!tSEARCHERS tell us the average person tells dozens of lies each day. Some of these untruths are f the "white lie" variety-the kind intended to spare the feelings of another person. But most lies are told simply to spare our own embarrassment and cover our mistakes. Katie Funk Wiebe writes about another kind of lying-breaking promises. Big promises and little ones. If you value integrity-yours, that is-you'll find her article, which begins on page 4, to be probing and provocative. Please promise me you'll read it.
Should churches borrow money? If so, when and for what purposes? Since Mennonite Brethren, like most denominations, place a high priority on facilities, the article by Ray Bowman and Eddy Hall (beginning on page 7) is important reading. They make the point that while functional facilities are significant for a church, our highest priority should be to funnel money toward people rather than brick and mortar.
RichardJ. Schroeder follows that article with some thoughts about the value of family mealtimes (page 11). Christian Leader trivia buffs will recognize his name as the writer of "The Cutting Edge," a column that appeared regularly in this magazine during the early '70s. If you like his style, you can find more of his articles on the Internet. His e-mail addressis:Rjschroeder@worldnet.att.net.
In our Bodylife section, you'll find Jessica Penner's byline. Jessica and Jesse Kaufman, who attend the Hillsboro MB Church, are high school interns with us this fall. Jessica will be writing and editing while Jesse's interests lie with computer design. We welcome them aboard. And we welcome you, too.-DR
COMING
OCTOBER 12-27-Southern District regional rallies: Oct. 12-Tulsa, Okla. Oct. 13-Fairview, Okla. Oct. 19-Cimarron, Kan. Oct. 20-Buhler, Kan.
Oct. 21-Wichita, Kan.
Oct. 26-Denver, Colo.
Oct. 27-Topeka, Kan.
OCTOBER 25-26-Central District annual convention, Harvey, N.D.
NOVEMBER 8-9-Pacific District annual convention, hosted by Laurelglen Bible Church, Bakersfield, Calif.
-JANUARY 6-12, 1997-India 97, Assembly 13 of Mennonite World Conference, Calcutta, India.
At the heart of all integrity is the strength of a promise. Here are some tips for moral weight training. BY KATIE FUNK WIEBE
7 Forgive us our debt
The more debt a church has in relation to its income, the less financial freedom for ministry it tends to have. Can debt be avoided? BY RAY BOWMAN with EDDY HALL 11
The family that eats together...
Mealtimes can be a bonding time for family members-if we make it a priority in our hectic schedules. Here are some ideas for making it work. BY RICHARD J. SCHROEDER
DEPARTMENTS
• Days of future past Inquiring Minds by Marvin
• Are Anabaptists inferior citizens?
• Appropriate political involvement
• Feeling the
• By divine appointment With YMI testimonials from Cameron Greenhaw, Chandra Regier, Jonathan Friesen, Andrea Wiens and Norm and Lori Nickel
BodyLife
• Suffering in Iraq 20
• "Farm Camp's" first crop 21
• Preview of district fall gatherings 22
• Puppets preach to kids 22
• Drama troupe addresses racism 24
• Large-church staff share ideas 25
• AIDS crisis generates prayer for Botswana 26 Miscellanea '.
Media Matters
• Are we media vaccinated? Editorial
• Shack-up Christians?
ART CREDITS: Cover and pages 4, 5 and 7, photo illustrations by Orley Friesen; page 11, CLEO Photography; pages 17-20, courtesy of Youth Mission International,' page 21, Herb Schroeder; page 23, courtesy of Stuart Pederson; page 24, MCC photo by Brian Bauman.
EDITOR
Don Ratzlaff
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Connie Faber
BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS: Noelle Dickinson, Phil Neufeld, Dalton Reimer, Herb Schroeder, Kathy Heinrichs Wiest
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GIVING OUR PROMISES
by KATIE FUNK WIEBE
OMEWHERE A FATHER WISHES HIS SON WOULD PACK UP HIS ", stereo, his earring, his obscene T-shirts, his MohaW"k haircut, and rebellious attitude and leave hOllle never to come back.
Then he relllelllbers a prolllise to God lllade at the dedication of this son as a baby to nurture hilll. He decides to try again.
SOMEWHERE A WOMAN is saying to herself: "I have to get out of this marriage. I've married a clod, a lazy slob, who spends all his free hours watching TV football and drinking beer. He never helps with anything around the house. He never talks to me." And then she remembers a vow she made at their wedding to love, honor and cherish until death parted them. She determines to try to put the broken pieces of their marriage together. ***
SOMEWHERE A STUDENT is tempted to cheat, to hand in someone else's term paper. After all, it's a Mickey Mouse course with no value for what he plans to do in life. Why spend time on a stupid literature paper on King Oedipus who unwittingly slept with his mother and killed his father? Then he remembers the promise he made at baptism to be a person of integrity and starts work on his own term paper. ***
SOMEWHERE A YOUNG WOMAN is being pressured by her boyfriend to go all the way to prove her love. After all, they love one another, everyone else is doing it, he will use some protection. Then she remembers a promise made to God and her parents to live with moral integrity. She says no. ***
At the heart of all integrity is the strength of a promise. How can we give our promises integrity? We make promises every day. "I'll have lunch with you on Tuesday" is one kind. Another kind occurs when we give the cashier our credit card. Still another when we ask for a driver's license. And still another when we sign a work contract.
Yet some Christians fail to see these promises in the same category as the promises, or vows, James wrote about: "Above all, do not swear-not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your 'yes' be yes, and your 'No,' no, or you will be condemned" (5:12). We relegate these words in our Confession of Faith to formal legal situations, limiting the third commandment's intent. No extra words are needed whenever we make a promise, whether it be to a child or a judge. A promise is still a promise even without the extra words of affirmation or the swearing of an oath.
The late Lewis B. Smedes has written much about the power of promises. I am indebted to him for some of my ideas.
•A promise has power to create and determine the future, he writes. It means taking ourselves off the sidelines and committing ourselves to playing the game. When we make a promise, we shift from being a fan in the bleachers to
becoming a player in the ballpark.
A man and woman at the marriage altar say to each other that this promise they are making will determine their future. "I promise to be with you regardless of what may happen in the future." In other words, they agree to stick with whoever they are stuck with.
I recall a woman whose husband had Parkinson's disease. When the operation that was to give him new strength failed, he was returned to her in a vegetative state. She told me how for 13 years she looked after him gently, lovingly, although he could not respond. Her promise "for better or for worse" determined her destiny.
A challenging aspect of promise-making is that though we exercise freedom when we make a promise, that promise limits our freedom in the future.
I recall another woman whose husband remained behind in Russia after World War 2 while she and the children escaped to Canada. For 30 years she remained faithful to him, searching for him through the Red Cross and other agencies. She saved money to have on hand in case she located him. She did and he came to Canada to be reunited with her.
• When you make a promise to someone, you are exercising your free will. Your promise indicates that you are a person with free will. A true promise is never forced.
A teacher willingly signs a contract to teach at a certain school at a certain wage. When you accept a job to work 40 hours each week, your promise means you have agreed to come to work every day and to put in a full eight hours of work. But such commitment to the work ethic doesn't have wholesale support today. When Baltimore's Cal Ripken]r. broke the record for playing in the most consecutive baseball games, society applauded his unusual dedication to the task.
Admittedly, many promises should never be made. Some are knee-jerk reactions to an emotional moment. "Of course, I'll take care of you," says the young man impulsively when his girlfriend tells him she is pregnant. Yet deep down he knows he has no intention of loading himself down with a wife and baby while attending medical school.
Some promises are overdramatized lies: "Read my lips, no more taxes," says the politician to gain votes. A father promises to attend his daughter's
piano recital knowing he won't be there.
Only free people can make valid promises. A slave or prisoner can't make a promise to work for a new employer next week, for they are bound. A married man or woman can't promise to marry because they are both legally and morally bound to their first spouse. Our societal structures break down when bigamy is acceptable.
Yet a challenging aspect of promise-making is that though we exercise freedom when we make a promise, that promise limits our freedom in the future. Truth and honor bind us to the promise even if it becomes inconvenient, uncomfortable or difficult.
Marriage limits each partner's freedom, which is difficult for some young husbands to accept. The freedom to let go of going out with the guys and accept marital responsibilities is not easy. A married man or woman willingly agrees: "I will no longer check out members of the oppOSite sex at every opportunity to see if I may have missed someone better than the one I married." In a promise you limit your freedom in order to be with someone in that person's future.
G.K. Chesterton writes that "the person who makes a vow makes an appointment with himself or herself at some distant time or place." My father was a storekeeper in a small rural village in northern Saskatchewan. Customers charged groceries, sometimes for six months to a year. Then, when the harvest came in, they paid their bills. But
sometimes they broke that promise to pay and went to another store when they couldn't face my dad. The vow they had made to my father, but also with themselves to meet their obligations at some distant time, was broken.
For a short time while our family lived in Kitchener, Ont., I worked for a used lumber business. Mr. Teperman, the owner, was glad for every Mennonite who entered his door. He told me he knew they would pay their bills. He respected their integrity to allow their promises to determine their future.
• The way we keep promises establishes our identity, writes Smedes. While I was teaching at Tabor College I used to get many requests from prospective employers for references: "How do you evaluate this student?"
Letting our yes be yes and our no be no even when we aren't before a magistrate is a tough Christian responsibility-but it is the only redemptive way.
Students may think they get their main identity from academic achievements or extracurricular activities such as athletics, drama and music. Teachers also evaluate them by the way they kept their promises.
One small example. I had a student who took an independent study. The agreement was that she would do her final exam-a take-home testwithout reference to her notes or the text. She had a strong academic record and a bright Christian testimony. She aced the test.
Much later, I received a note from her: "I cheated on every test. I didn't trust myself to know the material, so I copied." When I think of her, I think of her broken-promise, not her brilliant grades, because I wonder how many other times she compromised herself. Can she be trusted in a tight situation?
When you break a promise, you go back on yourself but you also disappoint others. That student disappointed me when she cheated.
We can only live together in our families, our congregations, our schools, if we can trust people to keep their promises. A school administrator loses the confidence of the entire academic community and constituency if he or she makes promises that are not kept.
Teachers lose the confidence of students when they say the next test will be "open book," but it turns out to be "closed book." Students lose the confidence of teachers when they promise to show up for classes and then decide to sleep in.
Husbands lose the confidence of their wives when their eyes wander to more inviting faces and bodies. Wives lose the confidence of their husbands when their personal interests rise above their promise to stand at their husband's side. Pastors lose the confidence of their congregation if they promise home visits but rarely leave the office.
Our nation has lost confidence in its political system because of broken promises of professional politicians.
Smedes writes that a society collapses when people neglect their promises to each other and no longer see them as substantial agreements. "Life together survives not on a diet of warm feelings, but on the tough fibers of promise keeping."
• I'd like to add a fourth principle: A promise can be the means by which the grace of God enters our lives. People break promises because doing so looks like a shortcut to happiness or the desired good. That moment when a person decides to break a promise can be terrible agony: "I am incapable of functioning in this situation. I am a loser. I can't carry on any further."
Just as sin can enter our lives at the moment of crisis, grace can also. Southern writer Flannery O'Connor's characters reveal repeatedly that they are farthest from grace when they lack the truthful appraisal of their reality. The old woman in "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" cannot accept that she is a sinner. In a brief moment with the Misfit, an escaped criminal, he gives her the opportunity to acknowledge her sinful state. But she doesn't and the moment of grace passes her by. He kills her.
C.H. Spurgeon writes that faith is the conduit, grace the power. "Grace is the spending money for traveling expenses on our pilgrimage. It is not our estate." When evaluating our promises, we have many opportunities to spend the money of grace to forgive the painful past and begin again. Giving our promises integrity is a tough "social duty. Letting our yes be yes and our no be no even when we aren't before a magistrate is a tough Christian responsibility-but it is the only redemptive way. •
Katie Funk Wiebe, a well-known writer and speaker and frequent contributor to the Christian Leader, is a member of First MB Church, Wichita, Kan.
, or lve us our
When a church borrows extensively, it's vulnerable to the beg, borrow and {steal'syndrome. And ministry suffers.
by RAY BOWMAN with EDDY HALL
S
MY WIFE, SALLY, AND I ENTERED THE 3,500-SEAT SANCTUARY, the w-arOl voices of gathering w-orshipers w-elcoOled us. Sparking ChristOlas trees, graceful garlands and the cheerful claOlor of the orchestra tuning up heightened our anticipation. Though w-e visitors, w-e knew- the Olusic here w-as alW"ays excellent. This W"as
Christmas Sunday; today it would be extraordinary. And the pastor, we knew, was one of the best preachers around.
Sure enough, the congregational singing, the prayer time, and the special music-all invited us to worship. But then something happened that I won't soon forget. The pastor stepped to the pulpit and announced that by the following Sunday the church had to raise more than $100,000 for
the mortgage payment. Then he went on to make a long appeal for funds.
Though his appeal was as gracious as anyone could have made it, by the time it was over our focus was no longer on the Christ child; it was on paying the bills. The pastor went on to preach an excellent sermon, but I couldn't enjoy it. The long interruption for fund raising had destroyed the spirit of worship. Nor did the members wel-
Early in my consulting I noticed apattern: The more debt achurch had in relation to its income, the less financial freedom for ministry it tended to have.
come the appeal any more than we visitors. They had long since grown tired of almost every Sunday sitting through yet another request to pay debt.
But of all the people there, the one who most abhorred what happened that morning was the pastor. He had been forced to take on the thankless task of every week begging people to pay a debt far more massive than the church could reasonably bear. He later told me, "The burden of debt is so heavy, sometimes I don't think I'll survive."
This church, though certainly not by design, had fallen into a pattern of begging, borrowing and "stealing." The pastor was forced to beg because of the church's extensive borrowing, and to make debt payments the church was having to "steal" funds needed for ministry. And I was partly to blame.
The difference a hat makes
Twenty years earlier this church had hired me to design their building, a building for which they borrowed heavily, and I had cheered them on. In fact, as a church architect, I had become something of an expert at persuading hesitant church leaders to borrow to the max and showing them how to do it.
This church had bought wholesale into the borrow-and-build thinking I so enthusiastically advocated. They had borrowed for various projects, each time expecting it to bring growth, but they had been repeatedly disappointed. And now paying the debt had to come first, even when that meant using funds urgently needed for ministry.
For most of my life, I had considered all this normal. I had seen pastors beg for money so often that I thought nothing of it. I was so used to churches putting debt payments ahead of ministry that I had accepted it as the way things had to be. And, of course, I had not only seen church borrowing as normal; I had enthusiastically promoted it.
Then I changed jobs. I became a consultant who helped churches coordinate planning of facilities, finances and ministries. No longer was my focus on building church buildings, it was on building churches.
