• Arkansas church owes no debt but one of love PAGE 24
• India conference celebrates 100 years PAGE 26
• MB university initiates "proactive budge' PAGE 29
FIRST WORDS •.• from the editor
WE SPEND A GREAT DEAL OF TIME talking about what it means to follow Christ-and that is good. We need to keep the Way always in front of us. It is imperative, however, that we get on our feet and actually start walking after Jesus. What we do-and don't do-matters.
The articles in this issue give us a push in the right direction.
In the first article, Norman and Elaine Thiesen give us a picture ofJocabed, the mother of Miriam, Aaron and Moses. Her children are the result of one woman's faithful walk with God. Her life and legacy cause us to examine how we are raising our own children as followers of God.
John Rempel challenges us to think intentionally about how we observe the Sabbath. Early Christians met on the first day of the week to commemorate Christ's resurrection. What can we do practically to observe the Sabbath today?
Our last article was written by a woman who has been described as "a spiritual giant"-yet her life was cut short when she was only 32 years old. In the light of her short life, Karuna ShriJoel's words have an added poignancy as she asks us point blank, "Can you go now and tell others of Christ?"
The answer to that question requires more than words.
BodyLife tells the stories of how people are putting the Gospel into action throughout the world. The India MB conference recently celebrated the lOOth anniversary of the arrival of MB missionaries in that country-which now is the second largest MB conference in the world. In Russia, MBs are helping churches evangelize their neighbors. In South America, a men's choir tours and ministers to churches. Take time to read about what our brothers and sisters are doing around the world to proclaim and advance the Kingdom of God.
God bless. -eA
COMING
MAY 6-Fresno Pacific University graduation
MAY 20-Tabor College graduation
MAY 21-MB Biblical Seminary graduation at First Baptist Church in Fresno, Calif.
-JULY 27-30-Biennial U.S. Conference convention, Denver, Colo.
OCTOBER 26-29-Central District Conference convention, Huron, S.D.
NOVEMBER IO-II-Pacific District Conference convention
Most moms want to raise responsible and healthy children, but conflicting advice from experts leaves them confused and frustrated. Where does a mother look for direction and answers? BY
NORMAN AND ELAINE THIESEN
In early Christianity, every Sunday became a little Eastercelebrating the resurrection of Jesus. How can we observe a liberating Sabbath today? BY JOHN REMPEL
Do this one thing
It has been 2000 years since Jesus told us to preach the
and make disciples-but are we doing it today?
BY P. KARUNA SHRI JOEL
• India conference celebrates 100 year anniversary 26
• Worship services renewed in Indian village after 30 years 26
• New budget beginning of proactive process at FPU 29
• Panama MBs host Mennonite Church work team 30
• Men's choir tours South America 30
• Annual MCC meeting focuses on new global exchange program 31
BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS: Kathy Heinrichs Wiest, chair; Peggy Goertzen, Phil Neufeld, Dalton Reimer, Herb Schroeder.
The Christian Leader (ISSN 0009-5149) is published monthly by the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, 315 S. Lincoln, Hillsboro, KS 67063. The Christian Leader seeks to inform Mennonite Brethren members and churches of the events, activities, decisions and issues of their denomination, and to instruct, inspire and initiate dialog so members will aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelicaVAnabaptist theological tradition. However, the views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the position of the Christian Leader, the Board of Communications or the Mennonite Brethren Church.
The editors invite free-lance article submissions, essays to Forum and letters to the editor. Forum is open to members or attendees of Mennonite Brethren churches. The essays can address any issue of relevance and interest to the faith and life of the Mennonite Brethren Church and should be no longer than 800 words and include the home church and occupation of the writer. A SASE must accompany articles and forum essays.
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The importance of mothering is universally recognized. There's even a day set aside this month to nationally honor our mothers. But a close look at our society reveals a crisis of mothering. Mothers today have constant demands on them that attempt to pull them away from priority time with their children. Most moms want to raise healthy and responsible children, but the conflicting advice from Uexpertsn leaves them confused and frustrated. Where does a mother look for directions and answers?
a mother's legacy
na land of palaces, chariots and gold, she was a slave. Under the burning sun and towering pyramids, her people toiled under the thumb of Pharaoh. In the waters of the Nile, the Egyptian ruler had ordered her newborn son should die with every other boy that was born.
In the midst of these and other adversities, this woman raised three children who joined the ranks of the most renowned leaders of the people of Israel. Yet most Christians don't even recognize her name.
]ocabed was the mother of Moses, Miriam and Aaron, three of the more famous figures in the Old Testament. She had a powerful impact on her family and her world. The prophet Micah later wrote that God had specifically sent these three children to lead his people (Micah 6:4).
Miriam became noted as a prophetess (Exod. 15:20), and Aaron became the first high priest. Moses became the spiritual and political leader of his people, the children of Israel, and of him it would be said, "Since then no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses " (Deut. 34:10).
Quite a legacy for a slave woman.
That we see such godly children raised in one family in the midst of an ungodly world bears some closer attention on our part. These three children grew to become adults who knew God and desired to obey his will and glorify him.
What did ]ocabed do that helped create such children?
SIN 1ot1e4 ",.",
]ocabed deeply loved her children. She believed her children to be special, unique gifts from God
(Exod. 2:2). The writer of Hebrews tells us "that God had given them an unusual child" (Heb. 11:23). Her children were God's precious gifts given to her to raise, teach, mold and love in the way he intended. Good parenting always involves seeing your child through the eyes of love.
Parents who love their children not only teach them but are also taught by them. They become students of the child. In their careful, loving observation of that child, they learn how God has made him or her, and they work in cooperation with God to help their child develop as God intended (prov. 22:6).
To love a child the way God intended requires a great deal of parental self-sacrifice. This is not a popular theme in our society today. We value production-be it in our jobs, education, or house and lawn work-over relationships. To love a child means to do the opposite. Practically, this means
Children don't care about our accomplishmentsthey care how much we love them, and that is measured by the time and attention we give them_
that at some point we must sacrifice our production and accomplishments. Children don't care about our accomplishments-they care how much we love them, and that is measured by the time and atten· tion we give to them. Each family needs to deter· mine to what extent and degree this sacrifice will take place in their home, but there are only 24 hours in a day and sacrifice will have to happen if love is really there.
The sacrificial love of parents forms the bedrock of their children's identity and personality. It is in response to the giving love of a parent that the child begins to formulate his or her own unique value and special significance.
]ocabed loved her children. This was evident to each of them as they grew and developed in this nurturing soil of agape love.
She 111..,.'1 .frld4
]ocabed was secure in her identity, and she knew and worshiped the God of the impossible. Her love for her God and her children far surpassed her fear of social disapproval and punishment from Pharaoh. She stood for a cause she believed was right and risked the penalty for disobedience to Pharaoh (Exod. 2:2). She was obedient to God. Her focus and fear was on her God, not on man. "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?" (ps. 27: 1).
We often pass on our fears inadvertently to our children. In the silent daily modeling of our fears, we communicate to our children what we worship in practical terms. The focus of our fear, whether man or God, becomes equivalent to our object of faith (prov. 29:25). What you fear practically determines your behavior, which in tum defines where you have placed your faith. The only ultimate fear, which leads to wisdom, is the reverent fear of the Lord (Ps. 111: 10). ]ocabed modeled this to her children.
]ocabed did not let the world "squeeze her into its mold" (Rom. 12:2, Philips). Her children saw her deep commitment to another kingdom. They saw-in her a fear of God that displaced the fear of man.
She ".".,." 60tI
Raising children requires that we provide for and protect them. Due to our human limitations, however, we often are unable to do this to the extent that we'd like. As a result, we often fret and worry because of the impossible and powerless situations in which we find ourselves.
]ocabed recognized that she worshiped a sovereign and loving God, and she was able to trust him. After ]ocabed conceived and gave birth to Moses, she hid him fur three months. When she could not hide him any longer, she had to find another alternative. When she undoubtedly had exhausted all other possibilities, she placed him in a reed basket and set him down by the banks of the Nile (Exod. 2:3-4). This was completely an act of faith. She was trusting God to deal with her impossible situation.
When ]ocabed made the basket of reeds and placed Moses in the Nile, the writer of Hebrews states that this was an act of faith (Heb. 11:23). She had done all she could do and then left the rest to God. She waited for him to intervene in her difficult situation (ps. 27: 14). She did not live only by her senses but had a living faith-a "confident assurance of realities not seen" (Heb. 11: 1).
]ocabed trusted in a living God. He was not an abstraction or religious doctrine, but a living reality. Her children observed this deep commitment and trust and emulated it in their lives.
She lei go
In Exod. 2: 10, ]ocabed lets her youngest son go to live in the palace of Pharaoh. It is hard to imagine how difficult this was not only for her, but also for Moses and the rest of the family. Most likely, she
often pondered the reality of that coming day as she nursed and raised her son for Pharaoh's daughter. She had raised him with the expectation that he would eventually have to leave her love and care. But she was able to trust in the positive impact that she made in his life.
}ocabed recognized that children are not a possession but only a trust lent to us by God for a brief period of time. Her identity was not dependent on her children. She did not need them in order to feel needed or significant. These realizations impacted her mothering. Her children did not need to fight her to gain their own identities. She understood that she did not own those identities and emotionally gave them freedom and independence.
}ocabed was able to let her children go. She did not grasp on to her role of mothering or on to her children. She was able to let go when the time came to do so. She accepted the limits of her mothering role and responsibilities.
anwrwa .,60 foIIouIllfter Go4
The goal of mothering is to nurture our children into mature adulthood. But we Christians desire more than that. We also want to see our children develop strong and significant spiritual maturity. There are two tasks in the development of spiritual maturity. Moses accomplished both of these (Heb. 11:24-29) .
• First, a child must tum away from something. In New Testament terms, this is "denying yourself' (Matt. 16:24). The world has a lot to offer for the self, but all these allurements ultimately lead to a dead end street. Moses had the best of the ancient world before him, but he realized that you cannot
have the world and God's kingdom at the same . time. He recognized that he needed to tum his back on this world.
• Next, we must commit or tum to something. In New Testament terms, this is "taking up the cross" (Matt. 16:24). Since ultimate meaning cannot be found in this world, we must tum to God. When we do, he offers us a cross. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." Moses chose the way of the cross, which ultimately leads to real life, both in this world and in the next.
The biblical narrative never tells us to what degree }ocabed saw the impact of her mothering. But the character of her life and commitments lived on in her children.
Interestingly, we can draw a parallel between }ocabed's parenting character and the qualities of Moses' life. As she loved her child, Moses in tum loved his God (Heb. 11:25-26). As she did not fear men, Moses did not fear men (Heb. 11:27). As she trusted God, Moses also trusted God (Heb. 11:28). And as }ocabed let go of Moses, he let go of this world (Heb. 11:24, 27a).
Looking at it this way, the commitments and character of Moses, the leader of the children of Israel, can be traced back to his mother. She made a godly impact on her son-and in tum, on the world .•
Norman 1biesen is the chair of the counseling department at Grace University in Omaha, Neb. Elaine 1biesen is a homemaker and teacher of their three sons. 1be family attends Rolling Hills Church in Papillion, Neb., an MB church plant.
]ocabed recognized that children are not a possession but only a trust lent to us by God for a brief period of time.
raditional cultures are characterized by rhythms that guide the flow of time. During a year I spent in the Philippines, I often stayed in rural areas. Without fail, the Angelus bell rang at noon and at 5 p.m.
When people heard it, they immediately stopped what they were doing and joined in a collective, silent prayer. Itwas a short break, but it interrupted the frantic pace with a moment of recollection.
Industrial society began the obliteration of this rhythm of time-with set times of work, worship, lament and festivity for the entire community-with massive factories whose machines were kept going day and night to achieve maximum efficiency. This breaking down of a shared rhythm of work and rest is even greater in technological society, where
the craving for access to information ovemdes all other values. I groaned at a recent advertisement for Federal Express that offered Sunday delivery. This change has practical relevance for me in my Mennonite Central Committee work at the United Nations. Occasionally it becomes urgent to send or receive documents on an important issue. Until now Sunday was my day of refuge from the tyranny of deadlines. Now I am faced with the choice of discharging documents on the Sabbath or feeling guilty or irresponsible for not doing so.
In Jewish theology the Sabbath is the first step in reversing the Fall, in placing the world back into God's hands. In the Fall we tried to take the world into our hands, insisting we knew better than God what makes life good.
This flight from God leaves us with an ovetwhelming realization that now the only meaning in life is one we create. The basis of human existence is no longer who we are--children of God-but what we make. Capitalism sees people as doers: on weekdays they are producers and on weekends they are consumers. And most of us conclude that life has passed us by if we are not engaged in one or the other.
The Hebrew commandment for a day of rest includes everyone, not just people of power and privilege, those rich enough to stop working at any time because they can make others work for them. Rest is offered not only to parents but to children, who were in charge of household duties in that society, to cattle, which drew carts and pulled plows, and to sojourners, people from other tribes who had no rights in their host's culture. Today's sojourners in our society are undocumented aliens who do everything none of us is willing to do when
we want it done. The Sabbath was the first universal human right, the great equalizer; at least on one day of the week there were no masters and no slaves. The Sabbath was a dangerous day; think of the ideas it gave oppressed people about the possibilities of creating a just society.
