October 2003

FIRST WORDS ••• from the editor

This issue of the Leader is devoted to the events of Africa 2003, the 14th Assembly of Mennonite World Conference, and six meetings held before, dUring and after the assembly. You may be wonderingwhy.

In this case, it is because the old adage that you know who you are by the company you keep is true. Thanks to MWC assemblies, every six years or so we U.S. Mennonite Brethren have the unique opportunity to keep company with other Christians worldwide who are part of the Anabaptist movement. We learn who we are by spending time with brothers and sisters who live and worship in situations very different from ours. In this case, the 2003 assembly meant experiencing for one week life in Zimbabwe, a country that came to the world's attention this past year because of its severe food shortage and serious economic crisis. For many MWC travelers, it meant visiting Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches and ministries in other countries on the continent either before or after the assembly. Each day of Assembly Gathered was devoted to a different continent so MWC attendees heard much about the joys and suffering experienced by Christians around the globe. That suffering is "so great that I don't think you people from Europe, from North America can understand it," said Asia Day speaker Ambrocio Porcincula of the Philippines.

In his reflections on MWC to be published in the MB Herald, David Wiebe, the executive minister of the Canadian MB Conference, said, ''We hear the reminder often that the local church is the hope of the world. We in the North need that reminder, because it's largely theoretical to us. But so many of our brothers and sisters of the South actually live that on a daily basis. Uterally. The local church helps put bread on the table. Sometimes it keeps people alive. In the Congo, for example, the Mennonite churches ofKikwit devised a plan to avoid the killings so many towns experienced in these last few years of civil war. The MWC is a place where we hear the stories of this struggle. We don't just hear the stories-we feel them, because we're face to face with survivors."

As you read these stories of Africa 2003, may you knowbetter who we are as North American Mennonite Brethren. May the company we keep in this worldwide family of God strengthen your commitment to serve Christ]esus and his church.-CF

Africa 2003 coverage is provided by Meetinghouse, the association ofMennonite and Brethren in Christ editors, and was written by an on-site team. The reporting team included Meetinghouse editors] Everett Thomas of The Mennonite, Paul Schrag of Mennonite Weekly Review, Susan Brandt of the MB Herald and Ron Ross of the Visitor; photographer Laurie Oswald and reporters Doreen Martens, Wendy Janzen, Arlie Klassen and Keith Regehr. We also asked people from Mennonite Brethren congregations who participated in Africa 2003 to share their impressions.

COMING

• NOVEMBER 14-15-Pacific District Conference convention, Lodi, Calif.

• JULY 21-22, 2004-National pastors' convention, Salt Lake City, Utah

• JULY 22-24, 2004-U.S. Conference convention, Salt Lake City, Utah

2• THE CHRISTIAN LEADER

Cover: Grace Brenneman of the u.s. shares her name with Febby Chivweta of Zambia. Photo by Laurie L. Oswald. Above: An MWC crowd at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair. Below: MWC worshipers hold hands while singing. Printing by Valley Offset Printing. Valley Center. Kan.

Special Report-Mennonite World Conference 'Sharing gifts in suffering and in joy'

Gifts large and small were exchanged when about 7,000 Mennonites and Brethren in Christ-more than 5,000 of them Africans-gathered for their church's 14th worldwide assembly Aug. 11-17 in Zimbabwe.

VOLUME

66, NUMBER 10

Organized by continents, the daily worship sessions highlighted the ways in which the global church shares gifts in times of suffering and joy.

Some of the men and women from U.S. Mennonite Brethren congregations who attended Assembly 14 tell stories and reflect on their experience in Africa.

Described by some as a miracle, local organizers successfully fed 7,000 guests two meals a day in a country with a severe food shortage, amid serious economic crisis and in a facility lacking commercial kitchen equipment.

BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS: Harold Loewen, chair; Peggy Goertzen, Reggie Hunt, Phil Neufeld, Moises Tagle, Dalton Reimer, Kathy Heinrichs Wiest

MANDATE: The Christian Leader (ISSN 0009·5149) is published monthly by the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. The Christian Leader seeks to inform Mennonite Brethren members and churches of the events, activities, decisions and issues of their denomination, and to instruct, inspire and initiate dialogue so members will aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelicaVAnabaptist theological tradition.

EDITORIAL POUCY: The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the position of the Christian Leader, the Board of Communications or the Mennonite Brethren Church. Scripture references are from New International Version unless otherwise noted. The editors invite free-lance article submissions. A SASE must accompany articles.

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Connie Faber

Nadine Friesen

tte Bible in hand, Christopher Moyo sat in the front row of the worship hall Aug. 15 and summed up the Me nonite World Conference assembly from a Zim· b n's point of view.

"The spiritual food and the physical food both are very good," he said.

When a man barely manages to feed his family, a full plate at a church conference is no small gift.

Gifts large and small were exchanged at the Zimbab· we International Trade Fair Aug. 11·17 when about 7,000 Mennonites and Brethren in Christ-more than 5,000 of them Africans-gathered for their church's 14th world· wide assembly.

It didn't take long for them to make the conference theme, "Sharing Gifts in Suffering and in joy," much more than words.

Here were African women, sharing the gift of encouragement with those who feel called to church leadership roles. "The Holy Spirit moves wherever it wills," said Kadi lShinyama of Congo dUring a workshop featuring African women theologians. "The same Spirit who gives gifts to men gives gifts to women. God gave us these gifts and wants them to be shared."

Here were North Americans, learning about respons· es to suffering as Mennonite Central Committee, the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ worldwide relief agency, workers told about Zimbabwe's food shortage. "I take my mind back into the rural areas, and I shed tears," said George Nyathi, food coordinator for MCC and the BIC Church in Zimbabwe. "Even here in the city, hunger is hitting hard. We need your assistance. We need your prayers."

Here were people of many nations, feeling joy in music as cheering and dancing African women massed in front of the Global Church Village stage where a Zambian choir was singing. "What I enjoy most is the music," said Nomqhele Ndlovu of Zimbabwe. "Even if they are singing in another language, I still enjoy it."

Everyone who shared as a giver and a receiver could quickly answer the question- "Can anything good come from Africa?"-posed by one of the conference preachers, Siaka Traore of Burkina Faso.

Among many good things was the way the assembly placed people from 58 nations into a new Anabaptist family portrait. This portrait had black and brown faces in the majority, reflecting the fact that more Anabaptist church members now live in Africa than in any other continent, according to MWC statistics.

LEFT: The assembly begins with a parade of banners from many nations.

The assembly also placed a spotlight on the Brethren in Christ Church, an 18th-century offshoot of Mennonites. Zimbabwe's entire Anabaptist membership of 29,000 is BIC. At conference worship services, the Zimbabwean BIC women's "church uniform"-white hats and white blouses-was the dominant clothing style in the crowd.

And the assembly gave visitors from around the world a glimpse into the lives of Zimbabweans, who are enduring drought, political unrest and runaway inflation calculated at 364 percent this year.

"It's quite an honor that you are willing to come and share our sorrows," said Treziah Ndlovu of Zimbabwe while waiting in line for lunch. ''You will witness what we experience and tell others. Life is getting tougher and tougher each day."

Fanuel Mhlanga of Zimbabwe added: "We need to take time to pray for the power of God in a time when our country is hit by such hardships."

The assembly's official registration total was more than 6,200. Larger numbers came on opening night and for the concluding Sunday morning service. About 4,500 Zimbabweans registered. Among the 1,800 international guests, the largest number came from the United States, which had '737 participants. Canada had 254.

Each day featured morning and evening worship services planned by people from a different continent. On a stage in the middle of the Global Church Village dis· play area, groups from around the world shared their music. Workshops and tours were among other daily activities.

Preceding the assembly were meetings of the Global Mission Fellowship and Global Youth Summit. MWC's leadership group, the General Council, met before and after the assembly. During the week two General Council subgroups, the Peace Council and Faith and life Council, convened.

Before and after the Bulawayo conference, officially called Assembly Gathered, many international visitors took part in trips known as Assembly Scattered, visiting Anabaptist churches and natural attractions such as wildlife parks in several African nations.

Not the least of the assembly'S many blessings was the . fact that it was held at all, and successfully. "The hand of God was really mighty, because everything we prayed for was answered," said Ethel Sibanda, a member of the national coordinating committee in Zimbabwe, speaking to the Sunday morning worship crowd.

Overcoming obstacles to a successful conference was like climbing mountains, she said. The biggest challenges were ensuring adequate security, food and fuel. "We felt each time God was leveling the mountains," Sibanda said.

Conference organizers relied on prayer, she said. They prayed as they walked the streets of the conference site July 27-even praying over the stacks of firewood for cooking.

"We declared before the Lord that this was holy ground," Sibanda said.

Thousands of her sisters and brothers around the world would agree. -by Paul Schrag for Meetinghouse

africa2003 CALENDAR

08.06.03 Members of the International Committee of M_ nonIte Brethren met In Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, In advance of the 2003 Mennonite World Conference assembly. ICOMB reviewed progress on an International MB confession of faith and engaged In a vigorous dlscemment process concemIng Its future. See page 25

08.07.03 The MWC General Council met before and after Assembly 14. AdoptIng a new model for operation, debfrtIng a name change and continuing Its dialogue with the Catholic church were Its top agenda Items. See page 22

08.08.03

High energy and enthusiasm characterized the three-day, f1rat-ever Global Youth Summit. The summit drew more than 220 young people from 28 countries to discuss, pray, worship and play together. See page 20

08.10.03 The formation of Global Mission fellowship at AfrIca 2003 marks a significant shift In how mission work will originate. See page

08.11.03 Africa 2003 Assembly Gathered officially began with the Welcome Ceremony followed by an evening meal. Described by some as a mIraCle, local organizers successfully fed 7,000 guests two meals a day In a country with a severe food shortage, amid serious economic crisis and In a facility lacking commercial kitchen equipment. See page 13

08.12.03-Asla Day Organized by continents, the dally worship services Included a momlng Bible study and evening worship service. Testimonies were common and singing at esc" service Incorporated music from that continent and was led by the International Choir. See pages 8 Br 18

OS.13.03-Europe Day In an effort to help Anabaptist churches stand together as peace churches, the MWC Peace Council has begun work on an International statement. See pages 8Br 24

08.14.03-Latln America Day The MWC Faith and ute Council met for two days and devaloped a list of common beliefs. See pages 9 Br 23

OS.15.03-North America Day As was the case each aftemoon, the Global Church Village was open to vlsitors, workshops were offered, local tours were organized and recreation options were available. See pages 10 Br 19

OS.16.03-Africa Day The evening sermon delivered by Slake Traore of Bultdna F$ was for many the highlight of MWC. See pages 10 Br 16

08.17.03-World Day World Day marked the close of the 14th MWC assembly. It was a celebration of miracles, a celebration of family and a taste of heaven. see pages 12 & 16

Ties strengthen local ministry

Global links

Is it surprising that 24 individuals from one congregation invested their time and dollars to attend AfrU:a 20031 No, not ifyou are their pastor. College Community Church pastor Bill Braun talks about the reasons why his congregation supports Mennonite World Conference and the benefits they have reaped from this relationship.

We at College Community Church of Clovis, Calif, have a strong connection with Mennonite World Conference. I have become aware of this after talking with other pastors and observing other congregations in relation to our own. Some might say this is because MWC staff memo bers Pakisa lShimika and Werner Kroeker and MWC treasurer Paul Quiring are members of our congregation, and because MWC is using office space in our building for their U.S. office. Others might say it is because many of our members travel internationally. On almost any Sunday, one or more members are somewhere outside of the U.S

I think it runs much deeper than that. We have a longstanding interest in inter-Mennonite activities, including support for MWC and Mennonite Central Committee, and connections to educational institutions both domestic and international in the larger Mennonite world. As I tabulate attendees at the past three MWC assemblies held in Canada, India and Zimbabwe, it is very clear that at least a tithe of our membership attended. I don't have exact numbers for Wmnipeg, but in 1997 about 15 individuals traveled to India, which was 10 percent of our membership at the time, and this summer 24 individuals, or 15 percent of our membership, traveled to Africa. There is a deep and growing interest in these events.

And there are indications that this is having a positive effect in other areas of church life. We now support and have connections with more missionary and service workers than at any time for many years. Workers in Brazil, Belize, Bolivia, Japan, Uganda, Papua New Guinea, Pennsylvania and Dubia claim us as a supporting church. Some are former College Community staff members. Many are current members. The congregation regularly receives communication and updates from these folks. We have sponsored small group trips to Nicaragua and Honduras to learn to know the communities in which congregational members were serving.

Our financial commitment to denominational organi-

zations is systematically increasing. We regularly increase our level of giving to a wide range of denominational entities. We have undertaken more special project funding in recent years. It is clear that our giving to the annual budget does not suffer as a result of this. A recent special giving appeal coincided with the time for Assembly 14 attendees to make a significant financial outlay to attend the conference, yet budgeted giving increased.

Our worship and Christian education activities are also positively affected by our connection to MWC. Prior to the India gathering, using the theme of letters to the churches, we used our contacts from around the world to have churches in other countries write letters to us to be read in conjunction with the texts from Revelation. Summer VBS giving projects are routinely connected to MWC or other international projects. This year, the Adult Christian Education Commission designated 2003 as the "Year of Africa" for our congregation. Banners were created and a number of adult education sessions were designated to educate us about Africa and the church in Africa.

