Pastors are like potters-shaping, glazing and firing their congregations so that they reveal God's power and grace. The problem is we're running out of potters. What can we Mennonite Brethren do as local congregations and as district and national bodies to identify and call new pastors
12 ROPEWALK by Rick Bartlett
When young people feel God's nudge to full-time church ministry, is your congregation ready to encourage and affirm that If not, consider weaving a ropewalk of seven strands or practices that can give strong preparation for your congregation's future leaders.
15 SOUL CARE by Skip Suess
Healthy churches need healthy pastors. So, how healthy are Mennonite Brethren Specifically, how do pastors cope with times of stress and Findings from a recent survey of Pacific District Conference pastors can help our pastors and us as congregations do a better job of caring for themselves and their pastors.
17 BLESSINGS BY THE DOZEN by Victor M. Parachin
Many pastors put in long hours with minimal pay and get considerable and constant criticism. It can leave a pastor feeling disappointed, discouraged and defeated. Here are a dozen ways to encourage your pastor.
> FiRST WORDS
(from the editor)
TROUBLE IS BREWING IN ONE KANSAS COUNTY BECAUSE the state gave local officials pennission to get aggressive in dealing with their large prairie dog popularion. The eradication method that the state approved angered the landowner and others because it poisoned the prairie dogs as well as any other living creature that just happened to be in the prairie dog burrows at the time. Prairie dogs, say environmentalists, are land-friendly and invite other animals-federally protected critters like burrowing owls, snakes, ornate box turtles and cottontail rabbits-into their colonies that may have also been killed. Environmentalists also fear that the poisoning may threaten a federal plan to re-introduce endangered black-footed ferrets, a prairie dog predator, to Kansas. Other less extreme measures could have been taken, argued the landowner and state environmentalists, that would have protected the endangered animals.
This month in the feature section we focus on a group that some say is an endangered species-pastors-and explore what measures we can take to increase their numbers and support their work among us. Why are pastors an endangered species? Well, the rate of 'births" is not keeping up with the "death" rate. The environment in which some pastors work can be described as stressful at best and toxic at its worst. The good news is that we can do something about both the birthrate and the environment.
October is Clergy Appreciation Month and so it is appropriate this month that we consider how to call and care for our pastors. God continues to call men and women to serve the local church as pastors and they need to be encouraged in that call, say our first two writers, Raymond O. Bystrom and Rick Bartlett. Skip Suess has studied pastoral health and his recent research using Pacific District Conference pastors can help pastors and congregations better navigate times of conflict. Finally, consider the list supplied by a freelance writer and fonner minister of a dozen ways to support your pastor.
As we affinn and encourage our pastors, let's remember these final instructions from the writer of I Thessalonians: '1\nd now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love" (I Thess. 5:12-13, The Message).-CF
> QUOTABLE
"Many Christians think that we are btinging Christianity to Iraq, but the reality was that there has been a significant Iraqi Christian presence for nearly 2,000 years,"-David Shenk, global consultant with Eastern Mennonite missions at an Aug. 25 seminar, '1\ Christian Response to Iraq: Understanding and Relating to the Muslim World." The current war in Iraq has made these Christians targets of violence and the number of Christians in Iraq has dropped significantly as hundreds of thousands flee, says Shenk.
> UP & COMING
• Od. 11-13-Culture, Gospel and Church Study Conference, Abbotsford, BC
• Od. 12-13-U.s Conference Leadership Board meeting. Abbotsford, BC
• Nov. 2-3 - Pacific District Conference Convention, Shafter, Calif.
Connie Faber EDITOR
MymHolrnes ASSISTANT EDITOR
Elaine Ewert GRAPHIC DESIGNER
" ,
MANDATE The Christian l:.eader USSN 0009-51491 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 POLICY The views expressed in this lication do not necessarily represent the position of , the Christian Leader the U.s Conference Leadership Board or the Mennonite Brethren Church Scri pture references are from New International Version unless otherwise, noted The editors irMte freelance article submissions A SASE must a ec6mpany artkles.
REAtlER PARTICIPATION The editors inVlte-re8de1$ to share their thoughts and opinions on topics relevant to the Mennonite Brethren Church uSing \etten; to the-edltor and Forum essays Letters to the editor should be brief- 300 words or less-and -o}l one , subject. Letters must 'be signed and include the writer's city and state Letters will be edited for clarit. appropriateness and be p(iblished liis space atlows, unte$S for publication.' Forum Is open to membars or attendees of Mennonite churches Essays !lhouid not exceed 800 WQrOS alJd s hould the writer's name address. home cbun:h and occupallon
COMMUNICATION All inctuding-of address should be addressed to tQ& Christian LfiII/er Box 220. ijill$boro KS 67063 Phone: 620-941-5543 Fax: 6z0.,941-3266 E- meR: christianteaderfausmb.org.
StJ8SCRIPTIONS $18 for one'Y'.r $34 fortwo,rtars and $50lor three yeats t$30;$5$ $&tjn aU other countries $50 for one Y'}Irl: $MIO per copy, MEMSEftSHIP The Chri$tiqn iMder member of 'the E'WIngelicat Pre ss AnGciallon 'Bnd Meatingh.ciuse -an assoltiation of Mennonite and 8rethrtl')
POSTMASTER Sand address dial!lles to th. Christian Leader; Box 220 -Hill$boro. KS 4'1063 postage paid It lIillsboro Kansas.
CONNIE FABER
Rethinking change
New executive director brings change
The word "change" has several different connotations. There is the change you get back on a cash transaction. There is change as it refers to making something uniquely different. And then there is change that means a different direction or focus, a change of course.
VVhen I have spoken or preached about change in the past, it's often been
Chan
ge is go od . It ke ep
,;
us
ahead. Did you
maybe as a conference we were unusually ready for this particular change to happen: a change in leaders. A change in style, perhaps. But, change nonetheless.
I thoroughly enjoyed working with Chuck Buller. And I am excited about working with Ed Boschman, our new executive director. Ed brings a wealth of knowledge and skill. He also has a passion for building on the foundation of what has been done before and adding to that his own fresh vision.
Iresh and keeps things movin g
kno\v th a t some arc "aying that in the not· futur.e knowled ge will douhle e"ery 4R hours?
met with glazed looks. We don't like to talk about change that much, especially in the church. It means we have to do something that might be out of our comfort zone. It means that what we have gotten used to may not be present anymore. I have even had groups become rather angry at me for talking about the "concept of change," and I didn't even talk about any particular item of change! But in spite of our aversion to change, we've all heard it said, "Change is inevitable."
And you know what? Some change is downright good for us! There, I said it. Change is good. It keeps us fresh and keeps things moving ahead. Did you know that some are saying that in the not-too -distant future knowledge will double every 48 hours? Now, maybe that's just a little bit too much change.
In thinking about change, I want to write about a change that is happening in the U.S. Conference. We didn't like it much when Chuck Buller resigned last fall. Chuck had done an outstanding job as executive director of the U.S. Conference. And then we waited for months before a new executive director was announced So
I got to know Ed in 1997 when Pine Acres Church, the church I pastoted for 13 years in Weatherford, Okla.,
was a Mission USA target church. Ed was the executive director of Mission USA at the time. Ed provided many great insights and ideas that when implemented resulted in Pine Acres growing significantly over the next several years.
Ed and his wife, Carol. also cared for my wife, Janna, and me as we faced a difficult situation in our lives at that time. I remember Ed calling often just to see how I was doing. He has a cating heart to go along with his high visionary skill set.
It will be exciting to have Ed join us in this new capacity. I know he has a lot of passion for the things I do in the conference as well-helping us plant more churches and assisting our existing churches in revitalization. I know I can tap into Ed's knowledge and experience.
Change. Sometimes we have to because of situations. Sometimes we need to because we're stuck in a rut Sometimes God has it all wrapped up in his perfect timing and reveals it to us at just the right moment. I think the appointment of Ed Boschman as executive director of the U.S. Conference is one of those changes God will bless.
Don Morris is the director of Mission USA, the church planting and renewal ministry of the U S. Conference. He works from his home in Edmond, Okla
DON MORRIS
Summer workers see God at work
ACTION teams minister in seven countries
Partici pants in ACTION Z007, a six-week summer mission program of MBMS International, have returned with stories of transformation both in their own lives and in the lives of those they served. The shortterm teams participated in the holistic church planting ministries of missionaries in South Africa, Thailand and Peru July z-Aug. 8, and in DR Congo, Japan, Mexico and Central Asia July 8-Aug. IS.
The South Africa team worked with a Mennonite Brethren church in the south beach area of Durban teaching English, building roofs, playing with children, singing. painting and distributing food, among other activities. "Most importantly, we made friendships and spent amazing rime with the people of Durban," says Jessica Mast, a team member.
In Thailand, the team worked with a camp in-cooperation with The Life Center, a Mennonite Brethren church
plant in Chonburi, and reports some 30 people made new commitments to Christ. In DR Congo, a vacation Bible school exceeded expectations, with 80 children participating. according to ACTION team member Paul Peters
ACTION team members say the summer program changed and taught them. 'This summer's trip has been one of the most transformational adventures I have ever undertaken," says Mast. A member of a team in Japan that included six adults and three young children says that flexibility was among the lessons she learned. Other participants list prayer and listening to God's leading as specific areas where God stretched them.
Like others, a participant in the Mexico team says that the experience will influence future plans: "Mission is a part of who I am. Wherever the Lord leads I am willing to go. I know I will stay connected with cross-cultural missions."
MBMSI is the global mission agency of North American Mennonite Brethren.-MBMSI
Latin American Catholics, Mennonites hold discussions
Some 65 representatives of Catholic and Mennonite churches participated in the first official dialogue between the Catholic and Mennonite churches in Latin America, held Aug . 15-16 in Bogota, Colombia
"Called Together to Be Peacemakers" by the three Anabaptist confer-
ences of Colombia- Mennonite Church, Mennonite Brethren and Brethren in Christ- together with the Department for Ecumenical Catholic Bishops Conference and the Pontifical Bolivariano University. Mennonite Central Committee was a sponsor.
The encounter was one of three regional Catholic and Mennonite dialogues taking place around the world as a result of the five -year dialogues between Mennonite World Conference and the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity
Participants heard the final report of the Mennonite World Conference- Pontifical Council Dialogue and its contextualizarion to the situation in Colombia The dialogue's commission presented the beginnings of a joint communique confirming their common faith in Christ and joint vision to
work toward peace and justice in Colombia
An MWC delegation will share the final version of this document with the Vatican during a visit this month
Participants also addressed the theme of healing wounds , noting that in the Colombian context, wounds in the relationship between the Catholic and Mennonite churches are much fresher than the 16th century era of martyrdom.
' The significance of this dialogue is that it has been an effort to break down barriers of distrust, prejudice, and hostility and to practice Jesus' commandment to love one another," says Peter Stucky, pastor of a Mennonite church in Bogom, MWC representative and co-organizer of the event 'This dialogue allowed us to focus on our common mission as churches in Christ. We have a historical responsibility to the world around us, and that is not to be fighting each other, but to work for the well -being and salvation of the world " - MWC
M EDA urges in a World of Change"
Mennonite Economic Development
Associates will challenge attendees at its annual convention to trust in a world of uncettainty and to act on that trust by investing in the poor around the world. Business as a Calling 2007, to be held Nov. 1-4 in Toronto, Ont., is expected to attract about 500 attendees from the organization's 2,500 members, donors and other interested parties.
Delegates will hear a slate of highprofile plenary speakers, including: Eric Pillmore, who was hired by Tyco to restore integrity and values to the company after one of the largest corporate fraud scandals in the history of American commerce; Rotman School of Management Dean Roger Martin, who will address the essential role of trust in building an organization's sense of community; Graham Snyder, father of NHL player Dan Snyder,
who has found grace through forgiveness in the face of the heartbreaking loss of his son in a car crash; and Debbie Sauder David, a member of the third generation of leadership of the Sauder Furniture legacy, speaking on "Preserving Values and Trust Through the Generations."
Business as a Calling also offers more than 30 seminars on a wide variety of topics, from economic trends in North America and a project to integrate Afghan women into horticultural markets, to how to incorporate faith and finance.
To register, visit www.businessasacalling.org or call (717) 560-6546 MEDA is an association of Christians in business and the professions committed to addressing human needs around the world through business-oriented economic development programs, and to applying biblical teachings in the marketplace.-MEDA
MDS opens volunteer call center
Mennonite Disaster Service, the disaster-response organization of North American Anabaptists, has created a call center to make it easier for MDS volunteers to participate with disaster recovery. Short-term and all U.S. volunteers will call (800) 241-8m, to schedule time at a project while long-term volunteers in Canada will continue to call (866) 261-1274 .
'We are hoping that by streamlining this process, volunteers will find it easier and more efficient," says Kevin King, executive director at MDS.
The call center is a response to growth and an increase in volunteers. As MDS has grown, particularly in the last two years since the devastating 2005 hurricane season, the MDS network has expanded to more locations. In the last two years, MDS has had more binational project sites open at the same time than ever before in its 50-year history.
As a result of this growth, more and more volunteers are connecting with disaster survivors and communities through MDS. Since September 2005, over 8,000
volunteers have served with MDS in the Gulf Coast and since May 2007, over 3,000 have volunteered in Greensburg, Kan., helping with cleanup resulting from a tornado which destroyed the town.
Project directors at a forum last August said that it would be more efficient and easier for volunteers if MDS simplified the process by having one phone number volunteers could use to schedule time at projects. Previously, in order to schedule time at an MDS project, volunteers needed to call each individual project location to find an opening.
MDS foresees many benefits to this call center model including the reduction of the workload at MDS project offices, freeing project staff to concentrate on the task of rebuilding the communities they are in. Sarah Yoder of Pittsburgh, Pa., was hired in June to coordinate the call center. The call center was opened in time to begin accepting calls for scheduling volunteers for the fall months. Winter scheduling begins this month .- MDS
GEDDERT BOOK PUBLISHED
Double Take: New Meanings from Old Stories, a new book written by Timothy J. Geddert, MB Biblical Seminary professor of New Testament, has recently been released. The book was a twoyear process initiated by seminary staff member and editor of the book, Brad Thiessen. For years Geddert has used the book's material in his classes, taught on the Fresno, Calif., campus. The book now makes the material available to a wider audience. Published by MBBS through Kindred Books, an imprint of Kindred Productions, the seminary believes Geddert's work provides important insights into Scripture and is a valuable resource for pastors and laypersons in their constituency. The book is available through Kindred Books at www.kindredproductions.com. MBBS is the North American MB denominational seminary for theological education.-MSSS
RESPONDING TO FELIX
Mennonite Central Committee staff members are working with partner organizations to assess the needs of people in Central America affected by Hurricane Felix, a powerful category 5 hurricane that in early September destroyed thousands of houses in northeastern Nicaragua before dumping heavy rains and dissipating over neighboring Honduras. Hurricane Felix followed two weeks after Hurricane Dean, which struck land in southeastern Mexico and northern Belize. MCC and its partners are assessing the damage from both storms and discussing possible responses. Contributions to hurricane relief efforts may be made online at mcc.org/donate or at any MCC office, and should be designated for "2007 Hurricane Relief: ' - MCC
ARE AS CLAY: hi the Corimhians. ToQ'Ur , jars"
What a ticla chutch. elatory agents! te1adonshlps and DIe uwethet' they reveal Qod's-gnKe; and metcyto the " _I-1ft*.
If we exterid \Wcan dJinkcJtbcit P/MtOlS'1ifbOkIild our congregations as Goers potters. taSk is. ing and firing congregations So Alat rad)erll1l81l, tU<te. power and grace. To be sure. pastSjl'S onlY work as With the active engagement and parricipdtion of aU God) in tbeJocal church. Still. pastors playa crucial role ture, beliefs and practices, at least JacksoJJ. w: hiS book. God's Potters
For the past 16 years I have been a faculty member at MB Biblical Seminary where we seek to equip and prepare "potters" for God's "day jars," especially clay jars of the Mennonite Brethren variety. However. I am deeply concerned about the shortage of good potters
According to the recent Pulpit and Pew research project, two facts indicate that pastoral ministry is suffering from a growing lack of
a decline in seminar{aw<'1lle botGod'iiI d ay jars is a emour denomination today. It will playa ", OIJU'6 the future of our congregations in the :1ISt century.
