19 > Addicted 22 > Seed money blossoms 23 > The man who laid the golden envelope 24 > Millard Bible celebrates Passover
25 > MB educator asked to leave China 26 > Urgent call for assistance in Kenya 26 > Voices from the violence
> Mozambique receives MCC shipment
FEATURES [Passionate spirituality]
8 EASTER MEDITATION: THE RESURRECTION SONG by Elmer Martens
"Up from the grave he arose, " we sing. These words affirm that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is a global and cosmic event. They also remind us that Easter Sunday celebrates my future
12 CAN YOU KEEP A SECRET? by Kevin Johnson
Are you an "approval addict?" Do you want to be noticed? Do you worry about what other people think of you? If you would like to be free of the need to seek approval and to impress, consider the spiritual discipline of secrecy, a practice that Jesus commanded and one that we often forget
14 THE NEW OLD SPIRITUALITY by Tim Neufeld
Why are young adults drawn to ancient spiritual ways of praying and reading the Bible? Its because people who have grown up in a postmodern culture are committed to Jesus Christ but not the modern North American church . It's because these practices help all of us understand the transformational power of God and draw US into his presence.
17 COMING CLEAN by Jan Johnson
We may agree with the old saying that confession is good for the soul, but we draw the line at confessing our sins to someone other than God. Yet, there are reasons why confessing our sins to someone we trust is important. Being accountable to another person can help us find reasonable and practical steps to overcome sin.
> FiRST WORDS
(from the ed i t or ]
JOURNALISTS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE OBJECTIVE. WE ARE taught in Journalism 101 to stay emotionally outside the story, observing, asking questions, recording facts It helps keep reporting accurate and balanced. But sometimes that objectivity is difficult to maintain I can point to many articles I've written for the Leader that have changed my thinking, challenged my faith or brought people into my life whom 111 always hold dear. This month's news article on page 19 is one of those.
Last spring. when we were asking around for examples of churches who are reaching out to their communities in creative ways for our August "Transforming" issue, we learned that The Bridge Bible Church in Bakersfield, Calif., was nying something we'd never heard of: They were giving money to each of their small groups with the challenge to invest it to bring Jesus'love to their community. Naturally, my journalist's eats perked up.
Although we didn't include The Bridge in our "Transforming" issue, I've kept in touch with The Bridge off and on over the last year and have had the chance to listen to some of the stories as these small groups rose to the challenge, investing both financially and personally in their community.
It's been hard to remain objective as I hear how God is using their efforts to ttansform not only the community but also the hearts of those doing the investing. I find myself looking at my own church, my own small group and my own family, asking what more we could be doing to invest in the lives of the people around us.
One of the small group members, Les Pearsey, compares passion for missional work to an "infection for good" passed from one person to another. "You do it, you enjoy doing it, you see lives affected for Christ, and all that does is pass the passion on," he says.
Maybe I'm not a bad journalist; maybe I've just been "infected." Maybe a desire to be in the story, not outside of it, is a natural reaction when a Christianjournalist or not-sees God at work We promised back in August that we would continue to report on churches that were working to transform their communities. This month youll find two more examplesThe Bridge and North Park Community Church. Maybe these stories will infect you, too.-MH
> QUOTABLE
Women in first-century Jewish culture were not given credibility in a court of law; their testimony was not considered reliable. So why (do the Gospel writers) say that women discovered the tomb empty, even though it hurts their case in the view of their audience? I believe it's because they were trying to accurately record what actually took place.-Lee Strobel, Beliefnet interview
> UP & COMING
• March 31-April2 - National Pastors' Orientation, Tempe, Ariz.
• April 18-19-U.S. Conference Leadership Board meeting and MB Leadership Summit, Denver, Colo.
• July 23-25 - National Pastors' Conference, Wichita, Kan
• July 25-27 - U.S. Conference convention, Hillsboro, Kan.
Co
nnie Faber
EDITOR
My ra Holme s ASSISTANT ED ITOR
Elai ne Ewe rt GRAPHIC DESIGNER
MANDATE Th e Ch r is tian Leade r (t SSN 00 09- 5149) i s pu bli shed m onth l y by t he U S. Co nfere n ce of Menn on i t e Bre th re n Chur che s The Ch r istian Lea der seeks to inform Menn onite Brethren mem be r s and chur ches of th e events acti vit i es. decis io ns and i ss ues of th eir denomi nati on. and to instr ud i nspire and ini t ia t e dia l ogu e so m embe rs will aspire t o be faithful dis ci ples of Chri s t as understo od in th e evang el ica VAna ba pti st th eolo gica l t ra dit ion
ED ITORIAL POLI CYThe view s expre ssed in thi s pu bl icat ion do not necess ari ly repre sen t the pos it ion of th e Ch ris t ian Leader t he U S Conference Le ad ersh ip Board or t he Mennoni t e Br eth ren Chu rc h . Scri ptu re r efere nc es are fr om New Inte rnatio nal Version unle ss oth erwise not ed Th e ed i to rs invit e freel ance arti cle submissi on s. A SAS E mu st accom pany art i cles
READ ER PARTIC IPATION The editors invite read er s to share t heir t hought s and opin i ons on top ics relevant to the Mennonit e Breth re n Church usi ng l etters t o t he ed it or an d Foru m ess ays Letters to t he ed itor should be brief - 300 words or less-and on one subjec t. Le tter s must be si gned and inclu de th e write r"s ci ty and st at e Letters w ill be ed ited for clarity. approp ria tene ss and leng th Lett ers will be pu bli shed as space allow s. unless marked Not for publi catio n - Foru m i s open to mem ber s or attendees of Menno nite Bre th ren chu rc hes. Essays sh ould not exceed 800 w ord s and sh ould incl ud e th e w riter's nam e. addre ss home churc h and occupat ion
COMMUN ICATION All co rrespo nden ce in cl udi ng chang e of address. should be add ressed to the Chris t ia n Leader Box 220 Hillsboro KS 67063
Pho ne : 620 - 947- 5543 Fax : 620- 947- 326 6 E- mai l : chris ti anlea der filu smb org
SUBSCRI PTION S $18 fo r one year $34 fo r two yea rs and $ 50 for th ree yea rs ($ 30 $ 58 $86 in Cana da ; all other count rie s $50 for on e year ): $ 1 50 per copy
MEMBERSHIP Th e Chr is t ian Leader i s a m embe r of th e Eva ng eli cal Pr ess Associ ation and Meet inghou se an associa tion of Mennoni te an d Bre th ren in Chri st ed ito rs.
POS TMASTER Se nd add ress change s t o th e Chris t ia n Lea der. Box 220 Hillsboro KS 6706 3
Per iodicals posta ge pai d at Hillsbor o Kan sas
Groupies
When being a groupie makes spiritual sense
The book was a Christmas gift, and the title was absolutely captivating. The author, AJ. Jacobs, is a guy I'd never heard of . Apparently A.J. is a successful writer, as his other title listed on the cover is The Know It All. This rime he wrires The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible. It gets even more interesting:
A.J.'s day job is editor -atlarge of ESQUIRE , a magazine for which I have
With increasing frequency and passion, one critique of the western world in which we are living includes a well -placed punch in the nose of our individualistic way of thinking, deciding and relating . It is not hard to verify that we each are accustomed to wanting (and often getting) whatever it is we want, wherever and whenever we want it. We have gotten used to it, and it serves us well.
\Vith increasing frequency and one critique of the world in which we are living includes a well-placed punch in the nose or our individualistic way of thinking, deciding relating.
not had and will not have a subscription. He also writes for the likes of The New York Times and NPR's Weekend Edition.
SO AJ . is no literary slouch. Neither is he religious, something he makes clear at the outset. He describes himself as secular. Because he is increasingly interested in the relevance of faith in our modem world , he dives into his quest to live like the Bible instructs-literally and truly. From this perspective it's proving to be a fun read, even quire hilarious at times. It's not your usual guy with long hair and full beard in a "dress," traversing New York telling the plain and absolute truth rather than politically correct lies.
Why do I bring this up? It is because yesterday I was reading about his time in Jerusalem While in Jerusalem A J discovers what he describes as a "disturbing point." He is a "stranger in a strange land .in a city where everyone belongs to his or her own gated spiritual community." He references the fact that Christians, Muslims and Jews are all intersecting "on the same street," and then he adds that he feels like he is trying to "fly solo on a route that was specifically designed for a crowd."
Then the zinger: AJ. writes that one of his spiritual advisors (he has chosen several for his yearlong adventure) tells him, 'The people of the Bible were groupies. You did what the group did; you observed the customs of your group. Only the crazy Europeans came up with the idea of individualism. So what you are doing is a modem phenomenon ."
But is that how Jesus wants it to be among us? Does that lifestyle grow out of the biblical record of the Acts of the Apostles or Scriptural counsel at large? Should we be more like groupies? People who hang together, think together and discern together, decide together, evaluate together and commit to holding togetherness together as a highest value? Counting the "one another's" in the New Testament, we can conclude that it matters a lot Reading how Jesus himself spends so much time and energy with his disciples invites us to conclude that being together is a high priority for him Observing how the early church leaders collaborate and communicate in the pursuit of wisdom and insight is instructive.
I've not finished the book so I'm not sure yet how AJ:s experiment will tum out There are hopeful signs and also reason for grave concerns. I'm hopeful that Jesus himself will stop A J. in his tracks. It was fun, however, to bump into the "advice" of the religion professor from Seton Hall University. While I hadn't thought of it before in those terms , it seems entirely spiritually sensible to me to aim at being less European and more groupie.
It may well be that one of the reasons this paragraph hooked me is because we as Anabaptist believers describe ourselves as the kind of folks who understand family and value being a covenant community and the process of discerning and deciding together. I hope this is still true of us. It will, no doubt, make Jesus proud if we are his groupies.
LAMB Conference meets for convention
Mother and daughter churches host annual event
The Latin America MB Conference, a district of eight congregations in South Texas with a total of 310 members, held its annual convention Feb. 2-3. About 250 members attended the all-church rally Sunday morning hosted by Grulla MB Church, La Grulla, Texas. Casa de Oracion, located in Rio Grande City and a daughter congregation of Grulla MB, hosted the Saturday morning business session.
The Sunday worship service was held at the La Grulla Middle School cafeteria The Grulla congregation recently began utilizing the school, located next to the church, to accommodate the growing attendance at LAMB Conference all-church events. Miguel Infante, pastor of an MB church across the border in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, was the speaker. Infante addressed the convention theme, "Called to proclaim," taken from 1 Peter 2:9. The service also included congregational singing and worship and comments from convention guests Ed Boschman, U.S. Conference executive director, Don Morris, Mission USA director, and Craig Jost of MBMS International.
The Grulla congregation, pastored by Aaron Hernandez, provided children's activities for about 75 kids
at their facility next door. The children, through sixth grade, participated in Grulla MB's children's ministry called "Living Inside Out." The children had a time of worship , enjoyed interactive Bible stories and participated in activities designed to help them connect the biblical story with everyday life.
The convention concluded Sunday with a catered fellowship meal.
Saturday business sessions included a financial review from each congregation and the conference. The new president of the LAMB Conference is Joe Cabrera; he succeeds Chui Chapa. - LAMB
National Pastors' Orientation set for this month
Pastoral staff members who are new to the U.S. Mennonite Brethren family and their spouses are invited to the National Pastors' Orientation, formerly called the New Pastors' Orientation, March 31-April 2 at the Fiesta Resort Conference Center in Tempe, Ariz
Scheduled events will give artendees a chance to learn about U.S. Conference purpose and structure, understand MB beliefs and history and be introduced to leaders from various ministry partners, such as the mission agency, seminary and foundation.
The schedule includes time for relaxation and relationship-building and a "special fun event "
Attendees will also get a sneak peek at strategic initiatives from the USC Leadership Board The USC plans to cover the cost of two nights' lodging and some meals and is encouraging churches and districts to help defray travel costs to make the orientation financially accessible For more information, contact USC executive director Ed Boschman at ebed@usmb.org or 661549- 6021.
MCC responds to Gaza crisis
AShortage of fuel and power in the Gaza Strip is driving up food prices, medicine and other basic necessities needed to survive, says Daryl Byler, MCC representative based in Amman, Jordan. Many items are now completely unavailable in Gaza or too expensive for many families, he adds.
Mennonite Central Commirtee, the peace, relief and service agency of North American Mennonites, is responding to this crisis by providing $25,000 in emergency assistance to buy food, blankets and warm winter clothing for 180 of Gaza's most vulnerable households in the Khan Yunis Refugee Camp and Gaza City.
Food and supplies will be purchased locally by MCC's long-standing partner organizations in Gaza and distributed to families selected by these local organizations.
Purchasing locally, Byler says, is not an optimal solution because severe shortages already exist in the Gaza Strip
but it is the only workable solution at this point.
'This plan is a stopgap measure to keep the situation for households in Khan Yunis and Gaza City from declining further," says Byler. 'The political situation in Gaza must change in order for sustainable improvements to take place."
Israel has blockaded the impoverished Gaza Strip since Hamas defeated the Fatah Party last June. In response to rocket attacks by Hamas, the Israeli government stepped up the economic blockade Jan. 17 by not allowing fuel into the Gaza Strip, home to more than 1.5 million people.
Israeli human rights groups challenged the sanctions, but an Israeli court ruling Jan. 30 upheld the government's decision to slash fuel and electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip.
Due to the current insecurity, MCC workers are not living in Gaza but visit the region and are in close communication with partner organizations.-MCC
MWC Assembly 15 theme emphasizes unity, service
IlIhl c ome together in the way of Jesus Christ" has been selected as the theme for Mennonite World Conference Assembly IS, to be held in Asuncion, Paraguay in July 2009. The theme is based on Philippians 2:I-II, the Scripture passage chosen as the foundation of the global assembly. Themes of unity and service rose to the top of a long list of ideas from around the world that were considered by the executive committee and the program committee when they met in Asuncion in August 2007.
