Our graduates are impressive!

A Brethren education is excellent preparation for graduate school or a first job. A curriculum blending the liberal arts with pre-professional studies produces skills needed for work and lessons for a lifetime.

You'll find our students to be dedicated to learning. They work hard to prepare for futures that will bring them personal and professional success. They are taught and advised by faculty who bring values as well as expertise to the classroom. Our graduates leave with a commitment to use their education in the service of others.

Ultimately, a Brethren education joins the world of the spirit and the world of work.

A Brethren education begins with ... YOU!

For more information about Brethren colleges, visit our website: www.cobcoa.org or email: [email protected] or call 1-800-323-8039 MARCH 2003 VOL.152 NO.2 WWW.BRETHREN.ORG

Editor: Fletcher Farrar Publisher: Wendy McFadden News: Walt Wiltschek Advertising: Russ Matteson Subscriptions: Diane Stroyeck Design: Cedar House Group

- ONTHECOVER "'0 _g Q. On Sunday, March 16, the Church of the Brethren joins in "O the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. Our church links ~ "O" with eight other denominations and the multi-denomina­ i tional Church World Service organization-together repre­ <( senting more than 55 million Christians worldwide-to focus on ministries of compassion. Helping the world's disadvan­ taged gain new skills and achieve self-respect is a lot of what the church's ministries of compassion are about. The self-development of people is at the crux of the General Board's One Great Hour of Sharing offering. And this style of ministry is pivotal to the work of the Emergency Disaster Fund and the Global Food Crisis Fund, designated outreach funds of the General Board. The offering helps persons like Anta Niang, pictured on 1O Churches and the economy the cover, achieve self-respect. Upon learning to read after Throughout the United States churches large and turning 50, she proudly writes her name in the sand. Anta is ~mall are struggling to do ministry during an one of 10 women in the village of Ganket Guent in northern economic downturn. The fact that pain is widespread Senegal who takes notes and records financial transactions gives perspective but little relief to Church of the for the local women's association. Until Church World Brethren agencies facing cutbacks. Service and its partner agency in Senegal launched a three­ year training course for women on literacy, health, and agri­ 13 'We were there' culture, no women in Ganket Guent could read. Men used to come and keep the association records, often tricking the Through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering, the women because they were illiterate. Now men come to Church of the Brethren supports ministries of learn and, by doing so, pay respect. compassion throughout the world. A special eight­ Appearing in the center section of this issue are additional page color section, produced by Howard Royer, portraits of compassion made possible by r:r.•Jrch of the General Board staff for interpretation, illustrates Brethren donors through the General Board. As a closing some of the many ways and places where we are litany on page 20 sums up, it is a story of how God leads able to reach out with love and justice to help the Brethren in partnership with others to "dig in, take hold, world's hurting people. reach out, and build up." Cover photo is by Tammi Mott/Church World Service. 22 Reconnecting in Ecuador From 1942 until 1965 the Church of the Brethren was directly involved in Brethren Service and mission work in Ecuador. Recent US visitors to a small church in Llano Grande have brought back memories and rekindled ties of faith to span the years.

DEPARTMENTS 2 From the Publisher 3 In Touch Women of Llano 6 News Grande, Ecuador, 26 Letters pore over old 30 Turning Points photos from 32 Editorial Brethren missionary days. Messenger March 2003 ■ How to reach us

MESSENGER 1451 Dundee Avenue Elgin, IL 60120

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Display advertising: rmatteson_gb @brethren.org Phone: 800-323-8039 or several weeks, a church I pass daily had this announcement Fax: 847-742-1407 posted on its light-up sign, along with the pertinent date: "AtheismF vs. Christianity. Sunday, 5 p.m." Editorial: Vague thoughts of lions and coliseums crossed my mind. Was this to be a ffarrar [email protected] fight? A debate? A lecture? Who would show up? It hardly seemed likely that Phone: 217-525-9083 atheists would be enticed to attend. But would Christians feel any more need to Fax: 217-525-9269 be convinced? Maybe atheists are the enemy. But from the place I sit, it appears that many Subscription rates: church folks think the real antagonists are other Christians. It's as if our church $16.50 individual rate $13.50 church group plan signs read, "Christians vs . Christians." Sadly, there is no shortage of angry $13 .50 gift subscriptions brothers and sisters ready to sling arrows at each other. This is not new, of course. Way back in 1950, for example, Gospel If you move, clip address label Messenger editor Desmond Bittinger commented that some letters were so hot and send with new address to that "they almost smoked as the envelopes were opened." As long as periodicals MESSENGER Subscriptions, at the have welcomed letters from readers, they have opened themselves up to the ire above address. Allow at least five of their critics. As long as people accept positions of leadership, they steel them­ weeks for address change. selves to receive the vitriol of the disaffected. As long as there are pastors, they will be dissected over the Sunday lunch table. Connect electronically: For a free subscription to But why are Christians so un-christian? Why don't all Christians practice Newsline, the Church charity? Why is the church marked by so much mean-spiritedness, even hate? of the Brethren e-mail news Why do some reserve their most poisonous venom for people who profess the report, write [email protected]. same Lord? The problem is not in disagreeing, but in how we disagree. How can we To view the official Church of the preach the gospel "if we have not love"? If within our own tiny section of Brethren website, go to Christendom we cannot disagree civilly, then why are we surprised that the http://www. brethren.org. world bristles with weapons? If the church cannot model a way to resolve conflict in love, how can we speak peace? One recent day when millions of people around the world took part in peace rallies, several hundred gathered in a town along the Fox River in Illinois. A short distance from the crowd stood one lone counter-protestor, a veteran holding a sign that read, "War made us free." Despite the icy wind blowing off the river, he steadfastly maintained his lonely post. About an hour into the rally, one of the peace demonstrators approached MESSENGER is the official publication of the Church the veteran to offer him a cup of hot coffee. He declined. But with that kind of the Brethren. Entered as periodical postage matter gesture, the man with the coffee earned the right to pick up his peace sign Aug. 20, 1918, under Act of Congress of Oct. 17, 1917. Filing date, Nov. 1, 1984 . Member of th e once again. Associated Church Press . Subscriber to Reli gion News Service & Ecumenical Press Service. Biblical quotations, unl ess otherwise indicated, are fr om the New Revis ed Standard Version. MESS ENGERi s publi shed 11 times a year by Brethren Press, Church of the Brethren General Board. Periodical postage paid at Elgin, Ill ., and at additional mailing office, August 2003 . Copyright 2003, Church of the Brethren General Board. ISSN 0026-0355.

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Messenger March 2003 INTOUCH-

A Brethren pacifist works on Civil War movie

The movie Gods and Generals, battles," he said. "I have never just after intermission in the 3 about the first two years of the pointed a gun at another per­ 1/2-hour film, rated PG-13. Civil War in Virginia, is "full of son." -Fletcher Farrar Christian values and promotes "I feel so privileged "' :," family fellowship," according to to be a Dunker u Dennis Frye, a member of the because of their a: Brownsville (Md.) Church of the extraordinary and Brethren. Frye served as associ­ unique relationship to ate producer for the film, which the Civil War," Frye opened Feb. 21 in theaters said. "This was a peo­ nationwide. ple of peace who "It is about people, not war," unwittingly hosted the Frye said. "It shows how war bloodiest day of car­ destroys homes and families." nage in the war, at Frye served as the primary his­ Antietam. torical consultant for the movie and "Dunker pacifism managed the 3,000 Civil War reen­ juxtaposed with the actors used in it. He worked 20 violence and carnage of years for the National Park Service the war is a compelling and was chief historian for the and soul-searching Harper's Ferry National Historical human story," he said. Site. Since 1994 he has been a pri­ "That's the story I've vate consultant on Civil War histo­ been telling for more ry. than 35 years." He describes himself as a paci­ Frye makes a brief fist, and one who does "living appearance in the history" rather than being a Civil movie, as a Union captain who Dennis Frye, left, on the set with Ron War reenactor. "In a reenactment delivers orders to retreat back M axwell, who was director, writer, and you point guns and participate in into Fredericksurg. Look for him producer of Gods and General s.

