Mennonite Brethren colleges, the value of the education they offer and the role of scholarship are the focus ofthis month's Leader. We U.S. Mennonite Brethren currently sponsor two colleges-Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., and Fresno Pacific University in Fresno, Calif
"It is hard to exaggerate the Mennonite Brethren commitment to education," write Paul Toews and Abe Dueck in their chapter on higher education in the informal history For Everything a Season. Here in the U.s. that commitment led to the founding of Tabor College in 1908, and to the establishment of Pacific Bible Institute in 1944. PBI in turn became a junior college, then a senior college and finally a university with undergraduate and graduate programs. The two schools have persevered through changing times so that today many of us share the common experience of time spent learning and growing together on one of these campuses. We have embraced a life of faith, discipleship and service lived radically different from the culture around us thanks to our education in these Mennonite Brethren institutions.
The future of Tabor College and Fresno Pacific University as well as MB Biblical Seminary depends on us-the people of the U.S. Conference. "Seldom have so few people developed so many institutions oflearning," write Toews and Dueck. "Seldom have institutions with so few resources accomplished so much. Their capacity to do so in the future largely rests with the church." May the feature articles in this issue inspire us to work together with those who lead these institutions to chart our course for higher education in the 21st century.
The focus on education continues into the news section. We highlight the important role theological education has played in the development of the India MB Conference and celebrate the tOOth anniversary of Corn Bible Academy; the oldest high school founded by Mennonite Brethren.
In our lead news story we learn that thanks to the purchase of an unused school building, the North Carolina District Conference has begun a ministry to teens. Mennonite Brethren from across North America have assisted with this project in a variety of ways and their contributions have impacted both the youth center and NCDC congregations. These and other stories inform us of happenings in the Mennonite Brethren and greater Mennonite family around the U.S. and the world. May they encourage us to support one another in word, deed and prayer.-CF
COMING
• NOVEMBER 14-15-Pacific District Conference convention, Lodi, Calif.
• FEBRUARY 15, 2004-U. S. Conference Peace Sunday
• JULY 21-22, 2004-National pastors' convention, Salt Lake City, Utah
• JULY 22-24, 2004-U.S. Conference convention, Salt Lake City, Utah
Art Credits: Cover photo, photos page 6 and 9- Fresno Pacific University; Photos page 5, 7 and 8- Tabor College Printing by Valley Offset Printing, Valley Center, Kan.
FEATURES - Higher Education
4 Why we should value higher education that is Christian
Tabor College and Fresno Pacific University train students for a lifetime of learning. Given how quickly information becomes obsolete and the difficult and troubling ethical and moral issues raised with each new discovery, equipping ourselves to think critically is important. But our two Mennonite Brethren colleges also provide students with a Christian worldview and one that is uniquely shaped by evangelical and Anabaptist convictions. BY D. MERRILL EWERT AND LARRY W. NIKKEL VOLUME 66, NUMBER 11
10 Scholarship and the church
When Mennonite Brethren educational institutions encourage faculty and students to do scholarly research, these projects can help us understand the influence we can have in our society. Here are some examples of how that happens. BY ROD JANZEN
DEPARTMENTS
Forum by Mary Anne Isaak and Jeanine Yoder 15
• Ordination decision sign of changing relationships
Ph'lip Side by Philip Wiebe 16
• Educational thoughts Inquiring Minds by Marvin Hein 17
• Using lottery earnings and paying for ministry accessories On the Journey by Rose Buschman 18
• Obeying the Great Commission. Chuck's Corner by Chuck Buller 19
• Grande laughter, please! Bodylife
• Summer youth work fuels spiritual renewal in North Carolina 20
• CBA marks 100th year of educating young people 25
• Iraqi families grateful for relief kits 27
• MCC Central States releases executive director 28
• Leadership board determined to end year in the black 29
• History repeating itself
BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS: Harold loewen, chair; Peggy Goertzen, Reggie Hunt, Phil Neufeld, Moises Tagle, Dalton Reimer, Kathy Heinrichs Wiest
MANDATE: The Christian Leader (ISSN 0009-5149) is published monthly by the u.s. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. The Christian Leader seeks to inform Mennonite Brethren members and churches of the events, activities, decisions and issues of their denomination, and to instruct, inspire and initiate dialogue so members will aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelical/Anabaptist theological tradition.
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VI e higher education that is nstillD
With more !hjm 4,000 colleges and universities providing higher education in the United States today, why should anyone attend Tabor College or Fresno Pacific University? And why should it matter to the Mennonite Brethren Church?
Christian universities
The concept of higher education that is Christian is not new; Clement, a second century church leader, was educated in Greece before becoming a follower of Jesus. Moving to Alexandria (Egypt) after his conversion, he opened what might be considered one of the world's first Christian universities. He suggested that faith and understanding exist in a symbiotic relationship. Faith facilitates learning and learning about God's creation strengthens faith. Theythrive together, he explained, so the purpose of Christian education is ultimately to find truth-God's truth.
As we study the natural world, we see God revealed, we engage our minds and we learn to think critically along the way. By examining the ultimate questions of life, students develop skills of observation, analysis and critical thinking. They sharpen their verbal skills and quantitative ability by studying philosophy, mathematics, literature, music, art, etc. Because this helps develop the whole person-body, soul, mind and spirit-and frees people to think in new ways, these disciplines are sometimes called the "liberating arts."
Critical thinking
The most important contribution of higher education is to help students learn to think critically and analytically. As we discover new knowledge, we learn that
some of what we had thought was true isn't. Some of the most advanced information that we learned when we were undergraduates in the 1960s has been replaced by new understandings based on more recent research. It's not that some of what our generation learned in school is no longer helpful or relevant, some of it was actually wrong. Whether it's the discovery of the quark in physics or the sequencing of the human genome, we have to confront the implications of newly discovered knowledge. The rate at which information becomes obsolete is accelerating. Meanwhile, new discoveries often raise difficult and troubling ethical and moral issues.
So the primary goal of higher education is not the transfer of data that are qUickly rendered obsolete. Rather, our mission is to develop students' critical thinking skills, enabling them to address new issues long after the specific information they once learned is no longer relevant. We believe deeply that it's more important to teach students how to think than to tell them what to think. Instead of simply transferring the accumulated knowledge of the past, we prepare people for a life of learning. Christian colleges and universities like Tabor and FPU, however, have an added advantage in fulfilling that mission-a link to eternal truth.
No other foundation
The role of the Christian educator, Clement suggested, is to live and learn, to explore new knowledge and test fresh ideas. At FPU and Tabor, students develop Christian worldviews because this learning process is built on a personal relationship with God, the creator of the universe. Whenever Menno Simons signed his name
by D. Merrill and Larry W. Ewe
to a letter or published a document, he affixed his signature verse 1 Cor. 3:11, affirming that there is "No other foundation than Jesus Christ .... "
That same verse inspired the words on Fresno Pacific University's logo and signs, Fundamentum Christus ("Christ the Foundation"). Christ is the foundation of Tabor College as well. As students study God's creation, they also learn about the Creator and are encouraged to develop deep, personal and vibrant relationships with him. Students learn to think Christianly not only about the content of their courses, but also about the issues in their lives. They develop Christian worldviews that frame their actions.
Christians in higher education
Christians created the American college and university. Harvard and Yale were founded as Congregational institutions. William and Mary and Columbia University were Anglican. Brown University was established as a Baptist institution, Princeton as Presbyterian and Rutgers as Dutch Refonned. Christians, as George Marsden writes in Tbe Soul of the American University, were the cultural and religiOUS establishment.
But Christian foundations do not assure ongoing commitments to Christian values and worldviews. Like many institutions, the seal of one university in the northwest fonnerly carried the words, Christus fundamentum, reflecting its historical association with a particular denomination. Several years ago, the buzz in the community focused on the university's appointment of the first woman as president of what was then a 100-year-oldinstitution. Later, it dawned on people that she was also Jewish, but by that time Christus Fundamentum had silendy disappeared from the university's great seal. The same thing has happened elsewhere.Around the nation, many campus chapels have been turned into museums and concert halls.
The beginnings
Tabor College was founded in 1908 under the leadership of H. w: Lohrenz, its first preSident, so Mennonite Brethren young people could obtain a Christian liberal arts education. The name was proposed in recognition of what hap-
pened on the mountain where Jesus was transfigured. This school would be called Tabor College to reflect its purpose-transforming lives. A faculty of three-President Lohrenz, P. C. Hiebert, and P. P. Rempel-opened the school with 39 students. It grew and was accredited in 1964. Throughout its history, Tabor has sent thousands of graduates out into positions of leadership in the Church and service to society.
Fresno Pacific was established as a Bible institute in the 1940s, became a junior college in the 1950s and was accredited as a four-year institution in 1965. In the early 1960s, the faculty crafted a document called The Fresno Pacific Idea that continues to frame the school's vision. It would be a Christian college, affirming the authority of the Bible in matters of faith and life, calling people to discipleship, holiness, witness and service.
TheFresno Pacific Idea establishes the university as a learning community. The first universities were loose communities of students and professors who often taught in their own homes and apartments. Aristode and Plato probably conversed while sitting on a log. At Tabor and Fresno Pacific, the conversation happens in the classrooms and athletic fields, in the cafeteria and performing halls, in the student lounges and in the homes of faculty.
Students and their faculty mentors debate, contest and grapple with critical issues. Knowledge, as Frank Rhodes suggests in Tbe Creation of the Future: Tbe Role ofAmerican Universities, is best generated, tested and refined through challenge, debate and open dialogue. Good ideas are tested and bad ideas are rejected when subjected to critical analysis.
This process of critical reflection preparesstudents to develop a response to issues they have never confront-
ed before. As Oliver Wendell Holmes said, "One's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original form." That is why our students study those "liberating arts." People learning alone, on the other hand, easily become narrow- minded and dogmatic, accepting false assumptions and untested conclusions.
The Fresno Pacific Idea calls the university to be prophetic, viewing the school as an extension of the mission of the church, We are a society adrift, a place where values often give way to selfinterest. We have seen corporate leaders unapologetically amass private fortunes while looting the pensions of their workers. Teenagers unleash viruses that wreak havoc on the world's communication networks. Increasingly acrimonious election campaigns cause many citizens to give up on the political process.
In this context, Christian institutions like Tabor and Fresno Pacific engage our students in dialogue about and in critique of contemporary culture and practice. We promote informed reflection in our classes,
Tc;wbor College
OOwned and operated by the Mennonite Brethren Church, Tabor College was founded on the Great Plains in 1908 to provide students with a well-rounded liberal arts education built upon a Christian foundation. Tabor continues to present students with an opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to become valuable citizens to society.
Tabor is comprised of two campuses in Hillsboro and Wichita, Kan.
Tabor College Hillsboro Undergraduate Programs
The fall 2003 semester brought 423 students to the
Hillsboro campus. Tabor College students can major in a variety of undergraduate programs, including education, business, science and biblical studies. Because of the small class size and a student-faculty ratio of 10-1, students know professors on a first-name basis and receive one-on-one tutorial assistance.
The month-long January interterm program offers students the opportunity to enroll in traveVstudy tours to Europe, Southeast Asia and Mexico. Tabor also allows students to study abroad with Council for Christian Colleges and Universities semester programs in locations such as China, Latin
America, the Middle East, Russia and Oxford.
Campus Life
Tabor is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics as well as the Kansas Collegiate Athletics Conference. Sixteen varsity men's and women's sports are offered, including football, volleyball, basketball, soccer and track and field.
The Tabor drama department presents four productions a year, and the choir and band tour various regions of the U. S. each spring, performing in schools and churches.
Student Activities Board provides opportunities for students to develop a sense of
community through social events. The Christian Ministries Council provides ministry opportunities through CHUMS, a mentoring program in the local school district, and a weekly time of student-led worship at Share, Prayer and Dare.
Impact on the Present and Future
Tabor College not only impacts Hillsboro and the surrounding communities, but also the Mennonite Brethren church. A substantial number of Tabor graduates serve in var· ious districts of the U.S. Conference as pastors and church leaders.
labor is currently working
helping students develop as well-rounded individuals, citizens and leaders in the church. In doing so, Christian colleges and universities offer society help with its most vexing problems by providing scholarship that is anchored in values and applicable to our daily lives.
Thinking Christianly
As college preSidents, both of us have received calls from angry parents or local church members along the lines of: "I understand that so-and-so spoke on campus. He/she is not a Christian. Didn't I hear you say at the opening convocation that you are a Christian institution? How could you allow such a person to speak?" Alternatively, we hear: "I understand that you teach (pick one: Islam, socialism, Marxism, evolution, creationism, fascism, etc.). I did not send my SOn/daughter to be exposed to that kind of garbage!"
Yes, we reply, we teach about a lot of things, but we believe that God created the universe and has revealed himself through it. We teach the importance of a personal relationship with our Creator-the one who sent his Son to die for us, and whose resurrection gives us eternal hope. We also teach our students to think critically about their faith, to examine their values, to confront troubling
We teach our students to think about their faith, to examine their values, to confront troubling ideas and to find their own answers to the difficult questions of life.
ideas and to find their own answers to the difficult questions of life. The faithful Christian college or university, James Burtchael says in The Dying of the Light, must be committed to more than piety. History has shown that they must also engage in and promote rigorous Christian thinking.
The mother of a freshman met the FPU president at a basketball game at the start of the second semester last year. She said: "Last August, I sent you my boy but you sent someone else back to us at Christmas; my boy had become a young man. We sent him to you with our family's faith; he came back to us with his own. He went to college, uncertain and worried; he came back to us poised and confident." Parents of Tabor College students have said the same thing to their president, as well.
