Would you build a house without first developing a carefully planned blueprint? Of course not! So why do so many of us try to build our families with less? BY DERRICK MUELLER
9 Discipleship is for kids, too
The method may not be the same as for discipling an adult, but children can be helped to integrate their faith with their daily activities. BY
KIM SUDERMAN
Readers Say Ph'lip Side
• Back to the silence
• Capital punishment
the Journey.
• Prepare now for retirement? People by Gary Hardaway and Connie Faber 16
•. Dorothy and Maynard Seaman
BodyLife
• MB Missions/Services board looks for Muslim outreach 18
• U.S. Convention will focus on church leadership 21
• Brazilian youth organize for outreach, training 22
• Tabor College students serve in South Texas 22
• Who is my village?
ART CREDITS: Cover, pages 4, 9 and 10, Cleo Freelance Photo,' page 7, Sunrise/Trinity Photos,' page 17, courtesy of Gloria and Dean Witt.
BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS: Noelle Dickinson (acting chair), Jeanie Klaassen, Herb Schroeder, Kathy Heinrichs Wiest
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Don Ratzlaff
Connie Faber
OAL-SETTING HAS BECOME SUCH A NATURAL TOOL FOR ordering our individual lives that w-e practically take it for granted. Whether the goal is to lose w-eight, afford a dreatn vacation, or retnodel a rootn, w-e set the target, develop a strategy for getting there, and then itnpletnent the strategy.
When it comes to setting direction for our families, though, many of us are surprisingly passive. These days, we have almost instant access to information about trends affecting nations on the other side of the world, but are surprisingly unaware of the influences affecting the direction and future of our families. As a result, we are largely "other" directed. Work, culture and technology determine to a great extent where our families live, what we do, and with whom we associate. Rather than set a predetermined course, we drift along with the cultural currents.
No wonder so many of our families don't reach the destination we once envisioned.
My proposition is simple: Husbands and wives, parents and grandparents, need to develop a goal-a blueprint-for their family. In the same way that we carefully design the construction of a house, we would gain immeasurably by taking the time to plan the construction of our family. Our "blueprint" should take into account the biblical principles we value and combine them with the various dreams and expectations we have as the "builder" of a home. The blueprint helps us to be intentional about reaching our family goals.
The three little pigs
We can learn a lesson about putting families together by revisiting the tale of the three little pigs. When they reached adulthood, the three porkers decided it was time that each found his own way in life. All three shared the dream of having a house of their own, a place where they could live a full and prosperous life.
The first pig, easily distracted by the many opportunities of his new world, decided to build a house out of whatever material came his way. He came across a pile of straw. He knew he could quickly throw together a straw house that would shade him from the bright sun that was beating down upon him. Then he'd be free to spend his time and resources on other interests. It didn't occur to him that some days would be rainy and windy.
The second pig didn't know what kind of house he wanted. One day, he happened across a house of sticks that was for rent. "Why buy a house when I don't know what kind I really want?" he said to himself. "This house of sticks may not be the greatest place to live, but it's good enough to get me by for now. If I'm lucky, some-
Building with a blueprint can make all the difference
Developing a family mission statement
Step 1: Take a
family inventory
Using the questions below, discover your family atmosphere as it is now. The inventory becomes a tool for identifying where change can take place.
1. In what activities are we presently engaged as a family?
2. What motivates us as a family?
3. What currently characterizes us as a family?
4. How would others describe our family?
5. How secure is each of us in each other's love?
6. What things are we afraid of?
7. What is missing or lacking in our relationships?
8. What is the spiritual environment of our family?
9. What are our priorities as a family?
Step
2: Consider your goals
What do you envision for your family? A mission statement should address several questions:
1. What does our family stand for?
2. What values do we live by?
3. How will needs be addressed and problems solved?
4. To whom is our statement addressed?
5. What activities will be important to our family?
6. What is the desired outcome for our family?
7. Is there a Scripture verse or passage that summarizes our intent?
Step 3: Conceptualize the statement
Integrate your answers from Step 2 into the following phrase:
Step 4:
Fine-tune & personalize the statement
Write the phrase again, this time in your own words. Try it a couple of times. Rework it until you develop a form that will be appealing and meaningful. Following are some sample mission statements:
• liAs a family we will be hospitable, devoted to prayer and personal devotion for the purpose of bringing glory to God."
• IIWe will recognize each person's individuality and help him/her to develop the gifts and talents each have for the glory of God. II
• llin our activities and daily living, we will put others first" encouraging, caring and helping each other grow."
will be addressed by " We wilt be engaged in the activities of in order that we
This is based on the Scripture liAs a family we will stand for , living by the values of " Needs, conflicts and issues
verse/passage,
• liAs a family we will stand for integrity, be engaged in activities that are pure and clean, for the purpose of modeling to our community the love of God."
• /lAs a family we will dwell on whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and whatever is of good repute."
Characteristics of North American families
1. Families have been redefined.
2. Families with nonresident fathers are on the increase.
3. The media has become a dominate family influence.
4. Family communication has broken down.
5. A growing relationship crisis is evident.
6. There is an increase in "prodigal" children.
7. Families lack purpose. (DM) and topped with a red bow. Upon closer examination, I noticed the words "Does it edify?" scrolled elegantly with black ink on a white tag. Under the writing was a reference: Romans 14:19.
One night, I asked the couple whether they had any purpose or goals for their family. It was then that I found out what those little boxes were for. They were to remind each family member that in all their actions, they would try to edify each other. Both parents said, "I guess this is our desire for our family."
When I quizzed them further, I discovered that beyond this overriding biblical principle, they had adopted two primary goals as a family. First, they had made a covenant that, because they believed it was a gift from God, their home would
Some Christian family essentials
• To be taught the Scriptures (Deut. 4:9-10)
• To worship God together (I Cor. 16: 19)
• Be properly managed (Prov. 31 :27, I Tim. 3:4,5,12)
• Educate and train children (Deut. 4:9, Provo 22:6)
• For protection (I Thess. 2:7)
always be available to others. Thus, they established a principle of hospitality. Second, they decided that each of their children should appreciate and learn music. The long-term aim was to use their musical abilities for ministry.
In short, this family had a mission statement, tangible goals that fleshed out their mission, and measurement tools to keep them focused. These people were building a home intentionally, a home that will likely stand in good times and bad.
'Consider your ways'
Today's challenge for us as family members is similar to what the prophet Haggai exhorted the people of Israel to do centuries ago: to "consider your ways" and return to building our families for the glory of God.
At a family seminar I was leading, an engineer commented, "Not a day goes by that I am not required to look at a blueprint. But until now I never have even thought of putting one together for our family."
I believe it's worth considering. As we enter the 21st century, we need to be intentional in our approach to family. Families are nurseries for tomorrow's culture.
• Derrick Mueller is director ofyouth ministries and seminars at Bethany Bible Institute, Hepburn, Sask. His seminar workbook, The Family Blueprint: Developing a Family with Purpose, was published by BBI in 1995. He and his wife, Laurie, have four children.
is for kids, too
By adapting components of adult discipleship, parents can help children begin an integrated walk with Jesus
Y 5-YEAR-OLD SON, Eric, "Was lllad. He ",as standing near the door",ay ",hen his friend, John, ran up to say "hi" to hilll. Eric returned John's greeting "With a shove that sent John spra"Wling to the floor. When asked about the incident, Eric responded, "I ",as lllad-at Stephen." Stephen is his 8-year-old brother.
What's a mother to do? Both of my sons have accepted Jesus as their Savior. Both pray and talk to God, often more openly and honestly than I do. They pray about their wants, hopes and dreams, thanking God for the "fun" things they do each day. But as a Christian, I want more for them than this. I want their walk with the Lord to be totally integrated into their daily lives. I believe this process of integration is what we generally call discipleship. I believe children can be discipled and that parents have the responsibility to initiate it. In that vein, I later took Eric over to John's house. On the way, I asked him to think of something he could do for John as a way of making
by KIM SUDERMAN
Playing games, enjoying each other's company, having fun-socializing with our children opens doors of trust and communication later.
amends. "Draw a picture?" he suggested. I told him that was a great idea. Eric was learning a dimension of forgiveness and reconciliation.
This was one episode where I think we made progress along the road of discipleship. But guiding children along that path-whether it is your own child, or someone else's-is not easy. In her book, Disciple-Maker's Handbook, Alice Fryling talks about the five different components of disciple-making among adults: friendship, modeling, Scripture, evangelism and emotional healing. With some adaptation, these same components can apply to discipling children as well.
The components of discipleship
• Friendship. Fryling states that she was "first of all friends" as she began her discipleship ministry with Jeanette. They spent time together socially. By virtue of their relationship, parents and children spend considerable time with each other. Parents, of course, must be more than "a friend" to their children. But they also should be more than disciplinarians too. Playing games, enjoying each other's company, having fun-socializing with our children opens doors of trust and communication later .
• Modeling & evangelism. The growth of Fryling's friendship with Jeanette paved the way for modeling. Jeanette was able to see God's work in Fryling's life. As they met, they regularly studied Scripture and prayed. Sharing the gospel through evangelism was both modeled and taught.
