HIS ISSUE IS ABOUT 1WO family reunions, of a sort, held on the same date in the same place. In this case, the famil is God's famil and the reunions took lace under the umbrellas oithe General Conference and the U.S. Conference conventions in Abbotsford, B.C., July 25-27.
The feature section is about an extended family-one we share with Canada. For 123 years, under the structure of the General Conference, U.S. and Canadian MBs have pooled their resources to create and operate ministries in missions, theological education and guidance, publishing and maintaining historical archives.
Every few years, this bi-national family gathers for a reunion of sorts to fellowship, testify and take care of family business-and this year we gathered for three evenings for the last time under the umbrella of the General Conference. It was a time of remembering, celebrating and looking to the future-a time to feel the fife that has burned in the bones of MBs for over a century.
The news section is about a more immediate family, the one we share together as local MB churches in the U.S. Together, with our combined resources, we not only participate in bi-national and global ministries, but we also work together to operate other ministries like planting churches and ministering to immigrant people groups.
Every two years, this family also has a reunion. This year's gathering was a particularly challenging one, as delegates had to make some hard decisions regarding challenges facing U.S. ministries. But the gathering was also inspiring, as we heard testimonies of changed lives and how these same ministries are making a difference for the kingdom.
At each reunion, where there were sorrows at the loss of a family structure or hard decisions in the face of challenges in running the family business, there was also hope and encouragement in the testimonies of God's faithfulness and the fire that burns in those who trust in that faithfulness.
I, for one, find this is a good family of which to be a part.
Blessings. -GA
COMING
• SEPTEMBER 27-28-North Carolina District convention
• NOVEMBER t-3-Central District Conference convention, Grace Bible Church, Gettysburg, S.D.
• NOVEMBER 8-9-Pacific District Conference convention, North Fresno MB Church, Fresno, California.
• NOVEMBER 22-23-Board of Church Ministries meeting, Wichita, Kan.
Printing by Valley Offset Printing, Valley Center, Kansas.
ART CREDITS: Cover, photos by Steve Wiest; page 4, background photo: Wiest, forground: MB Herald; page 6, Wiest; page 7-11, MBH; page 12, Wiest; page 13, MBH (youth photo by Wiest); page 14-15, Christian Leader.
The
How do you tell the story of a 142 year old denomination? That's what Thursday night's program was all about.
Today, MBs worship in at least 14 different languages in North America. Friday night's program celebrated MB diversity.
VOLUME
65, NUMBER 9
BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS:
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 dialogue so members will aspire to be faithful disciples of Christ as understood in the evangelicaVAnabaptist 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.
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Phone: (334) 834-3338
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Postmaster: Send address changes to the Christian Leader, Box 220, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Periodicals postage paid at Hillsboro, Kansas.
Kathy Heinrichs Wiest, chair; Peggy Goertzen, Harold Loewen, Phil Neufeld, Moises Tagle, Dalton Reimer.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Connie Faber
EDITOR
Carmen Andres
WHEN 18 PEOPLE GATHERED in a small Russian village in early 1860 to sign a document, they fanned a fire that burned across the earth and into the bones and heartS of hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
But in those days, they were just ordinary villagers, 18 families who met in house churches, worshipping with simple liturgies of singing, testimony, Bible reading and dialogue. They hungered for the community and fire of the early New Testament church. They longed for and experienced spiritual renewal. By signing the Document of Secession of the Mennnoite Brethren from the Mennonite Church of Russia-which birthed the MB Church-they were binding themselves together.
But it came at a price.
Their signatures on that document meant breaking with the established church in that part of Russia, which these villagers described as ritualistic and steeped in "open godlessness" and "corruption." It meant separation from their community, which was closely tied to the church. It meant reprisals from people with whom they spent their daily lives.
But like the Old Testament prophet Jeremiah, these 18 families had a fire in their bones that they could not deny or put out-they had to live and proclaim the Word of God.
The fire that burned strong in the bones and hearts of our spiritual forefathers was both symbolically and structurally passed on to future generations dUring three nights of worship celebration honoring the General Conference, the North American conference, which for all practical purposes dissolved on July, 27, 2002 (see "The MB story in short" on page 6). Over 1,500 MBs-most from North America with guests from most of the 17 national MB conferences around the world-gathered for the celebration July 25-27 at Central Heights MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C., one of 421 MB churches in North America.
Marking the end
The General Conference, officially started in 1879 by MB immigrants from Russia to North America, provided a structure for MBs to grow, minister and function as a family for over 123 years. Many ministries came under the conference umbrella over the years, continuing even after the U.S. and Canada formed individual national conferences in 1954.
In 1999, delegates to the General Conference convention in Wichita, Kan., voted to dissolve the North American conference and transfer its ministries-in missions, publishing, seminary education, theological guidance and history-to the U.S. and Canadian conferences. As ofJuly 2002, those ministries are now in the hands of the two national conferences.
So, how do you commemorate such a thing? "Such endings need a mark," archivist and history professor Paul Toews told an over-flowing auditorium of people dunng the firSt evenmg of the celebrations.
Indeed, a mark was made that night and during the two evenings that followed. The first night focused on the spiritual heritage of the past (see pages 8-9), the second on the diversity of our present (see pages 10-11) and the third on the future (see pages 12-13).
In some ways, the event had the makings of a memorial or funeral.
"This afternoon when I walked into this building," said General Conference Executive Secretary Marvin Hein during the final evening's program, "two brothers were in discussion and one of them said to me, 'We're sad: They didn't need to say anymore. I knew precisely what they meant."
Hein also related that he had heard from a veteran statesman of the General Conference who declined to be involved in the closing ceremony saying "I do not have a great interest in attending the funeral even though it will be called a celebration."
Hein empathized with this statesman. "But it occurred to me," Hein said after a slight pause and grin, "that we do not boycott funerals when loved ones die.
"We rarely welcome the idea of departure from this earth," he continued, "but we attend memorial services where we remember the departed, thank God for the life lived and share in the family's sadness. We both hold on, remembering, and we let go.
"It is something of that spirit we need when we bid farewell to the General Conference. We unashamedly hold on-remembering and celebrating the life of this conference and its ministries .... Just as we release loved ones to depart from this life, so we need to let go of what was once a very vibrant part of the kingdom work and now will be replaced by the new."
Marking the beginning
While the event was a mark of letting go, it was also a mark of a new beginning. The fire still burns in the bones and hearts of the Mennonite Brethren in North America.
Evidence of that abounded throughout the celebration through both personal testimony and the existence of the ministries to be passed on. A man told his father's story, an
TRIVIA
• The General Conference began in 1879. the first organized conference body for the newly arrived MB immigrants from Russia.
• The first General Conference convention was held in Henderson. Neb.
• English appears first in the General Conference Yearbook in 1936.
• German text appears for the last time in the General Conference Yearbook in 1963.
For Everything a Season (below). a topical history of the General Conference. marks a transition in the organized life of the Mennonite Brethren denomination. It is available from Kindred Produdions at www. kindredprodudions .com or by calling (800) 545-7322.
TRMA example of a life--<>ne of many-that burned with
• The first official fire and the life of Jesus (page 7). A Slavic church pasGeneral Conference tor testified of a church's growth from 40 to 500 in 10 ---=pc:=e""'r."""od:llj"""ca::Il7.w=ac:=s------",years=:rcommurrstory-rrow-amung-inlmlgrant named Zionsbote. churches (page 10). A radio ministry spreads the
• The General Word-and makes people think (page 10). A CaliforConference was nia church shares its building with multicultural and divided into multilanguage believers (page 12). A young woman districts in 1909. tells how 10 months in Guatemala and Colombia
• The General made her realize she can make a difference--<>ne life Conference was at a time (page 12). merged with the Then there are the ministries themselves. The Krimmer Mennonite evenings were sprinkled with the impact of the forBrethren Church in mer General Conference ministries that are now in 1960. the hands of the national conferences. MBMS International, the global mission agency of MB churches in the U.S. and Canada, currently has 112 resident multi·temt (career) missionaries and eigltt single-temt (nine months to three years) missionaries. Since 1900, MBs have sent out over 2,000 multi-temt missionaries, 950 single-temt in the calendar year.
Many of those who spoke had attended MB Biblical Seminary, with a main campus in California and two satellite campuses in Canada. The Historical CommissimrtretpsToordtnlrre-arch1va1cenrers;il'ornwlUch,------much of the evenings' content was obtained. Kindred Productions, which was embraced by the Canadian conference, produces denominationally distinctive materials, including For Everything a Season, an infomtal history of the Mennonite Brethren put together in honor of the three-nigltt celebration.
Passing the fire
But the mostpoignant moment of the celebration was a symbol of passing the passion for God and ministry from the past generation of leaders to the current and future generations.
At the closing of Saturday nigltt's celebration, General Conference Moderator Herb Kopp invited fomter General Conference board and ministry members to come forward, take a candle from one of several tables in front of the sanctuary and ligltt them one
The MB story in short
ORGANIZED in southern Russia in 1860, the Mennonite Brethren church was born as a result of spiritual revival in the larger Mennonite Church. This revival came about as groups of believers met in homes for fellowship and Bible study. They called themselves Brethren because of the close spiritual kinship they felt as a result of these meetings.
Members of the MB church began immigrating to North America in 1874, and the first MB church was established in Hillsboro, Kan., that same year. In 1900, MBs in North America accepted the first MB Confession of Faith, which defined them as a separate denomination and clarified their beliefs. Over the
years, MBs in North America worked together to support ministries in missions, publishing, theological education and guidance and maintaining of historical archives.
In 1954, Canada and the U.S. formed their own national conferences but continued partnering together through the General Conference to support and operate many ministries binationally.
In 1999, 76 percent of delegates to the General Conference convention voted to dissolve the North American c-onference and transfer its ministries to the Canadian and U.S. conferences.
The end of the General Conference seems to be a culmination of the move
towards decentralization begun in the 19505, with the formation of two national conferences. For some, the vote to end the conference left a deep sense of loss for the conference that remained successful and full of potential. For others, It brought the opportunity for the national conferences to strengthen and run the ministries more effectively.
Over the past three years, ownership of the General Conference ministries-MBMS International, Board of Faith and Ufe, MB Biblical Seminary, Board of Resource Ministries and the Historical Commlssion--were negotiated by members of teams
from Canada, the U.S., General conference executive committee members and the ministries. -Christian Leader
from the other. He also invited those currently serving with national conference boards and ministries, missionaries, youth leaders and the youth themselves
to tealS es ea ing to the front of the church.
With lights dimmed and candles lighting the faces of those gathered at the front of the sanctuary, Kopp gave a prayer of thanksgiving for those who have served and for those who are serving and will serve in MB churches and ministries--"the new lights of this world."
Then he instructed those in the front of the sanctuary to find a person in the aisles--the current and future leaders--with whom to sharetheir candle.
"And now to symbolize the closing of the General Conference of MB Churches we pass on the mission of the church to our national conferences and beyond," Kopp said to those in the aisles who held the candles together. After singing a hymn selected specifically for the celebration, the candles were handed over to the current leaders and youth.
Yet, the light and attention did not remain on the current leaders and those yet to come, but moved instead to the one whom they serve.
"To you, 0 God," prayed Hein at the closing of the third evening, "who is the first and the last, the beginning and the end, we offer our praise in this moment.
"To you who energized with passion the hearts and minds of scholars and commoners alike almost 600 years ago in a city in Switzerland that led to the birth of our Anabaptist forebears who kept that passion burning in the bones of those who migrated to the United States and Canada who will shepherd your church and callout its leaders in the future who one day will bring his church to completeness and perfection and cause every knee to bow and every tongue to confess that Jesus Christ indeed is Lord "To you we dedicate our lives, both here and now and in the time to come. Send us from this place with a passion burning in our bones."
Indeed, as one speaker said, "If there's no fire burning in your bones" after listening to three nights filled with testimony and evidence of God's faithfulness and fire, then "your wood is too wet." •
A call to fire
Brethren to walk straight in a culture that fights us every step of the way. THE TWO speakers during the celebration programs issued a
...... Lwd'......1
"We need to get something straight." declared Thursday night speaker Lynn Jost. professor of Bible at Tabor College and former chair of the General Conference Board of Faith and Life.
"It's all about the secret of my delight." he said, referring to Jer. 9:23-24, where the prophet speaks about the secret of life.
The real prize Is to know and understand the Lord-intimacy with God, said Jost. And to know God we must know SCripture.
"As MBs, we have said the place to meet God Is in the Word of God," said Jost. is where God tells us about God's actions this is what chJracterizes me."
But our culture fights against intimacy with God, said Jost.
"We live in a culture •.• where the highest value of our world Is economk wealth and growth. We live In a world that sounds so much like Jeremiah," he said. Uke Jeremiah's time, injustke today comes as a result of the accumulation of wealth when others are in need, Jost pointed out. Seeking justice for the oppressed and and the J c»t marginalized Is _.- - what It means to know God.
"God's delight Is to become our delight." Jost challenged his listeners. This means the way we pray Is affected-instead of prayIng for our children to be rich, says Jost. we pray that they are
who encouraged listeners to be life-givlng and "people who live according to steadfast love." filled with the fire of God.