Through working with scores of churches
on their finances-some thriving, others fighting for their financial lives-I learned that the beg, borrow and "steal" syndrome is widespread, but it is also curable. Pastors don't have to beg, congregations don't have to borrow, and churches don't have to "steal" funds from ministry to pay for institutional maintenance. Though the process is neither quick nor easy, a financially burdened church can replace indebtedness with provision, institutionalism with purpose, and insufficiency with plenty.
From indebtedness to provision
Early in my consulting I noticed a pattern: The more debt a church had in relation to its income, the less financial freedom for ministry it tended to have.
What would happen, I wondered, if churches built debt-free-living within the income God provided-and used the saved interest for ministry?
Next I realized that most of the churches asking me for building advice didn't need to build at all; they had better alternatives. I began helping churches devise creative ways to get more out of their facilities. While each situation was unique, some solutions proved useful in many churches
• Move classes to the right size rooms. Moving large classes to large rooms and small classes to small rooms gave larger classes room to keep growing.
• Replace pews with chairs. Good church chairs are not cheap, but they cost far less than building. By replacing pews with chairs, some churches made their largest single space, the worship area, useful for a variety of ministries seven days a week.
• Build a storage shed. When rooms were used as storage closets, they could be freed up by building a low-cost storage building.
• Add a fellowship foyer. For a growing church to get out of debt and stay out of debt, it must hold multiple worship services. To make this practical, some churches added a fellowship foyer big enough that those leaving one service had room to visit with those arriving for the next.
Using these and other innovations, some congregations have been able to grow to two or three times the size for which their buildings
were originally designed without needing a major building program. Then, by building intensive multiple-use facilities when they needed to, they have cut the number of square feet needed by half or more.
By avoiding interest and building multipleuse buildings, some churches have saved 50 to 75 percent of their construction costs-money they could then use for the real work of the church: meeting people's needs in the name of Christ.
From institutionalism to purpose I've read scores of church mission state-
ments, and I haven't read a bad one yet. Every church has good intentions. But the church, like any other organization, can get caught up in pouring most of its time, money and energy into maintaining its own structures and programs until its mission gets little more than lip service.
One way to gauge your church's true priorities is to go through your church budget line by line, assigning each dollar of spending to one of six categories. Three of these categories-facilities, staff and operations-pay for maintaining church structures and ministry programs. The other three are for sharing-money the church gives away to meet the needs of people outside
When it comes to debt, a church isn't a business
DEBT HAS both benefits and risks for the business owner, but the church that borrows usually assumes all the risks of debt while enjoying few of its benefits.
1. Business property produces income. Business owners borrow to buy real estate because they expect the property to generate more than enough income to make the mortgage payments. They expect the property to generate a profit.
• Church buildings don't produce income. Churches do not receive business income from their buildings. For churches, the cost of buildings is an expense, not a business investment.
2. Business property usually appreciates. Business owners may prefer to buy buildings, even with heavy indebtedness, rather than rent, because good buildings usually increase in value.
• The resale value of church buildings decreases rapidly. Generally, a church building's market vaJue is 50 cents on the doBar-or less-compared to the book value. This means a church facility that costs $1 million to build will usually have a resale vafue of a half-million dollars or less the moment it is finished.
3. Business debt brings tax advantages. Interest on business debt is tax deductible. Businesses can deduct depreciation expense on buildings, even when their market value is appreciating. Depending on the tax laws in effect at the time, profits from the sale of business property-capital gains-may be taxed at a lower rate than other business income.
All operating expenses related to business buildings-such as utilities, insurance, repairs, and custodial services-are tax deductible
• Churches get no tax advantages from owning property, because they don't pay income taxes.
4. Businesses can use real estate as leverage to make further investments. Once real estate investors build equity in property, they can borrow against that equity to buy more property.
• Church property cannot be leveraged.
5. If a business gets into financial trouble, it can declare bankruptcy. Most business debt involves risk, so it's a normal part of doing business for some investments to go sour, sometimes leading to bankruptcy. Corporations can go bankrupt, yet the owners'
personal finances are not at risk. The owners can use the bankruptcy laws to avoid personal responsibility, then go on with their lives.
•A church cannot declare bankruptcy without dissolving the church. Besides the fact that bankruptcy ends a church's existence, God's people have a moral responsibility to repay all legitimate debts, no matter how difficult repayment may be. It is the "wicked" who "borrow and do not pay back" (Ps. 37:21).
Forthese reasons and more, except in a few carefully defined situations, I no longer encourage churches to borrow. Instead, I advocate what I call the principle of provision: A church should build only when it can do so within the income God has provided and without usi ng fu nds needed for the ch u rch' s present and future ministries to people
For the past 15 years I have recommended this principle to the growing chu rches I have worked with. The results I have witnessed in those churches that have embraced this approach have more than confirmed to me that provision, not indebtedness, is the road to the church's greatest possible financial freedom for ministry.-RB/EH
When
achurch is reducing the proportion of its budget spent on facilities, it is weakening the grip of institutionalism.
the community, people in the community, and people within the church.
Maintenance and Ministries
Facilities
Staff Operations
Sharing
People outside the community
People in the community
People within the church
How does your church's spending on maintenance and ministry (facility, staff and operations) compare with its spending on sharing? A church that spends freely on itself while giving far less to others may be driven more by institutionalism than by a sense of mission.
Is spending among the three sharing categories balanced? Giving to world missions is important, but it is no substitute for personal involvement in ministry to people in need right on your doorstep. For every dollar they give to world missions, I urge churches to also earmark a dollar to meet needs within their own communities and, even more important, a dollar for financial needs of people within the church. If we neglect the needs of our own spiritual family, the Bible says we don't have God's love in us (1 In. 3:17).
When a church is reducing the proportion of its budget spent on facilities, it is weakening the grip of institutionalism. When it is increasing spending for sharing and outreach, it is being guided by its sense of purpose. When a church is moving toward the goal of devoting one-third of all staff time, facility use and operations spending to ministries of intentional outreach, it is learning "to put its money where its mission statement is.
From insufficiency to plenty
Growth costs. A nongrowing church doesn't need much money. If the people give the church 3 percent of their income, that is usually plenty to keep it going. But for a church to sustain modest growth, the people need to give an average of 5 to 6 percent of their income. And for a church to sustain growth of 10 percent a year or more requires a giving level of 3 to 12 percent.
Why? Because it takes money to operate ministries of intentional outreach. It takes money to
add staff. It takes .money to adapt or build facilities. It takes money to sustain growth.
How can people be inspired to give at this level? A generation ago, institutional loyalty motivated much church giving. Today "Boomers" and "Busters" are far less likely to give out of institutionalloyalty than their parents and grandparents were. The secret to inspiring generous, even sacrificial, giving in today's church is to invite people to give not to an institution, but to a vision.
One pastor explains his church's approach this way: "We don't say, 'We need this amount of money.' We say, 'This is the ministry God is calling us to do, and by the way, this is what it will cost.' The vision for ministry comes first, finances are secondary." He has discovered that when people have a vision for ministry worth giving themselves to, they love to give.
Set free to fly
A church struggling financially is like an airplane that is overloaded, off course, and underfueled. The load of debt is so heavy that the church uses most of its energy just staying aloft. A church whose mission statement gives priority to ministry and outreach but whose budget gives priority to institutional maintenance is like a plane whose flight path doesn't match its flight plan. And a church whose giving is a fraction of what is needed to sustain vigorous growth is like a plane carrying only part of the fuel needed to reach its destination.
By itself, no amount of financial expertise can make ministry happen. But if a passion for ministering to people inspires your church to do whatever it takes to get out of debt, reorder budget priorities, and multiply giving, your church can enjoy a greater freedom for ministry than ever before. No longer overloaded, no longer off course, no longer underfueled, your church can be set free to fly.
•
This article was adapted from When Not to Borrow: Unconventional Financial Wisdom to Set Your Church Free by Ray Bowman with Eddy Hall (Baker 1996). Ray Bowman, a consultant living in Larkspur, Colo., works with churches to coordinate planning offacilities, finances and ministries. Eddy Hall, a free-lance writer and_Bditor, lives in Goessel, Kan.
BY RICHARD J. SCHROEDER
THE FAMILY THAT EATS TOGETHER ...
Mealtimes can be an oasis of love and fellowship where values are defined and relationships deepened
URING THE 1960S, I WAS A COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
"Worker in a racially filixed inner-city neighborhood. Dealing "With racial prejudice "Was a COfilfilon topic of conversation. Most of us quickly learned that talk "Was cheap "When it cafile to subjects such as that, but practicing "What "We preached "Wasn't quite as easy.
I learned that people of racial backgrounds other than mine would sometimes subtly test me. They heard what I said, and they watched what I did. Then, in seemingly natural and innocent circumstances, they would ask me to eat with them in their homes. It might be just a casual snack or "Why don't you stay over for lunch?" or it might be a more formal invitation to dinner.
That may seem like a simple thing. But different cultural backgrounds, different economic status, different social traditions-these all quickly add up to unfamiliarity when it comes to eating. And unfamiliarity breeds apprehension and reluctance. And
they, in turn, can sometimes spell prejudice. So, eating together-and especially my reactioh to their invitations-became sort of a litmus test or defining moment of all my talk about racial tolerance. It wasn't always easy to put my mouth where my words were!
It has occurred to me that eating together can also be somewhat of a defining moment about our families. It's easy to talk about family values-and, qf course, that term means a whole lot of different things these days-but it's harder to "walk the talk." And, sometimes, the little dayto-day habits are ultimately just as important as the big, public-policy family issues.
Does your family eat together?
Our family did. Perhaps it was a different time in our generation, and we didn't have to consciously struggle as hard as young families do today to make it happen. We were the first family members in our immediate heritage to live in urban settings, where it didn't come quite as naturally as it had on the farm or in small rural communities. Nevertheless, eating together was an understood part of our cultural traditions.
5. We didn't structure these mealtimes with agendas that might inhibit or stifle the children. That meant we didn't usually carry out correction or discipline at the table. We simply let eating together be a natural and pleasant time.
Now, I'm the first to admit that we weren't wise enough to have set out with a profound blueprint to make the above happen. And we weren't even always very good at it. Rather, looking back with hindsight, I can see what was happening in the life of my family during those mealtimes, and I can heartily say that it was valuable and important.
Busy CROSSROADS IN LOOK, AND LISTEN." YOUR FAMILY, "STOP, WHEN You FACE THOSE
As I look back, mealtimes became somewhat of a defining moment for our family. Perhaps we didn't think of it as such at the time, but that's what was happening.
1. We gave priority to mealtimes together. It was not possible to eat together at every meal every day, but we chose to not let other commitments and pursuits interfere easily.
2. We made the mealtimes personal. That is, we did not allow competition from the television set or other distractions. That forced us to interact with each other, face to face.
3. We let meals together be a safe time and place. Our children were free to talk about al1Y subject and have our full attention. That allowed them to share joys and accomplishments that might otherwise get overlooked in our busyness, to vent some of their frustrations, or to bring up sensitive and awkward questions involved with growing up.
4. We laughed together a lot, so that mealtimes were fun. When we ran out of news to share from each others' days, we sometimes played silly word games that not only tickled our funny bones but sharpened our appreciation of words and fertilized our creative imaginations.
I have been richly blessed with a loving family, and that makes me a wealthy man. Our son and daughter have each married wonderful spouses, so now we have four Christian children instead of just two who live in the same city with us. And our preemie twin granddaughters are a miracle story in themselves. We still eat together when the family comes home to our empty nesters' table. It is typical for us to gather for simple, nutritious-but-not-elegantmeals for any excuse or occasion. We nearly always eat around a table, and we continue the tradition of sharing news tidbits from each other's lives and of laughing together.
Our fellowship often goes on for an hour or two after the meal has ended, and we don't quite make the move from the dining room to the parlor. It's a loving time, and it remains one of the defining moments of our family.
I recognize that times change, and contemporary lives are filled with busy schedules. It may seem that the crowded highways of life only make passing lanes or crossroads in our homes, with little time in common. Yet, I highly commend the priority of spending as many mealtimes together as possible.
When you face those busy crossroads in your family, "stop, look, and listen." You may find that, with some careful attention, mealtimes could be an oasis of love and fellowship that are a defining moment of your own family values, and the investment will pay rich dividends!
Richard J Schroeder has been involved in Christian broadcastingfor many years. He lives in Lakewood, Colo., and is a member of our Garden Park Church in Denver.
WHAT READERS SAY
Steadfast in church planting
Connie Faber's report on Southern District church planting, though painful to absorb, better enables us to appreciate those godly, courageous, risk-taking workers who so selflessly devote themselves to this hard task.
From the outset they know they will get little glory or honor-or salary. Often they make music with no pianist, no soloist and certainly no choir. Weekly they move in and out of rented auditoriums, carting boxes of equipment and supplies-if they're lucky enough to have the money to rent. Otherwise they meet in homes, where visitors shy away and promise to come "when you have a building."
As they meet and nurture hundreds of people who ask what they do for a living, they often encounter faces tinged with doubt, puzzlement, or muted suspicion. They have no status, no clear identity in the community.
When a family moves away from the tiny flock, they mourn the loss of as much as 30 percent or even half of their congregation. Yet it happens frequently. How often they win two or three to the Lord and simultaneously say good-bye to another two or three or more heading elsewhere.
We owe these people our gratitude and admiration. I have known some of them: Mark and Sonia Fuller, Leon and Jolene Thiessen and Dave and Marilyn Gerbrandt come immediately to mind, along with Wilmer and Hildegard Thiessen.
I want to express special affirmation to Gary and Maxelin Wiebe, who carry on with ministry in an expensive metro area with no help from the district. What the district can no longer give officially, we can and should supply individually.
Finally, we need to encourage the Church Extension and Evangelism Committee, Lynn Jost, David Froese and the others who have served. They deserve thanks for trying to plant churches. They are not unprofitable servants. They did not bury resources in the ground and let them mold. They led us in doing the right thing: investing in the kingdom. And,
although none of the churches still remain, changed lives remain. People were helped, healed and restored.
Maybe we'll have to change strategies, but let us continue to be steadfast and unmovable in our resolve to plant churches. May we always abound in the work of the Lord and in appreciation for those who take on the toughest assignments.
Gary Hardaway Fresno, Calif.
Lessons from the Summit
I want to thank all of you who take the time to pray and invest in Summit Church, a church-planting project my husband and I are heading in the Southern District. What have I learned in the last four years?
1. Since this is Christ's church we must keep in touch with Christ. "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails" (prov. 19:21).
2. It takes time to clean the land so that the Word can be planted. "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds" (2 Cor. 10:4-5).