The same can happen in a parent-child relationship. I know my children are watching me all the time. I want to be a model they can follow. So I must be careful how I explain things to them. I was recently reminded how important this is and in the process I relearned a lesson.
Tom lives down the street from us and is in Eric's class at school. The two of them were playing together fairly regularly. But Eric always seemed to prefer to play at Tom's house. I learned why: Tom has a trampoline. Once I discovered
this, I had many questions:
Question: How high is the trampoline? (As if a 5-year-old could measure feet just by looking at the object.)
Answer: High enough to require a chair to climb up.
Question: Are there spotters on every side when you are on it? (That was a great question!)
Answer: "What's a spotter?" (No.)
Question: Are you and Tom ever on the trampoline at the same time?
Answer: Yes.
Question: Do you wrestle with Tom without anyone around while you're on that thing!? (I was getting nervous.)
Answer: Yes.
Duly alarmed, I then launched into the "safety" lecture. Eric appeared to understand. Well, I was right-he understood very well. We started to notice that Tom was mysteriously unavailable when Eric called or stopped by his house. We realized why when my husband saw Tom's mother at the school and she became defensive when he mentioned the trampoline. Eric had quoted to her my remarks about safety.
It was appropriate for me to be concerned about the boys' safety. But I wish I had expressed my concern to Eric more carefully and in a way more suited for a child. I should have talked to Tom's mother about my concerns. This was one lesson I had to relearn-I hope for the last time!
• Scripture. Traditional discipleship techniques, such as following a Bible study guide, discussing the application, praying, and checking for accountability, are probably more suited for adults. Once a child can grasp written concepts and read to learn-as opposed to learning to reada study guide might be appropriate.
But this can seem tedious to many young children, even to those who read and have fairly good insight, judgment and application skills. A younger child who can understand "yes" and "no" and is being taught to share and to obey is ready for basic discipleship truths. Reading Bible passages and stories and memorizing Scripture is one way to implant God's Word within them, but both younger and older children frequently respond positively when taught in more nontraditional ways.
Nontraditional teaching styles incorporate tangible and experiential learning. Family outings are great opportunities to teach principles about sharing, patience, taking turns, building trust, studying God's creation, etc.
Our family enjoys camping, which for us
means hiking and rock climbing in the mountains or tide pooling at the ocean. One cannot just drive up to the perfect rock or walk only a few feet to see a starfish. It is often the process of getting to where we are going, rather than the destination itself, that holds the greatest potential for teaching biblical principles.
Other nontraditional teaching styles may include play activities or crafts that tell a story when completed. Stephen's Sunday school teacher taught in this manner. So, by the time my son was 5 years old, he was teaching the adults in his life a thing or two about salvation-a concept we thought we had already mastered. For instance, in Sunday school, Stephen made the "Christian Book of Colors" (black for sin, red for the blood of Jesus Christ, white for cleansing, green for growing and gold for heaven's streets of gold.) As he later described the book to his grandfather, he was asked which color he liked the best.
"Red." Why red? he was queried. Shouldn't gold, the reward of heaven, be the favored color? Stephen explained, "Because you need the blood first before you get the gold." Stephen had come full circle in his understanding of the cross.
• Forgiveness. Fryling emphasizes that understanding the role of forgiveness plays an important part in the discipleship process because it brings emotional healing. "Often we will find that those we are discipling need to extend forgiveness before they can really appreciate the fact that God has forgiven them." The offender may be nearby or far away, alive or dead, in the family, in the church or even themselves. It doesn't matter. Forgiveness is key for the discipleship process. Our children need to learn to forgive and to be forgiven. How do we know if we've truly taught our children this key teaching? Sometimes we are told indirectly. When we put Eric to bed the night after he pushed John, he told us so through his prayer. Eric began with his usual kind of prayer. "Dear Jesus, thank you that we got to go to Brama's (Grandma's) house. Thank you that I had fun at school today. Amen."
I asked Eric if he wanted to say something to God about what happened with John. With a deep breath he said, "And thank you ... thank you ... thank you that John forgave me. Amen."
God's activity, not ours
Finally, Fryling writes that "disciplemaking, then, is God's idea and based on his ability. It also runs according to his timetable The rate of growth is God's, not ours." As I remember that growth and change must follow God's timing, I
am also reminded of God's allowance for individualized learning. It helps me to envision the discipleship process as a single line leading to growth and maturity-but it's a line that loops and curves as itprogresses.
Thankfully, the Lord is flexible. He allows for those dips, curves and loops. Loops form as the line comes full circle and intersects with itself. At the point of intersection, the original teaching is integrated, the "I get it" light bulb goes on. In coming full circle, we have a completed learning experience. Some circles are small, some are large. We each learn various truths at different paces. Some circles will cross each other; sometimes we will need to relearn the same lesson.
The learning circles of Jesus's disciples have encouraged me. Just as I am often unprepared to receive the lesson offered me, so were they. In Mark 14:27-31, Jesus tells Peter, "before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times." But Peter is emphatic: "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." But only hours later, Peter hears the rooster crow. Though devastated, Peter realizes the truth about himself; the full circle is completed. Painfully, the light bulb goes on.
So, can parents disciple their children so they come full circle in their learning? Children learn at different rates. Each child varies in personality and intellect; they have different emotional, social and developmental needs.
As I remember that growth and change must follow God's timing, I am also reminded of God's allowance for individualized learning. It helps me to envision the discipleship process as a single line leading to growth and maturity-but it's a line that loops and curves as it progresses.
Can children learn discipleship as Fryling talks about it-like Scripture and evangelism? Can children study Scripture, discuss lessons and apply them, and then be held accountable?
With God's help and our commitment, I believe they can!
• Kim Suderman is a licensed clinical social worker who works with children in Yolo County, Calif. She is a member of the Greenhaven Neighborhood Church in Sacramento and is chair of the Pacific District Board of Christian Education.
WHAT READERS SAY
Minimizing God's grace?
Thanks to Don Ratzlaff for the provocative editorial "Guilt, grace and growth" (April). Guilt can indeed be both helpful and paralyzing, and is often the latter. The church needs to provide loving guidance to limit guilt to its redemptive purpose.
I wonder, though, about Don's concern about grace: "But grace in the extreme can become an excuse for irresponsibility." Is it our task to put limits on grace? Is not "grace in the extreme" the heart of the good news?
Jesus's accounts of the prodigal son and of the laborers in the vineyard show a God of reckless grace, beyond our human concepts of responsibility and fairness. Maybe we're also tempted to minimize the "irresponsible" grace of God and its implications for our thinking and living!
Eldon Epp, pastor Manhattan Mennonite Church Manhattan, Kan.
An issue of real concern
Time after time in the Leader I read about the "issues" that "concern" the Mennonite Brethren: name change, racism, worship styles-and on and on. Then, in the March issue, I read that MB Missions/Services is having to severely cut back because of a lack of funding.
But this is not an issue for us. We'll just drive our fine cars to church and discuss what really matters in the church today: We're singing too many old hymns in the service and people won't feel comfortable here.
Since when was Jesus concerned with people feeling "comfortable"?
I am a teacher at Pan American Christian Academy in Sao Paulo, Brazil. I am a vocational missionary with MBM/S. Here in Brazil I don't care about race-Brazilians are every shade imaginable. It's literally a battle down here; what we care about is fighting Satan's hold on people's lives. Satan is alive and well here. You can talk to any missionary about real encounters with his henchmen. We need more workers here not less.
t:,t&
Pontius' Puddle
NO ,",ow AasoRt) ,.",E tlE"QQEi\r
... ANt>
Why is it so important for Mennonite Brethren to concern themselves with trivial matters while at the same time starving their missions organization who is supporting those on the front line? Can someone answer me that?
Kristen Heinrichs Sao Paulo, Brazil
A needed word about demons
I'm so glad the Leader has printed an article on demonism (February). Demonism has had a severe effect on our family; one of my family members has been involved. Due to a complete lack of knowledge, we did not even have a clue as to what was happening. Multiple personality disorder was also part of the problem. Sometimes the family member was unaware of what was going on. Both of these areas need to be explored in depth.
Too often we let those in charismatic churches deal with demonism. We need a balanced approach to the problem. Satan, our enemy, is strong. Too often we are afraid to learn about him and how he affects our daily lives. These areas need to be confronted and we need to stop "sweeping them under the rug." Please continue touching us in ways that challenge us.
Name withheld upon request
About end times and Republicans
I enjoy reading the letters people write to the Leader even if we don't agree with everything.
I agree with what David Ewert says in his December article ("Waiting for his Second Coming"). So often we Christians interpret the Bible as we think it should be. Then we wait for God to fulfill our interpretation.
I can remember my dad listening to different radio preachers in the late 1940s and '50s. These people could take listeners through the Bible down to the smallest details. They knew which country would do this or that, and where everyone fit into Bible prophecy. They could tell us which generation was going to see the Lord's second coming because one verse speaks of the budding of the fig tree. Why are we so concerned about the details of the end times? Shouldn't we be living to please God at all times?
I would also like to comment on the February letter that refers to President Clinton's "gross personal sinfulness. "Who among us knows our president well enough to know about his sinfulness? I am not referring to what he has been accused of doing, but what has been proven.