During college, people wrestle with life's most difficult issues, examine their deepest values, and construct
to reach the capital campaign goal of raising $10.6 million for the construction and maintenance of a new residence hall. Also included in the campaign are endowment and the Tabor Fund, formerly referred to as the annual fund. The new 72,169 square-foot hall, scheduled to open in fall 2006, will house nearly 225 students.
Tabor College Wichita
In 1994, Tabor College began an adult degree program in Wichita, Kan., establishing a major in management and organizational development. In 1996 a business administration major was added, in 1997 a Christian ministry major was added and a bachelor of science in nursing was offered in 2001. These programs are designed for
adults with at least two years of college credit and significant life-learning experience. A master of science in accounting is also offered.
There are currently 115 students registered at Tabor Wichita: 101 undergraduates and 14 students completing their master's degree. Tabor
College Wichita will celebrate its 10th anniversary this spring. -by Malinda Olson, Tabor College Public Relations Office student assistant
their own adult worldviews. At Fresno Pacific University and Tabor College, Christian professors who know their disciplines teach students. These students are mentored by people who have given themselves to a life of ministry and service. Their worldviews are shaped by mature Christian scholars who have integrated faith and learning, theory and practice. Unlike what some people believe, Christian higher education is much more than regular college classes-with the addition of chapel.
A nurturing environment
Part of the key to helping students learn to think
t
& iWiffin
Christianly is providing a nurturing environment. At Tabor, 80 percent of its student body is involved in athletics, drama, music, student government or service programs. Over the years, many of its students (including the two of us) have gone on to graduate schools, medical and dental schools or studied law: The size of both institutions makes it easy for students to become leaders in student government and school organizations, preparing them to take on responsible roles in their own churches and communities.
Fresno Pacific University is highly respected in the San]oaquin Valley not only for the quality of its undergraduate programs but also for its preparation of teachers. Many school administrators have told the FPU president that they prefer hiring the university's graduates, not only for the academic preparation they bring to the classroom, but for the kind of people that the institution graduates. At FPU and Tabor, professors learn to know
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno Pacific University offers a vision of higher education within the broader Christian tradition. FPU began as Pacific Bible Institute in 1944 to train church and mission workers. The first bachelor's degrees were given in the late 19608 and graduate programs opened in the 19708. lbday, more than 2,000 students from more than 30 denominations and 27 nations learn in 17 major buildings on the 42-acre campus, as well as centers in Visalia and Bakersfield. The university comprises three schools:
Fresno Pacific College
The college is a traditional undergraduate school. Enroll8• THE CHRISTIAN
ment has increased more than 50 percent since 1997 to 965 students. The high school grade point average for incoming classes averaged over 3.5 and SAT scores for the top quarter of those entering was 1,250. The percentage of students from non-European backgrounds has grown to 30 percent.
Fresno Pacific Graduate School
Enrolling about 800 students annually, the graduate school offers master's degrees, credential programs and certificates in 16 areas. The school has awarded over 1,200 master's degrees since 1988 and in the past decade over 1,100 stuLEADER
dents have earned teaching credentials. The school also has programs in peace and conflict studies and administrative leadership.
Fresno Pacific School of Professional Studies
The Center for Degree Completion has helped hundreds of adults earn a bachelor's degree while balancing work and family responsibilities. Students pursue majors in organizational management, Christian ministries and liberal studies. The Center for Professional Developmentreaches worldwide to help thousands continue their education through seminars and distance learning.
FPU's growth is illustrated in structures as well as students. The $5 million Steinert Campus Center, providing dining and recreation/study space, opened in August. The $9 million AlMS Hall of Mathematics and Science was dedicated in the fall of 2002 and The Cockerham Track and Ramirez Soccer Field opened in 2001. New tennis courts and a fine arts building are planned.
Beyond growth and buildings, the student-fuculty relationship is the heart of an FPU education. Faculty mentors offer academic and personal counseling. Freshmen also join collegiums to help them flourish academically, spiritually and emotionally. The
their students and mentor them in ways that would be impossible in large institutions. Caring and skilled professors do more than transmit the accumulated wisdom of the past, they help students build careers and develop as Christians.
At risk
Operating church colleges and universities has never been easy, which is why so many denominations have given up on it. Many Christian colleges are at risk today. By some estimates, a third or more of the four-year Christian colleges will fold during the next decade. The loss of denominational support has forced some institutions to look elsewhere for students and resources, reshaping the character of what were once Christian colleges and universities.
FPU and Tabor celebrate the fact that the Mennonite Brethren churches remain close to their schools. We thank you for the students you entrust to us. We also thank you for your prayers, your counsel and your financial support. We see our work as an extension of the church, a partnership that serves Christ and helps build his kingdom.
Even when successful, this ministry is expensive.
student/faculty ratio is 16:1.
Music covers the spectrum from jazz to baroque, and the drama department produces two major productions each year as well as shorter performances. A variety of campus clubs and outreach ministries offer students an opportunity to learn and serve on campus and in the sur· rounding community.
FPU is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Sunbird teams compete in men's and women's bas· ketball, track, cross-country and soccer as well as women's volleyball. Baseball is played as a club sport.•
FPU and Tabor celebrate the/act that the Mennonite Brethren churches remain close to their schools . .. We see our work as an extension of the church, a partnership that serves Christ and helps build his kingdom.
Increasing enrollments mean that we need more buildings, more faculty and more services to teach and support our students. But the opposite of growth is death for Christian colleges and universities. More than the death of institutions-empty buildings and declining grounds-the loss of Christian colleges and universities means the loss of opportunities to prepare Christian leaders for the church and to proclaim the truth through scholarship and service.
Tabor College and Fresno Pacific University are passionate about their shared mission of preparing students for lives of learning and service. In the words of Seattle Pacific University President Philip Eaton, through higher education, we are committed to " engage the culture with the transforming Gospel of Jesus.".
D. Merrill Ewert is president of Fresno Pacific University and Larry lv. Nikkel is president of Tabor College, the two colleges owned and operated by u.s. Mennonite Brethren.
by Rod Janzen
SCIIOLAR IIIP AND THE CHURCH
.t was first introduced to Frank Abe in the summer of 1994 while conducting research on japanese-Americans who had been sent to relocation camps dUring Wo.r!p War II. I wanted to know how their farms had bet! taken care of while they were gone.
.Abt. now president of the Abe-El Packing Company near Orosi, Calif., said that his parents were very pleased with the way the Silva family, immigrants themselves from the Portuguese Azores, planted and harvested his family'S crops. The two stories that Abe told me that resonated most, however, were related to personal experiences of discrimination and they both involved Mennonites whose names I recognized.
The first story involved Henry Martens. Abe said that Martens was the only car dealer in the Reedley and Dinuba, Calif., area who would sell vehicles to japanese-Americans after they returned to the community in 1944. Martens made the sales under cover of night, but that didn't bother Abe. And this story was repeated many times by other japanese-Americans interviewed.
When I asked Stan Martens, who succeeded his father Henry as owner of the Chevolet dealership, about the story he conflnned the details. He said that his father had been heavily criticized for selling to
japanese-Americans, creating a stressful situation for the entire family. Martens was amazed that people still remembered. Many businesses in the central San joaquin Valley had simply refused to sell anything to the returnees, even though the latter had done nothing to warrant their two years of incarceration. A sign in downtown Orosi, located about 12 miles from Reedley, put it succinctly: "Don't sell to japs."
This story emerged as the result of an assignment in the 20th Century America course, where I require students to conduct interviews with people who have been directly involved in important events or movements in recent American history. World War II veterans, 1960s-era conscientious objectors, white migrants from the Midwest and Mexican-American farm workers are some examples. I participate in this assignment as well.
The second Frank Abe story started with a walk home from Dinuba High School. Abe and good friend Vtrgil Goossen had missed the bus one afternoon because of football practice and started for home on foot. They were soon stopped by a man in a pick-up truck who offered them a ride. As Abe began to get in alongside Goossen, the man yelled out, "Not you jap." Later, after a distressed Vtrgil got home, he and his father, extremely unhappy about the whole incident, drove around looking for Abe, but he had taken a short cut across the fields and so Goossen and his father never found him.
These stories, placed in proper historical context, have meaning beyond the time period within which they are located. God calls us to show kindness to those who are treated unfairly. And these stories show two incidents of unpopular yet ethical behavior on the part of members of Mennonite Brethren churches with regard to particular incidents of discrimination. They also underscore the importance of encouraging our educational institutions to support the engagement of faculty and students in research projects that help us understand the important influence that Christians can
have in our society.
The importance of scholarly endeavors
Members of Mennonite congregations often hear about how important it is to send their young people to Christian colleges and universities. These are places where men and women are prepared for life academically, socially and, most importantly, spiritually. In addition to attending religious services, students take courses that are taught by committed Christians who introduce the spiritual dimension of life into the study of all subject matter areas. These teachers also provide important mentoring and counsel from a Christian perspective.
Teaching, mentoring and student-life related activities are without question of primary significant. What is often forgotten or underemphasized, however, is the importance of scholarly endeavors as well.
The word "scholarship," though Variously defined, assumes research that leads to the discovery of new knowledge, causing the shape of previous interpretations to be re-evaluated. This is an exciting and meaningful endeavor for those involved. Something new is being sought after, found in some incarnation and thought about. According to a consensus of opinion from some of the best known academic professional organizations (including the American Academy of Religion, the American Historical Association and the American Chemistry Association) "scholarship" assumes the following:
•a high level of discipline-related expertise
• innovation
• the possibility of the study being replicated or elaborated
• the likelihood of the work being documented
•a peer-review process
•a study of importance or a project that will have impact.
Our Anabaptist-Mennonite colleges and universities have traditionally defined themselves primarily as teaching institutions. And there is nothing wrong with this. Due to the large number of different courses faculty members are asked to teach, it is difficult to know when to find time to engage in scholarly endeavors. In addition we do not want research projects to distract faculty from spending time with students, a common complaint at large universities.
The value of research
I have found personally, however, that involvement in research projects has a positive impact on teaching and, perhaps more important, it carries the poSSibility of generating new understandings with contemporary relevance for Christians. It also creates the contingency that students themselves may get involved in important schol-
arly activities, sharing in the process of bringing forth new interpretations, new ideas. This is the case whether the subject field is history, the sciences or the arts. In order to be relevant in a postmodern age, the church and its institutions of higher education need to be at the cutting edge of new ways of thinking in order to influence society in positive directions.
I offer three examples of the way in which personal historical research projects have led to publications that have relevance for the church.
The first example is the book, The Prairie People: Forgotten Anabaptists (1999), a history of the noncommunal Hutterite people (the Prairieleut). This book tells the history not only of the various independent Hutterite
RoJj"'IUR churches, comprised of Hutterites who decided not to live communally, but also the story of that very large group of Hutterites who-in the early 1900s-joined the Krimmer Mennonite Brethren. The latter group joined the Mennonite Brethren Conference in 1960.
Particularly important is the fact that the Hutterian contingent ultimately comprised nearly half of the membership of the Krimmer MB Conference. This gave people of Hutterite religious and ethnic background major impact on this small, 3,000-member denomination. There was extensive opportunity for the development of leadership qualities, exemplified in the leading role that KMBs played in home and international missions. Many KMBs of Hutterite background were also involved in politics in the state of South Dakota, including, in recent times, Harvey Wollman, who served briefly as governor, House of Representatives member Benny Gross and State Senator Leland Kleinsasser.
Among other things, this book raises questions about the impact of congregational size on the level of involvement of members, an important issue in Mennonite congregations today. It also analyzes the impact of a strong Hutterite ethnic identity on evangelistic efforts, an extremely important issue during an era when we are actively reaching out to those with nonethnic Mennonite backgrounds.
The second example is an article entitled '1acob D. Hofer, Evangelist, Minister and Carpenter," published in the California Mennonite Historical Society Bulletin in 1994. Hofer served as pastor in a number ofMB congregations and served three terms as chainnan of the Pacific District Conference. He was also a force behind the establishment of Pacific Bible Institute, later Fresno Pacif-
Tile PI dille People
['J'Qol'm A1JdD.pi ll!1
ic University.
But Hofer ran into trouble at Fresno MB Church (later Bethany MB Church) in the 1950s due to the expressed opinion of some members that Hofer was too open to new forms of worship. It was reported, for example, that at one young people's meeting the youth had "gone wild" and had "danced it up." Although Hofer never advocated the "Pentecostalism" he was accused of, he did attimes raise his hands upward in praise to God and refused to come down hard on members who expressed what detractors described as a too enthusiastic religiosity.
This issue is of extreme importance to us today as Mennonite churches across the country engage in an ongoing still-controversial debate about worship styles, music and preaching. Forms of worship Hofer was attacked for tolerating in the 1950s are commonplace in many Sunday morning services today.
A third example is from the more recently-published The Rise and Fall of Synanon: A California Utopia (2001). In the 1960s and 70s Synanon was well-known as an influential and innovative drug rehabilitation commune, which attracted many jazz musicians, professional athletes and Hollywood stars. The group, led by former Alcoholics Anonymous veteran Chuck Dederich, was radicalized in the late 1970s, however, and became indelibly associated with the placing of a rattlesnake in the mailbox of an attorney who had successfully sued on behalf of a former member.
This study forced me to do an in-depth study of the general social and political climate of the 1960s and 1970s and to compare principles and practices in this secular commune to those I had previously studied with regard to the communal and Christian Hutterites. I also had to learn something about Alcoholics Anonymous and immerse myself in the drug rehabilitation literature.
One benefit of this research project was to better understand alternative social movements during aparticular time period (the 1960s, 70s and 80s) which I teach about. In addition, however, it raises questions about how a group some referred to as a cult-which at
one time referred to itself as a "religion"-could gain such a powerful hold on thousands of people who had been brought up in church and temple settings. How did this happen? How may we ensure that our young people look at new religious and social movements with greater skepticism and critical analysis?