Delight in that which becomes
,
"Difficulty seeing is part of the human condition," said Friday night speaker Dan Unrau, author and pastor at Fraserview Church in Richmond, B.C.
He used the men who encountered the resurrected Jesus on the road to Emmaus as his example. They Unrau, missed who L.... ----Jesus was, said Unrau, because they were distracted.
"We have trouble seeing," Unrau said of our current condition. "We miss the fire burning in our bones."
Much of this is because "the spirit voices of this age are distracting us," said Unrau.
These voices tell us that there is no central truth, all roads to the same end and tolerance 15 everything, he pointed out.
How do we not get caught up in the issues of this "tumultuous" age1
We must be aware of the true nature of the church. -It doesn't exist to give us what we want," said Unrau, urging his to examine their church life and issues on which It spends Its time. church exists for its mission to tell the world of Jesus.-
Our eyes must remain open and on Jesus, Unrau said. "Let's get on with being God people in a world gone crazy, but nevertheless always looking forward to seeing Jesus on the way." -carmen Andres
ele ratin
our s .. iritu
HOW DO YOU TEll the story of a conference over nomination that is 142 ears old?
That was the challenge undertaken during the first evening.
"'The story is not just one of a structural beginning and a structural end," said one of three narrators on Thursday night. "'There are so many stories and $0 many stories within the stories."
That became evident as the evening unfolded. The program combined a broader story of history with the intimate personal recollections-of individuals. A reader's theater interspersed with testimonies,-hymns and music and photos flowing one after the othet.on a giant overhead screen left the audience immersed in the images, sounds and stories of God!s great faithfulness to the18 famllies-and their "children" who became the denomination we know today.
Readers sitting on stools on the stage started at the beginning, their voices altemating as'the story was told. "We must Usten to the past to see what God did, to see what we once were," one reader began.
The readers wove through the early beginnings as images flashed on the screen above them-a small group of villagers 0 ong or a mor en'.,..------1 spiritual life, the birth of a faith profoundly affected by Anabaptism and evangelicalism (a mixture of '"Menno Simons and Billy Graham," tongue-incheeked Ecole de TheoIogie Evangelique de Montreal's Eric Wlngeneler), and rousing hymns sung in the German natjve tongue of the early Mis.
The readers recalled the inevitable separationthis time a.physical in.steacl of a theologicaf one. -Grou.PS of Mis left Russia and arrived in North America in the-late 18005 and again just after the tum of the century, keeping in touch with Zionsbote <an tarly German-language and traveling preach.". Ufe was hard, but the fire of these earJy MBs was not squelched. Missionaries were sent to the corners of the world, ministries sprung up, schools came into bei"$l and churches spread across the continent.
Again, a separation, this time as two national Con-
Of one who was faithful
CORNELIUS, nicknamed Nels, was a teenager when he broke his right arm. His broken arm was never fixed. Though he wanted to farm, the injury insured he never would.
It was in his family's dynamic Minnesota congregation that Nels became a Christian, was baptized and spiritually nurtured. Two members from this church spawned the birth of Canada's first MB congregation. Within three decades, three couples from this congregation were missionaries in Africa's Cameroons, the Belgian Congo and India. Today, the missions they initiated in the Congo and in India are nearing the 200,000 member mark-more than half of the world's MB constituency.
It was in this spiritually dynamic environment that Nels struggled with what God wanted him to do. One mission captured his attentionbeing a colporteur-going from house to house selling Bibles and literature. In 1907 his father granted his request for a horse and buggy.
People asked him to preach. Through his simple, Bible-based sermons and vivid storytelling skills, he gradually became an influential preacher and gained friendships.
At a 1925 conference, MB delegates asked him to be Wmnipeg's city missionary among inactive, nominally Christian, German-speaking immigrants. The 2D-year horse and buggy colportage days were over.
His ministry in Wmnipeg suddenly expanded when thousands of immigrants escaping Russia's Communist revolution arrived there in the late 19205. Nels functioned as a pastor for these distressed people. Most had been successful farmers, craftsmen, businessmen or educators. All who arrived were now destitute, discouraged and in dire need of help-help of all kinds. Nels' home became a center of help. His wide experiences and acquaintances throughout the U.S. and Canada became a connecting link for those seeking relatives. Through publications and reports, he made appeals for prayer, clothing, bedding, jobs and funds. He listened to them, helping them sort
things out and leading many to trust God.
In 1948, Mennonite Central Committee asked Nels to minister to immigrants in Paraguay's "Green Hell." While there, at age 70, his health deteriorated, and he returned to Kansas after a two-year stint.
Two years later, he went to Germany and Austria for a similar, two and onehalf year refugee ministry. He movedto California when he was 74.
Many in North and South America and Europe who
ferenees formed. But the North AmeriCan General Conference remained. as did fts ministries. By 1960 the North Amenca" conference -:la'nrt----f---F the North American spiritual descendants of those first 18 families gathered to celebrate in Reedley. calif. At this point in their presentation. the readers asked all of those in the audience who were at a centennial celebration to stand. As individuals stood throughout the auditorium. applause broke out.
Gradually. the readers reached July 1999. the year that delegates v01eCl to dissolve the General Conferen(e (see page").
The story. as the readers said. was not about the beginning and' end.of a-struefure.jt was about the individuals who up that structure. Each one built with and cm>tM<other.
-Each one with a story. One byone.- the readers concluded. as the old photos and images of individuals and gtOJ,q)S 01\$ gradually grew more modern as the aud\enq! watc:hed in a poIonged silence. -Carmen' Andres
cherished his ministry remained in touch. He was 93 when he died. At the time of his death a former refugee said, "As a little girl, I felt this man was more like Jesus than anyone else I know."
Nels wasn't involved in conference committees, boards or elected leadership roles. His lifelong focus and passion wasministering.
His life centered in the work of God's Kingdom. It is summarized on his grave marker: "Chosen to bear fruit."
His physical handicap, tough circumstances and national boundaries did not deter his God-guided ministry. 2 Cbron. 16:9 describes the "God-Nels" relationship ofC.N. Hiebert, who was my father.
"The Lord's eyes scan the whole earth in his search for those who are faithfully committed to him. He is eager to strengthen them."
-adapted from a presentation by Clarence Hiebert during Thursday night's program
POTATO PLANTlIIG
Alryou n ed is one good eye, he$tid in the still chilly spring, his .-cte making soft, black holes.
Tbe soon stir with that nourishing fire like those '0-' we tlJink '!l> we bury'for good, 1htt begin 1 0 splolder ID their dj'rlf sleep _6.utehd tIIelr tlJRi White r.oots., Whaf. flourishes. Under the ,lar.. eftIJe sun potato plams p,\lS their rough tOll1Joes end make their easy proml$es. "ot anti' the f"iI digging do we see them, whol. families of pale, fOJ'sotten dlildr.. coming home at dusk. bla$k,ened by the coat>mlnes, waiting to be washed andlteld, .begging for their stories to be told.
-by Jean Janzen
ne in vibrant
"FROM OUR BIRTH in 18 families in 1860, the fire of God has spread out over the nationS and taken shape in many different wa ," said Ma Anne Isaak, pastor at College Community Church in 00vis, Calif., opening the Friday night program.
Today, MBs worship in many different languages around the world-in ,t least 14languageJ in North America alone. Our churches bave different music styles and worship traditions, said Isaak. Somelean toward the evangelical stream of -QUr heritage, others toward the Anabaptist streamoo(our heritage. "We represent churches who liv.· out God's message to our world in many different ways," said Isaak. "We are one in Christ in our vibrant diversity.·
It was this diversity the work of God among us today on which the evening's program focused.
On stage, this diversity waS' displayed visuany on a table and cabinet, overflowing with ijems1ike.a hammer. eagle, orange, fruit, books, and a tampuler. Those items weren't the. only symbols of MB diversity. It was also symbOlized by four MBs and the stories they shared-stones of church growth and ministry, pain and repentance, comfort and power, care and controversy. But all had one thing
in common: they were stories of family.
Sitting on stools, Dave Balzer, the talk show host of Famil ife Network's Go individuals. FLN is a ministry of the Manitoba province in Canada.
Alexander Chemikov shared the story of his Spokane, Wash., church, Pilgrm Slavic MB of which he is a pastor. Started 10 years ago with 40 people, the church grew and struggled to find a place to meet. They began to pray, says Chemikov. In the meantime, they joined the MB family through the U.S. Conference. Then they found a building appraised at $1 million. With a loan from the MB Foundation, a stewardship ministry of the U.s. Conference, they bought the building for only $259,000. And instead of taking the typical 12 years to pay it off, they made ttMHr last payment fOJ,lt y4Ntrs IN.-.
The church now numbers about SOOo-a'StOty common among U.S. Slavic MB churches.
·1 think God did this incredible work.· Chemikov said.
While Chemikov's story was one of church growth, John Lopez shared a story 'Of personaf growth and redemption. Twenty-one years
KoQP Up to the challenge
"THE ASSEMBL Y was in confusion " (Acts 19:32).
General Conference vicemoderator Lyndon Vix joked that he kept this Bible verse in mind as he and other General Conference executive board members worked with the General Conference ministries and national conferences to iron out agreements on how the ministries would transfer to and operate within the national conferences.
Vix introduced Moderator Herb Kopp, who Vix said "presided over the rebirth of the General Conference ministries into the national conferences" and built consensus over how
r--"five ministries could be conducted in the 21st century."
Vix said he believed "it is only through God's grace manifested on many occasions through Herb
Kopp" that they got through the process.
After Vix spoke, U.S. Conference Chair David Reimer and Canadian Conference Moderator Jascha Boge added their own
expressions of gratitude.
Reimer admired Kopp's ability to "say in a few words what the heart of the matter was" and his "gift for turning door closings into door openings For that," Reimer, "we thank you."
Boge recalled Kopp's resolve to remember his duty to find a "safe-landing place" for General Conference ministries. "We pay tribute to you, a man of God," said Boge.
Boge also recognized the contributions ofVix, whom he said knew how and when to provide support-"like holding up the arms of Moses."-CA
Lopez was in a hospital 12-step recovery program, where hls life was about to change. One day, looking at the ceiling tiles in his room, he said, "God if you are there, let me know." Twice he literally heard God's voice, "1 never left you."
today, is giving leadership in Grace- Community Church in Sanger, calif•.
., found a church for the first time in my life that feels like home," Lopez said, looking at the audience. "You find out what God is doing and you join him. I think you are doing that more than anyone else I have met. I thank you for adopting me into this family."
Altly Lam's story was one of deep pain and loss as well as comfort. In avoice that sometimes broke, Lam shared that her husband, a pastor at Tri-City Chinese Christian Church in Vancouver, died of cancer six months before.
"God promised that we could have joy and peace even during cancer, II she said in a quiet voice. "That is very true."
Lam felt it important to tell her story whenever she could because many who heard it turned their liVes over to Jesus. "1 trust God can use this experience," Lam said.
"1 am ready and willing to continue serving God," she sald, thanking GOd, her congregation ar'ld the MB family for their care.
Balzer also shared a story, this one in the form of a radio program excerpt. He played two minutes of a S;0cI Talk program, which focused on Iisterler r.,ponse to BClIlzer's use of the word "mercy" after the Sept. 11 attacks. From the excerpted responses, itwas apparent that the use of the word sparked controversy.
Evangelical Anabaptism is perfect for talk radio, Balzer said. "It is controversial, thought-provoking and, every now and then, entertaining."
"You.allow us to a diverse journey," Ron T9Qws.condUdeltn a prayer followirig4h8 tar timonies, Which Illustr'ted growth, repentante, care, controversy a,.d faltlily; "We WQuid pray, oh God, that yOU woulct see fit ••• to continue to build the kingdom you are':brlnging among us these days. It will (0",- only to'th. whose bones.are burning and whose hearts ar. on fire." -Carmen Andres
hat is
et to come
"HOW DO YOUDEPlCTwhat you don't know?"
General Conference Executive secretary Manrin;Heln asked as he began Saturday evening's program.
w y. po ay at IS yet to cqme you have never seen it before?"
Saturday evening's service attempted to do just that by 'hearing from those on the "cuttin.g edge" of ministry•
Butler MB Church in Fresno, Calif., hasgained a reputation as a cutting church. Why? Because they are a multicuhure and body. muCh like the vision Revelation presents, said ROd'Suess. That was the vision of the MB fortbears. and it'is happening today, he said.
Suess believes it will continue with the emerging generation. "When we say things like that." he'$81d, "they really believe it. and they start to do it before us older people do."
SUess sees that in the life of his church, where he says the youth and children at Butler MB are the quickest to cross into "uncharted territory."
The celebration confirmed this for Suess. "'rm going home with a dear picture that I n-.cI to hang around young people more," he conducted.
"1fteyare1'eafly'tomove.-
.,nyJh§antz" a,youth worker in an Inner..city ministry .... with Suess.
Ie in a camp.wJth inner city kids, Shantz' Protmnns and lives. "I thoqght. 'ttnu,t fJo sornething,'" shuaid.