One other area of benefit to us is a bit harder to define. In the course of norinal church life, we encounter a variety of issues that provoke discussion and we don't always all find the same answers. We have disagreements. But our common interest in and the affirmation we receive from our connection to MWC, gives a strong, positive flavor to congregationallife that buoys us through the harder times.

It is clear to me that in the future we will stay connected to MWC. The nature of our connection thus far has had a distinct inter-generation ftavor-five of the 24 Assembly 14 attendees this year were under the age of 25-which bodes well for the future. Our congregational oudook on mission over the years leads us naturally toward larger connections. Organizations such as MWC and events such as the conference gatherings resonate with us because they focus on what we have in common with others in the world, give opportunity for personal interaction with a wide variety of people and provide an atmosphere which validates our individual and congregational efforts to be faithful in the larger kingdom of God. I see the continuation of the relationship as reciprocal and mutual, and look forward to further mutual partidpation.

Let the nations speak

Organized by continents, the daily worship sessions highlighted the ways in which the global church shares gifts in times of suffering and joy

Asia Day/Aug. 12

Celebration amidst suffering

Shouts of "hallelUjah!" rang as Ambrocio Porcincula of the Philippines urged the audience to add their voices to his high-volume preaching. "Let us joyfully celebrate life in Jesus," he said.

The joy of which Porcincula spoke was accompanied by the awareness-and for some the personal experience-of suffering. "Hundreds of millions of people around the world live without hope, without peace," he said. "The suffering is so great that I don't think you people from Europe, from Canada and North America, can understand it. "

Asia Day's theme was "Celebrating life amidst suffering and violence." Some of the world's suffering, Porcincula said, is due to corrupt political structures. But sometimes people's suffering is due to their own sin-when people chase after false gods, when selfishness rules and God is left out.

''When society loses its conscience, it is only a matter of time before you pay the consequences," he said. The purpose of God's judgment is beyond pUnishment, he said. "God's ultimate goal is our redemption."

In his testimony; Hendro Soeradi ofIndonesia told of healing a split in the Indonesian Mennonites' GIlJ conference. At the peak of the conflict in 19%, the synod split in two, and "each said their own synod was the right one," Soeradi said. But at the end of 1999, reconciliation took place, and good relationships have been restored.

8• THF. CHRISTIAN LEADER

Shant S. Kunjam of India gave the morning Bible study. Speaking on Phil. 3: 10-16, Kunjam said, "Rejoicing means being fully anchored in Christ, not despairing in any situation." Kunjam said Christians are called to experience the mysteries of the fellowship of Christ's suffering. ''There are things that cannot be known apart from suffering for Christ's sake," he said.

Paulus Widjaja of Indonesia introduced the Asia Day theme by noting that Asia is the region where many of the world's major religions were born. Many Asians are known for their deep commitments to these faiths. He said people tend to ask, "How can people who are so spiritual be so poor?" But, he said, one should ask instead, "How can people who are poor be spiritual?" -Paul Schrag

Europe Day/Aug. 13

Remaining in]esus to bear fruit

Europe Day Bible study leader Claude Baecher of France played humorously on the word "remain," which is menoo in Greek, used 11 times in John 15. He emphasized the importance for Menoo-nite people remaining in Jesus so that our fruit will menoo, or remain. Remaining in Jesus results in joy and love is the fruit of the joy that is shared-sap that flows east and west, north and south through the branches throughout the centuries.

Every generation must leam from Jesus to bear fruit, emphasized Baecher and co-Ieader Marianne Goldschmidt. While France is near the birthplace of Anabaptism, that proximity is no guarantee

that Anabaptism will continue, Baecher said, citing John 15: 1-17. Referring to Isaiah 5, Baecher said the people of Israel, while having a good worship experience, were not practicing justice, benevolence and kindness. Fruit, Baecher said, is the justice that restores the country, but this justice was lacking during the time of Isaiah, the time ofJesus and is lacking today. Bearing fruit is not optional, said Goldschmidt.

Fernando Enos from Germany brought the evening message. Preaching from Eph. 6:1()'20, he said the church needs to put on the armor of God in order to fight the inner battles and the battles of terror, war, starvation, corruption and torture, which result from the arrogant use of power. Enos urged the audience to not neglect the armor. He noted that among the pieces of armor, the "sword of the Spirit" is unique. "The Word of God appears to be the only weapon of the church which is suitable for attack," he said. But it is not the church's sword. It is the Spirit's sword, he said. Enos challenged Mennonites to be the church in their home countries and to share Mennonite convictions of peace with the ecumenical fellowship of churches.

Ruthild Foth of Germany was honored during Europe Day for attending her 10th consecutive MWC assembly.--susan Brandt

Latin America Day/Aug. 14

Sowing seeds of hope and joy

The silent skit was jarring. A Latin American family was sitting down to dinner when three armed men broke into the house and killed the father. Several scenes later, the bereaved and impoverished family found their way into the embrace of a loving congregation. Eventually, several members of the family were baptized. The story ended with the new Christians sharing the gospel with manyothers. Breaking character, the actors then moved through the audience and flung handfuls of seeds into the crowd to reiterate the message: All Christians are expected to sow the seeds of the gospel wherever they go.

So ended Latin America Day. The theme,

"In Christ we suffer with hope and celebrate with joy" was highlighted throughout the day as speakers shared of their experiences. Rafael Stabile from Argentina described the context in which the church ministers in his country. is in ruins because of corruption, at all levels of government, including justice. Unemployment is at 15 percent. In this dark picture the church has light and salt and is giving its witness."

Ofelia Garcia, who pastors in Mexico City, Mexico, described her context. "In Mexico City, half live in poverty," she said. "The weight of external debt inherited from generation to generation destines us to underdevelopment and dependence (on other countries) Latin America can Jeel in solidarity with many in Africa."

But hope is also emerging amidst the suffering. missionaries had to abandon the country in 1960," said Felix Rafael Curbelo of Cuba. ''We were bereft of any leaders. Many Brethren in Christ (members) went to the U.S. and very few of us were left keeping the flame until 1985 when a revival broke out. We went from 200 members to 2,000 in 81 congregations today."

The Mennonites in the Chaco region of Paraguay described the hope that their radio ministry offers to eight language groups. Ferdinand Friesen-Bartel from the Menno Colony told of a man whose wife was assassinated who traveled 200 kilometers to meet the manager of the radio station because he wanted to experience the kind of family life described in one of the station's most popular programs.

Garcia, who preached the evening sermon, challenged the global family to become even more aggressive in ministering to those who suffer. ''Why has the Anabaptist church, with such a rich theolo-

gy of peace, not been able to penneate with a greater impact on the world?" she asked. "If we want to find Christ today, it will be within the community of God's kingdom that interprets the words and shares the bread."-EverettJ

Thomas

North American Day/Aug. 15

Sharing and receiving

''Jesus carne into our hurting world to break down all dividing walls, and to reconcile all groups to each other and to God," said Mary Anne Isaak, a Mennonite Brethren pastor from Fresno, Calif, who preached at the evening service on North America Day.

''The gift of unity in Jesus Christ is what we are celebrating here at the MWC," she said. "We are a people from 65 different countries around the world. That could be a dividing wall-but in Christ we are one body. We are a people who speak at least 100 languages, maybe even more. That could be a dividing wall-but in Christ, God has given us the Holy Spirit who understands even groans too deep for words. There is one body and one Spirit."

Based on the theme, "Sharing gifts, receiving gifts," participants ranging from a variety of singers to Canadian youth doing drama, focused on the gifts Mennonites and Brethren in Christ are and ought to share with each other. Music included several traditional spirituals, one perfonned by a multiethnic volunteer choir as well as a song shared by two members of a Cheyenne tribe and the missionary couple that works with them.

Lindsey Robinson, conference pastor for Mennonite Church USA in Lancaster, Pa., said, "Giving ourselves to each other, sharing with each other, praying with each other, encouraging each other, and being willing to lay down our lives for each other, all become a

base for the powerful witness of God's grace." As if to emphasize this, Robinson gave thanks to the Zimbabwean church for their work to overcome many obstacles to hold MWC. That note drew thunderous applause and amens.-Ron Ross

Africa Day/ Aug. 16

Giving what we have

''What we have, we give." This captured a fundamental reality of many African cultures and set the tone for Africa Day. Bishop Philip Okeyo of Kenya introduced the theme, noting that Africa is full of paradoxes, rich in culture, yet with many refugees and much poverty, rich in minerals and rich in love. Several of the African speakers asked in different ways, "Can anything good corne from Africa?" As the day progressed, it became clear that the African church has many gifts to offer the global church.

The day climaxed with a challenge by the evening preacher, Siaka Traore of Burkina Faso, who built on an image from a Burkinabe proverb- guest should not try to judge the value of a chicken offered to him." In Burkinabe culture a host gives a chicken to his guest who then returns it to be cooked for supper. The African church wants to obey the Lord by giving what it has.

"Even if we are often considered as those who have nothing, we will give what we have," Traore said. "Brothers and sisters, we ask you to accept our chicken, without weighing it, without judging it, without despising it." His challenge was met with resounding applause.

Worship, led by choirs from Zimbabwe, Zambia and the Congo, included local music and music from Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, and South Africa. The congregation loved the songs that

MENNON'TI

ExperiencIng the worldwide

body of ChrIst at Mennonite World Conference Is like drinking from a ftre hydrant. I went for a drink and got Immersed.

MWC Is a 14bour overnight bus tide with 15 COfWOIese brothels who are pastors In a country with an average annual Income of $80. For them, buying a hlnburger Is as big a streb:h as buying a McDonald's franchise Is for me.

MWC Is singing for an hour under the leadership of•••splritually gifted musicians from all the conti, nents and 14 dlfferent countries and cultures. We sing. We scream

war cries. We dance. I feel c0mpletely at !lome and completely out of my comfort zone at the same time.

MWC Is arriving early for General Assembly and seeing the inside world. of the organization. General Secretary Larry Mmer knows me and most of the other 150 deJe. gates by name and !lome location.

MWC Is developing a sevenpoint list of Mennonite faith d1stlnotIYes shared worldwide. We Include the saving grace of ChrIst, mission, believers baptism, peacemaking and discipleship within the church.

MWC Is eating breakfast with

encouraged full body participation, emphasizing the point made by a Kenyan, "We use our whole bodies to praise the Lord."

The morning Bible Study, based on Romans 5: 1·5, by Bishop Thuma Hamukang'andu of Zambia encouraged participants to be sure of their identity and relationship with God, because you can only give what you know you have. All Christians are acceptable before God and have access to God. So all can give and rejoice, even in suffering.

Alemu Chekole, born in a northern Ethiopian village, shared his testimony. After losing his Sight at age eight, Chekole's father took him to Addis Ababa where he was one of the first students in a school for the blind run by Mennonite missionaries. He received love, an education and the gospel, and went on to become a high school teacher with two university degrees. He challenged participants to give to God whatever one has.

Africa Day included a workshop on mission work in Africa led by MB Biblical Seminary faculty member Nzash Lumeya of Congo. Lumeya, who lives in Fresno, Calif, identified three frontiers for mission in Africa: the migrations of people, the growth of world religions, especially African traditional religion and Islam and the intersection of poverty and HN/AIDS. He concluded with a question: What color skin does a missionary have? The problem, said Lumeya, is that the churches in Africa and in North America still think the answer is white.

The evening worship included a footwashing

fJRETHREN IMPRESSIONS

andhlsnew

kItematIonaI friend.of.the4a tornebody he·s.met at the f1raN¥er 8I01III Youth SwnmIt.

MWC Ialeamlngto know and love apIIttuII from dyNInlc ElII/opIen ell_ born amidst severe opposition. the NCOfto cIIIng Indonesian church with fresh atoIIea of persecution and fIIIrtpdom, the Brethren In Chlfat Ie8deIs of NorttI AmeItca and MeMonIte Brethren from ....... latin AmerIca, india, CoICo. Europe ean.ta wtIo attellded tfte international Committee of MennonIte

Brethren.-L)m JotJt • HIIIsboIO, Kan.

It was Day Three of MWC. Thus ,. on this twoweek trip to n. babwe I had spent time with fIrnIIy members, seen the herds of ma,ptItIcent elephant, giraffe. zebra, hippopotamus and flocks of guineas. I had retreated from some of the confefence sessions to cut fabric for tfte A1os.HlV quilt that would be CiOI1IpIeted this week with tfte help of IMIY hands. Now I realIzed that I could leave this nent and conference without letting either touch me In a personal

way 1sat down next to Nalecll for an evening NaIecI was young, sitting by her self and looked alone. We didn't talk untO ,he asked If she could see my BIble. She admired the soft red covw. stroked the shiny gilt edges of the cIoIled book ancllookecl at the coJ. ored maps. I had seen her use her New Testament, which looked like a GIdeon New Testament.

I asked her If she had a BIble; she said no. I said I would give her mine at the close of the service, which I did. She put her head on my shoulder and said she wished I were her mother. She was the mldcle of

three children and tfte only ChrIstIan In her family. She had heard about and accepted Jesus In S1lhooI through a teacher. But she longed for Christian parents. I told her she coukI be my daughter; She told my husband Perry he was her father and when my son Matt and his wife JeneIIe joined our conversation they were pronounced her brother and sIsterIl encouraged her to read the BIble, shared wtth her the cIIfferenc:e It had made In my life and promised to pray for her. We hugged and said good-bye.-JeanIe Klassen, Edmond, 0Ida.

