IT'S FUNNY TIIAT THIS ISSUE should be about work. Due to computer meltdowns, this issue is coming to you two weeks later than scheduled. On the production end, it was put together on two different operating systems and three computers instead of one. Needless to say, it was a headache.
As I prepared this issue, however, it was helpful to return now and then to the articles in our feature section. Often, they called me back to the real reason I work, giving me a broader perspective than the computer problems and production delays. I hope they do they same for you.
In the feature section, Gil Dueck opens the subject of faith and work by digging deeper into what the term "calling" actually means. In the next article, Sylvia Klauser asks why it is we don't have a vocational theology-and examines why one is so important. Then Mary Willis helps us examine how our careers and jobs can be of service to 60d. And Mike Furches relates his experience with religious discrimination on the job.
In the BodyLife section, there are a variety of articles about our family-from south Texas to Kansas to California to Asia. Take the time to read what is happening with your brothers and sisters in the U.S. and around the world. Blessings. -eA
COMING
• MARCH 22-25-National Youth Conference, Estes Park, Colo.
• MAY 22-24-Baptism and Church Membership Study Conference, Winnipeg, Man.
• JUNE 26-29-eentral District Conference convention, Omaha, Neb.
• AUGUST 1-3-Southern District Conference convention, Oklahoma City, Okla.
• AUGUST 11-17-Mennonite World Conference Assembly inAfrlca
VOLUME
65, NUMBER 3
MARY WILLIS
MIKE FURCHES
Carmen Andres
Faber
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The Christian Leader (ISSN 0009-5149) is published monthly by the U.s. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, 315 S. Lincoln, Hillsboro, KS 67063. The Christian Leader seeks to inform Mennonite Brethren members and churches of the events, activities, decisions and issues of their denomination, and to instruct, inspire and initiate dialogue 50 members will aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelical/Anabaptist theological tradition. However, the views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the position of the Christian Leader, the Board of Communications or the Mennonite Brethren Church.
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EDITOR
BY GIL DUECK
THIRE RE WORDS in Christian circles that ave beell as badly misunderstood as the word "callfol- .. It is ed to ttescribe God's activity in such a bewiIde variety of circumstances and events that e word is in danger of being emptied of its meanaltose er.
People confidently assert that God has called em to a particular person, buy a particular par, go to particular school or embark on a particu-
But while these assertions may provide clarity for those who make them, they seem to drudge up more questions than answers from those who don't experience the same degree of certainty. What if we were hearing our own voice instead of God's? What if our car, degree, job or spouse say more about our desires and initiative then God's? All of the above involve Significant decisions in which God is undoubtably interested, but could there be a difference between believing that God cares about our decisions and believing that God's calling dictates every decision that we make?
Paul uses the word "calling" extensively when he writes to the Corinthians:
"However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the churches. Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing; but obeying the commandments of God is everything. Let each of you remain in the condition in which you were called.
"Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. Even if you can gain your freedom, make use of your present condition now more than ever. For whoever was called in the Lord as a slave is a free person in the Lord, just as whoever was free when called is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of human masters. In whatever condition you were called, brothers and sisters, there remain with God" (1 Cor 7:17-24 NRSV).
With these words, Paul challenges our own understanding of the concept of "calling." Each of us is called-but maybe not in the way we might think.
Understanding calling
Paul uses the word "call" in two different ways. For the sake of convenience, I'll label the first the big "c" calling and the second the small "c" calling.
• The "Call." The big "c" calling is quite simply the call to faith in Jesus Christ. It is first and foremost a call to a person, not to an activity. God in Christ reaches out to us before we make any effort to reach out to him. He does not call us in order to
enlist us in his service but in order to restore a relationship that has been fractured because of our sin. A response to this call unquestionably leads to actions, but these actions are included within the call-they don't define it. God's first and primary call is for us to belong to him through our faith in Jesus Christ. It is a call to a new kind of being, a new kind of belonging.
• The "call." Paul also refers to a small "c" calling, using the word in a slightly different way.
A literal translation of verse 20 would read, "Each one, in the calling in which he/she was called, in this let him/her remain." The word "calling" in this verse does not refer to a narrow conception of occupation or job but rather to one's entire life situation.
This argument is well supported by the contrasts that Paul uses as examples. Neither the slavery-freedom contrast nor the circumcision-uncircumcision contrast addresses a person's job or decisions but rather their "lot in life," so to speak.
So when Paul uses the term "calling" in the small "c" sense, he is talking about the life situation in which people find themselves. This could include everything from race, gender, location, family relationships, economic standing-essentially the things that make up the nuts and bolts of our lives and over which, for the most part, we have little control.
Our understanding of calling
If this text gives us a working definition of "calling," then we need to compare it to how this word is being used in our circles today. When people today hear the word "calling," what do they think? Do they think of themselves as called? Do they think of calling in terms of occupation, marital status or location? Do they think of calling in terms of professional ministry?
I recently asked one person I know what popped into her mind when she heard the word "call" or "calling." She said that she mainly associated the word with "spiritual" kinds of activities. She had always heard "calling" used to describe something people did in order to move beyond the ordinary and get really serious about their spiritual life. It was not something that common people could participate in; rather, it implied a rejection of the "natural" and a movement toward the "supernatural." In short, her concept of "calling" was incompatible with the seemingly mun· dane tasks of her day-to-day life.
As a recent seminary graduate, I can recall numerous occasions when well-meaning people told me how wonderful they thought it was that I had answered the "call" to the ministry. I didn't have the nerve to tell them that I'd never heard such a call and didn't even really know what the term meant. I didn't have the courage to point to a dozen or so people
For most of us there is no one job, location, partner or set of circumstances that will ensure that we are fulfilling our calling. The jobs that we do and the directions we pursue are merely
God the settings in which expects us to live for him.
within my church that were being more faithful to their calling than I was simply by offering a credible witness in the world in which they found themselves.
Many people think of calling as some kind of divine selection process through which God decides which people are or are not fit for his service. It is clear from Paul's use of the word in this passage, however, that this is not a biblical understanding.
The freedom of our calling
The fact that I was born into the Dueck family in Coaldale, Alta., is not a result of blind chance. The fact that I am a white male with a particular mixture of gifts and interests is not an accident. These are all part of the small "c" calling that God has assigned to me. By instructing the Corinthians to remain in their small "c" callings Paul seems to be saying that this kind of calling has spiritual significance that cannot be passed over lightly.
By doing this Paul basically says that any small "c" calling can be a place where the big "c" calling can be lived out. If anyoneever had reason to believe that God assigned people to certain tasks, it was Paul. Paul had a dramatic encounter with Christ and was com· missioned for a specific assignment, yet he never made his own experience normative in his explana· tion of calling. Instead, Paul seemed to regard our stations in life as almost incidental. Whether a person was a slave or free made no difference to Paul. What was important was that they had been called by Jesus Christ and had responded in faith to that call.
For us, this means that the slate has been wiped clean. Many of us agonize about the decisions that life presents us with, and much of our angst comes from the fact that we frame these decisions around questions of calling. What is God calling me to do?
Where is God calling me to go? But this text resists giving us black and white answers, preferring instead to offer us freedom in the midst of our decisions. For most of us there is no one job, location partner or set of circumstances that will ensure that we are fulfilling our calling. The jobs that we do and the directions we pursue are merely the settings in which God expects us to live for him.
But this freedom is also difficult to accept because it doesn't give us the answers that we want. To put it bluntly, many of us don't want the kind of freedom that Paul offers us. We want God to tell us what to do and how to do it. But God's way seems to be different. Apparently he sees a purpose in having us search for ways to live out our callings in whatever situation we find ourselves: "In whatever condition you were called, brothers and sisters, there remain with God" (1 Cor. 7:24).
Redefining calling
Paul's last two words are the ones worth remembering and the ones worth pondering. We may choose to go or we may choose to remain, but our Christian calling can be pursued in either of the two. What does matter is that we do what we do "with God."
We are all called-and we are all called in a particular situation. Paul's reminder to us is that the situation in which we find ourselves is a situation that God can dignify and ultimately transform as we follow our calling within it .•
Gil Dueck is a recent graduate ofMB Biblical Seminary. He and his wife Shelley are presently living in Calgary, Alta., and working with ['Arche, an international organization that supports people with disabilities.
A COU E OF YEARS AGO, I interviewed a n mbet of Mennonite physicians for my doctoral reSearc.b. in abaptist studies and biomedical eth cs. In addition to finding out information for -my= wn work, ran into an unexpected phenome on: these physicians had a strong preference for a "theology of vocation." They strongly felt "called" to be d £S, and that it is that calling that con their work. By asking for a theology of vocation, they wanted to know more about a holistic understanding of faith, including an explanation of what that calling means in their work as physicians.
But they could find little or no material available to help them do that because Anabaptists today lack a theology of vocation.
What does vocation mean, and why did these physicians put such enormous emphasis on the issue of vocation? Why don't we have a satisfactory theology of vocation and what might happen to our denomination in the post-modem marketplace if we don't develop one?
What is vocation'?
The word vocation stems from the Latin term vocare and means "to call." It has been interpreted to denote a person's employment or main occupation, particularly those vocations that require dedication.
We are all familiar with the phrase "she is the right person for the job" or "it's like he was made for that job." Various gifts a person has are necessary for a certain vocation. A pastor, teacher or nurse who does not have patience with the quirkiness of people might be better off working with numbers and inanimate objects. likewise, a person who does not have a way with words or colors might not be gifted to be a poet or an artist.
In the New Testament, Paul says every one of us has been given gifts that, when used appropriately, will build up the body of Christ. Some can teach, others not. Some are visionaries but can't bare dealing with small details of a project. Some have the gift of healing touch, others faint when confronted with illness or diseases. Just as we all come in different shapes and sizes, so we all have been given a
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Bystrom might not 1M It that he does think th, *P ... been Kept TOo often It IS oontIned to tile ohurch building, for only Christians to rather than belngt"c»rt there" In public.
H, quotes the Scottish novelist Georg4t MacLeod, who afgUtd that the cross sholIld be raised In the do town business district rather than Just on the steeples of churches.
" us," said MacLeod. "was not crucified In a cat dral between two candles, but on a cross between two thleves.,on a town garbage p. At a>CrOS8l'08d of polItics," 008mopolltan that
they;JUMt to e hIS title In Hebrew ,1.8tfn andJh Greek, and at the kind of w c1"'" talk sm\ll, and an( ,... bIe. eecathat Is Where..... that Is whaMle dhklabo\d. And that Is where Cht1st's men and women ought to be, .nd what church peopleought to be about.
Bystrom. who teaches pastoral theoIOO at the MB BiblIcal seminary, 18<8 specialISt In the area of "ministry Indally life." He's a flrm.bellever that Christian faith need& tq be lived out In all areas of life. And '0118 of the tasks .of the church Is to aftIrm,"'IUPPOt't and *lulp God'. people for ministry "where they work• live and plaY'"
Reuons care
'For y fUilotlrlii work+ ers, 1he 04»Mept 'I! 4afIY 11fe Is 'then _a.*ew ... It ., a c8iftraI pa,roftltelr wirk.,.Aftei all, th8Y m_ re"", won""t people tii dl... tracted from service In the congreptlon If they thlrtk their real mtn.1stry I. Monday to Friday? Bystrom responds wlth.surv,Ys iahowlng tIIat .people who see their dally work as ministry also tend to '"be more committed to t r give, pray-and INtftIcU.e more th... those who don't.
Systrom lists seven ...... matlo reason. for promoting ministry In dally life.
• Work occupies 80 much oqr time. F41th4'b«pyktbe
part of 80Inethlng that consumes most of out waldril •.
• Work often defines our One peo,...ask When they"'meet soInecme new Is "What dO you do?"
• today's workplace 1s the locus of ch.racter formation. Uke It or not. the workplace has replaced the family 8iId the church in this area.
• Today'. workplace 18 the cu,...t mission field. This I. where most ohurch members encounter the wortd for sustained periods.
• Work Is hard for most adults. Their faith should accompany them to this place of toll.
•• wqrJ<plaoe ....
unique mixture of gifts, and those gifts are necessary for certain vocations (Rom. 12:6-8, 1 Cor. 12:4-11).
Being called means one is identified and commissioned for a certain service. The Bible is very clear about the process of being called and set aside for a certain purpose. Moses, Esther, Isaiah, Ruth and many other people in the Bible had unique calls. I'm sure Moses would have stopped desert sightseeing with the Israelites rather quickly had he not been called to lead them out of Egypt.