3. If we can explain how it's done, then God must not be in it. "A man's steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?" (prov. 20:24).
Again, I thank you for your prayers. Together we can better see his plan for his church.
Maxelin Wiebe LeeJs Summit, Mo.
Bombs or bread?
At about the same time one group of Americans was delivering cruise missiles to Iraq, another group of Americans, through Mennonite Central Committee, was sending in cans of beef and school kits.
Those Americans who delivered the cruise missiles tell us they can land one exactly where they want, plus or minus a mere 50 feet. Speaking on behalf of the Americans who delivered the beef, I can say that we can deliver with even greater accura-
cy than 50 feet.
We heard during the Persian Gulf War that each cruise missile costs around $1 million. How much do you suppose one of those things weighs? For discussion purposes, let's say each missile weighs one ton. For that same million dollars, I could deliver-with stunning accuracy-around 150 tons of beef to average Iraqi folk who are literally starving because of the international embargo. Never mind that at last count, the Americans had chucked in 27 cruise missiles ($27 million @ 150 tons of beef per million dollars-do the math).
So let's do it like this. If you wanted to win the hearts and minds of a starving Iraqi, would you do it by (a) trying to blow his or her head off, or (b) buying him or her a whole bunch of good meals? I know which I would prefer. And think about the Americans who are footing the bills. Hard-working, tax-paying decent folks, just like you and me. Should they be satisfied with a missile delivery accuracy of only 50 feet, while at the same time beef delivery accuracy is so much better? And not only that, but having to spend $1 million for every ton of missile delivered seems outrageous to me. For the same money, I could do 150 times better.
It seems cynical, I know, but after four years of living in the region and seeing the suffering endured by Iraqis, and to know how absolutely forgotten they are by the world, and how every other approach has been tried at least 10 times, why not try the food approach?
Paul Pereverzoff MCC]ordan
The Christian Leader welcomes brief letters to the editor in response to our articles or of relevance to the Mennonite Brethren Church. All letters must be signed and will be edited for clarity and length. Send letters to Christian Leader, Box V, Hillsboro, KS 67063
BY PHILIP WIEBE
Days of future past
Life demands that we learn from the past without living there, that we look to the future without stepping off a cliff
FIRST LET ME SAY that I've always kind aspects of American life of liked Bob Dole. He has a refreshing were better in the past. Marriages were more grouchy streak, for one thing. In a day durable, for instance, and when politicians seem all too willing to engage families less breakable. People made do with less and the Smiley Face and Happy Talk for the TV were more apt to keep cameras, Dole has openly denounced sugges- their word. "Casual sex" was a contradiction in tions that he try to prettify his media image. terms, as was "instant gratiI wish more politicians would fication." Neighborhoods and refuse to bow at the altar of Image. schools had their share of bullies, In a TV-worshiping culture, though, but none armed with guns and that seems like a sure way to get drugs. buried at the ballot box, as appears But of course some things were to be Dole's fate. worse, too. World wars, the Great Another thing I like about Dole is Depression, entrenched racism, genhis experience. These days many der inequality, and the threat of argue that political experience is a nuclear holocaust spring to mind. serious handicap, but personally I Every generation has had to take the believe that for a politician, some bad with the good, and the Ameripolitical experience might not be can past was no exception, Dole's too bad a thing. I wouldn't want soft-focus recollection of it notwithsomeone with no training, experi- standing. ence, nor inkling of What's Going
And anyway, even if the past was On to step off the street and teach perfect, so what? I still have to live my kids, fix my car, or pastor my in the present. Certainly we can and church, and I'm not particularly should learn from the past, but we crazy about that kind of thing in pol- can never go back. We consider itics either. those who "live in the past" to be
By most accounts Dole is-and I troubled and even delusional. They don't believe this always has to be need to get real, we counsel, and get an oxymoron-a good politician. The on with their lives. So it is with socire(:ord shows he has been a person ety. Dwelling on a metaphorical past of integrity, vigilance and trust- isn't much help for us who dwell in worthiness; a true public servant. the literal present.
So it's nothing personal when I say that I was disappointed in the thrust of Dole's acceptance speech at the Republican convention, which posited, as a Chicago Tribune writer put it, "that the past was a better time in American life and Dole knows best how to recapture its core values and virtues."
Now, I don't doubt that some
In real life I understand that if I want tomorrow to be better than today, I have to face today's problems and try to solve them. Making a Better Tomorrow is hardly different. As a political vision, retreating to the past can only fall flat with those who have little choice but to face the future.
It wasn't surprising, then, that at the Deplocratic convention vice president AI Gore jumped all over Dole's speech. "Dole offered himself as a bridge to the past," Gore said. "Tonight Bill Clinton and I offer ourselves as a bridge to the future." While the credibility of that offering is certainly debatable, Gore hit on an essential truth. Unless someone invents a Time Bridge, the future is the only possible place to go.
Not that the past isn't a good thing to remember. I found Gore's reference to the Republicans as the "Party of Memqry" somewhat troubling, as if the Democrats could be counted on to be the Party of Forgetting. That doesn't sound promising. There's a saying that those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it, but I think it could also be said that those who forget past values and virtues are doomed to lose them. In Revelation Jesus chides the church in Ephesus for forgetting its past: "You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first" (2:4,5).
But Jesus also said you can't put new wine in old wineskins. The people who struggled most with Jesus's message were those stuck in the past and resistant to change. They looked back to the time of the Chosen Few rather than forward to the Kingdom of Grace.
Life demands that we balance past and future-that we learn from the past without living there; that we look to the future without stepping off a cliff. Yet the Republican and Democratic conventions seemed to posit a past without a future and a future without a past. It makes me wonder if we've gotten ahead of , ourselves in considering whether the Democratic or Republican agenda would be better for the nation. Perhaps we first need to figure out how to get both parties off Fantasy Island.
INQUIRING MINDS
BY MARVIN HEIN
QAt the Republican convention in San Diego, one speaker said military service makes people better Americans because veterans have a better understanding offreedom's price. As pacifists, are we Mennonite Brethren ((lesser" Americans? (CALIFORNIA)
AI heard the same speech, and I know who said this. I'll identify him later so that you can read this column with less prejudice and discomfort.
Since these words came out of the Republican convention, the comment obviously was directed at our president's lack of military service during the Vietnam War. So let's begin by admitting that the reference to veterans being better Americans was a political barb aimed at the opponent. Knowing that, we shouldn't put too much weight on its truthfulness.
In a sense, the statement about war participants having a greater appreciation for their country might well be true-humanly speaking. The Bible says that "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
In a similar fashion, when you have risked your physical life for a cause, you are apt to acquire a greater appreciation for that cause. This was not always the case with Vietnam, but if a man or woman loses an arm or leg while fighting for their country, that traumatic experience may well engender a strong dose of patriotism.
Does that make us Anabaptist believers "lesser" citizens because we refuse to take up arms? That depends on our priorities. If being the strongest nation on earth and if acting as the all-powerful policeman around the world are the highest ambitions for our country, then nonviolent Mennonites don't rate as superior citizens. But if our chief goal is to glorify God and we believe
that includes acting peacefully rather than with violence, then military service means little or nothing in "grading" our citizenship.
The inquirer poses a second question: "Should a candidate's military service record affect the way we vote?" Now the question affects most of us. And here we face a real problem. Based on previous studies of Mennonite Brethren political involvement, most of the readers of this column will vote in November for Bob Dole, who made the statement in question. Should his military service record affect the way we vote?
It is here that we Anabaptists stand in a unique but difficult position. We are morally and theologically conservative like Republicans tend to be, but we are also sensitive to social justice and peace issues which seem to be the hallmarks of Democrats. I accept that dichotomy as a strength, not a weakness. If we are true to our theology, it is no simple matter to choose between Dole and Clinton. Nor between most political opponents. That's why, in my judgment, we shouldn't be citizens who automatically vote a "straight ticket." Nor should we be one-issue voters. Some candidates are proabortion but deserve our vote because on many other issues they are much more in tune with our theology.
Likewise, some candidates are very antiabortion but I will not vote for them because their opponent, albeit proabortion, shares more of my theological persuasions. The only other alternative is not to vote at all.
QAlthough I am a political moderate, I heartily agree with conservatives that our faith should guide our voting and political activism. How do you evaluate the extreme conservative
Have a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference policy, or other spiritual issue? Send it to Minds," c/o Marvin Hein, 4812 E. Butler, Fresno, CA 93727.
efforts to elect their kind of laws and officials? (CALIFORNIA)
AThis question is closely related to the previous one, though couched slightly differently. I've had my own doubts about strong involvement in political issues, but I cannot deny that Christians probably should get involved. My concern, however, has to do with the tactics too often used by Christian groups and individuals to express their political views.
In our zeal for promoting Christian views, we need to remember that our strength is not in a spirit of triumphalism and intolerance but in humility and patience. A letter-writer in the Sept. 16 issue of Christianity Today said it well: "Our job is not to 'teach [nonbelievers] to obey' through political force so we can have control, but to obey and set examples ourselves. We need more dialogue, less rhetoric."
I would have the same counsel for some groups who promote "peace" in a way that appears to some people as violent. We need not be tolerant of creeds and systems that are contrary to Scripture, but we do need to be tolerant of people who, because they are human beings and sinners like all the rest of us, have different perceptions.
We must be careful in our activism-whatever the arena-that we do not negate our Christian witness by unchristian attitudes and deeds. We may make some people' angry even with the noblest of our activism. The Bible indicates that clearly. However, alienating people, even our "enemies," is no compliment to our faith if it is done through unwise or unchristian activities.
ON THE]OURNEY
BY ROSE BUSCHMAN
Feeling the presence
From the deep valley of the death of a loved one to the emotional mountaintop of a newborn baby, I knew God was there.
THE FIRST TIME I held my new granddaughter she was five days old. How does one describe how it feels to
hold your grandchild for the first time? Your first child? Any newborn for that matter?
As I cradled Emily Sarah in my arms, I remembered the relief and excitement I heard in my son's voice when he called one Monday morning in July to say she had been born. Beholding this "fearfully and wonderfully made," 8-pound, 9-ounce, sleeping infant in my arms was a special moment in time, a gift from God. My heart sang, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name."
I looked at her small hands and tiny fingernails. I watched the sucking movements of her lips as she searched for food. And I listened to the wailful cry when she didn't get it fast enough. The afternoon had become an "a-ha" experience for me, a spiritual and emotional high.
As I held her, I committed myself to pray for her often and to support her parents as they raise her. I thought of the stories I will read to her, the trips to the park, the museum and the many other things we can do together to explore her world. I also thought of all the stuffed animal and doll-clothes patterns I have saved which will now be put to good use again. I want to be a good grandma to Emily.
Just a few days before her birth I experienced an emotional low when the call came from Canada that the day-and-night vigil at my Uncle Corny's hospital bedside was over. He was now with the Lord. The
problems, indignities and suffering which his slowmoving cancer had created were finally over. While it was a sad time for Aunt Margaret and the family, they also felt relief. It had been hard to watch him suffer, even though the medical staff did everything it could to make him as comfortable as possible. When I talked to my aunt on the phone she said, "We are going to celebrate his life at the funeral." And they did.
I didn't go to the funeral. However, several weeks later, after all the busyness in her life and mine was over, I flew to British Columbia.
Aunt Margaret and I talked, cried and laughed together. Even though Uncle Corny had spent months in a nursing home after Aunt Margaret could no longer care for him at home, he had still been as close as the phone. She could talk to him or visit him every day. Now the phone calls and the visits were over. She wanted to tell him so much, but couldn't.
We talked about the long illness which slowly sapped him of energy and the ability to do what he wanted to do. We reminisced about the years he served his local church as supervisor of buildings and grounds and how he helped her when they were in charge of congregational meals in the church basement. She told me of the work he did building houses and running a chicken farm, and how he helped her with her bridal fabric and consulting business. We ended with the years they spent working as a caretaker couple in a retirement center.
Throughout these conversations
one theme consistently emerged: Uncle Corny's faith in God was the guiding force throughout his life.
We laughed about the time I called Uncle Corny long distance, collect, to tell him I was engaged to be married. You see, it was Uncle Corny who teased me mercilessly in my teens and early twenties because I didn't have a steady boyfriend. Every time he came to visit us he would ask me if I "had a man yet." One time he even brought me a Dutch-boy salt and pepper shaker set so that I could "take a man to college" with me. At that time I told him, "Uncle Corny, wherever I am in the world, when it happens, I'll call you collect and tell you I'm engaged."
Well, Christmas 1964 came. I was engaged to be married and visiting my parents· in Ontario. My mother kept urging me to call Uncle Corny, but I didn't want to. "Mom, I don't need to do that anymore."
"Yes, you do! As much as he teased you, you've got to call him," she said. Her persistence paid off. I finally made the call just to get Mom off my back.
What I didn't know, but she did, was that the entire extended family was together at their house for a Christmas celebration. When Aunt Margaret figured out what was happening she got on the phone before Uncle Corny could hang up and then let everyone else talk to me who wanted to. She said, "As much as he teased you, I want this phone call to cost him a lot." Now we sat and laughed about it.
In one weekend, one life ended and another began. From the deep valley of the death of a loved one to the emotional mountaintop of a newborn baby, I knew God was there.
By divine appointment
BY RANDY FRIESEN
Youth Mission International, by design, stretches the spiritual walk of those who participate in it. This ministry program of the Mennonite Brethren recruits and organizes young people in high school and college for short-term adventures in ministry. Most participants are led far beyond their comfort zone, to places where they must rely on God's involvement. Following are several testimonials of God's activity from this past summer. The first story is by Randy Friesen, YMI director. The other brief accounts come from youth who served on YMI teams literally around the globe.-the editors
,, HAVE YOU HAD a coffee already this morning? For some reason I just bought two and I'm only going to drink one." Somehow this all sounded really dumb. But here I was offering a medium Starbuck's house blend to a young guy leaning against a wall.
We were standing across from the park where I had just dropped off 15 teens and college students for a day of random acts of kindness in the heart of Colorado Springs. I spotted the Starbuck's coffee shop on my way back to the convention site for the U.S. Conference convention. I ordered the two coffees (this isn't a habit of mine) without quite knowing what I was going to do with the second one. Then I bumped into Tim.
"Sure, I'll have that coffee. Gee thanks. Are you sure this is OK?"
This is crazy-that's what this is, I was thinking. But I said, "No problem. Beautiful morning isn't it?"
After we'd thoroughly digested the weather, I commented that it must have been a rough night. Tim looked like he'd spent the night in the parkan observation he quickly confirmed.
I soon discovered he was an out-ofwork builder who enjoyed construction. He was "crashing" at his sisters'place in "the Springs." Last night he had crashed harder than he expected.
"What's the hardest thing about
being out of work?" I asked.