King civil rights have a dream" speech Friendship A pianist, she accompa- the warmth and kind- award goes to in 1963. In 1965 Shank church marks 50 nied the tiny congrega- ness of members, both Don Shank joined thousands in tion on hymns. Ray past and present. Selma, Ala., to march Friendship Church of the Strayer, who with Many activities have Don Shank, .retired pas- behind King in a Brethren in North Harvey Selders also been planned for the tor of the Highland demonstration for vot- Linthicum, Md., will eel- served on the building w eekend of Sept. 26, Avenue Church of the ing rights. In Elgin ebrate its 50th anniver- committee for the beginning with a cook- Brethren, Elgin, 111., was Shank led a coalition of sary Sept. 26-28. church and on the origi- out buffet and special a recipient of a Dr. religious leaders to fight On June 3, 1951, the nal board of t rustees program on Friday Martin Luther King, Jr., for more open housing. first service of what (both are st il l m em- evening, folfowed by a Humanitarian Award in Another Highland would become the bers), taught a Sunday fa ir on the church the field of religion/civil Avenue member, Megan Friendship Church of school class. grounds on Saturday, rights. He received the McNeil, was recognized the Brethren took place The church was and culminating w it h a honor at the City of Elgin as the 7th-8th grade first in the home of Jacob named because of its celebratory service and Annual Prayer Breakfast place award recipient in Shaver. Only a handful close proximity to carry-in dinner on in January. the 2003 Dr. Martin of people attended. Friendship Airport (now Sunday. In his early ministry Luther King Jr. Art and Nona Shaver Sohn, still Baltimore-Washington For information con- Shank was heavily influ- Essay Awards for her an active member of International Airport), tact Helen Smith at 301- enced by King, having essay titled, "If We A ll the congregation today, but most agree that the 577-4381 . witnessed the famous "I Tried .... " was 27 years old then. name aptly describes -Mary Campbell Messenger March 2003 ■ - INTOUCH

Graybills are vet­ and live in the Brethren eran volunteers Home Community in New Oxford, Pa. Both Gerry and Harry Graybill retired from the public are an inspiration to the school system. Harry was employees at the a teacher and Gerry a Brethren Service Center in school librarian. New Windsor, Md., where -Kathleen Campanella for more than 20 years they have shared their time and talent as volun­ Brethren kids teers. For many years make Mennonite Gerry served as the vol­ puppets talk unteer coordinator for the Brett,ren Service Center. Thanks to the generosity She currently works in the of a Mennonite church, office of human kids at a small, inner-city resources, where her Church of the Brethren experience and know­ congregation were able ledge of the organiza­ to convey a Christmas tion's history are a boon message through the to staff. use of puppets. Billboards for peace in Southern Ohio Harry works in the The puppet project SERRV pricing area and began last fall at Elm With the signing of the Bosnia Peace Accords in 1995, Dayton, until the program was Street Church of the Ohio, earned a name for itself as a city of reconciliation. This discontinued, worked Brethren, Lima, Ohio, reputation has been strained by racial conflict, the two-week with the Church World when several junior youth presence of an elite group of Marines who trained in urban tac­ Service precut layette told their pastors, Wes tics in September, and controversy over the possibility of a pre­ program. Harry spent and Sue Richard, that emptive strike in Iraq. many hours cutting, they would like to resume To proclaim the faith that Jesus calls us from cycles of vio­ assembling, packing, and Kid's Club, after a sum­ lence, Shalom Ministries of the Southern Ohio District devel­ shipping layettes to indi­ mer hiatus. The pastors oped a way to spread a broad message for peace in the greater viduals or groups who prayed for direction, then Dayton area. While the government made plans for war, sewed them, added got a puppet book, and a Shalom collected donations to post five billboards, each with accessories, and returned promise of help from the the message, "War Kills Precious Lives on All Sides," accompa­ them for distribution puppet ministry team at nied by pictures of children around the world. They were pro­ worldwide. Bluffton College. duced in collaboration with the General Board staff, using pho­ The Graybills Grace Mennonite tos by David Radcliff. are members Church, Pandora, These billboards are designed to give readers a different per­ of the Black Ohio, offered the spective on war and were planned to be up through January Rock Church use of its pup­ and February. of the Brethren pets, stage, and Initial responses were favorable, at least among members and friends of the Church of the Brethren. If more donations are sent to the district office, Shalom Ministries may extend this peace witness. The group hopes to reach a broad variety of peo­ ple, challenging them to consider the ramifications of war on people from around the world, helping the greater Dayton area to truly be a city of peace. -Liz Bidgood Enders, for Shalom Ministries

Gerry and Harry Graybill

Messenger March 2003 Puppets wait patiently for their turn on stage.

Readers invited to send in stories on 1 Brethren at Prayer'

Stories of "Brethren at Prayer" are being solicited by Annual Conference moderator Harriet Finney and MESSENGER to highlight the church's year-long empha­ sis on prayer. With an eye to publishing selected sound equipment. A it's about ministry. And I resident and member at accounts in MESSENGER before Annual Conference, woman who attends the love kids." Elm Street, provided the submissions are due March 31. Elm Street church creat- On Dec. 11 the pup- refreshments for the au- "The stories may be of answered prayer and ed Bible-time costumes peteers presented their dience and the 40 people unanswered prayer, inspired corporate prayer, a for the puppets. Christmas skits to an from Elm Street. "It was touching children's prayer, or prayers of long ago A dozen junior-age attentive evening audi- just wonderful," Stum- or of yesterday," states the invitation sent to all youth practiced each ence at Lima Towers, a baugh said afterwards. congregations in the March Source mailing. Tuesday during the fall, low-income apartment The youth presented Sought are vignettes of not more than 350 learning puppetry skills complex. Smaller chil- the same program to a words focused on a single event or experience set from the college stu- dren formed a tiny tots large audience at Elm within the context of the Church of the Brethren. dents. Kaitlin Strine, a nativity tableau around Street on Sunday morn- Submissions may be e-mailed to college sophomore from a wooden manger. ing during the congrega- [email protected] under the subject Ashland, said, "What we Lucille Stumbaugh, tion's Christmas worship "Prayer" or mailed to MESSENGER, "Prayer," 1451 do is not about puppets; 87-year-old Lima Towers service.- Wes Richard Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120.

Miner Miracle Rescued to share their faith

John Unger was one of the nine Pennsylvania coal miners trapped underground for three days last July while his wife, Sue, provided a voice of serenity to worried families and friends. After the dramatic rescue, carried live on TV, they have met with President Bush, been the subject of a TV movie and guests on the Oprah show, and have told their story in a bestselli ng book. Members of the Maple Spring Church of the Brethren and featured in the November Messenger, they come to Conference to share their story of gratitude for answered prayer. MESSENGER Your family. Your church. Your faith.