A musical group leads singing at Africa Day.

LBMillL

service that symbolized the commitment of Africans and people of the African diaspora to serve each other and the Lord. The Africans knelt and asked for forgiveness for the fact that their ancestors had not protected Africans of the diaspora from the slave trade. The Africans of the diaspora extended forgiveness. - Arli Klassen and Keith Regehrfor Meetinghouse

World Day/Aug. 17 of heaven "

The three and one-half hour World Day worship service that closed the 14th MWC assembly was designed as a banquet filled with stories, songs and testimonies from MWC fainily members on five continents. At times, it was a raucous celebration of the miracles that allowed the gathering to happen amidst the suffering in Bulawayo. And by the end, a solemn communion service had 7,500 partiopants breaking bread together as one family.

''We are just completing a week that many people call a family reunion," said new MWC president Nancy Heisey in her sermon. ''What makes us 'family' and how will our identity shape the way we live in the world?" Drawing her sermon from Ephesians 5, Heisey, from Harrisonburg, Va., described the text as "one of the early pages in a family album" which included descriptions of ''who we're not ... those who carry on silly or suggestive conversations, people who are greedy, people who get drunk, people who are sexually immoral."

Heisey reminded the congregation of several major efforts of the week, including the formation of a set of core convictions (see page 23), the formation of a new global mission network (see page 21) and the work of the Peace Council (see page 24).

She concluded that while working on these projects, ''we can

The most Important thing I average citizen who scrabbles Just got from the trip to 21mbab- to buy their daIlY bread. As we we was an at least some- talked to people who were wllUng to what "real" experience In a third- express their thoughts on the sItuaworld country not so fortunate to tlon, I came to realize that the zm have steeped traditions of freedom babweans are as nwch a victim of and opportunity that we take for MUgabe's regime as they are a vic> grned In AmerIca. SlmllaJIy, tim to the legacy of BrItIsh nrIe. despite the prevalent use of Eng. (And that) the genuine Interest, care 1Ish, It was probably my most and solidarity we came to bring to severe experience of culture shock ZImbabwe were far more Important yet. Not to say that the differences than the Z-doIIafs the conference caused me excessive strain or may have channeled Into the hands stress, but nowhere before had I felt of a corrupt government. so profoundly, obviously aIfen as As these things reassured me when we walked the streets of that what we were doing was right, BuIowayo. I was slmuttaneously disturbed that In fact, my levels of anxiety I had so much dlfllculty adapting lessened over the days that we to •••thlngs like cuisine and worship spent there. Tourists In ZImbabwe style. I am hopeful that this wtll be a are sadly treated far better than the lesson to me to be more constantly

12 • THE CHRISTIAN LEADER

be sure that everyone who is found in our family album needs to be there."

Ethel Sibanda, a Brethren In Christ woman who led the prayer committee, described how her group prepared each building and street in the Zimbabwe International Trade Fairgrounds. OnJuly 27, the group prayed and fasted all morning and then met at the fairgrounds. ''We wanted to make the fairgrounds holy ground," Sibanda said. "So toward noon we walked the streets, touched every building, cleansing it for the presence of the Lord. We prayed over the sticks of firewood that was cut for cooking our food. At the end of the day we declared before the Lord that this was holy ground."

The firewood may have also blessed the food. MWC president emeritus Mesach Krisetya, from Indonesia, suggested that the meals at the fairgrounds were also a miracle (see page 13). 'We had a lot of miracles during the week," Krisetya said as he bade farewen after six years as president. "Jesus fed 5,000 people. MWC, with the help of Christ Jesus, was able to feed 7,000."

Krisetya also reflected on the debate in early 2003 about whether to move or cancel Assembly Gathered in Bulawayo. Doubts about adequate food supplies and concerns about the wen-being of international travelers caused MWC leaders to make two fact-finding trips to Bulawayo. But in the end, World Day was a triumphant celebration over fear and uncertainty. BIC bishop Danisu Ndlovu, the new vice-president for MWC's General Council, served as worship leader for the day and offered thanks to all the internationals.

'We give thanks to all international visitors because you chose to come and share in our suffering," Ndlovu said. "There has never been a Christian conference in Bulawayo that brought so many people, so many tribes and so many colors. This is a taste of heaven."

-J. Everett Thomas

vigilant over my own tastes and preferences, and to be c0mpassionate when our lntematJonai neIP bors are conrronted wtth the cutture that I claim as my own. -Matthew Quiring, Clovis, calif.

Iwas challenged by the zeal and passion of Pastor Ambrosio, an Indonesian leader at MWC. The Indonesian church has a lot to teach me about evangelism. My ministry with youth In Fresno Is weakened If I fan to listen to and leam from my brothers and sisters around the worId.--loweII Epp, MB Biblical SemInary student

The theme "Sharing our Gifts In Joy and In Suffering" was dernoft. strated dally In (ZImbabwe). The poIttIcaI and economic situation In

Zimbabwe Is very difficult. lJnem. p10yment Is at 80 percent and InfIa. tion Is at 365 percent. and skIfted people cannot find work, let alone those unskilled. Men who live In the village have to be separated from their families to find work In the city. Yet these people express joy and fervency fi worship that we seldom see here. We were told that under these economic c0nditions giving In the Brethren In ChrIst churches In Zimbabwe was up by 335 percent this past year. The churches are growing, building new buildings and are totally self supporting. Does It take these kind of stressful conditions for the church to grow?-Perry Klassen, Edmond, Olda.

AFmong the many miracles at Africa 2003, surely the greatest was the Feeding of the 7,000.

Just how does one provide two nutritious, tasty meals a day for that many people or more for seven days in a country with a severe food shortage, amid a serious economic crisis, in a facility lack-

Organizer credits

God's hand in providing meals

ing commercial kitchen equipment?

The answer is with ingenuity, meticulous planning, an army of workers and the implacable faith of chief planner Thoko Ndlovu, who began working on the food program two years ago.

Each day, assembly goers consumed 1,200 kilograms

of

mealie meal (the basis of Zimbabwe's staple food, a maize porridge called sadze), the beef from six to eight cattle, 1,200 kg of potatoes, 500 kg of rice and 7,500 oranges or other fruit-plus tons of fresh and cooked vegetables and salads, juices and tea. And all cooked in the Zimbabwean traditional way for big feasts: in gigantic cast-iron pots over open fires.

Procuring such quantities presented unique challenges, with drought and the economic crisis forcing nongovernmental organizations to provide food aid to millions in particularly hard-hit southern and central Zimbabwe.

In spite of the challenges, "I've always been positive," Ndlovu said. "I think it was really God's guidance we were able to procure that food."

Negotiations many months earlier with the grain marketing board in the northern part of the country, where food is more plentiful, ensured that there would be enough maize to fill the assembly needs. Chickens were ordered months in advance from a Brethren in Christ poultry farmer. Contracts were struck with small market gardeners in the area around Bulawayo to grow a variety of vegetables, including carrots, butternut, cabbage and a leafy green vegetable called chomolier, specifically for the event.

Forty beef cattle were provided by the Wanezi mission station

some 80 km from Bulawayo, which were shipped live, hygienically butchered and refrigerated in a city abattoir until needed to ensure healthiness.

These special means of procurement ensured that assembly goers need not worry they were taking food out of the mouths of hungry Zimbabweans, Ndlovu said. In fact, for many poor and rural participants, some of whom paid the equivalent of only '1 U.S. to attend, the luxury of eating meat daily made this a special celebration.

The pots were hired from a local company and borrowed from community clubs. Ndlovu herself donated the use of reusable plastic plates, cups and eating utensils for 7,500 people. Truckloads of firewood were brought in to stoke the dozens of small fires over which the food was cooked.

But finding the goods was only part of the job.

"To set up a menu for the whole week for different nations, and make sure that food was acceptable, was really the greatest challenge," Ndlovu said. "We tried to make it as simple as we can so that at least we were able to serve almost everybody with everything that we prepared for the day. After the first two days we could see that it seemed to be working. "

Most meals consisted of rice, sadze, a flavorful meat stC\v, a

vegetable and a salad, with fresh fruit. The food was traditional Zimbabwean, but from recipes developed in Ndlovu's "hobby" job catering to large functions such as weddings and funerals, for which she has fed up to 3,000 people at a time. But never for so many, for so long.

Fortunately, as the chief executive officer of a luggage manufacturing company that employs 1,700 people, Ndlovu is well-equipped to manage labor-intensive operations. The mammoth task required an army of workers: nearly 120 recruited from community clubs and boarding schools, supplemented by local BIC and international volunteers. They were divided into teams handling starches, meats, vegetables and the tedious task of washing up outdoors in large tin tubs. Ndlovu's own two daughters, who often help in her catering business, took on the job of laundering 300 dish towels daily. For BIC members in particular, helpingwith food meant sacrificing one's own participation in assembly events.

"That's the commitment one needs to make, to say I'm doing this to make the conference a success, not for us as individuals but for the conference as a whole," Ndlovu said.

Assembly participants who wandered into the cooking area tucked behind the main dining hall were amazed to see dozens of pots of food simmering in the open air, being stirred with large paddles. Though the means might seem very basic, Ndlovu said, being able to produce perfectly cooked food in such quantities involves practiced technique. Each leader was responsible for ensuring that the food cooked would be sufficient for the day's needs-a real challenge especially for the final day, when the participation of many more local church members would mean prodUcing the noon meal for as many as 12,000 participants.

Each team leader took it as their responsibility to ensure that sufficient quantities were cooked for the meal's needs, even though planning had been for 5,000 people and more than 7,000 showed up the first night, producing an unexpected crush. Almost always, there was plenty left over, enough in fact to use some leftover sadze to produce for foreign visitors a traditional treat, the fermented drink known as amahewu.

Not everything ran smoothly.

When a supplier failed to deliver certain nonperishables before the assembly began, Ndlovu had to call on her connections as a part-time caterer to locate hard to find items and suppliers willing to take a check instead of cash, since the banks were closed for a national holiday. Following days often found her going out into the City to find things that hadn't arrived as scheduled.

The day before the assembly began, Ndlovu received a call at 6:30 p.m. saying that 100 Zambians had just arrived, tired and famished from a day on the bus without food. Could she help?

Quickly, she went to the assembly site to gather food, rounded up her sister and daughters, started the cooking fires in her own yard and began to prepare a meal. By 10:30 p.m., the food was ready, delivered and being served to the grateful Zambian group in their lodgings.

"They really welcomed our gesture to assist them," Ndlovu said modestly about a feat that would have defeated most cooks in countries with many more resources at their disposal. In Zim· babwe, the welcoming "Woza"- "come"-was never experienced more heartily than at the table. -Doreen Martens for Meetinghouse

.-Frica 2003 celebrates giving and receiving gifts

When someone gives you a chicken, don't weigh it. That African proverb, affinning the value of all gifts, put a colorful spin on the Mennonite World Conference assembly's emphasis on giving and receiving. It was quoted by Siaka Traore of Burkina Faso, who gave the evening sermon on Africa Day, Aug. 16. It was among the highlights of many thankful statements on the assembly's last two days.

The speakers put into words the feeling that everyone-from the poorest Zimbabweans, who piled their dinner plates high with food, grateful for a good meal, to the foreigners who carried big stacks of the inflation-devalued local currency-was both a giver and a receiver.

Larry Miller, MWC executive secretary, expressed the gratitude of international visitors. "Of all the gifts we have received here, God's best gift to us is you," he said, addressing the Sunday morning crowd

marked by row upon row of white hats worn by African Brethren in Christ women. "You have received us with joy in the midst of your suffering. You have moved our spirits. You have touched our hearts. We will not forget you."

Danisa Ndlovu, bishop of the BIC Church in Zimbabwe and newly elected vice president of MWC, voiced his people's gratitude. "We thank you for the positive image you have brought to the Brethren in Christ Church in Zimbabwe," he said during the closing World Day service. "This indeed has been a foretaste of heaven....

Thank you for listening to our joys and heartaches.... This has broadened our worldview. We will never be the same again."

On Saturday night, Traore pointed out that all this sharing of gifts and gratitude could not have happened without the gifts brought by Mennonite and BIC missionaries to Africa, beginning in the 1890s.

''We want to thank you for sharing the good news ofjesus Christ to us in Africa," he said. "It was a sacrifice you made for our salvation." He asked the audience to stand for a moment of silent prayer in memory of the missionaries who died and were buried on African soil.

NOW; Africans hope to return the blessing they received. "We have received, and the time has come for us to give," Traore said. "Our vision today is to go to your lands and share the gospel with your peapie as well."

He said the African churches had a strong Anabaptist identity. "We, Mennonites of Africa, affinn with force that we are the legitimate inheritors of the faith and values of the Mennonite fumily," he said.

Traore said African Mennonites have much to offer the rest of the church. "God has given us the gift of spiritual vitality, and I think many of you have been blessed by that," he said.

He commended international visitors for attending the assembly despite concerns about Zimbabwe's political and economic problems. "By coming here to Bulawayo we have proved that love is more powerful than fear," he said.-by Paul Schrag/or Meetinghouse

Bulawayo: The place

For months before the event, planners wondered and some North Americans and Europeans worried about the wisdom of holding MWC's Assembly 14 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. In the end, however, it was the right place to be for a church that is serious about taking God's healing and hope where it is

needed most.