Research impacts teaching
Research projects generate all manner of new understandings and questions, which it is important for the church to confront from a position of expertise. And they also have a positive impact on teaching. In general I have found that research does several things:
• It promotes general intellectual and practical honesty (not asking students, for example, to do things that faculty members are not willing to do themselves),
• It motivates students and faculty members,
• It keeps one passionate about one's subject field,
• It helps clarify conceptual foundations and pedagogical approaches,
• It forces greater attention to detail, to the logical construction of arguments and proper attention to upto-date sources,
• It promotes the professional exchange of ideas and practices, an important corrective at times,
• It strengthens interpersonal relationships with community groups and individuals.
With regard to the last point, Fresno County Superintendent Pete Mehas has recently asked whether Fresno Pacific University faculty would be interested in coordinating a study of the impact of school size on the learning process. This could have a major impact on future decision-making in the school district. Similarly, FPU President Merrill Ewert has convened a group of faculty interested in studying important urban social issues. These kinds of projects not only extend our knowledge of different subject matter areas. They reenergize us and create the potential for greater involvement in the community at large.
Research activities offer a way to extend the kingdom of God through an unexpected pathway. As Christians, we should not leave scholarly endeavors-with their very influential and sometimes public findings-to those in the secular community. Yes, those of us who teach in Christian universities have a responsibility to promote and engage in scholarship.
RodJanzen was recently appointed to the position of Distinguished Scholar at Fresno Pacific University. This allows him to spend 50 percent of his time on research projects. The appointment was made based on his past publication history, which includes most recently the books The Prairie People: Forgotten Anabaptists and The Rise and Fall of Synanon: A California Utopia.
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Women in leadership
I read with interest your articles on women in leadership. It seams amazing that in the 21st century we are still fighting the Dark Ages battle of ''women's position." I was fortunate enough to be raised in a denomination that has experienced the blessings and power of women in top leadership and have expanded and not sunk into the ground. Your articles deplore the lack of role models. I encourage women whom God has gifted to consider the role models of Christine MacMillan, currently leader of the Salvation Army in Canada, and Eva Burrows, former head of the Salvation Army worldwide. Both these women are humble, people-oriented servants of God and have served him in the lowest levels. Their sterling character and godliness have taken them to these positions.
Shirlie Caruk
Music and worship
Brad Vogel makes some interesting observations [about music and worship] ("Study explores changes in church and college music patterns," August 2003). I have to think that the type of music that is being pushed in our churches, rather than the good gospel songs that most of us grew up with, are not always what the majority of people in the church want but rather what a few individuals think we should be singing. I have observed in our church that when we have these new type
of songs, that often it seems like particularly the more mature people do not sing and have a sad look on their face, but when we sing the good old-time gospel songs they join in.
Most of the August issue was devoted to our young people and that is good. However I think that when we do our music we should also consider the people who have been with us many years and what they enjoy and hold dear. I think it is sad that to a large extent the great old songs of the faith that tell the story of our faith in God, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the shedding of his blood for our sins and our hope for the future are not being passed on to our young people.
Donovan Ediger Inman,Kan
Youth and ministry
How exciting to read of young people Canada experiencing church and ministry using methods and vocabulary that will influence and likely define the church's outreach in the future (August 2003).
How encouraging to see denominational ministries affinn that "millennials" (teens, etc.) and "Generation X" (20s and early 30s) aren't all lazy pagans dragging society down the tubes.
How challenging for us who are older to consider that while faith experience and expressions have continued to change throughout history, the gospel will be adequate for every generation as it is presented clearly and faithfully.
How courageous for the pastors and editors to come right out and call this a The Christian leader welcomes brief letters "postmodern" approach, considering the on topics relevant to the Mennonite Brethren fact that while not everything about postChurch. Letters to the editor should be brief modernism is compatible with the gospel, - 300 words or less - and on one subject. postmodernism is a reality that must be Letters must be signed and include the factored into our witness. writer's city and state. Letters will be edited for clarity, appropriateness and length. Letters
How convicting to realize that many of will be published, as space allows, unless the negative events and forces of the '60s, marked "Not for publication. " Send letters to etc., that contributed to the current worldChristian leader, P.O. Box 220, Hillsboro, KS view might not have been as influential 67063 (e-mail: editor@usmb.org). had earlier generations (particularly the 14 • THE CHRISTIAN LEADER
church) been more committed to JudeaChristian values and the teachings of Christ and less controlled by their own selfish desires.
How encouraging to hear others say that the new approach is more a mind-set and less about chronological age. That we as older adults can contribute to bridging the chasms that will enable all generations to worship and work side-by-side with respect so that all "might be one" as Jesus prayed in]ohn 17.
I commend the staff of the Christian Leader for the many thought-provoking articles being featured that can help strengthen our effectiveness in this challenging and exciting time for the church. The quality of today's young people bodes well for the church of tomorrow; Lee Suderman Aliso Viejo, Calif
I want to express my appreciation to Rick Bartlett for calling our teenagers to ministry (August 2003). I am really concerned about what we are doing to our youth. Our forefathers came to America for freedom to worship as they pleased. We used to have Sunday morning and evening services and Wednesday night prayer meetings. The evening services were for the group,held by youth of our church presenting music, readings, etc., (and) keeping in fellowship with other Christians. Now so many of our Mennonite Brethren churches have only Sunday morning services. Are we literally turning our youth out to go entertain themselves with Sunday night shows and worldly entertainment instead of bringing in powerful ministers and setting our young people on fire for the Lord and becoming youth leaders and missionaries?
Ann Penner Fresno, Calif
Ordination decision sign of changing relationships
BY MARY ANNE ISAAK AND JEANINE YODER
WHEN
CHRISTIANS OF DIFFERENT
cultures meet, theological questions typically arise. This summer was no exception as Mennonite Brethren from North America met with Mennonite Brethren in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. This tour of churches and church work in these countries was organized by MBMS International for the Assembly Scattered segment of Mennonite World Conference.
At the MB School of Missiology in Kinshasa, a sincere student asked whether a recent theological decision made by the MB Conference in Congo might strain the relationship between the MB church in America and the MB church in Congo. The decision in question, preceded by much Bible study and theological debate at the national conference level, is to ordain women pastors in the Congolese MB church.
The first step of this decision was taken Aug. 12, 2000, when the MB church in Congo ordained Madame Lukala Londa Charly. In many ways, her ordination corresponds to the pre-1957 North American MB practice of ordaining women for the mission field overseas. Madame Charly was ordained to serve as a pastor overseas, in a Mennonite congregation in Chatenay-Malabry near Paris, France where she had done her internship while studying at the Evangelical Faculty ofVaux-sur-Seine. However the catalyst for her ordination came, not from the church in France, but from a larger Protestant organization in Congo. The Eglise du Christ au Congo, an umbrella organization for all Protestant Churches in Congo, asked Pastor Charly to be their representative in France, a role requiring an ordained pastor. Considering this request from the larger Christian body in their country, the MB church in Congo agreed to ordain Pastor Charly.
Today, Pastor Charly, a widow and mother of five, continues to represent the Egllse du Christ au Congo in France, as well as working in four areas of ministry
among several French congregations: I} the ministry of song, as a composer and a choir director in churches, 2} the ministry of intercession, praying for servants of God in the entire world, 3} the ministry of Christian youth education, especially through the African Missionary Association For The World, which she founded, and 4} the ministry of the Word, as chaplain for hospitals in Paris. In the local Mennonite congregation in Chatenay-Malabry, Pastor Charly has four areas of ministry: preaching, social aid, choir directing and parish visits. She well deserves her nickname, "Ie bulldozer," for the energy that she pours into her ministry.
Back in Congo, after this ordination, the discussion in the MB churches continued. H they could ordain a woman for ministry overseas, could they also ordain women who were serving on pastoral teams in congregations in Congo? H the Holy Spirit was poured out on women as well as on men in Acts 2, should the church withhold their blessing of women's ministry?
And so, after much prayer and discernment, the MB church in Congo made an official decision to ordain women as well as men. Pastor Mama Kadi was ordained as a pastor Aug. 24, just days after she returned to Kinshasa from MWC Assembly Gathered.
Mama Kadi, recently widowed, has been a leader in the Congolese MB Conference for many years. She was appointed to give leadership to the pastors' wives in spiritual formation and economic development. Also, as an active member of the Congolese Women Theologians, she is often consulted when theological issues arise in the broader conference.
The United has identified the "Mama Theologians," as they are often referred to, as key players to address poverty and health of the women of the Congo. According to the UN, Congo has the highest mortality rate in childbearing in the world. Believing that the gospel is
holistic, Mama Kadi is committed to responding to these issues in two ways: by helping women in the MB Conference to establish small businesses and by calling for equitable distribution of resources among men and women in the Congo. While her commitments remain the same as before, Mama Kadi's ordination marks a critical turning point in the MB conference.
This decision has significant implications for theperception of the relationship between the MB churches in Congo and in North America. Historically in this relationship, there is a shared perception that the North American church, "the parent church," is the theological leader/teacher and that the Congolese church, "the mission child," is the theological responderlleamer. This church-to-church relationship is in the process of being redefined.
The Congolese decision to ordain women is a clear illustration that the MB church in Congo is willing to reach resolution on a theological issue which the MB church in North America continues to debate (see Christian Leader May 2003). The MB church in Congo is taking leadership, discerning the interpretation of the Scriptures for themselves. They are not simply waiting for the North American church to make a decision and then responding to that decision.
The emerging self-identity of the MB Congolese church as leader is further illustrated by a recommendation arising from the seminars organized for Congo-North American dialogue dUring the visit to MB headquarters in Kikwit. Recommendation #4 from the women's group from the MB District of Kikwit states, "We thank the church of the Democratic Republic of Congo for having accepted the ordination of female pastors. In light of this decision, we propose that the Church of America and of Canada follow this example," (July 7, 2003, Kikwit) .•
BY PHiliP WIEBE
Educational thoughts
NOT LONG AGO I READ SOMETHING
that must have come as a shock to those who believe public education has fallen hopelessly into the morass of ineffectiveness and ineptitude. "The nation's high school class of 2003," the article said, "achieved the highest on the math section of the SAT in at least 36 years." Not bad for an education system some deem much worse than it was 36 years ago. And if that wasn't enough, apparently takers of the verbal section of the 2003 SAT scored higher than students have in 16 years.
So, from this could we conclude that today's public schools aren't doing such a bad job after all? I guess not. As soon as the 36-year-high report came out, the educational doomsayers responded with the usual slew of disclaimers: the report was skewed, the statistics were misrepresented, SAT takers got lucky and so on. Funny, though, how some of the most vocal education critics currently don't have children in school. I do, and they seem to be learning the same stuff I did all those centuries ago when I was a student. And probably, with today's advanced information access, learning it better.
But the Good Old Days types like to tell us how everything was superior in America back then, and I can see their point. For instance, there wasn't any terrorism (only world wars). And there wasn't as much racial conflict (only systematic racism). And there wasn't this ongoing batde of the sexes (only domestic servitude on the part of women). And in school, students studied good old-fashioned subjects such as reading, writing, history, math and science. As opposed to today, when my kids take, urn, reading, writing, history, math and science.
All right, I'll stop now. It just bothers me, as you can tell, when some people rip
all things modern as inferior to all things past. I suppose that's just human nature. Even the nation of Israel, freed from Egyptian slavery and led by God himself; whined about wanting to go back to the way things used to be. But of course the way things used to be weren't all they were cracked up to be.
Now that I've defended public schools, though, I'm going to backpedal a bit and agree with a study that was more specific in its concerns about modern education. "The nation's schools are telling an unbalanced story of their own country" the study said, "offering students plenty about America's failings but not enough about its values and freedoms." I'm inclined to agree with that, especially since it comes from a nonpartisan research institute with no political agenda. The report has been called notable, in fact, for the "range of people supporting it, from Republicans and Democrats to labor unions and conservative think tanks."
NoW; I don't think it would be healthy to go back to teaching the "selective memory" version of U.S. history that used to be popular. This tended to emphasize the positives of American independence and advancement while downplaying sticky problems such as slavery, genocide, environmental destruction and such. It's not good to bury that kind of stuff We need to be forthright and unblinking in looking at past failures in order to repent, learn and grow.
But today we realize the pendulurn has swung from a bright historical picture to a gloomy one. "In a push to give a warts-and-all account of the struggles of democracy," the report said, "schools have turned the nation's sins into the essence of the story instead of just a part of it." Adds Sarah Feldman, president of the American
Federation of Teachers, "We definitely have had terrible problems as a nation, but we also have a society that is totally different than that of a totalitarian society. Children need to understand and value what has been built here." That's the kind of re-education about democracy all of us, not just children, could use.
Another recent study about education also intrigued me. This one looked into what types of cultural references might be understood differently between college professors and students. For instance, a professor might know Paul Newman as an actor, but a student might only know him as the Newman's Own salad dressing guy. The point of the study is to help teachers consider how well they're communicating with students. "Professors will teach by referring to cultural information for the purposes of analogy or illustration," ?ne of the developers of the study said. "BUt the kind of information they're using may simply not be relevant to 18-year-old minds."
That makes sense. It's certainly something we should pay attention to in the church. Often we longtime churchgoers can use references and concepts that are incomprehensible to newcomers and younger generations that have not been steeped in Sunday school and Bible drills. Some of these words and ideas can even become foggy for those who utter them, because they've been used too casually for too long, without context or explanation.
