March 1998

CHRISTIAN

MARCH 1998

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ast

Amatter of life

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• METAMORPHOSIS / p4 • LENT: A TIME TO FACE OUR DYING / p7 • MAKING THE MYSTERY MEANINGFUL TO OUR KIDS / p1 0

MARCH

FIRST WORDS

1998

••• from the editor

O

N THE WHOLE, most of us would rather think about life than about death. Maybe that's why the observance of Lent, which focuses on the suffering and death of our Lord, hasn't caught on in Mennonite Brethren circles like Easter has.

One message I sensed cOming through as we prepared this issue is that the two events-death and life, Lent and Easter-become more meaningful when we bring them together. The inevitability of our death is less intimidating when we realize the promise of new life through Christ.

Likewise, our present life takes on more meaning and relevance when we accept the notion that it will end someday.

We hope our feature articles point you toward a similar realization. Herb Schroeder begins by helping us see the difficult events of'this life as preparation for the next (page 4).

Ronda Suderman King draws upon her experience as a hospice worker to help us think about our own death (page 7).

Meanwhile, Connie Faber, our assistant editor, draws upon her experience as a committed and creative mother to offer some ideas on how to communicate the truths of this significant season to young children (page 10).

Did you know Mennonite Brethren are planning a mission "assault" in the heart of Utah's Mormon country? The Pacific District Conference, Laurelglen Bible Church and Mission USA are joining resources to launch what they hope eventually will be a cluster of churches in the Draper area (page 22). It's a bold, cross-cultural vision.

Lent and Easter commemorate the heart of Christian faith. We hope these weeks will resurrect within all of us a greater experience of faithful and joyful living. -DR

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COMING • MARCH 2-4-"Music and the Arts in Christian Worship" seminar, MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Calif.

• MARCH 5-7-"Equip '98-Doing Church Differently" seminar, MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Calif.

• MARCH 13-15-Annual meeting of U.S. Conference

boards, Phoenix, Ariz .

• MARCH 15-First public worship service of Copper Hills

Community Church, the new Mission USA church plant in Phoenix, Ariz .

• JULY 17-20-U.S. Conference biennial convention, LaMirada, Calif.

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Page 10

MARCH

1998 CHRISTIAN

VOLUME 61, NUMBER 3

FEATURES - Theme: The Lenten season 4 Metamorphosis The adversities of this life are creating within us the glory of Christ which yearns to be released. When we die, we fly. BY HERB SCHROEDER

7 A time to face our dying As hospice patients face death they can teach the rest of us a lot about life. The time we know as Lent was, in one sense, a hospice experience for Jesus. BY RONDA SUDERMAN KING

10 Making the mystery meaningful Wondering how to use the Lenten season to communicate spiritual values and truths to your young children? Here are some family-tested suggestions. BY CONNIE FABER

DEPARTMENTS What Readers Say ........ . .. .. . ... .

16 Ph'lip Side ..................... .

by Philip Wiebe 19 • The vicarious life

On the Journey ...... .

by Rose Buschman 20

• Reaching the conscience

BodyLife. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• • • • • • • •

. ............... 22

Eyeing a mission to Utah's Mormons 22 A YMI experience in Mexico 24 Mennonites surpass 1 million mark 26 A new name and logo for global missions 27 Confession of Faith: Article 15 on "Stewardship" 28 Estes '99 team prepares for 2,000+ participants 28 Church notes 29 Deaths 31

Media Matters .... .

by Burton Buller 34

• God stars in CBS time slot

Let's Talk About It .......... . . ........... . . . ..... 35 Editorial ... . . ...... . .......... .. . . . . . .. . . . .. . . 36 • A righteous irony

EDITOR Don Ratzlaff

ASSISTANT EDITOR Connie Faber

BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS Noelle Dickinson, chair; Phil Neufeld, Dalton Reimer, Herb Schroeder, Kathy Heinrichs Wiest MANDATE: THE CHRISTIAN LEADER (ISSN 00095149), organ of the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Chu rches, 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 denominat ion, and to instruct, inspire and initiate dia· log so members will aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelical! Anabaptist theological tradition.

EDITORIAL POLICY: The views and opinions of our writers and advertisers are their own and do not necessari ly 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 Christian Leader, Box V, Hillsboro, KS 67063 . Phone: (316) 947-5543. Fax: (316) 947-3266.

E-mail: chleader@southwindnet.

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 .

ART CREDITS: Cover and pages 4-6, Dynamic Graphics; pages 7· 13, CLEO Photography.

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 Christia.'1 Leader is printed by Valley Offset Printing, Valley Center, Kan. POSTMASTER: Send Form 3579 to The Christian Leader, Box V, Hillsboro, KS 67063 . Periodicals postage paid at Hillsburo, Kansas.

MAR C H

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METAMO Easter means that in our death we escape our temporary 'cocoon' and fly away in the glory of.resurrection change.

BY HERB SCHROEDER

M

y SISTER DIED OF CANCER LAST SUMMER AFTER BATTLING

the disease for more than five years. She was only 54 years old. The last few years of her life became increasingly diffi-

cult for her as the cancer spread and the chemotherapy and radiation treatments took their toll. The last time I saw her alive, her body was gaunt and wasted, a frail shadow of the woman she had once been.

The whole experience seemed like such a waste. It was painful and difficult for all of us to watch her suffer and die in such a manner. During that time, though, God led me to a truth that gave me a new perspective on what was happening to my sister-and to others like her. I realized that suffering, adversity and even death are only a small part of a much larger event that God brings about in the lives of his people during those times.

For me, this truth is best illustrated by something my family experienced several years ago. My son, Matt, had found a green caterpillar crawling across our driveway.

Like most boys, he was fascinated by bugs and crawly things, so he captured the caterpillar and put it in a plastic box with some twigs and leaves.

Several weeks later, we noticed the caterpillar seemed to have vanished. But in the corner of the box was a funny-looking lump of rolled up leaves and some white, fuzzy stuff. The caterpillar had made a cocoon.

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RPHOSIS In the following days we paid scant attention to the box because there was simply nothing to observe. But one day a beautiful, black and orange monarch butterfly emerged from the cocoon. As I gazed at that delicate creature, I felt a sense of wonder at the miraculous transformation that had taken place in that little plastic box.

How could that beautiful butterfly have come from such an ugly green caterpillar?

The scientific word for the transformation of a caterpillar into a butterfly is "metamorphosis."

That same word is found in the Bible. For example, in Matthew 17, Jesus, Peter,James and John climbed a mountain, where Jesus was "transfigured" before them. A moment earlier an ordinary

human had stood before them; now they saw a supernatural being whose "face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. " The radiant glory of Jesus, the Son of God, was normally hidden and invisible within his human body. But in this dramatic scene, that glory blazed forth in a temporary metamorphosis that must have left the disciples transfixed with wonder.

The same word is also used in 2 Corinthians 3:18. "But we all with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory." Imagine! The same word that described what happened to Jesus on that mountaintop is used here to describe something that is happening to us. A metamorphosis of glory taking place inside us.

How does it work? In much the same way a caterpillar changes into a butterfly.

THE COCOON STAGE

When w~(cePted

Jesus as'bur Savior, we became lik." ) cater~lIar 'In.a cocoon. Our mo~tcU ''' . bodle.s be(ame the cocoon. Inside, God begins' . " t:i:la process of t ...nsformin~ QUf old

""

'

'

'sinlul self into the nat ure of Christ..,

2 Corinthians 4:6-7 says that God "has shone in our hearts to give us the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels." When we accepted Jesus as our Savior, we became like a caterpillar in a cocoon. Our mortal bodies became the cocoon. Inside, God begins the process of transforming our old sinful self into the nature of Christ. God begins by putting his Spirit within us. Our bodies are now God's temple where God's glory dwells (1 Cor. 6 :19). Then, like a master craftsman, God begins to work on our character-the person who we are on the inside to transform us into the glory of Christ. But that glory remains hidden within our human body.

2 Corinthians 4:8-11 tells us how this is done _In life we experience perplexity and persecution- hard blows which knock us down and difficult circumstances which are hard to hear. God allows these adversities to co me into our lives so the life of Jesus can he MARCH

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newal of our inn In our spirit-that of us that will .r-".~r_a marvelous w.4~~!:Ii'l!hj",..iP..

h'''ris is taking transforming of Christ.

manifested in our lives. These adversities are the tools God is using to cause the development in our spirit of the beauty and the glory of Jesus.

We can't see it, but it's happening.

That is why 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 says, "Though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all com pari· son."

In other words, the sufferings of our outer person are bringing about the renewal of our inner one. In our spirit-that inner part of us that will live forever-a marvelous metamorphosis is taking place. God is transfonning us into the image of Christ.

THE BUTTERFLY STAGE

When the metamorphosis is complete inside the cocoon, and the fonner caterpillar is now a butterfly, what happens? The butterfly emerges from the cocoon, leaves it behind, and flies to freedom.

Someday soon that will happen to us too. One day our mortal body will die, but death is not something to be feared. It is something to be anticipated with hope and joy because death is the final stage in our metamorphosis. Glorified saints of God burst out of an old, frail cocoon to fly free and beautiful in the glory of God's eternity.

The glory of Christ within, now hidden in our earthen vessels, will not remain hidden forever. Colossians 3:3-4 says, "Your life is hidden 6-THE

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with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory." On that day, the glory that God has been building within us all our lives will be exposed for all to see.

The key to living with adversity is to look at things from the eternal perspective. 2 Corinthians 4:18 says, "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen.

For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal." The things we see are our human bodies, our outward circumstances, all our physical, fmancial and family problemsthe events and circumstances of our life.

Unfortunately, we tend to focus on those things and to magnify them to the point where they consume all of our time and attention. When we experience the stonns of adversity, all we can think about is the immediate situation. We want relief. We want immediate solutions. We want deliverance. And we want it now!

In those moments, we are seldom aware of the tremendous blessing God is bringing into our life: our spirit is being transforffied. When the day of revelation comes, all of the affliction, sorrow and pain that seems so burdensome and heavy today will count as nothing. We will see it as a momentary thing-a minor price we paid in order to be transfonned into the glory of Jesus. It will be well worth the cost.

This metamorphosis is part of the resurrection hope of Easter. Each of us mourns the loss of special people, like my sister, who are no longer with us. But someday soon, we will see them again. And when we do, we will gaze in awe and wonder at the incredible masterpiece of glory that God has created. We will strain to comprehend the infinite metamorphosis that occurred between the way they were when we saw them last and the way we see them now.

The anticipation of that reunion gives me comfort, hope and joy as we wait eagerly for that glorious day.

•

Herb Schroeder is pastor of the Carson MB Church in Delft, Minn. Scripture quotations in this article were taken from the New American Standard Bible.

Lent can help us not only consider Jesus's approaching death, but help us be more deliberate about facing our own.

BY RONDA SUDERMAN KING

M I DYING? AM I dying?" Peg* asked

me insistently. When I hesitantly replied in the affirmative, she sank back onto her pillow and said, "Well, that helps."

As a hospice social worker, I have been intrigued, sometimes saddened and often encouraged by the ways in which persons and their family and friends around them, prepare for death.

Consider Lent as a hospice experience for Jesus. He certainly seemed to be aware of his "life-threatening" situation. Jesus even began to predict his coming death and resurrection early on in his public ministry. Was Jesus's experience human enough that we can gain something from his way of approaching death? Or do we understand Jesus only as God, which makes his ways of coping with impending death unattainable for us?

It is difficult for me to imagine what it must be like to face cancer and to wonder how long I have to live. Even more unimaginable is to be told that my life expectancy is six months or less.

Shock and disbelief must surely be feelings that arise immediately. At least that is what many people have told me as they try to explain, in the inadequate medium of words, their history of coping with illness as it progressed into a terminal illness.

Jack, a 57-year-old hospice patient, stopped significant communication with everyone, including his wife, when he was told about his

* The names in this article have been changed.

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terminal diagnosis. On the other hand, Debbie, 59, immediately called her pastor to plan her funer.tl-which really caught him off guard-and invited me to attend, exclaiming, "It's going to be great! " When Jesus talked about his future suffering and death for the first time in the book of Mark, the Scriptures record that "he said all this quite openly" (Mk. 8:32). This statement may refer to his courage in speaking out in the public arena, his courage to be publicly open about his death, or both.

Thoughts and feelings that come soon after the shock deal with issues related to guilt, regrets and "if onlys."

Along with the" if onlys," there is often a reviewing of one's lifea serious and sobering HE FOLLOWING activities may help to examination of one's purpose, past accomfocus your thoughts and actions: plishments and things WEEK 1- Communicate more openly one had hoped to your fears and hopes regarding your dying achieve. to at least one person.

At the beginning of WEEK 2- Ponder your purpose in life the Gospel of Mark, overall. Choose your purpose for this one Jesus states his purpose w eek and remain cognizant of it as much clearly, "Let us go on to the neighboring towns, as you can . Be on the watch for the so that I may proclaim opportunities that Jesus w ill bring t o help the message there also; you fulfill your purpose. for that is what I came WEEK 3- Thank God each morning to do .... Those who are for your life within your death . Thank God well have no need of a each evening for your death within your physician, but those life. who are sick; I have come to call not the WEEK 4-Willingly die in one area of righteous but sinners" your life. Some examples might include 0 :38,2:17, emphasis giving up a certain food for the w eek, fastmine). Jesus knew what ing for one day, giving money to the perhe came to do and he son you least want to, spending an knew his message well: evening in silence, or turning off your tele"... the kingdom of God has come near; repent, vision and not reading the newspaper for and believe in the good the entire week. news" (Mk. 1:15).

WEEK 5- Give someone a gift from "Father, the hour has your " being " instead of doing something come; glorify your Son for them. so that the Son may gloWEEK 6-0rganize a gathering of rify you, since you have family and friends to celebrate your love given him authority over all people, to give for each other. - RSK eternal life to all whom

Setting the focus: options for Lent

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you have given him" (Tn. 17:1-2).

If we were able to articulate our sense of purpose as clearly and unapologetically as Jesus, would the facing of our dying be reformed? alancing hope, resignation and acceptance is a delicate and ambiguous part of living with dying when death is more imminent than most of us generally care to be aware of.

How does one maintain hope while accepting death? Many times it is the family of a hospice patient and not the patient who dictate that death and dying not be addressed. They do this with good intentions, often to protect the patient from losing hope so they will not "give up" die .

I believe our interpretation of hope needs redefining if we are to possess it throughout our dying. In Mark 8, Jesus foretells his death and resurrection and makes the following statements that relate to death and hope: "...those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?

Indeed, what can they give in return for their life?" (Mk. 8:35-37).

Look at that passage again in light of one's own death or that of a loved one having a terminal illness. As followers of Jesus, do we dare live and die with the courage it takes to willingly die? Or are the words ofJesus only prescriptive for our attitudes while we are in good health?

"Death is a part of life" is a phrase I often hear from hospice patients and their families. I believe it is an attempt to make sense of their pain and to integrate death into their life. On the other hand, Jesus indicates through his words about saving and losing one's life that living has as much to do with dying as dying has to do with living. In other words: Life is a part of death!