Messenger March 2003 ■ NEWS

Rebuilding homes and hope in Afghanistan

An eerie quiet pervades the ~ .,.,,.._ ___...... ,.....,,_, . .,. .• Shomali Valley, north of Kabul, -.::, Afghanistan. j Eerie because not long ago ~ this region was far from silent: ~ BRETH RE NS PEAK it was the front line in the battle ~ between the Taliban and the ~ ;:!, Northern Alliance, the force that "President Bush helped drive the Taliban from power in late 2001. needs this Villages like Qila Belund, Rabat-Oarabaghi, and Qala-E­ chance to look Khwaja felt the brunt of battle. Tens of thousands fled their in the eyes of communities and thousands of homes were destroyed. the people of To listen to Shomali villagers like Ghlam Sakhi, 55, and his Iraq. It should be nephew, Rahmuddin Huzruddin, 22, is to hear experiences borne a requirement of anger and heartbreak. "Life here was once good," said before anyone Huzruddin, recalling an era A man works on setting cement for a roof in a reconstructed home in when nearby fields were filled the village of Oala-E-Khwaja, Shomali Valley, north of Kabul, once the site can start a war." with wheat, corn, and grapes. of fierce fighting between the Taliban and the Northern Alliance. But the Taliban era brought with it oppression-the Taliban -Church of the Brethren member International network, Church $1.3 million housing reconstruc­ Cliff Kindy, reporting from his Christian targeted the area and the result World Service and its local part­ tion project to provide housing Peacemaker Teams assignment in was decimation, even before ner, Norwegian Project Office for 1,500 families in the Shomali Baghdad the battles. Now people must (NPO), have assisted some 1,000 Valley. Earlier this year CWS, be careful when stepping onto families in reconstructing their NPO, and local government offi­ fields because of landmines; it homes in the Somali Valley. cials celebrated a milestone in will be years before crops will This effort is part of an overall the project with a ceremony of return to their one-time bounty. "Nothing was left," Sakhi recalled about the moment he About the article and other family members Church World Service Emergency Response Program (ERP) director returned to Rabat-Oarabaghi in Rick Augsburger, along with CWS staff members Kirsten Laursen, early 2002. deputy director of programs, and Donna Derr, associate director for Happily, there is hope for the emergency response, and members of the CWS ERP Executive villagers as they continue work Committee Betty Voskuil, Reformed Church of America (RCA); Susan on reconstructing their com­ Sanders, United Church of Christ (UCC), and Johnny Wray, Christian munities. Church (Disciples), visited the Shomali Valley to monitor the CWS With financial support from rehabilitation efforts in January 2003. Stan Noffsinger, Brethren Service CWS member denominations, Center director, represents the Church of the Brethren General Board including the Church of the on the Emergency Response Program Committee but was unable to Brethren, and the Action by accompany the delegation. ERP Communications Officer Chris Churches Together (ACT) Herlinger visited the Shomali Valley on assignment in October 2002.

Messenger March 2003 solidarity in Oila Leading worship at the new church Belund marking the development seminar is Angela completion of Lahman Yode r, a m ember of the 1,000 reconstructed Alternative Worship Experience homes in the region. team at the Circle of Peace The remaining 500 congregation, which helped to host will be completed the event. Yoder is a member of the this spring. General Board. A cornerstone of the project has been that families moving subsidies to startups or bogging into the structures down energy in committees. are providing labor Worship was integrated and bricks to supple­ throughout the event, including a ment the CWS service led by the "Alternative Housing Kits, which, Worship Experience" (AWE) team among other materi­ of the nearby Circle of Peace con­ als, include the gregation. The training ended homes' wooden beams, doors, church planting seminar last May with a time of anointing and com­ and windows. at Bethany Theological Seminary, missioning led by Wright, who BRETHRENSPEAK "We are very thankful," and Haldeman-Scarr-an also spoke at Circle of Peace­ Huzruddin said as he took a break ordained Church of the Brethren itself in the midst of a new church "It's about from placing wooden beams atop minister-joined CAL:'s staff in the building project-the following the house he and his family now past year. Sunday morning. looking for the occupy. "This has come at a very The "Coaching Foundations" crucial time for us." course guided participants fingerprints of In the village of Oala-E-Khwaja, through the rationale and frame­ CA IR t eam responds to sentiments ran high as work con­ work for planting new churches, Charlotte plane crash God, seeing tinued on the reconstruction. models for church planting, meth­ Raila, 35, a woman who found ods for coaching those called to A Child Care in Aviation Incident where God is herself displaced along with oth­ do the planting, troubleshooting, Response (CAIR) team from the already at ers in her family, pointed with and establishing regional strate­ General Board's Emergency pride to her son, Haroon, 17, who gies. Themes of intentional prayer Response/Service Ministries pro­ work and has assisted in the labor for their teams, having a "business plan," gram made a rapid response after new home. preparing for the harvest, know­ a US Airways Express/Air getting in line Her reaction? "A new life," ing the community, and being Midwest plane crashed in she said. flexible wove their way through Charlotte, N.C., on Jan. 8. All 19 with that. " --Chris Herlinger and Rick Augsburger the sessions. passengers and two crew mem­ "The challenge is to pray," bers on board were killed when -Jeff Wright, on church planting Wright said. "Church planting the small plane crashed into a Leaders learn how to isn't about bells and whistles or hangar on takeoff. "coach" church planters flash or finding the right worship Four CAIR team members were style. It's about listening to God. quickly activated and traveled to Two dozen Church of the Brethren It's about our intimacy with Charlotte, at the request of the pastors, district executives, and Christ." Embracing God's vision American Red Cross, and set up a new church development commit­ for church planting, he said, child-care center. The team tee members met in Phoenix Jan. means finding "where opportuni­ reported that few child-care con­ 16-18 for a seminar on coaching ty and God's call intersect." tacts were needed, but team church planters. Wright and Haldeman-Scarr members focused on helping sur­ Jeff Wright and Sara urged the group not to be dis­ viving parents know how_ to talk Haldeman-Scarr of the Los couraged by failure, however. It's with their children about the loss Angeles-based Center for likely that half of new church of a parent. Anabaptist Leadership (CAL) led starts will fail, Wright said, but the Cheryl Dekker served as admin­ the event, sponsored by the ones that survive will bring new istrator for the team, which trav­ General Board's Congregational energy and life to existing church­ eled home on Jan. 11. The acci­ Life Ministries office and its New es and help to spark future ch urch dent came after more than a year Church Development Advisory plants. He preached against with no commercial airline fatali­ Committee. Wright also led a giving large financial ties in the US, according to CNN. Messenger March 2003 ■ -NEWS

UPCOMINGEVENTS

Mar. 7 World Day of Prayer

Mar. 7-8 Disaster Child Care Training Workshop, Jacksonville, Fla.

Mar. 7-9 Eastern Regional Youth Conference, Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pa.

Mar. 8-11 General Board meetings, New Windsor (Md.) Conference Center

Mar. 14-15 Disaster Child Care Training Workshop, Fort Myers, Fla.

Mar. 14-15 Disaster Child Care Training Workshop, Wichita, Kan.

Mar. 14-16 Church and Persons with Disabilities Network meeting, Elgin, Ill.

Mar. 16 One Great Hour of Sharing offering emphasis Terrorists among the apples? Church of the Brethren member Art Gish of Athens, Ohio, con­ Mar. 17-21 Brethren Volunteer Service fronts an Israeli tank in the West Bank town of Hebron, where Gish has been serving as an observer with Christian in-service retreat, Newark, Ill. Peacemaker Teams. On Jan. 30 Israeli bulldozers and tanks demolished the vegetable market in the center of the town, saying they were looking for terrorists. "Now I wonder if there really were terrorists hidden among the Mar. 21-22 Association of Brethren apples and oranges, " Gish wrote about the incident. 'Or; are Israeli soldiers committing acts of terrorism against Caregivers board meetings, Elgin, Ill. the civilian population of Hebron?" Mar. 21-22 Renovare Conference, Boise, Idaho BBT board approves new funds; 2000 actuarial tables for Plan members who annuitize after July 1, 2003, to more closely Mar. 27-29 Forum for Religious other investment options eliminated reflect true life-expectancy calculations; and a Studies conference: "At the Crossroads: directive for staff to bring to the April 2003 meet­ A Historic Peace Church in the Twenty­ The Brethren Benefit Trust board approved ing a recommendation regarding the designa­ First Century," Bridgewater (Va.) College creation of a Community Development Investment Fund as it met Nov. 23-24 at the tion of a portion of BBT's general reserves to the Mar. 28-30 Bethany Theological Church of the Brethren General Offices in Retirement Benefits Fund, helping provide a sur­ Seminary board meeting, Richmond, Elgin, Ill. The fund, which will give Brethren plus until the economy rebounds. Ind. Pension Plan members and Brethren The board approved a 2003 expense budget of Foundation clients a guaranteed 3-percent rate $2,545,000--a reduction from $2,979,715 in 2002. Mar. 28-30 Roundtable Regional Youth of return each year beginning in 2003, will Earlier in the fall, BBT decided to discontin­ Conference, Bridgewater (Va.) College help to underwrite community development ue its Walden/BBT mutual fund offerings-the Mar. 31-Apr 11 Brethren Volunteer projects in areas of need. Domestic Social Index Fund and International Service Unit 253 orientation, New The BBT board also approved a second new Social Index Fund-as a result of marketing Windsor (Md.) Conference Center investment choice for Brethren Foundation difficulties and little participation by Church clients, a domestic small-cap stock fund, of the Brethren members. Both funds began which will contain investments in companies in mid-1999 to give Brethren a socially that have a market capitalization of less than responsible investing option. $2 billion. In addition, a small-cap manager As a result of the low participation, the will work with the Retirement Benefits Fund domestic fund was terminated at the end of and the Pension Plan's Common Stock Fund. October, and the international fund in late Two new measures will help maintain proper November. Individual investors received checks funding of the Pension Plan's Retirement as their assets were cashed out, while BBT's Benefits Fund: a 10-percent adjustment to the investments returned into their regular funds.