Just like those professors connecting with their students, it's important that we communicate faith in ways that are understandable and relevant to those who hear. And maybe the best place to start is in checking our own hearts, to make sure our faith is understandable and relevant to us.•
BY MARVIN HEIN
Questions about faith Be life
for ministry accessories
QWhat would our conference churches do if someone offered them lottery money? What if someone offered Tabor or Fresno Pacific University lottery money? (Nebraska)
AThis inquiry comes from a person who noticed that when people on the street were interviewed by a newspaper about how they would spend lottery money if they won, four out of six said they would give some of it to their church. I did my own informal research, both with church members and school administrators, to determine how our churches and schools might respond.
Only one person gave an unequivocal "no;" she would not accept gambling money. One administrator didn't hesitate a moment: "I'd put it in our Endowment Fund." But then this person admitted the response was not taking into account theological issues. Several times the question was answered, tongue in cheek, with humor. "God works in strange and mysterious ways his wonders to perform," said one administrator. Someone else remembered that Salvation Army founder William Booth once said: "The only tainted money I know is 'tain't enough yet'." I also recalled that Billy Sunday commented to the effect that the devil had used such monies long enough and he, Sunday, was prepared to use it for the kingdom.
In a sense our schools have already bought into the idea. Native American students enroll in school and their tuition is paid by the Indian tribe to which they belong. That money in these
Everyone agreed that if the so-called II ill-gotten n money would compromise a church, school or boardls rules or principles, the gift should not be received.
cases usually comes from gambling profits. Students in our schools receive state grants that come in large part from alcoholic beverage sales taxes and cigarette taxes.
Everyone agreed that if the so-called "ill-gotten" money would compromise a church, school or board's rules or principles, the gift should not be received. If it were known that the money came from criminal activities, it should be refused. Or if the gift should undermine the credibility of an institution, it should not be accepted. An example given was Oral Roberts' acceptance of a $150,000,000 gift from a race track mogul to support Roberts' plans for a hospital. That gift probably caused the entire enterprise to fail.
The governor of Kansas is close to approving legalized gambling. Some Kansas colleges, hoping for increased state grants to students, see such proceeds as an answer to their problems. In essence they are saying, "We will not lobby nor favor gambling. But if it happens, and some monies could go for socially acceptable goals, we will receive them."
The question has two sides. As one administrator said, "If we wanted to be purists, there would be a principled
Have a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference policy, or other spiritual issue? E-mail Marvin at mheinl@fresno.edu or send your question to "Inquiring Minds," c/o Marvin Hein, 3036 East Magill Avenue, Fresno, CA 93710.
response: 'Thanks, but no thanks'." I have the feeling that in most cases the gifts would be received gladly.
QIf our church offerings pay for church ministries, why are we consistently asked to pay for the accessories that logically accompany ministries? (California)
AExamples of accessories are choir "dues," Sunday School materials, Bible study books, etc. We pay our offerings for church ministries and then pay again for ministries not covered in the budget. I know the feeling. My wife and I head a Primetimers group in our church. Often we donate funds or materials that are not reimbursed. Shouldn't the church pay for all church ministries? Probably not. Most of us have enough discretionary income that we can add to our tithes and offerings. Volunteers who also contribute to that ministry from their own funds do some of the best work in the church. It's a bit like the schoolteacher who provides supplies out of histher own pocket. I recently read that in one large school district teachers average more than $400 per person annually in such expenditures.
It is difficult for a congregation to foresee all its expenses. Moreover, the added contributions for "accessories" provide an opportunity to extend the ministry of the church without the hassle of adding or manipulating church budgets constantly. Technically, the inquirer probably has a point. The church family should support all the church ministries. Practically, there is a certain spontaneity in stewardship that is enhanced by the additional gifts we make .•
BY ROSE BUSCHMAN
Obeying the Great Commission
Diverse group of workers in lives in
"DO YOU THINK IT WOULD BE ever. Cox has a big burden for the spiritu- are serving him. possible for me to attend the service al welfare of the people. He was assigned Then there is Sam and Heather Jentonight?" I asked. two small lots in the colonia on which to nings. They showed up unannounced at
"Of course you can," he answered build a church. At the present time the Children's Haven last September, and with a tinge of disbelief "But do you real- church consists of a ZD-foot x ZD-foot con- asked if there was any work with which ly want to come? It's quite primitive and crete slab. Using some makeshift poles he they could help. Sam and Heather had a you'll get dirty. I usually do." strings a plastic tarp across it for a "roof" home, garden, jobs and a comfortable life
Johnny and I were talking about a Cox found a Spanish-speaking pastor in Pennsylvania. They were happy, but not recently begun Wednesday night service in who agreed to come down with some of completely content. Something was missa colonia in Reynosa, Mexico. I was in the his parishioners to conduct a worship ing. After several years of praying and askRio Grande Valley of Texas just a few miles service in the colonia. The evening I ing God for direction, they became confrom the Mexican border. Reynosa is a attended there were at least 250 people vinced that they should sell their home border city with approximately 800,000 assembled, with over half of them chil- and quit their jobs. They purchased a residents. Many poor people migrate to dren. Most people stood through the small used motor home and headed this city from the Mexican countryside entire service, although a few had brought south. They are a godsend at Children's looking for work In order to keep some their own chairs. It was a very special time Haven doing whatever is needed-mainorder and stability, the city government that I was privileged to be a part of and tenance and yard work, producing the sets aside some land called a colonia, witness. newsletter and other office work and often in a flood plain, where the poor can Johnny Cox is an ordinary man who procuring supplies and food for the work get the use of a small plot of land on heard the call of God in his life and made teams that come on mission trips. which to make a home for themselves. the choice to follow him. He is making a "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else
Several years ago Johnny Cox came to difference in his small comer of the or doing something different," Sam told the Rio Grande Valley from Dallas on a world. me. "I know we are doing what God mission trip with his church. The group Children's Haven was begun by a wants us to do and that's good enough for worked in Reynosa at Children's Haven, a young missionary woman, Shirley Haight, me." Their servant-heart attitude "to do home for abused and neglected children. who saw the need for a home for abused, whatever it takes" is an inspiration to all While in Reynosa they made a trip to a abandoned, neglected and/or orphaned that meet them. nearby colonia where they distributed rice children. She answered the call of God in Ron Sider in his book Cup of Water, and beans, clothing, soap and other items her life and today a home for 50 children Bread of Life asserts, "If 10 percent of the to the impoverished residents there. After exists on the outskirts of Reynosa. Haight Christians in the world today would obey he returned home Cox could not forget died several years ago, but others have Jesus' commission inJohn 20:21 we the experience at the colonia. His pastor taken up the challenge. would experience explosive church accompanied him on a fact-finding trip In 1993 Rod and Carolyn Harder growth and sweeping social transformaback to Mexico and the result is that now came down from Manitoba, Canada, to tion." Johnny, Shirley, Rob, Carolyn, Sam Cox works in the colonia on a full-time help at the home. They planned to stay and Heather are part of that 10 percent. basis, supported by his church. for four months but are still there 10 years Am I? Are you? Cox lives in a small travel trailer at later. Rod is currently the U.S. director for Jesus said, the Father has sent me, the Children's Haven office in Pharr, Children's Haven at their office in Pharr so send I you" Oohn 20:21). Texas, and with funds from his church and Carolyn is the office manager and Paul wrote, "So here's what I want builds small homes for needy residents in director of the child sponsorship pro- you to do, God helping you. Take your the colonia. The material for a 12-foot by gram. Over the years they have held a vari- everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eat16-foot house costs approximately $800. ety of jobs here, doing "whatever it takes" ing, going-to-work and walking-around He is now working on his third house. to support the ministry. They are ordinary life-and place it before God as an offerBuilding homes is not enough, how- people who answered the call of God and ing" (Romans 12:1, TheMessage) .•
BY CHUCK BULLER
U.S. CONFERENCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Grande laughter, pleasel
Coffee, friends and laughter combine to start the day out right
EACH DAY THAT' RND MYSELF AT him a drunkard, and sinner.
I was so "busy" as a pastor that I didhome in VISalia, Calif, begins with a How easy it is for us to skim over n't have time for authentic friendships. familiar routine. I stop at VISalia Coffee this essential quality of]esus. He really They have taught me how to laugh again. House to "re-java-nate" my body and pre- loved all kinds. And he loved them not And not just at corny "pastor jokes" that pare to tackle the challenges of denomi- just as projects but as people. Many of serve as filler in long sermons. Rather it's national leadership. the folks he spent time with never the kind of laughter I think Jesus enjoyed
Truth be told, I'm far less interested became his foUowers. Some ended up with his "coffee buddies." Laughter that in the coffee than the people I meet betraying him in his darkest hour. No comes easily because we humans do say there. It's a motley crew without the matter. Jesus was the "real deal." The one so many dumb things! music. And the best part is their accept- who came to save the world, not con- It has become obvious to me that my ance of me in spite of my occupation. demn it Oohn 3: 16,17, if you have to coffee friends are generally more comThey are some of the most genuine look it up). fortable with their imperfections than I human beings I have yet to meet. They I worry sometimes about American am with mine. AU too often when we include an Armenian contractor, an Ita!- Christianity. We have become good at gather only with the redeemed we work ian insurance broker, an ex-Mennonite doing what Jesus didn't-condemning way too hard to prove that our stop and accountant, a MennonitelBaptist who the world. We wonder why our churches start efforts at discipleship really are believes that is what MB stands for, an struggle to evangelize when most of us working and sadly we often lose the advertising executive, an Armenian real don't have any real nonreligious friends laughter in the quest for perfectionism. estate broker, another Italian developer and the ones we do have we see as proj- When you think about it, the human and me, the Mennonite Brethren "clergy- ects on a prayer list, rather than people experience provides all of the empirical man." A Promise Keepers accountability we really like! Maybe Jesus had it right. evidence needed of why God's grace had group we are not! What we have slowly Judging people is truly God's business to be applied to our world. And I have become are friends-that unique social (Matt. 7:1-3) And our business is to love found that when you stop trying so hard unit that there are not nearly enough of our neighbor as ourselves. to prove that every flaw has to fit into in our hurried, fast-paced, goal oriented
My coffee friends have given me a God's plan for life, you mysteriously church and world. gift that I did not realize I had lost when move closer to what Jesus called joy
Amazingly, we Mennonites who call Oohn 10:10) .• ourselves foUowers of Jesus often minimize this one very clear trait of his life. Jesus had friends. He even called his disciples that in John 15:15. And, he did not limit his friendships to this group of 12 young "interns" who would help him usher in his new kingdom. He was often in the company of people with whom he had no intention of including in his "strategic" plan. The Bible tells us that Jesus hung out with genuine human beings that contained the hopes and hurts of all people. Prostitutes, tax coUectors, partyers-in short, the nonreligious. So much so, that gossip-happy religionists who didn't see him in church enough called
Summer youth work fuels spiritual renewal in North Carolina
sOAR
This summer, some 140 youth, sponsors and families partnered with the North Carolina District Conference to disciple youth and serve churches and their communities through Youth Mission International's SOAR program. YMI is one of the short-term mission programs under the umbrella of MBMS International, the global mission agency of North American Mennonite Brethren.
"The vision of this program was a youth partnership that discipled our youth to be disciples of Christ, and to have a heart for ministry, a heart for service, a heart for worship," says Philip Serez, YMI SOAR program director. "It was also a vision to serve the North Carolina confer· ence and ministries represented within
relational and work'ministry
that conference." SOAR is the MB shortterm missions program designed for groups ofteens aged 15 to 18.
Ten youth groups spent an intense 12 days July 24-Aug. 4 in partnership with the seven churches of the North Carolina conference. 1\vo of the youth groups carne from North Carolina; the others came from Canada, the Southern District and the Latin America District. The group also included five families in a YMI pilot program. SOAR North Carolina was one of four programs organized by YMI in 2003: 1\vo others went to the Califomia/Mexico border and anoth· er to Wmnipeg. This was the second year SOAR teams partnered with North Carolina.
The SOAR partnership has had a positive effect within the North Carolina District, according to Terry Hunt, senior pas-
tor of the Bushtown MB Church in Lenoir, I N.C. "The YMI group has given the North Carolina conference the confidence we needed to continue working with our teens," he says. "It sparked a new fire in us I for developing our young teens into mature leaders."
The SOAR experience began with a three-day training, which Serez calls a 'I "heart preparation, heart challenge time." It was also a bonding time for the participants. Although two countries, and several cultures and races were represented, "they just gelled together," says Hunt. He says, I "Nobody saw themselves as a different color or a different nationality or from a different part of the country." Serez says it I was exciting to see youth from different backgrounds worship together.
After the training, the group was divided into teams of 10 to 15 and sent on daily ministry assignments that focused on both rela· tional and work ministries. The list of assignments included "VBS programs, community service, door-todoor evangelism, sports camps,carniV3Js,construction and food and clothing distribution," according to Serez.
Some teams were involved with Hope Christian Outreach Youth Center in Lenoir, where they ran a sum· mer day camp for children, a basketball camp and a carnival. The youth center has gained attention across the U.S. Confer· ence, with work teams from Minnesota and Kansas providing physical labor to renovate the facility, and teens at Estes 2003 giving over $12,000 toward the project.
According to Hunt, the youth center began when 14 pastors, laymen and deacons from the area MB churches prayed for a vision for the youth of the district. Hunt says that many other denominations in the area have "family life centers," which ! provide a place for teens to get off the I street and enjoy a safe environment that I will also nurture their faith. Hunt and others wanted that kind of positive environ- I ment for the youth in the MB congrega- I tions and communities. !
The youth center is located in the auditorium of a former elementary school. Since it had once experienced a fire, it was necessary to renovate the auditorium before it could be used. The facilities are now about 90 percent renovated, with only minor trim work, painting and floor refinishing left on the to-do list. Hunt says the district would like to eventually purchase the entire building and renovate it for full-time ministry, perhaps including a family life center and apartments for community members in need.