In similar fashion of calling, the physicians I interviewed say that we as congregations should practice identifying and calling young people into particular vocations. Not only should preachers and missionaries be commissioned for service, but also the nurses, doctors, therapists, bookkeepers, secretaries, sales people and farmers. If the church understands that every work we do we do for the Lord and for the community of believers, than we will develop a different outlook of vocation and our young people will have a different attitude about their future work.
Giving every person in the congregation a com-
the l ...t well by C"rlatla" think...., There's an InteUectual void that the church can fill.
• Spirituality of work Ia the current marketplace trend. The web bas 1,500 sites on business and spirituality today.
More reasons to car.
Besides the pragmatic reasons, Bystrom llats theological reasons for promoting ministry In dally life.
• The gift of ministry belongs to every Christian. We all havesome gift, If not the gift for full-time paid Christian service.
• Christ Is Lord of all of life for every Christian. You can't leave him at the front door of your office or factory.
• The church Is the people of God gathered and scattered. We are the only "faqetof ChrISt" some of our will ever ...
missioning service will help everyone to see their vocation as more than a means to make money or have a good career. How many of our congregations have a nurses' day or doctors' day? When are the farmers commissioned in the church as the keepers of the land other than being mentioned in passing on Thanksgiving? What would happen if we began to bless and send our college graduates into the marketplace with a blessing that is especially tailored to their chosen degree-be they MBAs or computer specialists?
Such a blessing would make a big difference in the lives of believers. We would understand that our work and service is just as important as the work of the pastor or the missionary. We would understand anew that we do our work not for money, success or the boss, but as a service to God and God's people.
Why no theology of vocation?
There are many reasons why we don't have a theology of vocation, but a couple of those may help us understand how we've gotten to this point.
•A spiritual class system. Menno Simons,
• Worship Involves the life; deeds and wordS., AI St. Francia said, "Preach thtt gospel alYiays; If neC8$S8l'Y, use words."
.'work Itself Is godly activity because God Is a worker. The first page of the Bible shows God busydoing work.
• All legitimate work h.sPiritual significance. We are 'God's co.workers or Junior partners In the ongoing work of sustaining creation.
• All Christians are called to live for Christ at home, work and play. That's called whol..lfe discipleship.
Ways to get unstuck
Bystrom says God's people siem "stuck" In a mindset that downplays the workplace arena of discipleship. How can pastors and I.....hlp peopt, become "nstuck?
• Create prayers 10". peo..
pie- \¥hO..work• .,.ntlon spe-cIfIo occupations:. teacher, plumber, civil servant, etc.
• Commlst1on people for workplace ministries. laying on bands can be <8n amazing toot of empowerment.
• cetebrate the I,.cnd'. Supper In workstyle. For a change, Invite people to wear workplace garb to the observance.
• Conduct pastoral visits In the workplace. Ask If you can drop by the lunchroom or office.
• Plan "falth-work" retreats C)r "Monday MornIng" connection groups. For some people these will be llfe.changlng events.
• Create a congregational workplace e-mail letter or newsletter. Or at least Include members' workplace activities In your reaular
• e..... "'ult eduq'tlonal
courses on the workplace. Use resources like Faith Dilemmas for Marketplace Chrlstla". from Herald Press; people love to talk about their jobs In the context of the church.
• Develop small groups that are built around workplace affinities (such as health care, building trades, education, etc.).
• Elevate the "dlaspora" In Sunday worship services. Remind parishioners that they are not the church only when they are "gathered" on Sunday morning, but also when they are "scattered" throughout the week••
Reprinted by permission from The Marketplace, published by Mennonite Economic Development Aid Associates. The content for the artic/e was taken from a seminar Bystrom Jed.
an early founder of the Anabaptist movement, said evangelical faith clothes the naked, it comforts the sorrowful, it gives to the hungry food and it shelters the destitute. This statement about evangelical faith is vocationally holistic. When a congregation and its individual members accomplish the actions Simons listed, we ate actually fulfilling Christ's mission statement (Luke4:18-19) and proclaiming the favorite year of the Lord.
Over the centuries however, we moved away from such holistic understanding of the gospel. Modem Anabaptists-including Mennonite Brethren-have shifted the call for this evangelical faith approach from all the people in the congregation to the ministry and mission work. By putting evangelical work onto the minister's or the missionary's shoulders, we have created a class system between those who "minister" and those who "just work." This segregating attitude is further reinforced by the practice of "blessing" ministers and missionaries for service, but neglecting to do the same for lawyers, real estate agents or college administrators, for instance.
By creating a "ministry" class and a "professional" class we reinforce the idea that those in ministry are somehow special and those who have a "secular" career are not. Such thinking creates a class system of those who are worthy of ministry and those who are not. Such thinking shifts the focus from ministry as a vocation to ministry as a subject of inherent worth. This thinking is theologically dangerous and wrong. Neither the work of a minister nor the work of a lawyer is subject to higher or lesser internal worth. They are subject to vocare-to being called and gifted for such a call.
• Disc:ernm.ent process. Another reason why we do not have an adequate theology of vocation is that we do not have discernment groups for vocations other than ministers or missionaries. For example, how many churches have a discernment group for future nurses, doctors, farmers, administrators or stockbrokers?
Or how about discernment groups for college students who are looking for guidance when they have to declare a major or make decisions about their vocational future? Instead, we leave our young people in the hands of the career counselors at college or hope that sending them to a denominational college will instill enough vocational sense into them. But vocational discernment hardly every works that way. Rather, such practices leave the young people with a sense that they chose a "secular" profession, which is only distantly related-if at all-to what they theologically believe.
One of the physicians I talked with put it this way: "[I]t discourages me to see so many Mennonite physicians coming out of medical school who look just like everybody else, who have no concept of a unique calling. What does it mean to be a physician, why am I here, what is the larger goal of my life, what am I doing here other than deciding on a pill?"
Even though he spoke about his fellow physicians, this statement applies in a broader sense to theology of vocation. We do need to teach an adequate theology of vocation in order to instill in every member of the congregation the knowledge that their vocation is a ministry.
The challenge
H we do not develop a theology of vocation, we will further the segregation of a ministry class and a laity. We will leave our young people wandering aimlessly from one career to the next in search of their , calling instead of guiding them early into the vocation that is most suitable to their unique giftedness. Developing a theology of vocation will also help us better understand the Anabaptist conviction of the "priesthood of all believers." This is the part of our faith conviction that gives laypersons the same privileges as ordained ministers to communicate with God, interpret Scripture and minister in Christ's name. When all believers understand themselves as priests in their chosen vocation, we might begin to desegregate the ministry class from the non-ministry class. The practice of priesthood of all believers could also support a much more holistic concept of evangelical faith, one that puts the emphasis of salvation on the whole person and not only on the saving of the soul. H the believer who is lecturing business studies does not understand herself as called to this vocation-and was not commissioned for this vocation by her congregation-her evangelical faith might not be as holistic as it could otherwise be. As all members of the body contribute to the functioning of the whole body, so all careers in the church should contribute to the "mission" of the congregation. It is futile to think that only the people in ministry can do all the work the church is called to do. H we are to fulfill the great commission, we need to begin to embrace the concept that every member of the church in his or her vocation is a minister.•
Sylvia Klauser is a graduate of MB Bibltcal Seminary and holds a doctorate in bioethics. She served two years as pastor at College Community Church in Clovis, Calif, and is currently a research fellow with the McFarland Institute for Pastoral Care in New Orleans, La.
In the t te 1980s and early 1990s, I was a deputy public guardian for a county in California. My responsib ities included managing the personal and financial affairs of those the court judged no longer competent to do so and recommending to the court whether people who were mentally ill should be eated against their will.
I hated this job with the intensity of a white-hot poktr. Each day, I lived in two-hour increments: anllllake:it to break? Can I make it to lunch? Can I make it to break? Can I make it to five?
While I came to know the Lord in high school and professed to be a Christian, I was living life on my own without God's help-and I was miserable, bitter and rather foul-mouthed.
One day, a co-worker looked at the calendar on my desk (an Ansel Adams photo calendar that featured a picture of a cross that week) and commented, "I didn't know you were a religious person." My lame attempt to explain my faith had no actions to back up my words. My co-worker quickly left, most likely wishing he had never made the comment.
Suddenly, I realized that I was one of those people Josh McDowell referred to when he asked, "If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" Obviously, something needed to change.
Since then, much has changed. I knew my job wasn't working for me and being in it was doing little to benefit God and his purposes. God began to teach me not only about my commitment to him but also how I view my work and vocation. I learned that I had to be intentional in seeking God and how I could best serve him. I could no longer let my career "just happen." It was a lesson I had to live before I could learn.
Today I am the director of career resources at a Christian University. I have great passion for the work I do, particularly in challenging students to see how their work-whatever it may be-can be of service to God.
As part of that process, I lead them through several steps. These steps can help us consider how oue own jobs and professions can be of use to the Kingdom.
Your relationship with God
In a popular song, Lyle Lovett sings: "Now it's church on Sunday. It's a bar on Friday night. It's work on Monday." Many people live life like this, professing faith in Christ but living as "Sunday only" believers. At work on Monday nothing in their behavior distinguishes them as Christians.
We don't need to be holier-than-thou, Biblethumping dispensers of God's judgment, but we shouldn't be closet Christians either. We just need
to be people who put knowing God and following his Word as top priority in our lives.
By immersing ourselves in God's Word and our relationship with him, we insure whatever we have leadership over is fruitful. In Deuteronomy, God gives specific instructions to leaders about maintaining their relationship with him: "When he (a leader) takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for himself on a scroll a copy of this law, taken from that of the priests, who are Levites. It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees and not consider himself better than his brothers and tum from the law to the right or to the left. Then he and his descendants will reign a long time over his kingdom in Israel" (Deut. 17:18-20).
I have a friend who works in a law office as a legal secretary who exemplifies making God her top priority. She always reminds me to "stay in God's word until it stays in you." As a result of her focus on a vibrant relationship with him, Christ makes her a powerful witness in her workplace. She regularly prays for opportunities to share her faith with others-and God has provided. Never overbearing and always down to earth, people seek her out as a consistent reflection of God's love.
Your attitude toward your job
Are you unhappy in your job? Look at changing your attitude or your position.
• Check your focus. First, ask yourself if your dissatisfaction comes from a focus that is centered on self rather than God.
Paul gave us the tools to approach our jobs with the right attitude. He says, "Slaves (employees), obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does" (Eph. 6:5-8).
Os Guinness in The Call provides a picture of this attitude: "A life lived listening to the decisive call of God is a life lived before one audience that trumps all others-the Audience of One."
Dave Dravecky, a San Francisco Giants pitcher who lost his pitching arm to cancer, understood the importance of the "audience of one." At one point he was on the verge of losing his position on the team. Through a conversation with his wife one afternoon before a game, Dravecky came to understand he was to live his life as if Jesus were his only
audience. In his book Comeback, Dravecky writes, "Whenever other priorities, dreams, hopes, fears would start to take over my mind, I'd remember that and regain my focus."
• Check your job. If you find that your work is focused in the right direction---on the audience of one-perhaps you are being prompted to serve God in a different job, company, organization or career. I like to refer to these times as "God's little burrs under our saddles."
If this is where you are at, remember that you must be intentional about your career choice and development. You need to learn about your skills, interests, personality and values and how they relate to others. Learn about the reality of careers that interest you. Evaluate career options and set goals, and then get a job in that career.
Many of us would like God to give us a clear sign as to our careers-preferably from a burning bush. But God speaks through a wide variety of means: his Word, our prayer, our experience and the counsel of other Christians. You must take action to find the place where God can use you most effectively. As our university's assistant pastor likes to say, "God can't steer a parked car."
How your job is of service to God's kingdom
No matter how you cut it, certain careers are of no service to God's kingdom. Drug dealing, working at Playboy and working at the national office of the Ku Klux Klan come to mind. But many careers that don't seem inherently spiritual have a positive impact when Christians serve in them.
Intercristo, an organization that matches Christians with jobs in Christian nonprofit organizations, has a helpful framework for understanding what role your career can have in furthering God's kingdom. They divide work into one of three categories:
• Work as ministry. Some are called to "fulltime" Christian service in a church or parachurch agency.
Working as a pastor or missionary seems the most obvious form of ministry, but others without these particular gifts can also work effectively in these organizations. A student some years ago was concerned her business major was a waste of time because she really wanted to work in ministry. She had great organizational skills and a head for num· bers but was shy and soft-spoken. I reminded her that business skills are great assets to any ministry. She found an accounting position with a youth ministry and later became its volunteer coordinator.