The reason for the Sabbath
On the seventh day of creation God rested because on the previous six days he had shaped order out of chaos. God was busy creating a harmonious whole out of sunshine, flowers, fish and people. All of them were interdependent, belonged together; all of them were kept from destruction by the steadfast, almighty love of God. We rest in peace on the Sabbath because we believe the world is in God's hands. That is the foundational belief ofJudaism and Christianity. Human existence does not need to be one of frantic striving because God is in charge.
WHAT WE BELIEVE,
Article 16 of the General of ten Churches Confession of Faith
We believe that Goers ItCt of aeation is the model for human actIVity. Wh(Je sin has corrupted and rest redeemed people are UlIIed to restoI'e labor and rest to their p place:>
Work. As creatures ma* in the image OlGod, Christians imitate the CreatOr by working faithfully as they are able. They are to use-their abilities and resources to glorify God and to serve others. Because they bear the name of Christ, all believel'$ are called to worK atld diligently and to treat-others with and dignity.
Rest. As God rested bn the seventh day, people are ca(ted to obse.:ve times Rest iNn act of thankfulness for what wovided. It is n act of trust, f'eniindil"!t,hul1J!,ns that it is not 'their work but God who sustains them. Rest is,an act of hope, the future r lSsuriCt by the of Jesus.
The Lord's Day. FoIlowiQ9 the New Testament examPkt. believers gathet to; ttl. resurrection of Christ and the coming Holy Spirit on the first day of the week. On 0'!Y' believers joyfully devote themselves to instruction in the Word, ptayer. breaking orbread. and service, limiting their labor to work of necessity and deeds of 1
Our experience tells us that chaos continues to threaten order and that death keeps trying to swallow life. Jesus' resurrection is the ultimate sign that life is stronger than death, that good is stronger than evil. In early Christianity, Sunday became the church's Sabbath because it was the day on which the world had been preserved from the return of chaos. Already in the New Testament there is talk of "the Lord's Day," the day oOesus' triumph, the day that assured the world and all God's creatures that they could rest in him. Every Sunday became a little Easter.
living out Sabbath rest and restoration
Only in a world in which God provides, in which we are not on our own, can we rest in peace. When we celebrate the Lord's Day weekly we are taking God at his word, letting go of anxieties about where we belong because we are already children of God. And we can't become more than that. Remember what Jesus asks about a loving parent: "If [a] child asks for an egg, will [the father or mother] give a scorpion?" (Luke 11:12).
How do we observe a liberating Sabbath? Don't work, don't shop, don't worry. Squander time, worship God, welcome someone into your life .
• Don't work. In order not to work on Sunday, we need to take forethought on Saturday. This finishing work or school assignments, cleaning, shopping, paying bills. And the most important thing is to tell ourselves that whatever we haven't finished by Saturday evening can wait until next week.
• Don't shop. To do so we need to break the power of advertising over us. It tries to tell us we can find satisfaction only in consuming or in planning to consume. Think of people who are compelled to work on Sunday because of consumer demand. By not shopping we can lower the need for Sunday employment.
• Don't worry. This is a tall order. We begin the path to serenity by grounding ourselves in the simple truth that we are children of God. Then we become secure enough to break the tyranny of our anxieties. We learn to discern those things that can wait for another day and those that we can't change no matter how much time we have.
• Squander time. Do something for no other reason than that it expresses creativity or brings pleasure. If you plant flowers, do so for the fun of it, not because you feel obligated to improve your environment. If you read, do so for inspiration, not information.
• Worship God. Take more time on Sunday than a weekday allows to find yourself in the presence of God. Play music that awakens you to love and beauty and laughter. Above all, gather to sing and pray with your sisters and brothers. One of the most tangible and underrated witnesses we give to the meaning of the gospel in our lives is assembling for worship. When we do so, people see what matters most to us. In the midst of the rushing river of life, they see that there are people who rest on a Rock.
• Welcome someone into your life. Go beyond a qUick drink and a superficial electronic mail message as the extent of your connectedness to others. Visit or write a letter to an old friend, a sick person, someone you've never had the opportunity to know.
Most of you are skeptical about what I'm proposing. All I can say is, try it. Remember, you can't and you don't have to earn your salvation. You are already a child of God. Work and shopping do not make you who you are, God does .•
John Rempel is pastor at Manhattan Mennonite Fellowship in New York. This article first appeared in the February 1, 2000, issue of The Mennonite.
with more than 60 percent of the people in our world yet to be reached for Christ, we can no longer keep quiet.
hen I think of Christian preaching today, often I am disturbed because most of our preaching is done within the four waUs of the church. Some of us hear message after message but continue in our mono-tonous spiritual life. We fail to react with commitment to the call of God.
Already 2000 years have gone by since Jesus told us to do this one thing, and it still remains fresh because we have not yet done it. Jesus was very clear: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" (Mark 16:15). This is the most important task Jesus left for his church to do. Are we doing it? How are we
doing it? What are we doing? Are we encouraging and sending our children to be missionaries or to be mere professionals? What are we aiming at in our teaching and preaching?
There are millions of people who do not know the love of Jesus. According to statistics, there are still more than 2000 tribes without the gospel. Among these, more than 50 percent don't even have the Scriptures in their language. Yet the commission of Jesus Christ is clear-the universe must be evangelized.
With more than 60 percent of the people in our universe yet to be reached, we can no longer keep quiet.
How are we to respond to this great Commission?
by P. shriJoe4
Deri4e 10 bet:ome II """ple ofJf1$II$
In Mark, Jesus plainly explains the cost of discipleship: "If anyone would come after me he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" (Mark 8:34). The word "if' is an open invitation-there is no force in Jesus' gentle call. And the phrase "if anyone" shows the importance of each one's decision.
When Jesus calls us, he calls with a definite purpose. The call of God inspires us to decide. The prophet Isaiah, in spite of his inability, decided to go when he felt the touch of God and said, "Here am I. Send me" (Isa. 6:7-8). Our God is a God of the possible--<>ur response should be positive.
In becoming a disciple, we must deny and empty ourselves. Denying oneself is the starting point of the cost of discipleship. Jesus gives us assurance when he calls. As we "take up the cross and follow," we will be guided through.
I am a product of missionary work here in India. The place where I was born, brought up and am living at presently is called the Mission Compound. If no missionaries had come to India over one hun-
and tell others of Christ's love?
Create II mission cballenge others to the r!:J'itnd the world
• focus on un(vlngepoor anc;f oppresse<J worldwide.
• plan a mission cotHerence on Sunday with a speaker from MBMS national, the sion agency of North American MB churches.
• tell them about yourself, your chufch and community. will you go
CoaIMlCt with you've ....: communicate and relate personally with your milSionaries
• write, fax, phone or email your missionaries.
• share with. your Church what God is doing through them.
dred years ago, I would have been born into a different situation altogether. I would not have been what lam now.
To put it briefly, I became a Christian because I believed; I believed because I heard. I heard because someone preached; someone preached because they decided to come to India with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
God gives us similar responsibilities. It was the strong convictions of the missionary workers that led me to become a full-time minister of Christ. Likewise today there are many people whose duty it is to carry on the task.
Dear brothers and sisters, we have the message of life. Don't withhold it from those who need it. Let us decide to go out and reach those who have never heard.
Pretu:b Ibe gospel
After you decide and are sure of your call and commitment, move to the next step. The Lord Jesus Christ entrusted us to preach and evangelize the
Cross your barriers: expand your comfort zone by crossing cultural barriers
• invite intJrnational students into your home and church.
• reach out to immigrants in your communit¥.
• share Chr;ist wltll your 1l\ighbors.
..nd ......
i your prayer 11 localaQd w eVaAgeitm use the MBMSI Dally Prayer Guide (contact MBMSt for more information, t-888-866-6l67). eindud, worJd needs in "tour a Miksron Prayer Jo",r.ney -MOMSI f-Qr orma1-
..... ,........... make a difference to others In person
• sponsor young people involved in mission efforts.
• send your pastor and spouse to minIster to missionaries overseas.
• go work overseas as a global volunteer.
..."ted from "Conn«ting with GIot»I Mi$IIo.p, " a sheet /WbIished byMBMS a/. For II'lOt'l! Informlltion about visit tht1k web fite at www.mbms/,...,.. 1.0(9 or un J '" 6261.
whole world. "Preaching" is one of the privileges given to his followers and disciples. "Preach" means "to declare and proclaim" the good news. Even Jesus' own message and mission was to preach the good news-the salvation through Christ Jesus the Lord.
The apostle Paul clearly cautions us that, "We do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord" (2 Cor. 4:5). Preaching is done with authority-and the Holy Spirit is the authority and power behind our preaching. "You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you" (Acts 1:8). There is power in the gospel to evangelize the world (Rom. 1:16). And when we preach, we are not alone. The presence of God will be with us, as Jesus promised (Matt. 28:20).
Are we preaching Christ our Lord today? The apostle Paul was a powerful and successful missionary who traveled around with the gospel and faced hardships, persecutions and imprisonments. Yet he writes to Timothy, his spiritual son, "Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season" (2 Tim. 4:2). Paul's vision and mission was evangelism. What is our vision and what is our mission?
... IIUdJ!la ofCIwUI
The final commission ofjesus Christ is an ongoing program-we must teach and train others. Jesus trained 12 young men and then the 70 so in tum they could train other people to carry on the work. Paul had many converts, but he ordained elders and encouraged many people to carry on the task. Wherever he went, he not only preached, but he also taught or trained.
Our vision must be broadened and extended. We can't confine our mission to the four walls of the church. We need to reach the outside world and train Qthers to go out to reach the unreached. This was exactly what Jesus intended. He trained and sent his disciples out to the world. Now we need to follow his method and encourage young people to commit their lives for this great task. We need to train them to become evangelists and teachers according to their gifts and then send them out to preach the good news to the entire world. As Paul says, we are "teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ" (Col 1:28 NRSV).
Now, my dear brothers and sisters, are you not ready to decide to become the disciples of Christ? Don't you feel sensitive to this great commission of Christ? How long can you sit back, remain aloof and uninvolved in Christ's mission? Are you willing to respond to this glorious task?
If you are open and sensitive to his call, you will
surely decide. Once you decide, you will definitely follow him. Become a missionary and be part of this meaningful task-whether you are young, middle aged or older adults.
Recently at a revival meeting, one of the songs touched my heart more powerfully than the sermon. The meaning of the song goes like this:
There are many in the world who do not know my name, There are very few to carry the gospel to them.
Can anyone of you decide to go to them and tell them of my love?
Can anyone? At least one of you?
If you cannot go, can you send someone who is willing to go?
Can you support someone to go?
Can you at least pray for these people to be reached some day?
My dear brothers and sisters, I say the same. Where do you stand? Are you not touched? Can you now go and tell others of God's love?
May the Lord touch you and lead you through .•
This article is adapted by permission from All Are Witnesses, a collection of sermons by Mennonite Brethren women published by Kindred Productions (1996).
P. Karuna Shri
Joel and her eightmonth-old daughter Sneha died July 7, 1996 as a result of a motor acadent. She was a wife, mother of three and working full-time as a minister in the MB Conference in India. At age 32. she was a spiritual giant. On less than one day's notice. over 2000 people came to her funeral. A thanksgiving memorial service was held for them August 3 and over 1000 people came to give thanks for her influence and for how she had impaded their lives. At the time of her death, she was working as an executive secretary for the MB Women's Conference in India and was chief editor of Suvarthamani, the official spiritual magazine of the MB Conference of India. Karuna will be remembered as a woman who made a difference in the Kingdom of God.
WHAT READERS SAY
The leadership is there
In response to ''Where have the leaders gone?" March 2000 issue:
The Mennonite Brethren Church has many great leaders who have never developed into pastors and who have never spent a day in seminary. A pastor is expected to be a great leader, a great speaker, a great teacher, a great theologian, a great personality and a great servant. To have all this and more wrapped in one package is expecting much. Not many can meet the qualifications and expectations and survive the criticism in the process. Part of the reason is the traditional concept of "pastor."
On the other hand, we all know the traditional concept of a "coach." He knows more about the game than any of the players but never gets to play. He is responsible to lead and motivate and train others to be players and to develop each to the maximum potential. He chooses and directs and employs assistants in the process of growing a team and winning games. He earns respect, not from playing, but from developing and directing the team. Not many good coaches have developed without first having been players who played under good coaches.
I know a small church that has developed a very high proportion of pastors. They had a simple but devoted leader fur many years, who nurtured others into leadership. The pastoring style reproduced itself in the lives of the second generation. The seminary cannot produce leaders, although it can sharpen them. Leaders are developed in the local churches by good "coaching" pastors who consider their most important responsibility that of reproducing themselves in the lives of others.
But, no young person will ever want to be a pastor if he gets "roast preacher" fOr Sunday dinner. The level of criticism directed at pastors by their own congregations is totally without honor. The congre-
The Christian Leader welcomes brief letters on topics relevant to the Mennonite Brethren Church. All letters must be signed and will be edited for clarity and length. Send letters to Christian Leader, 7531 Delta Wind Dr., Sacramento, CA 95831 (e-mail: chleader@jps.net).
gational style of church government puts the pastor at the mercy of the electorate, which is not biblical and produces just what we are seeing. The proper way is to "raise up" pastors (appoint elders) out of the congregation as we used to do. The professional is too easily a "hireling" and either walks away or is sent packing.