Although some finish work remains to be done, the youth center has been in
service for over a year. District Youth Pas· tor James Wilfong leads a Saturday morning program called Fully Relying On God, or FROG, which serves church and community youth from preschoolers to high schoolers. Saturday evening is movie night, featuring a movie with a Christian message and refreshments. On Sunday evenings, the center is used for worship services geared for families. Hunt calls the center a "vital source for our kids to spiritually mature and to grow:"
In addition to working with the youth center, the SOAR teams ministered to physical and spiritual needs in the communities around Lenoir, where three MB churches are located, and Boone, home of I the Boone MB Church. In Lenoir, the evangelism team broke into pairs to engage in door-to-door evangelism. Hunt describes the teens as enthusiastic, and says the effort showed the community that the Lenoir churches are concerned about their spiritual well-being.
A second team worked on physical needs, with projects that Serez calls "random acts of kindness"-repairing porches, painting and other household fix·it jobs. Hunt says, "The work team definitely made an impact in the area, showing that the Mennonite churches do love, do care and are willing to work." He says that both efforts have increased the community's awareness of the church, something that is difficult to measure but tangible nonetheless.
All of the teams came together to par-
ticipate in the "Day of Blessing" at Shelter Rock, a ministry responding to the physical needs of the Appalachian poor in a community hit hard by economic depression. During the Day of Blessing, food, clothing, hygiene products, medicine and school supplies were distributed to 3,800 people. Serez says the SOAR teams provided the "work force" for the massive effort, helping with setup, distribution and cleanup.
The SOAR experience ended with a two-day "debriefing, " dUring which the teams discussed how to carry their passion for ministry into their lives and churches. Serez says he continues to receive e-mails from those whose passion remains alive. For the young people that came from the North Carolina churches, Hunt says, SOAR "has matured our teens to the point of understanding Christ on a different level."
Since SOAR, Hunt sees an increased participation in youth events, and the teens are initiating further outreach.
The spark provided by the SOAR teams is only part of what Hunt calls a "renewal" or "revival" in the North Carolina District. "We've seen tremendous growth in our churches from a physical, spiritual and monetary standpoint," he says. The Boone MB Church, for example, has seen attendance grow from about 50 to highs sometimes reaching 250. Where pastors have traditionally been tentmakers, the district now has two full-time paid pastors. In Lenoir, the Bushtown church's presence is felt in the public school sys-
tern, where administrators tum to the church for help with troubled youth; in the nursing homes, where regular services are resulting in seniors professing faith in Christ for the first time; and in the prison system, where at a September service, 11 inmates gave their lives to Christ-a result Hunt says is typical. At West End MB Church in Lenoir, where James Wilfong is the new senior pastor, work with teens has resulted in measurable numeric
Much of the renewal cannot be measured. "We've seen all of our churches with more enthusiasm and joy for the work of the Lord," Hunt says. Whereas in the past, church sometimes seemed like "just anoth- I er scheduled meeting," and much of the I initiative for evangelism and church I growth came from pastoral staH; now I church members are taking the initiative. I', "This year, 2003, it's really been excit-
ing to see people being on fire for Christ and winning other people for Christ," Hunt In the community around the Bushtown church, for example, "we've seen God's hand move through our community just like a wildfire," Hunt says. He says that while the community once was known as a drug-infested area, the image is changing to that of a praying community. Attendance at the Bushtown church is at a record high, and the congregation is looking forward to the day when they will add a second service, then build a new church to accommodate the growth. "We're looking for great things from the Lord," Hunt says.
Hunt envisions a time when "instead of everybody looking to the west when they think of Mennonite Brethren, they're going to start looking to the east. East of the Mississippi, there's something brewing in North Carolina."
Meanwhile, plans are already under way for SOAR 2004. Serez says SOAR will undoubtedly involve the North Carolina churches again next year, with hopes that the ministry can be even "deeper and broader." -by Myra Holmes
This year, Christ's call to "Come, follow me" has led MCC to send relief supplies to Iraq, confront AIDS in Africa, rebuild homes in Afghanistan, celebrate 50 years of the Global Family Program and more.
Forty-two million people are living with HIV or AIDS in the world today. Meet the faces behind the numbers as we visit church workers, home-based care groups and people living with AIDS in Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Christians in Egypt, Palestine and Syria talk about how their faith calls them to model Jesus Christ, working for justice nonviolently and relating to people of other faiths in a peaceful manner.
Nebraska church celebrates 125th anniversary
"Buried treasure" sheds light on Henderson's early history
This month Henderson (Neb.) MB Church celebrated its 125th anniversary. They did so on Harvest Mission Festival Sunday, and the contents of a time capsule, sealed into their church building more than 75 years ago on another Harvest Mission Festival Sunday, served as a tie to their past and their unique place in the history of North American Mennonite Brethren.
The anniversary celebration, held Nov. 8-9, began with a Saturday evening program that included a multimedia presentation music by former men's choruses and other groups along with historical pictures. The Harvest Mission Festival speaker was Chuck Buller, executive director of the U.S. Conference. The Sunday evening program focused on the future and included letters and presentations from present and former youth leaders and young people.
For many, one of the most interesting aspects of the celebration took place Sept. 20, several weeks before the anniversary weekend. On that Saturday afternoon, members of the congregation and other interested individuals met at the church to witness the opening of the cornerstone and the retrieval of a sealed metal box. The box had been placed into the building Nov. 7, 1926, on Harvest Mission Festival Sunday on the occasion of the dedication of the present sanctuary.
Lawrence Buller, the only present church member to have attended the 1926 service when the box was originally sealed and placed in the cornerstone, was one of those who came to watch the opening. He doesn't remember being at the 1926 meeting-he was five-years-old at the time-but Buller is sure he would have been present since his parents attended IThfBC.
''We had hoped the contents would answer questions we have about the church's history and give more detail about the day the box was sealed," says Buller. That hope was only partially realized.
The contents of the box reveal another time and way of life for Henderson MB Church as well as Mennonite Brethren in general. Included were a German Bible, the March 17, 1926 issue of Zions botethe first German-language official MB publication in North America, a 1926 German Sunday school book and the 1917 edition of the Confession of Faith. A three-page handwritten note was also inside. However, because moisture had entered the box, the note has been difficult to decipher, and segments of the pages have disintegrated, according to Peggy Goertzen, director of the Tabor College Center for MB Studies in Hillsboro, who has been working with the document.
The note contains information about the church dating back to 1887. Reference is made to people in the Molotschna Colony in 1860 and the settling of those people in Henderson. Included are names of leading brethren and the number of "souls" or members. Again some numbers are unclear, but it does indicate that 300 souls were associated with the church in 1887. Other information describes the first two meeting houses-the size and materials used in building as well as emphasis on the fact that members worked together in building.
Henderson MB Church has a special
place in the history of North American Mennonite Brethren, thanks to several meetings the congregation hosted in the late 1870s. The congregation traces its beginning to a gathering of three individuals-29-year-old Peter Regier and his wife and widower Henry Nickel-for prayer, study and worship and their efforts on New Year's Day 1877 to expand their fellowship to include other Mennonites living in the community. Within three years the group had grown to include 120, and that growth continued. This growth, says historian Clarence Hiebert, came primarily through conversions rather than through immigrant Mennonite Brethren.
The challenges of leading inter-Mennonite congregations also comprised of new converts and other issues related to being the church in a new country were no doubt felt early on by Regier, says Hiebert. So Regier called for a meeting Sept. 28, 1878, of representatives from the seven North American MB churches to deal with 11 specific questions. Denominational historians regard the 1878 gathering as the "unofficial" forming of a North American MB conference. A year later, after leading elders arrived from Russia, the Henderson group hosted another meeting and that gathering is considered the first official meeting of the General Conference, the North American conference of MB churches that was disbanded in 2002.-by Leader staff
Theological education
meets changing times
,'WBible schools contribute to growth of MB conference
hyam I worshipping trees and rocks?" wondered Chandraiah. As a Hindu he diligendy went to the temple to worship the gods. But he had begun asking deeper questions when Mark, an Indian evangelist, came to his village. Mark listened to Chandraiah's questions and told him about the true God. Eventually, and in the midst of family opposition, Chandraiah became a follower of Jesus.
In the village of Adoni, a pastor named Rao saw the need for a ministry among the youth of his church. At the same time, he saw the many villages around him that had no church or Christians. Rao soon brought these two opportunities together, every week taking a group of youth with him to oudying villages to preach and share the gospel. Because of this ministry, hundreds of people have heard the gospel, and the youth of Rao's church have a new understanding of how they can be used by God. What do Chandraiah, the Adoni youth and thousands of other Indians have in common? They have been impacted and discipled by Mennonite Brethren leadersleaders who in tum have been trained at
critical need for well·trained leaders.
To meet these ongoing challenges, the MB Conference has restructured its educational institutions and added new programs. One step towards meeting these needs occurred in 1989 with the start of a bachelor's of theology program. To give proper oversight, a new institution was ereated-MB Centenary Bible College. A sister institution, MB Bible Institute continues to offer programs in the local Telegu language.
Meanwhile, the growth of churches in the cities and towns together with the rise in layperson's education caused many churches to desire even more highly trained pastors. InJune 2003, under the leadership of Rev. V. K. Rufus, the Bible college added a master's level program to meet that need. Twelve students are enrolled in the first year of this new program.
.1 world mourned the loss of the person who
helped develop theological education in
India. It was fitting, as many noted, that he
was able to see the inauguration of the masMennonite Brethren Centenary Bible Col. ter's program-a great dream of his for lege. many years.
IOver the course of its 114-year history, I Then in July of this year, the Bible colthe MB Conference of India has enjoyed a lege and Bibl.e institute merged into a single high level of growth and development, and institution. This will allow for better use of now numbers over 100,000 members. One limited financial resources and pool the of the reasons for this growth, according to resources of professors and teachers, say its MBC Bible College instructor I. P. Asheer. leaders. vadam, is the importance the conference Many financial resources will be needhas given to theological education and ed to maintain and develop MBC Bible Colbuilding leadership through biblical train- lege. Through various partnerships, ing. resources in North America and India alike
N. P. James, a former principal of the have been harnessed to see this ministry MB Bible Institute/College, says, "Had it not continue. Teachers from North America been for the Bible institute, our churches annually visit the college to teach short would not have progressed to this present I courses on biblical studies, Anabaptist histostate either spiritually or numerically." ry, mission and evangelism and other top-
The MB church in India reflects the ics. Local churches in India have increased realities and changes occurring throughout their giving to the Bible college and to stu· the nation. New questions have arisen dents from their congregations. Individuals about the place of Christianity in society. In and churches in North America have also rural areas, Hindu fundamentalists put helped financially through MBMS Intemapressure on Christians to not proclaim and I tional with contributions to endowed facul· "convert" people. In cities, church members ty chairs and with ongoing subsidies. take jobs with multinational companies that MBMSI, the global mission agency of MB offer good wages but demand much time churches in North America, continues to and take people away from their families. partner with MBC Bible College to develop These changing times, along with the con- support networks in North America. -by stant growth of the MB church, creates a I Darren Duerksen for MBMSI \
CBA marks 100th year of educating young people
Town and academy celebrate history over Labor Day weekend
High school students today talk about "e-mail" and "mega bytes," common tenns that would have been beyond the imagination 100 years ago when Mennonite Brethren immigrants were establishing private church-schools in the Midwest. By 1902 Mennonite Brethren in Kansas, Oklahoma and Nebraska had established seven private schools. Only one of those schools-Corn Bible Academy-survived and this summer it celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Com Bible Academy, along with the town of Com, Okla., celebrated their 100th anniversary Aug. 28-Sept 1. The history of Corn, the only town in the U.S. with that name, was celebrated Thursday through Sunday noon. The Mennonite Brethren influence over the past century was recognized during the celebration. Mennonites settled in the area in the late 1800s. In 1894, Mennonite Brethren dug a dugout for their first place of worship in
the exact location of the present Com MB Church.
CBA, a Christian boarding school founded by MBs in 1902, has the distinction of beingthe sixth oldest church-related private high school in the U.S., and the oldest school west of the Mississippi River affiliated with the Association of Christian Schools International.
Approximately 1,000 guests attended the CBA celebration dinner and benefit auction complete with birthday cake and followed by a musical program. Ten of the 26 superintendents who have served CBA during the past 100 years are still living and all attended the celebration.
For fonner superintendent John E. Vogt and his wife Hilda of Hillsboro, Kan., the centennial was a great opportunity to meet and reminisce with people they hadn't seen for 50 years. John was a student from 1942 to 1943 and then served from 1954 to 1962 as teacher, principal and superintendent at CBA. Vogt says, "CBA
has had significant impact in the lives of many youth. Many church leaders, pastors and missionaries have been produced through the school. It provides a place for people to hear the call of God in their lives." ForVogt as an 18- and 19-year-old student, "it influenced major life choices and values which impact my life to this day."
Hilda Vogt speaks of CBRs role in the lives of their daughters who also attended the academy. "They had a wonderful foundation in Bible study and biblical knowledge," says Vogt. "That foundation has impacted their involvement and ministry in the church and in leading Bible stud· ies."
Fonner MB missionary to Africa, Kathryn Willems of Hillsboro, Kan., was one of the first students who heard the call of God to serve in missions while she was a CBA student. She was honored at the centennial as the oldest living graduate of the academy, graduating in 1927. Other
CBA anniversary events included an open house, Monday noon hamburger fry and Grand Finale that included children's activities, a drawing, dedication of a new marker and the release of 1,000 balloons.
CBA began early in the 1900s before Oklahoma became a state, as a group of primarily Russian/Gennan immigrants set· ded in the central western part of the Oklahoma Territory. Public school districts had been organized about a year before the Germans arrived, but public schooling was a new concept to the homesteaders and they wanted a school in which they had the final say and could ensure that both Bible and Gennan would be taught.