• Work to support ministry. In some cases, people pursue careers that offer them the flexibility, either in time or finances, to pursue ministry as a
Whatever;'r you 0, you • can have t anlmpaC
t'orGods klngaOm.
volunteer. Doctors who work so they can fund and participate in medical mission trips and entrepreneurs who retire early to work as youth pastors fall into this category. Their work isn't where their passions lie, but their work provides what is necessary to pursue their passion for ministry.
• Ministry in work. Corporate America is the largest untapped mission field. Many trudge off to work each day, living what Thoreau called "lives of quiet desperation." Regardless of your position and tide, you may be the only Jesus these people see.
To take on this challenging role as ambassador of Christ you must strive for excellence in every aspect of your work. How you treat your co-workers, supervisors and competitors speaks loudly about the authenticity of your faith. As Saint Francis of Assisi said, "Witness always and only use words when necessary."
You also must be open to being a friend and mentor to non-Christians. You can't spread the good news of Christ if you only relate to other members of the kingdom.
Also, don't hide your faith. Again, without "Bible thumping" others into heaven, don't become a closet Christian. Talk openly about how your relationship with Christ impacts your daily life. You don't have to be a great Bible scholar-simply share how God helps you. You don't have to pretend to be perfect, just show how you "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose" (phil. 2:12-13).
Integrating faith and work
Whatever work you do, you can have an impact for God's kingdom. Have a right relationship with God, have the right attitude toward your job and recognize how your job can be of service to Godthen get out of the way and let God do the rest .•
Mary Willis is director of career resources at Fresno Pacific University, a Mennonite Brethren university located in Central California.
BY MIKE FURCHES
I caUL NOT BELIEVE the job evaluation before •1 had l:Jeen a mental health professional for 14 }'ears and Jiad never seen anything like this in an b-aIuatiQtm>efore:
"In tbatlaith is a personal issue, and a private uniJer no conditions shall Mike nor any staffdiscuss their faith with any member or staff of ealtb Inc.;YO Neither shall they invite them to their Church. "
I W'IlS shocked. Sure, I had spoken about my faith on a few occasions, but as the executive director of this agency I had been extremely careful out of respect to never force the issue. I certainly never approached the subject on my work time, because I viewed my time at work as dedicated to my employers who were paying me. Regarding church, there were already a number of people with whom I worked that attended my church prior to my employment at this agency.
What did these comments mean? Was I never to interact with fellow churchmembers about church? What about those that saw something of interest in my life and asked me about my faith? Couldn't I share with them the one most important thing in my life? Didn't I have a commitment to Jesus to share with others the Good News? What about my own time away from work? All of these questions and more came to mind as I sat there, confused and hurt. I went to my Board of Directors and leamed that the evaluation stood. Not even on my own timeaway from work---could I interact with anyone associated with my job about my faith. Neither could I invite anyone to my church, despite the fact that many within my church supported this nonprofit agency both financially and by volunteering and the church even hosted a meeting at our facility to assist people who had family members who served by the agency. If a person came to me first, I was to proceed with extreme caution and make sure I did not proselytize in any way.
A passage of Scripture struck me: "If you tell others that you belong to me, I will tell my Father in heaven that you are my followers. But if you reject me, I will tell my Father in heaven that you don't belong to me" (Matt. 10:32-33 CEV).
How could I be committed to Christ and not fulfill the requirement to share my faith and Savior?
As someone who had dedicated my life to serving people often neglected, I knew I could not accept this directive. While I loved the people I served, the staff, the members of the organization and the Board of Directors, I could not compromise my love for the one who had given me everything-
*Name of company changed.
my Lord Jesus Christ
After praying during the next week, I made the decision to resign. I gave a two-month notice and did everything possible to assist the agency in making the upcoming changes.
But it didn't end there. More challenges waited.
To sue or not to sue?
One day during those final two months I was driving to a meeting with some legislators and listening to the American Center for Law and Justice radio program with Jay Sekulow. That particular day, the issue of Christian rights in the workplace came up for discussion. I quickly grabbed my pen and wrote down the phone number for their office.
That was the beginning of my education. Sekulow provided a great deal of assistance, sent literature and put me into contact with an attorney who dealt with this type of issue. I collected materials and research from personal interviews with attorneys and the www.aclj.org web site-all at no charge.
I quickly became most familiar with a lawentitled Title VII. This law helps protect Christian rights in the workplace. After review of this particular law, I realized that my rights had been violated and I had the right by law to take legal action against my employer. Many people-including fellow staff members and attorneys--encouraged me to do so.
But I wasn't so sure. For a couple of years, I had been in prayer with my small group, pastor and other close friends within the church about going into the ministry. I saw this situation as an affirmation that it was time for me to pursue God's direction. For me, taking legal action would not have been appropriate.
However, I did feel a responsibility to the other Christians within the agency who had become upset about the directive and the way it was handed down. They were concerned about their rights to practice their faith. They knew that if I could be discriminated against in this way that the door was open to them as well.
So, over the course of the next two to three months, I obtained as much knowledge as possible to pass along to my staff and tried to educate my employers about why this form of discrimination was inappropriate.
First, I tried to convince my employers of my sincerely held religious beliefs. I referred often to the MB Confession ofFaith, especially the articles that held with our responsibility as Christians to share the Gospel with others. I was careful how I did this, of course, because I also had the responsibility to respect their requirement to getting my job done.
I also tried to use components of my job that I thought I had at my advantage, Our agency had a statement called "A Guaranteed Right to Meaningful Relationships," which insured employees were able to have meaningful relationships with each person associated with our program and allowed for the discussion of virtually anything. I commented that, when restrictions are put on any speech, not only are federal guidelines violated but also the guidelines in place for this particular program,
But the bottom line was that none of these efforts did any good. My employers were unwilling to compromise their position.
So, it came down to how far I was willing to go to exercise my faith. For me, the choice was to follow the Lord's directives in his Word and the direction to which he called me. I had faith that he would take care of me when I resigned.
I had already made plans to start volunteering at my church, Westport MB Church in Collinsville, and this was a good time to take that step. I had put money back for almost two years into my retirement and investment accounts to help pay my mortgage payments and other expenses, so I was prepared financially.
But again, I had more to leam. While I had made adequate plans, I soon discovered my plans and confidence were more in myself than in the Lord.
To trust or not to trust?
I resigned my position in May 2001 and started volunteering at my church. My families' finances were doing fine-we were making it. We had enough in our investment accounts to get by for a little over a year.
Then Sept. 11,2001, changed everything. Not long afterwards, I lost approximately 67 percent of my investments. The money we had counted on had disappeared. Our security and best-laid plans were now gone.
But God wasn't finished yet.
The next six months were incredible. I leamed what it meant to stand firm in God's calling and to be obedient to him. I leamed that when I am faithful in the little things that God is faithful in the big things. People from our church began to meet our needs. We never missed a payment or a bill.
Then at the beginning of last year, I was called to be the pastor of United at the Cross Community Church in Wichita, Kan. My family has significantly
LAST YD. I witnessed a show at Gatorland called the "Gator Jumparoo." The main event was alligators lunging out of the water to devour fresh meat. The gators were hungry and vlclous-and the bait didn't stand a chance. Being a Christian In the secular workforce Is like being bait In an alligator pit. As an executive In Washing. ton, D.C., I feel like that allIgator bait nearly every day. The secular workplace Is tough. It seems to be Increasingly difficult to be "In" the world but not "of" It. However, there are huge opportunities to change your
world for Jesus-to be a light In the darkness. Below are some practical tips to survive and thrive In the alligator pit:
Work as unto the Lord Paul tells us, "Whatever you do, work at It with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" (Col. 3:23). Work like God Is your employer.
Whether your boss Is watching or not, your Job requires your best effort. I see many employees, Christians and non-Christlans alike, who squander their time at work: constantly chitchatting, working only
when the boss Is In sight, calling family members every few minutes and using e-mail for personal use.
Not giving your job your best effort Is lazy and dishonest, both of which are detestable to God. But If you work as though God Is your employer, with excellence and honestY, you'll make a dIfrer. ence In your world. You'll gain the trust and respect of both your coworkers and employer-and make a positive Impact for Jesus.
Work with Integrity Integrity Is who you are when you think no one Is
looking. Many of us live duplicitous lives-we are one thing when people are watchIng and quite another when we are alone.
Whether we realize It or not, people are watching us. We are under a microscope. Weare having an Impact. When people see us fall they often think, "I knew Christianity was all talk." What kind of Impact are you making? Strive to be abovereproach at work and everywhere. Be Chrlst-llke In all you say and do. Consider the famous question from the classic book, In His Steps: "What would Jesus do?" Ask
less income, but the Lord is blessing us through our church, other Christians and our denomination. I have learned with joy that Jesus still multiplies fishes and loaves.
Not all ends well
Things have worked out well for my family, and I wish I could say the same about my former employer. I wish I could say that the Christians employed there are now able to practice their faith and perform their job. Sadly, I can't. Over the last two years, seven out of the eight employees I had supervised have left the agency.
The reality is that when we work with people who do not know God or do not serve God we can· not expect them to appreciate the things we do. We should not be surprised if the people of this world hate us (1 John 3: 13).
That does not mean that we do not have rights and should not exercise those rights. Many people have pursued this route at the call of God.
But we must listen carefully to God's call in our lives. We need to pray, seek the counsel of others and spend time in God's presence and Word. I am firmly convinced that the reason God supernaturally
that question In your work situation. Determine the answer with prayer and slderatlon. Then carry out what Jesus would do no matter how hard It might be.
Love your co-workers
I used to be afraid that opening my heart to non-ChrlstIan coworkers might "c0rrupt" me. However, I was actually blessed when I risked loving my co-workers, and I found myself both trusting the Lord and praying more.
Use caution when ministerIng to non-Chrlstlans. Each of us should put in place:
•A strong circle of Christian frlends--your primary friendships should be Chrlstbased.
•A solid prayer life.
•A sincere and consistent walk with Jesus.
took care of my family was because we were faithful in his calling in our lives.
Many of us will feel discriminated against in the work place--often times because we are. Yet, the God we serve is bigger than the job we possess. It is easy to get upset and want to take action, yet we need to remember that all action we take needs to be done in love. Jesus came to save a world yet the people in that world still chose to crucify him. If we can't share our faith and practice our beliefs we can't be salt or light.
We Mennonite Brethren have a doctrine called the priesthood of all believers. As a part of this doctrine, we recognize that whatever our vocation, it is God that has placed us there. If we do not honor God in the things that he provides, then we are not practicing the love he commanded. This does not mean we disrespect our employers. We must do the job we are paid to do. Then again, neither does it mean disrespecting God for the things he has already done for us .•
Mike Furches is pastor of United at the Cross Community Church in Wichita, Kan.
With these established, you are ready to open your heart and love your co-workers. Some of them might not be "lovely," but love covers a multitude of sins. Look at them through heavenly eyes-see them as Jesus does. Fallin love with their souls and do everything you can to lead those souls to the savior.
Be available nmes of crisis are often the most opportune times to witness to non-Christlans. When a death In the family or a serious Illness hits, they do not have the reinforcements that we do In Christ. Be there for them. Cry with them. Cook for them. Help with their children. Be Christ's hands to them. Do whatever you can to help
them physically and spiritually. Allow Jesus, the Great Physician, to work through you. Love unconditionally and expect nothing In retum.
Taming alligators
As Christians, we are to be "In" the world but not "of" the world. ThIs Is not easy In today's and rnoney-focused workforce. As Christians, we are often critIcized and persecuted we are like alligator bait.
But we have many opportunities to make a signlftcant Impact at work, to tame the alligators. Go the extra mile in your Job, watch your words, love others and be an honorable witness for Jesus.-by Leanna Rierson, the Federal Aviation Administration's national specialist for software safety.
She is currently pursuing a master's degree in New Testament teaching/preaching from Johnson Bible College.
Where we've disagreed
Upon reading the title, "I'm not a Democrat--or Republican," the editorial written by Carmen Andres in the January 2003 issue of the Christian Leader, I read with interest what she had to say. As I finished the editorial and read "I am, first and completely, a follower of Jesus," I resonated with a hearty "Amen!" After reflecting on her editOrial, I began to wonder what other situations have there been where Christians faced each other with opposing views and felt God was on their side.
