EVERY OTHER YEAR U.S. Mennonite Brethren gather to take care of our family business. Part of that business is simply to enjoy each other's company and to remind ourselves why we're related in the first place. And if you think the reason has something to do with last names and unusual foods, you're sadly mistaken. It is our relationship to Christ that gives our family meaning and purpose.
Like most families, we've been given some work to do. Some of it may seem routine, much like cooking and cleaning at home. Most of us like to eat and lounge around in a sparkling environment, but crab about the work that enables it. But in a functional family, life includes both. I challenge you to carry your share of the load-and to enjoy your share of the reward!
This issue highlights a portion of our family business. Not all of it seems glamorous, perhaps. But I challenge you to read it with eyes that look for your place at the table. This is your family at work and at worship. Do your homework.
We begin with a powerful article by Robert E. Logan, the featured speaker at Colorado Springs '96. The reports that follow may not seem as glamorous, but the same spirit of mission and purpose underlines it all.
And yes, you will be quizzed on the material at the end of this session.-DR
COMING
• JULY 22-26-Basic Institute in Conflict Management and Mediation, sponsored by the Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies; held at Fresno Pacific College
• JULY 26-29-U.S. Conference biennial convention; Colorado Springs, Colo.
• SEPTEMBER 26-28-General Conference consultation and Council of Boards; site to be announced.
• NOVEMBER 8-9-Pacific District annual convention; hosted by Laurelglen Bible Church, Bakersfield, Calif.
• JULY 10-12, 1997-General Conference convention, Ontario.
QUOTABLE
(7 J m staying on the us. Conference bandwagon because I believe Mission USA is a vision from the Lordfor our conference.-DENNIS FAST, US. CONFERENCE CHAIR, IN OUR MAY ISSUE
Why Come to Colorado Springs
• To celebrate the awesome privilege of being God's people, because of God's grace.
• To clarify the vision we believe God is giving us for this time.
• To call ourselves, personally and corporately, to a deeper intentional commitment to prayer, renewal and mission.
• To corne together to learn, fellowship, relax, enjoy the beauty of the Pikes Peak region, and, in doing so, honor our Lord.
4 Living with open eyes
If we aren't involved in a compassion ministry, it isn't because of a lack of opportunity. All around us are hurting people who are looking for relief from their pain. BY ROBERT E. LOGAN & LARRY SHORT
7 Primed to lead: A vision moves forward
When U.S. Mennonite Brethren gather in Colorado Springs this summer, Mission USA will take center stage. The vision has been given feet and is prepared to take bold steps into our future.
Readers Say Ph'lip Side .
19
by Philip Wiebe 21
• Reading it in Inquiring Minds. . by Marvin Hein- 22
• Should we debate?
• Premessianic grace On the Journey
• Thanks, Aunt Margaret BodyLife.
• Summer ministries for children and youth 24
• MB and BIC leaders gather in Pennsylvania 26
by Rose Buschman 23
• Zaire medical ministries to receive financial boost 27
• Halstead church concludes ministry 28
EDITOR
Don Ratzlaff
VOLUME 59, NUMBER 6
ASSISTANT
EDITOR
Connie Faber
BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS: Noelle Dickinson (acting chair), Jeanie Klaassen, Herb Schroeder, Kathy Heinrichs Wiest
MANDATE: THE CHRISTIAN LEADER (ISSN 00095149), organ of the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, is published monthly by the U.S. Conference Board of Communications, 315 S. Lincoln, Hillsboro, KS 67063. The Christian Leader seeks to inform Mennonite Brethren members and churches of the events, activities, decisions, and issues of their denomination, and to instruct, inspire and initiate dialog so that they will aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelicalj Anabaptist theological tradition.
EDITORIAL POLICY: The views and opinions of our writers and advertisers are their own and do not necessarily represent the position of The Christian Leader, the Board of Communications or the Mennonite Brethren Church. The editors invite free-lance article submissions, but ask that each submission be accompanied with a SASE. The editors reserve the right to edit, condense or refuse all copy submitted for publication; anonymous contributions will not be published.
READER PARTICIPATION: The editors encourage readers to interact with our articles through letters to the editor and essays to Forum, our op-ed column. Letters for What Readers Say must include the author's name and address. Forum is open to members or attenders of Mennonite Brethren churches. Essays to Forum can address any issue of relevance and interest to the faith and life of the Mennonite Brethren Church. The essay should be no longer than 800 words and should include the home church, occupation and a clear photo of the writer.
COMMUNICATION: All correspondence should be addressed to The Christian Leader, Box V, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Phone: (316) 947-5543. Fax: (316) 9473266.
ADVERTISING: Clearinghouse ads should be submitted in writing. Cost: $.40 per word. Send no advance payments. For display-ad rates, contact the editor.
SUBSCRIPTIONS: Rates: $16 for one year, $30 for two years, and $42 for three years ($20, $38 and $54 in Canada); $1.50 per copy.
ADDRESS CHANGES: Send both old and new address to Circulation Secretary, Box V, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Allow up to one month for transition.
MEMBERSHIP: The Christian Leader is a member of the Evangelical Press Association and Meetinghouse, an association of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ editors.
PRINTING: The Christian Leader is printed on recyclable paper by Mennonite Press, Newton, Kansas.
POSTMASTER: Send Form 3579 to The Christian Leader, Box V, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Second-class postage paid at Hillsboro, Kansas.
that her husband requires.
• Two doors to the south lives a 12-year-old boy with a learning disability. Neil struggles constantly with a poor self-image. His dad left him and his mom when he was 2, and his mother has to work long hours to make ends meet, so he spends most of his time alone, wandering the streets of his neighborhood. Yesterday he met a couple of boys in a club, who told him that if he passed an initiation (he doesn't understand the word but knows it would involve stealing a car), he could join their gang. He knows stealing is wrong but desperately wants to belong somewhere, and so he has decided that he will do it. Later that evening, after his mom leaves again, he dons a dark jacket and leaves the house
• The gang's "headquarters" is in a shed behind an empty house, a block away. A family used to live in the house, but moved out after the husband lost his job as an engineer and they could no longer afford the rent. For the last month the family has been living in their old station wagon, parked in the shadows behind the neighborhood liquor store. As his family slumbers, the man reflects sadly, remembering how hard he once worked, and the many late hours that took him away from his family. Somehow he never seemed to be able to say no. Now the factory is gone, sold to another contractor and moved out of state. He was one of thousands
The reality is, wherever there are human beings, there are human hurts.
"downsized" out of his job and, although he spends all day looking, he has found nothing even remotely close to his skills and abilities.
Many Christians aren't involved in compassion ministries because they don't see the need. That's rather like a fish complaining that he can't see the water because it's not murky enough. The reality is, wherever there are human beings, there are human hurts. If we are surrounded with people, if we have our eyes open to our community as we live our daily lives in it, we will see the ministry opportunities that are all around us.
God doesn't ask us to meet all these needs all the time. But he does ask us to meet the needs that we come across, one at a time. He does ask us to offer a cup of cold water in Jesus's name.
Touching today's lepers
Geni Crupi is a registered nurse in Southern California whose first job assignment was on an AIDS unit. "At first it was very difficult. I walked
PRIMED TO LEAD: A vision moves forward
From their knees, to first steps - u.s. Mennonite Brethren will gather in Colorado Springs this summer to consider where God seems to be taking Mission USA
HE
LAST
Guiding I Church into the 21st
PREVIEW & REPORTS
TIME U.S. MENNONITE BRETHREN CONVENED IN
Colorado Springs-tw-o years ago-participants w-ere on their knees asking God to renew- their passion for lost people and give thelll a strategy for reaching thelll. It w-as an elllotional and lllotivational tillle, an earnest effort to rise to the convention thellle of "Claillling This Land for Christ."
This summer, Mennonite Brethren from across the country are invited to gather there again-this time to consider how those prayers have been answered. The focus of attention will be Mission USA, the renewal and evangelism thrust that was formally approved in concept at the '94 convention. In the two years since, the vision has taken on "flesh" -a new board and executive director-and some "bone" -a funding plan that would allow the movement to borrow start-up funds if necessary.
The theme for this year's convention, "Guiding the Church Into the 21st Century: Leadership that a Difference," reflects the reality that the development of Mission USA has been leadership driven. The idea for a renewal and evangelism thrust first emerged in an unprecedented gathering of conference and institutional leaders in 1993. According to Dennis Fast, conference chair, the 1994 appointment of Chuck Buller as chair of the Mission USA board and the recent hiring of Ed Boschman as executive director reinforces the belief that strong leaders are needed to carry the vision forward, especially during a time when financial resources have been tight.
"We feel that if we have strong leaders who
can communicate the vision, the funding will come," Fast says.
The theme also reflects the desire of conference leaders to shore up the foundation for a national thrust by challenging and equipping local churches to do their part. Whether Mission USA has captured the imagination of the con-
CONVENTION PREVIEW
An invitation ...
" GUIDING THE Church into the 21st Century." It's about the role of leaders-you and me-and our need to be God's kind of people employing God-pleasing strategies and doing God's work effectively and with joy. Convention '96 is open to any and all U. S. Mennonite Brethren who want to attend. Each church will be asked to select delegates to the business sessions. Families are encouraged to attend and children and youth fees have been discounted.
I encourage you and your family to join us for this very important convention. The setting is wonderful, the fellowship will be great, and the opportunity to focus on the past and future ministry of the u.s. Conference will be exciting and challenging. The convention messages will be inspiring. This will be an important, historic convention!-Dennis Fast, U.S. Conference chair
stituency is still an open question, according to Dennis Fast, conference chair.
"That's one hope for this convention," Fast says. "We want those who come to capture the vision of Mission USA and take it back with them. We've placed a lot of emphasis on leadership, believing that if Mission USA is to fly, the key is leadership. "
The program
This year's convention focus reflects the anticipated ,makeup of participants, Fast says. Each of the past five biennial gatherings has been billed as "family events," and activities for children through high school are planned for this summer too. But fewer and fewer families have chosen to participate. Attendance has dwindled from 542 adults and children in 1986, the first year the convention was held in Colorado Springs, to 260 in 1994. Participants have increasingly been pastors and a few local leaders. Fast says all Mennonite Brethren are encouraged to attend, but planners have tailored the agenda to the expected turnout.
Church, Huron, S.D. Richard Kriegbaum and David Brandt, presidents of Fresno Pacific and Tabor colleges, respectively, will lead a session on "Resourcing Leaders for Effective Service."
Eight workshops will be offered, ranging from addressing disabilities in the church to conducting pastoral evaluations.
The place
This will be the fifth consecutive time the convention has gathered on the campus of Colorado College in Colorado Springs. The site, according to planners, seemed to be the most accessible and affordable.
This year's schedule will again include free time to enable delegates and guests to take in the many attractions in the area, including such natural wonders as Pike's Peak, Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds and Royal Gorge.
"We want those who come to capture the vision of Mission USA and take it back with them."
