May 1994 by Christian Leader

VOLUME 57, NUMBER 5

FEATURES

4 Safe homes, sa fe hea rts

Growing up in a Christian home is a tremendous blessing , but it doesn't guarantee the development of emot i onally and spiritually well -adjusted children Consider f ive characteristics of a healthy home. BY KIM SUDERMAN

7 Sanctuary is more than a building

The day has passed w hen we can simply assume that children are "safe" with i n the wa lls of our congregatio ns. Find out what your congregation can do to greatly raise the chances of providing a secure environment for our kids . BY RON PENNER

DEPARTMENTS

Ph'lip Side

• A toast to knowledge

by Philip Wiebe 12

Inquiring Minds by Marvin Hein 13

• Stewardship professionals

• Politics and power

Education by Kathy Heinrichs Wiest 14

• Under the hood (9): Tim Geddert

Mus i ngs ..

• Reflections on a people

by Jim Holm 16

Bodylife 17

• A 'power' struggle in Denver 17

• MBM/S proposes program cuts 20

• Fall injures SDC minister 20

• Cancer claims education leader 21

• Youth join U-SERV team in Mexico 21

• First steps on a long journey toward hope 22

• Visitors savor the flavor of Fairview 23

• Paraguayan pastor shot, recovering 24

• Dates, sites set for '95 convention 24

• Church notes 24

Edito rial by Don Ratzlaff 28

• Journey toward holy ground

A RT CREDITS: Cover, Cleo Freelance Photography; pages 4, 6, 7 and 10, Skjold Photography; page 9, Beth Oberholtzer; page 14, MBBS photo by Craig Hallman; Pages 17, 18 and 22, leader photos by Don Ratz laff; page 2 1, parade photo from Center f or MB Studies, Tabor College; page 23, Susan Balzer

EDITOR

Don Ratzlaff

ASSISTAN T EDITOR

Deborah Penner

BOARD OF COMMUNI CATIONS: David Reimer, chair; Harold Franz. Jeanie Klaassen, Malinda Nikkel. Dalton Reimer

MANDATE: THE CHRISTIAN LEADER (ISSN 0009 · 5149), organ of the U.S Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. is publ ished monthly by the U.S Conference Board of Commun ications, 315 S. lincoln, Hillsboro. KS 67063 The Christian Leader seeks to inform Mennonite Brethren members and churches of the events, activities, decisions, and issues of their denomination. and to instruct inspire and initiate dialog so that they will aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelical!Anabaptist theological tradition.

ED ITORIAL POLICY: The views and opinions of our writers and advertisers are their own and do not ne cessarily represent the position of The Christian Leader. the Board of Communications or the Mennonite Brethren Church . The editors invite f ree-lan ce article submissions, but ask that each submission be accompanied with a SASE The editors reserve the right to edit, condense or refuse all copy submitted for publica t ion; anonymous contribut ions will not be published.

READER PA RTICIPATI ON : The editors encourage readers to interact w ith our articles through letters to the editor and essays to Forum. our op-ed column Letters for What Readers Say must include the author's name and address Forum is open to members or attenders of Mennonite Brethren churches Essays to Forum can address any issue of relevance and interest to the faith and life of the Mennonite Brethren Church The essay should be no longer than 800 words and should include the home church, occupation and a clear photo of the writer.

COM MUNICATION: All correspondence should be addres sed to The Christian Leader. Box V. Hillsboro. KS 67063 Phone: (316) 947-5543. Fa x: (316) 9473266.

ADVERTISING: Clearinghouse ads should be submitted in writing. Cost: $ 25 per word Send no advance payments For display-ad rates, contact the editor.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Rates : $16 for one year, $30 for two years, and $42 for three years ($20, $38 and $54 in Canada) ; $1.50 per copy.

ADDRESS CHANGES: Send both old and new address to Circulation Secretary. Box V, Hillsboro. KS 67063. Allow up to six weeks for transition

MEMBERSHIP: The Christian Leader is a member of the Evangelical Press Association and Meetinghouse, an association of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ editors.

PRINTING : The Christian Leader is printed on recycled paper by Multi Business Press Hillsboro, Kansas

POSTMAS TER: Send Form 3579 to The Christian Leader, Box V. Hillsboro, KS 67063 Second -class postage paid at Hillsboro, Kansas

THE CHRISTIAN

BY KIM SUDERMAN

Safe homes, safe hearts

As many Children of Christian Parents' are discovering, the absence of abuse, divorce or trauma does not always result in a healthy family

T'S 9 P.M. THE KIDS ARE IN BED AND IT'S quiet. Sandy plans to read a little before turning in. Her husband, John, should have been home from a church board meeting an hour ago, but he's late. As usual. Sandy wants to talk to him tonight about Jennifer's falling grades. Tomorrow night is choir practice, and the next night is Bible study. Sandy's thoughts begin to race. Maybe I should have home schooled Jennifer, or helped more with her homework, or spent more time with her. Sandy tries to remember what she learned in her therapy group about decreasing anxiety and panic. She begs God to make these thoughts go away

Sandy calls a friend from church, who listens and encourages her to rest . On the surface, Sandy seems calm. But when John walks in the door, she explodes

Sandy grew up in a committed Christian home, yet she wonders why her life seems so out of control. Some of the people in her therapy group share similar struggles-but they have experienced abuse and trauma in their past while she has not. Sandy thinks she has no real reason to be depressed or anxious.

Sandy is an Adult Child of a Christian Home-my term for anxious and depressed behavior exhibited particularly by baby boomers in the Christian community. Our Christian homes are filled with activity which centers on

the church. Often there is no divorce or abuse-but there is also no acceptance and intimacy. As a result, silent wars rage just below the surface.

The absence of abuse, divorce or trauma does not always result in a healthy family. Being an Adult Child of a Christian Home does not automat· ically ensure high self·esteem and effective coping skills. Christians need to join the ranks of real people and admit to human frailty, despite their strong faith in Christ.

Safety in the home is more than protection from physical harm. The home must be a safe place to be-to express emotions and feelings, to allow for personality differences and to provide shelter from an often intol· erant and unloving world.

Following are five characteristics that lead to a healthy Adult Child of a Christian Home.

1. Voluntary faith in Jesus Christ. Christ is our model and the Bible is our handbook. Prayer is key.

shouldn't feel that way," when children are angry, says, "You're not OK." Anger unexpressed often turns into rage. Teach children to use words that describe feelings. Listen without giving advice.

What about arguments between parents? Disagreements between a husband and wife are inevitable. The important thing is not to avoid arguing in front of the children, but to explain to the children how those arguments are resolved.

One woman told me she had often observed her parents go into their bedroom during an argument. When they emerged they were smiling·and the tension was gone. So, when this woman got married herself and had her first argument with her husband, she went to the bedroom and waited for him to join her. But he never came. She came out , disappointed, and worked alongside her husband, saying nothing about the argument-a pattern the couple continued throughout their marriage, leading to this woman's feeling of anger toward her husband.

This woman's parents resolved their own conflicts, but forgot to teach their daughter how to follow in their footsteps.

4. Good decision-making skills are taught. Teenagers face life-altering choices each day. Whom should they date? Why wait to have sex? Often, teen pregnancy and substance abuse result from poor impulse control and poor judgment skills When

friends ask a teen to engage in questionable activity, it just doesn't work for a young adult to say, "Wait, let me check with my mom."

The youth ministry of a congregation can help teens learn skills that lead to good choices. But the teaching needs to begin at home, during early childhood.

My 6-year-old son was recently invited to two birthday parties on the same day. One of the parties was at a pizza place with an indoor play and entertainment center, but it was with children he barely knew. The other party was at a friend's home with a number of children he plays with all the time.

My son was torn between the appeal of an overtly fun environment on the one hand, and the appeal of friendships on the other. We discussed the matter over the course of two days, helping him to identify the pros and cons of each choice.

Eventually, he decided to attend the home party, the choice that we, as parents preferred that he make. It was a difficult choice for him, .but on the day of the party, he got up, ready to go. I never heard a word about the pizza place party.

Teach children to weigh the positives and negatives of their decisions. Read Scripture that speaks about consequences. Proverbs is a great book of the Bible from which to teach these things. Read through the book verse by verse and allow discussion and examples to flow.

5. Unconditional love characterizes the home. Most parents are

well aware of the dangers of pressuring children to achieve excellence in every venture. Many simply tell their children, "All we ask is that you do your best." But even that well-meaning statement can be misinterpreted to mean, "My parents will only be happy or love me if I do my best." What if children are so terrified or nervous they simply can't do their best?

This kind of conditional love is common in Christian homes. It's offered with the intent of encouraging children to do well and try hard. But must children do well and even try hard at everything they take on? Do adults? Unconditional love means protecting a child's spirit and sense of self-worth even when they don't perfonn to our satisfaction.

God saw fit to put us on this earth in families. Sometimes the task of raising our children to be healthy Adult Children of Christian Homes can be frightening and painful. But it is also a task filled with joy and rewards. tf2

Kim Suderman is a licensed clinical social worker who works as a children's therapist at a Yuba City, Calif., mental ....--.....,.,."...--.., health service She also supervises a program for victims of abuse at a shelter for battered women. She is a member of the Greenhaven Neighborhood Church (MB) L--":;;"'_.....::I=.o.......:;J of Sacramento, Calif.

SANCTUARY IS MORE THAN A BUILDING

Is your church doing all it should to ensure the protection of its children?

ARENTS GENERALLY WANT THE BEST for their children. We want them to grow up healthy, safe, educated and connected to friends. We want them to know and understand the Bible, and to have a personal relationship with Christ Jesus, demonstrating Christ-like values and character. We want them to find a rewarding, positive vocation.

But our children are at risk, facing increasing stress and trauma. Did you know that, according to the Research Almanac and Statistical Digest, in this country during the next 30 minutes :

• 228 children will be beaten, molested or otherwise abused by their parents?

• 57 kids will run away from home

and three out of four girls will end up selling sex to survive?

• 20 children will attempt suicide?

. 23 girls under age 19 will end an unwanted pregnancy with abortion?

• 285 children will become victims of a broken home?