I recall from the history of World War II that Mennonites were on both Sides, fighting each other. Throughout history, Christians have been belligerent to each other when it comes to religion and politics--issues like the Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda, The War To End All Wars (World War I), and apartheid in South Africa. I recall in our own country the Revolutionary War, slavery, the Civil War, segregation and abortion as situations where Christians were opposing each other. Unfortunately there are many more.
Even as our own Anabaptist faith was being birthed during the Reformation, the town clerk replied to Michael Sattler, ''You desperate villain and arch-heretic, I tell you if there were no hangman here, I would hang you myself, and think that I had done God service." And a more noticeable example are those who sought to crucify Jesus, who likely thought they were doing it for God's sake.
I am reminded of a statement John D. Roth made once: "But a Christianity that aligns itself with a culture of violencefrom the Left or the Right-seems to make a mockery of the grace it proclaims
The Christian Leader welcomes brief letters on topics relevant to the Mennonite Brethren Church. All letters must be signed and will be edited for clarity and length. Send letters to Christian Leader, 101 N. Capitol Parkway, Montgomery, Alabama 36107 (e-mail: editor@usmb.org).
as its gift to the nonbelieving world. " And a poster I saw a while back explains it very simply: "A modest proposal for peace: Let the Christians of the world agree that they will not kill each other." Why do Christians who claim that Jesus is Lord disagree with whose side God is on, what the Good News is, whom it is for and how it should be proclaimed? May God, with his Holy Spirit, grant us the wisdom and the humility to answer these questions together.
Steve Goossen Reedley, Calif.
More on Slavic church planting
My friend Loyal Funk is correct in his assessment of church planting in the former USSR by North American Slavic congregations affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren Conference (see "The land of our forefathers," What Readers Say, February 2003). For those tOO-plus churches we should indeed be grateful. That doesn't happen to be the question I sought to answer in my Inquiring Minds column (January 2003), however. None of the tOO-plus Slavic-founded churches are in the area where MBs lived in the former USSR. They are all in northern or eastern Asia and not in the Crimean areas (Molotschna and Chortitza) where our spiritual forebears settled. Neither are any of these newly founded churches identified today as Mennonite. That is not bad, but simply due to the fact that our North American Slavic brothers and sisters came mostly as Baptist/Pentecostal church people from areas other than where Mennonites lived.
Slavics are to be congratulated on their passion for establishing churches in their former homeland. The stories in my column concerned new Mennonite churches in areas from which our grandparents came. A small story, perhaps, but interesting!
MaroinHein Fresno, Calif.
u.s. Mennonite Brethren Board of Communications is seeking an EDITOR for the Christian Leader
stirling date: ., 1, 2001
Apple d : UntIl fIhd
DIItIes:
DIrect the productlon of the Chtlttlsn LeatIet, the monthly magazine of the U.S. Conference of MB Churches. Tasks Include planning, writing, editItIg, managtng.staff and writers and overseelnC layout, prirtIng and The editor also shares In shaping the ovetIII COIIIIIIIIIlIca strategy for the conferepce! tegetM, with the Board of CommunIcatIon and conference leadership.
........:
I Christian commitment/lifestyle consistent with Me ConfeaIon tJf Faith I MetnbershIp and active participation In an MB churcII
.Excellent wilting, editing skills _UnderstandIng of print media, journalistic style
I journalism experience
I Managerial skills and relational gifts
Il.eadeIsIIIp gifts In shaping thought/ life of chufcft
I Minimum of bachelor's degree
Send letter of application and resume to: Harold Loewen. Chair U.S. Board of Communications
315 S. Lincoln Hillsboro. Kansas 67063
Phone: (605) 352-6356
E-mail: boc.hloewen@usmb.org
THE DILEMMA IS difficult. The risks are real. The response of Christian compassion must be quick and compelling. But what happens when the actions of the church come in conflict with the government?
A young Presbyterian teaching couple from the United States had confronted an African member of parliament about his calls for revenge on "rebels" disagreeing with the government. As a result, the mission workers were pronounced "enemies" of the state, given 48 hours to leave the country and local citizens warned that they would reap the full wrath of the law (and more) if they dared speak or meet with these "traitors." Nevertheless, hundreds of local Christians braved the repercussions as they flocked to bid their tearful farewells, in a spirit of solidarity, hospitality and compassion.
Similar dilemmas arise regularly for Mennonite Central Committee workers who walk with a hurting world and listen to the cries of a suffering humanity. (MCC is a world relief and development agency supported by Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches.)
For several years, at the request of the Middle East Council of Churches and the Islamic Relief Association, MCC has been providing medicines, food, blankets, tents, relief kits, agricultural and school supplies for hospitals, seniors homes, orphanages, displaced people, farms and schools of a war-tom, sanctions-devastated Iraq. Permission as required from the appropriate government department has been sought and received for shipments originating in the U.S. and intended for Iraq. These requests for permission always take several months.
At the recent meeting of the MCC
Forum is a column of opinion and comment on contemporary issues facing the Mennonite Brethren Church. Manuscripts expressing an opinion for Forum should aim for a length of 800 words. Authors must sign articles and identify their church home and vocation.
Who decides?
BY RON MATHIES
What if permission to distribute humanitarian aid to Iraq is delayed or denied?
What should MCC do if providing a compassionate response is prohibited? These questions go to the heart of our faith.
Binational Executive Committee the question was posed: What if these permissions are delayed or denied? With many signs pointing toward the imminent outbreak of war, with leaked United Nations documents reporting that if this happens there would be massive civilian casualties, with immense ongoing suffering caused by the UN sanctions regime on the Iraqi civilian population, what should MCC do if providing a compassionate response is prohibited?
These questions go to the heart of our faith. Christ made it clear that when we care for the suffering, we are caring for him (Matt. 25). He told his followers to feed the hungry, and when they did, there was much left over (Matt 14). Love your "enemy", he said, as you love your neighbor (Matt. 5). Paul tells us that if our enemies have needs we should assist them (Romans 12). The apostles declared that they must obey God rather than human authority (Acts 5). What is the meaning of Jesus' invitation to "come, follow me" in this current situation?
These questions penetrate to the core of our experience. Members of our community of faith who were helped by MCC in the Ukraine in the 1920s, in Europe in the '40s-'50s, in Ethiopia in the '80s-'90s, and currently in southern Africa, understand the necessity of overcoming governmental barriers in securing assistance from whatever source.
These questions are not new. During the Vietnam War, MCC found alternative routes to send assistance to the North and Cambodia. During the Apartheid years in South Africa, MCC provided assistance to refugees fleeing to neighboring countries, support for political
prisoners within the country and spiritual counsel to young conscientious objectors defying the law. And the list goes on. AU of these actions were taken to be faithful to Christ's call.
What are the options? One would be to say there are plenty of needs elsewhere, simply bypass this dilemma by assisting others. Is this walking by on the other side (Luke 1O)? Another could be to wait to respond until we have all the necessary approvals, both before and during a war, or after a "regime change" (as already requested by a government agency). Is this putting human authority above God's call (Acts 4-5)? Still another option would be to respond to the cries of those in need regardless of what hurdles are put in the way. Does this issue warrant setting aside the directions of governing authorities {Romans 13)?
To send or not send assistance is a highly political matter, risking co-option by some governing authority whatever the decision. People in Iraq like those in other countries, including our own, suffer because their own and world leaders seem more concerned with power and control than in safeguarding the welfare of the "least of these."
So who decides? Which options are most faithful? How best to demonstrate Christ's love by welcoming all to gather around God's extended table? The MCC Executive Committee has agreed to review the requirement of government approval, pending the outcomes of current requests and the threats of war. Like the African Christians coming to say farewell, the sense of the meeting was of solidarity, hospitality and compassion for the suffering. -a commentary by Ronald]. Mathies, MCC executive director in Akron, Pa. Before going to Akron, Mathies served in a variety of capacities with the KMB, including as moderator, and with the Canadian MB conference, including as a member of the Board of Faith and Life and other related Ontario conference committees. He and his wife Gudrun spent nine years in Africa with MCC as educators and MCC administrators.
BY PHILIP WIEBE
What the Bible isn't
Guarding against using Scripture for our purposes rather than God's -
AMONG THE E·MAILED solicitations I get for making money, losing weight and attracting women (the ultimate trifeeta for modern men, I guess), there was a surprising ad offering the Bible on CD. Scripture software is nothing new, of course, but it was unusual to find the offer mixed in with all the usual cheesy stuff. So, though my "delete" reflex is usually quick for junk e-mail, I read a bit of the Bible ad, just to see the marketing slant.
The thing that interested me was the claim that this CD would help me "find answers to all of life's problems." I've heard such claims made for Scripture many times. I even own a Bible with an "answer index," which lists common problems followed by a passage that provides the solution. ("Temptation: James 4:7b, Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.")
Certainly the Bible does provide answers to many of life's questions, but I don't think God meant his Word to be a mere reference guide to consult when problems come up. Too often people have read it that way, rather than as a comprehensive work on the character of God, the mission of Jesus and the commission of his followers. If readers look only for biblical maxims, they run the risk of missing the larger truth. And perhaps even getting the whole thing wrong. These days you often hear people complain about being quoted out of context, and thus misquoted. Well, that happens with God's Word all the time. Rather than solving problems, in fact, I think the Bible sometimes raises them. When some Pharisees came to Jesus with questions about divorce, for instance, he challenged their easydivorce practices. "Moses permitted
you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning" (Matt. 19:8). Jesus went on to say it was wrong, for reasons apart from unfaithfulness, to divorce and remarry.
These words are widely ignored or explained away among Christians today. Those in the church have been strongly influenced by those in the world who feel the best way to solve the problem of a troubled relationship is to get rid of the relationship. But the Bible doesn't endorse that. When relationships are troubled, God's Word always brings it back to me. What sacrifices am I going to make to help bring healing?
That doesn't sound like problemsolving in the modern sense, which is why people tend to favor avoidance over sacrifice and commitment. Too many in today's culture and church interpret "solving all of life's problems" as making the problem go away as quickly as possible. But the Bible usually illustrates problem-solving as a dedicated effort of prayer, sacrifice, integrity and faith.
Just as the Bible was not meant to be a mere reference book for problemsolving, I think there are other things the Bible is not, though people try to make it that way. For example, I don't believe Scripture is meant to be a scientific textbook. Yet some Christians try to jam all scientific inquiry literally into the Bible's template.
Our MB Confession ofFaith commentary insightfully points out that such an approach "mines the Genesis account for scientific data more than recognizing its theological intent." The commentary continues, "Scripture does teach that God created the heavens and the earth and that human beings are unique among God's creation. Exactly
how God accomplished that is not altogether clear" (p. 40). Did God create the universe in the six literal days of Genesis 1, or are those "days" metaphorical for longer periods of time? I have my own feelings about that, but the truth is, humans simply can't know for sure. That's why, as our commentary suggests, "We should allow for differences in our views of creation and exercise mutual respect for one another" (p. 41).
The Bible's purpose is not to disprove modern science, nor vice versa. Centuries ago Galileo helped show that the sun, not the earth, was the center of our solar system. For that he was branded a heretic. Now we know Galileo wasn't denying Scripture, only gaining insight into God's created order. Obviously modern science does come to wrong conclusions. But it also can open great windows into the vastness of God and creation-and the astoundingly little knowledge humans have gained about them so far.
The Bible is not an all-purpose problem solver, not a scientific textbook. Nor is it a political treatise, as much as some would like to make it so. It troubles me during election seasons to receive "Christian" voter guides that are aligned with particular political parties more than Scripture. No political party in our country has a corner on Christian values. Each party could claim to be biblical in some areas-and exposed as unbiblical in others.
Jesus' words about politics, which weren't many, tended to stress his followers' allegiance to God's kingdom rather than earthly agendas. That's what the Bible is about. In politics, in science, in our daily lives, we need always to guard against using Scripture for our own purposes rather than God's .•
BY MARVIN HEIN
Questions about faith & life
God and the Super Bowl and more about Hebraic Roots
QDoes God really care who wins the Super Bowl?
ARaiders quarterback Rich Gannon is a born-again Christian. He must have prayed about the Super Bowl game. As a dozen or more of us sat watching the game on lV, the Raiders fell behind almost 30 points and Gannon had five passes intercepted. Then someone asked about God's interest in this huge extravaganza.
I rather agree with the newspaperman who suggested that God couldn't care less who wins football games and performance awards. My golfing friends sometimes suggest, after a particularly rare, good shot, that I must have prayed. No, I don't pray for good golf shots. I don't think my score merits God's attention. My reaction to a bad shot maybe, but not whether or not I win.