-DENNIS FAST
Within easy driving distance is a variety of historic and cultural sites, such as Old Colorado City, Manitou Springs, the Broadmoor Hotel, a fine zoo and several museums. Visitors can also recapture some of the Old West flavor at the nationally famous Flying W Ranch, the White House Ranch and Cripple Creek.
Colorado Springs is also home for the U.S. Olympic Training Center, the U.S. Air Force Academy, Fort Carson Army Base and the Consolidated Space Operations Center and Space Command.
Worship, instruction and reporting will dominate the program. The convention theme will be addressed by several keynote speakers, including Robert E. Logan, vice president for new church development with Church Resource Ministries in Fullerton, Calif. His topics will be "A Vision for a Dynamic Church Movement" and "Raising Leaders to Reach the World."
The other speakers will be Fast ("Leadership Is About Relationships"), Boschman ("Empowered Leadership: The Margin of Difference") and Eldon Busenitz ("The Personal Quality of Dynamic Leaders"), pastor of the Bethesda
A growing number of church-related and parachurch organizations have made their home in Colorado Springs in recent years, including Focus on the Family and the International Bible Society. Others, like Glen Eyrie, the picturesque headquarters of The Navigators, have been located there for some time.
For those without transportation for extended trips, the 79-acre campus of Colorado College is within walking distance of the downtown business district. The college itself offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including a gymnasium, swimming pool, tennis courts and jogging/walking trails.
To help you prepare for the work of this convention, we present the reports of the four U.S. boards. Even if you can't come to Colorado Springs to help launch the ministry of Mission USA, the challenge of our corporate assignment is worthy of your consideration and support.-DR
CONVENTION PREVIEW
BOARD OF
Mission USA
ONE WORD BEST DESCRIBES THE SPIRIT of Mission USA as we approach this convention: Hallelujah! The word reflects a spirit of celebration that is accompanied by a definite sense of God's faithfulness.
It's hard to believe that less than two years ago we met in Colorado Springs to focus the question of Mission USA. We followed that up by putting a board together that got off the ground in January 1995. In the short time since our last convention, a number of significant things have taken place. Allow me to recount a few blessings-in fact, to name them one by one.
1. We formed a board. Some members were selected by the Board of Church Ministries. Others represent various conference agencies, including MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno Pacific College, Tabor College, MB Missions/Services, and the home missions board of each of the districts. In addition, the district ministers serve in an ex officio capacity.
2. We developed a mission and purpose statement. It is in keeping with work already done resulting from the Vision 2000 and Mission USA task forces. Our mission statement is simple: "To encourage, facilitate and coordinate local church growth and the planting of successful new churches that reach the unchurched."
3. We formed working partnerships
BOARD OF MISSION USA:
Chuck Buller, Visalia, Calif., chair (2000)
Mike Schuil, Reedley, Calif. (1998)
Fred Leonard, Clovis, Calif. (YMI rep.)
Tim Sullivan, Hillsboro, Kan. (2000)
Neil DeFehr, Fresno, Calif. (1998)
Loretta Jost, Aurora, Neb. (2000)
Clarice Rempel, Buhler, Kan. (1998)
Randy Steinert, Bakersfield, Calif. (PDC rep.)
Clint Seibel, Hillsboro, Kan. (Tabor rep.)
Jim Weems, Gettysburg, S.D. (CDC rep.)
Rick Eshbaugh, Topeka, Kan. (SDC rep.)
Ernie Friesen, Wichita, Kan. (MBM/S rep.)
Howard Loewen, Fresno, Calif. (FPC rep.)
Tim Geddert, Fresno, Calif. (MBBS rep.)
Henry Dick, Fresno, Calif. (ex officio)
Clinton Grenz, Bismarck, N.D. (ex officio)
Roland Reimer, Wichita, Kan. (ex officio)
with Youth Mission International, Tabor College and Fresno Pacific College. As a result we now have part-time representatives on each of these ministry sites. It is our belief that the center of our strategy for renewal and growth is challenging the next generation of believers to take risks in outreach, evangelism and mission.
4. We have forged our Itrst partnerships with local churches in encouraging renewal and growth. Existing congregations in Sioux Falls, S.D., Topeka, Kan., and Reedley, Calif., are attempting in their own context to trust God for renewal and growth. In Reedley, this has meant starting a Sunday morning service of a more contemporary format. In Topeka, it has meant developing a youth ministry. In Sioux Falls, it has meant developing facilities. In every church God uses different means to bring people to himself. We are proud to be linked with these churches and others in the future who are truly seeking to reach their communities for Christ.
5. We have targeted Phoenix, Ariz., as our Itrst site for planting a new church in partnership with the Pacific District Conference. In the next 12 months we are trusting God for a uniquely gifted church planter to lead this venture in one of America's fastest growing cities.
6. We have hired an executive director. We believe the addition of Ed Boschman will allow our board to fulfill the commission given us by the U.S. Conference. If immigration officials cooperate, we expect Ed and Carol will be opening our office in Phoenix by September.
7. We have been assured of start-up funds. The U.S. Conference and the MB Foundation have given us a $40,000 grant and a "line of credit" of up to $200,000, if necessary. This has permitted us to hire an executive director, open a national office and to more seriously pursue the dreams we have for Mission USA. Our board recognizes our responsibility to raise money to cover this loan. Each board member has been asked to raise $10,000 as a starting point for financing this ministry.
We praise God for all of the above including some things left unmentioned.
We thank the U.S. Conference for creating the initial vision and financial support that have permitted us to begin our work. We invite each of you to become an active partner with Mission USA through regular prayer, verbal encouragement, local church support of outreach projects and financial participation.-Chuck Buller
Ed Boschman, executive secretary-elect
In every church God uses different means to bring people to himself. We are proud to be linked with these churches and others in the future who are truly seeking to reach their communities for Christ.
CONVENTION PREVIEW
surer. Additional gratitude goes to the MB Foundation for their management of conference funds, which continues to result in support of conference ministries.
The Christian Leader continues to be a valuable communication arm of our conference and we are grateful for the effective work of our editor, Don Ratzlaff, and his assistant editor, Connie Faber. The number of issues per year has been reduced to cut costs but the more attractive
Integrated Ministries
THE CROSS-CULTURAL MINistries assignment of the U.S. Conference originated eight years ago. Our binational conference set goals for increased churches to reach North America. Under the leadership of Henry Schmidt, then chair of the Board of Evangelism, the U.S. Conference set goals for planting or adopting churches in order to meet the aims of Vision 2000. A ratio of anglo-American and cross-cultural churches was envisioned. I was given the primary responsibility to do what would be required to accomplish the cross-cultural goals.
The goals were exceeded from the beginning and we have continued on that course. A new brochure available at this convention offers a glimpse of these cross-cultural churches. On a typical Sunday, Mennonite Brethren churches have well over 8,000 members and attenders who have come into our fellowship in the past eight years. These include 14 Slavic congregations, nine hispanic, six Korean, two Japanese in cooperation with the Japan MB Conference, two East Indian, two Ethiopian and one Chinese. Several more congregations are in process. I have also been involved in other district
cover and additional pages have served to maintain a high quality magazine.
We also give thanks for the capable National Youth Committee that carried out the largest and one of the most effective national youth conventions at Estes Park,Colo., in 1995. We affirm the leadership of Greg Schmidt on this task force.
We praise God for the U.S. Conference and we thank you for the privilege of serving the Lord as we serve you.-Dennis Fast
church plants with demographics and supervision when requested.
How did this happen? Without the dedicated and passionate prayer and fiscal support of Evangelism Partners, the funding would have been inadequate and most likely the work would not have multiplied. Special gifts were used for ministry, literature, minor pastoral subsidies and supervision. In a number of instances, down payments for church buildings were made possible. MB Missions/Services became an early partner and has contributed generously to the cause.
The latest church to unite with us is the Bethel Ethiopian Church of Seattle, Wash. Many
hundred people have been involved in this venture. People from the three largest districts have liberally donated funds out of trusts, inheritances and family testaments. This has been graciously administered by our MB Foundation. Without all of these, none of this would have been accomplished.
Operation U-SERV and Youth Mission International are both effective and ongoing. U-SERV remains under the jurisdiction of Integrated Ministries in conjunction with Lynford Becker. Well over a hundred volunteers have labored joyously and with great effect. This summer they are involved in four projects.
"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit" said the prophet. To those words we say amen and "All glory be to God." -Loyal Funk
On a typical Sunday, Mennonite Brethren churches have well over 8,000 members and attenders who have come into our fellowship in the past eight years.
Crowded sanctuaries are a hallmark of the Slavic congregations coming into the u.S. Conference. Fourteen have joined so far.
Loyal Funk, conference minister
CONVENTION PREVIEW
maternity leave. Aleen Ratzlaff, communications instructor at Tabor College, filled in for Connie and did a commendable job.
Format changes
Much of the content and format of the Leader is initiated by the editorial staff. The board enjoys advising Don and Connie on content and format changes from time to time. The Leader is now in its third year as a monthly publication (it was previously biweekly). The staff and board are comfortable with the change and are pleased that the move has freed more conference funds for the development of Mission USA.
In 1995, the board approved a readership survey. The survey has since been completed and the resultswill be available at the Colorado Springs convention. With the 1996 calendar year, the staff introduced several design and content changes:
•A new flag (nameplate);
•A new column by Rose Buschman, called "On the Journey," which filled a void created by the termination of "Musings" by Jim Holm;
• "Simons Says," a year-long special feature to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Menno
Simons's birth; the feature is intended to inform the constituency of Menno's life and convictions;
• "Let's Talk About It," a resource produced in partnership with the Southern District Christian Education Commission with the intent of making the Leader more useful for small groups.
• An expanded "Miscellanea" section with more bite-sized articles about culture and faith.
Supporting Mission USA
For the past two years, the board has discussed its role in light of Mission USA. The board reaffirmed the reporting function of the Leader as one way to advance the cause of Mission USA. In keeping with its editorial perspective, the magazine will continue to report advances and setbacks in this cause.
At its annual meeting last February, the board offered two other communication vehicles to Mission USA: (1) a complementary one-page promotional ad developed by Mission USA staff; and (2) a new editorial feature to be written by Mission USA board and staff (in partnership with Leader staff) that will offer practical suggestions to churches seeking renewal and leadership in evangelism.
Stewardship
daily life in the home, workplace, neighborhood and congregation. These items should be sent to one of the commission members.
(5) Some congregations in the other historic peace churches are developing local peace centers to keep members aware of current issues.
(6) We are looking for your suggestions as to how we can best serve you. We would like to know how you are implementing this emphasis and would like copies of material you have developed for Peace Sunday or other events.
(7) We request your prayer support for this ministry. The Lord told the prophet Micah: "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God" (6:8). In our prayers, may we as Mennonite Brethren ask the same question.-Katie Funk Wiebe
Peace Education Commission: Katie Funk Wiebe, Wichita, Kan., chair; Dalton Reimer, Fresno, Calif.; Sam Resendez, Del Rey, Calif; Don Isaac, Hillsboro, Kan.