Often, when one is dying, there is an identity change from being one who gives to one who receives. This is more than a simple alteration if it is to be graceful. It is a transformation. So much of our lives revolve around an identity of what we can do. As a body deteriorates-as one's limitations become more apparent and one's dependency on others increases-it is imperative that a shift be made in order to really live while dying.

The shift is to become content with one's being versus one's doing. Or, in more theological terms, the shift from feeling adequate

l.B3 V r\

through grace instead of through works. I do not suggest this is easy. But if and when it happens, I do believe it will give opportunity for the dying person to bless others in manifold ways.

A spouse of a hospice patient told me the following story. Curt was already sleeping a lot and increasingly incoherent when he woke Denise in the middle of the night. He wanted to get out of bed, for which he needed help. Curt wanted to get out on the opposite side of his hospital bed so that he could sit on the couch (instead of his recliner) in order to sit next to her. Denise helped him to the couch and Curt put his arm around her and kissed her two or three times.

Curt and Denise then sat arm in arm for about 10 minutes, after which she helped him back to bed.

What a precious moment! And how special for her that he thought to give her that kind of gift. A gift from who he was-her husbandinstead of what he could do. He died five days later. I knew Curt did not want to die, but it is quite evident that he was accepting his increasing debilitation in a way that he was able to give a wonderful gift that will comfort Denise for a lifetime.

When we believe that a loved one's death is near, it is a common practice to call family members home. Jesus, too, gathered his disciples around hinI in Gethsemane, requesting that they stay awake and pray. It is a time to gather together for support and love.

I remember well the short time we had with my motber-in-law before her death. We stood around her bed, singing, praying and crying as she breathed her last breaths. Her death was peaceful, just a gradual ending of the work of her lungs and heart.

Did our presence make her death peaceful?

It would he presumptuous for me to even suggest that. Oesus's death was anything but peaceful!) But the gathering of loved ones gives evidence to the enduring quality of love that continues on even after death.

During the six weeks of Lent, I encourage you to participate more fully in the commemoration ofjesus's approaching death by being more deliberate about facing your own dying. Be prepared for a passionate encounter with life!

•

Ronda Suderman King has been employed as a social worker for Hospice Inc., in Wichita, Kan., for more than six y ears. She is a member of Mennonite Church of the Servant in Wichita.

As a body deteriorates-as one's limitations become more apparent and one's dependency on others increases- it is imperative that a shift be made in order to really live while dying.

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Making the mystery meaningful Ideas for making Lent and Easter spiritually significant for young children

BY CONNIE FABER

S A CHILD, I KNEW EASTER WAS APPROACHING WHEN MY

mom brought out her collection of Easter decorations. My learest memory is of a large homemade paper mache globe with an opening at the front and painted a strange shade of green.

My sister and I filled the egg with artificial grass and a small collection of plastic eggs.

Now I'm a mom and I announce the arrival of Easter in a similar way. Ceramic chicks, wooden eggs and resin bunnies adorn shelves and seasonal wreaths hang on doors. "I remember that," say my girls as we unpack the knickknacks and arrange them in their traditional spots.

My husband and I are also committed to helping our young children anticipate Easter spiritually. So we have begun celebrating Lent, the preparation season for Easter. During the last six years, we have explored and experimented with a number of activities-eliminating some and continuing with others-looking for ways to help our three children understand the mystery and celebration of new life in Christ.

PREPARING FOR EASTER

Lent began in the early church as a time for preparing new converts for baptism on Easter Sunday. By the middle of the fourth century, candidates for baptism fasted and heard lectures from church leaders during a 40-day preparation period. Later, the season of Lent became a time for all Christians to prepare for Easter. Unfortunately, by the Middle Ages, Lent observances 10 • THE

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were so strict people dreaded its coming.

Over time the harsh limitations and expectations softened. Today people view the 40 days of Lent as a time for growth and change. Some folks spend more time in prayer and meditation while others give up habits they think are unneccesary or fast or restrict some favorite food or drink.

Still others make it a priority to share God's love with others in meaningful ways.

Lent officially begins on Ash Wednesday but many people include Shrove or "Fat" Tuesday in their observance. Shrove comes from the word "shriving" which means confession. Shrove Tuesday was intended to be a relaxing time in preparation for the long period of self-discipline, selfdenial and self-sacrifice. Good food, fun and games were common. In some places the fun overshadows confession, as evident in Mardi Gras or Carnival celebrations characterized by general disorder, drinking and dancing.

Last year was our first time to celebrate Shrove Tuesday. We had a simple party that included eating supper and playing board games.

We talked briefly with our children about the importance of confessing our sins and preparing

LENTEN

for Easter during the next few weeks.

Shrove Tuesday meals usually showcase eggs, butter and milk because they were typically not allowed during Lent. Our menu featured waffles made from scratch along with a sweet white sauce. (By the way, because eggs were avoided during Lent, Christians began decorating them and giving them as gifts on Resurrection Sunday).

Confession is also the emphasis of Ash Wednesday. In many traditions, an ash cross is worn as a symbol of repentance and sorrow. A reminder appropriate for young children is a cross carved from a bar of soap kept by the bathroom sink. Every time children wash their hands, parents can remind them that Jesus washed our sins away when he died on the cross.

This year, Lent began Feb. 25 and ends April 12. Families interested in daily or weekly Lent activities have a number of resources available to them. (See sidebar). It doesn't take long to discover an abundance of age-appropriate activities from which to choose. Activities center around some common themes.

Butterflies are a popular symbol of new life.

The butterfly in its cocoon represents Christ in the tomb and the emerging butterfly reminds us of Christ's resurrection and our new life in him.

Creating caterpillars from half of an egg carton

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and colorful butterflies from coffee fllters decorated with drops of food coloring are two easy activities for children. Books about the life of a caterpillar are helpful resources.

Prayer is emphasized during Lent and pretzels are a common reminder of prayer. "Little arms" were small pieces of bread made of flour, salt and water and twisted to look like arms crossed over the chest in the traditional position for prayer. The Germans gave this bread the name we know it by, pretzels. Turning a heartshaped pretzel upside-down allows us to see what the original bakers intended - arms crossed in prayer.

Serving pretzels for a daily snack or one at each meal during Lent are two possible activities.

At church, I've made simple homemade pretzels with older children. The dough is mixed ahead of time and after shaping our pretzels, we have a special prayer time while they bake.

The diScipline of giving up something for Lent can help children and adults understand the sacrifice Jesus Christ made when he became flesh and lived among us. Two years ago we abstained from one favorite food or activity during Lent. But last year, our 7-year-old said she wouldn't do it again because giving up something she really enjoyed for 40 days was just too

Celebrating is a shared responsibility

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HILE THE PURPOSE of this article is to offer families ideas for celebrating Lent and Easter with small children, it is also important to recognize the role the congregation plays in a family's celebration, particularly on Easter Sunday.

Easter gives congregations a unique opportunity to celebrate together. Christmas Day, another central event on the church calendar, can fall on any day of the week and in most congregations, morning worship services have given way to family gatherings.

Resurrection Sunday, however, is always on Sunday and corporate worship takes center stage.

Churches of all sizes often plan more elaborate services than usual for Easter weekend incorporating special music, skits and dramatic readings or reenactments of Passion Week events.

Being part of intergenerational worship celebrations helps young children better understand not only the event celebrated but that they are part of the church .

Worship leaders can assist young children in celebrating Resurrection Sunday by including worship activities that appeal to children and involve them.

• APPEAL. As the mother of young children, I appreciate the effort worship leaders make to appeal to the youngest churchgoers. The look on a preschooler's face when she can sing along with the entire congregation- even though she can't read- tells me singing a "children's" song during the morning worship service is important.

Appealing to children includes traditional avenues such as using children's songs and choruses and incorporating a .

story or play. Some congregations are comfortable using less traditional activities in their Easter celebrations. In some congregations families are invited to bring flowers Easter Sunday to decorate a cross.

In our community, several congregations have decorated the sanctuary with colorful helium balloons on Resurrection Sunday .

• INVOLVEMENT. Services can also include children in the celebration. Asking the children's choir to sing and process with an adult choir on Palm Sunday may make for a longer rehearsal but is worth the time. Children enjoy watching adults perform in plays and skits but youngsters can also be included in the cast. Older children can read scripture. In one church a bench is kept under the pulpit so that when children read scripture, they can stand on the bench and be seen . - CF MARCH

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hard. [ had to agree with her; I had had trouble giving up my favorite soft drink. Maybe this year we'll be up to the challenge.

UNDERSTANDING DEATH

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Passion Week, a time when we reflect on the events that led Jesus to the cross.

Symbols of truth ...

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he wordless Easter basket uses jelly beans in a basket filled with artificia l grass and trim med with a bl ue ribbon.

• The black jelly beans remind us of our si n (Rom. 3:23).

• The red jelly beans remind us of Jesus's cleansing blood (1 In .

1 :7b).

• The w hite jelly beans remind us of spotless purity. Jesus' blood washed all our si ns away (Ps. 51 :7b).

• The yellow jelly beans remind us of heaven where Jesus now lives (Acts 1: 10-11 ).

• The green jelly beans remind us of t hings growi ng . We can grow closer to Jesus by listening to Bible stori es, praying and by going to church (2 Pet. 3: 18).

• The purple jelly beans remind us of royalty (1 Tim . 6: 15).

• The grass in our baskets reminds us of the grazing sheep. We must also feed on God's Word (In . 6:57b).

• The basket reminds us to always give our problems and fears to Jesus to ca rry (1 Pet. 5:7) .

• The blue ribbon reminds us that Jesus is our true-blue friend (Mt. 28:20b).

A

nother version uses Easter eggs to tell the story of Jesus's life and deat h. In this example, objects are placed in numbered plastic eggs which are then used in an egg hunt. When the eggs are found they are opened in numerical order and an adult talks with the child(ren) about what's inside.

• Egg #1 holds a flower. " In the beginning God made a beautiful world ."

• Potting soil is in egg #2. "Satan brought sin into the world. which made everything dirty."

• Egg #3 holds a cross made of two twigs or toothpicks. "God made a plan t o send his son Jesus into the w orld to make the world clean again. This plan included Jesus dying on a cross to make us clean so God cou ld be near us again ."

• Egg #4 holds a small rock. "Jesus was buried in a tomb and in front of it was a big. heavy rock that no man could move. After three days. Jesus's friends went to the tomb .

• Open egg #5 wh ich is empty. " It w as empty. Jesus went back to heaven t o live w ith God aga in because his work on ea rth was done. Why did Jesus do this? " • Open egg #6 which holds a recent photo of the child . " It's you!

Jesus loves you very much and did thi s all for you ." - CF

12 • THE

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Teaching preschool children about Christ's death is challenging, but young children do understand the events of Passion Week and their implications when it's presented in age-appropriate ways. Sometimes they understand more than we think.

It was Good Friday evening and a father read his 4-year-old daughter the story of the cruciflXion from the children's Bible storybook they used each night. When he finished, he informed her there would be no story the next night. She would just go straight to bed. The reason for this was that Saturday was the "saddest day." On that day, the disciples believed Jesus was dead and that they would never see him again. Saturday was a sad day-but Easter Sunday morning at breakfast the family would read from her book the story that Jesus was alive.

Saturday morning the family rushed around in order to attend the city·wide Easter egg hunt.

The children returned home carrying baskets heaped with candy but it didn't take long before the 4-year-old came to her mother somewhat confused.

"Mommy," she asked, "why did these people plan the Easter egg hunt on the saddest day?"

Educators tell us we learn best when more than one of our five senses is involved in the process. Using things kids can see, touch and experience helps children understand the seriousness of Christ's death. The parents in the incident above used an object lesson to help their daughter understand the sadness felt by the disciples.

Easter object lessons include Easter trees, wordless Easter baskets, drawings and creative storytelling. Some families save the trunk of their Christmas tree and use it to make an Easter tree.

During Lent the tree is decorated with paper symbols or objects that remind them of]esus's death- a lamb, chalice of wine and wheat stalks, a crown of thorns, nails and crosses in various styles. From Maundy Thursday through Holy Saturday, the tree can be draped with black fabric strips and the table covered with a black cloth or black place mats used to remind children that the "light ofthe World" went out for three days.

"Wordless" teaching aids are a common tool used for telling young children about the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Some wordless Easter baskets use objects to remind children of Christ's death and resurrection while others use colored jelly beans to communicate truths about sin, redemption and eternal life. An egg hunt using plastic eggs filled with a visual aid and a slip of paper giving a Bible verse can be used to tell the

LENTEN

Educators tell us we learn best when more than one of our five senses is involved in the process. Using things kids can see, touch and experience helps children understand the seriousness of Christ's death. story of Christ's death and resurrection.

Christian bookstores offer a set of 12 Easter eggs as a companion to the book Benjamin's Box by Melody Carlson. The eggs are fLlled with the items Benjamin stored in his box and they tell the story of Passion Week.

Bible stories, classic tales and contemporary stories can teach young children about Christ's death. Favorite books at our house that tell this story are The Tale o/the Three Trees retold by Angela Elwell Hunt, The Easter Story by Carol Heyer and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

by C.S. Lewis. I enjoy visiting the local library and bookstores looking for new books to read to our

SEASON

children during Easter. A new family reading book this spring is My Lord and My God by Calvin Miller with illustrations by Ron DiCianni.

For several years now our family has made a Passion Week poster beginning on Palm Sunday.

A large piece of paper divided into eight sections is taped onto a door in our kitchen. Each day we read a selected Scripture. Then one child draws a picture to remind us of the events of that day in Christ's life.

Easter pageants featuring live animals, sound effects and dramatic reenactments of the last days of Christ's earthly ministry are typically held during Passion Week and can make for a meaningful family outing. These events are entertaining but also help children visualize what really happened to Jesus. A practical note of cautionsudden and loud noises included in the crucifixion scene may frighten young children so parents should be ready to offer comfort.

Telling the Exodus story in a family setting is the purpose of the Passover Seder, a Jewish service that is gaining popularity in Christian communities. English-language Seder service guides (the Haggadah) are available as are resources designed to make the ancient Jewish service more meaningful to Christians.

The Seder takes place around the family dinner table and is divided into four sections. The Haggadah guides children in asking questions that prompt the father or leader to tell the story of the children of Israel leaving Egypt. Various symbols are used to represent aspects of their captivity under Pharaoh and symbolic Passover meal foods are used. For Christians, the service parallels our release from the slavery of sin thanks to the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. CELEBRATING THE VICTORY

Easter offers the opportunity to help children do what they do best-celebrate. Children love parties, and what better way for them to experience the joy of new life in Christ than with festivity.

I've learned from experience that celebrating with children at times means putting aside my grown-up attitudes. Coming home from church one Palm Sunday morning, our daughters were enthusiastically talking about the procession that welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem. When we got home they announced we would now march around the exterior of our house shouting "Hosanna to the King" while waving the palm branches given to the children that morning. So the Fabers paraded around the hOllse shollting at MARCH

1998

13

LENTEN

SEASO N

Martha Zimmerman, in her book the top of our voices-Mom and Celebrating the Christian Year, Dad hoping the neighbors wouldn't notice. They did. It describes decorating her home Eastwas embarrassing, but worth it er Sunday morning with candles and angels. The candles represent Jesus to celebrate Jesus with my chilas the Light of the World. Angels are dren. a reminder of the good news proEaster Sunday is a busy day claimed at the empty tomb on Resurfor our family-Sunday school rection Sunday. and worship followed by a family dinner with grandparents.