The letter also speaks of the Republican Party as if it's the party of morality. When I hear Republicans speak of family values I wonder if they have ever looked at themselves in a mirror. Our own senator from Kansas, a leading contender for the GOP nomination, is divorced and remarried. Ronald Reagan, the champion of evangelicals for so many years, was divorced and remarried. We used to call this adultery. I understand the church doesn't consider it to be as gross a sin as in times past.
This "moral majority" that is so against abortion is more than likely the same people who supported the killing of babies in Iraq not too many years ago.
Donovan Ediger Inman, Kan.
PH'LIP SIDE
BY PHILIP WIEBE
Back to the silence
Though I long for a little peace and quiet in my hectic life, God often has to drag me into his quiet presence kicking and screaming.
CENTLYI GOT hold of a book I meant to read at least 15 years ago-Morton T. elsey's guide to Christian meditation, The Other Side of Silence. Back around 1980, someone told me it was a good place to go after reading Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline. Somehow, though, I got sidetracked and never made it to Kelsey's book.
Until now. After only a few pages, I'm wondering if I wasn't the only one getting sidetracked. Whatever happened to the spiritual disciplines trend of the late 1970s? In my own experience, the excitement of the Jesus movement had by that time begun maturing into a search for substance. "Superficiality is the curse of our age," Foster wrote almost 20 years ago. "The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people."
Those words ring louder than ever. After taking a step toward spiritual depth all those years ago, I don't wonder if we've taken two steps back. I wonder if we've tumbled completely off the path.
Which is why I felt a bit of culture shock opening The Other Side of Silence. In 1980, I was pondering how to get a deeper spiritual life. In 1996, I often wonder how to just get a life. What happened between then and now reminds me of something the Road Runner always did to Wile E. Coyote: society jumped up, stuck its tongue out at us, and zoomed into the next time zone.
So I suppose it shouldn't be surprising that widespread interest in spiritual disciplines has been left in
the dust of fast-moving, forward-thinking trends like seeker movements, worship movements, political movements, men's movements, and other Big Things that fill auditoriums and stadiums. Going to a big rally is inspiring. Going in a closet to pray is, frankly, a chore.
"So many modern Christians have trouble praying," Kelsey wrote, "because they do not see how it can make sense in this complex modern world." How much truer today? In response to today's faster pace and longer lists, instinct tells us to do something! And while doing something is a good and necessary thing, it can have its down side. When life gets busy, I tend to go to my planning calendar before I go to my knees. If prayer does sneak in there, it often ends up being just another list. I check things off my prayer list, which is just another check mark on my task list. No wonder reflection and meditation can seem like snails on the freeway.
But real prayer, according to Kelsey, is reflective in nature, a place where "meeting God and learning what God wants of us become far more important than what we want of God." Maybe that's what's so hard about prayer and other spiritual disciplines. Deep down we know what God wants of us might be different than what we're currently doing.
It's strange to think that though I long for a little peace and quiet in my hectic life, God often has to drag me into his quiet presence kicking
and screaming. Because when I really take time for what God wants, I know I'll have to change. And change, simply put, is a pain.
One attraction of rallies and movements, I think, is that they put change into a larger context; if enough people do something, good things happen. That's appealing. What isn't so appealing, at times, is the reality that alone in God's presence, change starts entirely and exclusively with me.
Not long ago I read that some kind of world internet prayer center was being built-a high-tech facility that would beam worldwide prayer requests to net-surfing Christians. I like that idea-and any idea using technological advances to foster service, community and the spreading of the gospel.
But once we start thinking of this as the fast-moving, forward-thinking future of prayer, its time to think again. Because the future of prayer is the past: "When you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Mt. 6:6).
That's what the spiritual disciplines trend of 20 years ago was getting at-substance starts in our own rooms, our own hearts. Me alone with God. A scary thought with all that clamors for my attention these days, and with all the ways God might want to change me if I really took the time to listen and learn.
"Be still and know that I am God," the psalmist wrote. The call remains, stronger than ever. I wonder if we've come to embrace a spirituality of "applying God" rather than knowing God. We stay in the race with spiritual bandages and pep pills, but never stop quite long enough to meet the Healer.
He's there with each of us, waiting. If only we'd slow down long enough to notice.
ON THE]OURNEY
BY ROSE BUSCHMAN
Prepare now for retirement?
I realized that while I might be preparing for future I was having a lot offun in the present
" ROSE' you have to start preparing for retirement while you are young," he said to me. I must admit that
retirement was the last thing on my mind as a young Tabor College student the afternoon I sat in Esther Ebel's office. I don't remember
exactly why I was visiting with the dean of women, or how we got onto the topic of retirement, but I do remember her telling me to plan early for it.
From time to time in the years that followed, I would be reminded of her statement, but I failed to appreciate the relevance of it. Finally, the summer came when I dropped out of a graduate degree program and decided to learn a retirement skill instead. I invested in some doll clothes patterns and, with a variety of fabric scraps I found around the house, began sewing. That summer, it was a lot of fun making a complete baby doll layette, which became a treasured gift for my little niece the following Christmas.
In the summers that followed, I expanded my skills to include Barbie Doll clothes and stuffed animals, which were given to family and friends. I haven't made any in years now, but I've saved the patterns-for my retirement.
I soon realized that while I might be preparing for future retirement, I was having a lot of fun in the present. From those early sewing projects, I developed a plan to learn something new each summer since. That was the season of the year when I, as a teacher, could more eas-
ily find the time to do something different. One summer, on a visit to Canada, my sister insisted that I learn to macrame. Frankly, I didn't want to. But she persisted, so finally, to humor her, I gave in. I dutifully learned how to make a plant hanger using jute cord and wooden beads. After I returned home, I tried a few more projects and was soon hooked. During the next year, I learned many new knots and techniques and collected an entire three-ring binder full of pattern books, which I still have. Now, if macrame ever comes back in vogue, I'll be ready.
A t first, my new summer skills .!\.revolved around crafts. But eventually, they expanded to other areas. I started reading a new James A. Michener novel each summer. Poland, Hawaii, Alaska and Centennial soon became favorites. I wish I had read Chesapeake before I visited that eastern coastline. Over the years other authors, such as Eugenia Price and Leon Uris, have been explored in similar fashion.
Some summers have been more action packed than others. Like the summer of 1985, when I was part of a group of teachers privileged to spend two weeks at the Johnson Space Center near Houston, Texas. It 'was an absolute Alice-in-Wonderland experience. We visited with and listened to seminars from various experts in the space program and got to meet several astronauts. I was intrigued by the many times we were taken through doors that said
"Authorized Personnel Only." It feels great to be authorized.
Then came the summer of 1991, when my husband asked me if I was interested in a camping trip to Spain. We were living in Morocco at that time, and, yes, I wanted to go. However, that meant a crash course in Spanish so we could function and get around the country better. I worked on "Spanish," but soon learned after arriving in Spain that there are at least four languages or dialects spoken in that country: Castellano (which I knew a little of), Catalan, Basque and Galician. My attempts at speaking Spanish were met with friendly responses whereverwewent.
With a great deal of satisfaction I remember shopping in a small grocery store near the French border in northern Spain. When I couldn't find the eggs I needed, I asked the shopkeeper, "Tiene used huevos?" "Si," he said, and pointed me in the right direction.
Some summer learning experiences have been more traumatic. Like the summer I spent in French language study prior to our move to Morocco. It is not a summer I ever want to repeat.
Or the summer I needed to deal with some severe emotional pain. I read everything I could find on the topic of pain, from The Problem of Pain by C.S. Lewis, to Philip Yancey's Where Is God When It Hurts?, and many more. I studied Scripture passages on the subject.
It was a summer of more pain, tears and a lot of prayer, but by the time it was over, I was at peace with myself, even if I didn't have all the answers I was searching for.
This summer I'm learning to build and maintain a water garden so the birds visiting our bird feeders will have a steady supply of water all year long. I also plan to read at least one Dostoevsky novel.
So, when are you going to start getting ready for retirement?
Called to a ministry of high adventure
BY GARY HARDAWAY AND CONNIE FABER
NEPAi IS BEST known as the home to the world's tallest mountain. But for Maynard and Dorothy Seaman, Nepal has been a mountaintop experience for their medical ministry-complete with peaks and dangers.
Maynard began praying for this small Asian country while a junior in high school. He and Dorothy have spent most of their medical careers there. Both agree their 22 years in Nepal have been a definite "high"both professionally and spiritually.
In 1968, the Seamans entered this Hindu kingdom as the first The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM) missionaries to open the previously closed nation. They lived in a remote area just 30 miles from the border of India.
Maynard describes this territory as the "Siberia of Nepal" because not even government officials wanted to live there. Once, when a local official was questioned about the Seamans' religious activities, the sympathetic official responded, "Well, you have to have some sort of faith to live out here."
The laws of Nepal are not tolerant of Christians, but the Seamans found that the local people were. The attitude of people living in far west Nepal reminded Maynard of the spirit of the old American pioneers. "Everybody helps each other out," he says. "This attitude is true of most remote parts of the world."
The Seamans retired last September after serving as medical missionaries for 35 years with TEAM, under the sponsorship of MB Missions/Services. They began their mission career in India in January 1960, then moved to Nepal eight years later. Maynard is trained as a surgeon; Dorothy is a registered nurse.