Messenger March 2003 Youth prepare for spring of regional conferences

The Church of the Brethren Regional Youth Conference at McPherson (Kan.) College Feb. 28-March 2 kicked off a series of similar meetings for senior high youth around the country. The theme for the McPherson event followed the national youth theme, "Let Us Love Not In Word Or Speech, But In Truth And Action." General Board Brethren Witness director David Radcliff was the main 1. Middle East. A $50,000 allocation from the to shop for affordable clothing. The building speaker, with music provided by General Board's Global Food Crisis Fund will also serves as "next-step" housing for low- Shawn Kirchner of La Verne, Calif. support the work of the Middle East Council of income people. Other regional youth events sched­ Churches in the ongoing aftermath of the 1991 uled this spring are as follows: Gulf War. The funds will be used for communi- 5. Goshen, Ind. La Casa is receiving $10,000 • Eastern Regional Youth ty development programs including health and from the Global Food Crisis Fund to support its Conference, at Juniata College, food security, leadership training, and income work with low-income people. The grant will Huntingdon, Pa., March 7-9 for youth generation for impoverished people. The funds assist with finding affordable housing, domestic in Pennsylvania and the Northeast. will be distributed to multi-denominational violence counseling, immigration/language serv- The theme will follow up on the projects throughout the region; $15,000 was ices, a food pantry, financial management, home- National Youth Conference theme, carried to the country by a National Council of ownership education, and low-interest loans. " ... For Such a Time as This." Churches delegation in late December. Keynote presenters will be 6. Sierra Leone. A $5,000 Emergency Disaster Mennonite comedy team Ted Swartz 2. Iraq. The Emergency Disaster Fund of the Fund grant will support Church World Service work & Lee Eshleman (Ted & Lee). Joseph General Board sent $15,000 toward a Church with internally displaced people in the west African '-lelfrich will be music coordinator for World Service appeal for ongoing humanitarian nation. The funds will help provide food security, the weekend. assistance in Iraq. The aid is being provided health and medical services, and sanitation facili­ • Roundtable, at Bridgewater (Va.) through Mennonite Central Committee, Islamic ties, and will aid peace/reconciliation efforts. College March 28-30 for youth in the Relief Agency, and the Iraqi Red Crescent: The southeastern region from Mid­ money will help to provide tents, blankets, 7. West Virginia. The Emergency Disaster Atlantic to Atlantic Southeast. The hygiene kits, medicine, and the shipment of Fund's final allocation of 2002 will send $10,000 theme is "Let Your Life Speak" with approved kits. Another $10,000 grant will sup­ to assist in the ongoing recovery efforts of the keynote speaker Millard Fuller of port a Mennonite Central Committee appeal for Wyoming County Long-Term Flood Recovery Habitat for Humanity. A Christian school rehabilitation in the nation. It will help to Committee. The funds will help provide build­ comedy team will provide opening pay for work in electrical, water, sewer, structur­ ing materials, supplies, and assistance with night entertainment. al, and playground repairs, along with new work that requires contracted services. • Regional Youth Conference at blackboards and library resources. Manchester College, North 8. Nigeria. Ten Church of the Brethren members Manchester, Ind., for Midwestern 3. Virginia. Virlina District executive David participated in this year's annual Nigeria workcamp youth Apr. 25-27. The theme will be Shumate will serve as chair/president of the sponsored by the General Board's Global Mission "Called by a New Name," following Virginia Council of Churches for 2003-2004. The Partnerships office. Four workcamp~rs from Swiss up on the vocational emphasis at the council's 58th annual assembly was held at the mission partner Mission 21 joined them for the trip, 2002 National Youth Conference. Bridgewater (Va.) Church of the Brethren in which ran from Jan. 18 to Feb. 16. Kelly Burk, Rachel Gross, David November. West Richmond (Va.) congregation Radcliff, and Manchester students member Myron Miller was among those pre­ 9. Vieques, Puerto Rico. The US Navy said will share personal stories of calls to senting, on Cuban refugee resettlement, and the . in January that an exercise by the USS their respective vocations. Joseph Bridgewater congregation's Sanctus choir sang. Theodore Roosevelt battle group would be the Helfrich will provide Saturday last on the island of Vieques, following years of evening entertainment. 4. Harrisburg, Pa. A $7,500 Global Food Crisis protests against the Navy's bombing and The Western Regional Youth Fund grant will aid the work of Brethren artillery training on the small island, part of Conference is held only once every Community Ministries in Harrisburg, Pa.-an which is populated by civilians. The Navy is to four years; the next one is scheduled organization operating a thrift shop that pro­ officially close its Vieques facility on May 1 for summer 2004. vides low-income people with jobs and a place under an earlier agreement ■ Churches wrestle with tough economy

by Kevin Eckstrom and Adelle M. Banks

RNS-When people look at First United Methodist Church It's a problem shared by churches from coast to coast as pas­ in Houston, Pastor Steve Wende knows they see big buildings tors and budget planners try to do more with less. with big crowds and think big money. While most churches seem to be immune from layoffs so But when Wende looks at the church's $5 million budget and far, Simeon May, executive director of the National sees a $150,000 deficit from last year-with a $300,000 shortfall Association of Church Business Administration, said many expected in 2003-all he sees is a big headache. churches are finding that contributions are down, prompting "The image many people have of the church is a very tough decisions about budget cuts. wealthy institution taking in lots of money," Wende says. So what kinds of ministries are affected? "The only people who have that image are people who don't "Anything and everything," said May, who is based in the serve in churches." Dallas suburb of Richardson. "The money has to come from Wende's church was particularly hard-hit when energy giants somewhere and to avoid laying off people, they're cutting Enron and Dynegy collapsed, putting some parishioners out of back on ministry dollars." work and evaporating the savings of others. Former Enron The ailing economy has been especially hard on denomina­ chief Kenneth Lay is a member of the church. With the stock tions that survive on their investments and rely on money to market already shaky, things quickly went from bad to worse. trickle up from the local level.