Referring to its founding a CBA brochure says, "Within that group was a commitment to Christian education with the goal to train youth to serve their Lord, whom they trusted for salvation and daily guidance." The school, originally known as Washita MB Church School, opened Jan. 4, 1903. Enrollment in the elementary school totaled 75 and 25 students were enrolled in the preparatory school. 1\\10 teachers I were employed and taught in Gennan. Fol·
lowing a revival in 1917, the MB church decided to continue the school as a Bible school and in the English language. Soon after, the Gennan name for the town, Korn was changed to the English spelling, Com. Events surrounding World War I prompted the school to close for one year.
When it reopened in 1919, the school relocated and was renamed Com Bible and Academy School. Elementary classes were discontinued in 1913-14. The high school was accredited in 1935 and the first high school graduation took place in the spring of 1935. The decision to enhance the campus facilities, following a fire in 1967 that destroyed the main building, proved to be an important one in securing the school's future.
Since its Diamond Jubilee in 1977, three buildings and a 16-acre athletic com· plex have been added to the CBA campus. Grades seven and eight were added in 1987 and helped stabilize the school's enrollment. Since 1990, enrollment has grown and in 2002, in its 100th year, 102 students were enrolled in CBA. In 1996 the school was accredited by the Associa-
tion of Christian School International. Music programs, class plays, athletics, servo ice projects, fund·raising events and senior class trips continue to enhance the school's strong academic program.
The mission of CBA is to "provide a Christ-eentered environment to help parents train their children to grow in knowl· edge, strength, spirit and in relation with God and others." Throughout its history, CBA has faced a variety of challenges in its efforts to meet that goal. In spite of these difficulties, CBA has persevered and has seen its students impact a world beyond the school's quiet, rural setting.
"CBA has left footprints on most of the world's continents through its alumni," Superintendent George Faul said in 1987. "God invites us to carry on until he comes." In the 100 years since its founding, CBA has graduated over 1,700 students. More than 150 students have gone on to serve full-time ministry roles and hundreds of others have served as lay workers in a wide variety of professions, a fitting legacy to the school-by Nadine Friesen
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Displaced Arab farmers hope for land and a "normal life" ". , , '.' , ,
Ascrawny chicken scampers along the freshly swept concrete floor in search of sustenance. There is no grain in this doorless, windowless building, but it is as close to a farm as Hussein Rahim Sultan and his chickens can hope for at present.
Hussein and his family fled their home in Khanaquin, northeast Iraq, weeks after the war to settle in Baquuba, just northeast of Baghdad. In a reverse of Saddam Hussein's policies over the last 20 years, Kurds from the north are now reclaiming land that was taken from them in Khanaquin and other areas.
For now; Arab families displaced by the Kurdish influx are receiving monthly food rations from the United Nations World Food Program. But these distributions, remnants of the UN's prewar oil-forfood program, are set to end this month.
The Danish Refugee Council, with support from Mennonite Central Committee, is providing to these displaced communities basic household items. Hussein and his family received an MCC relief kit bucket in September.
Arab families like Hussein's now own no houses or land, and have been forced to settle in abandoned military complexes in Baquuba. They are fanners by trade, ill at ease among the ruined white buildings. The soil here is dusty and dry, and the only trees are harsh-looking eucalypti.
"We brought some animals from home, about 30 percent of our livestock," says Hussein, gesturing at the chickens. But raising crops is out of the question. ''We planted all our seeds already (in Khanaquin)," he says.
Most of the 50,000 displaced people in Diyala, the region that includes Baquuba, are now scrounging for a living. Many are trying to selloff items looted from the military camps. With windows, doors and electrical fixtures already taken, some families are
painstakingly dismantling the buildings in order to sell the bricks.
"There are no salaries, no work-we need work right now," says Hussein. ''We buy food with whatever money we have. We are poor," he says. "These (relief kit) items are very useful and we are thankful." With 10 children to care for, Hussein says he simply lives day by day.
Peter Sorenson, a former employee of DRC, reports, "The feedback is very positive-the composition of the bucket is brilliant."
On the other side of the camp, the family of Mohammed Ramadan Ahmed has squeezed into an ex-military house along with two other families, all relatives. A knot of children seeks shade under the small porch roof.
Mohammed and his wife, Miriam, are also from Khanaquin. Though they were fanners, the men in these families also served in the national army. ''We had to leave immediately;" says Miriam. ''We left
our farms, our cattle, our sheep." NoW; she says, they have received no salaries for three months, though they do get the UN food ration. But they have no desire to return north to Khanaquin.
"The displaced Arab families are not really angry at the Kurds," says DRC program manager Tomislav Zulim. "They perhaps expected that this would happen, and they know that the land used to be Kurdish land-but now they ask, what about us?"
Almost 4,000 MCC relief kit buckets have been provided to displaced families in Diyala. Today Mohammed and his family are receiving items from a bucket, helping them to settle into this makeshift home. But with the present insecurity in postwar Iraq, and uncertainty about the future, there is a desperate hope for a return to normalllfe.
''We hope for land -we want a piece of land," says Miriam.-by Edward Miller, MCC program coordinator for Iraq
MCC Central States releases executive director
Constituents challenge process, charge of racism
The recent decision to terminate long-time Mennonite Central Committee Central States executive director Ron Braun on grounds of racism has prompted Mennonite Brethren leaders to rally in support of Braun, a member of Koerner Heights Church of Newton, Kan., and to urge MCC to provide for due process in future personnel reviews.
Denominational leaders have visited with Braun and his wife and have subsequendy written letters and talked personally with MCC personnel including MCC executive director Ron Mathies and MCCU.S. executive director Jose Ortiz. Southern District Conference minister Roland Reimer and moderator Tim Sullivan were among the 120 individuals who participated in listening meetings hosted by MCC in late September.
"Ron does not feel like he was treated with justice," says Sullivan. "MCC owes it to Ron to walk through that with him and to give him enough audience so that he feels he has been heard."
The painful and public process that brought about Braun's forced resignation began in the spring of 2002 when MCC headquarters in Akron, Pa., received com· plaints of racism from Central States field staff. An investigative team appointed by the Akron MCC human resources office concluded that "the structure and work environment" of MCC Central States was "in fact hostile for people of color as defined by MCC policies."
Several leaders who formerly held positions in the regional office disputethe findings. They include Braun,JimJantzen, whose three-year term as MCC Central States service program administrator was not renewed in May; and former Central States board chair Don Steelberg of Wichita, Kan., who resigned in 2002. The three say the report contains errors, wrongly blames
problems solely on racism and was produced by a process that did not give them a fair chance to respond to accusations.
Braun's supporters describe him as the "last person" one would accuse of racism.
"I know Ron Braun," says U.S. Conference moderator Rolando Mireles, "and Ron is not a racist." Mireles, who is from Rio Grande City; Texas, says Braun's work in the Southern TIer region has been positive.
Racism, according to an MCC statement is a "system of social, political and economic domination that oppresses people belonging to particular racial or ethnic groups and has no place in the Christian community." Since 1994, MCC has been educating Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches and church agencies about racism using the Damascus Road Project. During 2002, two Damascus Road antiracism training events were held in Central States, the first in North Newton, Kan., and the second in Brownsville, Tex.
The events that led to Braun's release are complex, says Sullivan, and determining whether or not racism prompted particular decisions is complicated by MCC's application of their definition of racism. "MCC is so sensitive to the race issue that it appears to classify every conflict between people of differing races as racism," says Sullivan.
According to MCC, its investigating team cited six problems within Central States and made 10 recommendations for "addressing racist structures and the hostile work environment." Even though Braun was not given an opportunity to respond to the charges, MCC has stated that "it was believed that the administrators in the MCC Central States office were the very people who needed to initiate changes."
However Braun's efforts to address the situation were rejected by other staff members, professional mediation was requested but not implemented by MCC
U.S. and a "deadlock in staff conflicts" resulted. Eventually the Central States Executive Board directed Braun to take a 16-week leave and during that leave decided that "new leadership" was needed if Central States "were to move forward," according to MCC statements. Braun was asked to resign and did so Aug. 16.
In addition to requesting that MCC improve its efforts to ensure due process, MB leaders are asking MCC to respond to the personal pain Braun has felt. Braun has served MCC for 26 years-17 as Central States executive director, six as a Cen· tral States board member and three as a worker in Bangladesh-and leaving the agency under these circumstances has been painful for the Brauns.
"Part of why (Ron and his wife Dena) joined MCC is a belief in the concept of justice that applies not only to interracial relationships but all relationships," says Chuck Buller, U.S. Conference executive director. "So it is extremely painful to them to go out of this organization with that question over their head," says Buller. "I have tried to represent to the highest levels of MCC leadership why they have this hurting couple and why MCC needs to deal with their hurt appropriately."
MCC is the international development and peace organization of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in North America. MCC U.S. is the part of MCC that represents these churches in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. MCC Central States, one of four regional MCC U.S. offices operating service programs and promoting the work of MCC and MCC U.S., includes three Mennonite Brethren district conferences: Central, Latin America MB and Southern. MCC Central States, headquartered in North Newton, Kan., has 11 staff members working in Kansas, Texas and South Dakota.-by Connie. Faber
Leadership board determined to end
year in the black
W.With one eye on the present I ing, starting with dollars and cents. Saying and another to the future, I that he did not want to "sugarcoat" the situathe u.s. Conference Board of tion, Don Dorman, BCM member and inter· Church Ministries took im treasurer, reported that unless corrective action at its annual fall meet- I steps are taken the U.S. Conference is "two ing on recommendations designed to help years away from being insolvent." While balance the current budget and began work 'church giving is on track and expenses are in on a plan to restructure itself and other con· line with projections, Dorman said efforts to ference boards. BCM met Sept. 25-27 in i raise $223,722 above church-giving dollars Wichita, Kan., and is the U.S. Conference I are projected to fall short, creating a shortfall leadership board that serves as the confer- of about $86,000. The current financial pic· ence in interim. It is comprised of four elect· ture is further complicated by the fact that the ed officers, representatives from each of the U.S. Conference already has a debt of almost five regional district conferences and the $153,000. Dorman concluded his report by chairs of seven ministIy boards. emphasizing the "importance ofleading credo While diverse opinions were expressed ibly by balandng the budget." on many of the issues discussed, it was evi-
Board of Trustee Chair Dale Boese then dent that Moderator Rolando Mireles wanted outlined four recommendations coming to the group to keep God before itself In a ., BCM from the trustees. They were to under move that characterizes his style of leader- spend the current budget by $86,000, to desship, Mireles asked the board to pray every ignate specific expense accounts that are to I how: on the hour. members turns I be under spent, to not fill vacant staff posipraymg, frequently asking for God's wisdom tions and to determine which of three fund and direction regarding the issue currently balance or reserve accounts should be drawn under discussion. from to balance the budget should such
In its opening session Thursday evening monies be needed. BCM discussed both finances and restruetur-
After discussion, during which board
members spoke in favor of and opposition to the recommendations, BCM approved the recommendations. But the board decided to hear reports from all ministries before determining which expense lines to reduce and from which reserve accounts to draw; Those reports, given Friday, came from Integrated Ministries, Mission USA, Board of Faith and life, Board of Communications, National ! Youth Commission, MBMS International, MB . Biblical Seminary and MB Foundation.
Having addressed the immediate financial concern, BCM turned its attention to restructuring conference boards, an agenda item some leaders said could conserve finan· cial and human resources. Executive Director Chuck Buller presented the recommenda· tion. "Our budget reality forces us to be less academic and more practical in debating lay. ers of leadership, who reports to whom, how the boards are configured and how the districts are represented," wrote Buller in his report to BCM.
The proposal recommends a leadership board comprised of 10 to 12 members-at· large to set vision, establish polities and pro-
would employee conference staff including an executive director, the Leader editor, and a Mission USA/Integrated Ministries director. These staff members would be responsible for the core ministries of the u.s. Conference: ! the Leader, confession of faith matters and , national home mission endeavors. The proposal also included establishing commissions to assist staff members with specific responsibilities and developing special fund-raising projects for designated projects including church planting and renewal.
During an initial round of discussion, ! BCM members responded favorably to the i proposed structure. They noted that the cur· rent board structure can be confusing; that individuals and local churches connect to the denomination through staff members so building a team of people who put a face on national ministries is valuable; and that while securing funds for core administrative projects is essential, some individuals and congregations are motivated by "project giving."
Conference ministries were the focus of Friday's agenda as BCM heard reports from and provided feedback as requested from all , u.s. Conference ministries. It took action in two matters. BCM approved appointments to
the MB Foundation Board of Directors, Mennonite Mutual Aid Board of Directors and the Mennonite World Conference General Council. BCM also approved a motion that the Leader editor be accountable to the executive director, effective immediately. The motion was made as a result of discussion following the request by Board of Communications Chair Harold Loewen that BCM clarify a number of issues that had emerged in BOC's search for a new magazine editor.
BCM resumed its discussion on restructuring the national leadership boards Saturday morning during executive session and in principle approved theproposal. A task force of Ken Neufeld of Fresno, Calif, LynnJostofHillsboro, Kan., and Chuck Buller, U.S. Conference executive director, will finalize details of the new structure for BCM to review at its March 2004 meeting. The board's goal is to present a proposal for delegate approval at the U.S. Conference convention to be held July 22-24,2004, in Draper, Utah.
The board also took action on several other matters.
• BCM requested that for the current fiscal year all boards, board executive committees, commissions and task forces limit the number of their meetings to one. BCM will meet again in March but the annual all-boards meeting will not be convened.
