September 1999

THE PUBLICATION OF THE U.S. CONFERENCE OF MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCHES

C

H R 1ST I A

N

SEPTEMBER 1999

e

• I

e

. INSIDE SEPTEMBER

FIRST WORDS

1999

... from the editor

S

INCE MY DAUGHTER, LIZZIE, WAS BORN, I have had a renewed sense of awe for this thing we call the human life. I look at her and can not believe that I was once like that-22 pounds of a careening toddler who giggles in delight when her dad smiles down at her.

Then there is my friend, Susan. Just over 50, she has a zest for Christ and life. Her life is a testimony of following Jesus. While Lizzie reminds me of how far I've come on life's journey, Susan makes me look forward to how much more I've yet to go.

This month's Leader explores the journey of the human life.

Delores Friesen reminds us that our spiritual life is not separate from our physical life. How we face the changes and challenges on our journey will affect how we experience life as a whole.

Lori James reminds us that spiritual growth, like physical growth, takes time. There are no shortcuts. As she examines Jesus' earthly life, James points out some ways we can grow like Jesus did.

The later part of life, like the first, has unique hurdles and challenges. Katie Funk Wiebe challenges us to examine how the church responds to the needs of older adults, who often are a wealth of experience and wisdom. David Reimer examines the challenges and issues facing those who have lost a spouse and are considering remarrying.

This month, BodyLife examines both changes and celebrations in our community. Connie Faber, associate editor, sat down with Larry Nikkel to talk about his recent installation as the new president of Tabor College, one of our Mennonite Brethren colleges. In another news feature, we look at Parkview MB Church, which is celebrating 125 years of history-and the changes that came along with those years. We also have news from our mission agencies.

MBMS International (our global mission agency) is sending out 19 new mission workers abroad, while Mission USA (our church planting and renewal agency) is planting more churches in the United States.

God bless. -CA

Page 4

Page 7

COMING • SEPTEMBER 24-25 - North Carolina Conference convention hosted by Laytown MB Church, Lenoir, NC. • OCTOBER 28-31 - Joint Southern and Central District

Conference convention hosted by Tabor College.

• NOVEMBER 5-6 - Pacific District Conference convention

hosted by Heritage Bible Church, Bakersfield, Calif.

2·THE

CHRISTIAN

LEADER

Page 13

~

INSIDE

SEPTEMBER

1999

VOLUME 62, NUMBER 9

FEATURES - Aging 4

The unfolding purpose of life Life is a journey full of transitions and challenges. How we face that journey determines how we experience life.

BY DELORES FRIESEN

7 Grace to grow like Jesus Jesus grew in wisdom and stature-the desire of many Christians.

How do we do that? BY LORI JAMES

10 IISpiritual security" for the older adult Social security addresses the economic needs of older adults, but how can the older adult receive" spiritual security"?

BY KATIE FUNK WIEBE

13 Before you say III do" again There are several key issues widows and widowers should consider before they decide to remarry. BY DAVID REIMER

DEPARTMENTS What Readers Say . . . . . . . . . . . ..

18

Ph'lip Side. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. by Philip Wiebe 20

•

Messages from God

Inquiring Minds •

"

by Marvin Hein 21

Generosity of non-Christians and confronting sin

On the Journey. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . by Rose Buschman 22 • Being a Grandma is so much fun BodyLife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 24 • • • • • •

Nikkel: Looking at Tabor from all angles 24 Hillsboro congregation celebrates 125 years 26 MBMSI sends out 19 new mission workers 28 MUSA assists U.S. districts in new church plants 29 Three North American Mennonite denominations merge 30 MDS hay on the way 30

Church News & Notes Editorial •

32 36

A glimpse from Mars

ART CREDITS: Page 7, illustrations of Jesus in the Temple, Jesus Healing the Sick, The Agony in the Garden, and Jesus Falling Beneath the Cross by Gustave Dore; pages 8-9, illustrations of Jesus Healing the Sick and The Buyers and Sellers Driven Out of the Temple by Gustave Dore; pages 11-12, Cleo Photography; back cover, photo by Steve Lee (University of Colorado), Jim Bell (Cornell University), Mike Wolff (Space Science Institute) and NASA. Printing by Valley Offset Printing, Valley Center, Kansas.

EDITOR Carmen Andres

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Connie Faber

BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS: Kathy Heinrichs Wiest, chair; Peggy Goertzen, Phil Neufeld, Dalton Reimer, Herb Schroeder.

The Christian Leader (ISSN 0009-5149) is published monthly by the U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, 315 S. Lincoln, Hillsboro, KS 67063. The Christian Leader seeks to inform Mennonite Brethren members and churches of the events, activities, decisions and issues of their denomination, and to instruct, inspire and initiate dialog so members will aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelical/Anabaptist theological tradition. However, the views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the position of the Christian Leader, the Board of Communications or the Mennonite Brethren Church.

The editors invite free-lance article submissions, essays to Forum and letters to the editor. Forum is open to members or attendees of Mennonite Brethren churches. The essays can address any issue of relevance and interest to the faith and life of the Mennonite Brethren Church and should be no longer than 800 words and include the home church and occupation of the writer. A SASE must accompany articles and forum essays.

The Christian Leader is a member of the Evangelical Press Association and Meetinghouse, an association of Mennonite and Brethren in Christ editors.

WESTERN OFFICE: Carmen Andres, Editor 7531 Delta Wind Dr. Sacramento, California 95831 Phone: (916) 424-5710 E-mail: chleader@jps.net MIDWEST OFFICE: Connie Faber, Associate Editor Box V, 315 S. Lincoln Hillsboro, Kansas 67063 Phone: (316) 947-5543 Fax: (316) 947-3266 E-mail: chleader@southwind.net Subscription rates are $16 for one year, $30 for two years, and $42 for three years ($20, $38 and $54 in Canada); $1.50 per copy. All subscription requests and address changes should be sent to the Circulation Secretary at the Midwest Office. All advertising inquiries should be made to the Western Office.

Postmaster: Send Form 3579 to the Christian Leader, Box V, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, Kansas.

SEPTEMBER

1999

3

-

AGING

'

-

E UNFOLDING Human life is a journey unparalleled to anything else that God create

OF ;IFE IS AJOURNEY, full of changes and transitions.

I write this article, our second oldest daughter is in the process of moving, leaving a well-liked job that has utilized her gifts and skills so she can go to seminary for a year. She was understandably a bit testy at times as we helped load the remaining possessions, household effects and beloved plants.

Halfuray across the country her younger brother and his wife are moving into a Service Adventure House, where they will be houseparents, job coaches and mentors for four or five young adults just out of high school. My husband and I, from our latefifties vantage point, think they may not know how much they have bargained for since they are not yet 25 themselves.

Meanwhile, their older sister and her husband are just beginning their third month as new parents, and we are enjoying for the first time the status and pleasures of grandparenting-except for the thousands of miles of distance between us.

Last week, our far-flung family celebrated family ties and Mom and Dad Friesen's 60th anniversary with a family reunion in the Midwest as well as an overflowing open house at the retirement center where they and my mother live. During the week we also managed to visit briefly with my 85 year-old mother, ten of my siblings and in-laws, four nieces and one nephew. It was the first time ever that all 25 of the Friesens have been together as a family. Mom Friesen's walker was a visible reminder that we now have family members that joined the ranks of the "frail elderly." But we were grateful also for the miracles of modern science that provided her with two units of blood and enough days of hospitalization in the last two months so that she could be ambulatory and well enough to enjoy the celebration.

All the phases of life development-birth, 5-year-

4-THE

CHRISTIAN

LEADER

old peskiness and curiosity, courting, marriage, aging, and transition-were in full abundance as we enjoyed our family gathering.

Events prior to our trip to the Midwest made me more aware of the challenges of these phases of life.

Just before we left, we entertained old college friends in California. In the past 18 months, their only child, a high school junior, has hung in the balance between death and life as he was treated for his virulent leukemia and as he recovered from a near fatal car accident. What we did not know was that his dad, who is just a few years older than we are, was losing his eyesight from glaucoma and cataracts. He was not able to see the beauty of Half Dome in a moonlit Yosemite National Park, and even on daytime. hikes the mottled, gorgeous sunlight patterns coming through the leaves made it difficult for him to see his footing. In the shadow of struggles like these, life's passages suddenly take on a deeper meaning.

God's presence in our journeys Our Sunday morning worship at the reunion centered on the theme of journey and God's presence with us along that journey. Truly human life is a journey, unparalleled by anything else that God created. It is in the changes, transitions, failures and stages of life that God is most clearly manifested to us and in us.

It is how we face our journeys that determine how we will experience life. As families go through lifestyle and age graduated changes, one can choose to be aware in new and different ways that life is a gift-a treasure to be cherished, valued and used responsibly. When developmental challenges are not met or persons are inflexible, unable or unwilling to change, growth is thwarted and crises often ensue.

AGING

'

by

Delores Friesen

Jesus' example on earth Luke tells us that Jesus grew in body, soul and mind and in favor with God and with others. Jesus struggled with the changes and stages of life. Luke recounts Jesus' preadolescent temple adventure, his thirty-something temptations and competencies, and his run-ins with his beloved mother-"Woman, what have you to do with me?" (Mark 3:33). Jesus left home-"foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" Oohn 2:4). He struggled with differentiation-"who are my mother and brothers" (Matt.

8:20)-as well as his vocation, his commitment and God's will in the desert, and his need for intimacy, close friendship, solitude and time away in the mountains to pray. Near the end of his life, Jesus turned over his work, vision and ministry to the 12 and the 70, he wrestled in Gethsemane, and he endured the pain of the cross.

All of these and many more examples in Jesus' earthly life show us how to move along life's path, seeking and doing God's will.

Understanding the journey The fields of behavioral science and human relations have also shed light and understanding on this pathway of life. Erik Erikson's stages, Lawrence Kohlberg's description of moral development, Robert Coles' and Jim Fowler's landmark studies on the spiritual life of children and adult faith development, and other detailed studies of male/female differences, motor and intellectual development and the aging process help us to understand the process of growth and change that takes the human being from birth to death.

Erikson, for example, has suggested that human beings do not complete the process of one growth stage before moving on to the next step of development. Instead, each stage is integrative and further developed and honed as we proceed through life.

How we negotiate life's stages, however, has tremendous consequences and contributes to our ability to negotiate and enjoy the next stage. The trust which develops in the first stage of life as we seek safety, nurture and closeness continues and SEPTEMBER

199 9

5

·

AGING

undergirds the next stage of life where we seek autonomy and independence-"I can do it myself' and the "terrible twos"-and both are necessary for the development of industry and competence that is so central in the elementary school years. Certainly those three foundational stones or building blocks are necessary for the tasks of adolescence and young adulthood which are identity formation and intimacy, leaving home, and finding a vocation, friends, and soul mates. And the adult years and old age· give human beings plenty of time to work at establishing and guiding the next generation (generativity) and defining those nonnegotiables or core values that one would live or die for (ego integrity). Erikson also suggests that when life's developmental stages are arrested or not negotiated well, people develop feelings of mistrust, shame, doubt, guilt, inferiority, identity confusion, isolation, stagnation and despair.

Navigating the journey It is often life cycle changes or arrested developmental stages that create the tension points in our relationship with God and with each other. Many of us find ourselves seeking pastoral care, counsel, spiritual direction and guidance as we negotiate things like leaving home, job searches, parenting, midlife, retirement, aging and death.

When we feel shamed, inferior, isolated, stagnated or despairing, it is time to look closely at our need for growth and change. Human beings learn to trust and to give again and again. Life demands ne\-v coping skills, deeper attachments and commitments, and ongoing growth throughout the life span.

Whether we are at the stage of identity formation, generativity or life review, investment in Kingdom ministry and mission throughout the entire life span is crucial. Even when our freedom may seem more like a choice of slaveries (confinement with small children or aging bodies, pain, or restricted movement), still our minds and hearts are free to love and be loved, to share the grace and power of the Gospel, and-like Jesus-"to increase in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor" (Luke 2:52) .•

Delores Friesen is an associate professor ofpastoral counseling at the MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif. She was a missionary in West Africa for 13 years and spent seven years on a pastoral team. She is also the editor of All are Witnesses, a collection ofsermons by MB women, and just completed a new revision of the Study Action Guide for Living More with Less. Friesen is a member of College Community Church in Clovis, Calif.

Erikson's Stages of Life I

INTEGRITY VS. DESPAIR (65 years old and older) acceptance of life and people; to be, through having been

GENERATIVITY VS STAGNATION (25 to 65 years old) mentoring others into one's vision and legacy

INTIMACY VS ISOLATION (20 to 24 years old) forming meaningful relationships with others

IDENTITY VS CONFUSION (12 to 20 years old) the formation of our self

INDUSTRY VS INFERIORITY (6 to 11 years old) develop sense of competency

INITIATIVE VS GUILT (4 to 5 years old) develop a sense of responsibility and ability for moral judgement

AUTONOMY VS SHAME 8r DOUBT (1 year to 3 years old) achieving a degree of self-control and autonomy while maintaining a minimal sense of shame and doubt

TRUST VS. MISTRUST (Birth to 1 year old) developing a faith in one's self, others and society

AG I N G

like Grace to grow

JESUS GREW IN WISDOM AND STATURE (LUKE 2:':2), a common desire among many Christians.

But how do we do that?

The "What Would Jesus Do" (WWJD) movement has become quite popular, but how can we come to know what Jesus would do in any given circumstance?

Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts. Much like teenagers that desire to be adults with all the rights and privileges that come with legally coming of age, we Christians desire to be all grown up spiritually.

But wisdom and stature do not come through osmosis-by sleeping with the Bible under our pillow every night-anymore than it comes from wearing articles of clothing or jewelry depicting our identification with Christ.

Just as Jesus chose to endure the growing pains of being human on several levels-physical, mental, emotional and spiritual-in identifying with humanity, we too must make choices to endure through the process of human development if we are to grow in the character and wisdom of Christ.

We can gain insight in how to grow spiritually by looking at the implications ofJesus' process of development for our lives in terms of our own development as human beings created in the image of God.

SEPTEMBER

1999

7

AGING

In the desert wilderness, a depth of character was added to Jesus that would enable him to complete the task he was chosen to do by his heavenly Father as he ministered to a hurting world over the next three years of his life.

Where wisdom comes from Wisdom appears to come from the experiences of living life-of growing and developing as human beings and humbly allowing our loving God to teach us and develop our character through our life experiences.

Can godly wisdom exist without character development? I doubt it. Both the Old and New Testament writers had much to say about wisdom, as well as those who have attained or desire to attain godly wisdom. But we can be at quite different places in both our faith and character development, and they do not always coincide with the other developmental aspects of our lives.

EartWy father and heavenly Father' Jesus was God incarnate. As a human being he probably had to go through many of the same growing pains-and more-that all humans go through as they grow and develop.

Yet Jesus had an additional challenge. He had a very unique relationship with God the Father as his only begotten son. Jesus not only had the challenge of dealing with his human parents, Joseph and Mary, and honoring them, but he had to ultimately listen to and choose ~o obey his Father in heaven. I can only imagine that Jesus often felt the pull of having to honor both earthly and heavenly authority, much in the same way that we do.