In order to generate sufficient income to keep pace with rising printing and postage costs, the board approved an increase in Leader advertising rates. The magazine is limited by its postal permit to 10 percent advertising per issue.
Nearly every issue of the Leader carries an insert from conference-related institutions (MB Missions/Services, MB Biblical Seminary, Mennonite Central Committee). Some have occasionally questioned the use of inserts, but we see them not only as a source of income but as one way to expand the information that the Leader provides for its constituency.
This spring, the board also approved the purchase of updated computer equipment and software that will help the staff operate even more efficiently than it already does.
Discussing the issues
The board agrees with the editors that a denominational magazine should serve the individual members and congregations of the denomination rather than denominational structure itself. We affirm the position of our editorial staff that the Leader should act not as a public relations tool for conference structures and agencies, but as an independent voice accountable to the membership. We affirm a free-press model with-
The board agrees with the editors that a denominational magazine should serve the individual members and congregations of the denomination rather than the denominational structure itself.
Don Ratzlaff, editor
Connie Faber, assistant editor
in a covenant community, a model which balances reporting "truth" with a sensitivity for the well-being of individuals, churches and the denomination as a whole.
The Leader staff takes great joy in publishing "positive" news about growth, advances and victories. But "truth" also includes setbacks, struggles and defeats. Prompted by our editors, the board has wrestled with questions about reporting "negative news," including:
• What is the redemptive goal in reporting negative news?
• When is reporting negative news part of the healing process and when is it simply spreading gossip?
• Could reporting the negative experience of one congregation provide help for others in similar situations or help prevent negative experiences in the future?
• Is it appropriate to initiate articles that address sensitive issues when no official action has taken place?
• To what extent is the criteria for reporting negative news different when it involves an individual or congregation than when it involves a conference-supported agency or institution?
We appreciate the sensitivity of our editorial staff regarding these issues. The conference is fortunate to have an editorial team that seeks to balance challenge with encouragement and news of disappointment with news of success.
Other projects
• With magazine was adopted by our North American conference as our youth periodical. The board continues to recommend this discipling tool to our churches. With addresses relevant topics from an evangelical/Anabaptist perspective. Don Ratzlaff represents u.s. Mennonite Brethren as an editorial consultant and occasional writer for With.
• Communication technology has exploded in the last two years and the board recognizes that we need to take advantage of the new media. Already many Mennonite publications and news services have sites on the World Wide Web. We plan to utilize the web both as a source for news and articles for the Leader, and for producing an electronic version of the magazine. With the new equipment purchased this spring, the staff has the tools to make this happen.
As always, the board invites your comments and ideas as we seek to serve the conference through communication. Thank you for the opportunity to represent you in this work.
-Noelle Dickinson
Youth Mission Int'l
"ARE
YOU READY?" IT'S A QUESTION
. . :we ask our Youth Mission International participants and ourselves each spring in anticipation of another life-transforming mer of outreach, discipleship, worship and adventure.
YMI is a short-term missionsjdiscipling ministry of the Mennonite Brethren churches that each year leads about 250 youth and young adults from across North America and overseas on service and mission trips. The program is a unique partnership between Mission USA, MB Missions/Services and the Canadian Board of Evangelism to disciple a new generation of workers and leaders as well as serve our various and overseas missions efforts.
Renewal precedes mission, both in the lives of our youth and the life of our conference. As we invest in calling youth to a live relationship with Christ we are laying a foundation for a summer and a lifetime of fruitful service.
It's exciting to hear young people testify to the difference that a summer of mission made in their lives. In many cases they are "ruined for the ordinary." The kingdom of God becomes central in their lives, replacing the incredible pull of our self-centered youth culture. Transformation doesn't just happen. We need an intentional strategy.
Ministry options
We've developed a series of missions/discipleship opportunities to serve youth and leaders who work with them.
• YMI sponsors "Desire the Fire" missions mobiliZing youth rallies across North America throughout the year to call our youth to a life of risk and sacrifice.
• The entry·level missions trip for youth groups is called SOAR (Sold Out And Radical). SOAR is a three-week cross-cultural mission experience that encompasses assignments in Mexico and Southern California for some 200 youth each summer. YMI is planning to launch a second SOAR site in the Brownsville, Texas, area, for the youth of the Central and Southern districts.
BOARD OF Trustees
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MANAGES A variety of programs and services on behalf of the U.S. Conference and its member churches. The members, together with other appointees, serve on the board of directors of a separate corporation, namely, MB Foundation, with specific responsibilities to manage endowment funds, annuity funds, ministry investment funds, gift funds, charitable remainder trusts, loan programs, and stewardship services to help our people make outright gifts of securities and properties and deferred gifts via bequests, annuities, trusts, life estates, etc. This work is detailed in the MB Foundation report.
During this conference interim the board has met three times to deal with U.S. Conference concerns and nine times as an MB Foundation board, four in face-to-face meetings and five conference calls.
Programs and activities
The Church Workers Group Life Insurance Plan continues to be a cost-effective benefit for church staff members. The term insurance coverage is for $40,000 up to age 65 and $20,000 between ages 65-70. A major portion of the premium has been refunded annually; this occurred again in 1995. A policy revision was made this past year allowing coverage for all paid denominational staff, both national and district, who work 20 hours or more per week.
A Congregational Employer Group Health Plan has been established during the interim through Mennonite Mutual Aid. This has been well received and is of particular benefit in dealing with preexisting conditions when pastors move from one location to another.
The Church Workers/Pastors Retirement
Board of Trustees:
Don Martens, Fairview, Okla., chair (1996)
John Regier, Reedley, Calif., vice chair (1996)
Ken Neufeld, Fresno, Calif., secretary (1998)
Phil Hamburger, Seneca, S.D. (1998)
Paul Regier, Littleton, Colo. (resigned Feb. 1996)
Lynford J. Becker, Hillsboro, Kan., admin. secretary
Dale Regier, Hillsboro, Kan., treasurer
Donna Sullivan, Hillsboro, Kan., finance secretary
Plan is administered for us by Mennonite Retirement Trust. Churches are encouraged to enroll their church staff and contribute a minimum of 6 percent of salary with the staff member voluntarily participating at a minimum of 3 percent. The earnings in 1995 were 18.65 percent. The board reviewed the plan this past year and recommended churches remain in the plan established through Mennonite Retirement Trust, a qualified retirement plan-as opposed to opting for individuaI403(b) plans exclusively-and that all church workers be covered per qualified plan requirements.
Having retirement income designated as housing allowance is one possible significant benefit for pastors remaining in the denominational retirement plan.
Through the Supplemental Retirement Assistance Program we continue to provide a modest assistance to seven pastors/spouses who, because of age, did not have ample opportunity to participate in the Church Workers Retirement Plan.
Annual reports are submitted to the Internal Revenue Service to maintain the group exemption for the conference and member churches as 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations.
Considerable research was done to determine the practicality and viability of a group long-term disability plan for pastors and workers. The research indicated a group plan was probably not possible due to stringent requirements, such as 100 percent participation. Individual plans are available but quite expensive. A quasigroup plan through what is called "association" status is available through the National Association of Evangelicals. The rate is considerably less than the individual plan rate. Information is available from the conference office.
Budget
The board is recommending for approval a U.S. Conference budget for year 1996-97 of $569,140. This is a significant increase, primarily due to the establishment of a Mission USA church-planting program.
*Includes support of MBBS fund-raiser
CONVENTION PREVIEW
A significant amount of individual gifts and grants will be required to meet the increased budgetary goals. A starter grant of $40,000 has been committed by MB Foundation plus a loan to enable Mission USA to have necessary funding to start their work.
Funding plan
It is anticipated funding could come from:
• '96-97 church contributions 260,000
• Interest income 3,000
• Endowment earnings 5,500
• Mission USA fundraising 140,000
• Special funding* 160,640
TOTAL: $569,140
*Spend only if raised
MB Foundation
THEMENNONITE BRETHREN FOUNDATION
(MBF) is a service agency of the U.S. Conference involved in the management of assets, stewardship and charitable estate planning services, a loan program, gift plans, charitable trusts, etc. for the express purpose of serving our member churches and benefiting any and all Mennonite Brethren ministries, agencies and institutions.
Assets managed
The total assets managed by MBF have grown from almost $16.9 million on Dec. 31,
MENNONITE BRETHREN FOUNDATION
Officers:
Lynford J. Becker, president/CEO
Dale Regier, vice president/treasurer
Board:
Don Martens, Fairview, Okla., chair
John Regier, Reedley, Calif., vice chair
Jim Enns, Fresno, Calif., secretary
Reginald Boothe, Wichita, Kan., ass't sec.
Phil Hamburger, Seneca, S.D.
Ken Neufeld, Fresno, Calif.
Dean Jost, Aurora, Neb.
Marvin Jost, Hillsboro, Kan.
Marvin Reimer, Buhler, Kan.
Staff:
Eugene Karber, field rep., Midwest
Ivan Wohlgemuth, field rep., West Coast
Shawna Vogt, accountant/secretary
Arlene Schale, secretary/receptionist
Norms
The per member giving goals for U.S. Conference ministries are as follows:
Members
Churches with: 1-49
50-99
100-199
200 & over
MBBS subsidy General Conference
Personnel
Amount
$10/member
$18
$25
$30
$ 22/member
$10/member
We appreciate the services of Dale Regier as treasurer, Donna Sullivan as bookkeeper/secretary, and Lynford Becker as administrative secretary.-Don Martens
1990, to more than $28.6 million at the end of the first quarter of 1996. The funds include:
• Ministry investment funds, $14,640,468
• Endowment funds, $8,723,600
• Annuity funds, $3,267,948
• Charitable trusts/gifts payable, $1,347,097
• Earnings payable, reserves, prop., $664,845
TOTAL-March 31, 1996: $28,643,958
The success of the foundation's work is not necessarily determined by asset growth. The balance in the ministry investment funds can vary greatly as individuals and agencies need their funds for other purposes.
The total annuity funds can be reduced significantly upon the death of a donor(s) and the distribution of the remainder to the charitable beneficiaries. Gift funds received are forwarded to the designated recipient at a time designated by the donor. Receipts from estates, annuities maturing, property gifts, etc., in 1995 totaled nearly $1.24 million. Almost $9.8 million has been disbursed to designated beneficiaries. About $700,000 in property gifts per appraised value is in process of being sold or is under contract.
Investment of assets
The investment priority is to make loan funds available to our churches, institutions and agencies for major building programs and capital improvements, and limited operational funding to stabilize cash flow due to variances in seasonal income.