During their first 22 years in Nepal, they established clinics and hospitals at Pokara and Dandeldhura. During that time, they performed several thousand surgeries, delivered some 3,000 babies, and treated many thousands of patients-from high caste
Brahmins to outcaste sufferers of Hansen's disease (leprosy).
"The Seamans have made the difference between life and death for multiple thousands," says Paul Cochrane, TEAM area director for West Asia.
In addition to sustaining a medical work serving a needy population, the Seamans trained nurses, aides and community health workers who now carry on the work.
Meanwhile, through patient, persistent, loving witness, they gradually won many Nepalese to Christ. They conducted frequent Bible studies with the hospital staff.
Before they left Nepal, the Seamans celebrated the Lord's Supper with local believers. Brahmins and Hansen's disease sufferers participated side-by-side. On other occasions, Brahmin young men have been seen walking arm-in-arm with their Christian "leper" brothers.
The first four high-caste children to come to faith in Christ did so as a
result of playing with the Seamans' four children: Dawn, Dianne, Darlene and David. Since then, those converts have become the spiritual leaders of several Nepalese Christian congregations. One young man was educated in the United States and recently returned to the village and church to give his testimony to a large crowd.
Nepalese who profess Christianity usually are ostracized by family and village. They are also persecuted by the state, which takes an especially dim view of baptism. All who are baptized are subject to one year in jail; performing a baptism results in six years in prison.
In one case, Maynard says, a policeman who discovered his brother had converted nearly beat the new Christian to death. Some years ago, as many as 100 persons were in custody for their Christian stand. They were all eventually freed as law enforcement relaxed.
Because Christians excel in taking care of their elderly parents, they are again accepted by their families. The
Seamans say attitudes are softening as diligence in fulfilling family obligations has earned Christians the respect of the community.
Some Nepalese remain secret believers. Maynard recalls that one such man feared to cross a certain river where spirits were believed to dwell. After praying to God in the name of Jesus, his fear of evil spirits was overcome. Though the man hasn't told the church or his family of his conversion, he did speak up on behalf of the Seamans when they were being investigated by authorities.
Since 1947, when Nepal had no Christian population, the gospel has been preached by several mission agencies and indigenous workers, resulting in about 200,000 believers. The total population in Nepal has reached 20 million.
The Seamans said their own congregation baptized about 77 believers; dozens more have been baptized in the four daughter churches which have sprung from it.
While the Seamans were home for furlough in 1989, they were notified that a letter had been written to the government accusing them of religious proselytiZing, a crime in Nepal.
Unable to return, in 1990 they accepted an assignment to Digana Hospital in the Buddhist country of Sri Lanka. They worked under a contract with the Mahawele Authority.
Civil war had driven medical personnel from the area. Under the Seamans' leadership, medical services were restored and upgraded. An outpatient clinic became self-supporting. Within two years they were almost ready to open the IS-bed hospital inpatient section.
Meanwhile, they started a Bible study in their home with a mix of believers and unbelievers. Again, several were converted to Christ. Out of this group, a small church of 30-40 developed. Although it had to meet outside Digana Village proper, it became known as Digana Bible Fellowship. One of those new disciples now serves as an assistant pastor of a Singhalese church. Another works in the hospital.
In February 1992, provincial health authorities, influenced by anti-Christian editorials in a major newspaper,
entered Digana Hospital, asked for the keys and notified the Seamans they had 24 hours to vacate the premises. With their medical work shut down, the Seamans exited Sri Lanka in April 1992.
The forced withdrawal proved to be a blessing in disguise. The government of Nepal was now ready to welcome the Seamans back to Dandeldhura. For a final term, the veteran missionaries were able to strengthen the church and turn over the medical program to local trained personnel.
About a year before retirement, they were again told their visas were being revoked because of their religious activities. On their behalf, others contacted high officials, who finally agreed to permit the Seamans to stay until their retirement in April 1995.
Just before leaving Nepal, Maynard and Dorothy received word that Christian believers are still alive and active in Tibet. While ministering in northern India in the late 1960s, the Seamans had witnessed extensively to Tibetan refugees as they treated them for tuberculosis, parasites, injuries and exhaustion. Some became Christians. At that time, there were almost no known believers in Tibet.
Today Seaman has heard reports of some 30 Tibetan churches. However, he knows of no outside ministry that would have encouraged existing believers or developed new Christians. "The Lord seems to have raised up a church in Tibet," he marvels.
As funds permit, the Seamans plan to make exploratory trips into Tibet during 1996 to link up with the isolated cell groups and to minister to the unreached. For now, they reside in the Black Hills of South Dakota. They are members of Emmanuel MB Church, Onida, S.D.
Reflecting on the Seamans' 35 years of faithful service, Harold Ens, MBM/S general director, says, "May God call out new workers from among our churches who will carry on the work of reaching the unreached. "
To those new workers, Maynard has this advice: "We've learned to know through the years that God is completely trustworthy. You can bank on him. The one who calls you is faithful. He's the true and faithful one. He can be counted upon." •
Gary Hardaway is MBM/S secretary for communication and public relations in Fresno, Calif.
Rugged Nepal: Ilyou have to have some sort of faith to live out here,'1 admitted one official.
next year's budget, according to Ens. Looking 10 years down the road, the board approved a shift in spending priorities aimed at increasing the amount spent in Asia and the former Soviet Union while decreasing the amount spent in Latin America, Germany and Austria.
New initiatives
Board members were also updated on a number of MBM/S projects.
The board approved a plan to help fund and staff a Mennonite center in Moscow. The center will provide resources, information and friendship to drop-in visitors as well as networking for Mennonites across the former Soviet Union.
The board allocated $30,000 over the next three years to help delegates attend the second Global MB Consultation scheduled for 1999 and sponsored by the International Committee of Mennonite Brethren. The first gathering took place in Curitiba, Brazil, in 1988.
The board also approved a proposal regarding MBM/S participation in a proposed mission training center in the Vancouver area.
The center is scheduled to begin operation in summer 1997 and would function under the structure of the Center for Training in Mission/Evangelism, an arm of MB Biblical Seminary.
Promotional material for the Year of Global Mission will be available at the biennial General Conference convention in July 1997.
A four-month tour by a select Zairian choral group, Esengo Zaire, will be a highlight of the year. The board heard reports that the choir's itinerary has been set and that team members are being selected from 30 nominees. The group's repertoire will include 35 songs, a third composed by Zairians. Youth groups in North America are being encouraged to plan fund-raising projects to help raise needed funds for the choir.
Personnel matters
The board approved several MBM/S missionaries for another term of service.
• Latin America. Ruth Klassen, a Christian education specialist, will begin another three-year term in Jan-
uary 1997. She serves in Guadalajara, Mexico. Jeff and Teri Prather, team leaders in Peru, will continue in their role for three more years.
The work of church planters Ernst and Ursula Janzen was affirmed. They work among the upper middle class in Montevideo, Uruguay. Their reappointment was made with the stipulation that coworkers be found.
The reappointment of Miller and Isabella Zhuang was made with similar stipulations. They will complete a second term in Venezuela in May. The Zhuangs have single-handedly carried the ministry of church planting and pastoring of two widely separated Chinese fellowships and need teammates to share the workload. The board urged the Chinese churches in Vancouver to make this search a top priority.
Harold and Dorothy Siebert will conclude their ministry in Bogota, Colombia in July and after a two-year study leave, they will enter a new church-planting ministry in Latin America in 1998.
In 1997, the Colombian MB Conference hopes to send a couple to minister in Panama with the indigenous MB churches for two years.
The board committed MBM/S to assist in supporting the Colombian couple. At present, MBM/S has no one working in the area of the Panama conference.
• Europe. Rod Zook and Julia Penner Zook will return to Munich, where they lead an emerging church. Their request to make a transition over the next three years from mission support to occupational self-support was approved.
Lawrence and Selma Warkentin received a one-year extension of their work in Dresden, Germany, with the proviso that the cost be jointly funded by MBM/S and the German MB Conference.
The resignation of Tim and Jill Schellenberg, missionaries in Simbach, Germany, was accepted, effective Dec. 31, 1996. The congregation they have been serving welcomed its first German pastor in August.
The board voted to end MBM/S participation in the church-planting effort in Enns, Austria, where prospects for growth and progress seem unlikely.Connie Faber with MBM/S reports
IN BRIEF
• PROTECTION: MB Missions/Services workers Bob and Susan Gulack are convinced that "God protected and spared 1 the life of their 7-year-old son, Aaron, when he was hit by a van while crossing a street. The Gulack family, missionaries to Lithuania, were on vacation in Austria when the accident occurred. Following an overnight hospital stay, Aaron was released with no serious injuries. (MBMjS)
• GATHERING: The Canadian MB Conference executive board approved plans at their January meeting for a radically revised delegate convention. The biennial gathering will be held in Winnipeg, Man., July 11-14. Convention business will be conducted in roundtable sessions. The convention will have more worship and fellowship time, strong children's and youth programs, increased opportunity for delegate input to the boards through workshops, and equipping workshops to inspire and prepare attenders for ministry in their local congregations. A new vision statement will be presented, promoted and possibly implemented. (MB Herald)
• GRANT: Fresno Pacific College has received a three-year $535,000 grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts for a grower education and outreach effort in collaboration with Sun-Maid Growers of California. This is the largest grant the college has ever received. (FPC)
• CELEBRATION: Optimism infused the first anniversary celebration of the Convention of Brazilian Mennonite Brethren (COBIM) March 15-17 in Curitiba. The German-speaking and Portuguese-speaking conferences in Brazil merged in 1995. "COBIM is working quite smoothly. There is a sense of unity and expectation that the future is promising," says Victor Wiens, MB Missions/Services team leader in Sao Paulo. Wiens reports that two more congregations are considering affifiation with COBIM. During its business sessions, the conference adopted a new youth outreach and training project, "Rescue 2000." (MBMjS)
Guiding IChurch into the
COME TO COLORADO COLLEGE
Colorado Springs • July 26-29, 1996 for a U.S. Conference convention and celebration!