I asked a dedicated deacon leader when his church had its greatest growth. His answer still troubles me. "It was during the two years when we did not have a pastor," was his reply. What's wrong with this picture? The leadership is there, it just needs to be prayed out and worked out in each congregation through spiritual discernment.
Roger C. Neufeld Dinuba, Calif.
Issues underlying leadership crisis
It is always a pleasure to receive the Christian Leader over here in the Scottish diaspora, and with growing interest I read the interview with Ed Boschman, Harold Ens, and Henry Schmidt ("Where have our leaders gone?" March 2000). However, while reading, a couple of thoughts crossed my mind which I thought I'd share.
Aren't there underlying issues of this crisis which need to be addressed along with the actual problem? For instance, is it not possible that the lack of leadership also points to a crisis of theology? How much, if any, do MB churches in reality still connect to their Anabaptist theological heritage of justice, peace and non-resistance? The list of current issues which desperately needs to be addressed from an Anabaptist/Mennonite perspective is enormous. Environmental issues of global warming, biomedical issues of genetic modification and the Human Genome Pr0ject, or issues of multinational economical monopoly, fOr instance, are issues which I did not find addressed in this article (nor have I heard much mentioning of them at seminary). How does the denomination and the leadership within the local church deal with these issues? Are the leaders trained to address critically these multi-layered and complicated issues with their congregations? It seems that the leadership crisis revolves primarily around
church planting and increasing of membership in middle class suburbs. Evangelism and church planting was indeed a major fucus in Anabaptist/MennoniteIMB history; however, church "tending" and the call to faithful living was equally important to early Anabaptist theology. In addition, where in the MB churches can we still find a viable connection between Anabaptist theology and its resulting ethics (of lifestyle)? Where in our MB constituency are leaders-and church members trained to answer everyday issues in reflection of their theological and ethical heritage? Or does MB indeed stand fOr "Mostly Baptist" these days?
As an MB Biblical Seminary graduate and furmer associate pastor, a few things strike me particularly ironic in reference to J.B Toews. In the last couple of years of his life when I had the privilege to know him, it was he who was increasingly worried about the MB trend of church planting in what he called "a spirit of mainline evangelicalism." It was he who (literally) pointed out the lost connection of Anabaptist theology and ethical faithfulness and obedience in MB teaching and preaching. It was he who challenged all of us to expository preaching as a means to let the word of God shape us, rather then the other way around.
I am far from belittling the crisis, the three interviewees are closer to the pulse of the denomination to judge that; however, maybe it is time fOr the MB denomination to recover their Anabaptist/Mennonite theology and ethics of peace, justice and nonresistance in order to provide leadership to church history once again.
Sylvia Klauser Edinburgh, Scotland
Time for FPU to be content?
Since Fresno Pacific has decided to go public with some of the difficulties it is experiencing ("FPU fitces growth spurtand pains," March 2000), I would like to make a few comments and suggestions. Ten years ago, I completed my second stint of employment at FPU and was told my, services were no longer required, so it is with a bit of hesitancy that I speak out. At the time, growth and new large buildings were being envisioned as the future
for a college owned and supported by a relatively small denomination. This could be accomplished only with huge infusions of funds from individuals with no previous connection with the school. Massive new were built and with them the resulting operating budget required to keep them open. What we have now is a large campus that cannot survive with the MB Pacific District to keep it open. This creates tremendous pressure on the president and his staff to raise funds to cover this huge budget and to recruit more and more students. In the Crown Ministries financial study we are taught to learn to be content and it may be time for FPU to learn to be content with its current size. I think the time has come to run the school like a business and after we have erased the $10 million debt, we can return to the practice of operating on a church-like, fuith-based budget.
Here are a few suggestions:
• Finalize budgets only after actual enrollment figures are in.
• Cash flow should dictate spending decisions, not line of credit.
• Stop the practice of sabbaticals and give the money saved to the fuculty as a raise.
• Stop the practice of school paid "enrichment" travel and entertainment.
• Stop the practice of nepotism, including automatically hiring spouses.
• Stop accepting all kinds of gifts that have little chance of being sold and require cash flow until they are disposed of.
• Hire administrators that have appropriate training and experiencePh.D. not required.
• Until financial problems are resolved, load the board with business people who have started and run successful businesses-not those who rubber stamp decisions.
• Proceed with capital improvements only when all funds are in place.
• Cut out programs that are not in demand and do not pay for themselves.
• Get rid of anyone who is on a "power trip" and not there to serve.
•A few explanations from the board may be required.
As a member of the MB Pacific District, I am concerned that we have built a school with financial requirements far beyond our capacity and will have to surrender ownership to some other entity. This would be a sad day.
Missions in Asia
I would like to share a few excerpts from an interview with K.P. Y<'uhannan, founder and president of Gospel for Asia, a missions organization. The interview was published in SEND!
At the beginning of the interview, Youhannan explains that Gospel for Asia's vision is to see the most unreached in our generation hear the Gospel and come to know the Lord. That vision includes seeing churches planted in all these regions where the Gospel has not yet penetrated, especially in the 10/40 Wmdow and, more precisely, in the Indian subcontinent and neighboring nations.
From here, Youhannan answers some questions about Gospel for Asia and missions in general:
• SEND!: Do you feel tbat over tbe last 20 years mucb of tbis vision bas been tUComplisbed?
K.P.: I believe so. In the beginning it was difficult to try to set even a few coals on fire. But now, not only have people around us caught the vision, but our organization itself has grown and developed at a much faster pace than we ever imagined. As a result, more than 11,000 missionaries are now on the field, 37 training centers have been established with over 5,000 young people currently
receiving training, more than 2,700 churches and over 6,000 mission stations have been established and 10 radio broadcasts are on the air. In addition, 46 million pieces of Gospel literature are produced and distributed every year. There is so much more I could mention.
In missions history, to hope that something of such significance would happen within 20 years has just been a dream, not reality. But it has actually happened, and God has done it.
• SEND!: What would you say would be a major step forward in seeing tbese goals accomplisbed?
K.P.: The most important step forward would be for the church at large to catch the vision of reaching the lost and do it unselfishly.
The biggest breakthrough will come when a greater number of western mission agencies and churches become partners with national churches and missionaries to reach this generation for Christ.
• SEND!: What do you tbink we can expect to see bappening in tbe near future in terms of reaching tbe Asian barvestfteld?
K.P.: I believe that especially in the heart of the 10/40 Window, we will soon see huge numbers of people turning to Christ. We are already hearing of some
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places where 30-40,000 people are ready to walk away from their world of hope- . lessness and put their trust in Jesus. These are clear signs of a massive harvest that is about to take place before our Lord comes back.
Waldo 1biessen Abbotsford, B.C.
Blessed to be blessings
The Supreme Animator is at work in India! This was a new expression for me, but how apropos. I traveled through India recently, and it is exciting to see God bringing life to the spiritually lifeless. The Gospel is being spread, in some places like a grass fire, throughout the humongous country. It was an honor for me to meet courageous people who are red hot for Jesus.
My trip to India, at times, seemed like a step into the Book of Acts or one of Paul's epistles. Many are literally risking their lives by sharing the Word. Please pray for the indigenous church planters in India. It is not easy getting the message out. The Indian government grants no visas to foreign missionaries. (It is interesting to note that the United States gave out 500 visas last year to Hindu and Buddhist evangelists.)
This could easily have been an account of the overwhelming statistical data and staggering percentages that come with trying to grasp an understanding of the
mind-boggling country of India. One billion people, 70 percent illiterate, 50 percent below poverty level, etc.
However, my prayer is that you will come away from reading this realizing that India is much, much more than a bunch of statistics. India is comprised of individuals made in God's image. They are smiling, loving, needy people just like you and me. On the surface they seem quite peaceful, but this is a deceptive golden facade.
An alarming number of Indians are in dire straits and don't even realize it. They are oppressed by a caste system that is one of the most racist, sexist, prejudiced forms of religion and government ever to exist. In many respects, it is a form of slave labor. Yes, there are a handful of fortunate individuals, but the masses are downtrodden, to say the least. Hunger and disease are prevalent. It is heart wrenching. The only hope the vast majority of Hindu untouchables think they have is to die and be reincarnated a bump or two up the ladder, maybe even as a fly or a cow. It just depends on their cumulative karma from past lives added to this present one. Their despair is obvious.
Once the truth becomes evident to them, they are transformed. When they receive the Word, the Holy Spirit lights them up! What a gift it is to them who have nothing. How the desperate revel in the hope of their salvation! They are so appreciative and bum with the desire to teach everyone about Jesus. Indeed, God is rais-
ing up Christian Indians that are allowing him to live in them and work through them in evangelizing India from the inside out. They may not be seminaIy scholars, but many could be considered spiritual giants. They are truly living their fuith.
There is so much for us to learn from the Christian Indians. They are not under the illusion that they are in control. They readily submit to the Master. What a witness they are. Maybe by their example we can learn how to get out of our complacency and reach beyond our comfort zones. They don't sit around polishing their halos. Their church is not a building. It is God's people trying to glorify him by using his grace and mercy to be Christ-like while living in this world. The Christian Indians are going out in hostile environments, risking physical harm, harassment and separation from their families to share the Word with their people. Truly, the sole purpose of many of their lives is saving other souls. Christianity is more than just a fire insurance policy to them.
Have you ever wrestled with the question of why they have so little and we have so much? Why does God have us on the receiving end of such abundance? Perhaps we have been blessed to be blessings. Through him we can be.
Please pray daily for all the indigenous church planters in the world.
Dr. Jeff Huston Lodi,Caltj.
Lessons from war
BY NGASI MUKWA BEBE, CONGO
My name is Ngasi Mukwa Bebe. I am 35 years old and work as a civil servant in the Department of Land Deeds. I am married to Mukwa Mumbenga and I am the mother of three: a 10 year-old daughter, a six yearold son and a two year-old son.
The war that is jarring my country, the Democratic Republic of Congo, is a learning situation for my family. We have had some very difficult moments during this war.
As a Mennonite and mother of a family that only moved to the capital city of Kinshasa three years ago, the new reality of the war has taught me some lessons.
I learned what violence is. We often see the news on 1V or hear on the radio about the violence, especially in the Middle East and in African countries like Angola and Somalia. This time we had the occasion to experience violence and understand the problems of people at war. These events shook me. I saw people bum rebel soldiers with gasolinesoaked tires around their necks.
I tried very hard to smile at Rwandans and not hate them, to combat the prejudices of society. Now, however, the story of Rwandans and Ugandans making war against us will be part of my children's memory.
I learned to love my enemy. As a Christian in a real situation of Rwandan and Ugandan aggression, I understand what the Bible is talking about when it says, "Love your enemies." One must overcome human barriers, feelings and emotions in order to love one's neighbors, especially when innocent people, including children, are dying for nothing.
I learned to share with the most deprived and to be a source of hope for others. DUring the war, it was not easy to share the few resources we had in money and food, considering the scarcity of
Forum is a column of opinion and comment on contemporary issues facing the Mennonite Brethren Church. Manuscripts expressing an opinion for Forum should aim for a length of 800 words. Authors must sign articles, identify their church home and vocation, and include a clear photo of themselves.
Congo has lived through two destructive wars since 1996. Both wars were s1aIted in Rwanda by soldiers from the predominately Tutsi Rwandan army. The first began in the Ruzizi Plain in August 1996 and ended in May 1997. The second s1aIted on August 2, 1998.
The first war caused the cIspersion of Hutus throughout most of Congo and neighboring countries, the massaae of Mutus, the displacement of thousands from eastern to western Congo, the forced repatriation of about 400,000 Rwandan Hutu refugees, the flight of President Mobutu and the takeover by President Kabila on May 17,1997.
Uke the first war, the second is causing incalculable damage in all areas.
On the economk front. the hope sparted by the change in government quickly vanished. Confidence of foreign investors also disappeared, becoming more distrustful than before.
In the agricultural zones of Kivu, under occupation by Uganda, Rwanda and Inndi, people no longer grow aops due to war and insecurity. The situation is the same in other occupied provinces. Factories have been destroyed or taken bade to Rwanda and Uganda as spoils of war.
The consequences of the war. however are most noticeable on the social front. Both wars have
these things in the marketplace. Nevertheless it was with joy that I shared the little we had with others. I even welcomed several refugees into my family. We welcomed four children from large families who were having a hard time feeding themselves. Even though my house had no extra room or food, these children shared our bedrooms and food equitably and happily with us.
In addition, we shared the little bit of rice, charcoal and fufu (staple food made from manioc) with others in need. My family did not distance itself from friends, in spite of the difficulties. We kept contact and shared our means with others both inside and outside of our country.
I learned to manage meager resources better by creating something new for the survival of my family. For example, I made doughnuts for breakfast and sold them in order to buy other basicfoodstuffs. It is not easy to accept living conditions brought about by war, especially the lack of electricity and water. The cut-off of electricity caused deaths in hospitals as well as extra
caused the displacement of human masses. WIVes are separated from husbands, children are deprived of parental love and many have been uprooted from their homes. Thousands of displaced people are in the big cities such as Kinshasa. Lubumbashi and Mbujl May!. Those hiding in the forest no longer practice agriculture, their primary means of livelihood. This has resulted in malnutrition and undernourishment, often precipitating death. Many children. espedally in the eastern part of the country. have not gone to school since 1996. Schools have been plundered or destroyed; teachers are unpaid because parents camot pay the school fees. Schools are used as a place for forced reauitment of child soldiers.