'TOday; she1s working in a Church-sponsored advocacy c8n1er f., kids from a 'Variety of backgrounds. The lives of the children are hard, said Shantz. but there kids who are changing.
"'It is amazing10 see Qod working in lives and changing them," Shantz said of the kids with whom she works.. "I'm 100Jdng forward to God using them to be theiUtureleaders-down there in the city of Vancouver."
Christie Neuman""s life also changed when she spent time In ministry.
While in Bible college in canada, Neumann said she always knew she wanted to obey God and do his will, but she she "could hear the voice of God for myself."
In september 200&, she went on a 1().month mission trip with TREK, a short-term mission program of MBMS Intemational, the mission agency of North
Keeping the covenant
THE PROCESS of holding on and letting go--something people were very much in touch with during the General Conference celebrations--was also very much a part of the first communion, said Executive Secretary Marvin Hein as those attending the Saturday night celebration prepared to take communion.
"The Bible is the story of an old, failed covenant and a superior, new covenant," said Hein. In the first communion, Jesus gave us a symbol to remember the new covenant.
"God's role in the new covenant is largely in the
past," said Hein.
'''Do this as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me,'" Hein quoted Jesus.
"It was a new covenant but rooted in the past. We began these three nights of celebration by returning to the past. That seems to be a God-like approach.
"The present and the future in God's economy are always rooted in and linked to the past. As a conference we could not have accomplished anything if God had not initiated the covenant-and that new covenant was saturated with the past. While we never forget, we let go and move on
"Our role in the covenant is largely in the future," Hein continued.
'''For as often as you eat this bread, and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes,'" Hein again quotedJesus.
"Our first missionaries recognized God's acts of ushering in the new kingdom, and there grew a passion-like a fire burning in their bones-and they left North America and lived and sometimes died in the proclamation of the Good News. That's God's intention ror the new covenant.
"What we celebrate at the conclusion of these
three evenings and what we commit ourselves to in the future as we leave is not simply to the future but a consciousness that we walk into an unknown future in the strength of a covenant God has made with us in the past....
"Let the past be our guide. Let the present be our motivation. Let the future be our task," Hein concluded. He.if1.,. ---GA
""1'hose 1. n'ionths were the hJrdest 10 monttfs Of .my life," said Neumann of het"time in Guatemala,and "".ked God to b ' mold me befc:We I - ild hi4'firt;teIy'd' : . • . ' Neumann Ie'arried"SpaniSh and srn*tAd tterftUth. "'It was the beginning 9f. new leWe for tttewOt1d," she said. bia,;the people sh. wti(ed side h)Pired her. t'$od taugtit m"-bebold in wtten she d - { anotllet new youth group atiler .. '. church. She is he_ring' voke, now. "1 want to be" a shet's;liCi.
•
"I I too comfortablelncmeplec&,"shesaid. "Iw,ntto live my
God<;:t.,-c;4 1..-.-_________
}. me Ion plck·lftillnd go I mantors. r- -..---. , ! t wilh",kftlevety"'e I go my ',' "They are looking for someone i ,. missiOn 1 .t'. to. disciple them," he said,"some- J I .. Jbe. to .hear.. one they can follow, someone they I God's i duded. '"Wt . Godard challenged those In the I for Chri$t a,il,,$Jtla e.eclay auditorium to share their experiI tt.mn\Jt.. enee by coming "alongslde our I mentto JesusJs young people." I i among MB Trever "They want to follow you,II he I Godard, a mission if,astruetQf:at- ",id.
! Bethany Bible lit Godard underlined the impor- jf I Canada. f if' taPCeof getting "out on the I "111ey .rt.w.ijlffti "sttMts" with the youth, the I I fice-careers future leaders ()f our churches I Hves," said ,,' t.· , arid ministries. If we don't, said I I This next.g.... Godatd, "we ;night lose them." l .."''''------J ers, sald;;JJ IftWngf4;r --Carmen Andres ,. >«
j I 1 ,
Remember the fire
I want to'" a part of I that kind of church
\ repented'- These words, \ uttered by a delegate on \ the floor of the Canadian \ convention this year 1 \J*,' ; stunned many because \ \ they came from a repre; f{eMv , " Jsentative of acongrega- tion known by all to be noneonference minded. This delegate was announcing publicly that their congregation had seen the error of its ways and would now become closely aligned with the provincial and national conferences. They had discovered they needed the "family.- They were -turning around- (repenting) from their former ways.
Eight MBs refled on the General Conference celebration, the North American conference means to us. itself, what it meant to them and what it now
Friday evening a thrice-divorced U.S. HispaniC! shared his story of repentance. He had searched for years for identification with his biological family. His upbringing and his subsequent lifestyle never allowed fulfillment of that desire. Then one day he met the Savior-and a church family. He -turned around. - There he found spiritually what he had missed biologically. But it took a drastic and radical repentance-turning around. There he found a community.
From these events, two things cheered me. First, in a postmodern world that knows more about vengeance than repentance, among Mennonite Brethren repentance is still alive; and second, that repentance should and does take place in the context of the church community. Those are characteristics that lay at the heart of the early Anabaptist movement. I want to be part of that kind of church. -Marvin Hein, who held various General Conference positions including former General Conference moderator and executive secretary
Giving away my fire
On the last evening I gave away some of my fire. After seven years on the seminary board, I handed my can-
die to another woman, one of a few elected to the newly-formed national 'ire(jf the General Conference, of God's spirit, of biblical text and of justice, delight and recognition, as our speakers reminded us. That candl, in my hands rrepresented I hope for our I denomination " even as we separate as ( nations. And that hope rests in the voices I heard ; , in the ses- < - "-
sions, voices that agreed to our effort to keep the seminary unified, voices affirming our distinctive theology and some strong voices calling for acceptance of women in leadership Passing the fire does not end my obligation or my concern for right direction in conference decisions. I heard passionate discussion about vision. I learned of the fragility of some of our ministries, including this magazine. I join all of you in seeking God's will and wisdom in our efforts to be a global church in this new century. -Jean Janzen, poet and former MB Biblical Seminary board member
Glilllpsing r-the future
I experienced this year's con- i venti on with i one foot in I I the past and i " " the other in the future. I ; I The L , nightly worship celebrations uniting canac4ian and ," U.S. delegates reminded us of the century-long dynamic partnership in mission. We embraced friends developed through shared ministry. We sang to God's glory. We were nurtured by
God's word and Christ's blood.
While others participated in the daytime U.S. Conference programming. I was experiencing the exhilarating MB future. The International Committee of Mennonite Brethren had assigned brothers from India. Congo. Japan. Germany. Brazil and Paraguay as well as me to work at a confession of faith core
statement. Our purpose was to offer a brief but foundational expression of MB biblical values. We listened. We learned. We debated. And after four days. we celebrated our unity. I pray that the international confessional work was a glimpse at the future of the MB church. -Lynn Jost, professor of Bible at Tabor College and former Board of Faith and Life board member and chair
Passing on the fire In mybones
HLike a fire burning in my bones· (Jer. 20:9). These I words from , Scripture. spa, ken and set to --' music for us. ring in my ears as I return from the U.S. Conference convention and the joint evening celebradons with the Canadians.
The rich heritage of our past and present Is told best through song and story. The evening celebrations in a packed auditorium reflected a variety of vocal and instrumental music-from strings to jazz. worship team to choirs-and moving stories of God at work among us through 123 years of ministry In North America and around the world.
Our MB family profile is filled with diversity. Our ethnic sameness as a people of God in our origin in 1860 has in 2002 become a variety of many languages. colors and cultures nationally and globally. Representatives of the International Committee of Mennonite Brethren from around the world were present. And. appropriately. our newly elected national conference chair is Rolando Mireles. a Hispanic and bilingual believer and leader from the latin Amerlcan MB District.
"IN J I HE PASSION
The celebration concluded with
Hpassing the flame to the next generation," With a ceremony acknowledging the leaders of the past and anticipating the leaders for the two national conferences in the future. the General Conference officially closed and the Canadian and U.S. conferences blessed to serve our risen Savior Hlike a fire burning in our bones. H
itage we saw of past leaders during the General Conference sessions. -Rolando Mireles, U.S. Conference chair
CIIaI......: pursue God's .......nce
It was good to see so many people attend each evening of the General Conference celebration. Singing together as a bod of 1500 eo Ie is reat.
There's much more to be said. But. for now. as I return home to the Southern District. my heart is warmed. my mind is stirred and my soul is enlightened. Together with the other attenders and delegates from this district. we hope to pass on the fire burning in our bones. -Roland Reimer. Southern District minister You could tell which congregational songs were familiar by the sudden rise involume.
Praying
/r---------__
As a staff member at MBMS International. the mission agency of North American MB churches and a former ministry of the General Conference. being divested to the national conferences has had minimal impact on a daily basis. We still are owned by
churches In both Canada and the for the next I U.S.; our board remains a balance generation of Canadian and U.S. representa-
While I did , tives. Our continued existence still not serve on any depends on our faithfulness to General Confer- I God's call and to our constituency. ence boards or The celebration evenings were the I a reminder to me that we have a evening ses- century-long history of striving. sions gave me I which is a foundation we can build some insight to on. The third evening. which I how the lord worked helped plan a year ago. reminded with our leaders years ago. me that faithfulness and being a rei.
I was impressed when I heard about vant example of Christ to others is the time the conference was in need of something we must continually red. leaders and the people prayed until the fine. both individually and as a group. lord answered-people who knew that The challenge for me. and I believe for God answers prayer. Today. we are in each of us. Is to pursue Christ's presneed of such young people to answer ence In our lives. that call. and we need to pray as they We then need to did. continually reex-
I felt such a huge responsibility amine how God when the candle of General Conference is at work leadership was handed over to the new among us and and young leaders on the floor Satur- how we can day night. I see our young people with together be a the fire in their bones to be a part of more effective the challenge to live and share Christ witness to the wherever they are. After one of those world. That's sessions. my wife and I went for some been the chalcoffee with some young people from lenge for God's our Colombia MB churches. and their followers since the beginning of hlstowhole conversation was about how ry. -Brad Thiessen, MBMSI media and they wanted to serve and set aside communications director everything to do what God wanted them to do In their lives. That conversation gave me a sense of satisfaction that God has the next leaders In place. I pray we can. no matter what church we're a part of. encourage them to serve and one day be a part of the her-
MI Wlnnl
Having been a part of the divestiture process from the initial brainstorming at ECCO Campground. to the work of the fIno holds barred" task force and ultimately through the negotiations
PASSING THE PASSION
that led to the passing of the General Conference ministries to the national conferences, I believe I can say one thing with certainty: it's cold In Winnipeg in January.
I'm not sure why a January meeting in Winnipeg came to be an annual occurrence. What I discovered, however, was that the winter cold was oy ewa a 0 spending time with people I had come to love and respect. That is what the General Conference gave to me. Peo........ -'-" .-....--j pie whom I otherwise might have never met became some of my most valued friends. It should come as no surprise that I was not chosen to be the final vice-moderator of the General Conference because of my sage wisdom or spiritual insight. In fact, if the 1999 Wichita convention had decided against divestiture, it had already been determined that my name would be withdrawn in favor of someone more pastoral. Simply put, I was chosen to be a part of the General Conference executive because it was felt that I might be able to assist in the orderly dismantling of the conference.
By now I have come to terms with the role of Grim Reaper, but there have been many times when it has caused me no small measure of sadness. Perhaps if others had taken the opportunity to experience the blessings that I discQvered in bl-natlonal Kingdom work, the nbtlon of divestiture might never have surfaced. As it was, however, the typical dlurch member had come to regard the General Conference as distantalid irrelevant. It didn't seem prudent to keep a structure intact a handful
of us could see our friends a few times a year. But I will miss Winnipeg.Lyndon Vix, who prsetices law in Wichita, Kan., was the last vice-mQderaipr of the General Conference
Whether it's a professional visit or a friendly chat, the residents in independent and assisted living know Goldine is always there as a confident and friend. Palm Village offers all residents a caring, personal and loving environment. For more information, call (559) 638-6933
Designate a gift to the Leader
For many years, even decades, the Christian Leader has been sent to every MB family free of charge. I have often wondered how the magazine was funded
If it is now running short of money, then editor Carmen Andres' big hint of "do something" is well-taken.
I propose that each family that appreciates the Christian Leader designate a certain gift above their usual tithe. If every family head took that to heart, there would be adequate finances.
Rosalie and I live in Hillsboro now, a thousand miles north of Pharr, Tex. So, I resolve to walk another half mile farther north to the Leader office tomorrow and fulfill my determination to help. This will be an annual project. This is even a tax deductible gift; no other magazine offers that.
Joe and Rosalie Suderman Hillsboro, Kan.
Editor's note: Joe Suderman did as he said he would. Joe and Rosalie, thank you for your support.
Thinking
about Christian fidion
With much interest I just read the article "Romance Christian style-or not?" Guly 2002) by Susan Brandt. I have been an avid reader for over 60 years and also involved with church libraries for the last 10 years.