Local hotels reported that they will be able to stay in business for months because internationals rented their .. rooms. Taxi drivers regularly said how important MWC guests were to their meager business. But the most direct effect may have been on the MWC sisters in Zimbabwe. I

estimated that 80 percent of the 5,000 Zimbabwe participants were women. For a local registration fee that equaled 80 U.S. cents each day (2,000 Zimbabwean dollars), they received two huge meals that included meat and fruit.

"Two thousand Zim dollars couldn't buy one meal here (in Bulawayo)," exalted

worship leader Barbara Nkala. "But we are getting lunch and dinner for seven days. That is a miracle!"

For the 5,000 most affected by the location decision, Bulawayo was the right place to hold Assembly Gathered.EverettJ. Thomas, editor of The Mennonite in a Sept. 2, 2003 editorial

eWe need each other'

MBMSI tour group visits Congo and attends MWC

Among the Mennonite Brethren who participated in the Men· nonite World Conference was a group ofyoung adults sponsored by MBMS International, the global mission ageru::y of M.B. churches in Canada and the u.s. Dubbed the Emerging Leaders Tour, the goal of the trip was to discoper ways God is moving among African brothers and sisters, expand global perspective of the MB church and explore possibilities of international church· to-church relationships. 1be group, led by Greg andJeanine Yoder of Fresno, Calif, traveled in the Democratic Republic of Congo prior to Assembly 14, participated in the Global Youth Summit and attended MWC. Here, Jeanine Yoder and MBBS student Susan Kroeker Epp reflect on the group's experience.

Can you imagine worshiping God into a cool African night with people from around the globe in celebration of the sharing of diverse gifts? When we arrived in the Congo it did not take long to discover that the Mennonite Brethren church is ablaze with spiritual vibrancy. The first night we were in the Congo, many in our team found themselves groping around in the middle of the night looking for earplugs after being awakened by the singing and praying of Christians nearby. Regardless of where we were lodged in the city, the rhythm of vibrant worship pulsated through the streets at all hours of the night. The way many Congolese Christians worship throughout the night was a gift to our team in helping us reflect on areas where our ears are closed to God's call of radical discipleship.

While visiting several churches and schools in Kinshasa, the capitol city of the Congo, we discovered that in order to graduate from the training center for mission, students must plant a church. Telecom is one of these young MB church plants we visited. With Pastor Didier in the lead, we wound our way through the neighborhood to the top of a hill that overlooked part of the city. Staked out on this hill, the church building consisted of several sturdy posts connected with others on top, leaving a full view of the neighborhood.

We liked to call it, "the church with no walls." Although our brothers and sisters who attend this MB church suffer due to a divided political system, a decaying economic base, and years of civil war, they gave their North American guests rich gifts that evening in teaching, worship and conversation. As we left, we joined our voices with our Congolese friends, worshiping and dancing through the streets to the taxi station.

We also discovered ways

the Congolese MB Conference is committed to joining in crosscultural evangelism and service outside of their borders. Several hundred people gathered the first Sunday in August for a mission celebration in the largest cathedral in the Congo. After over a dozen choirs sang, Congolese missionaries were commissioned to serve in Burkina Faso, South Africa, Congo Brazzaville, Angola and the U.S.

While in the Congo we also met with MB members of the Anabaptist Women Theologians. They reported that the Congo, out of 175 countries in the world, ranks eighth in term of most poverty. They shared how in the midst of a national crisis, Mennonite and MB sisters are forming intentional cooperative businesses that respect their personal dignity and family relationships. Their initiatives ensure that theology strengthens lives in holistic ways.

After spending one week in the Congo, we participated in the Global Youth Summit and Mennonite World Conference. As other emerging leaders from around the world gathered to dream together of the church's future, members of our team were struck to find ways to celebrate the giftedness in one another and in the MB and broader Mennonite family. Our group saw that interdependence as a worldwide church family is crucial in this new era of mission.

Visiting the Congo and attending MWC heightened our awareness to ways that the Mennonite global family needs each other. Our churches, along with the churches we encountered in the Congo and at MWC, have innumerable gifts to share amongst itself and with the world. Learning to identify ways we can extend our arms to one another and creating opportunities to share seems to be critical.

The table is set for a world-class feast of sharing gifts with brothers and sisters around the world. People are starting to arrive dressed in bright attire, each ready to share. Which gift will you share?

'1t was worth going to MWC for the music itself. We sang songs from every part of the globe with heavy emphasis on African music. And we moved and moved. "-Perry

Klaassen, Edmond, Okla.

Mwe worshipers • let the musIc move them

For decades after coming to Africa, Brethren in Christ missionaries prohibited dancing in church. A century later, worshipers at the Mennonite World Conference assembly appeared to have the most fun when they let the music move them.

A certain song- "Hakuna Akaita Sa Jesu" (There Is No One Like Jesus)-was the one that really got them going. It wasn't even in the assembly songbook, but it topped the worship charts. And so on Sunday morning, one more time, about 7,000 Anabaptists-reserved Europeans and expressive Africans alike-with smiles on their faces were turning in circles and swinging their arms as they sang in Shona the words that translate as:

There is no one like]esus.

No one is like him.

We ran and ran everywhere.

We went round and round everywhere.

We searched and searched everywhere.

No one is like him.

An international choir whose 18 memberS were fluent in 16 languages led

the singing at Assembly 14. The assembly songbook included 90 songs in 20 languages, including their original language and English, French and Spanish translations. For two weeks prior to the assembly, choir members met together to absorb the meaning of each song in many languages and musical scores, said Marilyn Houser Hamm, a musician from Winnipeg, Man., who was the key choir leader.

"Coming together with so many different cultures, so many different styles, so many different backgrounds was a foretaste of heaven for me," said Ammeral Johnson, an African-American choir member from VIrginia. Music is a common denominator, she added, and didn't need translation. "Even if we didn't understand the words fully, we got the meaning."

Hamm said, "The language of music in our worship is one of the most significant languages we have. Mennonites have always known how important it is to sing together. It's our songs that create a mutual sensitivity and blending that connects us to each other and to God."

Throughout the week, one way to tell that a song had generated special enthusiasm was to listen for a high-pitched cheer- "le-Ie-Ie-Ie-Ie!"-from African women. Probably knowing that many nonAfricans didn't have the confidence to cheer like that, an African song leader on Sunday urged everyone to "make any sound you can think of." He also encouraged people to wave their Bibles over their heads. "Our forefathers waved their spears and shields," he said. ''We wave our Bibles. That is our weapon."

In the Sunday sermon, Nancy Heisey of Harrisonburg, Va., the new president of MWC, said singing brings diverse people together. "As we are filled with the Spirit, how do we respond? By singing!" she said. "That should come as no surprise to any Mennonite or Brethren in Christ person here, especially not after this week. Singing is something we do because we're human, but now it is also something we do because we are God's children."-by Paul Schragfor Meetinghouse and Laurie L Oswald for MWC

AIDS in Africa

Assembly workshops raise awareness of pandemic plaguing the continent

ometimes, people don't believe

SEphraim Disi when he tells them he has IllY. That's partly because he looks healthy and energetic. But mostly it's because he's a pastor in theBrethren in Christ Church.

"I've gathered the courage to speak openly about my status," said Disi, of Malawi, speaking to about 200 people Aug. 16 at a workshop on AIDS during the Mennonite World Conference assembly. "I ask God, 'Can you keep me for another five years, for another 10 years?'"

Disi, 45, was diagnosed with HIY, the AIDS virus, in 1996. His wife, who has since died, infected him. He said she must have been infected by a medical accident. Novv, he is contributing to the fight against AIDS by setting an example of openness about the disease and by teaching moral behavior.

"I encourage parents to take the role of teaching theirown children," Disi said. "The message to youth must be abstinence."

The tragedy of AIDS in Africa-where the disease claims 6,500 lives a day-was the subject of several seminars at the MWC assembly. Participants discussed the AIDS pandemic, which affects Africa more severely than any other continent, and told how African Anabaptists and foreign workers are offering compassionate ministries and moral teaching in response to it.

The Meserete Kristos Church, the Men· nonite denomination in Ethiopia, strongly encourages engaged couples to get tested for IllY. The MKC will not marry a couple if one member is mv·positive, said Samson Estifanos, national director of the church's AIDS prevention program.

The MKC has 475 AIDS orphans among its families, Estifanos said. An AIDS orphan is defined as a child who has had at least one parent die of an AIDS-related illness, or whose wage-earning parent cannot work due to AIDS. Nationally, Ethiopia has one million AIDS orphans, Estifanos said.

Ruth Thiessen, a Mennonite Central Committee worker in Botswana, said the social consequences of having so many AIDS orphans are far-reaching. "We are looking at a future of dysfunctional adults

who do not know how to be spouses or parents," she said. For some families, the problem of AIDS orphans is ovetwhelming.

"I met a woman who has 30 orphans to care for," Thiessen said. ''What will happen when she dies?"

Easter Siziba, chair of the BIC Church AIDS project in Zimbabwe, cited sobering statistics about the spread of AIDS in his country. One in three Zimbabweans is infected with HIY, he said. life expectancy has fall· en from 67 to 27 since the early 19805. Thirty percent of those who are 15 will not live to be 30.

The Zimbabwean BIC Church has a program of home-based care for AIDS

patients, Siziba said. The church stresses sexual abstinence before marriage and faith· fulness within it.

"We say, 'Don't die; you are precious. Do it God's way and you will live, ", he said.

Poverty is an obstacle to AIDS treatment, said Esther Kawira, a doctor in Thnza· nia. "Most people earn no wages at all but have a subsistence income," she said. "I have not found even one AIDS patient who is able to afford antiretroviral drugs."

Swana Falang of Congo expressed determination to wage the battle against AIDS. "AIDS is a global emergency," she said. "I am ready to fight against AIDS to save humanity." -by Paul Schrag

Apples in the seed

Global Youth Summit nurtures faith that dreams of making a difference do bear fruit.

Delegates and participants to the first Global Youth Summit were welcomed by planning committee member Ronald Lizwe Moyo with this image: "Anybody can count the number of seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed."

Over 220 young people from 28 different countries gathered in Bulawayo Aug. 710 to discuss the challenges facing Christian youth and young adults today.

Dreams of organizing a Global Youth Summit began several years ago when Mennonite World Conference saw the need to explore and share the gifts and insights of young Anabaptists from around the globe. A

five-member committee was formed with one representative from each of the continental regions, and they set out a threephase plan.

Phase One was to create and distribute a swvey to discover some of the most pressing concerns and challenges facing young people around the world. Over 1500 surveys were completed globally. Phase Two was gathering for conversation and discernment in Bulawayo, and Phase Three is an action phase to take place following the summit.

During the GYS, delegates and participants talked and listened, prayed, worshiped and played together. Continental caucus groups met each day to discuss the swvey results and to brainstorm ways that

15 of us from the Youth Summit attended a local Brethren in Christ Sunday worship service. Once there, we learned that we were to be part of the choir. None of us could read the four-part African Solfa-tonic presentation very well. I am sure we were not a large asset to them, except for almost doubling the size of their choir. The African churches are so flexible and welcoming. I could easily tell why the church is growing faster in Africa than any other continent. Was it worth attending the 2003 Mennonite World Conference in Bulawayo? I'm already thinking about 2009. "-Robert Jost, high school sophomore from Hillsboro, Kan.

• THE CHR 1ST IAN LEA DER

both MWC and local churches could help them work at solutions to some of their concerns. Common themes emerged as continental representatives reported on their dis· cussion to the larger gathering. These included employment-unemployment tionalism in worship and youth feeling their voices are not heard or taken seriously in the church.

By the end of the second day, delegates had reached a preliminary consensus on the main issues and suggestions for how to respond. Five delegates were selected to present the results to the MWC General Council.

A high level of energy and enthusiasm characterized the three days. The youth shared a sense of purpose, as well as anticipation that this event could bring about positive changes in the church and the world. Many youth also commented that they now had a greater appreciation for belonging to a global church, and had made many new friends from other countries.

Each continental group led in worship during the summit. In the closing worship, led by the Asian delegation, Elina Ciptadi from Indonesia said she had always dreamed of making the world a better place. Because she felt too little to accomplish such a lofty dream by herself; she kept her dream to herself But she prayed, and asked God to use her. Now, as a GYS delegate, she saw her dream coming true.-by Wendy Jansen for Meetinghouse

·significant shift'

Anabaptist leaders form Global Mission Fellowship

For more than 100 years, Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in North America worked out their plans for mission efforts in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Now the churches that emerged from those efforts have their own identity and leadership and want to discern for themselves where the next mission fields should be. In some cases, new mission work could begin on other continents without North American involvement.

Meeting in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Aug. 9-10, representatives from Mennonite World Conference churches on five continents voted overwhelmingly to create a new mechanism that will begin to shift mission leadership to churches in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Called the Global Mission Fellowship, the plan calls for regional meetings on each of the five continents ''where Anabaptist-related churches and mission groups can meet for encouragement, vision-sharing, networking and cooperating in mission." The regional meetings will occur every three years.

"This is a very Significant shift," said Stanley Green, who chaired the committee that created the proposal. "The vision for what happened in Africa and Asia and Latin America (emerged from North American agencies). But now the vision for Africa, for example, will originate in Africa and be shaped in Africa and then North American and other agencies will need to discern how to participate."