Funds not on loan are invested primarily in government treasuries. A limited percentage of
Lynford Becker, U.S. Conference administrative secretary and MBF president
Dale Regier, U.S. Conference treasurer, MBF vice president
Donna Sullivan, U.S. Conference bookkeeper
CONVENTION PREVIEW
The success of thefoundation's work is not necessarily determined by asset growth. The balance in the ministry investment funds can vary greatly as individuals and agencies need their funds for other purposes.
funds has been invested in equities and government/corporate bonds, with overall positive results.
Primary services
MB Foundation is a service agency whose primary mission is to encourage and assist caring Christians in the faithful stewardship of their God-entrusted resources. Services provided to Mennonite Brethren agencies, institutions, churches, and individuals include:
1. Planned-giving options to families and individuals that will fulfill the donor's charitable intent and benefit the cause of Christ.
2. Stewardship education resources and services and gift-planning assistance within the context of biblical stewardship principles.
3. Management of endowment funds and deposit accounts. These include conferenceowned endowments and funds managed on behalf of conference institutions, agencies and churches. Our endowment earnings averaged 6.97 percent in 1995.
4. Loans for church-related buildings, institutional capital improvements, and special needs (conference operations) according to policies approved by the conference. The purpose of the loan program is to serve capital funding needs and provide an equitable investment return for the endowment fund beneficiaries. Our loan portfolio as of March 31 totaled $15,472,356.
5. Charitable estate planning services as legally permissible. Our estate planning services have been well received. In the past few years several charitable trusts have been funded and estate plans formulated which will provide significant benefit to the cause of Christ.
Charitable trust funds invested in other than our Plan I Endowments total $655,759 and are additional funds to those listed under "Assets Managed." In most, if not all, of the remainder trusts, the MB Foundation has been named as trustee or co-trustee. The foundation has also been named as cotrustee or coexecutor of other estate plans.
We have no projections in our financial reports as to the ultimate benefit to charitable causes from these deferred gift plans. We know the amount will be significant, even in the millions, yet we choose to refrain from publishing specific amounts when the ultimate benefit is subject to so many variables.
Grants
The services of MB Foundation are funded by
management fees and net earnings from our loan portfolio. Our intent is to operate in a modestly positive financial condition.
We have historically operated at below projected expenses and have ended the fiscal year with an operating balance. We have also benefited periodically from undesignated income.
Priority is given to U.S. and General Conference ministries when distributing earnings as grants. Prior to 1982, funds were distributed to the General Conference, MB Missions/Services and MB Biblical Seminary. Since 1983, funds have been distributed as grants as follows:
• MBBS subsidy shortfall (via U.S. Conference), $458,459
• General Conference (income deficits), $164,458
• MBM/S Endowment, $62,122
• MBBS Endowment, $45,513
• U.S. Conference: Mission USA, $121,817 Evangelism Partners, $20,000 Vision 2000 (matching grant), $10,000;
• Conference-related promotional materials and every-home mailings, etc., $30,501
• Church Assistance Programs (per donor recommendation), $15,739
Grants from 1995 earnings have not been finalized yet.
Looking ahead
The staff and board have devoted significant time to self-evaluation and planning. Legal counsel has reviewed our operations and believes our practices are in accord with legal requirements and guidelines. Consultants have critiqued our practices and given counsel for the future. Investment specialists have made presentations to inform us as to investment options and to review our investment practices and policies.
A word of thanks
We are deeply grateful to the more than 600 partners in the ministry investment funds and the many donors of gift annuity and endowment funds.
We are humbled by the confidence placed in us by those asking us to serve as co-trustees of gift plans or who allow us to help them in their gift planning. We continue to be impressed with the generosity of our constituents.-Lynfordf Becker
prayer for our Christian schools-or whatever. While at work let our growling stomachs remind us to pray about the matter-or to utter words of praise to God.
Furthermore, although we might not find it in the medical books, a "physiological fast" probably has merit as well. In fact, at some fasting and prayer retreats, purgatives and enemas are used for a complete clean out! And let us not overlook the benefits to our pocketbooks and belt lines.
We have been trying to practice what we preach and have found it a real blessing. I wonder-we might not be prepared to handle the results if the church really took hold of this Scriptural principle.
Name withheld upon request
Un-Motherly motives?
After reading the article about Mother Teresa being picked as The Door magazine's "Loser of the Decade" (Miscellanea, April), I immediately ran outside and piled a mound of stones to throw at her should she happen through town. I also canceled my subscriptions to The National Enquirer and Star. Why waste money on three magazines? How rich to think that more articles about scandals, second-hand defamation and the
demise of others may soon follow in my own Christian Leader! Will you be reporting anything on Sandi Patty's divorce or Tami Faye's recent surgery? How about Jimmy Swaggert?
Seriously, I'm saddened and disappointed that you took the time, space and money to excerpt an article from another magazine that was so meanspirited. It hurt to read it. Even though it was not your own, referred to "numerous and reputable sources" and was loaded with "evidence," was it really worth our time? Was it reflective of Christ's unconditional love and sacrifice for each and every one of us? Try as I may, I simply could not find Christ's heart in that article.
I have no idea whether the information is true; thankfully I don't have to be the judge. The article should have been left in the magazine of its origin rather than gleefully reprinted in the Christian Leader.
What were your motives for reprinting the article? How did reprinting the article further Christ's kingdom or strengthen the witness of our denomination? The article didn't do much for my Italian-Catholic inlaws who were visiting over the weekend. Your motives for reprinting the article were difficult to explain to my Catholic relatives and friends.
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Are there some better literary models, mentors and/or sources for us to emulate? Do we really need to help beat someone up and alienate other groups by excerpting articles such as these? Inquiring minds want to know! Perhaps in doing so you have found an answer to the questions posed on the front cover of the issue ("Why so few?").
fl:n The article on Mother Teresa prompts me to relate a personal experience with her.
In 1974 I was in India to speak at the 50th anniversary celebration of the India MB Conference. I took the opportunity to come home via Calcutta and Delhi so that I might see some historic places and the Mercy Orphanage of Mother Teresa. The matron at the orphanage showed me around. When I asked if I could speak to Mother Teresa, I was told she had gone to her home country of Yugoslavia.
I went to the airport late that afternoon to catch my plane to Delhi. There I saw a huddle of people with an old woman. One of the group boarded the plane and sat in the seat in front of me. I asked him if by chance Mother Teresa was on the plane. He replied that she was three rows in front of us.
While the plane was readying for takeoff, I walked up the aisle to her seat. I congratulated her on writing the book]esus of Nazareth and commented how badly India and the world needed the Savior so they would not be lost. She responded quite firmly, "Everybody is a child of God."
I said, "Yes, by creation they are, but people need to be saved from sin." Again, she literally shouted at me, "Everybody is a child of God!" Not wanting to create a scene, I went back to my seat.
I would not doubt Mother Teresa's faith or her personal salvation. But ever since then I have questioned her theology and especially her view of salvation. She sounded to me like a universalist-in the end everybody will be saved.
Reg.# 1567624
Steve Isaak Lodi, Calif.
H.R. Baerg Salem, Ore.
PH'LIP SIDE
BY PHILIP WIEBE
Reading it in
Afew minutes with a book or an editorial page gives me more insight than any hour's worth of TV news.
THE OTHER DAY WHILE I WAITED FOR my order in a fast-food joint, several college kids in line behind me were
I guess that's why I remain, in our video age, more of a reader than a watcher. A few minutes with a book or an editorial going on about the amazing waste of time their page gives me more insight into the world than any various literature classes were. As the holder of hour's worth of TV news. I'd rather read a good novel than watch the movie version of it. And if you say I'm woefully behind the times, I reply: Thanks for the compliment.
an English degree and a number of graduate hours in literature, I thought about disappearing into a nearby phone booth and jumping out as BOOK MAN, working to uphold truth, reading and the carrying of a valid library card.
But I finally decided to keep my place in line and not say anything. Didn't want to miss it when they called my tacos.
Let me stress that I'm no literary snob. My own reading tastes run more toward humorists Dave Barry and Calvin Trillin than, say, Milton or Shakespeare. But even in my early college years, before I knew I'd get into the writing and editing biz, lit classes attracted me in a way more utilitarian courses couldn't. Math may have taught me how to balance my checkbook, but literature taught me about the balance of life.
Reading does that. "Books," media theorist Neil has written, "are an excellent cohtainer for the accumulation, quiet scrutiny and organized analysis of information and ideas. It takes time to write a book, and to read one A book is an attempt to make thought permanent and to contribute to the great conversation conducted by authors of the past." Television and other electronic media, by contrast, "are suited only to the flashing of messages at speeds that neither permit nor require evaluation."
A few more thoughts about reading:
• It's puzzling to observe that while more books and magazines are being published today than ever in history, fewer people seem to be reading them. During a recent browse through a bookstore, though, I realized something. People aren't necessarily reading less; just less seriously. The rows stocked with popular genres-mystery, romance, suspense, celebrity autobiography, etc.-were also stocked with customers. The "nonfiction" and "literature" aisles, carrying a broader selection of thinkers, essayists, novelists and classics, were nearly empty.
In books, as in so many other areas of life, people are looking for entertainment. That's not a bad thing-until it becomes the only thing. As Postman writes, "Our politics, religion, news, athletics, education and commerce have been transformed into congenial adjuncts of show business, largely without protest or even popular notice. The result is that we are a people on the verge of amusing ourselves to death."
• If reports are true that modern churchgoers are reading the Bible less-and many not at all-then that's
something to worry about. While I'm a strong supporter of contemporary worship and communication trends in the church, if we're not inspiring or challenging churchgoers to dig deeply and faithfully into the Word, something is seriously missing.
In 2 Kings 22, it's recorded that King Josiah's attempts to repair the neglected temple of the Lord unearthed the long lost Book of the Law. The response was dramatic. "When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes" (v. II). Josiah realized how far he and the people had drifted. The Book made God's will clear.
It still does. And a church that isn't faithfully reading it will certainly drift. We'd like to think of our churches as anchors in a restless, vacillating age, but often it seems like churchgoers are just as fidgety and noncommittal as everyone else. It's no mystery why if we're drifting away, both as individuals and in groups, from the "quiet scrutiny and organized analysis" of the accumulated wisdom of the Bible.
• Though in my secret life as BOOK MAN I go around zapping antireading forces such as computer solitaire and TV sets left on too long, that doesn't mean I can't sympathize with those literature-weary college kids. Some books are tougher than others. In my own literature classes I read a lot of great works-and a lot of works that would have made great doorstops.
I've also noticed I don't have as much strength or stamina for Weighty Classics as I used to. Not long ago, for example, I decided to take up the hefty Moby Dick, a book I somehow had escaped reading in my college and grad school days. After attacking the book's 700 or so pages with initial fervor, I must admit to slowing down a bit. I decided to take a break with only, oh, 695 pages to go.
I haven't opened it since. But I have a feeling that one day soon I'll be moving Moby Dick back to the end table, ready to put it into service. Maybe as a drink coaster.
ON THE JOURNEY
BY ROSE BUSCHMAN
Thanks, Aunt Margaret
At a time when children ((were to be seen and not heard, JJ she made us feel we were just as special and welcome in her home as grownups were.