He paused for a moment, then said, "The depression. Actually the depression and the loneliness."
"How do you deal with it?" I asked.
"Not too well," Tim replied.
I shared with him my experience of loneliness on a year-long backpacking trip through Europe and the Middle East; the mornings I woke up on a park bench or a friend's floor wondering where I was and if a morning coffee would help. Then I shared the difference Christ had made in my life during that trip as I discovered I was loved for who I was not what I did.
My watch told me that I was due back at the convention site to share about Youth Mission International, but my heart told me that the sharing Tim and I were doing was where I wanted to be.
"I've gotta go, Tim," I said. "I want you to know again that you're loved. Be kind to yourself." As I walked away I wondered where Tim's life was heading and whether our morning coffee together would make a difference.
Several hours later I was back in that same park. My YMI report was behind me and I was munching on a
bag lunch I had brought the "random acts of kindness" participants. I was enjoying some solitude when I noticed an elderly gentleman on a park bench several feet away reading what looked to be a Bible. I found myself asking him what he was reading.
"The Bible," he replied.
"Do you believe it?" I followed.
"Yes, all of it," he answered.
"Why?" I responded, even though I didn't know where I was going with this.
He launched into a well thought through defense of the Scriptures, citing historicity, documentary evidence, prophetic accuracy, etc. I was fairly impressed. Then he mentioned the resurrection of Christ.
"You don't really believe Jesus physically rose from the dead, do you?" I asked. Now I really didn't know where I was going in my newfound role as cynic.
"Sure I do," he replied and he constructed a defense of the resurrection with several points that were vintage C.S. Lewis.
When we began our conversation,
several alcoholics who call the park home were dosing on the grass behind us. Through the next hour as the questions continued, these men rolled onto one side and began throwing in their occasional comments. There was no question-they were on my side of the discussion.
Finally the Christian gentleman, the model of grace and humility, turned to them and asked a large bleary-eyed man who was closest to us if he was going to heaven.
"No, I don't think I'm good enough," the man slurred in response. Then he turned to me. "Are you going to heaven?"
!knew this was my opportunity to declare who I was and what I believed. "Yes, I will be in heaven," I replied. "I gave my life to Christ 14 years ago and received his forgiveness for my sin. Jesus is my Savior and Lord."
The guys on the grass sat up. This was getting really: interesting. The Christian gentleman just stared in amazement and tears came to his eyes. "Why did you ask me all these
questions?" he asked.
"Well, consider it sort of like a test," I said, thinking fast. "And you passed with flying colors." N ow the gentleman was really choked up and I was feeling badly.
"I'm sorry. I cry every time the Holy Spirit comes on me," he explained. Now I was feeling really badly.
The gentleman's name was Sammy, a Palestinian·believer, born in Jerusalem and raised in Ramallah. He had been led to Christ and discipled by a Baptist missionary. After receiving an engineering degree, he moved to Kuwait and in the 1950s planted the first evangelical Arab congregation in Kuwait City.
Sammy's construction business was blessed by God. He built huge hotels and government buildings throughout the Middle East. He was one of the chief construction engineers on the Watergate building in Washington D.C. Thirty years ago Sammy was instrumental in starting the first evangelical Arab congregation in Washington. He knew Arab evangelical leaders all over the world, some of whom I'd stayed with on ministry trips.
Several years ago he lost $3 million when the Iraqis raided his bank in Kuwait. He declares it was the best thing that ever happened to him and his wife. They realized they were storing up treasures on earth, allowing thieves to break in and steal. They decided to invest all they had in building Christ's kingdom in the Middle East, particularly the closed access countries. Sammy was in Colorado Springs to liquidate his real estate holdings so he'd be free to invest in ministry.
Now I was the one in shock. I shared my heart fqr the Middle East and my love for the Arab and Jewish people. I asked Sammy to pray for me-that I would be able to call a generation of youth to the hardest fronts of the harvest, including the Middle East. I knelt down beside the park bench. Sammy laid hands on me and prayed for God's anointing.
When we stood up, I noticed our friends on the grass were now sitting on the bench staring at us. Were their
eyes playing tricks on them? A "cynic" had received prayer and two men, who had been strangers, embraced. Sometimes divine appointments occur in spite of us. Oqe never knows who will be in a park.
Maritime Provinces Cameron Greenhaw
Parkview MB Church, Hillsboro, Kan
My EYES were opened this summer to the hearts of Maritime Mennonite Brethren pastors. They told our team of their struggles and how we could pray for them and their outreach. The pastors did not tell us everything was fine. Instead they were humble and wanted help. These pastors are passionate prayer warriors. Their prayers ministered to us. These pastors never give up on anyone-they are determined.
At Cornerstone Community Church in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, our team presented the service. We led in singing, presented a couple of dramas and two members gave .their testimonies. A band called Crosswalk was part of our group and they played some songs.
After we were done, one individual in the congregation spoke and another presented a poem. Their contributions were not planned but fit perfectly. The Holy Spirit was not finished ministering just because we were. As I look back on that service, I realize everyone contributed something to what God did that morning. For some it was a word of encouragement, for another a word of gratitude and others contributed a dish for the potluck afterward. That Sunday service is what the church is about-everyone ministering in their own way using their gifts and talents. The service was a highlight of my summer.
Lithuania Chandra Regier
Buhler (Kan.) MB Church
OUR TEAM motto was "Different isn't bad, it's just different." This phrase really helped me accept our five Lithuanian teammates and adjust to their culture.
Our Lithuanian teammates were
instrumental in helping us adjust to their culture. They were always willing to translate what people were saying.
I learned the importance of communication this summer. It was essential for our team members to be good communicators because of the language barrier and differing lifestyles. God played a major role in our team life. We had few problems accepting each other. Our team became very close because our unified goal was serving God.
Zaire
Jonathan Friesen
Westside Community MB Church, Morden, Man.
WHEN I THINK of a time that summarizes my summer in Zaire with YMI, the week of evangelism seminars really stands out. I remember the Africans' joy as we marched down the street into the church building singing "To Walk with God Is the Best." I still get chills down my spine. These people have made the choice to worship God despite their suffering.
That was an inspiration.
One evening Mavungu, the organizer and leader of the seminar, introduced us to Bob, a 12-year-old boy whom a group from our seminar met that afternoon. Bob was a sorcerer who had killed three people through his sorcery.
When questioned, Bob said he could not practice sorcery on Christians because a wall of fire surrounded them. This boy showed us that Christ broke the curse when he died on a tree and rose again. I praise God because Bob accepted]esus Christ as Lord and Savior that week.
I am so thankful for the opportunity God gave me to go to Zaire. My life is so much richer for the friends I made and the things I experienced.
Peru
Andrea Wiens
Orchard Park Bible Church, St. Catharines, Ont.
MANY TIMES throughout the summer God worked in ways we would never have imagined. I consider these times divine appointments.
One evening we met a group of 10 young people, ages 16-29. They were
across from the pastor's house where we were staying and they heard some North American music we were playing. They joined us the next day for our retreat and began coming to Bible study and the church youth events with us. They even helped with a children's party we organized.
Though the strategy for evangelism was indirect, we were amazed at their comments to us. "The Bible is very interesting and applicable to our lives." "You are very charismatic people." "We have seen your uncompromising faith in God."
Our purpose was to encourage the few youth in the upper-middle-class Mennonite Brethren churches in Trujillo and Piura and to contact other young people in these cities. The glory goes to God for it is obvious that it was not our work this summer but his.
Reedley, Calif.
Norm and Lori Nickel South Abbotsford (B.C.) MB Church
GOD
HAS GIVEN my family an experience we will remember forever. We were SOAR team leaders in Reedley, Calif. Our three gradeschool children went with us and participated in absolutely everything. God couldn't have chosen a better place for our family to serve him.
We worked in a hispanic housing project that is home to around 2,000 mostly illegal immigrants. Kids numbered about 1,500. We did Bible classes, sport camps, drama and other activities with the children. Our own kids fit beautifully into this and just loved going to the complex every day to play with their new friends.
It was very humbling to be the instrument God used to bring his love to these kids. I could feel God working through our hands as we played, our mouths as we shared, our eyes and ears as we saw and heard of hurts and pains. God set our family apart for three weeks this summer so that he could convey his love and compassion to hurting people.
This realization has changed my life. God opened my eyes to his desire to use our family here at home. Now we are asking God to show us what he is doing around us so that we can join him in his work. •
Iraqi people bear brunt of violence
II u.s. actions increase suffering of Iraq's citizens, says Mennonite Central Committee
THE RECENT escalation of violence in Iraq will only deepen the starvation and suffering of Iraqi people, say Mennonite Central Committee workers in the Middle East.
International sanctions against Iraq were renewed Sept. 3 for 60 more days. An invasion into Kurdish-controlled northern Iraq by Saddam Hussein's forces prompted the United States to retaliate with missile attacks in early September. Earlier the United Nations had been discussing permitting Iraq to sell oil to buy much-needed food and medicine.
"Even though Iraqi people may not have been hurt directly by the United States missiles, they are suffering terribly under continuing international sanctions," says MCC worker Paul Pereverzoff. The sanctions have not served to soften Saddam Hussein's brutal reign, he says.
Pereverzoff, codirector of MCC work in Jordan, visited Iraq in February to help distribute MCC aid and to assess needs for the agency. He saw
firsthand how ordinary Iraqis are being hurt by their own government and by international sanctions imposed on Iraq after it invaded Kuwait in 1990.
"I saw people selling anything they have-hearing aids, carpets, children's toys-to get money to buy food," says Pereverzoff. One family was dismantling a room of their house, selling off reinforced steel from the columns and roof. At a food distribution site, a riot nearly broke out when the food was gone and hungry people had to be turned away.
children wanted to take the food home to share with their families. CARE International workers estimate this small lunch comprised four-fifths of the children's daily caloric intake.
In February, 400 cases of MCC canned beef went to the 1,000 residents of the Al-Rashad Mental Hospital in Baghdad. This was the first meat they had eaten in more than a year.
"I saw people selling anything they havehearing aids, carpets, children's toys-to get money to buy food."
-PAUL PEREVERZOFF
Currently 13,600 MCC school kits are being distributed to Iraqi children as the n.ew school-year begins. It took MCC more than a year to obtain U.S. Treasury Department permission to send these school supplies. An MCC shipment of 1,892 comforters is still being detained in Jordan as the U.N. sanctions committee deliberates over whether it can be allowed into Iraq. "I guess they're trying to decide if blankets can be dangerous," remarks Pereverzoff.
Oil-rich Iraq had a fairly high standard of living before the Persian Gulf War. Recently, researchers working for the Food and Agriculture Organization found that as many as a half million Iraqi children may have died since 1991 because of the sanctions. Malnutrition among children, once rare, is now widespread.
Two years ago MCC beef was used in a school lunch program where each child received a meat sandwich and a glass of milk. Attendance rose dramatically. Those in charge of the program required the children to eat the meal at school;
"These are the forgotten of the forgotten of the forgotten," says Pereverzoff. "In any culture people with mental illnesses are forgotten, in times of crisis even more so, and Iraqis as a people have been forgotten by the world."
In 1991, MCC Middle East program director Ed Epp visited the Kurdish area recently attacked by the Iraqi military. He says the Kurds are also among the world's forgotten people.
"The image of thousands of human beings coming over the mountain passes, carrying what they could, wearing thefr best clothes, walking through the mud and snow will haunt me forever," says Epp.
Some one million Kurds became refugees because of the Persian Gulf War and its aftermath. In 1991 MCC airlifted food, clothing and blankets to Kurds who had fled Iraq into Iran.
Epp calls the safe haven established for Kurds in northern Iraq after the Persian Gulf War a "stopgap measure," not a solution to the Kurdish aspiration for a homeland. "I think we are now seeing what happens when Band-Aids stay in place too long without any attempt at curing the problem," he says.
"In Iraq a violent response will only make life more difficult for the innocent," says Epp. "It will sow the seeds of hatred and anger, not only in Iraq but also in other Arab countries. This is a pragmatic response, but theologically, too, we Mennonites cannot endorse violence. To follow Jesus is to follow peace." -Pearl Sensenig, Mee
The chief nun and Mike Nahal of the Middle East Council of Churches unpack MCC beef in the Sisters of Charity storeroom in Baghdad.
First Farm Camp reaps a bushel of fun for city kids
TRANSPLANT
11 chil-
dren from a City-core neighborhood to a Minnesota farming community for a long weekend and "Farm Camp" is born.
The initial run of Farm Camp was held Aug. 11-13 as a cooperative effort of Faith Bible Church in Omaha, Neb., Carson MB Church in Delft, Minn., and Mountain Lake (Minn.) MB Church. It was coordinated by Carson pastor Herb Schroeder.
Schroeder hatched the idea last winter. During a workshop on rural/urban networking, Central District Conference district minister Clint Grenz had challenged pastors to work cooperatively in developing new ministries. Since Faith Bible is an inner-city congregation, Schroeder asked David Brown of Faith Bible to recruit the campers.
Brown enlisted campers from families in the congregation as well as neighborhood children who participate in the AW ANA program. Campers ranged from fourth-graders to seventh-graders.
The camp began with a cookout on the farm of Gene and Margaret Duerkson, a local family who maintains a music ministry in the region. Campers explored the farmyard, bounced on tractor-tire inner tubes and played with farm animals. At night they hiked down the lane and did some stargazing. Several children even saw a meteor, Schroeder says.
The nine boys and Brown, their sponsor, slept at the Carson church while the two girls and their sponsor, Martha Huff,
slept at Schroeder's-home.
Meals on Monday and Tuesday morning were donated by members of the Carson and Mountain Lake churches.
On Monday the children visited two grain farms, a pig farm and a dairy. They were introduced to various types of farm eqUipment, played in a hayloft, rode through a soybean field on a bean buggy, held baby pigs, observed calves and cows, including a newborn calf, and learned about the process of feeding and milking cows.
The smell of a hog operation was a difficultexperience for some of the campers and chasing frogs became a major pastime for others, reports Schroeder.
On Monday evening, the group rode on hayracks to a vacant farmyard, where they explored the surrounding woods and fields. After a wiener roast, Schroeder and Duerkson led the group in singing and devotions. The children also watched two episodes from the "Last Chance Detectives" series during the weekend. The series promotes Christian themes.
Farm Camp concluded Tuesday morning with a trip to Red Rock Falls, where the campers explored the area's 30-foot cliffs, a stream with rapids and a waterfall into a deep pool.
The children who attended Farm Camp have limited experience with
rural life, Brown says.
"They were very intrigued with the basic stuff-like catching frogs," he says.
Brown has high praise for the Minnesota families who hosted the children. "I hope we can build on this and have some further camping experiences in our church," he says.