Mennonite Brethren congregations and pastors would be wise to reflect on two questions: In the past five years, how many people from our congregation have decided to enter some form of pastoral ministry? In the past two years. how many persons have we personally encouraged to seriously consider pastoral ministry?
The massive Pulpit and Pew research project, supported by generous grants from Lilly Endowment. Inc • discovered that a majority of current pastors have enCOUJi aged one or two people in their congregation in'1he two years to consider pastoral ministty.'ltowever. over 5"<> percent of the congregations surveyed had no one from ,
their community preparing for some form of pastoral ministry in the past five years. Although I wish we Mennonite Brethren were an exception to the rule, I suspect we are not doing much better.
Identifying persons for pastoral ministry begins in the congregation, often with parental support and encouragement. Since parental support has waned in recent years and can no longer be taken for granted, special efforts are required to reverse the declining interest in pastoral ministry.
Congregations can become fertile beds for identifying future pastors if they can create the conditions that encourage young pe0ple and older members to consider whether God might be calling them to serve as potters of God's clay jars. Identifying prospective pastors happens best when several conditions prevail.
A "culture of call"
A congregation that teaches that all God's people are called to ministry by virtue of Christian baptism has created a culture of call. Unfortunately, hearing that call is often quite difficult when there are so many other competing claims and multiple career opportunities. So what can we do? Well, young men and women are more likely to be open and attentive to God's call to pastoral ministry if they are in congregations where all members are frequently reminded of their common calling to serve others in the style of our Lord where they work, live, and play. Where the general call to ministry is taken seriously, there is a higher probability that some will hear God's call to pastoral ministry in particular.
Pastoral ministry commended
It is important that both pastor and people hold up the vocation to pastoral ministry as a viable life commitment, asking members to consider whether God may be calling them to prepare for pastoral ministry. Pastor and people should identify and personally encourage individuals with promise to consider whether God may be calling them to serve as church leaders. It was a "nudge" from a pastor and other church leaders in my local church that prompted me to prepare
for pastoral ministry, and it's still a crucial matter in the decision-making process for young women and men today.
Even though pastoral ministry is a challenging and admittedly often a difficult calling, we should not be reluctant to encourage individuals to consider becoming God's potters. We need to be honest about the challenges of pastoral ministry, but we also need to be honest about the incredibly important task of cultivating faith communities that reveal God's grace and mercy to the watching world. We need to recognize those who have the requisite gifts and graces for pastoral ministry and encourage them to consider becoming potters of God's clay jars.
Contagious examples set
Seminary students often single out a particular pastor whose passion for ministry was contagious as the primary reason for their decision to pursue pastoral ministry. These persons of influence have provided a positive role model that aspiring young pastors seek to emulate. Whether high school or college students who are considering their career options or older members of the congregation who are exploring a career change, a nudge from a good role model is crucial.
Events and programs
Identifying prospective pastors is not the sole responsibility of pastors and congregations. The larger church also needs to be involved in calling people into pastoral ministry. It demands the efforts of everybody: denominational youth conferences, camps, Christian university campus ministries, seminary programs and other organizations concerned about the future of God's clay jars.
Thanks to the Lilly Endowment, youth institutes in theological schools are flourishing. At MB Biblical Seminary, Ministry Quest currently plants the idea of pastoral ministry in the hearts and minds of our youth by engaging them in the-
Ministry Quest
Leaders at MB Bib1ieal Sernipary have been concemecf growing problem among churches in calling people to ministJy. 'Mass president Larry Martens was troubled the early 199Q$ asked John Neufeld to design a ptoposa1 for exposing high $Chool and college stlJdentsto opportUnities in vocational minisby and the value of theological education
In MBBS president Henry Schmidt and two seminary board members dreamed about might happen if they brought IS high school college students t9 tb& Fresno campus for an intense weekend tWeal' 1ltey tested their dream by giving it a tty. 1'he't'WDt'WaS so successful it 'WaS repeated in 2001. These experiences led Jim Pankratz. then academic dean, to write the initial grant proposal for a program called Hearing tb& CaD
In :tool, MBBS received a grant from the Lilly Foundation, Inc for the purpose of promoting theological education among high school students. "Research has shown that many of our current pastors, leaders and missionaries are huninistry today because someone tapped them on the shoulder when they were teenagers or young adults and said, '} think you should consider ministry as a vocation ,'" says the seminary Web site "Our
ological reflection about ministry and by encouraging them to consider what God may be calling them to be and do with their lives All of these extra-congregational organizations and events together playa significant role as they work in harmony with congregations and pastors to foster serious consideration of pastoral ministry by young and old.
Material support provided
The church's will ingness to provide the necessary material and financial support for pastors (salaries, health care benefits, pension plans, sabbaticals) will also greatly enhance the attractiveness of pastoral
donations or by increasing seminary endowments for scholarship aid.
God's clay jars
Why is it so important to focus on congregations as well as the identification and preparation of their leaders? The title of a recent book says it well: It Takes a Church to Raise a Christian. Congregations are the context where people encounter the meaning of the gospel in word and deed, grow in their understanding
Cong r egations can become fertile beds for id entifying future pa stors if they can create the con ditions that encourage young people and older m embe rs to consider whether God might be calling them to serve as pott ers of God's clay jars.
ministry. I am not trying to "scold" churches, but I want us to acknowledge the economic hurdle that often prevents some from seriously considering pastoral ministry.
There is a special need to make it possible for prospective pastors to complete their theological education without the substantial educational debt that many seminarians currently accrue. While other professionals also complete their education with substantial debt loads, many of these professionals expect that their earnings will be adequate to repay those debts in a timely fashion without significant financial strain on themselves and their families.
By contrast, seminarians with a high debt load are faced with comparatively low salaries, especially in the early years of ministry. Frankly, I would be very surprised if the current salary situation did not discourage at least some from entering pastoral ministry As the cost of seminary education increases, seminaries, denominations, congregations and individuals can significantly aid the process of identifying good candidates for pastoral ministry by finding creative, innovative ways to increase scholarship support for prospective pastors, either by direct
and commitment to it, experience the support and love of other believers and learn to participate with others in God's mission in the world
If congregations are indeed the clay jars that make Christ visible to the watching world, and if pastors are like potters who shape, glaze and fire congregations so that they reveal, rather than hide, his love and grace, then calling out potters for God's clay jars must be given top priority in today's church.
Raymond o. Bystrom, professor of pastoral ministri£s at MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif, retired this May after seroing MBBS for 16 years as both faculty member and director of theological field education. He is the author of three books and numerous articles. Bystrom recommends Treasure in Clay Jars, edited by Lois Barrett, to readers interested in pursuing some ofthe ideas in this article. This book, published by Eerdmans in 2002, explores the various ways congregations fulfill their God-given revelatory vocation in the world.
churches have fallen out of the habit of calling out leaders from within The Hearing the C all project is about renewing this habit. The seminary seeks to assist churches in identifying and calling out new leaders, especially among their high school students ."
Since March ZOO3 the seminary has offered high school students a one -year Ministry Quest experience Over 100 students and mentors from 4 7 congregations in tbe U .S. and C anada have participated.
"Ministry Quest alumni are graduating from post-secondary institutions and are taking up internship positions in tbeir home congregations," says the Web site "Many are serving as worship leaders in our services . God is still calling young men and women into ministry Some will serve as pastors, others will become our lay leaders They aD take a ministry focus with them into their futures."
Ministry Quest is significant and hopes to continue the program until at least ZOIO Ministry Quest is open to high school students age 16 to 18 Participants must be nominated by the pastor and complete the application process The one -year program is conducted in two stages The student and home congregation share in the costs For more information. visit www mbseminary edu/ministryquest.MQWebsite MBBS believes that the impact of
TIM MARTENS, BY ALL APPEARANCES A TYPICAL lIth grader, was in a crisis and he didn't know what to do. He talked to his mom about it and all she said was, 'That's nice, dear." When he talked it over with his dad, all George Martens asked was, ''But how will you make any money?" Tim talked with his friends about it and all he got from them was a new nickname, "Rev."
During the previous spring, Tim had attended a national youth conference sponsored by his denomination. While he was there he listened to a speaker talk about a "call" to ministry. Listening, Tim's heart had begun to race; he started thinking about times in his life when he felt God nudging him to be a youth pastor. When the speaker invited students to indicate their willingness to serve God in ministry, Tim's hand had shot up.
When he got home, Tim spoke with his youth pastor about his commitment. 'That's awesome! Way to go Tim," was all his youth pastor had said It was now five months later and at this point nothing else had been done. Tim felt a call from God but he didn't know how to answer it.
7 strands for developing young leaders
During 24 years of youth ministry, I have met many students with Tim's problem. These students sense a call from God to serve in ministry, but neither they nor their church have a plan or vision for how any sort of preparation will take place. I believe that the church is missing an opportunity to encourage, discern and affirm emerging leaders. Tim and many others could experience a hit and miss leadership development sttategy that will not fully prepare them for serving in the church.
Seven strands
My wife, Karen, and I spent most of the '90S working with Youth for Christ in Britain. In the village where we lived was an extremely long, narrow alley behind a shop. When we asked about it, we were told, "It's the ropewalk." I did a bit of research and discovered that the ropewalk was the place where rope was braided for industrial and nautical uses. The rope smith would place the long cords into a frame that would rotate, twisring the sttands into a rope
I suggest that there are seven strands or practices that congregations can use to prepare future leaders . On their own, the strands are easily broken, but when they are brought together they are difficult to break. My dream is that every congregation creates a "ropewalk" for leadership development
Based on biblical, historical and developmental issues, these are the seven strands that every church should incorporate into their ropewalk: discernment, calling, rite of passage events, mentoring, spiritual formation, servicelleadership opportunities and commissioning. Let's see how they might work in Tim's situation.
Discernment
What if Tim's congregation had an active plan for leadership discernment? Tim might have been seen by his congregation as a young person with potential, and even
In the seven-strand cord model, calling integrates the local church and an individual's sense of God's call. This both/and aspect brings together the church's and individual's call to help a person understand his or her passions and to discover where the gifts and abilities they have can be used to further God's kingdom.
Call becomes a communal experience rather than an exclusively individualistic one. This strengthens the individual's awareness of being called when the inner call may be in question. Having the church call and stand alongside the young person gives that individual the room to wrestle with what the call of God means in life
Rite of passage events
Rites of passage are signposts on the journey toward adulthood. This strand is essential in order to assist young people as they navigate adolescence, a required aspect of life's journey but one that is ambiguous both in duration and how to traverse it successfully. Without adults providing markers and acting as guides, a young
Without adults providing markers and acting as guides, a young person has no way of knowing how to become an adult apart from what they learn from media.
, before he attended the youth conference he might have been tapped.
Adolescence is a life stage where youth are discovering their identity. Being discerned by their congregation as a high schooler who shows promise of leadership, a passion for Jesus and a willingness to learn, helps solidify that identity by rooting it in the Christian story. In many ways, discerning becomes a marker on the journey toward adulthood and provides significant affirmation.
In a world where these markers are vanishing, a clear discernment process can become a signpost. This is especially significant for someone like Tim when it shows him that others see something in his life that they may not see in themselves. When this is coupled with a clear voice from the congregation directing the individual toward specific ministry, the signpost grows as large as a billboard
Calling
Tim experienced a call at the youth conference. What if this had been coupled with the congregation's discernment? In the context of a local church, a young person who has his or her gifts affirmed and is "called out" by the congregation to exercise those gifts is a person who will grow in his or her sense of self. This goes a long way to assist a student with hearing God's voice.
God calls every person on the planet to a relationship with him. This is a person's primary call. What about a call to ministry? In many contemporary instances, individuals receive this type of call at a camp, retreat or mission trip that is removed from their local congregation and context. Then the young person returns home to ask for a blessing on what they have already decided to do.
person has no way of knowing how to become an adult apart from what they learn from media.
for Tim and others in his youth group, this could be as simple as the local congregation framing baptism and Christian membership as a rite of passage event. It could also be a camping trip where the men of the congregation take the high school boys out to welcome them to manhood.
No matter what activity is chosen, this strand asks adults for a twofold commitment: to plan and provide for adolescents. The plea goes out for caring adults to plan events for adolescents that offer a mix of challenge and support. Adults are also asked to plan times of ritual and blessing that drives a signpost into the ground as a marker for the young person as he or she navigates into the future.
The second commitment is to provide. Young people need elders: those who are ahead on the journey who are willing to walk alongside young people and to affirm their growing adulthood. They also need safe spaces to be kids and to be free from the pressures of growing up too fast too soon.
A congregation can see itself not only as passing on the faith to the next generation, but also as the adults who walk with young people as they transition into adulthood. Rite of passage events are one way a local congregation can accomplish this task.
Mentoring
As soon as they returned from the youth conference, Tim's youth pastor could have linked Tim with an older person in the church as a mentor. For a young person, having someone to process with and to tum to is an important cord in the seven strands.
This strand is similar to rite of passage events but is different because it requires a longer-term relationship. Whereas a rite of passage event is generally short-term, mentoring requires sustained, regular contact Mentoring removes the seven - strand cord from the realm of a program and puts it clearly in the section marked, "Danger, Iife -
on-life transformation; this will change anyone who gets involved." For many adults, organizing and running a program is much easier than investing day in and day out in a young person's life. But if young leaders are to be prepared for the emerging culture, mentoring is indispensable.
Spiritual fonnation
Postmodemists are looking for spiritual people. This is seen in the great respect given to someone like the Dali Lama or Mother Teresa. In a world of shallow people, there is a great need for individuals who have depth of character and a sense of spirituality. For Tim, this is one area where his mentor can have a large impact. They can work together on developing Tim in those areas where leadership is unseen.
Depth of character, according to the apostle Peter, is found first of all in relationship with Jesus and secondly by persevering under suffering (I Pet. 1:1-9). Young people who are being braided into a cord of leadership development need to know that an intimate, living relationship with Jesus-formed for the sake of others-is the most important part of current and future church leadership. Without that relationship, their other service is in vain.
Just like Moses provided Joshua with a variety of opportunities to connect with God, young people need to know that there are many ways to develop this vital relationship. In recent years, the church has made "personal devotions," which usually means Bible reading and prayer on your own, the plumb line for spirituality.
This "one size fits all" practice fails to consider the wide variety of God-created differences that each person has and with it the opportunity for a multiplicity of ways to develop a with God. Introducing young people to the rich experiences of the saints of old (the mystics, contemplatives and Desert Fathers, just to name a few), as well as recent books like Gary Thomas' Sacred Pathways, are two ways to help them discover the many directions they can walk to develop intimacy with Jesus.
Servicelleadership opportunities
In Tim's story, one of the first things his youth pastor could have done is to provide Tim with opportunities to get his feet wet in ministry. Long ago young people learned a trade as apprentices to a master who taught them how to do whatever it was the master did. Experiential learning, although not called by this name, was the norm.
Today, there is a need for emerging leaders in the local congregation to be apprenticed with a master. Ministry and service opportunities are one way that this can be facilitated.
There are two ways to view this strand. Ministry opportunities imply that the young apprentice demonstrates his or her leadership by taking responsibility for a specific program or project. For high school students, this could be as camp counselors, directing a VBS program, or serving as team leaders on a mission trip. The key is that the young pe0ple are stretched with the task for seeing something through.
The second, a service opportunity, implies a time and place for the young person to serve another person or group without necessarily implying leadership. This could be working in a downtown food distribution center, visiting the elderly or reading to children in an afterschool program. Service opportunities move an individual away from self and put the focus on others.