• BCM confinned that both Mission USA and Board of Communications should put on hold their searches for lead staff members. BCM asked Connie Faber to continue serving as interim editor of the Leader and requested that Buller continue working with MUSA
• BCM determined which expense lines to draw from in order to reduce the budget by $85,600. These expense lines include those related to hiring lead BOC and MUSA staff members, and the elimination of the director of church development position, effective Oct. 31, 2003. Ted Goertzen of Ulysses, Kan., had been filling the position. Additional budget lines targeted for savings include conference promotion (BCM), new projects (MUSA and Integrated Ministries) and travel (BR, MUSA and IM).
• BCM instructed the Board of Trustees to draw just over $94,800 from the Building Fund Account and '30,208 from the Communications Endowment to balance the budget. Donnan notes that BCM reclassified reserves as operating fund balance, and that these funds have always been available for general use and were never restricted by the donor or otherwise. -by Connie Faber
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Witness door-to-door alongside Christians from other countries 'Pu{!j0ur
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Nov. 5-23
Nov. 5-23
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Subject to additions and changes. Additional campaigns may be approved pending funding. Support cost includes flights from a major city center. Costs to dty center are responsibility of participant.
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Canadian Mennonite University
CMUinvites applications and nominations for the position of Vice President and Academic Dean • a ministry of MBMS International
for the CMU Main Campus, effective summer, 2004. The successful candidate will provide overall leadership for all academic activities, projects and programs at the CMU Main Campus, and be a key member of the CMU leadership team.
Expectations for the position Include:
• Experience in developing and administering academic programs
• Ability to be innovative and entrepreneurial in leading CMU to meet the academic challenges of the future
•A personal commitment to the church, and the mission of CMU
Canadian Mennonite University is a dynamic, new Christian University with three program centres: the CMU Main Campus, Menno Simons College affiliated with the University of Winnipeg, and Outtatown. For further information about CMU or the position check the CMU web page (www.cmu.ca)orcontactthePresident(ggerbrandt@cmu.ca).
Processing of applications and nominations will begin immediately, and continue until the position is filled. Please reply via mail or e-mail to: Canadian Mennonite University, Susan Warkentin, Director of Human Resources, 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2. or swarkentln@cmu.ca.
NIGERIA
Aid offers witness of Christian love to Hindu neighbors
MBs in India help village fire victims
MANY IN THE SMALL village of Chitlamkunta in India's Andhra Pradesh province had just enough time to get out of their small huts before the fire, racing from hut to hut, consumed the thatch roofs and personal For Ramu, his wife and his young daughter, there wasn't enough warning. They suffered third degree burns before being helped to safety. Within minutes, on that May afternoon close to 200 houses were destroyed, 50 cattle were killed, many people were burned and over 600 people
were left without food or clothing. The government and the Red Cross provided initial provisions, but those only met about 15 percent of the need. That's where Christians stepped in.
After hearing of the tragedy; Mennonite Brethren Development Organization, a development wing of the MB Conference of India, decided to respond. With provisions from the Church Assistance Service Agency and Mennonite Central Committee, MBDO provided needed cooking utensils, hedding, clothing and food to hun-
deeds of families. MB Conference President Dr. P. B. Arnold, together with his wife Sharada Arnold, helped to arrange the distribution and to provide needed medical care for the bum victims.
As they came the Hindu leaders of the area, Arnold and MBDO Director J. L. David made clear that the gifts were being given as an expression of the love of Christ and as gifts through the MB Conference ofIndia.
MBDO was begun in the 19808 in partnership with
MBMS International and MCC to help bring relief and development to the poverty-stricken villages of the Andhra Pradesh region ofIndia. After a period of inactivity, the ministry was revived in 2002 under the direction of]. L. David and the support of the General Council of the MB Church of India.
Though still suffering from burns and infections, Ramu expresses his gratefulness. ''We are very happy for your help and cooperation," says Ramu. "Please continue to come until we recover." -MBMSI
King appointed to MDS position
MENNONITE DISASTER
Service is pleased to announce the hire of Kevin King who will join the volunteer relief organization as executive coordinator Feb. 1, 2004. With 12 years experience as material ., resources manager for Mennonite Central Committee, King comes acquainted with the broad spectrum of Anabaptist constituents whose donor and volunteer resources support MDS activities.
"I am looking forward to .working with an organization that is grassroots, made up of 'can-do' type people who 'work out their salvation with fear and trembling. n, says
King. "MDS has an exceUent reputation near and wide and I hope to maintain that. "
King and his wife Karen live in Lititz, Pa. and attend Akron Mennonite Church with their two children, Justin and Andrea. King will replace the current MDS executive coordinator, Tom Smucker. Smucker served with MDS for over 12 years, leading the organization as executive coordinator since 1997.-MDS
MORE NEWS
-John Wooden's visit last month to Fresno Pacific University can be chalked up as a "win" In more ways than one. Wooden, author, motivator and former UCLA basketball coach, spoke about the winning combination of character and success to two sellout crowds during his OCt. 7-8 appearance at FPU.
Tuesday Wooden appeared at the Character In High School Activities Conference, hosted by FPU's Bartsch Institute of Character and Civic EdUcation, with the assistance of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The character conference attract· ed athletes, coaches and cheer squads from more than 40 high schools. Wednesday Wooden addressed the FPU BusIness Forum Breakfast that drew community leaders from many fields. Interest In Wooden caused the forum to be moved off campus for the first time In Its five-year history.
In both presentations, Wooden spoke for more than 30 minutes without notes, answered questions from the audience and signed books and autographs. He also particIpated In a 9O-mlnute meeting with local reporters and FPU coaches.
As a player and coach, Wooden Is among the most honored athletic figures In American history. In addition to the Presldentlal Medal of Freedom, Wooden also received the Reagan Distinguished American Award and Is the first sports figure to win the Bellarmlne Medal of Excellence. -FPU
New resource on aging
-Herald Press announced the release of Reinventing AgIng by Shirley Yoder Brubaker. The book's goal Is to revolutionize the way families and churches see and respond to aging. The contributing writers, professionals In their respective fields, cover Issues that are philosophical and theological as well as mundane and physical. Topics range from bodily changes to financial decisions to preparing for death to rediscovering purpose In life. A study guide appendix and companIon vldeo/DVD make the book a good resource for group study. -HP
Israel's 'security fence' disrupts life for Palestinians
FOR MUNTASER
Qreishi, a local farmer in ]oyyous, Palestine, getting to his fields once meant a 4o-minute donkey-eart ride from the village to his fields. NoW; the trip can take more than two hours, assuming the only gate in the wall is open. The change is due to construction of a 540-mile-Iong wall that the state of Israel calls a "security fence" and Palestinians and other observers call a "segregation barrier."
Because of the wall, local farmers around ]ayyous have limited access to their best farmland, which is some of the most fertile farmland in the West Bank. Of the 550 families living in ]ayyous, 480 depend on income from land behind the wall for their livelihood, according to Mennonite Central Committee workers in the region.
The ]ayyous municipality estimates that 40 families are currently living in tents and makeshift dwellings on the Israeli side of the wall to ensure access to their lands. There are other West Bank communities who have no gates through which to access their land.
The Israel government says the wall is to keep out Palestinians intent on harming Israeli citizens. Estimates are that nearly 63,000 Palestinians will be cut off from their land.
MCC and other relief agencies are working with
area farmers to repair wells and water networks. The cost for the renovation of seven wells and watetways, which provide water for 368 families and nearly 463 acres of agricultural land, is approximately $56,240.
This effort is part of a wider humanitarian program by MCC and others to assist Palestinians whose livelihoods have been devastated by the closure of towns and villages due to ongoing violence and by the wall construction.
A fear among villagers of]ayyous is whether the wall signals Israel's intent to confiscate their agricultural land and water resources. The path of the wall, which
meanders through the West Bank, ignores the "Green line" boundary between Israel and the Occupied Territories agreed upon after the 1967 war.
MCC and other church organizations are expressing concern about the wall to policymakers in Washington, D.C. Churches for Middle East Peace, of which MCC is a member, and World VISion are delivering copies of the book, Stop the Wall in Palestine, published by PENGON, to key members of Congress, emphasizing that construe· tion of the walls is undermining a viable, two-state resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. -Mee
CHURCH
Baptism/membership
Tulsa. Okla., (11le Heart}-The congregation celebrated its second anniversary Sept.7 and its first 31 members Aug. 24. Larry Keene, Matt Pendleton and Marc Edison were baptized and were among those welcomed into membership.
Buhler, Kan.-Sam and Maria Hershberger were baptized and received into membership Aug. 31.
Ferndale, Wash (Good News Fellowship)- Brandon Lambert, Rhiannon Lambert, Joy Lawler and Anna Lawler were baptized and received into membership sept. 7. Brock Lambert, Judy Lambert and Logan Lambert were also welcomed as new members.
Uttleton, Colo., (Belleview Community}-Larry and Sue Beaumont were received into membership Aug. 17, Jeff and Carole Kloska, Aug. 24 and Dave and Linda Giere, Sept.14.
Clovis, calif., (College Community)Shannon and Spence Koehler and Lucy and Joel Barber were baptized and welcomed into membership in September. Dennis and Nancy Becker were received as members by testimony.
Reedley, calif.-Anna Ascanio, Melissa Moncada and Bill Szpor were baptized and received as members sept. 14. Amy Dueck, Loren Dueck, Mel and Vivian Dueck, Domonick Duffy, Russ and Julie Fleming, Pearl Hoiland, Evelyn Just, Herman and Velma Klingenberg, Martin and Gayle Lomeli, Henry and Stacey Peters and Jann Smith were accepted as members by testimony.
Sioux Falls, S.D., (Lincoln Hills Bible Church}-Micah Collison, Rusty and Jessica Fox, Dean and Tammy Randall, Richard Swanson and R. J. and Anna Wagoner were received Aug. 10 into membership through baptism and confession of faith and Dustin Warntjes was welcomed through confession of faith. Herb and Pauline Schroeder were received as members through confession of faith Sept. 14. Hillsboro. Kan., (Parbiew}-Matthew Wiebe was baptized and welcomed as a member. Jordon Allen, Whitney Allen, Susan Fast and Dale and Rachel Winter werel'"eceived as
members by testimony Sept. 28. Jim, Karen and Joshua Elliott were received as members by testimony Oct. 19.
Martin Box, Artc.,-Elijah Wadkins and Caleb Brenaman were baptized Sept. 21.
Enid, Okla.-TImmy Kuhns, Doug Meier, Spencer Olson and Gus Olson were baptized and welcomed into membership Sept. 28. Stephanie Mercer, Hal Sturdevant and Dwight, Dianne and Brett Spencer were also received into membership.
Olathe, Kan., (Community Bible)Victoria Carley, Annie Gramza, Jonathan Jost, Chris Letts and Kara Reimer were baptized and welcomed to church membership Oct. 5. Also received as members were Dave and Hilary Blair, Kim and Kris Gerbrandt, Mike and Pattie Johns and Fran Lynn. Bakersfield. calif., (Laurelglen BibleHindsay Friesen, Bob Jensen, Matt Purdy, Alison High, Matthew Kennedy and Daniel Wahl were baptized the weekend of Oct. 4-5.
Celebration
Elkhorn, Neb. (New Life Fellowship}-The official "grand opening" of the new church plant took place Sept. 14. Paul and Melissa Rowenhorst are the pastoral couple.
Fellowship
San Jose. calif. (Uncoln Glen)Church birthday calendars are being made which will feature a group picture of all who have birthdays during the same month, i.e. all the February birthdays on the February calendar page. Members are encouraged to use the calendar to keep track of church events, as a reminder to send notes of encouragement and as a prayer reminder.
Ministry
Fresno, calif., (North Fresno)As the congregation searches for a senior pastor, the Board of Spiritual Ministries planned "NFC at Prayer; 24/7" in
NEWS FROM OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
October. A Sunday evening concert of prayer was held and members participated in praying for seven days, 24-hours-a-day during the following week.
Fairview, Okla.-Women who are part of Women's Missionary Service completed a quilt project in September for MBMS International missionaries Craig and Bridget Hallman. Hallmans sent embroidered material made by women in the Middle East to Fairview where WMS members crafted the material into quilt blocks, added strips between and a border. After quilting, the quilt was sent to the Hallmans who plan to auction it at a mission conference held by a West Coast MB church. The proceeds are
being given to the Hallman's ministry and a portion to those in the Middle East who embroidered the cloth so that they can buy additional materials.
The Move of Silver Lake MB
When the congregation of Silver Lake Mennonite Brethren Church, located north ofPreeman, voted to disband after 125 years, it dedded to donate the building it had used since 1961
Wichita, Kan., (United at the Cross}-This small urban congregation hosted nationally known comedian and Messianic Jew Burt Rosenberg. Rosenberg spoke at an Urban Joy Seminar, Oct. 10-12. The seminar confronts despair and burdens that exist in urban communities through the joy given by Jesus Christ. several other churches and organizations assisted with the event including Oak lawn's Light House Community Church, another urban MB congregation. to an Ethiopian MB congregation in Sioux Falls, S. D. in need of a new place to worship (See August issue). The fiVe hour move to Sioux Falls took place Monday morning, Sept. 15.
Bakersfield. calif. , (Heritage Bible}-A 5th annual Christmas in October was held to raise money for Christmas gifts for missionaries. A Christmas tree with envelopes was placed in the social hall and people placed their contributions in the envelopes.
Teaching/nurture
Bakersfield. calif•• (Heritage Bible)Junior and senior high youth participated in an underground church adventure and worship experience. They were exposed to dynamics of life for persecuted believers in countries where it is illegal to be a Christian and to worship. Youth were encouraged to pray and consider ministry to the persecuted church.
Worship
Ferndale. Wash •• (Good News Fellowship}-A Sunday evening activity was planned Sept. 28 for those interested in learning new vocal or instrumental worship music. Dessert was served as part of the music and fellowship.