The Congolese church needs to be accompanied by the church around the world in order to be effective in the search for peace in Congo. The political situation is not going welt the economy Is paralyzed; social conditions are bad; and moral and spirituallife has been seriously affected. Stiu. the church remains the only institution in which all Congolese continue to find their hope.
-by Milenge Mwenelwata, adapted from MCC Peace Office Newsletter. This article first appeared in the MB Herald.
expenses for firewood, candles and kerosene lanterns. Adapting the kitchen to a rhythm without electricity was hard. At night, there was no light and no life. The rebels brought death, desolation and bad living conditions.
I understood that life can be marvelous with Jesus, even in situations of distress. Regardless of the situation of violence and war in my country and my city, my family and I did not forget to remain artisans of peace no matter what, in order to better manage conflicts for joy and peace of the greatest number possible.
War is certainly a negative thing because it creates violence, death, desolation and lack of love, but it is also positive to learn the meaning of love, peace and being put to the test by the Lord.
Ngasi Mukwa Bebe is a member of the Mennonite Brethren Church in Kinshasa, Congo. This article was adapted from MCC Peace Office Newsletter and first appeared in Le lien, a Freru::h-language publication of the Canadian Conference ofMennonite Brethren Churches.
BY PHILIP WIEBE
Good to feel bad
Sometimes it's good to feel bad-how strange that notion has become in our culture today.
One morning a few months ago, my eight-year-old was being unusually recalcitrant about fulfilling his regular before-school responsibilities of getting dressed, making his bed, readying his backpack, and so on. That morning I rather surprised myself, I remember, by being full of grace and patience (not always the case on days I handle both child care and work duties). However, after offering considerably more "second chances" than the term suggests, it was clear that some kind of punishment would be needed. Another defiant act brought on my verdict-Seth wouldn't get to play with his beloved pet cat after school.
You'd have thought the world was going to end.
This reaction surprised me. I'd been thinking the punishment may have bordered on the wimpy side, that Seth could have just shrugged it off. On the contrary. His wail of anguish momentarily took me aback and tempted me to rescind. But suddenly the realization struck me that it was good for my son to feel bad. The discipline made an appropriate impact.
Later I began to ponder how strange this notion has become in our culture-that sometimes it's good to feel bad. These days we don't want to feel bad about anything. The concepts of shame and remorse are viewed as archaic and repressive. The words most likely to be heard from today's wrongdoers are not "I feel terrible," but "It wasn't my fault. Plus I'm really not a bad person, and what I did wasn't so wrong, and everyone else does it anyway, and "
A news report I heard recently illustrates such a cultural climate. Appar-
ently a large corporation discovered that hundreds of its employees were using company time and equipment for extensive personal Internet browsing-some up to 40 hours a week. A number were even attempting to run their own businesses from company computers during working hours.
But it wasn't this that surprised me as much as the ensuing analysis of the situation. In cases of personal Internet use by employees, commentators suggested, the key thing that violators needed to learn was that these actions were bad for their company's business.
Aside from the stunning obviousness of such a statement, the thing that astonished me most was that no one came right out and said such behavior was simply wrong. That web-surfing employees should have been thoroughly ashamed and embarrassed for their lack of integrity and blatant theft of company time and resources. But nobody seemed to suggest that anyone should feel bad, only that they should understand how it affects the bottom line.
In Christian circles we often lament the fact that many in society won't take responsibility for their actions and refuse to feel bad for doing bad. But are we really ones to judge? The practices of confessional prayer and repentance from sin have become rather scarce in the church's agenda, too. We don't want anyone to feel too bad about themselves--especially our own selves.
Part of this is understandable. In the past many churches centered too much on sin and not enough on grace.
While growing up I routinely heard the well-known verse from Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," without ever being informed that this was just a small part of a larger thought. "This righteousness from God comes through faith in jesus Christ to all who believe," Paul wrote. "There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ jesus" (Rom 3:22-24).
If in the past people unduly neglected the "justified freely" clause, though, today it's the "all have sinned" idea that many would like to get rid of. Yet however tempting it is to banish the concept of sin and our need to confess it, that wouldn't be for the best. The Bible is clear about the good that can come from feeling bad. In jeremiah 6 God spoke through the prophet to a people who were unfaithful, unlistening, greedy for gain. One of God's principal charges: "They have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush" aero 6:15). The people needed to feel the weight of their wrongdoing, to "stand at the crossroads" and "ask where the good way is, and walk in it" aero 6:16).
Luke 7 records the story of "a woman who had lived a sinful life" who approached Jesus sorrowfully, anointing his feet with her tears (Luke 7:37-38). The upright (or perhaps uptight) religious leader at whose house Jesus was dining thought it rather awkward and inappropriate for "her kind" to be acting that way. jesus disagreed. "I tell you," he said, "her many sins have been forgiven-for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little" (Luke 7:47).
In other words, those who know their need for grace know love-from God and for God. By contrast, those who believe they're just fine have little reason to believe anything else.
INQULHING MINDS
BY MARVIN HEIN
QDo you have any "scoop" about the teachings of Bob George, radio speaker on "People to People" and author of Classic Christianity and especially centered on "grace" themes? (Kansas)
ANo "scoops!" But perhaps a bit of infonnation. Bob George's first book, Classic Christianity, was published about a decade ago. He has other books titled Growing in Grace, Complete in Christ-The Journey Toward Spiritual Maturity, and Living Above Your Circumstances.
During my last year in the pastoral ministry, I became aware of Classic Christianity and during a series of sermons on "grace" I borrowed rather extensively from George's writing and found his insights very helpful. At the same time I also felt a bit uncomfortable at times with his message, but really wouldn't have been able to say why. I was aware at the time that one of my parishioners, having recently struggled to victory during a very trying time, found great comfort and strength in this gospel of grace preached by George. I learned that for some people Bob George was seen as a kind of spiritual guru who was able to transfonn lives.
From my own reading and from visiting with several who have had close contact with George's ministry, it is obvious that the basic thrust of his message is legitimate. Especially for people who have been reared in a legalistic spiritual environment (and that includes many or most of us), we may well need a good dose of grace. One of the surprises in my pastoral ministry was the number of times, while making hospital calls on tenninally ill persons, I would hear them say: "I don't know whether or not I will be good enough to go to heaven." I was always happy to tell them they wouldn't be good enough, but that by God's "goodness," or his cover of righteousness, our own goodness would not be the issue.
We need to hear and understand "grace." If George is to be faulted, it is the extent to which he applies that grace. Preaching a kind of super-grace, he goes so far as to say that when you come to the Lord's Supper, you need not examine yourself to see whether or not there is sin in your life; you come to the Lord's table to celebrate forgiveness. You no longer are required to ask forgiveness for sins. They are covered. You only thank God for his mercies.
Thirty years ago I came across Peter Gillquist's Love Is Now (Zondervan, 1970), and was confronted by a theology very similar to that of Bob George. His words were most helpful to me. But his stress on "grace" puzzled me. He confessed that he still "confessed" his sins, but his forgiveness was not dependent on that confession. From 1 John 1:9 he had concluded that his sins, past and present, were fOrgiven, and he needed now only to agtee that he was sinful and celebrate God's forgiveness. Gillquist contended that believers do not bounce in and out of fellowship with God. He said we are not cleansed from sin by confeSSion, and never have been. Once we are redeemed, Christ has covered all our sins.
Gillquist has since affiliated with the Greek Orthodox Church. I'm not at all certain that 1 can argue confidently against the views of Gillquist and/or George. What they are saying, it seems to me, is biblical. Their application of that truth may be questionable. My considered judgment is that Bob George, along with Gillquist, has taken a very good, biblical truth and drawn it to an extreme. George has pushed "grace" to the edge. One pastor said his experience with the Georgian view on grace was that in opposing "law" he had made a law out of "grace." He believes so strongly in this "super-grace" that when he talks about it, he stops being gracious. This pastor's view was that the George "in your face" style, promoted as an antidote to legalism, causes people to lose their love for the body,
Have a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference poltcy, or other spiritual Issue? E·mall Marvin at mhetnI @fresno. edu or send your question to "Inquiring Minds, " c/o Marvin Heln, 4812 E. Butler, Fresno, CA 93727.
the Church. He went on to say, "If you buy his (George's) teaching alone, you are okay; if you also accept his antagonism, you have gone across the line."
In a conversation with two friends just prior to writing this column, and in discussing this "super" or "hyper-grace," one friend remarked, "This super-grace would be a great thing if it pleased God. We do practice it aU the time, and it doesn't please God." Yes, we need grace more than we know. Grace is no doubt more all encompassing than most of us understand. But grace pushed to the edge can be presumptuous.
Paul's words to Titus are appropriate: "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to aU men. It teaches us to say 'no' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live selfcontrolled, upright and godly lives in this present age " (Titus 2:11-12).
ON THE JOlJHNEY
BY ROSE BUSCHMAN
Thirty-five years of marriage
An intimate relationship between people not only asks for mutual openness but also for mutual respectful protection of each other's uniqueness.
It will be 35 years ago this month that my husband and I stood in front of Rev. Marvin Hein in the Hillsboro Mennonite Brethren Church and pledged our love to each other. We were both in graduate school at that time and had one week off between the end of the spring semester and summer school. The wedding took place on a Tuesday night in order to accommodate Rev. Hein's schedule. We still marvel at his willingness to perfonn the ceremony that evening since he was scheduled to leave the following morning for a trip to the Holy Land.
Inside the sanctuary, the wedding proceeded without any serious hitches, while outside a Kansas thunderstonn blew. I don't remember a great deal of the actual ceremony and since someone forgot to press the record button on the tape player, we never got a recording of our service. I do, however, remember the inner peace I had about our decision to marry. I was convinced God had brought us together and that was very important to me.
We met at Tabor College where we were in the same class. The old adage, "opposites attract," was certainly true in our case. Larry was the shy, quiet student on campus, while I was more outgoing. One of my first memories of him is watching him slip into the morning chapel service just as the doors closed. Since attendance was required I tried to get there at least ten minutes early but he waited until the last possible minute.
I was-and still am-often impulsive in my decision-making while Larry has to think everything over carefully. I can walk into an appliance store and pick out the new refrigerator I want without too much discussion while he insists on spending a week going over all the lat-
est consumer reports in the library to be sure we are getting the best buy for our money.
Larry, you are a deep thinker and I have learned to carefully listen to you when you share your thoughts. I am amazed at how often your perceptions and analysis about current events and other issues turn out to be "right on the money." In fact, we have learned to share our viewpoints and listen to each other, and it amazes me how often we agree. I don't think I could function in a relationship where we disagreed about major things such as religion, politics, service or how we spend our money. We are really compatible in these areas.
It hasn't been a perfect marriage (after all, we are human) but it has been a good one. We have always been partners from the beginning. You have always treated me as an equal. When we needed to make career and family decisions we have done this together. When professional decisions came my way you refused to "tell me what to do" but instead helped me "talk it through" to a decision.
When we don't agree, we try to work it out. If necessary, we put a decision on hold until we can come to an acceptable compromise. It hasn't always been smooth sailing. We've hit some rough rapids in our relationship. During one of those turbulent times when we were both hanging on for dear life, I remember you coming home from the university and telling me about a telephone conversation you overheard between a fellow graduate student and his wife.
"We have never talked to each other
like that and I hope we never do," you told me. "The yelling, the name calling, the swearing, it was awful. I know we've had our troubles but never anything like that."
And we never have. We have tried to give each other "space" when disagreements occur and wait until we can think a little more clearly to work things out.
On another "run through the rapids," when we were very upset with each other about something (I've forgotten what it was), you asked me if I wanted a divorce. That question shook me to the core of my being. No, I didn't want a divorce, but I did feel the need for some things to change. You wisely suggested that we take stock of the pros and cons of our relationship. "As long as the good outweighs the bad let's stick together and try to work it out," you said. And that's what we've done. This has worked for us and made our relationship stronger and long-lasting.
Henri Nouwen in his book, Reaching Out, writes: "An intimate relationship between people not only asks for mutual openness but also for mutual respectful protection of each other's uniqueness." We have done this for each other. We have given each other the opportunity to grow and develop, you in your work as a college professor and research scientist and me in my teaching career. We have been there for each other when the going was rough and when the promotions and recognitions came. You have always been very supportive of mein whatever I have done and I have tried to be the same for you.
The past 35 years have been good ones and I look forward to sharing the years we have left together.
A Vision for Greater Impact
"Helping the church envision a bnght and hopeful future, and providing leadership through the necessary transitions in a responsible way is one of our greatest needs as Mennonite Brethren" - Gary Wafl, Pastor, Vinewood Church, Lodi, California
Gary Wall, Ed Boschman, Mike Andrews, Garvie Schmidt, DerkMadden
,Mission USA Executive Director Ed Boschman and four pastors from nno te Brethren churches attended the ''Leading Your Church Through Change" in Lake Forest, Calif. The intent of the seminar was to introduce participants to ess that is biblical, transferable, flexible and applicable to churches regardless of denomination, size or cultural context. In the 1950s, the major denominations in America experienced a time of great growth. In the process, they developed a program approach ro doing ministry that is still prevalent in most churches today. Today, very few program-driven churches are succeeding. The purpose of this seminar was to introduce participants to a process of moving their church from program-driven ro purpose-
driven.