LET'S CELEBRATE being God's people.
LET'S CLARIFY the vision we believe God is giving us.
LET'S COMMIT ourselves to prayer, renewal and mission.
Name (circle one): Mr., Mr./Mrs., Ms.
Delegate (or)
Please indicate housing intent:
REGISTRANTS
$160/adult ($150 before June 15)
$100 youth ages 13-17
$70 children ages 2-12 ochildren under 2
$35 per person (convention/facilities cost share & packet Meal tickets may be purchased individually in advance of the meal.
CHALLENGING & INSPIRING SPEAKERS
• Robert Logan, church growth consultant and motivator
• Ed Boschman, executive director-elect, Mission USA
• And others! Logan
_ LET'S COME TOGETHER to enjoy God and each other amid the beauty of the Pikes Peak region. MUSIC & DRAMA by the Fresno Pacific College Singers and The Parable drama group
JUNIOR HIGH & HIGHSCHOOL INVOLVEMENT with a Youth Mission International team in "Random Acts of Senseless Kindness"
A convention brochure with detailed information is available from your church office or from the u.s. Conference Office, 315 S. Lincoln, Hillsboro, KS 67063; phone (316) 947-3151.
US t - -II
"urban plunge" during the weekend. -- conven tOn wt
.I.0CUS
on leadership, Mission USA
In addition to committing "random acts of senseless kindness," the teens
Bible study and worship
II Colorado College will be familiar site for this summer's gathering Children age 3 through fifth grade can enroll in a VBS-style program
EQUIPPING church leaders is the include Ed Boschman, the newly which will include Bible lessons, focus for the biennial gathering of appointed executive director of Mis- music, crafts and recreation. Child the U.s. Conference of MB Churches sion USA, who will speak about care is available for infants and chilplanned for July 26-29 in Colorado empowering leaders. Other speakers dren through age 2 during all sessions. Springs, Colo. Convention events are are Dennis Fast, U.S. Conference Families can take advantage of daily centered on the theme, .............-------=--..afternoon free times to sightsee "Guiding the church into the in the Colorado Springs area. 21st century; Leadership that '1'm staying on the U.S.
The biennial convention is makes a difference." Conference bandwagon being held at Colorado Col-
Dennis Fast, U.S. Confer- because I believe Mission USA lege, located near downtown ence chair, believes this con- Colorado Springs. Participants vention has two drawing is a visionfrom the Lordfor will be housed on the campus cards: the occasion to learn our conference."
-DENNIS FAST or can make reservations at leadership principles and the area motels. Participants are opportunity to see Mission encouraged to register before USA finally come into being. chair, and Eldon Busenitz, pastor of June 15. Children and youth fees have
"Since the 1992 convention, we Bethesda MB Church in Huron, S.D. been discounted to accommodate have been moving toward a new cen- David Brandt, president of Tabor Col- families attending the convention. ter that holds the U.S. Conference lege, Hillsboro, Kan., and Richard "There are so many good reasons together," says Fast. "We now have Kriegbaum, president of Fresno Pacif- to attend the convention this summer, that center in Mission USA. It has a ic College, will be copresenters Sun- including the refreshing atmosphere fully functioning board and a newly day evening. of Colorado Springs, nestled against appointed executive director, Ed Eight workshops will explore top- Pikes Peak and other Rocky Mountain Boschman. I'm staying on the U.S. ics such as drama and worship, Sun- landmarks," says Fast. "In addition to Conference bandwagon because I day school for the unchurched, pas- inspiring worship, the college setting believe Mission USA is a vision from toral evaluations, and decision-making provides hours of warm fellowship in the Lord for our conference." models. the cafeteria, dormitories and ice
While the convention is open to all The 1996 convention again cream shops just off the campus. I U.S. Mennonite Brethren, the featured includes activities for children and look forward to joining several hunspeaker and workshop topics were teens. Junior high and high school dred other Mennonite Brethren in celselected with local church leaders in youth, hosted by a Youth Mission ebrating the vision of Mission USA ."mind, notes Lynford Becker, U.S. Con- International team, will experience an Connie Faber ference administrative secretary.
"We are thinking of leaders in the broad sense," says Becker, who includes members of church boards and committees on that list. Each congregation is also asked to select delegates for the business sessions scheduled for Saturday and Monday mornings.
Convention goers will hear from guest speaker Robert E. Logan on vision building and leadership training. Logan is vice president for new church development with Church Resource Ministries in Fullerton, Calif. After founding Community Baptist Church of Alta Lorna, Calif., and a network of daughter churches, he now travels internationally helping to equip pastors and church planters. Logan will speak Saturday night and Sunday morning.
session speakers
The Fresno Pacific College Chamber Choir, pictured above, and The Parable, FPC's traveling
Other plenary
drama troupe, will be featured during this summer's national convention.
IN BRIEF
• Elmer and Phyllis Martens are offering a II san dwich tour" in conjunction with the Mennonite World Conference in Calcutta, India, in 1997. The "meaty" part of the experience is Assembly Gathered, Jan. 6-12, and the visit to Mennonite Brethren in the Hyderabad area, Jan. 13-17. Sightseeing consists of three days in ThaHand, Jan. 1-5 and two days in New Delhi and the Taj Mahal, Jan. 18-19. Cost: $3,250. For more information, contact Elmer Martens, 4850 E. Rialto, Fresno, CA 93726; 209-291-5904.
• REPORT: Werner and Elsi,e Kroeker envoys to India, are currently traveling in North America to report on positive trends among Indian Mennonite Brethren. The Kroekers, representing the General Conference and MB Missionsj Services, have spent seven months in Andhra Pradesh helping to mediate leadership conflicts. Visa restrictions required them to leave India temporarily; they will return in July after traveling in California, Kansas, Oklahoma, Ontario, British Columbia and visiting Bethania Telegu Church (MB) in Woodside, N.Y. (GeMB)
• RESOLUTION: Reconciliation between Bethesda Home, a ministry to adults with developmental disabilities, and the Ontario Board of Reference and Council, has taken place at the board level foHowing a sharp disagreement over ownership issues that resulted in several resignations, including conference moderator John Eckert. Additional steps in the process will include peacemaking between individuals. In an effort to take greater ownership of its agencies, the Ontario Conference recently voted to add Bethesda to its budget. (MB Herald)
• LEAVING: After weighing the risks, Mennonite Central Committee decided in early March to place two workers in Bubanza, Burundi, near the site of fierce fighting between the Tuts; army and Hutu rebel militia. Now, the governor of Bubanza Province has asked Keith Miller and Susan Seitz to leave the area because he felt he could no longer assure their safety. Miller and Seitz plan to return to Kibimba, where they had previously worked. (MCC)
Brazilian MB youth to organize for outreach, training
II 'Rescue 2000' will resemble Youth Mission International thrust in North America
NEW EVANGELISM and service ventures are available to Brazilian Mennonite Brethren young people, reports MB Missions/Services worker Victor Wiens.
Last month the Convention of Brazilian Mennonite Brethren adopted a five-year project called "Rescue 2000." The project will create Brazilian youth outreach and training similar to North America's Youth Mission International. The goal is to call youth to greater commitment to Christian service.
In addition to providing opportunities for service and mission, Rescue 2000 will train young people for church leadership. The visionary plan was proposed by Valdemar Kroker, youth pastor of Brazil's largest Mennonite Brethren church located in Boqueria in Curitiba.
Kroker has experience in planning alternative outreach ministry efforts.
Teams of Mennonite Brethren young people in Curitiba spent their Carnaval holiday Feb. 17-20 witnessing in front of dance halls and clubs.
This is the second year for the evangelism experiment and Kroker is enthusiastic in spite of the work involved in organizing the event. "It turned out to be a successful experiment," he says.
In previous years, youth leaders in Curitiba had organized retreats during the Carnaval holiday to "protect young people from the rampant carnality." Carnaval is a Latin and South American holiday prior to Lent characterized by wild celebrations.
Youth workers report that evangelism participants have gained new boldness and skill for witnessing. They note that the transition from a spiritual retreat to outreach teams has been bathed in Bible study and prayer. Last year one dance hall manager allowed a team to enter the club and distribute literature to all his customers.
