attend Ebenfeld MB Church of rural Hillsboro.
ourselves ." Do you agree or disagree? Why?
Discuss with someone this comment by film director Federico Felline : Media (particularly television) "has mutilated our capacity for solitude It has violated our most intimate, private. and secret dimension "
Reflect on these comments by Thomas Merton. a modem day monk who died in 1968: 'We do not live more fully merely by doing more, seeing more, tasting more. and experiencing more than we ever have On the contrary. some of us need to discover that we will not begin to live more fully until we have the courage to do and see and taste and experience much less than usual ." - KJ
So what makes a home versus a house? Here are several guidelines based on a very simple, unscientific definition: A home is where the family gathers together regularly. Let's look at each element.
• Family. A home exists of and for the family. Now this family can be a nuclear or extended family. It can include friends over for dinner. It can include neighbors and church friends. But it is a family nonetheless, sharing common values and experiences. Family has always been God's idea for all people (Acts P5) and our earthly family matters greatly to God .
• Gathers. There is a reason we convene. Gathering is about much more than food. It's a subtle, yet vital way that families remind one another: We're in this together. There is also a spiritual component to gathering. God has always seen our coming together as a celebration-of God and each other. Being together is not just an ideal. It is a divine expectation
• Regularly. Special occasions are important, but families must gather on a consistent basis. It needs to become an expectation that can be relied upon and fulfilled. If a family is not gathering together regularly, the opportunities for sharing life are squelched and kids are often left to repress their feelings or share their lives with other kids. We all need this connection. Life is hard We need the support of family to help us through. How many broken hearts roam our streets and fill our pews? Broken because for many years they have had no family upon which to lean consistently. Regularly coming together is not just for crisis, but for triumphs and even the mundane.
But you know what really makes a house a home? That everything I just mentioned happens inside the house. That's right. You are actually under the same roof. Millions of Americans live in houses. Very few are cultivating healthy homes. Why is this happening? What are some counter solutions for families looking to make their house a home again? It starts with the center of the home.
The center of the universe
Many people live today in a family system that centers on their children. On the surface that seems perfectly normal. It's almost instinctive. It only takes holding your newborn for the first time before everything starts revolving around them. They need you. They are helpless. They are yours.
But should they be the center of your universe? Is that truly what is best for you, them and your home? The apostle John tells us that from the very beginning Jesus was with God and through him all things were made (John 1:2-3). Later Paul shares that God's plan is "centered on Christ" (Eph. 1:9). The author of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus is the same "yesterday and today and forever" (Heb. 13:8).
So when your children were born, Jesus remained the center of the universe. God's plan didn't change even though your life did in countless ways. Your child was born into a world where everything came to be because of Jesus In fact, Jesus himself declares throughout Revelation that he, like God, is not just the center of the universe, but the entire universe - the Alpha and Omega. He is the One Thing from which every other thing derives (Rev 1:8; 21:6; 22:13).
Reclaiming your home life is not about a Thomas Kincaid winter scene of a family snuggling by the fireplace while the snow and wind
whirl outside. Reclaiming your home is all about establishing a safe and accepting place where the love of God can be modeled and taught. The home is God's training center
The joumey of family life begins , ends and continues with Jesus as the primary focus. It' s not about you. It' s not about you r children. It's about what your children learn about Jesus from you. We are to be a reflection of Christ to our kids That's a tall order-one God takes seriously. And so should we.
When Jesus is your one thing-the center of your home - then everything else actually takes on significant meaning. Life is enhanced, not diminished . Your children
are not your one thing. Neither is your spouse. They are gifts from the One. Your one thing is Jesus . This is your starting point for making your house a home.
Steve Ganger is director of stewardship education for Mennonite Mutual Aid in Goshen, Ind. This article is adapted from Priority Parenting by Steve Ganger. Copyright 2006 by Herald Press, Scottdale, Pa ., 15683. Used by permission. To order call 1-800-245-7894. www.heraldpress com
Making a house a home
According to Barna Research , 37 percent of Americans have children under age 18 living in their house Among married couples, almost half have kids That means a lot of people out there have a lot of responsibility So how do you establish a home within your house ?
• Get to know your kids again . Find out about their favorite music groups Ask them about what things at school they enjoy and dislike Solicit their opinion s about world events You might be amazed at what they know Know their friends , not just their names but also learn about their personalities and interests Invite them over Your child lives 24 hours per day just as you do Learn as much as you can about those hours when they are not under your direct care.
• Eat together. How often does your entire family eat a meal together? In biblical times , and even in many modem European cultures, the meal represents much more than feeding time It is a social occasion for families and friends to share together in conversation We Americans, on the other hand, want to sit down , eat right away and move on In fact, the average mealtime in America is about 15 minutes Not to overkill the message, but since we all have to eat, it's the perfect excuse to be together. If you're a chronically on -the -go family, then bring the fast food back to your home to eat at the table together.
• Get together in other homes . You're not alone in your quest for home -ness Other families are seeking it, too Through church or school invite other families into your home Share past traditions and begin new ones with the help of others
• Limit television and technology The U S Census Bureau notes that the ratio of TVs in the home per child is 7 :2 and the average child spends over four hours per day watching the tube By the time they graduate from high school, kids will have spent more time watching TV than in the classroom Add in computer usage with the national averages now showing more than one personal computer per household and Internet usage of several hours per day. You can see the challenge for families , even when they are under the same roof, is that they still are not together.
Admittedly, teenagers need their space, and technology is a big part of that space But at the sam e time, it is not entirely healthy to let them hole up away from the family They need to come up for air They need to realize that they remain part of the home
Schedule a family night when everything is off-limits except family It may sound old -fashioned, but most kids love it It is really a modem way of practicing the Sabbath We tend to get caught up in Old Testament concepts of the Sabbath, but the modem application is to separate yourself and your family from the pull of the culture. Scheduling a special night when you focus just on each other is a wonderful way to honor God's call to separate from the world on a regular basis.
• Invite God Remember that God is part of your family, too It's not all of you and him It's all of you, including him Think of that when planning time together Many well -intentioned Christian parents struggle in this area But Deuteronomy 6:7-8 says to tell our kids about God when they get up and go down . They need to see God in everyday life. So even if you can't read or study Scripture every night, be sure to share God's goodness as you 're on the go Talk about nature : rainbows, rainstorm s and the like Talk about feelings : sadness, happiness , frustration . Talk about others in need Look and talk about God in every nook and cranny of the world . You will find God is there . - SG
WE LIVE IN A WORLD THAT encourages getting much more than giving and that is more concerned with chasing dreams than being at peace with reality. So we have come to expect too much from marriage but are unwilling to give what a marriage needs to stay strong. Marriage prospers when we are realistic and make sacrifices for the good of the relationship
One of the things that harms a marriage is busyness . Marriage prospers when we eliminate excessive activities in order to preserve time for each other. But too often
L B Y M A G ERA L R LEN E D W. K AUF AND MAN
use up their free time being entertained by TV; attending sporting events, plays and concerts or by going to movies Some studies show that shopping is what makes us the most busy, that we spend an average of six hours per week shopping. The newest competitor for our time is the computer. People increasingly devote time each day traveling the "information highway," playing interactive games and corresponding bye -mail. Some individuals get hooked on computer pornography. Somewhere we also have to find time to pay our bills, make meals, do the laundry, clean our cars and mow the lawn And because we have much more stuff, it takes longer to maintain our homes. Many of these activities are worthwhile but can push the marriage into the margin .
Busy by choice
Some of us choose busyness for ourselves because it makes us feel important. Do you ever notice the tone of voice in people who say how "crazy" their schedule is? They
Busyness, even busyn ess that comes from doing good things, can weaken marriage because it takes time, ene rgy and focus away from the relationship.
our marriages are casualties of schedules that are out of control.
Schedule overload
Our children's activities help to make us too busy. It seems to be contagious. We don't want to be the only parents on the block to keep kids out of year-round soccer, even if it means missing family meals, church on Sunday or postponing vacations. Peer pressure on children and parents can be very powerful. It is hard for parents to think objectively about their priorities.
We can blame our busyness on the children's activities, but adults find plenty of ways to be busy all on their own. Whether it is golf, bowling, tennis or many other forms of recreation, we find ways to overspend our free time. As committed members of our church. we teach Sunday school, serve on committees and reach out to families in need. In our communities we help with the chicken barbeque to raise money for the volunteer fire department or assist with service club projects.
We help our aging parents. mow our disabled neighbor's yard and work on a Habitat for Humanity crew Some people
attempt to feign regret but more often reveal that busyness makes them feel significant. Many of us have mixed feelings about our busyness. On the one hand, we know we should be home more. On the other hand, busyness can be addictive. Some people actually get a little burst of adrenaline when they run from here to there, or from one meeting to the next. They tend to walk faster through the foyer at church or find satisfaction from being the last person to leave a meeting. They feel validated if the phone"rings off the hook" or upon returning from vacation find the e-mail box filled with messages.
We probably are too busy because we are afraid of "nothingness." Influenced by a society that rejects an unscheduled moment, we run from it like it is an enemy. While we were on vacation Marlene noticed a mother at the swimming pool whoduring a thunder break- promptly offered three options to her children for what they could do during the mandatory 30-minute timeout. It was as if the children couldn't figure it out for themselves and that unscheduled free time would be harmful to them. In our culture, we associate busyness with goodness, maybe even godliness and a lack of busyness with laziness, mediocrity and boredom .
Busy marriages
Busyness, even busyness that comes from doing good things, can weaken marriage because ittakes time. energy and focus away from the relationship. Marital intimacy can never be rushed or pushed into the margins of marriage But when intimacy seems lacking, spouses complain and blame each other for the failure. Many look for quick fixes through sexual enhancement pills. artificial stimulation and highvoltage weekend escapes.
Few pause long enough to discover the real cause - busyness What we say we want often fails to match what we are willing to do to get it At the same time we are frustrated with our lack of intimacy, we trudge off to another bowling league. antique show and football game with the old gang. Few of us see the connection between our lack of intimacy and our busyness.
Excessive busyness usually affects us both physically and emotionally. Fatigue causes the release of stress hormones that are harmful and depletes health-producing brain chemicals needed for wellness. Some of the most hurtful conflicts between Marlene and me happen when we are too busy. I get grumpy and Marlene grumps back. We say things we later regret. Usually we do poor problem solving at these times. Almost without exception, couples that have frequent conflict are swamped with stress hormones. Busyness can literally be toxic to marriage.
Take charge
In a society where busyness is epidemic, few people give much thought to its effect on marriage. Busyness is a choice. If our free time is really free, that means it belongs to us and we need to decide how
to spend it. We must protect our marriages from the damaging effects of busyness. We will control the schedule because we know nobody will do it for us.
We take control by scheduling time for the marriage each week. Five hours, ten hours, something. We schedule everything else that is important to us, including our jobs, church services and appointments with the doctor Doesn't marriage deserve as much? Many people resist scheduling time for their relationships because it seems artificial and removes spontaneity and surprise. What will the neighbors think if they see us sitting on the porch? What will the coach say if our time together interferes with bringing our children to practice? Besides, what will we do during the time together? Won't we get bored? If time together isn't scheduled, the odds are that nothing will happen. Scheduling creates an expectation that something good will happen.
We protect against busyness by selecting our activities carefully. Many activities don't deserve our time. They have marginal value to our children or to us. Typically they take more from us than they return to us You might say their costbenefit ratio doesn't favor marriage. It is important to question activities like year-round basketball for our children, ballet lessons three nights per week, playing on two softball teams, working out at the gym every night and lots of other things that control our lives. We need to be especially critical of "noble" activities like the committees we serve on at church or in the -community.
We accept help to solve our busyness problem. We may need accountability partners. That can be another couple that share our commitment to marriage, a counselor or a friend. If we are in a small group at church, we should ask the members to review our busyness regularly. Pastors should conduct an annual busyness audit with members to help them be more aware of its impact on their lives. Busyness can destroy people and marriages If the church is really concerned about marriage it needs to lead the way in advocating Sabbath from busyness. It is in our time of Sabbath that we reconnect with our spouse. We rediscover the person with whom we fell in love, the person with whom we intended to do so many good things. It is only when we reject the merchants of busyness that we are able to reclaim the intimate bond we have neglected.
So we walk together, sit on park benches, throw stones into streams, gain perspective from the mountaintops or relax on the patio. We pray, cry, laugh, grumble, imagine and dream. We enjoy apple fritters together. Nothing fancy or exotic. Just the humble expressions of an ordinary marriage. It is through experiencing the Sabbath that we discover that "nothing" is really "something." We can never make those discoveries when we are too busy.
Gerald and Marlene Kaufman have enjoyed nearly 45 years of marriage and have helped many couples over the past two decades as professional marriage counselors. This article is adapted from Monday Marriage. Copyright 2005 by Herald Press, Scottdale, Pa., www heraldpress.com Used by permission.
From death to life in Christ
The miraculous story of Phone Keo Keovilay's journey
Editor's note : Names of specific countries have been omitted for security reasons.
Phone Keo Keovilay was only eight years old when loud explosions shattered a peaceful afternoon at his school in Southeast Asia It was the beginning of a journey that eventually brought him to the United States to minister to his own people as a Mennonite Brethren pastor. That afternoon in 1960, when the civil war in his country reached into his life, Phone Keo waited a long time in the sheltering bunker, just as his father had said he should. When he crawled out, both his school and his village were deserted.