TRADITIONS THAT TEACH So breakfast time is best for our The purpose of this article is to family celebration of the resurencourage parents with young chilrection. It's usually quite simdren to develop Easter traditions ple-homemade cinnamon rolls, that point to Jesus Christ as king and Scripture reading and drawing savior. Tradition is defined in my dicthe last entry on our Passion tionary as "an inherited, established Week poster.

Establishing a or customary pattern of thought, Easter morning celebrations can also be elaborate. tradition that teaches action or behavior; the handing down of information, beliefs and Some families attend a sunrise children values and service-one planned by a customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to church or organized by a group beliefs means that another without written instrucof families with children about we must create the same age. A picnic breakWhile some family traditions tion." memories. "just happen," we can also initiate fast is a great way to conclude traditions for the purpose of passing the service. on our values and beliefs.

If your family has decorated a Lenten tree, Establishing a tradition that teaches children Resurrection Sunday is the time to transform it. values and beliefs means that we must create This can be done while the children are in bed memories. Before I was married and had a family, Saturday night as a special surprise or be a SunI had a friend who told me to "make a memory" day morning family project. The Lenten symbols every time I headed off on a vacation. He was and black fabric are removed. A white cloth is introduced to the phrase while he was an wrapped around the base of the tree and colorful English-language teacher in Japan. It was the reminders of new life are hung from the treephrase his students used in describing their vacaflowers, butterflies and eggs. tion experiences with family and friends.

I have tried to cultivate in my own life the notion of making a memory; to remember that RESOURCES FOR DEVOTIONS AND ACTIVITIES future memories are something I can create • An Easter People: Family Devotional Activities for Lent and Easter. today. Intentional Lenten and Easter activities are Debbie Trafton O'Neal. Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, Minn. ways we plant and nurture memories that enrich our family life and relationships. The memory of 1986.

• Celebrating the Christian Year: Building Family Traditions Around the Lent and Easter activities repeated year after year Major Christian Holidays. Martha Zimmerman . Bethany House Publishers, can teach our children about Christ's death and Minneapolis, MN . 1993. resurrection and introduce them to the Christian • Christ in Easter: A Family Celebration of Holy Week. NavPress. 1990. disciplines of prayer, confession and fasting.

Charles Colson, Billy Graham, Max Lucado, Joni Eareckson Tada .

While the traditions of each family develop in unique ways over time, all our Easter tradiSEDER RESOURCES tions should point to Jesus Christ. To borrow a • An Easter Seder. Milo Thornberry . Alternatives . Ellenwood, Ga . well-used Christmas sentiment, "He is the reason • for the season."

• The Passover Celebration: A Haggadah for the Seder. Rabbi Leon Klenicki, editor. The Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith and The Liturgy Training Program of the Archdiocese of Chicago . 1980.

• Passover Seder: Ritual and Menu for Observance by Christians. Barbara Balzac Thompson . Augsburg Fortress. 1988. - CF

14 • THE

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LEA D E R

Connie Faber is assistant editor of the Christian Leader. She and her family attend Ebenfeld MB Church near Hillsboro, Kan.

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WHAT READERS SAY

A needed witness Thank you for the dialogue on the death penalty in the January issue. It seems to me that the death penalty is a matter sorely needing an Anabaptist witness. In death penalty cases, the desire of "the world" for vengeance and scapegoating becomes clear. How much clearer should our witness be of a God who forbids us to take vengeance or human life?

Can we conscientiously oppose war while accepting state-sanctioned killing? Support for the death penalty in any circumstance pulls the rug out from our opposition to other killing.

As I write, Karla Faye Tucker, a new person in Christ, awaits execution by the State of Texas. Can Christians support the killing of a Christian sister? If God forgives her and makes her new, can we shut the door to her?

Let the good news of a redeeming God be our witness to the state.

Eldon Epp, pastor Manhattan Mennonite Church Manhattan, Kan.

Accept what God permits The Leader is to be commended along with Redekop and Martens for the way in which each of the participants presented themselves in commending their positions for our consideration.

Jesus never condemned or set aside capital punishment. We know that the Apostle Paul, before his conversion, advocated capital punishment. It seems to me that Leader errs in its judgment that "compelling cases can be made from Scripture ... but neither is conclusive" (editorial). Defenders of

either position would argue there is conclusive evidence for their point of view.

We should try to keep our thinking dear when we consider this important issue when we are confronted with the story of Michael B. Ross becoming a Christian while on death row. Praise God for his conversion, but that should have no bearing on whether he deserves the death penalty for killing eight people. Most ofthe time when we are brought to the brink of death we are forced to deal with things eternal.

We were all under the sentence of death until Jesus took that judgment on himself. When we too accepted the grace offered, were converted and saved, we also became part of the family of God with an eternal life.

The argument about capital punishment lies with civil governments and its citizenry and is not lessened or increased in the rightness of its stand by the actions of other countries to the contrary. God institutionalized civil governments with the authority to rightly take a life.

We do well to struggle with this issue as a matter of personal conscience, but we should be doubly careful about trying to reverse and condemn a lawful practice God has permitted.

Stan Kostanoski Ferndale, Wash.

Of rights and wrongs Thank you for your bravery in opening the conversation about capital punishment. I am in love with, and indeed, I may seem to worship my individual rights.

c,~ Pontius' Puddle'

.

Tim McVeigh had the right to rigorously maintain his considerable marksmanship skills, which he learned at taxpayer expense, and for which he received award and honor.

Terry Nichols was similarly trained and had the legal privilege to pursue his livelihood in the trade and maintenance of lethal weapons. In the end, each did what was right in his own eyes with little care or commitment to the welfare of "their neighbor." Each appears to have acted out of excessive individualism and misguided selfpreservation.

Elmer Martens, a respected scholar and leader of our church, values his own individual right of interpretation and promotes practices that are outside of this community. "We do not condone capital punishment." He has rejected the collective decision of our church community, past and present.

Protestants, particularly Mennonites, have shown considerable difficulty in nurturing and maintaining our common beliefs, hence our numerous factions.

This is a particular plague for those of us in the United States who are so easily seduced by our current climate of escalating punishment. We incarcerate God's children at the highest rate in the world. We are alone among modem, western nations as we exacerbate the barbarism of capital punishment.

Supporting the death penalty is antithetical to Christ's example of forgiveness and compassion. Our system is racist and sexist. (We rarely execute whites or women.) Many nations execute none, incarcerate far fewer, and have a dramatically lower homicide rate .

Please, in any further discussion of controversial issues before the Christian community, be sure to include the views of international Christians, particularly those outside of North America. Our current views may be impaired by the din and dust of prison construction that rises from every corner of our land.

Roger D. Harms Wichita, Kan.

16 • THE

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LEA

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WIL\I RIADIRS S\\

Toward restorative justice Thank you for your January issue discussing capital punishment. I worked in the Fresno County court system for 24 years and concur with your editorial.

As New Testament believers, I feel we must hold to restorative justice rather than retributive justice. My wife and I now work with ex·prisoners who became believers in prison and need a lot of support in living the Christian life on the outside. It is a great joy to see how lives have been changed and how these ex-felons now are going back to jails and prisons where they effectively minister.

Harold Gaede Fresno, Calif.

Dispensational approach I have recently "discovered" my Mennonite heritage, and am every day increasingly grateful that I am a member of a family that is so devoted and committed to serving Christ as he would be served. I was, therefore, affirmed and elated (though not too surprised) to find Mennonites taking up the gauntlet of capital punishment in your magazine.

I was especially blessed by the rational and unemotional dialogue between Elmer Martens and John Redekop. It is nice to see Christians concerned more with understanding the Bible properly than with construing it to prove their preconceptions correct.

I would like to weigh in on that discussion myself. In my estimation, three principles must be understood properly if we are to come to any sort of understanding of God's view regarding capital punishment.

First, we must understand dispensational theology. Throughout history, God has revised and updated his covenant of salvation with man. Adam and Eve lived under one covenant, Noah under another, and Moses delivered another. Later covenants superseded former ones. The covenant sealed by Jesus is the covenant under which we all live now. This covenant has superseded all former covenants.

The question that seems to plague us, especially where capital punishment is concerned, is: How much of the previous covenants are to be retained under the new covenant?

This is a question with which the apostles wrestled in Acts 15. The conclusion they came to was that the Mosaic law specifically, and former covenants in general, were no longer applicable in the age of grace. Christ made clear that he would fulfill the law (Mt. 5:17). Paul also makes clear in his letter to the Romans (6: 14, 7:6) that we are no longer bound by the constraints of the Mosaic law. This being the case, it is unwise to claim authority for capital punishment from commandments in either the Noahic covenant or the Mosaic. They are done away.

Any sort of mandate for capital punishment must be taken from the New Testament. This is the second principle we need to understand. In this regard, Jesus's forgiveness of the woman caught "in the very act" On. 8:4) of adultery is a precedent of profound proportions. She was utterly gUilty and deserving of death. Yet Christ forgave her and sent her on her way without punishment of any kind.

But this is not surprising. It would have been contrary to Christ's entire message for him to condemn her. He came to save sinners like her, and like us. The whole thrust of the Mosaic law, where Christ is concerned, is that we all stand utterly gUilty and deserving of death, just like her. If Christ would have condemned her, we all would be condemned.

The third principle we need to understand is Christ's surprising reticence concerning political matters.

Christ made it clear that his kingdom was a kingdom ofthe heart. He didn't address political matters, and wouldn't allow himself to be embroiled in the political disputes that surrounded him. The clearest example of this is his admonition to "render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's" (Mt. 22:21). In this account, the Pharisees came to Christ and asked him about a political matter. Christ could have used this opportunity to espouse a new and perfect political agenda. Yet he chose not to.

This example, for me, would seem to suggest that Christians are not to be caught up in political disputes. The Christian's first concern is to be with right living, being a light to a dying world and so on. The failure of the

Mosaic law to produce a perfect and regenerated person is proof enough that internal reform cannot be achieved through external legislation.

I am still not sure what the Christian is supposed to do with this third principle. It might mean that we are to sequester ourselves into communities of faith much like the early church did. Or maybe it reflects Christ's understanding that Caesar was well able to take care of his own business.

Today, we have the figures, and the studies to show the waste that capital punishment is. The United States is the only country in the western world to retain the draconian practice of capital punishment, and yet it persists also as the most violent nation. Why do we appeal to Scripture, when our own research has shown us the most enlightened approach?

Paul Rosenfeld Berkeley, Calif.

For further study...

Your readers may want to follow up on the capital punishment discussion by checking additional sources.

Vernon Redekop, an alumnus of MB Biblical Seminary, has a book with arguments against capital punishment, together with helpful discussion questions: A Life for a Life? (Herald Press, 1990).]. Daryl Charles, an Anabaptist and a New Testament scholar, presents a strong case for capital punishment in the journal of Evangelical Theological Society (Sept. 1995, pp. 429-441). The article is titled, "Crime, the Christian and Capital Punishment. " The following are two notes to the debate. Sociological studies are sometimes quoted (as in the January Leader) to claim that capital punishment does not deter crime. An opposite conclusion is stated in Deuteronomy 13:10-11: "Stone them [idolaters] to death .... Then all Israel shall hear and be afraid, and never again do any such wickedness" (NRSV). According to this statement, deterrence is one of the reasons for the ultimate penalty.

Those who argue for abolishing capital punishment frequently throw the word vengeance into the discussion. Words evoke emotions. Terminology virtually prejudges the case. It MARCH

1998

17

matters, for example, whether militants in opposition to a government are called "rebels" or "freedom fighters." I, for one, am not for vengeance but for compassion rightly directed as my longer article makes clear. I am also for making hard choices when necessary.

I am also for debate.

Elmer A. Martens Fresno, Calif.

Consistent on 'life'?

I must say that though I do not always agree with the positions of your magazine, I appreciate the fact that there is substance behind the arguments that you are trying to make.

Though you and a majority of faculty members of Mennonite Brethren colleges/universities represent a more middle-left ideological perspective than most Mennonite Brethren, I do believe you have the best intentions in mind.

I was interested in your latest issue concerning the death penalty. Given the history of the Mennonite Brethren I can understand the position your magazine takes.

I have one request to make of you.

On one issue, I perceive some inconsistency by many Mennonite Brethren from the middle:left ideological perspectiv.e. That is abortion. Can the Christian Leader say that life begins at conception? Can the Christian Leader say that what President Clinton is doing with regard to vetoing partial birth abortion is wrong? Can this Mennonite Brethren publication take a stand opposing violence against the unborn?

I look forward to your response and hope that it is consistent with your position with regards to the death penalty.

Paul Stine Bakersfield, Calif.

Editor's note: To the reader's questions, I'd offer the following responses: (1) It is possible that God sees conception as the beginning of human life, but it's just as possible that God sees it differently. (2) In my opinion, President Clinton was wrong to veto a ban on partial-birth abortions. (3) In an editorial titled, "God Stands for Life" (Sept. 10, 18 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

1991), we encouraged Christians to involve themselves compassionately in the spiritual, emotional and finanCial issues that lead to abortions rather than seeing a legislative ban of abortions as the most effective solution.

Our 'infallibility' I was pleased to read the last paragraph of your January editorial which ends, "But our infallibility as people should lead us, in humility, to say no to capital punishment."

I have been searching for many years for someone to confirm. my infallibility and fmally found it. I showed it to my wife but somehow I couldn't get her to concur with you.

Shucks, I thOUght I had something convincing but instead I have to keep searching for a more authoritative opinion. Hal john Faul Denver, Colo.

Editor's note: I'd like to say that I'm such a clever writer that I purposely wrote a statement that ultimately proves my point while stating exactly the opposite. But I'll resist the temptation to lie. Obviously, it's our fallibility as humans that should give us pause about capital punishment.

People make mistakes. Editors, too.

Value in short-term missions Short-term missions began in the 1980s and has been growing ever since. Today, travel costs are more feasible and international travel is becoming common. Many church people go overseas for business and vacations, so it isn't surprising that we spend money for short-term. missions.

Short-term missionary projects are growing. Last year 15,000 people volunteered; this year 20,000 did.

Today, the spiritual needs in our nation and around the world are at an all-time high. It's time to leave behind our individual agendas and embrace a much bigger approach to missions and evangelism.

The local church continues to be critically important to the future of our missionary efforts. The biblical mandate of the church is missions.

The local church is the key body to encourage and commission short-term LEA D E R

missionaries, and have them report back. That will stimulate people not to just go, but to pray and to give.

Short-termers need to know they are their church's ambassadors and that the church will get back far more than it gives.

Critics say that short-term. missions show a lack of long-term commitment and that they divert money from career missionaries, But, according to our experience with churches and missionaries, the benefits outweigh the problems.