Such visions emerged quickly in the Africa caucus, which began to discuss possibilities for new mission efforts on their continent. For example, Fikru Befirdu, from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, suggested that the African churches should work together on a new mission to unchurched people living just 100 kilometers from his home who are cannibals and practice animistic

religions.

''We would like to begin working together," said Damien Lukak Kakhenda, from Masina in the Democratic Republic of Congo. "We would not like to begin with the politics of the outstretched hand but begin with our own resources. "

But the question of funding the regional gatherings was a concern to other representatives who worried that money spent on such meetings would be taken from existing programs, many of which already face funding shortfalls.

"These gatherings will cost a lot of money," said Chizuko Katakabe, from Japan. "Is it right to spend the money on such gatherings rather than on sending missionaries?"

Green, president of Mennonite Church USA's Mennonite Mission Network, acknowledged that North American mission agencies are facing financial challenges that affect how many workers can be supported, but suggested that emerging leadership from churches in the global South is timely.

"If the reduction in our capacity (to send mission workers from North America) is met by the creation of a forum that encourages the sending of workers from the south," Green said, "it is an exchange that ought not be considered aloss."

In addition to questions about how

to fund the new fellowship, the relationship to Mennonite World Conference has not yet been clarified. Several members of the committee said that MWC was providing a "space" for such conversations about mission. But Nancy Heisey, the new MWC president, noted the new Global Mission Fellowship would not be similar to other MWC councils. One reason for the lack of clarity is that mission organizations often relate to Christian groups that are not members of Mennonite World Conference and might not be considered Anabaptist.

The formation of a Global Mission Fellowship will change the way North American mission agencies coordinate their work. Currently, most agencies participate in the Council of International Ministries for planning and coordination purposes. However, the Global Mission Fellowship plan calls for a North American regional meeting that is accountable to the Global Mission Fellowship.-EverettJ Thomas/or Meetinghouse

MWC sets direction for future

Mennonite World Conference is an association of 99 Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches in at least 66 countries with a total membership of about 1,300,000. MWC exists to create opportunities for Anabaptist-related churches to communicate and cooperate across national and regional boundaries, to facilitate community between Anabaptist-related churches worldwide and to relate to other Christian world organizations. The councils and boards charged with carrying out various aspeds of these goals met before, during and after Assembly 14. During these meetings, significant decisions were made related to missions (page 21), common beliefs (page 23), a unified platform on peace (page 24) and the future diredion of MWC itself (below).

General Council adopts new operational model

Mennonite World Conference reconfirmed a direction for the future when its General Council adopted a new model for operations. Dubbed the "communion / community model," the operational plan calls for MWC member churches to become mutually accountable to each other and to grow in common identity. MWC is to facilitate this process by helping member churches develop a common set of core convictions and common ways of living out these convictions.

In 2000, the General Council had authorized an International Planning Commission to make recommendations for the future of the organization. Out of four options the IPC offered, General Council chose the communion / community model-one which "confirms a direction that MWC has already been taking," says

Larry Miller, MWC executive secretary. Herman Bontrager, IPC member from North America, says the model calls for MWC churches to act as a worldwide not just as indepetdent churches doing things together. "It moves us from just encouraging mutual accountability to actually practicing it," says Bontrager.

But if General Council delegates could agree on a direction for the future, in their first two days of meeting they did not come to consensus on whether or not to change the name of the organization. The IPC had proposed retaining the name, Mennonite World Conference, but adding a subtitle: "a communion of Anabaptistrelated churches." However, some delegates preferred Mennonite World Communion, others Mennonite World Community. Still others wanted to keep the name Mennonite World Conference.

"Listening to the deliberatt'ons in the General Council about whether the name ofMennonite World Conference should be changed to include the word Icommunion' or Icommunity, , one realizes how words have different meanings in different cultures . and that they are not always translatable. " --Susan Brandt, Winnipeg, Man.

When the council resumed its discussion Aug. 17, following six days ofworship and fellowship at Assembly Gathered, it approved the subtitle-"Mennonite World Conference: A Community of Ii. Anabaptist-Related Churches."

Generating even more discussion than a name change was a report on MennoniteCatholic dialogue in which •

MWC has participated over the past five years. While delegates did not yet have access to a final report, they did have a recommendation with four parts. One part called for similar consultations to take place in different regions, another for MWC to accept an invitation for a delegation to visit the Pontifical Council of the Catholic Church in Rome.

The report and recommendation were especially troubling to the Latin American delegates, who spoke of intimidation and abuses by the Catholic Church in their countries. In the end, Latin American delegates joined those from other continents in approving all parts of the recommendation on Mennonite-Catholic dialogue.

During its final session, the General Council issued a statement expressing its concern for those suffering in Zimbabwe. "It has become clear that it is inappropriate to come and say nothing about the situation in Zimbabwe," Larry Miller, MWC executive secretary, told the council.

In its statement, the council listed three causes of suffering that ''we especially grieve and deplore." They were the "fear and brutality that result from political oppression and conflict the hardship and exploitation that result from economic breakdown the malnutrition and death that result from humanitarian crisis." The statement affirms the prophetic voice of the church and "the tenacity, passion, endurance and nonviolent action of Zim· babweans in the face of deep distress." It promises that MWC will monitor the situation in Zimbabwe. The statement was pub-

lished simultaneously as a purchased advertisement in newspapers of different persuasions in Zimbabwe and was released I to MWC member churches and interna- J tional church media.

In other business, the council authorized feasibility studies in the United States : I and Paraguay, where churches have offered ! to host the 15th MWC gathering. The U.S. invitation comes from eastern Pennsylvania.

At the request of African women theologians, the General Council agreed to

make the treatment of women a priority in its future work. Council members also received the first of a five-volume set to be produced by the MWC Global History Project (see photo page 24). Larry Miller of Strasbourg, France was reappoiIlted to another three-year term as MWC executive ! I secretary. The Council aa:epted 10 church- : es into membership (groups with more than 500 members) or associate member- I ship (less than 500 members.)

The General Council is comprised of representatives from each MWC-member

Shared convictions

Anabaptists around the world may get a clearer picture of the beliefs they have in common thanks to a new statement of shared convictions. The Mennonite World Conference General Council approved the statement Aug. 17 for study and discussion by its member churches over the next three years.

"I consider this to be potentially a very significant document, " said Larry Miller, MWC executive secretary. ''We are beginning to collect a few pieces that will shape our identity together."

Many of MWC's more than 90 member churches in 54 countries have no written confession of faith. The new statement is not a confession of faith, but it might be especially useful for churches that do not have one, council members said.

The statement was prepared by MWC's Faith and Life Council, whose membership is the same as its 120-member General Council.

The document has seven points, each one sentence long. They describe basic beliefs held in common with most Christians, such as salvation through Christ, as well as beliefs that Anabaptists give special emphasis, such as nonviolence.

The statement could be useful for defining Anabaptism to others, said Tom Finger, a U.S. theologian observing the Faith and Life Council meeting. "This is a way to start conversations with individuals and churches who want to be Mennonite or Brethren in Christ, " he said.

Nelson Kraybill, president of Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind., who helped draft the statement, said it could be used to define who belongs to the Anabaptist family. "If a group comes along and says, 'We share the peace conviction but we don't believe in God,' we might say, 'We admire what you do, but we are not spiritual brothers and sisters, In he said.

Faith and Life Council members wrote the document during the Bulawayo assembly. It is based on responses to an effort to collect statements of core convictions from Anabaptist churches around the world.

church and meets every three years. The U.S. Conference has appointed LynnJost i of Hillsboro, Kan., as its representative. Jost chairs the U.S. Conference Board of Faith and Life and is on the Bible department faculty of Tabor College. A 14-person executive is chosen from this Council to guide the discussion and decision-making meets annually.-David Wiebe of the Canadian MB Coference is one of two representatives for the North American continent from Meetinghouse and MWC news releases

Now; the Faith and life Council is requesting responses to the statement, which could be revised at its next meeting in 2006.

The statement lists the following points as "central to our belief and practice":

1. God is known to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Creator who seeks to restore fallen humanity by calling a people to be faithful in fellowship, worship, service and witness.

2. Jesus is the Son of God who showed in his life and teaching how to be faithful,

and through his cross and resurrection redeemed the world.

3. The church is a community of those whom God's Spirit calls to turn from sin, acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord, receive baptism upon confession of faith and follow Christ in life.

4. The faith community, under Holy Spirit guidance, interprets the Bible in the light of]esus Christ to discern God's will for our obedience.

5. The Spirit of]esus empowers us to trust God in all areas of life so we become

peacemakers who renounce violence, love our enemies, seek justice and share our p0ssessions with those in need.

6. The faith community gathers regularly to worship, to celebrate the Lord's Supper and to hear the Word of God in a spirit of mutual accountability.

7. We seek to live in the world without conforming to the powers of evil, witnessing to God's grace by serving others, caring for creation and inviting all people to know Jesus as Savior and Lord.-by Paul Schrag for Meetinghouse

Peace Council works on platform

who wants to be good at playing the game of soccer has to practice certain skills to be good at that game," said Mennonite World Conference Peace Council Secretary Paulus Sugeng Widjaja. "likewise, we also have to train ourselves and determine a game plan as peacemakers if we are to reach our goals."

Developing a unified platform on which MWC member churches can stand together as traditional peace churches is a goal of the MWC Peace Council that met twice during Africa 2003. The Peace Council was initiated at the last worldwide gathering six years ago arid the project of creating a unified platform

was launched at its last meeting, held in Guatemala City in 2000. Action taken at this year's meetings encouraged discussion and feedback on the presented summary of work to date.

Stories collected from 13 member councils by Widjaja and Judy Zimmerman-Herr, associate secretary for the Council, were shared. They help demonstrate or illustrate elements of the church's peace stance, said the leaders. Careful analysis of the stories led to a list of shared aspects in churches' peace practices.

"Building our theology statement from good working stories helps test the ideas in

practice," said Widjaja in his introduction to the first round of discussion. "We don't just want a set of good ideas."

The common elements perceived in the stories were used to create a working document that summarized three areas important to a stance on peace: relationships involved in peacemaking, the virtues important to peacemaking and peacemaking practices churches should be encouraged to develop. These summaries were then used as a springboard for additional discussion.

Internationally mixed groups of 10 pe0ple were formed the first day. The groups discussed peace relationships and virtues of peace. These groups' comments were colI lected and reported on the second day. On the second day, small groups were organized by continent in order to group similar cultures. These groups listed practices to generate peacemaking.

Among the activities gleaned from the initial reports and stories were levels of peacemaking relationships, including:

• Making peace with God: individual conversion creates a new person who can live atpeacej

• Peacemaking within churches: member Churches have dealt with inrernal ronfticts;

• Peacemaking with neighbors; churches have worked at solving conflicts with others in their area;

• Peacemaking within and between . nations; churches have worked for peace on national and international levels.

Development of the peace practice statement is slated to continue in future council meetings. -by Ron Rossfor Meetinghouse

ICOMB leaders strike task force to explore future of fraternity

Afuture where the worldwide Mennonite Brethren church works together to address educational and relief issues in its churches. A future where continental agencies join MBMS International, the North American MB agency, in global mission work. This is the goal the International Committee of Mennonite Brethren set before itself this summer at its annual meeting.

The International Committee of Mennonite Brethren, a fraternity of 20 MB conferences from around the world, held its annual meeting in advance of Mennonite World Conference Assembly Gathered. Because most of the MB conferences are also members or associate members of MWC, meeting in Bulawayo worked well.

Vision of the future

A vigorous discernment process is leading representatives to pursue a new potential role for ICOMB. As the fraternity matures, leaders believe it may become an effective umbrella organization for the global MB family. MBMSI is currently fulfilling this role, and so along with its primary emphasis on mission is developing programs for education, theological direction and relief More recently MBMSI has sharpened its vision to become focused on reaching new people groups without the gospel. At the same time, countries including Brazil, India, Congo, Germany and Japan have trained and sent missionaries themselves, although usually with assistance from MBMSI.

ICOMB's vision of the future is for continental mission-sending agencies to develop in parallel to MBMSI. This requires a different body-ICOMB-to take on the other roles, such as education and of a maturing fraternity. A task force was struck to examine the implications of this emerging role, including that of hiring staff. They will report to ICOMB at next year's meeting in Paraguay.

Mexico

At the request of MBMS International, two years ago ICOMB assessed the mission work in Mexico. As a result of that study, a new perspective and interest was generated regarding ministry in that country. The Colombia Conference appointed one of their finest leaders, Alfredo Beltran and his family, to begin a new church plant in Guadalajara. Rolando Mireles, Jr. and his family will join the Beltrans. ICOMB will continue to participate with MBMSI, the global mission agency of MB churches in the u.s. and Canada, in evaluating and monitoring the Mexico mission effort.

Confession of Faith

Last summer a special task force was convened to draw up a Mennonite Brethren global confession. The task force's job was to find commonality among the various confessions, which ranged from four to 23 articles. The first draft of a global confession was translated into six different languages, and is being circulated and discussed within the national conferences. The task force is meeting this month in Germany to finalize a draft. ICOMB will review the final draft and

hopes to approve it in 2004. Such a confession will serve conferences that don't have one, or churches worldwide that desire to learn more about the Mennonite Brethren.