Schroeder feels Farm Camp achieved the goals he set for it: to give children an experience in the country and minister to them spiritually. This summer the two Minnesota congregations committed themselves to subsidize the camp if necessary. A minimal fee for each camper and donated meals covered on-site costs.
Schroeder said he would like to organize Farm Camp again next year and has talked with leaders at Millard Bible Church, a Mennonite Brethren congregation in suburban Omaha, about sending campers. If the number of campers increases, Schroeder would like to lengthen the camp to three or four days and invite a speaker to lead Bible study times.
Campers from Faith Bible Church were Joshua Graham, Katie Reents, Melissa Huff, Billy Huff, Ben Thorson, Jim Habegger, Nick Nelson, Robert Henson, Christopher King, Cody Richardson and Greg Rangel. In addition to the Gene Duerkson farm, the children toured the farming operations of Carson members Wes and Elaine Kroeker, Bob and Lynette Ewert, Perry and Sharon Harder and Roger and Nancy QUiring.-Connie Faber
Ben Thorson, Jim Habegger, Melissa Huff and Christopher King (left to right) discover the height of cornstalks during Farm Camp.
District gatherings tailored to draw
more participants
II Rallies and shorter meetings mark this fall's strategy
BROADER
participation is the immediate goal of the three largest district conferences as they prepare for their annual fall gatherings. District leaders continue to alter their meeting formats in an effort to draw younger participants and adapt to the busy schedules of members in genera1.
"Let's bring the convention to the people," says Roland Reimer, district minister for the Southern District Conference.
"Fitting the Pieces Together" will be the theme of the seven oneevening regional rallies the SDC has scheduled Oct. 1227. Ed Boschman, the new executive director of Mission USA, the U.S. Conference renewal and church Boschman planting thrust, will be the keynote speaker at each rally. (For specific dates and places, see "Coming," page 2).
The SDC was the, first district to try regional rallies every other year as a way to involve and inform more members. "We wanted to get a broader base of understanding, support and involvement on alternative years," Reimer says. This will be the third time the district has met in regional groupings.
Each rally is planned to be similar in content, though open to tailoring by each host city, Reimer says. This year, conference business and information will be shared through video, printed brochures and dinners. Participants will share a meal, then discuss conference issues as a "family" around the dinner table.
Meanwhile, the Pacific District Conference is back to a single convention this year after holding regional rallies for the first time last year. "This year's gathering, hosted Nov. 8-9 by the Laurelglen Bible Church, Bakersfield, Calif., will be a compact version of the traditional format.
What used to be a three-day event will be completed within 24 hours. The convention will open Friday evening with a banquet and brief ministry reports. Workshops and additional reporting are scheduled for Saturday morning, followed by a conventionclosing luncheon during which all conference business will be conducted.
Henry Dick, PDC district minister, says the new format, which includes a later starting time, a more contemporary style of reporting, and less time overall, was created to accommodate the schedules of more people and to encourage younger members to attend.
But Dick admits it will take time to find a formula that clicks with a new generation. He equates the process with learning to play baseball. "Sometimes you strike out, but sometimes you get a home run. We're hoping for a home run here," he says.
Highlighting the business will be the formal acceptance of three new Korean congregations, one Slavic congregation, and one anglo congregation into the district. Roger Poppen, pastor of the host church, and Rod Suess, pastor of the Butler Avenue Church in Fresno, Calif., will speak on the convention theme, "Facing the Future with Confidence," based on Proverbs 3:5-6.
Because distance hinders the involvement of churches in the Pacific Northwest, two additional home-missions banquets will be held later in Washington and Oregon. Ed Boschman will be the keynote speaker.
District minister Clint Grenz says one challenge Central District conventions face is diverse harvest seasons within this mostly rural district. He says attendance depends largely upon whether enough farmers can get their fieldwork done by convention time.
"Next year we're going to push (the convention) back a week or two in order to accommodate more of our rural people," Grenz says.
This year's gathering has been set for Oct. 25-26 at Harvey, N.D. Eldon Busenitz, pastor of the Bethesda MB Church, Huron S.D., will speak on the convention theme, "Lord, Teach Us to Pray." Luncheons will be held for women and men. -Jessica Penner
Puppets share stage with a pastor intent on reaching children
II Stuart Pederson says puppets communicate truth to kids ... and adults, too
...'
WHY WOULD a pastor willingly play second fiddle at Sunday morning worship services to a puppet named Mortimer Mouse? Stuart Pederson says it's because children are important members of a congregation. During his six-year pastorate at Emmanuel MB Church, Onida, S.D., Pederson gladly shared center stage with Mortimer.
"Children's ministry is not about puppets, but about reaching kids," says Pederson, who completed his ministry at Emmanuel in August. "I have four kids (of my own) and the last thing I want to do is lose them from church. I want to connect with the kids."
While at Emmanuel, Pederson would invite the children each Sun day to come to the front pew to interact with him and one of several puppets that eventually became part of the ministry. "In all cases, the pastor's the dummy," says Pederson about his role in the dialogue. "The puppet does all the teaching .... Puppets can say things people can't."
Even though Pederson never knew exactly what the puppet would say on a given day, the theme of each session was built on Peder son's morning message. A large collection of props kept behind the blue puppet curtain were used as needed.
The children became part of the act. Their involvement started with summoning the puppet-of the-week" with a cadence or chant unique to
may be the only
his or her character.
The children also helped with the illustrations that often were included in the presentation. Some messages incorporated rope tricks, illusions and colorful chemistry experiments. Pederson says he involved the children because he wants them to become comfortable speaking in front of people. He sees the church as a safe environment for that.
Puppets were not the only way Pederson incorporated children into worship services. Each Sunday a child would light two candles at the start of the service to visually indi-
cate that worship had begun. The congregation also would repeat the Lord's Prayer regularly as a way of involving children too young to read.
Even though Pederson aimed to reach children) he found that "adults remember the children's message longer than mine."
Over the past two years, four people in the congregation accepted the challenge of creating a puppet character. Regina Pederson became Mortimer Mouse, Kurt Schiferl became Parable Pete, Judy
Pullman became Kookin' Kate and Darlene Hofer became Canvas Cassidy. Not wanting to be left out of the fun, Stuart also created a puppet character named Mike Mouse.
Pederson and his wife, Regina, began working with puppets as part of the church's Wednesday night program four years ago. When na won the puppet door prize at a puppet-training workshop, Mortimer Mouse was born and their puppet ministry was off and running. Two years ago the person who had been giving the weekly children's feature requested a break and Mortimer and friends took up residence in the sanctuary.
"With a little bit of creativity, you just spin off and get deeper and deeper)" says Pederson with a laugh as he explains the conversations between himself and the puppets. Pederson uses that creativity to explain a blue mouse to the children. "Emmanuel is part of a food co-op and the church refrigerator is often full of cheese," Pederson says. "Mortimer sneaked in there and the door closed. He was in there so long he turned blue."
Pederson and Mortimer Mouse have become well-known across the Central District Conference. Last fall, they traveled to Gettysburg, S.D., to speak at the Grace Bible Church harvest festival. They have participated in the Central District Conference pastor's retreat and introduced ent show numbers at a recent CDC youth conference.
Pederson has also' been invited to participate in the drug-awareness program at the local public school. While his presentations are not evangelistic, Pederson encourages children to not be greedy and selfish but rather to develop good habits.
Pederson serves on the CDC Youth Committee and is a member of the U.S. Conference's national youth convention planning team.
Last month Pederson began ing the Henderson (Neb.) MB Church as pastor. Mortimer Mouse came with him. Pederson says it remains to be seen how the two 'will minister together in their new environment.-Connie Faber
Pederso·n
Mennonite Brethren pastor to regularly match wits with a church mouse. "My blue friend likes cheese and poking fun at the pastor," says Pederson.
IN BRIEF
• APPOINTED: Katrina Poetker, most recently of Atlanta, Ga., has been appointed professor in biblical and religious studies at Fresno Pacific College effective this fall. She is completing her doctorate in religion at Emory University in Atlanta. Poetker graduated with a master of divinity degree in New Testament from MB Biblical Seminary and has served with MB Missions/Services in India and Brazil. She is a member of the Atlanta Mennonite Fellowship. (FPC)
• ENROLLMENT: Preliminary reports indicate that undergraduate enrollment at the two U.S. Mennonite Brethren colleges is down for the fall semester. Traditional undergraduate enrollment at Fresno Pacific College is 589, a6 percent decrease from a yea r ago. An additional 174 students are enroHed in the school's degree-completion program, a slight increase from last year. Meanwhile, the combined head count at Tabor Colfege Wichita and on the Hillsboro, Kan., campus is at 493, compared with 495 last year. However, the number of on-campus students has declined from 466 in 1995 to 450. (FPC; TC)
• COMPETED: Natalie Friesen, a fifth-grader from Dinuba (Calif.) MB Church and a member of the San Joaquin Valley Track Club, won a bronze medal in the long jump while competing in the A.A.U. Junior Olympics held in New Orleans in early August. She also competed in the 100meter dash.
• DECEASED: Retired missionary Viola Wiebe died Sept. 10 at the age of 93. Wiebe served in India for more than 37 years in association with MB Missions/Services; 33 of those years were with her husband, John, before his death in 1963 by accidental drowning. Wiebe retired in 1970, but from her residence in Hillsboro, Kan., maintained extensive correspondence and translation work. Global ministry is a hallmark of Wiebe's family. She was the daughter of pioneer missionaries Daniel and Katherina Bergthold and has several children and grandchildren serving overseas. (MBMS)
Summer drama troupe
focuses on racial prejudice
II Mennonite Brethren pair i among MCC troupe members
'T1wo MENNONITE Brethren recently 1 participated in a Mennonite Central Committee project intended to raise awareness of racism. Erasmo Quintanilla and Maribel Ramirez of El Buen Pastor MB Church in Orange Cove, Calif., were members of MCC's traveling summer drama troupe.
The troupe visited mostly white Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches and summer camps in four Western states presenting their program, "Our Stories, Our Lives," June 10 through Aug. 18. The troupe included three hispanics and four African-Americans; Quintanilla was the team leader.
Before hitting the road, the sevenmember troupe started with a twoweek creative session led by Gary Wood in which the actors talked and wrote about their own experiences of racism. Wood is executive director .of PeaceTroupe, an organization that uses cultural arts to address justice issues.
"We were asked to think about life experiences dealing with racism," explains troupe member Sherilee
Williams of College Hill Mennonite Church in Tampa, Fla. "And then Gary assigned us to write a scene about a certain sort of racism relating to a theme, such as power. At the end of the first week we had 70 scenes." The group then narrowed down the program to five short skits that they performed in combination with several readings and poems.
The troupe used a "forum theater" style, presenting a sketch, and then inviting the audience to discuss how racism had been portrayed in that situation. After a brief discussion, they invited members of the audience to try their ideas for solving the problem by taking the place of the central figure or of a bystander they felt could have played a more active role in standing with the scene's protagonist.
"Playing the role of a helpful bystander can help people recognize their involvement in the problem of racism; and learn how they can become part of the solution," says Jody Miller Shearer, MCC staff associate for racism awareness and one of the troupe's organizers. In getting people involved in the role play, the forum theater model "forces people to realize we can do as much damage by doing nothing as by being actively racist," he notes.
The audience involvement kept the material alive for the actors throughout their 32 performances. "It's so interesting to see how we can pro-
The troupe performs at a beach in San Diego, Calif., as part of the annual. meeting of Pacific Southwest Mennonite Conference. Sherilee Williams and Gary Wood are In the foreground. Maribel Ramirez is fourth from the left; Erasmo Quint,anilla is at the far right.
duce this same scene over and over again, but in every place we go, they come up with so many different ideas," says Quintanilla.
One of the group's biggest challenges, according to Lisa White of North Wayne Mennonite Church in Michigan, was answering audience members who didn't recognize the racist overtones in a situation. "It forces you to think, why is this a problem, and how do you explain it to someone who doesn't think it's a problem," she says.
In one scene, for example, a track coach sends one of his team members to .recruit an African-American bystander, assuming, because of her race, that she must be a runner. One audience member suggested the bystander should take the coach's assumption as a compliment and insisted that black athletic superiority is "scientifically proven."
The troupe's sketches also addressed prejudice between and within minority groups. An outraged hispanic father pounds a table when he hears his daughter is dating an African-American. In another sketch an African-American storekeepe; treats a black customer like a shoplifter while letting other shoppers browse freely.
Troupe members and host churches agree one of the tour's most significant benefits is the personal interaction it engendered. "Meeting people and staying with host families was a highlight of the trip for me," says Ramirez. "Each state has so many beautiful people who opened up their hearts and their homes to us," agrees Quintanilla.
Brent Kauffman, pastor of Lebanon (Ore.) Mennonite Church, notes that his church members' everyday contact with minority people is minimal. "Our community isn't very diverse ethnically," says Kauffman. "(Meeting the troupe) gave us a look from a different perspective."
The bonds of friendship within the troupe are an important by-product of the summer. "We're all brothers and sisters," notes Erica La'Shun Maclin from Richmond, Va. Each troupe member agrees, recalling times spent together in prayer, laughter and support through difficult times.-Kathy Heinrichs Wiest
Large-church staff gather to share perspectives
IIThree Mennonite groups share challenges and expertise
PASTORS .of larger, multiple-staff MennonIte congregations met Sept. 9-11 in Hesston, Kan., to discuss issues unique to big churches.
The 62 participants, including 20 Mennonite Brethren, represented Mennonite Brethren, Mennonite Church and General Conference Mennonite Church congregations that range in size from about 200 to 800.
The majority came from towns and rural communities in south central Kansas, although a few traveled from out-of-state locations. The seminar was coordinated by district ministers from the three Mennonite groups.
Mennonites think small, not only in terms of size but also style, said Roland Reimer, Southern District Conference district minister, in his presentation. Compared to other denominations, Mennonites, for the most part, do not have big churches.
"Why can't Mennonites buy into big?" asked Reimer. He cited Mennonites' roots as an immigrant and primarily rural people and a desire to preserve a covenant community as contributing factors.
But, argued Reimer, history has shown that God's people have gathered in small and large groups.
"What is important is good communication," he said. Communication was also emphasized by several other resource speakers.
Participants had little disagreement with the view that big can be beautiful. But many said they felt ill-prepared to deal with the realities of a larger, multiple-staff congregation. Others said it was hard to convince their members to think big.