ON MY WALL I HAVE AN EMBROIDERED motto which reads:
Willst das Grosse Du erreichen,
Fange mit dem Kleinen an;
Deine Tadler werden schweigen, 1st das Kleine gross getan.
Roughly translated from the German it reads:
If you want to reach the great, Begin with the little, Your critics will be silent, The little has been done great. For years this motto hung on the living room wall of my parental home. Many times as I was growing up I read the words and took the message to heart. Over the years it became a motto to live by.
While cleaning up my mother's things after her funeral I found the motto out in the garage. The glass and frame were gone. All that was left was the embroidered fabric glued to a piece of corrugated cardboard. Since no one else seemed to care about it I picked it up and without saying anything to anyone packed it into the bottom of my suitcase and brought it home with me. For me it became an instant treasure. A local shop reframed it and now it proudly hangs on my wall.
It wasn't until a few years ago that I found out it had been embroidered by my Aunt Margaret. Knowing that she made it makes it even more special for me. That's because my Aunt Margaret has been and still is a special person in my life.
As a little girl I always loved going to her house. In spite of very limited resources she always managed to have some treat for us. At a time
when children "were to be seen and not heard," she always made us feel that we were just as special and welcome in her home as the grownups were.
Aunt Margaret taught me some very important lessons. I remember the time she couldn't afford new material for her two daughters' Christmas outfits, so she took her own wedding dress and made beautiful white satin blouses out of it. I was only a young teen at the time, but I thought she made a tremendous sacrifice in cutting up her wedding dress so that her girls could have something pretty to wear.
"After all, I'm not going to wear it again," she said.
Or the time I was over at her house, when Uncle Corny came home from town and immediately reported to Aunt Margaret what he had spent money on and how much. He even reported a five-cent cup of coffee to her. Her explanation: "I don't know where our money goes, so I'm keeping track to see where we spend it." I got a lesson in budgeting that day.
Even after I left home as an adult, the memories continued. Whenever I returned to British Columbia, I could count on an invitation to Aunt Margaret's house. "You must come for dinner," she would say.
One visit as a college student was particularly memorable. She invited me over for a meal, but I could only stop in for a short time during the middle of the morning. Aunt Margaret got up very early that morning to start some yeast doughnuts. They were the best doughnuts that I have
ever tasted. She did this especially for me and I was deeply touched by her act of love.
When my husband and I were invited to their home about 10 years ago, we found a wonderful meal prepared for us. Uncle Corny had made a special trip to a river wharf, where he knew he could buy a freshly caught salmon. He cleaned the fish and cut it into steaks, which he grilled for us. Aunt Margaret prepared several vegetables and salads, fresh bread plus a fabulous dessert. The electricity had gone off several hours before we arrived, so Aunt Margaret had found someone who had power and finished preparing the meal there. She was still doing it, making me feel special.
Aunt Margaret always used the best dishes she had. When I commented on her beautiful china one day, she said, "I use it whenever I can. I'm not leaving anything to a second wife!" Well, following her footsteps, I'm not either. I use all my good dishes as often as I can. If they break, they break. So what!
Just last December I learned another lesson. Both Uncle Corny and Aunt Margaret, now in their seventies, have serious medical problems. Life at times is tough. I asked her what she was doing. Her list included some craft items for a sale her women's group was having. "How do you manage all that?" I asked.
"Well, I set goals for the week. After all, you have to have goals. How else do you get anything done?" she asked. Wow. I have so much to learn.
So, Aunt Margaret, this one's for you. Thank you for being such a special person in my life.
grams are found all over California, for example."
The Southern District, geographically smaller than the other two districts, sponsors a booming camp ministry. Thirty-one out of the district's 39 churches are located in Oklahoma and Kansas. Other states in the district are Arkansas, Colorado and Missouri.
Geography isn't the only reason the district has experienced success, say veteran camp director Daryle Baltzer and Lynn Jackson, current chair of the SDC Youth Commission's camping program.
cent of its $23,500 budget to the camping program. The remaining funds subsidize the annual youth convention and a sponsor's retreat.
"Camping has always been a major
because the location was centrally located and the facilities fit their needs. But with the higher fee, the commission needed a subsidy increase to keep the price per camper competitive.
IIWe haven It been afraid in the last seven or eight years to look hard at our program and make changes as the generation has changed. II -Lynn Jackson
"There has been a spirit of camping in the Southern District for years and years and years," says Baltzer. "When I was a kid, I remember them piling us in the back of a regular truck, putting the cattle racks up, pulling a tarp over the top and taking us to camp. There is a camping heritage here."
Baltzer and Jackson agree that a willingness to make changes in the camping program has kept it healthy. With almost 20 years of experience, Baltzer can recall a variety of innovations. They include directing six years of "Travel Camp," a weeklong bus trip camping experience in the 1970s that took campers to North Carolina, South Texas and Arkansas, where they presented programs in Mennonite Brethren congregations.
In 1991 the district moved junior camp to the Tabor College campus after Lynn Jost, a member of the faculty, volunteered to put together a week of camp blending traditional Bible lessons and a variety of activities. The activities, ranging from chemistry to journalism to basketball, were taught by Tabor faculty and staff. The experiment was a success and the camp has continued to grow each year. The potential for growth in this camp, according to Jackson, is limited only by the number of available counselors.
"We haven't been afraid in the last seven or eight years to look hard at our program and make changes as the generation has changed," says Jackson. "We also haven't been afraid to spend money." The Youth Commission annually commits almost 90 per-
part of the Youth Commission budget," says Baltzer. "We subsidize the camps so we don't have to charge our kids an arm and a leg to go to good camps."
Four years ago SDC convention delegates approved a last-minute budget increase of $9,000 because the junior high camping program was unexpectedly given the opportunity to move to a more expensive facility. The commission was eager to make the move
Facilities at New Life Ranch have allowed the junior high program to add an "activity" dimension to the camp. Jackson describes the junior high experience as a bridge between the activity-oriented junior camp and the more traditional senior high program. Activities center on the river running through the camp grounds.
For senior high camp, the district currently rents Silver Cliff Ranch, a 180-bed camp in Buena Vista, Colo. The district has outgrown Silver Cliff but there are no larger facilities in Colorado other than spacious complexes like YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park. Senior high camp traditionally features a speaker outside the district
N. Carolina camp has had ups, downs
FOR YEARS THE North Carolina District has been the only African-American church group in the state operating a Bible camp, say district moderator Earl Yount and conference minister James Fox. After 50 years of providing a Mennonite Brethren camp for young people, organizers know the camping business has its ups and downs.
Three years ago the state asked the district to discontinue using the facility until it and their staff met state requirements-difficult stipulations for this group of seven small churches to meet. At one time the camp had been used for other events, but most recently the grounds were vacant outside of the week of summer camp. This made it difficult to maintain the facility.
The camp was built on a half acre of land leased from a church member but organizers had access to 12 acres. Camp facilities included dorms, a dining facility, chapel, swimming pool and other recreation areas for basketball, softball, etc. The camp was directed by Fox and staffed by volunteers.
An average of 75 kids ages 6 to 13 from a variety of churches attended the Bible camp. At one time the camp also served young adults through age 21. "Most of our deacons and preachers came out of the camp," says Yount, "so it paid off in more than one way." At its peak, the camp served 90 students and Fox recalls using every available space for Bible lessons, including shade trees, given the July heat.
"Over the past 10 years, 40 percent of the children attending our Bible camp were not associated with any church at all," says Fox. "There were children that had never heard anyone pray, never learned a Bible verse or never experienced a Christian atmosphere. It meant so much to us that we were able to reach those children."
Fox recalls one year in which 36 out of 75 children made commitments and 15 young people were baptized in the swimming pool.
Later this month the district will discuss renting a camp in order to restart their camping program. District leaders have also considered purchasing land to build a new facility.-CF
and includes a major "physical adventure" like whitewater rafting. For the second year, a staff member will come to senior high camp primarily to pray. Jackson believes last year's experiment changed the camp atmosphere.
SDC camp leaders agree that the district continues to financially support the camping program because summer camp changes young people's lives.
"Campers are more open to the adults around them at camp," says Jackson. "They are away from their regular environment and are more open to learning. We want them to see the adults around them modeling the Christian life 24 hours a day. Our Christian walk is a lifestyle, not rules."
our district has come up through the camping program," says Baltzer. It is tradition for adults who grew up attending summer camps to return as counselors. While securing qualified counselors has been difficult in the past, this year both junior high and senior high camp have a counselor waiting list.
IIWe know that camps are a tremendous tool that the Holy Spirit uses to impact young peoplels lives for Christ. II -Wendell
Loewen
"Church numbers are shrinking in the SDC, but the numbers of youth participating in our district events are growing," says Jackson. "When we look demographically, the numbers in elementary school and high school coming up through our churches are huge! I think the churches want to keep the young people in the church and that's why they're willing to foot the camping bill."
"We want to bring alive for them what they hear in their home congregation," she adds. A goal of the camping program is to provide an experience that supports Mennonite Brethren distinctives.
The camping experience has been a training ground for church leaders, say Baltzer and Jackson. "I bet a pretty high percentage of the leadership in
Wendell Loewen, Youth Commission chair, says: "The youth commission continues to devote the majority of its time and energy to our summer camping program. The vast majority of our budget goes toward camping and our physical and spiritual energies are directed similarly. We know that camps are a tremendous tool that the Holy Spirit uses to impact young people's lives for Christ."
PDC focuses on leadership training
THE MINISTRY OF THE Pacific District Board of Youth Ministries is . focused on developing leadership for congregations and missions, says Barbie Larson, board chair. The district allocates 70 percent of its approximate $10,000 budget to providing scholarships for junior high, high school and college missions programs.
Scholarships areoffered at three levels. Scholarships to individuals and youth groups volunteering for summer missions assignments-three weeks to three months-are available. To qualify, young people must attend a Mennonite Brethren church but aren't required to participate in a denominational missions program. But denominational programs are popular options. SOAR, the Mennonite Brethren cross-cultural missions program for youth, is a program of Youth Mission International. Baja Mission Outreach is a missions program coordinated by Fresno Pacific College.
Scholarships are also available to sponsors who attend training seminars. A new event for youth workers, a prayer summit, is being projected for February 1997.
Other PDC-sponsored youth activities include a summer leadership training event and a weekend retreat held each spring designed for fun and to unify the district. The retreat format includes a motivational speaker. -CF
MB and BIe leaders explore 'low-key' connections
II The two groups have a lot in common, but downplay possibility of future merger
MENNONITE BRETHREN denominational leaders met with their Brethren in Christ counterparts to explore possibilities for networking and resourcing between the two Anabaptist groups.
Fifteen conference ministers, district ministers, bishops and other leaders attended the April 19-20 meetings at Grantham, Pa.