'The theme of 'unity' is reflected most explicitly in the first words: 'Come together,'" says Larry Miller, MWC general secretary. 'The 'way of Jesus Christ' points to the description in Philippians 2 of how to come together,
that is, as a servant of one another and of all." Miller says, 'The 'way' also points to the core New Testament value, in an Anabaptist perspective, of discipleship... as described in Philippians 2."
MWC is a global fellowship of Anabaptist-related churches, of which Mennonite Brethren conferences around the world are members. In Paraguay, there are 55 MB congregations and over 4,300 Mennonite Brethren, organized into two national MB conferences-one a Germanspeaking immigrant group and the other Spanish-speaking First Nations conference. Representatives of these two MB groups are part of the 25-member National Coordinating Council, charged with on -site planning.-MWC
MDS RESPONDING TO TORNADOES
Mennonite Disaster Service, the disaster response agency of North American Mennonites, is responding to a series of deadly tornadoes that swept five Southern U.S. states Feb 5. One location where MDS local and regional units are active is Gassville, Ark., where MDS Region 11\ directors Wilbur and Mary Litwiller directed early cleanup efforts with more than 70 local MDS volunteers. MDS also investigated the damage in Ash Flat, several miles east of Gassville. The tornado hit in the rural area, east of the town, where there is reportedly a lot of tree damage but not nearly as much as in Gassville.-MDS
AUTHORS DONATE ROYALTIES
Donald B. Kraybill, Steve Nolt, and David Weaver-Zercher, authors of the book, Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy, donated initial royalties to Mennonite Central Committee Nolt's article on the same topic, "Amish forgiveness ...and the rest of us," appeared in the February Christian Leader The donation will benefit children suffering because of poverty, war or natural disaster. The book, about the roots of the Amish understanding of Christian forgiveness, was prompted by the Oct. 2, 2006, shooting at an Amish schoolhouse in Nickel Mine, Pa., and subsequent media coverage of the forgiveness extended by the Amish community. According to Kraybill, the authors did not wish to profit from the tragedy; conversations with Amish families prompted their decision to donate the royalties.-MCC
The resurrection song
Low in the grave he lay-Jesus my Savior! Waiting the coming day-Jesus my Lord!
Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph o'er his foes; He arose a victor from the dark domain, And he lives forever with his saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
More than 20 years ago Phyllis and I were visiting our daughter in Luzhou, Sichuan Province. Frances was teaching English in a medical college under the auspices of the China Education Exchange program. Luzhou had just opened to foreigners after decades of Communist closed-door policy. Whenever they went out, Frances and her mend, Mary, amacted considerable attention because they were Caucasian.
On a Sunday morning the four of us went to a church service held in a large stone structure, a Christian church established by Methodist missionaries in the 1950S prior to Communist takeover. The congregation of some 20 persons was swallowed up, so it seemed, in the large sanctuary. Youth were conspicuously absent, though we did meet a middle-aged university professor.
The aged cleric, attired in black robes and a colorful stole, could not locate the Scripture due to his dimmed eyesight. As he fumbled and the audience waited, an assistant came to his aid. Strumming her autoharp, a 60- or 70-year-old woman led the congregational singing of mostly traditional western hymns from the 1950S. One of the songs they sang with patticular fervor (in Chinese, of course) was Up from the Grave He Arose, and this song remains in my memory.
A global celebration
On Easter a year later we found ourselves in Kikwit, Congo, having come by car from Kinshasa via the only paved road in the country. It was a rainy Sunday morning in the city, the headquatters of the Congolese Mennonite Brethren church. As I recall, the service, set to begin at 9:30 or so, did not begin until close to II a.m. Eventually there was an audience of hundreds.
Three choirs took their turn: a men's choir, a youth choir and a women's choir, each seeking to outdo the other in volume. With great vigor and movement, the women's choir sang a song likely composed by one of them: 'Who will roll the stone away? God the Father will!" Then the congregation sang. The same words and same melody was being sung not by light-skinned Chinese as the year before but by darkskinned Congolese. My voice joins with my African sisters and brothers as together we proclaim the resurrection message: "Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph o'er his foes; He arose a victor "
Another year passes . I am invited to preach the Easter message at Lincoln Glen MB Church, San Jose, Calif. A large wooden cross from a pageant given earlier in the week is still on the platform. Before long, Larry Albright leads the congregation in the old Easter hymn: "Low in the grave he lay .. .. " I choke up. This message from
angels attending a garden tomb near Jerusalem is no longer for private consumption, if it ever was. From three continentsAsia, Aftica and Notth America - this same good news rings clear: "Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph o'er his foes; He arose a victor."
The ultimate claim
Last spring I was asked to share a meditation at our church's Easter sunrise service held at the home of a family from the congregation. We enjoyed the morning in an outdoor rural setting. munched on Easter bread and waited for the rising of the sun over the Sierra mountain peaks.
That morning I spoke from Colossians 1:15-18. Here Paul speaks of the preeminence of Christ. Christ is "the firstborn over all creation.... He is before all things.... (He is ) the firstborn from among the dead." Jesus Christ is often regarded historically as the founder of the Christian religion, though strictly speaking he is not. Jesus is the culmination of God's redemptive revelation inaugurated already before Abraham.
But to the extent that Jesus Christ is the major figure in Christianity, one can compare him with other religions and their founders. In a pluralistic age such comparisons are inevitable. Last winter I visited India, a country intent on maintaining the Hindu religion. Hinduism has its myths of glorious heroes, though it does not have a single founder. In India the constant accusation is that Christianity is a foreign religion. "But," I ask,
"given who Christ is , namely the firstborn of all creation, which is the 'foreign' religion? " Not Ch ristianity, but Hinduism!
Buddhism reveres Gautama Buddha. This individual, a human like us, was "enlightened" under a banyan tree 500 years before Christ . Many good things can be found in this belief system, as a Buddhist professor expla ined to our Nonh Fresno Church class on world religions. Yet the credentials for Gautama Buddha, however notable, pa le in the presence of Jesus Christ, the resurrected one. The same can be said for Confucius and for Mohammed.
The Quran is correct in describing Jesus as prophet, but he is more. Through the resurrection, Jesus was vindicated as God by God . Above the clamor of religious claims the world over, let the word ring out that Jesus Christ is God . " Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph o'er his foes; He arose a victor."
A cosmic event
Beyond the global context and the world's religious context, consider the cosmic context of the resurrection. On Good Friday, the sun refused to shine. For three hours there was, humanly speaking, an upset in the cosmic order. Then came an eanhquake Observing the reaction of nature and the cosmos, the Roman centurion concludes, "Surely, this man was the Son of God!" (Mark 15:39).
Three days later there is another convulsion of nature, another eanhquake. The stone is rolled away Angels sit at the entrance and announce: "He is not here " The death of Jesus was a cosmic event. Some 30 years earlier, angels from the heavens announced the binh of
Jesus: "To you is born a Savior. " Now following his death, they come from the heavens again to declare: "He is not here, but has risen " The song has it right. "Up from the grave he arose, with a triumph o'er his foes; He arose a victor."The celebration of Christ's resurrection is a cosmic affair.
My celebration
Within a year of that Easter sunrise service, we stood at a graveside in Skippack, Pa., as the body of Paul Hieben, my wife's brother, was lowered below the snow-covered eanh into the grave The message, repeated over the centuries, was again spoken. As the Apostolic Creed has it: "I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic (universal) church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sin; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting."
The preacher assured us, as we already know in our hearts, that resurrection awaits Paul - not only him but all who believe In hard times it is reassuring to hear again the strains of the song: "Up from the grave he arose a victor and he lives forever Hallelujah! Christ arose!"
The celebration of Christ's resurrection has become profoundly personal.
Elmer A. Martens is president emeritus of MB Biblical Seminary, headquartered in Fresno, Calif
COMMON MUS N G S
Pit bulls, bad knees and neighborliness
What is the price for personal safety?
When psychologist Abraham Maslow came up with his hierarchy of human needs, he said humans value personal safety, which includes food, shelter and other things needed for survival. above all other things. Politicians bank on this idea, promising in various ways to meet this first of Maslow's hierarchy of needs. I have never disputed it, but felt that I had moved way up the hierarchy to its ultimate, self-actualization That was before my knee blew out.
I am in the top five percentile height and weight-
problem Did this make my neighbors happy? No, it did not What would you have done? I teach peacemaking, so I should be good at this kind of thing
The wife of the neighbor household rang my bell and shrieked at me for awhile. She was very unhappy that I had informed the authorities that she had left young children unattended, never mind the pit bull, which was very loving, she said.
So now what? The next morning another neighbor informed me that someone had stuffed a potato up the tailpipe of
Now came the ethical que-;tion: should I do given ;.1 dog of a known breed had just me in my own was loose 1n the with the young children of its owners? the car we park in the driveway It was harder than one might think
wise and have only feared for my persona' safety when people approached me with guns, something that has happened too often for my taste. Neither have I feared dogs, having grown up with them and having had a 90pound Akita living in my house. That all changed recently when my neighbors had the wisdom to buy a pit bull puppy and let it play outside with their young children, even in their absence
When it was a young puppy I would play with it to get acquainted. It didn't have to get very old before it changed its attitude toward me. A few days ago my knee went out with what I know is a tom meniscus cartilage, having had the same experience 20 years ago with its twin. One doesn't forget that feeling
Shot full of anti-inflammatories, I was working in the garage, carefully, when the dog raced in and adopted the aggressive posture dog lovers do not associate with play. The dog was between all my long-handled tools and me. The neighbor's young children were home alone and had no influence on the dog, except to lure it away, whereupon I closed the garage door, very frightened by my diminished physical abilities to deal with the threat.
Now came the ethical question: What should I do given that a dog of a known aggressive breed had just challenged me in my own garage and was loose in the street with the young children of its owners? I asked the children if either of their parents were home, and they said no. I called the police who efficiently handled the
to remove. A sprinkler head was also broken off, but that happens all the time.
How does one deal with such everyday problems? Courses in conflict resolution break things down so neatly, with no consideration for the surrounding issues or personalities . In this case it would cettainly have been best for me to speak with the neighbors about the dog's increasingly aggressive tendencies. That not being immediately possible, what was my duty to the rest of my neighbors? I chose to protect the rest of my neighbors at the risk of harming the relationship with this particular household. I don't say that gladly, because it assumes approval of my choice.
Conflict resolution is all about choice, the choice to wait for the right moment, the choice of when to use ourside authority and the choice of when to act We don't sit in the clouds watching human evenrs; we are patt of the drama. We can train our impulses, we can learn about processes that work, but when it comes down to personal choices, we can't be sure whether or not we are right All we can do is prepare ourselves and hope for the best.
Duane Ruth-Heffelbower directs the graduate academic programs in peacemaking and conflict studies at Fresno Pacific University. This essay was circulated by Scholars Speak, Fresno Pacific University's weekly offering of publication-ready short articles, written by faculty and staff, backed by research and concerned with issues of importance to our community Rod Janzen , FPU senior scholar, directs the program , and articles are sent from the university Communications Office.
Can you keep a secret?
How the discipline of secrecy can keep you from being swept away in the ever-changing ocean of others' opinions
MAy I CONFESS SOMEI'HING? I CAN BE SIGNIF1CAN1LY affected by what others think of me. Significantly affected. What others say can make or break a day for me. As such, I often find that I keep close tabs on others' opinions. The fact of the matter is that I am too dependent on the approval of others. Maybe you can relate.
This dependency starts young As children we do anything to get a pat on the back or to get a sticker to add to the chart on the fridge. As we get older this addiction to approval seems to become further ingrained. During the teenage years we act cool, sport some attitude and wear trendy clothes because we long for the approval of our peers. Once we hit adulthood the addiction really sets in. We
are cettain spiritual disciplines that are panicularly helpful in weaning the human heart of its dependency on the approval of others. One such discipline is referred to as the spiritual practice of secrecy. This is not a well-known discipline yet it is rather straightforward.
Avoiding the spotlight
The discipline of secrecy is focused on doing secret acrs of charity, kindness and love. In simple terms, when this discipline is practiced the goal is to serve and bless someone else without their ever knowing it was you. You serve someone and then you keep it a secret.
We want to slip mention of our good deed into a conver sa tion hoping th at som eone will ask us more about what we did Herein lies the power of thi s di sciplin e. When we pra ctice the disciplin e of secrecy w e intentionally ch oose t o s ilence th e voice of prid e
choose professions, manage our reputations, work long hours and buy lots of stuff because earning the applause of others is something that we so deeply crave.
The truth is that this is not all bad. Receiving approval from others can be a very good thing. Children need to know that their parents delight in them. Friendships thrive when we know that others enjoy our presence. This is all very beautiful. Rather necessary, in fact.
Quest to impress
But sometimes this need will drive us more than we care to admit. The quest to impress others can seize the heart and choke all the life from our souls Unfottunately we seldom realize that we are striving to earn the applause of others. Jesus once commented that it is possible that people can love the praise of people more than approval from God (John 12:43).
Author Henri Nouwen describes our condition like this: 'i\t issue here is the question: 10 whom do I belong? To God or to the world?' Many of my daily preoccupations suggest that I belon'g more to the world than to God. A little criticism makes me angry, and a little rejection makes me depressed. A little praise raises my spirits, and a little success excites me Often I am like a small boat on the ocean, completely at the mercy of its waves "
Many Christ-followers admit to this struggle of compering allegiances. They long to please God, but often they are swept away in the ever-changing ocean of others' opinions of them.
Throughout the centuries Christians have discovered that there
Author Dallas Willard notes that when we engage in the practice of secrecy "we abstain from causing our good deeds and qualities to be known. (In fact) we may actually even take steps to prevent them being known, as long as it doesn't involve deceit." This is a discipline in which we intentionally tum the spotlight away from our good deeds and ourselves.