As parents and as churches, we are confronted with the challenge of protecting and nurturing children in the face of the disturbing state of our bro-

when changing a child's diaper in the nursery. This protects the volunteer and prevents transferring illness from one child to another.

• Sanitize all toys used in the church nursery.

• Implement a "no card-no kid" rule . Each person checking a child into the nursery is given a card with a number matched to one pinned to the child's clothing The child can only be released to a person presenting that card, thus ensuring that each child is released to the rightful guardian.

This may seem unnecessary in communities where everyone who attends church is well known to the volunteers But in an urban setting, volunteers may not know whether the person picking up the child is the rightful guardian or an estranged spouse embroiled in a custody battle

• Screen volunteers working with minors. Again, in smaller, established churches this may seem unnecessary. But in churches with a number of newcomers, the church needs to ask all volunteers to fill out an application form to show that the church has made an honest effort to screen out those with a known record for child

An ounc e of prevention.. .

ARE PROCEDURES volunteers should follow to prevent allegations of child abuse o r to prevent the occurrence of child abuse .

1. Every group of children should have at least two workers present at all times . (At times this is difficult , but having another adult present is your best protection against a false allegation ) It is a good rul e to never be alone with a child

2 Window blinds and doors should be kept open in classrooms where children 's activities are occurring.

3 Physical contact with children should be minimal. In kindergarten and below, require the presence of other adults in an open classroom In grades 1-12 physical c ontact should be give n with extreme care A volunteer should not display physical affection to a child of the opposite gender.

4 When taking c hildren to the restroom , volunteers should only supervise children of the same gender . If pos· sible , two adults should r emain in the classsroom with the children. Children should have as much privacy as possi· ble when u sing the restroom Workers should only enter a restroom stall when ab solutely nece ssary to assist a child .

5 All activities or outings outside the normal planned children ' s ministry c alendar must be approved by the children 's minister to ensure proper supervision.

6 Visitors or "new volunteers" are not permitted to help in children 's ministry unless app roved by the childre n ' s minister

7. Parents are permitted to obse rve their child in his or h e r class However, parents must notify the department leader or club director of their presence At no time are pare nts allowed to be alone with any child except their own They are only to observe t he class or activity they desire .

8 . Volunteers should never take a child home without another adult in the car.

abuse. A key component is checking references and maintaining a file. In the event of an incident leading to a lawsuit, the church can demonstrate it was not negligent in seeking to provide a safe environment .

NURTURE

Beyond safety and health, we parents also want church people and programs to nurture our children. We

A toast to knowledge

THIS TONYA HARDING flap, which still mls such a fond space in my recycling bin, has got a lot of folks talking about "pack journalism," in which reporters trot around herd-like to regurgitate the gossip du jour. Such a spectacle seems to delight many Christians Doesn't it prove again that today's media is just a mindless glob of quivering liberal jelly? Well, I might be quicker to nod yes, if it w asn't for one small hitch.

We Christians aren't all that different Church history, for all of it's inspiring trials and triumphs, is also the story of "Pack Christianity " Someone like Luther busts up doctrinal cliques to spread the Word around a bit, and what happens? More cliques. Cliques all over the place. The point being, Christians have had no less of a tendency to promote pack mentality than anyone else.

Maybe more. Evangelical Christianity, especially, carries a long rap sheet for closed-mindedness and ant i·intellectualism, at times wearing the se labels like badges of honor Yes, it's true that knowledge can "puff up": "The man who thinks he knows something," Paul wrote, "does not yet know as he ought to know" (1 Cor. 8:2). But what we ought to know is not, and never has been, where to bury our brains in the sand. Solomon said that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge," not the end

Another Proverb: "It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way" (19:2). There's the problem, that pressing urge to jump on this bandwagon or that, without thinking through where the thing might be headed. "God said it, I believe it, and that settles it! " Which would be great, if it were really the case . It rarely is.

Sure, there are pinpoint truths on which all Christians can and must agree, but they are considerably outnumbered by those with acres of room for debate When we insist that our little piece of turf is the whole yard, we're in danger of impeding rather than expanding the kingdom . As Jesus warned another pack: "Woe to you experts in the law, because you have taken away the key to knowledge [and] hindered those who were entering" (Lk. 11:52).

An example from my past. In high school I fell in with a pack that stressed Sec ond Baptism and speaking in tongues as nonnegotiables for

"real" Christianity. For awhile I tried to stuff myself into the mold , but s t udy and prayer revealed this was just one interpretation (and a problematic one, at that) of the Holy Spirit's work. So I expressed my thoughts, they saw my point of view, and we "agreeably disagreed" as diverse members of Christ's Body, right? Wrong. I expressed my thoughts and got the old heave-ho.

Good thing. Since then I've been jumpy about the church's pack tendencies; the subtle (and not so subtle) push to swallow party lines and pass social, political , and spiritual prerequisites. Thoughtful digression makes us nervous ; serious contention downright apoplectic.

We forget that Jesus cheerfully encouraged digression and contention, particularly against prevailing spiritual norms. "Watch out that no one deceives you," he told his disciples. "Many will come in my name" (Mk. 13:5,6). They still come, not only from Without, but from within. "Even in the best of causes," Washington Post writer Ken Ringle laments, "people try to use you Both sides try to use you. You guard your neutrality. Apply equal skepticism to both sides. And if your mother says she loves you, check it out."

I have and she does, but most other things I'm not so sure about. Which is exactly how it should be "This is my prayer," Paul told the Philippians, "that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ" (1:9-11).

Knowledge, insight, discernment. These are slow concepts in fast times, but better slow than dumb . "You have heard that it was said ... " Jesus pointed out several times in his Sermon on the Mount, only to explain that what had been said was not necessarily so. It still isn't. Though some Christians seem to swear by Alexander Pope's famous line, "A little learning is a dangerous thing," most of us understand that you can't judge a book by its cover.

Or a poet by o n e line. Further reading reveals that Pope did n 't claim a little learning was dangerous, bu t a little learning . F rom knowledge, he wrote, w e should "drink d e ep": "Shallow droughts intoxicate the brain, / And drinking largely sobers us aga in ."

So here's to knowledge Cheers tf2

Know/edge, insight, discernment. These are slow concepts in fast times, but betters/ow than dumb.

, Ore.

Philip Wiebe lives in Salem

HEIN

Qconference and schools spend large sums of money to try to persuade people to give to our institutions. Since giving is to be voluntary, should we not allow people to do what they wish? (CAUFORNlA)

AI suppose if we all gave as faithfully and proportionately as the Bible teaches, "professional" stewardship personnel wouldn't be needed. Unfortunately, few among us are that faithful.

On second thought, even if we measured up much better to biblical standards of giving, there would still be a place for persons to educate and inspire us to use our wealth more intelligently for God's work.

Consider only the work that involves estates and bequests, for instance. I read recently that in the next 25 years, $7 trillion stands to be inherited by people in the United States. What is so sad about this statistic is that much of that $7 trillion will be left by people who simply die and leave it all behind in a will. You ask: "And what's wrong with that?"

Those who have studied steward· ship habits across our land suggest that waste and shame too often are the result. How? Since most of us keep our last wills and testaments a deep secret, people are often unpre· pared and lack the maturity to handle the funds that fall into their possession Consequently, their sudden windfalls result in waste, shame and foolishness.

I'm persuaded we need people to talk with us about our wealth. We need people to remind us that we will, indeed, die. That may sound strange, but I remember the parishioner who, when I suggested we can't take anything with us into the next world, replied, "Then I'm not going!"

We need people with expertise to show us how we can leave our wealth behind without the government taking huge bites of it (unless you think the federal government knows better how to spend it than we do)

We need people to teach us how to

give away some of our estates before we die We might well find reasons to rejoice if, while living, we could see our accumula · tions of money and proper· ty do God's work here and now

I am repeatedly amazed, as I listen to our stewardship experts, at the ways we can provide both for our

families and our institutions if we arrange our estates properly. We can give away a million dollars (that's really not much of an exception anymore) in our later years, allow our children to reap the benefits for years to come, and still leave $3 million to charity 25 years after we die-all from the original $1 million.

I know a few professional estat e planners who work for the confer· ence who are very common, down-toearth people who could help many of us do God's will much more wisely than we have in the past. I say: "God bless them!"

QIn our politically disintegrated world, how can we advise our government to be more discreet in its use of power, like bombing the Serbs in Bosnia, etc.? (CAUFORNIA)

AAt times I tend to be very critical of our nation's policies and the exercise of the "big stick." At other times I recognize how difficult it must really be even to know who is on your side.

Nothing seems to be normal any· more-except conflict.

Take the current crisis in Korea. For a while we thought China was with us and might be the country to apply pressure against the North Kore· ans. But recently in Beijing, our Secre· tary of State was shaking his fmger at the Chinese and wondering if they were our friends.

It's been the same in the Middle East We helped Iraq to slow down Iran's expansionist ambitions, only to discover that Iraq would turn aga inst our Kuwaiti friends World events are

Do you have a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference policy, or other spiritual issue? Send it to "Inquiring Minds, " c/o Marvin Hein, 4812 E. Butler, Fresno, CA 93727.

no longer so simple that you can say: "the enemy of my enemy is my friend."

Even more frustrating, it 's difficult to know who is your friend in international affairs. Take China, for instance. That nation has a whole department of government devoted to religious affairs. Within that department is a foundation that, believe it or not, pub· lishes and distributes thousands of Bibles annually. Is that not good? Per· haps, but their supply is only a drop in the bucket to the actual need and the policy includes a prohibition against anyone else distributing Bibles. So is the foundation a friend or foe?

Another illustration of this same kind of quandary is in the anti·abortion or pro-life movement . Those active in this movement tell us it is not at all unusual to find yourself walking down the street in a demon· stration side-by-side with Protestants, Catholics, Jews, Mormons, and per· haps even members of the Black Muslims. Who is our friend and who is the foe?

Jesus did not give us an easy, quickly-to-be-identified list of people with whom we could cooperate. I've sometimes wished for some formula that would sort out the good guys from the bad guys.