He was taken in by monks at a Buddhist temple and found a way to go to school. Education, Phone Keo believed, was the key to progress. He was sure that religion was not the answer. His parents had been Christian; what good had it done them? The monks taught Buddhist prin -
ciples, but those offered little hope. Philosophy and learning would provide the answers, he thought.
Phone Keo qualified to continue his studies in an outstanding law program in France, but at the airport the names of ticket holders did not include his name. Apparently, authorities had noticed that Phone Keo was from the peasant Khmu people rather than from the upper classes. Another student was sent in his place.
Phone Keo was deeply disappointed. After a while, he began drinking and experimenting with drugs. A colonel, the father of one of his friends, saw the path Phone Keo was taking and suggested he go to military school. He was an excellent student and by the time he was 21 was promoted to lieutenant. He helped American forces and played a significant role in the war efforts.
Phone Keo thrived in his new position. For the first time, he lived in comparative luxury He and his wife bought a five-bedroom house They had servants to cook and clean and a chauffeur. They had a beautiful daughter and a second child on the way Finally, things were going well
Your Mennonite Brethren
But when the Americans pulled out of the Vietnam War, Phone Keo was arrested by the Communist government and sent to a concentration camp for almost eight years. For more than two of those years, Phone Keo was kept in a small, dark cell, his feet in restraining stocks and his hands in cuffs. He was given a bed made of six pieces of bamboo and one blanket. Only a feeble light filtered through a hole in the door. Once a week, he was released for two hours to shower and exercise
In this damp, tomb-like hole, Phone Keo thought about his family and how wonderful it would be to see them again. He thought about his parents and remembered that the first thing he saw most mornings was his mother praying.
On Sunday mornings his mother would wake him early to shower and dress for church "Your grandfather was the first Christian in our village," his mother explained. "Missionaries came here in 1947 and your grandfather said we should listen to them. Now all of the people in our village follow this truth."
Although Phone Keo wasn't a Christian, thinking about the faith comforted him . He read the Bible his grandfather had given him when Phone Keo was arrested
Phone Keo wasn't sure what to believe, but he knew he wanted to get out of prison and get on with his life. But what Phone Keo wanted didn't seem to matrer As time went on, he became weaker. His muscles deteriorated from lack of use, and his body suffered from poor nutrition.
One day when the guards made their rounds, they found Phone Keo unconscious. They tried to rouse him and listened for a pulse.
Nothing.
They wrapped Phone Keo's body in an old blanket and prepared it for burial. It was getring dark, however, and they refused to go into the cemetery at night. They left the body beside the road, planning to bury it in the morning
While he was unconscious, Phone Keo had an incredible dream. He and two friends were climbing a mountain when they heard a demonic voice, like thunder, threaten to capture them. The three chose to jump off the mountain rather than be enslaved. At the base, they were swallowed up in a turbulent flood . When Phone Keo became exhausted from swimming, a stranger allowed him to share the piece of wood he was using as a raft. Later, after they reached the shore, the stranger advised Phone Keo where to walk and where to find food. "Son, I have brought you here because you denied the demon. I care about you and want to help you ."
Then the dream took Phone Keo back to the prison compound, and he woke up screaming.
When Phone Keo screamed, the guards were startled to find their "corpse" alive. Phone Keo was so weak he couldn't even walk, but he was alive He felt as if he had been born all over again
Phone Keo never forgot his dream. He believed the stranger who came to his aid was a messenger from God .
Finally, in 1982 Phone Keo was released from prison For almost eight years he had dreamed of going home to his family and of the wonderful reunion they would share.
Above: Phone Keo makes regular trips to Southeast Asia where he has an effective evangelistic ministry Left: The Khmu are settled agriculturists and farmers who live in r ural villages in laos, Vietnam , Thailand and China. Of the 500,000 Khmu worldwide, only about 8,000 living i n t he U.S . reside outside Southeast Asia.
But as he entered his yard, strange children put their hands together and bowed to him He learned that his house now belonged to the government and housed a preschool. His wife had heard that he was dead, had remarried and fled to another country.
Phone Keo held his head in his hands and wept. First he had lost his parents, then he had lost his freedom, and now he had lost his reason for living. His life was aimless.
The only escape from this pain was through alcohol, and he drank heavily He took jobs singing in nightclubs, trying to forget his grief. He thought about suicide.
One night while Phone Keo was performing in a club, a lovely young woman invited him to her table. Chansone and her sister came to the city every two months to sell produce such as papaya and butrernut. She was intrigued by the handsome young singer and fascinated by the songs he sang. 'Why do you drink so much?" she asked him. "It's not good for your health."
Phone Keo's bitrer reply stung her: "If I die today it's betrer than tomorrow."
When honest with himself, Phone Keo knew there was an answer other than drinking. During his years in prison and now again, his heart often heard his mother's voice. "Son, even if you don't believe in God, he will help you," she said. "Just pray and ask God to help you."
Phone Keo started to read the Bible and to pray. The words began to make sense and he caught a glimpse of hope. The Gospel of John and 1 Corinthians 13 challenged him to think about love in new ways. The love that God offered and the forgiveness available through Christ began to draw him out of his grief and despair.
As he grew to know Chansone, he discovered that she had also been through a great deal of pain and suffering. Their hearts had both been broken. After getting permission from the village authorities, Phone Keo and Chansone were married and would face the uncertain future together.
Together, they made a treacherous escape to a refugee camp in a new country, where the first item on their agenda was to find a church. Phone Keo began studying the Bible in earnest, and both Phone Keo and Chansone declared their faith in Christ and were baptized
Phone Keo continued studying and working at the church. He took leadership training and began to lead worship. He switched from singing songs of sorrow in the nightclubs to singing songs of hope in the church. Still, Phone Keo says he didn't give himself fully to God's call.
Phone Keo and Chansone arrived at their new home in Stockton, Calif., in October 1986. Phone Keo got a job driving a forklift and quickly became involved in a
Mission events highlight Khmu people
Work among the Khmu people will be the focus of MBMS International's Celebration Missions Nights for 2007 Phone Keo Keovilay, MBMSI resource missionary, will share via video
"Participants will hear how God is building his church despite serious persecution," says an MBMSI news release "Khmu believers are under pressure for their faith and we want to raise awareness, prayer and resources for holistic church planting among the Khmu ."
Celebration Missions Nights provide opportunities for the Mennonite Brethren church family to hear and see what God is doing on the "front lines" of missions The 2007 CMN events will include a focused time of prayer for missionaries and the persecuted church . As in past years, MBMSI general director Randy Friesen will be speaking. and the CMN events will incorporate
worship and celebration 'l\trend expecting God to change your life and mobilize you toward missions, " says MBMSI.
Seven CMN events are scheduled in various U S locations: Thursday, July 5, Central District MB Conference, Rapid City, SD, 7: 00 p m.; Saturday, Sept 22, Buhler (Kan ) MB Church, 6 :00 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 23, Wichita (Kan.) First MB Church, 8 :30,9:45 and 11:45 a m ; Sunday, Sept. 23, Com (Okla ) MB Church, 6 :00 p m ; Monday, Sept. 24 , Garden Valley Church , Garden City, Kan , 7: 00 p m. ; Saturday, Nov 3, North Fresno MB Church, Fresno, Calif., 6 :00 p m.; and Sunday, Nov 4 , Reedley (Calif ) MB Church, 6 :00 p m
For more information on Celebration Missions Nights , visit the MBMSI Web site, www mbmsLorg .- MBMSI
recently-formed Khmu church. After several years, Phone Keo was doing well, assuming some managerial duties at his job and earning a good salary.
But God had other plans.
One day Chansone bought a video cassette filmed in their home country, and the two of them watched it while they ate dinner. They saw three groups of people: wealthy, educated citizens in the city; some not as wealthy but sull with a good life; and Phone Keo's people, the Khmu, trapped by poverty and prejudice.
As he watched the Khmu carrying stacks of firewood on their heads in the jungle, Phone Keo's heart was moved. He lost his appetite. The world was changing, but not for his people. There were opportunities and possibilities, but not for his people.
Phone Keo sought wisdom from three different people he trusted. "How can I help my people?" From all three, he received the same answer: 'The only one who can truly help your people is Jesus Christ."
Phone Keo remembers this experience as a turning point. His mission and his calling became clear. He had sensed God speaking earlier through his dreams and he had chosen Christianity in baptism, but now he completely gave his heart and soul to God.
Two Mennonite Brethren men contacted Phone Keo asking him to help establish ,a Khmu church in Fresno,
Phone Keo has trained 60 pastors, 60 evangelists and 100 lay or home church leaders among the Khmu people in Southeast Asia. The ministry of these workers has resulted in about 32,000 believers in Khmu villages.
Calif. It was a hard decision, but God's will was clear Phone Keo quit his job and moved to Fresno. He helped establish a Khmu church and pastored the group through the transitions as they became affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren conference and with Butler Avenue MB Church in Fresno.
'The Mennonite Brethren doctrine is important to us because of its emphasis on peace," he says. "My people have lived with war for over 100 years. We need another choice."
He has also been active in the community, organizing, supporting and encouraging several refugee ministries And he works with MBMS International, advising them on Southeast Asian ministries. His evangelistic work has been remarkably blessed by God and his visits to various Southeast Asian countries are a tremendous encouragement to the local churches.
"I love my people so much," Phone Keo says. "Many of them face serious challenges, and they have few opportunities to educate themselves.
"I think of myself as a bridge. I am a person with one eye on each culture. I try to help my people adapt and adjust to the American culture:, and I try to help my American friends be open and helpful to the Khmu:
Phone Keo has had multiple opportunities in Fresno to take POSItions that would be more financially rewarding than his role as pastor. But he will not compromise the call of God on his life.
"God changed my life and prepared a new life for me Now I know who God is and how much he loved me through Jesus . Only Jesus has the answers to life. As we trust him, commit to him and pray, he helps because he is the way, the truth and the life."
Phone Keo's life now echoes Paul's commitment in Galatians 2:20: "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."-adapted from a story by Luetta Reimer of Butler Avenue MB Church, Fresno, Calif The full article first appeared in Mennonite Weekly Review in 2003.
Finding Christ-and family-in Fresno
Bible study for Chinese students grows into congregation
Lulu Huang was not a Christian in 1991 when she arrived at Fresno State University, Fresno, Calif., from her home in Shanghai, China. Alone in a foreign country, Lulu was eager to meet other Chinese and accepted an invitation from Larry and Lana Tjhen to come to their home for an evening of Christian fellowship. There she met Fresno Pacific University professor Peng Wen and his wife, Malinda. The couple had recently begun a Bible study in their home for Chinese studenrs and invited Lulu to join the group .
'We were trained to be atheists, but many of us, including me, would like to study Buddism and Taoism since they are part of our culture," says Lulu in an e-mail interview. "Christianity was new and inter-
The small group began to reach out to others in the Chinese community. As the group grew and stabilized, they named themselves Bethany Chinese Christian Fellowship. The fellowship is "just like God's big family," say George and Dorothy. "Most of us have no family here in the U S. BCCF is our home. All the brothers and sisters are so willing to help. We know that's not us, but God's work through us. I appreciate that God gave us this earthIyhome."
Lulu agrees. "(BCCF) is my spiritual home, where I continue to learn God's truth and to have fellowship with esting to begin with But the concept of a living God who longs to love me and help me soon became very attractive to a young woman who had just left her home of 23 years and struggled to
of LIS ha ve no tJmilv here in the C .S.
Bethany Chinese Christian FCllowhip is ollr home ."
make a living and finish school, at the same time entirely on her own in a foreign country "
The Christians she met that fall demonstrated God's love to Lulu in a powerful way 'The initial reason for my conversion to Christianity was largely due to a feeling of indebtedness to the kindness of those Christians," says Lulu. "Of course, God did not let me stay there. As time passed. I got to know God deeper and have established my own relationship with him."
Lulu is one of many Chinese students who have come to know Christ through the ministry of what is now called Bethany Chinese Christian Fellowship. Professor Wen hosted the Bible study in his home on Saturday nights for five years. Students came and left, some becoming believers. A few were baptized in local churches and even in residential swimming pools.
The Bible study group continued to grow, especially after Wen became a member of Bethany MB Church in August of 1994. After years of meeting in the homes, the group started to meet in Bethany MB Church, sharing a storage room with groundskeeping equipment used by the volunteer "Sod Squad." In addition to the Saturday night Bible study, they started a Chinese Sunday school for non-English speakers.
At the time, Bethany Chinese Christian Fellowship averaged six families and a few singles ftom Fresno Pacific University and Fresno State University. Several of the group were baptized and became members of Bethany MB Church, including Dorothy and George Fei.
Dorothy and George came from Taiwan in 1992 as foreign students and enrolled at California State Fresno. 'We were nonbelievers at that time and joined Dr Peng Wen's Bible study group in 1994. He not only led our group but witnessed God through his care and love," say Dorothy and George. "We were touched by God's love and decided to follow Jesus Christ. In 1996 we were baptized in Bethany Church and became members."
brothers and sisters of the same background. It is an extended family for us."
The Bible teaching provided by their pastor is very important and appreciated. "Dr. Wen not only has the knowledge of the Bible, but he also came from the same cultural background as us," say Dorothy and George. 'When we read something in the Bible that doesn't make sense to us, he will explain it from a different angle and make us understand the real meaning behind words."
When asked what he emphasizes in his Bible teaching Wen says, 'The most important lesson we can learn from the Bible is the real life application."