The group heard about models of successful decision-making from three Kansas churches, including First MB Church of Wichita, Kan., where decisions are the responsibility of the ministry teams, each of which has a staff representative, said senior pastor John Warkentin.-from a report by Carla Reimer
IN BRIEF I
• DIRECTING: Christopher Scott has been appointed director of customer service for Faith & Life Press, Newton, Kan. Faith & Life is the publishing arm of the General Conference Mennonite Church. Scott and his family attend Ebenfeld MB Church, Hillsboro, Kan. (GC)
• GATHERING: Jim Westgate, associate professor of practical studies at MB Biblical Semina ry, participated in a Promise Keepers Theological Summit held Sept. 6-7 in Denver, Colo. The purpose of the gathering of about a dozen theologians was to help PK "solidify a theological statement on racial and denominational reconciliation," says Westgate. Westgate was invited to the summit by longtime friend and coworker Raleigh Washington, pastor of Rock of Our Salvation Evangelical Free Church in Chicago. Washington has taken a temporary full-time position with PK as vice president of reconciliation. (MBBS)
• APPOINTED: Laura Schmidt Roberts has been appointed the Mennonite Brethren representative to the Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Committee on Women's Concerns. Roberts teaches biblical and religious studies at Fresno Pacific College. The Schmidt committee is an advisory group to the MCC U.S. Women's Concerns desk. Together with their Canadian counterpart, the committee plans the newsletter, "Women's Concerns Report." (MCC)
• AWARDED: Larry Warkentin, chair of the Fresno Pacific College music department, was recently granted an American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers cash award based on "the unique prestige value of his cataiog of original compositions as well as recent performances of those works." Warkentin was selected by an independent panel of six nationally recognized musicians. (FPC)
BRIEF
• ENDORSEMENT: The Historical Commission of the General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches has endorsed the Global Mennonite History Project, a new Mennonite World Conference initiative to teH Anabaptist history through non-Western eyes. "The commission thinks this is an idea whose time has clearly come," says Paul Toews, executive director. "Creating a global Mennonite historical consciousness and writing more inclusive history can only be empowering to our peoples." Project organizers recognize that past efforts by Western Mennonites to incorporate African, Asian and Latin American people in similar projects have failed. Project coordinator John A. Lapp is hope fut that this project will succeed in reflecting an emerging global identity. (MWC)
• PRESENTER: Christian speaker Richard Allen Farmer was the featured presenter for the Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar Lectureship at Fresno Pacific College, Sept. 17-19. In addition to lecturing, Farmer performed a concert of spirituals, hymns and songs of praise. (FPC)
• SPEAKER: Keith Johnson, a chaplain at the Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga., and pastor of Park Avenue United Methodist Church of Minneapolis, Minn., was the Tabor College Bible Conference speaker Sept. 15-16. Johnson presented two messages based on the Old Testament book of Nehemiah. (TC)
• RALLY: Global mission and domestic church planting will be central themes at the Pacific District Conference women's rally Nov. 9. Guest speakers will be Tim and Janine Bergdahl, MB Missions/Services workers in Karachi, Pakistan, and Annette Aiken, who, with her husband, Jim, are planting a new church in northwest Bakersfield, Calif. The rally is being herd at Hodel's Restaurant in Bakersfield. Participants should register by Oct. 30. Registration forms have been sent to all PDC church offices. (PDC WMS)
Botswana workers call for prayer for AIDS victims
II MBMjS couple says battle is exhausting land discouraging
MB MISSIONS/SERVICES workers in Botswana are urging North American Mennonite Brethren to join an international prayer crusade on behalf of the AIDS-decimated population of that African country. Botswana has the highest rate of HIY infection in the world. HIV is the virus which develops into AIDS, eventually resulting in death.
In August, Bryan and Teresa Born of MBM/S attended a gathering of ministers and health officials at which concerned Christians declared September a month of prayer and repentance. Special events were organized in all major towns and villages. Workshops trained the healthy "to take care of the sick and dying, as well as help the grieving," the Borns report.
Sir Keitumile Masire, Botswana's preSident, opened the educational campaign with a speech decrying rampant sexual promiscuity and embracing "the biblical principles of abstinence before marriage and absolute faithfulness within marriage."
AIDS statistics represent a horrendous toll of human suffering, grief and death that threatens to wipe 'out Botswanan society, reports MBM/S. Fifty percent of the students at the country's only university are HIV positive. Barring a medical breakthrough, almost all of the infected will die in five to 10 years.
In the major towns and cities, 40 percent of the pregnant women test positive for AIDS; the children may also be infected. Twenty five percent of all people over 15 years are infected. Researchers fear that figure will double in four years.
"We feel the battle," write the Borns, "and at times we're exhausted and discouraged. Please pray for us; this is a battle for the hearts, souls and lives of this people."
MBM/S invites its constituents to write notes of encouragement to the Borns at Box 10789, Selebi Phikwe, Botswana. (MBMjS)
.CHURCH NOTES
• Baptism/Membership
MADERA, Calif.-Audrey Hindes, Traci Flarida, Ben Neufeld, and Peter Wall were baptized Sept. 1 and received into membership. Rick Lemaster and Polly Wiggins were also welcomed into membership. A potluck dinner followed the service.
HENDERSON, Neb.-Jody Most and Jean Regier were baptized Sept. 1 and received into membership Sept. 8.
REEDLEY, Calif.-Terann McFall and Jenni Peters were baptized and received into membership Sept. 8.
OLATHE, Kan. (Community Bible)-John and Jan Schick were welcomed into membership Aug. 18.
• Celebrations
SAN JOSE, Calif. (Lincoln Glen)-Fall Festival and Homecoming Sunday Sept. 8 included a dedication for the newly refurbished sanctuary.
DALLAS, Ore.-Mel and Martha Loewen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Aug. 18.
HILLSBORO, Kan.-The children of Lloyd G. and Edna Regehr hosted a 50th anniversary reception for their parents Aug. 25.
HILLSBORO, Kan. (Parkview)-Flowers were placed in the sanctuary Sept. 1 in honor of Albert and Bertha Vogt's 65th wedding anniversary.
CORDELL, Okla. (Bible)-Yuri and Valentine Bogachev, representing Slavic Missionary Institute, gave their testimonies and sang during the Aug. 18 evening service. The Slavic Missionary Institute is a ministry of the Slavic Missionary (MB) Church of Broken Arrow, Okla.
ENID, Okla.-"Captain Casserole" is a new program designed to provide families with casseroles during times of difficulty, illness or when babies are born. The casseroles are being stored in the church freezer to be distributed as needed.
EDMOND, Okla.-Members of the congregation traveled to Fairview (Okla.) MB Church Aug. 25 to talk about the changes happening in Edmond church.
DALLAS, The congregation sponsored a camp for families at Silver Falls State Park Aug. 30-Sept. 1. On Sunday, the group help a worship service in the park lodge.
BODyLIFE
Ebenfeld MB Church, Hillsboro, Kan., broke ground Sept. 22 for the addition of a fellowship hall, classrooms, restrooms and an elevator. Shown here, left to right, are Robert Loewen, moderator, Gaylord Goertzen, pastor, Laverne Esau, chair of the building committee, Vince Jantz, builder, and Eileen Unruh, treasurer.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Rosedale Bible)The women's ministries group hosted a back-to-school breakfast Aug. 20 to encourage schoolteachers in the congregation.
"MADERA, Calif. (Madera Avenue)-The Madera Deaf Church joined the congregation for the Sept. 1 service.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)-Christian recording artist J ana Alayra presented a concert Sept. 8 as part of Homecoming Sunday.
ADAMS, Okla.-The newest outreach venture for the congregation is "55 & Alive," an enrichment program of activities and information for adults. The group met for the first time Sept. 24 and were hosted by Harold and Ann Fast and Steve and Carol Unruh.
• Ministry
DINUBA, Calif.-An experimental second worship service is being offered September through November. Following the trial run, the change will be evaluated for longterm feasibility.
CLOVIS, Calif. (Mountain View)- The congregation has joined with the Pacific District Conference Board of Home Missions to plant a new church in Fresno. A church-planting couple is being sought to work with Mountain View members living in rapidly developing neighborhoods in northwest Fresno. Itself a recent church plant, Mountain View will be formally received as a member of the PDC at this fall's annual district convention.
• Proclamation
GARDEN CITY, Kan. (Garden Valley)The congregation was invited to wear their work clothes to the worship service Sept. 1 as part of a Labor Day emphasis.
DINUBA, Calif.-MB Missions/Services missionaries John and Mary Klassen participated in the worship service Aug.ll. They reported on their work in Germany with indigenous Mennonite Brethren churches and with immigrants from Eastern European countries.
REEDLEY, Calif.-Staff members and the principals of two public schools were Education Sunday guests Aug. 25. The congregation has "adopted" the two schools, a middle school and an elementary school.
LITTLETON, Colo. (Belleview Acres)John and Caye Courtney with AmeriTribes ministries of Flagstaff, Ariz., and Herb and Ruth Friesen, retiring MB Missions/Services workers in Pakistan and Afghanistan, were guest speakers during Mission's Weekend Sept. 7-8. Activities were held jointly with Garden Park Church.
DENVER, Colo. (Garden Park)-Shua Moua, the Hmong pastor from Arvada Mennonite Church, and John and Caye Courtney with AmeriTribes Mission in Arizona, participated in the morning worship service Sept. 8.
FREEMAN, S.D. (Silver Lake)-Jim and Esther Weems, pastoral couple from Grace Bible Church in Gettysburg, S.D., were resource speakers for a spiritual renewal conference Sept. 8-11.
ULYSSES, Kan.-Area churches were invited to a worship workshop presented Sept. 22 by Jim Bartel, minister of music at Buhler (Kan.) MB Church.
RAPID CITY, S.D. (Bible Fellowship)-A seminar for fathers and their sons who are high school students and older was held Sept. 27-28 at Judson Bible Camp in Keystone, S.D. Gene Reed, chair of the Christian Business Men's Committee of Rapid City, was the featured speaker.
FERNDALE, Wash. (Good News)-Pastor Skip Suess led three evening parenting workshops Sept. 29-0ct. 1.
FRESNO, Calif. (North)-Junior and senior high students heard from Olympic gold medalist Shelley Stokes Sept. 11. Stokes received her medal in women's softball at the 1996 Olympic games. She talked about her experience in Atlanta, her testimony to the Fresno State University women's softball team, and displayed her gold medal.
IN BRIEF
• FETED: Fresno Pacific College was named winner of the 1996 Circle of Excellence in Educational Fund-raising Awards by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. This is the second year in a row that FPC has received this national award. (FPC)
• GENEROSITY: For the sixth consecutive year, Prudent Tours of Hillsboro, Kan., arranged two summer tours to generate money for Mennonite Central Committee. More than 70 tourists traveled to Reedley, Calif., where they helped dry fruit to be sold at MCC relief sales. Hank Wiebe, Prudent Tours business manager, says the 1996 tours produced 3,592 pounds of dried fruit, valued at $17,960. Services by the California host families generated $3,850 while Prudent Tours added a contribution of $ 7,700 ($1 00 per tourist) for a total of $29,510 raised in two weeks. That amount is enough to fund all MCC projects in Bolivia for a year. Wiebe and his father, Vernon, former MB Missions/Services executive and founder of Prudent Tours, are members of the Hillsboro MB Church. (Mennonite Weekly Review)
• EXCHANGE: Four Mennonite Brethren young people are among 24 participants in the Intermenno Trainee program, a one-year exchange program with Europe. Karen Klassen, Manitou, Man., will work at the Hoter Pension L Achaux-d' Abel in La Ferriere, Switzerland. She is affiliated with Salem MB Church, Freeman, S.D., and a member of Manitou MB Church. Ryan Miller, Newton, Kan., will live in Enkenbach, Germany, where he will work as a nurses' aide at Mennonite Atten-und pflegeheim. He is affiliated with Koerner Heights Church, Newton l Kan' and a member of Siloam Springs (Ark.) Bible Church. Karen Shantz will work as kitchen staff at a Mennonite retirement center in Bolsward, Netherlands. She is a member of River of Life MB Church, Riverview, N.B. Angela Toews will work in a flower nursery in Aalsmeer, Netherlands. She is a member of North Peace MB Church, Fort St. John, B.C. Intermenno volunteers generally move to another placement for the second half of the yea r. (MCC)
Dear Friend of MB Missions/Services, • Workers
IAM DELIGHTED to share good news with you: MBM/S finished its fiscal year 1995/96, with a small surplus. It was a roller coaster year with some tense moments, but on June 1 we posted a positive balance.
It happened for two key reasons: (1) many heard our appeal and gave generously to MBM/S and (2) we cut over $358,000'of planned spending.
On behalf of your MBM/S missionaries, your mission administration and board, I want to express our heartfelt thanksgiving for your gracious gifts and offerings that made this rally possible. I remember some dark days in January when it looked like we might incur a possible deficit of $500,000 by year's end. The Lord used you to avert that kind of crisis.
I also want to commend the executive team which succeeded in slicing their budgets by 7.4 percent-a difficult, painful task. Some good projects didn't get done, but we lived within our means, keeping the mission in sound financial shape.
Realizing that the gifts you give represent your love for the Lord, your hard work and, often, your sacrifice, the MBM/S Board and staff are committed to disciplined management of funds. We continue to strive for greater economy, without injuring vital ministry.
But that's becoming harder and harder. The final figures, though encouraging, also show that total giving actually declined 6.1 percent compared to the previous year. That's a significant drop that affects every MBM/S missionary.
I have heard some say they don't like to give to the "budget," because it seems so impersonal. They might not realize that the "budget" means people, missionaries. And through our Adoption Options approach, donors {and churches) can adopt a missionary and specifically support a very real evangelist, church planter, Bible teacher or other worker.
We've entered a new fiscal year with another $4.85 million ministry plan. Again we need your full support all year long-especially for our missionaries.
Summer is always slow, but now that fall is here, please send your next investment in the greatest work on earth-bringing Jesus to all peoples.
Neil Fast Chairman of the Board Mennonite Brethren Missions/Services
GETTYSBURG, S.D. (Grace Bible)-Mark Dick has accepted a call to be a full-time youth pastor. He most recently served the Ebenfeld MB Church in Hillsboro, Kan., as part-time youth pastor. Dick and his wife, Heather, begin in October.
LITTLETON, Colo. (Belleview Acres)Gary Newton, Denver Seminary professor, has accepted the call to be pastor of the church on a part-time basis.
HENDERSON, Neb.-Garvie and Diane Schmidt and their children were honored with a farewell and sending service Sept. 8. The Schmidts have accepted a call to lead the Enid (Okla.) MB Church.
LODI, Calif. (Vinewood)-Vernon Kraft has accepted a call to serve as associate pastor of seniors and pastoral care. He and his wife, Beverly, were installed Sept. 15.
OlATHE, Kan. (Community Bible)-Rob Reimer, a 1996 MB Biblical Seminary graduate, has accepted a call to serve as pastor. Reimer and his wife, Myrna, have three children and are members of Elmwood MB Church in Winnipeg, Man.