We must not invest inordinantly in short,term efforts to the detriment of the more important long-term. endeavors. Any strategy that deflects resources from long-term to shortterm workers is misguided.

Short-term ministry is a problem only when people go unprepared. We also should send them to projects that empower local churches and should also be at the invitation of the local church or the missionaries in the field . For these reasons, the group I work with is called Church Partnership Evangelism.

Short-term missions has many positive factors . I have seen short-termers encourage nationals in their witness.

Short-termers are a complement to career missionaris and have proved that they can make a significant contribution to the cause of Christ. These short-term projects empower local churches and career missionaries in reaping the harvest that the shortterm team has planted. I have seen many overseas churches impacted positively.

Completing the Great Commission doesn't mean everyone will be saved, but I believe God will consider the Great Commission fulfilled when the gospel has been adequately proclaimed throughout the world. That is achievable in our time.

Gilbert D. Esau Mountain, Lake, Minn.

The Christian Leader welcomes brief letters of relevance to the Mennonite Brethren Church. All letters must be signed and will be edited for clarity and length . Send letters to Christian Leader, Box V, Hillsboro, KS 67063; fax: 316-9473266; e-mail: chleader@southwind .net.

PH'UP SIDE BY

PHILIP

WIEBE

The vicarious life With so many opportunities for vicarious living these days, it's far too easy to tune out our real lives before they ever have a chance to get good.

I

interested in a few pop celebrities, I wondered, Sonny Bono. Not long ago Ws unfortunate than in unsettling developskiing accident was all over the news ments in Washington, D.C., and the Middle East? because of his fame as a '60s pop icon and '90s You bet they could.

U.S. congressman-though one suspects the That's the kind of vicarious world we live in. One Sonny and Cher gig garnered greater sympathy author has called it a "sWft for Bono than the seat in Congress, considering away from a communitybased culture to a celebrihow people feel about politicians these days. ty-obsessed one," where .But just the same, I felt bad for WID and his fam- we participate in "vicarious relationsWps, those ily. Briefly. one-way streets in which Sorry to sound cold, but all the we admire, envy or just ogle individuals who don't even know our subsequent weeping over Bono on names." To emphasize the point, the the talk shows and tabloid reports didn't interest me much. I didn't author said, "Not only will Jane Fonda not help you jump-start your even know the guy. Yet amazingly car, but she also won't tell you it's enough, a lot of people couldn't time to get a haircut, or that you're seem to get enough of it. They wantbeing too hard on your kids. " ed to know every detail about Ws life and death and the loved ones he left behind. It was as if he were a aybe that last point is why vicarious living has become so close friend or relative of these peopopular. It's risk-free. No commitple, rather than someone who wouldn't know them from Adam. ment needed. I once read the comments of an Internet user who conHere in the long wake of those media-crazed days of O.}. Simpson tended that his "chat room" relationsWps were a marked improvement and Princess Di, it seems like celebriover real life. Everyone was witty ty frenzy is at an all-time high. After last night's Winter Olympics coverand interesting and no one judged or condemned-they just accepted him age, I was astonished to note that the lead stories on the three local for who he was.

He didn't even use his real name. network newscasts had nothing to What I find especially alarming are do with the escalating troubles in the Middle East or the White House. the many Christians who buy into the cult of celebrity. Many churchgoers They were about: (1) skier Picabo seem to know more about Jerry SeinStreet's failed attempt to win another gold medal; (2) NBA standout feld than they know about the people a couple of rows back. And if that Damon Stoudamire's impending weren't enough, modern Christianity trade to the Portland Trail Blazers; and (3) workout star Kathy Smith's has created its own pantheon of everyday fitness tips. "alternative celebrities" the average pew-dweller can idolize.

Could people really be more WAS SORRY TO HEAR about the death of

M

At a concert I attended a few years ago, the late Rich Mullins marveled at how many people seemed to tWnk he was some kind of spiritual hero because he sold a lot of CDs. People are so hungry for answers, he said with a wry smile, "they'll even ask singers." Mullins went on to suggest that if audience members needed prayer or guidance, rather than seeking out the celebrity of the week, they would be much better off consulting a Christian sister or brother they actually know. What a concept.

Beyond the realm of Christian celebrity, I sometimes wonder if new church-grOWing strategies, dynamic and effective as they are, can foster a vicarious spirituality.

Professional worship bands, upbeat services, entertaining events, "McSermons" that are quick and easy to swallow-can these become an end rather than a means? It would seem so.

Say I wanted to get in better shape. If I told you I was going to shape up by watching basketball games on television, what would you tWnk? You'd think I was severely delusional, that's what. I can't get fit watching someone else exercise.

Yet churchgoers do this all the time. They choose churches to attend based on the charisma of the pastor, the style of the music, the quality of the programming-then leave it at that. Rather than going deeper into the Christian life-knowing God better, connecting with others, developing ministry gifts-they watch others do these tWngs-and cheer or boo, depending on how the 01' home team is doing. As if it's the job of the pastors and singers and leaders to "work out our salvation" for us.

It's a vicarious kind of life. But it's no way to live. And the disturbing thing is, with so many opportunities for vicarious living these days, it's far too easy to tune out our real lives before they ever have a chance to get good.

MARCH

1998

19

ON THE JOURNEY BY

ROSE

BUSCHMAN

Reaching the conscience "Everyone makes mistakes from time to time. We need to confront our mistakes, make restitution and then go on with life.... "

T

HE NOTE READ: "Mrs. Buschman, I

wanted to thank you very much for the nice card. I think that if all the teachers

at EHS cared as much as you do, EHS would be #1 in the nation.THANKS." It was signed Bruce B---. He had just graduated from high school and was thanking me for the card I sent to all my graduating high school seniors that year.

This was no ordinary thank-you note. You see, Bruce and I have a history. During his junior year, I was asked to move out of the classroom and take an administrative po'sition as dean for discipline at this high school .

Sometime during the year a teacher reported to me that someone had stolen a cassette tape she was using in class, but she didn't have any idea who might have done this.

I looked at her class list and chose a few students to talk to about the missing tape. Soon I found one who admitted he knew who had taken the tape, but he refused to tell me who the culprit was.

"Has this friend of yours ever done this before?" I asked.

"Not that I know of," he replied.

"Is this friend the kind of person who gets into trouble a lot?"

"No."

"Then why not tell me his name?"

I asked.

"Because I don't want to rat on my friend, " he quietly replied.

"You know, people who end up in jail seldom start with the crime they committed that lands them there. They start with little things, such as stealing a tape here, something else at another time, and so on.

20 • TH E

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Eventually they steal something big enough that gets them in trouble with the law. Is this what you want to have happen to your friend? Maybe the best thing you can do for him is to tell me who he is so we can stop him from getting into further trouble."

After more discussion, he told me Bruce had taken

the tape.

I went to get Bruce from the classroom and told him we needed to go to his locker to get the missing tape.

His mouth dropped open and he looked at me with big eyes, "How did you find out?"

"That's not important," I said, "but is the tape in your locker?"

"Yes." We got the tape and went to my office, where we talked for a few minutes. Then I asked him to sit in the receptionist's area while I went back into my office and closed the door. I quietly prayed, asking God to help me handle this in such a way that Bruce would be helped by what I did.

After checking his records, I realized Bruce's father was the regional minister for a large evangelical denomination in our area. I decided to call him. I told him what had happened and asked him if he and his son had a good "talking relationship."

"I hope so," the father answered.

"Can you come to school right now? And when you get here, ask my secretary to let you right into my office. Please don't talk to your son until after you have talked to me."

Father came immediately. My sec-

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retary told me later she thought Bruce was going to faint when his father walked into the office.

Father and I had a lengthy conversation . I asked him to take his son, go off for the day and talk about what had happened. I told him his son needed help, not punishment.

Punishment had already occurred when father walked into the office.

Father and son left for the day while I returned the cassette tape to the teacher. The next day, Bruce apologized to both the teacher and me.

End of story? Not quite. The following year I decided I didn't like the negative aspects of my administrative position, so I went back to the classroom to teach math. Bruce enrolled in my trigonometry class his senior year. We had a good year together.

Now you know the rest of the story.

All of this came back to me this week when I faced the theft of a classroom CD at school. In each of my classes, I took 15 minutes to discuss the theft and tell my students the story I just told you. Then I suggested to them that they needed to tell me who had taken the CD, not so much so I would get it back, but so the student who had stolen it could be helped.

"Some of you have been raised in homes where you've received a lot of good training. Some of you have not," I told them. "For some of you it may be too late, and you'll just brush off what I've said. But for those of you who know right from wrong, this is very important. Everyone makes mistakes from time to time.

We need to confront our mistakes, make restitution and then go on with life. Usually someone else besides the person involved knows when something like this happens. So do yourself and your friend a big favor and tell me who took the CD." The ne xt morning when I got to school, the missing CD was waiting for me . Someone had slipped it under the door.

Moving 'Forward by Faith' The Pine Acres Church in Weatherford, Okla.

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he Pine Acres Church in Weatherford had a desire to grow and decided that they would pursue that conviction with confidence! Part of their growth and renewal strategy was to partner with Mission USA one year ago as a target church. Mission USA partners with several churches a year to give them encouragement and assistance. The target

Pine Aues Church broke ground in November for anew educational wing. Left to right

are Jim Penner, building supervisor, Steve Fast, Deacon Chairman; Randy Hein;;chs, Trustee Chairman, Rick Miller (Building Committee Chairman). With the shovel are Vivian and Vester Kliewer, two of the original 17 charter members when the church formed as Broadway Heights MB Church in 1954.

churches which have been selected through an application process are then to be models for other churches of how to implement various growth strategies. "May He always receive all of the praise!" states

Pastor Don Morris. In ministry with Pastor Morris are Hal Penner, Youth Pastor, Tony Cannon, part-time Pastor of Worship whose salary is paid in part by a MUSA Target Church grant, and Don Roberts, Minister to Seniors.

Counted among the blessings the Pine Acres Church are experiencing are increased attendance at both of the Sunday morning worship services, six salvations since the first of November, a baptism and 18 new members added in February.

Financial response to the "Forward by Faith" building project has been exceptional, according to Morris. "We had a tremendous 'First Fruits' offering in early November that far exceeded oUr expectations. And, giving since that point has been strong." Groundbreaking for the new educational wing, which is the first phase of their building plan, was held at the end of November. With the new, larger classrooms, a fireside room and large areas

Pastor Don Morris preaching at Pine Acres. for the youth program on the top floor, the church will have the educational space needed to facilitate growth.

The Pine Acres Outreach/Evangelism Team has begun a new program called "Supper 6:' Groups of six get together once a month for a meal at one of their homes and invite someone who does not have a church home to join them for his time of fellowship. Outreach and evangelism are a high priority. Pastor Morris says, "'We want our people to keep thinking and thinking about those in our community that do not know Jesus - and to reach out to them."

MISSION USA BOARD: Ed BOSthmon, PhoeniX, AI.., Chuck Buller, Visolio, CA. Ernie Friesen, Wichilo, KS Phil Glanzer, New Hope, MN Joe Johns, Weotherford, OK

Lorello Jast, Auroro, NE Fred Leonord, Oovis, CA Stephen Reimer, Shafter, CA Clarice Rempel, Buhler, KS Mike Schuil, Reedley, CA

Rondy Steinert, Bokersfield, CA TIm Sullivon, Hillsboro, KS Ex OHicio Members: Henry Dick, Fresno, CA.

(linton Grenz, Bismork, N.D. Bruce Porter, Fresno, CA Roiond Reimer, Wichito, KS. (bnt Seibel, HiUsboro, KS Jim Westgote, Fresno, CA

BODyLIFE MENNONITE

BRETHREN

NEWS

Mission. to Mormons to be cross-cultural

BY CONNIE FABER

nificant distance between Utah and PDC offices in central California, the home mission board asked Mission USA to take the lead on the project.

Robie has been on staff at the LauHIS MONTH Paul and Jini Robie relglen Bible Church (LBC) in Bakersof Bakersfield, Calif., along with field, Calif., for 11 years. That congretheir two young sons, begin a gation has committed itself to help new assignment that is much like that with the Draper project financially as of other missionaries in cross-cultural well as in other ways. Thanks to his urban ministry-plant a new Menno- association with LBC, Robie has a nite Brethren church in a growing long-time friendship with Ed community lacking any evangelical Boschman, Mission USA executive director, a former LBC senior pastor.

Christian presence.

But their destination is Draper, These existing relationships make for Utah, where the dominant people a natural three-way support system groups are connected with the and help to make for a successful Church of Latter-Day Saints (Mor- church planting project, says Randy mons) and that makes the Robies' Steinert, PDC Home Mission Board chair. assignment unique.

"When (church planter and support "Even though people speak English, (Utah) is a different culture," says structures) are 500 miles apart, it's nice if you have a mentorRobie, who sees himself as ing relationship already half missionary and half church planter. "Where else "This has been established," says Steinert.

"Paul has a relationship in America does the Mormon building within with us in Bakersfield and church get a spot on the · front page of both daily Paul and it's like, with Ed Boschman. So newspapers out of Salt Lake yeah, we should you have some naturals and something on the news be involved with that come together in the support structure." every night . The church Representatives from doesn't necessarily own this because the three sponsoring these but (the news media God is agencies (PDC, LBC and and entertainment industry) MUSA) will make up the cater to the church. It's a involved."

Draper church-planting dominated culture."

-RANDY STEINERT task force. The task force Draper is home to 14 LDC .will meet regularly to prowards and one Catholic parish. The Mennonite Brethren vide spiritual guidance and oversight church plant will be the only evangeli- for the new congregation, much like cal Protestant congregation in this city an elder board does in an established of 17,000, says Robie. Demographic congregation, Steinert says. When studies show Draper is a new "hot mature local leadership has develspot," attracting young, middle-class, oped, members of the congregation high-tech professionals. Draper is will assume these responsibilities.

Since both PDC and MUSA particilocated on Interstate 15 between Salt Lake City and Provo. To the north, it pants have to commute to meet with borders Sandy, a city of 100,000, and Robie, Boschman's role as churchplanting mentor was a good choice for the Watasch Mountains to the east.

Robie's desire to plant an evangeli- practical reasons as well, says Steinert. cal church among the Mormons has MUSA is headquartered in Phoenix, been growing over several years. He Ariz., and air travel is more economishared that vision with members of cal from there.

Two other evangelical church the Pacific District Conference Board of Home Missions. Because of the sig- planters (one Evangelical Free and the

• Mission USA, the Pacific District and Laurelglen Bible Church set joint sights on Utah

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Utah-bound cross-cultural missionaries: Paul and Jini Robie with sons Ben and Evan.

other Baptist) in the area have encouraged Robie's vision and have provided valuable advice, Robie says. The Robies will be joined in Draper by a second couple, Mike and Joani Bell from Seattle, Wash. The support of another on-site couple will be important, says Boschman, since Draper will be "a pretty lonely place."

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hile Steinert says a good support system is paramount to the success of this venture, Robie's passion for the people and geographic area is equally important.