In October of 2003, Wen was ordained as a licensed minister in the Mennonite Brethren church. Around Christmas that year the fellowship began meeting for worship on Sunday morning in the former youth ministry room. 'We have an average of 40 people atrending Sunday morning services every week," says Lulu. "In addition, we have two Bible study groups on Friday nights, with an average atrendance of around 30 people. Over the last few years, more people became believers and were baptized.
"Our goals are not only to share the gospel with nonbelievers, Chinese or non-Chinese," says Lulu, "but to make disciples of Christ, and to equip them to minister to others." And according to Dorothy and George, the environment at BCCF-good Bible teaching, weekly Bible study and prayer with other believers and tight connections with their brothers and sisters in Christ-is perfect for growth. 'When you immerse (yourself) in this environment, how can you not grow in faith?" they say.Connie Faber with a report from BCCF
The ""Monk" who gives bathing suits
Ministry to H IV - positive children in Thailand expands
It's been just over a year since MBMS International workers in Thailand opened a home for HIV-positive children. During that time, the Abundant Life Home in Chonburi has not only ministered to the children, but also drawn many adults to Christ. Now the ministry is expanding with a second home for AIDS orphans.
Believers at The Life Center, the center of evangelistic and community work for MBMSI's Team 2000, celebrated the one -year anniversary of Abundant Life Home April 28 with a tour of the home and a time of worship and praise.
ALH officially took in its first five HIV-positive children April 28, 2006. "Now, a year later, we are amazed at all the miracles God has done this year, " writes Team 2000 member Karen Sanchez. Team 2000 consists of three families- Ricky and Karen Sanchez, Andy and Carmen Owen, and Dave and Louise Sinclair-Peters - who began long-term ministry in Chonburi in the area just southeast of Bangkok in 2000.
Sanchez writes, "For me the highlights have been: seeing our Thai church members love and serve our seven boys; healing the news that our two babies were healed from being HIV-positive; seeing God open doors to allow our boys to study in a public school
without us concealing anything about their health; seeing two nannies come to salvation in Christ and one being baptized "
During Abundant Life Home's first year, workers felt strongly that God did not want them to expand the ministry beyond the seven children already in their care. 'We were to focus on fine tuning our care for the children we had and work on creating a loving and stable home." writes Sanchez.
Then, just after the first ALH home celebrated its one-year anniversary, Team 2000 and believers at The Life Center felt led to open a second ALH home. ' l\lmost to the day of the one year anniversary. we started getting phone calls from various HIV/AIDS agencies we have worked with, asking us to take in children," Sanchez writes.
Members of MBMSI's Team 2000 and of The Life Center church welcomed the first residents of the second ALH location in early June 'We are all sure that God chose the cutest three little girls to come be part of our family,", Sanchez writes. The three girls are Oiy, age 4. Noon, age 6, and Duan, age 8. '
"Everyone thinks they are sisters," writes Sanchez, "but they only met after their parents died of AIDS and they each came to live at the orphanage for HIV-positive children in Bangkok. They are incredibly resilient and have not shed a tear yet, even when the orphanage van drove away.
'f\ll three girls seem to be with us and are very cuddly and initiate hugs with everyone that they meet," writes Sanchez. "It's no wonder they have already stolen everybody's heatts."
When Sanchez realized the girls were totally unfamiliar with the name of Jesus. she and the housemother told the girls about a living God who created them and the world and who loves them.
'When it came time to pray. they didn't know what to ask for prayer for," writes Sanchez. Earlier that day the girls had heard about various fun things they would be doing, including swimming. "I asked them if they had a bathing suit. They all said. 'No.' We told them that they could pray tonight for God to give them a bathing suit. They were happy to learn how to pray," writes Sanchez.
'The next day as I was driving them home from their first day of school, I told them we were going to review the Bible lesson from the night before.
"I asked them, 'Do you remember who God is?'
"They answered. 'Yes! He is the monk who gives out bathing suits.'"
Regular e-mail updates from the Sanchez family relay stories of several Thai who have come to Christ as an indirect result of the ministry of ALH. Their updates also offer insights into the challenges of Karen Sanchez sits with the newest residents of the second Abundant Life Home.
working with new believers
Tuk had been a Buddhist monk, living in a temple and diligently studying the teachings of Buddha. Although he did not make a profession of Christian faith, Tuk quickly and eagerly became involved in The Life Center activities. He faithfully attended church, Bible study and outteach events for several months
''Tuk even came on our missions trip to the Khmu people up north and said openly in our group times that he was not a believer but that he was there to watch who Christians are and experience more of the love of God," writes Sanchez.
When a Thai believer asked Tuk when he was going to become a believer, Tuk promised to give his life to follow Jesus at the end of the year.
Sanchez writes, «The next two months, every time Ricky and I saw Tuk we would ask him, 'Why wait Tuk? Today 's a great day to do it!' We prayed and shared with Tuk why 'today is the day of salvation: but Tuk was firm that it had to be at the end of the year."
When Team 2000 members finally caught up with Tuk at the end of 2006 , he said that the two things that impressed him most about God was how much God loved him and how he saw The Life Center members loving each other.
«He shared how his heart broke on our missions trip because he wanted so badly to be saved like all of us, but he knew he was not ready yet," Sanchez writes . Tuk prayed to give his life to Jesus and loves the grace of God, «so free of rules and ceremony."
Unlike Tuk, Tli's conversion came about overnight Tri, the brother-in -law of one ofthe Abundant Life Home nannies, woke up one morning and said, "I am giving my life to Jesus because he appeared to me last night in my dream and told me to follow him."
As Team 2000 members studied the Bible with Tii and got to know him, they learned that T ii had been a hit man for many years, contra cted out to wealthy people to kill for a price, and had served seven
years in prison
«How do I ask for forgiveness for the murders of these people, when there have been too many for me to remember?" he asked them
' 'Tii was visibly relieved to hear that God knows his heart and will extend forgiveness and help him to remember, as he humbles himself and confesses his sins to God," Sanchez writes.
While Team 2000 rejoices that people are coming to faith in Jesus Christ, they also witness the work of Satan . Daan, one of the ALH nannies, accepted Christ after her first time at church. Daan has been a great evangelist among the people in her fishing village of Ang Sila, is Tii's sister-in -law and is the person who brought Tuk to church for the first time Recently Daan has been struggling and is no longer ready to make a full committnent to Christ. Tuk is also struggling in his new faith.
«In the midst of Daan's separation from God, we still see God's faithfulness and have watched her mother come to Christ in the last weeks," writes Sanchez 'We know this is an intense and dark scheme of the enemy and we are asking you to stand with us in spiritual warfare." - from Karen and Ricky Sanchez prayer letters Team 2000 can be contacted through MBMSI at 1-888-UNOMBMS (866 - 6267)
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Tackling problems close to home
Pu blishers help address tough personal issues
Thousands of people suffer in silence because they do not get the help they need for addictions, mental disorders, experiences of abuse and other personal issues This assumption, confirmed by therapists and pastors alike, has propelled Mennonite Publishing Network to spearhead the development of a series of pastoral care pamphlets that bring together professional therapy, Christian faith and congregational care .
Entitled "Close to Home", the series draws on the expertise of professional counselors, seminary staff and pastoral caregivers in the Mennonite Church and Mennonite Brethren denominations. While MPN is the publisher, Kindred Productions has been a key partner in the project. Kindred Productions is the publishing ministry of North American Mennonite Brethren and is owned by the Canadian MB Conference. Funding support comes ' from a varietY of denominational sources and foundations, including the Canadian Conference.
The first three of a projected series of 21 pamphlets will be released this month: Dealing with Pornography, Dealing with Spouse Abuse, and Dealing with Eating Disorders . Others, to be released over three years, tackle anxiety disorders, alcoholism, marital discord and other personal problems. Many topics, such as date rape and suicide, will be developed particularly with youth and young adult audiences in mind
Pastor Matthew Isert-Bender is excited to see the integrated healing that "Close to Home" promotes. As a trained counselor, he has noticed that many church people drive a wedge between therapy and biblical faith "Either they have experienced the church as a place that devalues the role of therapy or they see the church devaluing the role that biblical faith and congregational care have in the healing process," he says.
Beyond bridging that gap, however, the series is intended to get conversations flowing. According to Delores Friesen, counselor, author and professor at MB
Biblical Seminary, ' ''These pamphlers will be valuable for educating pastors and lay caregivers, as well as offering hope and healing for persons struggling with these issues. An added plus is that they will be easily translatable for use with various ethnic and cultural settings."
The series took shape last fall when a group of II therapists, seminary teachers, pastors and publishing staff met in Waterloo, Ont., and hammered out a development plan. Byron Rempel-Burkholder, the MPN editor who has led the project, was inspired by the synergy in that meeting. "Here were a group of publishing folks, therapists, church leaders and pastors all agreeing that there was a gap that they could work together to fill," he says. "Both the process and the eventual product seemed to bring out the best in Anabaptist values of compassion, truthtelling and ecclesiology "
Each pamphlet contains a story of healing, a brief explanation of the problem, a reflection on how faith relates to the issue and practical steps toward healing. With only 12 small pages, the pamphlet does not pretend to say all there is to say on the issue-it is explicitly designed to lead toward more in-depth responses.
The pamphlets can be displayed on literature racks in counseling offices, church foyers and even church restrooms for anonymous pickup. They are suitable as discussion resources for adults .
According to psychologist AI Dueck, a professor at Fuller Theological Seminary and a member of the steering group, the pamphlets 'bave the potential to sensitize us to the emotional needs of individuals in our own congregations .. .. The church as a community can be a place of healing for the emotionally broken."
Release schedules, order information and excerpts are posted on two parallel Web sites of Kindred Productions (www mbconf calclosetohome) and Mennonite Publishing Network (www.mph.org/closetohome) -MPN and KPrelease
Cruising the information superhighway
Onli ne Mennonite encyclopedia offers reliable information
When the Mennonite Encyclopedia first came out in the late 1950S, computers were largely the stuff of science fiction. But now as those machines have become commonplace half a century later, a group of Canadian and u.s. volunteers are halfway toward their goal of making the five-volume reference work accessible to any with an Internet connection.
Called GAMEO (www.gameo.org), or Global Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Online, the Web site currently makes available nearly 70500 articles from the print version, ranging from A- B-C Books (a collection of religious readings for beginners) to Zwolse Vereniging (a Dutch Mennonite conference) With more articles being added weekly, managing editor Sam Steiner estimates that the Mennonite Encyclopedia's 14,000-plus entries will be online by the end of 2008.
But Steiner and his colleagues don't plan on stopping there. The goal is to not just replicate the printed encyclopedia on a Web site but to update existing articles and add new ones for 21st-century readers and researchers.
"GAMEO fills a gap on the Web by providing a quick source of reliable information on Anabaptists and Mennonites in a one-stop location," says Steiner, who is librarian and archivist at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Onto "It is built on the magnificent resource of the print Mennonite Encyclopedia but is not bound by space or time as print publications are."
An estimated 10 percent of the articles online have been updated, such as changing place names (for example, Russia to Ukraine), using updated population and membership numbers and occasionally adding an illustration. More than 1,000 articles are new and did not appear in the printed encyclopedia, particularly entries from some Canadian historical databases.
GAMEO is an inter- Mennonite, international initiative, supported by the Mennonite Historical Society of Canada, the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission, the Mennonite Church USA
Historical Committee, Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite World Conference. U.S. and Canadian editorial committees are responsible for the content, while a binational management committee oversees the entire project.
The process so far has been quite simple. The entire encyclopedia has been scanned and the text distributed to the volunteers in each country, who then do minor editing, updating as possible and formatting before sending the final articles to Steiner or Richard Thiessen, GAMEO assistant managing editor and library director at Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, B.C., who post them online and create links between the articles.
But GAMEO organizers want to broaden the number of participants and invite other researchers and writers to contribute. If they don't see an article on something they are interested in, Steiner says, they should contact him with the pertinent information or even draft one, based on a template found on the Web site.
. But to most effectively incorporate those people and their efforts will require using a new technology-and that will require $8,000. 'We've raised $1,000 thus far and need at least $6,000 in hand before we can move ahead with the (computer) conversion," Steiner says. 'When the conversion is done, it will allow regional Mennonite historical societies and identified Mennonite scholars to be quite hands-on in the growth of GAMEO ."
More than 1,200 visitors go to the GAMEO site each day, and Steiner says he receives several e-mails a day from people with questions about something they have found on the site. Most of those are from the U S. and Canada, but an increasing number are coming from outside North America. And that pleases Steiner and his GAMEO colleagues, who eventually want to offer content in languages other than English. "GAMEO should be a resource that helps bind together the worldwide Mennonite communion," he says.-Rich Preheim for GAMEO
• in the U.S. we use 100 billion plastic shopping bags each year?
• around the world this usage climbs to an estimated 500 billion bags a year?
• a family of four accumulates approximately 1.460 of these bags a year?
• these plastic bags are typically made of polyethylene and can take up to 1,000 years to biodegrade?
• that only three percent are recycled?
A lot has been said, reported and written this spring concerning global warming and its consequences. Some people are very concerned about this while others denounce it as a nonissue contrived for political purposes. It is certainlya hot-button issue
for many people, both pro and con.
My daffodils and peonies add beauty to our home. Fresh sprigs of mint make the most refreshing orange -mint tea. (Try the recipe in MCC's Simply in Season cookbook.) Besides, with a garden to take care of I don't need to pay gym fees. I get all the exercise I need right here at home.