Semjnar Impacts Participants
"The information shared was both insightful and practical, benefitting our church immediately as well as the long term." Derk Madden, Pastor, Greenhaven Neighborhood Church, Sacramento, Calif.
''Vision development must always be in motion in the life of the church. It is not a product. It is a journey, not a destination. This is vital, if we want to continually be in the center of where God is working in drawing people to Him. Attending the seminar together gave us a good opportunity to fellowship together and encourage one another in our respective ministries. "- Garvie Schmidt, Pastor, Enid MB Church, Enid, Okla.
"I found myself leaving this retreat spiritually refreshed and excited to pursue the awesome cask of leading a church." - Mike Andrews, Pastor, Belleview Acres, Littleton, Colo.
"Pm grateful for MISSION USA's belief that God is not finished with the established church. I was inspired and challenged at the conference at Saddleback Church to see the potential that exists in churches that have a significant history. I came away equipped with new leadership strategies for the task to which God has called me. Thanks, MISSION USA, for leading the charge and helping ME leaders improve and grow. "- Gary WaIL
MISSION USA BOARD:
Ed Boschman, Phoenix, A:z.
Chuck Buller, Visalia, CA
Phil Glanzer, New Hope, MN
Joe Johns, Weatherford, OK
loretta Jost, Aurora, NE
Brad Klassen, Glendale, A:z.
Nancy laverty, Jones, OK
Fred leonard, Clovis, CA
Stephen Reimer, Shafter, CA
Randy Steinert, Bakersfield, CA
Tim Sullivan, Hillsboro, KS
Gary Wall, lodi, CA
Ex Officio Members:
Henry Dick, Fresno, CA
Clinton Grenz, Bismark, N.D.
Bruce Porter, Fresno, CA
Roland Reimer, Wichita, KS
Clint Seibel, Hillsboro, KS
Jim Westgate, Fresno, CA
The Martin Box MB Church of rural Marshall, Ark., is able to add a wing to its facility thanks to the generosity of its members and the help of other congregations.
Church owes no debt but ane-o-f love
• Homegrown lumber and SDC friends make it possible for Arkansas congregation to build
Wat does a congregation do when their Sunday school classes are spilling over into the parsonage? What happens when the church building is bursting at the seams?
Martin Box MB Church, a congregation with approximately 50 attenders in Marshall, Ark., faced that situation several years ago.
"The Lord revealed to me very clearly that we needed to add on to the building," says Floyd Wadkins, a member of the congregation who served as pastor's assistant at that time.
One of the concerns, however, was how the project would be funded.
"We're a small church," says Wadkins. "We didn't want to be in debt. Owing $75,000 would be a burden."
Dave Gentry, presently serving as pastor's assistant, adds, "We wanted to follow the biblical mandate to have no debt except the debt oflove."
So they did it the old-fashioned way.
They went out into the woods (several attenders own wooded property), cut down the standing timber and hauled it to the church site.
Another family in the church, Ed and Barbara Meller and their son Adam, set up their band saw mill on-site. For several months, men from the congregation would gather each evening, as well as on Saturdays, to saw the lumber. By April 1999, all of the lumber had been cut.
Once cut, the lumber was hauled to a lumberyard in Marshall where it was dried.
A backhoe was hired to dig the hole for the two thousand square foot addition. Volunteers poured the footings and laid blocks. They also laid the floor joists and built the trusses.
''We put the trusses up in our own imaginative way of doing things," says Wadkins.
According to Gentry, "It's been a trial at times. The people within our congregation are working people. It's been difficult to find additional time away from family and other responsibilities to come work on the church."
But the good news, he says, is that
people from other congregations have pitched in.
Early in the process, a group from First Mennonite Brethren Church in Wichita, Kan., lent a hand. Groups from Westport MB in Collinsville, Okla., have also volunteered.
A men's group from Fairview MB Church in Fairview, Okla, donated electrical supplies and roughed in the wiring.
Most recently, a group of eight Tabor College students and their sponsor painted several rooms. (TC is an MB college located in Hillsboro, Kan.) They also helped haul native rocks to the site for a fireplace.
''We've had a lot of wonderful volunteers," says Gentry.
Martin Box MB was also assisted by a $15,000 matching grant from the Southern District Conference Church Builder's Fund. The congregation was allowed to use their building materials as equity rather than cash.
SDC's Women's Ministries designated a portion of their annual offering project for the completion of the kitchen.
Wadkins estimates the project will be
completed this fall. When done, the addition will provide a new fellowship area with a native rock fireplace, a new kitchen and restroom facilities. The old fellowship area will be divided into several smaller classrooms.
"It's been a challenge," says Wadkins. "It's not for everybody to do what we've done. We're here where we have lots of timber and native stone. Not everybody can do this."
Roland Reimer, SOC district minister says, "This creative model has caught the attention and imagination of people."
He says the manner in which the Martin Box congregation created their building materials as well as the use of cooperative help from other congregations can serve as a model for other churches.
Wadkins and Gentry believe the building project has had a positive effect on the Martin Box congregation.
"We'll be a stronger church at completion," says Wadkins. "We're more unified. You have to learn to give and take."
Gentry agrees. "There is an incredible God-breathed desire for unity, a unity of the Spirit."
Building a structure is not the only construction taking place at Martin Box MB. They are also working hard to build disciples of Christ.
The congregation recently began discipleship training programs that take place after the Sunday morning worship service. Currently, six families are participating.
Another ministry borne out of Martin Box is "Saturday Night Alive," a program geared to teenagers. Although no longer held in the Martin Box facility, it is being continued by another local congregation.
One outcome of the Saturday Night Alive program is a daily "See You at the Pole" meeting, where approximately 60 youth meet daily at their school flagpole for prayer. Three youth impacted by Saturday Night Alive initiated this practice.
At this time, Martin Box is not served by an official pastor. Several men share responsibilities for preaching, and members of the congregation are encouraged to assist in worship.
"We're all stretching, groaning and growing," says Gentry.
"Even though we're not large," adds Wadkins, "a lot of strong Christians have come out of our church. They're planted all around the country." -by Ellynne Wiebe
TC students paint, clean and haul rocks for Marshall congregation
The eight Tabor College students who went south for their spring break didn't see the beach. In fact, the Texas shore wasn't their destination-they were headed for Marshall, Ark.
The students, all women, spent their March break in Marshall painting the interior and exterior of a new wing addition to the Martin Box Church and cleaning up the church grounds. they also gathered rocks from an abandoned cabin site and the neighboring hills for the construction of a fireplace in the church, one of the last remaining projects yet to be completed.
"It was an excellent experience," says Daryie Baltzer, TC associate dean 6f students who organized and accompanied the students on the mission trip. "We accomplished all our wock goals and more."
TheTC studerttswete foined for the first several days by an experienced carpenter, Eli Parnell and
his wife Veda. The Parnells, members of First MB Church of Wichita, Kan., were in the Branson, Ark., area and also decided to volunteer their time.
The first Tabor spring break mission trip was organized in 1993 by two students, Hal Penner and Heath Mares, as an alternative to traditional spring break activities. The next year Baltzer was asked to serve as a sponsor and he has been involved in organizing the trip ever since. The mission trip is offered on a biennial basis to various locations and has included South Texas congregations in the Latin America MB Conference. Tabor College is an MB college located in Hillsboro, Kan.-TC.news service and Connie Faber
Above: While Martin Box volullteers sift one end of the new *1tion, Tabor vol• ..,. paint the sWInt alreacfy In place.
Left: The Tabor spring break work crew lUnd beside the crumbling rock fire p-' they will move to the church site.
India conference celebrates 100 year
•
anniversary
• Stewardship, administration reform and role of women in God's work discussed
The Mennonite Brethren church in India held centenary celebrations Nov. 11-14, 1999, in recognition of the beginning of North American mtssionary work in that country. Whtle representatives from MBMS International and North American congregations attended the celebration, a report from an Indta Conference leader seemed appropriate. Ibis report has been edited from a translation of Rev. E. D. Solomon's report as publtshed in Suvarthamani-The Spiritual Monthly (Oct-Dec, 1999) of the MB Churches in Indta.
ThiS fall, the Conference of the MB Church in India celebrated the 100th anniversary of the arrival of North American missionaries to the countty. Missionaries Mr. and Mrs. N.N. Hiebert and Elizabeth Neufeld were the
Four days of celebration and events marked the 100th anniversary of the arrival of North American missionaries to India. Ceremonial lighting of lamp stands took place during the opening ceremony of celebration (right). Representatives from India, Canada and the U.S. lit lamps symbolizing partnership between the three nations. The lamps burned during the opening ceremonies, and two were later given as gifts to canada and U.S. national MB conferences.
first missionaries sent overseas by North American Mennonite Brethren. What they and the others who soon joined them in Andra Pradesh State began has grown into the second largest MB national conference.
For four days, an average of 1500 to 2000 people gathered under tents (pen-
Worship r,"ewed
In Indian village aftt,aO yeats
• J.P. Asheervadam recalls how Indian pastor's family was instrumental in beginning services in a vIllage
"Jesus is coming again to ourviJJage," said Bala Mysaiah. Bala not talking about the second co.g of Jesus Christ. He said the with joy on hearing about the renewal ofWorShip services in his village after a 30-year absence.
aala is about SS years He is a po6r daijy laboret in the village ot Tarllikal. When he Sllid these W'9rds,.he was drunk--but he was facts that recollect hiStory.
"Yes, I drink'." hesald. «Do you know
whY'1"ince111 of b\4l' i>aw:>r years ago, thet;e has been nobody to us anl(d we,went.astray. ,.' that Yesu s dOd) is retuq.ling to our lamikal 'a village 9,f iIjopt. people located In the..A'hdhra. Ptadesh State pf India. I. my grandfather, Was the first the village irWtte tate 19105: and subSeqyently became l?astor of the village church until"'his death in 1968.
After.hI$ was first PO$(ed in the Village ofKonapuram. For Ave . yeats, he ttavtled OnA9rsebackto evangeli%e the nearby l>ince lie" had a seventii-8£l1de-education and bib1i.cal trainipg, he was effective in his wOik.
dais) to listen to God's Word, discuss together various topics and view cultural programs. Historical materials, photographs, models and programs of the mission compounds were on display.
"Proclaim the God who did many glorious things" was the celebration theme. Messages were given by North Americans
He youth ih those villages to pursue education. In addition to sbating the message of salvation" \e taught many t"o read and Write. Pcrqple like S:N. Philip and otberswho O1)ce in the lowest sttata of sefjety testify t11at they are nowih good p()Sltions because ofPastot
Thoiigh Tarnlkal was a small village. it was said to have been a favorite village for North American miSsionaries. f1er-
about 4' people wb,o receivell·the gosP,e1 through 'pastOI' Aaron. During Aaron's tenure, the village'enjoyed regular woqhip with an attendance oL5o-70 people. North American missionaries celebrated Christmas and Easter "M'>tships in. Tarnlkal after haVing momin3 worshtps in,. nearbY Kalwakurthy. Vilthose days.
Pastor five sons and two daughters left..the village to putsue e4u-
Neil Fast, Werner Kroeker and Harold Ens and by Indian leaders P. B. Arnold, N.P.james, R. S. Lemuel, P. Mennojoel, V. K. Rufus, S. Solomon, E. D. Solomon and R. N. Peter.
After each message, the participants met in small groups to assimilate and reflect on both the message and the discussion questions. Stewardship, proposals for administration refonns in the MB churches and the role of women in God's work were discussed.
The role played by women in the growth of the MB church was recognized. In fact, the conference led an afternoon session;/served as deaconesses at the closing Communion service, gathered the offerings and led group discussions.
Highlights of the celebration were the inaugural ceremony, monument dedication and the closing worship service.
A procession of people carrying banners and representing the various regions, institutions and ministries, marked the beginning of the inaugural program. One hundred women who stood with lighted candles on either side paved the way for the procession. The candles represented 100 years of God's grace, light and service to the nation.
The inauguration ceremony included the lighting of three centenary lamps made of brass and standing about three feet tall. The lamps were lit in pairs by
cation, jobs and new homes for their &mi1ies. After death of their tather in 196$ they seld<>m visited the village. This halted t:eguiar worship.
The motivation to revive ministry in the village came to me last summer \iVhen 1 was invited to be one of the speakers for International Commit· tee of Mennonite Brethren meeting in Buhler, Kan.
1 still remember the welcome that was atnnged for me by the Historical Commi$sion in Fresno, Calif. On that occasJon 1 was asked to speak a few words. I started by saying, "I am a ·thIrd-generation Christian. Both my grandfathers llerved as pastors." Then there was a gap of silence on my part and tears rolled from my eyes.
I do not know whether the audience understood that day what I meant. I :s! l! remembered and thanked God for my continued on page 2B
Indian church leaders and overseas representatives. Representatives from the U.S. Conference and Canadian Conference were invited to take a lamp home to their own countries and the third lamp was to remain in India.
Guests of honor, including Indian political leaders and overseas delegates, were honored with shawls and traditional garlands and were presented with a centenary souvenir publication and momento.