"Having a church planter who is drawn to an area by God and by the Holy Spirit to minister to a people group is of so much importance," Steinert says. "The church plant rises or falls on the planter himself. This has been building within Paul and it's like, yeah, we should be involved with this because God is involved. " "I want to do church planting because it is shown to be the most effective way to reach unbelievers for Christ," says Robie. "That's really my motivation for ministry now.

"God has prepared me for this. I'm not a rookie pastor. I've been ministering for almost 18 years in a full-time

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capacity," Robie says. "It's not like I ly comprise about half of the congredon't know what I'm doing. I do gation. "We are a church that reaches know-but that doesn't mean it's all people," he says. going to be easy. It's definitely a chalThe long-term goal of the agencies lenge." involved in the Draper project is to Robie wants the new church to be plant a healthy congregation with a safe place for disillusioned LSD mem- what Boschman calls the "correct bers. Generally speaking, misuse of DNA"- the desire and ability to repropower, the emphasis on outward per- duce healthy congregations that in formance and a changing church doc- tum reproduce more of the same. trine are areas which may prompt LDS "We don't see one church in Drapmembers to consider another faith. er as the goal. We see a cluster of Robie plans to initiate outreach churches there,'· Boschman says. "It's Bible studies aimed at life-develop- not our goal as Mission USA to start a ment issues such as parenting, mar- church here and there. It's our goal to riage and personal finance. "These start a church-planting movement. things from a Christian perspective This is groundwork for a faith future will be revolutionary to most Mor- for effective ministry in the United mons," Robie says.

States."

LDS folks will be attracted to Men"It sure would be nice to have nonite Brethren worship, Robie adds. another church give us a core group "Any Mennonite Brethren church that of people, but that's not possible," focuses on a gospel that is graceful- Robie says. "It's a matter of us being not works oriented-would be pleas- the established church and then doing antly received by an LDS person." that for other Mennonite Brethren "Our worship will be honest and churches." heartfelt-something that Mormonism Boschman says new Mennonite doesn't experience," Robie says. "I've Brethren church-planting efforts in the been told by several Mormons that it's United States will require a change in the music-it's so important to them the mind-set of the denomination. because the worship is so different "North Am,erica has become postthan what they're used to."

Christian. We are increasingly pluralisWorship in ward meetings might tic and paganized," says Boschman. include the singing of hymns, but "What that means is that if we are instruments are limited to going to do effective outpiano and organ. More reach evangelism minimportant than the instru- "lf someone istries-wherever we do ments and songs, says wasn't nervous them-we are going to be Robie, is the atmosphere. working in principle the "When you sing about going to Salt way we have done cross-culChrist but you don't know Lake Valley, tural overseas ministry for him, the atmosphere is they're crazy." decades. Whether we're in way different than when huge metro centers or mid-PAUL ROBIE town America, we have to people who know him sing about and to Christ," Robie see the people as in a culsays. "The Holy Spirit is present when ture other than what we've been we sing. That's probably the reason accustomed to reaching. " for the difference."

Robie admits to being nervous Robie has been told the LDS going into this new venture. "If somerespect denominations that use the one wasn't nervous going to Salt Lake word "Brethren" in their name. "It will Valley, they're crazy. Hopefully it's a not be a secret that this is a Mennonite good nervous," he says with a laugh.

Brethren church," he says. "The fact "It's hard to think about church that we are associated with a greater planting when you're in a large body gives us a little more credibility." church," he adds. "There are so many While the new church plant is tar- benefits . Being in a large church, geting the LDS in its outreach, Steinert you're insulated from failure . When and Robie anticipate the congregation you church plant, you're a whisper will also attract Christians who move away from failure. It's just a whole difinto the community. Robie predicts ferent world. I'm definitely nervous. It that converted Mormons will eventual- causes me to pray a lot. "

IN BRIEF TRAINING: Pastors and worship leaders were invited to attend two seminars held in early March at MB Biblical Semi nary in Fresno, Calif. Marva Dawn was the resource leader for "Music and the Arts in Christian Worship" held March 2-4. Dawn is known as someone who advocates biblical and Christ-centered worship and calls for an end to the "worship wars." Exploring the "ministry in daily life" movement was the focus of a second seminar, "Equip '98 ....: Doing Church Differently," held March 5-7. Facilitators were Pete Hammond and Randy White of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Wally Kroeker of Marketplace magazine and Ray Bystrom, associate professor of pastoral ministries at MBSS. (MBBS) DEVELOPMENT: fred Wiens of Winnipeg, Man., has been appointed to a half-titne position in donor development at MB Biblical Seminary. Wiens, who will contact donors in Manitoba; Saskatchewan and Ontario, assumed his new duties March 1. A member of Mcivor MB Church , he retired this spring from 34 years of teaching. Most recently, he was a public school teacher in Winnipeg. Wiens has served several terms as Manitoba Conference secretary and on the board of MB Communications. (MBBS) IN HARM'S WAY: Six Christian Peacemaker Team members co ntinue t o work in Hebron, West Bank, in spite of e--mail and phone messages w arning them to evacuate Hebron or risk being killed . The threats were made by a person claiming to be associated with an Israeli terrorist group known as Ka<:h.

"We took the threat s very seriously, but w e also understand that the threats were designed more to terrorize us...than anything else," says Bruce Yoder, a team member who completed his work Jan . 25. Yoder says the team was more careful, but continued with regular schedules. The CPTers in Hebron strive to show international support for Palestinians, some of whom could see their homes demolished t o make room for expanded Israeli settlements, Yoder says. (Mennonite Weekly Review)

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Michelle Schmidt, Sara Thieszen, Joanne Entz, David Ediger , James Gilliland and Brian Hess-came from a variety of backgrounds. We were cautiously aware that we might have trouble being unified in spirit and pur• Tabor College team travels to Mexico City in January pose. But through deliberate attempts to contribute as much or more than at corporate prayer, coupled with

BY BEN PENNER we were receiving in this cross-cultur- honesty and encouragement, we gained surprising continuity.

HIS WAS MY CHANCE to stay in al service experience.

During my night on the "outer Our team was unique because we what one of our contact missionaries, Jon Pritchard, called "the ever- edge, " I slept on a cot and was kept had two ministry destinations . One expanding outer edge of Mexico company by the family chicken. I was Mexico City, where we spent a City." In other words, I was spending awoke at 4 a.m., as did the rest of the week with Pritchard, an MBMS Interfamily , to a summons for national worker, and Kirk the night in a shack. guard duty . The folks in "1 believe the Hanger, a missionary with Six people and I were sharing livthe Mennonite Church. During space that was only a little larger the community had YM I team ing our second week, we than a college dormitory room . We worked out a rotation to traveled to the state of Oaxhad electricity and a stove , but we watch over the area. The affected the acha with a Mennonite Cenlacked basic conveniences such as night I was there, my host families were designated church-planting tral Committee team from heat and indoor plumbing.

Mexico City to repair damage That didn't seem to matter to the for duty. But they didn 't effort in a from a hurricane. others. They accepted conditions that go out that night . They On Jan. 10, we arrived in seem inhumane by North American decided to stay in the rela- noticeably Mexico City, where we were standards because, if they stayed in tive warmth of their blanpositive way." greeted by Pritchard, Hanger, one spot long enough , they could kets instead of braving the claim the right to that land . A few 35-degree temperature we -BEN PENNER the estimated 25 million other people who live there, months or years of minimal existence experienced at 7,500 feet seemed easier to them than the above sea level. In the morning, I tried and the infamous smog that envelopes prospect of owning a house outside of to help by getting water from the the city. After dodging buses and the city limits where the air is cleaner. communal water faucet and playing pedestrians for an hour on the streets, I was in Mexico City to lead a with one of the little boys who was we arrived in the community we would call home for the next week, seven-member Youth Mission Interna- having trouble staying warm.

This was the environment in which Tlapizahuac. tional (yMI) trip during January. The At about 10 :30 the first Sunday other six members of the team, all we came to serve. It wouldn't be easy. morning we were in Mexico City, we Tabor College students, and I hoped Our team members-Sandra Janzen, packed our drama equipment, balloons and face paint and walked to a nearby playground, which amounted to a basketball goal , an open field and some swing sets. Our goal was to draw a crowd so Pritchard could share a message which would encourage people to come to church at noon.

When we got there, the place was desolate and we didn't have much faith that our presence would change that. One by one, however, we handed tracts to those who came. When we were done, we didn't feel we had accomplished much, but it was time to prepare for church. As we practiced our dramas and prayed for the service, the seats began to fill . We added more chairs and to our surprise, they filled too. We were astonished Team members James Gilliland and David Ediger (middle of photos) perform a drama called "The when Jon announced later that Cross" to a sizeable audience in Colonia de Hank_

YMI mission trip leads students to the 'outer edge' of ministry

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IN BRIEF CONSOLIDATION: Plans to create a new Mennonite university federation in Winnipeg, Man., were advanced in early January. Board members and presidents of three Mennonite colleges met with Manitoba Premier Gary FiImon and other provincial officials to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Participating colleges include Concord College, Ca nadian Mennonite Bible College and Menno Simons College . The new university will have a status equivalent to a free-sta nding university with full degree-granting authority. Although the MOU has been signed, the Manitoba MB Conference and the Conference of Mennonites in Canada have yet to ratify the federat ion. (MB Herald) Joanne Entz paints the face of a young listener as part of their "clown" neighborhood ministry.

attendance that morning was double providing a space in which these peothe normal turnout. pIe can ask more questions, respond We discovered that one challenge to the gospel ofJesus Christ and enter that the church-planting team faces is into a process of discipleship,» he that each colonia has a culture all its says. own . Even though the Pritchard says: "I think physical distance that sep- "1 believe the this type of program has an arates one colonia from YMI experience immediate effect on missions because of the results another is relatively small, gained for the Lord through it is often far enough to is a tool for prevent people from young people short-term ministry. I believe commuting between the YMI experience is a tool them. A family in a near- to really for young people to really by community cannot fea- understand understand how God can sibly attend a church use them, to see the needs how God can plant in another commuof our world and to open nity because they lack use them ... " their hearts and minds to the money for transportation. responsibility and call to be -JON PRITCHARD As a result, Hanger and involved in world evangelizaPritchard are focusing some of their tion, through the body of Christ, and efforts on planting a small group in individually. » each community.

Overall, we felt we were able to I believe the YMI team affected the affect those in and around the churchchurch-planting effort in a noticeably es that we ministered to, and see positive way. By doing dramas next to change in ourselves. Some of the busy markets, we caught the attention edges that had been a little rough in of many people, giving Pritchard's our personalities when we ftrst startchurch-planting team the opportunity ed out began to smooth, and through to enter into several new neighbor- daily interaction with a foreign culhoods where they had had no previ- ture, we gained an appreciation for ous contact. people in a different part of the Pritchard told us the team com- world, and a different way of living. piled a list of about 25 new people who have shown interest in the Ben Penner, a member of the Hillsgospel. "We as a team are working boro (Kan.) MB Church, is a 1997 hard at effectively following up and graduate of Tabor College.

MEXICO RELIEF: Mennonite Central Committee will provide an immediate $1,500 to help supply food , clothing and medicine to some of the 2,200 families in Mexico who were displaced by a wave of violence in the Cha nalho area of the Chiapas highlands in recent months. The violence has resulted in dozens of deaths, numerous wounded and thousands of displaced persons .

The aid will be distributed through existing women's and religious groups already as sisting the " intern al refugees. " MCC worker J. Eduardo Rodriguez, who lives with his wife in San Cristobal, will monitor the distribution . (MCC) IRAN WORKERS: In February, Roy and Maren Tyedmers Hange beca me the first long-term Mennonite Central Committee volunteers to serve in Iran .

Hanges are the first participants in a student exchange program between MCC and the Imam Khomeini Education and Research Institute in Oom, Iran. Living in a society largely segregated by sex, where women must be veiled in public, will require some adaptation , says Maren . The couple has considerable experience living in Islamic cultures. Roy served MCC for nine years in Egypt and Syria and as a couple they worked for four years in Syria.

For the past nine years, MCC has provided occasional refugee and earthquake relief in Iran. (MeC)

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IN BRIEF NEW RESPONSIBILITIES: Howard Loewen became provost of Fresno Pacific University Jan. 1. The new title reflects the expanded resporisibilities of his office, says Loewen . Loewen 's previou s title was academic vice president of the university. (FPU) APPOINTED: William Reimer, a Mennonite Brethren from Winnipeg, Man., has been appointed director of Mennonite Central Committee's Food, Disast er and Material Resources program.

He has worked with MCC for 16 years, including 15 in Africa, where he served as country director for Nigeria and Sudan . Most recently he was regional director for East Africa, based in Nairobi . Reim er attend s River Ea st MB Church in Winnipeg . He and his wife, Ingrid, have three children . (MCC) OXFORD BOUND: Two Tabor College students have been selected to participate in the inaugural semester of an Oxford University honors program sponsored by the Coalition for Christian Colleges and Universities. Brent Kyle of Hillsboro , Kan ., and Tim Hodge of Topeka, Kan ., were accepted on th e basis of their academic records and faculty recommendations.

They will be studying at the Centre for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, an affiliate of Keble College of the University of Oxford in England. (rC)

Mennonite movement surpasses 1 million membership mark • Southern, younger churches continue to fuel growth curve

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OR THE FIRST time in history, baptized followers of the Anabaptist-Mennonite movement number more than 1 million.

The Mennonite and Brethren in Christ World Directory 1998, published by Mennonite World Conference, shows 1.06 million baptized members, according to Larry Miller, MWC executive secretary. The members are in 192 confere.nces in 60 countries.

The 1994 census showed 973,921 members in 194 conferences in 61 countries; the increase is about 85,000 members, or 8.7 percent.

The worldwide church directory four years ago showed, for the first time, more Anabaptist-related Christians in the southern part of the globe than in the north. That trend is continuing, Miller said. Africa, Asia, Central

SCHOLARSHIPS: Eight Mennonite Brethren young adults were awarded scholarships by MBMS International to attend Evangel '97, an international mission and evangelism conference held Dec. 28 to Jan. 1 in Atlanta, Ga. Scholarship recipients were Pavel Chernyetsky and Daniel Vyazhevkh of Seattle Slavic Mission Church; Jeanine Janzen and Annette Penner of MB Biblical Seminary; Stephanie Funk and Shawna Epp of Fort Garry MB Church in Winnipeg, Man.; Theo Odhiambo of Salem MB Church in Bridgewater, S.D.; and Amelia Potthoff of Reedley (Calif.) MB Church. Evangel '97 was hosted by Global Disciples, a network of Anabaptist-related discipleship and mi ss ion training ministries.

(MBMSI, Evangel '97) 26 •

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and South America are home to 582,000 members . The number of members in North America and Europe is 477,000.

Younger churches are growing faster than those whose origins are nearer the birth of Anabaptism. The first of the younger churches were established in Indonesia and India in the 19th century, Miller said. Most of the churches growing quickly were established in the 20th century.

This is happening to other denominations as well, Miller said. The numerical center of Christianity as a whole is shifting.