When I was in college I was considering a summer job that would not pay very much. It was a tough decision because I needed to make some money so I could pay tuition for the upcoming year. One day I went down to my campus mailbox and found an envelope. It contained $500 in cash and a note that said something to the effect of "Have a nice summer!" There was no name signed to the note. The giver was mysterious.
This is the practice of secrecy in action. This anonymous sender blessed me by their generosity. There were no clues poinring in a certain direction. They deferred the possible credit and recognition that could have come their way. It was a secret act of kindness .
There are no tight rules about how to practice this spiritual discipline. It can involve financial help, an encouraging note, a gift, a deed of kindness, running an errand or something else. The list of possibilities is endless. The only goal is to bless someone else and be content to remain in the shadows .
This is a very powerful spiritual practice because when we do some secret good for someone else our pride will scream for attention Pride wants to be recognized. We want our approval ratings to go up We want to slip mention of our good deed into a conversation hoping that someone will ask us more about what we did. Herein lies the power of this discipline. When we practice the discipline of secrecy we intentionally choose to silence the voice of pride. We choose to step out of the spotlight unnoticed.
Silencing pride
When this discipline is practiced wisely, the act of secrecy can train our heart to long for the applause of God, rather than the applause of others. This practice is not so much for those on the receiving end of the kindness, though they are definitely blessed. Rather, this discipline is for the good of our own souls. We come to realize that we do not have to be recognized for everything we do. Some things can be between just God and me. No one else has to know. We can learn to take delight in bringing a smile to God's face. We are released from being concerned about what others think of us.
Yet there is a dark side to practicing this discipline. Pride can quickly taint the experience. An act of secret servanthood can beg in with noble intentions but it can quickly morph into an act of self- advancement.
Consider this personal experience. As a kid I loved shoveling snow. It was like my spiritual gift. I delighted in making sure that every square inch of our sidewalk was officially snow ftee. We had a few elderly neighbors on our street So when it snowed, I would shovel our sidewalk, and then I would keep on clearing snow right on down the street. I enjoyed clearing all the neighbors' sidewalks and driveways. I would usually shovel after dark or early in the morning before the school bus arrived. It became like a little game for me as I tried to see how fast I could clear their snow before anyone noticed
But one day, as I was shoveling, one of our neighbors came out of his house and gave me some money for my efforts At that moment everything changed From then on, instead of secretly trying to get the snow cleared as fast as I could, I started scraping our metal shovel a little harder against the cement. The more noise, the better I found myself spending more time shoveling in front of windows and under the streetlights.
I wanted to get noticed. I wanted wallets to get opened on my behalf Little did I know that my inner voice of pride was no longer silent. I could get applause. Others would think well of me, just a kid! Plus, I'd get a little spending money on the side. Unfortunately this was no longer an act of servanthood and worship. Snow shoveling had become all about me. I needed the applause.
Dallas Willard writes that when we practice the discipline of secrecy rightly it "enables us to place our public relations department
K E V I N JOHNSON
entirely in God 's hands We allow him to decide when our deeds will be known and when our light will be noticed."
When we secretly serve others the experience will often expose what is really in our souls: Do I have a burning need to get noticed? Or can I simply leave that up to God? There is always the temptation to serve others because the spotlight could shine in our direction and others will applaud.
This particular discipline has been practiced by scores of Christ-followers because it trains the heart in humble servanthood and generosity. It shapes us into people that are satisfied to live for an audience of one. Go ahead and try this discipline . Just don't tell anybody!
Kevin Johnson is the director of spiritual formation and campus pastor at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan. He and his family attend Ebenfeld MB Church of rural Hillsboro
The new old spirituality
Many ancient disciplines are energizing 21 st cen tury congregations
IMAGINE TIllS SCENE. TEENS Sll.ENTLY FORM A LINE in a hallway. patiently waiting late into the night to enter a room in which they will experience an ancient spiritual discipline: contemplative prayer When they emerge from the prayer room an hour later. many have tears in their eyes. smiles on their faces and peace in their hearts. They have just walked a prayer labyrinth. an interactive II-station experience in which the participants learn to practice the presence of Christ. Scenes like this are happening again and again in churches. camps and conferences all over North America.
Spirituality is "in" these days. Many people are searching for truth in new and unconventional ways. In the modem era (roughly the past 300 years) there was a move away from the spiritual toward the rational, the observable and the quantifiable. During the Reformation. Protestants "protested" the mysticism of the Catholic Church and favored a logical interpretation and presentation of scripture-thus the sermon was born . Today's postmodern culture is increasingly distrustful of science. institutions and established religion. This post-boomer population is once again open to the mystery of the Holy Spirit and eager to understand God in ways other than the traditional sermon.
In a recent survey of 20-somethings. George Barna demonstrates that while 80 percent of 20 to 29- year-olds say faith is important and 60 percent report having a relationship with Christ. only 31 percent attend church weekly and only 30 percent make donations
Read more about. .. spiritual practices
The God of Intimacy and Action: Reconnecting Ancient Spiritual Practices. Evangelism. and Justice. by Tony Campolo and Mary Darling (Jossey-Bass. 2007)
Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Growth. by Richard J. Foster (HarperOne.1988 )
Soul Shaper by Tony Jones (Zondervan. 2003)
Contemplative Youth Ministry: Practicing the Presence of Jesus. by Mark Yaconelli (Zondervan. 2006)
Spiritual Disciplines Handbook. by Adele Ahlberg Calhoun (InterVarsity Press. 2005)
Weavings Journal : a Journal of the Christian Spiritual Life. published bimonthly - Recommendations by TIm Neufeld
to a church. The survey results reveal that America's young adult population is deeply spiritual but highly disinterested in the modem church.
Biblical scholar and theologian Robert Weber makes a case for a return to an ancient spirituality including mystery. holism. community and spiritual disciplines in his important book Ancient- Future Faith : Rethinking Evangelicalism for a Postmodern World . Weber argues that ancient traditions must infortn our contemporary church practices. He states. "Our challenge is not to reinvent Christianity but to restore and then adapt classical Christianity to the postmodem cultural situation." Returning to ancient spiritual practices can help a new generation re-imagine the power of the gospel and re -engage with the church.
Many ancient disciplines are energizing congregations all over America. The list is far too long to review in this article. but two are worth mentioning
• Prayer labyrinth
The labyrinth dates back thousands of years and was adopted from Greek culture by Christians in the first centuries following Christ's death as a tool for prayer. Labyrinths were also widely used in the great Gothic cathedrals of medieval Europe. the most famous being in Chartres. France. Laid out as a single path within concen-
tric circles, participants wind their way from the outside into the center and then back out again
The path represents the journey of life at three different levels. First the pilgrim moves toward the center through a variety of twists and turns symbolic of the journey toward God who exists at the center of all life. Next the traveler waits and prays at the center in communion with God. Finally the participant follows the maze out, representing a movement with God back into the world. This type of ancient symmetrical circular labyrinth has again become popular and can be found in modem churches throughout North America.
A recent adaptation of the original labyrinth has made use of technology, imagery and prayer stations. Known in the u.s. as the "Prayer Path," this labyrinth looks more like a traditional maze than a set of concentric circles Through II interactive prayer stations participants relinquish distractions, confess their failures and admit their brokenness before God. At the center travelers rest on pillows, read from Scripture and celebrate communion . As they move outward, participants pray for those that are lost, remember the global community of faith and think about the witness they are leaving for others. Finally, participants journal about their time on the labyrinth . Many describe the experience of prayer and meditation as life changing.
• «Divine reading"
Lectio divina is another ancient practice being used in churches. Simply translated from the Latin, it means "divine reading." Sometimes referred to as "dwelling in the word,"
Church incorporates prayer labyrinth into Holy Week
5horeLife Community Church, in the coasral enclave of Capitola, Calif., is planning a prayer labyrinth this year in commemoration of Good Friday Pastor Daniel Clubb, who with his wife, Valerie, came to the church from the East Bay area of California in November of 2005, says in a telephone interview that the church had a history of contemplative worship that predated their arrival . Introducing the prayer labyrinth provided a unique way to help reinforce the habit of prayer
The first prayer labyrinth was introduced to the church in 2006 for the week leading up to Easter, including Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. According to Clubb, it was met with a positive response, especially from high school and college students
Clubb feels that some people learn best when incorporating movement as well as the five senses and he sees the prayer labyrinth as incorporating and engaging both the mind and body as well as encouraging the discipline of prayer in an active way.
Prayer labyrinths most typically consist of concentric circles with multiple stations "It is not a maze," says Clubb, "because it has both an entrance and an exit." The prayer labyrinth that Shorelife Community has planned is rectangular in shape to follow the form of the worship center and will include nine stations.
At the entrance to the prayer labyrinth, says Clubb, there will be a sign that reads : 'Welcome As you participate in the prayer labyrinth , enter with a quiet and contemplative spirit." The first station will be Inward Journey, which encourages the participants to think about themselves and their relationship to and with God. The next five stations will be called Noise; Letting Go; Hurt; Distractions and Holy Space and represent the journey through this world, with God as the guide. The final three stations are entitled Outward Journey; Self and Others. These stations allow congregants to exit thinking about their relationship with other people
The Shorelife Community worship center will be open for the entire Friday afrernoon and worshippers can come and go as they feel led.- Lori Belden Pope
lectio divina is a way of reading, praying and meditating on Scripture with the expectation that God is present and that he can be heard through the text. Maybe that is why it's called the Word of God! This devotional reading of Scripture can be traced back to the Desert Fathers and other early church leaders and was given special prominence by St. Benedict. To this day the Benedictine monks set aside time each day for labor, liturgy and lectio.
There are four basic steps involved in lectio divina . First is the lectio or "readingllistening." This stage cultivates the ability to listen deeply without distraction. The selected Scripture should be read more than once with the option of using different translations and a variety of readers, especially in a group The listener is encouraged to identify any word or phrase that stands out or "shines." Even in familiar passages something new might catch the reader's attention. This is done in deliberate silence and with great patience.
Next is meditatio or "meditation." In this step the listener dwells on or "chews on" (reminiscent of a cow regurgitating its food) a specific word or phrase, asking for God's help in letting his Word become flesh The third step is oratio or "prayer." While the whole exercise can be considered a prayer of Scripture, this segment emphasizes a prayer of contriteness. The listener prays that God will shape him or her through the text. The final stage is contemplatio or "contemplation." This is the silent response the reader has to God's magnificent presence. It is a time of resting in the midst of the Living Word
The lectio divina is a discipline of silence, slow reading and , careful atrention to the voice of God. I have led lectio divina with teens, college students, church leaders and entire congregations. In a day when we are often encouraged to read the entire Bible in a year, it is a very profound and diligent way to not only read, but also to experience Scripture as a community
Other ancient spiritual practices could also be discussed. Contemplative worship is growing in popularity among college stu-
dents and young adults, including silence, prayer, chants, antiphonal responses, etc. Taize worship, a contemplative form of worship based on the pattern of an ecumenical community in Taize, France, draws on all of the senses in quiet reflection. Even so-called contemporary services are engaging in some of these habits. Other reflective approaches include the Jesus Prayer, the Ignatian Examen and spiritual direction Spiritual habits that are directed not toward silence but to an active response include fasting, joumaling, Stations of the Cross, Sabbath and service.
Spiritual disciplines are meant to draw us into the presence of Christ. The ancient practices of the Christian church are not harsh duties to be performed with unquestioning rigor Instead, they provide a means by which an intensely spiritual though distracted culture can find the source of that spirituality.
In his book, Contemplative Youth Ministry, Mark Yaconelli says, "The contemplative tradition of the Christian faith comes to us as a precious gift in an age when no one has time to sit still . It comes as a medicine to a church culture obsessed with trends, efficiency, techniques and bullet-point results " Jesus calls his disciples to times of personal retreat. What would happen if we heard this call and practiced his presence in the midst of our busy lives?
TIm Neufeld is a professor of contemporary Christian ministries at Fresno Pacific University and is on the pastoral staff at North Fresno MB Church. When not in the classroom or leading worship, he can often be found blogging on issues of church and culture at www.timneufeld.blogs.com.
Definitions of seven old but new spiritual practices
Taize worship: A style of worship that comes from an ecumenical community in Taize, a little village in the south of Burgundy, France Focusing on prayer. the two distinguishing marks of this form of worship are chants and silence
The Jesus Prayer: Dating back to th e fifth century, this prayer helps the believer focus on his or her place before Christ. Echoing the Kyrie the believer prays repetitively, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Stations of the Cross: Fourteen stations depict the arrest suffering, crucifixion and burial of Jesus The stations
can be found in many churches and cathedrals, as well as outdoors Practiced especially during Lent, believers pray and reflect on Christ's work at each station
Ignatian Examen: Short for "the spiritual exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, " the exercises help the believer to examine and reflect on his or her life before God, usually during a 30 -day group retreat .
Spiritual direction: Spiritual directors are trained to help Christians deepen their spirituality by drawing close to God, reflecting on life and seeking discernment . This is done through question -
ing, listening and practicing spiritual disciplines together
Sabbath: Those who take seriously the discipline of keeping the Sabbath holy make it a habit to keep one day a week free of work. The goal is to engage in the things that draw the believer closer to God Practicing the Sabbath can be very countercultural in today' s busy world
Service: Practicing spiritual disciplines ultimately leads Christians to serve others . Servanthood is foundational to the life of a believer and when practiced as a discipline becomes a powerful shaper of Christian life.- TN
COITling clean
Confession means taking practical steps to overcoming sin
I IGNORED HELEN AS SHE LINGERED BY THE door waiting to talk to me. I kept talking to my friend. Helen was a whiner, and I wasn't in the mood.
But as my husband, Greg, and I drove home, I felt convicted about cold -shouldering Helen Why had I ignored her?
"I need to be accountable for how I treat Helen," I said. "I promise to pay attention to her next time."