When Jesus as a boy was left behind at the temple in Jerusalem (Luke 2:41-52), we see evidence of his desire to nurture the relationship with his heavenly Father as well as his own spiritual development. But why would Jesus need to develop spiritually, if he's God? Didn't he know everything he needed to know? Why would he need to sit in the temple courts? Yet, Jesus appeared genuinely surprised at the response ofJoseph and Mary when they found him three days later. "Didn't you know I'd be in my Father's house?" he asked. Jesus did not seek to dishonor them or even cause them any grief, but was engrossed in his own spiritual development as well as the normal human development of being an inquisitive young boy eager to learn new things.

Going against the flow In choosing to become God incarnate, Jesus made the choice to go through the process of growth and development as a human being-a process that is often difficult, painful and frustrating, and one that includes character development as well as spiritual formation.

As far as we know from Scripture, Jesus learned the trade of a carpenter from his earthly father, Joseph. I imagine that those years of growing up as

a-THE

CHRISTIAN

LEADER

-

the son of a carpenter were full of all the normal elements of a Jewish family in that place and time.

It appears that the struggle in human development begins to show up for Jesus at the age of 30a time when many of his contemporaries would have been not only well established in their trade, but married and raising a family of children. Yet Jesus was making other choices. These were the choices now made out of obedience to his heavenly Father, as opposed to honoring his earthly father by continuing his work in the family business or carving out a life for himself in the Jewish community.

When Jesus chose to lay down the carpenter's tools that his earthly father had so carefully trained him to use, sweep up the shop floor for the last time, and head for the river to see John the Baptist, life as he'd known it would radically change. He would go against the flow of his culture and all the ways that it had been a part of shaping him for the rest of his earthly life.

Jesus' baptism by John in the Jordan River signaled a much more dramatic turning point than his Bar Mitzvah several years earlier. The Bar Mitzvaha rite of passage for every Jewish boy-marked his passage into manhood as a son of the Law. His baptism in the Jordan River now marked his passage into his ministry as the Son of God as the power of the Holy Spirit descended upon him.

Leading to the cross The Gospels reveal that the next step in human development for Jesus was a radical shaping of his identity during the 40 days and nights he spent in the wilderness and the temptations that he faced there.

This was not only a severe test of his personhood in terms of both his physical development and character development, but of his spiritual integrity and emotional development as he went head-to-head with Satan. Temptation after temptation was hurled at him. Yet, even when most fatigued, he withstood Satan's worst by the power of the Holy Spirit. In suffering and the temptation came the intensity of emotions that required a stamina that only God could provide. It was a foretaste of what was to come as he would endure the cross a few years later.

Yet, in the desert wilderness a depth of character was added to Jesus that would enable him to complete the task he was chosen to do by his heavenly Father as he ministered to a hurting world over the next three years of his life. Certainly to even have the knowledge of what his ultimate mission was would be more than enough to overwhelm the average person, no matter how spiritually mature or deeply developed their character.

The New International Version of the Bible out-

AG I N G

lines the years from Jesus' baptism to his death in this way: the first year was the year of his inauguration, the second year was the year of his popularity, and the third year was the year of his opposition. In order to endure the temptations of the flesh-let alone those of Satan-during those three years before his death and resurrection as the atoning sacrifice of the world, Jesus not only needed the power of the Holy Spirit, but a deep spiritual formation as well as character development.

Was Jesus normal?

Often, we think of human development as having to follow a prescribed set of stages or norms in order to be considered "normal." With that in mind, was Jesus' development normal?

Yes and no. Until the point he chose to be baptized, Jesus development was in line with his culture.

After his baptism, however, I see nothing normal in his development relevant to the culture of his day.

Does that mean Jesus, God incarnate, was abnormal or flawed in terms of his development as a human being? Absolutely not, for we know that Jesus was without sin.

Was the culture that set the norms flawed? Was it simply unable to enlarge the scope of what God had in mind for man beyond the parameters set by the Pharisees and their interpretation of the Law? This seems a more adequate answer.

In the eyes of the Pharisees, Jesus was a wild-eyed radical who claimed to be both the Son of Man and the Son of God. They saw Jesus as a man who was a danger to their society as he took a sword and sliced through their pious veneers to expose their hearts to men. After all, Jesus not only turned over the tables of the money changers in the temple, he overturned the Jewish concept of the Kingdom of God by restoring the spirit of the Law over the pharisaical captivity of the letter of the Law. What it takes to walk as Jesus did So what does it really take to know what Jesus would do-to attain the wisdom of Christ?

• Obedience. Perhaps one can begin with a willingness to allow God to shape and mold one's character through radical obedience to the spirit of the Law rather than the letter of the Law. I believe that one of the clearest implications from Jesus' life for us as Christians is to attend to the process of our own human development. That process may require time, testing and tempering so that we can be tools in the hands of God, led by the power of the Holy Spirit to those places and people that perhaps we'd rather not go. We so often want to rush, rather than embrace the process, particular-

ly if it is difficult, frustrating or painful. In other words, as human beings we so often want to have already arrived and attend to the business at hand rather than to suffer through the journey that quite often prepares us for the tasks at hand that God has in mind for us to do.

• Suffering. Human suffering was a normal part ofJesus' development as God incarnate. In fact it is in his sufferings that Christ is most identified with humanity.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the church at Philippi wrote, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead" (Phil. 3: 10). Paul realized the deep connection between experiencing the power of Christ and a willingness to endure suffering, both integral components in knowing Christ and having an intimate personal relationship with Him. Paul also writes in his letter to the church at Rome a call to rejoice in suffering. "There's more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary-we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!" (Rom 5:3-5, The Message).

Most of us look to suffering as something to be avoided, or try to explain it away as the repercussions of some act of disobedience to God. We don't realize that, from God's viewpoint, suffering is a normal part of our human and spiritual development.

Paul embraced suffering as part of knowing Christ.

Wisdom Attaining the wisdom of Christ may require going against the flow of what would be considered to be normal human development according to our culture.

We may endure opposition and accusations. But we must come to realize that wisdom of God attained in human beings that walk in intimate relationship with Him comes through a lifetime of experience.•

In the eyes of the Pharisees, Jesus was a wild-eyed radical ....

Jesus not only turned over the tables of the money changers in the temple, he overturned the Jewish concept of the Kingdom of God by restoring the spirit of the Law

over the pharisaical captivity of the letter of the law.

LoriJames is in her final year of studies at MB Biblical Seminary (Fresno, Calif), where she is completing a degree in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling. James spent the last 20 years working with youth, including as a teacher and youth pastor. She is a member ofNew Life Christian Fellowship in Mariposa, Calif SEPTEMBER

1 999

9

AG I N G

'~() YEARS AGO, I attended a statewide conference

pn aging. The program was well planned, with ~. oZens of excellent workshops. Yet at the end of the two-day event I found one important dimension missing: the spiritual.

The program spoke to almost every aspect of the physical and economic well-being of older adultsSocial Security, housing, health and nutrition, senior services, disabilities, exercise, Medicare and more-but neglected to go beyond the physical to the spiritual. The organizing group would probably say that is the concern of religion. But can the quest for spiritual meaning ever be omitted?

Social security speaks to the economic well-being of people at retirement. In the body of Christ, are adults entitled to "spiritual security"? Are they entitled to a consistent interest in and concern for their spiritual and emotional welfare? Melvin A. Kimble, a well-known authority on aging, asks, "Does religion make any difference to the one who is facing special challenges near the end of the aging process?"

Although spiritual security for older adults can not be mailed out in monthly checks, it should be evident in the church agenda and visible in its programs, budgets, and especially the roles it opens up to older adults-and, yes, in what happens in the lobby and other informal occasions. Spiritual and emotional needs, though harder to talk about, should be placed on an equal footing with maintenance-type needs.

The public image of aging With a booming older adult population, why isn't this spiritual security intentionally looked after? It has to do, in part, with the "public image" of aging.

What do I mean by public image? When you think "old person," what comes to mind? Whatever image you come up with is what I'm referring to.

Language, television, movies, advertisements, hir-

ing practices and interaction with older people form public image. Realistic understanding turns it into a bright picture of people reinventing their lives as retirement approaches and pushing ahead as much as possible despite diminishments. But inaccurate thinking paints this public image of the older adult in dull, dark strokes.

Stereotypes Inaccurate and unrealistic. stereotypes diminish spiritual security for older adults.

• Unproductive. The spiritual security check from the congregation is small when older adults are seen as unproductive and burdensome, in physical and intellectual decline, and inflexible and useless to the church, particularly to the younger generation. What good does it do to say "goo~ morning" to a person moving slowly down the hall? Why should sermons and music speak to their needs?

They're on their way out.

Some older adults in strongly "seeker sensitive" congregations may feel this stereotype of uselessness most. Like presidential candidate Al Gore, they don't loosen up easily. Older adults can't always see the point in singing the same chorus several times when they know God heard them the first time through.

They don't bounce onto the stage like a celebrity pop star. Pouring out their inner feelings in small groups is not their mode of spiritual growth. But they have rich spiritual gifts and potential for service that needs regular use and nourishment.

• Eternal youth. Another stereotype of the older adult says the opposite about growing older, but nevertheless pushes older adults to the fringes of church. It advocates aging "successfully"-keeping middle age going as long as possible by body maintenance, image enhancement and self-indulgence. In other words, get out there and pretend you're 40 or 50. Show the world you are energetic, capable,

Social security speaks to the economic well-being of people at retirement.

In the body of Christ, are older adults entitled to "spiritual security"?

o r 10 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

the

LEA D E R

o

d e r

sec a d u

t

BY KATIE FUNK WIEBE assertive, sexually active and on the go day after day.

New retirees may buy into this themselves. When they are not incorporated into church structures some tell themselves, "I've earned my retiremen~.

I've contributed, I've earned and I've sacrificed. Now I'm entitled to play, travel and do as I please." Yet the kingdom of God has too few workers to excuse some because of retirement or aging.

A recent PBS television program on aging argued that the human body is not programmed to fail because of age. The poor health associated with aging is an avoidable affliction that the medical profession will sooner or later eradicate so that a life expectancy of 125 years won't be unusual. In other words, good aging means never getting sick. Aging is the failure of self-repair.

Camouflage of the signs of aging and sheer willpower may carry one a long way, but some aspects of aging are inevitable. An approach of eternal youth leaves no room for the inevitable losses of life. Life is not forever on this planet.

According to Daniel Callahan, a spokesman for older adults, this optimal view of aging denies certain common realities. Older adults are more likely to be sick, to be near the end of life, to be dependent and to think in terms of limited time. These realities are a part of life.

Unclear roles for older adults If stereotyping is one reason older adults don't enjoy spiritual security, another is that their assigned role in the church is unclear.

What is God's intention for older adults in the congregation? What is their role in a fast-moving technological society where everyone doesn't run at the same speed?

When I ask these questions, the answer I frequently get is to volunteer. But volunteering isn't a role-it is an activity. By role, I mean the customary function in a certain situation. What is the function of older adults in the church?

In earlier decades the role of the older adult was to ensure that the stability of the family, tribe and community would be maintained through its tradi-

"

tions. The elders offered wisdom and courage. They provided basic knowledge of how things were to be done, from baking bread to holding a funeral service. They were the encouragers. Offering wisdom and encouragement is a role. Volunteering to stuff envelopes or help at a tornado disaster site may be ways this support role can be met.

In a technological society where change is the order of the day, the keepers of tradition are not applauded. For technical information, we elders turn to the younger ones, who are occupied with computers and the Internet, cell phones, pagers and call waiting. Many of the younger generation find little reason to turn to their elders for wisdom and insight. Nor do they grasp why they should listen to the sometimes inept reading of Scripture or unprofessional sounding prayers of their elders in the service. Many young people don't know what to do with older people who aren't in the fray of life, rushing to and fro as they are. Many don't know how to sit and visit with a parent or grandparent-let alone just sit with them-if there isn't some activity connected with the visit.

The older generation's moral, spiritual and cultural role has been lost because too little has been expected of them. Yet this older generation knows the most about loss and suffering, hurt and forgiveS E PTE M B E R

The older generation's moral, spiritual and cultural role has been lost because too little has been expected of them.

199 9

11

These older saints are life veterans. They've read " the whole book, not just one chapter. They've got a perspective on life. They've got experience. They know what doesn't work. ness, betrayal and faithfulness.

When the church has no specific role for its older adults, aging becomes a sign of obsolescence and despair. Aging carries no message of light to the younger generations. Older adults are not seen as the crown of the congregation, but as a group of people to be pitied and taken care of physically and economically.

Does the Christian faith bring joy when you are 80 or 90? Only those older than I am can tell me. Is life meaningful when death is near? At the cemetery on Memorial Day, I met a former friend, 95 years old and now in a wheelchair, who told me, "As long as I have the Lord with me, I am fine." Only the elderly can assure me God's grace continues to the end.

Younger people bond with the older ones when they let them share their wisdom and experience, when they allow them to affirm the faith to them.

Older people are the younger generation's future image of themselves. They are the models of the mature Christian. But if there is little or no interaction between the two groups, how can the young look ahead with joy to the declining years?

Providing "spiritual security" so, how can we make sure older adults receive spiritual security?

• Offer the elderly something worthwhile for which to live. Offer older people something more than attending church for an hour once a week and bringing finger food. The Gospel should be the good news about aging, writes Kimble. "With its recreative power it confronts persons at whatever stage with a destiny and a purpose."

Grocery lists of things older adults can do to occupy their time doesn't help to find meaning in life. The young-old want to be challenged to consider new options for service. The old-old want to be respected and cherished. They want to be assured they won't be a burden or that they won't end their days alone. Such fears should not exist in the body of Christ.

After I made a presentation to a group of older adults, a newly retired man came to me with frustration written all over his face. "I feel as if I have a thousand-horsepower engine in me," he said, "but I am being offered one-hundred horsepower jobs."

I have heard many versions of that statement. The idea seems to be that once you have retired, you are ready to give up the challenge to take up causes, develop creativity, work for peace and justice and witness to the good news ofJesus. That idea couldn't be more wrong.

• Give intentional soul care designed for this

12 •

THE

C H R 1ST I A N

LEA D E R

age group. Their spiritual needs differ from those of a younger generation. Don't offer them more general Bible study-some older people have been devotionalized to the point of boredom. Now is the time to be speCific. There isn't much time left, and some of us are slow in learning.

Elton Trueblood, a Quaker writer, states that mature Christians should study theology-particularly questions related to pluralism of religions, the power of prayer, the goodness and power of God iIi the light of evil, and finding peace about whether the experience of God is a truly spiritual experience and not just a psychological one. I'd also suggest learning practical forgiveness, simplifying faith and life, separating the important from the unimportant and finding redemptive experience in suffering.

• Provide opportunities for older adults and the young to intermingle and learn to know each other. These older saints are life veterans. They've read the whole book, not just one chapter. They've got a perspective on life. They've got experience.

They know what doesn't work. To ask their advice means they bring continuity to the generations.