But Jesus seems to have made it more difficult than easy He once said: "He who is not with me is against me" (Lk. 11 :23) and then said earlier in 9:50: "for whoever is not against you is for you "

Much of Jesus's teaching is clear. Sometimes he leaves it to us to figure o ut . tf2.

An intensity for work or play

BY KATHY HEINRICHS WIEST

NINTH IN A SERIES

TIM GEDDERT longed for those tasty little cookie treats called peppernuts that his mother used to bake him as a child in rural Saskatchewan. Now far from home, he decided he would have to make them himself.

Oh, but it was such tedious work, rolling the dough into long ropes and cutting the tiny pieces one at a time. For someone who painted walls with three paint rollers at a time and typed faster than his computer word processor could process, it was just too inefficient. Ever optimistic and ready for a problem-solving challenge, he set his mind to finding a more efficient method.

Armed with a knife and his carpenter's square, Geddert found that after rolling the dough out flat, he could cut it in even little cubes on the cutting board. The results, while shaped a little different, were just as tasty as Mother's and done in half the time.

A hankering for peppernuts isn't the only thing Geddert carries with him from his childhood. A strong sense of family was instilled in this boy who was the second oldest of six children. His role as father is an important part of who he is.

That role became even more important eight years ago when he had to carry the weight of parenting alone for sons Matthew and Andrew, then ages 6 and 5. In 1983, his wife, Bertha, was diagnosed with cancer After a short remis- Geddert: Blessed with drive and optimism for any task.

sion the cancer reappeared, and she passed away in February 1986 while the family was in Scotland, where Geddert was studying for his doctoral degree.

For more than a year the father and his young sons functioned as a family without a wife and mother. Geddert completed his studies at Aberdeen University and together the three came to the seminary, where he had accepted a teaching position.

Rather than becoming embittered by the experience, Geddert found

TIM GEDDERT - THE BIO

Name: Tim Geddert

Birth: September 5, 1952 in Saskatoon, Sask.

Family: Wife, Gertrud (Andres), teacher, church worker and counselor; children, Matthew (15), Andrew (13), Kristina (3), Benjamin (5 months).

Education: Graduated Bethany Bible Institute, 1973; BA, philosophy, University of Saskatchewan, 1978; M.Div , biblical studies, MBBS, 1978; Ph D., New Testament, Aberdeen University, Scotland, 1986.

Years on faculty: eight (including three years leave-of-absence)

Position: Assistant professor of New Testament

Present church involvement: Fig Garden Bible Church (MB); preaches frequently. Most influential book read recently: Jesus and Community by Gerhard Lohfink Best advice ever received: Work hard, play hard

Hobbies/interests: Work with hands (painting, house building and improvements, gardening), bicycling, skiing, math games, parenting.

Fondest wish for the MB Church: That all members of the church be actively involved in exercising their gifts and in developing relationships through house fellowship groups ; that church leaders would understand themselves as servants of the church and that other church members would allow them freedom to exercise their gifts of leadership

himself "more content not to understand the ways of God. I'm now more inclined to trust in the goodness of God."

In summer 1987 God provided for the creation of a new family when Geddert married Gertrud Andres, a seminary student from Germany "I spent quite a bit of time processing with the kids the pros and cons of having a new mom before they even knew I was interested in marrying again," Geddert recalled, noting with satisfaction that "they have completely taken Gertrud as mother. "

He is now enjoying new parenthood all over again, and Matthew and Andrew have shared his and Gertrud's joy as Kristina and Benjamin were born into the family. "The boys are the world's best baby-sitters," Geddert says.

The Gedderts enjoy their partnership in parenting as well as in ministry. A highlight for them was working as a team for three years in Germany, where they shared in pastoral ministry, preached, taught, and led retreats and Bible conferences.

"We did everything together," he explained. "Sometimes I would be involved in a weekend retreat, sometimes she would, and sometimes we both would. But no matter which of the three it was, we still prepared it together."

Meet the

"New Seminarians"

Then and Now:

The profile of seminarians has shifted significantly during the past decade and seminaries have had to adjust to this new reality. During the 60s and 70s, seminarians tended to be younger, single, college graduates who were content to relocate for seminary and learn primarily through books and lectures. Many came to seminary with a clear call of God in their lives - some came to test that call (and others to avoid the draft).

Today's seminarians are changing . They tend to be older students preparing for a second or even third career. They often have children and a spouse, who must work full-time to make ends meet. Usually, the student must also hold down a part-time job. Financial realties make them very reluctant to move away and give up good paying jobs. It also makes a twoyear Master of Arts program more attractive than a three-year Master of Divinity.

Many of today' s seminarians are trying to find out who they are and to test whether ministry is a good and safe career to follow. Today's seminarians are more ethnically and denominationally diverse with women more represented. Who's Here:

Of the 122 credit students here this spring: 82 are from the US, 32 from Canada and 8 elsewhere; 56 are Mennonite Brethren and 66 are from 25 other denominations; 24 are local commuter students; 19 are ethnic/cultural minorities; 97 are men and 25 are women; and 100 are married and 22 single. While enrollment by "typical" MB students has remained steady, "new seminarians" represent the expanding portion of our student body.

Putting Faces to the Profile:

Let's take a closer look at some of these "new seminarians":

• Henry and Eleanor Pauls (later 40s with an eight year old daughter) are in an MA program. They sold their chicken farms near Edmonton to prepare for pastoral ministry.

• Bob and SuSan Gulack are in their late 30s with three young children They own an agricultural consulting business but felt called to prepare for church ministry. They downscaled their business to make studies possible for the both of them. Bob and Susan are members of the newest emerging Mennonite Brethren congregation in Fresno/Clovis and look forward to a mission assignment teaching at Lithuanian Christian College in Klaipeda, starting January 1995.

• Terrie Purgason will graduate in May, after eight years of part-time study at MBBS. During that time she has served as Associate Pastor at Clovis First Baptist and as a major resource person in her denomination for women's ministries, evangelism , Bible study/prayer groups and leadership

Henry J. Schmidt

training.

• Scott Leonard (mid40s) owns Guarantee Financial Real Estate in Fresno and manages 150 employees. He is an elder in the Clovis Evangelical Free Church. He started classes two years ago but kept his company because "I couldn't leave my career but wanted a quality biblicaVtheological education "

• Ken Smiley, Shoua Moua and Jonathan Villalobos study at MBBS while pastoring in the Afro-American , Southeast Asian and Hispanic communities. While there are still many traditional students at MBBS, the above represent a "growing edge" in all seminaries.

Response to the New Seminarians: MBBS remains committed to solid biblical, theological, church-based training while responding to the needs of our changing student body.

1. Adopt Adult Education Methodology. For too long seminaries have ignored research on adult education. We are dedicated to accommodating different learning styles, building on the student's past experiences, encouraging self-motivated learning, validating cultural differences, and providing more interactive learning.

2. Develop New Delivery Systems. MBBS is taking steps to decentralize our program through Distance Learning Centers, initially in BC and eventually in Winnipeg, Wichita and Los Angeles. We are also taking steps to use video and "hi-tech" teaching tools.

3. Help Churches Call and Discern Leaders. One of our highest goals is to help churches call out their best leaders for ministry. Both the church and the Seminary will need wisdom as we work together in the discernment and training process.

4. Establish Church-based Training. MBBS is committed to a new partnership with churches. We want to work with churches in designing curricula for in-service practicums. Such cooperative curriculum would include: visionary leadership; mentored internships; leadership for international and multi-cultural ministry; associate church staff specialists in youth ministry, counseling and discipleship; leadership for denominational mission and parachurch agencies; and empowering the laity in ministry. Thank you for your prayers, counsel and fmandal support as MBBS strives to meet the training needs of these "new seminarians. "

Finaneial Update -

your help needed!

Thank you for your generous response to the fund raising contacts of President Henry Schmidt, Harry Olfert (Canada), Henry Dick (BC) and Harold Penner (California).

As of March 31, MBBS has received $235,000 of the $400,000 needed in unrestricted giving by May 31, 1994.

The Seminary Spring Fund Drive must raise $165,000. Of this total, $107,000 is needed from donors in Canada and $58,000 from the U.S.

Can you help MBBS with a gift? Your donation assures that our churches will have trained and experienced pastors who will lead our denomination into the next century. MBBS also provides workers for mission agencies , Christian counseling programs, Christian schools and other parachurch organizations. Our grads are making a difference for Jesus Christ. Only with your generous donations can we continue to provide this crucial ministry.

All amounts, small or large, are greatly appreciated. Prayer support is always welcome. In the US your donations may be sent to: MBBS, 4824 E . Butler Ave., Fresno, CA 93727-5097. In Canada , to: MBBS, 3169 Riverton Ave , Winnipeg, MB R2L 2E5

Twenty-seven to Graduate

On May 22 , MBBS will hold its thirtyeighth commencement exercises.

Twenty-seven will graduate with eleven from the Master of Arts program and sixteen from the Master of Divinity program.

The class of 1994 includes students from the US (47%), Canada (41 %) and elsewhere (3 % ). Seventy percent of the graduates are Mennonite Brethren. Twentysix percent are women.

David W. Augsburger, Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Fuller Seminary will be the keynote speaker. Please pray for these graduates as they seek placement and find service positions in churches, agencies or other areas of ministry.

"Let the

Children Come"

A playground now resides in the Seminary campus , the result of almost a year's work by students , staff and administration. The facility has been well received by

parents, child care workers and, of course, the children of the Seminary community.

"We're getting a lot of use from it already. It's especially a help for child care workers during chapel and other events," said Karen Enns, a member of the Childcare Task force.

Phu Mac Hau, Maintenance Supervisor, designed and built the playground with the help of volunteers.

New Administrator Speaks on First Sehool Year

Last summer, Linda Bowman was appointed to the newly created position of Executive Administrator. In Touch asked Linda to reflect on her first school year:

"After nine months in the post I have a few reflections

"My biggest challenges have included learning about the world of Seminary education while installing the best support systems for that world. It is also a challenge to work with educators after having worked with corporate tycoons for seventeen years. I am enjoying the challenge s that this new environment brings.

"It has been a very fulfilling experience thus far. I am doing what I enjoy most: managing people, managing computer systems, and accounting.