Greg's smile showed his confidence in me and propelled me to the telephone book when I got home I called her and we talked.
A few years ago, I would have felt guilty about ignoring Helen but then forgotten it. But that's changed since I've started confessing my sins to other Christians and making myself accountable to them .
Still, confessing sin isn't easy, and Bible teachers don't offer many pointers We do have this promise from God: 'Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed" (James 5:16). But, you may wonder, how can telling the world our faults help us?
More than "dumping"
Confessing sin can easily tum into simply dumping our problems on other people It's important to also state definite goals of how we want to change I learned this from a friend who listened to my confessions and routinely asked, "So, what are you going to do about it?"
This is the heart of accountability-coming up with reasonable and practical steps to overcome sin. For example, another friend confessed that she was attracted to a married man When I asked her what she was going to do about it, she said, "I have to stop fantasizing "
"Does that seem possible at the moment?" I asked .
She admitted it didn't.
'Why don't you substitute the fantasy with another activity?" I suggested "Make it something that's related to the root cause of your fantasizing."
She figured out that the attraction was rooted in her marital troubles. which she and her husband were working
on I knew that she wanted to walk closer to God, so I suggested that when she was tempted to fantasize , she should substitute this thought: "God loves me and delights in me" (an adaptation of Ps 147:n). She agreed to check in with me every other day on her progress.
Her fantasizing stopped - partly because her goal was so reachable. She didn't promise to stop fantasizing, only to rechannel her thoughts. It also helped that she knew she had to report to someone, and that someone was praying for her
Accountability blues
Even though accountability is a powerful tool, it terrifies most of us. Here are some reasons why.
It feels temDle. The first few times I confessed a sin to someone, it felt as if a volcano were erupting inside me . Now, it's like the prick of a needle from the painkiller I received after surgery. It's nothing compared to the tremendous relief that follows. After you get used to having a clean conscience, a "secret sin" hurts more than confession ever will.
I don't want to make a big deal out of every little sin. You may not have to. Being accountable to others is like "calling in the reinforcements" for more difficult, stubborn sins after you've confessed to God and still failed.
My confession can hurt other people. Some impressionable. young Christians can be hurt or confused by our confessions. In a group setting, I often pull a mature person aside and talk to her privately.
When I've wronged people, I ask God to guide me in knowing whether I should confess directly to them or not. Sometimes I wait until I've worked through my problem so I don't burden them with something they can't do anything about. (Don't confuse confession with confrontation. Confessing sin is admitting what lye done wrong and committing myself to change. Confrontation is bringing other persons' sins before them.)
I can't find anyone to confess to Closeness isn't necessarily a prerequisite to confession. It's a spiritual exercise that requires a mature Christian listener, not a deep friendship.
I look for "safe" people who act as a cheerleader, not an executioner; listen instead of play armchair psychologist or preacher; do not brush
my fau lts off with, "Everybody does that now and then"; and believe in God's power to ch ange me Here are the methods th ree people used to find "safe" people . Look for honesty and faith. When C indy discovered that her husband of 20 years had been secretly bisexual, she hated him . Cindy needed to confess this terrible feeling and promise to work on it. but she didn't know who could handle such sensational news. She chose her Bible study leader Martha, fo r two reaso ns. Martha seemed real. She often admitted he r own shortcomings to the group. And, Martha prayed a lot. Cindy knew that Martha cou ld help her lean on God 's power.
Test the waters. Share something small and see how people react. When Patty and I first became friends, she mentioned that she felt bad for yelling at her kids earlier that day I didn't know it, but she was testing me. I "passed" by empathizing and discussing ways to handle that problem Now we check in with each other to see how we're doing. We know we've found in each other someone who will understand, pray and expect improvement fro m the other.
Recall previous comments. When Dave and his wife divorced. they disappea red from church. So Greg and I invited Dave for dinner and he spilled his story and his fault in the breakup. Dave told us that he knew we were "safe" because of a flip comment I'd made years ago. I'd said something about how Christians shouldn't take potshots at divorced ft iends who were already hurting.
All three of these people understood that Christia n growth is too important to waste time being spiritual frauds with others. How much better to seek out "safe" listeners and point ourselves on a path of growth.
Jan Johnson. of Simi, Calif. is a retreat speaker and the author of When the Soul Listens and the Spiritual Disciplines Bible Studies Series: Reflection & Confession (InterVarsity Press) . To read more articles, visit www.janjohnson .org.
Your Mennonite Brethren
Addicted Missionalliving
They call themselves "addicts." As little as a year ago, Bob and Mindy Parry, of Bakersfield, Calif., like others in their small group, were faithful suburban churchgoers. Bob says Christianity was once a passive thing for him - a good thing, but something that mostly happened inside the church walls on Sundays. Mindy admits that she tended to roll up the windows and look the other way when she'd see a homeless person.
Now, they regularly eat and worship with the often drunk, heavily-tattooed and addiction-plagued street dwellers of one of Bakersfield's rougher parts of town ,
transforms Bakersfield church, community
known as Oildale. The Parrys and others in their small group call them "friends."
This small group has committed to bringing a meal to about 150 to 175 of their new friends in Oildale once a month, in partnership with the Salvation Army and an Oildale minisrry known as Church Without Walls. Meals are followed by a worship service under tents, led by the resident pastor of Church Without
The Celebration service is one Bakersfield community ministry that The Bridge small groups have supported with their time, talents and finances Attendance at the Celebration service has grown to 250 and people's lives have been changed , including Ray-Ray, a regular Celebration attendee who was recently baptized
body LIFE
Walls. It's an experience that is not only transforming lives in Oildale - Iike one formerly homeless man they've helped get off the streets-but also transforming their own lives. They can't get enough of it.
"Seeing God wo rk is addicting," says Bob.
"You just have to go back," says Mindy. Their addiction is really their church's fault. They would never have known the names of drug addicts and street people, would "absolutely not" have stepped out of their comfon zone, Mindy says, if not for a challenge from leadership of their church, The Bridge Bible Church, an MB congregation in Bakersfield
Empowering to serve
Last spring, just before the launch of a new sermon series on mission al Christian living, The Bridge received an anonymous donation of $50,000 with one stipulation: The money was to be used for outreach.
Church leaders prayed and bra instormed how to use the money. It was briefly tempting, Pastor Jeff Gowling admits, to put the funds toward the church's capital campaign as they looked forward to breaking ground on their first church home . But leaders were convinced that, while the building might be a tool for outreach, true missional life happens outside the church walls.
Then "the light came on," as Gowling says. Why not use the money to empower and challenge the church's small groupssome 23 of them - to act on the things they would be hearing from the pulpit during the series on missionalliving?
The sermon series, called 'The Way," emphasized characteristics that distinguished first-century believers even before
they were known as Christians During the series, attendees were encouraged to read a book on missionalliving, The Present Future, by Reggie McNeal.
'The encouragement for our people was to live according to The Way,"' Gowling says, "to try to be characterized by our love for each other and by our love and mercy for other people around us, to really seek to make a difference in our community."
Bring the kingdom to life
So church leaders issued a challenge to the small groups Each small group was offered just over $2,000 to "invest in a missional work within the community." The offer came with a few guidelines: The investments were to "bring a piece of the Kingdom of God to life " for local people or neighborhoods, and they were to spark continued and ongoing ministry for the small group. Small group members were to contribute personally and physically to their projects, not simply donate the money to their favorite cause. "Make no bones about it, this is not a passive deal," warns the letter outlining the challenge.
The hope, Gowling says, was that this seed money would encourage "a lifetime of missional activity."
Last March, about 80 percent of the church's small groups submitted a proposal for a missional project. The project proposals were as varied as the personalities and gifrs of the small groups, ranging from working with street people, to working with troubled children , to strengthening relationships with neighbors. In many cases, groups proposed partnerships with existing ministries or agencies, such as a rescue mission, an elementary school, a children's home, a student outreach ministry and a homeless shelter.
Some of the missional projects didn't work out as planned One group with several qualified teachers, for example, hoped to use their gifrs to teach English and degreecompletion classes in cooperation with a local ministry. But when students failed to show up and the parmer ministry changed direction, the small group was left looking for a different way to invest in their community.
But some projects are accomplishing all that visionary leaders had hoped and more, transforming not only communities but also small group members - like the feeding ministry in Oildale. And another group's pannership with a local ministry, Jesus Shack, has been used to transform many lives within just a year. (See anicle, p. 22.)
I nvesting in relationships
Denise Guthrie's small group, after much prayer, settled upon the idea of "adopting" a military family. In one of those stories that's too well-timed to be anything but God's working, they connected with Operation Ready Families, a suppon program for families of the California National Guard. Through Ready Families, they began a relationship with a young military family just after the husband left for duty in Iraq. Group members have sent care packages to him and have been able to help the wife with various needs, many of which don't require any money, like yard work. Some of the seed money was invested in a plane ticket for the family to meet in New Jersey just before he shipped out.
Guthrie says the relationship has grown into something so natural that the wife is "just pan of our small group ." Women in the group share an interest in scrapbooking with her, which provides a natural way to build rela-
Three small groups from The Bridge are involved with the Celebrations services at Jesus Shack, including one group that serves dinner prior to the service (left) and distributes non-cook food packets to people who attend Celebration (right).
tionship The young woman has been coming to small group meetings and activities and asking questions about the Bible and Jesus.
Guthrie says that she hopes the relationship will continue long after the husband returns home this April. Furthermore, the group is considering ways to build on this first step by attending meetings of Ready Families, hoping to establish more relationships and expand their impact.
She now wonders why it took a push from church leaders for them to reach out. "Why not go out and help?" Guthrie says. "It doesn't require a lot of money; it just requires befriending people."
Blessing the Blaze
Les Pearsey chokes up when he talks about the impact a small gesture of love had on a baseball team. His not-so-small group of 38 was already active in mission, volunteering monthly at a local ministty to the homeless and addicted and organizing several shortterm trips to Mexico each year to build homes through an organization called Hands of Mercy. This group used the seed money to expand their missional investment to include the local minor-league baseball team, the Bakersfield Blaze.
Pearsey explains that, unlike majorleague baseball players, the 24 Blaze players receive a rather meager wage while they are
headquartered in Bakersfield for the
Pearsey's small group showered the players with '10ve and welcome" as they arrived, providing washers, dryers, furniture and more. During the season, group members donated items for gift baskets to make life away from home a little more tolerablethings like gift cards to Starbuck's and McDonald's, movie tickets, fresh fruits and homemade cookies and toiletries to be used on road trips. Some group members helped with the team's weekly chapel service.
They're small things, really. But they've made a difference. Pearsey says one team member, a Christian, told him that for years he'd been ttying to talk to his teammates about Christ, but never had a good way to do it. Now, he told Pearsey, his teammates are asking about his faith. "It's allowed his ministry on the team to flourish," Pearsey says.
In some cases, once the project got going, the "seed money" apparently became a moot point. Leaders encouraged small groups to match the funds with their own generosity. Some groups, while actively involved in missional projects, have never asked for their portion of the seed money. In at least one case, outside donations have helped resource the project.
Gowling says excitement and personal transformation are clearly evident as reports roll in. 'When you talk to the people who
really jumped in, their eyes sparkle and they have huge grins to realize new ways that they are being used by God to spread his love and his mercy to people."
Taking baby steps
Because several small groups happen to be working in related areas of the city, their work has caught the positive attention of those outside the church. "To have that kind of a growing reputation for making a kingdom impact here in the city and beyond is thrilling," Gowling says.
Gowling says the experience has also transformed the congregation, affirming their direction as an outwardly-focused church. Not that they've arrived or got it all figured out, he's quick to add, but he feels that The Bridge is headed in the right direction. To continue in that direction, The Bridge has added a line item in their budget to support "strategic and ongoing missional efforts" and is in the process of looking for an additional staff member to serve as pastor of community transformation.
"God's inspiring us to new things and we're taking it step-by-step," Gowling says. 'We've started. These are the baby steps and we11 continue to trust God to lead us in the rest of the journey." -Myra Holmes
Once a month, a small group from The Bridge provides a Sunday evening meaL to 150 to 175 peopLe prior to the Church Without WaLls service. ApproximateLy 35-50 peopLe stay for the church service, which is heLd under tents. Church Without WaLls ruLes say that if participants drink or smoke, they cannot sit on the chairs set up under the tent. Therefore many attendees stand around the edges, Listening and asking questions from there.
season.
Seed money blossoms and grows
Celebrating God's power t o change lives
Our project kind of blossomed," Kim Albers says modestly when asked about how her small group invested the seed money offered to small groups at The Bridge Bible Church , Bakersfield, Calif. Then she launches into a story so amazing it brings to mind New Testament miracles
Just before the challenge and offer of seed money, Albers' small group began attending a Saturday evening alternative worship service at Jesus Shack, a local ministty. The "Celebration" service targets the kind of people who aren't normally found in church: the homeless and addicted, residents of recovery homes, shelters and halfway houses. So when the offer of funds came, the group naturally looked for a way to plug in with Celebration. They began serving a meal prior to the service. building relationships and looking for ways to show unconditional love.
Seed money. matched with donations from within the group. helped purchase supplies for the meals. as well as what Albers calls "unsolicited needs." She says that Jesus often met a need before being asked and before revealing his identity. Using that model, group members began to look for ways to "bless first."
They passed out McDonald's gift cards to homeless people. They learned the names and stories of those who attend Celebration. They provided a double stroller for a mother with two young children. They bought a plane ticket for a man to visit his ill sister.
As they looked for ways to love and bless. a strange thing happened: God began to change the members of the small group. Albers describes her own transformation from a gifted leader and "non -crier" whose "good works ended at the tip of a pen." to one who sheds "real tears" with those who
hurt and has a newly-revitalized '1iving. breathing relationship" with God.
'''The Lord has changed my heart." she says. '''That gives me 100 percent confidence that he can change anyone."