If we don't ask our elders for their wisdom we are saying to them and to ourselves that living the Christian life for 40, 50 or 60 years does not really teach anything. We are telling them that enduring decades of personal and family burdens and losses and church and cultural change does not really require courage and faith. Reaching 70, 80 or more years is a passive process ending in a product like a turnip which you can disregard if you don't like turnips.

• Create symbols. In the Mennonite Brethren world, the symbol system-one of the most powerful means of conveying spiritual meaning-is impoverished. We offer spiritual security when we develop symbols, rites and stories of aging that celebrate and honor this period in life. But let's do it in front of the children and young people. Many young people function almost entirely in their own settings. Many older adults function almost entirely in their own groups. The young need to see a celebration of aging within the community of the saints. Then they too will reap spiritual security dividends. •

Katie Funk Wiebe is professor emeritus at Tabor College, a Mennonite Brethren college in Hillsboro, Kan, and the author offour books on aging including Border Crossing: A Spiritual Journey and Life After Fifty: A Positive Look at Aging in the Faith Community.

She is presently working on a manuscript dealing with intergenerational relationships in the church. She welcomes your contributions at kfwiebe@aol. com.

AG I N G

B

E SAY

"

" BY,

DAVID

REIMER

Should you say III do" a second time? Here are several key issues vvidovvers and vvidovvs should consider before they remarry.

U~E ONE AFTERNOON, I WALKED through the

4?alm Village Retirement Community and saw a ',0man standing on the porch of her patio home.

::S:ke Innlted over and called for me to join her.

Apologizing for "bothering me" she said, "I just had to show someone this sunset. From where you were walking, you couldn't see it because the building was in the way. Look at that!" As she pointed to the west, we both saw a magnificent red skyline. I visited with her for awhile, and we talked about sunsets and her adjustments to life as a widow.

As I walked back to my office, I thought about people that must adjust to the loss of a spouse. It must be lonely at times-difficult to see a sunset, a falling star, a deer stroll by, and not point to it and tell someone, "Look, isn't that wonderful!" We want to share fun moments, tell our stories and express our sadness with someone.

Surely that is in part what God saw in Genesis 2: 18, when he saw Adam working alone and said, "It is not good for the man to be alone." There was no one to share the work, the stories, the highpoints and the low points of Adam's day.

It is no different for us. We all benefit from sharing our work and stories of the day. Often that person has strengths where we have weaknesses, sees the "big picture" while we are detail-oriented, the introvert to our extrovert. We blend and become "one flesh" (Gen. 2:24).

With such closeness, the loss of a spouse is a tremendous loss. That couple shared so many unforgettable events in history that only they knew-the sunsets, the baby's first steps, the day the gerbil fell down the furnace, the day the promotion came, the day the pink slip arrived.

Considering Remarriage Eventually, some who have lost a spouse find that they have the choice to marry again. Most experts,

G

Whether it be cooking Thanksgiving meals, offering advice on how to manage financially and legally, keeping the yard looking nice, or keeping the refrigerator filled with good food, the prospect of a parent's remarriage could be either welcomed or resisted. The burden of helping mom or dad while managing their own life may be overwhelming, and the children may appreciate the relief. More" likely, however, the prospect of a parent's remarriage may be resisted.

however, report that considering marriage a second time poses some complex issues-everything from fond memories to children to financial issues now enter into the picture.

It would take more room than I have here to cover all these issues in-depth, but there are several key issues people should think about when they are considering remarriage.

Up against a picture of perfection Pearl Ketover Prilik, an author on the subject of singleness and remarriage, discusses what many of us experience when we talk with a widow or widower: the former spouse is a picture of perfection. The late husband could fix any broken appliance or repair any car. The late wife was the most beautiful woman that ever lived and the best mother. In situations where veneration exists, there cannot be a solid remarriage. Even in cases where the first spouse is not on a pedestal, fond memories remain.

As people age and collect life experiences, the desire to talk about those experiences grows.

Some time ago, I sat with a couple where both were formerly widowed. One kept reminiscing with tear-filled eyes of poignant family times, all of which occurred in the first marriage. The spouse of this person listened politely, but I had to think that the value of the present marriage and its experiences might be minimized with considerable time spent reminiscing about the past marriage.

• Monitor reminiscing. Reminiscence is normal, and the urge to speak reverently of the past frequently increases with age. Widows contemplating remarriage need to realize that they may spend considerable amounts of time with friends as well as alone hearing about when their new spouse was very happy and not with them. Likewise, those that remarry need to realize that however gracious a second spouse may be, lengthy and frequent reminiscing may alienate the second spouse and therefore should be monitored.

• Put memories in perspective. The second spouse needs to feel cherished and effort should be made to make your own pleasant memories. The

14 It

THE

C H R 1ST

AN

LEADER

memories of a past spouse should never be erased, but the classic wedding vows of "forsaking all others" said at the altar serves as a guide in holding fond memories in proper perspective.

Blending families Families have histories of how members relate to each other. One member hosts the Thanksgiving dinner, another brings the pumpkin pies, and yet another hosts the New Year's Eve parties. When a new stepparent gets involved, what traditions will change?

I know a large family in a farming community that gathers at Grandpa and Grandma's house every Thanksgiving. For many years after the grandmother died, tradition held that the adult daughters and daughters-in-law took charge of the house for the weekend. They handled it all-meal selection and preparation and activities of the day.

After many years, the grandfather remarried. His new wife was hurt and frustrated as she tried to enter into the workings in what was now her own kitchen. The denial at the kitchen doorway felt like more of a personal rejection than a loving offer by the stepdaughters to do things for her. In her mind, they insisted on doing things without her.

The daughters had stepped in to fill the void of the deceased mother. They felt needed and were doing what they did out of love for their father and the extended family. With a new stepmother, the daughters may not feel as needed as they were before.

Whether it be cooking Thanksgiving meals, offering advice on how to manage financially and legally, keeping the yard looking nice, or keeping the refrigerator filled with good food, the prospect of a parent's remarriage could be either welcomed or resisted. The burden of helping mom or dad while managing their own life may be overwhelming, and the children may appreciate the relief. More likely, however, the prospect of a parent's remarriage may be resisted.

So, how do we work towards blending the families?

• Consider children's opinion. Many widows

AG IN G

and widowers ask their children their opinions of remarriage. To get a verbal answer is a good idea. To get a second answer from deeds as well as words is even more insightful.

• Don't rush into a second marriage.

Although the prospect may be very exciting, adjustment to the new union will go better as children have more time to see a new person in the role as suitor then spouse.

• Honor deceased parent. Those considering remarriage need also be mindful that the children may feel very strongly that a deceased parent not be forgotten with a remarriage. Steps need to be taken to show continued honor to that parent. For example, a father may give a serving dish to a daughter and say something like, "I know this dish has special meaning for you as you and your mother used it during holidays. As I prepare to set up a new household, this dish should not be in a cupboard with all the others. I want you to have it to keep as a memory of your mother forever."

• Fonn relationships with stepchildren. To become "one flesh" means that a spouse's children become the current mate's children, too. Adult children need to return to a helping role for the new spouse-the stepmother in the kitchen or the stepfather in the den-because that new spouse is like the same flesh or same person as their parent. Likewise, the stepparent needs to participate and share with the children of their spouse as with their own children.

Financial issues Some of the biggest issues facing remarrying couples are financial.

The Social Security Administration and other pension programs view a widow or widower differently if they remarry. For example, when a retiree becomes a widow, they receive the larger of the two Social Security checks that were paid to the couple when both members were living. Similarly, corporate retirement benefits sometimes have contingencies for the widow or widower of workers. In the case of remarriage, the Social Security check reverts back to the original amount received before widowhood (adjusted for inflation), and any retirement benefits that had contingencies may be adjusted or forfeited upon remarriage.

In addition, when a couple says "I do," the assets and liabilities the individual held independently now belong to the couple. It is one matter to marry young and merge a small sum of cash as well as a school loan. It is quite another to merge many years' worth of accumulation of either debts or assets.

Children will typically have strong feelings about this element of remarriage. The new union will be

spending money the children may view as belonging to the deceased parent. Children may fear their inheritance is in jeopardy-will they still inherit the same farm that their parents did? Other children assist their parents financially for years, sometimes sacrificially, only to see their parent remarry years later.

Asset control can also cause frustration. I know a family where the children grieved when a new spouse persuaded their father to reassign a charitable gift to a charity that had little meaning for him.

Prior to the marriage their father had committed a good amount of his estate to one where he had spent a considerable amount of time volunteering over the years. In remarriage, money becomes the property of the couple, and the changes that occur often affect the children.

• Considering prenupts. One way couples work to face such problems is prenuptial agreements. Often they are used for identifying which descendant is to inherit which item, and sometimes they are also used to determine the financial behaviors of the couple during marriage.

But can the needs and desires of a couple be identified as they enter into remarriage? Should prenuptial agreements be used? If the motivation to use them is based on lack of trust, the marriage should be cancelled or delayed until trust can be built. If the motivation is to use them to identify an orderly transition at the time of death, they may be considered.

However, the future is very difficult to predict and circumstances change. Then, agreements like these may look as if they were written by thoughtless or heartless people.

I know a group of stepchildren that removed a stepparent out of a home where their parent and stepparent had lived. Their parent had died, and according to plan, the children of the deceased were given the home. The home was sold and the money was divided by the children. But the agreement was written anticipating that the surviving spouse would not be healthy enough to live independently at that time, or would have living options with the children of a previous marriage. Health remained, and options for living with children of a previous marriage did not exist. Two unexpected outcomes occurred with one unpleasant result.

• Avoid splitting the fInances. One financial behavior that prenuptial agreements sometimes try to define is ownership of expenses. Some couples may try in second marriage to maintain separate checkbooks, and "splitting" the expenses of living together. This may sound equitable, but in reality this becomes a tedious task. As two become one, two checkbooks becomes extremely difficult and unpleasant. "It's your turn to buy groceries" may be SEPTEMBER

Adult children need to return to a helping role for the new spousethe stepmother in the kitchen or the stepfather in the den-because that new spouse is like the same flesh or same person as their parent.

Likewise, the stepparent needs to participate and share with the children of their spouse as with their own children.

1

999

15

AG I N G In the shadow of such challenges, should widows and widowers consider remarriage? Maybe. The need to share moments is significant and the needs of companionship may be met with another spouse. But remarriage is a challenging task. said sincerely in a college dorm among roommates, but married people will find such comments awkward and contrary to becoming "one flesh."

• Update estate planning. People considering remarriage and their children would do well to remember the story of the Prodigal Son. In talking about this parable we often discuss the forgiveness of the father, but we also need to acknowledge that a parent's possessions are not the child's. It is a sign of a poor family relationship when children covet a parent's wealth and possessions (Luke 15: 12). People tend to avoid estate planning, but it needs to be updated frequently. With second marriages, planning is even more important.

In sickness ...

"In sickness and in health" is a very meaningful wedding vow to those at the altar in remarriage. The older a person becomes, the greater the likelihood to need health care and long term care.

According to governmental sources, the average age for a widow at remarriage is 64, and her new husband is 9 years older.

According to life expectancies, the woman can expect to live another 20 years, the 73 year old husband can expect to live 14 years. That means that the woman will most likely widow again.

It is likely then for remarried couples that the man will need the personal assistance of the woman-and health care needs in the final years of life can be costly. The reality is most likely that the man will use the couple's funds first, and-except in cases with extremely large financial resourcesthe woman will be left with much less for her health needs in the last years of her life.

Hospitalization may be covered by MediCare and other health insurance, but long term care can be costly overtime. It is typically paid for privately until a couple's funds are nearly exhausted. It does not matter which party brought the money into the second marriage or what a prenuptial agreement may say. The state will provide health care assistance only after the couple "spends down" to an amount

16 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

LEA D E R

specified. A "nest egg" can be consumed by the person bringing the wealth into the marriage or by the new spouse.

Situations like this can affect children. Sometimes parents may try to give a portion of their estate to their children. In cases where public assistance is applied for within several years of such a gift, the government will require that the child give the money back regardless of whether the public assistance is needed for the parent or the stepparent.

Aside from funding health care needs, another component of meeting health care needs is decisionmaking. As people experience the need for medical attention, medical professionals will communicate primarily with one and only one family member.

That family member typically is the spouse. In cases where the spouse has stepchildren, the children can feel alienated. The stepparent may be making end-oflife decisions about their parent.

• Treat stepchildren and parents as family.

Stepparents and stepchildren can work at this situation, but it does take effort. The alienation can be exacerbated in cases where a stepparent calls their own children for comfort and advice, and not the natural children of the ailing parent. Becoming "one flesh" (Gen 2:24) means that stepparents and stepchildren should treat each other as family as the stepparent is the same flesh, the same person as their parent and their child. This is helped by kids staying involved in the parents and stepparent's lives. Treating a stepparent and a stepchild as a true member of the family will go a long way toward acting like a family in a time of crisis. Stepparents need to make an effort in such trying times to try to include children appropriately.

Is remarriage for everyone?

In the shadow of such challenges, should widows and widowers consider remarriage? Maybe.

The need to share moments is significant and the needs of companionship may be met with another spouse. But remarriage is a challenging task. There are many things that need to be contemplated prior to saying "I do." •

David Reimer is executive director ofPalm Village Retirement Community, an organization sponsored by MB churches. He gives frequent presentations related to retirement and aging issues.

Reimer also serves as the chair of the U. s. Conference ofMB Churches and was a former chair of the Board of Communications. He is a graduate of the MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif, and is a member ofReedley (Calif) MB Church.

W

ith a combined 134 years of service to senlors~ these retirement communities sponsored by Mennonite Brethren churches underscore the importance of

commitment and caring. With campuses offering independent-living patio homes and duplexes~ assisted living~ intermediate and sl<:illed health care and rehabilitation services~

these organizations faithfully will continue their tradition of caring for generations to come.

PALM VILLAGE RETIREMENT

COMMUNITY

C.C.R.C.

#100404809

Lie.

701 W. Herbert Reedley, CA 93654 (559) 638-6933

e

Garden Valley ~ Retirement Village, Inc. 1505 E. Spruce • Garden City, KS 67846 (316) 275-9651

Managed by

t

•

Retirement Management Company

31 0 West Ellendale Dallas, OR 97338 (503) 623-9211

1:E) Admissions and services are provided without regard to religion, race, creed, national origin, disability or age. ~~~~~f8~I~

WHAT READERS SAY

Taking action is faith I always appreciate Phil Wiebe's Ph 'lip Side columns because they make me think and evaluate my belief system. So when he spoke about politics and society's disillusionment with participating even on the level as a voter ("The art of apathy," July 1999), an analogy came to mind.

The political arena or politics should be seen as disciplining a child-helping the homeless or reaching out to troubled teens. It's never easy or glamorous, but it simply must be done to keep our country in good working order. It may help to have a more reasonable goal to our outcome. In other words, complete success that can be visibly seen is a self-defeating goal. We should rather be pleased to contribute any positive aspect to the table. After all, it's our country, not someone else's.

When you don't vote or get involved in politics, you are saying that whatever happens, happens. That standard would not be acceptable for your lawn, childcare, police, etc. The bigger picture should be watched even more closely.