All through the celebrations, the Centenary Choir, numbering 100 gifted men and women, led in praising the Lord and inspired those listening to follow the Lord and walk in the footsteps of their ancestors.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the AMB Centenary monument was held Nov. 13 at the Nagerkumool mission station. National conference representatives from India, the U.S. and Canada participated.
More than 3000 believers gathered for worship and a closing communion service Sunday, Nov. 14. During the service, a children's song book and a cassette, funded in part by the children of First MB Church in Wichita, Kan., was released. Many of the songs and stories were written by the late Karuna Shri Joel (see article byJoel on page 11). -E. D. Solomon
People in India
• 4,635 communities or people gr0!lps
• Hindi, English and 16 other official regional languages
• 1,f52 total languages spoken, 33 of which are spoken by more than 100,000 people
• 74% of labor force in agricultur.
• over 600 million live In deep poverty
• 300 millJon live below the ';'bread lin.-
Religion in India
• 78.8% is Hindu
• 12% Muslim
• 2.61% Christian
• 1.92%Slkh
• 1,5% tribal religions
• .7% Buddhist
MBs in India
• 72,000 members of the MB Church in India
• 813 congregations
• 270 pastors
I.P. Asheervadam (left) was a speaker at the InternaJional Committee of Mennonite Brethren gathering in 8uhler, Kans., last July. lefore event,. Asheervadam spoke at the Historical commission in Fresno, calif. "I started bV saying, '1 am a third generation Christian. Both my grandfathen served as pastors: Then there was a gap of silence on my part and tears rolled from my eyes. I do not IJnow whe"rthe audl· ence understood that day what I meant. I remelllbered and thanked God for my gtandtathen who were SOme of the first converts from the bottom--levels of sodety •.•• At that point, I realized that it is through- th, blessings of my grandparents and parents that God has ra!'ed me to this level and given me such opportunities. II
IN BRIEF
PUBUSHED: Tasting the Dust, a new collection of poetry by Mennonite Brethren author Jean Janzen, has been released by Good Books of Intercourse, Penn. "'n her new collection of poetry, Jean Janzen demonstrates powerfully why she received the Creative Writing Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts," says GB editor Phyllis Pellman Good. "These poems show us with certainty what we sense persistently-that we are unequivocally physical and yet undeniably spiritual, so ephemeral and yet so bound." Janzen lives in Fresno, Calif., where she teaches poetry writing at Fresno Pacific University and in the area public schools as well as at Eastem Mennonite University in Virginia. (GB)
PERFORM: The Tabor College student music group CrossWise has been formed for the 2000 summer. In addition to singing at camps and churches across the Midwest, the ensemble will lead in worship at the U.S. Conference convention July 27-30 in Denver, Colo. The eightmember group includes five students from Mennonite Brethren congregations: Mark Penner from Valleyview MB Church in Cimarron, Kan., Andrew Regier of New Life Fellowship in Grant, Neb., Isai Mireles from Grulla (Texas) MB Church, Carlin Regier of Hillsboro (Kan.) MB Church and Charity Stahl of Bethel MB Church in Yale, S.D. Jason Regier, a former CrossWise member and current Tabor admissions counselor, and his wife Dolly will direct the summer tour. (TC)
RESIGNED: Lon Fendall, dean of the faculty and vice president of academic affairs at Tabor College, has resigned his position, effective this summer. Fendall has served in his present position since 1995. He and his wife Raelene, TC director of foundation and corporate relations, have accepted positions with Good News Associates of Seattle, Wash. They will work as associates for this Christian organization, providing various services such as consulting, speaking and writing. They plan to work from a home office near Newberg, Ore. (TQ
grandfathers who were some of the first converts from the bottom levels of society and who came into full-time ministry and served the Lord faithfully until their deaths. At that point, I realized that it is through the blessings of my grandparents and parents that God has raised me to this level and has given me such opportunities.
When I returned home to India, I shared with the group of students in Shamshabad who meet for prayers every afternoon my experiences and my vision to start regular worship in Tarnikal. These students were already looking to either take up mission work or support the mission work of others.
In November 1999, I visited Tarnikal along with S.N. Philip, who had a desire to renew ministry in Tarnikal because of the blessings he had received through the ministry of Pastor Aaron. There, we met Mariamma, an 86 year-old woman.
For the past 31 years Mariamma's ambition and prayer has been to revive worship and build a church building in the village. She mentioned that her husband Peter died recently without fulfilling his life desire to see a church building in the village.
Later, I shared with my father, uncles and other family members about my dream for the village. All of them promised their support and cooperation. Jan. 16, 2000, we held the village's first worship service in over 30 years. The worship took place on the deserted site where Aaron's house was once located and where he died. Aaron's two sons, I. A. Prabhudas and I. A. Devantha Rao, as well as grandchildren, relatives, friends and two executive members of the Field Association attended. Students
from Shamshahad not only attended but also contributed to the offering for the expenses on that day.
This service was a moving experience for the 40 people who attended. One person brought the 60 year-old Bible given to his brother by Aaron about 40 years ago. This Bible has markings and notes from Pastor Aaron. Seeing the Bible, Aaron's sons shed tears. The man who brought th,e Bible said that since he can't read, he keeps that Bible under his pillow at night.
The most joyful moment was when 30 year-old Devaiah, son of Mariamma, came forward for full-time ministry. He is willing to attend Shamshabad Bible College next academic year. In his concluding comments, field treasurer P.Z. Wilson asserted that with the inaugural worship service in Tarnikal, the revival and renewal that has begun will spread and sweep across the entire region.
The seed of the Gospel that fell in that tiny village 60 years back was not planted in vain. Pastor Aaron's family tree has grown to about 70 people. Many of them are Christian witnesses where they are settled. Some have served in various capacities in churches and on councils of the India Mennonite Brethren Conference. People such as S. N. Philip, who played a significant role in the birth of the MB church in Bombay, and Pastor Abraham, present chairman of the Kalwakurthy Field Association, are some of the fruits of Pastor Aaron. -by l P. Asheervadam, who has served in the MB Conference of India for ten years. He is currently a lecturer at the MB Centenary Bible College and is general secretary of the Historical Commission of the MB Church of India.
New budget beginning of proactive process at FPU
• Mennonite Brethren university's new budget aims to increase faculty and staff salaries, improve technology and assure fiscal stability.
Anew budget process has been put into place at Fresno Pacific University to address the chal-. lenges and opportunities currently faced by the Mennonite Brethren institution.
The 2000-2001 budget of $22,888,000 approved March 11 by the board of trustees is the first step in a more effective budgeting process, says Larry Perryman, interim vice president for business affairs. "We realize that while this is not a budget that anybody likes, it is the first step in a five-year plan of budget reconstruction," Perryman says.
Though the new budget contains a small increase over the current $22,628,219, it includes no new programs or positions and maintains academic programs by a five percent cut in administrative departments.
The new budget's main goals are increased faculty and staff salaries, improved technology by distributing research and web design to departments and fiscal stability based on enrollment growth, improving cash flow and main· taining a balanced budget.
The budget includes a3 percent raise for faculty and staff effective Jan. 1, 2001, contingent on fall enrollment figures. There was no raise for the 19992000 year.
Switching to a five-year planning pro'cess allows the university to be strategic in its use of funds, Perryman says. "It's proactive rather than reactive."
Annual budget preparation will begin in late summer or early fall, when enrollment totals become available. "We really don't have a good idea of enrollment for next year until we see enrollment for this year," Perryman says.
A feature of the new process that was begun this year is a series of campus forums where department heads present their budgets to faculty and staff.
"I want this done this year before we make the final decision. These people need to be heard," Perryman says.
ThePresident's cabinet, composed of deans and other top administrators, set budget priorities, Perryman says. Faculty session will receive the proposed budget in January, with a decision whether to recommend the document expected in February. The board takes action at its March meet· ing and the budget goes into effect May 1 at the beginning of the fiscal year.
Also part of the new budget are a bond issue and a matching gift from AIMS (Activities Integrating Mathematics and Science) Education Foundation. Savings from the bond sale totaling $1.1 million will be set aside to build a cash reserve to handle expenses in months, such as summer, when little or no income is received.
In the first year the reduction in debt service will save $350,000, with $250,000 annual savings over each of the next three years. AIMS offered a four-year matching grant for $125,000 a year for a total of $500,000 if FPU can match that gift with unrestricted giving.
The university also sold $8 million worth of bonds to restructure $7.6 million of the approximately $10 million in institutional debt and provide $400,000 to complete the first phase of the tracksoccer field athletic complex. The 6.6 percent interest rate on the bonds is significantly less than the average 8.25 percent the University previously paid on this part of the debt, and allows FPU the chance to make payments to one source instead of several.
"This budget and the bond sale puts us in a stronger financial position," Perryman says. -FPU news release
IN BRIEF
AWARDS: Four Mennonite Brethren graduate students in health-related fields are among the nine persons awarded Elmer Ediger Memorial Scholarships by Mennonite Health Services. Melinda Carlisle and Gregory Yoder, both of Fresno, Calif., and students at MB Biblical Seminary; Jason Ediger of Winnipeg, Man., and a student at the University of Manitoba; and Carmen Dyck, of Abbotsford, B.C., and a student at MBBS in the Associated Canadian Theological School; will each receive $1,300 for the 2000-2001 academic year. (MHS)
EDITOR: Everett J. Thomas, president of Mennonite Board of Congregational Ministries, has been named next editor of The Mennonite, effective Nov. 1. He will succeed Lorne J. Peachey, the magazine's first editor, who will step down this summer. The Mennonite is the publication serving the integrating General Conference Mennonite Church and the Mennonite Church. Thomas will continue to live in Goshen, Ind., while supervising magazine operations in Newton, Kan., and Scottdale, Penn. (1M)
RADIO: Thanks to today's technology, GodTalk, a Sunday night radio talk show airing from Winnipeg, Man., is available anywhere in North America. Supported by the Mennonite Brethren ministry Family Life Network, the live talk show engages people on issues that impact their culture and their spiritual quest. Listeners can tune in on the web during the program by looking for www.cjob. com. Callers can join the debate/dialogue from anywhere in North America by calling 1-800-665-2202 or from anywhere in the world via email at godtalk@wic.ca while they listen. How does a program sponsored by Mennonite Brethren churches get promoted by a major secular station? "Creativity is the bottom line in today's technology," says David Balzer, a FLN producer and GodTalk cohost. "The delivery systems are there already. As a follower of Jesus I'm challenged to bring the Gospel of peace forward in such a way that commercial powerhouses like (radio station) CJOB will want me at their table." Balzer cohosts the show with Southern Baptist pastor Chris Wells. (FLN)
Panama MBs host Mennonite Church work team
• "God is at work in people's hearts through this experience. "
The Mennonite Brethren conference in Panama-Iglesia Evangelica Unida-recently helped to host a Mennonite Church work/study team from Springs, Penn. Embera and Wounan Indians from the Darien province make up the 15 lEU congregations.
MBMS International mission associates Marlene and Jacob Tice are members of Springs Mennonite Church and while living in Chirqui are active in a Baptist congregation.
The Tices and their three children fann and produce handcrafts in western Panama. Their work not only benefits the local economy but also helps to
support the Menno-nite Brethren work in eastern Panama.
When the Tices were asked by their home congregation to host a work/study team for two weeks in January, they looked to the lEU and their Baptist congregation for help.
The work team was hosted for four nights in Panama City by the lEU. The team spent two days painting the exterior of three long buildings on the Juan Diaz student center compound in Panama City.
"It was a treat to visit with and watch the women making beautiful baskets and the men making carvings. One night, the lEU church members cooked us a delicious traditional Indian meal of chicken stew and boiled plantain. There were also three large parrots that entertained us."
"On the second evening, members of the lEU shared with us the history of their church and culture, complete with two traditional dances and skin painting-in which four of us from the team participated by having our lower or upper arms decorated with a natural dye," says Tice.
The work/study team of 12 people ranging in age from eight to 84 concluded their time with the lEU with an evening worship service. Steve Heat-
wole, pastor of the Springs congregation, preached the sermon.
The team spent the remainder of their time in Chirqui helping the Baptist congregation remodel their church facility and also traveled to the congregation's mission church among the Guaymi Indians in the remote village of Huigueron to pour a cement floor. The team also had several worship times with the Baptist congregation.
"From the positive reports we have heard from Pennsylvania, we know God is at work in people'spearts through this experience," says Tice. -from an MBMSI report by Marlene Tice
Men's choir tours South America
• Forming friendships through music
Sixteen men and their spouses, 30 in all, traveled to Paraguay and Brazil for two weeks in April as "singing tourists."
The men and their spouses hail from Kansas, California, Oregon, British Columbia, Manitoba and Ontario. All have a connection with Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan., where during the past 50 years either they or their children sang in ensembles.
For three days prior to their April 17 departure, the group rehearsed in Miami. Regional rehearsals were held earlier in California and Kansas. Once in Paraguay and Brazil, the group gave concerts in churches, schools, and community auditoriums in both cities and villages. The 14 spouses also sang a few selections and
joined the men in several songs
The visit offered the North and South American Mennonites opportunities for forming friendships through music making, worship and interactive dialogue on common topics and issues, says tour director Clarence Hiebert.
The trip began in Paraguay where Mennonites from Manitoba arrived in the late 1920s. They were conservative, German-speaking immigrants who settled in colonies in the relatively uninhabited region of the Chaco. Within a few years, additional German-speaking contingents came largely from Russia.