The changes this group has witnessed in less than a year as God has taken their small investment sound something like well feeding a multitude from five loaves and two fishes. The first Celebration service in which the group participated was attended by five homeless men Now average attendance at Celebration is 250 to 275. with a peak attendance of 348. Seven regular attendees have grown into leadership positions; 56 have been baptized The eight members of the small group have counted 81 people they have invested in beyond the service; 73 of
those have become regular attendees at Celebra tion and many are also attending what Albers calls "regular church. "
The group has seen addictions broken. families re united and children returned to their mothers. They've attended rehab grad uations, helped the formerly hopeless return to school with dreams for the future and moved a homeless man into an apartment . Albers says the challenge from leaders at The Bridge. accompanied by the seed money. was the catalyst that set it all in motion She points out that when such challenges and opportunities are met with willingness to serve. the church can transform communities. "We are still a powerful, powerful tool as a corporate body."-MH
After being homeless for many months, Greg Roberts moves into his own apartment w ith his lizard, Hu nny. Roberts is one person who has been befriended by people from a Bridge small group, including David Albers, who helps Roberts move Hunny's cage.
The man who laid the golden envelope
An
ano
ny mou s gi ft n o uri shes new outreac h ministry
It was a typ ical Se pte mber Su nday morning at N orth Park C omm unity Chu rch, a sma ll Menno nite Brethren congregation in Eu ge n e, O re People we re engaged in conversations with each oth er as worsh ip ended a n d no o ne saw the gentle man come in to use t he restroo m And no one caught up to him after he came out , entered the worship center and left an envelope on our communion t able. The stranger quickly moved to the parking lot, revved up his old Toyota pickup and drove away
Cheryl Spi nell i retri eved t he envelope. On the ourside in neat cu rs ive handwriting was a message : " I asked God to guide me to a church where this would do the most good I am here for God's work " On th e inside, there were four pure gold Canadian coins and another note with t hese instructions: ' This is a promise to God. Feed the children, the homeless, the handicapped, the widows and the aged in need. A nice Thanksg iving dinner, a Christmas dinner, a New Year's dinner and a dinner a month until the proceeds are gone. Earmarked for food only. "
That day marks the beginning of N orth Park's Gold Coin Ministry. The coins were all one ounce Canadian $50 p ieces, worth the face value if presented at a bank, but worth their weight in gold to a coin dealer North Park cashed in the coins , creating a $3,211 ministry fund '1\mazingly, a week later, the coins would have brought $2 ,900, as gold dropped $100 an ounce ," says pastor Mike Spinelli.
The Outreach Team was delegated the responsibility of developi ng ways to fulfill the giver' s request. I n November and December, the congregation worked with Bertha Holt Elementary School, located across the street from the church, to provide food baskets to their most needy families In the process, the congregation learned that the school serves a cross section of affluent and poor families, a dichotomy other schools in the area do not face
In January, each member was invited to take gift cards for local eateries and give them to homeless people they met either on street
comers or in local parks Las t month the outreac h effort targeted senior adults. C alled " Love Knows N o Age - Have A Senior M oment," the initi ative encouraged church members to invite a sen ior person that lives close to them out for a meal or to take a meal and share it with them . The Gold Coin Minist ry fund provided money to those church members who needed financial assistance in treating a senior The Outreach Team also identified two families in crisis who will receive gift certificates once a month for six months.
Th e North Park congregation knows that at this rate, it won't be long before the money from the coins will be depleted "But that will not be the end of our giving," says Spinelli. "Outreach chair Terri Kargel has shared her belief often that this was meant by God to get us motivated to meet the
needs of people outside our congregation. Even though the money will go away, we still have opportunities to give from our own resources."
This month the Outreach Team has planned an Easter emphasis called "Ten for Ten." People are invited to bring 10 items for 10 boxes to be given to 10 families in need of food close to Easter After Mother's Day, the congregation will join other churches from Eugene and Springfield in "90 Days of Blessing, " acts of service meant to bless the community after the May II Global Day of Prayer
"The gift was a surprise, " says Spinelli. 'The blessing of the gift was humbling . We have been able to do this in Jesus' name and experience what the phrase, 'in Jesus' name: really means " - North Park Community Church
Millard Bible celebrates Passover
Congregation observes biblical feasts year-round
For the second time in the year and a half that Stuart Pederson has pastored Millard Bible Church in Omaha, Neb., the congregation is taking part this spring in something experienced by few evangelical Christians: a Seder meal.
Traditionally observed by Jews, the Seder meal, or Passover, does show up on a few Christian churches' Lenten calendars, usually on Maundy Thursday during the week before Resurrection Sunday. For Pederson's congregation, however, the experience is integrated into plans for a yearround celebration of all seven biblical feasts outlined in Leviticus 23: Passover, Unleavened Bread, Firstfruits and Pentecost in the spring and Trumpets, Atonement (Yom Kippur) and Tabernacle in the fall.
Pederson recognizes that this is an unconventional decision by his church but believes firmly in its value. "For the most part, considering a celebration of the seven feasts of the Lord in any fortn is not a very evangelical process," Pederson says. "But I think it's important because they help teach the Bible; they help us, in a year-round calendar, to fill in some of the gaps that don't sometimes get covered."
Pederson believes that the connection between Christ and the elements of the Passover is often one of those gaps in Christian understanding. He anticipates that
the Seder meal and service, which they will celebrate the Saturday night before Palm Sunday, will remind his small congregation to take hold of that relationship.
"People learn and remember through tradition, through customs," he said. 'The feasts in general fit very well into how we learn."
And as seder means "order," it makes sense that this feast is a highly structured experience that requires a well-prepared guide. Last year at Millard Bible and the year before in the community of Cimarron, Kan., where Pederson pastored previously, that guide was Orthodox Messianic Rabbi David Nortdling.
This year, Pederson will take what he has learned from Nortdling and lead his own flock in the observance. "111 take the role of the papa: 111 lead them in the liturgical responses; 111 lead them in the prayers, 111 teach about the biblical background to some of the things that are done," Pederson says. 'There is a handbook that each person will have available to them, and wel1 follow that through.
'J\s we talk it through, as we celebrate what God has done and look forward to the Messiah, we know who the Messiah isJesus Christ," he continues. 'i\nd certainly the image of the three pieces of matzah (unleavened bread) that are taken-and the one is pulled out, hidden and broken-those take on huge new meaning that the Jews
those in need throughout the United States and Canada.
Yes, MAX is insurance and we're not afraid to admit it ... but the value MAX brings to you and others, gives insurance a whole new meaning.
877... 971... 6300 • www. m axw h o le n ess .com
would not have understood or recognized: The Father, Son and Holy Ghost are the three pieces of bread, and Christ is the one that was broken and hidden, was found and came back to
Christ himself emphasized that image during the Last Supper with his disciples, says Pederson. "Jesus identified with the process of what God was doing and fulfilled it right before their very eyes," Pederson says. 'The images of Communion are taken out of components of the Seder meal.
"To see how Jesus Christ came and fulfilled all these images contained in the Passover meal-to me, that's exciting."
And while the service usually lasts up to three hours, Pederson thinks it's anything but boring. "There are fun things to do in the Seder meal," he said. "It is designed for families, designed to get the whole family to participate."
In the time prior to the Seder meal, Pederson's church is involved in a 4o-day prayer journey with several other Omaha churches. 'We had one night when it was our responsibility as a church to pray for a specific topic; that was our day to pick up a particular need," he says. "During this time, we're exercising a broader perspective that we're not the only church in town."
The church will also do a time of fasting and preparation next fall before they launch into services celebrating the fall feasts, each of which emphasizes some aspect of Christ's second coming, just as the spring feasts point toward his first coming.
'Wel1 have a special service, invite people to come and talk about the Scriptures and the significance of that feast-how it is played out in the New Testament and will be played out when Christ returns," Pederson says.
Whether in the fall or spring, Pederson most appreciates the way each feast calls attention to the unity of God's plan for humanity as outlined in the Bible. " It's time to realize that there's not a huge gap between the Old and New Testament," he says. 'The Old Testament points toward the New Testament, and this is one way to help us remember that." - Laura Rhoades
MB educator asked to leave ChinaSeminar
disrupted by police
Au
.s. Mennonite Brethren educator, who traveled to China in early January to teach a group of 40 house church pastors, was detained and interrogated by local police and the seminar cancelled. The seminar was originally scheduled for October but was postponed for security reasons, says the MB educator who asks that his name and other details be omitted for security reasons.
The educator and his North American colleague were scheduled for 30 hours of presentations to the house church leaders, some of whom had traveled as much as 30 hours by train to attend the seminar.
"I was 90 minutes into my first presentation when a woman's voice from the back of the lecture hall screamed, 'Police! Police!''' says the educator. "The students cleared their desks at once. Lecturer and translator scurried off stage. In seconds it seemed, a squad of 1$ to 20 uniformed and plainclothes officials were inside the hall. The lead official called for cooperation as they checked out the legality of our meeting. Passports and identification cards were requested. The two teachers, the two translators and the project leaders were taken, each to a separate room, for questioning."
The professors waited about two hours for an English-speaking interrogator and were then asked a series of questions. In the end they were asked to sign a statement that they would not enter the country again to teach religion without government authorization. "I protested, but signed," says the MB educator.
The MB educator says, "Hearing about my Bible teaching in Russia, Africa, India and elsewhere, the questioner responded, 'You must be very devoted to God. That will certainly get you to heaven!' At that point I became a missionary and laid out the good news of the gospel."
The U.S. team that included the two professors, the sponsoring agency director and an American translator who is Chinese,
was told to pack their bags and was driven in government vehicles to the airport to be deported. For unknown reasons, after a long wait in the cars the professors were instead taken to a hotel and asked to leave the country within 10 days . The educators later learned that the seminar participants were released after several hours.
'The incident is a window into countries of the world where freedom of religion is not known as we in the West know it," says the educator. "However, this trip put us in touch with the vitality of house church leaders. We two professors heard of their passion for the poor, the readiness of some with wellpaying jobs to go to the interior of the country and to assist, for example, in building catch-water basins."
The incident raises several issues, says the MB educator. What is the relationship of the house church movement (the unregistered church) to the registered church (The Three Self Movement)? Why do the house church leaders not work within the registered church? One interrogator, citing Romans 13, asked a team member, "Does not your Bible call for you to obey government? Why then do you flaunt Chinese regulations?" How might Western Christians best offer their assistance to their Chinese sisters and brothers?
The MB educator reports that while in China he was introduced to the Back to Jerusalem movement. Decades ago, three Chinese leaders, who between them had spent 40 years in prison, reflected on what Jesus meant when Jesus said, ''You shall be wimesses to me beginning in Jerusalem to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
"Where are the ends of the earth," these leaders asked They observed that in the past 20 centuries, the sending centers for mission had shifted successively westward from Jerusalem to Europe, to North America and to Korea They reasoned that China would logically be the next center.
"It is our destiny as Chinese to complete the around-the-world circle," one house leader told the North American educators. The plan is to move westward along the 10/40 window and to claim the tetritories for Christ, says the MB educator. In this westward march of mission the Chinese believe that by the Holy Spirit's power the strongholds of Buddhism in China, Hinduism in North India and Islam in Arabia, Iran and Iraq will be brought down, and people will accept the gospel. The missionaries will continue on to Jerusalem, and then the mission will have come full circle.
"Such transformation will not come with coercion, like elephants pushing with brute force," says the MB educator, "but quietly, like termites undercutting the foundations. The vision is becoming reality. A secular news digest magazine, The Week, cited an item from the Asian Times in Hong Kong last fall, in which the repotter (under a pseudonym) states, 'Chinese are converting to Christianity en masse. Some 10,000 Chinese accept Jesus Christ as their savior every day. That's every day (italics theirs)."'
Mennonite Brethren educators around the world are invited by the International Community of Mennonite Brethren to participate in short-term teaching assignments in other cultures and settings. Educators interested in an exchange experience should contact Elmer Martens, MB Biblical Seminary professor emeritus of Old Testament at epmartens@sbcglobal.net.
Urgent call for assistance in Kenya
Church members, workers s af e among continued viole n ce
As post-election violence continues in Kenya, Mennonite leaders and agencies issue urgent calls for assistance and prayer While there are no Mennonite Brethren churches in Ke nya, there are Mennonite churches, and they report that their members are safe, though traumatized And while government and opposition parties negotiate peace, church members continue to model peace and forgiveness.
Violence broke out in many Kenyan communities following disputed national elections Dec. 27 Presidential incumbent Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner over front-runner Raila Odinga amid accusations of vote rigging. Violence erupted along tribal lines almost immediately. The conflict has claimed 1,000 lives and driven about 300,000 people from their homes, according to news reports . Fonner United Nations general secretary Kofi Annan was leading efforts in early
February to bring agreement between the parties and end the violence
MBMS International, the mission agency for North American Mennonite Brethren, does not list long-tenn workers in Kenya A short-term Disciple Making International team that was scheduled to travel to Kenya in March has been postponed due to unrest in the country and administrative difficulties, according to Peter Loewen, coordinator of DMI for Africa
DMI teams partner with local evangelical denominations for their work, as does Eastern Mennonite Missions, a mission agency supported by the Mennonite Church Randy Friesen, general director of MBMSI, says, "Both EMM and MBMSI are working with church networks in Kenya to see Christ fonned in them and their mission capacity strengthened The current political crisis is a big test of the church's identity in Christ superseding their tribal identities and loyalty."
Richard Ogo\, DMI's on-site coordinator, described the tunnoil in Kenya in a February letter, saying, "May God help us here." He says some 3,000 internally-displaced families had been brought to his location in Siaya via truck. with more on the way. The people had no food or toilet facilities and suffering was great, especially for children .