But the real problem isn't apathy, but faith. By that I mean the kind of faith in God to realize every person God made matters-that means I matter and you matter. And when you feel you matter, you write that thank you note, you apologize to your neighbor or you help out in the church nursery (you have five kids).

Whatever it is, you do what it takes to , make it work.

That's politics, too. So, why not take that same caretaking behavior and apply it to the broader concept of our country?

Write the 1V network and let them know you are sorely displeased with a certain show. Call your congressman and tell him how you-or better yet-your church feels about an issue. When you have a major event in church or in your

The Christian Leader welcomes brief letters on topics relevant to the Mennonite Brethren Church. All letters must be signed and will be edited for clarity and length.

Send letters to Christian Leader, 7531 Delta Wind Dr., Sacramento, CA 95831 (e-mail: chleader@jps.net).

18 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

town, fax or write your local 1V station(s). This is politics.

Just remember your one letter or phone call to your congressman or network or 1V news station is seen as representing a lot more than one person. In their experience, for every phone call or letter they get, there were hundreds who wanted to write but didn't.

Taking action is faith because "faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." Blessings to all of you.

Barbara Rosedale Dinuba, Calif.

Responsibility to the homeless I would like to respond to Rose Buschman's column ("The homeless in The Street") in the July 1999 issue-and, more specifically, to her closing question, "what is my responsibility as a Christian to the homeless?"

It has been my privilege for the past 12 years to work alongside many homeless women and children who come to a local Christian home designed to help them in crisis. After retiring from a demanding business career, the Lord led me to this "home" as a volunteer assisting in the office. This home is supported entirely by finances received from dedicated individuals, organizations, Sunday school classes and churches-Bethany MB (Fresno, Calif.), where I am a member, being one of them.

Prior to this, I also read about "those homeless in the streets, etc.," but it is quite another thing to rub shoulders with them, to learn to know them personally, and love them with a love that only God can give. Women who are admitted here are required to attend structured classes, attend chapel morning and ~vening, and church on Sunday. After graduation, they may remain as residents, but must enroll in training that will equip them to live independently and become productive citizens. Another phase addresses the needs of women who are remanded here by the court.

To cover the many needs of this home, many volunteers come in to teach, conLEA D E R

duct chapel, do maintenance work, etc.

One lady has served for over 27 years.

Professional counselors come in every week, two of whom are members of our local MB churches.

I would encourage the readers of the Leader to give your time to agencies in your area, even a few hours per day is a great help. I assure you, you will receive back more than you give. God bless you!

Bernice Nachtigal Fresno, Calif.

Where can I buy that book?

I am interested in purchasing Pontius Pilate and The Russians recommended in the July 1999 issue ("What is your favorite book and why?" and "Summer Reading").

How much are they and where can we order them?

Alma A. Beier Morro Bay, Calif.

Editor's Note: We received several requests asking where the books mentioned in the]uly 1999 issue ofthe Leader can be purchased. Our research indicates that all of the books, exceptfor Clowns of God and Labyrinth: Selected Stories and other Writings, are still in print. You can purchase or order them from your local bookstore or on an online bookstore, such as amazon. com or bamesandnoble.com. (Clowns of God can be purchased usedfrom the online bookstores.)

Change is the second step I am concerned about the emphasis on the word "change." I seem to find it mentioned frequently in Christian articles. It seems to be a key word when connected with growth.

Before we change anything, we need to look at why it is needed. What is its purpose? What are we trying to do? Do we have stated goals? Are these goals encouraging growth, both personal and numerically?

Change should be the second step to real growth and ministry. The first step is

presenting the Word of God clearly, in a relevant way. Then, a thorough and proper evaluation of what is going on in the class, group or church may lead to positive change. At this point change can be met with joyful anticipation.

Let me share my experience with change-or rather, the lack of change. I teach grades three and four and have done so for many years. The push for change is real. Anyone who looks at current Sunday school material sees the pressure to change the way we present God's Word. We are encouraged to play three to four games each week and have a spiritual or moral lesson. Some Sundays reading the Word or telling the Bible story is almost incidental in the presentation of the lesson.

At age 19, I began teaching a class of grade three and four boys. Our leaders asked us to find a way to encourage the children to bring their Bibles to church.

My solution was to ask them to read the lesson directly from the Bible each week.

I soon discovered that the children didn't know their way around the Word, so I instituted sword drills. At age 66, I still teach grades three and four. I still have children read the lesson directly from the Bible, and the kids still enjoy sword drills.

How do I evaluate what is going on in my class? I ask these questions: • Are pupils being saved?

• Is growth occurring?

• Are they developing critical thinking?

• Are they recognizing personal sin?

• Do they understand how God feels about sin and about us when we sin?

• Do they realize their need for forgiveness?

• Do they understand the need to receive and give reconciliation?

• Do they know how important it is to be involved in reading and understanding God's Word?

• Do they know how to share Christ?

• Am I teaching doctrine (salvation, witnessing, the Holy Spirit, who God is, etc.) ?

• And, perhaps the most important question of all, am I applying the truths I teach to my life? Am I a hypocrite? Am I being real?

These questions may need to be revised, depending on the group needs and goals. Change does need to occur from time to time, but only after careful, prayerful evaluation. The work required to evaluate what is happening is hard, and sometimes leads to conflict, which must be resolved.

Sylvia Heinrichs Fresno, Calif.

Editor's Note: This letter was first printed in Bethany News and Notes, a newsletter ofBethany MB Church in Fresno, Calif.

Waterloo seeking planter This has been a year of growth and learning for the Waterloo MB church plant!

A group of about 30 Waterloo MBers have been meeting on a biweekly basis.

We have begun to learn to know each other through prayer, teaching and times of fellowship.

With God's guidance, a mission and vision statement for the new church has

AI:. n:ot a tact:.:r in m:i:n::islry Atter an extensive exam, th:e ophthalm:ologist said, lIM:rs. R-atzla:ff, 1m vQ:ry sorry 'to t:el::1 you there i:s nothing we can do to help you with you=r vision. f de:dare you legally blind; This does.n't mean you wiU be totally bUnd, but you wHf always have i::rnpaired vision.

H:aving gone thro:ug:h rnany 'tra:u:rr'ta:;t.. j:c experiences i:n my UTe 8:nd experi:e:n=c... iog GodJs grace, I have I:earned., with Paul, that i:n whatsoever state I a:fl1 J therewith to be conte:nt. Thus I wa:s able 'to accept the ophtn:al::molog:lst s verdict.

Not being able to read Tor the last four to f'ive years, t:he thing I have rnissed most is re:ading t:he f3:ible and the Christian Leader. The Lea:der has always been a very irnportant part of rAW UTe; k:e:eping up with conTetenCe acthti1:'ies and so

been written. Currently, a discernment team is looking for a planter for this new church. We eagerly anticipate whom God will bring to us and are praying for his choice man. We invite your prayers for this adventure of faith.

Most importantly we want to praise God for the work he is doing among us.

We know that we are completely dependent upon him for this ministry and are continually challenged with that truth. "I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" Oohn 15:5).

Heather Neufeld Waterloo, Ontario

Enjoying the Leader My wife and I have been reading the Leader for some time. I want you to know that we are encouraged and supportive of the way in which the magazine is put together and the areas it covers. Thanks for being willing to go beyond the "ordinary and safe" and provide materials that challenge and stimulate.

Fred Stoesz, Pastor United at the Cross Community Church Wichita, Kan. Editor's Note: United at the Cross Community Church is a church planted in partnership between the Southern District Conference and World Impact, Inc. They recently appliedfor full time member-association status with the Southern District.

phone. Mrs. Ens., a w:i:dow, t:ives at home and is recovering from a severe st.roke three years ago which left her right hand useless~ She i:s mostly confined to a whee:1 chair, Yet every day she reads to me 'for about ~l:a:lif an hour, holding the receiver i::A her l:eTt hand and propping 'the Leader in her I:a:p.

MJn:i:stry is not confined to the young and able.

01

II

Mrs~ Marie Ra;tzJaff

II

it

l

Reedley, Ca=llf.

ElvineEhS (left) reads the LeMler by phone to Marie Ratzlaff (right)..

much "lore.

Even though tape Rlini:stry i:s h:elpf:uI1 it does:n:t.t j:n:clude the Leader. °M:y desire was to hea:r t:he Leader read to me. Imagine

my thrUI when one da:y M:rs. ilv=ine Ens offered to read the Leader to m:e by tete...

EdItor's Note~« This lett.er was dictated by Marie Ratzlaff to LaVerne Richert, who is a cJes;con and m:@:mber of the Reedley (CalitJ Mfl Ctlurch. She writes that Ratzlaff and EJ:vine Ens ha:ve ~~beefl an inspi.. ra:tion to all of. us. I '

SEPTEMBER

1999.

19

PH'LIP SIDE BY

PHILIP

WIEBE

Messages from God Sometimes the messages we really needfrom God are just like notes around the house. They're timely reminders ofthings we already know.

O

ur pastor occasionally leads the con-

are and should be elements of mystery in prayer and gregation in "listening prayer," a time worship, of reaching for of reflection during which we silently something beyond what we listen for God's voice and presence in the already see and know. But when all this seeking gets moment. One morning as I participated in this, too abstract, I often go back the thought immediately came to me that I'd left to Jesus' original words some things behind in the room where I lead a about the Spirit's coming: "The Counselor, the Holy Sunday school class.

Spirit, whom the Father will Later my wife asked, "What did you send in my name, will teach you all hear during the listening time this things and will remind you of everymorning?" With a smile I replied, thing I have said to you" Oohn 14:26).

"God told me I left our offering check It's really as simple as that. In our upstairs." prayers and meditations and spiritual I'd meant that as a joke, but later it seeking, God mostly wants to remind got me thinking more seriously about us how to daily live in his presence what messages from God I tended to and follow his ways. "Thy will be listen for. Did I seek "big" answers to done." Once when I went through a the exclusion of more practical guidperiod of searching about what exactly ance? I think so. Where I wanted proit meant to be filled with the Spirit, I found words or miraculous provision, read some words that forever changed maybe God just wanted to give me my perspective: "If you want to be small reminders to remember this or filled with the Spirit, start by reading not neglect that. the Word. If you're not up on the This kind of communication hapWord, what does the Spirit have to pened during a recent prayer time. remind you of?"

Again I was inquiring of God for some "big issues" related to leadings and needs for the future. What, Lord, do you want me to do? As I prayed, the Recently I read a commentary about answer seemed to come to me: "I the Y2K problem in which a computer want you to be more faithful in your engineer shared his feelings about current responsibilities." what some people were so worried It wasn't exactly what I wanted to about. After looking into the facts of hear. Sometimes it's easier to dwell on the situation, the engineer concluded the future than be faithful in the prethat apocalyptic fears didn't seem warsent. ranted. Most computers didn't do I wonder if we tend to do that in work that anyone's survival depended today's church-to seek big messages on. Potential problems related to the from God rather than small reminders. power grid and the banking system Often we talk of God's leading and the had mostly been addressed and Spirit'S filling in rather vague and solved. Even if glitches did occur, peoambiguous terms, as if we're not quite ple could still (of all things) sign sure what we're asking. checks and deliver goods manually.

Not that this is bad. Certainly there The engineer decided that the real

• •

20 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

LEA D E R

•

problem isn't the potential failure of computers, but the fear of the unknown. Yet if we just take normal precautions, stay flexible, and be ready to help others if needed, Y2K will likely turn out to be considerably less than the crisis some people anticipate.

In a similar way, Jesus often seemed to meet people's worries and fears about the future with simple reminders to stay faithful, be flexible, and look for ways to help others. Once when the brothers James and John expressed concern over their future status in the kingdom (they wanted to be the top guys), Jesus famously said, "whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Mark 10:43). In other words, worry less about your future status than your present relationships.

Another time Jesus summed up a discussion of scary future scenarios with this: "Be ready" (Matt. 24:44).

The "faithful and wise servant" is the one who has simply kept doing what God called him or her to do (v. 45). In a similar discussion addressed to the Corinthian church, Paul summarized, "Stand firm. Let nothing move you.

Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain" (1 Cor 15:58) .

At times in today's church I think we dwell too much on the future and not enough on the present. What needs to change? What new direction do we need to go? How do we need to be different? What do you want us to do, Lord? These are good questions, but often the answers may be more mundane than we think. "Be ready to serve" or "follow the Word" or "be more faithful in your current responsibilities."

Sometimes the messages we really need from God are just like notes around the house. They're timely reminders of things we already know.

INQUIRING MINDS BY

Q

Should we applaud the generosity of non-Christians like Ted Turner, who gives millions and even billions to causes we mayor may not deem worthy? (California)

A

Is it a Christ-like deed to give a billion dollars to the United Nations (as Ted Turner recently did) to support health and social welfare causes in poor countries? It can hardly be refuted that we should be concerned about the poor. Nor should Anabaptists (followers of Menno Simons) argue against supporting health and social welfare causes. We might object to some of the programs included in the United Nations' effort to help poor people, but the cause seems just.

The difficulty with the inquirer's question comes from the well-known fact that Ted Turner is against Christianity. He has called Christianity a religion for losers. He claims we Christians have misused the Genesis mandate to have dominion and go out and increase and multiply. Turner's understanding of salvation is limited. His worldview is Naturalism. He maintains you will do a lot better at saving yourself than praying to somebody else to save you. He believes our salvation is available now--we have the technology to save ourselves. His major concern is for the continuation of the human race and therefore ecological and environmental issues are uppermost in his mind. He has praised some religions because they teach that people can live in harmony with nature.

There is one thing to Turner's credit: he puts his money (at least a small portion of it) where his beliefs are. Wealthy (and not so wealthy) Christians would do well to follow that part of his example. I don't think I will begrudge his gifts at least to worthy causes. I may even applaud his generosity, except that actually he is giving a very small portion of his assets when he contributes a bil-

MARVIN

H EI N

lion dollars.

Perhaps my chief concern should be his salvation, not his large gifts. Because he is both rich and smart, he has tremendous influence in our country.

He also controls much of the media.

But he needs to understand that richness and smartness will never bring him what he wants. He needs to be persuaded (and only the Holy Spirit will do that) that heaven is not something that can be created here on earth. He needs to be convinced that there is life after death. Only then will he learn to sing hymns, which he says now he doesn't like.

No, I don't think I will discourage anyone's generosity. I will only pray that their gifts will be channeled into programs and activities that are pleasing to God and help people.

This psalm teaches us that our misdeeds directed against our fellow hunlan beings are always offenses against God more than anything else.

Happily, however, this hymn of confession also reveals the remedy for sin.

David acknowledges the compassion of God. He expresses confidence in being cleansed and made whole by the very God he has so grossly offended. He recognizes that God stands ready to purify him and restore his joy. David sees a brighter future for himself and the nation.

David must be saying even more in Psalm 51, but we can use him as our role model in confessing our sins and coming to the only one who forgives and restores and makes us useful instruments in God's service.

Q

What was David saying in Psalm 51 and what should we be saying in a time when sin is so often overlooked?