According to General Conference executive secretary Marvin Hein, Mennonite Brethren and BIC leaders have been meeting "on a low-key basis" for four years. "This year we began exploring areas in which we might find greater cooperation," says Hein.
Leaders from both denominations believe the current cultural mood dictates a greater need for denominations to resource local churches.
Representatives explored issues such as mutual pastoral training, joint theological studies stressing Anabaptist distinctives, and cosponsoring seminars, retreats and continuing education.
In keeping with the spirit of the discussions, Brethren in Christ pastors have been invited to attend the 1997 Mennonite Brethren School for Ministry.
The group also discussed a partnership in urban and cross-cultural church planting. "We'd like to cooperate enough that when we have churches on the east coast, like our Telegu and Japanese congregations, they can relate to Brethren in Christ congregations," says Hein.
Hein also believes the two Mennonite groups can learn from each other. "We have something to teach them about cross-cultural work with hispanics and they can teach us something about cross-cultural work with blacks."
"There are so many similarities between us," says Lynford Becker, president of MB Foundation and a
participant in the BIC/MB meetings. "We can benefit from doing some things together."
Both Becker and Hein note that Mennonite Brethren and Brethren in Christ know very little about each other. "One of the chief things that prevents us from talking about things is that we don't know each other," says Hein.
In an effort to become better acquainted, the group discussed the similarities and differences between the two denominations. Similarities cited include a theology based in Anabaptism, baptism by immersion, a stronger commitment to evangelism than held by most major Mennonite groups, a commitment to peace, similar polity methods, denominational size and an aging conference leadership.
Both denominations operate fouryear colleges in the United States: Messiah College in Grantham, Pa., is the BIC school while Mennonite Brethren operate Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., and Fresno Pacific College in Fresno, Calif.
Differences also exist. Brethren in Christ are predominately located in the eastern United States and Canada while most Mennonite Brethren are found west of the Mississippi River. BIC have one conference in North America while Mennonite Brethren have two. Both have publishing entities but BIC's is larger; BIC do not have a seminary.
Differences also extend to theological areas. BIC are "more Wesleyan in doctrine and practice than Mennonite Brethren and still have a holiness tinge that we do not have," says Hein.
The group will continue exploring cooperative ventures when they meet again in early 1997 at Fresno, Calif. Representatives from mission and education agencies from each denomination will be invited to participate.
Mennonite Brethren representatives to the 1996 meeting were Marvin Hein and Ed Boschman, representing the General Conference; Reuben Pauls, representing the Canadian Conference; Loyal Funk, representing the U.S. Conference; Lynford Becker, representing MB Foundation; and district ministers Clinton Grenz (Central), Henry Dick (Pacific), and Roland Reimer (Southern).
Medical services in Zaire to receive major funding boost
II Agreement with community development program results in $220,000 grant for MB centers
MENNONITE BRETHREN medical services in Zaire have received a major infusion of funds, thanks to the efforts of Pakisa Tshimika, MB Missions/Services regional secretary for Africa.
This spring Tshimika completed negotiations with leaders of the Belgian church charity MEMISA, an, agency involved in community development programs in developing countries, to bankroll the operations of the Kajiji Hospital and health centers in the Kajiji and Panzi areas. Mennonite Brethren medical services in Zaire were crippled by Canadian funding cutbacks in 1995.
The 12-month grant of $220,000 (U.S.) includes basic medicine, medical and surgical supplies, lab equipment, four motorcycles, fuel, and funds for continuing education and building repair.
During his March visit to Brussels, Tshimika also submitted to MEMISA and the Belgian government a fiveyear health care delivery plan for Zaire's Bandundu Province, where the deadly Ebola virus epidemic occurred last year. MEMISA has indicated a commitment to invest additional funds in Zaire.
Under the terms of the proposed partnership, Tshimika would assist MEMISA in defining specific project objectives, coordinating training in primary care and management of a health zone, and monitoring and evaluating the project. His extra work would be compensated by additional MEMISA funds for establishing a regional office, transportation related to monitoring and health activities outside the Kajiji and Panzi areas. The Zairian MB Health and Development Department would facilitate the projects.
If the five-year plan is accepted, it could bring in several million dollars of government funding through MEMISA.-MBM/S
IN BRIEF
• COMMENCEMENTS: The three Mennonite Brethren institutions of higher education held their annual commence.ment services in May. Fresno Pacific College conferred bachelor of arts degrees on 145 students May 4 and awarded degrees May 5 to 124 master of arts graduates and 108 graduates of the Center for Degree Completion. John Perkins, wellknown speaker and writer on Christianity and urban culture, was the featured speaker. Tabor College commencement May 18 featured speaker Don L. Davis, director. of World Impacfs Urban Institute in Wichita, Kan. Five graduates received associate of arts degrees and 106 students were awarded bachelor of arts degrees, including 22 graduates of the Wichitabased degree-completion program. Commencement services at MB Biblical Seminary took place May 19. Vern Heidebrecht, pastor of Northview Community Church in Abbotsford, B.C., was the speaker. He is an alum and former board chair. Ten students were awarded master of divinity degrees and 14 received Master of Arts degrees. (FPC, TC, MBBS)
• GIVING: Despite several appeals, MB Missions/Services continues to experience lower church giving than anticipated. With incoming funds lagging "from 7 to 8 percent behind last year, MBM/S froze capital expenditures as of March 31 and has begun trimming $200,000 from its anticipated 1995-96 spending. (MBMjS)
• JAPAN: The East Toyota MB Church in Toyota City, Japan, baptized three new members April 21. The baptisms took place in a specially constructed tank in the yard of MB Missions/Services church planters Laurence and Leona Hiebert. (MBMjS)
• ANNIVERSARY: The MB Bible Institute of Shamshabad, India, celebrated its 75th anniversary in March. Many former students returned to the campus for the event and former missionaries sent greetings. More than 1,500 persons have been trained by the Institute for the pastorate and other ministries. (MBMjS)
BRIEF
• TOURING: Tabor College professors Jonah Kliewer and Clarence Hiebert will be leading a group of "singing tourists" to northeastern Europe for a three-week tour in January 1997. The group will visit Poland, Czechoslovakia, eastern Germany, Latvia and lithuania, whereparticipants will interact with people in schools, churches and at social events. Mennonite Brethren churches and schools will be included on the itinerary. Anyone interested in joining the tour should contact Kliewer at Tabor College. (TC)
• DOCTORATE: Juan Martinez, MB Missions/Services worker to Guatemala, received his doctorate in world mission from Fuller Theological Seminary in May, culminating nine years of part-time research and writing. His research focused on Protestant hispanic church planting in the United States. For the past four years, Martinez has served as rector of the Anabaptist Seminary of latin America which serves a community of 450 Mennonite churches in Central America, Mexico and Cuba, offering a bachelor of arts degree in biblical theology as well as a diploma for basic studies. (MBMjS)
• SCHOLARSHIP: Mary Ann LarsenPusey, Fresno Pacific CoJlege professor of education, has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship for the 1996 fall semester. She will work with the Colombian Ministry of Education to provide training in bilingual education. During the spring 1997 semester Larsen-Pusey plans on working with the Latin American Studies Program of the Coalition of Christian Colleges and Universities in Costa Rica. (FPC)
• EXCHANGE: Fresno Pacific College formalized its educational exchange program with Osaka Shain Women's College at a public ceremony March 21. This spring 22 Japanese students and two professors spent three weeks in language study, travel and cultural studies at FPC. This is the fifth group of OSWC students to participate in the program since 1992. Two FPC groups have traveled to Japan and a third group is scheduled to study in Japan in 1997. (FPC)
Halstead church concludes ministry after 10 years
II Mobility, disagreements led to decline and closure
THE COMMUNIlY Bible Church of Halstead, Kan., concluded almost 10 years of ministry with a closing service May 5.
Community Bible Church had its beginnings as a Bible study and worship group that began meeting in 1986. Members of the group lived or worked in Halstead, home of a regional medical center, and asked Wilmer Thiessen of Hillsboro, Kan., to serve as their leader. Mennonite Brethren congregations in nearby Hesston and Newton supported the emerging church.
The congregation held their first public service Sept. 13, 1987, in a rented facility with Thiessen serving as part-time pastor. Ministry to young families was a major thrust since nearly half of the attenders were primary age and below. Adult Bible study and fellowship was also emphasized. With assistance from the Southern District Conference, the congregation purchased a downtown storefront as a permanent place of worship. Volunteers from area churches helped renovate the building.
Community Bible Church was not a typical SDC church plant, says district minister Roland Reimer. While most district church plants are given a monthly subsidy, CBC received financial assistance at several points for facility needs. The district's Church Extension and Evangelism Commission offered support and guidance rather than funding t6 the emerging congregation.
With Thiessen's encouragement, the congregation decided to call a fulltime pastor in 1990 and invited Wayne Wilson to serve in this capacity. Average Sunday attendance grew to 70 people. By 1991, the congregation had outgrown their facility. This prompted them to begin a building fund with hopes of constructing a new facility on property reserved in southeast Halstead.
Despite its initial steady growth, CBC encountered several challenges
in recent years and was not able to develop into a viable congregation. "Some key charter members who were primary players moved away and the church increasingly became people who attended but did not live in Halstead," says Reimer, adding that internal disagreements were also a factor in the closing.
Wilson concluded his ministry in December 1995. Veteran pastor Ernie Friesen assisted the congregation on an interim basis in the months following Wilson's departure.-Connie Faber
.CHURCH NOTES
aptismjMembership
REEDLEY, Calif.-Jason Martens, Cassie Reimer, Sam Stewart, Michelle Warkentin and Jenilee Weems were recently received into membership following their baptism. Becky Janzen and Martha Jost were also welcomed into membership.
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Lincoln Glen)-Tiffany De Armond, Candice Graves and Kelly Hawkins were baptized and welcomed as new members March 31.
DINUBA, Calif.-Janelle Hixson, Katie Koop, Melanie Sawatzky, Jennifer Vogt, Kurtis Willems and Trevor Greene were baptized April 7.
BUHLER, Kan.-John Clark and Mary McReynolds were accepted into membership following their baptism April 14. Cameron and Cindy Kaufman and Beth Lorett were also received into membership.
LODI, Calif. (Vinewood)-Joining the congregation by baptism April 21 were Pat Penner, Ruth Plaski and Robert Plaski. Chuck and Margaret Dinsmoor were also received into membership.
CLOVIS, Calif. (Mountain View)-Stacie Bathauer, Sheryle Rathje, Linda Whitacre and Mandy Woodward were baptized April 28.
• Celebrations
WIcmTA, Kan. (First)-The congregation dedicated its new education wing May 5. This completes the second phase of their master building plan.
CLOVIS, Calif. (Mountain View)-The congregation celebrated its two-year anniversary May 5. More than 300 attended the two weekend services.
VISALIA, Calif. (Neighborhood)-The congregation celebrated pastor Randy Janzen's 10-year anniversary of ministry May 5.