In the early years there were few Christian authors and few Christian fiction books. Grace Livingston Hill was the first author I remember and, yes, I was gullible enough to believe that after marriage, life was always perfect. As time went on, I leamed that perfect marriages were only found in fiction books. What a rude awakening that was!
My interest in Christian books includes autobiography, biography, Christian life books, books that focus on parenting, raising children and other subjects that
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, 101 N. Capitol Parkway, Montgomery, Alabama 36107 (e-mail: editor@usmb.org).
relate to the Christian life. Our church library is filled with a variety of books which include these subjects as well as Christ"
fiction.
I agree with what Brandt says about fiction books. There are books that are fickle, supposedly Christian but without much depth. Then there are those that have real life meaning, emphasizing godly living and faith in a living God-books that have conflicts and problems in life and don't always end the way we think they should, but God is always there.
Because of my reading experiences, I believe that all fiction books need to be read before being added to a church library. There are two basic rules I follow: no bad language and no sexual emphasis. I also like to know if the message of salvation is in keeping with our church beliefs. I am very thankful for Christian books and authors now available. God's word is powerful.
Lila
M Penner
Cimarron, Kan.
Bless God America
Referring to Rose Buschman's column, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God" (On the Journey, July 2002) the bumper sticker on my truck reads: Bless God America. Though it has America in the phrase, it sets straight the priority in which the blessing should be given.
Steve Goossen Reedley, CA
Ministry through filmmaking
Thanks for the well written and thoroughly esearched article tled "No longer left behind?" Guly 2002). Two of the films you mention in the article (Mercy Streets and Time Changer) were produced by our company, ChristianCinema.com, Inc.
It is the first article I have read that clearly states the issues facing filmmakers today who are Christian. I would even add that there are three types of films that fall under the category of "Christian movie": evangelistic, pre-evangelistic and postevangelistic. There are several films that recently showed in the mainstream theater that I would classify as a "Christian movie" that fall under the category of "post-evangelistic": A Walk toRemember, Divine Secrets of the Va-Va Sisterhood and The Count of Monte Cristo. Mercy Streets,]oshua and Hometown Legend might fall under the "pre-evangelistic" category. And films with a clear presentation of the salvation message, like Time Changer, would fall under the "evangelistic" category.
My business partner, Geoff Ludlow, and I also happen to be members of an MB church in Visalia, Calif. We come to filmmaking with a background in missionary work (www.fullsail.org). Our desire is to communicate God's love through the arts, and when filming, to minister to people on both sides of the camera.
We believe the movie theater is one of the largest mission fields in our society today. And it is one of the largest grossing products the U.S. exports to other countries. We have a tremendous responsibility to impact people around the world through film. We have created a website (www.christiancinema.com) so that everyone may qUickly find the latest in Christian movies. Thanks for your support.
Bobby Downes Visalia, Calif.
BY PHILIP WIEBE
Bring in the new
1"1Je church is about new new directions, neu·1 hope, new vision.
IT'S HARDL Y A REVELA nON that modern culture tends to be trendy and fickle. That's a reality I've often criticized, how something can be so wildly popular one week and so completely forgotten the next. In a social setting one might allude to some seemingly current fashion or trend, only to be rebuked by a more pop-conscious person, "That's so last year."
The impression could be gathered that such rapid comings and goings are a new phenomena. But I've read that even a hundred years ago other nations viewed the United States as a place of flighty fads and unstable alarmists. A century later I don't think we've done much to change that image.
Some have worried that the church has been too influenced by society's changeable nature. Contemporary Christian music, for instance, keeps introducing new "hits" into the worship milieu. Awhile ago during a conversation about worship music, it struck me that the "older choruses" we were talking about had been out maybe three or four years. That seemed strange. It wasn't too long ago that we talked about "newer" hymns as meaning anything written after 1900.
So even though I once made my living as a contemporary Christian musician and now serve as a contemporary-leaning worship leader, I've often wondered about the rapidly changing rotation of songs we sing. Is it really biblical to be introducing new stuff all the time?
Well, to a large degree, yes. At least that's the answer I kept coming back to while pondering all this recently.
It occurred to me that the Bible is very big on bringing in the new. It's a recurring theme. In the Old Testa-
ment God's people had a tendency to get mired in old patterns of grumbling and wrongdoing. God had to keep reminding them to snap out of it: "Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit" (Ezek. 18:31). The psalmist declared, "Sing to the Lord a new song praise his name; proclaim his salvation dayafter day (Ps. 96: 1-2). That has the sound of freshness and discovery. Don't keep dwelling on the same old thing, but every day raise new melodies to God's inexhaustible love and faithfulness.
Jesus, of course, was powerfully committed to new ways of thinking and acting. When religious leaders com· plained about his progressive methods of ministry, Jesus said metaphorically, "No one pours new wine into old wine· skins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins" (Mark 2:22). In his teaching Jesus declared a number of times, "You have heard that it was said but I tell you " The people needed fresh spiritual vision, a departure from old religious misapplications. Jesus talked about "the new covenant in my blood," and issued this mandate to his followers, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" (John 13:34).
Speaking for myself, there are times I drag my feet at the prospect of God's new works in the contemporary church. I'd prefer to stick with familiar ways. But I think God has been telling me to get over it. He'll keep doing new things whether I like it or not. And people will keep exclaiming, "We have never seen anything like this!" (Mark 2:12).
Certainly the desire for all that's new can be taken too far. Even in the church fads can be followed simply for personal benefit and amusement. But I've been wondering if the bigger problem today is resistance to everything new. Are we keeping in step with the Spirit, as Paul urged, or are we lagging behind?
Church is often viewed as a place of tradition and ritual, but really, as the gathering of Jesus' disciples, it's quite the opposite. The church is about new beginnings, new directions, new hope, new vision. Christ constantly led his followers to surprising new realizations about themselves and others and God. It's no different today.
Because it's mainly about relationships, the church is constantly growing and changing. We grow in love for God and our spiritual family. When a human relationship gets stuck in the past or fails to move forward, we would say it's in trouble. In the same way, if our rela· tionship with God isn't developing and deepening, then we have to wonder if there is any relationship at all.
The church is also about ministry. One of the biggest points of contention between Jesus and his era's religious leaders had to do with ministry style. The leaders thought ministry was making people follow their detailed rules and regulations. Jesus ministered by reaching out to meet needs, heal lives and draw people to God. One might say it was the difference between regressive and progressive ministry, between tying people down (an iUustrationJesus used) and lifting them up.
I think I've often been reluctant to bring in the new, to let God loosein my life and my church. That's a scary idea, but I'm realizing it's the only way to go .•
BY MARVIN HEIN
Questions about faith Be life
Religious lifestyle and America111JlOrality after Sept. 11
QYou've lived more than threequarters of a century; do you see current religious lifestyle in the church more or less consistent with our profession of faith? (California)
AWhile not claiming to be a prophet or the son of a prophet, it does seem to me that a number of things relating to Christian lifestyle are becoming apparent. There was a day, and I was reared in that kind of spiritual milieu, when it seemed to be more important to believe correctly than to behave correctly. I'm not suggesting our grandfathers took that kind of stance deliberately, but it did happen all too frequently.
The religion of my youth was one where you could be perfectly acceptable in the church if you obeyed all the rules. That should have issued out in proper lifestyle. But the rules having to do with theater attendance, playing cards, cruising the streets on Sunday afternoon, et al., weren't automatically conducive to good Christian behavior. They did, no doubt, keep some of us from some practices that would have done us no good, and consequently, like most laws, served some good purposes. But the legalistic approach to Christian living sometimes bred antagonism and self.righteousness, rather than a godly lifestyle.
The current lifestyle climate has taken us to an opposite pole. Now we generally minimize the importance of truth and major on experience. Theology is not a priority for most evangelical churches. There are few rules. It is important to feel good. That does not always usher in good behavior. Under legalism you often felt bad, sometimes
acted badly, but at least knew what the rules were. Today, in some instances at least, we feel good, behave indifferently, and don't know why we should behave any differently.
David Wells, a Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary professor, has made an interesting observation. He may be right and I suppose some would say he is wrong. "In recent years boomers have been opposed to organized religion but now make up half of the born-again population. What happened. They are consumers, [researcher George 1Barna says, and we offered them a deal they could not tum down. For a one-time admission of weakness and failure they got eternal peace with God. That was the deal. They took it and went on with their lives as before. The result is that there is no significant difference between the way born-againers live at an ethical level as compared with those who are nonreligious."
I hope Wells is not correct. But among his fifteen books, in two of them (No Place for Truth and God in the Wasteland) he gives a rather scathing diagnostic treatment of contemporary evangelical church life-and he is an evangelical! So what happened in 75 years? For one, we see again that what goesaroundcomesaround-even though perhaps in different forms. Neither the legalism of the past nor the permissiveness of the present are acceptable.
Have a questton about a Btble passage, doctrine, conference poltcy, or other sptritual tssue? E-matl Marvin at mhetnl @fresno. edu or send your questton to "Inqutring Mtnds, c/o Marvin Hetn, 4812 E. Butler, Fresno, CA 93727.
QIs America worse or better off morally because of 9/117 (California)
AWe've heard much since the destruction of the World Trade Center towers about people returning to the churches and to their religious roots. Generally speaking, I get the impression that this was a temporary revival. No doubt for some this was a time of rekindling spiritual fervor. Catastrophic events, like Jesus' miracles in the Bible, have a way of providing light for a few, but most, in typical response to the miraculous, fade away until and unless other miracles follow.
Oz Guinness, popular evangelical author and lecturer, said it well when he wrote that while there have been surges of good things such as generosity and heroism, he believes they will all prove to be a "temporary spasm" rather than something that will have longrange effects in the morality of our day. One personal observation is that the church may be worse off now than before 9/11. There are many people who, knowing who the instigators of 9/11 were, are more hardened than ever in their persuasion that organized religion is always a problem. Such people simply and naively assume that what a band of super·Muslim patriots would do is not much different from what a band of super-evangelical crusadersmight do. In some sense 9/11 has made our task of evangelization more difficult rather than easier. The religious right among us may well have earned that evaluation from an unfriendly nonreligious world, but all Christians will suffer as a result .•
BY ROSE BUSCHMAN
The rest of the story
A crash and a nine:vear-old survivor
IN THE TOWN OF SENTANI, on the island of New Guinea, there is a church building named the Neuman Memorial Chapel. It is a well-built wood and cement block structure, seating at least 150 to 200 people, and fits into the tropical environment that surrounds it. The side walls are half cement block and half open space to aUow for air to move through the facility for ventilation. The cement floor accommodates the downpours during the rainy season. Air conditioning would be nice, but it is neither practical nor affordable. The worshippers settle for ceiling fans.
I worshipped there for two months last fall while serving as a substitute teacher in a school for missionary children. After listening to the greeting of "Welcome to Neuman Memorial Chapel" every Sunday morning I decided to find out what had happened to give this chapel its name. Obviously someone by the name of Neuman had died and there had to be a story behind it.
After some searching I found the details in a book written by Don Richardson, Lords of the Earth (Regal Books, 1977). This author and his family spent a number of years on that island as missionaries. The Neuman tragedy is almost a postscript, but a very important one, to the story of missionaries seeking to bring the gospel to an isolated group of people-the Yali, naked cannibals-living in a remote valley of the 14,000 feet high Snow Mountains of that island.
The chapel is named in memory of Missionary Aviation Fellowship accountant Gene Neuman, his wife, Lois, and three of their children, Steven, Joyce and Jonathan who lived in Sentani. They died in an airplane crash, together with MAF pilot Menno Voth, Dec. 31, 1968, in a remote vaDey where the Yali people live.
The Neuman family, on a brief vacation from their missionary duties in Sentani, visited the Richardson family at their isolated mission station just the day before the crash. The next day they were to fly to a beautiful mountain valley for a week of rest before returning to their work. The plane got lost and found itself in the wrong vaDey. Bad weather, very difficult terrain, high mountain peaks, menacing cloud cover and a pilot new to the area aU compounded to make the tragedy happen. There was no landing strip, and the valley was too narrow for the plane to tum around.
Five people died in the crash. One person survived-nine-year old Paul Neuman, who had been sitting in the back of the plane and was able to crawl out of a hole in the tail before the entire structure was engulfed in flames.
Just three months earlier in that very valiey, two missionaries were killed by a group of tribesmen who wanted to keep Christianity out of their territory. A month after the killings the government sent in a patrol to find the killers and bring them to justice. There was a nasty altercation between the two groups. In the end several warriors were killed and one was taken captive and put in a jail in a different valley.
Now, a child of the hated white people was stranded among these warriors as a result of the plane crash. The story of how one tribesman took him in and protected him from other men who wanted to kill him is awe-inspiring.
It took several days for MAF to lease a helicopter from nearby Papua New Guinea. After the rescuers had collected the bodies from the crash site and got ready to leave, they were stunned when one of their party yelled, "Someone wearing clothes is running down that hillside." To their utter amazement it was Paul Neuman.
After they safely flew to their home base, the missionaries were able to convince the government officials to let them return the imprisoned tribesman to his people in exchange for Paul.