(California)

Psalm 51 is a poem or hymn, and such writings often portray things in a very graphic style. Psalm 51 was written after David had succumbed to a very grievous temptation and was found out by Nathan, the prophet.

Psalm 51 does not say everything about our relationship to God, but it gives us some very key pointers.

Psalm 51 makes very clear that our sins are not simply "inappropriate behavior." They are acts of disobedience to a God who demands holiness.

Psalm 51 shows us a kind of God-centeredness that doesn't allow us to say, about our failings, that they are nobody else's business. Psalm 51 reminds us that because we are essentially evil by nature, we will find deliverance from sin only by pleading the mercy of God.

A

Rave a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, conference policy, or other spiritual issue?

E-mail Marvin at mhein1 @fresno. edu or send your question to ((Inquiring Minds, " c/o Marvin Rein, 4812 E. Butler, Fresno, CA 93727.

S E PTE M B E R

1

999

21

ON THE]OURNEY BY

ROSE

BUSCHMAN

Being a Grandma is so much fun The relationships grandparents have with their grandchildren are important-and can be a lot offun!

O

ne of the benefits of growing older

tive relationship with them all the more important.

In a delightful book, You become grandparents. For me, being a wouldn't believe what my grandma is so much fun I wish I had done that grandchild did, Lois Wyse says that "grandparents are first, even before I became a mother! just like everyone else, but Just the other day, I called and asked they have more pictures." She claims to speak to three-year old Emily. When that "we rise as one to proclaim the told who was on the phone, she gave a superiority of our children's children. joyous cry and came running. "Hi, Sometimes we are amazed that the chilGrandma," she shouted. My heart meltdren we thought so difficult to raise ed as I listened to that precious little have produced such remarkable chilgirl tell me what she was doing. Now dren-and we are even more amazed Emily also makes sure that I don't forthat we are old enough to be the grandget about her little sister, Katelyn. They parents." are two darling sweethearts and I'm As we become grandparents, many lucky enough to be their grandmother! of us also find ourselves in the unexWhen Emily was born a friend gave pected position of being the senior genme a bumper sticker which I stuck to eration of the family tribe. This brings my microwave: "Just when a mother with it added responsibilities. Wyse says thinks her work is done she becomes a that "holding fast to history, strengthengrandmother." I've learned that "mothing the roots-that is the real job of ering" never ends, it just changes. grandparenting today." Sunday chicken Before becoming a grandma I probadinners at Grandma's house are no bly wouldn't have noticed the Barney longer the norm for many people, nor Band-Aids on the store shelf. Since Emily are stories told over milk and cookies loves Barney, I not only noticed them, I after school. Grandparents need to find bought some. Her response when they ways of making sure that their grandarrived was well worth the time and children know who they are and where effort it took to package and mail them. they came from.

(This change doesn't just apply to grandFamilies are finding novel ways of mas. My husband returned home from staying in touch. One eighth grader I India with several dresses and T-shirts for know communicates bye-mail. Every his granddaughters. He had help selectafternoon when he comes home from ing them, but the idea was his own.) school he sends his grandparents a On a recent family vacation, I volunshort message of what happened that teered to babysit my granddaughters so day. They know to look for it around 5 that I could spend more time with p.m. and then they respond back. them. When we visit each other's homes Other grandparents videotape themwe spend a lot of time reading books selves reading stories which they then together. Just recently I listened to a 1V send along with the books to their interview with a woman who has studgrandchildren. Still others write letters, ied the effect that grandmothers have send small packages and/or keep in on their granddaughters. She found that touch by phone. Some families make it is very significant. Knowing this videotapes of their children which then makes my efforts at establishing a posiallows the grandparents to enjoy them (not old, just older) is that many of us

22 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

again and again.

As Christians we also need to remember to uphold our children and their families in prayer. In today's world being a good parent is no easy task. Producing and maintaining a Christian home takes a lot of hard work. As grandparents, we need to be as supportive as we can be.

Not all grandparents take their roles seriously or do a good job with them.

I've heard of grandparents who favor their grandsons over their granddaughters or who can't accept their adopted grandchildren or step-grandchildren on the same level as the biological ones.

Some just don't know how to be good grandparents, especially when the children get a little older. One fourth grade grandson spent the evening with his grandparents while the parents were out with friends. These grandparents didn't know how to talk to their grandson. They expected him to sit still all evening and watch 1V with them-their program choice, not his. By the time the evening was over there was a lot of anger on both sides. The 10 year-old pleaded with his mother: "Please don't ever make me stay with them again."

Those grandparents lost a great opportunity to establish a positive relationship with their grandson.

On the other side of the issue, we have several million grandparents in this country who have assumed full responsibility for raising their grandchildren because the parents are in jail, on drugs, or too irresponsible to care for their children. This past spring I observed the pain a colleague experienced when he and his wife went to court to gain custody of their granddaughter. The toddler's mother didn't even show up for the hearing. At least now they know that the 15-month old girl is properly taken care of and not left alone all night while her mother is partying somewhere.

Don't have biological grandchildren or could handle a few more? Look around. There are always children who are in need of grandparents. They would love for you to be their adoptive Grandpa or Grandma.

LEA D E R - - - - - - -----_._._----------

He was born in substandard housing.

He had to ·fleeh·is tf.k~;:rt'~~l'~ • ~O:Q~tr,¥ beea;use .of po:liJti:cal :C;;:\>"""J'..S:-c·G';:,...:~,_cutiOO.' . .A; ... o,"·'".c,),.-'r..''''.

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) offers a series of stories, "Welcoming the Newcomer" in this publication in September and October.

The series explores the economic and social factors that spur immigration and discusses the economic and racial issues newcomers face when they arrive in their new home. The articles will also look at MCC advocacy on behalf of newcomers.

You'll meet Rebeca Jiminez Yoder, staff associate in the MCC Office on Immigration, and Dylan Morgan, an MCC worker in Belle Glade, Fla. Herself an immigrant from Costa Rica, Yoder now works as an advocate for those facing the many hurdles to legal residency. Morgan serves with an immigration rights advocacy group, working primarily with Haitian immigrants who tend the sugar cane fields of South Florida.

Look for "Welcoming the Newcomer" in this publication soon.

Mennonite Central Committee Mennonite Central Committee 21 South 12th Street PO Box 500 Akron, PA 17501-0500 (717) 859-1151 MCC Canada 134 Plaza Drive Winnipeg, MB R3T 5K9 (204) 261-6381 toll free (888) 622-6337

PEOPLE PROFILE MENNONITE

BRETHREN

IN

THE

NEWS

Nikkel: Looking at Tabor from all angles • Larry Nikkel reflects on his new role as president of Tabor College.

L

arry Nikkel was inaugurated May 2 as the 12th president of Tabor College, an MB college located in Hillsboro, Kan. Until his appointment, Nikkel served the mental health community as president and chief executive officer ofMennonite Health Services and before that as executive director ofPrairie View, Inc., ofNewton, Kan. While Nikkel is new to Christian higher education, he has a long-standing relationship with Tabor. Prior to his appointment as interim president last fall, Nikkel served as chair of the Tabor College Board of Directors.

The Leader recently talked with Nikkel about his new assignment. Following are excerpts of that interview.

Christian Leader: A year ago you agreed to serve as Tabor1s interim president. What prompted you to accept that position?

Larry Nikkel: I had been serving as chair of the board and was excited about the strategic plan the board had adopted in May, 1998. When President Brandt resigned, I became concerned that the strategic plan would be shelved temporarily or perhaps even permanently. I felt the plan pointed Tabor in a direction that would move us forward and that we could not afford delay in its implementation. The executive committee and then the board convinced me that I was in the best position to see that the plan was carried forward.

CL: Have you met the interim goals you set for yourself and the college?

LN: Most have been met or exceeded.

We are in the implementation stages now of five new programs. We exceeded our annual fund goal for the first time ever at this level. We will be presenting a master site plan for board action in October. I believe we have connected well with alumni and the church constituency and our program in Wichita is growing nicely.

24 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

"1 have only grown in my conviction of the value of Christian higher education," Nikkel says. "While there are some Christian young people who are able to be a wonderful Christian influence on the secular campus, I am convinced that most of our young people will be advantaged in their spiritual formation by coming to a place like Tabor."

CL: In assuming the presidency of Tabor College, you left a life-long career in mental health. Why did you make the change?

LN: Well, it wasn't my idea. Even before President Brandt formally resigned, I "knew" that Elaine and I would be asked to do this. It was a strange feeling. I have taught Sunday school most of my adult life and one of the things I have always preached is: "We are always in preparation for whatever is next."

Being a college president is near the top of a long list of things I would never have thought myself being. So when the search committee asked me to seriously consider this, I had a lot of thinking, talking and praying to do. During this time, I was confronted powerfully with my own words. I began to reflect upon the ways in which, indeed, perhaps I have been in preparation for this task.

The other reason for leaving a very rewarding career in health care was because for many years, I have felt deeply about Tabor and the important role it has played and wishes to play in the future.

CL: What factors did you consider in your career move?

LN: There were several. First, I knew that I could not be successful unless LEA D E R

Elaine was fully supportive of the move.

She, like me, began with a litany of reasons why this just wouldn't work. I prayed that if this was God's will, that Elaine's heart would be turned toward it without any influence from me. So the day that we were driving somewhere and Elaine said, "You know, this is something I think we should do," I almost ran the car off the road and I knew this was something we must seriously consider.

Second, as I began the interim presidency, it became clear that the actual work of managing was similar to what I had been doing all of my profeSSional life, only applied to a new area.

Third, I attempted to submit myself to the discernment of people whose maturity and spiritual judgment I trusted. That resulted in a clear affirmation of God's call.

CL: What is your impression of Christian higher education coming to the profession from the outside?

LN: First, every organization has its own culture and higher education certainly has a culture of its own. Second, I have only grown in my conviction of the value of Christian higher education.

But I am very concerned about the fu ture of Christian higher education. I

PEOPLE PROFILE

believe that we are being marginalized by both the secular and the church communities. There is a tremendous pull toward the elite colleges and universities, often for unstated reasons. While there are some Christian young people who are able to be a wonderful Christian influence on the secular campus, I am convinced that most of our young people will be advantaged in their spiritual formation by coming to a place like Tabor.

Furthermore, the quality of education at a school like this is very high. We have not sold ourselves well on that point.

Whose problem is that? It is ours. We must do a better job of convincing people of the value of Christian higher education.

CL: What does it mean for Tabor to be a Mennonite Brethren institution?

LN: That's a difficult question to answer. It is difficult because we (Mennonite Brethren) have allowed and encouraged congregations substantial latitude in "how we do church." So we don't have the same degree of predictability in practice or even in doctrine that one might expect.

So the expectation of what it means to be a Mennonite Brethren school depends upon whom you ask. It is complicated not only by which congregation you ask, but even whom within that congregation you ask.

I think this is a very critical question. I have seen many "church sponsored" organizations who, over a span of time, have lost their denominational distinctives and carry the church connection in name only. We must be diligent in assuring that never happens here. That means we will continually need to be in dialogue with our churches. At the most basic level, we are committed to biblical truth as defined in our confession of faith.

CL: What can you as president do to foster that relationship?

their own. I've already talked about that.

LN: First, I have to be the kind of person that embodies the values that the church holds dear. If they can't trust me why should they trust the college? They will be more likely to trust me if they know me and if, in knowing me, they find that my values and ideals are in keeping with the values of the church.

Hopefully some of that trust has been established through many years of work and service in and for the church. I also look forward to getting into the churches and communities of our constituency to meet people more personally.

CL: What are your goals for the institution?

LN: They are very basic. I believe that in order for us to thrive in the future, we must build upon three pillars, all of which must be in place for us to succeed. First is a commitment to excellence. We are already very good at a lot of things. But we need to develop the mind-set that we want continually to be improving in all areas: programs, facilities, people and processes.

Second, we have to be financially viable. While we are blest with not having huge institutional debt, we still live pretty much "hand to mouth." We celebrate God's faithfulness to us over the years but we really need to be able to have some cash reserves, to fund depreciation and to build the endowment.

Third, we must have integrity with our church constituency. They must be able to look at us and recognize us as

CL: If you've made your imprint on this college, what kind of student will Tabor be producing in the next years?

LN: They would be students with a broad and more accurate worldview than many of us have today. Furthermore, they would be students committed to core biblical values of service, humility and compassion. If their work and service from this perspective results in wealth, power and fame-great. But what drives them are these biblical values.

CL: Do you have a goal this next year for the TC constituency?

LN: First, let me say that we received a higher level of church support this last year than in any previous year. We thank God and the members of our churches for that support.

Next, let's acknowledge our relationship as a partnership. Let's work at ways to support each other. Let's think about what we need from each other and make a commitment to meet each other's needs. Someone has said, "Nobody wins unless we all do." I believe that to be true for Tabor and our constituency.

Let's make sure we are growing toward each other, not away from each other.

I believe that we have a right, perhaps even a responsibility, to a vision of greatness. We have been doing it for many years and it continues. The saying, "grain by grain a loaf, stone by stone a palace" says it well. Let's build it together.

-interview by Connie Faber

CL: How does the college learn what the churches value?

LN: We have to be in relationship and this relationship is no different from any other relationship. We have to work at developing a shared vision of the future; to open, timely and honest communication; to engage in trust building activities and to nurturing each other in whatever ways we can. We have to develop as many avenues of communication as possible. Open communication in any relationship includes both the affirmations as well as the confrontations. We need both in a spirit of nurture and growth.

Tabor board chair Lyndon Vix (left) places the presidential medallion around the neck of Larry Nikkel, symbolically declaring the start of a new leadership administration at Tabor.

The act was part of Nikkel's inauguration service May 2.

SEPTEMBER

1

999

25

BODyLIFE MENNONITE

BRETHREN

NEWS

Leland Harder of Newton, Kan., portrays his ancestor, Johann Harder, an early leader in the Gnadenau village, during a reenactment at the Parkview MB Church cemetery. About a half dozen figures from the church's past were "resurrected" to present their stories as part of the congregation's 125th anniversary.

Hillsboro congregation celebrates 125 years • Parkview MB Church has history marked by change-both forced and by choice

A

Willingness to change has been a trademark of the Parkview MB Church of Hillsboro, Kan., for 125 years and leaders say this openness continues today. The congregation celebrated its 125th anniversary July 31 through Aug. 1.

Many of the celebration events focused on the history of the congregation. "We need to be reminded of our past history," says William Johnson, chair of the anniversary committee. "It can serve as an inspiration and challenge for our future."

Saturday morning a historical marker was dedicated at the site of the original meetinghouse southeast of Hillsboro.

The dedication was followed bya."talking tombstones" presentation at the church cemetery. Individuals in authentic dress represented key figures in the congregation's history. The presentation began with historical leaders such as the first lead elder Jacob A.Wiebe and concluded with contemporary leaders such

26 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

as Henry Loewen who died in 1999.

Members of the anniversary committee also wanted the congregation to celebrate who they are today. To help the congregation understand its current makeup, anniversary committee member Lou Greenhaw surveyed the congregation in late January 1999. Greenhaw says the results of this survey offer evidence of the way in which the changes in the Hillsboro community are reflected in the Parkview congregation.