IN BRIEF
• LAUNCHING: The concept of a Mennonite Brethren ministry training center to be located in the greater Vancouver, B.C., area has received the green light from several agencies. MB Missions/Services and the Canadian Conference Board of Evangelism have tentatively committed $10,000 each to the project while MB Biblical Seminary hasi ndicated itswitJi ng ness to contribute in-kind assistance to the program. The U.S. Conference Mission USA board will reportedly discuss the proposal when they meet next month. The center would offer a one-year program of evangelistic, cross-cultural and spiritual training designed to prepare participants for ministry in North America as well as around the world. (Meetinghouse)
• RETREAT: Tabor College is hosting a week-long retreat for empty nesters and active retirees July 8-13. Devotional times, field trips and tours, classes and vespers are included in the daily schedule. Additional information is available from retreat coordinator Connie Isaac at Tabor. (TC)
• RUSSIA: Christian youth camps are becoming popular in many areas of Russia and the New Independent States, report Kingdom Ventures Inc., workers Dave and Elfrieda Loewen of Winnipeg, Man. The Loewens, formerly with the Mennonite Brethren camping program in Canada, are working with Christian Camping International to train Russians in organizing and leading Christian camps. The number of Christian camps has grown from three in 1991 to more than 100 in 1996. (KVI)
• APPEAL: Mennonite Central Committee is appealing for funds to provide relief aid to Lebanese refugees forced to leave their homes as a result of the conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah guerrillas. Food, milk, diapers and milk formula for babies has already been distributed. MCC has been involved in Lebanon since 1976 and has ongoing agricultural projects in villages recently attacked by Israeli forces. (MCC)
• Teaching/Nurture
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)-A Pilgrimage/Navpress speakers led a one-day seminar designed to train small-group leaders April 27 Thom Blackof the Family University of San Diego led a half-day parenting seminar May lIon the theme "Discovering Your Child's Design."
• Workers
HENDERSON, Neb.-Jerry Ediger has resigned as youth pastor effective the end of August. He will assume the youth pastorate of the Surfside Presbyterian Church in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Ediger served the Henderson congregation as summer youth intern for two years before to becoming the youth pastor in 1993.... Scott Goossen and Jason Quiring are again serving as fulltime interns this summer. In addition to helping with the local youth program, they will spend 12 days working with pastor Peter Thomas at Faith Bible Church in Omaha, Neb.
NEWTON, Kan. (Koerner Heights)-Pastor Loyal Martin has resigned effective June 30. He and his wife, Rosella, have served the congregation for almost seven years. Martin reports that he plans to take a break from desk work and reports he will be "doing physical labor" with a local building contractor, but is open to other church ministries in the future.
FRESNO, Calif. (Bethany)-James and Annett Aiken were honored with a farewell dinner and service May 18. The Aikens will be moving to Bakersfield this summer to work as church planters with the Pacific District Conference.
MADERA, Calif. (Madera Avenue Bible)Omar Parada has recently begun as pastor of the hispanic group.
RAPID CITY, S.D. (Bible Fellowship)Tom Cartney has as youth pastor to attend seminary.
MINOT, N.D. (Bible Fellowship)-Pastor Dennis Webber has accepted an invitation to serve as associate pastor at Arbor Drive Baptist Church in York, Neb., beginning in early July.
OLATHE, Kan. (Community Bible)Clarence and Ferne Hiebert concluded their ministry as interim pastoral couple June 2. Lynn Jost, Tabor College Bible faculty member, will serve as interim pastor for the summer months.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen Bible)Paul Robie, adult ministries pastor, has been given a three-month sabbatical following seven years of ministry with the congregation. He plans to attend Phoenix Seminary, visit area pastors involved in
adult ministry and will teach at the International Christian Ministries Seminary in Kitale, Kenya.
EUGENE, Ore. (North Park)-Pastoral couple Sid and Christine Harms have resigned, effective Aug. 15. They have served the congregation for the past 11 years. They have not announced their plans.
.DEATHS
ABBOTT, SEAN MICHAEL, Little River, Kan., was born Jan. 7, 1988, in McPherson, Kan., to Donald Abbott and Pamela Delk Abbott and died in a grain bin accident May 8, 1996, at the age of 8. He is survived by his parertts, Donald of Little River and Pamela of Pagosa Springs, Colo.; one sister, Stephanie; one brother, Cory, both of Pagosa Springs; grandparents, Jean Abbott of Riley, Kan., Clifford and Evelyn Delk of Hillsboro, Kan.; and 17 aunts and uncles.
DERKSEN, CLARENCE V., Butterfield, Minn., a member of Mountain Lake (Minn.) MB Church, was born July 8, 1922, to Bernhard P. and Elizabeth Thiesen Derksen, in Butterfield Township, Minn., and died Jan. 11, 1996, at the age of 73. On March 4, 1942, he was married to Esther Flaming, who predeceased him in 1979. On July 11,1981, he was married to Arlene Gerdes, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, DeWayne and wife Margaret of Coon Rapids, Minn., and Darrell and wife Patricia of Torrance, Calif.; a daughter, Sharon and husband Lloyd Spear of Thornton, Colo.; a sister, Myrtle Peterman of Maysville, Okla.; 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
DICK, HENRY L., Mountain Lake, Minn., a member of Mountain Lake MB Church, was born May 22, 1908, at Mountain Lake to Jacob L. and Maria Warkentin Dick and died Jan. 22, 1996, at the age of 87. On Nov. 28, 1964, he was married to Cecilia Beckman, who survives. He is also survived by one sister, Minnie Ewert of Mountain Lake.
FAST, LOUISE BRAUN, Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was born June 23, 1918, to Isaac A. and Margaret Braun in Joes, Colo., and died May 1, 1996, at the age of 78. On Feb. 6, 1942, she was married to Jack Fast, who survives. She is also survived by one daughter, Marian and husband Don Block; two sons, Dennis and wife Carol and Thomas and wife Suzette; and four grandchildren.
FLAMING, ELMER L. "POP," Corn, Okla., a member of Corn MB Church, was born Oct. 25, 1905, to John 'H. and Sarah Isaak Flaming at Corn, Okla., and died March 22, 1996, at the age of 90. On April 25, 1926, he was married to Minnie Krewall who survives. He is also survived by his
by a brother, Paul G. Tschetter of Denver, Colo.; and two sisters, Lucy Entz and Mabel Bertsch, both of Enid, Okla.
GLANZER, JACOB H., a member of the Salem MB Church, Bridgewater S.D., was bornJan. 20, 1905, to Samuel W. andJustina Hofer Glanzer near Bridgewater and died Jan. 8, 1996, at the age of 90. On Sept. 1, 1929, he was married to Lavina Wollman, who predeceased him in 1980. He is survived by three sons, Emanuel and wife Mary, Donald and wife Letha, all of Bridgewater, and James and wife Donna of Madison, S.D.; two daughters, Lois and husband Samuel Hofer of Salem, S.D., and Lucille and husband Michael Hofer of Dolton, S.D.; two sisters-in-law, Mary Glanzer of Reedley, Calif., and Florence Glanzer of Mendota Heights, Minn.; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
PENNER, ANNA HUEBERT, a member of Country Bible Church, Orland, Calif., was
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born May 27, 1913, to Abraham and Helena Huebert at Corn, Okla., and died April 7, 1996, at the age of 82. In September 1937 she was married to Harvey Penner, who survives. She is also survived by two sons, Roger of Orland and Clifford of Red Bluff, Calif.; two daughters, Linda Pankratz of Orland and Deborah Penner of Chico, Calif.; a brother, Leonard Huebert of Orland; a sister, Tina Regier of Chico; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
PETERS, ABE W., Hutchinson, Kan., a member of Buhler (Kan.) MB Church, was born Oct. 21, 1908, at Inman, Kan., to Jacob A. and Katie Warkentin Peters and <,tied May 1, 1996, at the age of 87. On Nov. 24, 1935, he was married to Clara Janzen, who predeceased him in 1995. He is survived by three daughters, Rosella and husband Arlie Hammer of Burrton, Kan., Irma and husband Joe Waken of Cleveland, Ohio, and Dorothy Perry of Buhler; four brothers, Jake of Buhler, Ernest of Medora, Kan., Frank of Hillsboro, Kan., and Menno of Enid, Okla.; two sisters, Minnie Hagen of Littleton, Colo., and Elsie Penner of Medora; eight grandchildren; and 16 greatgrandchildren.
REGIER, ISAAC H., Reedley, Calif., a charter member of Bethany MB Church in Fresno, Calif., was born March 23, 1912, to Abraham J. and Anna Huebert Regier at Henderson, Neb., and died April 9, 1996, at the age of 84. On Nov. 4, 1932, he was married to Annie Goertzen who predeceased him. He is survived by four daughters and their husbands, Dorlene Heinrichs, Shirley Lansidel, Norma Regier and Marilyn Ens; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
REMPEL, BENNIE ROY, Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was born Dec. 21, 1918, in Steinbach, Man., to Bern and Katherine Ratzlaff Rempel, and died Jan. 14, 1996, at the age of 78. On Feb. 6, 1944, he was married to Mary June Enns, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Paul and wife Jean of Fresno, Calif., and Rod and wife Barbara of Santa Fe, N.M.; two brothers, Roland and wife Mary Ann Rempel of Reedley, and Henry and wife Estelle Rempel of Sacramento; two sisters, Esther and husband Morris Jones, and Sally and husband Milton Janzen, all of Reedley; sister-in-law Anne Rempel of Reedley; and four grandchildren.
VVorship Resources
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Personal Stories of Groce
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SCIENCE
Plagued by those mysterious plagues?
The book of Exodus records 10 plagues sent by God to convince Pharaoh to set the Hebrew slaves free. John Marr, a Connecticut epidemiologist, thinks he knows how God did it.
Marr and coauthor Curtis Malloy present their theory in the May issue of Cadaceus: a Humanities Journal for Medicine and the Health Sciences.
The authors theorize the "bloody" rivers were infest-
ed with red algae, which would use up all of the oxygen in the water and kill the fish. That would force the frogs out of the rivers onto land, where they would shortly die. With no frogs to eat insects, bugs would proliferate among the dead animal bodies.
The plague of lice could have been any small insect, argues Marr, since insects had not yet been carefully classified. The authors suggest culicoides: it lays eggs in the dust, its emerging larvae eat decomposing animals (such as fish and
frogs), and it can cause itching in humans.
Swarms of flies would find a haven in a land filled with the bodies of their traditional predators - fish and frogs. The plague on hoofed animals could be African horse sickness or bluetongue, both of which are carried by culicoides. Since culicoides are not strong fliers, they would not have been able to reach the Hebrew land of Goshen, and thus the Jews would have been spared.
The sixth plague of boils on humans and animals could be gladers, suggest Marr and Malloy, a contagious bacterial disease spread by flies and tainted meat. The seventh and eighth plagues, hail and locusts, would devastate the food supply. Three days of darkness, the ninth plague, may have been caused by a sandstorm with hot winds.