Another benefit to giving these opportunities to young people is that it helps move their faith from a head issue to a life practice. The
book of James is well known for an emphasis on deeds to demonstrate faith; giving mid-adolescents opportunity to do something with their faith provides room for that practice. Ministry opportunities, particularly for those who have grown up in a church setring, move students from 'bead" to 'bands" and create a lived-out faith. As hands begin to serve, hearts can begin to break as the needs in a communityare seen.
Commissioning
At any point in Tim's journey, his church could affirm him publicly by commissioning him. This could be before he begins an internship at the church or a shortterm mission experience. There is power and affirmation in commissioning.
For example, a young person who has been called to the front of a church and prayed over as he or she prepares to go on a mission trip leaves that experience feeling blessed and called as a representative of the sending church in the new location. They are ambassadors, they are the called out ones, and they are the hands and feet of that sending church.
There is power, as well, in the prayers of the leaders and the congregation for that individual. The young person leaves or serves with the knowledge that they are covered in prayer
Commissioning for local ministry also provides authority for that person. Like it did for Joshua, being brought before a group of people brings with it a position and value that they would not have otherwise. Sometimes it is difficult to lead in a setting where people have known you for your entire life. As Jesus said, a prophet is not accepted in his hometown (Luke 4:24). Commissioning provides added authority to serve in a local context.
Braiding it all together
The sequence of implementation for the seven strands, or the way in which they are integrated, is not significant This is not a stage and sequence proposal, although some may see a logical ordering. Because this is about life-on-life transformation, a local church ropewalk could choose to braid an unlimited pattern with these seven cords.
Churches today have an incredible opportunity to shape mid-adolescents for leadership in an uncertain future. By setting up a leadership development strategy that incorporates all seven strands of the ropewalk, they can ensure that the experiences of their ''Tim's'' are intentional and meaningful rather than haphazard and unproductive.
Rick Bartlett, a 1992 graduate of MB Biblical seminary, has worked with youth for over 25 years as a MB youth pastor, summer camp director, college instructor and with Youth for Christ. He is currently dean of students and director of constituency relations at MBBS and was the director of Ministry Quest prior to that. He and his wife, Karen, have two children and live in Fresno. This article also appears this month in the MB Herald the Canadian MB Conferen ce publication.
Soul care
As A YOUNG BOY, I WAS FASCINATED AND awed by my pastor. Back in the day we called him Reverend. I wasn't sure exactly what that meant, but I knew pastors were special-standing up on Sundays and speaking with great energy and excitement for what seemed like a very long time, praying out loud with much emotion and leading us forward in the mission of sharing and living the love of Jesus.
This interest became very personal when the Lord called me into pastoral ministry 20 years ago. I'm really glad we dropped the name Reverend - Pastor feels a lot more comfortable. Serving at two great churches that were gracious and supportive has been an amazing journey. While my overall experience was good and positive, there have been those difficult seasons during which I wondered how I'd get through tough problems. I am painfully aware of other colleagues who have not fared as well.
Two years ago my interest in healthy pastors led me to choose this as the focus of my doctoral dissertation. I was interested in learning how pastors handle the unanticipated stresses of ministry, particularly through times of conflict. Ive had my share of skirmishes with conflict. Most have been resolved quickly but others have caused great emotional distress-sleepless nights, anxiety and discouragement. I even checked out the job section in the classifieds a time or two.
I knew my own experience and how I was doing emotionally, but what about other pastors within the Pacific District Conference? I sent an extensive confidential survey
Helping pastors care for their emotional health
to Pacific District pastors in June 2005. The survey probed family of origin experiences with conflict, comfort level with conflict and specific training in conflict management. What kinds of conflict in ministry were most problematic causing the greatest distress? What selfcare practices were most helpful for reducing distress and contributing to emotionaVspiritual health? I asked for a narrative account of a major conflict experienced in ministry, focusing on the inner distress, how the conflict was worked through or not and what was learned through the experience.
Here is a brief summary of what I found out through this research.
• Pastors need to intentionally care for their emotional health. Pastors need to take personal responsibility for their own care. Being intentional is key; it doesn't happen automatically but takes effort and planning. You begin ministry with great zeal and energy. Then over time you begin to slowly compromise on personal boundaries-not knowing when to say "this is enough," not taking sufficient time off, not recognizing the need for Sabbath rest and refreshment and not developing a life outside of ministry.
The top four ways pastors say they care for themselves are prayer; receiving support, counsel and encouragement from others-a confidant or group; consistent time in the Scripture; and physical exercise. These reflect the importance of maintaining a healthy balance between body, soul and spirit care. Other helpful practices include solitude, reading. sleeping. listening to music and going on vacation. I particularly like the vacation idea!
• Pastors need to learn how to respond to the emotional triggers of conflict.
Certain kinds of conflict seem to be more problematic for pastors. Relational conflict with someone in the church and relational conflict with someone on a church leadership board produce the greatest emotional distress. Disagreement regarding a ministry decision, conflict with another staff member and issues pertaining to power and control are other significant types of conflict, say PDC pastors.
Severe emotional distress frequently accompanies conflict. Discouragement, anxiety and anger are reported as the three leading kinds of distress. Anger is particularly problematic for many pastors, and I have been
flict situations. You can pray, vent, hear ideas and experiences-while you feel safe."
• Pastors need to cultivate God-awareness in life and ministry. In times of conflict there can be a deep sense of loneliness, isolation and questioning. "Where is God in this?" we ask. God-awareness helps bring a realization of the need for complete dependence on the Lord. God is constantly at work shaping a pastor's soul in and through ministry experiences. When asked about what was learned through conflict experiences, one pastor comments, 'Tve learned that conflict is a constant in life. I can't run from it. The challenge is to keep my anger and unforgiveness stark clean. Ive learned that conflict is a tool God uses to mold and shape us in his image."
Anger is parti cularly proble m atic for many pastors, and I have been there a time or two. What do I do wi t h fru stration and anger when my mandate i s to be a loving caring sh e pherd with weekly respon sibiliti es to preach, teach, love and mod el Christ's love?
there a time or two. What do I do with frustration and anger when my mandate is to be a loving, caring shepherd with weekly responsibilities to preach, teach, love and model Christ's love? How do I handle times of disappointment and anger while continuing to minister? Do pastors have appropriate places to express and work through their anger?
One pastor candidly describes the inner struggle with hurt and anger as related to conflict situations : "My anger welling up inside became the most disconcerting thing. It revealed what was ugly for me . The emotional difficulty was walking through the anger and learning how to respond in a Christ-like manner."
The most common physical reactions to the stress of conflict that Pacific District pastors report are sleep loss, nervous stomach and headaches. Other stress reactions include impaired ability to lead, feeling depressed, acting out of character, engaging in an activity recognized as a form of escapism, eating as a nervous habit, overeating and excessive television viewing.
What seems to help counter these times of distress is the anchoring strength drawn from a deep awareness of God's calling to pastoral ministry. It is helpful to identify the stressors, to learn to understand and manage emotions and to recognize one's emotional wiring.
• Pastors need to develop a healthy support network.
Comments from pastors emphasize the value and necessity of having support and a safe outlet to work through problems and emotional distress. "Good friends , strong family," is how one pastor describes this. Another writes, '''The ability to talk with another pastor friend (from outside the church) has been incredibly beneficial in con -
Eugene Peterson, in his book Under the Unpredictable Plant, writes about how God works through conflict: "Jesus trained his disciples to live vocationally, used these storms in which they were out of control to embrace a life of prayer in which they might participate in God's control... As we listen to these stories and let the storm metaphor and prayer action shape our vocations, we gradually loosen our job ,descriptions and ease ourselves into our God-called work."
Healthy pastors are a necessity for healthy churches. The emotional health of the pastor is nurtured through self-awareness and growth, self-care practices and commitments. You can encourage your pastors by expressing often your love, support and faithful prayers for them. Encourage them to give attention to their self-care, take sufficient time off from ministry, develop friendships and support outside the church, participate in personal retreats, sabbaticals and to take time to just be with the Lord.
Pastoral ministry is a wonderful calling Participating in kingdom work and seeing God work in lives is a great privilege and blessing By looking at some of the challenging times in ministry, my hope is not to overshadow the good parts but to offer insight and understanding that will encourage pastoral self-care for emotional health and effective ministry.
I appreciate the perspective of this pastor: "Conflict is handled best when shared but I need to remember as a pastor I don't have to carry the load alone. I don't take all the credit for what goes right I don't take all the blame for what goes wrong. Church is a collective effort.... It is not all about me. We are in this together."
Special thanks to all the pastors who shared their stories and experiences and who made this research possible.
Skip Suess has served in pastoral ministry in the Pacifi c District Conference for 20 years, the past 13 years as pastor of Good News FeUowship in Ferndale, Wash He currently is a family and marriage therapist in Bellingham, Wash , and serves on the Pacific District Executive Board as vice moderator.
Blessings by the dozen
12 ways to encourage your pastor
SOMETIMES THE LONELIEST PERSON IN CHURCH IS THE pastor Being a pastor requires long hours, minimal pay and considerable and constant criticism. It can all combine to create feelings of disappointment, discouragement and defeat. Paul may have had spiritual leaders in mind when he instructs Christians to "selVe one another in love" (Gal. 5:13). Here are a dozen suggestions for encouraging your pastor and other spiritual leaders.
I. Cut the criticism. Fred Rogers, a Presbyterian minister who was the creator and host of the children's television program Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, told this story: While he was a seminary student he attended a different church each Sunday in order to hear a variety of preachers. One Sunday he was tteated to "the most poorly crafted sermon I had ever heard in my life." When he tumed to the friend who had accompanied him, he found her in tears. "It was exactly what I needed to hear," she told Rogers. Rogers said, 'That's when I realized that the space between someone doing the best he or she can and someone in need is holy ground. The Holy Spirit had ttansformed that feeble sermon for her-and as it turned out, for me too ."
Unlike most workers who are evaluated once or twice a year as part of a performance evaluation, clergy are often critiqued weekly. Balance thoughts of criticism about the music, hymn selection or interest of the sermon with the reality that the majority of pastors work hard to make worship a unique celebration each week .
z. Pray regularly for your pastor. Ask God to show your pastor an abundance of love, hope, joy, faith, peace, power, wisdom, insight
and courage. Pray for your pastor's maturity and growth in the faith As you pray, keep in mind this statement by Wolfgang Van Goethe: "If you treat a person as he is, he will stay as he is; if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be."
3. Express your appreciation in writing. A compliment spoken is always welcome, but one that is received in wtiring can be read over and over again over for many months and even years. When you hear a sermon that is especially helpful to you or when you see your pastor be compassionate and caring, write a note expressing appreciation.
4. Use your skills to make their lives easier. Are you proficient with computers? Help your pastor master the art of computer use. Are you a mechanic? Offer to selVice the car free of charges or at a reduced fee. Are you a medical professional? Provide your spiritual leader with careful and cheerful care
5. Squelch gossip that comes your way. If you hear a negative comment, respond with a positive one If misinformation is being spread, correct it. Or if people are gossiping, just walk away The Bible soundly condemns gossip and careless speech (James 1:26, Psalm 34 :13, 1 Peter 3:10 ).
6. Help solve needs. Some people say to their pastor, "You need to " That approach is seldom welcome and almost always counterproductive. If you see an improvement that can be made, take responsibility for the work involved to implement your idea.
7. Respond to your pastor. Nothing so animates and excites a pastor as seeing people respond to his preaching and teaching. A pastor greeted a guest leaving his church one Sunday and was delighted to hear her story. She was recently divorced, a single parent and new to the community. She worked two jobs and had little time for yard work.
«I was relieved when the weeds didn't overrun my yard as I feared they would," she told the pastor. "When I made an unscheduled trip home in the middle of the workday, I saw in a flash the reason why the weeds had not overtaken my yard. There was my 86year-old neighbor-a member of your church-on his hands and knees pulling my weeds. I barely know the man and he was very embarrassed to be caught in this anonymous act of kindness. He explained that you had preached a sermon on the importance of living a life of compassion and kindness and decided to put that sermon into practice by weeding my lawn."
8. Minister to your ministers. Spend time with your pastor with no agenda except to truly listen. Ask how he or she is doing . Let your pastor share dreams, goals, aspirations, fears and frustration. Say very little, listen attentively and respond with as much warmth, understanding and support as you can.
9. Get involved. Support your pastor's ministry by moving from the role of a mere spectator to active participant in your church community. Get involved by teaching a class, leading a workshop, attending a retreat, singing in the choir, feeding the hungry, housing the homeless, etc. Ask your leader where and how you can employ your gifrs on behalf of the community.
10. Specifically identify how their ministry is affecting you. Encourage your pastor by explaining, in detail, how you took their
advice from a lesson or sermon and applied it to your life. Show them that their teaching, preaching and counseling is having a positive impact in your life
After their pastor preached on Jesus' words, "Do not judge, or you too will be judged" (Matt. 7:1), a group of women decided to give a baby shower for the young woman who provided childcare for their Bible study. The woman was unmarried, pregnant, close to going on welfare and with no support from her family or the fatherto-be. The young woman cried when surprised by the shower. 'Your sermon taught us that it's possible to reach out to someone in need without judging or condoning the situation," the Bible study women told their pastor.
II. Treat your pastor. Depending on your own resources, invite your pastor out for dinner as your guest, offer to pay the cost for a special seminar or retreat, offer the use of a condo by the beach or a cottage on a lake.
IZ. Abandon preconceived expectations. Drop all personal agendas and preferences about how your pastor should operate. Don't expect that current leaders will do things the same as their predecessors did. Instead, focus on how your leader is being used by God to do effective ministry in your presence. Pray and reflect about ways you can support your spiritual leaders in their work.
By engaging in such acts oflove, you will ensure tha . your pastor and spiritual leaders will not only be encouraged but will feel appreciated, loved and valued and will continue to minister with enthusiasm and energy.
Victor M. Parachin is a freelance writer living in Tulsa, Okla. This article has appeared in other publications.
Mennonite Brethren
Offering solid ground
MB missionaries, MCC offer relief after quake hits Peru
When the ground stopped moving Aug. 15 after a major earthquake hit the coast of central Peru, Mennonites jumped into action. Mennonite Central Committee, the peace, service and relief agency of North American Anabaptists, is providing formal aid in the form of meat and blankets, while Mennonite Brethren missionaries in the country initiated more informal relief and are exploring options to help with long-term recovery
The magnitude 8.0 quake left at least 514 dead and 1,090 injured and destroyed tens of thousands of buildings, according to a u.s. Geological Survey report. Most
of the damage occutted near the towns of Chincha Alta, Ica and Pisco.
The area around Lima, about 100 miles north of the epicenter, registered 19 dead, 198 wounded and 3,965 homes destroyed, according to MBMS International. Members of Mennonite Brethren churches in Lima and Trujillo, about 350 miles farther north, were 'badly shaken," reports MBMSI. Many have relatives that were directly affected by the quake. 'We are OK, but the constant news of dead and injured people is really hard," wrote Otto and Lidia Funk, MBMSI missionaries in Lima, right after the quake. "A lot of help is being sent to those areas that are directly affected, but there are also small towns that are not getting any help yet. Many aid trucks are being robbed before they can get to their destination."
The magnitude 8.0 earthquake that hit Peru in August severely damaged central coast communities, including the city of Pisco where this picture was taken. Mennonite Brethren congregations and missionaries in the country provided initial relief aid and are looking for long-term ways to serve the affected communities.
MCC's aid targets survivors in those difficult-to-reach areas. MCC will distribute about 35,000 pounds of canned turkey and 10,000 blankets through a Catholic organization. the Salesian Missions. The shipment is worth $215,000.
Luis Enrique Law, a spokesman for the Salesian Missions, says, '1\ll the blankets and the meat that MCC is providing will be taken to these remote ateas that the government is having a hard time to reach." The Salesian Missions are transporting the aid to Peru from MCC's Material Resource Center in Ephrata, Pa., and MCC is paying for half of the shipping costs.