According to the survey, only 63 percent of the congregation claim a German/Russian heritage. One third of the congregation are first-generation Mennonites and a corresponding one third of the congregation has previous experience in something other than a Mennonite Brethren or Mennonite congregation.

More people in the congregation are under fifty, with the highest percentage being those 40 to 49 years of age.

One of the Parkview households that fits this profile is that of senior pastor LEA D E R

Tim Sullivan. Even though Sullivan is a graduate of MB Biblical Seminary and Tabor College, the denominationalliberal arts college located in Hillsboro, neither he nor his wife Donna, both in their early 40s, have an ethnic Mennonite Brethren heritage.

"One of the things that attracted us to Parkview nine years ago was that the congregation was saying that because the Hillsboro community was changing-becoming more diverse-they wanted to be open and sensitive to these changes," says Sullivan.

"The fact that the congregation was open to calling us told us they're open to change," he says. Sullivan believes that others in the congregation have experienced the same welcome that his family has enjoyed. "I don't sense that people who want to serve are limited by their background," says Sullivan. "We have a fairly young leadership group of men and women from a variety of backgrounds-that encourages me," he says.

BODyLIFE

When asked to reflect on Parkview's history, Sullivan says, "The history of this church is dotted with changes-some of them forced, some of them by choice. I wonder if maybe in some way-by necessity or by the character of its members-this church is more willing to accept changes."

Parkview's roots The Parkview congregation traces its roots to a group of 20 families who immigrated to Central Kansas from the Crimean peninsula of Russia in the summer of 1874. For 100 years the Mennonites in Russia had enjoyed religious freedom and exemption from military service. A change in that policy in 1870 prompted many to leave behind a life of relative comfort and come to America as pioneers.

"This was a unique situation-that they came as a congregation," says Johnson. "They were a very close-knit group and they decided together to make the move."

When the group arrived in Central Kansas they settled southeast of Hillsboro and built their village in a traditional Russian arrangement-the sod homes were built in a village in one location and the farmers traveled from there to their land. They named their village and their church Gnadenau, which means "grace meadow."

Changes at Parkview Key events in Parkview's history are reflected in the changes in the congregation's meetinghouse. The first church was a sod building located in the village.

By 1898, many families had left the village to live closer to their farmland.

When a new church was built, it was located two miles south of Hillsboro to be more centrally located for the membership. A fire in 1956 on Christmas Eve destroyed this facility and within a few weeks the congregation made the decision to rebuild in Hillsboro. A new education wing and activity center was added in 1993 to accommodate a growing AWANA program. AWANA is a weeknight club program emphasiZing Bible memory.

In addition to faCility changes, the congregation has worked through a number of changes related to church life. An anti-German sentiment during World War II was one of the factors that prompted the group to introduce English into their worship services in 1943. In 1954, the congregation withdrew from the Krimmer Mennonite Brethren conference and affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren conference. In 1963, the congregation decided to change its name from Gnadenau to Parkview MB Church. In 1991, the congregation began holding two Sunday morning worship services to accommo-

date its growing attendance.

The congregation has also welcomed changes in membership. The Lehigh (Kan.) MB Church merged with Parkview in 1954 and in 1960 the Tampa (Kan.) MB Church merged with the Hillsboro congregation. Following the merger of the MB and KMB conferences in 1960, members from the Springfield KMB Church also joined the Parkview congregation.

While members of the congregation serve the community as leaders in business, industry and education, the mark of Parkview's past members continues to be felt. In 1893, Parkview members helped construct an orphanage. The facility housed 45 orphans at one time and served as an industrial home to teach manual arts and home economics.

Over time the home added care of the elderly to its services and in 1915, the organization was rechartered as Salem Hospital and Home, an agency that currently serves the area as Hillsboro Community Medical Center. A facility that once housed the hospital, located just one block from the church, is currently home to Main Street Ministries, a community outreach supported by Hillsboro churches. - by Connie Faber with Ellynne Wiebe of the Hillsboro Free Press.

The Parkview MB Church congregation of Hillsboro, Kan., celebrated their 125th anniversary last month. AI Isaac (back to camera), chair of the church council, leads the dedication service for a new historical marker. The marker is located southeast of Hillsboro at the site of the original meetinghouse and village established

by Russian immigrants who founded the congregation in 1874.

SEPTEMBER

199 9

27

BODyLIFE

MBMSI sends out 19 new mission workers • New mission workers head to Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America

T

his year, 19 new missionaries will be sent by MBMS International on assignments around the

world.

Most of the new missionaries met at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., July 18. They attended orientation and enrichment sessions that included seminars on worldview, spiritual warfare, familyadaptation to cross-cultural experience and spiritual and psychological issues of missionary service.

"Going out to a new mission placement can be overwhelming," says personnel director Ron Penner. "We want to help these new missionaries plug into MBMS International's resources, so they are better equipped to do what God and their church has called them to do."

A highlight of the week was a twoand-one-half-hour commissioning service that included testimonies by the new missionaries, singing, prayer and words of encouragement from MBMSI board members. Earlier in the day, retired missionaries shared insights and experiences with the new missionaries and those who are ending service.

Terms of service of the new workers range from one year to ongoing threeyear terms. They will work as church planters, physicians, teachers and administrators to share the Gospel or support other missionaries. Some are being sent directly by the MB mission agency of Canada and the United States, while others are being sent under joint appointment with other agencies and church conferences.

• Asia. Dale Baumgartner and Chris Braun are going to Osaka, Japan, to teach English language classes at MB churches.

"Through the chapel that takes place after class and through friendship evangelism, we hope to share Christ with those who have never heard," says Braun, taking a second two-year assignment in Japan.

28 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

Top row: Sachiko Thiessen (Japan), Melanie Regier (China), Melanie Humphreys (Lithuania), Chris Braun (Japan), Ken Creech (Senegal). Middle row: Randal Thiessen (Japan), Faith Nickel (Congo), Cheryl Creech (Senegal), Melissa Miller (Portugal), Karen Rafferty (Lithuania). Bottom row: Murray Nickel (Congo), Dale Baumgartner (Japan), Phone Keo Keovilay (Thailand), Steve Miller (Portugal).

Randal and Sachiko Thiessen and their children will be going as church planters to Japan, Sachiko's country of origin. They will learn language and culture, and then join the church plant in Toyota City.

Melanie Regier, a schoolteacher, is going to the Henan province in China to teach English as a second language. She will join a team of teachers who work with Chinese college students and their professors. After her formal classes, she will be free to share her faith with those who visit with her.

Phone Keo Keovilay is pastor of the Butler Khmu and Lao church in Fresno, Calif. He and his wife, Chansone, will go to Thailand and Laos to minister among the Khmu people. He has made several trips over the past several years and reports that many churches have sprung up in areas where the Gospel is not commonly known.

• Africa. Ken and Cheryl Creech and their three children are moving to Senegal, West Mrica, under joint appointment

by Wycliffe Bible Translators and MBMSI. In the capital city of Dakar, Ken will manage technical services as twelve Bible translations are developed.

Murray and Faith Nickel are moving with their three children to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, in the fall. Murray will use his expertise as a medical doctor in ministry to the Congolese. Medical aid has traditionally been LEA D E R

a cornerstone of MB mission in Congo, although it has been several years since a full-time North American missionary has served under MBMSI in the Congo.

• Europe. Melanie Humphreys is going to Lithuania Christian College in Klaipeda, Lithuania, to be the resident director for the 200 students that live on campus and for the additional 200 students who come from the area.

Karen Rafferty will be heading up the school for children of staff who work at Lithuania Christian College. Karen has 12 years of experience.

Steve and Melissa Miller, with their children, have already been serving as part of the MBMSI church planting team in Loures, Portugal. They are now fluent in the Portuguese language.

• Latin America. Jose and Esperanza Prada have gone with their son from their home in Colombia to Piura, Peru.

They will work alongside North American missionaries as church planting pastors in this new urban church. They represent a new form of partnership in mission, in which missionaries are sent from other national conferences to another country with support from MBMSI. After spending the past two years in the United States, Melvin and Gudrun Warkentin, together with their children, have returned to Yalve Sanga, Paraguay.

They will teach Bible courses to South American Indians at the Bible Institute.

-MBMSI news service

I

BODyLIFE

MUSA assists u.s. districts with new church plants

IN BRIEF

• Mission USA teams with the Central and Pacific districts wo new church planting projects includes Gary Janzen, chair of the diswere launched this summer by trict board, and Phil Glanzer, pastor of district conferences with the supNew Hope Church in Minneapolis. port of Mission USA, the church planting • Bellingham, Wash. The Pacific and renewal ministry of the U.S. ConferDistrict Conference is working with ence. Each project is supervised by a MUSA to plant a third Mennonite task force that includes representatives Brethren church in Bellingham, Wash. from MUSA, the district conference and Kelly and Lorelei Cochrane and their the church plant. children are the church planters. The • Apple Valley, Minn. The Central task force overseeing this project District Conference Church Planting includes Dave Thiessen, an appointed Board has teamed with MUSA to plant a PDC Home Mission Board member, and church in Apple Valley, Minn., a suburb Steve Schroeder, pastor of neighboring of Minneapolis/St. Community Bible Fellowship and a PDC Paul. Tom and HMBmember.

"We were Amy Cartney and "We feel gripped with the call to mintheir children ister to the families of Bellingham," says very encourmoved to Apple Cochrane. "Please remember us in your aged by the Valley in July to prayers as we seek to share our Lord experience serve as the with the people in the Barkley and Sunchurch planters. rise neighborhoods." itself-by Cartney is a recent The Cochranes plan to begin their partnering up graduate of MB ministry with home fellowship groups with some Biblical Seminary. targeted at families with young children.

The Cartneys Their goal is to start public services in people from began contacting 2000.

New Hope households in the The Cochranes moved to Bellingham Church and by target area this in July after both Kelly and Lorelei gradsummer. On at uated from MBBS. Before coming to the finding some least one occaseminary, they spent a number of years truly interestsion, they were in active lay ministry in Cariboo Bethel assisted by memed people."

MB Church in Williams Lake, BC, where bers of neighborKelly operated an insurance business.

-Tom Cartney, ingNewHope "Our ministry is about a passion to church planter MB Church. While ensure that many people who do not they were disapcurrently have heaven on their itinerary pointed with the number of people at will be impacted by the vision of Mission home, they did make progress.

USA and become part of the church "We were very encouraged by the that's going there," says Ed Boschman, experience itself-by partnering up with MUSA execusome people from New Hope Church tive director.

"We feel and by finding some truly interested "We're grateful people," says Cartney. "We knocked on gripped for the evi118 doors. Of those, 67 were not home, dence of vision with the call 23 were not interested and 28 expressed in these two to minister to some interest. Of those who were actuchurch plants ally home, 55 percent were interested in and for the the families of allowing us to keep them informed of many who will Bellingham." the progression of the church," he says. make heaven as The CDC targeted this area for a a result."-Kelly Cochrane, church planter church plant several years ago. As the from MUSA project developed, MUSA was asked to reports be a partner. The supervisory task force

T

FACltl'IES: This month two congregations wHI dedicate new faciUties thanks to the financial assistance of U.S. Con~f:erence Integr a~t:ed Ministrtes' Evangelism Partnets, says dire<:tor loyal Funk. Slavic Light of the Gospel. Church in Spokane, Wash., will dedicate its new facilities Sept. 12.

This is the second M:B Russian congregation located in Spokane and together the congregations number 500. The 500merrl't'er Slavic Christian Chufch of Salem., Ore., will dedicate its new 'facUities Sept.

19. (Leader)

AWARD: Wally Kroeker, of Mennonite

Economk Development Associates and former editor of the Learder, has receivea an Award of Merit from Exce:l!le·nce in Media for his bo>o k 0 od's Wee k Has Seven Days. HeraId Press publishes the book, a cotlection of 52 reflections that celebrate "the work week of God. The Angel Awards honor creative people In aU forms ot media who were turning out works of excellence that had e:ither high ffi:oral, spiritua<l, or socia·1 i:mpact. Proceeds fronl the sale ot Kroeker's book are used to support MEDA prog:rams around the world. 'MEDA) II

HONORED: Cameron Kaufman of Family Fjnancia~ Services in Hutchinson, Kan., and a member of Buhl>er (Kan.) MB Church, was named Mennonite Mutua:I

Aid Associate Counselor of the Year at M:MA's national conference lVlay 1 in Kansas City, Mo. This year MMA honored 13 field representatives for their out.. standing work in 1998. MMA, headquartered in Goshenf Jnd., is a church-related organization that helps Anabaptist church members practice biblical stewardship. (MMA) TUITION: The Fresno Pad fie University B·oard of Directors set tuition and ro·om and board. rates and approved goal and

vision statQ<ments for the college and graduate school when they met June 4..5.

In ra:ising tuition 5.37 percent for 19992000 and 6 percent Tor 2.000... 2001 board members noted that these increases are smaller than previous raises and that students do receive mo·re services than in the past. The board ap:proved rive-year vision, strategk direction and goal statements for Fresno Pacific College, the uni.. versity's traditional unclergraduate program, an·d Fresno Pacific Graduate School. (FPUj

SEPTEMBER

1

199 9

29

BODyLIFE

Three North American Mennonite denominations merge • Membership rules divide u.s.

MCIGC delegates

T

he three largest Mennonite denominations in North America have agreed to form one denomination, named Mennonite Church, with tWo new country structures.

Meeting July 23-27, delegates of the Mennonite Church, the General Conference Mennonite Church and the Conference of Mennonites in Canada, voted in separate sessions to form two new bodies, Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA. The actual formation of the two structures will not occur until legal requirements are met.

The new Mennonite Church Canada, with 37,000 members, agreed to a set of membership guidelines, while Mennonite Church USA, with 124,000 members, agreed only to cQmmend the same guidelines as a first reading and for subsequent study.

MDS hay on the way

Homosexuality issue still a roadblock The merger's biggest roadblock-the issue of homosexuality and church membership-stood as firm as ever for U.S delegates. The debate centers on whether congregations that grant membership to noncelibate homosexuals can be part of the Mennonite Church USA. A motion to approve membership guidelines for the U.S. part of the merged church failed when 55 percent of the Mennonite Church delegates voted against it. The proposed guidelines would allow all current MC and GC congregations into the new U.S. church.

Each area conference would decide for itself whether to discipline a congregation that deviates from conference polity.

Seventy-nine percent of U.S. GC delegates voted for a motion to approve the guidelines, but with 45 percent MC support, the motion failed to get the required two-thirds majority of each group.

Delegates then approved a recommendation from the general boards for a delay in adopting the guidelines and remitting the proposed guidelines for "study, dialogue and modification."

Service and youth events Besides business sessions, the convention included a variety of activities.

More than 6,000 youth and adults

• Disaster relief begins for

took part in service projects in St. Louis.

Despite temperatures in the 100's, they volunteered in neighborhood redevelopment, youth organizations, homeless advocacy and job training, assisted living for the elderly, retirement communities, soup kitchens and family support.