Messenger March 2003 Among the hardest hit: General Board has financial shortfall; • The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod has reduced its national min­ agencies announce staff cutbacks istries staff of 320 by 48 people-with more than half of them from its mis­ For the first time since 1996, when $41,570, primarily attributed to a sionary force-and trimmed its budget the Church of the Brethren General decrease in curriculum sales as the from $99 million to $89 million in one Board underwent a major redesign Jubilee children's curriculum has year. and restructuring, the agency sus­ been through several cycles. • The Presbyterian Church (USA), laid tained a deficit in its General Keyser says the General Board is off 66 people at its Louisville, Ky. , head­ Programs fund in 2002. Pre-audit carefully monitoring income to plan quarters last year as part of a $4 million figures show a shortfall of $709,330. for 2003 and future years. The board cutback. At least $5 million in cuts are General Programs is the main at its October meeting grappled with expected through 2004. operating fund for the General Board concerns about the budget and the • The United Methodist Church will and is supported mainly by individual long-term sustainability of General not deploy new missionaries this year as and congregational gifts. Board ministries. part of $12 million in cuts at its overseas Support from congregations Even before the temporary decline missions agency. remains the largest single income cat­ in stock values and bequest giving, • In Southern California, the Roman egory, at $3,267,860 in 2002, but it the agency faced a projected shortfall Catholic Diocese of Orange County was $41, 140 lower than in 2001. of nearly $400,000 in 2003. The reported a loss of $14 million last year, Direct-mail response by individual deficit is expected to grow to at least largely due to stock investments. The donors was strong, finishing $2,000 $500,000 by 2004 due to rising per­ Archdiocese of Los Angeles slashed 60 behind 2001 levels but still signifi­ sonnel costs and other expenses that jobs in a $4.3 million cutback. The short­ cantly exceeding budget expectations. are exceeding the pace of giving. fall recently grew to $13 .4 million and Investments, such as endowments, Keyser says the General Board's may require more layoffs. are another major income source, overall financial health was con­ • The New York-based Episcopal and were hit hard by the weak econo­ firmed, however, with a review by the Church is planning to trim $10 million my. The 2002 loss of income from independent audit firm of McGladrey from its budget over the next three years endowments and other similar and Pullen and a separate evaluation to make up for losses on Wall Street. funds-intended to anchor future by the board's Audit and Investment • The Church of Jesus Christ of ministries-will also cause lower bal­ Committee. Latter-day Saints eliminated between ances on which to earn interest in 200 and 300 positions through a vol­ 2003 and beyond, according to chief untary retirement incentive program financial officer/treasurer Judy Staff reductions last year. Keyser. In addition, income from While executives of some denomina­ bequests was under budget by The General Board has eliminated and tions- like the Southern Baptist $182,740. reduced several staff positions as it Convention and the Presbyterian Church The deficit in General Programs deals with escalating costs, a downturn in America- say that total giving is on came despite underspending the in investments, and reduced giving. the increase or at least stable, others are expense budget by nearly $184,000. Those whose positions were cut being hit by a range of financial chal­ Self-funding ministries-primarily are Congregational Life Team Area 4 lenges. Depending on the religious those that offer goods or services for (Plains) coordinator David Smalley, group, economic woes have been coupled sale-were also affected by the eco­ CLT support staff Vickie Hoerchler, with in-house scandals, soaring insur­ nomic woes, though some finished in district ministry secretary ance rates, and declining endowments. positive territory. The New Windsor Georgianna Schmidtke, and Some Catholic dioceses have been hit (Md.) Conference Center saw a accounts receiving specialist Dianne hard by a year-long sex abuse scandal. decline in bookings but still finished Buttrum. These reductions were While most have weathered the storm with a $20,560 income over expense. made Jan. 10; each person received a largely intact, some, like Boston, have seen MESSENGER magazine also finished in three-month severance package of donations plummet as angry parishioners the black, posting $2,800 in income regular salary and benefits. withheld their wallets in protest. over expense. Brethren Witness and the Bob Doerfler, president of the The Emergency Response program Washington Office coordinator will Diocesan Fiscal Management Conference spent $ 7 77, 150, which was covered be combined into one position, based and director of finance for the Diocese of by donations to the Emergency in Washington, D.C., and Greg Colorado Springs, said dioceses have Disaster Fund; Service Ministries Davidson Laszakovits will assume suffered more from the economy than ended with a loss of $65,580, mainly that combined role. the sex abuse scandal. due to decreased use of the New David Radcliff, current director of "I'm not sure that any of us has Windsor warehouse facilities. Brethren Witness, was offered a less money, but we don't have more Brethren Press sustained a deficit of --continued next page Messenger March 2003 II money," he said. "We have to be very conscious about sionary-sending groups. where we're spending it. Most of us are trying to just hold "We are being squeezed both on the revenue side and on on while we get through this." the expense side and one of the things that is doing the Most everyone, it seems, is feeling the pinch from the Wall squeezing is health insurance," said McKaughan, who is Street slump, causing them to pay closer attention to the bot­ based in Atlanta. tom line, particularly on stock portfolios. Terrorism has also raised premiums on overseas assets for "We are not magicians with the stock market," lamented the Presbyterian Church (USA), which has ties to a vast net­ Steve Hoffman, president of United Jewish Communities, an work of foreign hospitals and schools. Last August, gunmen umbrella group of 156 local Jewish federations. "We're off killed 10 people in two separate attacks on Presbyterian-affili­ like everybody else is off." ated schools and hospitals in Pakistan. Officials at the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod said the Corporate scandals like Enron also have increased the price fall in the value of stocks and bonds is to blame for the cut­ of insurance to protect against fraud by senior church execu­ ting of missionaries and related staff. Less than 20 percent of tives. Kathy Lueckert, a church official in Louisville, said the its world mission budget comes from Sunday morning offer­ combined insurance hikes will cost the Presbyterian Church ings. Most of that budget is, instead, dependent on founda­ (USA) more than $400,000 this year. tions and individual bequests. "That's the nature of the world we're living in right now," "We had been told of a large bequest that we were getting at she said. the beginning of the year when we were doing our planning," In many cases, leaders of faith groups find they are being said Brad Hewitt, chief administrative officer of the St. Louis­ forced to be cautious or prudent but they don't consider based denomination. "It turned out that that large bequest was themselves in imminent financial danger. · almost all in WorldCom stock. That particular bequest went Bishop John Hurst Adams, senior bishop of the African (from) seven figures to virtually nothing." Methodist Episcopal Church, said his denomination isn't deal­ Church-related social service groups have also been forced to ing with layoffs, but is cutting costs by holding teleconferences cut back because many state budgets are awash in red ink. instead of paying for travel for some meetings. Many charitable programs for children, the homeless or the eld­ "We are managing to tighten our belt in terms of operating erly rely in part on state money to operate. Jill Schumann, presi­ costs," he said. "We have not had it affect personnel yet." dent and CEO of Lutheran Services in America, the nation's But some church officials are finding it frustrating to try to largest nonprofit group, said smaller individual contributions to do the Lord's work when funds are drying up. It's even community groups like United Way have made things worse. worse, they say, to lay off employees who feel called to their "People are having to amputate arms and legs in order to work as a personal mission. save the entire agency," Schumann said. "We act on faith," said Lueckert, the Presbyterian Church A number of church groups reported higher-than-normal (USA) official. ''And we want to be all things to all people and try insurance costs, especially for employee health insurance. to meet all needs. In this economy, it's very difficult to do that Paul McKaughan, president and CEO of the Evangelical and it's very painful to have to make those kinds of choices." Ill Fellowship of Mission Agencies, said the hike in health insur­ ance rates is coming at an already difficult time for some mis - Religion New s Service

-General Board cutbacks, continued

newly created position designed to reduced to half-time. Life Ministries, will retire Dec. 31. engage and challenge individuals and The General Board will not fill several The Brethren Benefit Trust, mean­ congregations through the telling of open positions-three in the while, also scaled back its staffing in the General Board story. He has decid­ Congregational Life Teams and the edi­ the final quarter of 2002. Senior ed to decline this position, and will tor of study resources in Brethren Press. accountant Luc Le, who resigned in conclude his service with the General In addition, three staff have December, will not be replaced, and Board in mid-July. announced retirements, and these marketing coordinator Loyce Kristin Flory, coordinator of the changes were figured into the efforts to Borgmann' s position was reduced from Brethren Service office in Geneva, reduce the expected gap between full-time to half-time. These and earlier Switzerland, will go to half-time July 1 income and expense in 2003. Joan moves represent a total reduction of as Brethren Volunteer Service reduces Pelletier, secretary in Congregational three and a half positions at BBT since the number of volunteers it places in Life Ministries, will retire April 1. the start of 2002. An additional reduc­ Europe. Two Service Ministries employ­ Howard Royer, staff for interpretation, tion of one and a half positions ees, packer Virginia Long and medical will retire Aug. 29. And Glenn occurred in 2001. receiver Sam Moledina, were also Timmons, director of Congregational -Walt Wiltschek

Messenger March 2003

......