Meanwhile, Robert and Erika Sukkau. MBMSI missionaries in Trujillo, several hundred miles north of the epicenter. decided it wasn't enough to count their blessings The Sukkaus are comrnirted to community transformation as part of the MB global mission agency's holistic church planting strategy; for a team from the Trujillo church, "holistic" help meant getting involved in relief efforts .
"Soon after the earthquake, we put up a sign in our church window asking for donations to help people in need," say the Sukkaus. ' We were amazed by the response of the community."
Four people from the Trujillo church joined with an evangelism team of 18 from a Baptist church in Los Angeles to travel to the center of the earthquake zone. They hoped to bring aid and hope to survivors. The volunteers from Los Angeles arrived at the Trujillo church Aug. 19 to pack donations of food, water, clothing and medicine into the cargo hold of a large bus.
The team headed to the city of Chincha, stopping in Lima for breakfast at the Lima MB Church. In Chincha, the team spent the day rewrapping food donations into individual portions and distributing them . "It felt like a mere cup of water as we saw the dire straits the people were in." says Erika Sukkau. "Our daughter Gladys gave a woman her sleeping bag and the woman burst into tears of gratitude."
Residents of Pisco, above, hold a sign pleading for additional help in thei r earthquake recovery efforts Homeowners, like this res ident of Pisco, below, salvage what they can following the mid-August earthquake.
The team reports that they witnessed several large semitrucks holding government and international aid drive through town. People were crowding the streets, pressing into the trucks, trying to flag them down. Some of the trucks stopped and passed out a fraction of the goods, but most drove on to destinations farther south.
While the team passed out donations. they offered Christ's comfort in the midst of devastation and trauma . They report that a hug would cause people to break down and weep. One person in Pisco, near the epicenter of the quake, lost 52 relatives in this tragedy.
Despite such loss and devastation. a powerful and emotional worship session broke out as the Trujillo/LA team united with a church in the city and started praising God in the city square.
The team returned home after about three days. when supplies were gone. 'They are assessing what it will look like for their church team to impact their community in the near future." says an MBMSI report.
Otto and Lidia Funk and the Lima' church hope to join in the healing and recovery process soon Eight church members visited some of the most quake-affected cities Sept. 3 to evaluate the aid situation, connect with some locals and take a census of families they could help in the future While there. they made contact with three relatives of members from their church
'There will be a lot to do in the near future," says Lidia Funk. 'We plan to assist with material supplies, especially as international efforts die down. but our heart is to help provide spiritual care. People feel very lost right now."
The Funks and Sukkaus request prayer during this time They are asking God to open spiritual doors so this tragedy can result in spiritual revival. For information on praying for these teams, visit www .mbmsi.org/prayerforum/peru. - Myra Holmes with reports from MBMSI andMCC
Another brother on the journey
Wiest joins MBMSI as newest regional mobilizer
As the newest regional mobilizer for MBMS International. Galen Wiest hopes that those in his West Coast constituency will see him as "another brother on the journey," someone who will come alongside as they grapple with how to be more missional.
Wiest officially stepped into the role Aug. 20 as the Mennonite Brethren global mission agency's representative for the area of the U.S. west of the Rocky Mountains, including congregations in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona and Utah. He joins a team of regional mobilizers throughout North America who are commissioned by MBMSI to mobilize people, resources and finances into global mission.
Wiest looks good for the assignment on paper, with a well-rounded resume of global and pastoral experience. He's a native of the area he now serves, having grown up in the Dinuba (Calif.) and Kingsburg (Calif ) MB churches. He holds degrees from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Fresno Pacific University and MB Biblical Seminary, both in Fresno, Calif.
He and his wife, Linda, served 10 years as missionaries in Colombia with MBMSI, giving him firsthand insight into the needs of cross-cultural workers. For the past 12 years, he has served in a pastoral role at Neighborhood MB Church in Visalia, Calif., first in the areas of evangelism and discipleship, then as pastor of community and world outreach.
Weist also understands the dynamics of church planting, a key strategy of MBMSI, since his early spirituallife was in the Kingsburg church plant. He has served many years on the Pacific District Conference's church planting board.
But it is Wiest's heart that led MBMSI to approach Wiest not once, but twice, to consider the assignment. In addition to the impressive resume, general director Randy Friesen says Wiest '1oves the local church and the mission of the church. He loves people and has a reproducible walk with God. He is the kind of person who will mobilize pe0ple, prayer and resources into mission, because he lives it."
Living out Christ's command to make disciples - taking it beyond knowing the Sunday school stories into radical obedience - is something Wiest had to grapple with personally as a missionary in Colombia During the Wiests' second missionary term in Medellin , Colombia, with three small children in tow, a major drug war broke out. Bombings and acts of terrorism were common, and Americans were favorite targets He says they struggled with what it means to trust God even though "your heart says , ' Run."'
"For Linda and me both it was a real challenge in our faith journey to say, OK, we're going to trust God, that he's going to do what's best for us," Wiest says. Convinced that God's call to making disciples meant staying. the Wiests became part of a church-planting team in Bogota, where they saw lives changed as they walked alongside Colombian professionals who were asking faith questions in the midst of uncertainty
When God led them back stateside, Wiest used those experiences to help individuals and a congregation wrestle with issues of faith and mission. He describes his time on the staff at Neighborhood as "an incredible 12 years. I don't know how else to describe it."
In his assignment to emphasize evangelism and discipleship, he again practiced walking alongside people in their faith journeys, some-
thing he calls "a dirty business" but incredibly rewarding. Then about a year ago, Wiest came alongside the entire congregation as Neighborhood began to intentionally wrestle with mission and look for ways to reach into their community and their world. As a result, the church has begun to reach out to their community in exciting ways, such as a relationship with a local elementaty school and graffiti cleanup.
Wiest says that process was fulfilljng for him personally-so much so, in fact, that the move to MBMSI came with reluctance and even grieving. "God made it really clear that he wanted me to be here, so we said yes, and here we are," he says,
He views this new assignment as "another exciting step of faith." He sees how God has prepared him for this new step through both his missionary and pastoral experiences. Both, he says, were about "building relationships with people and helping them find God and encouraging them to grow in their faith."
Now he looks forward to building new relationships and coming alongside churches as they grapple with issues of faith and mission. First on his "to do" list is calling every pastor in the Pacific District Conference to begin to connect and to ask how he can help .
''I'm convinced that one of the greatest things we have to offer is our brotherhood and sisterhood," he says. 'We want to network together and pray and encourage each other because this task of making disciples that God has given, it's a big one."
Stewardship Solutions
As he begins to build relationships, he hopes folks will call him with "any question related to doing mission." He says that "coming alongside" might look different for each congregation. For one church, it might mean refining their giving; for another it might mean mentoring and sending out short- or long -term missionaries. For others it might start at a more local level, and he says he is "more than willing" to help network with other congregations or other resources on the district or U.S . Conference level.
"I want to have a servant's heart, to say, 'How can 1 help you as a local congregation, how can 1 encourage you to be missional?"'
Although the POC. as the largest U.S. district, has a good track record of sending missionaries and giving generously, Wiest would like to see even more missionaries called and sent, a challenge he says must be constantly before the local church. He would like to see congregations calling and challenging younger generations.
He'd like to help congregations establish more interactive relationships with both the missionaries they support and with local congregations overseas. And he wants to see individuals and congregations establish relationships with their neighbors locally, since that's where a heart for the world begins
Wiest says he is excited to see congregations throughout the PDC grappling with how to be more missional. "If 1 can be a help, an encouragement, a support to those congregations, then praise God. That's what 1 see God calling me to," he says.-
Myra Holmes
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Criminology with a twist
FPU begins criminology program infused with Christian values
Students won't be taught how to use force-many college criminology programs don't include that instruction. But Fresno Pacific instructors also won't teach that it's wrong for officers to defend themselves.
"Safety is number one," says Schellenberg.
Whether the program makes students more employable and causes the community to improve is difficult to gauge. While employers say Fresno Pacific graduates will be at no advantage or disadvantage in applying for jobs, the university is counting on them getting hired and rising to positions where they can promote policies of reconciliation and accountability.
One professor in Fresno Pacific's program says it can give officers a new perspective on law enforcement.
What would Jesus do-if he were educating today's cops and probation officers? Fresno Pacific University doesn't claim any divine answer. But the small private school in southeast Fresno, Calif., provides one response with a new criminology program infused with Christian values: Evil can cause crime. Victims need to be loved Crooks should be punished, but are worth saving.
Students in the program's first class will study-along with the standard curriculum-the parables and beatitudes of Jesus Fresno Pacific hopes to attract working adults who have done some college work, but haven't finished their degrees-a niche the university is targeting to boost enrollment.
The school had to reconcile its peaceful religious tradition with the violent realities of law enforcement in forging the criminology degree program. The Mennonite Brethren who started Fresno Pacific more than 60 years ago are from the pacifist tradition.
"We agonized over it," says program director Jill Schellenberg. 'We wanted to make sure it's an outstanding program that fits our tradition ."
The solution is to teach about evidence, arrests and victims' needs, as any secular school would do. But also sprinkled into the curriculum are Christian-based views that victims and offenders can be reconciled and lawbreakers need accountability that goes beyond jail time.
describes the program as "holistic."
"I hate to use the words, but it's a nolistic approach' to dealing with the victim and offender and restoring them to their communities," says Arthur Wint, who also teaches criminology at California State University, Fresno.
The new program-formally called Criminology and Restorative Justice Studies-enables students to earn a bachelor of arts in criminology in IS months. Classes will be limited to about 20, though only 12 are in the first section of the program that began Aug. 8. Organizers say they had little time to advertise the program because it was approved late in the spring.
Students can't enroll unless they already have 60 college units, and the program is one of several degree-completion programs at Fresno Pacific. Others are in business management, organizational leadership, early childhood development, liberal arts and Christian ministries.
Criminology classes meet one night a week for four hours at Fresno Pacific's north Fresno center. Students can share personal concerns at the beginning of each class session, and prayer follows.
One student says she's on board with the theology, though she wonders whether others could be. ''I'm a Christian. 1 go to church. 1 believe in good and evil," says 22-year-old Sandy Simonian. But she wondered how a Muslim or atheist would handle a criminology program operating with those beliefs.
Fresno Pacific says it takes students of all faiths or no faith at all.
Arthur Wint, a teacher in the new criminology degree program at Fresno Pacific University,
Another student says he's skeptical about offender accountability, though he admits he has much to learn about it. "Part of me is jaded and wants to say nothing is going to work," says Ty Carpenter, 36. "But I don't think anybody knows what's going to work until they try it."
Carpenter, who is a juvenile correctional officer for Fresno County, wants to move up the career ladder and become a probation officer. He originally planned to attend Fresno State, which has about 1,200 criminology majors But, he says, he chose Fresno Pacific because he could get his degree Inore quickly, even though it will cost more.
Fresno State doesn't expect to lose many criminology students to Fresno Pacific, and the community will benefit from having another program, says R. Thomas Dull, Fresno State' s interim Criminology Department chairman. Curricula that emphasize restorative justicewhile not in the mainstream of criminal justice programs - are beneficial; Dull says, 'These are areas we have tended to ignore."
Fresno Pacific has a history of looking for alternative ways of dealing with crime. The Victim Offender Reconciliation Program, part of Fresno Pacific's Center for Peacemaking and Conflict Studies, brings mostly juvenile offenders face-to-face with their victims The program doesn't keep offenders out of jail. but it forces them to hear the consequences of their crimes and offers a chance for restitution.
The Fresno County Probation Department has worked with the program for many years, and a top probation official says he respects Fresno Pacific for starting a faith-based criminology program
' There are Christians interested in restorative justice because of the concepts of forgiveness and righteousness," says Philip Kader, the county's director of juvenile probation services. ':1£ someone can help restore a victim, an offender and a community and their motivation is their religious belief, that doesn't trouble me even though I might have a different take."
Kader, who is Jewish, says he believes in separation of church and state, so he would be concerned if probation officers started proselytizing on the job. But religion hasn't been an issue among the Probation Department's work force.
'The vast majority is Christian, and I don't wotry about them," Kader says.
At the Fresno Police Department, Deputy Chief Sharon Shaffer said Fresno Pacific's acceptance of alternative crime-fighting strategies dovetails with the mayor's gang intervention program and community policing, which seeks to resolve conflicts between neighbors before they lead to crime
Fresno Pacific will start another section of the program in February at its Visalia center. Skeptics are welcome, Schellenberg says. "Students can go through the program and not buy into restorative justice. I don't care what their ideas are as long as they can academically support them "- Doug Hoagland a/The Fresno Bee FRESNO BEE, 2007.
'l\fter spending the fust twenty-four years of my life in the church, work in the biblical text among the people of God feels inevitable. I've found the Seminary's offer of a time for theological reflection in community most valuable ."
- Ben Schmidt, Moster of Oivinity student, pictured with wife Aliso
Practicing what he teaches
MBBS prof uses his trip to Peru as case study
Last spring Mark Baker, MB Biblical Seminary professor of mission and theology, presented his Biblical Theology of Mission and Evangelism class with a case study. This was no ordinary case study, but one that featured Baker himself as a key player.
The study outlined the relationship Baker had been developing via e-mail with Gustavo, a poor Peruvian pastor who he planned to visit in July to discuss how they could partner together. Students were asked to provide their own "next steps" for this relationship. They were to incorporate practices of interdependence and mutuality in mission rather than practices of paternalism and dependency. Baker himself wrestled with the same questions as he prepared for his trip.
The relationship between Baker and Gustavo had begun more than a year earlier Gustavo's interest in Baker's online articles led to an extended e-mail conversation exploring theological formation in Peru. Gustavo also discovered Baker's two Spanish books published by Kairos, all Argentine Christian publishing house. Through an arrangement with Baker, Gustavo began to sell copies of the Spanish books to fund his trips to the jungles of central Peru to share the message of holistic mission and a gospel of freedom. Prior to Baker's visit Gustavo had sold 500 books.
Baker left for Peru with his students' suggestions, ideas gained from his own reading and his previous experience as a missionary in Honduras ringing in his ears. Baker traveled with MBBS Canadian alumnus Ryan Schellenberg.
Baker says he intentionally went to Peru with broad areas for discussion, not a "prefabricated plan." The July 919 trip allowed for significant amounts of time at the beginning of the trip for conversation and prayer with Gustavo and his wife Mariela
Baker followed a schedule set up by Gustavo, speaking at local churches and appearing in an interview on a
television show. Baker introduced Gustavo and Mariela to Mennonite Brethren church leaders in Peru. A relationship between the . conference and Gustavo's independent house church could potentially provide a significant amount of emotional support in ministry.
The absence of a prefabricated plan allowed everyone to have equal input. Together they decided that Gustavo and Mariela will begin meeting with an advisory/support group comprised of members they have chosen. The group will help the couple as they seek to expand their mission of promoting holistic mission and a gospel of freedom. Gustavo will also work at organizing a Lima chapter of Red del Camino, a network of Latin American churches seeking to live out holistic mission, and continue to be in conversation with the president of the Mennonite Brethren conference in Peru.
At Gustavo and Mariela's suggestion, Baker agreed to write short pamphlets in Spanish and add more material to his Web site that will expand on the books he has already written. Baker will also provide start-up funds to enable Gustavo to become a distributor for his and other Kairos books in Peru. The hope is that this will provide a stable income for Gustavo's family and ministry
Baker says he must consistently work at what it means to do mission in an interdependent and mutual way. The "potential for unintended consequences is great," he says, and that keeps him striving for ways to create co-equal relationships in mission.
Baker's trip to Peru will no doubt be something he again brings to the classroom as he continues to work out what it means to do and teach mission. ':As a professor, I feel privileged to have had this opportunity to take the theory from the classroom and attempt to put it into practice," says Baker.