When he first heard about the tragic plane crash, Don Richardson prayed, "Lord, I don't believe you make blunders. Somehow, God, confirm the reality of your providence in this tragedy." He writes, "He was in fact already doing just that-and far more wonderfully than any of us could have dreamed."
God used the contact between that child and the tribesmen and the subsequent exchange of the boy and the prisoner to break down the barriers to Christianity that previously existed not only in that vaDey but in a number of other areas as well.
One missionary reported that there was a marked change visible just 24 hours after the news of what had happened reached them. Where there had been a lot of opposition to his presence and preaching before, the next morning the missionary found over 500 males waiting for him to give them instruction in Christianity. AU over the area there was a renewed interest in the gospel.
Two years later the people of the remote vaDey where the two missionaries were slain and the plane crash occurred sent out an invitation for teachers to come and teach them about Christ. Today the vaDey is home to a number of thriving Christian churches. In our imperfect world accidents happen, people die and memorials are erected. This is a sad fact of life. What makes this story so special is that God took this particular tragedy and turned it into a spectacular triumph,
There is a lot more to this story than can be told here. I highly recommend that you get the book and read "the rest of the story." •
Going to school used to be so simple - even with that two-mile trek, uphill both ways. Alunch pail, a pencil case, and textbooks shared across gencmtions.
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Taking care of family business
Delegates make hard decisions in face of deficit and budget cuts
BY CONNIE FABER
Delegates to the 2002 U.S. Conference convention July 25-27 found themselves in unfamiliar territory. For many that sense had little to do with being at the first national convention to be held outside the U.S.-graciously hosted by Bakerview MB Church of Abbotsford,
B.C.-and more to do with a proposed budget that drastically reduced funding for conference ministries.
Some of the 195 delegates, including Judy Brown, failed to see in the 2002 budget the energetic vision they had embraced just two years prior. Brown of Dinuba, Calif., told her fellow delegates that she was a "changed person"
when she left the 2000 U.S. Conference convention held in Denver, Colo.
"I was inspired," Brown said. "I was proud to be a Mennonite Brethren."
The convention theme that year emphasized calling out and training leaders and Brown said she went home
faith was renewed, she says, thanks to the stories of people "from much different backgrounds than me" coming to Christ because of the work of Mission USA. And because she "believed in the U.S. Conference," she was eager to promote in her home church support for a national budget of nearly $1 million.
"As a delegate 1 feel like what 1 believed in and voted for (in 2000) wasn't supported and carried out," said Brown. "Now when 1 look at the budget and see that a lot (of ministries have) gone to maintenance mode, it disheanens me."
Other delegates, while recognizing the budget problems, were more optimistic. "We're facing difficult times and we're struggling with how to do fundraising," said Stuan Pederson of Cimarron, Kan. "Seeing the resilience of the Mennonite Brethren church over the years, 1 think we're going to make it, with God's help and faithfulness."
The proposed 2002-03 budget reduces conference spending over the previous year by 40 percent, from $1,087,245 in 2001-02 to $649,978. Brown was one of 32 individuals who spoke to the budget in an almost three hour discussion that was lively and respectful of differing opinions.
Conference budgets reduced
The budget was eventually approved with a vote of 77 percent in favor. An amendment guaranteeing that the U.S. Conference would fund MB Biblical Seminary at the level suggested in the divestiture Memorandum of Understanding was tabled. An amendment to restrict each ministry's spending to 82 percent of its budget until full funds are raised was defeated.
During the discussion, delegates expressed their desire to be both financially responsible and confident of God's ability to provide.
"If we keep spending over and over what we bring in, we're going to have another deficit this next year and pretty soon there won't be anything,"
said one who did not identify herself. Another said, ''We have failed to see anytime when God doesn't provide. He actually seems to encourage us to walk by faith. Perhaps God is calling on us as a U.S. Conference to open our eyes of faith and to watch him do much more than we've been even seeing him do in the past."
Delegates struggled to understand the complex series of events, some only alluded to by conference leaders, that prompted the current recommendations and ministry decisions. They asked specific questions regarding the
ways in which Mission USA is being affected by the new budget, both in dollar amount and the fund raising strategy. They questioned whether or not the Board of Church Ministries, the conference in interim, has the freedom to alter the "ground rules" by which ministries such as MUS., function.
An unidentified delegate said, "As a delegate to the last conference, I thought I voted for Mission USA to be able to raise money. But someone shut that down. Did I misunderstand what I voted for as a delegate?"
Vision debated
Whether or not the u.s. Conference has lost its vision was debated by a variety of speakers during the weekend. In his devotional Friday morning, vice-chair elect Chuck Buller of Visalia, Calif., argued that a denomination's mission and vision begins with a clear under standing of its identity. For Mennonite Brethren that's being an evangelical Anabaptist denomination. Citing 1 Cor. 15, Buller called delegates to boast as evangelicals of "nothing as a denomination save the cross of Christ." Quoting Matt. 5, he called the conference to life
What's behind those budget cuts?
FOR MANY delegates, the u.s. Conference they encountered in 2002 was noticeably different than the one they saw at the 2000 convention in Denver, Colo.
Delegates to the 2000 co,n,ve"tion endorsed, \"'ith coItCerns.. a and supPorting budget of neat:iY $1 million that saki strel.9thening the national C-6nference WC)uld be the top ,.rlty. Budget plans approved by deJe.. that summer 1nduded hirin, afuil·titbe executive 'COOrdinated chura. planting byMlssion in It'ietA) Cfirtet'S arodnd-the U.s. team of parte-time ntgional fundraisers t6 sOlicit funds-for this and other ministries.
DelegateJfin 2000 also began the process of ilivesting the ministries of tff. GeMral to the U.S. and Canada. Tf1ey agNed1:0 be dne of the .spoMOring naj!onal confor MBMS Internationa' and to form a national Board of Faith and ute.
1be divestiture process
was completed this summer. Delegates to both the U.S. and Canadian Conference 2002 conventions. held simultaneously at different locations in Abbotsford during the day. approved Memos of Undemanding for MB Biblical Seminary, Kindred Productions and the Historical Commission (see page 29). Joint evening sessions traced the General Conference's past, highlighted the present ministries of Canada and the U.S. and emphasized the leadership of the next generation for the future of Mennonite Brethren in North America (see pages 4-13).
Other than divestiture. delegates learned that few of the plans outlined in 2000 have taken place as envisioned.
stIIff I
After an extensive twoyear search, no candidate for the national conference executive director had been secured. "We will resume our search," search committee chair David Reimer assured the delegates. In the meantime,
Integrated Ministries coorI dinator and conference
, minister Loyal Funk is serving as conference executive director on a parttime. interim basis.
"Loyal has given himself graciously and generously to this interim assignment," said John Warkentin in his, report as BFL chair. "But his time and energy remain divided. The encouragement is to fill this full-time position. It is what we agreed to two years ago. We just need to
! get this done."
The position of Mission
• USA executive director is
also unfilled. following the resignation of Ed Boschman. No plans are In place to hire one. Budget limits for 2002-03 mean new MUSA projects have been put on hold. Mission USA will continue to support a church plant in Broken Arrow and one in Phoenix. Ariz., and will be involved in a church plant in Draper. The MUSA intern program will continue to offer leadership training to young adults.
The 2000 budget was built on the assumption
as an Anabaptist covenant community.
"I know these have been a tough couple of years in U.S. Conference life," said Buller. "There's been some hurts, some points of brokenness. As an Anabaptist it is not an option to believe that God would prioritize relationships ovel plogram.
"Our mission as a denomination is to have an identity as an evangelical, Anabaptist denomination providing the resources, the services, the networks, the programs and the products that help the local church provide and accomplish their mission in the world in which they live," said Buller.
"We as a denomination should never again be unclear in our mission. I commit myself as a leader that we will know our identity. We will talk about it. We will write about it. We will reinforce it. We will never be unclear about it so that you as the home mission boards, Mission USA, as the seminary, as the colleges can fulfill the distinct missions that God has given to you."
that individual boards would be free to raise funds within their budget as approved by the con· ventlon. That strategy did not work as hoped, said Ken Neufeld, Board of Trustee chair.
"We had people running all over competing for funds," said Neufeld in answer to a question about fund raising this past fiscal year. "BCM did make the decision last year that the fundralsing of the conference needed to be under one banner. That meant that Mission USA's model was compromised, you might say."
The team of fundralsers was released and Ted Goertzen was hired half time by BCM to raise funds "for the whole." The changing funding strategies represent conference leaders' efforts to "monitor and be good stewards" of a continual growth pat· tern, said David Reimer,
Board of Faith and Life chair John Warkentin disagreed. In his report Saturday morning Warkentin said, "I'm not sure ... that we always agree that (Anabaptistism] is a value for us. Even when we do agree, there has been disagreement about how we buildthat value into both old and Dew belie'l@cs."
BFL has called for a consultation of leaders to hammer out the mission of the U.S. Conference, said Warkentin. "We need to convene this group not because we're not clear about the Great Commandment or Great Commission but because we are unclear and ununified about how we are going to carry out the Great Commandment and Great Commission together as U.S. Mennonite Brethren. I don't think restructuring is going to help. I don't think more board meetings are going to help. I don't think that surveys are the answer, even though they can provide helpful information. Only as we gather together as a community of faith-as we talk together, pray together and
U.S. Conference chair durIng the budget discussion.
The 2002-03 budget approved by the delegates totals $649,978. This Is $303,022 less than what was approved by delegates for the year and 40 percent ($437,261) less than the $1,087,245 that was approved by the Board of Church Mlhlstries , for 2001·02.
"None of the boards are happy with their figures," said Neufeld when he Introduced the budget. "I'm not happy with them either."
........, ..........
During individual board reports, the Board of Communications and Mission USA Indicated that their ministries were seriously affected by the reduced budget. The 2002-03 BOC budget of $143,108 represents a skeletal budget and Includes just $90.230 from U.S. Conference coffers.
read the Bible together-are we going to get some clarity as to what those things are that need to come first."
The importance of vision emerged again in the budget discussion.
"I'm opposed to the budget on a philosophical reason: a budget ought to ooflect our vision," said David-Eroese of Bakersfield, Calif. Referring to Mission USA, he said, ''We've lost our vision that brought us together. The budget is a reflection of what we hope to see happen and I don't see that vision there anymore. Does this budget reflect a philosophy and a vision that the Board of Church Ministries has now which is very different than what I thought the delegation called us to do just a few years ago?" asked Froese.
Solutions rest with churches
Delegates offered a variety of solu, tions to the financial difficulties, most of which centered on increased giving from churches.
"Unfortunately we live in a culture
BOC will withdraw $53,418 from the communications endowment In order to balance their budget and continue publishing the Leader for the next year.
The proposed MUSA 2002-03 budget of $191.000 is down dramati· cally from the previous budget of $628,730. "What do you do when it looks like your ministry is being shortened," asked Mission USA chair loretta Jolt. "Mission USA is going to look very different In the future--more modest. But fortunately God has blessed us with enough money in the budget that (current church plant) pr0jects will not be jeopardized."
While some of MUSA's funding each year has come from the conference, Neufeld explained that the largest portion of the MUSA budget has come from their fundralsing efforts. In 2001-02 for
example, only $131,000 of the $628,730 was from the U.S. Conference.
MUSA board member BlII Loewen noted that the MUSA budget has been predicated on the assumption that the ministry is most successful when it does Its own fundraising. Because the 2002-03 budget assumes a unified lundraising strategy, MUSA has chosen not to raise the $55,000 included in its budget of $191,000. Do the reduced budgets for conference ministries mean the conference has changed Its vision for ministry?
"Even though I think the vision is still there, the funds and the vision were not quite matching up," said Neufeld during the budget discussion. -We probably have a bigger vision than this budget. But at the same time we're trying to struggle with the financial realities.· -CF
right now where our people are not giving," said Tom Klein of Wichita, Kan. " Something must be done to move within the hearts of our people. To change the attitude of our people, to free the pocket books of our people and to show the vision of our people so that we once again hold on to the fact that we truly are missionaries."
One delegate said, "I think what we need to solve all our problems with this money business is another 100 or 200 delegates who would go home and share this with the churches. Our own people in the churches are not assuming any ownership in what we've heard. That's our problem. It's not money. It's the lack of communication."
In defense of local congregations, delegates noted the budget restrictions with which many churches deal, the needed building projects in which congregations engage and the ministry projects of which they are a part.
Lena Chernikov from Pilgrim Slavic MB church in Spokane told of her congregation's efforts to unify and expand their mission work in Siberia, Russia and Ukraine. "That's our MB money," she said. "You don't count that."
For many it was the words of the final delegate to speak to the budget that best summarized the purpose of the discussion. "I've really appreciated the way the conference has dealt with these very difficult issues," said Don Dorman of Visalia, Calif. He affirmed the number of people who had expressed themselves, the attitude of
Futurists Tom and Christine Sine opened the 2002 convention weekend with a seminar entitled -enabling the church to put first things first. - About 500 delegates from both the U.S. and Canada
come to embrace an Anabaptist theology and view of whole life discipleship, Tom chided the Mennonite Brethren for drifting from the Anabaptist tradition at a time when other Christian groups are looking for leadership In this area. The Sines challenged delegates to examine their churches and community in order to see where the needs are now and what the needs will be in the next 10 years. They also challenged delegates to join
love in which comments were shared and the commitment of people to the various ministries. He noted those who feel "their trust has been betrayed" and encouraged confession and reconciliation in situations as needed.