The Sao Paulo churches, on the other hand, opted to continue with a retreat during the Carnaval holiday. Wiens reports that was also beneficial. "The Vila Sao Jose church has two new youth in a new believers' class as a result of the Carnaval retreat," says Wiens. (MBMjS)
For Tabor students, service is the reason to spend a spring break
in South Texas
II
ILAMB churches host students for a week of work, fellowship
T'S NOT UNUSUAL for college students from Kansas to flock to South Texas for spring break to indulge themselves. But a group of Tabor College students traveled south during their break to do general maintenance and remodeling work with churches in the Latin America Mennonite Brethren (LAMB) Conference.
The group of 32 students and sponsors spent March 15-24 working for the churches in La Grulla, Texas, and in Diaz Ordaz, Mexico. The students were hosted by various church members.
For two years, Jim Elam, associate dean of students and the group's director, worked with Rolando Mireles, moderator of the LAMB District and a member of the Tabor College Board of Directors, on organizing such a trip.
The goal of Elam and Mireles was twofold: "First we wanted to provide Tabor students with an exposure to Mexican-American culture," Elam said. "Secondly, we wanted to provide the people in the LAMB District with exposure to Tabor College and to establish relationships."
The group was featured in a local Mexican newspaper as a positive feature of the 1996 spring break season. The article noted that instead of destructive activities, these students were helping the community and making a constructive impact. (TC)
.CHURCH NOTES
• Baptism/Membership
REEDLEY, Calif.-Gary Ginder, Melissa Ginder, Mary Pickford and Jill Warkentin were recently baptized and welcomed into membership. Alfred and Eva Cardona, Shannon Chew, Wanda Ginder, Romelia Hernandez, Maria Meave, Greg and Concha Quintanilla and Rachel Trostrud were received into membership.
DENVER, Colo. (Garden Park)-Shara Schroeder was welcomed into membership March 3.
ENID, Okla.-Jim and Linda Gungoll, Vic and Irene Froese and Mac, Tammy, Austin and Blane Perigo were received into membership March 3.
FRESNO, Calif. (Butler)-Karen Craigen, Rob Craigen, Rose Enns, Robert Fuchs, Ulla Horsch, Iris Horsch, Rony Juliano, and Brigitte Schulze were welcomed as new members March 17.
HILLSBORO, Kan.-Bob and Joan Berg, Bertha Goentzel, Harvey and Dorothy Foth, Allen and Lois Hiebert and Gordon and Jeannie Reiswig were received as new members March 24.
MINOT, N.D.-Emily Webber, Michael Webber, Steven Lautt, Andrea Lautt and Whitney Liebelt were baptized and received as members March 31. Beau Liebelt was also received into membership.
CORN, Okla.-Ashley Bartel, Ben Gossen, Brandon Hinz and Dacia Kliewer were baptized March 31 and accepted as members April 7.
PHOENIX, Ariz. (Desert Valley)-Chris Milsap was baptized and received into membership April 7.
• Celebrations
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Lincoln Hills Bible)A ground-breaking ceremony for an additional facility took place April 14. The congregation is using a campus plan in designing their church facilities.
REEDLEY, Calif.-The family of George and Lydia Wall placed flowers in the sanctuary Feb. 25 in honor of their parents' 60th wedding anniversary.
DINUBA, Calif.-A floral arrangement was placed in the sanctuary March lOin recognition of the 50th wedding anniversary of Jake and Annie Enns.
FRESNO, Calif. (Bethany)-A 50th wedding anniversary service and dinner was held March 17 in honor of Wes and Ann Heinrichs.
SHAFTER, Calif.- The children of Dan and Joanne Frantz hosted a 50th wedding anniversary open house March 30.
FAIRVIEW, Okla.-The children of Kenneth and Norma Eitzen hosted a 50th wedding anniversary reception April 14 A reception in honor of Herb and Rose Nickel's 50th wedding anniversary was held April 13.
FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News)-A 50th wedding anniversary reception was held for Jonas and Martha Cornelsen April 13.
• Fellowship
REEDLEY, Calif. (El Faro)-Members of the worship team and pastor Don Schmidt gave the evening program at the Reedley MB Church Feb. 25.
HESSTON, Kan.-The all-church western night March 23 included a wiener roast, games, singing around a campfire and prizes for the best western costume.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Rosedale Bible)-A Passover meal was held April 4.
NEWTON, Kan. (Koerner Heights)-Members of the church choir traveled in three
groups to homes for a three-course progressive supper March 23. Following dessert served at the church, the Celebration Choir practiced for the Easter cantata.
FREEMAN, S.D.-The two area Mennonite Brethren churches, Silver Lake in Freeman and Salem in Bridgewater, met together at the Freeman elementary school gym for an evening of recreation, refreshments and fellowship March 29.
COLLINSVILLE, Okla. (Westport)-The women's ministry group hosted a tea for women of all ages April 19. The theme: "Friends across the ages." Tea tables were made available for "little ladies" ages 2-5.
FRESNO, Calif. (Bethany)-The all-church coed volleyball tournament began April 28. Sunday school classes of all ages were invited to participate.
• Ministry
FRESNO, Calif. (North)-Chuck and Donna Rayburn were commissioned March 31 for their ministry at Emerald Cove Christian Camp near Bass Lake. Chuck will serve as director of facilities and food services; Donna will be food preparation manager.
.DEATHS
FlAMING, HARRY K., Fresno, Calif., was born Feb. 29, 1916, to Henry C. and Katie Friesen Flaming at Jansen, Neb., and died in March 1996, at the age of 80. On March 24, 1936, he was married to Anna Schellenberg who predeceased him. On Dec. 29, 1990, he was married to Elsie Thiesen, who survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Patricia and husband Phil Ewert of McCook, Neb., and Fay and husband Curtis Holzworth of York, Neb.; two sons, Ivan and wife Delores Flaming of Wauneta, Neb., and Martin and wife Karen Flaming of Ogallala, Neb.; five step-children, Julia and husband Dennis Langhofer of Fresno, Elaine and husband Robert Falk of Fresno, Lois Zercher of Lemoore, Calif., Tim and wife Barbara Thiesen of Dinuba, Calif., and Debbie and husband Sam Blankenship of Fresno; three sisters-in-law, 12 grandchildren, nine step-grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
GRAUMAN, JAYMES MARTIN, Handford, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church in Reedley, Calif., was born Dec. 31, 1950, to Glen and Ruth Grauman at Reedley, Calif., and died March 23, 1996, at the age of 46. He was married to Lynette Knaak, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Joshua and Josiah; his father, and one sister, Lydia Long.
HODEL, WALTER FRANCIS, Bakersfield, Calif., was born at Hillsboro, Kan., and died in March 1996, at the age of 88. He is survived by his wife, Ruby; two sons, Larry and wife Carol Hodel, and Roger and wife Mary Hodel; one brother, Jake Hodel of Hillsboro; and three grandchildren.
JOST, LINDA MARIE HEINZE, Hillsboro, Kan., a member of Hillsboro MB Church, was born Sept. 3, 1919, to Andrew and Molly Heinze at Dorrance, Kan., and died April 2, 1996, at the age of 76. On Aug. 14, 1940, she was married to Larry Jost, who survives. She is also survived by three daughters, Karen and husband Melvin Enns of Kingsburg, Calif., Constance and husband Gene Schimpf of Northville, Mich., and Lucinda and husband Willis Wohlgemuth of Claremore, Okla.; eight siblings, Mildred and Herbert Friesen, Roland and Docia Heinze, Lawrence and Barbara Heinze, Paul and Margaret Heinze, June and Ervin Warkentin, Norma and Peter Goetz, Leo and Irene Heinze and Robert and Vivian Heinze; and four grandchildren.
PATZKOWSKI, JACK, Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was born August 16, 1908, at Aulne, Kan., to Jacob and Elizabeth Penner Patzkowski and died March 24, 1996, at the age of 87. On Jan. 1, 1933, he was married to Alma Gunther who survives. He is also survived by four
King Road MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C., is seeking volunteers for its Church Partnership Evangelism outreach to ....
1. UKRAINE, Kirowograd
2. PARAGUAY, Asuncion and Interior 3. FIJI ISLANDS
4. PERU,Trujillo, Chiclayo, Piura or Talara ..
6. ZAIRE, AFRICA, Kikwit
7. INDIA, Hyderabad & Jongoan
NOTE: Dates may be subject to change.
June 3-22 / 96
July1-18/96
July 14 - Aug. 2/96
July 22 - Aug. 15/96
Sept. 9-29 / 96
Oct. 13-31 / 96
Nov. 10-28/96
• Team up with national Christians and witness for Christ door to door.
• Some knowledge of the country's language is helpful.
• Similar campaigns have resulted in 200 to 400 conversions. Come and be part of an enriching spiritual experience, discover what GOD can do through you.
For more information, contact: Evelyn Unruh, 604-852-5744 or CPE 604-864-3941
Peter Loewen, 604-853-3173 or FAX 604-853-6482
Maybe you are interested in one, two or more campaigns. Please let us know if you find this to be valuable work for the Lord. I would ask you to bring this information to your friends and churches. We will need many volunteers in 1996.