To view the television interview Baker did in Peru visit http ://video google.es/videoplay?docid=70Q3869416307I86766
MB Biblical Seminary, with campuses in Fresno, Calif., Langley, BC and Winnipeg. Man , seeks to inspire and equip men and women to be disciples of Jesus Christ, and to serve and lead in the church and the world .-Megan E. Richard
Christian
Building for changed lives
Bakersfield church breaks ground
The Bridge Bible Church broke ground
Aug. 19 for construction of the first phase of its church campus in Bakersfield, Calif. Phase one will be a flexible 4oo-seat worship facility that will include a cafe and courtyard for "hangout" opportunities. A second building for the Kids at the Bridge ministry will also be built.
Before the groundbreaking ceremony, Pastor Jeff Gowling challenged the congregation to remember the Bridge's mission statement throughout the construction process: "Glorifying God by growing up and reaching out."
Gowling emphasized that while it is an opportunity "to grow up together" and keep our "arms wide open to the community" the stakes are much higher. '''The glory of God is
at stake in what we are doing." he said.
The property, located at Stockdale Highway and Allen Road in southwest Bakersfield, was donated to The Bridge in 2003 by its mother church, Laurelglen Bible also of Bakersfield. The property gift has allowed The Bridge to begin building much earlier than most church plants.
"It's a gift," says Laurelglen executive pastor Ed Boschman. "It's a legacy and it's meant for the kingdom value of God."
Since The Bridge's inception, worship services have been held in classrooms and gymnasium space rented from adjacent Bakersfield Christian High School with youth groups traveling to Rosedale Bible Church for their meetings.
After the property was prayed over
by church elders, the children were invited to take a plastic shovel and break ground on their building. Later, members of the congregation took hold of one of four ropes and ceremoniously helped pull an earthmover and break ground on the worship center.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, families were asked to take home a construction stake with the words '''The stakes are high" as a reminder to pray for the construction process but more importantly the people that will be brought into God's kingdom through the facilities.
"Ultimately it's not about fundraising or the building structure itself," said Gowling. "Ultimately it's about lives being changed."-Jeff RU:hert for The Bridge
The New Mission USA Logo
Clean, contemporary, and with deep meaning ... The cross, the message of Jesus, is central.
Notice how the cross points in all directions?
Likewise ... Mission USA strives to plant new churches all across America with the message of the cross!
Can you help us spread the Good News? Give generously to Mission USA.
YOU make a difference!
We welcome and appreciate your generous support of Mission USA. Please send your donation to: Mission USA U.S. Conference PO Box 220 Hillsboro, KS 67063 Note "Mission USA" on the memo line To see more ... come to know HIM!
Two MB leaders part of international delegation to Zimbabwe
An eight-member Koinonia Delegation representing global Anabaptist-related churches visited Zimbabwe in August to encourage and stand beside Mennonite World Conference member churches there. The visit kept a promise made in 2003 by the global Anabaptist community to not forget the Zimbabwean Brethren in Christ Church that had hosted the Mennonite World Conference Assembly so graciously in spite of their suffeting.
Pakisa Tshimika, MWC associate general secretary and a Congolese Mennonite Brethren living in California, led the delegation The team also included Mennonite Brethren leader Pascal Kulungu of the Democratic Republic of Congo who represented Africa on the delegation. Kulungu is director of the Center of Peacebuilding, Leadership and Good Governance based in Kinshasa, and financial director at Christian University of Kinshasa.
Other delegation members were Beatriz Barrios of Uruguay, Barbara Kaercher of Germany, Mesach Krisetya of Indonesia, Dan and Yvonne Snider Nighswander of North America and John Byers, a retired BICC pastor. All of the delegation members, except for Byers, had attended MWC Assembly 14 in Bulawayo.
From Aug. 17-26, Koinonia Delegation members visited churches and their leaders, institutions and projects and conversed with ordinary people at the national conference. The delegation also met with the newly formed BIC Peace and Justice Committee, representatives of the Catholic Commission for Peace and Justice and with Mennonite Central Committee staff.
The visitors describe the Brethren in Christ Church in Zimbabwe as alive and strong and the country's people as resilient, wise, hard working, joyful, full of patience and grace
Meanwhile, the country is in an escalating crisis, with overwhelming shortages of food, water and fuel, power outages, inflation variously reported from 5,000 to 7,000 percent, record unemployment and low salaries Many
people with jobs must choose between paying for transportation to work and buying food for the family So they walk, up to 20 kilometers one way. Teachers, who are paid the equivalent of $18 per month, are leaving in droves.
"I have traveled to Zimbabwe once a year for six years," says Tshimika, "I have seen small changes in the past, but the socio-economic consequences of government decisions in the past few months were worse than any of us anticipated."
The visitors saw long lines of people waiting their tum to get water and to buy staples, with no guarantee that there would be anything available at the end of their wait. Many store shelves were bare or had only a few items for sale, but owners keep the stores open so they don't lose their vendor's license, knowing they may not get another. Some families don't eat for three days.
The quality of education is dropping, they learned. Children, who haven't eaten, fall asleep in class. Some schools operate without desks or chairs. The teacher may have the only textbook or 10 students may share one text. Paper and pencils are few or nonexistent, making it impossible to test children.
The entire delegation felt the impact of food and water shortages and blackouts when they attended the 32nd annual BIC conference at Matopo Mission Aug. 22-26. Organizers had expected fewer than 2,000 people, but attendance climbed to 3,600, the second highest ever. They weren't prepared to feed so many. Then the electricity went out so many people did not have a meal the first night or the next morning. With no power, water pumps didn't work, creating a sanitation problem.
By the second day, the cooking situation was resolved. People hauled in wood and 25 huge outdoor cooking pots, like the ones used at the 2003 MWC assembly in Bulawayo, to cook beef and mealie-meal.
The international guests, however, were treated with great hospitality and provided with ample food "I had a hard time accepting special status like eating first and getting more food," says John Byers, "but Oscar (Manzini, assistant chair of the conference executive) told me that is their culture and I should accept it."
The record number of people who attended the Brethren in Christ Church General Conference made waiting in line for meals inevitable.
The conference was a rich experience for the delegation, giving them an opportunity to meet church leaders and many other people, some of whom were so determined to come that they walked 20 kilometers to get there. For the first time, workshops on a variety of topics were offered, attracting up to 250 participants. Delegation members, including Kulungu and Tshimika, led some of the workshops. BI CC bishop Danisa Ndlovu preached the conference sermon, urging the people to keep the Word of God, stand firm in the faith , guard what is precious and not to lose spirit. "In the oppression we are in, where our dreams for our children have crumbled and fam ilies are lost, we must vow to draw closer to God who is our hope and our peace," he said.
Despite their oppress ion, BICC people are looking beyond th emselves. One congregation is supporting 300 orphans and widows. BICC and other churches in Bulawayo care fo r many internally displaced people following the government's "Operation Clean-up" a few years ago and business people help by funding programs and employing people. The delegation presented a gift of $15,000 that the church decided to use for relief. A committee in Zimbabwe will determine details.
The BICC plan to plant churches and build the Matopo University and a new secondary school in Bulawayo. Many people are praying that they will be able to attend the next MWC assembly in Paraguay in 2009.
The delegation says that the church has a clear sense of
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needing to speak to government on behalf of the people but agrees that public challenges and loud protests will only result in more harshness. They have little faith that the election in 2008 will resolve anything.
"I observed a common, underlying reality: the people of Zimbabwe are marking time .... There is a sense that all of life is in suspension, but still there is hope," says Yvonne Snider Nighswander.
The resilience of the people generated much discussion among delegation members, who also saw a nagging fear. The fact that in the 1980s the government killed 23,000 people remains fresh in the collective memories of the people,
Church leaders responded warmly to the Koinonia Delegation's visit. "We are overwhelmed by your coming.... It strengthens our resolve to minister," said one pastor.
The pastors requested that the delegation share what they have seen and heard and that they pray-for the people of Zimbabwe, for early and good rains, that God will soften the heart ofthe country's president and that peace and justice will come,
Tshimika says he returned to North America exhausted, not from traveling but from observing the pain in the eyes of Zimbabweans he loves. "I broke into tears on the last day when I was asked to say final words on behalf of the team and as I looked into Danisa's eyes," says Tshimika. "I was leaving, but he was staying to carry the burden of thousands of BIC church members, not knowing what tomorrow will bring."
Mennonite World Conference is a communion (Koinonia) of Anabaptist-related churches linked to one another in a worldwide community of faith for fellowship, worship, service and witness.-Feme Burkhardt for MWC, with files from Koinonia Delegation members
Motel mottos
Sayings can give wisdom to live by
There is a motel in Texas that I often stop at on my way to and from Mexico, where we have a ministry Every time I check in for the night I see the same sign posted on the wall behind the counter: "Before you go to bed give your troubles to God. He will be up all night anyway " Then when I check out in the morning I read the other sign posted beside it: "Good morning, This is God! I will be handling all your problems today. I will not need your help, so have a good day."
These posters remind me of the comfort zone that I have as a Christian. No matter what the problems of yesterday or the unknown evenrs of the coming day, I know that with God's help I can
face whatever comes my way.
For years, the following statement strengthened my motivation as a classroom teacher. The author is unknown to me.
"One hundred years from now, It won't matter what car I drove, What kind of house I lived in, How much I had in my bank account, Nor what my clothes looked like. But, the world may be a little better Because I was important in the life of a child."
This was my motivation to stay in the classroom even though there were voices calling me into administration where the pay was higher. I stayed because I knew that in the classroom I
could be directly important in my students' lives and that's what I wanted to do.
On my office desk, I have the following words of an old hymn, which I read daily:
"I would be true, for there are those who trust me, I would be pure, for there are those who care, I would be strong. for there is much to suffer, I would be brave, for there is much to dare "
Reading this every morning strengthens my resolve to show Christ through my words and actions on any given day.
Recently, I've started collecting motivational one-liners from various sources.
We have a sign on our church lawn that displays weekly inspirational quotes. People in the community have told me that they really appreciate reading these as they drive by. A recent sign read: "'lithe if you love Jesus, anyone can honk!" This is a takeoff on the "Honk if you love Jesus" bumper stickers. According to one poll less than 3 percent of Christians tithe, so this message seems particularly relevant for our day.
On a Presbyterian church sign in a small Texas town I read: 'We are open on Sunday." A recent bumper sticker catried this kernel of wisdom: "Life is short; eternity is not." Another one read: "Don't take your organs to heaven, heaven knows we need them here." (The last time I renewed my driver's license I added "Organ Donor" to it. I don't know if anyone will want them when the time comes, but at least I am willing-that should count for something!)
The leader of a local jail ministry describes his motivation for service this way: 'Taking a mess and making a message."
At home, in the daily routine of chores, I practice: "A little is better than nothing." Pulling a few weeds each time I go out to the garden to harvest some ripe vegetables makes the process of keeping the garden clean a little easier. Making another batch of applesauce for the freezer reduces the load of "what to do with this year's prolific apple crop."
Years ago, when reading Elizabeth Elliot's book, Shadow of the Almighty, I came across her husband's credo: "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Seven years afrer writing those words in a college dorm room, Jim Elliot gave his life, deep in Ecuador's rain forest, while attempting to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to a group of indigenous people then known as the Auca Indians. That was a powerful motro for life, one he lived by and died by, and one I often think about and have tried to follow.
The most powerful, however, is the following admonition that I memorized as a teenager and decided to make my motto for life. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Prov. 3:5-6 KJV).
ROSE BUSCHMAN
BAPTISM/MEMBERSHIP
Clovis, Calif. (College Community)-Lynn and Donna Jost were received as members Sept. 9. Mari Janzen was received as a member Aug. 19.
Sanger, Calif. (Grace Community)-Ron and Judy Inman were received as members Sept. 2.
Yale, SO (Bethell-McKayla Kleinsasser and Cody Palmquist were baptized Aug. 26 and received as members Sept. 9. Kenneth DeWet was received as a member Sept. 9.
Wichita, Kan. (First)-Caitlin Jones, Mike Ward. Jerry and Rosann Fredin, Jan Miller, Hannah Herrington, David and Shelly Jennings, Luke Zielke, Debbie Wilson, Donna Schmidt and Ben Marquez were baptized Aug 26.
Fresno, Calif. (Mountain View)-Matt Callaway, Michael Gregory, Lynn Gregory , Ben Holscher, Cheryl Jones, Brett Menges, Joe Ramirez and Richard Villareal were baptized Aug 26.
Rapid City, SO (Bible Fellowship)-Michael, Kathryn and Eirik Kettering and Stacie Escott were baptized Aug 26.
Topeka, Kan. (Comerstone) - Ron Baxa, Jessica Beasterfeld, Gene Petersen and Rachelle Petersen were baptized and became members Aug 26
Dinuba, Calif.-Leonard Heinrich and Jim and Florence Dick were received as members Aug. 19.
Mountain Lake, Minn (Community Bible) - Mary Weston and Lori Ysker were received as members Aug 12.
Huron, SO (Bethesda)-Seven students from the Souled Out youth ministry were bapt ized Aug 1: Lucas Milbrandt, Ryan Loewen, Spencer Gross, Lacey Perkins, Carly Reinders, Alan Haarstad and Dana Bennett.
Sioux Falls, SO (Lincoln Hills) - Christina Guthrie and Caleb and Kaitlyn Nordquist were baptized July 29 MINISTRY
Enid, Okla -The congregation celebrated the 110year anniversary of the church Sept. 9.
tapitola, talif. (ShoreUfe) - The church plans to host preventative health screenings Oct. 26
San Jose, Calif. (Lincoln Glen) - The church will host the 19th annual International Gift Faire Oct. 12-13. Proceeds benefit Ten Thousand Villages, a fair -trade organization supporting the work of 50 -60,000 artisans in 30 developing countries
Wichita, Kan. (First) - The church volunteered to provide and serve a meal for members of the Greensburg IKan 1 Mennonite Church Oct. 7 Greensburg was devastated by a tornado in May Bakersfaeld, taUf (The Bridge) - Families participated in a short-te rm mission trip to Mexico Oct. 5-7
Hillsboro, Kan.-In late August, volunteers served meals to football players and other athletes from Tabor College, who arrive for practices before the college serves meals.
Littleton, Colo. (Belleview)-September was set aside for a four-week campaign called "Belleview Cares " Sermons focused on outreach. Sept. 30 members participated in service projects during the regular worship time, then met to share and celebrate in the evening. A week - long prayer vigil preceded the service day.
Sioux Falls, SO (Christ Community)-Sept. 9 was Guest Sunday, featuring a message on "building strong families," gifts for all guests and a meal. Herriman, Utah (South Mountain at Oaybreak)Approximately 300 people attended a series of five backyard concerts hosted by church planters Rod and Lynette Jost and other church members in August. The concerts served as a venue for the hosts to invite neighbors into their backyards Church worship leaders and Josh Wilson from Sparrrow records in Nashville, Tenn , provided the musical talent.
Edmond, Okla. (Providence)- The church plant held its first worship service at a new location Aug 26 The church reports that couples are being restored , individuals are finding spiritual answers, small groups are developing and plans are forming for missions to the community and with MBMS International.
PROCLAMATION
Omaha, Neb., (Iglesia Aqua V"IVI) - The Spanish - language congregat ion developed their own curri culum using God 's love as the theme for their third vacation Bible school June 25 -29 Some 40 volunteers, about half the congregation , served an average of 50 children ea ch day
Com, Okla.-Gracia Burnham, a missionary who was held in captivity, was the guest speaker Sept. 22 Topeka, Kan. (Cornerstone Community) - Sept. 1516 was a Spiritual Renewal Weekend, with guest speakers John and Jamie Zumwalt from Heart of God Ministries
Shafter, Calif.-Phil and Carol Bergen, MBMS International workers in Burkina Faso, were commissioned for another term during the service Sept. 2 Phil Bergen preached.
Orland, taUf. (Country Bible)-A mini-missions conference was held Aug 4-5 with Phil and Carol Bergen, MBMS International workers in Burkina Faso The conference included a Saturday morning breakfast, Saturday evening fellowship , Sunday morning worship and Sunday evening ice cream so ci al
Olathe, Kan (Community Bible) - Nathan Shaver, a songwriter al1d speaker from Nashville, Tenn , was the guest speaker Aug. 5
TEACHING/NURTURE
Fresno, Calif. (Mountain View)-Stations with information on various local and global missions were on display in the church 's prayer room during a 24-hour prayer emphasis Oct. 7-13.