For the final plague, the authors suggest that what little food remained may
Pontius' Puddle
have been contaminatedperhaps with Stachybotrys
Atra, a black fungus which flourishes in the top layers of poorly stored grain. The firstborn humans and dominant animals would be more likely to eat from this layer, the authors suggest, and so would be more likely to consume poisoned grain.
Even if natural means were used, notes Marr in his report, that does not mean the plagues were not sent by God. (EP)
TRIVIA
Secrets
of the kingdom
Looking for a good conversation starter for the next church potluck dinner? Look no further than the newly released National Council of Churches' 1996 Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches. The annual report is a veritable treasure trove of littleknown facts about religion in North America.
For instance, did you
$50 covers KVI's costs for program supplies, literature, first aid supplies and sports equipment for one youth between the ages of 11-17 to attend camp for 12 days. 100 camps expected in 1996. Camps, individuals, families, Sunday Schools and Youth groups are invited to besponsors.
Tax deductible receipt will be sent
know:
• more than half of all u.s. church members belong to one of three denominations: the Roman Catholic Church, the Southern Baptist Convention and the United Methodist Church? The three have a combined inclusive membership of 84,388,790, just over 53 percent of the total 158,426,Oq3 reported to the Yearbook by 99 denominations.
• four of the 10 largest u.s. denominations have predominantly AfricanAmerican membership? Those bodies are the National Baptist Convention U.S.A. (with 8.2 million members), Church of God in Christ (nearly 5.5 million), National Baptist Convention of America (3.5 million), and African Methodist Episcopal Church (3.5 million).
• nearly one-third (31.6 percent) of the 65,174 theological students in the U.s. and Canada are women? The Yearbook reports 20,613 women studying theology in 1994 in the 226 member schools of the Association of Theological Schools in the u.s. and Canada.
The annual Yearbook is the only comprehensive annual source of statistics from churches in the u.s. and Canada. (EP)
CASTES
Christians may get some rights in India
Christian converts from low-caste Hindu backgrounds are entitled to the same job and education benefits reserved for Hindus at the bottom of India's rigid caste system, India's cabinet has determined.
India's Dalit, or "untouchable," Christians have been demonstrating
for months, seeking the benefits of the nation's reservation system. The system sets aside government jobs and school slots fOF low-caste citizens, as compensation for the discrimination they face in Hindu society.
Christianity does not recognize a caste system, but low-caste Hindus who convert say they continue to face discrimination, even within the church, because of their social background.
India is home to the second largest national Mennonite Brethren conference in the world, with about 65,000 members. Only Zaire, with 69,000 members, has more. (EP)
ATHEISM
Tract attack
Atheist Carl Silverman in Waynesboro, Pa., says that if the Gideons are permitted to distribute Bibles to fifth graders, he should be allowed to give the same students pamphlets that say "God Is Just Pretend." The school board is considering whether to ban all outside groups or permit all groups access. (EP)
REFLECTION
Prison conversion
Back in the days of the PTL, televa1?-gelist Jim Bakker preached prosperity and lived prosperity. From behind a pulpit on March 31, he told a congregation that he had been wrong.
"I had to go to prison to find out I was headed in the wrong direction," Bakker said. "We're teaching people how to get rich in the pulpits today, and it's wrong." Baker, 54, told the people of Carpenter's Home Church in Lakeland, Fla., that God had convicted him of his arrogance. (EP)
Sometimes Mennonites are thought to put too much-emphasis on works. How would you describe the relationship of faith and works?
c1l'
There is none that can glory in himself touching this faith, for it is the gift of God. All who receive it from God receive a tree loaded with all manner of good and delicious fruit. Happy is he to whom God gives this gift, for it is more precious than gold, silver or precious stones. Nothing can be compared with it. He that receives it receives Christ Jesus, forgiveness of sin, a new mind and eternal life.
True faith that is acceptable to God cannot be barren; it must bring forth fruit and manifest its nature. It works ceaselessly in love, enters willingly into righteousness, mortifies flesh and blood, crucifies the lusts and desires, rejoices in the cross of Christ, renews and regenerates. It makes one active, confident and joyful in Christ Jesus. Such a faith, I say, is the gift of God by which the righteous according to the' Scriptures are to live.
Every good tree brings forth good fruit after its kind. Every tree which doesn't bring forth good fruit, although loaded with leaves, must be subjected to the curse and consumed by fire. A fruitless, impotent faith, the kind the whole world has, and which does not work by love, be it ever so learned, wise, eloquent, fine-appearing and miraculous, is in the sight of God unclean, dead and accursed.
NEXT: What's wrong with infant baptism?
SOURCE: The Complete Writings of Menno Simons
LET'S TALK ABOUT IT
SESSION 1: Compassion ministries
Based on "Living With Open Eyes" (page 4)
GET READY-Getting started
• How would you describe the needs of the world using weather terms, such as IIsunny/' II par tly cloudy," "storm warning," etc.?
GET SET-Examining the issues
1. What are the keys to the effectiveness of Geni's ministry?
2. Which of those keys are lacking or strongest in your church?
3. Page through one of the Gospels and identify people considered to be lI un desirable" to whom Jesus ministered.
GO-Applying ideas to the way we live
1. Identify someone who would be surprised to receive II non judgmental caring" from you or your church family.
2. What are the pains of your community?
3. Why do you think ministering to those pains might be challenging?
4. Based upon what you know and believe about God, why might a ministry to those people be possible?
5. How might you and your group explore the possibilities of seeing what God wants to do through you? Are you willing to follow through?
SESSION 2: Conference ministries (1)
Based on the Board of Church Ministries report (page 10)
GET READY-Getting started
• Share your definition of leadership.
GET SET-Examining the issues
1. Do you agree Mennonite Brethren lI are at the brink of making history"? Why or why not?
2. What are the important elements of the vision of the U.S. Conference?
3. What is the role and relationship between strong leaders and a committed constituency in reaching the U.S. for Christ?
4. How is your congregation living out the foltowing statement: "We will prioritize the resources of our congregation to call us to holy living, recruit and train gifted leaders, plant new churches and minister to human need"?
GO-Applying ideas to the way we live
1. How has your life, or the life of your family, been impacted by the various ministries included in the work of the Board of Church Ministries?
2. What are you doing personally to reach our nation with the gospel?
3. What would enable you or your church to reach out more effectively?
SESSION 3: Conference ministries (2)
Based on all U.S. board reports, other than Board of Church Ministries (pages 9-18)
GET READY-Getting started
• What thoughts first come to mind when you hear the word "conference" ?
GET SET-Examining the issues
1. Which report is of greatest interest to you?
2. What do the reports suggest about the priorities and ministries of the U.S. Conference?
3. As you review the life of the New Testament church in Acts, how does the work of our conference compare?
GO-Applying ideas to the way we live
1. If you could add another board to our conference structure, what would it be? Why?
2. In what ways does your church benefit from being associated with the U.S. Conference? How could that relationship become more meaningful?
3. What roles do you or your church have in conference decision making? Are there any changes you'd like to see?
SESSION 4: Reading
Based on Ph'lip Side (page 21)
GET READY-Getting started
• If you were to write a book title to describe the last 24 hours of your life, what would it be?
GET SET-Examining the issues
1. According to Philip Wiebe, what are the benefits of reading? Do you agree?
2. Review the events of 2 Kings 22. What led to the neglect of the temple? How was the Book of the Law instrumental in bringing them back?
3. What evidence have you seen recently of the power of the Word?
GO-Applying ideas to the way we live
1. In what ways is Scripture a significant element of your spiritual nurture?
2. Is it possible to move further away from electronic media entertainment and closer to reading? How?
3. What are your present personal goals for the reading of Scripture and other literature?
LET'S TALK ABouT IT is a project of the Christian Leader and the Southern District Christian Education Commission. Questions by Nadine Friesen.
Challenged and tested
IT'S BECOME a tradition that we cap off the issue in which we preview our biennial national convention with a biennial quiz. This is our way of:
A. Filling space in the magazine.
B. Getting out of writing a real editorial.
C. Highlighting some of the key information from the board reports on the assumption that some of you readers-and we won't mention names-won't take the time to read them in their entirety.
D. All of the above.
The correct answer is "C." If you answered "D," you are far too cynical for your own good. But then again, you also might possess the spiritual gift of discernment.
At any rate, here's this year's quiz. And our biennial warning: Familiarity with the ministries of the U.S. Conference may inspire you to rash acts of generosity and involvement. Proceed at your own risk.
1. Where will the u.s. Conference hold its convention this summer?
A. Colorado Springs
B. Colorado Springs
C. Colorado Springs
D. Where else?
2. What is the name of the newly established renewal and evangelism thrust of the u.s. Conference?
A. Mission 2000
B. Mission USA
C. Mission Impossible
3. What well-known leader has signed on to lead and direct this program?
A. Henry Schmidt
B. Tom Cruise
C. Ed Boschman
4. In what large, fast-growing city will this leader be headquartered? (Hint: It's also been targeted for a new church-planting effort.)
A. Fresno, Calif.
B. Hillsboro, Kan.
C. Phoenix, Ariz.
5. Three existing congregations have signed on with this new program for assistance with their plans for renewal and growth. Which of the following is NOT one of those congregations?
A. Topeka (Kan.) MB Church
B. Crystal Cathedral, Anaheim, Calif.
C. Bible Fellowship Church, Sioux Falls, S.D.
D. Reedley MB Church
6. The program at this year's convention is focusing on (Leaders." Why?
A. Because leaders have been key in initiating Mission USA and leaders will be key to its success.
B. Because we have so few followers in the conference.
C. Planners are trying to ride the popularity coattails of this magazine in an effort to lure participants.
7. On a typical Sunday, Mennonite Brethren have well over members and attenders in cross-cultural churches that have come into our fellowship in the past years.
A.8
B.800
C.8,000
8. In which of the following ways has the Christian Leader stubbornly refused to support the efforts of Mission USA?
A. Reporting on its activities and programs.
B. Running a free one-page ad as requested.
C. Working with the Mission USA board to develop a regular column of practical and useful ministry tips for our readers.
D. Sending the editor on a six-month assignment in Honolulu for on-site reporting about churchplanting possibilities there.
9. Youth Mission International's program to provide challenging summer ministry opportunities to young adults in inner-city and international assignments is called TRACK. What does TRACK stand for?
A. Teams Radically Advancing Christ's Kingdom
B. Teams Radically Avoiding Central Kansas
C. Totally Ridiculous Acronyms Communicate Knowledge
10. The Peace Education Commission encouraged reconciliation between which groups during 1996.'
A. races
B. Democrats and Republicans
C. pastors and elders
D. hymn lovers and chorus singers
ANSWERS: 1-A,B,C,D; 2-B; 3-C,' 4-C; 5-B; 6-A; 7-C&A; 8-D, but we're Willing to reconsider; 9-A; 10-A.