A talk show hosts this spring challenged her listeners to do one thing to improve the environment. When I read the stats I listed at the beginning of this column I knew what my one thing was-to reduce my use of the ubiquitous plastic bag and recycle what I can do without. I used to think that people who brought their own bags to the store were, well, somewhat different. Now I am that person.
The biggest problem for me has been to remember to take my bags into the store-but I'm getting better at it. I figured out that in the past I used about 10 to 15 plastic bags each week. That translates into 500 to
As I have watched the debate and listened to the . .. I useu to think th..u people who brought their own bags to the s tor e werc . \\'cll. somewhat uillercnt. [ am that perso n.
various gurus justifying their side of the story I have formulated my own viewpoint. I believe global warming is a serious issue and I need to do my part to stop it. As a Christian, I believe I am obligated to treat the environment where I live in a responsible manner. I don't want my grandchildren to someday say that their grandmother messed up and created bigger problems for them. Instead, I want them to remember me as a person who left my world a better place to live in.
So I have been working on a plan of acrion to practice what I believe.
First of all, I will continue doing some of the things I have already started. I will continue my efforts to recycle: aluminum cans, tin cans, plastics *1 and *2 and newspapers are all items I can recycle in my area. Clothing and household goods that I no longer need will be taken to the Mennonite Central Committee Et Cetera store. Last year these stores in Canada and the U.S. raised a total of $8.8 million dollars for MCC relief.
I must admit I don't really enjoy gardening all that much, but I love to harvest fresh produce and flowers, so I will continue to garden . There's really no substitute for homegrown tomatoes and small gherkin-sized cucumbers for a salad. My cantaloupes are sweeter than any I can buy in the local stores
700 bags each year. Now l\re cut that figure in half. Most store clerks are nice about it but I had one who got angry and threw the bag onto the cash register-she must have had a bad hair day or something.
I've decided to take on a second project and that is to use less gas and electricity We changed most of our light bulbs to the new funnylooking swirly fluorescent kind. They are three to five times more expensive than incandescent bulbs but use one-quarter of the electricity and last sevetal years longer. Our thermostat settings are now a degree or two higher than in the past and this should make a difference when we air-condition during the summer heat. We are already seeing a change. Our last electric bill reflected a decrease in our power usage which in tum translated into a lower amount to pay. Doing the laundry with cold water has significantly reduced our gas bill.
Some people become so passionate about saving the environment that it becomes a religion for them. I have no intention of going there. But I do believe, as a Christian, it is my duty to show good stewardship of the earth where God has placed me. Reading books like the following have helped me in my thinking: Earthkeeping: Christian Stewardship of Natural Resources (edited by Loren Wilkinson); Caring for Creation : Responsible Stewardship of God's Handiwork (Calvin B. DeWitt); and Pollution and the Death of Man : The Christian VIeW of Ecology (Francis A. Shaeffer) .
Sometimes I wonder if, as one person among the billions living on the earth, I can actually make a difference. Then I remember that, as one person, I am already making a difference and unfortunately, it is not all good. I want to do better by making my small acre on this planet a better place to live .
Reverse discrimination
Why no mention of widowers?
QIn Exodus 22:22, Deuteronomy 14:29 and James 1:27 readers are told to look after the orphans and widows. Why are widowers not mentioned? (Kansas)
AThe passages cited by the inquirer tell God's people not to afflict the widows or fatherless children, to provide through the tithe at the end of every three years an annen kasse (treasury for the poor), which included Levites (they had no inheritance ), the sojourner, the fatherless and the widows
Why no mention of widowers? The question about widowers being omirted or overlooked is a real switch. Usually the "gender"
The ahout
widowers being omitteu or
ovcrlooked is a 1"<.\.11 the " gender" 1'c\'olve the women in the Bible.
were not allowed to leave the home of the husband They generally had no rights to authority They could not appear in public places. They could not give wimess in court. They were not allowed to talk with strangers. They had to be doubly veiled when they left their homes . The Scriptures make it embarrassingly clear that Old Testament practices were much in line with their culture. Adam's role was to be Eve's master (Gen. 3:16) A man could marry as often as he desired (Gen. 4:19). A man could have numerous concubines at the same time (Gen 21:10). Only men participatquestions revolve around the discriminations against women in the Bible . Mennonite Weekly Review recently quoted Tim Miller Dyck. editor of the Canadian Mennonite. who wrote:
"In his greetings to the Christian church in Rome. Paul singles out 18 men and 15 women. so we can infer that there were large numbers of women in the church right from its earliest days In 303 A.D.. a house church in Cirta. North Africa. was raided by authorities. They found books. communion utensils and clothing. probably for distribution to those in need. Much more of this clothing was female rather than male: 82 female tunics versus 16 male tunics. suggesting that there were more females donating than men "
Perhaps the writer is correct in concluding that more women than men donated clothing. However. it seems quite possible that more female clothing was gathered than male because there was greater need for women's clothing than for men's.
It is difficult for us modem Westerners to understand the plight of women in biblical times My explanation for the absence of widowers in the three texts cited is that there was such an inequity between the way women and men were treated in the cultures of biblical times that widowers ' problems of material survival were insignificant compared to women's.
Though difficult for us modems to comprehend women in Old Testament times were viewed as far inferior to men Married women
Have a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference policy or other spiritual issue? Send your question to "Inquiring Minds," c/o Ma rvi n Hein , 303 6 East Magill Avenu e, Fres no, CA 93710 or e-mail Marv in at marvinhei n@sbcglobal.net.
ed in the feasts of unleavened bread. of harvests and of ingathering. (Exod. 23=1-7) Women could not be priests (Leviticus). The virginity requirements for marriageable women did not apply to men (Deut. 22 :13-21). A husband could divorce his wife simply by stating that he was doing this; a woman had no such rights (Deut. 24:1). The ritual uncleanness after giving birth infer that it was twice as ceremonially polluting to give birth to a female child than to a male (Lev 12:1-5) The foregoing facts and many more are discussed in Women in the Bible (author unknown to me but can be researched online). While there may be other reasons. my conclusion is that widowers had so many rights and privileges in that society that their plight was not nearly so grave as for women. They could go out and work and make a living. They remained respected in the church community while women might be shamed . There was comparatively lirtle opportunity for widows to make a living (consider the story of Ruth and Naomi) while a man was not under similar constraints. Thus widowers were not benefactors of church welfare like women
BAPTISM/MEMBERSHIP
Buhler, Kan.-Stephennie Schmidt was baptized and received as a member June 3. Herb and LaVerne Richert. Tim and Judy Richert. Ty Richert. Jam i Richert. Troy Richert. Durango Schmidt and Doug and JoLene Yoder were aLso received as members.
BakersfieLd, Calif. (LaureLgLen)-Annette BazzeLL. James BLackman. Scott and Katy FuLts and Martin Graves were received as members June 3 Joe GonzaLes Jr.. Austin Huckaby. Matthew Huckaby and Ryan Whittington were baptized the weekend of May 19-20.
Hays, Kan (North Oak)-Terry and Sherrill Weeks were received as members June 3. Marty Kraemer and Chris and Mary Copeland were received as members May 13.
Clovis, CaUf. (CoLLege Community)-Brian DiPalma was received as a member May 20.
Wichita, Kan. (First)-Tim Just was bapt ized May 20 FerndaLe, Wash. (Good News)-Ashley BuLLivant was received as a member May 13.
Enid, Okla.-Bob and MichelLe Knoke were received as members May 6.
Omaha, Neb. (IgLesia Agua Viva)- The church reports that seven people have been baptized in recent months.
FELLOWSHIP
BakersfieLd, caUf (LaureLgLen)-Men went whitewater rafting June 23. followed by a BBQ and guest speaker. Church women formed summer book clubs to encourage friendships.
Buhler, Kan.-An aLL-church campout June 9-10 included an outdoor worship service.
Rapid City, SD (Bible FeLLowship)-Singles partic ipated in an overnight biking/camping trip June 8-9.
Huron, SD (Bethesda)- The church set aside Sunday evenings in summer for feLLowship People are encouraged to invite friends and neighbors into their home or out for summer activities to get better acquainted.
Clovis, Calif. (CoLlege Community)-A group dubbed "Exhausted Grandparents" spent the evening June 8 sharing stories. photos and finger foods.
YaLe, SD (Bethell-Church women enjoyed a progressive supper June 6 with each course of the meal at a different home.
Wichita, Kan. (First)-Single parents were invited to a free lunch June 3 Child care was provided.
Kingsburg, CaLif. - The church jo ined with Happy Days Preschool and Iglesia Agua Viva Spanish-language church for an all - ch urch carnival May 23. Fairview, OkLa. - An adult Sunday school class enjoyed an evening of hay rides. a cookout and
sing ing around the campf ire May 15. Church women have begun meeting monthly to play Bunco at a loca L coffee shop.
San Jose, Calif. (LincoLn GLen)- The churc h hosted a community Mother's Day tea May 12. featuring finge r sandwiches and desserts. special mus ic and a best hat competition.
Dinuba, CaLif.-A women's spring luncheon ApriL 29 called "Qu ilted togethe r in love" included a display of heirloom quilts; Kathleen Heinric h from Mennon ite Central Committee. was the guest speaker.
MINISTRY
Wichita, Kan. (First)-A team t raveled to Thailand July 15-29 to work alongside MBMS International's Team 2000
Buhler, Kan.- The churc h hosted a community blood drive May 29
Sanger, Calif. (Grace Community)- The church joined with area churches May 3 to host WOW Jam. a community gathering in a local park. The churches provided a meal. groceries. games. bike tire repair. face painting and makeovers. followed by singing and an evangelical message. Several hundred adults and children responded to an invitation to accept Christ. The church is follow ing up with about 50 of those Manhattan, Kan. (Manhattan Mennonite)-Four peopLe trave led to New Orleans March 17-24 to work on rebuilding and repa iring houses with Mennonite Disaster Service.
PROCLAMATION
Reedley, CaLif.-Menno Joel. director of the MB Bible ColLege in India. was the guest speaker June 10
Clovis, Calif. (CoLLege Community)- Rafae l Escobar Rosal. representing International Committee of Mennonite Brethren. was the guest speaker June 10 Menno Joel. director of the MB BibLe College in India was the guest speaker June 17.
Fresno, Calif. (Bethany)-Alfred Neufeld. dean of the faculty at the Evangelical Univers ity of Paraguay. was the guest speaker June 10.
Sanger, CaUf. (Grace Community)-E D. SoLomon. from the MB BibLe College in Shamshabad. India. was the guest speaker June 10.
Freeman, SD (SaLem)-June 3 was a Mission Sunday. with the commissioning of Audrey Weidenbach for ministry to Native Americans on the Pine Ridge Reservation Missionary Russ Ebersole reported on work in Togo. West Africa
BakersfieLd, CaLif. (LaureLgLen)-Ca rli n Weinhauer. representing MBMS International. was the guest speaker the weekend of May 19-20
San Jose, Calif. (LincoLn GLen) - The weekend of May 5-6 was a missions emphasis an d faith promi se weekend. featuring an internat iona l po tl uck disp l ay
tables from various missions organizations and an opportunity to commit to financia l support. Jason and Angie Borgess. miss iona ri es to East Asia. and James and Ann Siebert. serv ing with InterVarsity Internationa l were guest speakers.
TEACHING/NURTURE
BakersfieLd, Calif. (LaureLgLen) ...., Parents and youth junior high and older learned about creation and evolution through a video series and discussion on Sunday mornings beginning June 3
HiLlsboro, Kan.-Members participated June 1 in a community-wide prayer walk to pray specifically for the area schools and related community needs. On June 6. the congregation heLd a prayer walk through the ir new church build ing as a time of dedication.
Sioux FaLls, SD (Christ Community)-June was dubbed a "great" month. with sermon themes on the Great Commission. Great Commandment. Great Father and Great Confession. In addition the church hosted a "great" 5-Day Club for children in a neighborhood park June 18- 22 and members were chaLlenged to make a Great Commitment July 1
Fresno, Calif. (Mountain View)- The church hosted a global day of prayer with area churches May 27. The event was preceded by 10 days of prayer including a prayer room available 24/7 and several concerts of prayer.
Fresno, Calif. (Bethany)-Every six weeks newcomers are invited to Pizza with the Pastors. a casual lunch where newcomers meet the pastors and get a brief orientat ion to the church.
Tulsa, OkLa. (The Heart)-The church has recently been focusing on spiritual renewa l and prayer. Opportunities have included a silent prayer event. a music focused prayer event and a nature focused prayer event at a prayer garden.
WORKERS
Topeka, Kan. (Cornerstone Community)-Dave Bu ller was instalLed as senior pastor June 10. He had been serving as associate and youth pastor.
BakersfieLd, Calif. (The Bridge)-Joost DeMoes is serving as sen ior administrator for the summer. Dur ing the school year. he is principal of a Loca l school.
OLathe, Kan. (Community Bible)-David Koop is serving as a summer you th intern.
Hillsboro, Kan.-BiLL and Roberta Damberg are serving as interim pastoral coup le beginning July 1
Reedley, CaLif. - Jaso n Hofer was installed as student mi nistries pastor June 10.
Wichita, Kan. (First) - Jenny WaLL has accepted t he position of director of ch ild re n's mi nistry
Garden City, Kan. (Garden ValLey)-Ti m Davis has res igned as lead pastor Kay la Drake is serv ing as
intern youth pastor this summer whi le youth pastor Steve Ensz takes a sabbatical.