During the final four days of the trip, the singing tourists were in Brazil. Brazilian Mennonites also bt;gan coming to South America seven decades ago. Most Brazilian Mennonites reside in more urban areas, notably in and
around Curitiba and Sao Paulo.
The group's music was primarily sung in English. However, they also sang in Spanish, Portuguese, high German, low German, Russian and African. A number of the arrangements were by the group's choral director Jonah Kliewer, a former Tabor College music. professor who along with Hiebert is a professor emeritus.
Hiebert says the group's pleasure in making music stems in part from the inspiring leadership of three of Tabor's well-known music professors since the 1940s: Professors Herbert C. Richert, Paul Wohlgemuth and Kliewer. -edited by Tamijons from a report by Clarence Hiebert
Annual MCC meeting focuses on new global exchange program
• Agency reports record-breaking income
The Mennonite Central Committee board recently gave its approval for a new international exchange program sponsored jointly by MCC and Mennonite World Conference. The MWC General Council will have the opportunity to give its approval this summer.
Organizers hope the program will help broaden participants' world-an Anabaptist world that no longer has to revolve around the United States and Canada.
Tentatively called Global Exchanges, the program's focus would be placing young people from outside the U.S. and Canada in one-year service and learning assignments in locations other than the two North American countries. Less than
10 percent of participants and placements would be North American. Participants will preferably be Mennonite or Brethren in Christ and come from, and be placed in, countries with MWC member churches or MCC involvement.
In recent years, young people from overseas have requested an exchange program that bypasses the United States and Canada, says Ana Zorilla, director of MCC's Visitor Exchange Programs.
MCC initially will provide staff and funding, although Zorilla said she hopes MWC-a low-budget organization-will eventually contribute financially to Global Exchanges. Regardless, she says, MWC gives the program an international structure and ownership.
In other business, the MCC board celebrated the 50th anniversary of the International Visitor Exchange Program.
Board members also approved a resolution to separate Ten Thousand Villages from MCC as a nonprofit corporation, effective April 1. Under the new arrangement, Ten Thousand Villages, an MCC job-creation program, will be able to more easily hire employees for new retail stores in vicinities without a heavy Mennonite concentration. The MCC board also cut its last formal ties with Mennonite Disaster Service, a process that was initiated in 1993.
With regard to finances, 1999 was a record-breaker on both sides of the ledger, thanks largely to MCC's response to the destruction left by Hurricane Mitch in Latin America and fighting in the Balkans.
Last fiscal year's international, U.S. and Canadian activities generated records of $69.4 million in income and $66.9 million in expenses.
The MCC Board met Feb. 18-19. MCC is a Christian world relief and development agency, supported by Anabaptist congregations including Mennonite Brethren. -from a report by Rich Preheim for Meetinghouse
MBMSI helps Russian congregations with MB roots neighbors
• "They have just had to make sure the Gospel was the vel}' most important thing in their lives each day. "
Today there is no national Mennonite Brethren conference in Russia, the country in which the MB church was born over 100 years ago. Nevertheless, congregations with MB roots continue to evangelize their neighbors even though rapid migration of its members to Germany hinders numeric growth and discipleship efforts.
This fall two MBMS International staff members visited the Osmk area and spoke with members of the Osmk Association of Evangelical Christian Baptists, many of which have MB roots.
"Their mission orientation continues to be strong and their work is worthy to be encouraged," says Franz Rathmair, MBMSI program director for Europe,
who traveled to Russia with Tim Bergdahl, MBMSI director of programs.
These Russian congregations are currently preparing fOr their two annual summer evangelistic festivals, which have attracted 5,000 people each in the past. During these events, the churches have round their neighbors to have a great openness to the Gospel. Last summer, over 200 people from the region also traveled in teams from village to village, sharing the Gospel through week-long tent meetings. Church camps attracted 700 childrenmany from non-Christian homes.
MBMSI provides financial support to help with the conference's evangelistic outreaches. In addition to evangelistic campaigns, the conference runs a humanitarian aid warehouse and produces Christian literature through its print shop.
North American Christians can learn a lot from their Russian brothers and sisters, says Bergdahl.
"As North American Christians, we can learn from their experience that vod is gracious and his power was at work even in the darkest times of the Soviet Union," says Bergdahl. "That testimony can cost everything from life to health to wealth-you name it. Mennonites in Siberia at one time or another have been called on to sacrifice for their faith."
As part of their evangelism ministry, each of the Osmk congregations have made a commitment to bring the Gospel to a particular part of their region. According to Bergdahl, this ongoing witness, which is central to the Christian community in the Omsk region, has roots in a history of faithfulness.
"They have just had to make sure the Gospel was the very most important thing in their lives each day. It was, and is, too expensive to keep if it isn't real and life changing," says Bergdahl.
-MBMSI news release
Baptism/membership
EDMOND, Okla. (Memorial Road)-Andrew Buller, Ryan Friesen, Alison LeMay, Alan LeMay, Denise Hendricks, Bea Gaddis and Woody Gaddis were baptized and received into membership Mar. 26. Josh Collinsworth, Micah Collinsworth, LuAnne Hamilton and Marie Jacober were also received into membership Mar. 26.
MOUNTAIN LAKE, Minn.-Menno and Luella Wiebe were received into membership Mar. 26.
Celebrations
LITTlETON, Colo. (Belleview Aaes)-A celebration and dedication service was held Feb. 13 for the newly remodeled Family Center. The congregation now holds worship services in the Family Center and the former sanctuary is used for smaller group gatherings. A video depicting the history of the church was shown and refreshments followed the service.
Fellowship
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Lincoln Hills Bible)-A Mother's Day luncheon and style show will be held May 13. Women and men will be modeling wedding costumes from around the world. In March, the elders met at Swan Lake to formulate a vision and mission statement defining how lincoln Hills can best reach and meet the needs of the community.
BUHLER, Kan.-The Women's Ministry presented a Spring China Dinner Apr. 16. Following the meal, storyteller Tina Block Ediger shared about her aunt's life in Russia and lisa Ediger provided special music.
VISALIA, Calif. (Neighborhood)-A Father! Daughter Banquet was held Apr. 1 for all girls in grades three through six and their dads.
Ministry
ENID, Okla.-The congregation's outreach ministry team initiated a two-step process to invite guests to the Easter Sunday service April 23. Invitations were sent to 2,500 targeted families April 15 and follow-up door hangers were distributed to 1,200 homes April 22. The congregation was encouraged to pray for those receiving the invitations, to help prepare the church facility for guests and to attend the Easter service with an attitude of serving the guests.
FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News)-An evening of contemporary praise, Bible teaching and worship singing was held April 9 in an effort to attract people who are not regularly involved in worship services but who are interested in learning more about God. Refreshments were served afterwards.
REEDLEY, calif.-The Kingdom Kids Choir presented their spring musical Mar. 26. The choir included first, second and third graders from Washington Elementary SChool and Reedley MB Church.
FREEMAN, S.D.-Rod and Donna Anderson, pastoral church planting couple at Rolling Hills Church in Papillion, Neb., shared in the morning
Proclamation and evening services Mar. 26. The evening service, hosted by the Women's Missionary Society, included special music and a report by Rod Anderson. Refreshments followed the service.
YALE, S.D. {Bethel)-A Bible conference with speaker Wendell Loewen was held Mar. 19-21. Loewen is a Bible department faculty member at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan.
Teaching!nurture
CLOVIS, calif. {College Community)-An adult education mini-series is focusing on retirement within the setting of a Christian community during the months of April and May. The class is designed for persons of all ages with the goal of having cross-generational dialogue.
BETHANY, Okla. {Western February, leadership training for the church began with the group using John Maxwell's video series "Learning the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership." The training will conclude in June.
RAPID CITY, S.D. {Bible Fellowship)-A Christian Education Retreat, with speaker Jonathan Grenz, was held March 31-April 1 in Hill City, S.D. Grenz
is the head of the Christian Education Department at North American Baptist Seminary in Sioux Falls, S.D. The children's church and Awana workers and Sunday school teachers were invited to the retreat.
DINUBA, calif.-Jon Wiebe, president of MB Foundation, and MBF field representative Ross Merritt presented a Giving Project diagnostic seminar Mar. 10-12. Merritt also led a Will & Estate Planning Seminar during the Sunday school hour and Wiebe brought the message and sang in the morning worship services.
Workers
SHAFTER, calif.-Dave and Marilyn Gerbrandt have resigned as senior pastoral couple. An appreciation dinner was held in their honor Mar. 26. Bob and Wanda Kroeker, former pastoral couple and MBMS International missionaries, have begun serving as interim pastoral couple.
Youth
BUHLER, Kan.-lauren Sill has accepted the call to serve as director of ministries. She began her ministry in May. If you know of an informative. engaging or otherwise outstanding MB or Anabaptist related site-lnduding a church-please
chleaderOJps.net with the UIL
FRESNO, calif. {Bethany)-The youth participat-
1ioiNi I agency of"NO Can Mennoniti8teth"'ren ihur91es. This ttas ev,rythlng from an on-line of Witne$S MagazIne to mission resources and profiles of missionaries.
ed in the SOAR trip to Mexico April 14-22. SOAR trips are organized by Youth Mission International, anagency that provides short and long term mission assignments for high school students and young adults.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Heritage Bible)-The youth ministries team participated in the YMI SOAR trip to Mexico Apr. 14-22. The groups involved participated in evangelism efforts such as vacation bible school and sports outreach and assisted with service projects at the Tijuana MB church.
SHAFTER. Calif.-Twenty-one students and nine adults participated in the ,-,pril SOAR mission trip.
Deaths
BECKER. JESSIE MAE RUTH. Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, Reedley, was born Mar. 11, 1913, to Paul and Mae Ruth at Hesston, Kan., and died Mar. 10, 2000, at the age of 86. On Nov. 14, 1934, she was married to Reuben Cooprider, who predeceased her in 1974. In 1980, she was married to Robert Thompson, who predeceased her in 1991. In May 1993, she was married to Aaron Becker, who survives. She is survived by two daughters, Nancy and husband Peter Klassen and Sandra Wiebe; three stepsons, Tim Thompson, Wilbert Becker and Arlo Becker; three stepdaughters, Susan Darwin, Ruth Dick and Marcia Goentzel. five grandchildren and four great
grandchildren.
BLOCK, KATHRYN, Thousand Oaks, Calif., a member of Greenhaven Neighborhood Church, Sacramento, Calif., was born April 1, 1911, to John and Kathrina Harms at Minneola, Kan., and died March 5, 2000, at the age of 88. On Nov. 6, 1936, she was married to John D. Block, who survives. She is also survived by two sons, Jim of C1abasas, Calif., and Paul of West lake Village, Calif., seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
DICK, KARL VOTH. Bloomington, Ind., an MB pastor in Nebraska and Montana for more than 30 years, was born August 27, 1920 at Lustre, Mont., to Aaron A. and Sara Voth Dick and died March 11,2000, at the age of 79. He is survived by wife Evelyn; three sons, Samuel of Denton, Texas, Alden of Newton, Kan., and Douglas of Wichita, Kan.; one daughter, Judith Hickman of Bloomington, 10 grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
HEINRICHS. MARIE. Fresno, Calif., a member of Bethany MB Church, Fresno, was born Mar. 28, 1915, to Jacob and Gertrude Flaming at Gladwyn, Mich. On Mar. 30, 1943, she was married to Ed Heinrichs, who survives. She is also survived by three sons, leo of Fresno, Elden and wife Dorothy of Clovis, Calif., and Dean and wife Gloria of Fresno; one brother, Gilbert Flaming and wife Peggy of Sanger, Calif.; two sisters, Bobbie Nickle of Dinuba, Calif., and Florenda Heinrichs of Fresno, five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
HIEBERT, MABEL VIOLET WALL. Hillsboro, Kan., a member of Hillsboro MB Church, was born July 26, 1917, to Gerhardt (George) Wall and Christine Stella Loewen at Henderson, Neb., and died Mar. 14, 2000, at the age of 82. In 1935, she was married to George Hiebert, who predeceased her. She is survived by one daughter, G. Annette Hench of Claremont, Calif.; one sister, Martha A. Wall of Glendora, Calif., and two grandchildren.
SIEBERT. ORLANDO, Enid, Okla., a member of Enid MB Church, was born April 4, 1911, to John J. and lena Groening Siebert at Hillsboro, Kan., and died Mar. 18,2000, at the age of 88. On Oct. 30, 1938, he was married to Eva Rempel, who predeceased him. He is survived by four sons, Floyd and wife Loretta, Karl and wife Carol, Roger and wife Cindy, and Archie and wife Amy; one brother, John Siebert; one sister, Agnes Funk, 13 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
STOLTZFUS. GENE. Hutchinson, Kan., a member of Buhler (Kan.) MB Church, was born Nov. 3, 1931, to Chris and Martha Swartzendruber Stoltzfus at Manson, Iowa, and died Mar. 21, 2000, at the age of 68. On Dec. 24, 1955, he was married to laDonna Zehr, who survives. He is survived by three daughters, Connie and husband Mark Oswald and Barb and husband Bill Meyer, all of Hutchinson, and Judy and husband Kerry Morris of Murdock, Kan.; two brothers, larry of Larkspur, Colo., and Martin of Iowa City, Iowa, and eight grandchildren .•
T OF THE STORY
Don't you love to hear about how God is working among and through his people? In our Sunday school and small groups fellowships we hear stories of God's work. At baptisms we hear how God has changed and shaped lives. But God's sphere of activity extends far beyond the circles people we meet personally. As Mennonite Brethren in the u.S. we are privileged to be a part of God's larger work, reaching and making disciples of people across the coantry. Churches are being planted through Mission USA, 45 ethnic con ations have joined our family through Integrated Ministri {and you hear about this and more in the Christian Leader-all of these are u.S. Conference ministries and part of God's work.