Most churches in Europe are not growing. The increase of 12,754 members in Europe is due to the larger number of Umsiedler-immigrants from the former Soviet Union-counted this time in congregations in Germany. Without this statistical adjustment, the European number would have decreased since 1994.

North America appears to be following the trend of slower growth, but many don't recognize the shift.

North Americans in particular don't think about it, Miller said. He predicts that before the middle of the next century, churches in the south will . play the primary role in shaping the direction of the Anabaptist-Mennonite movement.

Still , the six countries with the largest membership have not changed in the past four years. Zimbabwe joined the list of countries with more than 20,000 members, along with Germany, Mexico, Paraguay and Tanzania. Mozambique, with 22,900 members in 1994, is not included in this year's World Directory since the church there is no longer associated with the Brethren in Christ.

Many of the figures, reported by national conferences, are only estimates. Attempts are made to verify accuracy if questions arise.

This year's census ta~es into account multiple conference memberships, particularly in North American churches.

Membership increased on each continent by the following percentages: Africa, 16.66; Asia and the Pacific, 3.98; Central and South America, 12.09; Europe, 25.95; North America, 2.02. - Marshall V. King, MWC news service

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Mission adjusts name, adapts new logo to reflect 'realities'

communications, the formal name of the organization is "Mennonite Brethren Missions and Services International," but the shorter version will be used exclusively in the public domain.

• 'MBMS International' became "The change to use the MBMS acronym in all public usage does not official name in January in any way soften our ties to the MenNTENDING to reflect the "realities nonite Brethren conference in North already in place" regarding the America," Thiessen says. "As the offiglobal nature of the Mennonite cial mission organization of the MB Brethren Church, the denomination's conferences in Canada and the United North American-based mission agency States, MBMS International spreads has adopted a new name, effective the gospel of Christ in accordance Jan.I. It has also adopted a new logo with the MB Confession of Faith. It to update its visual identity. draws its support from the MB The organization formerly called Church body, both financially and in Mennonite Brethren Missions/Services prayer. However, the additional word is now named "MBMS International."

'International' reflects both our curThe recommendation to modify the rent partial reality and hopes for an name was made by the board and expanded reality." approved by the Executive Council of The new organizational logo was the General Conference last fall. created last year to promote the agenAccording to the agency, the cy's "Year of Global Mission." It is acronym "MBMS" has been retained intended to represent a person in the to acknowledge the IOO·year world, motivated by the winds tradition of the organization of the Holy Spirit, planting formerly known as Mennoand nurturing new life in nite Brethren Missions/SerChrist, Thiessen says. vices. The word "InternaDesigned by John Lopes of tional" has been added to Clean Slate, a graphic design firm in Denver, Colo., the new reflect the changing face of mission work in the Menimage replaces the one which nonite Brethren Church. features a cross superimposed "Our new name reflects over a globe. the fact that there are now Thiessen says the new logo churches in 15 other MB draws upon and reinforces the Conferences outside North MBMS International mission America," says Harold Ens, statement, which is "to particigeneral director of MBMSI. pate in making disciples of all "We have committed to people groups, sharing the partnering with these other The stylized figures gospel of Jesus Christ crossconferences and with the (above) will replace culturally and globally, in spirInternational Committee of the globe and cross. it-empowered obedience to Mennonite Brethren, so that Christ's commission, and in we can expand the base for reaching partnership with local Mennonite the unreached in response to Christ's Brethren churches."

Commission.

"It encompasses the three-fold goal "For example, we have administra- of MBMS International, which is to tive staff from Congo, Austria and bring the gospel to unreached people Colombia who coordinate our efforts groups through church planting, eduin Africa, Europe and Latin America," cation and economic developmentEns says. "We also have a missionary reaching the soul, mind and body," from Japan working in Thailand, and Thiessen says. have in the past sent missionaries MBMSI currently has ministry confrom Germany, Brazil and elsewhere nections in 39 countries around the to spread the gospel in other coun- world. The mission intends to encourtries." age Mennonite Brethren in North According to Brad Thiessen, newly America to continue their involveappointed secretary for media and ment in this important work.

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IN BRIEF X GAMES: Greg Evans, Tabor College's head athletic trainer, served as one of three certified athletic trainers at the 1998 ESPN Winter X Games held Jan. 14-17 in Crested Butte, Colo.

Evan s was responsible f or directing medical personnel and working with the ski patrol at the downhill ski and snowboard venue. (TC) RELEASED: The third edition of God's Design: A Focus on Old Testament Theology by Elmer A . Martens has been released by BIBAL Press of North Richland Hills, Texas. This book is considered by many theologians to be a standard textbook at evangelical seminaries and Bible colleges. Martens is a past president of MB Biblical Seminary, has been a member of several Bible translation t eams and has authored two other books. (BIBAL) GRANTED: David Chester, biochemistry professor at Fresno Pacifi c University, and collaborator Carolee Bull of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, share a $40,000 research grant from the Citrus Research Board of California which could benefit citrus growers and consumers. Chester and Bull are studying a bacterium that produces a toxin that kills post-harvest green and blue mold. (FPU) RECOGNIZED: Scholarships awarded

by Tabor Colleg e have been named among the best in the country by The Student Guide to America's Best College Scholarships: 1997- 1998. The guide rates colleges and universities on their merit-based scholarships, which are given strictly on merit and are not need-based or restricted in any way .

Tabor's Presidential Scholarship, which pays more than half of student tuition costs, were featured in the guide, says Mark Bandre, Tabor's director of student assistance. (TC) NEW SCHOLARSHIP: Fresno Pacific University has announced a new scholarship which will award two students $12,500 each for up to four years of undergraduate study . The Paragon Scholarship, funded by Betsy and Sam Reeves of Fresno, Calif., will be awarded solely on merit. (FPU)

MAR C H I 998

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BOI)) LII L

VISION

REVI S I O N

(5)

Article on stewardship addresses environment as well as money The General Conference Board of Faith and Life (BFL) is in the p rocess of

revising the Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith. The board is now gathering feedback about its initial draft. BFL invites your Pal-ticipation. This is the last in a series of articles written by Lynnjost, BFL chair, on selected articles of the revised confession. Responses can be sent by regular mail to BFL, c/ v Lynn jost, Tabo r College, Hillsb oro, KS 67063; the e·mail address is lynnj@tcnet.tabor.edu .- The editors

W

HY AN ARTICLE on stewardship? We confess that everything in the universe belongs to God, but we often live as though we should accumulate as many of those things as possible. The article on stewardship reminds us of the ways things should be, the way things really are.

Stewardship is an all-encompassing concept. Every aspect of life ultimately belongs to God. Time and talent should be used for God. The environment deserves our care because it is God's handiwork. On one hand, we joyfu lly use the earth ' s bounty to no urish human life. On the other, we reject u njust exploitation of resources as an affront to God. How we as western Christians use

money is a good indicator of our true values. Jesus himself taught that possessions will determine the direction of the h eart. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, encouraging giving to the point of equality among believers (2 Cor. 8:13-14). Though the New Testament does not repeat the Old Testament tithe laws, cheerful generosity is commanded.

The opening paragraph of Article 15 outlines the basic scriptural rationale for stewardship. God, the creator and owner, has entrusted humans with the care of the created orde r.

Grateful humans respond responsibly.

The second paragraph seeks to reflect the biblical ambivalence about possessions. True, God may bless with

MENNONITE BRETHREN CONFESSION OF FAITH

Article 15: Stewardship God's creation mandate. We believe the universe and everything in it belong to God the Creator. God has entrusted the care of the earth to humans who are accountable for managing its resources. Good stewardship uses the earth's abundance to meet human need, but resists the unjust exploitation of creation. All God's gifts are to be received with thanksgiving and used responsibly.

Possessions. Jesus warns that we cannot serve both God and wealth. To confess Jesus as Lord realigns values. God may bless with abundance, but affluence is not necessarily a sign of God's favor. The Scriptures warn God's people not to despise the poor.

Preoccupation with money and possessions for personal advantage is evil. Luxurious living and eagerness to accumulate wealth are not in keeping with the teaching of Scripture. God's people live responsibly by sharing possessions, helping the needy, and investing their resources in the reign of God. Generosity_ The Scriptures teach cheerful , systematic and proportional giving in grateful response to God's goodness. The Old Testament prescribed tithes and offerings to express gratitude to God. Jesus and the apostles called for generous giving. Believers are encouraged to give offerings through the congregation for local and global ministries.

Gen. 1:28; Lev. 25; Deut. 15:7-11 ; Ps. 24:1; Provo 14:31; Amos 6:4-7; Mal. 3:6-10; Mt. 6:19-21,24-34; 25:14-30; Lk. 6:38; 12:13-21 ; 1 Cor. 4:7,16:2; 2 Cor. 8-9; Gal. 6:7; Eph. 4:28; 1 Tim. 6:6-10, 17-19; Jas. 2:1-7, 5:1-6; Jude 11 .

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wealth . On the other hand, Jesus and the prophets warn against selfishness.

According to the Bible, accumulation is dangerous. Luxuriousness is wrong.

The ambiguity caused by cultural norms is no excuse for selfish living.

The third paragraph describes the biblical call to proper use of possessions. Wealth is to be given away. Giving produces bleSSing-for the giver and the receiver.

Questions 1. Is the biblical basis stated with sufficient clarity and comprehensiveness?

2. Are we willing to confess what the Bible teaches even though it may confront our own unfaithfulness?

3. Does the proposed article adequately indicate that the New Testament calls for greater generosity than the Old Testament tithe?

The full draft of the revised Confession of Faith is al'ailal;Jle i~ your church office or a t the follOWing web site: http://wwlV. mbconf org/mbc.

Estes planners expect 2,OOO-plus in 1999 National youth gathering will be largest ever, most diverse

•

C

HALLENGING 2,000 Mennonite Brethren teenagers to "power up" their relationship with Jesus Christ is the goal of the 1999 Mennonite Brethren national youth conference slated for March 20-23 at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colo.

"The planning team believes God is going to do great things," says Stuart Pederson of Henderson, Neb., who is chair of the convention planning committee. "We are praying for 300 firsttime conversions and over 1,000 commitments to fuller service."

Buster Soaries Jr. and Lori E. Salierno will share the speaker's podium. Of the six plenary worship sessions at Estes '99, Soaries will speak four times and Salierno twice, Pederson says.

Soaries is the senior pastor of one of the fastest growing African-American churches in New Jersey, First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens in Somerset . He is a prominent speaker and

BOD'lliFI'

author who is an advocate for at-risk youth. He spoke on behalf of America's troubled youth at last year's Presidents' Summit for America's Future at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. He has received numerous awards for his work in community development and has been invited to the White House to meet with the past four presidents.

Salierno is the executive officer of Celebrate Life International, a nonprofit ministry dedicated to equipping students, women and leaders to lead a life of service to Jesus. Salierno is on staff at Town Center Community Church in Marietta, Ga., where she leads assimilation and discipleship ministries.

Curt Clininger, a professional actor and writer, and Steve Bridges, a standup comedian and celebrity voice impreSSionist, will perform during the weekend. Additional entertainment will most likely come from local youth groups and the two Mennonite Brethren colleges, Pederson says.

Recreation and topical seminars are on the schedule as well.

In the past, national youth conferences have also included concerts by well-known contemporary Christian musicians. Because of diversity on the issue of an appropriate Christian musical performer, no concert is scheduled for 1999, Pederson says.

The role of prayer is receiving special attention, Pederson says. Three members of the planning team are organizing prayer letters and an on-site prayer ministry.

While the planning team is hoping for an attendance of 2,000 high school youth and sponsors, they are praying for 2 ,400, Pederson says. Organizers expect youth groups from Slavic, Korean, hispanic, East Indian, Japanese, Chinese and Ethiopian congregations, reflecting the diversity of Mennonite Brethren in the United States.

Seven years ago, the national youth convention attracted 1,000 participants. Organizers this year have been faced with both the positive and negative implications of a group double in size, Pederson says. Physical arrangements for the worship services, recreation options, planning team size and team makeup have been affected by the increase.

In 1990, the national youth convention planning team was made-up of

nine individuals, says Pederson. The 1999 team includes 26 people. Pederson anticipates the addition of support staff over the next year will raise that number to 40. Pederson says the increase in attendance should offset the financial implications of a larger administrative staff.

The planning team has been enlarged to handle the increase in administrative tasks that have accompanied the increase in attendance, he says. The team is also more culturally diverse than in the past. In addition to several representatives from the five U.S. districts (Pacific, Southern, Central, Latin America and North Carolina), the 1999 team includes Slavic and Korean representatives . A concern that women were not fairly represented on the initial planning team prompted the addition of more.

Pederson says planning team members were also added because some members of the current leadership team are trying to "work ourselves out of a job." Leadership experience in 1999 will ease the transition.

This month, brochures with information about the 1999 convention will be sent to churches. By midMarch the Estes ' 99 web site (www.telcoweb.net\mb\estes) will be up and running. Registration forms will be mailed to congregations by Sept. 1. -Connie Faber

. CHURCH NOTES • Baptism/membership HILLSBORO, Kan.-Jim Cunningham, Sharon Cunningham, Nathan Funk, Alisa Jost and Betty Price were baptized Feb. 8 .

The following Sunday, Jim and Sharon Cunningham, Funk and Jost were fonnally received as members. Price was already a member.

WEATHERFORD, Okla. (Pine Acres)Gary and Cameron Henderson and Rowdy Gilbert were baptized and received into membership Feb. 8 . Kervin Gossen, Natalie Gray, Scott Gray, Gayle Henderson, Harvey]. Penner, Kaylin Penner, Evelyn Poor, Trent Ratterree, Heidi Sheard, Jason Sheard, Pat Swanson, Paul Swanson, Jason Wilson and Tiffany Wilson were accepted into membership.

PAPILLION, Neb. (Rolling Hills)-Judy Haas was baptized Feb 1.

MOUNTAIN LAKE, Minn.- Pastoral couple Ron and Kathy Seibel were received into membership Jan. 15. He began serving as pastor there Dec. 10.

KINGSBURG, Calif.-Mike and Ilz Grundvig were received as members Jan. 11.

Joel and Charlene Golbek and Jack and Belinda Shantz were received as members last fall. Aaron Adams, Jeffrey Coon, Kristen Goossen, Matt Goossen, Ryan Groft, Bob Kuhn, Janine Lee, Kristin Warkentin and Kyle Warkentin were baptized and received into membership Nov. 15.

MAR C H I 998

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BOD) 1,111

GARDEN CITY, Kan. (Garden Valley)lisa Wiebe was baptized and received into membership Jan. 4.

FRESNO, Calif. (Butler)-Forest and Lynnese Castle, Salvador and Gloria Cerillo, Steve and Paulette Lovelace, Andrew and Sharon Ryder, Brent Yamashita, Jose and Maria Soboranis, Brian Henderer, Evelyn Just, Beth Satteson, Jessica Klein, Robert Werner and Rolando Solis were accepted into membership Nov. 2.