Mennonite youth and sponsors held their own, simultaneous convention, which had 6,306 registered. They heard messages from Hispanics, African Americans and Caucasians and popular repeat Youth Convention performances by people such as Tony Campolo and Ken Medema. About 3,000 youth also participated in a forum on antiracism. The junior high youth collected and put together almost 200 kits for refugees in Kosovo, to be distributed by Mennonite Central Committee, an inter-Mennonite relief and service agency.

Besides daily worship services and Bible studies, convention-goers attended over 100 seminars, plays, concerts, reunions and a centennial celebration of Mennonite overseas mission work, which began in India.

This was the first joint meeting of the three denominations. Total registration for adults was 2,584.

Mennonite Church USA will next meet in 2001, while Mennonite Church, Canada meets in 2000. The next joint meeting of the two bodies will be in 2003 in Winnipeg. -from reports ,by Gordon Houser, associate editor of The Mennonite, and Paul Schrag, editor, and Laurie Oswald, assistant editor of Mennonite Weekly Review.

drought-stricken states

M

ennonite Disaster Service, a North American disaster relief organization, began delivering hay in mid-August from Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan to farms in Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Ontario and Kansas also have an abundance of hay and are workibg at organizing loads to send to farmers in the eastern states.

MDS is asking for financial donations to pay for the cost of transportation as well as some hay. In-kind donations of hay and trucking are also needed. Contributions can be sent to MDS, PO Box 500, Akron, PA 17501.

For general inquiries about the hay drive, call the MDS Akron office, (717) 859-2210. -from MDS news release

30 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

Snewbird Service .ppertunity in

J~A~.All~lC:A January 28th • February 6th, 2000 Leaders - Wilmer & Janet Martin

Take a mid-Winter break and enjoy the warmth and culture ofJamaica while spending 3 days building a Habitat for Humanity house.

Wilmer with Habitat Homeowner.

Call 1-800-565-0451 TODAY for a brochure.

TOUR MAGINATION DISCOVERY & FELLOWSHIP "Celebrating 30 Years" 22 King St. S., Suite 401 Waterloo, ON N2J 1N8 Reg. #1567624

LEA D E R

ASK ABOUT OUR OBERAMMERGAU 2000 TOURS

1011 Cathill Road Sellersville-, PA 18960

Building Bridges Making Connections C

hurch planters Laurelglen Bible Tom and Amy Church of BakersCartney have field, Calif. and recently moved to Mission USA. New the Minneapolis-St. churches are Paul area of Minneencouraged to give sota. one-tenth of their As new residents local offerings to in Apple Valley, they outside interests. have been actively "We were building bridges wondering what to into their new do with our church Tom and Amy Cartney community, by tithe." said Paul knocking on doors, doing community I Robie, SMCC pastor. «We had already surveys, inviting people to their home and paid our church norms to the u.S. dropping off bags of freshConference and to the Pacific c~ •• where your District and decided to invest ground coffee at homes where people have expressed interest t · th the rest in a new church work. . t h· k The Cartneys are reasure IS, ere Knowing . th at t h e Cartneys h ad In elr wor. also visiting Mennonite Brethyour heart settled in their target area in ren churches in the Central will be also."

Minnesota, we decided to give District to share their vision for (Matt. 6:21) to this project." church planting. The new work The gift has had an energizis a project of the Central ing impact on the Twin Cities District and Mission USA. task force.

While the Cartneys were busy making "To receive this gift before we have our these important connections in Apple church launch has been very encouragValley, a bridge was being built in the ing," Tom said. "It impressed us that they newly planted South Mountain Commudid this and is a reminder for us to do nity Church in Draper, Utah, that would likewise." reach across state and district lines. The Utah church is a recent church plant of the Pacific District,

The Robies

MISSION USA BOARD: Ed Boschman, Phoenix, Al., Chuck Buller, Visalia, CA. Karin Enns, Dinuba, CA Phil Glanzer, New Hope, MN Joe Johns, Weatherford, OK

Loretta Jost, Aurora, NE Brad Klassen, Glendale, Al Nancy Laverty, Jones, OK Stephen Reimer, Shafter, CA Randy Steinert, Bakersfield, CA

Tim Sullivan, Hillsboro, KS Gary Wall, Lodi, CA

Ex OHicia Members: Henry Dick, Fresno, CA.

Clinton Grenz, Bismark, N.D. Bruce Porter, Fresno, CA Roland Reimer, Wichita, KS. Clint Seibel, Hillsboro, KS Jim Westgate, Fresno, CA

BODyLIFE

NEWS FROM OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES

Baptism/membership GARDEN CITY, Kan. (Garden Valley)-The congregation received a number of new members during the summer. Mike and Jennifer Brandt and Kevin and Lynda Turner were accepted into membership June 6. Todd and Janelle Staats were baptized June 27 and received as new members July 4 along with Theron and Diane Woolwine and Daniel Woolwine.

CLOVIS, Calif. (College Community)~Laura Roberts was received as a new member July 18.

YALE, S.D. (Bethel)-Leonard and Susanne Waldner, Amber Kleinsasser, Brett Hofer, Derik Kleinsasser and Jesse Hohm were baptized in the James River and accepted into membership July 18. Mike and Clara Wadner were accepted into membership upon their testimonies.

DENVER, Colo. (Garden Park)-Dan Barrett was welcomed into fellowship through baptism July 11.

OMAHA, Neb.-July 11 the three Omaha area congregations met for a joint picnic and baptism at an area lake. Faith Bible Church baptized seven people, Millard Bible Church baptized three and Rolling Hills Church baptized two individuals. Those baptized were Rocky Sealy, Billy Clark, Jim Habegger, Nathan King, Joshua Ross, Talia Osborn, Richard Thomas, Clark Osborn, Christina Thomas, DJ. Breithaupt, Jesse King, Bethany Haas and Cathryn Harker.

MARSHALL, Ark. (Martin Box)-Debbie LaValle, Marie Morrow, Seth Brenaman, Dave Gentry, Matthew Gentry, Jacob Gentry, Matt Harness and Pat Ryan were baptized July 11 in Big Creek. A picnic lunch and swimming followed the service.

VISALIA, Calif. (Neighborhood)-The congregation welcomed 38 new members July 11.

Those joining by testimony were Bill Banias, Bunny Banias, Bobbi Bucey, Dan Kirkindoll, Robbyn Kirkindoll, Bill McClure, Linda McClure, Karena Thomas and Kelly Thomas. Those joining by baptism were Becky Adams, Kevin Bartel, Kristin Bartel, Allison Bragg, Forrest Cavale, Taylor Cavale, Tyler Davis, Vivian Elgin, Liandra Elgin, Aaron Kaminski, Lisa Kooiman, Natalie Liles, Megan McClure, Katie Moore, Robyn Moor.e, Tamra Nesmith, Jonathan Regehr, Nathan Regehr, Jordan Ringhofer, Justin Ringhofer, Charice Rumelhart, Mark Sierdsma, Cole Sinatra, Jack Sinatra, Nina Sinatra, Shelly Smith, Sean Tabor and Tracy Tabor.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Lincoln Glen)-Nathan Eldridge, Kyle Froese and Brian Wiens were baptized July 4.

DINUBA, Calif.-John and Marian Smith were received as new members July 4.

FAIRVIEW, Okla.-Jason and Nicole Quiring and Warren Heinrichs were received as new members June 27.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Northwest Community)Kristin Pace, Rachel Tiner, Velma Rose Holder, Julie Petersen, Lloyd Wakelee, Jordan Reimer Tod Stroud and Mike Pace were baptized in

32 • THE

C H R 1ST I A N

June. Arnold and Salome Funk, Menno and Rosie Regier, Kyle Tiner, Jim and Tod Stroud, Bill Harral, Donny and Alice Malson, Lloyd and Debbie Wakelee, Coleen Kapral, Alma Eirich, Gary and Paula Williams, Ruth Oaks and Steve Bryant are the first members of this congregation which is two years old this month.

FRESNO, Calif. (North)~Chris and Dobrinka Bijev, Andrew Halverson, Janice Outfleet, Jesica Outfleet, Jackie Blauser and Matt Friesen were baptized and received as new members in June.

Joe and Verna Agee, Mary Hurley, Katrina Irwin, Dave Friesen, Bud Johansen, Brad Thiessen and Rachelle Ventura were also received as members.

SALEM, Ore. (Kingwood Bible)-Johnathan Anderson was recently baptized.

Ministry

drama and stories in an effort to provide a wellrounded Sunday morning experience for everyone, says pastor John Warkentin.

BETHANY, Okla. (Western Oaks)-For the last six weeks of the summer, the worship service was changed to accommodate a lower summer attendance, to build community and to make some intentional Bible applications, says pastor Rocky LaMarr. The morning began with a fellowship time for the entire congregation which was followed by a worship service for adults and youth; children had their own Bible classes during the service.

Outreach HAYS, Kan.(North Oak)-A group of 15 youth and sponsors spent a week in early June at Deer Creek Camp in Colorado working on a variety of projects. DCC serves inner city youth.

CLOVIS, Calif. (College Community)-As a thanks to her church family for their prayers and expressions of concern following her pacemaker implant surgery, Phyllis Wiebe created a unique cover for each separate bulletin printed for the July 18 service.

GARDEN CITY, Kan. (Garden Valley)-The Mission Mexico Team shared Aug. 1 about their trip to Juarez, Mexico, to build two stucco homes. In addition to Garden Valley youth, the team included teens from Enid (Okla.) MB Church and Garden City United Methodist Church.

BUSHTOWN, N.C.-The annual North Carolina District youth convention was hosted by the Bushtown congregation July 11. The program was presented by the various congregations and pastor Reggie Hunt was the speaker. This was the 60th anniversary of the youth convention.

CLOVIS, Calif. (College Community)-Members of the congregation have committed to endow a faculty chair at the MB Centenary Bible College in India. The congregation has raised almost two-thirds of the $18,000 needed.

SALEM, Ore. (Kingwood Bible)-Pastor Gordon Bergman has been the lead pastor along with several others in developing a community marriage policy for area pastors. Over 50 pastors have committed to helping couples get a good start on their marriages. Most of the policy tenets deal with premarital preparation.

LAWTON, Okla. (Faith Bible)-The 'cong regation and community people recently razed a 50' x 175' steel building given to them for materials by the owners in a record breaking two days' time. The materials are in storage until the congregation is ready to build a new facility. The group has sold their property and is currently meeting at a temporary location.

HILLSBORO, Kan. (Ebenfeld)-Associate pastor Vaughn Jost led weekly contemporary Sunday services during the summer months. The evenings included worship, praise and prayer.

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)-For th ree weeks in August, the Saturday night and Sunday morning services were designed for families to attend together. The services were more interactive, the worship included songs children enjoy and the sermon was shorter. The goal was to bring people of all ages together for worship; programming for children age four and above was temporarily discontinued.

WICHITA, Kan. (First)-A sabbatical was again given in August to all church workers involved in the Sunday school program. Since all the children's and most adult classes were suspended, the morning worship service incorporated video,

LEA D E R

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (Laurelglen)-The congregation sent two overseas teams out this summer.

Nine people traveled to Bucharest, Romania, to minister to the children and staff at Orphanage #7. Twelve people went to Kitale, Kenya, to refurbish the facility recently acquired for International Christian Ministries.

OMAHA, Neb. (Faith Bible)-Storm the City '99 held June 25-30 was an intensive urban missionary experience sponsored by the FBC for Central District Conference congregations. Pastoral staff member James Epp expected to host as many as 40 youth and sponsors for the week.

DINUBA, Calif.-The congregation dedicated Melvin and Gudrun Warkentin and their family for their work in Paraguay with MBMS International.

Workers HILLSBORO, Kan. (Tabor College)-Sept. 20, the college is hosting a pastoral enrichment seminar with Dan Unrau, author, speaker and pastor of Fraserview MB Church in Vancouver, B.C. Unrau will speak on the use of storytelling in preaching and will offer resources for advent services.

INMAN, Kan. (Zoar)-Pastoral couple Will and Bonnie Fadenrecht were honored with a service and noon meal on their last Sunday of ministry, Aug. 1.

LITTLETON, Colo. (Belleview Acres)-Mike and Diane Andrews were installed as pastoral couple

BODYLIFE

Aug. 1. A church meal followed the morning service.

CORN, Okla.-Russ and Chandelle Claassen were installed as youth minister couple July 25.

EDMOND, Okla. (Memorial Road)-Jim and Alice Collinsworth were installed July 18 as associate pastoral couple. Participants in the installation service included Southern District Conference minister Roland Reimer and Rocky and Kelley LaMarr, pastoral couple at neighboring Western Oaks MB Church in Bethany.

Collinsworth will serve in youth, worship and administration.

FRESNO, Calif. (North)-Pastoral couple Tim and Tracy Neufeld were honored with a farewell service July 18. Neufeld has served the congregation in student ministries. Mark Ferguson accepted the call to serve as minister of music and worship and began his ministry Aug. 2.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Lincoln Hills Bible)-Youth pastor Paul Ewing and his wife Melissa had a short summer internship in community outreach with a Buffalo, N.Y., congregation.

FREEMAN, S.D. (Salem)-Pastor George and Eileen Klassen were honored with a farewell service June 27 which was followed by a catered meal. The Klassen's have served the congregation for five years and were not given an extension on their visa into the U.S. from Canada.

HURON, S.D. (Bethesda)-Matt Leopold was ordained June 20. Leopold oversees Christian

education and youth ministries. Eldon Busenitz resigned June 20 as senior pastor after serving the congregation for 16 years. He will serve a new congregation in Michigan. Darren and Sherry Rempel have joined the pastoral staff in the areas of music, worship, small group ministry and visitation. He most recently served the Fairview (Okla.) MB Church.

FAIRVIEW, Okla.-Ja·son and Nicole Quiring were installed June 27 as youth pastoral couple.

DINUBA, Calif.-Grayson Piepgrass and his wife Bonnie were installed as pastoral couple June 20. The service included affirmations from community organizations. Henry H. Dick, Pacific District Conference minister, led the installation service and moderator Jim Brandt welcomed Piepgrass as the new pastor.

Obituaries BAERG, John G., Virgil, Ont., a former Mennonite Brethren pastor in the U.S. and Canada, was born July 25, 1908, at the Apanlee Ranch in Alexanderkrone, Southern Ukraine to Gerhard and Anne Matthies Baerg and died April 26, 1999, at the age of 90. In June 1941, he was married to Martha Neufeld, who survives. He is also survived by his children, Ruth and Ed Wiebe of Surrey, B.C., Waldo and Carol Baerg of Brampton, Ont., Elfrieda and Frank Buschman of Newark, Calif., Ted and Irena Baerg of London,

Ont., and Betti and Jim Mace of Virgil, and nine grandchildren.

DICK, Wesley, Corn, Okla., a member of Corn MB Church, was born Aug. 20, 1920, to C.H. and Anna Gossen Dick near Corn and died July 26, 1999, at the age of 78 years. On Oct. 10, 1946, he was married to Ruth Bergmann, who survives.

He is also survived by one daughter, Kathleen and husband Larry Hochstetler of Springfield, III.; one son, Loren and wife Cathy of Corn; four sisters, Linda and husband Dan Stobbe, Orpa and husband Alvin Epp, Margaret and husband John Flaming and Marlene and husband Edgar Pauls, all of Corn, and six grandchildren.