& 8~innfn& efa; Narr5erta The Little Book of THE LITTLE BOOK OF !\?storative,j 115tice, &.uwrativi by Howard Zehr ngeance and bitter violence have had their turns-without redemptive )U5tia results. How should we as a society respond to wrongdoing? When a crime occursV or an injustice is done, what needs to happen? What does justice require? Howard Zehr, known worldwide for his pioneering work in transforming our understandings of justice, here proposes workable Principles and Practices for making restorative justice both possible and useful. First he explores how restorative justice is different from criminal justice. Then, before letting those appealing observations drift out of reach, into theoretical space, Zehr presents Restorative Justice Practices. Zehr undertakes a massive and complex subject and puts it in graspable form, without reducing or trivializing it. This is a handbook, a vehicle for moving our society toward healing and wholeness. This is a sourcebook, a starting point for handling brokenness with hard work and hope. This resource is also suitable for academic classes and workshops, for conferences and trainings. The second book in this new series is The Little Book of Conflict Transformation by John Paul Lederach (coming in June, 2002). 76 pages • $4.95, paperback

Transcending: Reflections of Crime Victims D O I N G L F E portraits and interviews by Howard Zehr I The courageous stories of 39 victims of violent crime. Reflections of Men and Women Serving life Sentences Many of these persons were twice-wounded: once at the hands of an assailant; the second time by the courts, where there is no legal provision for a victim's participation. "Moving and awe-inspiring. Excellent 'it-happened-to-me' stories to spark discussion of justice issues." - Booklist

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At local bookstores or directly from the publisher. Call toll-free 800/762-7171 • P.O. Box 419, Intercourse, PA 17534 Mastercard, Visa, Discover, and AmEx accepted. Shipping/Handling, add 10% ($3.00 minimum). Good~BookS VISit our secure internet store: www.goodbks.com ~ (check our weekly specials--35% offi) in Ecuador Brethren share faith and memories with a smaU

Ecuador-land of the equator, and the Andes, and the was going. Having worked in the General Board's Latin rain forest, and the Brethren. And the Brethren? We America office during the 1970s, I was aware of some don't hear much anymore about the churches begun of our Ecuadoran history and was eager to make con - by Church of the Brethren missions in Ecuador. But tact with people there. several recent contacts by US Brethren with the church A chance meeting with Ralph Detrick, co -pastor of "El Mesfas" in Llano Grande give witness that a vital the Elizabethtown, Pa ., congregation, provided the faith community was nurtured into being by Brethren connections. Ralph had been in Brethren Volunteer missionaries and volunteers in Ecuador. Service in Llano Grande in 1963. He and his family had Although small in membership and no longer officially just returned from a 10-day trip to Ecuador as Margo Brethren, the congregation El Mesfas is mighty in spirit was preparing to go. Ralph had a marvelous reunion and integrity and, like its mother church, wields an influ­ with the foll

Messenger March 2003 Benton Rhoades with Enrique Tasiguano and his granddaughter. church in Llano Grande by Peggy Reiff Miller

and that we were planning a trip to visit her, Ralph incredibly moving and humbling experience to be collected photos from Brethren who had served in Llano present for that moment. Grande, as well as MESSENGER articles and newspaper We had also taken with us as a gift for the congre­ clippings about some of the local people and key events. gation one of the tagline posters of the Church of the It was a very moving encounter when we delivered these Brethren: Continuing the work of Jesus. Peacefully. during our January 2002 trip. Simply. Together. As the words of the poster were We were hosted for lunch after church by Enrique translated, the congregation resonated very strongly Tasiguano and his sister, Mercedes Tasiguano Guaman, with its message. As they had to Ralph, they expressed who were teenagers when Ralph was a BVSer there. to us their very deep appreciation and gratitude for Mercedes was the subject of one of the MESSENGER the presence and influence of the Brethren in their articles (Feb. 4, 1965) about her tradition-breaking lives. Even though they no longer have an official con­ struggles as a Quichua woman to gain her high school nection, they are still at heart Brethren. and teaching diplomas. Enrique's and Mercedes' German Guaman, one of the younger generation young adult children were eager to see the photos and who is a very skilled and impressive leader of the con - articles of their parents and ancestors. They were see­ gregation, took us on a tour of Llano Grande after ing their history for the first time. lunch. He showed us the valley below the village, Ralph also sent with us a video made from a film that which bears one small example of what the Brethren was shown to the Church of the Brethren 1970 Annual did for the people of Llano Grande. The plots of land Conference about the work in Ecuador. It included in the valley which had originally belonged to the fam - footage of Raul Tasiguano, a brother of Enrique and ilies of Llano Grande were taken over at some time in Mercedes. Raul was a leader in organizing the indigenous the past by a white man. Mercedes helped to organize people of Llano Grande in a nonviolent struggle against a group of women who successfully, against great oppressions they were experiencing. He was assassinated odds, re-claimed the deeds to the land, and now each after the movie was filmed. One of the MESSENGER articles family has its own plot back. The missionaries had Ralph sent (June 15, 1971) was about the parallel sto­ enabled the church members to claim their identity as ries of Raul and of Ted Studebaker, a young Brethren indigenous Quichua people and develop the strength man doing nonviolent service in Vietnam who was to fight for liberation and justice. killed about the same time. As the family watched the The struggles against oppression continue. The city video, the younger generation was seeing their Uncle of Quito wanted to claim the gorge in the valley below Raul and their history for the first time. It was an the village for a garbage dump until village residents

Messenger March 2003 ■ Margo told board members: "The gift was present­ ed with words I often heard. They talked of how wonderful the Church of the Brethren people were, of how much they gave to the community, and of how much they helped the people learn to work for change and be conscientious. They remember indi­ viduals fondly and the whole church as a very special part of their history." In a letter to the Brethren who had worked in Ecuador, Ralph Detrick wrote, "Repeatedly I was asked to tell 'you all' what a difference you made. We were not like other missionaries; we respected Indian . culture and empowered them .... There were words of deep appreciation for Brethren friends in Christ who made a difference. Their last words to us were, 'Please "Tfa" (Aunt) Maria tell everyone that we are forever grateful."' And they Tasiguano, a Llano said the same to us. And we say the same to you. Grande church elder. But the story does not end there. It continues with the trip of Benton Rhoades and his grandson, Nate Shull, who in November were able to meet with the Margo returned home in May 2002 from her year people of Llano Grande and share ideas about the in Ecuador with a gift from the people of the El garbage dump issue and others that face indigenous Mesias congregation for the Church of the Brethren peoples. And it will continue May 30-June 8 this year, and a request. The request was for assistance in the when a Church of the Brethren young adult work­ fight against the garbage dump. The gift was a rep­ camp will be going to Ecuador. Campers will spend a resentation of the rainbow-colored flag the indigenous portion of their time working side by side with the communities of Ecuador have claimed as a sign of Llano Grande El Mesias congregation on projects and hope and promise. To this, they had attached pictures worshiping there. E.! of their community and Ecuador, along with explanatory notes. The gift was presented to the Church of the Brethren General Board during its Peggy Reiff Miller is a former member of the Church of the Brethren meeting in October. General Board. She is a freelance writer livi ng in Milford, Ind.

General Secretary Judy Mills Reimer accepts a gift from Ecuador presented by Peggy Reiff Miller and Margo Miller. :5 .c (/) 15 -s z"' Seeds planted and-grown by Benton Rhoades