"My goal is to improve daily operations by continuing to upgrade the internal systems here at the Seminary I am also involved in long-term planning with the other Administrators in shaping the future of Seminary education. The Lord has brought me to the Seminary for a reason and I am open to being used in His ministry."

Canadian Fundraiser Joins Team

Harry Olfert of Winnipeg , Manitoba has joined the Seminary in a halftime assignment in financial development and fund raising . Working out of Winnipeg, he will assist MBBS in development in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. Olfert, who most recently served as Director of Development at Menno Simons College, brings to this position a background in education, development and fund raising. He and Agnes are members of the McIvor Avenue Church

Students in Specific Programs

Professional and Academic Master of

(Source : 1992·1993 ATS Factbook, p.37.)

With the electronic superhighway almost here, we will see a significant expansion of distance learning opportunities using video, computers, telephone, and microwave communication.

Enrollment trends

The average age of seminary students is now in the early 30s. Typically, today's students are second career people having already spent six to ten years in the workforce and seasoned to the realities of life in the marketplace. These folks are not the "green rookies" we often think about when referring to grads just out of seminary.

Overall seminary enrollment increased by 13% in 1992. It increased by 22.5% over the past 5 years .

About one third oftoday's students are women. As the following table indicates, most of the women students (65%) are not in the MDiv program which is designed for those seeking pastoral ministry. Instead, women are opting for degrees like an MA, a Certificate (non-degree), or taking courses for personal enrichment.

Gender Distribution Men Women

Overall

MDiv program

MA programs

Certificate

Professional Doctorate

Research Doctorate

69% 31%

75% 25%

54 % 46%

59 % 41%

89 % 11%

77% 23%

(Source: 1992 1993 ATS Factbook p.43 )

The search for quality pastors is causing seminaries and denominations to ask fundamental questions about how gifted leaders are to be nurtured and mentored into the pastoral ministry Research indicates that "sending churches" have: a vibrant

In Touch is a publication of the Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary , 4824 E. Butler Ave , Fresno, CA 93727-5097 (209) 251 -8628. Dr. Henry J. Schmidt, President; Craig A. Hallman, Editor

What's happening at MBBS? Here are a few highlights:

• God continues to nudge people into a heart for mission and service. This year, we have seen our large st enrolm e nt ever in our 39 year history.

• We work with tran s ition and change. Along with Henry Schmidt's entry into th e presidency this year have come admini strative shifts, mission and vision review, search for a mission professor, and expansion of our distance learning efforts in the British Columbia context.

• We deal with the challenge of stretched comfort zones as a new generation of students encounter new insights and people who come at life and theology differently.

• MBBS becomes a more child-friendly place with the completion of a very fin e outdoor playground. It's great to see the Nicki's an d Kayla' s playing in the sandbo x, climbing the fort, or swinging on the tire swing.

• The schedule continues to shift toward more night classes, more Saturday classes, more short courses, and more summer courses.

• MBB S partners with four other players to develop a new Video Media Ce nte r in orde r to pos ition ourselves for the growing electronic communication era

• We pray with student families who are struck with illness, who are on th e finan c ial edge with less than $100.00 in the checking account , or grads who wonder where they will serve following graduation.

• We challenge ourselves as a community of learners to "Keep Fueling the Fires of our Spiritual Walk", and to "Spread the Flame of the Gospel and God's Love" through our chapel s

• MBB S partners with Fresno Pacific College and Butler Church to explore new ways of mini ste ring to the neighborhoods immediately around our campuses, reaching out to childre n, youth, and adults in Jesus' name.

• MBBS and Fre sno Pacific Co llege work together at encourag ing teachers/professors in retirement to do re search and some teaching at the two in stitutions.

1989 1990 1991 1992

worship life, strong Christian education programs, committed lay leadership, handson outreach, and pastors who present the ministry as an attractive vocation. These churches expect that God will call out some from among them into full-time ministry. (Melinda Hepp e , " Callin g People to Ministry, " In Tru st Easter , 19 93 , p.15 .)

Financial trends

In time s of economic downturn seminaries scramble to control costs. Some are downscaling dramatically while at the same time facing increased costs because of governmental regulation and the expectation of exceptional "customer service" by students .

Students are taking on increased debt to finance their education The average debt of MDiv seminary graduates with debt is about $11,000 although about half of the grads have no debt.

The table below charts the financial trends for students and schools over the past few years.

Percent of Revenue from Tuition/Fees:

Average Scholarship/Fellowship: $1631 $1770 $1776 $1903

Average 1992 MBBS FinancialAid: $3006

(Sources: 1992-93 ATS Fa c tbo o k, p p 149, 155 and Internal MBBS Statistics )

The availability of financial aid w ill become even more critical in the years ahead. Development departments will also become increasingly critical in the successful seminary.

Conclusion

One thing doesn't change--our churches and world need men and women who are people of character, knowledgeable, skilled , and with a heart of vision and compassion for the kingdom of God. MBBS strives to keep itself on this track but always with an eye for better ways to accomplish the vision.

Ron Penner serves as Dean of Students and Associate Professor of Church and Family Ministries

Although a cross-cultural blended family requires a lot of flexibility, Geddert says the benefits far outweigh the struggles. "For us, it's just opened up worlds of new kinds of experiences. "

The need for partnership and equality in their marriage was seen most clearly during the family's first months in Germany.

While Gertrud moved with great ease in the language and customs of her homeland, Geddert was working at learning German and trying to avoid any social errors among the people he was serving.

He appreciates the way that, in a cross-cultural marriage, "you can take turns having the role of guide. Our experience in Germany would have been a whole lot less successful without her intimate knowledge of German culture and her guiding us through it."

The intensity Geddert brings to painting, typing and making peppernuts finds applications in his work at MBBS, but also in time for play and recreation. "We've always taken family vacations seriously and also couple vacations. Every year we plan on at least one week of vacation without kids.

"Most couples have a minimum nine months before they have kids. In the next 45 years we want to get in our nine months," he explained with a smile.

Bicycling is one of his favorite diversions, especially with son Andrew. During their stay in Germany, the two took several extended bike trips, traveling into Liechtenstein and seven of the nine countries that border Germany.

During one excursion, determined to accomplish an ambitious 130-mile goal in one day of biking, the two left before dawn and didn't stop for breakfast until about 10 o'clock. To their astonishment, they found that they already had half the trip behind them.

With a powerful drive and irrepressible optimism, Geddert is always ready to tackle a new challenge. Today peppernuts, tomorrow the world. ef2

Kathy Heinrichs Wiest, a free-lance writer from Kingsburg, Calif, is a member of the Kingsburg MB Church.

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT RESIDENCE DIRECTOR (HALF-TIME, 10 MO.)

Role The residence director is responsible to the dean of student development for oversight of student staff in the campus residence halls. Responsibilities include assisting in supervision of resident counselors, aSSisting in intramural program, and assisting in planning and leading a peer-counseling class. The residence director is also available to counsel students and attend social events, games and other student events. The residence director must live on campus.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in appropriate field

• Interest and experience in student government, athletics, clubs, and campus ministries

• Experience in Christian liberal arts college setting

Desired:

• Master's degree in student development or appropriate field

Compensation Application Deadline: 6/1/94

Dependent on qualifications and experience.

Send a letter of application and resume to:

Sue Kliewer, Personnel Director Fresno Pacific College

1717 South Chestnut Fresno, CA 93702

Phone: (209) 453-2245

Fresno Pacific College provides equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, or handicap.

"My instructors are down to earth. They always make a point of personally interacting with me, even if it's just to say 'hi' and ask how I'm doing. If I ever need help, I always have a place to go to."

EricaOark Junior Hillsboro, KS

400 S Jefferson Hillsboro, KS 67063 (316) 947-3121

Reflections on a people

MAYBE I'M getting old, but I've been reflecting on the past. This summer will mark the completion of my 20th year as a Mennonite Brethren pastor. I've been thinking through the things I've learned about the Mennonite Brethren during these two decades. Though I've spent all 20 years serving in only two churches, through conference involvement I've had opportunity to travel to Mennonite Brethren churches across the country. Here are a few random reflections.

I've been impressed by the commitment to causes bigger than ourselves. Though a small denomination numerically, Mennonite Brethren in the United States have managed to help sustain a full mission program, two colleges and a seminary, as well as numerous other schools, retirement homes, radio broadcasts, publishing ventures, etc. Often I have heard others say, and felt myself agreeing: "We can't keep all these things going. There simply aren't enough of us to contribute." But Mennonite Brethren have stayed the course, dug into the wallet, and paid the bill. It is impressive. One always asks, "Is there a limit to this ability to keep giving?" but so far it seems not to have been reached.

I've been impressed by the soundness of Anabaptist theology. I wasn't born into a German Mennonite family; therefore I don't share the ethnic heritage of so many of my fellow Mennonite Brethren. But through my training at Fresno Pacific College (FPC), and especially at the MB Biblical Seminary (MBBS), I have come to be a deeply committed Anabaptist (For those unfamiliar with the term, Anabaptism is the name of the theological foundation on which Mennonite churches are built .) The Anabaptist understanding of Christ, the Word, discipleship, the church, and especially peace has seemed to me to be remarkably akin to what we read in the New Testament. Even without the "Mennonite name," or the German heritage, I will always be an Anabaptist.

I have greatly appreciated the quality of the education Mennonite Brethren support. As noted above, I'm a product of two Mennonite Brethren schools, both in Fresno . FPC and MBBS have been vitally important in the shaping of my thinking and my character. At FPC, the quality of the faculty and their commitment to the students were admirable. I'd go there again .

I want to add a special note about the seminary My experience at MBBS was especially sig-

nificant as a preparation for pastoral ministry. It was there that I learned to understand the background of the Scriptures, to exegete the Word of God, and to present truth in a way that was understandable and that invited a response.

On so many occasions since my graduation I have found the wisdom and insight of seminary professors to be helpful in my own understanding of a difficult or obscure passage. I know there have been times over these 20 years when people have been critical of the seminary because of what is perceived as doctrinal error or biblical misinterpretation But I have found people at the school to be consistently committed to understanding the Bible and to seeing its contemporary relevance.