Bakersfield, Calif. ILaurelglenJ- Lin dsay Vercammen has been added to t he sta ff as music/worsh ip coordinator.
WORSHIP
Centennial, Colo.ITrailhead)- The church plant wil l be meeting for worsh ip every other Sunday evening th is summer, freeing up Sunday mornings for community service and relatio nsh ip-bu ilding with ne ighbors On the "off' weeks. the church will plan largegroup service opportunit ies. such as feed ing the poor. cleaning graffiti or visiting a nursing home.
Hesston, Kan.-June 10 was a morni ng for "flip flops and flap jacks," as the service highlighted a short-term missions team heading for the Dominican Republic Members were invited to wear their flip flops and eat pancakes before the morning service
Reedley, Calif.-May 20 was "Encore Sunday," featuring music that has been particular ly meaningful during the past year
Fresno, Calif. INorth Fresno)- The church 's annual worship in the park May 20 included a time of neighborhood trivia and prayer and a sermon on " Being neighborly where you live. work and play,"
Manhattan, Kan. IManhattan Mennonite)-Songs reques ted by children are noted in the bulletin when used in worship
Omaha, Neb. IIglesia Agua Viva)-Attendance at four services on Easter Sunday was over 500 Fo r mer pastor Walter Preza was the guest speaker. and three people accepted Christ.
YOUTH
Bakersfield, Calif. ILaurelglenJ-Four high school students were honored in spring with awards or scholarships for their church involvement. character, influence on fellow students and community and desire to honor God with the ir lives
Olathe, Kan. ICommunity Bible)-Prayer bands reminded members to pray daily for ind ividual youth as they attended the Southern District's senior high camp June 3-9
Papillion, Neb. IShadow Lake)-Fifth and sixth graders participated this spr ing in a six-week course on purity and the importance of protecting their hearts The age-appropriate course had a " knights and princesses" theme and concluded with a ceremony in which participants wore costumes and signed documents indicat ing they had completed the course .
Dinuba, CaUf.-Youth in fourth through sixth grade are participating in a new disci pleship and mento ring program June 6-Sept. 5. Youth learn 12 Christ ian principles, go on fun outings such as bowling, serve by taking pizza to a needy family and learn skills such as how to light a fire and pitch a tent.
Shafter, Calif.-Students we re invited to study and snack at the church during finals week, May 29 - 31
Bakersfield, Calif.IThe Bridge)-Children did extra chores to raise over $100 for gifts for missio nary
kids in Mexico May 6 High school youth recently co mmitted to spending daily t ime in the Bible, and sacrif iced somethi ng important, such as ca r s, video games, cell phones, etc , if t hey missed.
Kingsburg, CaUf.-A ch ildren's emphas is May 6 centered aro und a circ us t heme with clowns , a magic show and seve ral "circus acts " by chi l dren, such as a strongman , li on tamer, tight board wa l kers, contortion ist and ju gg ler. A picnic at a park followed the service.
DEATHS
BERGMANN, EDNA. Corn, Ok la , a member of Corn MB Church, was bo rn April 24, 1923, to J.P and Li zz ie Stobbe near Corn and died June 5, 2007 , at the age of 84. On Sept. 12, 1946, she married Paul Bergmann, who predeceased her She is survived by four daughters, Elaine and husband Dennis Flaming of Fairview, Ok la , Ethel of Edmond, Okla., Rosemary and husband Ke ith Nikke l of Corn; and Robbie and husband Marvin Stoldt of Bethany, Okla , eight granddaughters and seven great-grandchildren.
BULLER, SUSIE KLIEWER, Reedley, Calif , a memberof Reedley MB Church, was born March 21, 1916, to Jacob K. and Susana Goertzen Kliewer in Stockam, Neb., and died April 29 , 2007, at the age of 91. On Nov 22, 1935, she married Lloyd Buller, who predeceased her in 2006 She is survived by two daughters, Addie and husband Larry Ollenburger, and Norma and husband Roger Warkentin ; one sister, Hu l da, of Oregon, five grandchildren, six greatgrandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
CHILDRESS, KATHLEEN, Fresno, Cal if , a member of Butler Avenue MB Church , Fresno, was born Aug. 19, 1944, to Dollie and Dan F. McGaughey in Bell, Calif., and died May 14, 2007, at the age of 62. She married Edward Chi l dress, who survives. She is also survived by one son, James; two daughters, Lisa and husba nd Jeff Becker, and Laura , and two granddaughters
ENNS, KATHARINE ANN, Buhler, Kan , of Buhler MB Church, was born July 2, 1928, to Frank and Agnes Enns in Nyanga, Belgian Congo, and died May 26, 2007, at the age of 78
GARBER, ELIZABETH J. IBETTYE) , Shafter, Calif , a member of Shafter MB Church, was bom Jan 9, 1924, to Herbert and Elizabeth Gilchrist in Farmington, NM, and died May 10, 2007, at the age of 83 On Sept. 28, 1945, she married Richard Garber, who predeceased her. She is survived by four sons, Tom , Doug and wife Tracy, and Jim and wife Jill, all of Bakersfield, Calif , and Steve and wife Meg of Burke, Va.; four sisters, Ann Lee of Cranberry Township , Pa., Marian Brooks of Raleigh, NC, Agnes Carson of Tarpon Springs, Fla , and Francis McCracken of Beaver Falls, Pa., and 11 grandchildren.
KLIEWER, LINDA MAE THIESSEN, Fresno, Calif , of Bethany MB Church, Fresno, was born Dec 29, 1920, in Henderson, Neb., and died May 19, 2007, at the age of 86
PLETT, LILLIAN SARA, Hillsboro, Kan., a member of Parkview MB Church, Hillsboro, was born April 9, 1915, to Abraham S and Sara Schroeder Klassen in Lehigh, Kan , and died June 1, 2007, at the age of 92 On Aug. 28, 1938, she married Cornelius Plett, who predeceased her in 1989 She is survived by one son, Philip and wife Sharon of Huron, SD; three daughters, Mary and husband Donald Rosfeld of Kan. , Ruth and husband Tim Se ibel of Hesston, Kan , and Alice Jean and husband Alan Regier of Goessel, 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
RATZLAFF, ALVIN, Fa irview, Okla., a member of Fairview MB Church, was born Nov 23, 1920, to Dan B and Amanda Gerl Ratzlaff at Orienta, Okla ., and died May 25,2007, at the age of 86. On June 3, 1945, he married Elvera Schmidt, who predeceased him Sept. 19, 2006 He is survived by two sons, Stan and wife Debby of Fairview, and John and wife Dee of Salem, Ore ; one daughter, Ruth and husband Ron
Remembering ... Arnold Prieb
l1lil1li
y service for my Lord were the best years of my life," said Arnold Prieb of his 30 years as a Mennonite Brethren mlsslon ary in Democratic Republic of Congo "Difficult, yes , but rewarding, absolutely " Prieb, known for his faith , humor, energy and pioneering spirit, died May 4, 2007, at the age of 83
Prieb together with his wife, Rosella, served in DR Congo from 1950 to IgBO, traveling to villages and mission stations and working in evangelism, church planting and leadership training. The Congo MB Conference elected Prieb as their first president, a position he held for nine years In 1980 Prieb and his wife moved to
Fresno, Calif., where he was associate pastor at Bethany Church for IZ years He served as a member of the MBMS International board of directors and on the Pacific District Conference home missions board He remained committed to DR Congo and made five trips back to the country to encourage the church there . Prieb was born Feb . 6, 1924, in Buhler, Kan On Sept II, 1945, he married Rosella KOOp, who survives He is survived by one of his two daughters, Gloria Enos ; four sons , Garry, Larry, Arnie and James ; one brother, Eldo and wife Erma of Kansas; one sister-in -law, Hulda Prieb of Kansas , 18 grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren
Buller of Sheridan Lake, Co lo., seven grandchild ren and seven great-grandch ildren.
SCHULTZ, ETHEL, Shafter, Calif , a member of Shafter MB Chu rch , was born Jan. 21, 19 18, to Henry and Marie Bergman in Marion County, Kan , and died June 3, 2007, at the age of 89. On Sept 5, 1937, she married Ernest Schu lt z, who predeceased her in 1994 She is surv ived by three sons, Leroy and wife Cathy of Sun City West, Ariz. , Doug and w ife Li nda of Cedarville , Calif., and David of Bakersfield, Calif.; two daug hters, Glo ri a St innett of Shafter, and Teresa and husba nd John Sora nno of Bakersfie l d; two brothers, Lee Bergman and w ife Norma , and Lowel l Bergman and wife Betty, all of Shafter ; one siste r , Marg ie Bobst of Bakersfield; two sisters-in -law, Ella Bergman of
Bi-Vocational Urban Pastor: Light house Community Chu rch, located in a lowincome area in Wichita , Kan. is looking for a pastor. The church , planted by Worl d Impact, is part of the Mennonite Brethren denomination and is fo ur years ol d. Weekly attendance is 40-50. We are looking for a pastor who is a man of the Word Qualifications: a shepherd's heart, commitment to train ing and equipping the church in ministry, a heart for cross-cultural urban min istry and outreach , an ability to be bi-vocational, willing to raise support or entering early retirement. If interested in applying or discussing this opening please contact either Matt Penner at 3 16-651-0858 or Sonja at lccpastorsearch!ahotmail.com 11/1)
Senior Pastor: Madera Avenue Bible Church-Mennonite Breth ren of Madera, Calif., is seeking applicants for the position of Senior Pastor. Weekly attendance 60-80. Cover letters and resumes should be submitted to Search Committee,
Shafter, and Ruby Sch ul tz of Fresno, Calif ; one brother-in-law, Marvin Penner of Fresno, 11 grandchildren, 29 great - gra ndchi l dren and two great-great grandchildren
WITTENBERG, VIOLA, Be lli ngha m, Was h , a member of Birch Bay Bible Co mmu nity Chu rch, Be llingham, was bo rn Sept. 12, 1917, to Solomon and Paulina Hehn in Menno , SD, and died May 22, 2007, at the age of 89 On Ju ly 6, 1937, she marr ied Pete Witte nbe rg, who predeceased he r in 1984 She is surv ived by a stepson, Art hur Wittenbe rg and wife Maggie of Belling ham; a stepdaug ht er , Leonora Un r uh of Seattle, Wash.; one sister, Lavahn and husband Jack Wilcoxo n of Orl and , Ca li f , five grandch ildren, nine great-gra ndchildren and seven greatgreat - grand chi l dren
CORRECTED: FRIESEN, PEARL J , Reed ley, Calif., a forme r member of Reedley MB Church, was born June 6, 1916, to Heinrich G and Katharina Reimer Nickel in Reedley, and died March 8, 2007, at the age of 90 In 1940, she ma rr ied Alvin J Kliewer They divorced in 1968, and he predeceased her in 2005. In 197 1, she married Abe Fadenrech t, who predeceased he r in 1985 In 1988. she married Reuben Friesen, who predeceased her in 2004 She is survived by two sons , Gene Kli ewe r and wife Evie of Ritzville, Wash" and Gera l d Kliewe r and friend Iva nk a of Grants Pass, Ore.; one daughte r, Ela ine and hu sba nd Ken Peterson of Roseville, Calif. ; three brothers, Clarence of San Jose, Ca lif Earl and wife Mary Jane of Reedley, Calif , and Han k and wife Jeanette of Fresno, Calif , five gra ndch il dren and three grea t-grandchildren
C lea r I n 9 H 0 USE
Madera Avenue Bible Church, 124 Wa lnut St, Madera CA 93637 or e-mail mabcmadera!ayahoo.com
Senior Pastor: Fait h Bible Churc h IMennonite Brethren) in Omaha, Neb., is looking for a Senior Pastor. The church is a small, urban congregation 1100 +) in an English - Latino neighborhood with an established AWANA program and a great outreach to the community. We are seeking a pastor with a servant/leader's heart and a strong preaching/teaching ministry Applica nts must have strong organization and positive relational sk ills Seminary graduate preferred Please send resume to: Pulpit Search Committee, Faith Bible Church, 1555 So 27th Street, Omaha, NE 68105 or e-mails to davidlesliebrownlilmsn com ll/l)
Associate Pastor: Fa ith Bible Church of Lawton/Ft. Sill, Okla" is seeking an Associate Pastor to assist in worship team ministry and music leadership, work with young families to facilitate small groups, etc " and to assist the Youth Ministries Director in youth activit ies. For
more information, contact Pastor Leonard Re imer 580 -357-6600 1580-5740537) and/or send a resume to pastorleona rdlilj uno.com or to Fa ith Bible Church, 1402 SW, Park Ridge Blvd., Lawton, OK, 73505.