•

Celebration

FRESNO, Calif. (Butler)-More than 600 people attended the congregation's 40th anniversary celebration Nov . 9 , which included a morning worship service followed by a noon meal at the Fresno Pacific University Special Events Center. Former pastors who attended the celebration included Elmer Martens, Arno Wiebe , Edmund Janzen, Robert Vogt, George Sanchez and Dale Warkentin.

DINUBA, Calif.-Flowers were placed in the sanctuary Jan. 25 in honor of Louis and Wilma Wiebe's 50th wedding anniversary.

HESSTON, Kan.-The children of Ralph and Kathryn Bitikofer hosted an open house in honor of their parents' 50th wedding anniversary Dec. 14.

•

Fellowship

OMAHA, Neb. (Millard Bible)-Maxelin

Wiebe is scheduled to present illustrated meditations using a potter's wheel at the women's retreat March 20-21. Wiebe and her husband, Gary, are the pastoral couple at an emerging Mennonite Brethren church in Lee's Summit, Mo. EUGENE, Ore. (North Park)-Men of the church held a fellowship ski day Feb. 21.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Lincoln Hills Bible)The congregation hosted the Central District Ministry Council meeting Jan. 26-27.

DINUBA, Calif.-The college and career group met with the Reedley (Calif.) MB Church college group for an evening of broom hockey Jan. 23.

FRESNO, Calif. (Faith Project)-Young life director Mark Statema is working with neighborhood high school students and now has an office in the Faith Project facility. Lorraine Baccera is running a kid's free sack lunch program funded by the city through Faith Project. In addition to the lunch program, Baccera directs games and art projects for the children.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Lincoln Glen)-The congregation was joined by the Ethiopian Christian FCtlowship and the India Community Fellowship to celebrate World Fellowship Sunday Jan . 25 . The service

Explort Europt Tbis Summtr!

included a choir composed of musicians from each congregation. The service also included communion.

BUHLER, Kan.-Jim Holm, MB Biblical Seminary dean of students, was the Bible conference speaker March 1-3.

• Teaching/Nurture BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)Author and speaker Tim Smith presented a parenting seminar Feb. 6-7 as part of the congregation's Family life Conference .

The conference also included various special interest workshops and a concert by Jana Alayra.

DELFT, Minn. (Carson)-The congregation has recently begun a support ministry for divorced individuals. One DIVORCECARE group is currently meeting. Pastor Herb Schroeder hopes to start more groups in the near future.

HENDERSON, Neb.-Jon Wiebe, president of the MB Foundation, presented a stewardship seminar Jan. 30 to Feb. 1.

CORN, Okla.-Walter Sawatsky, a Mennonite Central Committee representative who recently traveled to Russia, spoke about issues facing that country Jan. 21.

Area churches participatin'g in the program were Pine Acres MB Church, Weatherford, and Bible MB Church, Cordell .

FRESNO, Calif. (Fig' Garderi)-In January, the congregation launched a twice monthly time of prayer and worship on Saturday nights.

•

Workers

DENVER, Colo. (Garden Park)-Chuck Goertz has announced his resignation as pastor. He and his wife, Beverly, have not announced their plans.

July 1-17, 1998 with John & Roma Ruth

•

Europe is the birthplace of the Anabaptist faith; discover your heritage.. and learn about yourself!

FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News)-The youth group hosts a monthly gathering of young people from around the county.

Nathan Cornelsen, youth intern, and Jim Fowler, youth pastor at Birch Bay Bible Community Church, were instrumental in beginning the gathering known as "The House."

• Hear the Anabaptist stories • See the sites you've read about in the Martyrs Mirror • Make European Mennonite friends

• Find your European roots • Enjoy magnificent scenery • and much more...

Call 1-800-565-045 I today for more information

TOUAMAGINATION 22 King St. $ ., Suite 401

Waterjoo, ON N2J 1N8 Reg.#1567624

30·

THE

CHRIS T IAN

LEADER

1011 Cathill Road Sellersville. PA 18960

Youth

SHAFTER, Calif.-The high school youth group sold Valentine cookies that included a IS-character message on each cookie.

The cookies were delivered Feb. 14.

LITTLETON, Colo. (Belleview Acres)The youth group led the worship service Feb. !. The women met Feb. 12 to prepare care packages for college students in the congregation.

. DEATHS DICK, MARIE GOSSEN, of Com, Okla., a member of Com MB Church, was born Aug. 6, 1902, in Nikolaipol, Asia Minor, to Cornelius and Margaret Wedel Gossen and died Jan. 27, 1998, at the age of 95. On April 17, 1932, she was married to Cornelius H. Dick, who predeceased her. She is survived by one daughter, Marlene and husband Edgar Pauls of Com; one stepson, Wesley and wife Ruth Dick of Com; three stepdaughters, Linda and husband Dan Stobbe, Orpa and husband Alvin Epp, and Margaret and husband John Flaming, all of Com; two sisters, Margaret Wiebe of Hillsboro, Kan., and Bertha and husband Wes· ley Fast of Fairview, Okla.; 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

FOTH, BEVERLY, of Hillsboro, Kan., a member of the Hillsboro MB Church, was born July 6, 1942, to Walter and Dorothy Hamm Foth in Hillsboro and died Jan. 13, 1998, at the age of 55. She is survived by her mother; two brothers, Keith and wife Rhonda of Enterprise, Kan., and Lowell and wife Corrine of Hillsboro; and two sisters, Jane White of Encampment, Wyo., and Nancy Luther of Salina, Kan. GOERING, MARY E., of Inman, Kan., a member of Zoar MB Church in Inman, wa!i born Sept. 1, 1913, in McPherson County, Kan., to Gerhard C. and Anna Esau Thiessen, and died Feb. 1, 1998, at the age of 84. On Aug. 30, 1936, she was married to David Goering, who predeceased her in 1978. She is survived by two sons, David and wife Brenda and Richard and wife Diane, all of Inman; three brothers, Ben and Paul of Inman, and John of Overland Park, Kan.; two sisters, Hulda Plett of Augusta, Kan., and Laura Ramsey of Los Angeles, Calif.; and two grandchildren.

GOINS, MABRIE LEE, of Fresno, Calif., was born March 13, 1912, in Oklahoma City, Okla., and died Feb. 1, 1998, at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife, Anna Goins of Fresno; a daughter, Marie and husband Larry Donaldson; a son, Maynard and wife Carol; a brother, Dwight Goins of Upland, Calif.; a sister, Ardith Johns of Hayward, Calif.; three grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

HEITMANN, WILLIAM F., of Harvey, N.D., ofthe Harvey MB Church, was born Aug. 4, 1903, near Martin, N.D., to Herman and Katherine Heitmann and died Jan. 19, 1998, at the age of 94. On Nov. 10, 1927, he was married to Edna Dockter, who predeceased him in 1982. He is survived by four sons, Chester of Big Fork, Mont., Roger of Harvey, James of Detroit

Lakes, Minn., and John of Jameston, N.D.; one daughter, Elaine Palmer of Harvey; one brother, Harold, of Fargo, N.D. ; 18 grandchildren, 3 I great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

IRJBERT, ALVINA VOLLMER, of Fresno, Calif., was born Dec. 3, 1905, in Odessa,

Russia. On March 11, 1928, she was married to John Hubert, who predeceased her in 1962. She is survived by a daughter, Dora Mae of Kingsburg, Calif.; a son, Norman of Knight's Landing, Calif.; four sisters, nine grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Sensing Godfs Call?

Give us I !call!,

Summer School at MB Biblical Seminary: The Synoptic Gospels (2 units) ...................... June 8-19· 9-11 a.m.

Explore with Tim Geddert the similarities and surprising differences among Matthew, Mark and Luke. Hear the unique message of each Gospel.

Person and Family in Culture (3) ................. June 8-26 • 8:30-noon Examine with Al Dueck the individual and family in the context of changing forces in North American society.

Models of Christian Community DeveL (2) ... June 15-26 • 1:30-4:30 p.Ol. Examine five major models of CCD with Jim Westgate. Catch the excitement of how the Gospel is being unleashed to heal our cities.

Human Sexuality (2) .......................... June 22-July 2 • 9-11:15 a.m.

Focus: personal and professional aspects of human sexuality. such as love, intimacy, gender, identity. disorders, ministry and referral. Prof.: Delores Friesen.

The Miracles of Jesus (2) ................. June 22-July 2· 1:30-3:45 p.m.

What do Jesus' miracles say about His identity? About the nature of God's reign? How do they challenge todar's church? Prof.: Tim Geddert.

Elementary Greek I, II (3 each) . June 22-Aug. 4 • 8:30-11:30 a.m.

An elementary course in Koine Greek emphasizing the acquisition of vocabulary, mastery offorms and fundamental principles. Prot Tim Geddert.

Urban Church Immersion (1.5) ....................................... July 11-17 As part of the seminary's Cross-Cultural Encounter, this course is a powerful interaction experience with various ministry models in the Los Angeles area.

Designed for pastors and lay leaders. (Special fee covers room, board and transportation in L.A. Includes evenings, weekends).

Professional Ethics in Counseling (3) ..... Aug. 20-28 • times vary Study ethics of counseling, particularly marriage and family counseling, in private practice and congregational settings. Prof.: Al Dueck.

Please also note the B.C. Centre course May 25-29 with AI Dueck in Abbotsford, B.C.:

The Reign of God as 1Tansformation

'"

HlBibliCaI To register, call1-800-251-MBBS or (209) 251-8628.

Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary 4824 E. Butler' Fresno, CA 93727 www.fresno.edulmbseminary •E-mail: MBSeminary@aol.com

MAR C H I 998

31

BOD) LIl-L

Mennonite Brethre n F ounda tion invites applications fur the position of

F ield R epresentative Seeking a full-time Field Representative to work primarily in the Pacific District area with a focus on encouraging and assisting Christians in faithful stewardship. Specific responsibilities include stewardship education, planned giving, charitable estate planning and Foundation-related aotivity.

Qualifications include an ability to communicate effectively and a desire to assist people in achieving their stewardship objectives.

Direct inquiries to: Attn: Jon Wiebe PO Box V HillsborQ;, KS 67063

CHURCH PARTNERSHIP EVANGELISM (CPE)

Invitation: TO: Born-again Christians King Road MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C., is seeking volunteers for its Church Cost/person" Partnership Evangelism outreach to....

1. PERU - Sullana, Trujillo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 4-27, '98 . . . .. . . . . ... $1,200 2. UKRAINE - Kiev, Tchernovtsky, Odessa ... . May 2-25, '98 . . ... .. . .. . . $1,200 3. CONGO - Kinshasa, Kikwit . . . . . . . . . . . . .. May 1 - June 1, '98 .. . . . ... $2,000 4. CUBA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 5-22, '98 . .. . .. . .. . . $1,000 5. FIJI ISLAND - Labasa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. June 5-22, '98 ...... .. . . . . $1,300 6. PARAGUAY - Asuncion, Chaco .... . .. . .. July 4-20, '98 .. . .. . . .. . . . $1,500 7. NICARAGUA - Managua ... . ... . ... . .. . . July 4-20, '98 . . ..... . . ... $1 ,200 8. UKRAINE - Novomoskovsk, Pavlograd Berdyansk, Alexandria, Kirowograd . . . . . .. July 25 - Aug. 18, '98 . . .... $1,600 9. PERU - Chiclayo, Talara . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 1-24, '98 .. . .. . ..... . $1,200 10. NICARAGUA ....... . .... .. .. . . . . .. ... Nov. 8-23, '98 . . . .. .. .... . $1,200 11. INDIA . ..... . ........ . . . . ... . .... .. .. Nov. 7-30, '98 ......... .. . $1,600 Note: Dates may be subiect to change, pending further confirmation of some campaigns.

' Canadian dollars

• Team up with national Christians and witness for Christ door to door.

• Some knowledge of the language of the country is helpful.

• Between 800-2,800 persons have prayed to accept Christ as their personal Savior and Lord during a two-week CPE campaign. Come and be a part of an enriching spiritual experience-discover what God can do through you.

For more information, contact: CPE office: Tel.-Fax: 604-864-3941, or Evelyn Unruh, 604852-5744; or Peter Loewen, 604-853-3173 or FAX 604-853-6482 Church Partnership Evangelism is a 'church-Io-church" effort that involves lay members in personal evangelism worldwide. Your application 10 participate will be forwarded to the CP.E. Executive Committee for processing.

Peter Loewen CPE Promoter

32 •

THE

C H R 1 S T 1 A N

Harold W. Ens MBMS Int'I General Director

LEA D E R

JANZEN, HENRY L., of Reedley, Calif., a member of the Reedley MB Church, was bom March 25, 1921, to David and Nettie Goertzen Janzen and died Jan. 17, 1998, at the age of 76. On May 3, 1942 , he was married to Alice Friesen, who survives. He is also survived by four sons, Davey and wife Donna of Selma, Calif., Ken of Colorado Springs, Colo., Stan and wife Ayde of Fresno, Calif., and Mark of Visalia, Calif.; a brother, Vemon of Visalia, Calif. ; and five grandchildren.

KARBER, ALBERT, of Fairview, Okla., a member of Fairview MB Church, was born Feb. 26, 1917, to John D. and Justina Cornelsen Karber at Fairview and died Jan. 26, 1998, at the age of 80. On July 27, 1941, he was married to Bernice Suderman, who survives. He is also survived by a son, Curtis and wife Debbie of Fairview; a daughter, Elaine and husband John Franz of Buhler, Kan.; a brother, Edwin and wife Bertha; six grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

KLASSEN, ADEUNE, of Mountain Lake, Minn., a member of the Mountain Lake MB Church, was born May 30, 1915, to Nick B. and Alwina Louise Unruh Klaassen near Mountain Lake and died Jan. 23, 1998, at the age of 82. On Nov. 23, 1940, she was married to Leondo Klassen, who predeceased her in 1955. She is survived by a daughter, Marcia and husband Dale Fast of Windom, Minn.; three sons, Dan and wife Karen of Northfield, Minn., Steven and wife Mary of Mountain Lake, and Dale and wife Ingrid of The Netherlands; one sister, Laura and husband Arnold Nickel of Clovis, Calif.; and 10 grandchildren.

LOEWEN, ENID L., of Peabody, Kan., was born Oct. 11 , 1919, to Benjamin H. and Anna Loewen Buller near Fairview, Okla., and died Feb. 11, 1998, at the age of 78. On Oct. 16, 1949, she was married to Archie Loewen, who survives. She is also survived by two daughters, Gwendolyn and husband David Harris of Hutchinson , Kan., and Glenda and husband Darrell York of Wichita, Kan.; two sisters, Valeria Hamm of Enid, Okla., and Bernice Hiebert of Hillsboro, Kan.; four brothers, Leo of Enid, Joseph of Walnut Creek, Calif., Alva of Peabody, and Cleophas of Broken Bow, Okla.; and three grandchildren.