Just a few weeks ago, I was on the seminary campus as part 9f their pastor-in-residence program, in which a pastor is invited to share insights with the graduating students. As I met with men and women preparing for various forms of ministry, I was impressed again by the quality of people that MBBS produces. Mennonite Brethren have given special attention to education, and it has paid off.

Another observation, on a different track, concerns the Mennonite Brethren people themselves. During these last 20 years, Mennonite Brethren have had what I would call a growing awareness of the importance of religious experience. When I was younger, spiritual experiences, especially dramatic ones, were viewed suspiciously by church leaders. When people said, "The Lord told me " or "God has revealed to me that ," we looked skeptically at their pronouncements. If something could not be found in the Scriptures, it wasn't true, we thought .

But more recently, Mennonite Brethren have begun to believe that God may make his will known in ways outside of direct biblical revelation. One is much more likely today to meet good Mennonite Brethren who believe in words of knowledge, or who point to specific instances where God has told them to do something. How far we will continue in this direction remains to be seen. I know that there is danger in having theology shaped by experience, but we have traveled down that path some little way, and we will now see where it leads .

One fmal thought, after 20 years. The Mennonite Brethren are truly wonderful people . Pasto r ing among them has been an adventure . We'll see what lies ahead . (2

One a/ways asks, there a limit to this ability to keep giving?" but so far it seems not to have been reached.

Jim Holm is from Reedley, Calif.

A 'power' struggle in Denver

• BFL consultation finds authority in the church to be a challenging topic

No MIRACLES, this time. Some 100 participants came to the Sheraton Inn in Denver, Colo., Apr. 7-9, for Consultation '94 expecting to discuss issues of importance to the Mennonite Brethren Church in North America. They did that. But if they came looking for another dramatic coming together of minds and hearts that occurred in a similar setting two years earlier, they were likely disappointed.

Instead, they had to settle for a weekend of healthy interaction in small-group and plenary sessions with little tangible results to point to for their efforts. That may not be the stuff of miracles, but, according to planners, it was still rewarding and important.

"I think we experienced the richness of interaction that can be candid and purposeful and free, which I think we need to do in leadership circles," Roland Reimer, interim chair of

the General Conference Board of Faith and Life (BFL), said afterward.

Consultation '94 was the latest in a series of leadership gatherings sponsored by the Board of Faith and Life to work through theological issues. The previous event, held at the Sheraton in 1993, focused on Confession of Faith articles dealing with baptism and the Lord's Supper. Those is sues brought forth a diversity of views and practices that first led to vigorous debate, but then to a dramatic, finalday coming together.

In search of definitions

This year's primary agenda was titled "Ordaining, Using and Misusing Authority in the Church." While participants generally agreed on the importance and relevance of the topic, they soon realized the issues involved were wide-ranging and complex. Even basic defmitions were elusive. What was meant by "leadership, " "authority" and "power"? In the church setting, were such concepts intrinsically positive, negative or neutral?

The weekend's format unintentionally may have added to the struggle to

focus the issues. Responding to criticisms of past consultations, the BFL purposely shied away from offering position papers as the basis for discussion. Instead, they emphasized experiential, non-written input, including an opening panel interview with six church leaders and devotional presentations by Reimer and Marvin Hein, General Conference executive secretary.

The panel of six, moderated by BFL member Ed Boschman of Kelowna , B.C., was challenged to articulate the issues. Jascha Boge, moderator of the Manitoba Conference and the only nonpastoral staff worker on the panel, described the issue as "a perception in the grass roots that leadership is not serving us as it should." Others highlighted the challenges of effective leadership in an age of the "professional pastorate," but most agreed that both pastors and congregations were struggling t o understand the place and proper exercise of power and authority in the local congregation.

The discussion floundered when it came to defining those terms, particularly "power." Boge said the diction-

Lynn Voth of Winnipeg (left photo), a member of the findings committee, listens as a panel of church staff and leaders (right photo) attempt to articulate their experiences with the issues surrounding the use and abuse of authority in the church Panel members were, left to right, Jascha Boge, Tim Sullivan, Clint Seibel, Nadine Friesen, Ernie Friesen and Dan Unrau

ary includes the ideas of control and force, but he said he preferred the more positive defInition of "the capability of doing or accomplishing something. " But when moderator Boschman later said , almost offhandedly, "Let's just admit that we all want power," some participants objected. "I don't want power," said one, "and 1 hope my congregation doesn't see me that way."

Too few followers?

Boge seemed to a strike chord with many participants when he observed that a pastor "can exert power to the extent that the congregation gives it to you." He added that it was his observation that when individuals within a congregation ask a pastor to "lead us , " that usually means they want the pastor to manifest the individuals' own ideas and prejudices and nothing more.

"We have a malaise in many of our churches," he said. "We don ' t want anyone to have power over us

About ordination, we hereby agree .. .

A TIIREE-PERSON fm d ings committee - Lynn Voth of Winnipeg , Man ., .1"1iynn Jost of Nashville , Tenn., and John Redekop of Waterloo , Ont ogathered feedback from small-group and plenary sessions , then compile d the following points of agreement regarding ordination:

1 That all believers are gifted for ministry and that the practice of affirming them should become more widespread

2 That affIrmation of pastoral leadership· is essential , but that the Scriptures do not prescribe ordination as presently practiced in the Mennonite Brethren Church .

3. That the process of affirming all believers needs to be distinguished from the affirmation of pastoral leaders

4 That originally , Mennonite Brethren ordained persons for ministry (proclamation of the Word) . For many years this defmition of ordination served the denomination well

5 . That with the development of a "professional pastorate " ordination has taken on a meaning which has created controversy. This controversy often focuses on the question of hierarchy

6 That the church is free to establish helpful practices that are not specifIcally prescribed in the Bible if those practices are not inconsistent with the Scriptures.

7 That the present diversity of practice in affIrming pastoral leadership has the potential for inhibiting ministry

8 . That a common Mennonite Brethren Church procedure for pastoral leadership affmnation should be our aim .

9. That there should also be common procedures to suspend , withdraw or terminate commissioning/ordination when pastoral leadership ends

because we don't want to go anywhere we haven't been before. "

During his summary remarks at the conclusion of the panel discussion, Boschman used broad strokes to paint a picture of church leadership and power that seemed to resurface as common themes during the rest of the consultation. He said the biblical model is that leadership is a shared experience and not a CEO corporate structure, it requires accountability of a leader to the community, it grows out of brokenness and weakness more than personal strength and charisma, and it has a servant mindset.

"A church leader must follow Christ fIrst," Boschman said. "No one is a leader who has no followers. The way one leads is a choice-and that's why it's good to talk about it."

A focus on ordination

Beyond those broad strokes, though, participants struggled to fmd ways to talk about the issue-particularly the misuse of power-in concrete, practical terms. Until, that is, the topic was shifted to the practice of ordination in the Mennonite Brethren Church

· "Pastoralleadership " should be broadly defmed to include all pastoral staff members , theological educators, missionaries , chaplains, conference ministers and others who provide pastoral-care leadership [within and] beyond the local congregation

- Findings Committee

In keeping with the experiential emphaSiS, three pastors were asked to recount their experiences with ordination. Dan Unrau, Richmond, B.C., explained why he has rejected it, Mark Jantzen, Medicine Hat, Alta., described his pilgrimage of struggle with the practice, and Mervin Dick, Denver, Colo., explained his decision

Karen Heidebrecht Thiessen (standing, with mike), Winnipeg, responds to a Confession of Faith issue as session moderator Harry Heidebrecht listens intently

power and authority," the statement reported.

Participants, w ith the help.. of the findings committee, were able to affIrm a list of basic points of agree· ment on the issue (see box, page 18), but, the committee noted in its final report, "lacking solid definitions of such words as 'power' and 'authority,' we were unable to take our discussion of abuse in this area further than we did Friday noon (when the discussion shifted to ordination)."

Confession of Faith agenda

In addition to addressing leadership and ordination, participants were asked to respond to other BFL agenda: two rewritten articles for the Confes· sion of Faith, several sample commen· tary and pastoral application helps about the Confession, and the possi· bility of a name change for the denomination (see Sidebar).

With tangible documents back in hand, the delegation responded to BFL's request for feedback with enthusiasm. The two rewritten Con· fession articles, one on the nature of the church and the other on the mission of the church, generated numer· ous editorial suggestions as well as theological challenges. The same was true about the written commentary and pastoral helps regarding believers' baptism

Members of BFL took note of the comments and will consider them in preparing revised statements for future consideration.

In his closing comments, Roland Reimer acknowledged the lack of con· crete or dramatic results during the consultation, but challenged partici· pants to consider the event valuable nonetheless. "This too is the work of the church," he said

Apparently a number of partici· pants agreed. Reimer reported later that written evaluations of the week· end noted a lack of clear·cut objec· tives and results, but overall were "quite positive," particularly in regard to the process and the opportunity for meaningful participation by all.

As one participant noted, "Maybe we're leaving here not understanding the abuse of power and authority in the church as well as we might have liked, but at least we didn't experi· ence it . " - Don Ratzlaff

FINANCES

MBMj S proposes program cuts

• But officials anticipate sending 12 new workers

FACED WITII three years of declin· ing income and a mandate to cut the budget by 8 percent, MB Mis· sions/Services administrators did major surgery March 19·24.

Their recommendations were pre· sented to the MBM/S board, which met Apr. 28·30 in St. Catharines, Onto They include:

• Ending financial support for urban church planting in Panama City.

• Offering early retirement to sev· eral workers over age 62;

• Reducing administrative travel ;

• Reducing country subsidies for some national church programs;

• Reducing personnel through nor· mal attrition.

Despite a $400,000 decrease in 1994·95 planned expenditures, admin· istrators will ask the board to send 12 new workers into service.

Fall injure s

SDC m i n ister

• Service project turns hazardous

DOLAND REIMER, District minister, is recovering satisfactorily from injuries received during a ministry·related acci· dent Apr. 23 . Reimer was among some 13 volunteers from Kansas and Oklahoma Mennonite Brethren congregations helping the Topeka (Kan.) MB Church paint the interi· or of its new facility.