EDIGER, Tillie, Reedley, Calif., was born March 2, 1912, at Corn, Okla., to Cornelius and Susie Dick Schmidt and died July 22, 1999, at the age of 87. On Dec. 21, 1937, she was married to Jacob W. Ediger, who predeceased her in 1974.

She is survived by two daughters, Donna and husband David Fletcher of Carson City, Nev., and Betty and husband Troy Whitlow of Miramonte, Calif., two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

FElL, Bertha, Reedley, Calif., a member of Rosedale Bible Church, was born Dec. 16, 1906, to John and Helena Becker Hodel of Orienta, Okla., and died June 5, 1999, at the age of 92. In 1926 she was married to Sam Feil, who predeceased her in 1987. She is survived by her children, Gene and wife Julia of Bakersfield, Calif., continued on page 35

WHAT DO WE NEED TO DO TO REVITALIZE STEWARDSHIP?

WHEN

WHAT ARE WE WI LLI NG TO DO?

IT ALL

The Giving Project can he<lp answer those questions.

We offer stewardship reso:urces a·nd curriculum-from a new p:erspective.

We can help build generosity in your congregation-your way.

A commitment to discipleship. A process to help your con:gregati:on answer those questions, an:d aJso to follow through.

COMES DOWN

The

TO IT,

Giving Project

THERE ARE

~ .. •

Growing fait.hful stewards in the church

ONLYTWO

Mennonite Brethren Foundation 1-800-551-1547

mb~ound@southwind.net

QUESTIONS

SEPTEMBER

199 9

33

BODyLIFE

Clearinghouse Have a position to fill? Looking for a new employment or ministry opportunity? Have a gathering or celebration to promote? Reach u.s.

Mennonite Brethren through a Clearinghouse classified ad. The charge is 40 cents per word, with a $15 minimum. Withhold payment until an invoice is received. MB institutions advertising vacancies or position announcements may be eligible for a no-cost ad. Contact the editor for more information.

EMPLOYMENT-CAMPS

Leadership Byron Bible Camp is seeking an enthusiastic, self-motivated person to organize and provide leadership for a Christ centered camping program. BBC, destroyed by flooding in 1997, desires to meet the needs of the new millennium by developing satellite camping - a dynamic and flexible program involving numerous types of activities which may occur in various places throughout the region and beyond.

Part-time position to start with, possibility of full-time with growth. Camping degree or previous camp leadership experience necessary.

Salary depending on qualification. For more information and job description, contact Byron Bible Camp, PO Box 211, Huron, SO, 57350 or e-mail atbyroncamp@basec.net.

EMPLOYMENT-CHURCH

Custodial/Maintenance Mennonite Brethren Church in Shafter, Calif., is accepting applications for a full-time janitorial/maintenance person. Duties include janitorial, custodial and light maintenance. Benefits include medical, retirement and housing.

Submit resumes to Trustees, PO 1538, Shafter, CA .93263; fax (661) 746-2969; phone (661) 746-4969.

Youth Ministry Bethany Church in Fresno, Calif. is currently seeking ministry minded people who would work an average of 12 hrs.lweek with our Jr. High or College/Career Ministry for the 19992000 academic year minimum. A nice stipend is available. To ensure consideration, please contact Tim Franz, Youth pastor, Bethany Church for an application or information.

1961 N. Maple Ave., Fresno, CA 93720; e-mail at timfranz@fresno.edu; call (559) 434-2500.

MennoLink ."- • Latest News & Information • Stimulating Discussion • Meet New Friends • Genealogy

In touch .

Informed .

www.MennoLink.org info@MennoLink.org

Free Trial Subscription

HILLSBORO MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH IS SEARCHING FOR A

SENIOR PASTOR with leadership, teaching and preaching gifts for a nurturing congregation having: • average weekly attendance of more than 500 • multiple pastoral staff • a desire for transforming worship, local outreach & worldwide ministry • opportunities with Tabor College

EMPLOYMENT-EDUCATION

If prompted, send your resume to: Counseling Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary invites applications for full-time faculty position in counseling. Completed doctorate, teaching and counselling experience preferred. Starting date either February or August 2000. Contact Academic Dean, MBBS, 4824 E. Butler, Fresno, CA 93727 or e-mail mbseminary @aol.com.

Pastoral Search Committee Daryle Baltzer, chm.

104 S. Washington Hillsboro, KS 67063

Technology Fresno Pacific University's Graduate School seeks a faculty member to serve in the Technology Education program. One year position with the possibility of renewal. Responsibilities include working with the Technology

Education program faculty to assist with administering partnership technology education grants in school districts; give leadership to developing new -on-line courses and masters program in Technology Education; serve as specialist in technology and on-line education for Teacher Education program and graduate faculty in other programs; coordinate with other on-line initiatives in the grad-

34 • THE

LEA D E R

C H R 1ST I A N

uate school. Required qualifications: experience teaching in K-12 setting, strong background and experience in technology education, at least a masters degree in an appropriate field. An appointment will be made as soon as a suitable candidate is secured. For more information contact Howard Loewen, Provost, Fresno Pacific University, 1717 S. Chestnut, Fresno, CA 93702.•

BODyLIFE

Church Nevvs & Notes continued from page 33

Irene and husband Chet Pauls of Fresno, and Luetta and husband Wilbert Reimer of Fresno, and 17 grandchildren.

FRIESEN, Louise Grace Thiessen, Inman, Kan., a member of Zoar MB Church in Inman, was born May 28, 1915, near Inman to Dietrich E. and Agnes Friesen Thiessen and died June 22, 1999, at the age of 84. On Sept. 16, 1934, she was married to Leonard F. Friesen, who survives.

She is also survived by five children, Gerald and wife Shirley, Leonard, Verbie and husband Bruce Thiessen, Raymond and wife Ellen, all of Inman, and Judie and husband Lu Willems of Hesston, Kan.; three brothers, Ike and wife Helen Thiessen of Lehigh, Kan., Dan and wife Dora Thiessen and Menno and wife Irma Thiessen, all of Inman; three sisters, Lorene and husband Adolph Thiessen of Inman, Barbara Wohlgemuth and husband Menno Franz of Wichita and Neoma and husband Don Boersma of Newton, Kan., 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchi Idren.

KARBER, Henry, Bakersfield, Calif., a charter member of Laurelglen Bible Church of Bakersfield, was born Sept. 13, 1909, in Spat, Russia ,and died June 29, 1999, at the age of 89. On June 21, 1936, he was married to Adeline Harms who survives. He is also survived by one son, Lance and wife Linda of Bakersfield and one granddaughter.

KLASSEN, Leah, Reedley, Calif., a member of Reedley MB Church, was born near Hillsboro, Kan., April 10, 1908, to Peter and Helena Wiens Leppke and died at the age of 91. On Sept. 30, 1934, she was married to George C. Klassen, who survives. She is also survived by four sons, Robert and wife Beverly of Arlington, Va., Victor of San Jose, Calif., Lloyd and wife Kathy of La Verne, Calif., and Roy and wife Paula of Clovis, Calif.; one sister, Martha Jost of Reedley, 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

KROEKER, Edward R., Corn., Okla., a member of Corn MB Church, was born Dec. 19, 1921, to P.K. and Mary Schmidt Kroeker near Corn and died Aug. 2, 1999, at the age of 79. On Dec. 22, 1940, he was married to Elizabeth Dyck, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Virgil and wife Marilyn of Oklahoma City, Okla., and Larry and wife Eugenia of Plano, Texas; one brother, Jacob and wife Georgie of Fresno, Calif.; two sisters, Christine Gunther of Fresno and Salome and husband Pete Bartel of Reedley, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

NEUFELD, Kathryn Esau, Inman, Kan., a member of Zoar MB Church of Inman, was born Sept. 21, 1901, to Henry and Susie Pauls Esau near Inman and died July 24, 1999, at the age of 97. On Aug. 8, 1926, she was married to Nick Neufeld, who predeceased her in 1994. She is survived by one son, Laverne and wife Meribeth of Inman; one daughter, Dorothy and husband Richard Shroyer of Inman, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

NEUFELD, Leona, Balko, Okla., a member of Balko MB Church, was born April 19, 1910, at Balko to Ed and Hulda Bartel Wahl and died July 26, 1999, at the age of 89. On April 21, 1929, she was married to Milton Neufeld, who predeceased her. She is survived by her children, Norma Janzen of Shafter, Calif., Don and wife Dorothy of Shafter, Norena and husband Ralph Cramer of Oklahoma City, Okla., Leo and wife Kathryn of Balko and Joann and husband Mike Reddick of Beaver, Okla.; one sister, Anna Bergen of Jefferson City, Mo., 16 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

OLSEN, Agnes, Bridgewater, S.D., was born Aug. 20, 1923, in Little Falls, Minn., to Nels and Hulda Olson and died July 19, 1999, at the age of 75. On June 20, 1947, she was married to Ralph E. Olsen, who survives. She is also survived by two sons, Steven and wife Joy and Jonathan and wife Peggy, all of Wichita, Kan.; one daughter, Cheryl and husband Glenn of Bridgewater; one brother, Albert Olson of Minneapo-

lis, Minn., and eight grandchildren.

PECHIN, Eber c., Bakersfield, Calif., a member of Laure/glen Bible Church in Bakersfield, was born May 31, 1910, in Elkton, Colo., and died July 1, 1999, at the age of 89. On Nov. 27, 1943, he was married to Marguerite, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Warren and wife Betsey of Bakersfield and Paul of Roseville, Calif., six grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren.

PRITCHARD, Dorothy, Hillsboro, Kan., was born Aug. 15, 1942, in Newton, Kan., to Edward P. and Verna L. Koehn Dirks and died July 19, 1999, at the age of 56. She is survived by one daughter, Vrenda of Winfield, Kan.; three sons, Jon and wife Juana of Mexico City, Mexico, David of Overland Park, Kan., and Matt of Lawrence, Kan.; three sisters, Edna Willems of Hesston, Kan., Lois Engel of Stone Mountain, Ga., and Carolyn Wachtman of Stephenville, Texas, and two grandchildren.•

MEDA: Reminding that making money isn't the only thing Providing goodjobs, helping the poor important to Winnipegger Heidi Reimer-fpp.

"MEDA reminds me that owning abusiness isn't just about making money," says Reimer-Epp, who owns asmall business which makes handcrafted paper products. "It's also about taking seriously my responsibility to provide good jobs and help poor people around the world."

She does this by creating afiexible work environment for her employees and by looking for ways to obtain raw materials from businesses which benefit the poor.

"MEDA helps me connect my values and work.

That's why I'm part of MEDA."

Do you think work is about more than making money? Then MEDA is for you!

i1A

I'"

1-800-665-7026

Mennonite Economic Development Associates

S E PTE M B E R

meda@meda.org www.meda.org

1

999

35

-

EDITORIAL

-~~~M~~.M~~CAR-RT

100780

SORT~~C-005

STEVE/KATHY YIEST 2?Ol 12th, Ave KIngsburg CA 93631-1011

11.1.,••11. f II. f I , Ill' i.,11.,.111,•III •• f'11.11 fI. 111,,11 f 1••11

A glimpse from Mars

T

HREE MONTHS FROM NOW, the Mars Polar Lander will touch down near the Red Planet's south polar ice cap. When it lands, it will stir the dust of an alien world and leave tracks on a land untouched by human feet.

That very thought makes my heart race. I still harbor my childhood dream of being an astronaut. A few times a week, I wander outside before we close up the house for the night.

Sometimes I take my telescope, but mostly I just scan the night sky searching for familiar points of light. I can see each planet in my mind-Jupiter's swirling clouds, Saturn's rings, Mars's monolithic plateaus and craters. The astronaut in me regrets that I will never watch the sun rise over a Martian mountain or feel the weight ofJupiter loom above its moon, Europa.

Why am I so drawn to the stars?

A large part of it is because I long to encou·nter God. Under the night sky, I tremble when I realize again the awesome power that it took to make a universe brimming with countless galaxies. A star-filled night never ceases to force me to my knees in the face of God's creation. Each time I look at a dark sky filled with suns and planets, I feel the terrible and majestic pres·enee of God. Those moments bring a radical shift of perspective. The world tilts on its axis and I finally see the horizon again. I live once more on a small sphere of rotating rock hurtling around a star at 67,000 mph. And that reminds me of my place in the universe-in the presence of a God who is too holy to gaze upon face to face.

Most of us have moments like these. For some it comes standing on the ocean shore. For others it comes at the foot of the mountains. Still others encounter God in the act of a stranger or friend. In those moments, we can't understand how we could have ever ignored that presence, that power.

But too many people do. They walk on a flat world, without a horizon. They have forgotten God. "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator" (Romans 1:25).

Unfortunately, we do the same thing as Christians. It's comfortable to live in a world without a horizon, forgetting our true relationship to God. Church becomes a place to go on Sundays, and God becomes a teddy bear. We build comfortable lives, tending to the daily tasks of life, enjoying the leisure we work toward so hard. We focus on our family and small circle of friends and forget the radical charge of Scripture to walk as

36 •

THE

C H R 1ST I A N

LEA D E R

Jesus-to love, toil and hurt for those who do not know him.

That kind of forgetfulness is dangerous. Paul deplores those who are "lovers of themselves ... having a form of godliness but denying its power" (2 Timothy 3:2, 5). Jesus tells us that those who are not with him are against him, and "he who does not gather with rue, scatters" (Luke 11:23). We become shadows of the church in Laodicea-lukewarm, to be spit out of the mouth of God (Rev. 3:16).

God-the Creator of the universe and the author of our salvation-demands our lives.

SO, WHY DO WE FORGET THIS POWERFUL GOD we encounter in a night sky or at the edge of the ocean?

Part of the problem lies in our understanding of what it means to be a Christian.

Christianity is more than a religion or philosophy-even more than a way of life. In a recent issue of the Mennonite Weekly Review, a columnist quoted Eugenia Price. In defining what it meant to her to follow Christ, Price finally concluded it was more than being religious, serving others, serving Christ or even being Christlike. "I have discovered that all of these variations will result in a sub-Christianity and an unvictorious life.

Why? Because to a true disciple of Christ, life is ' \\~'J not a religion; it is the simple following of a living ~p>-s~ Person."

If we view our commitment to God as a commitment to a set of principles or a way of life, we deny God and his power.

Those encounters we have with God through his creation or another person are encounters with a living Person, not a religion. And we are called to be in relationship with him through his living Son. We are to abide in Jesus, not a way of life.

This is costly. Jesus tells us, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily andfollow me" (Luke 9:23). Jesus is asking us to stop making ourselves the subject of our lives and to be willing to suffer even unto death for him-daily.

There are days when I can't forget that I am walking on a planet that looks like tiny bright point of light from the surface of Mars, but most of the time it takes an evening under the stars to bring that reality back.

So it is with God. It's a deep shift of perspective. Every day, I must humble myself before a holy God. Daily, I must deny myself, pick up my cross and follow after the living Lord.-CA

a