Anabaptists everywhere in taldng Scripture seriously not only for spiritual and moral issues but also for one's entire life.
The Sines encouraged -over-4Oleaders to listen to -under-40en, and denomination. At Sine's suggestion, 14lellden under the age of 40 met the next day to discuss dtaf.. lenges facing the church of discipleship, billllcalleIIdershIp, the need for intergeneratlonal c0ngregations and ministry and fWIdIng for cutting edge church planting and ministry were S!MI'a1 of the issues identified. Youth MissIon' IntematioJIaI's R8ndY Friesen setup a network for the.leadersto contIn·
"I really think the Mennonite Brethren give something up when they de-emphasize the family nature of their history," said Dorman. "As I was at the General Conference (evening service) I couldn't help but be struck by the fami-
ly nature of this community," he said.
"So to watch ourselves have this discussion, I hope we all realize howappropriate this is. And what is truly important is that at the end of the day we unify around God and what he wants, not so much what we want," said Donnan.
Moving on
What nobody-delegates or conference leaders-seemed to want was a denomination hampered by the kind of budget restrictions the delegates approved.
"I trust that this is not a long tenn profile of the budget," said Trustee chair Ken Neufeld in response to one delegate's question. "We need to regroup and to move on."
Thanks to the reports of each of the five U.S. Conference boards, Mennonite Brethren global ministries and interMennonite agencies, delegates went home enthused about the kind of ministry that is possible once the conference has moved beyond the present financial restrictions. In many cases, the reports shared stories of those touched through
the ministry of Mennonite Brethren. Mission USA chair Loretta Jost spoke for many delegates when she said in her report, "There is something about doing the work of God that is catching."
Ministries impaded by budget
Judging by the comments of numerous delegates, the work of Mission USA in church planting and church renewal is clearly important and inspiring to the delegates. The MUSA report was divided into three sections: church renewal, leadership training and church planting. The fonnat used to help delegates understand the ways in which individuals have been touched and congregations impacted by the work of Mission USA were personal testimonies.
Pastors Reggie Hunt from Boone (N.C.) MB Church and Larry Martens from North Fresno (Calif.) MB Church, shared their stories of church renewal as two of the five churches MUSA partnered with in the last two years in the Target Church Program.
Carlin Regier of Hillsboro, Kan., was one of seven interns placed by MUSA dur-
ing the past two years. She told of her experience at. Mountain View Community Church in Clovis, Calif., serving with the Sunday morning worship team and coordinating the youth worship team.
Church planters Mike Harrison and Scott Huska from The River in Peoria, Ariz., and Mike Miller from Community Ch 0 e eart m ro en w, Okla., told of their experiences as church planters. Both congregations held summer baptism services and the pastors shared stories of the men, women and children who had made public their faith inJesus Christ through baptism.
"I can't believe I'm so moved," delegates heard one woman from The River say in a video clip of her baptism. "I just went in the water and came out. But to know that your sins are forgiven-that's a really big thing."
There are 1,205 people in churches today thanks to the ministry of the six congregations Mission USA has planted, board member Fred Leonard told the delegates. Four of those six have taken root while two church plants did not survive, and Leonard said those were painful times for the national ministry.
In her concluding remarks, Jost emphasized that MUSA will look different in the near future due to budget realities. The ministry will most likely collaborate in "a little different venue" than in the past with district home mission boards.
"It may not happen in the grandiose style we'd like to see," said Jost ...... But our mission statement has not changed. There is still a fire in our bones."
The Board of Communications was the other U.S. Conference board to address the way in which the reduced budget affects its ministry. Publishing the Leader has historically been BOC's main focus. Getting a conference web site up and running has been a special project for the past four years.
BOC chair Kathy Heinrichs Wiest used a bicycle to illustrate how a ministry wobbles as its funding declines. She said, "As we propose to draw down our endowment to keep the publication rolling down the road, we realize that more momentum-and that means funding-is the only way we will be able to keep the Christian Leader from toppling over."
Financial support appreciated
Several times throughout the convention Ted Goertzen, the new director of church relatiOns, encouraged the dele-
gatt:s to financially support U.S. Conference ministries like MUSA and the Leader. In his presentations Goertzen recognized those congregations that had met their giving goals at 100 percent and challenged delegates to participate in the Grant Underwriter Program that encourages individuals and businesses to financially support the U.S. Conference budget. "If God has called us to these ministries, he has given us the resources to fund them," said Goertzen.
One ministry that has played a key role in the recent numeric growth of the U.S. Conference is Integrated Ministries. StoryteUing was the focus of the Integrated Ministries report and delegates heard about Slavic, Hispanic, Korean and Ethiopian congregations and their outreach efforts. Reggie Hunt spoke of the new commitment in the North Carolina District Conference to church growth.
"As newcomers to this country, we are in desperate need for help from those who understand," said Vyacheslav Tsvirinko, newly appointed associate director of Slavic ministries. He spoke of the gratitude 1M congregations have
for the willingness of MB Foundation to assist them in securing meeting facilities. "You cannot over-estimate what it means for our churches. It means you wiU survive. Only churches that have their own place have survived the past 10 or 12 years," he said.
Looking to the future
Delegates heard from the newest U.S. Conference board when John Warkentin reported for the Board of Faith and Life. The U.S. Conference BFL board was formed two years ago as part of the divestiture of the General Conference.
Because BFL is a new entity, it has not had to deal with old agenda so it has asked the "futures question," said Warkentin. "What is it that we should be working on as a BFL? What are the issues for Mennonite Brethren that are around the curve?"
He advocated the value of Mennonite Brethren and Anabaptist theological reflection and the importance of thinking in new ways when it comes to the future of the U.S. Conference. "The temptation is to ask what do we need
sowing into f.he , Word of GOd .. .....,rf1tty Hurtt pastfJt:.;
The five speakers'at the U.S. ·om." ftHence convention spoke .
to get done and to not spend enough time thinking about why we are doing what we are doing," said Warkentin. ''We need to do that kind of theological reflection as we think about the future." Important tasks for the future, says BFL, includes hiring a full-time U.S. Conference executive director and convening a meeting of leaders to address the mission of the conference.
Recommendations approved
In other business, delegates approved a recommendation from Fres-
Adults weren't the only ones gathered at the conventions in Abbotsford. Children and youth also j got together for fun and service.
SphfIIuII stilet t
Youth-t'anging in age from 12 to 18 years-old and from as far away as Russia went canoeing and hiking and visited Vancouver in en ·Urban Plunge.· Youth Mission International, a short-term mission program of MBMS sponsored the activities.
-At first we were all a bit wary of doing some things the leaders asked us to do,- wrote Rachel Pederson and Stephanie WIest of their experience. -Eating lunch with a person off the streets wasn't exactly within our
no Pacific University of Fresno, Calif. and Tabor College of Hillsboro, Kan. that a Memorandum of Understanding drafted following the regionalization of the colleges in 1979 be set aside. In a presentation made jointly by the presidents and board chairs of the two schools, the colleges pledged to "work together in ways that we can to further the kingdom of God."
Delegates approved a change in the U.S. Conference bylaws that provides for equal representation from all U.S. Conference district conferences on national boards and elected members to national conference boards. They heard
The Board of Faith and
published six
lets that they hope will gin to identify the ways MBs answer questions of faith were , 3C
,. .c. .' , edited to fit the U.S. con-
s ': text. The six topics covered , "-., Anabaptism, baptism aacI church membership, homosexuality, marriage end divorce, media and war.
Each congregation has received an introductory supply and additional pamphlets are available without charge by contading the conference office at USconf@southwind.net or (620) 947-3151.
comfort zones. But we grew were stretched In ways we had hardly thought possible. Out of our stretchIng, the love of God was shown to many people: a homeless person, the recipient of a free ke-aeam cone, or even others in our gro
..............
Activities for school-age children (photo at left) were led by Luise Kroeker of Minot, N.D. Kroeker and , her 23 charges spenttime enjoying local attractions including a recreation center, an amusement park and the Greater Vancouver Zoo. The children also played games, watched videos and did crafts at Bakervlew MB Church. Kroeker was assisted by local volunteers.
reports from the Peace Commission, National Youth Commission, MB Foundation and the International Committee of Mennonite Brethren.
A Memorandum of Understanding was approved for MB Biblical Seminary, Board of Resource Ministries and the Historical Commission (see page 29). Delegates also heard reports from each of these former General Conference agencies. Topping the report from MBBS was the announcement that the seminary has received a grant from the Lilly Endowment to participate in a national program to provide opportunities for high school age young people to engage in theological study and inquiry. The Board of Resource Ministries announced the release of a variety of new resources, including a history of the General Conference spearheaded by the Historical Commission.
MBMS International focused its report on stories of its partnership with local congregations in doing global evangelism and ministry. In an effort to help delegates share these stories more effectively with their home congregations, MBMSI videotaped its on-site report and offered a free copy to each congregation represented at the convention.
Inter-Mennonite agencies that reported to the delegates included Mennonite World Conference, Mennonite Health Services, Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Mutual Aid.
The convention concluded with a dedication of U.S. Conference board and staff members. •
Delegates want ministries to have a home
DELEGA TES TO the u.s.
expressed a strong desire to support the MB Biblical Seminary, Board of Resource Ministries and the Historical Commission, the last of the General Conference ministries to be transferred to the North American national conferences. To that end, delegates questioned the wording of the Memorandums of Understanding for two of the ministries.
Over the past year, teams from the national conferences, ministries and General Conference met to work out agreements to insure that the ministries found connections to the national conferences. The resulting MOUs were up for approval by delegates at this convention.
• BRMlKindred Productions. The resource development and publishing ministry was transferred to canadian ownership rather than a joint partnership between the u.s. and canada. canada assumed responsibilitY for developing products and operating Kindred Productions (the publishing house), while the U.S. moved into a role of "customer."
While the U.S. does not have direct ownership, "there was still a feeling that we need to encourage denominationally distinct materials" by promoting the material in the U.S., working on projects with canada and establishing a "formal communications link" with Kindred. said John Quiring, a representative of the transition team.
Some delegates
expressed concern that the language used to describe U.S. participation did not express a strong enough intent. "1 think it is important to reflect that they are either optional or we are committed to them," said Kansas pastor and U.S. Conference Board of Faith and Ufe chair John Warkentin of the MOU's description of the ways in which the U.S. will participate.
General Conference vicechair Lyndon Vix said that while the language indicated that there was no guarantee that the U.S. would j participate in those ways, it was the hope of the negotiators that this would happen. Vix suggested that notations be made in the convention minutes to reflect the full intent of the U.s. to participate. Delegates agreed and approved the MOU.
• MB Biblical Seminary. The MOU defined the seminary as one corporation owned by the U.s. and canadian conferences. with the U.s. continuing to contribute $22 per member and canada setting their norm at $15 (canadian) with an
added $7 (canadian) per member to support scholarships to encourage pastoral candidates to attend the seminary. (The U.S. already has a scholarship fund in addition to the $22 norm.) A seminary board will be formed with representation , from each national conference, and regional councils will be established for each teaching center in the U.S. and canada.
Delegates expressed concern over the role of the regional councils as well as long-term funding securitY for the seminary.
Delegates wanted clarification on the roles of the councils. Leaders explained that while the "buck stops" with the seminary board, regional councils will be responsible for supervising the delivery centers, with a say in matters such as financial, recruitment and fund raising issues. In the U.S., members of the seminary board will overlap as members of the regional councils. with other council members appointed.
Quite a bit of discussion took place on the lack of financial security indicated
by the MOU.
Braun asked transition team members if they believed there was enough longterm financial security when the norm was not guaranteed and the MOU indicated , that a national conference could withdraw from the agreement at any time.
"Churches have never been bound by norms," replied transition team member Nick Rempel, adding that norms are voluntary though the conference had previously guaranteed the amount even if churches failed to supply the funds.
The agreement between , the U.S. and Canada was also characterized as a marriage. "We cannot force another national conference to stay in," U.S. Conference chair and transition team member David Reimer said, admitting there was a risk.
"Yes, there is some risk involved," said Rempel, "but there was in the old system as well."
A motion to guarantee the seminary subsidy was tabled and given to the Board of Church Ministries for consideration and decision.
• Historical Commission. While the other two MOUs had considerable discussion, this ministry passed easily. The basic function and work of the ministry remained the same. The commission will continue to collect and preserve materials relating to North American MB churches as well as coordinate the regional archival centers. Delegates approved the MOU. -eA
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Troublesome Twins
Program to attract teenagers to theological inquiry, ministry
MB BIBLICAL SEMINARY announced to delegates at the U.S. and Canadian MB Conference conventions that it has been selected to receive a grant of $1.6 million from the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment Inc. to participate in a national program to provide opportunities for high school age young people to engage in theological study and inquiry.