Left: Rev. Maritim Rirei hands out supplies during a distribution of MCC-funded supplies at Muchorwe primary school. People who fled their homes because of violence are camping at several area schools, including Muchorwe. Page 28: People flee from homes in Eldoret, Kenya, because of violence following December elections.
Voices from the violence Kenyans relieved to she
Violence in many Ke nyan communities following December's disputed nation al elections has claimed hundreds of lives and driven hundreds of thousands from th ei r homes, according to news reports . Kariuki Thuku, Julius Mu chemi and Mumbi Murage , with the Kenyan pea ce -building organi zation Porini interviewed people who had experienced post-election violence; excerpts of these interviews are printed here . Additional excerpts are posted at www .mcc.org .
"Le ss than five minutes after the announ cem ent of the election results, marauding youths came from all direction singing war songs They started torching our houses using petrol. We all ran into the bush where we sta yed for three days before seeking refuge in the nearest police station ."- Mother of two
"I was at a shopping center with my friends . Everyone was waiting to hear the presidential winner Suddenly, people started shouting and screaming They started burning the shops and chasing us One of them hit me with a stick on the ear. 1 got injured and kept on running . A vehicle that was speeding very fast stopped and rescued me 1 have never seen my parents since then but I am happy because 1 am safe here and 1 have made friendship with other boys I was to join class seven but I can't go to school now ."-I3 - year-old boy
'This is the third time that 1 have planted and not reaped . This is the third time I have built a house and it is reduced to ashes . This is th e third time our village primary school has been razed down This is the third time I have been in this kind of a refugee camp This is the third time my children have to stay at home without educa -
Ogol goes on to describe feelings of helplessness in the face of such need. 'The administration officer came to me in the morning and asked me to offer some food to the people, but I had nothing here," he writes. "People are even running away for they have nothing to offer."
In addition, he writes, fuel is scarce, medical care is risky and expensive, death and rape have affected the community, and even computer service to write the letter comes at a price. "Kindly pray for the situation here," he writes.
Latest reports indicate that Kenyan Mennonite Church members are safe but not unaffected by the violence. A few have been displaced because they were living in areas where the majority of residents are from other tribes, and some have lost tools.
When a small group met Jan. 6 at Mathare North Mennonite Church in Nairobi, a band of youth interrupted the service, demanding payment for having "protected" the compound during the previous days. The worshippers were able to thank the youth for their "services" and to convince them to accept the little money from the offering. No one was hurt.
Mennonite church members in Songhor and Kisumu are helping to care for thousands of refugees from the violence. In both cases, half the refugees are children. All are said to be in desperate need of water, food, shelter and medicine.
Clair Good, representative to Africa for Eastern Mennonite Missions, visited Kenya in late January with his wife to assess the situation and show solidarity with national
COMMENTARY ...
The recent Kenya election crisis has captured the attention of the Western world with pictures of violence and indications of fraud. Having spent a number of years growing up in Kenya while my parents served on the Mennonite Central Committee Teachers Abroad Program in the 1960s, I've followed the current crisis with interest.
Kenya is by some estimates 70 percent evangelical. Christian discourse is accepted at every level of society. With the disputed election results running along tribal lines, the resulting tribal violence has deeply affected the church. On a recent edition of Canada's "Listen Up lV' focused on the violence in Kenya, I was asked why Kenyan Christians are struggling with tribal violence. I responded that "tribalism" is a human condition and not limited to Kenya.
Our tribes shape our identity and tell us who we are. A study of your local school campus will reveal a number of "tribes" with which students identify. Our ethnic churches remind us that tribes still exist in the family of God. The invitation that Christ offers of salvation is also an invitation into his body. There is only one body of Christ.
The challenge for us today is to find our primary identity and citizenship in the body of Christ, the kingdom of God. 1 Peter 2:9 says, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." Chosen. Royal. Holy. Belonging to God. That's who we are. Let's live like it.-Randy Friesen, MBMS International general director, first published in the February edition of the MBMSI electronic newsletter. Listen Up TV can be viewed online at www.listenuptv.com.
church leaders and EMM workers during this crisis. EMM has a number of long-term and short-term workers in the country; all are reported safe.
Good sends an urgent call for relief funds. 'The situation is dire. We could use $100,000 in emergency funding and it would still be a drop in the bucket," Good says. 'We must stand with our Mennonite and other church partners here, who are reaching out with compassion to their communities and 'enemy' tribes." •
EMM has released $3,000 in emergency funding, which is being distributed through partner churches to supply the emergency needs of displaced persons.
Meanwhile, Mennonite Central Committee, the relief, peace and service agency of North American Mennonites, is committing more than $150,000 for relief and reconciliation work in Kenya.
Supplies like soap, diapers, rice, beans and medicine are already reaching families in the cities of Eldoret, Kisumu and in Mathare North, an impoverished neighborhood of Nairobi. These supplies are being distributed through local MCC partners including the Kenya National
tion This is the third time I have survived death This is the third and the last rime to swear that I will never go back there I will live here." - A mother from the Ri.ft VaUey
" I swear I will never go back there because if I go, I will have no other mission but revenge which I do not want In no time , my younger brother had been hacked to death (A long tearful pause) ."Man in his mid-30s
' We never thought that we could find friends ready to visit and assist us We have reali:zed that Kenyans truly care for each other, save for those who were killing us ." - A mother in her 60S
'We feel so glad and happy when you come to visit us. We want someone to talk to. Everyone staying here has the same story- the story of war . We feel much relieved when we narrate our stories to
concerned people from other areas of Kenya. We really appreciate when you give us time to empty our horrendous experiences . We are in crisis, fine, but if we fail to find people to talk to, we shall honestly not find sleep We feel safer when we see (people from other parts of the world or other parts of Africa) coming to say hi to us, holding our babies, tapping our back, giving us reassurance that there is life ahead . Everything which has a beginning... has an ending . " - A mother of two
'The most disturbing question is : Where shall we go from here? How will life look outside this camp? With not a single coin in the pocket how shall we start off? It is not good to be fed by well -wishers when one is strong . I want to use my hands to feed and educate my children." - A worried mother of two - MCC
Council of Churches, Mathare North Mennonite Church and the Anglican Church of Kenya.
Efforts for long-term peace building have also begun-growing out of long -term partnerships in Kenya, where MCC has worked for more than 40 years. In Kisumu, a hot spot for violence, a newly elected government official approached MCC staff member and Kenyan Mennonite pastor Maurice Anyanga seeking help in quelling the violence.
Anyanga and his volunteer staff facilitated a fivehour meeting Feb . I at the official's office, attended by more than 100 people. Attendees asked for and received forgiveness, vowed not to participate in further violence and agreed to hold each other accountable for peace Plans were made for the safe reopening of schools. A government official in a neighboring district asked for assistance in conducting a similar meeting in his district.
In another project, MCC is providing funds to encourage dialogue between about 40 elders from three ethnic groups curtently experiencing tension.
"People who have been displaced will see that it is important for the leaders of ethnic groups to work together," says Melody Rupley, co-director of MCC's Africa program.
Despite the severe disruption of life in many areas of Kenya, other parts remain peaceful. MCC's sand dam work in the communities of Kola and Kitui, as well as food and agriculture projects in Maasailand, are continuing. A 12-member work and learn team from Manitoba completed an uneventful two weeks of service in Kola.
MCC representatives continue to work with local partners to monitor the safety of MCC workers in Kenya. All 10 workers-including three in Kola, six in Nairobi and one in Kisumu - remain in place as of Feb. 6.
MCC welcomes financial contributions for work in Kenya. Contributions may be made through any MCC office or online at mcc.org/donate and should be designated, "Kenya Emergency Assistance." -from reports by MWC, EMM, MCC,MBMSI
Mozambique receives MCC shipment
Flooding forces thousands to leave their homes
Mennonite Central Commirtee is purchasing plastic sheeting and other items to help shelter families in Mozambique whose homes have been destroyed by heavy flooding. MCC has also sent a shipment that included relief supplies totaling nearly $200,000-5,292 comforters, 4,847 school kits, 2,024 relief kits, 3,483 health kits, 74 AIDS care kits and 400 boxes of canned turkey.
Heavy rains and flooding have struck throughout the region. Rainfall upstream in countries such as Zimbabwe and Zambia, as well as in Mozambique, has caused several of Mozambique's major rivers, including the Zambezi, to overflow their banks, forcing tens of thousands of people to leave their homes
Mozambique is prone to cycles of drought and flooding, but this round of flooding is particularly severe, says Bruce Campell-Janz, co-director of MCC's programs in Africa. And damage is striking earlier in the rainy season than usual, he notes. MCC responses to previous flooding have most often come in March, not January. ''To
have communities affected this early is unusual," says Campbell-Janz.
In late December the government began moving people to higher ground, an unsettling sign of how severe the flooding is but also an indication the government is working proactively to respond. CampbellJanz says the nation has expanded its disaster response system significantly in the last several years.
But the situation remains difficult for families forced from their homes. Along the lower Zambezi river, estimates are that 230,000 people have been affected by flooding, including some 70,000 who fled from their homes. The most urgent need now is shelter, particularly with two to three months left in the rainy season.
MCC is working with the Christian Council of Mozambique, a long-time MCC partner organization, to provide plastic sheeting and wood poles that can be used for temporary shelters. MCC initially responded with providing aid valued at $50,000, including the cost of shipping the two most recent
containers. The initial aid included blankets; machetes and hoes for home construction and larer for working fields; plates, pots and eating utensils; buckets for water; water purification equipment; and latrine tops.
Campbell-Janz says he has noticed that the cycles of flooding and drought in Southern Africa, where he oversees MCC programs, seem to be happening closer together. He finds the current flooding a disquieting symptom of how weather parterns and climate change can affect Africa.
The cost to humanity, he warns, could be tremendous in countries that have few resources to fall back on. ''You've got people that are among the most vulnerable in the world that are on the front lines of climate change," he says.
MCC is accepting financial contributions for flood response in Mozambique. Contributions should be designated "Southern Africa Flood." MCC is continuing to monitor the situation in Mozambique and neighboring countries.- Marla Pierson Lester for MCC
Mission USA ' is the church plintmg1 renewal ministry of the U.S. Q>11ference of Mennonite Brethren
Do I really need a heart transplant?
Thinking about why it's hard to embrace new worship music
1,1 probably get in trouble for writing this column because the topic is such a hot button issue for some people. I seldom discuss it unless I know I am with people who have kindred views. Otherwise, I try to keep my mouth shut. However, several years ago I got myself in some hot water A conference leader, probably just trying to make some conversation, said to
[J l;'or
In some areas of my life I have embraced new things. I am reasonably computer literate and can use a number of different programs. I have an account at amazon.com and have learned how to book my airline flights on the Internet. I carry a cell phone. For several years I traveled, often by myself, to some very remote areas of the world on mission trips for Wycliffe Associates. I am presently learning Spanish so I can communime, «I hear you have added a contemporary worship service at your church. How is that going?"
me, a \vofship "cfvicc withollt hymns is like visitin g a new church. I am now the guest. I am no longer at home.
«I don't know," I replied. "I attend the early service which is more traditiona\." A rather lively exchange followed. I told him that I liked to sing hymns hom our hymnal as part of the worship service and not just praise songs "off the wal\." It soon became apparent to me that I was on the wrong side of the discussion. I don't remember too much of the dialogue but I know I felt very uncomfortable. At one point I was told, "Maybe you need a heart transplant." That stung!
Even my husband couldn't understand. "Why are you having such a hard time accepting this?" I didn't have an answer. Ever since then I have searched for an understanding of my feelings and negative reactions.
About that same time we attended a family reunion. Some of us older folks were sitting around on rocks on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was a beautiful evening with the sun about to set over the shimmering water. At one point the topic of discussion went to church.
"Hymns are dead," one man said. "So is the choir. Our church no longer does either. We have some exciting new music. We really like it."
"Do you miss the hymns?" I asked.
He shook his head, no, but his wife said she did.
That was four years ago . Last year we visited with them again Rather sheepishly, they informed us that they no longer attend church on Sunday mornings We went out for coffee and muffins instead. What happened? Well, part of the reason was that they had a new music/worship leader who insisted on singing new songs every Sunday- none of which were sung often enough so that they could learn them. The service lost its meaning for these two, so finally they dropped out
cate with the children we are sponsoring in a ministry program in Mexico. I can and do adapt to new ways of doing things.
I have stood in church services and listened as others sang songs I didn't know and couldn't follow or keep up with. I have looked around and seen "worship" written all over the faces of many in the congregation as they sang. That is how they are learning to worship. And I have thanked God for that.
So why do I personally struggle so much with the new style of music and worship? I've thought about it a lot and here is my best answer. True worship is very intimate. It is heart worship. When I worship I am communicating with God. I open the deepest recesses of my heart to God as I seek to hear him speak to me. Over the years I have learned to do this through the familiar words of many hymns.
I have memories of singing, 'J\ll to Jesus I surrender, all to him I heely give" as my commitment for life. It was very comforting to sing, "What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear," after I had messed things up or lost a hiend. Easter Sunday was never complete without singing, "Up hom the grave he arose with a mighty triumph o'er his foes He arose. He arose. Hallelujah, Christ arose!" I could go on and on.
For me, a worship service without hymns is like visiting a new church. I am now the guest. I am no longer at home Without the old familiar hymns to guide me in my worship I feel lost.
Sometimes, to overcome this, I listen to some of the great hymns of faith that I have on tapes and CDs at home. For me the issue is much deeper than just adjusting to a new style of worship and music because this change hits me at the core of my being. A heart transplant isn't going to help. What I do need is more patient understanding hom my critics as I work through what for me are some very difficult and deep-seated issues.