MOUNTAIN LAKE, Minn.-Dan Drown resigned as pastor of the church effective Sept. 29. He has accepted a pastoral position in North Dakota.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Lincoln Hills Bible)Bob and Diane Freye have accepted a call
President
Concord College is seeking a qualified individual to fill the leadership role of president. He/She will build the College in accordance with the established mission and programs, and will lead the College as a strong partner into a federation with two other Manitobabased Mennonite colleges.
Concord College offers Christian university education in the areas of biblical/theological studies, music, general arts, administrative studies & international studies . The successful candidate will be required to demonstrateidentification with the Mennonite Brethren Church, ability to plan & lead in both the short term and long term, and have previous relevant experience in administrative & academic settings.
.DEATHS
DUERKSEN, LAURA MARIE, Fresno, Calif., a member of the North Fresno MB Church, was born April 17, 1918, to John and Sarah Hiebert at Aberdeen, Idaho, and died Aug. 6, 1996, at the age of 78. On Jan. 8, 1961, she was married to John Duerksen, who predeceased her in 1994. She is survived by three sons, Leon of Milpitas, Calif., Robert of San Jose, Calif., and Joel of Los Gatos, Calif.; one daughter, Lori Wall of Fresno; three sisters, Lydia Netsch of Gig Harbor, Wash., Viola Kroeker of Kingsburg, Calif., and Rosella Wall of Dallas, Ore.; one brother, Elmer Hiebert of Chandler, Ariz.; nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
KARBER, LOUISE JOHANNA HERGERT, Dinuba, Calif., a member of the Dinuba MB Church, was born May 13, 1901, to John and Wilhelmena Kusch Hergert near Fairview, Okla., and died Dec. 1, 1995, at the age of 94. She was married to Benjamin D. Karber on May 29, 1923, who predeceased her in 1969. She is survived by one son, David J. and wife Elaine of Long Beach, Calif.; six daughters, Freda Karber of Dinuba, Lillian and husband Donald Thiesen of Kingsburg, Calif., Hannah Pauline and husband George M. Kohr of Fresno, Calif., Doris and husband Henry J. Harder of Abbotsford, B.C., Luella and husband Jacob Dick of Lynwood, Wash., and Minnie and husband Leo Franz of Fresno; one brother, Simon Warkentin of Fairview; one sister, Martha Regier of Fairview; 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
KLIEWER,JOY, Reedley, Calif., a member of the Reedley MB Church, was born Aug. 26, 1907, to Henry C. and Hulda Unruh Kliewer at Fairview, Okla., and died Aug. 14, 1996, at the age of 88. In 1930 he was married to Mary Reimer, who survives. He is also survived by his son, Dean and wife Lucille of Reedley; a daughter, Kathleen and husband Larry Martens of Fresno, Calif.; foster children Patty and Fred Culpepper of Corpus Christi, Texas; a sister, Sylvia and husband Dave Hofer of Dinuba, Calif.; a sister-in-law, Lois Kliewer of Tulare, Calif.; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
PENNER, HARVEY, Capay, Calif., a member of the Country Bible Church, Orland, Calif., was born Nov. 3, 1915, to Henry and Anna Penner at North Enid, Okla., and died July 9, 1996, at the age of 80. In 1937 he was married to Anna Heubert, who predeceased him in April. He is survived by two sons, Roger of Orland, and Clifford of Red Bluff; two daughters, Linda Pankratz of Orland, and Deborah Penner Pisto of Chico, Calif.; two brothers, Lloyd of Red
Profiles of Mennonites in Business
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Reformers, self-styled prophets, teachers, preachers, and common folk come alive in this fast-pacedhistory. Through Fire and Water is written in an accessible narrative style that gives an accurate look at Mennonites. Includes stories, photos, maps, and cartoons.
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HERALD PRESS
CHURCH PARTNERSHIP EVANGELISM (CPE)
Invitation: TO: Born-again Christians; FROM: Evangelical churches
King Road MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C., is seeking volunteers for its Church Partnership Evangelism outreach
*Canadian dollars
• Team up with national Christians and witness for Christ door to door.
• Some knowledge of the country's language is helpful.
• Similar campaigns haveresulted in 200 to 400 conversions. Come and be part of an enriching spiritual experience, discover what GOD can do through you.
For more information, contact: Evelyn Unruh, 604-852-5744 or CPE 604-864-3941 Peter Loewen, 604-853-3173 or FAX 604-853-6482
Maybe you are interested in one, two or more campaigns. Please let us know if you find this to be valuable work for the Lord. I would ask you to bring this information to your friends and churches. We will need many volunteers in 1997.
Peter Huebert Missions Committee President
Peter Loewen Promoter
Bluff, Calif., and Edwin of Reedley, Calif.; three sisters, Minnie Warkentin and Maryann Lofgren of Chico, and Wilma Richert of Yuba City, Calif.; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
REIMER, EUGENE, Corn, Okla., a member of the Corn MB Church, was born Sept. 10, 1920, to Henry A. and Anna Janzen Reimer at Corn, and died Sept. 2, 1996 at the age of 75. On Nov. 20, 1941, he was married to Minnie Regier, who survives. He is also survived by two daughters, Karen and husband Leon Neufeld of Fairview, Okla., and Phyllis and husband Richard Pankratz of Topeka, Kan.; one sister, Virginia Reimer of Port Neches, Texas; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
WIEBE, EDNA VELMA, Monroe, Wash., a member of the Dallas (Ore.) MB Church, was born Feb. 6, 1916, to Bernard D. and Katherine Buhler Wiebe at Dallas, and died Aug. 4, 1996, at the age of 80. She is survived by four brothers, Walter of Ferndale, Wash., John and Pete of Blaine, Wash., and Harry of Dallas; four sisters, Esther Karber and Ann Harms of Ulysses, Kan., Helen Sheldon of Overton, Nev., and Betty Heide of Woodenville, Wash.; and 31 nieces and nephews.
WIEBE, VIOLA CATHERINE BERGTHOLD, Hillsboro, Kan., a member of the Hillsboro MB Church and former missionary to India, was born Aug. 17, 1903, to Daniel and Katherina Bergthold, and died Sept. 10, 1996, at the age of93. OnJune 1, 1926, she was married to John A. Wiebe, who predeceased her in 1963. She is survived by four daughters, Esther Wiebe of Hillsboro, Viola Ruth and husband Herb Friesen of Peshawar, Pakistan, Irene and husband Don Janzen of Moundridge, Kan., and Marilyn and husband Cole Dodge of Nairobi, Kenya; three sons, John C. and wife Carol of Trinidad, Calif., David and wife Lorma of Kearney, Neb., and Paul and wife Donna Beth of Kodaikanal, India; two sisters, Bertha Ikenberry of Wash., and Martha Pullman of Fresno, Calif.; one brother, Henry Bergthold of Salem, Ore.; 23 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.
WILLEMS, LUELLA MAY, Dallas, Ore., was born March 2, 1915, to Adolph and Adaline Unruh near Fairview, Okla., and died July 31, 1996, at the age of 81. In 1935 she was married to Elmer Willems, who predeceased her in 1984. She is survived by two daughters, Judith Ann Scheller of Everett, Wash., and Doris Jane Moore; and several grandchildren.
Mennonite Central Committee and MCC U.S. 21 South 12th Street, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501-0500 (717) 859-1151 (717) 859-3889
WINTER, SUSIE D., Hillsboro, Kan., a member of the Hillsboro MB Church, was born Aug. 28, 1906, to Dietrich A. and Aganetha Duerksen Klaassen near Hillsboro, and died Sept. 5, 1996, at the age of 90. On Aug. 12, 1928, she was married to Ed P. Winter, who predeceased her earlier this year. She is survived by one son, Floyd A. and wife Carolyn Winter of Hillsboro; one daughter, Lorene R. and husband Eldon H. Smith of McPherson, Kan.; a daughter-in-law, Cynthia Grothe of Elgin, Neb.; seven grandchildren and 14 greatgrandchildren. •
CLEARINGHOUSE
Have a position to fill? Looking for a new employment or ministry opportunity? Have a gathering or celebration to promote? Need to sell or acquire property? Reach U. S. Mennonite Brethren through a Clearinghouse classified ad. The charge is 40 cents per word, with a $15 minimum. Withhold payment until an invoice is received. Clearinghouse copy must be received by the 15th of the month prior to the desired month of publication. The editors reserve the right to turn down inappropriate material. For display (boxed) ad rates, please call us.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE
COUNSELING AND GUIDANCE-Seeking qualified faculty member to head the graduate-level school counseling and guidance program. Position begins Jan. 1, 1997, or August 1997. Doctorate (or nearly completed degree) in the field desired. Fresno Pacific University is a dynamic Christian university of the Mennonite Brethren Church. All candidates for faculty positions must share the university's Christian commitment. For full description and application form, write or phone Dr. Howard J. Loewen, Academic Vice President, Fresno Pacific University, 1717 S. Chestnut, Fresno CA 93702; (209) 453-2023. Women and members of minority groups are especially encouraged to apply. Applications'will be evaluated beginning Oct. 15, 1996, and appointment will be made as soon as a suitable candidate is secured.
DEAN, UNDERGRADUATE DIVISION-Seeking qualified person for the leadership in the undergraduate division. The dean initiates and assists in faculty and curriculum development and review, and provides administrative leadership for the undergraduate facultythrough five divisional directors. Terminal degree in an academic discipline strongly desired. For full description and application form, write or phone Dr. Howard J. Loewen, Academic Vice President, Fresno Pacific University, 1717 S. Chestnut, Fresno, CA 93702; (209) 453-2023. Position begins June 1, 1997. Women and members of minority groups are especially encouraged to apply. Fresno Pacific University is a dynamic Christian liberal arts university of the Mennonite Brethren Church. All candidates for faculty positions must share the university's Christian commitment. Applications will be evaluated beginning Oct.15, 1996, and appointment will be made as soon thereafter as a suitable candidate is secured. ( Mennonite • Central Committee
Mennonite Central Committee Canada 134 Plaza Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9 (204) 261-6381
DEAN, PROFESSIONAL STUDIES DIVISIONSeeking qu.alified person for the leadership and supervision of the professional studies division. The dean initiates and assists in curriculum development and review and in developing continuing education opportunities In various areas. Terminal degree in an academic discipline strongly desired, preferably in the field of continuing education. For full description and application form, write or phone Dr. Howard J.
Loewen, Academic Vice President, Fresno Pacific University, 1717 S. Chestnut, Fresno, CA 93702, (209) 453-2023. Position begins Jan. 1, 1997, or June 1, 1997. Women and members of minority groups are especially encouraged to apply. Fresno Pacific University is a Christian liberal arts university of the Mennonite Brethren Church. All candidates for faculty positions must share the university's Christian commitment. Applications will be evaluated beginning Oct. 15, 1996, and appointment will be made as soon thereafter as a suitable candidate is secured.
ATIORNEY-Mennonite Mutual Aid (MMA) is seeking a staff attorney. Qualifications include a J.D. degree from an accredited law school, license to practice, membership in good standing with the applicant's state bar association, and willingness and ability to become licensed in Indiana. Knowledge of the health-care industry, managed-care organizations, and insurance products is preferred. Professional work ethic, excellent communication skills, and an understanding of MMA's mission as part of the Mennonite church and related denominations are required. Direct inquiries, letters of application along
Are lour dollars • gOingplaces yourvalues wouldn't
take you?
weapons or are directly associated with the gambling industry and the production of alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
For mutual fund investments that correspond with your ethical values, you need to find out more about MMA Praxis. Contact an MMA counselor or call 1-800-9-PRAXIS
with resume and references to: Mennonite Mutual Aid, Human Resources Dept., P.O. Box 483, Goshen, IN 46527; 1-800-348-7468; 1-219-533-5364 (fax).
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR RENT: Condo, two bedrooms, two baths, in pleasant retirement community. Within three blocks of Fresno Pacific College, seminary, Mennonite Brethren church. Minimum age: 55. Herb Krause, 4980 E. Heaton Ave. #131, Fresno, CA 93727; (209) 454-8344.
DEVOTIONAL RESOURCE-Looking for a dynamic daily devotional resource written from an evangelical Anabaptist perspective? Try Rejoice!, the inter-Mennonite devotional booklet. Rejoice! mines the riches of God's wisdom throughout the Old and New testaments. Each day features a 300-word devotional message, complete with Bible reading, key verse and meditational prayer. Writers for Rejoice! are from the Mennonite Brethren Church, General Conference
Mennonite Church and Mennonite Church. For more information or to order Rejoice!, contact your local church office, or call toll-free Kindred Productions, 1800-545-7322.
ACTION
Winter teams -January 5-26,1997 NEW! (college and career)
Assignments in Cali, Colombia, Curitiba, Brazil, and Leon,Mexico - cost - $650 (US) plus airfare
Summer teams -June 21 - Aug. 16, 1997
Assignments in Canada, US, Botswana, Middle East, lithuania, Peru. cost - $1450 (US) plus airfare
TREK
One year teamsJune 21, 1997 -June 29, 1998 (college and career)
Assignments in Toronto, Halifax, Bakersfield, lithuania, and Peru. cost - $500-700 (US) per month (depending on location)
Amissions/discipleship experience for youth groups and teens in the inner city and Native American reservations. cost - $500 (US) (One leader per group over 5 participants goes free)
Mennonite Central Committee U.S. invites applications for the position of:
Executive Director
Starting date: March 1997
Location: Akron, Pennsylvania Applications will be accepted through October 18, 1996.
Direct inquiries and applications to: Rich Garber, Chair, Search Committee 17270 Northside Blvd., Nampa, ID 83687
Phone: 208-467-3519
Fax: 208-467-2022
Mennonite Central Committee
and
TECHNOLOGY
Can virtual baptism be far behind?
A computer program that lets users confess their sins and receive appropriate penance was condemned by Germany's Roman Catholic Church, which said, "You cannot have sins forgiven by the push of a button."
The "Confession by Computer" CD-ROM lets users pick from a list of 200 preprogrammed sins, or enter their own if they've been particularly creative. The program searches its database for an appropriate penance, displays the words to "Our Father" or "Hail Mary" on the screen, then gives instructionsfor contacting a pastor on the Internet.
The "Online with]esus" CD offers more than 50 prayers, the rosary, a Catholic mass, and a Protestant church service, complete with a sermon that can be read or listened to.
(EP)
BIBLE
But it looks so good on the coffee taole
Although nine out of 10 Americans own a Bible, fewer than half (45 percent) actually read it with any regularity. And many of those who read the Bible find it difficult to understand.
Lack of comprehension was the number one frustration associated with Bible reading in a national survey conducted by Tyndale House Publishers.