Peter Huebert
Missions Committee President
Peter Loewen Promoter
children, Laura Wiens of San Jose, Calif., Barbara Martens of Fresno, Calif., Mary Vogt of Santa Clara, Calif., and Melvin Patzkowski of San Diego, Calif.; one sister, Ruebena Ugeski of Reedley; three brothers, Ernest Patzkowski of Modesto, Calif., Jim Patzkowski of Selma, Calif., and Richard Patzkowski of Reedley; eight grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
PENNER, JOHN CORNELIUS, Shafter, Calif., a member of Shafter MB Church, was born April 28, 1894, to Cornelius and Anna Elias Penner in the Ukrainian village of Ebenfeld in southern Russia and died March 22, 1996, at the age of 101. In 1914 he was married to Susan Thiessen who predeceased him in 1972. In 1973 he was mar-
CLEARINGHOUSE
Have a position to fill? Looking for a new employment or ministry opportunity? Have a gathering or celebration to promote? Need to sell or acquire property? Reach U. S. Mennonite Brethren through a Clearinghouse classified ad. The charge is 40 cents per word, with a $15 minimum. Withhold payment until an invoice is received. Clearinghouse copy must be received by the 15th of the month prior to the desired month of publication. The editors reserve the right to turn down inappropriate material. For display (boxed) ad rates, please call us.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
BOYS RANCH-Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch is a Christian nonprofit residential program serving at-risk youth. If you are interested in working with strong-willed boys and have experience in work job supervision, farm, construction, or child care, contact Ken Ortman, HCR 1, Box 458A, Lampe, MO 65681; (417) 779-5374. Salary plus board and room.
PASTOR OF WORSHIP AND DISCIPLESHIP-The Westport Mennonite Brethren Church is seeking a pastor to give leadership in the area of worship, music, Christian education and discipleship. We are a suburban church located in Owasso-Collinsville, Okla., part of the Tulsa metro area. We are a congregation of more than 400 people living in one of the fastest-growing areas of Oklahoma. Maturity and experience are desired. Send resume to Westport MB Church, Rt. 3, Box 629, Collinsville, OK 74021, or contact Pastor David Froese at (918) 371-2505.
CAMPUS PASTOR-Seeking qualified administrative faculty member to serve as campus pastor. Reporting half-time to dean of student life in the role of strengthening the Christian character and worship of the college, with primary focus on the undergraduate students; reporting half-time to the academic vice president in the role of directing College Hour, a twice-weekly gathering of the undergraduate campus community for worship, biblical instruction and enhancing campus Christian thinking and action in all areas of life. Must possess an M.A. or M.Div., doctorate preferred; mature Christian faith; ministry experience; preference for some experience in a Christian liberal arts college. Position begins Aug. 1, 1996. Fresno Pacific College is a dynamic Christian liberal arts college of the Mennonite Brethren Church. All candidates for faculty positions must share the college's Christian commitment. For full description and application form, write or phone Sue Kliewer, Personnel Director, Fresno Pacific College, 1717 S. Chestnut, Fresno, CA 93702; (209) 453-2245. Applications will be evaluated beginning May 15, and appointment will be made as soon thereafter as a suitable candidate is secured.
ried to Margaret Wedel who predeceased him in 1987. He is survived by two daughters, Susie and husband Bob McCombs and Alma and husband Ed Nikkel; one son, Art and wife Donna Penner; a daughter-in-law, Ella Penner; a son-in-law, Cecil Bergman; four stepchildren, Billie and husband Marvin Friis, Jeanne Lingofelter, Mattie Andrus and Ruth Wedel; 14 grandchildren, 12 step-grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 22 step-great-grandchildren.
SMITH, MARGARET KLIEWER DUERKSEN, Kingsburg, Calif., a member of Reedley (Calif.) MB Church was born July 10, 1901, at Inman, Kan., to Jacob P. and Margaretha Enns Kliewer and died March 8, 1996, at the age of 95. On Dec. 15, 1921, she was married to Henry H. Duerksen, who predeceased her in 1990. In 1991 she was married to Jack Smith, who predeceased her on Jan. 14, 1996. She is survived by one daughter, Barbara and husband Elmer L. Friesen; two daughters-in-
{This tour is endorsed by the Conference of Mennonites in Canada)
ISRAEL &JORDAN
{Optional Extension to Egypt}
October 10-24,1996
Tel Aviv, Haifa, Caesarea, Meggido, Tiberias, Upper Galilee, Acre, Mount Carmel, Safed, Golan Heights, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes, jerusalem, Beit Shean, BeitAlpa, Nazareth, jericho, Bethlehem, Dead Sea Area, Amman, Petrajerash.
For further information, please contact:
John Schroeder or Micheline Hay ASSINIBO INE TRAVEL SERVICE 1317A Portage Avenue
lVIanitoba R3G OV3
Tel: (204) 775-0271
Toll-Free: 1-800-652-2080
law, Valeta Duerksen of Atwater, Calif., and Loretta Duerksen of Clovis, Calif.; three siblings, Ed Kliewer and Ann Bartel of Bakersfield, Calif., and Marie Kloepel of Shafter, Calif.; three sisters-in-law, Alma Niesner, Dorothy Kliewer and Helen Kliewer; six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
WILLEMS, HELEN FRIESEN, Inman, Kan., a member of Zoar MB Church in Inman, was born March 3, 1900, to Gerhardt and Katherine Fleming Friesen in Moundridge, Kan., and died March 16, 1996, at the age of 96. On January 29, 1922, she was married to John C. Willems, who predeceased her in 1971. She is survived by two sons, Henry and wife Betty of Inman and John and wife Judy of Goodland, Kan.; one daughter, Helen and husband Elgin Decker of Oakley, Kan.; one sister, Kathryn Gee of Inman; one brother, Leonard Friesen of Inman; 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
CLARIFICATION: Katie Janz, Lodi, Calif., died Feb. 4, 1996, at the age of 102. (April issue) •
invites applications for an Associate Pastor of Adult Ministries
The Associate Pastor of Adult Ministries will provide leadership to small groups and adult Christian education programs to assist us in developing our maturity in Christ and to promote our vision: /I making more and better disciples. "
Candidates need to have a practical understanding of what spiritual maturity is, and have experience with, and commitment to, small-group ministries.
Submit enquiries and resources to: Pastoral Search Committee
Waterloo Mennonite Brethren Church 245 Lexington Road Waterloo, ON, Canada N2K 2E1 phone: 519-885-5330 fax: 519-885-4271
e-mail: Greg_Bender@msn.com
MCC Resource Catalog
Lists free-loan audiovisuals and printed materials about the mission of MCC, care of creation, lifestyle, peace and justice issues, hunger and other topics. Includes a children's section. Yours free from:
Pontius' Puddle
HEALTH
Faith and wellness: A clear link?
Most Americans believe that spiritual faith can help people recover from illness, injury or disease, and say doctors should discuss faith with their patients.
A national survey commissioned by USA Weekend magazine found that 79 percent of Americans believe spiritual faith has healing power, and more than half (56 percent) said faith had helped them recover at some point in their lives.
Though 90 percent said they had never had a doctor talk with them about their faith, 63 percent said it would be a good idea.
The perception of faith's healing power seems to be confirmed by the medical and scientific community.
• At the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science held in February, Dale A. Matthews of Georgetown University reviewed the 212 studies on the link between religion and health and found that three-fourths showed that religious commitment has a positive effect on health. Only 7 percent suggested that religion could be bad for health.
GHoRc.M CAFITAl{lON\S"'" MENT rav coTIOtJ.
Matthews said published research demonstrates that religion can be beneficial for patients dealing with alcoholism, cancer, depression, drug abuse, heart disease and hypertension.
• Early results of a significant study examining 4,000 older women suggests that "people who attend church are both physically healthier and less depressed," says Harold G. Koenig of Duke University
FAVoR. J-E\"'AL (NJe=C,:T\ON \
Medical Center. Koenig added, though, that simply being religious is not enough. People who sit at home watching television evangelists or praying alone may be less healthy than others.
• In one controversial study, researcher Randy Byrd had born-again Christians pray for part of a random group of 383 patients in a double-blind trial. The group enlisted to pray did
They may be born again, but what do they really believe?
ANEW national survey of American adults by the Barna Research Group found that 84 percent of respondents who identified themselves as born-again Christians hold a nonbibHcal view on at least one of eight statements of biblical teaching tested in the survey. Born-again Christians exhibit surprisingly high levels of ignorance on the following core Christian tenants:
• 80 percent agree with the statement, "The Bible teaches that God helps those who help themselves."
• 49 percent agree with the statement, "The devil, or Satan, is not a living being but is a symbol of evil."
• Even though born-again Chris-
tians are those who believe they will go to heaven because they "have confessed their sins and accepted Jesus Christ as their savior," 39 percent also maintain that "if a person is generally good, or does enough good things for others during their life, they will earn a place in heaven."
• 30 percent claim that "Jesus Christ was a great teacher, but He did not come back to physical life after he was crucified."
• 29 percent say that "when He lived on earth, Jesus Christ was human and committed sins, like other people."
• 29 percent say "there are some crimes, sins, or other things which
people might do which cannot be forgiven by God."
• 26 percent disagree with the statement that "[they], personally, have a responsibility to tell other people [their] religious be,Uefs."
• 15 percent disagree with the statement that "the Bible is totally accurate in all of its teachings."