Be a part of this story of God's work. Send your gift to: u.s. Conference of MB Churches Box V Hillsboro, Kansas 6706:1
Clearinghouse
Have a position to fill? Looking for a new employment or ministry opportunity? Have a gathering or celebration to promote? Reach U.S. Mennonite Brethren through a Clearinghouse announcement or classified ad. For ads, the charge is 40 cents per word, with a $15 minimum. Withhold payment until an invoice is received. MB institutions announcing vacancies or position openings may be eligible for a no-cost announcement. Contact the editor for more information.
EMPLOYMENT-CHURCH
Pastoral Team
River East MB Church is seeking additional members for its pastoral team. Women and men with gifts in the areas of pastoral care, discipling, preaching coordination and outreach are invited to apply. Please direct inquires or c.v.'s to: Pastoral Search Commit-
is accepting applications for
STEWARDSHIP!
PLANNED GIVING ADVISOR
This full-time position is responsible for activity in the midwest and would be based in Hillsboro, Kansas.
DUTIES:
To encourage and assist Christians throughout the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches in faithful stewardship. Specific responsibilities include planned giving, charitable estate planning, individual counseling, stewardship education and other Foundation-related activity.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to communicate
• Aptitude for detail work
• Willingness to learn
• Christian commitment and desire to promote of the Mennonite Brethren
tee, do River East MB Church, 755 McLeod Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba R2K OB8. Inquiries can also be made by calling REMB at (204) 663-5096 or through e-mail toschubert@pangea.ca.
Senior Pastor
Henderson (NE) Mennonite Brethren Church is seeking a senior pastor. This position requires leadership skills for mobilizing ministry in this congregation of 200. Applicants should have gifts for preaching and possess strong relationship building skills. Send your resume to: Pastoral Search Committee, Tim Klopfenstein, Henderson M.B. Church, Box 400, Henderson NE 68371. Fax: 402-723-5846
Senior/Lead Pastor
Bethany Mennonite Brethren Church, an established multigenerational suburban congregation of approximately 400 located in Fresno, is seeking a seniorllead pastor. The church is located in a rapidly growing area of Central California. The candidate should be strong in teaching and leadership skills and have the heart of a shepherd. Previous experience is highly desirable in leading and working with an existing team. Direct all resumes or inquiries to: Pastoral Search Committee, Jay Wiebe-Chairman, 1902 Los Altos, Clovis, CA 93611; e-mail j-awiebe@prodigy.net. All inquiries will be held in confidence.
EMPLOYMENT-CONFERENCE
District Development Representatives
Mission USA is accepting applications for three district development representatives. NO MOVINGWORK FROM YOUR HOME OFFICE! District Development Representatives are part time persons (15 hrslwk) responsible for implementing the giving program for MISSION USA in their assigned U.S. MB Conference District. One person will be hired from each of the Pacific, Southern, & Central District Conferences. Duties include:
• Develop and execute programs devoted to the annual solicitation of unrestricted and restricted gifts through direct mail and personal solicitation programs;
• Identify, cultivate and solicit prospective donors;
• Develop long range plans for cultivation of donors;
• Assist with the development of written marketing materials;
• Plan and coordinate events and activities;
• Meet the annual giving goal set by the Board;
• Coordinate donor recognition and stewardship. Qualifications include:
• Passion for healthy effective churches;
•A heart for lost people;
• Familiarity with the MB Church and its theological and spiritual character and traditions;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to listen, relate and motivate donors;
• Able to work independently and as part of a team;
• Strong self-motivation;
• Willingness to travel and work some evenings and weekends within home district; and
• Experience in marketing, sales or fund raising. Direct Resumes and inquiries to: Attn: Arthur Enns Mission USA, 333 W. Melinda Ln., Ste. 200, Phoenix, Ariz. 85027-2926; phone 623-434-3301; fax 623434-3299; e-mail ebmusa@phnx.uswest.net.
YMI Program Director
Youth Mission International, the short-term mission and discipleship division of MBMS International, seeks a full-time program director for its office in Waterloo, Ont.. Applicants for the position must be MB church members who are in agreement with the MB Confession of Faith. The position will provide oversight to TREK and SOAR directors in areas of program development, assignment location and focus and training resource development; responsible for YMI human resources development; and oversee YMI related communication materials. Responsibilities also include providing overall direction for the ACTION programs, summer ACTION coordinator, representing YMI among the MB constituency. To learn more about us, visit www.youthmission.org and www.mbmsinternational. org. The position reports to the YMI director and is part of the larger MBMSI administrative team. Deadline for applications is July 31, 2000 or until position is filled. The position will be effective Nov. 2000. Send resumes and inquiries to: Harold Ens, General Director, MBMS International, 4867 E. Townsend Ave., Fresno, CA 93727-5006; phone 888-866-6267; fax 559-251-1432; e-mail harolde@mbmsintemational.org.
EMPLOYMENT-£DUCAnON
President
Columbia Bible College announces a search for its next president effective June 2001. The mission of Columbia Bible College, as a teaching arm of the Mennonite Brethren Churches of British Columbia, is to prepare students for a life of discipleship, service and ministry in the contemporary world. Columbia's president is the chief executive officer and is responsible for the overall administration of the school. The successful candidate will:
• Demonstrate a passionate love for God, youth and the church;
• Be a visionary leader;
• Be an effective communicator with strong relational skills;
• Be able to lead the college through a decade of capital development;
• Be a committed evangelical Anabaptist;
• Have an ability to exegete today's culture from the framework of the church's mission to the world;
• Have an earned doctorate (preferred);
• Have significant experience in church ministry (preferred); and
• Be a member of, or willing to join, a Mennonite Brethren or Mennonite Church.
In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, this advertisement is directed to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Letters of application along with curriculum vitae or nominations may be sent, in confidence, to: Michael Dick, Chair, Presidential Search Committee, Columbia Bible College, 2940 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford, BC V2T 2Z8; e-mail mbresource@bcmb.org. The committee will begin processing resumes in summer 2000 .•
A GUIDE FOR GROUP INTERACTION
SESSION 1: Jocabed
Based on "locabed: a mother's legacy, " page 4
GET READY-Getting started
• What's the first word that comes to mind when you hear "mother"?
GET SET-Examining the issues
1. What are the unique dynamics in Jocabed's family?
2. Do you agree with the statement, "good parenting always involves seeing your child through the eyes of love"? Do you think it's possible?
3. How are parental fears passed on to their children?
4. In what ways did Jocabed demonstrate trust in God?
GO-Applying ideas to the way we live
1. In what areas is it most difficult for you to sacrifice your production and accomplishments?
2. How did your parents "let go" of you?
3. What do you pray your children will turn "from" and "to"? How are you helping that to happen?
SESSION 3: Do this one thing
Based on "00 this one thing, " page 11
GET READY-Getting started
• What is your initial response to the description of the author?
GET SET-Examining the issues
1. Identify the reasons for why Christians can no longer be quiet.
2. Highlight three significant ideas under each of the suggestions given for ways to respond to the great commission.
3. Of what do we need to deny and empty ourselves?
4. What suggestions are given for broadening and extending our vision?
GO-Applying ideas to the way we live
1. In what ways do you see yourself as a preacher?
2. What causes us to sit back and remain aloof?
3. What needs to happen in order for us to decide to be involved in Christ's mission?
4. Can you now go and tell others of God's love? Go through the "do this" list and think of specific ways you could follow through.
SESSION 2: Sabbath
Based on "Remember the Sabbath" page 8
GET READY-Getting started
• Is there anything that bothers you about your present Sabbath habits?
GET SET-Examining the issues
1. What has caused the break down of a shared rhythm of work and rest?
2. What does observing the Sabbath have to do with reversing the Fall?
3. Do you agree that "the basis of human existence is no longer who we are-<:hildren of God-but what we make." What evidence of this have you seen?
4. What is the biblical reason for the Sabbath?
GO-Applying ideas to the way we live
1. What negative impact might there be to observing and to not observing a liberated Sabbath?
2. Which of Rempel's six suggestions for a liberated Sabbath could most enhance your desire to trust God?
3. How can believers support one another in the ways we use the Sabbath?
SESSION 4: Good to feel bad
Based on Philip Wiebe's "Ph'lip Side" column, page 20
GET READY-Getting started
• What is your initial reaction to the notion that "sometimes it's good to feel bad"?
1. How does society in general view the concepts of shame and remorse?
2. What does the Bible say about the "good that can come from feeling bad"?
3. Do you agree that "those who know their need for grace know love-from God and for God. By contrast, those who believe they're just fine have little reason to believe anything else"? Have you seen evidence of this?
GO-Applying ideas to the way we live
1. What are some things that you think are" good to feel bad" about?
2. What are some ways or times you have experienced your need for grace?
3. Read the Luke 7 passage about the "woman who had lived a sinful life" and Jesus' response to her. How will you apply this passage in your own response to sin?
District Christian Education Commission. Questions by Nadine Friesen.
Being an example
Wen I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, Lizzie, I decided to find out what it took to be a good parent. So, I brought my journalistic skills to bear. I bought stacks of books from Barnes & Nobles, ordered several parenting magazines-both Christian and secular-and scoured the Internet for sites on child rearing. I "interviewed" every mother I met and took complete mental notes.
Well, only two short years later, all but one or two of those books sit on dusty shelves in our garage. The magazinesminus an article or two stuck away in a me-are either longgone to the local landfill, buried under National Geographies and Martha Stewart's Living or serve as a source of confetti for Lizzie. My Internet searches now center on downloads for software updates or frantic scrambles for the best prices on airline tickets. And all those "mental notes" from countless interviews? Most have been erased by a deteriorating memory condition that seems to come with motherhood.
But there is one source I still constantly tum to-my mother.
She gives me advice on everything from what to do about a 104-degree temperature to what's next after the "baby" climbs out of the crib. Her wisdom and patience make me cringe at a well-intentioned "critique" I gave my parents on their parenting skills after I took a psychology class in my early years in college.
Yet with all the comfort and good advice my mother gives, the best advice doesn't come through our conversations. It isn't even specifically about parenting itself, yet it has one of the greatest effects on my parenting. My parents have become an example to me of how to follow Christ in the world today.
Growing up, my parents demonstrated a thirst for God, a trust in him and a love for the church and people. Talk of God and how to follow him dominated their conversations over dinners with friends. I took day trips with mentally disabled adults attending Glenhaven, a ministry where my mother volunteered. It was an unusual Christmas when we did not have someone over who had no family or couldn't get home for the holidays. And our home served as a second home to several young adults who my parents worked with as sponsors in a discipleship and volunteer service program.
By acting on their faith, my parents taught me what it is to follow Christ. They didn't just tell me what I should do-they lived it. And this is one of the best things I can do as a parent for my daughter.
As my husband and I struggle with the best way to raise Lizzie, I've come to see parenting as a "natural" example of discipleship. I not only tell her how to behave, but I show her by how I act. My
actions teach and train her in the way she should live.
We need to live and teach by example in the church as well. Jesus says, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you" (John 13: 15). Paul says, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1), and he encourages Timothy to not "let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Tim 4:12).
Like children, we watch each other closely. Our actions reveal what we truly value and seek.
As a parent, I compromise my authority and integrity when I tell my daughter to behave one way yet act another. It makes no sense for me to tell her not to use bad words yet use them myself. What would she think if I tell her to be polite then snap at a grocery clerk or bank teller?
In the same way, I compromise Christ and the church when I preach one thing bot live another. I send a different message when I preach brotherly love, yet gossip or talk behind someone's back. I preach an empty religion rather than an embracing way of life if I claim my life is surrendered to Christ yet live as if he doesn't really matter.
As a disciple of Christ, I have the secret to the meaning of life. I must not only share it-I must live it.
This is hard. It requires living by intention. It requires time in the Word, time with God. And it requires relationships of accountability with my brothers and sisters-people who will call me to the carpet when I slip up.
And I do slip up. It would be overwhelming and disheartening if it weren't for all the examples in Scripture of people who loved God yet messed up. Moses' temper flared, and he killed an Egyptian. David slept with another man's wife, then had her husband killed in battle. Peter-who loved Jesus deeplydenied even knowing him when it really counted. But each of them admitted where they fell short, renewed their walk with God and he used them for great things. I must do the same.
My mother and father weren't perfect parents, and they are the first to admit it. They slipped up, just as I will.
In the same way, I will slip up in my faith. But I still strive and pray to be a diligent and faithful follower of}esus-for when I walk well, he permeates everything I do and guides the decisions I make. When I don't, I pray that I will have brothers and sisters to tell me to get back on track. The cost is too great to live a life proclaiming Christ while walking another pathtoo great a cost to my own child as well as to a world that waits to hear his name. -Q\