Minot, NO-The adult Sunday school class is studying how to "build bridges" to people in their neighborhoods.
Tulsa, Okla. (The Heart)-A "marriage improvement evening " was held Sept. 22.
Bakersfield, Calif. (Laurelglen, The Bridge, Rosedale)-The three churches combined efforts Sept. 15 for a one-day seminar on evangelism by Evangelism Explosion International.
Weatherford, Okla. (Pine Acres)-A new ministry fo\" single mothers began meeting Sept. 12 during the midweek AWANA program for kids. The goal is to help single mothers find purpose in life and help them flourish spiritually An eight-week evangelism course, The Way of the Master, also began Sept. 12
Fresno, taUf (North Fresno)-Members were invited to submit their business cards; pastoral staff use the cards as a reminder to pray for those in the workplace
Huron, SO (Bethesda)-The congregation focused on evangelism during September, using the study "Just Walk Across the Room. " The focus included a sermon series and small group studies A ministry fair was held Sept. 16 and 23 as a way to enlist volunteers for various church min istries.
Bakersfield, Calif. (Laurelglen) - Men's groups, called "Pure Desire, " formed in September to focus specifically on issues of sexual purity and lust.
Mountain Lake, Minn. (Community Bible)-An easel, titled Grace Notes, has been placed in the foyer as a place for members to post and share stories of gra ce Hays, Kan. (North oak) - Fathers with sons age 6 to 18 are meeting Saturday mornings for breakfast and a study called "Raising a Modern -Day Knight Adventure Series."
Clovis, taUf. (College Community) - Sept. 2 was the annual Share the Art celebration, featuring an original drama by members An Artist Workshop group began meeting in September as an informal time to encourage creativity.
Capitola, talif (Shorelife) - Members set aside time Aug 27 to fast and pray, then gathered in the evening to pray and break the fast with communion A new support group and Bible study for single parents began recently
Edmond, Okla. (Memorial Road)-No Sunday school was offered during August. Members used the time for rest, family and making new friends by relaxing with a hobby, inviting friends to lunch, playing a game with family, etc.
WORKERS
Newton, Kan. (Koerner Heightsl-Tim Mace has accepted the lead pastor position He and his wife, Judy, began in early October.
Shafter, Calif.-Brent Cummings is the new youth pastor
Fresno, Calif. (Butlerl-Lynn Kauffman was installed as pastor of Spanish ministries Sept. 9 at a combined service in Spanish. He had been serving in an interim role
New Hope, Minn, (New Hope Connection I-Steve Brooks ended his time as pastor June 30 He continues to work as a chaplain in the area.
Orland, Calif. (Country Biblel-Paul Wright Jr. and his wife. Merced, were installed as pastoral couple June 17
Denver, Colo. (Ethiopian Evangelicall- Tomas Bayou has resigned as youth minister.
WORSHIP
Colo. (Trailheadl- The church plant now meets weekly for worship on Sunday evenings, with two exceptions : Beginning Oct. 14, the second Sunday of the month will be set aside for service in the community On the fifth Sunday of the month, they will gather for a social and celebration time Fresno, Calif. (Butlerl- The Spanish-language congregation hosted a combined service Sept. 9, followed by a meal prepared by members of the Spanish congregation.
Cordell, Okla. (Biblel-Hearts 4 Him, a men 's ensemble from central Kansas, provided music Sept. 2
Edmond, Okla. (Memorial Roadl- Three couples renewed their marriage vows as part of the service Aug 19 A reception followed
YOUTH
Kingsburg, Calif.-A CPR class was offered at the church Sept. 15 for all nursery and youth workers
Sanger, Calif. (Grace Communityl- The church organized a soccer camp Sept. 12-14 The camp included soccer instruction as well as "character counts" classes.
Hillsboro, Kan.-Youth from three MB churchesHillsboro MB, Parkview and Ebenfeld- joined for a pool party to start the new school year.
Minot, ND-Several changes to the traditional vacation Bible school were well received. The event involved more promotion. was held earlier in summer (July 16-221 and included a bounce house. Young lambs were available to pet, which reinforced the offering project - purchasing a sheep through World Vision for a needy family in India.
DEATHS
DECKER, ARLENE, Frankfort, SO, former member of Ebenezer MB Church, Doland, SO, was born July 31, 1933 to Paul and Margaret Wurz Walter at Bridgewater, SO, and died Aug. 21 , 2007, at the age of 74. On July 31. 1952, she married Wesley Decker, who survives She is also survived by two sons ,
Steve and wife Beth of Frankfort, and Scott of Huron, SO; one daughter, Darcie of Rapid City, SO ; two sisters, Lois and husband Lyle Mudge of Rapid City, and Glenda and husband Ken Huse of Pierre, SO , and six grandchildren.
DYCK, MARWOOD, Clovis, Calif., a member of College Community MB Church, Clovis, was born Jan. 21, 1927, to Gerhard and Lou ise Oyck in Ontario, Canada, and died Aug 14, 2007, at the age of 80 In August 1954, he ma rried Naomi Hiebert, who survives. He is also survived by one son, Carl and wife Sue of Fresno. Calif.; three daughters, Eloise and husband Herman Janze n of Fresno, Christine and husband Donald Lovell of Fresno, and Elizabeth and husband Michael Gottsch of Hillsboro, Kan .; one brother, Peter of Onta ri o; two sisters, Louise Derksen and Frieda Willms, both of Ontario, and 12 grandchildren
NICKEL, ALVIN L. , Carlsbad, Calif , a member of Lincoln Glen Church, San Jose, Calif., was born Dec 3, 1929, to Alvin H and Anna Nickel in Bakersfield , Calif , and died July 24, 2007, at the age of 77. On June 23, 1951, he married Mary Rogalsky, who survives He is also survived by two sons, Jeff and .wife Cindy, and Bob and wife Suzanne; one daughter, Cathy and husband Jim Harris; one sister, JoAnn Hiebert, and 10 grandchildren
SEIBEL, HELEN, Hillsboro, Kan , a member of Ebenfeld MB Chu!,!=h, Hillsboro, was born Jan. 23, 1904, to Daniel A and Helena Bekker Eitzen near Hillsboro and died Aug 19, 2007, at the age of 103 On June 19, 1927, she married Samuel Seibel, who predeceased her in ,1978. She is survived by one daughter, LaVonne and husband Eldon Wiens of rural Hillsboro ; one son-in-law, laVern Liebelt of Harvey, NO, seven grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren
SUDERMAN, SARA LINDA, Shafter, Calif., a member of Shafter MB Church, was born April 26, 1915, to Paul and Eva Funk in Hillsboro, Kan , and died Sept. 5, 2007, at the age of 92 On April 26, 1936, she married Ezra Suderman, who predeceased her in 1982 She is survived by one son, Chuck of Bakersfield, Calif ; one daughter, Mary and husband Ken Fahsbender of Bakersfield, five grandch ildren and 11 great-grandchildren
THIESZEN, RUTH ANN, Henderson, Neb , of Henderson MB Church , was born Dec. 14, 1946, to Jacob A. and Linda Janzen Funk in Hillsboro, Kan., and died Aug 4, 2007, at the age of 60 On June 11, 1967, she married Virgil Peters ; they divorced in 1991 On Nov 26,1994, she married Erland Thieszen, who survives. She is also survived by her mother, Linda Funk of Hillsboro; one son, Tim and wife Malia of Monrovia, Calif.; two daughters, Rhonda and husband Rick Brown of Newton, Kan., and Angie and husband Matt Penner of Wichita, Kan .; one stepson, Micah Thieszen and wife Angie of Goshen, Ind. ; four stepdaughters. Judi and husband Jerry Kroeker of Viborg, SO, Kristi Thieszen of Washington , DC, Sara and husband Gilbert Collins of Gaborone, Botswana, and Rachel and husband Charlie Pahl of Topeka, Kan ; two brothers, Don and wife Marsha of Li ncolnton, NC , and Roger and wife Joan of Lake Zu rich, Ill., and 11 grandc hildren
••• Cle arin gHOUSE '"
Worship Pastor: Laurelglen Bible Church of Bakersfield. Calif., is seeking a worship pastor to assist in worship team ministry and music leadership. This individual will lead, encourage and support existing and future worship leaders and personally lead the worship in at least one of the weekend services. Weekly attendance is approximately 1.500. This individual should be flexible in worship styles, as our services range from traditionaVblended to contemporary. We are seeking a mature and growing Christian who is theologically sound with a burden and passion for God-centered worship; an authentic shepherd with organizational, relat ional and communication skills. For more information, check out our Web site at www.laurelglenbible org Please send your resumes to LindsayVercammen lindsay.vercammenlillaurelglenbible org (2121
Youth Pastor: The junior and senior high youth at Cornerstone Community Church are looking for a part-time Youth Pastor. Applicant will provide oversight to and work alongside the Youth Ministry Team. Applications need to be received by Oct. 26. A detailed job description can be found on our Web site at www comerstonetopeka com Please send resume and 3 references to : Cornerstone Community Church, Attn: Diane Baysinger, 7620 SW 21st St., Topeka, KS 66615 OR fax: 17851 478-9711 OR e-mail : officelilcornerstonetopeka com 11/11
News writer: The Christian Leader is looking for a part-time news writer to research and write news stories on a regular basis Training and/or experience in journalistic writing are preferred This person will interview and write from home or from the denominational office in Hillsboro, Kan., or Fresno. Calif. For more information contact Connie Faber at editorlClusmb org
URGENT OPENING: The Resource Generation Network Director, Akron, Pa., gives leadership to the resource generation network consisting of staff in Mennonite Central Committee offices across Canada and the United States; coordinates the establishment of standards in fundraising, setting goals and building network capacities Experience in nonprofit fundraising with excellent skills in communication and management required Candidates of a gender or ethnic group typically underrepresented in this type of MCC assignment are encouraged to apply Contact Kathy Jackson at krjlilmcc.org or call 17171 859-1151 for job description and further information. (1/11
Anniversary Celebration : Butler Church of Fresno, Calif., is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year A celebration service and luncheon will take place Sunday, Nov 11. All present and former members and attendees are invited Please provide your current contact information to the church office so additional information can be sent to you : 559 -25 2-3741 or infolilbutlerchurch org 11/11
Good luck with that
Willing to work or do we just want to get lucky?
Afew months ago I had to smile about the buzz created by Saturday, July 7,2007. The day's potential numerical magic got a lot of publicity. Many felt that 7-7-07 would triple the power of the lucky number seven. The super-lucky day would obviously be good for something. Buying lottery tickets? That was one thing I read people were planning to do, though I can't say I've heard anything since about a flurry of huge payouts .
How about a lucky Saturday for weddings? There you go. Thousands of couples around the country booked 7-7-07 for their nuptials, possibly making it the most popular wedding date in a cen-
songs and never quit trying to work their way up in the music world.
That's usually the way life is. Sure, there are some folks who stumble into good fortune. But most of us have to put a lot of time and effort into developing our careers and callings and life goals . I see parallels to this in our comfortable u.S. churches. Sometimes our prayers for effective ministry and outreach strike me as a kind of wishful thinking. We want God to work but aren't sure if we want to do the same. It reminds me tury. Our newspaper informed me of this under a big headline reading "Lucky in love."
Later I wondered if tying the knot on 7-7-07 would really guarantee
: 1We live in a culture that puts too much stock in getting lucky. Eyes light up with talk of winning the jackpot, getting the big break, experiencing the lightning strikes of fame and fortune.
a happier marriage than reserving the church for, say, 8-25 or 9-15. Well, I didn't really have to wonder. I'm pretty sure the enchanred date won't make much difference in the long run. You might say that success in marriage depends more on making your own luck than aligning the stars.
Good relationships take some work. A lucky Saturday won't offset issues such as immaturity, secrecy, selfishness and other common behaviors that derail dreams of wedded bliss. Couples who are willing to give and take, work and learn, and who, you know, actually love each other will have better marital success than those hoping for a relational stroke of luck.
We live in a culture that puts too much stock in getting lucky. Eyes light up with talk of winning the jackpot, getting the big break, experiencing the lightning strikes of fame and fortune. Just look at the resurgence of TV game shows and all those reality contests designed to discover the next big singer or dancer or runway model.
It's fascinating to see the thousands who show up every year for regional American Idol auditions. From what I can tell, the majority of these people can barely carry a tune. Yet they seem convinced that getting noticed on TV will immediately send them to entertainment stardom. Then all those years of wishful thinking and avoiding gainful employment will finally payoff.
Oops, that wasn't very nice. I shouldn't dismiss thousands of aspiring singers with one cynical swipe. But there's an interesting thing about the overnight successes that often appear on the music scene. The arrival of new singers and bands usually isn't as sudden as it looks. Many have already honed their skills through years of playing for sparse crowds at clubs, fairs and coffee houses. They kept practicing their instruments and perfecting their
of something James wrote in his New Testament letter "Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you =""_..".....,=-say, 'Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well' -but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?"
(2:15-16, NLT). If you're going to proclaim blessing upon needy people without actually helping them, you might as well just wave them off with a hearty, "Good luck with that!"
When we pray for our church, of course we want God to bless in ways that go beyond what we ask or imagine, as the Scripture says. But that doesn't mean just sitting back and hoping things will work out. If we want to engage the surrounding culture, we actually need to do things to serve and connect with the people out there. We may, gasp, have to alter our strategies and modernize our methods. I know that sounds like a no-brainer, but it's hard to get churchgoers on board. They say they want to reach out and remain relevant, but trying to update the way we operate still meets with plenty of resistance.
If we pray for ministry success, but fail to follow up with meaningful actions toward that end, we're pretry much banking on luck. We hope someone new will eventually wander through the church doors, but the chances aren't real great.
Join the club
Are we offering c l ub membership or Jesus?
It all began when our daughter found a way to explore her passion for horses. We're fortunate to have in our area a youth organization that teaches teamwork and character through Western horsemanship and mounted drill teams. When we learned that we don't have to own a horse to participate. we eagerly joined Westemaires.
We quickly learned that many of the rules aren't in the handbook but are a matter of a 50-year tradition. Maps aren't labeled with building
speaking at the 2006 U.S. Conference convention and as an author, compares the church in North America to a club. He doesn't mean it as a compliment.
"In North America the invitation to become a Christian has become largely an invitation to convert to the church." he writes in The Present Future. "The assumption is that anyone serious about being a Christian will order their lives
o I don't want my friends and neighbors to join the church "club" so much as I want them to know Jesu s But do they s ee that?
around the church. shift their life and work rhythms around the church schedule. channel nicknames. Official dress code doesn't fully explain the significance of the various required bandana colors. We've learned lingo, customs and hierarchy mostly by trial -and-error. I groan every time the explanation is simply. "It's the Westemaires way."
The dub seems to assume that we will cheerfully order the rest of our schedule around their events and activities. For example. we were told-not asked-which five consecutive Friday evenings our daughter wou,ld attend a required grooming class And while I don't mind volunteering in the kitchen. being told when to show up for duty somehow doesn't feel like volunteering
At one informational meeting. one young club member asked what to do if she had to miss a particular "mandatory attendance" event. The answer: You mean you have a life outside of Westemaires? Although the answer was tonguein-cheek. all there chuckled in recognition of the assumption.
In spite of the ups and downs. we stuck with Westemaires and have even deepened our involvement for the second year . We do it because our teenager counts the days until her next ride and eagerly wakes before dawn to clean muck out of hooves. She has leamed basic horsemanship and gained . confidence and self-discipline. So far. the benefits have made club membership wotthwhile.
Through this experience. I've learned something about what it means to "join the club." It's been eye-opening - even disturbingwhen I'm reminded of the words of Reggie McNeal. McNeal. both in
their charitable giving through the church. and serve in some church ministry " ,,"
McNeal's comparison makes me shudder. What if he' s right? Is that how my non-Christian friends view the church - as just another club, with its own dress code. traditions.lingo and unwritten rules?