BAPTISM/MEMBERSHIP
Com, Okla.-Scott and Cathy Bruner were baptized and received as members Feb 17
Bakersfield, Calif. (Rosedalel - Daria Boklan, Victoria Carte, Harley Lyle, Megan Hilton, Maria Jimenez, Alex Martinez, Ross Mudryk , Jessica Nolan, Melody Sanders and Sissy Ullmann we re baptized and received as me mbers Feb . 10. Beth Berhow, Denae Berhow, Justin Berhow, Amanda Brinson, Brad Hilton, Caitlin Hilton, Leslie Hilton, Ryan Hilton, Stephanie McCaskill , Cheri Mudryk, John Mudryk, Billy No lan, Shannon Parrish, Connie Quan, Ray Quan, Ken Weldin and Tiffany Weldin were also rece ived as members.
Littleton, Colo. (Belleviewl-Melissa Darrah, Bob and Sherry Snead and Trudy Swain were received as members Feb. 3.
Bakersfield, Calif, (Laurelglenl-Allie Hall, Halie Hall, Juan Hall, Evelyn Jenkins , Vlad Manzatiance, Jacob Scott, Zachary Scott, Heather Stevenson and Sam Walker were bapt ized the weekend of Jan 1920. Alex Howe and Ryan Howe were baptized the weekend of Jan. 5-6.
Cordell, Okla. (Biblel-Steve and Jennifer Edler, Kayla Kennedy and Kyle Tull were baptized and received as members Jan 13. Tyesha Co le and Isac Merkey were also received as members.
CELEBRATIONS
Fairview, Okla.-The congregation will celebrate 25 years in their present facility April 26-27 Weekend events will highlight the past 25 years and will include the opening of a time capsule buried in 1983. A new time capsule will be buried, to be opened in 2033.
Sioux Falls, SD (Christ Communityl - Attendance averaged 71 in January, and Charter Membership Sunday is targeted for March 2
FELLOWSHIP
Capitola, Calif. (Shorelifel-Women planned a "Spiritual Spa" retreat March 28-30.
Sanger, Calif. (Grace Communityl-A "Dessert Extravaganza" Feb 24 included a guest speaker who talked about God mending broken hearts
Littleton, Colo, (Belleviewl-Women who participated in a casserole-baking day Feb 23 took home several ready-to-freeze casseroles, and the church's freezer was stocked with meals for those in need
Eugene, Ore (North Parkl-An all -church Valen tine potluck was held Feb 17
Enid, Okla. - In February, men began meeting twice to visit each other's place of influence or hear about each other 's work in order to support , pray for and encourage each other
MB NEWS FROM ACROSS THE UNITED STATES ]
Sanger, Calif. (Grace Communityl-Merrill Ewert, president of Fresno Pacific University, was scheduled to speak at a men's breakfast Feb. 9
Gettysburg, SD (Grace Biblel-A bowling party for adults was held Feb. 8.
Shafter, CaUf. - Women held a "Girlfriends Night Out" Feb 7, including movies, snacks and door prizes
Buhler, Kan,-Women held a "Clutter Auction " Feb. 4 and bid on next-to-new items and mystery items.
Manhattan, Kan. (Manhattan Mennonitel-Quilters participated in a SuperBowl Qu ilt-a-thon Feb. 3.
Wichita, Kan. (Firstl-A come -and -go verenika dinner Feb 2 raised funds for district women 's ministries and two mission projects A comedy duo presented wisdom on aging during a Jan. 20 meal for senior adults
Yale, SD (Bethell-Women packed care packages for college students during a February meeting
Fresno, Calif. (Bethanyl-Feb. 1 was a father-son night, featuring a •secret project," speaker and dessert.
Reedley, Calif.-Senior adults held "The Newlywed Game-50 years later" Jan. 29 Women gathered for soup and crafts Jan 28 to make greeting cards and assemble gift baskets for women in a local care home.
Edmond, Okla, (Memorial Roadl- The church hosted an informational meeting Jan 27 to discuss making good decisions about new television technologies.
Minot, ND (Bible Fellowshipl-Men participated in a Navigator's retreat Jan. 25-27
Clovis, Calif, (College Communityl- Women were invited to a fellowship time with women from Iglesia El Buen Pastor, Orange Cove, Calif , Jan 19.
Fresno, Calif. (Butler Ave.l- The church hosted a men's breakfast Jan 12, with men from The Grove, an emerging MB congregation in Fresno. The guest speaker was Andy Holguin, former president of the Mongols Motorcycle Club
MINISTRY
Bakersfield, Calif. (Laurelglenl-A free pancake breakfast and free family portraits will be offered to the community March 22. Men provided oil changes and basic car inspections for members of the community Feb. 16 A team of 18 people traveled to Budapest, Hungary, in January for a short-term mission trip to provide a seven-day mission conference for about 140 children during a conference for missionaries in Eastern Europe
Hillsboro, Kan.-An adult Sunday school class is collecting used prom dresses for "Cinderella 's Closet, " a dress swap March 9 for girls
Wichita, Kan. (Firstl - A team of three trave led to Uitenhage, South Africa, Feb 11 - 20 to explore the
possibility of an ongoing relationsh ip with a min istry to AIDS patients Beginning in February, the congregation is collecting food items for a local food bank on the second Sunday of each month
Shafter, Calif.-In January and February, the congregation collected baby bottles filled with spare change, bills or checks for a local pregnancy center
Sioux Falls, SD (Lincoln Hillsl-Volunteers are collecting new and used formal dresses for the second year of "Operation Prom Dress. " The dresses will be given to financial ly needy teen girls who are also treated to a day of pampering to prepare for prom Manhattan, Kan. (Manhattan Mennonitel - Church members are providing meals for students in the congregation from nearby Kansas State University each Sunday evening this winter.
Hays, Kan. (North Oakl-Women delivered care packages to students at a nearby college Jan. 21.
Bakersfield, Calif. (Heritagel- The church sent two people to Burkina Faso, Africa Jan. 20 - Feb. 4 to encourage missionaries there.
Buhler, Kan,-Five people from the church participated in short-term missions to Haiti in January.
Minot, ND (Bible Fellowshipl-Women gathered Jan 17 to assemble a care package for a soldier in Iraq and his dorm mates.
Meno, Okla. (New Hopedalel- Volunteers packed 55 shoebox gifts for Operation Christmas Child.
PROCLAMATION
Topeka, Kan. (Cornerstone Communityl-Harold Ivan Smith, popular speaker and grief educator, gave a seminar March 1.
Kingsburg, Calif.-Jim Holm, president of MB Biblical Seminary, was scheduled to lead a spiritual discipline seminar Feb. 24-26.
Ulysses, Kan.-Jon Wiebe, president of MB Foundation, was the guest speaker for the mid-winter Bible conference Feb. 10-11 and gave workshops on debt and retirement.
Fresno, Calif. (North Fresnol-Missions month services Jan. 27-Feb 17 focused on Thailand, Portugal, the Middle East and local ministry.
Balko, Okla. (Crossroads Bible Fellowshipl-Steve Prieb, of MB Biblical Seminary, spoke Feb 3.
Littleton, Colo, (Belleviewl-February was mission emphasis month and included guest speakers and missionaries, skits, a Pakistani dinner, worsh ip dance and a concert of prayer
TEACHING/NURTURE
Hillsboro, Kan. - During February congregants wrote notes of encouragement to teachers of adult and children 's classes. The notes were displayed in
the foyer then given to the teacher The church has appointed a task force to explore promoting greater understanding across generational lines A congregation-wide New Year 's resolution is to memorize one verse each month
Bakersfield, Calif. (The Bridgel-Church leaders invited a cross section of men from the congregation to a "summit" Feb 15 to begin planning for a larger men 's ministry. The effort is part of the church's goal to "build strong men of God" in 2008 .
Clovis, Calif. (College Communityl-Weekly prayer services were held Wednesday mornings and evenings during Lent.
Olathe, Kan.(Community Biblel-A four -week class on understanding communion was offered in February for children grades 1-6 and their parents. The focus was not on preparation for communion. but on helping children understand its importance
Harvey, ND-Small groups are studying John Ortberg 's The Life You 've Always Wanted WORKERS
Reedley, CaUf.- Timothy Snyder and Dan Bishop have joined the staff as part -time worship leaders Josh Mcillwain is the new junior high ministries intem Bakersfield, CaUf. (Laurelglenl - Greg Baker is the new pastor of celebration arts
Draper, Utah (Daybreakl-Rod Jost is now campus pastor this emerging church
Mountain Lake, Minn. (Community Biblel-Brad and Sharon Bonnett were installed as the new pastoral couple Jan. 27
WORSHIP
Hillsboro, Kan.-Eduard Klassen, Paraguayan folk harpist and speaker, gave a concert March 1.
Clovis, CaUf. (College Communityl-Beginning Feb 10, a new worship option offered simultaneously with the regular service offers a "more intimate and participatory" worship and prayer, with opportunities for sharing This experimental format will run through Pentecost Sunday
Omaha, Neb. (Millard Biblel - An informal Saturday evening worship service was added in January that includes songs by request. open prayer and interactive teaching "Young families, singles and people who are required to work on Sunday have responded very positively, " the church reports YOUTH
Huron, SD (Bethesdal-Area youth are invited to "Caffeine-ated Comedy" March 29 at the Souled Out Center, a youth ministry of the church The event features a coffee club atmosphere, Christian comedian and encouragement to share the gospel.
Bakersfield, Calif. (Heritagel-In a ceremony that culminated a study on purity, youth made a pledge to sexual purity during a commitment ceremony Feb 17 Edmond, Okla. (Memorial Road, Providence Fellowshipl-Youth from the two churches participated in a purity conference Feb 15 -16. led by Jason Gilbow, pastor of Providen ce
Bakersfield, Calif. (Rosedalel - Youth sponsored an annua l Valentine 's dinner Feb 10 , featuring the " Not So Newlywed Game "
Bakersfield, Calif. (The Bridgel - Students who met certain requirements, including memorizing James 1 and attending their small groups regularly, were recently rewarded with a weekend at a cabin Meno, Okla. (New Hopedalel-Fund -raising projects by the youth have incl uded making and selling 750 bierock and sell ing t raditiona l German foods at a November commun ity centennial celeb rati on Marshall, Ark. (Martin Boxl - Youth had a float in the local Chr istmas parade DEATHS
BECKER, LEONA, Visal ia, Ca lif , a member of Neighborhood MB Church, Visalia, was born March 9, 1929, to George and Marie Friesen in Reedley, Calif., and died Jan 1. 2008, at the age of 78 She married Ed Becker, who predeceased her She is survived by two sons. Ron and wife Rosie of Clovis Calif.• and Dennis and wife Elvia of Denton. Texas; one daughter, Mary of Lake Tahoe, Nev ; a son -in -law, Jon Forrester of Fresno, Calif ; two sisters, Vera Unruh , and Wilma and husband Dennis Patzkowski of Reedley, Calif • seven grandchildren and six great -grandchild ren CLAYPOOL, SANDRA LEE REIMER, Hesston, Kan., charter member of Hesston MB Church, was born Aug 19, 1964, to James and Dorothy Reimer in Newton , Kan., and died Nov. 13,2007, at the age of 43. On Oct. 20. 1984, she married Stacy Claypool, who survives She is also survived by her parents; one son. Sidney; one daughter, Sacha; one brother, Brian of Hesston, and one sister, Sheryl Pohlenz of Hesston. JUST, EVELYN, Reedley, Calif of Reedley MB Church. was born Feb. 21, 1924, to Andrew and Margaret Flaming in Paxton, Neb., and died Oct. 19.2007, at the age of 83 On Oct. 15, 1943, she married Roy Just, who predeceased her in 1994. She is survived by two daughters, Jeanne and husband Dennis Janzen of Clovis, Calif , and Bev and husband Rick Binder of Abbotsford. B C.; one sister, Rose Krause of Reedley, and four grandchildren.
KLEINSASSER, MARY RUTH, Huron. SO. a member of Bethesda MB Church, Huron, was born June 23. 1916, to Andrew A. and Rebecca Glanzer Gross in Carpenter, SO, and died Nov 29. 2007, at the age of 91. On Oct. 4. 1940, she married Jacob W Kleinsasser, Jr., who predeceased her She is survived by one son, Wilmer and wife Elaine of Huron; two daughters, Cynthia Winter and Ardella and husband John Janzen, all of Omaha, Neb ; one brother, Waldo Hofer of Hitchcock, SO; one brother-in-law, John Kleinsasser and wife Gladys of Hoffman, Minn; three sisters-in-law, Martha Kleinsasser of Mound, Minn. Elizabeth Penley of West Helena, Ark , and Doris Gross of Deadwood, SO , nine grandchildren and 21 great -grandchildren.