According to Katie Holliday, church secre· tary, Reimer was taking

To place the appointees in service, the council asked first·term personnel to go out on a cost·of·living basis instead of missionary salary.

"Sending out these mission candi· dates almost seems like a miracle, given the fmancial picture," said gen· eral director Harold Ens. "After wrestling with cuts for days, we were surprised to discover that we had room for as many as we did."

One indirect casualty of the pro· cess was Ens' son, Lowell, who had been appointed for Christian service to Panama With the closure of the urban work there, Lowell Ens was left with no viable assignment

The closure was precipitated by the resignation of the MBM/S mission· ary couple in Panama Also, a Hon · duran pastoral couple serving the small church in Panama City will lose their subsidy income.

The new budget reflects shifting priorities as resources are focused more toward the former Soviet Union and Muslim work.

Missionary personnel in countries where the national church is strongZaire, Colombia or Brazil, for exam· pIe-will continue to decline, while Asia will require more workers.

RECOVERING

a photograph of the vol· unteers during a coffee break, stepped back· ward to get a fuller frame and fell into an unprotected opening in the floor to the base · ment . Reimer was rushed first to a Topeka hospi· tal, then transferred to Wesley Medical Center in his home city of Wichita . He suffered a

fractured skull and shat· tered shoulder, five bro· ken ribs, a facial nerve injury and three com· pression fractures of the lower vertebrae.

Lois Reimer, his wife, reports doctors are optimistic about his recovery without the necessity of surgery. He was transferred May 1 to Wichita's Wesley Rehabilitation Hospital, where he will continue his recovery.

According to family members, his primary concern following the accident was that the Topeka cong r egation not be disheartened by the accident, but continue to aggressively develop its ministry to the community

Lois and Roland Reimer

Cancer claims education leader

• Former Tabor, cac president dies at age 72

FUNERAL SERVICES for Roy Just, 72, Tabor College president from 1963·1980, were held Apr 28 at the Bethany Church of Fresno, Calif. Just died Apr. 25 of pancreatic cancer.

Several Mennonite Brethren leaders participated in the service, including Lee Balzer, current Tabor president, and Wally Unger, president of Colum· bia Bible College Marvin Hein , Gener· al Conference exec· utive secretary and long·time family friend, and Henry Dick, Pacific District minister, officiated Roy Just, 1921 94 An estimated 500 people gathered for the service.

Meanwhile, Tabor College students and faculty held a memorial service on their campus Apr 27 A service for the general public was scheduled for May 3 in the Historic Mennonite Brethren Church building on the cam· pus .

Born Sept. 28, 1921 , in Reedley , Calif., Just came to Tabor as a student in 1942. In 1943, he was married to Evelyn Flaming, who survives. He earned his bachelor's degree from Tabor in 1947, a master's degree from the University of Kansas in 1948, and a doctorate from the University of Southern California in 1952.

Just was a sociology professor at Tabor from 1950·55 and taught sociol· ogy and philosophy at Fresno City College from 1955-63 He returned to Tabor in 1963 as president, serving until 1980

Just's administration brought signif· icant changes to the college, both in its academic program and its physical plant His first objective as president was accreditation, which was granted in 1965 . By 1970, a number of new buildings graced the campus, includ· ing a new library, gymnasium , student center, cafeteria and several residence halls

In a tribute to Just, Clar· ence Hiebert and Wesley J. Prieb, long·time Tabor col· leagues, wrote that "rJust's] students will recall the sig· nificant input he brought to their lives through his mar· riage and family courses. [Modeled by his] family life with Evelyn and his two daughters .

"As vision·maker and dreamer, Roy expressed ide· Tabor students lead the parade celebrating accreditation. als that were contagious," they wrote. "He never stopped dreaming, though at times, some of these exceeded his grasp."

Prieb and Hiebert included a state· ment Just made during his first year as Tabor president: "All of learning has a motive, and our highest motive is to 'be approved unto God.' We seek first of all the accreditation of God upon our work in the classroom and labora· tory, the chapel and dormitory. We look to the Scriptures and there find meaning and noble purpose for our study. This is our goal, this is our dedi· cation Tabor exists for a specific pur· pose, to take your God given talents and develop them , refine them and then with the approval of God, to

send them into the world to serve."

Just had a deep conviction for mis· sions and helping others. He served on the boards of MB Missions/Services, World Impact, an inner·city ministry, and most recently, Logos, a Bible·train· ing program for Russians . During the '70s , he was influential in bringing the World Impact ministry to Wichita, where it continues today.

After he left Tabor, Just served five years as president of Columbia Bible College, Clearbrook, B.C. Later he taught missions classes at Fresno Pacif· ic College.

In February, Just was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. At the time, he said, "Death is truly not the end , but the beginning. " -Deborah Penner

SERVICE

Youth join U-SERV team in Mexico

• 140 teens and sponsors aid Tijuana congregation

MENNONITE BRETHREN young people from the Visalia and Reedley , Calif., areas spent their spring break, Mar . 27·31, working alongside U·SERV workers refurbish· ing a church and parsonage in Tijua· na, Mexico U·SERV is the adult short· term service program of the U.S. Conference.

Youth pastors Mark Thompson and Tim Leppke led the group of 140 teens and sponsors. In addition to their work, the youth also donated around $2,300 toward the cost of construction materials

The youth helped U·SERV workers Don Loewen, Ted Thiessen and Walt Willems add three rooms to the par· sonage and install handrails , mirrors,

lights and balcony supports in the church. The youth also painted and helped clean up the building site.

Florencio Andrade and the sons of Pastor Hernandez of the Tijuana church applied stucco to an exterior wall of the church. Materials were purchased to build a 7·by·9·foot masonry baptistry At press time , Andrade was completing that proj · ect.

Ron Penner, MB Missions/S ervices worker in Tijuana , purchased and transported the needed building materials to the church site. He also installed a stove and refrigerator in the church kitchen

Other U·SERV projects are planned for Slavic churches in Seat· tle, Wash., and Vancouver, B.C. Vol· unteers may contact Loyal Funk, U.S. director of church planting and evan· gelism , at (805) 872·1670

HEALING

First steps on a long journey toward hope

• Around 2 70 people attend the first Midwest gathering on domestic violence and sexual abuse

A HOUSE GUEST who is a leading 1"1.Mennonite theologian and author-and a close friend of their family-assaults his hostess while her husband is away on a church-related business trip.

• Repressed memories of childhood horrors inflicted by a satanic cult, a cult that included his father and grandmother, devastate a survivor's personal and family life for years before flashbacks drive him to seek help and healing.

• A woman, near 50, was sexually violated as a child by a female close to her family, a teenage male baby-sitter, and later her own father. For four decades she struggled with the shame, gUilt and anger that have crippled her self-esteem and relationships.

• A pastor's grandfatherly attention toward a young

girl in his congregation turns controlling and sexual. Now, many years later, she summons the courage to talk publicly about the abuse-and to name the perpetrator-for the first time.

These stories, shared in general sessions , plus dozens more shared privately with counselors or other participants, turned the meetinghouse of the Hillsboro (Kan.) MB Church into a sanctuary of healing and hope Apr. 22-23 . The event, titled "Hope for the Journey, " was the sixth in a series of regional conferences on family violence and sexual abuse sponsored by Mennonite Central Committee since

November 1990. It was the first such conference held in the central states region:

The conference attracted around 270 participants , according to the planning committee. General sessions focused on worship-using music, lita-

ting it and talking openly about it. "We as Christians tend to be more squeamish than most people about facing the darkness of the human heart ," she said

Naming three lies

Heggen identified "three lies " within the Mennonite church that have contributed to its silence about domestic abuse :

• That the image of the church community is more important than the personal pain of individuals. "We have hushed the voices of victims to keep the reputation of the church untarnished, " she said "If we can blame the victim, we get off the hook of holding leaders accountable "

• That God intends men to dominate women and children. "The subordination of women and men's domination was not God ' s intention, but was the result of The Fall," Heggen said, citing Genesis 2 . "We must confess that we have held up the curse and honored it."

challenging the church to break Its silence on abuse.

nies, drama and personal stories to meet God, acknowledge pain , and claim hope.

The featured speaker for the weekend was Carolyn Holderread Heggen , a psychotherapist from New Mexico and author of the book Sexual Abuse in Christian Homes and Churches (Herald Press, 1993)

Heggen affirmed the courage of a growing number of survivors in recent years who, by giving voice to their pain from sexual abuse and domestic violence, have challenged the church to confront it.

Tragically, she said, the sin that scandalized the church in the past was not abuse , but the "sin" of admit-

• That sexual attitudes are private and not the concern of the congregation. "We as a church must begin to talk about what it means to live in our sexual , passionate bodies," she said.

Heggen also reminded participants that Satan and his demons are the true enemy behind abuse. "We're not just dealing with individuals who open their lives to sin We're in a world that is in open rebellion against God," she said.

She challenged the church to pray for revival in an age of "spiritual anorexia," to reevaluate its theology and family practice teachings , to listen to the stories of victims, and to commit themselves to a "ministry of presence" that comes alongside survivors

She also said the church must keep working to prevent abuse and violence in its midst by naming the

Heggen

HOSPITALITY

Paraguayan pastor shot, recovering

• Chu rch growth may have motivated the assault

A Mennonite Brethren pastor from .f'\.paraguay was shot in the neck Apr. 16 but is recovering with no apparent signs of paralysis.

Felipe Amarilla, pastor at Tacuara MB Church, was doing visitation when his assailant came into the house, threatened him and fired two shots into the wall, reported Juan Veron, president of the Evangelical Convention of Paraguayan MB Churches, in a fax to MB Missions/Services headquarters in Fresno, Calif.

"Confronted with this situation, the pastor, without saying anything or responding to the offense and threats, closed his Bible and was about to leave," according to Veron. "In that instant, the intruder shot the brother, hitting him in the neck. "

Amarilla was taken to a hospital and was scheduled to see a specialist in Asuncion on Apr. 25. The bullet was still in his neck, but the only apparent damage was that he could not hear out of his right ear.