I don't want my friends and neighbors to join the church "club" so much as I wantthem to know Jesus But do they see that? When they look at my life. do they see a fervent club member or someone who loves Jesus? Ive been thinking about this especially as it relates to my conversations.
I love my church. So it's easy to talk about church events and to say things like. 'We really like the sermonslyouth group/music at our church . Why don't you come?"
There's nothing wrong with that. It's a clue that faith is an important part of my life. But sometimes my conversation needs to go further. I need to make it clear that church isn't just another pull on an already-stuffed life; it's all about Jesus . He's the "benefit" that makes the "club commitment" worthwhile.
So. with God's help, before I open my mouth 111 consider whether I mean to say "church" or "Jesus." It's a simple. but not easy. difference. For example. when a nonChristian friend asks me my thoughts on the afterlife - as one did recently- will I say that my church teaches suchand-such or that because I have a relationship with Jesus I look forward to seeing him face-to -face? And when I list the reasons I love my church, I could include the fact that I like the youth group because the adults challenge my teens to live for Jesus. I like the sermons because they focus on God's Word. and I like the music because it helps me worship my Savior
I invite you to join me in this small challenge In our conversations. let's go further. Let's talk about Jesus. not just the club - Myra Holmes
TERM CERTIFICATES
IRA'S
DIRECT DEPOSIT
Be a part of over 700 investors who have joined together to integrate their spiritual values with their investment decisions. They earn a competitive return on their funds while allowing their funds to be loaned out to churches for ministry expansion. This reinvestment of funds is then transformed into changed lives as local churches are equipped and energized to make disciples!
So, we invite you to consider investing with MB Loan Fund. It's a decision that will transform many lives and directly impact the Kingdom. Contact us today for more information
MBMS International desires to celebrate and participate in God's work among MB women in India. January 3-13 (2008) an estimated 5,000 Indian women will be attending a jubilee in Andhra Pradesh. This gathering is to thank God for SO years of life transforming ministry among Indian MB women.
A team of MB women from across the United States and Canada, passionate about the local church and equipping other MB women in ministry, will also be attending the celebration. They look forward to this opportunity and hope to facilitate vision for partnership between North American and Indian MB women.
The theme of the convention is Ps. 46:8, "Come and see the works ofthe Lord the Lord has done great things for us ." Hannah Joseph, President of the Indian MB Women's Conference, welcomes the North American women saying, "Please come and see how the Lord is faithful to the women of India".
This trip is an exciting opportunity for MB women to learn from, encourage and champion other MB women in ministry.
We invite you to participate in this innovative Women's Celebration:
1. Pray for the gathering,
2 Sponsor scholarships for Indian women to attend (it will cost Indian women approx. CDN$ls.00/woman to attend the convention). Project # COS 52.
For more information, contact Sharalee Prang [SharaleeP@ mbmsi orgj.
All photos by MBMS International Staff and Team members except as noted.
MBMS INTERNATIONAL· FALL 2007
Editor in Chief .•....
Randy Friesen
Managing Editor Carissa Brey Youssef
Graphic Designer Marvin Peters
MBMS INTERNATIONAL MISSION Holistic church planting that transforms communities among the least reached.
MBMS INTERNATIONAL STRATEGY Mobilizing churches through intentional discipleship in experiential mission that contributes to holistic church planting.
ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES
· Unreached people
• H9listic church planting
· MB theology and family
· Prayer
·The Word of God
· The Great Commission & the Great Commandment OFFICE LOCATIONS
INTERPERSONAL VALUES
· Dependency on Jesus
· Risk-taking Obedience
· Transforming Community
· Relational Integrity
· Celebration
Western Canada (International Office)
302 -32025 George Ferguson Way, Abbotsford, BC V2T 2K7 P: 604.859.6267 F: 604.B59.6422 E: mbmsi@mbmsi.org
Western USA
4867 E. Townsend Avenue, Fresno, CA 93727-5006 P: 559.456.4600 F: 559.251.1432 E: fresno@mbmsi.org
AS THE RAIN FALLS THIS MORNING, ALANNA (MY DAUGHTER) AND I RICKSHAW OUR WAY THROUGH THE NARROW, WINDING STREETS OF AMRITSAR HEADED FOR THE RELIGIOUS
CENTRE OF SIKHISM, THE MAGNIFICENT GOLDEN TEMPLE.
In broken English, worshippers guide us to remove our shoes and buy orange head coverings. After washing hands and feet, we enter the inner temple square The Golden Temple is situated near the centre of a large pool, with a walkway to its entrance.
The word "Sikh" means disciple or follower. We follow these disciples around the inner pool to the gate leading to the Golden Temple. Along the way, money is given to readers ofthe Guru Grant Sahib (their holy scriptures), some drink water from the pool; others bathe in its waters.
The Sikh name for God is Waheguru, "The Great orTrue Teacher." Their temple name, "gurdwara", means door to the guru. They believe themselves to be followers of the truths taught by their ten gurus, the last of them being their holy Scriptures.
As we enter the crowd filing towards the Golden Temple, people around us are singing. Music is prominent in Sikh worship. Within the temple, we find more readers. Sikh worshippers are reading along or praying. Do they expect the "Great Teacher" to reveal himself today?
Alanna is saddened by the devotion of so many people to this religious path. We have no sense of God's glory; no feeling of the Spirit's anointing presence. The readers look tired, heavy-laden, almost bored. Devotion is evident; an encounter with God unexpected.
by Ray Harms-Wiebe
After leaving the Golden Temple, we pass through a few more rooms. More readers, more people praying, some Sikh priests are singing. We ponder the Scripture reading of the day in English. Again, it affirms that God is truth. Where is he in this place?
A few steps later, a young Sikh approaches us. He engages us in conversation about Sikhism and Christianity. We talk about how both religious paths value truth and the Scriptures, justice and equality, worship and prayer, community and service.
He is impressed by the Jesus he saw in a movie. Jesus forgave his persecutors from the cross! He remembers the struggle Sikhs have faced with their Muslim neighbors. Is there forgiveness in Sikhism?
Alanna and I share our faith in Jesus, "the Way, the Truth and the Life." When we offer him an English Bible, he pulls out a Punjabi Bible, handed to him about half an hour earlier. I suggest he begin in the Gospel of John. Alanna and I pray for him as we walk toward the community eating area.
Our hearts go out to the Sikhs who are searching for God. Alanna is amazed that God would lead us to a seeker right in the heart of Sikhism. God is sovereign over all things. He ordains encounters. He is drawing people to himself.
This Witness edition testifies to an active, sovereign God who is drawing people to himself (ES Emmanuel), calling them to obedience (Joy Joseph), and inviting them to participate in what he is already doing (Mark Klassen and Saji Oommen). He loves women and orphans (Hannah Joseph), the poor and young (Darren Duerksen). He invites the whole earth to experience His glorious presence. May these stories inspire you to know and follow the God who is alive and active around the world today!
RAY HARMS-WIEBE Lead Team, Global Plantin
GOD'S TIMELINE OF TRANSFORMATION
by Mark Klassen
IN PETER'S SECOND EPISTLE, HE REMINDS US THAT GOD'S TIMELINE IS DIFFERENT THAN OURS: "WITH THE LORD A DAY IS LIKE A THOUSAND YEARS, AND A THOUSAND YEARS ARE LIKE A DAY. THE LORD IS NOT SLOW IN KEEPING HIS PROMISE, AS SOME UNDERSTAND SLOWNESS." (2 PETER 3:8-9a). IN CHURCH PLANTING, WE SOMETIMES NEED A SIMILAR REMINDER.
We came to New Delhi to plant churches among the Middle Class. During the past two years, our team has been praying and laboring to that end, and we have no intention of taking our eyes off that goal. But, if we are honest, we will admit that we have also doubted. At times, it is difficult to believe that we will see lives transformed and churches established. Somehow the work seems slow. Yet as we wait on God and put our limited faith into action, we begin to see things from God's perspective. We believe that God is at work even when we don't see it clearly.
We have found that the people of New Delhi's Middle Class are not hostile to the Gospel. When we share about Jesus we often get a positive response. People
seem to like Jesus. Some people, of course, are quite content with what they have already heard about Jesus. They view Christianity as one good option among many, gladly affirming the benefits of good moral teaching. Others, however, seem to have a genuine attraction to Jesus and a sincere hope that He has something unique to offer. Our team-mate, Darren Duerksen says simply, "I am encouraged whenever anyone I meet is at all positive about Jesus."
Darren has been encouraged with the opportunities he has had in his friendship with Amit, a successful businessman from our neighbourhood. Amit is a Hindu deep into occult practices like astrology and palmistry, but he also prays to Jesus. Once Amit had a vision of
Jesus but shared with Darren that he could not see Him clearly. We believe Amit is on a journey and we are praying fervently that he will someday see Jesus clearly enough to understand and accept his Lordship.
Amit's wife, Priya, is also on a journey, but in many ways it looks quite different from that of her husband.
It's similar with an elderly woman named Nandita, neighbour to the Duerksens. She has encountered many difficulties in her life, but when she is feeling particularly discouraged and disillusioned, she goes to Shahna. With Shahna, Nandita feels at peace. She feels something similar when she joins us for worship and hears our songs of praise to God.
In her own opinion, Priya is far less religious than her husband. She is sceptical and practical. But when a friend of hers died recently, she expressed her fear of death to my wife, Amy. Although Priya would rather avoid the subject entirely, the reality of it haunts her.
As a friend, Amy is able to speak honestly not only about the reality of death, but also about the power of fear. She encourages Priya to pray to Jesus and ask Him to help her deal with her fear. Though Priya is a Hindu she has admitted to Amy that she sees in the followers ofJesus something practical and relevant.
Other friends here, as well, seem to be attracted to what the Body of Christ has to offer. When our friend Ashanti was in crisis, she came to us for shelter and counsel. She is hungry for friendship and knows that she is loved and accepted in our home. Ashanti joins our team for worship and is comfortable in our midst as we gather in the presence ofJesus.
When a progressive 22-year-old named Basant wanted mentoring and direction, he sought out SajL They worked through Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life together and read about how materialism can often rob us of our purpose in life. Basant immediately recognized this as his struggle Saji celebrates this as evidence of the merciful finger of God seeking after Basant's heart.
As a team, we are active in praying, preaching and living out our faith for we do so believing that God is more active than us. We know that no one comes to faith in God unless God is at work in their lives. Jesus said plainly, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44). Do we catch glimpses of the Father drawing people to himself? Absolutely!
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STOP! WHEREVER YOU ARE, WHATEVER TIME IT IS, I INVITE YOU TO PAUSE FOR A MOMENT AND PRAY. PRAY FOR INDIA, PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF DELHI, AND PRAY FOR THE FAMILIES INVOLVED IN THE DELHI PROJECT....
A ROOM WITH A VIEW
Thank you for investing! We know that prayer is important and we want to share how we are actively involving it in our strategy to reach our community. Someone once said that prayer isn't just part of the strategy, it is the strategy.
When we came to Delhi in 2005, we read Red Moon Rising by Pete Grieg about a prayer movement among young people. They were praying 24 hours a day, seven days a week inviting God to move in their lives, their families, and neighborhoods. We were blown away.
Encouraged by the book and our own prayer and fasting, our team felt that we should begin a prayer room. We recognized that you can't start a "program" of prayer without being people of prayer! Beautiful multi-colored fabrics divide the room into stations of prayer. There are cushions and mattresses for people to sit on. Many Hindus and Sikhs have special rooms in their house called "pooja" or worship rooms for their gods and now we have a place where we can invite people in and pray for them.
Recently, we held a prayer meeting in the room and 25 people gathered to pray for our community. We see this as a strategic place of intercession where we can stand in the gap for our community and the middle class of Delhi.
by Saji & Bindu Dammen
The prayer room is part of an overall prayer strategy for our area that includes prayer walking, intercession and fasting, and coordinated times of unified prayer. We hope to have short term teams come and pray through our neighborhood as well. Our prayer is active!
So we invite you to pause and pray again. This time more specifically and maybe for longer than a minute. And if you feel like God is calling you to be a regular intercessor for the Delhi project, and you feel like you want to be a part of what God is doing in and through the prayer room in our community, email us at aroomwithaviewofdelhi@gmail.com. We will send out monthly updates on the prayer room and what God is doing in people's lives. We would also like to know if you are involved with other prayer rooms and would love to hear some tips and stories of your experiences.
May you grow in your intimacy with Jesus as you pray and intercede. May you live with a view of eternity! May you know the heart of God for the people of India and may your prayers shake the heavens.
LIVING CERTAIN OFTHE CALL
"GOD'S
by Shahna Duerksen
FINGER HAS BEEN LEADING ME ALL MY LIFE," SAYS HANNAH JOSEPH, PRESIDENT OF THE MB WOMEN'S CONFERENCE IN SOUTH INDIA.
Certainly God has kept her safe through many hardships Contracting polio when she was just a year old, Hannah remembers others referring to her as "good for nothing." When her father died there were only girls in the family - herself and three sisters. Extended family advised Hannah's mother to poison the girls, since they were seen as a curse and a burden. Thankfully, she didn't.
Rather than discouraging Hannah, such experiences challenged her to prove to others that she was worth something. When she was a little older, Hannah's mother took her to the MB Shamshabad Mission compound where she was cared for and raised by early MB missionaries, Helen Harder and Emma Lepp. These women spent much time discipling Hannah and influencing her towards ministry. Hannah felt the call of God on her life to be active in ministry and to share the message of Jesus. In the early 1960s, Hannah entered into Union Biblical Seminary (UBS) and became one of the first women to graduate.
Since then, Hannah has felt the call to ministertowomen of all ages. For the last 20 years she and her husband have operated a residential girl's home housing 15-20 girls at a time. These girls come from various situations; many are abused or abandoned. Just as the missionary women invested in her upbringing and discipleship, Hannah also wants to invest in disadvantaged girls. "Bringing them to the knowledge of Christ is my main
goa!," she shares. "These girls can be witnesses in their community. I'm sure someday they will stand for their faith. That guarantee I can give."
Hannah has been the President of the Indian MB Women's conference for the last 10 years and the work of the conference is very close to her heart. Under her leadership, the conference organizes women's fellowships, annual conventions and girl's camps. They also conduct seminars for socio-economic, medical and HIV/AIDS education. In addition, women are commissioned to go to homes two -by-two praying for the sick, telling people about Jesus and inviting them to their local MB churches. "We emphasize that if they do not do evangelism, then it is a dead women's fellowship! " says Hannah.
This coming January, the Indian MB Women's Conference will be hosting a Jubilee Convention celebrating 50 years of women's ministry. "It is a time of fellowship and worship to the Lord for all these years of God's faithfulness," Hannah shares. It is also a time of equipping and empowering women to be active in their local MB churches.
Hannah excitedly proclaims, "It is my responsibility to bring many people to the Lord. I cannot keep quiet; something boils within me. If people mock me, if they call me worthless, hopeless, invalid, I don't care. The Lord has called me for this purpose."
HANNAH JOSEPH
President of the Indian MB Won en's Conference
A WHOLE GOSPEL TO MAKE A VILLAGE WHOLE
by Darren Du erks en
IT WAS A FRIDAY THAT IS ETCHED INTO MY MEMORY. OUR SMALL RESEARCH TEAM WAS SURVEYING SOME REMOTE VILLAGES WHEN WE CAME TO ONE WITH A SMALL MB CHURCH.
We learned that the pastor opened the building every Friday and invited people to come for prayer. This particular Friday, several people had gathered, Christian and Hindu Our attention was drawn to one young Hindu woman with a smail, sick daughter. The girl was only 10 days old and obviously dying. The mother brought her to the church out of sheer desperation.
When this mother gave birth the doctor, seeing that the child was sick and the parents too poor to buy medicine, simply told the mother to take the girl home to die . The husband was angry that the child was a girl, since a girl is often considered a "liability" in rural India Her sickness only made her more costly, so he promptly abandoned his wife and child.