The study found that four out of 10 born-again Christians held a nonbiblical view on one or two of the eight assertions, while another four out of 10 held nonbibUcal views on three or more statements. Only 20 percent of born-again Christians held traditional biblical positions on all eight issues. (EP)
When the shepherd and shepherdess decide who goes first.
ETHICS
A New Era giveback
A second Mennonite ministry is voluntarily refunding all the money it made-more than $1.7 million-in a matching-gift charity that turned out to be an illegal financial scheme.
Menno Haven retirement community of Chambersburg, Pa., had the largest
net gain of any of the nine Mennonite-related institutions that placed money with the Foundation for New Era Philanthropy. The foundation promised to double the funds placed with it, and usually did, using contributions of later investors. The scheme unraveled in spring 1995. New Era declared bankruptcy on May 15, leaving some 250 creditors and liabilities
of more than $500 million.
"It is because of the serious ethical questions raised about the foundation's operations that Menno Haven has voluntarily agreed to return the net gain from its dealings with the foundation," stated a Menno Haven news release.
"We believe that institutions such as ours that benefited from a relationship with New Era have a moral
obligation to help those who lost money."
This past winter, another Mennonite agency, Landis Homes retirement community in Litiz, Pa., gave back $180,900.
Only a handful of "net positive" organizations have turned over their New Era profits, however, according to a report in Christianity Today. Most are playing the waiting game, wanting to make sure they are not the only ones to return the money. A letter has been sent to these organizations, urging them to return as much as they can, even if they have to stretch out repayments over several years. (Mennonite Weekry Review, CT)
WEDDINGS
Spiritually intune
Marriage is a sacrament of the church, and should be accompanied by sacred-not secular-music, according to new guidelines issued by the Catholic Diocese of Fort WayneSouth Bend, Ind. The guidelines say that nonreligious music should be performed during the rehearsal dinner and wedding reception, not during the service. (EP)
At long last-a Bible for the truly baby Christians among us
ARE children's Bibles and toddler's Bibles. Where will it end? Reader's Digest may have the answer with its new Baby's First Bible, a 16-page hardcover book designed for the pre-preschool set. The book includes a carrying handle, cutout sections, and interactive features, such as suggestions that children sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus, or roar like a lion during the tale of Noah's Ark.
Sally Lloyd Jones, editorial director for the religious division of Reader's Digest Young Families, admits that such a small book can't really be considered a "Bible, II but
said the idea is to help children get comfortable with the Bible even before they are old enough to read the real thing.
Baby's First Bible has 12 stories, some of which are told in just one sentence. For instance, the book of Daniel becomes, "Daniel prayed to God and not to men, and God kept Daniel safe in the lion's den." Other stories, such as Jonah, were omitted because they defied such condensation. The book is designed to be read to children from infancy, and the easy-carry handle helps to give them a sense of ownership. (EP)
SESSION 1: Building stronger families
Based on HFamily By Design" (page 4)
GET READY-Getting started
• What intentional or unintentional goals did your family of origin make?
GET SET-Examining the issues
1. What are the ingredients and purposes of a family "blueprint" ?
2. Study the Scriptures listed in the box titled "Some Christian family essentials" (page 8). Share ways in which you experience these essentials in your home or church family.
3. How has the church helped or hindered your family in its ability to reflect biblical values?
GO-Applying ideas to the way we live
1. In what ways is your family most likely to identify with each of the three pigs?
2. Do you think a family mission statement is realistic? Whyor why not?
3. In addition to a mission statement, in what other ways can a family highlight its goals?
SESSION 2: Discipling children
Based on HDiscipleship Is For Kids, Too" (page 9)
GET READY-Getting started
• Share a memory of someone who discipled you as a child.
GET SET-Examining the issues
1. How would you define discipleship?
2. Identify Scripture references that would support the significance of the five suggested components of adult discipleship-friendship, modeling, Scripture, evangelism and emotional healing.
3. What other components would you add to the discipleship of children?
GO-Applying ideas to the way we live
1. In what ways does your family experience the five components of discipleship?
2. Of the five components, which is the greatest challenge for your family and for yourself-and why?
3. What are ways the church could more effectively disciple children? Have you shared your ideas with your congregational leaders?
SESSION 3: Spiritual disciplines
Based on HBack to the Silence H (Ph'lip Side, page 13)
GET READY-Getting started
• How often during waking hours do you experience silence?
GET SET-Examining the issues
1. In what ways do you agree with the statement by Richard Foster, "Superficiality is the curse of our age. The desperate need is not for a greater number of intelligent people, but for deep people"?
2. Why do we lose interest in spiritual disciplines, including prayer?
3. What does 1 Kings 19: 10-18 have to say to us about silence?
GO-Applying ideas to the way we live
1. To what extent have we become spiritually lazy by expecting the church to IIdo ll our spiritual disciplines for us?
2. In what ways do you "apply God" rather than "know God"?
3. Plan a specific time to be alone with God. Mark it on your calendar and respect it as the most important appointment of the day or week.
SESSION 4: Capital punishment
Based on Inquiring Minds (page 74)
GET READY-Getting started
• How do you respond when "equally committed believers take different positions on volatile issues ll ?
GET SET-Examining the issues
1. The writers refer to several Scripture passages: Genesis 9-17, Genesis 4, Exodus 21 and Romans 12:9-21. Review the passages and their respective contexts. What other passages would you say are relevant to the discussion of capital punishment?
2. Form two groups, then role play or debate both sides of the issue, using Scripture to support the respective positions.
3. Can you identify other ways, in addition to capital punishment, in which the state assumes the role of God?
GO-Applying ideas to the way we live
1. How can we as individuals and as a church emphasize the sanctity of fife in an increasingly violent and vengeful world?
2. Identify other moral/social issues that need to be addressed and the needs by which that can be done within the church community.
3. In what ways do we tend to let II sent iment and emotion guide ourarguments"?
Who is my village?
FIRST LADY Hillary Rodham Clinton tells us in her new book that "It takes a village to raise a child." Publicity for former Vice President Dan Quayle's new book on family values indicates he agrees-sort of. "The phrase 'it takes a village to raise a child' has validity only if the 'village' is friends, extended family, neighbors, and other privately assembled groups who can reinforce the lessons of home," writes Quayle.
I haven't read either book so I'm not prepared to debate the specific issues raised by the two authors. However, I do think they are both right-raising children is a task that involves more than just parents.
I believe that
In our house, grandparents and great-grandparents are involved in the lives of our children. After weeks of anticipation, it was finally time last month for a visit from Grandpa and Grandma Faber. Twice a year my parents-in-law travel the family circuit, visiting three of their four sons and their families. They spend seven to 10 days at each home. The trek is typically made by car from Michigan, with two stops in Kansas and a third stop in Minnesota. This year their spring trip included a fourth stop-Durham, N.C.-to visit their first married grandchild. Annual visits to their son living in California are made by plane-a concession to their age; Dad is SO-plus.
children without the guidance and help of extended family. But circumstances require many to do so. Our village, though, is more than extended family. As Quayle suggests, it's any group that reinforces the values we teach at home. That includes my church family.
The new Mennonite Brethren hymnal offers two congregational readings for the occasion of a child dedication. In both, the congregation pledges to share in the raising of children. One reading says, "We promise, with humility and seriousness, to share in your child's nurture and well-being. We will support, by our example and words, your efforts to provide a loving and caring home, where trust in God grows and Christ's way is chosen."
isolating our children from challenging influences won Jt prepare them for the life of discipleship that we desire for them.
Many people tell Mom and Dad their children would never tolerate parents as houseguests for the length of time Mom and Dad enjoy with each of us. We tell them their visits aren't long enough.
My husband and I have come to rely on these twiceyearly visits from his parents, as well as our annual summer trips to Michigan. We learn a lot about parenting as we hear of their experiences with "the boys" and watch them gently and lovingly interact with our children. Mom and Dad may live many miles from us, but they are important guides as we raise our children.
Weare also fortunate to have my parents and one set of grandparents living close by. My mom and dad provide weekly babysitting and our kindergartner often spends several hours Friday afternoons at her greatgrandparents' house, eating popcorn and talking with her great-grandma. I can't imagine raising our three
How much does or should my congregation participate in the raising of my children? How much responSibility do I have to help other families train their children? How can we as church families become more intentional in our effort to nurture our children collectively?
And what about groups that don't reinforce our family values? Like school. I'm pleased with my daughter's kindergarten teacher; she is a wonderful Christian woman. But the values of non-Christian families affect my daughter while she's at school. Even Christian families present potential conflicts. We Christian parents don't always agreeon all the issues involved in raising children to follow in the way of Christ.
Then there are the "evils" of television. Our family watches public television, children's programming and reruns of old, old shows. But the values of "Gullah Gullah Island" and "I Love Lucy" aren't always mine.
Sometimes, after we've spent time undoing the influences of our larger "village," my husband and I make plans to throw out the television, start our own school and move to a secluded ranch in the Flint Hills. But I believe that isolating our children from challenging influences won't prepare them for the life of service in God's kingdom that we desire for them.
To be honest, before I became the mother of three precious children, I had easy answers to parenting questions. Now, I rely on the basics. I do my best and when I send my children out the door, I rely on my loving Heavenly Father to watch over them.