"They will know more about his

Dates, sites set for '95 convention

• Fresno will host 60th gathering

MARK your calenders. The Executive Committee of the General Conference has released the date of the 60th convention of the General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches: July 6 -9, 1995, in Fresno, Calif. Plans have not been

real situation after the examination," said MBM/S spokesman Gary Hardaway. But he said Amarilla was "doing about as well as can be expected. "

Hardaway said the assailant, whom Amarilla did not know, had been caught and was being held by authorities.

Veron said the motive for the attack might be opposition to the church's growth.

"The gospel has been making much progress in this area, and we believe that the enemy is upset and is trying to intimidate people," he said in his fax "They have informed me that on Saturday and Sunday the church was too small to hold all the people."Rich Preheim, Mennonite Weekly Review

. CHURCH NOTES

• Baptism/Membership

NEWTON, Kan. (Koerner Heights)-The congregation recently welcomed Herman and Sarah Regier, Allan and LaVonne Krahn, Scott and Kristi Edgren into membership by transfer Robert and Ruth Suderman, Aaron Krahn, and Rene and Ryan Conrade were baptized and received into membership.

HILLSBORO, Kan. (parkview)-Steve, Lou and Cameron Greenhaw were received into membership by transfer Mar. 28;

GATHERINGS

finalized, according to executive secretary Marvin Hein, but the business and worship sessions on Thursday and Friday likely will be held in the large People's Church in north Fresno. Saturday sessions will move to the campus of MB Biblical Seminary and Fresno Pacific College.

The convention will also include the 40th anniversary celebration of MBBS and the 75th anniversary of Mennonite Central Committee. MBBS will provide the

Francine McLaughlin was received by transfer Apr. 3.

HENDERSON, Neb.-Calvin Epp, Michael Kliewer, Raylyn Real, Alicia Quiring and Amanda Quiring were baptized Apr. 10.

FAIRVIEW, Okla.-Letha Kehn Ratzlaff was received into membership by transfer in April.

HILLSBORO, Kan.-Keith and Sharla lost, Robin Ediger, Kermit and Ruth Ratzlaff and Malinda Nikkel were received into membership by transfer Apr 10.

SHAFfER, Callf.-Rachel Loewen, Sarah Bergen, Brian Penner, Richard Woody and David Franz were baptized Apr. 3.

DAIJ..AS, Ore.-Molly Brandt was baptized and received into membership Mar. 6. Her parents, Merlln and Kim Brandt, were also received into membership that day.

CORN, Okla.-Marvin and Loree Schlichting were received into membership by testimony and transfer Apr. 3 Cherilen Thiessen, Daniella Peters, Nicholas Kliewer, Heather Gossen, Amber Moses, Cheryl Gossen, Alysia Gossen, Christy Dyck and Nicole Kuhns were baptized Apr 10.

• Celebrations

CORN, Okla.-Mr. and ' Mrs. Pete Schmidt celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception at the church Mar. 20

CLOVIS, Calif. (College Community)-The congregation hosted a graduate brunch May 1, honoring all 1994 graduates attending the church.

Saturday afternoon and evening programs. The convention will close Sunday evening with a MCC anniversary observance. MB Missions/ Services will be featured on Friday evening.

"Conference boards and committees are busy projecting plans for the next biennium and these will be shared with the constituency prior to the convention," said Hein in a news release. "You are encouraged to attend if pOSSible, and to pray for the work of the General Conference."

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)-Some 2,615 people attended Easter services Apr. 3. The three services were the first to be held in the congregation's new $3 million worship center. Two weeks later, the new facility was formally dedicated. Special guests included former pastor Ed Boschman, Pacific District minister Henry Dick, and MB Foundation president Lynford Becker

HESSTON, Kan.-A drama group from the church presented "Love's Anguish" on Maunday Thursday, Mar. 31. The play focuses on the events leading up to Christ's crucifixion

FAIRVIEW, Okla.-The Tabor College Band, under the direction of Lonn Richards, presented a concert the evening of Apr. 10.

HILLSBORO, Kan.-The congregation's Women's Ministries Council sponsored an all-church missions dinner Mar. 20. Staff and trainees from World Impact Ranch, Florence, Kan., presented the program. An offering was taken for MB Missions/Ser-

vices, MB Biblical Seminary, Tabor College and World Impact.

HILLSBORO, Kan. (Ebeofeld)-Elmer and Betty Hanneman celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Apr. 9.

• Proclamation

WlCmTA, Kan. (First)-Henry Schmidt, president of MB Biblical Seminary, Fresno, Calif., was the guest speaker at the Apr. 10 morning service.

HENDERSON, Neb.-Albert Epp, former pastor of the Bethesda Mennonite Church of Henderson, was the featured speaker for spring renewal meetings held Mar. 2Q. 22. Epp is the author of the book, Discipleship Therapy: Healthy Christians, Healthy Churches. Other presenters were Bill Coleman, who addressed the topiC "Reclaiming our families from the pressure," and Paul Nauman, who spoke on "Evangelism as a way of life."

TULSA, Okla. (Parkside)-Jim Aiken, senior pastor of the Bethany Church of Fresno, Calif., was the guest speaker for a leadership conference held Apr. 15-17. Aiken spent two days with church leaders and gave the Sunday morning message.

BALKO, Okla.-Jerry Benjamin, a Jewish Christian, was guest speaker for resurrection week services Apr. 3-6. His theme was "Personal revival: Coming into the presence of the Lord." The congregation invited the Adams (Okla ) MB Church to join them for these services

• Ministry

TOPEKA, Kan.-Thirteen volunteers from Mennonite Brethren congregations in Kansas and Oklahoma joined with about 60 from the local congregation to help paint the interior and exterior of their new meetinghouse Apr. 23. A second work day is scheduled for May 7. The local congregation provided paint, lodging, food and gratitude. The rust service in the new facility is scheduled for May 22.

MARSHALL, Ark. (Martin Box)-Church members J.E. and Marian Wadkins returned in early March from southern Mexico, where J.E. was team leader for a School of Evangelism outreach trip, part of Youth with a Mission. The Wadkinses are on staff with YWAM at its Elm Springs headquarters.

FRESNO, Calif. (Bethany)-Members of the Mountain View Community Church, a fledgling Mennonite Brethren church plant in Clovis, were given a send-off blessing by the Bethany congregation during the Palm Sunday service Mar. 27. Fred and Esther Leonard have been working since Aug. 1 at outreach in the neighborhoods of northeast Clovis. The Bethany congregation has

been working closely with the Pacific District Board of Home Missions in birthing the new group. Since its founding 56 years ago, Bethany has helped birth four daughter churches.

LEE'S SUMMIT, Mo. (Summit)-This emerging congregation in suburban Kansas City has sponsored several outreach activities recently, including a roller skating social, a country western Valentine's Day dinner and a family volleyball night. The emphasis has been to bring

nonchurched or pre-Christian friends into the church's circle of influence. Maxi Wiebe, wife of pastor Gary Wiebe, has started a weekday morning Bible study for women.

• Teaching/Nurture

EDMOND, Okla.-Carol Detweiler began teaching a lQ.week sign language course at the church beginning Apr. 10.

SIOUX FALlS, S.D. (Lincoln Hills Bible)-

Many Russian Youth are waiting to attend a Logos Christian Camp

00 will sponsor one camper for 12 days. Your $50 will cover costs for food, lodging, first aid supplies, Bibles and literature and sports equipment for one youth between the ages of 11-17 to attend camp. Logos Christain Youth Camps are preparing for 10,000 campers this summer. Individuals, families, Sunday schools, camps, Youth groups, congregations are invited to be sponsors. Tax deductible receipt will be sent.

Clint Grenz, Central District minister, led a leadership training workshop Mar. 19 for all church workers and leaders The workshop focused on praying, witneSSing, discipiing and caring ministries

CLOVIS, Calif. (College Community)The church sponsored a classroom teacher appreciation luncheon Apr. 23. The guest speaker was Ron Dangarim, who has been a teacher, administrator and school board member in the Fresno unified district Teachers were encouraged to invite a colleague to the event.

BODYLIFE

The Wandering Trails completes the historical romance series of the courageous Kansas settlers

REEDLEY, Calif.-A discussion group on the topic of racial tension and reconciliation was begun in April. The group is basing its discussions on the book, Breaking Down Walls: A Model for Reconciliation in an Age of Racial Strife, by Washington and Kehrein. The group will meet through June.

• Workers

VlSAIlA, Calif. (Neighborhood)-Vernon Janzen has accepted the call to serve as half-time minister of pastoral care and

counseling at the church, effective July 1 Janzen and his wife, Genevieve, will complete their position as the senior pastoral couple at Vinewood Community Church in Lodi, Calif., inJune.

LODI, Calif. (Vinewood Community)Associate pastor Skip Suess has resigned from the pastoral staff effective June 30, and has withdrawn his name as a potential candidate for senior pastor of the congregation. They are open to future pastoral ministry.

FRESNO, Calif. (Bethany)-The congregation recently called Tim Franz as associate pastor of youth ministries. He will start his duties before Aug. 1. Franz is currently youth pastor of the Vinewood Community Church of Lodi, Calif. While in Fresno, Franz also will be taking classes at MB Biblical Seminary.

HESSTON, Kan.-Pastor Ken Adrian has resigned his pOSition, effective May 1. He has not announced his plans . Adrian and his wife, LuAnn, have been serving the congregation as pastoral couple since 1991.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Heritage)-Pastor Brian Boone has reSigned, effective Apr 30, to accept a call to be pastor of a congregation from another tradition. Boone has been at Heritage since June 1989.

$7.99 each

Readers met Barbara Temple in The Enchanted Prairie and watched this vivacious southern belle move to the raw Kansas prairie. 0020942

In The Lonely Plains, Barbara's marriage to Charlie Warren solidifies her bond to pioneer life and her growing commitment to Christ. 0021000

The Wandering Trails picks up with the Warrens moving westward on the Smoky Hill Trail with their small family. Barbara and Charlie dream of owning their own ranch, but the rough and tumble setting of Ellsworth seems to turn their dream into disaster.0021035

KINGSBURG, Calif.-Pastor Mike Eckgren has reSigned, effective June 30. He and his wife, Janice, have not announced their plans.