Other business

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Mennonite Brethren Church, ICOMB plans to write a history of this renewal movement and to convene a larger event in 2010 open to all members worldwide. ICOMB treasurer Rolando Mireles of the u.S. reported an operating fund balance of almost '70,000 and a balance in the relief fund of over $14,000. Last year '5,000 in relief aid was sent to the Congo conference to address the dire situation the MB community faces in that country. Conferences contribute 1% of their annual income for operating expenses. The relief fund receives special contributions from time to time.

Alexander Neufeld of the AMBD Conference in Germany was re-elected as chair. Francisco del Puerta of the Spanish Conference in Paraguay was elected as vice chair. David Wiebe of Canada was re-elected as secretary.

-from a report by Secretary David Wiebe

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIp, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION

Publication title: The Christian leader. Publication number: 0009-5419. Filing date: 09117103. Issue frequency: monthly. Number of issues published annually: 12. Annual subscription price: $16.00. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 315 S. Uncoln, Box 220, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: same. Full names and complete mailing address of publisher. editor, and managing editor: PublisherU.S. Conference of MB Churches. 315 S. UncoIn Box 220, Hillsboro, KS 67063; Edltor-eonnie Faber. 315 S. UncoIlJ, Box 220, Hillsboro, KS 67063; Mana edii'or: non. Owner: U.S. COnference of MB Church. S. • 220, HiIIsbofQ., KS 67068. Known bondhOIdersf;nortga security holdel'$ QWriing or holding 1 or rea ount of bonds. mortgages. or other securlJf'axA t durln.,g"proceedlng 12 months. Ii$tfe dale fOrti ta: is'ept. Extent and nature of circulation: the ffrst nun'! represMtS the average number of copies of >eLoh tl\6 12 months. the number in parenlJlese$ a.,s1ngle issue published nearest the flling dafe, the Sepk. iss4eJ (a) TOtal number of copies 10.725 'h 0.-350) d/tequested 1) Paid/requested outsideQOOnty m g .,i8& 2) Paid it'l-county SUbscriptions '5$ )l.ii)Sales throu(l,h4B'lers and carriers. street vendors, d paid distribution: 0 (0) 4) Other .classes 'tJ:l'rOli!.gn thflUSps: 290 (291) (c) Total paid and/or 41'1 "10:063 (10. f29) (d) Free dfj;trlbutlon by mail: 15 (1G) (e) Fiee OIl aOlsl<2e the man: 30 (30) (I) Total free dlstri45 {4S) oUlI distribution: 10"108 (10,172) (h) Copies not dis192"WS) (I} TOUl!:1"0.300 (10,350) (J) Percent paid and/or (W.57%). I certify that all information (urnlShe<Lls true ati'6 that anyone who furnishfalse.or on 1=»S Form 3526 may be subject to crimlnal sanctions and/or-o!Y1I saoctlon$.-signed Connie Faber.

CH L;CK 's C()l{N EH

BY CHUCK BULLER U.S. CONFERENCE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Those of us who grew up in the Baby Boom generation can't help but remember the defining event from our childhood, and I'm not referring to the Beatles on Ed Sullivan, the Kennedy assassinations or even the Vietnam War. No, much more than those events, our childhood was shaped by the invention of the television and its appearance in every home, including Mennonite Brethren.

My children still look at me in stunned disbelief when I tell them about our first black and white lV that made its way into our living room when I was in grade school. Their next question tells us much about modem society. They wonder what we did before lV-as though thousands of years of history somehow were a mere prelude of what was coming when Zenith and Motorola finally allowed us to find a life!

One annual presentation on that squiggly black and white impacted my young psyche. It was my generation's version of Star Wars. It contained the classic battle between good and evil, scary characters, a virtuous heroine and the hope of a heaven, not with streets of gold but rather at the end of a "yellow brick road." If you still haven't figured it out-you are hopelessly young. The Wizard of Oz was the program that we waited for annually. It was shown on a Sunday night and my parents were rather "old fashioned" and made us go to church first, meaning we missed the first of three gripping hours of television. It wasn't until I got older that I even knew how The WIZard of Oz actually began!

When I did finally learn the origins of Dorothy and Toto's cyclone trip I was old enough to have also figured out that most of my ancestors actually grew up on the plains of Kansas where the story began. This presented a most troubling

dilemma for my young mind. I wasn't sure which version was real. I had grown up hearing about cousins from Kansas who were reported to be such fine people. Yet, somehow I was certain that if I ever visited Kansas the wicked witch from the east wouldn't greet me at the border.

Well, I'm glad to report that I have visited Kansas many times since, and my cousins are fine people. And not only my cousins, but also the thousands of people who attend Mennonite Brethren Churches there.

The Mennonite Brethren story in the U.S. began on the windswept plains of Kansas. One hundred and twenty-five years ago an immigrant by the name of Abraham Schellenberg helped form a congregation with other Russian MBs at a site called Ebenfeld. The church is not only still standing, but also a vibrant congregation of 200-plus worshippers with a beautiful facility and a quality staff. It is still located about two miles east of the highway leading to Hillsboro and one mile north of the next marker. Next month I will have the privilege of helping them celebrate their harvest mission festival. Now, I would be remiss if I didn't tell you that just about one hour west of Ebenfeld is the town and church of Buhler. At 124-years-old, they claim the second-place prize for oldest MB church in the U.S., and were planted by the same leader as Ebenfeld, Brother Schellenberg. This congregation is today a vibrant con-

gregation of 400-plus people with a beautiful facitty and a talented staff as well.

Whenever I visit these and other churches in Kansas I am reminded of the Apostle Paul's admonition in 2 Thess. 2:15: "So thew brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter." In Eph. 6: 13 Paul gives added emphasis to this concept when he says, "Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."

Few of us would doubt that we liJf in times of great evil. And yet I wonder if we have missed the point of what God expects. We pastor types are quick to talk abo t the latest trend in church programming, the next thing the church "has to do" to be successful or the next conference we can't wait to attend. Maybe what God is looking for are those followers who simply, after all else has been both said and done, are still standing for Jesus Christ! •

So kudos to those of you in Kansas who have been standing for Jesus for over 100 yeap. And blessings to those of you in Texas, Washington, Oregon, North Carolina, and all of our other locations that may sometimes grow weary, but always, after you have done everything, you can still stand!

I pray that four generations from now; an executive director will begin this column by saying something like, "I was in Phoenix recently, and visited Copper Hills Church, a vibrant Mennonite Brethren congregation that was planted in 1996 by Brothers B. Klassen and E. Boschman. And after all else has been said and done, they are still standing for Jesus Christ."

PH'tIP SIDE

BY PHILIP WIEBE

Beyond the stones

well do we Christians keep the l110ral code· the Ten Commandments?

In Alabama recently, there was quite a row over the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments. Not the original ones, I don't think, but you might have gathered so considering all the fuss. What happened was, a suit was filed seeking removal of a stone Ten Commandments monument from a public area of the Alabama Judicial Building. A federal judge then issued a removal order. Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore refused to comply.

As you might expect, this provoked a barbed debate. Moore accused the federal judge of putting himself above God. Critics of Moore maintained he was inappropriately promoting religion in a government space. Well-known radio personality James Dobson jumped into the fray, speaking at a rally where he blasted the federal courts as an "arrogant, imperialistic judiciary determined to shove their beliefs down our throats." Anti-monument folks responded that Dobson was trying to start "a full-scale culture war."

I wonder, as I often do in these situations, if people at both extremes made a bigger deal out of all this than necessary. Having followed the story in bits and pieces, I can't claim to understand all the details or know the thinking of those involved. But I'm inclined to doubt that the federal judge was specifically attacking Christians or Christianity, as some seem to believe. I would guess it had more to do with trying to interpret the sticky matter of separation betweenchurch and state.

One might ask, why would anyone object to the Ten Commandments, since theyare generally acknowledged to be a concise and well-stated ethical code? As such, you'd think they would blend nicely into the decor of a judicial building.

Then again, commandments one

(''You shall have no other gods before me"), two (You shall not make for yourself an idol''), three (''You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God''), and four ("Remember the Sabbath day'') are fairly religion-specific. If the monument in the Alabama Judicial Building had been a statue of Buddha or passages from the Koran, I suspect the complaints regarding removal would have been slanted somewhat differently.

I am sure I sound like a wimpy Christian apologist, not expressing much concern for what some would call another attack on Christian values. But I wonder: Is a fight over theplacement of a Ten Commandments monument really worth picking? Christians get this reputation, sometimes deservedly, for caring about symbols and principles more than people and things of the heart. Here in my own state, for example, our budget woes recently forced the cutting of some programs designed to aid the poor, sick and disabled. Churches were not heavily represented among those who protested such cuts. Many Christians, in fact, applauded the axing of government programs and urged more of the same.

Yet the New Testament has much more to say about helping the poor and needy than it does about preserving stone monuments. Writing about witness and ministry, Paul even said to get beyond the stones: "You show that you are a letter from Christ. .. written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts" (2 Cor. 3:3).

To be fair, I should also say I think the anti-monument people were overreacting through all this. What possible harm could a Ten Commandments statue do anyone? Nobody was using it to try

and convert, indoctrinate or force any beliefs on anyone. I see little value in this current trend of trying to bury all aspects of our country's Christian heritage, and make everything a sort of religious vanilla. Sure, American Christianity has made bad choices at times and displayed elements of hypocrisy. But the good has far outweighed the bad. Whether people know it anymore or not, much of the broad range of moral and ethical tenets Americans hold today can be traced directly to biblical principles and the teachings ofJesus. Getting back to the commandments wouldn't be a bad thing. Even for Christians. I don't think culture or church have issues with commandment six (don't murder) eight (don't steal) or nine (don't give false testimony). Seven (adultery) is still frowned upon, but neither church nor culture are doing very well in that area right now; It seems Christians are still trying to uphold three (misusing God's name) but culture has really gone in the toilet.

That leaves commandments one (God first), two (no idols), four (Sabbath) and ten (don't covet). I wonder if the American church has much to say to culture about these, because in general Christians themselves don't do a great job of keeping them. Many things tend to come before God in churchgoers' lives. Idols are quite prevalent in the pews. Christians are as overscheduled and allergic to rest as anyone. And when it comes to materialism, consumerism and wanting what they don't have, churchgoers can hold their own with anyone, thank you. So, a suggestion. Before we Christians go off protesting something regarding our faith and heritage, we first may want to evaluate how well we are following our own beliefs.

BY MARVIN HEIN

Questions about faith Be life

about Harold Camping's the age"

We hear on the radio from and latter rains." 2:23 Harold Camping about the the Lord s worldWIde program end of the "church age."

Everything must fit, of sendmg forth the Gospel and coree· hd h ., What is the sponds to the three harvests of Lev. W at oes e mean. 231011 Th "firstfru'ts" was the nation basis for his beliefs? (Cali- and

for Camping

the of Christ. The fornla) Pentecostal harvest or "early rain" was

AHarold Camping is gen- does fit, into his the church age. The ".latter rain" is the eral manager and Bible speaker on present great tribulation. a religious broadcast called Family scheme. Camping maintains, and somewhat Radio. The program is heard on dozens correctly, that each of these dispensations of stations in 40 states. Family Radio is a (Elijah's day, Jesus' day and now the wonderful ministry for those who love and support causes like Family Radio. tribulation) was preceded by famine. In the traditional hymns of the church. A The Lord's Supper is a ritual of the past the first two seasons, the vineyard care. variety of soloists, choirs and choruses, and must not be observed any more than takers failed their responsibilities, so at including Mennonite singing groups, are Old Testament ceremonial rituals are the end of their ages they were featured every day. Especially attractive is observed at this time. destroyed. So at the end of the church the fact that daily many hours are prima- If you worship in the church, says age God no longer assigns the task of the rily musical, interspersed with SCripture Camping, you are worshipping Satan. vineyard to a corporate church. It will readings, brief meditations and an Open Just as God was about to vomit Laodicea continue to flourish but not through the Forum led by Camping. The messages out of his mouth in the Revelation, so the churches-only through individuals and are intensely evangelical. churches, because they have worshipped organizations like Family Radio. Because In Open Forum Camping answers in the high places, will be destroyed and of the "stench, the evil, the high places, questions from the listening audience. In thrown into the lake of fire. The high the wrong doctrines God destroyed these sessions almost invariably he places are the church's stance on the churches." launches into his belief that the "church divorce, baptismal regeneration, millen- Camping has an uncanny way of age" has passed and that we are now in nium, women pastors and the notion connecting a verse in Leviticus, for the Great Tribulation. He has published a that we must accept or trust Christ for instance, to another verse in Revelation. variety of books and one is tided The End salvation. Camping sees such a require- He is indeed a student of the Bible. But of the Church Age and After. His aim mem for salvation as works and going everything must fit, and for him does fit, in this book is to prove that God with- beyond grace. into his scheme. If space allowed, I could drew the Holy Spirit from the church in

What is Camping's biblical basis for also discuss Camping's belief that in 1994, or possibly earlier. The church is these beliefs? Almost any verse from order to be saved one must have been now under the control of Satan and no Leviticus to Revelation points to these chosen by God before the foundation of one can now be saved through the min- conclusions, he says. The End of the the world. According to Camping, the istry of the church. Only through para- Church Age . .. and After contains 952 doctrine of "election" is as clearly taught church organizations such as Family different scriptural passages. For Camp- in the Bible as his "latter rain" theology. Radio can people be won to Christ in this ing the "verses are all so clear they need In my opinion, Family Radio is a time of the great tribulation. no further explanation." source of inspiration through sacred

Camping preaches that all true

The primary thesis for this belief lies music coupled with a thoroughly evanbelievers must leave their local churches in Scripture's references to the "former gelical mission. Family Radio is also an

.......................................................................................................................................... organization whose founder has a convo-

.. .. doctrine, conference policy, or other spiritu- luted theology of the church and a gross at issue? E-mail Marvin at mhein1@fresno.edu or send your question to "Inquiring misuse of abundant Scripture. Minds, " c/o Marvin Hein, 3036 East Magill Avenue, Fresno, CA 93710.