This question confronts us because there are football players like Houston's David Carr and Rams' Kurt Warner, along with numerous others, who are outspoken in their faith in Christ as Savior. The question also arises when Hollywood's Ashanti thanks God "for allowing me to win" as favorite New HipHoplR&B artist at the American Music Awards. Is there a God in heaven who chooses who is going to win or lose such awards--or football games? I don't think so. God has more important things in his care.
Should athletes and performers then not raise their hands to heaven or verbally express thanks to God for the win? I have to confess I rather enjoy them doing this, only to notice usually that reporters don't know how to respond and they quickly change the conversa-
tion. Fresno State's Stephone Page, who later played with the Kansas City Chiefs football team, often thanked "my Lord Jesus" following victories and other career landmarks. He says he is "just giving credit where credit is due." It certainly is right that we acknowledge from where our talents and the strength and wisdom to use them properly come. If some sport were my vocation, I would hope I would have the courage to acknowledge that.
I suppose the best we can say is that if we want publicly to credit God for our victories, we should be equally willing to acknowledge him in our defeats. We shouldn't leave the impression that we think of God only when things go well. Furthermore, it is much more important that celebrities (or any of us), when we win anything, back up the words of thanks to God with a lifestyle that respects that faith.
QTell us more about how we should respond to the Hebraic Roots movement.
AAfter last month's rather superficial examination of Hebraic Roots beliefs and practices, I have consulted with Old Testament professor Elmer Martens and two Messianic Jewish rabbis. (Messianic Jews still observe the Old Testament feasts.) While all three suggest that Gentiles might profit from the call to celebrate the feasts, they also agree that such practices are not mandatory for Gentiles. Fresno, Calif., Rabbi Amnon Shor states that Acts 15 makes it clear that Sabbath and feast observances are not requirements
Have a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference policy, or other spiritual issue? E-mail Marvin at mhein1@fremo.edu or send your question to "Inquiring Minds, " c/o Marvin Hein, 4812 E. Butler, Fremo, CA 93727.
for Gentiles. Ohio Rabbi Michael Wolf does not believe that Christians in the first century kept these Old Testament practices. Wolf says, "Calling is one thing. Gentiles in Messianic synagogues have a call to literally observe the festivals, not just study them. Pressured expectation is another."
Shor, Wolf and Martens all agree that we should applaud the intentions of Hebraic Roots to revitalize Christianity. In an age of religious pluralism, Christians need to know the gospel message and the grounding of it in the Old Testament. Believers could be helped greatly by focusing on the Old Testament counterparts of their practices. All three, however, agree that in their zeal for Hebraic Roots, believers have reached for measures that border on the extreme. Shor says, "Sometimes Gentiles want to be more Jewish than we are." The rabbis say that Hebraic Roots has become problematic, a headache, confusing and divisive.
Paul, commenting on festivals and the Sabbath in Col. 2:17, says these observances are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. God's stopping and resting at creation (Gen. 2:2) becomes the basis for all people, especially believers, to observe a day of rest. Exod. 31: 13 identifies the Sabbath as a sign of election for Israel. The New Testament indicates believers are exempt from keeping it. Paul was opposed to supplementing the work of Christ in any way.
In brief, we may do well even to observe some of the feasts or arrange for contemporary experiences based on those festivals, but clearly it is quite different-and problematic-when the call is made in legislative fashion for Christians now to follow fully the Israelite festival calendar.•
BY ROSE BUSCHMAN
A more abundant life
Making lifestyle changes can be challenging, rewarding-and fun
I NEVER KNEW
HER NAME.
She was already seated at a table in the banquet hall when I arrived so I did not see the effort it took for her to get there. However, I did see how hard it was for her, even with the help of a friend, to get out of her chair, tum herself around and sit facing the speaker's podium after the meal was over.
This dear sister in the Lord has a serious weight problem. Her medical charts probably describe her as obese. While I applaud her efforts to get to the mission's banquet, seeing her struggle to move and walk with a cane was a wake-up call for me.
Slowly over the past several years I have seen my weight inch up on the scale, a pound or two at a time until I am, well not obese, but definitely overweight. After the banquet that night, I knew that if I didn't do something about it right away, I could easily someday be struggling like she was. I also knew that extra weight may cause medical problems such as an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure or diabetes. Within a few days I made an appointment to see a doctor at a local wellness clinic.
"I need to make changes in my life and be accountable to someone," I told her.
We discussed what my options were and worked on a plan of action. I read several books,including Dieting/or Dummies, and discovered that losing weight in order to be healthier is not about diets and counting calories. It is not about eating grapefruit or cabbage two meals a day or drinking a special "shake" for lunch unless I want to do this the rest of my life. Losing weight that will "stay gone" requires a change in lifestyle.
So we are making changes. I'm learning to grill meat on my little counter-top grill, a Christmas gift from my sister. My husband and I are not vegetarians, but we are reducing the portion size of our meats and other high calorie foods. More fruits and vegetables are available for both meals and snacks. While I don't count calories each day, I am looking for lower calorie alternatives to work into my recipes and our meals. And finding creative ways to exercise is also a part of my day.
And guess what? It's working. Slowly those unwanted pounds are coming off. A recent blood pressure reading also showed an improvement. It's all about lifestyle, not just for the next few months, but for the rest of my life.
We are working on lifestyle changes in other areas as well.
Several years ago when I retired from teaching I made a conscious decision to give my retirement to the Lord. Before I retired I had invested some of my income in lRAs and other retirement accounts. However, with my retirement we knew that our monthly income would be considerably reduced. We still wanted to continue investing, but made the conscious decision to change what we did. We decided not to continue investing my income "on earth" but rather to "lay up treasures in heaven."
To have sufficient funds for me to go on mission trips has meant a change in how we spend our money. (Tickets to the South Pacific and to Africa are not cheap.) Since I am responsible for cooking our meals, I that we would eat at home as much as possible and I would be prudent in my shopping. This has saved us a lot of money.
However, for us this change in lifestyle is not just about saving dollars where we can. It is also about a change in attitude.
Last winter we had a discussion about whether we have the right to buy something just because we want it and can afford it. We needed a reliable vehicle that would take us on the long distance out-of-town trips we make. Eventually we settled on a three-yearold model that was half the price of a new one. It meets our needs and frees up a bunch of money.
My husband said to me one day, "Why are we saving money? Just so we can buy some more stuff? If we are going to save, then the savings need to be given to the Lord."
Investing in heaven is rewarding and a lot of fun. It has also been a wise move for us. While our previous earthly investments have consistently lost money (sometimes a lot!) our heavenly investments are showing fantastic returns.
However, our lifestyle changes do not involve just food or money. They also involve time, energy and separation. It wasn't easy for my husband when I was traveling overseas during the attacks of Sept. 11,2001, and it took several days before I was able to get word to him that I had safely arrived at my destination. It wasn't easy when I had to call him and tell him that we might have to evacuate but didn't know when, how or to where. However, knowing that we are both in God's hands and under his care gives us an inner peace that it is good to do his will. Making these lifestyle changes has been challenging, rewarding, satisfying and at times even fun. I highly recommend it to others looking for a more abundant life .•
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Texas MBs get together
Business and worship on the agenda for Latin American MB district
BY ROLANDO MIRElES WITH CARMEN ANDRES
Abudget in the black, reports from ministries and good worship highlighted the 42nd"annual Latin American Mennonite Brethren District convention held Feb. 1-2 in South Texas. Seventy-five delegates representing seven of the district's eight churches attended the Sat24.THE CHRISTIAN LEADER
urday business sessions at Mission MB Church and over 300 attended Sunday's worship service at La Grulla MB Church.
Taking care of business
The business sessions began with reports from district chair Moises Tagle and the district's governing board.
Over the past year, the governing board was involved in helping a local church organize and set up governing policies, completing the sale of land from a churched closed several years ago and an ongoing project to transfer the ownership of local church properties to the conference as well as visits to local congregations and youth mission summer projects.
Delegates received good news about the budget. While the district had gone slightly over in its budget and income in 2002-03, the deficit was balanced by a surplus from the year before. In addition, profits from the land sale were designated to fund future mission work.
Delegates voted to accept the district's 2003-04 budget, approving a wide range of programs and activities for the coming year, including:
• workshops for leaders, worship leaders and teams and Sunday school teachers;
• support for summer youth projects, includingYouth Mission International (MBMS International's short-term mission program for youth) and other mission trips into Mexico;
• support for youth attending Estes 2003, the national MB youth convention;
• support for the U.S. Conference, Integrated Ministries (national ministry to immigrant people groups) and Mission USA (national church planting and renewal ministry); and
• hiring a lawyer to help with the transfer of church properties to the LAMB conference.
Delegates also increased funds originally proposed by the governing board for YMI and youth missions.
In addition to its other activities, the district's governing board will focus on encouraging and assisting churches in their outreach efforts and uniting in a common effort to strengthen the district's churches. Throughout the year, members of the governing board will meet with each local congregation.
Delegates also heard reports from the district's women's ministries and youth ministries and the U.S. Conference and Mennonite Central Committee.
Fellowship and worship
With business done, the district's churches met together the nextday at La Grulla MB for three and half hours
of worship and fellowship, which included communion, music, testimonies and a community meal.
Worship included a variety of music, with congregational worship led by Third Sky, a La Grulla worship group, in both English and Spanish. In addition, a La Grulla group led by Brenda Martinez and an Edinburg Mission church group led by Sorani Munoz shared special numbers.
Among the speakers were Walter Heidenreich, a third year student at Rio Grande Bible Seminary (see sidebar) and Angel Flores and Vanessa Hernandes, two young adults who shared testimonies about their mission work.
The worship session closed with communion led by Alfredo Tagle, pastor of Mission MB Church, and was followed by a meal hosted by La Grulla.
Distrid history
The IAMB District Conference started as a vision of the Southern District Conference, which sent Harry and Sarah Neufeld as missionaries among the MexicanAmericans in South Texas in 1937. The conference incorporated in 1961 and has held official conventions since then, though they had met annually as conference churches in the years prior.
The conference has 288 members in its eight churches located within a 65 mile radius, with about 450 in atten-
Speaker emphasizes spiritual growth
LAM. DELEGAm. and guests gathered for worship Feb. 2 at La Grulla MB Church heard a third-year local seminary student from Argentina describe what It takes to grow spiritually.
Speaking from Roman 12:1-2, Walter Heidenreich outlined the characteristics and steps of spiritual growth. He told delegates that a person who doesn't grow spiritually lives a life of constant conflict, continual failure and prolonged Infan-
cy. He reminded his listeners that spiritual growth Is a process that takes time and that It Is God who regulates the speed and provides the growth Itself. Heidenreich concluded with giving his audience practical steps they can take toward spiritual growth, Including the desire to grow, reading and studying the Bible, talking with God and congregating together wfth other believers. -Rolando Mireles with Carmen Andres
dance on Sunday mornings last year. The majority of church services are held
in Spanish, while English is used in most of the Sunday school classes .•
Conference legally laid to rest
Last official meeting of General Conference held in ,. November, Hein honored for years of service
Afier more than 100 years, the ministry of The General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches was legally dissolved Jan. 1, 2003. The General Conference was comprised of MB churches in North America and operated five ministries.
For many North American MBs, the work of the bi-national convention was both celebrated and dissolved on the closing night of Celebration 2002, the last General Conference convention held in Abbotsford, B.C., July 25-27. Delegates to the 1999 General Conference convention voted to dissolve the bi-national conference and transfer its ministries to the U.S. and Canadian conferences. That process was completed this past summer when delegates to the national U.S. and Canadian conventions, held in conjunction with the final General Conference convention, approved the Memorandum of Understanding for the remaining three bi-
national ministries: Historical Commission, Board of Resource Ministries and MB Biblical Seminary. Two years ago, the national conventions approved MOUs regarding MBMS International and the Board Faith and Life.
The last official meetings of the General Conference Executive Council, Executive Committee and Board of Trustees took place Nov. 1-2 in Wichita, Kan. With the divestiture of General Conference's ministries complete, the Executive Council, for purposes of concluding the business of the Conference, was composed of the members of the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees.
Among the decisions made by this group was how best to legally terminate the General Conference corporation, incorporated in Kansas in 1900. It was decided that this corporation should be given an ongoing legal existence by merging it with the U.S. Conference of MB Churches, also a Kansas corporation. Both the Board of Trustees and the Exec-
utive Council approved and executed the documents necessary to accomplish this merger. Similar documents were subsequently approved and executed by the U.S. Conference Board of Church Ministries later in November. The merger became official January 1.