Youth Pastor: Shafter MB Church, a multigene rat iona l congrega tion in Cal iforn ia's southern San Joaquin Va lley, is accepting resumes for the pos ition of Youth Pastor For more information please contact the church at smbclilshaftermb.org or call 661-746-4969 Resumes can be sent to Shafter MB, PO Box 1538, Shafter, CA 93263, attn Yo ut h Pas tor Search Committee
Youth Pastor: Vi newood Commun ity Church in Lodi, Calif., is seeki ng a Youth Pastor to disci ple high school and junior high school students and to dire ct a strong, committed yout h wo r ker team. As the lead person on the student ministries team, the Youth Pastor is responsible to provide leadership in guiding, train ing and ass isting students from 7th grade through college to a life devoted to Christ
MMA, an established, church-related organization , is seeking sales professionals to provide insurance and financial solutions to one of the industry's most loyal markets. and participat ion in his chu rch This person shou ld have a passion for discipling and shepherding students a sol id bib lica l background and strong leadership skills Additiona lly, this person should have the ability to organize and
MMA is a highly trusted organization serving individuals and businesses primarily associated with Mennonite and other Anabaptist-related de nominations . Excellent income potential and generous benefits To learn more, visit www mma-online,orgtcareers, Fax or e-mall resume to (574) 53 7-6635 or hr@mma-online.org.
work in teams, plan and organ ize events and connect with students. College degree and youth ministry experience are prefer red. For more information please e-mail vinewood!avinewoodchurch com. Resumes can be sent to Search Committee at vinewood!avinewoodchurch com or faxed to 1209)369-1900 or ma iled to 1900 W Vi ne Street, Lodi, CA 95242 11/1)
Paul and Politics
2008 Janzen Lectureship & Symposium celebrating the work of John E. Toews
March 28-29, 2008
Fresno Pacific University and MB Biblical Seminary campuses, Fresno, Calif
The Janzen lectureship in Biblical Studies was created in 2003 to promote careful scholarship in biblical interpretation, as well as the witness of the Christian chu rch As the 2008 Janzen lecturer, John E Toews, PhD, will present on his most recent scholarship on Pau l and pOlitics. These presentations IThursday evening and Friday morning) will be followed by a symposium Friday afternoon and even ing ce lebrating Toews' 40-year contribution to the Mennonite Church, Mennonite higher educa tion and scholarship Papers may critically engage Toews' scholarship !issues, themes, approaches, etc.) or may reflect on his contribut ion to the church or to higher education as teacher or administrator Send proposals of no more than 200 words and a one-page CV with full contact infor mation and institutional affiliation to Dr Laura Schmidt Roberts, lrobertslilfresno edu by Sept. 15, 2007. The day following the symposium, March 30, is open for excursions to Yosemite, San Francis co or the Ce ntral Coast. 12/6 )
Reading on my mind
Book-burning bookseller bothered by apathy
When I saw a recent news item about a book burning in the Kansas City area, my mind filled with images of raging flames and frenzied spectators. I imagined scenes of mass hysteria, contorted faces and preachers rebuking the wicked works of sinful souls. But alas, the facts were more mundane A used bookstore owner needed to scale down his warehouse inventoty, so he tried to donate the extra books to libraries and other places. Nobody wanted them. That's when the bookseller decided to hold a book burning to protest the lack of reading in our culture. He described it as a "funeral pyre for thought in
America today."
Though I'm an avid reader, my first reaction to that was a bit of an eye-roll. 1
1 have to disagree. 1 would say that reading books is still important and perhaps even more crucial than ever The book-burning bookseller may not have overstated the matter that much afrer all when he equated the decline of reading with the decline of thought. Judging by our popular culture, we probably wouldn't conclude that deep thinking is one of the hallmarks of modem society.
Someone once said that the chief virtue of books is that they take a long time to write and a long time to read. I love that That 'long time" thing is usually seen as negative rather
, Someone ollce s;.lid thJt the chief virtue 01 that th e v take
a
10ng time
to
write Jnd J long time to read. I love lh;.1t. .
wondered what kind of stuff the book guy was trying to donate. My family gets plenty of good books at our local used bookstore, but there is also a lot of weird material that has floundered on the shelves. It isn't easy to sell works with tides like The Many Faces of Concrete and 1, 000 Clean Jokes About Cows and Portraits of Paint Drying in the 1950S. Not every book is a wellspring of profundity. If the bookseller couldn't give away dry tomes that barely contained a glimmer of interest in the first place, I wouldn't exactly liken that to "the end of thought."
But the book guy did make one good point. He cited a study reporting that reading for pleasure has declined by nearly 60 percent among adults during the last 25 years. That is kind of alarming. And my daily experience confirms it. Most people 1 know are regular movie and TV watchers, but acquaintances with whom I can discuss current literature are few and far between
Since I'm not a fan of television , some people take me for a snob when it comes to books versus visual media . But I don't think that's the case . If people prefer movies and TV shows over books, what business is that of mine? They're free to watch what they choose and read or not read what they want I've never tried to persuade anyone to read just because 1like it Except for one time back in college when 1 badgered a friend into taking up one particular work 1 loved. Of course, he hated it. 1 learned my lesson right there.
Still, it does bother me when the video generation suggests that print media is an increasingly antiquated and irrelevant form of expression. There
than positive these days That's one of our problems. Our cultural tendencies are to rush around and jump to conclusions and assume we understand complex issues after twominute news reports We live unexamined lives and try to avoid long-term commitments. That's why it's easier to grab the channel changer or movie ticket or computer mouse than commit to a book that's going to take a few weeks of mental engagement to finish
Today's lack of readers concerns me, but even more alarming is the state of Bible reading. I heard about a survey concluding that a surprisingly low percentage of people could name the major personalities and events of the Bible or describe the basics of salvation and faith And that was just among Christians
Again, this gels with my experience It's gotten harder in recent years to persuade churchgoers that regular Bible reading is a good thing . For the most part the reluctant readers have admitted, however, that they probably should be reading their Bibles more
But even that is changing. I've had several conversations lately in which Christians have unabashedly said they thought reading the Bible was overrated. That almost puts me at a loss for words.
Yet 111 keep extolling the benefits of personal Bible study, and continue to teach the Word in discussion groups It just seems like these endeavors are attracting less and less of an audience And to be honest, 1 don't know where faith can go from here if fewer of its practitioners even bother to read the material.
Promise keepers
Keeping promises must not be as simple as it looks
"Have you not read that the one who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female' and said 'For this reason a man shan leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shan become one flesh'? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate" (Matt. 19:4-6, NRSV)
The Tabor College commencement address this past May took an unexpected tum for many of us veteran commencement goers. Speaker Ron Sider began by challenging the 2007 graduates to live what Jesus preached, not an uncommon theme for an address at a Christian institution Sider is the author of Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger, considered one of the 100 most influential books in the 20th century, and The Scandal of the Evangelical Conscience, a book Tabor seniors are asked to read.
ical or spiritual problems of one of the spouses and the dynamics of the relationship itself that can include unfaithfulness, mistreatment of children and an overall environment that lacks love, honor and respect.
These two categories can help us think about situations in which divorce is an appropriate solution to the pain someone is experiencing in marriage, says Gushee, a Christian marriage counselor who believes marriage is based on covenant promises. Sometimes the suffering of one spouse is so great, as in the case of abuse, that it is the marriage, rather than divorce, that is most damaging. Sometimes one spouse proceeds with divorce against the wishes of the other. These are times when a congregation needs to s tan d with the
The willin gness among evangelical Christian s to break our marriage vows in spite of the th at Je su s'- dearly and repeatedly condemns divorce is sohering. hurting spouse and help the individual discern what to do.
The surprise came when Sider spent a significant porrion of his time talking about the importance of Christian couples keeping their marriage vows. Marriage and divorce are not common topics for a commencement address. Sider's answer was simple when someone asked him about this focus: Marriage is important.
One of the reasons Sider is calling on young people to take their marriage vows seriously is that Christians are just as likely as non-Christians to divorce. In 2001 Barna Research Group reported that 33 percent of all born-again Christians have been divorced compared to 34 percent among non-born-again Americans, a difference that is statistically insignificant.
We clearly have reason to be concerned about the state of marriage in the world and in our churches. The willingness among evangelical Christians to break our marriage vows in spite of the fact that Jesus clearly and repeatedly condemns divorce is sobering. This needs to change and that means we need to change. We need to transform our marriages so that they give wimess to our belief that Jesus is Lord.
We can begin by admitting that Christian marriages face the same challenges as non-Christian marriages. We don't have more successful marriages simply because we are followers of Christ. We are all sinners saved by grace Sinners will make mistakes. We will be selfish, and we will hurt the people we love. This means that our marriages will at times actually foster pain, suffering and sadness. Marriage is seldom-maybe never-the blissful relationship many of us imagine on our wedding day.
"In almost all marriages, there are episodes or seasons of suffering," writes David P. Gushee in his book Getting Marriage Right: Realistic Counsel for Saving and Strengthening Relationships. "Nobody tells the engaged or newly married couple to expect that marriage will bring suffering And so when suffering hits the couple is bewildered."
Suffering in a marriage, says Gushee, comes from forces both outside and inside the marriage. External sources are things like unemployment, financial pressures and illness. Internal sources of suffering include the moral, psycholog-
But most of the time unhappiness in a marriage should not prompt us to divorce. Recent research using a large national sample found that 86 percent of people who were unhappily married in the late 1980s, and stayed with the marriage, when interviewed five years later said that they were happier. In fact, three-fifths of the formerly unhappily married couples rated their marriages as either "very happy" or "quite happy."
All marriages have their ups and downs, regardless of whether the spouses are Christians. What should be different for Christians is that we keep our marriage vows. In his commencement address Sider talked about a season in his own marriage during which he contemplated being unfaithful. What kept him from doing so, he told the audience, was the fact that he had made a covenant with his wife on their wedding day He challenged the graduates to be wimesses to the world of Jesus as Lord by holding a high and sacred view of their marriage vows.
& part of our marriage counseling 20-plus years ago my husband and I read the book Life with Promise: Marriage as a Covenant Venture by Larry Martens. In the first chapter Larry writes about the nature of the marriage covenant. He says, "Taking our commitment seriously may seem a simplistic solution, but there is nothing simple about it."
Keeping our vows to our spouses is not as simple as it sounds-Larry is right about that-but it is one way we Christians can show the world that being a follower of Jesus Christ makes a difference each and every day.- CF
» Only 90/0 of America's population is evangelical Christian
» A large majority of ll20-somethings" leave the church even if they were involved as teens
'<TnT"'" over one-third (360/0) of IlsearG hing for meaning
» More than (54%) of all adults believe that if a person is generally good or does good enough things for others during their tHey will earn a place in heaven
Mission USA thinks e need more churches to reach rna people with the truth! Will you help us?
Mission USA is currently helping to plant churches in Edmond, Okla.; Sioux Falls, SO; Denver, Colo.; and Daybreak, Utah and an additional church plant being planned for the Pacific District Conference.
We welcome and appreciate your generous support of Mission USA. Please send your donation to: Mission USA U.S. Conference PO Box 220 Hillsboro, KS 67063 Note "Mission USA" on the memo line
Mission involvement is God's call to all His followers He has empowered us by His Spirit, the witness of the Gospel. There is no greater joy than being on a mission team purposed on bringing people to Jesus and seeing their lives transformed. MBMSI offers you th is incredible team experience. Join us .
One day Nitz, my translator, and I were walking between huts to our next outreach home when a little girl, Cathleen, stopped us and said we had to come speak to her mother. We were short on time but she insisted that we go with her. So we went. There were two ladies, her brother Miko, and her little sister waiting for us. We went through my testimony and Scripture passages. Miko read the Scriptures with enthusiasm. All were very attentive. They all prayed and asked Jesus to forgive their sins and take control of their liv es Cathleen prayed the loudest. Nitz was almost in tears of joy when she saw the response of the mother. They were so delighted and happy to have Jesus in their lives and anxious to attend Bible study. The Lord surely prepares hearts and directs us to them What a blessing!
Arthu r Loewen
Philippine DMI Campaigl1 April 2007
For upcoming DMI campaigns, please visit our website at www.mbmsi.orgldmi. You can also email James Nikkel at jamesn@mbmsi.org
What is "Mobilization" in Mission?
by Randy Friesen
Ifirst met Brent at TREK (our nine-month discipleship in mission program) training five years ago. He was eager to learn about other cultures and wanted to follow Jesus. As his team went through training in Abbotsford in preparation for their assignment to India, Brent would often use his free time to visit with Sikhs at the local temple. During the TREK assignment to North India the team visited the state of Punjab, the birthplace of the Sikh religion. God began speaking to Brent about His love for the people of this region of India as they served alongside ministries that were bringing transformation to lives and communities.
Upon his return to rural Saskatchewan, Brent's church invited him to serve as their youth pastor. Brent's love for youth, for God and for His Church were deeply shaped during this season of ministry in his local church. During one of my visits to Saskatchewan, Brent asked me to pray with him about further training options. He eventually decided to attend Columbia Bible College (CBC) focusing on theology and cross cultural mission. I visited with Brent last year and asked how his studies were going. He mentioned that he was supplementing his training by studying the Punjab language at the local community college. This guy is focused!
Brent has applied for a one-year internship to North India with MBMS International as part of his missions major. His goal is to serve longer term in that region as part of a team. Brent is one of many young leaders that are being mobilized for mission today.
"Mobilization" was first used to describe the act of assembling and putting into readiness for war or other emergency, troops and materials. It was a call to unusual action and sacrifice.
What does mobilization mean in the context of missions? We currently have five Regional Mobilizers serving in MBMS International offices across North America (Wichita, Fresno, Abbotsford, Winnipeg and Waterloo). Their focus is to mobilize people (into both short term and longer term assignments), prayer and resources.
We believe the challenge and priority of planting churches amongst the least reached regions of the world requires a significant response. It's not business as usual. There is a spiritual battle for the minds and hearts of this generation.