Workers
VISalia, Calif. (Neighborhood)Grayson Piepgrass began a part-time position as minister of equipping, Sept. 15.
Mountain Lake. Minn. (Community BibleHnstallation services were held for Darren Rempel and his wife Sherry Oct. 5. Central District Minister Roger Engbrecht and Tom Cartney from Bethel MB Church in Yale, S.D., conducted the service.
Deaths
EDIGER. TENA, Henderson, Neb., a member of Henderson MB Church, was born Oct. 1, 1910, near Henderson to David D. and Kathrine Quiring Ediger, and died Aug. 23, 2003, at the age of 92. She is survived by three brothers, Henry and wife Arlene of Henderson, Peter W. and wife Esther of Reedley, Calif., and Abe W. and wife Annamarie of
EMPLOYMENT
MCC Liaison to U.N.
Mennonite Central Committee is recruiting for the position of MCC Liaison to the United Nations. This is a three-year, full-time, salaried position based in New York City. MCC's U.N. Liaison monitors relevant U.N. policies and advocates on behalf of MCC; conveys and interprets MCC priorities to U.N. agencies, diplomats and nongovernmental organizations; hosts MCC staff, field workers and Mennonite dele-
Grand Rapids, Mich.; one sister Elizabeth Kliever of South Bend, Ind., and two sisters-in-law, Pauline Ediger of San Jose, Calif., and Alene Ediger of Henderson.
MARTENS, lAURA LEONA SCHAFER, Shafter, Calif., a member of Shafter MB Church, was born April 28, 1925, in Sheridan County, N.D., to George and Johanna Schafer, and died Sept. 27, 2003, at the age of 78. On July 14, 1950, she was married to Franklin Martens who survives. She is also survived by one son, Frank G. Martens of Saudi Arabia; two daughters, Beth Martens and Jane and husband Brian Collier, all of Bakersfield, Calif.; one sister, Elsie and husband Ernie Friesen of Wichita, Kan.; three brothers, Herman SChafer, Ernest Schafer and wife Elma, and John SChafer and wife Alice, all of North Dakota, and one granddaughter.
NACHTIGALL WILBUR G., Iowa City, Iowa, former member of Henderson MB Church and educator and pastor emeritus of First Mennonite Church, Iowa City, was born Nov. 17, 1918, in Hamilton County, Neb., to Bernard E. and Lena Franz Nachtigall, and died Oct. 2, 2003, at the age of 84. On March 31, 1946, he was married to Grace Kauffman, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, John of Goshen, Ind., and Ramon and wife Karen of Hopedale, III.; two daughters, Rosa and husband Curt Brunsma of Davenport, Iowa and Nita and husband Jay Michels of Lake Elmo. Minn.; one brother, George and wife Norma of Buhler, Kan.; one sister, Betty and husband John Gerbrandt of San Jose, Calif.; one brother-in-law, Harland Pankratz of Kearney, Neb., and seven grandchildren.
SALIASKA, JAMES FRANCIS, Fairview. Okla., a member of Fairview MB Church, was born Oct. 8, 1918, west of Fairview to Charlie and Lydia Young Sallaska and died July 6, 2003, at the age of 84. In Feb. 1941, he was married to Miriam Gossen who survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Darleneand husband David Privitt of Henrietta, Tex.; three
CLEARINGHOUSE
gations by preparing briefings and arranging contacts at the U.N.; editslwrites • News and Views;' and supervises an intern. Initiative and cross-cultural communication skills 'are crucial as well as a talent for building information and action coalitions. Fax resume to (717) 859-2171 or e-mail psd@mcc.org or phone Prem Dick or Anna Reimer at (717) 859-1151.
sons, Aldee and wife Unda of Oklahoma City, Orel and wife Jeanne of Corn, Okla., and Keith and wife Maggie of McAlester, Okla.; three brothers, Eugene and wife Erna of Fairview, Charlie and wife Mary Jane of Denver, Colo., half-brother Vernon and wife Linda of McLoud, Okla.; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
SCHMIDT. ANNA, Bartlesville, Okla., member of First Southern Baptist Church, Caney, Kan., and former worker in Martin Box MB Church, Marshall, Ark., was born May 11, 1916, at Cordell, Okla., to A.B.P. and Eva Goertz SChmidt, and died Sept. 29,2003, at the age of 87. On Nov. 30, 1930, she married Pete SChmidt who predeceased her. She is survived by one son, James A. and wife Connie of Fritch, Tex.; three daughters, Wynema and husband Vernon Cessna of Ingalls, Kan., Dinah and husband Craig Cooper of Inola, Okla., and Ruth and husband Ken Baker of Bartlesville, Okla., and 10 grandchildren.
SUDERMAN. WILlARD, Fairview, Okla., a member of Fairview MB Church, was born July 11, 1912, to Dan and Margaret Becker Suderman on his father's homestead, and died Aug. 28, 2003, at the age of 91. On July 12, 1936, he married Alma SChwindt, who predeceased him. He is survived by his son Jerry and wife Karen of Sugar Land, Tex.; one daughter Shannon Suderman of Houston. Tex.; one sister, Marie Hein of Fairview, Okla., one brother; Elmer and wife Norma of St. Peter, Minn., one grandchild and two great grandchildren.
WAHL PAULENA MAY, Fairview, Okla., a member of Fairview MB Church, was born May 27, 1922, to August and Helena Neufeld Wahl in Fairview, and died Sept. 4, 2003, at the age of 81. She is sur-
EMPLOYMENT
Senior pastor
The Pastor Search Committee of Dinuba (Calif.) Mennonite Brethren Church is prayerfully seeking a Senior Pastor who will minister to 300 to 400 attendees in a setting that is prepared for growth. For information regarding this position, contact John Regier, Search Com. Chrm. at 1362 S. Klein Ave., Reedley CA. 93654, phone (559) 6383016.
vived by seven nieces and nephews as well as great and great great nieces and nephews.
WARKENTIN. HARRY S., Fairview, Okla .• a member of Fairview MB Church, was born March 2, 1914, west of Fairview to Frank and Agnes Thiessen Warkentine and died Oct. 5, 2003, at the age of 94. On Aug. 15, 1937, he was married to Mary Brown, who predeceased him in 1995. He is survived by two daughters, Elsie Oliver of Waukomis, Okla., and Flora and husband Gary Gunter of Fairview; three brothers, Ed of Fresno, Albert of Kirk, Colo., and Ben of Bronx, N.V; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
WITTENBERG. EVELYN E., Shafter; Calif., a member of Shafter MB Church, was born March 21, 1919, in Balko, Okla., to Cornelius and Louise Ratzlaff and died Sept. 24, 2003, at the age of 84. On June 11, 1939, she was married to Arnold Wittenberg who predeceased her in 1972. She is survived by three sons, Ken and wife Ronda of McKinleyville. Calif., Chuck and wife Karen of Shafter, and Arnold and wife Terry of Monterey, Calif.; two daughters, Ruth and husband Gene McGraw of New Hampshire, and Dora Bradford of Shafter, seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren; and five great great grandchildren.
Correction: Joe E. Hofer was married to Alma Glanzer, not Anna as noted in the September issue.
The Board of Administration and the people of the North Fresno MB Church invite applications and nominations as they search for their congregation's next senior pastor. The selected candidate will succeed Pastor larry Martens who has faithfully served the congregation as senior pastor since 1992. The appointment will be effective July 1, 2004, or as soon thereafter as possible.
North Fresno MB Church is a dynamic congregation of about 450 people with traditlonal and contemporary Sunday worship servk:es. The church campus includes a modem CE facilitY, gymnasiumlfellowship hall and a recently constructed contemporary sanctuary seating 500 people. The successful candidate will lead a gifted pastoral team of an adult ministry pastor, youth pastor, children;s pastor and two administrative assistants.
The successful candidate will be a committed follower of Jesus Christ and a person of integrity and maturity. Previous pastoral and preaching experience as well as a commitment to the theological position articulated in the MB Confession of Faith are nonnegotiables. A seminary education (Master of DMnity) is also reqUired. Additional information about NFC, the search process and the qualities expected of the successful candidate can be obtained by writing the Search Committee.
Nominations, explUSions of interest and applIcations may be sent in confidence to: Ray Bystrom. Chair of Search CommittBB. 1655 East Kenosha. Fresno, Ca. 93720; Dr Email: robelb@aol.com.
esources invested for the future
Thanks to the Mennonite Brethren Church visionaries who established these organizations, senior adults benefit today from more than 398 combined years of long term care experience. Mennonite Brethren retirement communities provide a variety of services and housing to meet your needs.
Invest in your future ... your continued support through time, gifts and prayer help to ensure that these communities will be here tomorrow.
CORN HERITAGE VILLAGE
Com Oklahoma
580-343-2295
Incorporated 1948 SNF,ILU
DALLAS MENNONITE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Dallas Oregon 503-623-5581
dallasretirementvillage.com
Incorporated 1947 SNF, ALF, ILU, SCU
GARDEN VALLEY RETIREMENT VILLAGE
Garden City, Kansas 620-275-9651
gardenvalleyretirement.com
Incorporated 1974 SNF, SCU, ILU
HERITAGE VILLAGE
Bakersfield, California
661-871-1212
Incorporated 1986 ILU
LINCOLN GLEN MANOR
San Jose, California
408-265-3222
Igmanor.org
Incorporated 1965 SNF, ALF, ILU
PALM VILLAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Reedley, California 559-638-6933
palmvillage.com
Incorporated 1970 (Founded 1942) SNF, ALF, ILU
PARKSIDE HOMES, INC.
Hillsboro, Kansas 620-947-2301
parksideks.org
Incorporated 1961 SNF,ILU
SUNSHINE MEADOWS RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
Buhler, Kansas 620-543-2251
sunshinemeadows.org
Incorporated 1975 (Founded 1945) SNF, ALF, ILU
MENNONITE BRETHREN RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
History repeating itself
This issue of the Leader highlights the establishment 125 years ago of Henderson (Neb) MB Church and of Corn (Okla.) Bible Academy 100 years ago. It also focuses on Tabor College, founded in 1908, and Fresno Pacific University, founded in 1944 as Pacific Bible Institute. Reading the history of these four entities, I realize how much our world has changed. Imagine hosting for a day the founders of these three schools on their respective campuses. Imagine spending tomorrow with the first pastor of the Henderson church.
Just the technological advances alone would be difficult to describe. How does one explain a "smart" college classroom or church sanctuary outfitted with a computer, projector, video projector and DVD player to someone who never used a radio or 1V? Imagine explaining that an MB living in Kansas can talk with an MB living in the Congo using a phone the size of one's palm. For that matter, the second example would also require explaining that today MBs live in at least 20 countries; 125 years ago the list would have included Russia and the U.S.
Imagining all the changes these men would encounter should they visit the 21st century reminds me of the old adage: "The more things change, the more things stay the same." For example, while technology has changed the methods we use to communicate, the importance of sharing God'sGood News has not changed. Several months ago I was part of a conversation in which a group of lay church leaders was discussing a request from MBMS International that congregations increase their giving to the MB global mission agency. It was noted that the district conference was also requesting an increase in giving and that given what they were hearing from other Mennonite Brethren agencies, similar requests would be coming to local churches. One individual, in a matter-of-fact manner, said, "No matter what we give-it is never enough."
The truth of that statement has stuck with me. I do not think the statement implies that our colleges, seminary, mission agency and district and national conferences are money-hungry ministries wanting to suck every available dollar from congregations. Rather the statement is recognition that God's work is never done. Until Jesus comes, there will always be another soul to save, and believers to nurture in their faith. When it comes to the work of God's kingdom, we have never done enough. And yes, our dollars will always be needed for that next project.
Mennonite Brethren churches were established 125 years ago to disciple believers and bring the Good News to those that do not know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We plant churches today for the same reasons. Meeting together at Henderson in 36. THE CHRISTIAN LEADER
1879, Mennonite Brethren formed the first North American MB conference to nurture existing congregations and to assist in evangelism and church extension. Today our national and district conferences continue to play that role. Our schools, including two colleges and MB Biblical Seminary, were founded to train church leaders and lay workers for ministry here in North America and around the globe. Our schools continue with that as their pri, mary aim. Our methods for doing God's work may change, but our bottom-line goals do not. The Bible says our hearts will follow our treasure, our money. May we continue to treasure our denominational ministries.
Another similarity between the past and the present is our diversity. I know that today U.S. Mennonite Brethren are a diverse group, and that we struggle with balancing diversity and unity. But I sometimes forget early MB leaders dealt with the same issues. Henderson's first pastor, Peter Regier, faced that challenge and his response helped chart our course for the past 125 years.
According to historian Kevin Enns-Rempel, when Mennonite Brethren seceeded from the larger Mennonite Church in Russia, there weremutual feelings of intolerance. Less than 20 years later, immigrants from both groups arrived in the U.S., and those feelings came with them. When circumstances and God's Spirit prompted immigrants from these two groups to band together to form congregations in the U.S., as they did in Henderson, tensions emerged. That tension increased as these congregations also came to include new converts and believers from other church traditions. In addition to the stress of diversity within the church, there was the challenge of being God's people in a new land.
Working together to face these challenges, as they had in Russia, seemed like a good idea to Regier and so in 1878 he called for a gathering of representatives from all North American MB churches-at the time that was seven congregations-to explore various issues, including the notion of forming a North American MB conference. His vision was realized one year l(lter when the Henderson church hosted a second and larger meeting and a North American conference was formed.
The challenge of being God's people in of diversity in belief and practice is nothing new for us. Living in a culture that is foreign to our desires as followers of Christ is also a familiar experience. We may not agree on the best way to address the issues that surface because of our diversity. We may advocate different approaches to our postmodern world. But let us continue to wrestle with these issues as a community of evangelical Anabaptist believers-not simply as individual congregations.-CF