The Executive Council reviewed the final financial reports of the General Conference. Any surplus funds of the General Conference will be transferred to either the Canadian or U.S. Conference, depending on their origin.
The Executive Committee arranged for the writing and publication of a yearbook covering the Conference business for the last triennium. This publication will be made available to all churches and will contain a history of the divestiture process, copies of the Memoranda of Understanding governing the transfer of the ministries of the General Conference to the national conferences, outlines of the Celebration 2002 closing worship services in Abbotsford, copies of documents related to the disposition of the General Conference corporation and other items pertinent to the historical record of the last triennium.
In other business, the Executive Committee decided:
• to adhere to it's prior decision sealing the official records of all divestiture negotiation sessions for a period of five years;
• that videos of the Celebration 2002 worship sessions would be available for copying to anyone interested at the Fresno, Calif. and WInnipeg, Man., denominational archival centers; and
• that all General Conference documents -maintained by the executive secretary and executive committee secretary be lodged in the Fresno archival center.
In recognition of Marvin Hein's services to the General Conference as the only executive secretary during the more than 100 years of its history, the Executive Committee, as one of its final acts, bestowed on Hein, with sincere gratitude, the exclusive title of "Executive Secretary Emeritus of the General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches."
Members of the Executive Council present at the Wichita meetings were Herb Kopp, Lyndon Vix, Hildegard Bandsmer, Jim Enos, Marvin Hein, Dean Jost, Dale Regier and John Wiebe. Ron Martens was also a member of the Council. -GC news release
PDC seeks ministry interns
West Coast district invites young adults to apply for ,. opportunity to learn and use ministry skills
This summer, the Pacific District Conference is launching its first summer internship program designed to provide young adults with an opportunity to learn and use ministry skills by linking host churches and mentors with potential leaders_
Young adults (approximately age 1824) from all five U.S. Conference regional districts are invited and encouraged to consider spending three months in a local PDC church, says Steve Reimer, PDC Home Mission Board church planting director. Several churches and mentors are already on board and ready to receive interns for the summer.
Areas of ministry training are available in worship, evangelism and discipleship, church planting, student ministries, children's ministries, lead pastor and associate pastor. Interns will
"It's not about free labor for a church that needs help," says Steve Reimer. "We want to raise the standard high on the program side and then also look for quality interns."
The internship program is managed by a district leadership team, which includes pastors Fred Leonard, Steve Harms, Dave Thiessen, Mark Thompson and PDC district minister Gary Wall and Reimer.
Areas of ministry training available in worship, evangelism and discipleship, church planting, student ministries, children's ministries, lead pastor and associate pastor.
receive $3,000 for the summer internship scheduled from mid-May to midAugust.
The summer program will begin with a one week orientation and end with a three day debrief. There is space for 20 interns with leadership potential, desire to experience a particular ministry area and the affirmation of their pastor or teacher, says Reimer.
The goal of the internship is to give these young adults ministry experience in a church that has a healthy ministry and a healthy leader.
"We must become more intentional in offering potential church leaders opportunities to test ministry gifts," says Wall.
Reimer says, "God has given us some great churches and leaders who are committed to and capable of providing excellent ministry training for future leaders. We're not concerned about where interns come from or end up. It's about building the Kingdom."
For an application, churches and applicants can contact Steve Reimer, at natanya@lightspeed.net. -PDC Home Missions Board news release
National MB ministry also offers opportunities
Mission USA provides internships in areas of music and worship, children ,. and youth ministries, discipleship and church planting
IIIIISSION 11M, the u.s. Conference church planting renewal ministry, directs an elgbt-yeaHkl pr0gram to see new leaders trained for effective service In Mennonite Brethren congJegatIons 88 new churches are planted and existing churches experience renewaI growth.
1be 1ntem8hlp program gives individuals the 0pportunities to test .... conIInn their gifts by working In a chosen area of mlnlsby under the auldance of a quallfted supervisor who serves 88 mentor. WhIle the
"/ could never have learned in such a short time what I have learned here. "
-Paul Bartel, MUSA intern at The Heart
primary purpose and objeotIYe of the program Is the growth and development of the Intem, MUSA also designed the program so that the ministry of the Intern will assist the hosting church In Its WOIk.
Since the program began In the summer of 1995, MUSA has worked with mentor and internship tralnl,.. In areas of music and worship leaders, chilo
dren's ministry, youth minIstry, discipleship training and church planting.
Jason Quiring, one of MUSA's first Interns, Interned In his home church of Henderson (Neb.) MB Church under paster Garvie Sqhmldt and youth paster Jerry Edller. T'OCIay QIJlrlng Is a full-time youth pastor In the 'alrvlew (Okla.) MB Church.
Paul Bartel Is currently a
Intem at 1be Heart In Broken Arraw, 0kIa.-a MUSA church planting project with pastor Mike MIller as mentor.
"1NS Is a tremendous opportunity and I am enJo,. InS It Immensely," says ...... tel. "I could never have In such a-shott time what I have Ieamed here."
For more Infonnatlon about the MUSA Intemshlp Program contact MUSA chair Loretta Jost at dljostOdtnspeed.net or write to 1806 East 8 Road, Aurora, Neb. 88818. -MUSA
Newborn kits shipped
Many North Koreans still in dire straits after mid-1990s famine
Last month, Mennonite Central Committee shipped more than 11,000 newborn kits to North Korea. Individuals and church groups across Canada and the u.s. assembled the kits, which include clothing, diapers, soap and a receiving blanket, in fall and winter 2002. Among the partici· pants were members of two California Mennonite Brethren congregations.
In August a mother's group from Butler MB Church in Fresno, Calif., put together 66 kits as a way to support other mothers of young children. "It's important for us as moms to take care of our children," says group member Rhonda Dueck. "This gave us the ability to help other moms who don't even have what we consider to be basics. I can't imagine raising children without knowing about their next meal."
In nearby Kingsburg, Calif., MCC worker Kathy Heinrichs Wiest got her community involved in assembling the
kits. In December Wiest set up a booth at her neighborhood's Christmas festi· val. For $20, customers could assemble a newborn kit with items that Wiest and her colleagues had already purchased.
In late February MCC shipped the newborn kits and 10,000 children's comforters from Seattle, Wash., and Vancouver, B.C., to North Korea, where partner agency Carltas, working through the Food Aid liaison Unit, distributed the items to mothers of infants and to orphanages.
In cooperation with these and other partners, MCC has sent substantial food and material resources to North Korea since 1995. Food shipments include canned meat, grain, dried peas and milk powder.
The famine that North Korea faced in the mid-1990s has reached a "fragile recovery," says Kathi Zellweger, a Carltas worker who oversees distribution of MCC aid in North Korea. Yet many North Koreans are still in dire straits.
"There are no supermarkets or shops where you can buy the supplies you need for your baby," Zellweger says. "Mothers have basically next to nothing, or (baby clothing) is handed down many times until it falls apart.
"Very often the recipients are amazed that people in North America I care about them. It's very difficult for them to understand." Their government tells North Koreans that the U.S. is an enemy.
North Korea still relies heavily on international aid, and the needs of North Korean people go unmet. Many North Korean children and young people are physically and developmentally behind (compared to South Koreans of I the same age) due to years of malnutrition.-MCC
Public policy work relates to North Korea
PART
OF IVIENNONIJE
CENfRAL
Committee's work Includes witnessing to u.s. government policy Issues that affect human suffering In North Korea.
ThIs January Mee, along with AmerIcan Friends 5ervIce CommIttee, World VIsIon and 11 other apncIes, signed letters to administrators In the It.S. State Department and the U.S. Agency for IntematIonaI Development, noting concems about the need for continued aid to North Korea and urgIng the U.s. government to negotiate with North Korea.
"We believe the past aid contrIbut·
eel by the U.s. h. made a difference In the Ilv. of millions of North Kore_, partIculMy children and nursing and pregnant women," the letters read.
RacheIIe SChlabach of the MCC U.s. Washington 0ftIce says peac8' loving Christians should calion their govemments to begin frank, respectful conversatIon8 with North Korea about Issues of mutual concern. "DoIng so," she writes, "could begin to break down some decades old dIvIeIons and create a space for peace to sprout." -MCC
Students initiate dialogue
Students from three Kansas Mennonite colleges ,.. gather weekly for donuts and dialogue
ennonites are known for their desire to "dialogue" with different groups. But now some Kansas college students are choosing a new loguing with other Mennonites.
At 11 p.m. on any given weekday, you can find tables of college students devouring doughnuts at Druber's, a restaurant in downtown Newton, Kan. Sometimes they're studying, most of the time laughing and visiting, but lately they are dialoguing.
Jason Schmidt and Shawna Stutzman, former Hesston (Kan.) College students, decided this year it was high time students at the three local Mennonite colleges--Tabor, Bethel and Hesstonbegin breaking down barriers and stereotypes and learn to know each other. Schmidt, a junior at Bethel, and Stutzman, a senior at Tabor, knew people at all three colleges and hoped to find a way to briJ:1g them together.
Tabor College is a Mennonite Brethren institution located in Hillsboro, Kan. Thirty miles south is Bethel College, located in Newton, and seven miles northwest of Newton is Hesston College. Bethel and Hesston are Mennonite Church USA schools.
Since Druber's Donut Shop is a popular and common late-night hangout for students from all three schools, Stutzman and Schmidt started Monday night discussion groups beginning at 11:30 p.m. Students have gathered every week since September to discuss topics such as idealism vs. realism, dating and marriage, war and peace. With an average of 40 to SO people showing up every week, Schmidt says the group splits into smaller sections for discussion.
"This is the highlight of my week," says Tabor senior John Franz. "It is a way I can meet people who come from common backgrounds and to break down dividing lines and build friendships."
A peace protest Nov. 2 in Newton was generated from the Monday night discussions. Tabor, Bethel and Hesston col-
lege students gathered at Bethel College with other community members to march against the impending war in Iraq. With signs such as "An eye for an eye makes us all blind" and "Let Iraq live," the students united to oppose an action they all disagreed with-unjust war, or war in general. A similar protest was organized Feb. 15.
A local news station began its report of the November protest with the observation that "rival schools" were joining together in protest. Bethel and Tabor's rivalry dates back many years, students agreed on a recent Monday night. Bethel junior Laura Kautz says the competition and ensuing enmity at football and basketball games have tainted her view of Tabor.
For Jesse Nathan, a Bethel sophomore, the ideological differences between the schools have been a barrier. Nathan said Tabor is more theologically conservative, but the Monday night talks have helped him recognize Tabor students have valid things to say.
Tradition, more than anything else,
has divided the colleges. Many students agreed stereotypes of the other colleges, and subsequent denominations, have been passed down from their parents and grandparents. Franz said he is a third generation Tabor student who never considered attending Hesston or Bethel. Schmidt said he did not have a good impression of Hesston or Tabor growing up-Bethel was the only acceptable school to attend. But Schmidt said he chose to bypass the bias and attend Hesston College.
Though the dialogue is aimed at understanding, acceptance and learning, Schmidt says the discussions can become heated. That is why Druber's is a great setting for the meetings. Schmidt says different tables of people, always containing at least one student from every college, have different personalities and levels of intensity. So students can choose which discussions to join and move from table to table.
Schmidt says the possibility of shifting the discussions to the campuses may come in the future. By centering a group of students at one of the colleges, other students will be encouraged to join, Schmidt says. Franz says the campus location also will provide the opportunity to experience each other's worship services and campus cultures. -by Amanda Balzer and reprinted by permission from the Newton Kansan
WilL130' KV\CWJI\I?
Seven out of every ten people die without a Will.
tel: 1-800-551-1547
fax: 620-947-3266
e-mail: info@mbfoundation.com
When this happens:
• there is often unnecessary expense
• the law specifies distribution
• the Court selects a guardian for minor children
Most important, a powerful opportunity is missed for the expression of your hopes and dreams for the future.
Many individuals and families utilize the personally prepared Will to communicate specific wishes- including the permanent support of charitable organizations.
This charitable bequest can be made in a number of ways, including a fixed amount, specific property, or a percent of the estate. Mennonite Brethren Foundation is available to help you sort out the many options and remove the roadblocks to having your Will known!
For information on how to include a charitable bequest in your Will, or with other questions, we invite you to write us using the response form or call our office at 1-800-551-1547.