Quito, Ecuador, Oct. 30-At this writing my grandson, Nate Shull of Manchester College, and I are nearing the end of a two-week visit to Ecuador. We came here to visit old friends and the church, and to participate in a massive gathering of grass­ roots and faith-based organizations to resist the domination of Latin America by US corporations in the name of "free" trade. The El Mesfas church in Llano Grande, originally established by Brethren missionaries in the 1940s. What we are saying about the church is based on several visits to the Llano Grande community, including two church services plus in-depth discussions with church leaders and graduates of the Brethren school "Escuela Brethren." with the continental Methodist Church of Latin America A faith community was planted here some 50 years ago (COEMAL). Methodist structure and funds are attractive to the under the teaching of Brethren missionaries, of whom I was scattered congregations struggling for identity and survival. one. It was founded on the gospel as we understood it. It is I am grateful to Ralph Detrick and his wife, Joyce Stoltzfus, still profoundly Brethren in faith and practice. co-pastors of the Elizbethtown, Pa., congregation, for their The Sunday morning services on Oct. 27 began with Bible study November 2001 visit to Ecuador. Thanks also to Margo Miller based on James 1:19. The lesson was well-planned. It began and her parents, Peggy and Rex Miller, for their visits last year _with exegesis of the text followed by group discussion and [see main article]. These visits have reawakened awareness ended with improvised dramatizations of conflict situations that in the Church of the Brethren (US) that the church is there. involved being "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to Nate and I asked our friends in Ecuador what, if any, rela­ anger." tionship with churches abroad would be desirable. Nate The "El Mesias" church of Llano Grande still practices the described the sister relationship between the Manchester Brethren rites and ordinances, including adult baptism and the Church of the Brethren and the Iglesia Bautista Emanuel in El love feast with feetwashing. We were asked to explain again Salvador. Some such relationship, we were told, might be the meaning of these in the life of the early Brethren. We did. useful since they (and we) see mission to be a matter of Members of the church and graduates of the school are deeply accompaniment. One condition, they said, would be that the involved in the life of the larger community-in its agricultural relationship be between equals. God grant that it be so. We practices, its education, and its health. There was a health concern come away convinced that our churches have much to learn involving the threat of contamination by the proposed dumping from each other. n! of hundreds of tons of garbage from the city of Quito in the area of Llano Grande and surrounding indigenous communities. Organized nonviolent resistance to this was led by members of the church and graduates of the school due to their level of education and their commitment to the common good. Some of the leaders are professionals in the fields of education, business, and government. Several are also active in the indigenous liberation movement of the country and speak their native tongue of Quichua as well as Spanish. One graduate of the Brethren school who is now an anthropologist said: "What is different about the Brethren is that they combine faith and action." The church is not without its problems; some involve moral issues and some organizational. There have been problems involving the structure and governance of the national church, as well as some property issues. In 1965 the Brethren, along with churches planted by a sister interdenominational mission, joined hands to form the United Evangelical Church of Ecuador (IEUE). In more recent times, there has been a movement to make the Former missionary Benton Rhoades and his grandson, Nate Shull, at the IEUE become the United Methodist Church of Ecuador affiliated home of Enrique Tasiguano in Llano Grande. How did Gettysburg LETTERS Address the needs of school children in Sudan? They: ··we all want to model the love that 1. set a goal of $4232 to suport 24 students and 1 teacher and Christ modeled for us, but never in the buy one case of soap and one set of school supplies 2. created 162 offering collection name of tolerance can we ignore truth. cans for home use 3. called on the children to take Scripture never commands us to be the lead in the fund-raising effort tolerant, but rather to correct one 4. and raised over $5200!

The congregtaion rose to its feet another in love." in celebration. So will the children of southern Sudan.

What is truth? whether or not they are living in the truth. Others believe that tolerance is the "What is truth?" Pilate asked the question. answer to Pilate's question. We all want to Today many answer with shortsighted model the love that Christ modeled for us, Global Food Crisis Fund presuppositions and human opinions. Many Church of the Brethren General Board but never in the name of tolerance can we simply shrug and say "Who can know?" 800 323-8039 ext 228 or 229 ignore truth. Scripture never commands us We are told that scripture is useful for to be tolerant, but rather to correct one "teaching, rebuking, correcting, training in another in love. James tells us that when righteousness, and thoroughly equipping we do that we "save a sinner from death" the believer to live for Christ" (2 Tim. 3:16- (5:20). That is true love; tolerance is noth­ 17). Many, however, have looked to other A\. Since 1885 ing more than a shallow substitute. places to try to find truth. Mutual Aid Association So, "What is truth?" We come back to For instance, some people believe that CHURCH OF THE BRETHREN where we started, the Word of God and the studying our genetic makeup can somehow word of truth that Jesus said would never lead us to understand the truth. There is pass. Pilate missed the Truth that was Take advantage of a belief that if we are born a certain way right in front of him wearing a crown of then that is the way that God wants us to thorns. May we instead lift up our risen our homeownerJsJ be. Scripture tells us just the opposite. Lord, and let scripture be the lamp that The Psalmist writes, "Surely I was sinful guides our steps. JarmJ church and at birth" (51:5). We all have a sinful nature Tobin Crenshaw that leads us into rebellious acts against Hartville, Ohio business coverage God, yet none of us can claim that because we have this nature from birth that some­ how our actions are excusable. There is • World Council on India Receive the benefits of time- something fundamentally wrong with us at birth, and Christ tells us that the answer As the complicated question of the rela­ honored protection provided by to our fallen nature is a radical change, a tionship of the Church of the l:lrethren people you can trust. completely new birth. and churches in India was raised only Others believe that if a person is "gifted" during the final 30 minutes of business at To find out more call toll-free then they must somehow be living in the Annual Conference last year, delegates were not able to thoroughly consider all or find us on the web at truth. Jesus said that at judgment people will claim to have done many great things the questions and issues that were www.maabrethren.com in the name of the Lord, including proph­ included in the General Board recom­ esying, exorcising demons, and performing mendation. In this context, I was also • "many miracles," at which point Jesus will quite surprised when a speaker on the 3094 Jeep Road, Abilene, KS 67410 say to them "I never knew you" (Matt. floor shared statements he had heard in Phone 800-255-1243 • Fax 800-238-7535 7:22-23). Whether or not a person possess­ other meetings that the World Council of email [email protected] es certain gifts has nothing to do with Churches had "recommended" that the I Messenger March 2003 Annual Conference not pass the resolu­ grammatic work on united and uniting that all parties, particularly the Christians tion and that if the resolution was churches, Dr. Raiser indicated his interest within India, dialog together to resolve passed, a break in ecumenical relation­ in learning more regarding the situation the differences and distrust that have ships would be inevitable. and offered the services of the WCC, if developed. The WCC remains open to an As a WCC staff member, I would like to the parties believed the WCC could make invitation to contribute if this is seen as emphasize key points in the WCC interest a helpful contribution. helpful to all concerned. in this matter. Rev. Dr. Konrad Raiser, In my own conversations with Dr. S ara Speicher general secretary of the WCC, wrote to Raiser and Faith and Order staff most Coordinator, Public Information team General Secretary Judy Mills Reimer in directly involved in the question of united World Cou nci l of Chu rches Geneva, Switzerland May 2002 in response to a strong request and uniting churches, there is clear to the WCC from the officers of the awareness of the complexity of t he Church of North India. As the issue con­ issues and problems that have developed cerned two member churches of the in church unions. There are also global Opposes India recommendation WCC, Dr. Raiser shared the concerns as concerns fundamental to the ecumenical raised by CNI, clearly acknowledging that The December Agenda newsletter reports movement regarding the commitment to his information so far came only from that the General Board plans to request dialog at all levels and the unity of one source and noting that the WCC does that its India recommendation to Annual not interfere in t he internal matters of its Christian service and witness, particularly Conference be taken off t he table for member churches. However, as the mat­ in this time of increasing political and 2003 and added to the agenda. ter touches on the basis of the WCC- the ethnic division and conflict, economic I write in opposition to the India recom­ unity of the church and Christian witness pressures, and inter-religious tensions. It mendation. The kind Lord has kept me in the world-not to mention specific pro- is in this context that we hope and pray here a long time. As far as I know, I am

If you should die, will you let the government determine their future?