KLIEWER, MARY, Fa irview, Okla., of Fairview MB Church, was born April 13, 1917, in Fairview to Adolph and Minnie Weis and died Jan 28, 2008 , at the age of 90 On Aug 11 , 1935, she married Edwin Kliewer, who predeceased her She is survived by two
daughters, Twyla and husband LeRoy Pederson, and Rita and husband Don Dick, six grandchildren and nine great - grandch ildren
KOEHN, LOIS UNRUH, Meno, Okla ., of New Hopedale Church, Meno, was born Oct. 31 , 1943, and died Dec. 14,2007, at the age of 64 She married Darrel Koehn, who survives She is also survived by two sons, Todd Palmer and wife Kathy , and Darren Koehn and wife Colette; two daughters, Brenda and husband Bob Schwarzlose and Paula and husband Richard Colli ns, nine grandchildren and one great-grandch ild
PENNER, MENNO L , Reedley, Calif , a member of Reedley MB Church, was born Sept. 30, 1910, in Hillsboro Kan ., and died Feb 7, 2008 , at the age of 97 He married Lillian, who predeceased him. He is survived by two sons, Ken and wife Georgia of Reedley , and Bruce and wife Diana of Acworth, Ga., one daughter, Darlene and husband Verne Siemens of Fresno, Calif , eight grandchildren and 24 greatgrandchildren
THIESSEN, ED J., Garden City, Kan., charter member of Garden Valley MB Church, Garden City, was born June 21, 1917, to John E. and Anna Siebert Thiessen in Inman, Kan., and died Jan. 23, 2008, at the age of 90 On Nov 11, 1944, he married Erma Friesen, who survives He is also survived by one son, Douglas of Garden City; two daughters, Suzanne and husband Larry Wiens of Newton, Kan , and Cynthia and husband Joe Knight of Roseville, Calif ; four sisters, Ann and husband Clarence Penner of Ingalls, Kan., Helen and husband Eldon Schmidt of Hillsboro, Kan , Menda Kliewer of Inman, and Martha and husband Albert Loewen of Newton, eight grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren
TOEWS, ROSELLA MARGARET, Glasgow, Mont., a member of Luster IMont.1 MB Church and retired medical missionary, was born March 25, 1920, to Rev and Mrs. Jacob J. Toews in Lustre, Mont., and died Dec 30, 2007, at the age of 87 She is survived by two sisters, Amanda Wall of Glasgow and Marge Reimche of Harvey, NO. and many nieces and nephews
WATIS, ETHEL BERNICE, Marshall, Ark., charter member of Martin Box MB Church. Marshall, was born May 16, 1913, to Marcus John and Minnie Smith Medley in Catoosa, Okla , and died Jan 29 , 2008, at the age of 94 In 1932, she married Clois Watts, who predeceased her She is survived by two sons, Charles and wife Bennie, and Michael and wife Judy, both of Marshall; two daughters, Roberta and husband Vance Ferguson, and Patricia and husband Delmar Wilson, both of Marshall; four grandchildren , one step -grandchild, four great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
WIENS, FRANK GEORGE, Reedley, Calif , member of Reedley MB Church, was born July 30, 1919, to John and Tina Wiens in Hooker, Okla., and died Jan 6, 2008, at the age of 88. On Oct. 16, 1942, he married Adeline Kliewer, who predeceased him He is survived by two daughters, Linda Middlebusher of San Jose , Calif , and Donna Conti of Clovis, Cal if
by PhIlip Wiebe
Don't look down
Being fine with 49-and-not-holding
When I tum 50 next month, I suppose 111 get lots of ribbing about being wrinkled and rickety and generally on the downward spiral. That's the way it goes when you hit the half-centuty mark. But I won't mind too much. Getting older doesn't really bother me.
This sense of middle -aged satisfaction seems contrary to how our culture says I should feel. Apparently I'm supposed to fight the aging process by having a midlife crisis or getting plastic surgery or finding a young trophy wife. Fortunately I already married my trophy wife 22 years ago, so I can cross that one off my list.
I don't agree with that assessment, but it still makes me think. Maybe it would be weird for an almost-50 dude to be an edgier type of worship leader.
Or maybe not. Something that comes to mind is Paul's encouragement to Timothy: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity" (I Tim. 4:12). Setting out to preach in other regions, Paul had lefr Timothy with pastoral duties in the Ephesus church. But Timothy's youthfulness may have caused a lack of confidence
Not that I'm going to do those other things either. I'm fine with being 49 -and-notholding. Though our culture obsesses over youth and beauty, I Jet anyonc look down on me hCC;]llSe I'm not so
young. I can stilf serve and lead, and r will. Cod b concerned m\' heart lor him and love lor other,; more than mv a ge.
I'm not concerned about those things. I kind of like getting older and feeling more at ease with myself. Youth had its perks, but there was also a lot of casting about and figuring out who I was. I can't say I'm sorry to be past that stuff.
When I claim I don't mind getting older, though, I should add "most of the time." There are times when I feel misgivings about it. In recent months, for example, I've wondered about my place in the changing church A kind of youth obsession has been happening there too. In styles of music, forms of teaching, modes of dress and other areas the popular trends have definitely leaned towards the younger folks.
I'm all for that. A couple of evenings ago I came across a televised service from a large church in Portland. The worship band featured energetic 20-somethings leading cool songs backed by electric guitars. That's the kind of worship I want to lead. In my own church I do get to play electric guitar occasionally, but usually I lead in a mellower style more suited to our congregational makeup. And that's fine I'm concerned about good spiritual content and pointing people to God more than I am with music style.
If I did get more chances to do electtic worship for a younger crowd, however, how would it go over? I have graying hair and teenage kids. I'm getting up there . I know someone like me who was leading lively worship in a youthful setting, but was asked to step down to make way for a younger leader. The musical styles of the two were similar, but complaints came that the older leader made the worship seem less authentic .
-
and doubts about his credentials, both in the church people and in Timothy himself.
Paul said not to worry about it. He told Timothy to keep serving faithfully and take initiative as a leader. That's a message for me, too. I shouldn't let anyone look down on me because I'm not so young. I can still serve and lead, and I will. God is concerned about my heart for him and love for others more than my age.
But in this attitude I need to be careful. Sometimes I hear older folks complain about how young people don't respect them like they should and don't give them their due. At times this is said defiantly, however, in a way that makes me uneasy. I don't think serving the Lord involves demanding my rights. Paul didn't tell Timothy to insist that people respect him , but to live out his faith in a loving and graceful way that would be a good example.
That's where it's at for us aging folks living in a youth-centric culture. In this changing church environment, there are choices to make. Are we going to try and keep things the way we've always liked them, or are we going to get in step with the God who always keeps moving and inspiring and reaching out? Are we going to complain about the music and dress of young Christians because they aren't what we're used to, or are we going to do all we can to help introduce Jesus to new generations? Are we going to live as examples of the indifferent Christianity that is common today, or are we going to confidently display our passionate love for the Lord?
I vote for the latter choices in every case. And I'm not going to let anyone look down on me for that.
Have you heard?
Why we overlook the truth about the other party's candidate
Let us aU remain alert concerning Obama's presidential candidacy. The Muslims have said they plan on destroying the U.S from the inside out. what better way to start than at the highest level- through the president of the United States. one of their own!!!
This quote is from a widely circulated e-mail accusing Barack Obama of being a radical Muslim The e-mail says Obama attended a radical Muslim primary school. claimed at one time to be a Muslim and was swom into Congress on the Quran. not the Bible. There is a serious problem with this e-mail:
None of these allegations are ttue.
Nowhere does Scripture teach that bearing false witness against someone we disagree with is OK But that's what we do when we forward e-mails about Obama being a Muslim or about President Bush being part of a conspiracy to bring down New York City's twin towers on Sept II. We need to commit ourselves as followers of Jesus Christ to dealing honestly and honorably with the individuals who are running for public office. irrespective of their political views.
The claims in this e-mail have been proved false or unfounded by various media sources. In January. Christianity Today published an interview with Obama in which CT I J think that we need to be vigilant of is not a \'1 uslim con
s piracy hut oLlr te ndency to ignore what the Bible how we treat people with whom we disa gree .
reporters Sarah Pulliam and Ted Olsen ask Obama to respond to the claim that he is a Muslim.
In this interview. posted Jan. 23 on the CT Web site. Obama says. "I am a Christian. and I am a devout Christian. I believe in the redemptive death and resurrection of Jesus Christ I believe that that faith gives me a path to be cleansed of sin and have etemallife ... . Accepting Jesus Christ in my life has been a powerful guide for my conduct and my values and my ideals " Obama goes on to "dispel rumors that have been over the Internet." rumors that he says "deny my faith. "He says. "I think it's really important for your readers to know that I have been a member of the same church for almost 20 years. and I have never practiced Islam."
I have received this e-mail multiple times and the one I got last month included this disclaimer: 'Just received this e-mail. I did not verify its accuracy. Please read - then come to your own conclusions." Why. I wondered. would someone forward an e-mail that he recognizes makes inflammatory statements without confirming the claims? Why is this e-mail still in circulation?
I think one of the reasons we do things like forward provocative e-mails is that we accept as ttue anything that damages the reputation of someone who thinks differently than we do about important things Selecting the next U.S. president is certainly important. and we care deeply about the issues raised in presidential electionshealth care, immigration. national security the environment, education, taxes, sanctity of life. poverty and international trade. We also recognize that Republicans and Democrats have historically differed in their approaches to these issues.
The e-mail about Obama encourages us to "remain alert." I think that what we need to be vigilant of is not a Muslim conspiracy but our tendency to ignore what the Bible says about how we treat people with whom we disagree.
One way in which we bear false witness is by caricaturing a candidate's view without understanding it. Being a citizen of Gqd's kingdom and the U.S. means that I work at thoroughly understanding the positions a candidate holds before speaking against them This means gathering information from a variety of sourcesnot just those that reinforce my own views of the candidate. It means reading what the candidate has said and written about his positions-not just reading what other people say the candidate says.
Another way in which we can treat all political candidates with respect is by beginning with the assumption that their motives are good. Because we disagree with a candidate. sometimes we suggest that the motives behind their policies are questionable. Instead, we should presume that the men and women who run for public office want the best for this country and the individuals. families and communities that comprise it. We can disagree with their policies We can even be convinced that their approach may in fact harm the country and its citizens. But we should not impugn the motives of candidates with whom we disagree.
If I disagree with someone with whom I have a personal relationship. I am much kinder in my dealings with that person when I am alert to details of their viewpoint and the foundational motives we share. I think the same is ttue when it comes to the impersonal relationship most of us have with politicians, especially political opponents. Instead of bearing false witness, our behavior during a presidential election should give witness to faith in a God who is the way. the ttuth and life .-CF
CLearing HOUSE
Employmen t : Chu l'1ch __ ___ --....I
Pastor of Community Transformation: The Bridge Bible Church in Bakersfield, Calif. , is seeking an associate pastor that will focus on small groups and community outreach We are looking for a person with a missional focus to help transform our members to transform the community of Bakersfield. A detailed job description is available upon request. For more information, please email careerslathebridgebiblechurch.com. Resumes may also be sent to careerslathebridgebiblechurch.com
Lead Pastor: Good News Fellowship, located in Ferndale, Wash., is a Mennonite Brethren church of approximately 200 attendees with a heart to reach their community for Christ. We are seeking a qualified lead pastor to serve as part of an effective Elder Team that provides leadership in all areas of pastoral and congregational care. Visit our website at www.goodnewsfellowship.org prior to emailing your resume to searchteamlagoodnewsfellowship.org and look for the Good News Fellowship Pastoral Candidates link, or you may send your resume to GNF Search Team, P.O Box 1733, Ferndale, WA 98248 11/71
Senior Pastor: Kingwood Bible Church, a Mennonite Brethren congregation in Salem, Ore. , is seeking a Senior Pastor who can grow our congregation and help us reach out to the unsaved in our city Kingwood is a congregation of approximately 100 members and is located on the west side of Salem Besides the senior pastor position, we have one full-time youth pastor, a part-time Children's' Ministry coordinator and a part-time church office secretary We seek to grow our church through evangelism and discipleship At least six years experience as a pastor is preferred. Mennonite Brethren background/ordination is also preferred, but not required. If interested, send a resume to: Dave Davis, co-chairman, Pastoral Search
Comm ittee, 2225 Dorchester Drive S , Salem, OR 97302; phone 503 - 581-9507; E- mail davyactslaaol.com. A packet of information on our church and the surrounding area is available upon request. 13/12J
Youth Pastor: Bethany Church in Fresno, Calif., is seeking a strong leader who is passionate about students, grades 7-12. Resumes can be sent to Bethany Church, attn : Youth Pastor Search, 9161 N. Maple Ave Fresno, CA 93720, or officelabethanychurchonline.com. 13/12J
Concert
Come hear the marvelous 160-voice West Coast Mennonite Men 's Chorus, directed by Robert Plett. This terrific men's chorus will be singing a wide vari-
ety of sacred selections, everything from great hymns to praise songs to traditional classics; the kind of songs you'll love Phone Ken Eirich for information and recordings 1559J 251-3345. Email: mrkelajuno.com.
2008 Concert Schedule
March 30 Bakersfield, Laurelglen Bible Church, 2801 Ashe Road, 4:00 p m.
April 6 Fresno, Peoples Church, 7172 N. Cedar Avenue, 6:00 pm.
May 18 Garden Grove, Crystal Cathedral, 12141 Lewis Street, 8:30 & 11 :00 a.m 13 songsJ
May 18 Alta Loma, Solid Ground BIC Church, 9974 19th Street, 6:00 pm.
June 1 We will be on Hour of Power, Crystal Cathedral'S worldwide television broadcast.
MB FOUNDATION
This person will represent MB Foundation programs and servi ce s t o individuals and ministries throughout an assigned constituency. The Representative will enco urage charitable giving through current giving, estate planning and lifetime gi ft plans. Will also provide customer service in all other are as of the Foundation's ministry.
Qualification s:
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate
• Aptitude for detail work
• Desire to learn and grow
• Eagerness to promote MB ministries and causes
If interested, send a resume to: J o n C. Wi eb e, Preside nt M B Founda ti o n PO Box 220 Hillsboro, KS 6706 3 jwiebe@mbfoundation.com
Date until March 31, 2008 A bonus from M B Loan Fund
Pay to the order {fill in your 0.5% for the first six months
Memo Investing in MB Churches
D Check here if you prefer your bonus to be sent to you in the form of a check instead of added to your account
Invest in a Term Certificate with MB Loan Fund before March 31, 2008 and receive a bonus equal to an additional 0.5% for the first six months of your investment.
This 0.5% is in addition to our current rates listed below. To receive your bonus, just clip off and mail in the check at the top of this ad, along with your new investment and completed Purchase Application &: Agreement.
investment The bonus is available only on new investments into aTerm Certificate of between {X1J and $ 000 000 oostmar1<ed March 31, 2008, and is not ava able on rollovers of existing Certificates or reinvestments at es. MBLoan Fund eserves the
0.50/0
For more information , or to obtain an Offering Circular an d Purchase Application & Agreemem call us at (800) 551-1547 or visit us o nlin e at www.mbfoundatio n. com/mbloanfund.html