Southern District searching i for district minister
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT Conference Minister Search Committee is inviting all SDC congregations and conference leaders to join in a season of prayer asking God's guidance in leading them to the right person to serve as district minister. The new district minister will succeed Roland Reimer, who recently announced that he will retire by the end of 2003, or sooner if a replacement is named.
Resumes are being received and a list of suggested names is being compiled, says SDC chair and search committee member Tim Sullivan of Hillsboro, Kan. The committee hopes to
name a successor by the end of the year, if not by the 2003 SOC convention scheduled for Aug. 1-3 in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Search committee members Sullivan, Joe Johns of Weatherford, Okla., Brent Warkentin of Buhler, Kan., and Peggy Goertzen of Hillsboro, have been meeting regularly since mid-2oo2. An initial part of the process was designing a survey which was distributed to all conference pastors and leaders. Results of this , survey have helped determine the preI ferred leadership style and gift mix of a potential new district minister, says Sullivan. -SDC news release
MENNONITES JOIN INTER-RELIGIOUS FORUM
Indonesians call for peace in 2003
AN ESTIMATED 2,500 people sat in the pavilion at the Sultan's Palace in Solo, Central Java, Jan. 12 for an interreligious peace rally.
Dressed in matching Tshirts, they declared 2003 as the year of the "Peoplehood of Peace." Paulus Hartono, an Indonesian GKMI (Mennonite) pastor, who leads a small congregation in the city, played a key role in the interfaith committee that organized the gathering.
Solo has been the scene of interreligious, interethnic and econom-
ic tensions in the past years. Amid threats of war and violence, the committee spent many hours networking and organizing the large rally. In addition to Mennonites, Catholics and other Christians, the forum included members of the Muslim, Confucian, Hindu and Buddhist religions, the organization of university students and the palace of Surakarta. These groups, from a broad range of doctrines, agree on the need to follow a path of peace. At the rally, enthusi-
astic applause interrupted a peace oration by Mesach Kristeya, Mennonite World Conference president, five times. Ustad Farid Ma'ruf, representing a fundamentalist Muslim group, appealed to all elements of society to remain united, to avoid spreading false messages regarding others and to reject all acts of violence. One leader prayed, "Guide our country into the path of peace." Mennonite lay people, Muslim teens, Chinese business people and Catholic nuns then joined hands across the pavilion to declare 2003 as the year of the Peoplehood of Peace. -MWC
CPED goes by new name
If 1NI'BlNAJ'JONAL
announced that the name DIscIple MakIng International has been given to Its lIhort-tenn evangelism fonnerty known as Church Partnership Evangelism and Discipleship. CPED merged with MBMSI, the global mission agency of MB churches In canada and the U.s., In the summer of 2002. 1be new name was chosen after It came to light that another mlnIstIy called Church Partnetshlp Evangelism had first rights to the use of the name.
DMI sends adults overseas to witness door to door, alongside local Christians. James Nikkei, former director of Evangelism Canada, past president of Bethany Bible College, and most recently executive director of church extension for the Be Mennonite Brethren conference, began serving as director of DMI March 1. -MBMSI
OtUROI GETS NEW ROOF: USERY volunteers saved Iglesia Cristo Es La Respuesta of Arleta, Calif., about $20,000 on a recent rooftng project. USERY Is a ministry of the U.s. Conference that es teams of volunteers with churches Involved In remodeling, construction and maintenance projects. Above, Helen Leyva, Don Loewen and Alex Leyva work on the church roof.-USERV
-Mennonite Economic Development
Associates has received $1 million from the U.S. govemment to work as an Intermediary to strengthen local community and faltlHlased groups engaged In economic development. MEDA Is one of 21 agencies receMng funding from the new Compassion Capital Fund of the U.S. Department of Health and Human services. The funds will enable MEDA's North American Business Development Department, based In Lancaster, Pa., to extend technical assistance, training and sulHlwards to build the capacity of organizations providing entrepreneurial trainIng and support, Job skill development and other communtty.based economic development services. MEDA will work with organizations In six locations: Chicago, Peoria, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Miami and Los Angeles.-MEDA
Workers killed
-Two Mennonite Central Committee workers living In Indonesia were caught In a flash flood Jan. 22 In the Telemoyo mountain area outside the city of SalatJ. ga, Java. Hannah Showaker, 24, of Newville, Pa., and Alana FIfe, 21, of Calgary, Alta., were killed while a third worker, Daniel Warren of Shoreline, Wash., and a local friend were both unharmed. The three MCC workers are part of the one-year MCC serving and learning Together (SALT) program for young adults. They arrived In Indonesia In August 2002. Showaker, a 2002 graduate of Messiah College, Grantham, Pa., was teaching English at an elementary school In Banyutowo Village, Java. FIfe, a 2002 graduate of the University of Winnipeg, Man., had been teaching English at an elementary school In Solo, Java.-MCC
Congo travel tour scheduled
TRAVELERS TO THIS summer's Mennonite World Conference Assembly in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe are invited to join a travel group that will also see the work of the Mennonite Brethren Church in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Tour leaders will be S. V. (Fred) and Irma Epp of Winnipeg, Man., who served in the Congo from 1957 to 1973 with MBMS International, then MB Missions and Services.
This tour, offered by TourMagination, based in Waterloo, Ont., and Sellersville, Pa., departs from JFK International Airport in New York City Aug. 1 with a stopover in Johannesburg, South Africa, prior to the flight to Kinshasa, the capital
city of the Congo. The group will visit the work of the MB Church and Mennonite Church in Kinshasa and visit places of importance to their work including churches and the Libota Clinic, a medical clinic opened by the local MB churches. Other visits could include the Batela Institute, a school where nationals are trained in furniture-making; the Christian University of Kinshasa; the first Protestant church (Baptist) built in the city on the banks of the Congo River; Symphonie des Arts, a place where painting and carving are taught; Mausolee de Kabila, a place where former president laurent-Desire Kabila is buried; Lac rna Valee, a
lake located outside of the city; plus Great Market and Wenze ya Bikeko, a special market where works of paintings and carvings are sold.
The group will then travel to Zimbabwe and tour Victoria Falls, one of the most spectacular wonders of the world, and take a Sundowner Cruise on the Zambezi River above the falls. The group will also visit the Hwange National Park with the highest concentration of elephants in the world. The tour concludes at the Mennonite World Conference Assembly Gathered Aug. 11. Details of the tour are available by phoning (800) 565-0451.
-TourMagination
Resources available from mission agency
NEWS AND Information about Mennonite Brethren missions Is now available by email or on the world wide web. January 31, MSMS International, the global mission agency of MB churches In Canada and the U.S., launched the Global Bridge newsletter. It will be published every three weeks.
In addition to current news and urgent prayer requests, each edition of Global Blldge will profile one or two career mission openings and a short-term mission opportunity. In addition, each Global Bridge will Include an article related to the agency's work In emergency relief, development, health, and peace/Justice.
MBMSI also has three guides available In print form that will help
Mennonite Brethren connect with global mission. The People Guide lists all MBMSI missionaries, staff, and board members, as well as many MB missionaries who are servIng with other agencies. The Giving Options Guide outlines evangelism, discipleship and social ministry proJects that Individuals or churches can financially support. The Resource Guide lists print, electronIc and video resources available to churches.
Global Bridge Is available In • mall form by contacting mbmslO mbmslntematlonal.org. It Is also available on the agency's web site at www.mbmslntematlonal.org.To order any of the guides, call (888) UNo-MBMS (86&8267) or contact the agency by e-mail. -MBMSI
CHURCH
Baptism/membership
Bakersfield. Calif. (Rosedale)Harlan, Debbie and Brenna Eirich; John and Judy Lopez; Coleen Shanes; Paul, Robin and Rachel Tiner; and Amanda, Kimberly, Megan, and Melissa Sotello were introduced as new or returning members Feb. 2.
Bellingham, Wash. (Community Bible)-Megan Deem, Tyson Beckham, David Wright, Jen Kinkhart and Betsy Cole were baptized Nov. 17,2002.
Draper, Utah (South Mountain)-Michele Hazelwood, Pam Lavery, Frank Lavery, Verne Hansen and Suzie Kasper were baptized Jan. 19. Robin Carpenter, Hailee Carpenter, and Zack Carpenter were baptized Jan. 1B. Michael Roberts, Tobi Roberts, Angela Thomson, Laurie Pratt, Bethany Edwards, Ryan Edwards and Nate Stolenow were baptized Nov. 23, 2002. Erik Gilbert and Krista Gilbert were baptized Nov. 24.
Hillsboro, Kan. (Parkview)-Candace Barkman, Adrien Bebermeyer and Michael Klaassen were baptized Jan. 26. Candace Barkman, Loy and Alisa Blackketter, Roger and Cynthia Fleming, Michael Klaassen, Chuck and Wanda Priddy and Doug and Robin Taylor were welcomed as new members Jan. 26.
Newton, Kan. (Koerner Heights)-Abby Claassen, Drew Claassen, Emilee Claassen, Jodi Enz, Kelsey Hiebert, Allison Isaac, Kiley Nottingham and Tina Stobbe were baptized and accepted into membership Dec. 29, 2002. Andrew Braun, Amber Vogts and Emily Vogts were baptized and received as members Feb. 2. Ryan and Sherry Wenger were welcomed into membership Feb. 16.
Celebrations
Bakersfield. Calif. (Laurelglen)The congregation celebrated its 25th anniversary Jan. 26. The cele-
brat ion, held at the Bakersfield Convention Center, began with a morning worship service featuring the choir, worship team, an anniversary video and message by Pastor Roger Poppen. A deep pit lunch was served and "Improv Madness" featuring Clean Comedians Ministry was available for kids through sixth grade.
Fellowship
Gettysburg, S.D. (Grace Bible)About 130 women attended GBe's Christmas holiday event, a major outreach event for the congregation last year held Dec. 7. Author and actress Nancy Stafford of Hollywood, Calif., was the speaker for the candlelight event. Stafford is most famous for her role in the series "Matlock" where she played Andy Griffith's law partner. Men from the congregation served a variety of homemade cheesecakes and hors d'oeuvres to the guests and provided valet parking.
Buhler, Kan.-Kansan Ginger Millermon was the featured soloist and speaker for an all-church banquet Feb. 2. The meal was catered by Brookville Restaurant of Abilene, Kan., and Millermon told of her family's journey of faith due to the premature birth of their twins.
Edmond, Okla. (Memorial Road)-An informal Valentine's banquet and evening entertainment described as "A night under the stars" was held in the fellowship hall Feb. 14.
Shafter, Calif.-"Beneath the Shanghai Moon" was the theme of a Valentine's dinner Feb. 10. The meal was catered by Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant. A family skate night was held Jan. 21.
Wichita, Kan. (United at the Cross)-A Valentine's banquet was held Feb. 14. Following a meal of charcoal-grilled steak, the movie "A Walk to Remember· was shown.
Bakersfield. Calif. (Heritage)-A men's retreat was held Feb. 2B-
March 2. The speaker for the weekend was Duff Rowden and activities included snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, fishing, skiing and fireside reading.
Buhler, Kan.-Women's Ministries sponsored an afternoon cooking class Jan. 11 in which participants learned the art of zwieback and pie baking. The class concluded with a light meal.
Ministry
Bakersfield, Calif. (Laurelglen)-
A team of six women traveled to France Feb. 7-18 to serve missionary families through the children's program at their winter retreat in eastern France.
Enid, Okla.-The Jay Edwards family was commissioned Jan. 5 for missionary service in Brazil. In other happenings, the Outreach Ministry Team made some changes to its visitation ministry. On a weekly basis, visitation teams deliver EMB coffee mugs filled with peppernuts baked by volunteers in the congregation to those guests who attended a regular service. People who visit in connection with a special event are visited by members ofthe cookie visitation committee.
Sioux Falls, S.D. (Uncoln Hills)Child Evangelism Fellowship has been given permission to hold Good News Clubs in five Sioux Falls public elementary schools beginning in late January. Churches have been invited to adopt one of the schools and to provide helpers and snacks for the after-school Bible studies. LHBC has adopted Jefferson Elementary School.
Bakersfield, Calif. (Heritage)Three high schoolers plan to participate in a short-term missions trip to Manila. A group of nine teens, adult sponsors and leader Jojo Culaniban will offer a vacation Bible school experience in Manila April 10-26.