What values and forces limit the mission mobilization of the Church? Our accumulation of things (security) and our fear of harm or sickness (health) have become significant preoccupations for God's people. When the whole world wants to live here, why should we move "there"? Only the powerful pull of God's Spirit can reorient our priorities to line up with His Kingdom values.
We find it doesn't happen all at once. Many small decisions contribute to living a reoriented life on mission. That's the reason that our Regional Mobilizers are orgamzmg various outreach programs-from weekend and week-long urban mission exposure opportunities for churches (intergenerational) to intercession trips. Learning to see your city through God's eyes changes how you also view the world. You can read about the impact on over 100 youth on a recent short term trip to Ensenada, Mexico on page 14.
Pastors, business leaders and couples are getting first hand exposure to our church planting teams through prayer and vision trips. You can read about the impact these cross cultural learning assignments are having on pages 5 and 6.
I'm convinced that prayer mobilizes God's people into mission. "Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest field," (Luke 10:2) still works today. Prayer mobilizes. I am amazed at the emails and calls we are receiving from interested longer term mission candidates. Each story is unique. All have been prayed for.
We are praying for God to send us the best. Engineers, farmers, doctors, teachers, carpenters and pastors who are filled with His Spirit and His love. People who love the local church. People who are willing to invite spiritual seekers into their lives to share
Randy Friesen serves as General Director ofMBMS International (MBMSI) in Abbotsford, BC
When the whole world wants to live here, why should we move "there"?
their stories. People who love adventure. Ordinary people on an extraordinary mission. continued 011 page 4 . . .
continued from page 3
What is "Mobilization" in Mission?
Our mobilization theme this year is GPS. Sometimes this is interpreted as our area of "God Positioned Service " The Global Positioning Systems on vehicles and handhelds today can pinpoint location to within several feet. This is possible because the device receives a location signal from at least three orbiting satellites. What are the three directional signals we need to confirm our optimal area of service in God's Kingdom?
Mobilization for mission requires three things:
1. an understanding of God's Word (written and spoken) and His clearly revealed priorities for us.
2. the affirmation of God's people as we test our gifts and abilities in the local church and community.
3. the confirmation of circumstances which line up with what we discern to be God's missional direction for our lives. .
Mobilization is a process of discerning and determining our missional GPS. What is our
Celebration Missions Night
Celebration Missions Nights are opportunities for our MB church family to hear and see what God is doing on the frontlines of missions. This year we are focusing on the Khmu, a tribal group in Northern Thailand. You will hear how God is building his church despite serious persecution.
These evenings are opportunities to renew our commitment and invite people to participate with MBMS International in God's call to missions. The evening is full of worship and celebration. You will be moved by stories and pictures from Khmu leaders and the stirring challenge from General Director Randy Friesen to count the cost of church planting among the least reached.
MBMSI is experiencing a growing number of individuals, couples and families being mobilized toward missions through CMN events. Some are now seeking the Lord's direction for going. Others are committing themselves to sending and are supporting missionaries through their resources and prayer. We invite you to a Celebration Missions Night scheduled in your area this year. Attend expecting God to change your life and mobilize you toward missions.
unique contribution to God's redemptive story in history?
My son and I joined a father-son team on a kayak trip last summer in Pacific Rim National Park off the coast of Vancouver Island. The fog rolled in off the Pacific Ocean each morning enveloping the islands in which we were camping. Our return trip required several miles of open water kayaking. With the handheld GPS we were able to retrace our outgoing route on the open ocean to within several yards.
It's easy to get fogged in today in our North American culture. We lose our vision and our global missional perspective too easily. We lose our way We know we were made for more We just don't know how to get there. This issue of Witness is focused on sharing the stories of people who are discovering their missional CPS-their direction. Our prayer is that all of us would be mobilized to join God in His mission.
CMN 2007 Locations and Times
Thurs, Jui. 5, 07 / Central District MB Conference Rapid City, SO / 7:00 pm
Sun, Sept. 23, 07 / Wichita First MB Church Wichita, KS / 8:30, 9:45, 11:45 am
Sun, Sept.23,07/ Corn MB Church Corn, OK / 6:00 pm
Mon, Sept. 24, 07/ Garden Valley MB Church Garden City, KS / 7:00 pm
Sat, Sept. 29, 07 / Forest Grove MB Church Saskatoon, SK / 6:30 pm
Sun, Sept. 30, 07 / River West MB Church Edmonton, AB / 6:00 pm
Sat, Nov. 3, 07 / North Fresno MB Church Fresno, CA / 6:00 pm
Sun, Nov. 4, 07/ Reedley MB Church Reedley, CA / 6:00 pm
Sat, Nov. 10, 07/ Glencairn MB Church Kitchener, ON / 7:00 pm
Sun, Nov. 11, 07 / Gateway Christian n::1.lu,.."l St. Catharines, ON / 7:00 pm
Jungle Life Transforming Prairie People
by Maryanne Berge
The "Panama Project" has changed our church family in remarkable ways. Our connection to Panama began many years ago, in Colombia, South America through MBMSI missionaries Trever and Joan Godard. Through a one year discipleship program and the mentorship of Trever and Joan, God called Girlesa and Einer Zuluaga, a Colombian couple, to serve the Wounaan people of Panama. At the same time, our congregation was looking to build a relationship with a particular people group; thus began our partnership with the Zuluagas and their ministry in Panama.
Forest Grove's mission is about transformation in Jesus Christ. We strive to be a covenant community that loves God, disciples one another and reaches out to the very ends of the earth. Our strategic partnership in Panama with the Zuluagas has allowed our church body to experience discipleship and mission as we send out multi-generational teams.
This summer we will be sending our fourth team to Panama to help disciple the Wounaan and serve alongside the Zuluagas Over 55 people from our church have had the privilege of going to the jungles of Panama already as a part of this partnership! We have seen lives within our teams impacted as people have stepped out of their comfort zones. God has opened our eyes to global needs, different cultures and miracles of provision and answered prayer. Each team has come home
with powerful stories of how God calmed a storm, healed an injury or gave victory over evil. Our faith as a church has grown as we have trusted God to raise finances, protect us and mobilize the right team members.
The Wounaan church grew from 20 people to 200 in the last two years, so last summer we returned to construct a new church building. Praise God that His Kingdom is being advanced! We have been blessed to see fruit within our own church body as well. Our teams have developed strong multigenerational relationships as mothers, fathers, sons and daughters go to Panama together. Our desire is to continue to send these types of teams with the hope that we will model godly family relationships for the Wounaan. We are learning that to be involved in mission is to be relational.
The Zuluagas have become family to many of us and our partnership has benefited both our church and their ministry. They have blessed us through their faith, commitment, courage and consistent walk with the Lord. One of our goals at Forest Grove, through the Panama Project, has been to bring a more holistic missional focus to the church, resulting in prayer, support and finances for ALL of our missionaries. It is our prayer that God will use this project to call out more missionaries from our church and help everyone recognize their role in the Great Commission.
Maryanne Berge gives leadership in the area of Missions at Forest Grove MB Church in Saskatoon, SK.
Bruce Enns is the lead pastor for Forest Grove MB Church in Saskatoon, SK and is passionate about leadership development and mission.
Living by a Kingdom Perspective
by Bruce Enns
We constantly hear reminders to be realistic. Pull your head out of the clouds and take a bite of reality. Yet throughout Scripture, Christians are encouraged to look at life with different lenses and see a new reality, one not dependant on circumstances.
Isaiah 61:1-3 captures a compelling picture of the good news of the Gospel but also shows the reality of a contrasting perspective. "Good news for the poor... comfort for the brokenhearted ... captives to be freed beauty for ashes joy instead of mourning praise instead of despair".
These are pictures of a God reality! This is the Kingdom of God-living with hope beyond one's current situation and declaring a reality based on hope in Jesus Christ. I recently had the privilege of going on a vision trip to Thailand. I saw missionaries declaring and living out the truth of the Gospel and witnessed lives being transformed.
Although some giftings are similar, overall, pastors and businessmen have different perspectives. This variety of viewpoints was evident on our trip of pastors and business people and the merging of perspectives led to a far better approach than any one perspective could have brought. What a gift to be part of a team that prayed as if it were all up to God and worked, problem solved, dreamed, leveraged, resourced and planned as if it were all up to us.
One of my favorite moments of perspective on this trip was a sign hanging outside a doctor's office. First in Thai and then in English this sign proclaimed: "Fairly Reliable Doctor". Somehow I don't think this was conveying what it was intended to for English speaking patients. What a reminder of the importance of an accurate perspective on the reality of the Kingdom of God.
I was challenged by this truth as I sat eating breakfast, watching a beautiful sunrise over the Mekong River. Across the river, I knew there were pastors in prison for their faith, separated from their families and unsure of their future. Praying for the Kingdom reality of Isaiah 61 suddenly became personal and real-captives set free, comfort for the brokenhearted and praise instead of despair.
Mission is relationship. The value of these trips is hard to measure but the greatest thing it gave me was a new perspective, a Kingdom perspective that just isn't possible by staying home. To see, hear and experience firsthand a perspective, often so contrary to our daily lives, is to experience the reality of Colossians 1:6./lThis same Good News that came to you is going out all over the world. It is changing lives everywhere, just as it changed yours that very first day you heard and understood the truth about God's great kindness to sinners./I
Dancing With My Saviour
by Amanda Griffioen
Ihave always wanted to be a missionary one of the first lessons God revealed to me IS that missions is not just about going to foreign countries. Service in mission begins by following Jesus with wholehearted devotion. My heart was stretched by many short term service assignments around North America and I found my desire to follow Jesus significantly deepened. I developed a longing to join Him in advancing His kingdom.
In 2004, I went on a mission trip to Thailand . I was overwhelmed by how many people did not know Jesus Deep pain filled my heart as I learned that in this nation of 64 million people, only 1% have a relationship with Jesus. I asked Jesus to provide an opportunity to go back to Thailand. He did. I signed up with the TREK program and returned to Thailand two and a half months later.
God continued to show me how His heart beats for this nation. I remember a specific time when I was in southern Thailand after the tsunami. As I was walking through rows of dead bodies, I sensed God's heart breaking for Thailand My
heart heard Him ask me to join Him in bringing His life to this nation
After TREK, I knew God was calling me to serve in Thailand. This time God opened up an opportunity for me to go on Jornada. My here is all about what God does and who He IS. I hear Jesus calling me constantly to place my feet on His and dance with Him wherever He takes me. What an overwhelming joy it is to dance with the Savior of my soul and to follow -HiS le acnvherever He may go.
]ORNADA is the final bridge from short longer term service; it is a life changing three-year assIgnment alongside a longer term team. Participants receive four months of cross-cultural and language training . are actively engaged in ministry to people groups SImIlar to future areas of service. For more information contact Ray Harms-Wiebe at rayhw@mbmsi.org
TREK is a 6-10 month cross-cultural internship designed to serve as an entry point to longer term missionary service or significant home church service. more information contact Luke Haidle at lukeh@mbmsl.org.
(left to right)
What is it really all aboutl
Did someone say the church is the hope of the world?
All of us need a reminder every now and again about what life is really about. Sometimes it comes in a book; sometimes it comes through an honest conversation. Whatever the forum, the result can be a person mobilized toward a life of greater sacrifice for the Kingdom.
Why do we at MBMS International spend time and energy mobilizing people into increasing involvement in global mission? Here are a few fundamental statements which serve as our motivation.
We believe there is nothing short term about God's mission purpose for us.
Paul says, '... the One who began a good work in you will bring it to completion ' (Phil 1:6) We were created with a purpose that does not end or decrease in value until the Lord Jesus brings us home. Every church family is on a journey, moving towards the completion of the purpose God gave. I suggest every stage of the journey is bursting with mission potential. What stage is your church at?
Think about including a call to global mission as part of your investment as a faith community.
We believe in connecting shorter term assignments with longer term mission teams and strategies. This builds confidence with churches and individuals that their shorter initiatives have long lasting potential for all involved. On the other hand, we also need longer term commitments of prayer and resources from our churches in North America in order to see many reached.
We believe in the power of relationship.
Relationships forged in an intentionally stretching environment between participants on short term mission trips and longer term missionaries often remain for many years Our missionaries are inspiring people Can you remember when the passion of a missionary captivated your church? How can churches build strong relationships with missionaries and national leaders from such a distance? Consider renewing such a relationship with a visit-on the missionary's turf-in the near future!
We believe there is room for every gift in the body of Christ to play an integral role in holistic global church planting.
We would like to see mission teams come together with every gift represented We have a big vision to see teams of people skilled in agriculture, business, preaching, teaching, administration etc., go into unreached places with the Gospel message.
WESTERN CANADA (International Office)
Sam and Heidi Dick (Anastasia and Zachary) Email: samd®mbmsi.org
WESTERN U.S.A.
Galen and Linda Wiest
Email: galenw@mbmsi.org
We believe in sending teams of people on mission assignments, as opposed to individuals going alone.
A team approach counters the individuality often evident when we think about commitment to global mission. MBMSI chooses to model life transforming community in all mission teams. It does take extra effort, energy, and planning to see a team come together; however, the display of authentic community is a powerful example of the church in action.
We believe in the necessity of excellent preassignment and post-assignment training. Too often, with the relative ease of setting up a short term mission assignment, churches may forget the importance of investing into pre and post trip training. Training is the link that connects a global experience with our own neighborhoods. Training provides people with rehearsal time on how to communicate to others their personal journey with Jesus. Training creates space for God to transform lives, so participants can be overflowing agents of God's life.