The mother was not going to give up, however. Not knowing what else to do, she brought her child, who
was literally gasping for breath, to the church Our team prayed for her and then consulted the church elders How could we help? All she needed was a little money and someone to go with her to the local hospital. An elder agreed to accompany her and we gladly provided some money
But it wasn't over. Later that evening we went to the hospital. A doctor had admitted the little girl and was willing to care for her but we found that different departments of the hospital wanted to charge the mother high prices for services We, along with the church elder, pleaded the mother's case . The hospital eventually agreed to care for the girl free of cost
God used this experience to speak to us about how local churches and church -planters can be equipped to meet both the practical and spiritual needs of their villages. How can existing churches do holistic ministry that transforms communities and starts new church fellowships?
One of the Indian leaders with us that day was JL David David previously worked for a Christian medical ministry in central India for several years. While in that role he had opportunity to learn about how "social " and "spiritual" ministries could be combined. One experience stands out to him
One day a woman and her husband came to him The woman had suffered from a sickness for a long time and could not stand up because of pain in her legs and body. Her husband had sold his land and cattle and taken her to all the best doctors and .bought all the right medications. When that didn't work they went to Hindu healers, but still couldn ' t find relief and healing.
Nothing worked At last they came to David and his Christian medical team After listening to their story, David sensed that the problem wasn't medical but instead related to an evil spirit He told them , "There is something wrong in you but it's not physical because you have undergone all the treatments. You need a do ctor who I can introduce you to." "Who is this doctor, and how can we reach him?" the couple asked. David told them about God and invited his team to pray for the woman.
As they prayed, the woman felt healing in her body. David told her, "Stand up " She stood up, and her face lit up with excitement "Tell us what you prayed!" the couple said . David brought them back to his house where he and his wife shared from the Bible about Jesus The next day the couple stood up in a hospital chapel meeting, told about the woman's healing and declared that they wanted to follow Jesus. To this day they continue to share their testimony and bring other Hindus to Jesus. Though not every medical case ends like this, for David this was an example of how God wants be a part of "social " ministries.
Since 2002, David and his wife have been in Andhra Pradesh reviving the work of MB Development Organization (MBDO) His vision is to practice holistic ministry, and particularly holistic health care, among the villages of that area. When David and I saw the dying girl in the village, his passion was stirred. This kind of suffering can be prevented, he explained, and God's people can and should be involved in bringing practical and spiritual hope to their communities.
MBMS International is exploring new initiatives with leaders like David. Our goal is to empower churches and church-planters to combine new types of "social" and "spiritual " ministries so that people are introduced to Jesus and churches are started and strengthened. Would you like to hear more about the new holistic ministry initiatives in India? If so please write to: thewholevillage@gmail .com.
THE FIELDS OF THE PUNJAB
by Darren Duerksen
IT WAS UNCANNY. TRAVELING THROUGH THE PUNJAB STATE IN NORTHWEST INDIA, I FOUND THE WIDE EXPANSES OF RICH FARMLAND, TRACTORS, PLOUGHS, AND IRRIGATION CANALS REMINDED ME OF MY HOME IN REEDLEY, CALIFORNIA.
But I wasn't there to farm
The MBMSI Vision Tour was exploring opportunities for church -planting As I looked over fields of rice, I thought of Jesus' words, "The fields are ripe for harvest. Therefore, ask the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into the field." I prayed, "Lord, are the spiritual fields of the Punjab ripe? Do you want us to be a part of the harvest?"
The Punjab is the birthplace of Sikhism, a religion with a mix of influences from both Hinduism and Islam . Though Sikhs are a small minority throughout India, they make up 65% of the population in the Punjab. Most of the remaining population is Hindu or Muslim. Christians are only a small percentage of the population with many districts of the Punjab being less than 0.2% Christians There are many villages that have no church.
As we traveled we heard about numerous churches and organizations that are already at work in the Punjab A couple of them shared their strategies for evangelism We were encouraged to hear that many people are currently very open to Jesus
As I continued to visit and talk to people in the Punjab, God gave us a prophetic call one day through Joel David, a Christian leader in the Punjab
"The Punjab needs the Mennonites. Come!" It was wonderful and unique to find a North Indian leader that knew about the Mennonites . Joel had studied about the Mennonites in his theological studies, and was convinced that the Punjab needed the Mennonite emphasis of discipleship.
With encouragement like Joel's and a sense of God's leading, a vision has begun. It starts with the arrival of MS Emmanuel and his family (see his story on page 11), but we are praying for many, many more to go to the least-reached districts of the Punjab to share about Jesus. For more information, email us at mbboundarybusters@gmail.com.
" Did you know India is the second largest Muslim country in the world. ' ,
BOUNDARY BUSTERS!
by Darren Duerksen
A NEW
GENERATION
OF
PASTORS AND MISSIONARIES
IS RISING UP IN INDIA AND IT'S A GROUP THAT IS READY TO MOVE BEYOND OLD BOUNDARIES OF LANGUAGE AND CULTURE. ONE SUCH PERSON IS EMMANUEL.
When he was young, Emmanuel didn't have much interest in following Jesus. His father, a poor village MB pastor, urged him to get right with God and to go into full-time ministry, but Emmanuel would have none of it. "1 wasn't interested in the ministry," he says, "because of the way my father was suffering (financially)."
One day Emmanuel ran away without telling anyone where he was going. He took a job in a factory and eventually became a manager. Emmanuel felt good about his job and income Then, one day a pipe burst in the factory. Chlorine permeated the air. Emmanuel, trapped in the chlorine, dropped unconscio us. Coworkers rushed in and took him to a hospital where he laid unconscious for 16 days The doctors estimated an 8% chance of recovery.
Miraculously, on the 17th day, Emmanuel woke up. On his bedside was a Bible. He opened itto Joshua 1:9. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Emmanuel acknowledged that God had spared his life He realized that he had not only run from his family, but also from God So, there in his hospital bed , he confessed his sin and declared, "1 will serve God till my last breath."
Later Emmanuel married Shilpa By 2002, both had attended and graduated from MB Centenary Bible College and decided to apply for cross-cultural missionary service They wanted to reach beyond their home area and help start MB churches in new places but God called them to wait. So they stayed in Hyderabad and assisted two new church plants
In October oflast year (2006), a vision was cast to start a new work in the Punjab, a state in northern India As Indian MB leadership and MBMSI planned and prayed, they felt the time was right for the MB church to launch a new cross-cultural ministry and to start new MB churches in the Punjab To help with this new initiative, the conference called on Emmanuel and Shilpa "We have been waiting for this!" exclaims Emmanuel.
Things moved quickly. In an amazing move of solidarity, nine Indian MB churches pledged support for the new missionary couple within three weeks On June 17, 2007, pastors from all nine churches gathered together for a service to commission Emmanuel and Shilpa as missionaries to the Punjab For the first time in its 108 year history, the MB Church ofIndia commissioned and supported one of its first cross-cultural church-planters. www.mbmsi.org 11
:mmanuel an0
ShilpiJ IT oved to l E Punjab tn June 200 and are spenc") this year in Ian U1 and locatIOn d Ifjy
The MB Chure ,f India hiJS pled 'd 1/3 of their support and MBMSI has pledged to rai5e the rematning 2/3 of ;upport.
If you would be interested in supporting the work of Emmanuel and Shilpa, contributions can be designated to project C0026 If you would like to learn more about this new ministry initiative, email us at mbboundarybusters @gmail.com.
THE ONE WHO CALLS IS FAITHFUL
by Dr. Joy Joseph
IN 1953, DR. JOSEPH WAS BORN INTO A CHRISTIAN FAMILY IN A SMALL VILLAGE IN THE CENTRAL PART OF KERALA, INDIA. HE IS CURRENTLY THE PRINCIPAL OF MB CENTENARY BIBLE COLLEGE IN SHAMSHABAD, INDIA.
THE CALLING
God led meto the MB Centenary Bible College (MBCBC] in Shamshabad through a series of events. I received admission to an eight year post-doctoral program in New York, USA for 2003. In preparation for my move, I resigned from my post In May 2003, I received an email stating that my application for scholarship had not been fully granted. I was shocked, but thanked God for His will and committed to follow it.
Immediately, I was faced with finding a new job. I contacted a few seminaries and MBCBC was one of them. Soon the principal of MBCBC invited me to join the faculty and although a few other colleges offered me a higher salary, the Lord advised me to join MBCBC.
In June, as I prepared for my journey to Shamshabad, I received news that the MBCBC principal had passed away. To avoid this impasse, the Governing Council of the MB Church of India appointed me principal of MBCBC. This came as a tremendous surprise but I sensed God's hand. I accepted the challenge with full commitment and devotion.
THE CHALLENGES
In October 2005, I experienced one of my greatest personal challenges when I became ill. Doctors found spots of tuberculosis and suggested surgery. We had no savings and it was a costly operation. As my family prayed, we thought to contact the MB medical center in Jadcherla. Dr. Arnold examined my case and fixed a date for surgery. The operation was successful and a lump was sent to the laboratory for examination.
A week later, we found that I had cancer. Somehow, I felt strong and told my family, "Be not afraid, the One who called us for His ministry is faithful!" I was admitted into a cancer hospital for chemotherapy. It was a very expensive t!eatment but God faithfully provided for us through various family and friends. God was gracious and I never lost confidence as I cried to Him for healing. Throughout this time, I was fully involved in the college which actually helped provide me distraction from my sickness. [Editor's Note: We have just learned that Dr. Joseph has relapsed but as of our print date no medical update was available. Please join us in praying for Dr. Joseph and his family. ]
Since the treatment, I spent four months at Belfast Bible College doing a post-doctoral program and two weeks in Germany participating in an international symposium. This summer I was able to travel to Fresno, CA and attend the global consultation on MB higher education.
THE FUTURE
This is the fourth year of my office. I have tasted God's loving-kindness and experienced His guidance in all my struggles to develop this Bible College into the best theological college in India. My calling and vision has been for MBCBC to be an institution that can train young men and women to be effective witnesses to Christ on Indian soil. Today we have stable and qualified facuity, service-minded staff, and a promising student community. My experience at this MB institution has shaped me and given me a clear vision for my life.
M8MSI .)uPPO(t<; " fiJrri tc, MB Cf;'fJtP(ldry Blb/c :,lstltute to assist n ana tf) ,u(,pvrt f'ltllre 'coder, Jf tre Me Chul CI 's In !'ldla If you vYolJld Ilk,! t'J Pdl tne r '( th,< -Ilbr j{ t l'l/r/lstry. plca<'] JAVlect "odE. C0419
MBC BIBLE COI.I.EGE CONSULTANT APPOINTED
MBMS Internation al has appointed Paul Wiebe as the Mennonite Brethren Centenary Bib le College [MBCBC ] Consultant. Pa ul's primary role wi ll be in building relations hips for MBMSI and MBCBC and will includ e donor development for th e college, mentoring, and interaction with the Bible College and conference leadership
Born and reared in India, Paul serves from a legacy built by his missionary grandparents and parents. OF and Anna Bergthold, Paul's grandparents , were one of the founding couples of what is now MB CBC In addition to his unique understanding of India, Paul is also a gifted academic with many years of teaching and research around the world. We are grateful for Paul's willing ness to serve in this capacity.
"We praise God for the great Christian life of Paul Hiebert. His valuable services and great example as a true Christian are challenging."
Dr. Joy Joseph
Principal of MB Centenary Bible College (India)
"He truly was an example of a humble life-long learner and of deep love for God and people, while at the same time being an academic of large stature. I praise God for his life."
Marlene Enns
PhD at Trinity (Paraguay)
Dr. Paul Hiebert
1932 - 20 07
A Tribute to Paul Hiebert by Elmer Martens
The Rev. Dr. Paul G. Hiebert, missiologist and missionary to India, died of cancer on March 22, 2007 at the age of 74 Born in Shamshabad, India, Paul represented the third generation of a MB missionary family.
After six years of service as a missionary under the Mennonite Brethren Board of Missions, Hiebert earned a doctoral degree in cultural anthropology, and taught for some years in secular universities Paul was a prolific thinker and writer, a wonderfully captivating and generous teacher, and a brilliant, even heavyhitting, theorist A prolific writer, Paul's writings include ten books and more than ISO articles.
His colleagues will remember him for his efforts to bring the insight and skills of anthropology to the theory and practice of Christian mission, and for his contribution to the critical realist approach to epistemology. His students will remember him for his generosity, and for his care and concern for them as people.
"His paSSion has helped others pursue and find the anthropological insights that would allow theological insights to reach the inner man in such a way that true and genuine conversion to being a follower of Jesus would take place."
Don Grlgorenko
Assistant Professor of Bible (Cedarville University, USA)
"He was a saint and a scholar. He was more than a mentor to me. We praise God for his life."
P. Menno Joel
Teacher at MB Centenary Bible College (India)
"Besides teaching, mentoring and shaping a multitude of students in the present generation around the world, Paul Hiebert's abiding legacy for global evangelical missiology will be his constructive thinking and writing in the area of epistemology, contextualization, and worldview."
Hans Kasdorf
Professor Emeritus in Missiology, MB Biblical Seminary (USA)
"Paul was a courageous missionary statesman of consummate diplomatic skill. He was also a learned academic who combined untiring research, imaginative scholarship, and highly original thinking with sensitive teaching and gentle guidance. He falls among those who, when their 'time on earth' is done and they ascend to Glory, leave us with an acute sense of loss."
Robert Eric Frykenberg
University of Wisconsin-Madison (USA)
LYLA
by Beth White
CHALLENGED BY MOTHER TERESA'S POEM, JUST ONE, I ASKED GOD TO PROVIDE ME WITH ONE INDIAN FRIEND AT THE BEGINNING OF MY TREK TEAM'S SEVEN MONTH STAY IN NEW DELHI.
eI had a strong desire for God to touch, through me, the life of at least one young woman in India.
On Christmas Eve I met Lyla, a 22-year-old friend of Amy Klassen (MBMSI missionary). Lyla's job is to recruit Caucasian foreigners to be extras in Indian movies, so the next thing I know, Lyla was giving my team members roles in Bollywood movies and advertisements.
Lyla and I clicked We became close on set of the movies and through our late night talks about everything from relationships to religion Lyla's questions about God and Christianity never seemed to cease and God graciously "put the words in my mouth" (Jeremiah 1:9) to answer questions about grace, Jesus, heaven, baptism and our human weaknesses.
She shared with me how Hinduism is more than an individual choice - her parents' beliefs became hers, and if she wanted to become a Christian it would be very hard. Her family would not understand and they might even refuse to call her their daughter anymore. So we prayed.
She attended church with our team and saw how many Indians had chosen to follow Jesus even with similar pressure from their families. Lyla felt accepted and loved by me, my friends and the people at the church but she needed to think and pray more. Becoming a Christian is a radical life-changing decision.
Although I am back in Canada, I stay in close touch with God's gift, my Indian friend Lyla, and believe that God will open the eyes of her heart . I am so blessed that God used me as one of his "witnesses a servant whom he had chosen" (Isaiah 43:10) I took Mother Teresa's challenge this year to just begin with one.
Which one has God placed in YOUT life to love?
"1 can love only one person at a time 1 can feed only one person at a time lust one, one, one. You get closer to Christ by coming closer to each other -
As Christ said, Whatever you do for the least of these my brethren
You do to me so you begin 1 begin 1 picked up one person
Same thing for you
Same thing in your familySame thing in the church where you go lust begin one one.
We will be judged by1 was hungry and you gave me to eat, 1 was naked and you clothed me, 1 was homeless and you took me in
Hungry not only for bread but hungry for love -
Naked not only for clothing
But naked of human dignity and respect
My challenge to you this day is just begin with one one onebegin today with one one one " Mother Teresa
' the flch, He IS seeking after all those
TREK IS a 6-10 month cross cultura Internship deSigned to serve as an entry point to longer term missionary service or slgmficant hof' e church service. For more informatIOn, contact Luke Haidle at lukeh@mbmsi.org.