FRESNO, Calif. (West Park)-Pastor Ray Wiebe resigned his pOSition at the end of March. He and his wife, Gladys, have accepted a call to lead a Church of the Brethren congregation in Grants Pass, Ore.

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. (Village Community)-Chuck Grasse has accepted the call to be pastor of the congregation. He and his wife, Christine, began their new assignment Apr. 1

RAPID CITY, S.D. (Bible Fellowship)George Robinson, outgoing pastor of counseling and visitation, and his wife, were honored at a recognition banquet Apr. 7 The Robinsons have served the Rapid City and Black Hills community in pastoral ministries and counseling for more than two decades The congregation has called Tom Cartney to be its youth pastor, effective June 1.

FRESNO, Calif. (Yeshua Gospel)- Pastor Peter Yang resigned his position Feb . 1. Cher Her, a member of the c ongregation, took ove r pastoral responsibilities May 1.

HARVEY, N D.-Gordon Kroeker has acc epted a call to be pastor of the church, effective July 1. He and his wife, Luise,

have served as the pastoral couple of the Raisin City (Calif.) Community Church. He is presently completing chaplaincy school in Fresno.

BIRCH BAY, Wash.-Jim Totzke has accepted a call to be pastor of the congre· gation. He and his wife, Toyann, will begin the new assignment in late June . Totzke, was ordained several years ago by the Mennonite Brethren, but has been minis· tering in other denominations Most recently he has been a pastor in Reedley, Calif.

_ Youth

DELFf, MinD. (carson)-The youth group and sponsors traveled to Denver, Colo., for a service trip through the inter·Mennonite DOOR ministry Mar. 23-27 .

ENID, Okla.-During April the congrega· tion opened the Family Life Center as a youth coffeehouse each Friday evening from 8 to 11 p.m.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Lincoln Glen)-The high school youth group provided escorts and assistance for Easter attenders from Lincoln Glen Manor The youth spon· sored a flea market Apr. 23. Proceeds of the fund·raiser went toward scholarships and transportation needs for the Baja '94 mission trip and the national Mennonite Brethren youth convention scheduled for next year in Estes, Colo. tS2

CLEARINGHOUSE

OPPORTUNITIES

SENIOR PASTOR: Excellent preaching and speaking skills, reaching a wide audience from young to old , Is desired. Being personable, founded In the Word, a good motivator and Interested In small·group ministry are important attributes Inquiries and resumes may be directed to Search Committee , Vinewood Commu· nlty Church , 1900 W. Vine St., LocIi, CA 95242.

ORCHARD PARK BIBLE CHURCH seeks associate pastor with a passion for Christ , love for youth, and equipping gifts Please send resumes to Orchard Park Bible Church , RR3 Hunter Road , N lagara·on· the·Lake, ON LOS 1JO

ART: Seeking qualified faculty member to teach and develop art program at undergraduate level. Must have at least one studio specialty as well as knowl· edge of art history and art education. Master's required, doctorate desired. Successful teaching experience necessary Applications will be evaluated beginning April 25, 1994, and appOintment will be made as soon thereafter as possible as a suitable candidate Is secured. Fresno Pacific College Is a dynamic Christian liberal arts college of the Mennon· Ite Brethren Church. All candidates must share the college's Christian commitment. For full description and application form, write or phone Dr. Gerald G Winkleman , Academic Vice President, Fresno Pacific College , 1717 S Chestnut, Fresno, CA 94702 , (209) 453 2023. Fax: (209) 453-2007 Position begins August 15, 1994 Women and members of minority groups are especially encouraged to apply

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT DIRECTOR OF VIDEO RESOURCE CENTER

The Center The Video Resource Center is a new, cooperative venture of the AIMS Education Foundation, Fresno Pacific College, Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, Mennonite Brethren Missions/Services, and the Pacific District Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. Its purposes are (1) to produce educational and promotional videos in support of the missions of the respective institutions , (b) to provide video consultation and training for staff persons of the supporting institutions, and (c) to teach and train students in the basics of video production.

Duties

_ Direct, administer, provide leadership for the Center

_ Provide training in video production to members of the cooperating institutions

_ Teach a basic course in v i deo production to undergraduate and graduate students

_ Assist personnel related to the cooperating institutions in the production of videos

_ Produce educational and promotional videos for the cooperating institutions

Qualifications Required:

_ Christian commitment and lifestyle consistent with the theological orientation of the cooperating institutions

_ Master's degree or bachelor ' s degree with significant profeSSional experience

_ Demonstrated excellence in video production

_ Demonstrated leadership/management qualities and skills

_ Ability to work harmoniously with colleagues and students

_ Computer skills appropriate for video production

Desired :

_ Membership in a Mennonite Brethren Church or other Believers' Church group

_ Teaching experience

Compensation _ Dependent on qualifications and experience

_ Benefits include insurance (medical, LTD, life), retirement (TIAA/CREF)

_ Selection 125 options, and tuition remission for dependents

Application

Deadline: 6/17/94

Send a letter of application, application form, resume and transcripts or placement file to:

Sue Kliewer, Personnel Director

Fresno Pacific College 1717 South Chestnut

Fresno, CA 93702

Phone: (209) 453-2245

The cooperating institutions provide equal opportunity for employment without regard for race, color, national origin, sex, age, or physical handicap.

Journey toward holy ground

IT'S ONE TIIING to meet God in the daily routine of life. It's quite another to meet the Almighty in the burning bush -a place or event where God's presence is so evident, so intimate that you leave shaken and-you pray-forever changed for having tread upon holy ground.

I encountered just such a bush last month while covering the "Hope for the Journey" conference on domestic violence and sexual abuse (see report, p. 22). This particular gathering was the sixth in a series of regional conferences sponsored by

Weaknesses and

dent during this one weekend? The conference happened to be hosted by my home congregation. I have participated in literally hundreds of services in that same sanctuary through the years. In all that time, I don't know that I recall a clearer and more intimate sense of the Divine than I did during "Hope for the Journey. " Why? I'm not sure, but I think it has something to do with honesty and vulnerability. Participants came to this conference prepared to acknowledge pain-whether their own or someone else's. They came to unpack their own burdens and to take on the burMennonite Central Committee in the United States and Canada. It was the first one to be held in our central states region.

I had covered the very first such conference, held in 1990 in Upland, Calif., so I felt I was prepared for the emotional intensity of the weekend.

Well, I was and I wasn't. Truth is, I hope I'm never totally "prepared" for such an event. The personal stories of abuse were almost as hard to listen to as I imagine they were to tell. And for every story told publicly, I a dozen were probably shared privately-but many more than that were not shared at all

shortcomings

ought not to be part

of our experience, and so, by extension, neither can we allow them to be the experience of those sitting

dens of others. They came to admit their great need for the involvement of God and fellow believers in their present and future.

How rarely we come to Sunday worship with the same expectation. So often we come to recognize strength, not brokenness. We want to acknowledge good feelings, spiritual victories, and personal maturity in Christ. Weaknesses and shortcomings ought not to be part of our experience, and so, by extension, neither can we allow them to be the experience of those sitting next to us.

I left "Hope for the Journey" praying that somehow the healing spirit of that weekend might linger between the walls of our meetinghouse, settling like dust on the rafters and fixbecause the pain was still too fresh next to us. or too deep.

But what added to the power of the public stories was that they were shared within a carefully planned environment of worship-a process of calling upon God, admitting hurt, and then claiming hope. Music, litanies of Scripture, prayer-it was a package that moved us all, whether we were survivors or not, to the 'place where God could meet us at our personal and corporate point of need.

I didn't realize,-how much it had moved me until the conference concluded and I returned home. No sooner had I parked my camera bag and materials on the kitchen table, than my resolve of reportorial detachment broke and I began to weep. I cried for the pain I had witnessed. I cried for the evil in this world that inflicts it. But more than that, I cried with gratitude for the possibility of hope and healing that can come when broken people huddle in the arms of a loving God.

I came away from that weekend thinking about the involvement of God in the ongoing corporate life of our churches. What was it that made God's presence so evi-

tures-only to be stirred up again by the anthems and prayers of my brothers and sisters as they gather from week to week.

But I realize the Spirit of God cannot be contained in that way. Neither can a congregation learn honesty and vulnerability by osmosis. Congregations, too, require a journey toward healing, even as individuals do. By taking one small step at a time"....enabled by even a few courageous voices willing to share their stories-we can begin to walk away from the facade of strength and invincibility that keep us detached from God and each other. And one day we, too, can find our broken selves huddled as one body in the arms of our loving God. By the simple act of hosting this meeting, I want to believe my own congregation has made one small step in that direction. I don't know what the next step will be, but on this weekend I was particularly proud of my church family. I was proud to be Mennonite Brethren. I too had received hope for the journey.-DR

May 1994

FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

Safe homes, safe hearts

SANCTUARY IS MORE THAN A BUILDING

An ounc e of prevention.. .

NURTURE

Read more about it...

A toast to knowledge

HEIN

An intensity for work or play

NINTH IN A SERIES

TIM GEDDERT - THE BIO

Meet the

"New Seminarians"

Then and Now:

Finaneial Update -

your help needed!

Twenty-seven to Graduate

Children Come"

New Administrator Speaks on First Sehool Year

Canadian Fundraiser Joins Team

What's happening at MBBS? Here are a few highlights:

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT RESIDENCE DIRECTOR (HALF-TIME, 10 MO.)

Reflections on a people

A 'power' struggle in Denver

In search of definitions

Too few followers?

About ordination, we hereby agree .. .

A focus on ordination

Confession of Faith agenda

FINANCES

MBMj S proposes program cuts

Fall injure s

SDC m i n ister

RECOVERING

Cancer claims education leader

SERVICE

Youth join U-SERV team in Mexico

HEALING

First steps on a long journey toward hope

HOSPITALITY

Paraguayan pastor shot, recovering

Dates, sites set for '95 convention

. CHURCH NOTES

GATHERINGS

• Proclamation

• Ministry

BODYLIFE

• Workers

_ Youth

CLEARINGHOUSE

OPPORTUNITIES

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT DIRECTOR OF VIDEO RESOURCE CENTER

Journey toward holy ground

Weaknesses and

shortcomings

ought not to be part