Survey respondents named the Bible as the "most influential" book in the course of human history by an overwhelming margin (80 percent). Dr. Spock's Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care and Darwin's Origin of the Species were a distant second and third, with 5 and 4 percent of votes, respectively.
Other findings included:
• 76 percent said Bible reading is important to them.
• 22 percent claim they've read the entire Bible.
• Of those who haven't read the entire Bible, 72 percent indicated they'd like to try at some point in their lives.
• Only 17 percent say they read the Bible daily.
MB Circles ... by
Lorlie Barkman
Faceoff in two languages.
• The top reasons for not reading more? Not enough time (59 percent), too hard to understand (40 percent), and a feeling that the Bible is irrelevant.
• Common frustrations associated with Bible reading include that it's hard to understand (54 percent), hard to relate to my life today (34 percent), too long to get through (33 percent) and difficult to find topics of interest (29 percent).
• Busters (18-30-yearolds) expressed more interest in reading the Bible than boomers (ages 31-50), builders (51-68) and seniors (older than 68), but are also the least convinced of the Bible's value.
• Top two reasons why readers and nonreaders would be most likely to turn to the Bible were a personal crisis (62 percent) and finding practical ideas for living a better life (61 percent). (EP)
VOICES
• lIToday our culture is far less likely to raise up heroes than it is to exalt victims, individuals who are overcome by the sting of oppression, injustice, adversity, neglect or misfortune Success, as well as failure, is the result of one's own talent, decisions and actions. Accepting personal responsibility for victory, as well as for defeat, is as liberating and empowering as it is unpopular today.lI -u.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, speaking last month at Regent University.
SCANDAL
New Era recovery
Nonprofit organizations and other donors who were stung by the New Era Philanthropy scandal will see up to 65 percent of their investment money returned to them under a $39 million settlement approved Aug. 22 by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Bruce I. Fox.
The case was the largest charity fraud in U.S. history. Under the settlement, about 1,500 organizations that profited from the scam will return at least $39 million, which will be distributed to 150 charities and donors who lost $115 million. (EP)
HOLLYWOOD
G-rated profits
"Gone with the Wind," "The Ten Commandments"
BEYOND BELIEF
and "The Sound of Music" are among the top five money-making films of all time-if you adjust for inflation.
A report by USA Today found that family films like "Snow White" and "Jungle Book" make the top 10 list if you account for the shrinking value of the dollar. R-rated films on standard lists of box office champs drop off once you adjust for inflation-almost half of the top 25 films on inflationadjusted lists are rated G.
The message? "History shows that you make the most money not by shocking the audience but by making the audience feel good," film critic Michael Medved told USA Today. "I know that there are millions of parents who will wish that Hollywood pays close attention to these figures." (EP)
Get a GRIP on immaculate conception
IF AN ANGEL appears to you and calls you "blessed among women," a British insurance firm has the perfect product for you. Insurance broker Goodfellow Rebecca Ingrams Pearson (GRIP) announced Sept. 8 that it will begin offering "Virgin Birth by Act of God" insurance.
Policyholders will pay two pounds ($3.15) per week for the policy, and be paid one million pounds if impregnated by "Act of God."
GRIP spokesman Simon Burgess issued a statement explaining, "Virgins are gel1uinely concerned with the approach of the second millennium. Accordingly, we consider it to be our duty to provide coverage to help allay these concerns."
GRIP previously offered insurance against alien impregnation, and sold 300 policies in one week.
Burgess said claims against the virgin birth policies would be "assessed by a panel of independent experts who do not include members of the church from whom we have received a frosty response." (EP)
Mennonites are named after him, but what do we really know about Menno Simons, the 76th century reformer? To mark the SOOth anniversary year of his birth, we decided to interview him. Posthumously. These are his actual words. Really. We'll
(1Y If now I seek the praises of the Lord with all my heart, and if I love the salvation of my neighbors, many of whom I have never seen, how much more should I have at heart the salvation of my dear children whom God has given me.
A hundred times rather would (parents) see (their children), for the sake of the Lord, bound hands and feet and dragged before lords and princes than to see them marry rich persons who fear not God, neither walk in the ways of Lord, and so be feted in dances, song and play, with pomp and splendor, with pipe and drum, with lutes and cymbals.
A hundred times rather would they see them scourged from head to foot for the sake of the glory and holy name of the Lord than to see them adorn themselves with silks, velvets, gold, silver, costly trimmed and tailored clothes, and the like vanity and pomp.
What is the key to faithful parenting? Obviously you take the task very seriously as a Christ-follower.
(1Y Woe to all who are not so minded concerning their children. For if I so love their flesh that I overlook their sins, if I do not punish the transgressions of the young with a rod and the older with the tongue, if I do not teach them the ways of the Lord, if I do not set them an umblamable example, if I do not direct them at all times to Christ and his Word, ordinances, commands, and example, and if I do not seek their salvation with all my heart and soul, then I will not escape my punishment. For in the day of the Lord their souls and blood, damnation and death will be laid at my door as a blind and silent watchman.
NEXT: True evangelical faith
SOURCE. The Cornplete Writmgs of Menno SImons
MEDIA MATTERS
BY BURTON BULLER
Are we media vaccinated?
Research indicates media messages are mostly powerless to change people's minds about deeply held beliefs.
IN THE KAUFFMAN-HARDER report, a study conducted to track changes in Mennonite beliefs and attitudes over a period of years, Mennonites noted that watching television did not affect their beliefs. Yet these same people expressed the opinion that television did influence the beliefs of others.
Why this discrepancy? Have we Mennonite Brethren really been inoculated with some magical serum that makes us immune from the influence of television while our neighbors fall prey to the media messages of the day?
Maybe. Maybe not.
My grandfather was one of the first in his community to purchase a television. Ricky and Lucy shouted insults on Monday nights. The Friday night fights saw boxing and wrestling move from the small gambling venues on street corners and in B-grade exhibition halls to the family living room. He particularly enjoyed the hockey fights. For more than 30 years, he ingested television.
When my grandfather died, he was still a pacifist. Still believed in a personal God. Still supported local and conference causes.
Did television affect him?
Yes, profoundly. Through television he came to see the world as a global village. Through television he came to know much about the culture of America. It influenced what cars he drove and shaped his sense of compassion.
Yet, Grandfather's moral system remained in place. His faith remained constant.
Research indicates that media messages are mostly powerless to change people's minds about those things they feel deeply about, like politics. The same is likely true about religion. And about deeply held moral positions. For instance, I doubt many minds are changed by either the pro-life or pro-choice media campaigns. For many, this remains a moral issue so deeply held that media messages simple glance off the internal defenses.
For children too, the murky
research surrounding the impact of televised violence on young minds points to nearly zero impact on children raised in loving, functional families. For those encountering violence as a solution to parent-child disagreements, the outcome may be quite different.
What all this seems to say is simply this: If we nurture loving, caring, spirit-filled families, television is largely impotent to cancel out our teaching. If we are above average in providing such an environment for our children, then we may have a moral serum our neighbors don't have. But if we parents abdicate our responsibility of engaging our children in moral instruction, television is waiting in the next room to take our place.
And television is never judgmental never cruel. It never hits chilIt is always inviting and fun. Where would my children rather be? Well, sometimes
Seven "secrets" I've learned about tlledia....
1. Media messages do not happen in isolation. They are all part of the context of our lives at any given moment. Simultaneous with receiving a message saying one thing may be another message saying exactly the opposite. Both messages, in effect, cancel each other out.
2. We do not change deeply held, self-referential opinions and attitudes as a result of media messages.
3. In any communications transaction, the receiver of a message brings as much, or more, to the transaction as the sender. Many researchers now believe that the audience is always in control of the transaction.
4. Media's overwhelming bias is to reinforce what we already believe. When media seek to change something we believe, they almost always reinforce the belief they seek to change.
5. Interpersonal communication always takes precedence over nonpersonal communication. In other words, what a friend tells you over coffee carries far more persuasive weight than what Dan Rather tells you the evening news.The majority of information disseminated by the medIa reaches people through personal carriers by word of mouth.
6. Media tend to set the agenda of our thoughts and conversations with others. As "gatekeepers" of information, media tell us what is important in life and society. They define for us those issues that require attention and decisions, both at a personal and at a public-policy level.
7. Media messages are used as information sources. If we need Information we pay attention to media messages. If we feel we have the information we need on any particular subject, we see media messages as irrelevant intrusions.
SESSION 1: Promises made, promises broken
Based on "Giving Our Promises Integrity, " page 4
GET READY - Getting started
• What promises are easiest for you to break?
GET SET- Examining the issues
1. Identify and discuss examples from Scripture of promises kept and promises broken.
2. Identify the four promise principles. Share an example of each. Can/should the principle be made a priority?
3. When should promises not be made?
4. Do you agree that promises limit freedom? Why or why not?
GO - Applying ideas to the way we live
1. Why is promise-making such a challenge?
2. In what ways can we as believers help each other live up to our promises?
3. Are you known as a person with integrity?
4. How can one restore lost integrity?
SESSION 2: The cost of church debt
Based on "Forgive Us Our Debt, " page 7
GET READY - Getting started
• What's something for which you might be willing to beg?
GET SET - Examining the issues
1. What motivated the church in this article to borrow money originally? Is that an appropriate motive?
2. What are the results of putting debt payments ahead of ministry?
3. What is the suggested cure for the "beg, borrow and steal" syndrome? Which of the suggestions is most needed in your congregation?
4. Do you agree with the suggestion that congregations should spend equal amounts on local and world missions?
GO - Applying ideas to the way we live
1. How does your church's spending on maintenance compare with its spending on sharing?
2. How can your church ensure that more emphasis is placed on ministry than on maintaining structures and programs?
3. What motivates you to give? How can you encourage others to give?
SESSION 3: Between the past and the future
Based on Ph'lip Side, page 14
GET READY - Getting started
• What is one thing from your past that you wish was still part of your present?
GET SET - Examining the issues
1. In Scripture God continually reminds the Israelites of their past. How does Philip Wiebe suggest we learn from the past without getti ng stuck there?
2. What are some past values and virtues we are in danger of losing as a society? As a church?
3. How does Hebrews 13:8 address the challenge of balancing past and present?
GO - Applying ideas to the way we live
1. What evidence do you see that the church lives and focuses on the past? What are the strengths and weaknesses of doing so?
2. What do we as Christ-followers have to say to our culture about the future?
3. What does it mean for you as a disciple of Christ to not forsake your first love?
SESSION 4: Anabaptism and politics
Based on Inquiring Minds, page 15
GET READY - Getting started
• How could our country benefit from having a Mennonite Brethren president?
GET SET - Examining the issues
1. According to Marvin Hein, what is the goal of an Anabaptist citizen? Do you agree or disagree?
2. In what way could our "non-violent manner of life be as patriotic or perhaps even more so than active engagement in warfare"?
3. What are the best ways and worst ways for Christians to express their political views?
GO - Applying ideas to the way we live
1. Should decisions regarding candidate choice be made in the context of our church community? Why? Why not?
2. Is it better for a believer to not vote than to vote for someone with whom they do not feel comfortable? Why? Why not?
3. How should we pray for our government and the election process?
Shack-up Christians?
IF THE CONCEPT of "Christian faith" isn't quite on par in your mind with the concept of "church membership," you aren't alone. Polls consistently reveal that people who are inclined to say yes to Jesus aren't always as enthusiastic about saying yes to the church.
The reasoning is understandable. Christian faith is seen by most believers, especially evangelicals, as essentiallya one-on-one relationship with Jesus, a tidy connection embodied in such phrases as "personal savior" and "Jesus loves me." When Jesus lives in your heart rather than next door, faith is simple, manageable and relatively pure.
The church, meanwhile, comprises many relationships-with Jesus, yes, but most noticeably with a lot of other human beings. Unfortunately, most of those humans are as culpable as we are. As a result, motives are mixed, communication is complicated, personalities clash and, well, the whole business has an imperfect air about it.
So, while we may proclaim our commitment to that nebulous, nonbinding body called the "universal church," we hold the local church at arm's length. We're willing to attend one and take whatever spiritual value we can from it, but it won't be a primary faith identification for us.
to join a local church sounds suspiciously like the one used by many couples who choose to live together without the benefit of marriage. When asked about their decision, cohabiting couples will often respond, "What's so important about having our name on a marriage license? It's just a piece of paper. All that really matters is that we love each other."
Many believers respond to the prospect of church membership the same way: "What's so important about having our name on a membership roll? It's just a piece of paper. All that really matters is that we love Jesus."
Both assertions carry a grain of truth. Marriage, in a minimalist way, is the physical union of two people. Christian faith, in the same sense, is the spiritual union of a person with Jesus.
It is the interdependence of a local group of believers that gives depth and staying power to Christian faith.
We Mennonite Brethren, who have historically valued the role of and a commitment to the local community of believers, are wavering, too, when it comes to membership. Increasingly, our growth goals and even our self-definition is shifting from "members" to "attenders" language.
This shift is even more pronounced-and to some of us, more troubling-in regard to our understanding of baptism. Until recently, we associated baptism with church membership. One was considered the entry point to the other. That is not the case anymore. Increasingly, congregations see the two as mutually exclusive events-if formal church membership is valued at all.
Certainly, some related issues deserve discussion. For instance, should children who receive Christ as Savior be prevented from following him in baptism until they are "old enough" to understand the implications of membership? Also, some special situations may exist where local church membership for baptized adults is impractical. But what we see increasingly is the downplaying of formal membership for adults, period. You say you want to be baptized? Great. But you don't want to join our church? No problem.
Well, maybe there is a problem. Or should be. A common argument for baptized adults who do not want
But we believers would be quick to argue that marriage is much more than "a piece of paper." Or, at least, it's intended to be. The entry point, a wedding, is two people committing themselves before witnesses to live together through "good times and bad, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, till death do us part." It is that unconditional commitment to each other that underlies the vitality and permanence of a relationship.
In the same way, formal church membership is intended to be much more than a "name on a roll." At the entry point-which traditionally has been believer's baptism-a person declares to a body of people, "I publicly commit myself to Jesus and to you, his body, to grow with you through good times and bad " It is the interdependence of a local group of believers that gives depth and staying power to Christian faith.
We're losing (avoiding?) that sense of interdependence today. To our individual and corporate detriment. It may be true that for some congregations, "membership" in the body of Christ means little more than having a name on a roll. In the same way, marriage for some is little more than a legal connection. But neither institution was intended by God to be so superficial. God's intent, I believe, is that congregations make membership meaningful by working at interdependence, mutual affirmation and accountability in their corporate life.
On the other hand, God also intends for believers to step beyond the clean and uncomplicated romance of the universal church and publicly commit themselves to the nitty-gritty, day-to-day pilgrimage of a local, tangible body of believers.