Our MB church family is a strong family. We want to be an increasingly effective missionary force in the world. We, as a team of Regional Mobilizers, are ready and eager to serve with you in reaching the least reached.
EASTERN CANADA
Philip and Robyn Serez (Renee, Fiona, James and Christian) Email: philips@mbmsi.org
CENTRAL CANADA
lloyd and Carol Letkeman (Brandon and Benjamin) Email: lloydl®mbmsi.org
MIDWEST U.S.A.
Craig and Fabiana Jost ijosiah and Megan) Email: craigj@mbmsi.org
Galen Wiest has served as Associate Pastor of Disciple Making and Outreach at Neighborhood Church in Visalia, CA for the past twelve years. He and his wife Linda have recently been appointed as theMBMS International Regional Mobilizers for Western USA.
When God Says Go!
by Galen Wiest
God loves to act unexpectedly. Maybe you have also experienced this in your spiritual journey I have seen God work in exciting and unexpected ways through a fulfilling ministry with a church family that Linda and I deeply love. But, there are times when a phone call changes everything.
Such phone calls pull us up short as we hear God say, "I'm done with you here, I need you to serve Me in another place." I don't know about you, but when my life is going well I often question whether I have heard God clearly. "God this doesn't make sense. There's more for me to do in this place. How can I abandon the people You entrusted me to care for?" God responds, "Trust me, I have another task for you. Besides, you need not worry, they are also My children."
"OK, but Lord, my Senior Pastor, our ministry team, what about them? Loyalty is importantl" Jesus reassuringly responds, "They will release you; they love Me too." "Oh Lord," I continue, "What about finances, the house, our children?" "I've got it covered," He says.
Have you ever had such a conversation with God? Responding to His call is often not about logic but faith. I must believe the inner conviction that what God has spoken to my soul and affirmed by the believing community is true I must step out in faith and take big risks into the unknown believing the task God has called me to do can be done through His power and grace.
When we say "Yes" to God's call we do so believing that the good we leave behind will be the fertile soil that will nourish a greater harvest in the future. When we live in obedience and faithfulness to God's call we expand the possibilities of God using us There is no greater joy than celebrating with God the expansion of His Kingdom. There is no greater adventure than to know God has invited us to help Him do His work.
I have been reflecting on Jesus' call to His followers in Matthew 28, to make disciples of the nations. We are tempted to make this exclusively a missional text and say that it is for those God is sending overseas. I believe however, that Jesus is calling the Church and individuals to be witnesses wherever we are and in whatever situation we find ourselves. The overriding purpose of the Church is to make disciples. Our highest calling is to bring glory to God as we serve as witnesses to the world.
I have served 10 years of my life as a missionary/ church planter and another 12 years as a pastor in North America. In each of these situations God called me to make disciples; neither task was more important than the other, nor has my calling changed, only the manner in which I have been invited to live out God's purposes.
God's call to you is the same as mine-"Go and make disciples." What I find most exciting about God's call is that in each of our situations God is at work using us to reach a lost and dying world. So, the question is this, are we being faithful to the call? Are we seeking how we can be obedient to God? When we make that our mission, God is honored and we are blessed.
Small Steps Creating Life Change
by Peter Laurie
Nout four years ago on a prayer walk through the community surrounding our church, God poke to me and said "Peter, I want Bakerview to reach outside of itself to this city of Abbotsford." Immediately I took a proposal to the staff and then the congregation to select a specific community, which we call our parish, and intentionally serve and love these neighbors. With a hearty "yes", Bakerview church embraced this calling.
Over the years we have conducted numerous prayer walks, knocked on doors with special invitations, delivered daffodils and offered to serve or help in any way we can. When we started going into our parish the doors would only crack open as we introduced ourselves. Now, years later, when teams knock on doors and say that they are from Bakerview Church, the doors swing open. We recognize that God has called us to take action in our community and we continue to love our neighbors.
When I joined staff at Bakerview I joined a group of people passionate about missions and we continue to learn how we can reach outside of ourselves to serve those around us, locally and internationally. I have watched people within our church, who did not think they would ever be involved with global mission, go on their first short term trip and come back with a contagious excitement.
This involvement in Kingdom work is changing lives! Last spring, I went with a group to the DR Congo. A successful businessman was part of our team and returned from this short term endeavour with an incredible sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and
for people in need. About four weeks ago, we had a man walk into our church who had recently been released from prison. After the service this man shared with me his disillusionment about starting life all over again. I decided to introduce our visitor to this particular businessman that had gone to DR Congo with me. Out of his own pocket, this businessman has hired our visitor to do landscape work for people in need within the church. God touched this man's heart on the DR Congo trip and has called him to serve those in need around him here in Abbotsford.
Our steps started small but as a result of following God's call into our community we are seeing families grow hearts for world missions. When you follow God's leading, He brings you into where He is already working. I have found that having a spirit of availability is a key ingredient to being prepared to go on mission with God. I start my mornings with a prayer of availability and it has made all of the difference in my life. As a congregation we have prayed this prayer and God continues to give us opportunities to serve with Him for His Kingdom.
My life is in your hands, God. Help me to 'Live by the Spirit' today. I promise to cooperate in any way I can.
If you want me to say a word for you today, I'll do that.
If you want me to keep quiet but demonstrate love and servanthood, by your Spirit's power I will.
I am fully available to you today, so guide me by your Spirit.
Peter Laurie is the Associate Pastor of Outreach Ministries at Bakerview MB Church in Abbotsford, BC
Susanna Muntz is the Pastor of Outreach at Waterloo MB Church.
Do you have a desire to pray forMBMSI missionaries?
We have Daily Prayer Guides (DPG) available. You may download them at www.mbmsi.org/ prayer or contact annz@mbmsi.org to be added to the mailing list.
OGrowing a Mobilized Church
by Susanna Muntz
ur Global Outreach (GO) teams mandate includes international, national, local and urban ministries. Some of the founding members of our GO team were people that initially brought their passion for missions to the church body. This group was particularly passionate about international mISSIons. During those formative years, there was a real sense that this vision for mission was the movement of God and that it needed to go church-wide and affect all ministries.
Waterloo MB's mission strategy is a combination of top down leadership and grassroots vision. Every October, the GO team shares with the church four or five opportunities coming up in the year. As well, it's common to have two or three people approach us who are really compelled by a people group or a place. We prefer to see God call us as a community but that can include smaller sets of community. It is also important to us to embrace a holistic vision of discipleship through missions. We don't just want to have people go into a country and then return home without being able to debrief. Our goal is to continue building an understanding of sending and returning missionaries within the context of discipleship.
Every six to eight weeks, the GO team has an opportunity to address and engage the entire congregation to raise awareness and invite participation and support. We want to make missions as communal an experience as possible.
As a church body we are we are establishing more commitment to pray for global missions. Our desire is to see small groups and families take ownership of prayer. Celebration Missions Night (CMN), last November, was a profound place of ministry where a lot of MB churches in our area came together to pray for North Africa. It was vibrant and Kingdom focused. We received a glimpse of what it can be like to pray for other countries and believe that prayer is legitimate work in the Kingdom of God CMN provided a window into "the ends of the earth" being realized through prayer.
My dream for our community being mobilized is seen in people who are willing to be transformed and then willing to risk everything for the sake of the Kingdom of God. Willing to get up and move. Willing to stay when it's hard. Willing to invest through relationship. The emphasis on missions is a non-negotiable for disciples of Jesus. If you are following Jesus you are going where He is going.
The Transforming Power of Team
by Reg Toews
What happens when MB churches and agencies partner together to grow God's kingdom all across the world? The power of transforming community is seen with great results! Let me share one such story with you.
In 2005, an MB church in Kansas served on Operation: Rebuilding Lives with MBMSI in Thailand. They took along extra funds from an individual at the Zoar MB Church who wanted the team to be able to meet any needs that might arise while they were overseas.
During their mission, the team took a side trip to the North to visit the work being done in the Khmu villages. While there Pastor Sohn, a Khmu pastor, shared about his desire to build a church and the search for affordable property.
The Kansas church team inquired of the cost for the property and found that it was within a few dollars of what they had been given to share. With joyful hearts they gave the money to the Khmu church to purchase the property for their church building.
In January 2006, Bethany College in Saskatchewan sent a team of senior students out to build the church. The students worked for three weeks completing
the foundation, structural posts, trusses and roof. Because Khmu were regularly coming to faith in Christ, the original building plans were changed during construction to facilitate a larger church. The only problem was that there was not enough money to complete the new building plans. Forest Grove Church in Saskatoon took up that challenge and raised $2,400 to help with additional expenses.
Immediately following the Bethany team's departure, MBMSI sent a pastor/businessman vision trip to Thailand. Part of their trip was to see the work being done among the Khmu people. I had the privilege of being on that vision trip. On hearing of the incomplete church and being open to respond to the need among the Khmu people, the congregation of Greendale MB took offerings over three weekends to raise $10,000.
This is one story of how different churches and ministries worked together to mobilize God's dreams. Praise God for the desire among churches to see God's kingdom built and the willingness to partner together. I am so excited to see how God brought us all together to bless our brothers and sisters among the Khmu people of north Thailand.
Reg Toews has served as the pastor of Greendale MB in Chilliwack, BC since 1996. He is also a Perspectives Course Coordinator for the upper Fraser Valley and is passionate about being a missionary enabler.
u.s. Young People Answer the Call
by Carissa Brey Youssef
All the above photographs were taken by Andrew Feil.
This April, based M.BMS short term mISSIon coordmator Andl Baler, along with Joan Godard, MBMSI missionary stationed in Guadalajara, Mexico and Craig Jost, MBMSI Regional Mobilizer based out of Wichita, KS, led a team of young people, parents and pastors on a five day mission trip to Ensenada, Mexico. The churches involved were Reedley MB in CA, Heritage Bible also from CA, Harvey MB in ND, Kingsburg MB in CA and Good News Fellowship in WA. The group participating in the Ensenada mission totaled over 100 people.
Near the end of their service week, Baier challenged the group to commit to global missions. "We all have been given the command by Jesus to go into
the world," explained Andi, "Being mobilized isn't just about going. It is also praying, giving and supporting others. Mission is truly a mindset and lifestyle. When God's love for others fills you-it's hard not to move!"
Katy Michelle, a youth from Heritage Bible Church, responded to Baier's challenge, "When we met together and she [Baier] wanted us to go out on mission trips all over the world, I was thinking that would be something I'd really love to do!"
One pastor commented on the overall experience saying, "I'm thrilled with the spiritual maturity our kids displayed. They worked hard and stayed focused on the task at hand. It was good to watch God work in and through our kids."
The Moses Calling
by Trilby Reimer
Iwas torn during my seven months working with a church plant in Lisbon, Portugal. I loved the Portuguese people dearly, but felt a constant tug to pray for the spiritually blind and sick back in North America.
Perhaps Portugal was meant as a training ground. Moses felt the injustice of his people in captivity long before he knew his role. He spent forty years in another land learning to fellowship with God. Then he was brought home to set his people free.
A man of God once challenged me to ask the Lord what nation he wants to give me as my inheritance (Psalm 2:8). The answer I heard was not "Portugal," but rather "North America." There are many in our own neighborhoods, families and churches who have never experienced freedom. These captives must be liberated at all costs.
May we who are called to North America commit to a life of action! Let us set aside time to listen to the voice of God, remembering that we cannot change ourselves. He promises, " .1 will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws (Ezekiel 36:27)." Let us invite his Spirit to fill us daily. Only then will we live differently from those around us.
And may we who are called to North America commit to pray. Pray words of Scripture over our nation. Pray while we walk and while we drive.
As we allow God to shape us and unite us in prayer, the impact on our nation will be astounding. If you, like me, are called to North America, praise God! We, like Moses, are working for the freedom of our own people.
May we who are called to North America commit to a life of action!
Cliche Ineptitude
What follows is a poem I wrote as a prayer to God.
Oh, to find a metaphor that hasn't already been used!
To combine words in such a way that the reader ingests a piece of my soul.
What I wouldn't give for this pen to throw off the cords of mortal limitation,
To not merely participate in the exchange of words,
But to provoke illumination of the truth forgotten inside of us.
Until you set me free from this spiritual writer's block, How can I convey the depths
Of this joy, this saturation of peace, this blessed assurance Inside of me?
Even these are borrowed words.
Teach me what to say!
I must find release for the streams of living water!
I am hurting from this energy, Hyper and giddy,
Bloated with your promised Spirit.
But if I open my mouth, I fear I will only firehose your people,
Leaving them flat on their backs, confused, Rather than offering them a deep refreshing drink from your fountain.
Teach me the words that will resonate, The exact phrases your chosen ones need to hear
Use my mouth and script to tell your story.
There is a charged truth in my blood
Surging, leaping, tickling my insides, Begging to go wake up the truth in other souls
I don 't know what to say in response, Except that I will ask you for your signet ring.
If you commis sion me, who can be against us?
Oh, pour out your anointing on this head, my King. Loose this tongue.
Release these bashful, sluggish lips.
Give me precious, loaded, musical eloquence to awaken truth in the hearts of many.
For your glory, Father Amen.
Trilby Reimer is a TREK alumna who served for seven months with a church plant in Portugal and currently serves as a TREK intern withMBMS International.
/-'See, I have made him a witness to the peopJles, a leader and commander of the peoples. Surely you will summon nations you know not, and nations that do n,ot know you will hasten to you because of the Lord your Glod •••