BY ROSE BUSCHMAN

God and Allah Are they the same?

our faith with understand their faith

Back in 1989 my husband and I attended several days of orientation in preparation of our move to North Africa. One of the sessions was an introduction to the world of Islam, and the leader of a nearby mosque spoke to us. One of the things he said was that Allah, the God of Isiam, was the same God we Christians worshipped.

"Same God," he said emphatically. ''The same God."

That statement was an instant red flag for me, but I didn't know enough about the teachings of Islam to challenge it. However, I never forgot it and have been searching for information ever since.

Just recently I came across an excel· lent book that gave me some insights. Tunothy George, in Is the Father o/Jesus the God ofMuhammad? (Zondervan, 2(02), has written about the differences between Christianity and Islam in a "clear, passion· ate style that is conciliatory, balanced and uncompromisingly biblical."

The Islamic world, sometimes referred to as the 1040 WlOdow in missionary circles, is huge. It stretches from Morocco, in northwest Africa, across all of north Africa, through much of the Middle East, all the way to Indonesia and the Philippines in the Far East. It extends from Nigeria, in sub-Saharan Africa to Kaza· 1Q}stan and Uzbekistan in Central Asia. George even states that "there are more Muslims in China alone than there are Southern Baptists in the whole world." He quotes a United Nations world population study that estimates that by the year 2025 30 percent of the world's population will be Muslim.

Just as there are nominal Christians, so there are nominal Muslims. During my stay in Morocco I rode the train to get to the school where I taught. One particular day, a passenger decided to try out his English on me.

you a Christian?" he asked.

''Yes,'' I replied.

you a practicing Christian?" he asked.

"Yes," I replied again.

''Well, I'm a Muslim, but not a practicing one," was his response.

During a visit to Indonesia, which has over 200 million Muslims, I was told that while they consider themselves Muslim, the majority only nominally practice their religion. However, because of al-Queda infiltration, this country has a very vocal and violent terrorist faction that has caused a lot of grief They are being held responsible for the bombings on the island of Bali and more recently in Jakarta, the capital city. Some groups have launched attacks against Indonesian Christians which have caused mayhem, terror and even death for thousands.

Muslims follow the teachings of the Quran. Their holy book was given by Allah to Muhammad some 80 days before he died in 632 A.D. The Quran was given in Arabic, the language of Muhammad, and is considered the only authentic version.

There are five pillars of Isbm. The first is the confession of faith that each Muslim is to repeat and believe: "I bear witness and testify that there is no god but God (Allah) and Muhammad is the messenger of God."

Second, .five times a day (before dawn, noon, mid·afternoon, just after sunset and around midnight) Muslims are required to stop what they are doing, bow down in the direction of Mecca and say their prayers. In North Africa I didn't see many people actually doing this, especially during the day, but we repeatedly heard the voice from a nearby mosque calling the faithful to prayer.

Third, Muslims are urged to give two and one-half percent of their income to charity-sometimes called a "poor tax. " Fourth, during the month of Ramadan (which changes with their lunar calendar) Muslims are required to fast from before daylight until after sunset each day for an

entire month. This means no food, no drink and no sex during those hours.

In Muslim areas only restaurants catering to foreigners serve food during the day. Bakeries don't produce bread until the evening, and many shops and offices are either closed or function at a greatly reduced level of service. Only children, pregnant women, travelers and the sick are exempt from this daily fast. Adults who claim an exemption must make up the days at a later time. Muslims caught breaking the fast are often in big trouble with the law.

The last pillar, called the Hajj, refers to a pilgrimage to Mecca, the Muslim holy place. It is required of all able-bodied adults, unless prevented from doing so by poverty or illness.

Muslims consider Abraham their spiro itual father. They are descendents of his son, Ishmael. They accept Jesus as a prophet but consider Muhammad a greater prophet who had the final revelation from God. They accept Jesus as a historical person but not as the Son of God. In fact they do not accept the concept of the trinity-God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit-as valid. To them it is a heresy of the highest magnitude.

Muslims must earn their salvation and will be judged on the basis of how well they practiced the five pillars. They never know if what they have done will be enough. I often heard Muslims say that God was "merciful and just," and that was all for which they could hope. They don't understand the gift of grace we have through Christ Jesus, and the concept of a Father God who loves his children. From my perspective, the father of]esus is not the same as the God of Muhammad.

If we are to reach Muslims with the Gospel of Jesus Christ we must pray for them, befriend them, understand what they believe and share the Good News with them.

OUR 2003 SELECTION

Global Anabaptist/Mennonite Shelf of Literature

( A project ofMennonite Wor,,!, Conference)

Sharing Gifts in the Global Family of Faith

in the

Global Fanlily of Faith

One Churchs Experiment

Paperback, $5.00 (U.S.), $6.25 (Canadian)

by Pakisa K. Tshimika & Tim Lind

About this book

Can churches overcome stereotypes of rich and poor, giving and receiving, and respond to common challenges and needs?

An African Mennonite and an American Mennonite reflect together on gifts in the life of the church. A fresh, provocative, and well-written book.

How you can be involved

This book may open your eyes and touch your heart. Study it with others-in your small group or Sunday School class. Or share a copy with friends and acquaintances who inquire about your faith. Give it as a gift to new members. And make sure your library has at least one copy.

About the authors

Pakisa K Tshimika is from Kajiji in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and currendy lives in Fresno, California.

He serves as Associate Executive Secretary for Global Networks and Projects for Mennonite 2002 World Conference. Tim Lind currendy lives in Michigan but spent many years in church-related work in Africa. He now works as an MWC Global Gift Sharing staff person.

How to get this book

Check with your local bookstore. Or - In the U.S., call the publisher Good Books at 800/762-7171, or shop at the secure website, www.goodbks.com. - In Canada, shop at www.pandorapress.com. or phone 519/745-1560.

Pwpose of the Shelf

The Global AnabaptistlMennonite Shelf of Literature envisions a new book selection each year, encouraging the fellowships around the world to translate it into their own languages. The book or booklet of the year may have been published first in anyone of the languages spoken within the Anabaptist-related fellowships found in 62 countries around the world. For more information, email Executive Secretary Larry Miller at LarryMiller@MWC-cmm.org.

(This ad was made possible by an anonymous

MB quilters design quilt to be sold at Oregon sale

Relief sale quilt depicts life in Congo

The Oregon Mennonite Festival for World Relief feature quilt, designed by quilters from Dallas MB Church, tells a story in fabric of Mennonite Brethren missionary Elsie Fischer.

Fischer, of Dallas, Ore., spent 37 years in the Belgian Congo/Zaire as a missionary nurse, midwife and educator. She collected local fabrics to share with family

IMOO oIIentatIon 61 workers

111II1UlIIIn8l' 61 workers participated In ; MennonIte Central CommIttee orientation activities. SIx new workers attend or memi beIs of MelII01I1te Brethren congregations In the u.s. and C8nada.

IJoseph and Marl Jameson, of Henderson, Neb., are beginning a two-year MCC assign- I ment as hosts In Akron, Pa. The couple was I last employed at Grace ChIldren'. Home as I care providers, and they and their two children attended Hendenon MB Church.

IJohn and Ruttt Janzen, of Winkler, Man., .. beg1nnIng a two-year assignment In Mexl-

co wttb the Low Gennan program. Dlene Klassen and DIanne Schroeder, both of Abbotsford, B.C., have accepted assignments at the MCC BrItIsh Columbia offlce In AbbotsI ford. MOO Is the service, development and relief agency of North AmerIcan Mennonite I and Brethren In Christ churches.-MCC

at home. After her death, her sister Marion Fischer, also of Dallas, found a dozen different pieces of African cloth, believed to be 30 to 40 years old.

Quilters Gladys Pauls, Karen Graber, and Julie Graber of Dallas MB Church created a design using the colorful materials. The back is one large piece of cloth that portrays a scene from

an Mrican village.

The quilt is on display and will be sold at auction during the 20th annual Oregon Mennonite Festival for World Relief, Oct. 11 in Albany. Proceeds benefit Mennonite Central Committee, the relief, development and peace agency of North American Mennonites and Brethren in Christ.---Cathleen

Hockman-Wert

Oregon congregation benefits from U-SERV

During July and August, SERV's arrival. The roof about $50,000. U-SERV volunteers remodeled remodel included new trusses, Those involved in the the roof at North Park Com- stick framing, sheeting, remov- project included Don and Marmunity Church in Eugene, ing about 70 squares of old ian Loewen and Paul Lackey Ore. Men from the congrega- shingles and replacing 100 from Bakersfield, Calif.; Lowell tion worked three Saturdays squares of 4Q-year laminated and Alvina Kliewer and John doing demolition and cement composite shingles. The help Friesen from Reedley, Calif.; work in preparation of U- of U·SERV saved the church Walt Willems from Salem,

Ore.; Charles and Sharon Ewert from Clovis, Calif; AlIen and Betty Doerksen from Fresno, Calif; and Ray and Gladys Wiebe. Volunteers from the congregation helped frame the roof and provided meals for the workers. -U-SERV

CHURCH

Baptismlmembership

Buhler, Kan.-Ann Kelsey and Maryann Chapman were baptized Aug. 10. Julie Franz. Sam Hershberger. Maria Hershberger; Traci Sears. Vera sears and Cami zahn were baptized Aug. 17. Julie Franz, Rod. Teri, Joshua and Lindsay Tolle and Cami Zahn were welcomed into church membership Aug. 24.

Draper, Utah, (South MountainHric Williams, Mary Kurtz. Chris Lewis. Scott and Caroline Ricks. Jeff Ricks. Jackie Hunden. Evan Lewendowsky. Ali Peters. April Peters. Samantha Alkema. Leonor Peretta. Briana Condor and Josh Griggs were baptized Aug. 24.

Lolli, Calif. (Vinewood}-Chris and Cindy Rueb were welcomed as new members Aug. 10 on confession of faith. Stephen Suderman was baptized and welcomed as a new member.

Freeman, 5.0., (5aIem)-Michelle Pollman. Lucas Dowden and Paul Koerner were baptized Aug. 31 and received as members sept. 7.

WIChita, Kan. (United at the Cross)Robert Harrell, Karen Kimler, Carlos Trillo. Kristine Trillo and Sam Smith were baptized and received as members Sept. 7. David Butler. Fenemore Blow, Janelle Hall. Phil and Sharon Plett and Benjamin Bravo were welcomed as members through profession of faith.

Celebrations

Bakersfield, calif., (Laurelglen)-The congregation birthed a daughter congregation the weekend of Sept. 7. Jeff Gowling is leading the new congregation. In anticipation of the new Nbabyn church. members were invited to participate in a baby church shower by donating items the new church will need.

Enid, Okla.-The congregation hosted a 25th wedding anniversary celebration Aug. 17 for their pastoral couple, Garvie and Diane Schmidt. Reedley, calif.,-Homecoming Weekend sept. 13-14 began with a Saturday motorcycle breakfast ride with Pastor Dennis Fast. Sunday school classes and refreshments on the church green preceded Sunday morning worship that included baptism and reception of new members. At 5:30 p.m. a car show, including a

cruise for dessert. took place followed by picnics or tailgate dinners brought by church members. The weekend concluded with a concert by Jack Hannah on the church green.

Henderson, Neb.,-The congregation is preparing to celebrate its 125th anniversary Nov. 9.

Ulysses, Kan.,-The church will celebrate its 75th anniversary Nov. 2830.

Yale, 5.0. (BetheI)-The congregation is beginning preparations for their centennial celebration Aug. 15, 2004.

Fellowship

VISalia, Calif. (Neighborhood)nMovie on the Green n was held on a Friday night in August as a way for the congregation to get to know neighbors in the community. Members were encouraged to bring friends. co-workers and their families to enjoy popcorn, snow cones, the movie and an opportunity to get better acquainted with others.

Clovis, Calif. (College Community)nCelebrating the Arts, n an all church event, was held on the church green Aug. 31 to celebrate the various talents within the congregations. All ages were invited to share gifts such as acting, music, writing, photography. sculpting and painting.

Buhler, Kan., -20120 home Bible study groups for friendship and Bible study started again in August. The inter-generational groups that meet twice a month are based on Acts 20:20, which speaks of teaching publicly and from house to house. The 20120 vision incorporates large group meetings on Sunday morning for worship with smaller group meetings at other times. Gracia Burnham, who along with her husband Martin served in the Philippines until he was killed by rebels, spoke at the ladies fall salad supper sept. 21.

Henderson, Neb., -A German hymn sing held sept. 7 was led by Wil Dachtler and Clarence Hiebert. Faspa. a light fellowship luncheon, was also served.

Ministry

Weatherford, Okla., (Pine Acres)-The congregation is collecting cell phones for recycling. Money raised,

NEWS FROM OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES

up to $28 per phone, will be used for church ministries.