Seminaries and divinity schools were invited to create new programs that provide opportunities for young people to have a serious intellectual encounter with the theological resources of the Christian fuith and to explore in depth its significance for their own lives and vocations.
MBBS has a four-year plan with multiple components. Congregations will be equipped to more effectively "call out" young people. High school students will attend retreats on the seminary campus and in regional locations in the U.S. and
Canada, encouraging them to "hear the call" of God to consider church leadership and ministry as a vocation, and providing them with the opportunity to meet seminary professors and students. Several cohorts of students will be selected for the ''Youth Leadership Network," a two-year program of seminars and mentoring, with web-based interaction and supervised ministry experiences. MBBS will work closely with youth pastors, local churches, high schools and camps to select and encourage those young people with demonstrated gifts and skills in leadership and ministry. The goal will be to create a vision of ministry that high school young people can understand and to which they will respond positively.
MBBS President Henry Schmidt says, "For us this comes at a strategic time when there is a leadership shortage in
HELPLING FAMILIES FORCED FROM HOMES
Colombian MBs help MCC with aid
IN RESPONSE to intensified violence and ongoing mass displacement in civil war-torn Colombia, Mennonite Central Committee is providing $100,000 for locally-purchased emergency supplies for 7,000 families. Six hundred school kits and 2,100 health kits will also be shipped from MCC warehous-
es in North America. The end of 2001 displaced some 2.5 million Colombians, six percent of the population. Most are seeking refuge from fighting among Colombia's three major armed factions: the military, left-wing guerrilla groups and far-right paramilitaries. Hardest hit are campesinos (small
EF
our churches. This grant makes it possible for us to serve the church by focusing on the 'calling out of young people.' This is an initiative that our board of directors funded before this grant became available by bringing a group of high school students from Calgary, Alta., to visit the seminary in Fresno."
Altogether over the last decade, and including this round, the Endowment has funded 49 schools with a total of $57.3 million.
"What we're hearing 'from the field' is most encouraging," says Craig Dykstra, Endowment vice president for religion. "Faculty, pastors, teens and their families report that young people have been captivated by their concentrated study of the Christian tradition, their fuith has been strengthened and many are beginning to explore vocations of service in Christian ministry.
"The young people are eager to explore these topics, and they are excited by discovering how fuith affects so many aspects of contemporary personal and community life," he says. -MBBS
farmers), indigenous people, Colombians of African descent and women and children. They are pouring into ever-expanding city slums and makeshift camps.
The funds will provide food, blankets, cooking utensils, hygiene items and school supplies for families who have fled or been forced from their homes. Aid will be distributed through a coalition of Protestant churches as well as through the Colom-
bian Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren churches and their institutions, all of which operate extensive ministries to the displaced.
Local partners dis-
tributing aid include Colombian MBs at a center in Bogota run by MENCOLDES, the Colombian Mennonite and MB relief and development organization. -MCC
Senior care meeting
-Mennonite Brethren involved in care housing ministries to senior adults are meeting Sept. 11 in Phoenix, Ariz., for a one-day event. The purpose of the gathering is to give the senior administrator and a board officer from each of the 10 MB-affiliated long-term care housing ministries an opportunity to network and fellowship with others in the profession. The U.S. Conference, MB Foundation and Mennonite Health Services are sponsoring the event, at no cost to the participants. MBF is providing a travel grant and MHS is underwriting lodging, meals and other meeting costs.-U5C
Nominate literature
-Mennonite Brethren and other Mennonite-related peoples around the world are invited to nominate a book, booklet or series of articles as the Mennonite World Conference Selection of the Year.
"Our goal is that. over the next 10 to 20 years, a common literature may emerge for the global Anabaptist-Mennonite churches, says Phyllis Pellman Good of the U.S. who is a MWC communication consultant. MWC will not become publishers nor will MWC fund translation, printing and distribution costs for various language groups, says MWC executive secretary Larry Miller. Miller hopes publishers in various language groups around the world will make the Selection of the Year available in their language. According to Miller,there are currently 12 main languages used by 9S percent of Mennonite-related people around the world. Nominations for the 2003 selection can be made in writing to Larry Miller, Executive Secretary, Mennonite World Conference, 8 rue du Fosse des Treize, 67000 Strasbourg, France or by contacting Miller at LarryMillerOMWCcmm.org.-MWC
GESTURES HELP VOLUNTEERS CROSS LANCUAGE BARRIER
USERV VOLUNTEER
Ken Pannabecker and his wife Dee of San Jose, Ca i ., vo unteere elr time at Slavic Gospel Church of Bellingham, Wash., designing, building and installing 21 cabinets in the church's large kitchen. On the couple's first trip, they together with Pastor Walter and wife Vera Ilyin laid out the kitchen design. The Pannabeckers returned home and worked with son Doug to design the 21 cabinets. The face frames were built and plywood was cut for bottoms, ends, partitions and shelves in San Jose and all interior surfaces were finished; the pieces for each cabinet were numbered. Cabinet doors and drawers fronts were ordered for delivery to Bellingham.
The frames, doors and drawer fronts were
loaded onto a trailer and driven by Ken to Bellingham where volunteers rom ec urc un ed the trailer. Pannabecker was assisted in assembling the cabinets by one man in the congregation named Steffan, who also hosted Pannabecker in his home for two meals.
"As the days progressed, the hallway between the kitchen and the sanctuary began to be lined with completed cabinets, and walking became a bit hazardous unless the overhead lights were turned on," says Pannabecker.
"Adding to the general confusion, the doors and drawer fronts arrived about a week after my arrival. They
were stacked in various places in the kitchen until I took one evening
doors/drawer fronts belonged to which cabinets. Steffan was very helpful. However, my instructions to him were conveyed by sign language, as neither of us spoke the other's language."
Men in the congregation helped with the staining process.
Pannabeckerreports that only three modifications had to be made to the plans that the two couples had drawn up at the beginning of the process.--lJS1UlV
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION
Publication title: The Christian Leader. Publication number: 0009-5419. Filing date: 09106102. Issue frequency: monthly. Number of issues published annually: 12. Annual SUbscription price: $16.00. COmplete mailing address of known office of publication: 315 S. Lincoln, Hillsboro. KS 67063. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: 315 S. Lincoln. Hillsboro. KS 61063. Full names and complete mailing address of publisher. editor and managing editor: Publisher. U.S. Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. 315 S. Lincoln. Hillsboro. KS 67063; Edltor-carmen Andres. 101 N. Capitol Parkway, Montgomery. AL 36107; Managing edltor-none. Owner: U.S. Conference "of Mennonite Brethren Churches, 315 S. Lincoln. Known bondholders. mortgages and other security hold· ers owning or holding I percent or more of totel amount 01 bonds, mortgages or other securities: none. The purpose, function and nonprofit status of this organization and the exempt status for federal income tax purposes has not changed during the preceding 12 months. Extent and nature of circulation: the first number represents the average number of copies of each Issue during the preceding 12 months (the number In parentheses is the number 01 copies of a single issue pUblished neareS1 to filing date. the August 2002 issue). (e) Totel number of copies: 10.100 (10,000) (b) Paid/Requested Circulation: 1) PaidlRequested outside county mail subscriptions: 9092 (9089). 2) Paid In-county subscriptions: 589 (611). 3) Sales through dealers and cerriers and counter sales: 0 (0). 4) Other: 50 (45). (e) Total paid and/or requeS1ed circulation: 9731 (9745). (d) Free distribution by mail: 20 (15). (e) Free distnbi.ltlqn outside the mail: 10 (10). (ft Total free distribution: 35 (25). (V) Total distributiOn: 9761 (9nO). (II) Copies not distributed: 339 (230). (I) Total: 10.100 (10,000). Percent paid and/or requested circulation: 99.6 (99.7). I certify that all information on this form Is true and complete. I understand that anyone who fumlshes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or informatiOn on the form may be SUbject to criminal sanctions (inclUding fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (Including mUltiple damages and civil penaltles).-(signed) Carmen Andres. editor. 09106102.
CHURCH NE
Baptism/membership
Hillsboro, Kan.-Katie Baltzer, Jessica Heidel, Julia Loewen, Ranell Schroeder, Dustin Jost, April Funk, Allison Kunkel, Maria Loewen, and Doug Schroeder were baptized and welcomed into membership July 14.
Salem, Ore. (Kingwood Bible)Orley and Karen Friesen were accepted as new members by transfer.
Celebrations
Harvey, N.D.- The congregation dedicated an elevator during worship services July 21.
Ministry
Lawton, Okla. (Faith Bible)-A group of 13 students and leaders from Corn (Okla.) MB and Bible MB Church of Cordell, Okla., spent a week in July in Lawton helping with vacation Bible school. The volunteers also did some mowing and custodial work. During VBS at least eight kids made a first time decision to follow Jesus.
Fresno, Calif. (North)- The church held a commissioning service Aug. 4 for Tim Schellenberg who is going to Cambodia as an ESL teacher.
Salem, Ore. (Kingwood Bible)Pastor Travis Schmidt led the youth group on its annual missions trip June 29-July 6. The youth were involved in physical labor and children's ministry at the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Browning, Mont. The congregation held a neighborhood barbecue July 13
that drew over 100 people. The event was a joint effort with Living Hope Church, a congregation that uses the KBC facility for worship and ministry.
Bakersfield, Calif. (Heritage Bible)- The youth group offered babysitting for an evening to raise funds that were used to purchase baby supplies for the local Crisis Pregnancy Center.
Freeman, S.D. (Salem)- The church float in the local July 4 parade received a 3rd place award. The church handed out 1000 gospel tracts with candy along the parade route.
Denver, Colo (Garden Park)- A laptop computer is setup monthly in the lobby so that people can write notes to the three missionary families supported by the congregation.
Proclamation
Wichita. Kan. (First MB)- The congregation held worship services with a "multigenerational" format in August and the beginning of September while the Sunday school classes took a break. This year the theme was "Digging into Genesis" and the congregation studied the first 12 chapters of Genesis in unique and interactive ways.
Bakersfield, calif. (Laurelglen Bible)-Another Sunday morning service called Video Cafe will begin this fall. Video Cafe will offer a casual coffeehouse complete with beverages simultaneous to the second service. The welcome, news, and music worship portions will be
Want to see news from your church 1ft this section? Then send your church bulletins or newsletters to Associate Editor Faber in our Hillsboro office. Each month. we select news from the bulletins of MB churches from around the country to print 1ft the Churdt News and Notes section. MaR your church bulletin or news idea to Boll 220. Hillsboro, Ian. 6706J, or e-mail us at newsedltorOusmb.org
"live" and Pastor Roger Poppen's message will be given via big screen video.
Teaching/Nurture
Enid, Okla.-ehildren who had completed grades four through six learned about what God is doing in Brazil from MBMS International missionaries Ken and Marilyn Fast of Sao Paulo, Brazil, during Mission Quest July 22-24. Among other activities, the kids made a Brazilian kite, played soccer, ate a Brazilian meal and learned some Portuguese.
Wichita, Kan. (First MB)Parents and soon to be 7th and 9th graders were invited to a BBQ and program Aug. 12 designed to help kids and their parents prepare for the transitional issues families face at these stages in a person's development. Resource people included church staff members and Wendell Loewen, the Southern District Conference youth minister.
Southern District-Sixteen junior campers and several junior high and senior high campers made first time decisions for Christ during Southern District Conference summer camps. The junior camp held at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan., drew 324 campers and was served by 55 staff. Junior high camp at New Life Ranch in Colcord, Okla., had 206 campers and 50 staff and senior high camp held at Silver Creek in Colorado had 217 campers and 52 staff.
Newton, Kan. (Koerner Heights)- Women in the congregation are invited to participate in one-to-one mentoring relationships. A threeweek study held this month will prepare participants for forming mentoring relationships with one another.
Workers
Fresno, Calif.- North Fresno MB Church dedicated Victor and
Olga Avdeyev for pastoral ministry at Slavic Church of Fresno in a prayer service July 21.
Fresno, Calif. (North)- Loren Dubberke began serving as pastor of adult ministries August 5. He and his wife Tonia have three children.
Fresno, calif. (Bethany)-Forrest Jenan began his ministry as youth pastor July 14. He previously served a Baptist congregation in Selma, Calif., and has a variety of experiences in youth work including mission experiences in Mexicali and Costa Rica.
Topeka, Kan.- Mike Ayers has resigned his position as youth pastor to attend MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif.
Ferndale, Wash. (Good News)The congregation said farewell to youth pastor Nate Cornelsen June 23 during a service at which Cornelsen preached from Joshua 23-24. John Andres, formerly the intern youth pastor, was installed as youth pastor June 30.
Deaths
ADRIAN, LOVELLA "DOLLY, Buhler, Kan., of Buhler MB Church, was born Aug. 14, 1925, to Paul and Justina Harder Martens in Harvey County, Kan., and died July 10,2002, at the age of 76. In 1943, she was married to LaVerne Adrian, who survives. She is also survived by two daughters, Paula Hill, and Vicki and husband Ken Stobbe; one son, Jack Adrian and wife Vicki, and five grandchildren.