Clovis, Calif. (College)-Jonas and Eleonore Muyima, co-pastors of a Mennonite Brethren congre-
gation in Kinshasa, Congo, are leading Sunday evening Frenchlanguage worship services. The Muyimas came to the U.S. so that Eleonore could pursue a master's degree in Peace and Conflict Studies at Fresno Pacific University. The French worship services began on Thanksgiving Sunday 2002. The couple reports to the congregation's Outreach Commission for support in their ministry.
TeachingiNurture
Fairview, Okla.-8rad Vogel, associate professor of choral music at Tabor College, led a worship workshop Feb. 15 for individuals who currently participate in or who would like to participate in the congregation's music and worship ministry.
Hillsboro, Kan. (Parkview)- Jon Wiebe of MB Foundation taught the Good Sense Budget Workshop Feb. 8.
Bakersfield, Calif. (Heritage)Local speaker Sue Sabaloni shared the mornings of Jan. 23 and 30 with moms of the congregation about a solution to keeping one's life in control. She shared how the concept of "margins" has made a difference in her life.
Mountain Lake, Minn. (Community Bible)-Herb Schroeder was the guest speaker for the morning worship service Jan. 26. Schroeder, of Sioux Falls, S.D. and a former MB pastor, gave the first presentation from a series of life issues seminars. Schroeder is currently a counselor with UPLIFT seminars (Understanding Principals for living in Freedom Today) and presented this seminar at the most recent Central District Conference convention.
UttIeton. Colo. (Belleview)-Jon Wiebe, president of MB Foundation, gave an evening seminar Jan. 17 that highlighted the services and ministries of MBF and reviewed tax-wise strategies for generosity. The senior adult group that sponsored the seminar served
Worship
Marshall, Ark. (Martin Box)Marty Haggard, son offamous country singer Merle Haggard, is scheduled to share with the congregation March 16.
Bellingham, Wash. (Community Bible)-MBMS International missionaries Craig and Bridget Hallman were scheduled to spend the week of March 2 in Bellingham. The couple shared during the morning worship service March 2 and spent time during the week visiting with small groups from CBe. The Hallmans were recently asked to evacuate their home in Pakistan due to safety concerns.
Weatherford, Okla. (Pine Acres)-The congregation hosted a prayer gathering Jan. 19 in cooperation with another local congregation. The guest speaker and prayer leader was Ed D. Kleiman, prayer coordinator for a branch of International Messengers of Clear Lake, Iowa. Kleiman's life changed away from drugs, alcohol and sexual immorality in 1994 because of the prayers of his friends and since
then Kleiman has taught about prayer.
New Hope, Minn.-Nadine Friesen, former Hillsboro (Kan.) MB Church pastoral staff member, was the morning speaker Jan. 12.
Workers
Freeman, S.D.-Pastor Will Fadenrecht has begun serving as pastor of both Freeman MB congregations on a trial basis. Since Dec. 1, 2002, and at the request of Silver Lake Church, Fadenrecht, pastor of Salem MB Church, has preached at a 9:30 a.m. worship service at Silver Lake and then at 10:30 a.m. at Salem. Fadenrecht says the arrangement has prompted lay leaders in both congregations to take on more responsibility in the morning worship service.
Youth
Ferndale, Wash. (Good News)Youth pastor John Andres has organized prayer partners for all students and adults from the congregation who will be attending Estes 2003, the national MB youth convention held March 22-25. Vol-
unteers were asked to pray for their partner prior to the convention as we" as during the weekend.
BeJ/ingham, Wash. (Community Bible)-Children in the congregation began practicing Feb. 16 for their mini-Easter musical "The Easter Basket. "
Yale, S.D. (Bethel)-A Bethel Leadership Scholarship was recently awarded to Tiffany Stahl to assist in the cost of her January cross-cultural trip to Malaysia and Thailand. Stahl participated in a Tabor College January travel and study tour that visited various Christian churches and mission efforts, including MBMS International's Team 2000, throughout Southeast Asia.
Deaths
BRAUN, DAVID, Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was born June 21, 1913, to Isaac A. and Margaret Braun, and died Jan. 15, 2003. He was married to Mary Grunau, who predeceased him. He is survived by his sons Arlo, Barry and Phil.
FROESE, JOHN, San Jose, Calif., was born July 4, 1917, in the Ukraine to Abram A. and Marguereta Froese and died Oct. 25, 2002, at the age of 85.On June 25, 1944, he was married to Helen R. Kroeker, who survives. He is also survived by three sons, Melvyn and wife Vicki of Fresno, Calif., Arnold and wife Carol Ann of Sterling, Kan., and Bob and wife Sheila of San Jose; one daughter, Carol and husband Jerry Nicolet of San Jose, 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
KYLE, BRYAN, Denver, Colo., of Garden Park MB Church, was born at Newton, Kan., to Richard and Joyce Kyle and died Nov. 27, 2002, at the age of 29 due to leukemia. On Sept. 15,2001, he was married to Sharon, who survives. He is also survived by his parents and one brother, Brent.
PANKRATZ. WALTER GEORGE, Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was born Jan. 2, 1903, near Hillsboro, Kan., to G.M. and Katherina Wiens Pankratz continued on page 35
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Clearinghouse
Have a position to fill? Looking for a new employment or ministry opportunity? Have a gathering or celebration to promote? Reach U.S Mennonite Brethren through a Clearinghouse classified ad. The charge is 53 cents per word, with a $15 minimum. Withhold payment until an invoice is received. MB institutions advertising vacancies or position announcements may be eligible for a no-cost ad. Contact the editor for more information.
EMPLOYMENT--CHURCH
Pastor of children and family ministries
The Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church (Kansas) is seeking a full-time person to provide pastoral care, counsel, and leadership in the development and maintenance of programs, curriculum, volunteer recruitment and training, and community outreach related to children and family ministries (birth- grade 6). Hillsboro MB is a vital church in a wonderful community seeking to express our faith in love. Please send resumes to Allen Hiebert, Search Committee Chair, 104 S. Washington, Hillsboro, Kan. 67063. For a complete ministry description, contact the church office at (620) 9473144 or e-mail baporter@dtnspeed.net
EMPLOYMENT-MISCELLANEOUS
Cross-culturalleadership positions
Is God calling you to use your leadership abilities, management skills and two or more years of cross-cultural experience to serve others through MCC? This year MCC needs people to provide leadership to MCC programs in Europe and West Africa and to programs in Congo, Sudan, Somalia, Angola and Rwanda/Burundi. In 2004, MCC will need leaders in Nicaragua, Uganda, lebanon, Kenya, Russia/Ukraine, the Philippines and Washington, DC. Also in 2004, MCC will need a director for its Visitor Exchange Program. Plan ahead. Apply now. Contact Charmayne Brubaker, Human Resources, (717) 859-1151, cdb@mcc.org or your nearest MCC office for job descriptions and more information about these upcoming MCC leadership openings. Application review begins March 2003.
Director of Computer Services
Mennonite Central Committee is seeking applicants for the full-time position of Director of Computer Services in Akron, PA. Qualifications include solid skills in Netware, Windows, Linux, information systems analysis, design and computer programming; the ability to supervise and determine priorities for computer services staff and budget, in consultation with pertinent departments; and the ability to work with people in scattered MCC offices to develop coherent plans for open sharing of data. As all MCC personnel, this person also needs to be a
UKRAINE
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MAY 01-18
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ECUADOR Nov. 28-DEC. 14 $1400
Subject to additions and changes. Additional campaigns may be approved pending funding. Tuition totals include flights from a major city center. Costs to city center are responsibility of participant.
Christian, active church member and committed to nonviolent peacemaking. Contact Charmayne Brubaker, MCC, (717) 859-1151,
continued from page 34 and died Jan. 17,2003, at the age of 100. On July 12,1925, he was married to lena Schwab, who died May 12,1991. He is survived by four children, Dorothy Monroe of las Vegas, Nev., Walter and wife JoAnne of San Diego, Calif., Helen and husband Bill Stewart of Kingsburg, Calif.; and Gerald and wife lynn of Stockton, 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 2 greatgreat grandchildren.
WIEBE, CLARENCE R., Reedley, Calif., was
cdb@mcc.org or your nearest MCC office for a copy of the job description and application form. Application review begins April 7.•
born June 1, 1915, at Janzen, Neb., to Peter H. and lena Wiebe and died Jan. 27, 2003, at the age of 88. In 1944 he was married to Grace Warkentin, who predeceased him. He is survived by one brother, Allen and wife Linda; one sister, Helen and husband Carl Dahl; one sister-in-law, Ruby Wiebe-Warkentin; one nephew, Bob Wiebe; two nieces, Jeanette Cook and Beverly Christman; two great nephews, Ryan Blodgett and James Christman; one great niece, Michelle Blodgett, and one greatgreat niece, Kayla Blodgett .•
DIscIple MaIdng JntemationaI
Keeping my eye on Jesus
I'VE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT vocations and calling in the last two years. As most of you know, my tenure as editor ends . in a few weeks. This decision has it roots in my move to Alabama almost two years ago to take advantage of a job opportunity for my husband. With no MB church in Alabama and local church involvement a high priority for my position, my husband and I knew the move--especially if we stayed permanently-might mean the end of my job as editor.
I began to reflect quite a bit on jobs and calling. Was I called to this position? What did that mean? Was God calling me to another job? If so, what?
The answers I found, however, weren't the ones I expected. As usual, God led me on a different path, marked by several key revelations .
• Identity and work. I didn't realize until I examined my own attitudes how much our culture defines our identity by our jobs. One of the flISt questions we ask when we meet someone is, "What do you do?" While the question seems innocent, I wonder if it doesn't harbor something deeper.
For me, that question became increasingly uncomfortable. Soon I would not have the same answer as before. What if I had no answer? What if I no longer worked at all? Who would I be then? How would people perceive me? The questions themselves revealed how much I had intertwined my identity with what I did during my working hours-and how much that influenced my faith.
God began leading me on a journey of shedding this identity and many others I carried with me. In time, I realized that my identity isn't tied to what I do but to who I am: a child of God. My job is just one gift or opportunity God uses to work through me in order to bring about his will and glory. Rather than being defined by my roles and responsibilities during the week, I am actually just a steward of them. In reality, it is God-and my relationship with him-that defines me.
• Calling to a way of life. Soon after I moved to Alabama, I had a 10-minute church courtyard conversation with a pastor. I confessed my confusion and anxiety about my tenuous situation and my fear that I would not find another job with so much fulfillment and joy. She listened quietly and then shared a bit about her own journey. She talked about sensing a larger, more undefined calling than her role as pastor-a drive to make a difference and help people experience the transformation Jesus promises. Being a pastor was a way to do that.
That was a pivotal conversation for me. It dawned on me that my job was not the goal or sole call of my life but only a
means or a part of a larger calling. I share that pastor's burden. I want to help people understand that faith is not a part of life-it is our life. I want people to know the freedom Jesus brings. Understanding that my job as editor (or any other job, for that matter) was a means to help people toward that freedom took a lot of the anxiety and fear away. God could use any job-or lack of job-to further that calling. Bringing people to Jesus and helping them as they journey toward transformation can happen no matter what our job or whether we work or not. That day, my world expanded more toward the way God sees it, I suspect
• Freedom to really live. From these two revelationsand others along the way-I've begun to experience a freedom and focus I've never known.
Several Scriptures settled into my heart, and I return to them frequently. In Philippians, Paul writes "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 3:13-14). The Message says, "I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onwardto Jesus." In Galatians, Paul writes about the freedom to live God's way, free of comparing ourselves to others. "We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original" (Gal. 5:25-26 Message).
When I keep my eye on Jesus and remember I am an original and gifted child of God, peace and excitement grow. I lift the lid off the box of expectation of how God can use me-my job or otherwise-and the world opens up. I listen more to God. I walk in the real world rather than fight it. I suddenly see the needs of others and want to respond. I move out of myself and into God's story.
That doesn't mean it's painless to give up a job that has brought so much fulfillment and joy. It takes the ability to walk by faith rather than Sight-to operate according to an unseen reality versus the one our culture throws at us everyday. It takes walking after God rather than my own desires, cravings and selfishness. And it is only by his grace, his gift of life, that I can do it.
So, what is God calling me to? An unending relationship with him. Is he calling me to another job? Maybe, but I now believe he can use me anywhere. I feel the freedom to wait for opportunities-be they jobs, ministry or simple acts of service or worship. God calls me to take the lid off expectation and do the "creative best you can with your own life" (Gal. 6:4-5 Message). And the only way I can do that is to keep my eye on Jesus.-CA