Teachinglnurture

Papillion, Neb., (Roiling HIIIs)-The congregation is again offering Lay Life Coaching this fall, a ministry designed to equip people to help others and grow personally in the process. The role of the coaches is to encourage. challenge and guide others through the challenges of life.

Workers

Lodl, calif" (Vinewood)-Jason Archuleta was installed as youth pastor Aug. 3.

Bakersfield, Calif. (Heritage Blble)Perry Brian was commissioned Aug. 17 as pastor of worship. Pacific District minister Gary Wall led the service that was followed by a reception potluck.

Collinsville, Okla. (Westport)-pastor Derk Madden was installed as the new senior pastor sept. 7. Southern District minister Roland Reimer officiated. Madden and his wife Connie were previously the pastoral couple at Greenhaven Neighborhood Church in Sacramento. Calif., and began their ministry Aug. 18. Fresno. calif., (North Fresno)-Senior Pastor Larry Martens has announced his intention to retire in June 2004 from North Fresno where he has served since1992. Previously Martens served as President and professor at MB Biblical seminary. Fresno. and as pastor in Newton, Kan.

Worship

Hillsboro, Kan. (EbenfeId)-The Branch, a second Sunday morning blended worship service with a more relaxed atmosphere, began meeting sept. 7. Both services meet simultaneously with the message presented at the new service via video link.

Wichita, Kan. (F1rst)-The congregation's third worship service. held Saturday evenings. began meeting Oct. 5. Weekend services also include two worship times on Sunday mornings.

Papillion, Neb., (Rol6ng HIIIs)Worship services Aug. 10 included music led and presented by Colby Schaub. a nationally recognized

singer. Jaime Cazares, pastor of Iglesia Agua Viva, was the speaker. Iglesia Agua Viva is a MB Hispanic congregation in South Omaha.

Deaths

BERG, HARRY A., San Jose, Calif., member of Lincoln Glen Church. was born Oct. 16, 1921, in Inola, Okla. to Peter and Anna Kroeker Berg, and died July 10, 2003, at the age of 81. On Aug. 29, 1943, he was married to Rubena Plett, who survives. He is also survived by one son, Ron and wife Ann of Fairfield, Ohio; two daughters, Marlene Castiaux and husband Leon of Diamond Springs, Calif., and Jocelyn and husband Roger of Fresno, Calif., and eight grandchildren.

BRANDT, ESTHER, Bakersfield, Calif., member of Heritage Bible Church, was born Oct. 21, 1910, to Henry D. and Elizabeth Wiens in Corn, Okla., and died Jan. 12, 2003, at the age of 93. On June 5,1932, she was married to Henry F. Brandt, who survives. She is also survived by one son, Gary and wife Marjorie of Norwalk, Conn.; one daughter; Sandra and husband Werner Epp of Bakersfield; one sister, Bertha Heier of Reedley, Calif.; one brother, Arthur and wife Edna Wiens, and four grandchildren.

HOFER, EMMA, member of Salem MB Church, Freeman, S.D., was born April 20, 1915, in Hutchinson County, S.D., to Peter G. and Marie Kleinsasser Hofer Sr., and died Sept. 2, 2003, at the age of 88. On Oct. 5, 1940, she was married to Melvin S. Hofer, who predeceased her. She is survived by two daughters, Ruby Lee of Dell Rapids, S.D. and Donna and husband James Glanzer of Madison, S.D.; one brother, Menno Hofer and wife Marcella of Bloomington, Minn.; one sister, Lydia Pullman of Mitchell, S.D.; sisters-in-law, Ella Hofer of Henderson, Neb., Mary Hofer, of Bridgewater, S.D. and Mary Hofer of Sioux Center, Iowa, four grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

HEINRIOtS, THEO -SPUD-, Bakersfield, Calif., member of Heritage Bible Church of Bakersfield, was born May 3,1915, to George and Kathryn Heinrichs in Pueblo, Colo., and died Feb. 5, 2003, at the age of 87. On April 25. 1937, he was married to Erma Steinert. who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Douglas

and wife Sarah of Bakersfield, Ted and wife Joyce of San Diego, Calif.;. two daughters, Jeanne Suhr of Fresno, calif•• and Joan and husband Keith Martens of Friant, Calif.; two sisters ou Reynolds and Alice of Bakersfield. and eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

HIEBERT. ana, Hillsboro, Kan., member of Ebenfeld Church, Hillsboro. was born Jan. 17. 1916, to Peter P. and Margaret Claassen Hiebert in rural Hillsboro, and died Aug. 31, 2003. at the age of 87. On July 7. 1946. he was married to Bernice Eva Neufeld. who predeceased him. He is survived by two sons. Dean and wife Eileen. Gordon and wife Judy. all of Hillsboro; one daughter, Faye and husband Vince Ressel of Fullerton, Calif.; one brother, Louis and wife Bernice, Hillsboro; brotherin-law, Albert Neufeld of Reedley, calif.; one sister-in-law, Luella and husband Willard Briscoe of Holiday. Tex., seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

JOHNSON, RAY. Minot, N.D•• member of Bible Fellowship Church of Minot,

was born July 30, 1931. to Raymond and Esther Soneson Johnson in Erie, Pa .• and died Aug.18,2003, at the age of 72. On September 29, 1963, he was married to Norma Bitter, who survives. He is also survived by four sons, Bradley and wife Kate of Maddock, N.D., Brian and wife Twyann of Sawyer, N.D., Barry and wife Lucy of Fargo. N.D. and Bert of Reno. Nev.; two daughters, Julie Geraci of North East, Pa. and Jan Johnson of Erie, Pa.; five sisters, Avalon Bloomberg. Doris Johnson, Bette Ransom and Hildegard Parker, all of em dusky. Ohio. and Carolyn Yaple of Erie. Pa; two brothers, Thomas and Keith. Clearwater, Fla., and 17 grandchildren.

JONES, VERNON E., Bakersfield. Calif.• member of Heritage Bible Church, was born April 14. 1924. to William E. Jones in Goodlettsville, Tenn., and died April 3. 2003. at the age of 78. On Aug. 10, 1968, he was married to Lillian. who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Donald and wife Sharon of Bakersfield and Roger and wife Cindy of Twin Oaks, Calif.; three daughters, Lillian and husband Roger Buckles, Susan and

husband Joe Lemucchi and Angela and husband Frank Cornejo, all of Bakersfield, one son-in-law Buck and wife Hilda Klein of Bakersfield, and his grandchildren.

NORD. FRANK J., Bakersfield, Calif., a member of Heritage Bible Church of Bakersfield, was born Sept. 9, 1915, to J.P. and Martha Ratzlaff Nord in the Bakersfield family home, and died March 28, 2003, at the age of 87. On May 11,1940, he was married to Noel Juanita Meyers, who survives. He is also survived by twl' daughters, Becky and husband John Groves and Cheryl and husband Randy Toews; two sons, Morris and wife Shirley and Tim and wife Jan, nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

LIESCH. ARNOLD ROBERT, Bakersfield, calif., member of Heritage Bible Church, was born Oct. 31, 1924, to Edward and Minnie Liesch in Bakersfield and died Dec. 27, 2002. at the age of 79. On June 15, 1947, he was married to Jeanne Poteete, who survives. He is also survived by one son. Ronald and wife Julie; one daughter, Karen and husband Dean

Farrell; two sisters, Alvera and husband Amos Kleinsasser and Ruth Lingo, and two grandchildren.

RATZLAFF. MARIE MACK LEPPKE, Surprise, Ariz., was born May 3, 1908, in Jansen, Neb., to David and Kate Mack, and died Aug. 23, 2003, at the age of 94. On Jan. 24, 1929, she was married to Abe Leppke and on June 21, 1961, she was married to Jake Ratzlaff, both of whom predeceased her. She is survived by one son, Larry and wife Alice of Littleton, Colo.; one daughter, Shirley and husband Dale Nachtigall of Surprise, two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

REIMER, CORY JAMES, Hesston,Kan., was born October 13. 2000, to Brian and Kristi Reimer in Hesston and died July 6,2003 at the age of two years and eight months. He is survived by his parents; two sisters, Rebecca and Melissa of the home; maternal grandparents, James E. and Linda M. Jindra of Caldwell, Kan., and paternal grandparents, James and Dorothy Reimer of Hesston.

EmplOyment

Worship Pastor

Bethesda Church of Huron. South Dakota, is seeking a man with a heart for worship to lead a congregation of 300 in a blended (yet leani'lg toward contemporary) style of worship. The sllccessful candidate will be able to work with a Sel1ior Pastor who believes in empowering and releasing staff and congregation to do ministry. The candidate will assume other responsibilities according to giftedness and passions. Salary: $35,000 to $45,000 depending on experience. Send Resume to Bethesda Church of Huron 1530 Frank Avenue SE Huron, 50 57350 EmplOyment

Senior Pastor

The Board of Administration and the people of North Fresno MB Church invite applications and nominations as they search for their next senior pastor. The selected candidate will succeed Pastor Larry Martens who has faithfully served the congregation as senior pastor since 1992. The appointment will be effective July 1,2004, or as soon thereafter as possible. The successful candidate will be a committed follower of Jesus Christ and a person of integrity and maturity. Previous pastoral and preaching experience as well as a commitment to the theological position articulated in the MB Confession of Faith are non-negotiable. A seminary education (Master of Divinity) is also required. Additional information about NFC, the search process. and the qualities expected of the successful candidate can be obtained by writing the Search Committee. Nominations, expressions of interest, and applications may be sent in confidence to: Ray Bystrom, Chair of Search Committee, 1655 East Kenosha, Fresno, Ca. 93720; or Email: obelbOaol.com.

Event •

Henderson MB Churd! anniversary celebration

The Mennonite Brethren Church of Henderson, Nebraska will celebrate our 125th anniversary

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My African Experience

I praise God for the opportunity to visit and share with our Mennonite Brethren churches in Africa. I traveled with a group of nine MBs from Canada and the u.s. While in Africa, I visited MB churches in Kinshasa, attended the annual meeting of the International Committee of Mennonite Brethren and attended Mennonite World ConferenceAssembly 14.

The Congo MB General Conference has an executive committee with its central office in Kikwit. It is made up of 12 District Assemblies with governing committees, and the Parish (church) Assemblies with a membership of about 6,000. We met with conference leadership at the Kinshasa Kintumbo Parish. There to meet and speak to us were Gilbert Ndundu-general secretary of the Congo MB Conference, Rev. Mambakila-urban legal representative, Pascual Kulungu and others. "This is the joy of promise that you are here," said Kulungu. We had said at ICOMB meetings in Canada last year that we would try and visit them in Africa. We gave them greetings on behalf of the Canadian and u.s. Conferences. They gave us their greetings and expressed joy that we would visit them and their churches.

On Monday our group held seminars on youth and women's issues with Congolese leaders. Interesting to me was the usual treat we got after every meeting: peanuts, bananas, bread and a Coke. I enjoyed that treat every time we had it!

For the next four days, some of our group visited churches in the Kikwit region while the rest stayed in Kinshasa. We in Kinshasa visited our MB churches, various educational institutions, the Mennonite Central Committee office and the MBMS International grounds where our missionaries once lived. As I remember the things we did each day; some things come to mind.

• Something interesting happened Monday when we visited churches. As soon as the congregation noticed our cars coming down the road, music and singing would begin. What a joyous welcome! The groups, all dressed in bright colors, even dancedsome of their songs.

In one particular service I remember sitting in the special seating arranged for us, and being blessed to witness the joy of praising God in Africa. I could see faces of people who were happy to be praising God and welcoming visitors. During the service the pastor asked the congregation to pray for us, and they all prayed at the same time. What a joy to see children involved in prayers of thanks for us being there. Then right after the prayer, they came one by one to embrace us and to personally welcome us to their church. After the church service we met with church leaders to hear how God was working through their church and what needs they had. We left blessed by what we had experienced

• We talked with the president of the Christian University of Kin-

•

shasa, where most pastors study. The university, begun in 1986, has about 300 students and provides pastoral, business and medical training. Six groups run the school: four Baptist and two Mennonite, one being our Congo MB Conference. Funds from these supporting groups are very limited. Pascal Kulungu, treasurer of the university, translated for us and made us aware of the financial struggles they have. Money is also limited for local churches. Every church we went to had some special building need they felt we needed to know about.

• We met with Angolan MB Conference leaders later in the week Segueria Luzembo, the general secretary of the Luanda-Angola MB Conference, and]oao Gomes de Miranda, their legal representative, gave verbal reports of their churches. The Angola conference has about 3,120 members in 50 to 57 churches.

• Friday evening we had a sharing timewith the group that had returned from visiting in Kikwit. It was interesting to hear the things that the church there does to help with people's basic needs. The group brought back products such as cooking pans, perfume, oils and craft work.

The week had gone by quickly and now we were getting ready for our trip to Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, to the ICOMB meetings and the Mennonite World Conference. Our ICOMB meetings are always very interesting, since we meet as MB leaders from most of the MB national conferences in the world. For me personally, ICOMB is a means by which we can strengthen our global MB circle. I see many good things that can come as ICOMB becomes a vehicle by which national MB conferences can relate and help each other. I love the Lord and love our MB brothers and sisters no matter what part of the world they live in! -Rolando Mireles, U.S. Conference moderator, Rio Grande City, Texas