ADRIAN, ERVIN H., Buhler, Kan., a member of Buhler MB Church, was born Aug. 12, 1913, to Jacob L. and Mary Neufield Adrian near Buhler and died July 9, 2002, at the age of 89. On Sept. 20, 1939, he was married to Helen Reimer, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Lowell and wife Peggy of Highlands Ranch, Colo., and Marlin and wife Marie of Winston-Salem, N.C.; two brothers, Norman and Elmer, both of Buhler; one sister, Ruth Friesen of Garden City, Kan.,
and three grandchildren.
BAUMBACK, DORIS VOTH, Reedley, Calif., of Reedley MB Church, was born Nov. 13, 1934, to George and Sarah Janzen Voth at Enid, Okla. On May 14,1954, she was married to Clyde Baumback, who predeceased her. She is survived by one sister, Ruby and husband Frank Grunau; three nephews, Phil Grunau and wife
Donna, Brian Grunau and David Baumback and family friends Janie and Mike Ratzlaff.
GERBRANDT, ABRAHAM JACOB, San Jose, Calif., a member of Lincoln Glen Church of San Jose, was born Nov., 23,1906, at Herbert, Sask., and died July 2, 2002, at the age of 95. In 1927 he was married to Anna Wiens, who predeceased him in 1995. He is survived by three sons, Richard, Ken and Gordon; one sister, Sue Enns, nine grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
MILLER, MARY, lodi, Calif., of Vinewood Community Church, was born Jan. 18, 1920, at lamar, Colo., and died June 28, 2002, at the age of 82. She was married to Clarence Miller, who survives. She is also
survived by three daughters, Marlene Motz, Joyce Bristow and Donna Donald, all of lodi.
NIKKEL. ERNEST JAMES, Reedley, Calif., of Reedley MB Church, was born July 6, 1910, to John P. and Agnes Boese Nikkel near Alfalfa, Okla., and died July 4, 2002, at the age of 91. On Oct. 23, 1934, he was married to lorena Julianna Kliewer, who predeceased him in
January 2000. He is survived by two daughters, Marlene and husband Rueben Goertzen of Carlsbad, Calif., and Jolene and husband Roger Millette of Santa Clara, Calif.; two sons, Dennis and wife Sharon and Stanley, all of Reedley; one sister, Matilda Siemens of Corn, Okla.; three brothers, lorn of Dickenson, Tex., John and EIVern, both of Corn, and four grandchildren.
RICHERT, TALMON, Reedley, calif., of Reedley MB Church, was born Oct. 29, 1918, to John and Martha Richert, and died July 8, 2002, at the age of 83. On May 2, 1940, he was married to Hilda Warkentin, who survives
REIMCHE, EDNA, Harvey, N.D., a member of Harvey MB Church, was
born June 20, 1915, to Charlie C. and Kate lautt Reimche near Martin, N.D., and died June 29, 2002, at the age of 87. She is survived by two brothers, Clifford Reimche and Charles W. Reimche of Martin; two sisters, Goldie Fiesel of Harvey, and Alice Martin of Fessenden, N.D.; and several nieces and nephews.
SHEWEY, GERALD ·JERRY:
Fairview, Okla., of Fairview MB Church, was born Feb. 1, 1944, to John and Elizabeth Wright Shewey at Fairview and died July 27, 2002, at the age of 58. On March 2, 1968, he was married to Pamela Ann Goodson. He is survived by one son, Rodney of Tulsa, Okla.; and two brothers, Dick and wife Marcia of Fairview, and Bill and wife Jana of Enid, Okla.
VOGT, OPAL. Corn, Okla., of Corn MB Church, was born March 28, 1921, to Fred and Millie Moritz at Colony, Okla., and died July 10, 2002, at the age of 81. On July 10, 1938, she was married to Ed J. Vogt, who predeceased her in 1992. She is survived by one daughter, Odeline and husband Michael Brooks; one son, Edwin
and wife Joyce; one sister, Marjorie Reimer, and grandchildren.
WAALKES, VELDA MAE, Santa Clara, Calif., a charter member of EI Camino Bible Church, was born March 30, 1913, to Joseph Davis Stapleton and Rosetta Stultz Stapleton at lodi, Calif., and died July 16, 2002, at the age of 89. She is survived by one daughter, Norma Teel of Santa Clara; four
grandsons, Robert and wife Pam, Leonard and wife Peggy and Arthur, all of Pocatella, Idaho, and John and wife Karen of Morgan Hill, Calif., and fourteen great grandchildren.
WARKENTIN, GERALD ROLAND, Corn, Okla., a member of Corn MB Church, was born July 20, 1938, to H. Irwin and Edna Janzen Warkentin at Cordell, Okla., and died July 3, 2002, at the age of 63. He is survived by his father; two sisters, Frances and husband Jack Gathright of Oklahoma City, and Rowena and husband Carl Rhodes of Corn; two brothers, Richard and wife Elizabeth of Concord, Calif., and Michael and wife Georgia of Norman, Okla.; two nieces, and one nephew.•
Assisting in Faithful Stewardship
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 53 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-(ost ad. Contact the editor for more information.
EMPLOYMENT
MCC Co-Representatives Needed
Is God urging you to use your leadership abili-
and Invitation
through Mennonite Central Committee? This year MCC needs someone to serve as country CPE, under the sponsorship of MBMS International, invites born-again co-representative in the Congo. In 2003, MCC Christians to serve as volunteers for its evangelism outreach to: will need country representatives for Sudan, CAMPAIGNCAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN DONATION REQUIRED Somalia, Angola and Ukraine/Russia. These COUNTRY CITY DATES OF EACH VOLUNTEER four- or five-year volunteer assignments require applicants with college degrees, over- PHILIPPINES . Sta. Cruz, Gua Gua, Pampanga Sep. 27-Oct. 13
seas experience, language skills, communica- KENYA Kisumu
tion, organizational and administration skills, EL
strong Christian faith and a respect for a wide
variety of persons. Contact Charmayne Den- COSTA RICA S.C. Alajuela
linger Brubaker, Human Resources, (717) 859- CHIL PAN E.......
1151 or cdb@mcc.org for a job description and more information.
ANNOUNCEMENT-MCC SALE
Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale & Auction
Come have a good time sup-
• porting a great cause at the 27th Annual Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale and Auction on Saturday, October 19,2002, at the Arkansas Valley Fairgrounds in Rocky Ford, Colo.
At the auction there will be:
• hundreds of quality auction items
• dozens of booths open at 8:00 a.m.
• scores of handmade quilts
• lots of good food
• kids' auction
• silent antique and collectibles auction
• new quilters odds and ends booth
• t-shirt auction
• breakfast at 7:00 a.m.
• auction at 9:30 a.m.
• quilt auction at 1:30 p.m.
•a 1948 John Deere M, serial number 13815, tractor will be auctioned at 1:00 p.m.
On Friday, October 18
• 5:00-7:30 p.m: supper, a selection of food booths
• 7:30 p.m: musical program by Les and Gwen Gustafson-Zook, international champion autoharpist and guitarist
•a freewill offering for MCC
On Saturday, October 19
• 7:00-9:30 a.m: sausage/pancake breakfast
• 10:00 a.m.: Navajo Fry Bread or sausage sandwiches
• 11 :00 a.m.: Barbecued chicken lunch
All proceeds go directly to meet human needs throughout the world through the work of Mennonite Central Committee, the relief, service, peace and development arm of the Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches. For more information: (719) 384-7914, (719) 384-6620, or www.emclj.orglsale.htm.
NOTE: Dates may be subject to some changes, pending further confirmation of some campaigns.
• Team up with national Christians and witness for Christ door-to-door.
• Some knOWledge of the language of the country is helpful.
• Between 800 and 2800 persons have prayed to accept Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord during a two-week CPE campaign. Come and be part of an enriching spiritual experience-discover what God can do through you. For further information, contact:
Church Partnership Evangelism office: telephone/fax: 604-864-3941
Peter Loewen (residence) fax: 604-853-6482
Church Partnership Evangelism is a "church-to-church" effort that involves all bornagain Christians in personal evangelism worldwide. Your application to participate will be forwarded to the CPE Executive Committee for processing.
PETER LOEWEN
CPE Executive Director
HAROLD ENS
MBMS International General Director
Promote your values through a sales career
Mennonite Mutual Aid (MMA) has opportunities for highly motivated individuals interested in a full-time career in insurance and financial services. Candidates will need to become licensed to sell life and health insurance as well as securities. A training allowance, plus bonuses, is available to qualified applicants. Opportunities exist in many areas of the U.S.
MMA is a church-related organization that helps Anabaptists practice biblical stewardship. MMA offers expertise in pursuing stewardship solutions through insurance and financial services as well as charitable-giving programs and fraternal benefits.
Send resume to: Joy Liechty P.O. Box 483 Goshen, IN 46527 (BOO) 348-7468 Ext. 202 joy.liechty@mma-online.org www.mma-online.org
Family dinner, an elephant and true faith
A GOOD INDICA TOR AT MY HOUSE that it is time for school to begin is the bickering that goes on at mealtime among our three children. I much prefer meals during which we laugh and talk together to the ones at which my husband and I serve as referees. But I am learning to value the opportunity mealtime arguments give our children and me to practice skills in peacemaking and reconciliation. Learning to sit peacefullyeven for just a half-hour or so-with people we are momentarily at odds with is one of the benefits of a daily family mealtime, say family-life specialists.
This July at the U.S. Conference convention at Bakerview MB Church in Abbotsford, B.C., delegates were asked to break for lunch in the midst of a lengthy and at times emotional discussion about the budget and related concerns. The one person you don't want mad at you, vice-chair Rolando Mireles warned us, is the cook. We were already late for lunch, and out of respect to the kitchen staff we needed to break, he said. And for the next hour we sat together as a family of God, enjoying the pasta buffet and brownie dessert. Then we headed back to the sanctuary to finish our debate.
That debate-and the lunchtime interruption-provided a wonderful, family experience. Other aspects of the convention were not as enjoyable. It felt, one person said later, like there was a huge elephant standing in the middle of the sanctuary and everyone stepped around it. What was that elephant?
In spite of the fact that the recommended budget will so severely affect some ministries that it could be said they are existing on life-support, the tension wasn't only about fmances. It was the comments about relationships that suggested an underlying, unspoken tension. One board chair talked about wanting better communication, another emphasized making decisions as a community and a third asked people who disagreed with him to talk to him face to face instead of behind his back. Other speakers alluded to broken relationships and a loss of trust.
In my household, disagreements are a part of family life, and I think the same can be said for faith families. Disagreeing with one another does not make us less spiritual or less of a family. It is when we mask our differences of opinion and ignore the ways in which we have hurt one another that we suffer.
While people don't see eye to eye on what is at the heart of the current disagreements, we know it centers on the question of how Mennonite Brethren can best do God's work. Do conference leaders need to disclose specific details about what exactly is causing tension and disagreements? Maybe yes, maybe no. But it is helpful and healthful to admit to the differences, especially when steps are being taken to bring about reconciliation between the variousparties involved.
If we do not work at restoring relationships, the elephant that was ignored in Abbotsford will not stay in Canada. It will remain with us because without reconciliation we cannot be a healthy family. And as Anabaptists, we know that true evangelical faith prioritizes relationships before programs, as Chuck Buller reminded us in his convention devotional. I am amazed at how much power the anger of one person sitting at my family dinner table has to destroy the tranquility of our meal. The same is true of our denomination. We need to be reconciled to one another.
We are a family. Our name, Mennonite Brethren, is our defining essence, says Lynn Jost in Family Matters: Discovering the Mennonite Brethren. Jost says, "This notion, 'church is family,' is the Mennonite Brethren gift to postmodern North American Christian identity."
Right now, our gift may be looking a bit tarnished. What can we do to restore the luster of the MB family? We can pray for our leaders. In November the newly elected executive committee and newly appointed board chairs will be meeting in Wichita, Kan. We can pray that forthrightness will characterize that gathering, and that reconciliation where it is needed will be on their agenda.
We can also encourage our leaders to sit around the family dinner table as often as possible. In other words, our denominational leaders should get together as often as needed during this next biennium to sort some things out. They should talk, pray and eat.
There are wonderful things that happen to households when family members sit around the dinner table. A family's culture is created at mealtime because it's the one time during a day when a family is all in one room at the same time. Family meals help us learn civility-how to be part of a conversation, basic courtesies like "please" and "thank you" and chewing with your mouth shut, most of the time. Eating as a family says that we think others are important enough to spend time with. When a family eats without distraction, we often talk about the things that are most important to us. Research suggests that regular meal times can even sharpen a child's intellect.
When our leaders lead as family, our Mennonite Brethren family will be strengthened. We will better define the traits we want to exhibit to the world. We will find better ways to recognize that each of our national ministries is important. We will understand more fully the things of God that are most important to us. We will get smarter about structuring our ministries, growing our churches and discipling all believers who call themselves Mennonite Brethren. And we will practice peace as we break bread with someone with whom we don't always agree. --Connie Faber