RATZLAFF, JOHN N., of Inman, Kan., a member of Zoar MB Church in Inman, was born Aug. 22, 1908, to Peter F. and Helena Neufeld Ratzlaff in Minneola, Kan ., and died Jan . 21, 1998, at the age of 89. On Dec. 26, 1934, he was married to Margaret Wiebe, who predeceased him in 1971. On June 2, 1974 , he was married to Aline Clifton Vaughn, who survives. He is also survived by on e daughter, Joan o f Shawnee Mission , Kan .; one sister, Eliza-

Bo!)') LIH

beth Davis of Seattle, Wash. ; two step-children, Ginger and husband Derold Lemon of Raytown, Mo., and Jim and wife June Vaughn of Emporia, Kan.; five step-grandchildren; and seven step-great-grandchildren.

Discover NEW HEIGHTS when you visit the

REIMER, ESTHER, Fresno, Calif., was

born Feb. 17, 1907, at Woodward, Sask., and died Jan. 12, 1998, at the age of 90.

On June 7, 1925, she was married to David C. Reimer, who predeceased her in 1983.

She is survived by one daughter, Edna Peters; one son, Roger and wife Lois; sisters, Nettie Fleming of Galt, Calif., Lydia Armendariz of Acampo . Calif., Mary Gilbeau of Lodi, Calif., and Martha Plow of Gilroy, Calif.; one brother, Ben Seibel of San Jose, Calif.; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-greatgrandchildren.

REIMER, NETTIE GOERTZEN, of ReedIey, Calif., a member of Reedle y MB Church, died Feb. 2, 1998, at the age of 96. She was married to John J. Goertzen, who predeceased her, and Herman H. Reimer, who also predeceased her. She is survived by three sons, Johnnie and wife Adena of Reedley, Reuben and wife Marlene of Santa Clara, Calif., and Elvin and wife Betty of Fresno; two daughters, Malinda Koop of Fresno, and Rosella and husband Harry Buhler of Reedley; o ne stepson, Robert Re imer of Visalia; four stepdaughters, Evelyn and husband Paul Suderman of Modesto, Calif., Genevive and husband Vernon Janzen of Visalia, Darlene Kempfer of Ohio, and Elaine and husband Joe Greider of Ohio; one brother , Henry and wife Katherine of Madrid, Neb.; 15 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, 14 stepgrandchildren and several step-great-grandchildren .

WALL, SARA, Fresno, Calif., was born June 26, 1904, to John B. and Marie Loewen at Burrton, Kan., and died Jan . 26, 1998, at the age of 93. On Oct. 26, 1924, she was married to Sam Wall, who predeceased her in 1982. She is survived by two daughters , Dorothy and husband Vern Schmidt of Montague, Calif., and Geri and husband Hank Janzen of Dallas, Ore.; one son, Ron and wife Eloise of Fresno, Calif. ; two brothers, Sam Loewen of Oroville, Calif., and Lenort Loewen of Reedley, Calif.; one sister, Emma Gaub of Santa Cruz, Calif.; seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandchild.

WILLEMS, ARNOLD E_, Hillsboro Kan., a member of Hillsboro MB Church, was born Jan. 26, 1921, to Peter D. and Maria Ens Willems at Inman, Kan ., and died Jan. 13, 1998, at the age of 76. He is survived by three si ste rs, Kat h ryn , Lydia and Martha, all of Hillsboro .

•

July 18·31, 1998 Leaders: Ruth & Ken Jantzi • Visit some of North America's most beautiful national parks • Marvel at the serenity of Lake Louise, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands

• Discover the Okanagan Valley (famous for its apples and cider) • Experience the Western Canadian cities of Vancouver, Victoria and Calgary

Call 1..800·565·0451 today for a brochure

TOURMAGINATION 22 King St. S., Suite 401 Waterloo. ON N2J 1N8

1011 Cathlll Road Sellersville. PA 18960 Reg.#1567624

FOREST GROVE COMMUNITY C HUR C H (A member of the Canadian Conference of MB Churches) is inviting applications for the position of

SENIOR PASTOR • Saskatoon is a growing city with a population of about 200,000. It has a vibrant economy based on agriculture, mining, resources and biotechnology.

• Our congregation has an average attendance of 1,000. Our building is located about one mile from the University of Saskatchewan, adjacent to a major traffic artery, and situated in the fastest-growing sector of our city.

• The congregation is a mix of young families, a large number of youth and college/career people and a significant group of adults 50 and over. Our present ministry staff includes three associate pastors, four ministry directors and an interim senior pastor.

• The major areas of ministry for the Senior Pastor will include preaching and providing vision, leadership and mentoring for the pastoral and administrative team.

• Qualified candidates will include those with experience leading a church with a multiple staff environment.

• Starting date negotiable.

Interested candidates may send their resume and requests for more information to: Pastoral Search Committee c/o Erwen Siemens Forest Grove Community Church 502 Webster Street Saskatoon, SK S7N 3P9 E-mail: fgcc@sk.sympatico.ca

MAR C H I 998

33

MEDIA MATTERS BY

BURTON

BULLER

God stars in CBS time slot In its fourth season, "Touched by an Angel" has rocketed to the top o/the heap with more than 22 million viewers each week.

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job is to supervise novice angel Monica, played by taking the media to task for the way it Roma Downey, the two portrays religion. Currently, Michael crisscross America lending a helping hand to people Medved, through careful prooftexting of in spiritual crisis. When motion picture content, has managed to create needed, angel Andrew

by John Dye) (played a successful living by pointing out how Hollyshows up to help them if wood denigrates religion and religious people. death is imminent. His job is to smooth the path for Ted Baehr's Movieguide rates mortals entering the hereafter. films based on language, violence, The thesis of every show is the sex, nudity and content for the consame: God loves you. Martha servative Christian movie-going pubWilliamson, the show's "committed lic in hopes that enough Christians Christian" creator and producer does will stay away from questionable not debate the existence of God. ftlms to cause investors to lose Instead, God is assumed, if unseen. money, and to attend enough acceptThe three angels carry God's message able films that investors in family to people in need of hope. films thrive.

To universalize the show and Like many Christian schools, liber- make it as acceptable as possible to ty College, Pat Robertson's theologithe 61 percent of Americans who cally correct school for the religioustold TV Guide they want more referly correct Christian Coalition, places ences to God in prime time, the heavy emphasis on media education name of Jesus is never used. Neither to prepare Christians to land influenis religious imagery nor symbolism. tial jobs inside the media industry.

Williamson defends this simplistic Many observers today agree the portrayal of faith with, "It is simple. tactics are working. Hollywood has God exists. God loves you. Now, gotten religion with a vengeance. At what are you going to do about it?" least seven current television series deal unabashedly with religious suby any standard, this series is jects. Leading them is the show that breaking new ground. Previous started it all, "Touched by an Angel." efforts to infuse God into prime time In its fourth season, "Touched By pale in comparison.

An Angel" has rocketed to the top of Why has religion now become the heap with more than 22 million profitable? And make no mistake viewers each week. That makes it about it, "Angel's" success is all about CBS's top-rated show. Not bad for a ratings. As Williamson notes, "God is show that stars an unseen actor: God. the flavor of the month in current The show is described by "60 Minprime-time television. When it is no utes" Ed Bradley as the "most overtly longer the flavor of the month, God Christian series ever to hit network will disappear from television." television." Starring gospel singer Donald Miller, professor of reliDella Reese as Tess, an angel whose gion at the University of Southern OR YEARS, religious gadflies have been

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California, attributes the show's success to the fact that "people's lives aren't working." With personaillves in crisis of all kinds, they may be searching for some "new pathway of meaning," he says.

Whatever the reason, people are tuning in in record numbers. In choosing "Touched by an Angel," viewers get a heavy dose of morality, ethics and hope. "I want to express the fear that people have," Williamson says, "and then offer some hope."

So, God is alive and well and appearing on CBS. Williamson deserves a lot of credit for finding a formula that expresses a simple understanding of God that large numbers of people want to see. She creatively and vigorously carried her beliefs into her workplace, and we are all the better for it.

Still, I am uneasy with the marketplace determining the shape and content of society's primary contact with the divine. I am uneasy because viewers create their own meaning from the messages they receive.

One study has begun tracking the meanings viewers create for themselves when watching this program.

This study is finding that with no preliminary understanding of God, what viewers sometimes see is just another science fiction program. For others, the program is seen as revealing God's truth directly to them, personally. They no longer feel a need to test personal understanding of God's truth with other Christians. What more could anyone need than to have God reveal himself in one-hour time blocks each week on network television?

"Touched by an Angel," for all its success, is just a blip on history'S media screen. Its longevity will be measured in years, not decades.

Meanwhile, the church is in the faith business for the long haul. During this window of opportunity, viewers of this program could use the help of the church as they struggle to give meaning to the spiritual content Williamson provides each week.

LET'S TALK ABOUT IT A

GUIDE

FOR

GROUP

INTERACTION

SESSION 1 Adversity and transformation

SESSION 3 LIving life In reality

Based on "Metamorphosis," page 4.

Based on Ph'lip Side, page 19.

GET READY - Getting started

GET READY - Getting started

• Share one of your favorite aspects of Easter.

• How did the news of Sonny Bono's death affect you?

GET SET - Examining the issues

GET SET - Examining the issues

1. Review the Matthew 17 story of metamorphosis and describe the disciples' reactions to what happened there.

2. Highlight the significant dynamics of each stage of metamorphosis.

3. What are the possible results of the difficulties associated with the cocoon stage?

4. What can we anticipate in the final stage?

1. How would you define "vicarious living"?

2. What evidence is there of the "shift away from a community-based culture to a celebrity-obsessed one"?

3. What makes vicarious living so enticing?

4. What are the dangers?

GO - Applying ideas to the way we live 1. What examples of the cocoon stage have you observed in others or experienced yourself?

2. What is your greatest challenge to seeing life from an eternal perspective?

3. What practical steps or changes can we make to become less attached to this world and more excited about the one to come?

4. What nurtures your hope for resurrection?

GO - Applying ideas to the way we live 1.What evidence of vicarious spirituality do you see in churches?

2. Can you cite specific examples in your congregation?

3. How can we encourage real living in our congregations and in our personal lives?

SESSION 4 Developing a conscience

Based on On the Journey, page 20.

GET READY - Getting started • Share a "stealing story" of your own.

SESSION 2 Facing death, finding life

Based on "A Time to Face Our Dying," page 7.

GET READY - Getting started • What have been some of your positive Lenten experiences?

GET SET - Examining the issues 1. What was Jesus's priority as the time of his death approached?

2. How did Jesus maintain and emphasize hope while expecting death?

3. What does King describe as the identity change that one deals with when facing death?

GO - Applying ideas to the way we live 1. In what ways have you experienced the love and support of people gathering together at a time of death?

2. King suggests that during Lent we should be more deliberate in facing our own deaths. How do you think that can be done?

3. How can we as brothers and sisters help each other in that challenge?

4. What are some suggestions given in the Faber article "Making the Mystery Meaningful" (page 10) that could be adapted by congregations?

GET SET - Examining the issues 1. What principles from Matthew 18: 15-2 0 did Buschman use when confronting the student? Do those instructions apply to confronting believers only, or also those who don't follow Christ?

2. How was Bruce led to face the reality of what he did while also being encouraged in the process?

3. In what ways could the process used affect the lives of other students?

GO - Applying ideas to the way we live 1. How have you experienced positive or negative discipline in your life?

2. How does the motivation behind confrontation affect the outcome of the encounter?

3. What are three key principles in confronting suggested by this article that need to be emphasized in the ways we deal with our brothers and sisters?

1.1 I 's'l \1 h AuoUI II is a project of the Christian Leader and the Southern District Christian Education Commission. Questions by Nadine Friesen,

MAR C H I 9 9 8

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EDITORIAL

Arighteous irony "[ have not come to call the righteous, but sinners. "

tude and direction. The Pharisees, who deemed themselves among the "righteous" by virtue of their position in the reliOR YEARS, I've always "heard" Jesus say these words gious community, were actually "sinners" because they with tongue planted firmly in cheek. His audience, could not admit a need for spiritual growth and change. the Pharisees, had just criticized him for hanging out Meanwhile, the tax collectors and other acclaimed "sinners" with tax collectors and other moral outcasts. Jesus's were taking a necessary first step toward true righteousness: response seems to poke at the self-righteousness of his an openness to consider God's call on their lives. accusers, as if to say: "Your arrogance has blinded you to I see parallels in the church. Seems to me the church your own condition. At least these 'sinners' know who they has basically three kinds of people within it. The first are are and what they lack." those who, like the Pharisees, see little need for introspecRecently, I "heard" those words another way: as a tion and change because they are confident of their standstraightforward statement of fact. The occaing within the faith community. Recently, a sion was an office discussion about change in visiting conference leader expressed to me the life of a Christian. A coworker had just his frustration with the number of deacons The irony is that read the published account of a dramatic and elders in our congregations who seem turnaround in the life of a businessman who to take more pleasure in exercising their people who are became a Christian. The account was inspirauthority in the church than in ministering truly righteous ing but so unlike his own experience, the to hurting people. Classic Phariseeism. But you don't have to hold a formal position in speaker admitted. He had come to Christ as a seldom see themchild and had continued on that pilgrimage the church to be a member of this camp. ever since. Sure, he sensed a continuing need selves that way.

Being interested primarily in personal comfor change in his life, but perhaps not the drafort is all it takes. matic "new creation" kind suggested in 2 Corinthians 5:17.

A second group-sizable, I'd like to think-recognizes its It was then that these words ofJesus came to mind. I shortcomings and is open to the possibility of correction still lean toward the tongue-in-cheek tone, but I also recall and change. Like the woman with the coin-and my times when Jesus affmned the righteousness of people he coworker in the office-they steadily and quietly try to live observed, such as the widow who placed her last two coins out what they know about God. Not perfectly, but with sinin the offering. This woman was sincerely, quietly respondcerity. They hunger and thirst for the right way to live, and ing to God's presence in her life. This was her routine, an are blessed by God because of the openness of their heart. outgrowth of what might have been a lifetime's walk with The irony is that people who are truly righteous seldom see God. She, for one, did not need to hear Jesus's call to repenthemselves that way. tance. She was already a righteous woman.

A third group-small, I hope-feels so beaten down by The fact that my coworker was struggling with the failure and past experiences that the possibility of fmding or nature of change in his life suggests to me that he may not regaining righteousness seems remote. I imagine that many need much of it. He was aware of his shortcomings and of the outcasts who associated with Jesus walked away from expressed an openness to change in order to become the him in the end. Some because of the hardness of their person God wanted him to be. To my mind, he is a righhearts. Others, though, simply because they could not fathteous person. Not perfect, mind you, but righteous in the om Jesus's power to restore them. But at least they knew sense Jesus seems to use the word. they needed help. For them, and for us who feel that same Many Christians-like the Pharisees did-see "righteous" way, there is hope. as a position to occupy. We are either in the circle or out of Our first impulse is to place ourselves in one of these it, a righteous person or a sinner. That is true in the sense camps. But as I reflect on my own Christian experience, I that Jesus 's death and resurrection have made us righteous can recall spending time in each. In the end, the defining in God's sight. Because of Jesus, we can approach the question is a simple one: As I consider the general course of throne of God-a position. my life, am I walking toward God or away from God? The But Jesus seems to see "righteous" also in terms of attivalidity of our "righteousness" hangs in the balance. -DR

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