Messenger March 2003 • the last Brethren (Indian or American) Speak. Listen. Sing. Pray. Learn. Teach. who worked on the Committee for Church M~(J~y_oU'(" 1v-1i55ia'('. Union in North India. In addition, let me confess to having been the recording sec­ Sta rt peace. Erase injustice. ,. retary for that body most of that final decade, and so I know the issues that our 1 Indian Christians faced at that time. Begin a conversation that crisscrosses cultur~·. •' Not only am I opposed to the recommen­ Live and share your Christia n values. dation, I am also strongly opposed to recog­ ., nizing any group in India as "Brethren." Those who are legalistic in mind hold the Be inspired in scholarship and disc;leshi p. view that we US Brethren did not vote or We'll help yo u discover your strengths, agree to our Indian Brethren members join­ use your gifts and make your point in~~e world. ing the Church of North India. Hence it is f now argued that we can recognize the t "breakaways" or "dissidents" as "Brethren." They are not Brethren; they are former CNI members, who of their own Goshen Co ll ege believes that each person volition voted by an overwhelming majority, is called to a life of meaningful service. agreed, signed, and happily joined the new What will you do with your life ? Church of North India ...and then left it! If we, by official action, recognize them with an inappropriate name, we are encouraging and enabling them in perpe­ trating an act that may have legal ramifi­ Admission office cations in India. This is not a tenable posi­ 800-348-7422 Andrew Lanctot teaches English tion for us Brethren! We've prided our­ admi ssions@goshe n. edu in the Dominican Republic. selves on keeping our word. www.goshe n.edu Distressing as this rupture in church relationships may be, there is very little we, on this side, can do to mend or recon­ TOURMAGINATION INVITES YOU TO VISIT ci le things out there. They are the ones who must decide whether to reconcile or MENNONITESALLOVER1HEGLOBE continue to go their separate ways. If anyone wishes for more specific 2003 TOURS 2004TOU RS information, you may reach me by e-mail at [email protected], or at 3762N RUSSIA and UKRAINE (May 23 - June 6) AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND (February 6·2 6) 800E, Buhl, Idaho, 83316. From PENNSYLVANIA to ONTARIO (May 28 - June 2) PARAGUAY, BOLIVIA and PERU (March 23 - April 8) Andrew Holderreed In the FOOTSTEPS of the APOSTLE PAUL (May 30 -June 15) former mission worker in China and India, 1947-1967 Buhl , Idaho EUROPEAN HERITAGE (June 9-25) ALASKA CRUISE TOUR (June l l-23) CHINA (June 15 - July l) Pleased w ith peace issue MAJESTIC CANADIAN ROCKIES (J uly 7-20) I subscribed to MESSENGER to see if the EUROPEAN TOUR for GRANDPARENTS and GRANDCHILDREN (July l 5-22 ) Church of the Brethren still has a peace SMALL TOWN THEATRES and COUNTRY GARDENS position following its historic roots. I was (July 29 - Au gust 4) "Building bridges among Mennonites and other Christians very pleased to have the December issue around the world through custom-designed travel." MENNONITE WORLD CONFE RENCE TOURS: with the theme of "Peace," a hundred #1 - SOUTH AFRICA and BOTSWANA (Ju ly 29 - Au gust 19) congregations joining a Decade to #2 - IVORY COAST, GHANA and BENIN (Ju ly 29 -August 19) Overcome Violence, and a congregation, #3 - ETHIOPIA and ZIMBABWE (J uly 31 -Au gust 19) C ALL 1-800-565-0451 Mack Memorial, struggling to overcome #4 - TA NZANIA and KENYA (August l-19) #5 - ZIMBABWE (August l- 19) FOR MORE INFORMATION conflicts among members. #6 - ZAMBIA and ZIMBABWE (Jul y 31 - Au gust 19 ) AND TO BOOK YOUR TOUR In the letters section, Ronald Gordley of #7 - KENYA and TANZANIA (August l-19) E-MAIL: [email protected] Lancaster, Pa., wrote that Jesus was a . WEB: www.tourmagination.com #8 - ZIMBABWE (August 8-27) radical. That is how he appears to me. #9 - CONGO and ZIMBABWE (J uly 31 -Augu st 19) It's easier to do the church rituals than to FALL FOILAGE TOUR in NEW ENGLAND (October 7- 13) 9 Willow Street l O11 Cothill Rood Waterloo, ON N2J l V6 Conodo Sellersville, PA18960- 1315 practice all the marvelous teachings of GERMANY and SWITZERLAND (October 9-23) Reg. #1567 624 USA Jesus. Wilmer Brandt Marshfield, Vt. I Messenger March 2003 What are you learning about today? Give one of these Perspectives a try! Perspectives is a series of essays on faith issues that face us as Christians today. They are designed to foster personal reflection and group discussion. Perspectives are 32 to 54 pages long, include discussion questions, and challenge readers to confront the issues of today with their Christian faith. $2.50 per copy • Evangelism and Service by Galen Hackman Perspectives are published by Brethr81t Press. • Globalization by Brian Peterson • Universal Restoration by Frank Ramirez ~ • Patriotism and Faith by David R. Miller Brethren Press Globafu.atlo~ • Enemylove by Matthew Guynn 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL - b_,li'f.._,-- • Peace: God's InfiniteJustice by Virginia Wiles phone 800-441-3712 fu 8 e--mail brethrenpress_gb@bretlw • Understanding Islam by David Metzler

CLASSIFIEDADS

Small, country Church of the Brethren congregation encouragement to our Hispanic Ministries Want to volunteer in a bookstore? Brethren is looking for a pastor who is willing to live and work Church Extension Committee at 3748 Fraternity Press is looking for volunteers to assist in set-up, in the local community. The congregation is located Church Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27127 or by e-mail operation, and tear-down of the Annual 50 miles east of St. Louis, between Greenville and to [email protected]. Conference Bookstore in Boise. If you have Vandalia. We desire a vivacious, enthusiastic, interest and time to volunteer, contact Nancy spirit-filled pastor, willing to work in the commu­ Travel following Annual Conference to national Klemm by April 30 at 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, nity, help the church grow, and share GOD's parks and canyons in western US. Leave Boise IL 60120 or [email protected]. message. Housing is available. Call 618-425-3723 Conference on Wednesday, July 9, to visit Idaho for additional information. Falls, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Salt Lake City Saint Judas Passion on CD---Hrethren composer/ to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Bryce ventriloquist Steve Engle has released two new Youth and young adult coordinator: Maple Spring Canyon, Grand Canyon, Monument Valley Navajo CDs. (1) The original SAINT JUDAS PASSION LP Church of the Brethren, located in the Western Tribal Park, ride the Durango Narrow Gauge digitally enhanced and remastered with an added PA District near Johnstown, PA, is seeking to fill Rails, Royal Gorge, Garden of the Gods, Pike's number and additional instrumentation. 79:47 this 20-hour-per-week ministry position. The pos­ Peak and more. July 9-22. For information, write minutes of music. (2) NEAT SONGS #1. by Steve's sibility of a yoked ministry with another Brethren Earl K. Ziegler, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA DUSTY & CO. PUPPETS. 11 songs-5 just for fun church in Western District is available depending 17606 or e-mail [email protected]. and 6 with painless messages-especially for upon the candidate's interest. For a copy of the children from 1 to 105! LISTEN ON-LINE, read position description, contact Karen Harvey, Consignment Sales at Annual Conference. reviews and purchase at www.cdbaby.com/sen­ Chairman; Ministry and Evangelism Commission; Brethren Press makes space available at Annual gle. Or check/money order direct from: Steve Maple Spring Church of the Brethren, 106 Spring Conference for individuals and groups to sell items Engle, RRl, Box 49, Alexandria, PA 16611-9606. Rd., Hollsopple, PA 15935. to Conference attendees on a consignment basis. $14.95 + $3 S/H. PA residents add 6% sales tax. Consignment space must be reserved by May 20. The Papago Buttes COB, Scottsdale, AZ, will For information on consignment sales, contact Travel with Brethren on air-conditioned coach to begin construction of a new meeting house this Brethren Press Consignments, 1451 Dundee Ave. Annual Conference in Boise. Originating spring. If you are able to help out with labor, we Elgin, IL 60120 or kstocking_gb@brethren .org . Elizabethtown with pick-ups along Penhsylvania, will furnish lodging and food. If you are interest­ Ohio, and Indiana turnpikes. Visit Elgin head­ ed in helping us build, contact Jim Walters at Christian Tours Offered. Hosted by Pennsylvania quarters. After Conference one bus goes to (602) 885-5132, [email protected], or 1443 S. Brethren couple. Personally escorted and driven. Alaska via Inside Passage, Juneau, Anchorage, Beck, Tempe, AZ 85281. Over sixteen years experience. 2003 selections Mt. McKinley, and Fairbanks. Return via Alaska England, Scotland and Wales van trip limited to Highway through Yukon, Whitehorse; also Please join the people of Virlina District in a season only ten passengers as well as France tour limit­ Jasper and Banff parks in Canadian Rockies; of prayer for God's guidance in how and where to ed to sixteen passengers. Offered in June and Yellowstone and Mt. Rushmore. Our other bus establish a Hispanic fellowship in our district. Since September respectively. Full breakfast and din­ returns home after Conference via Yellowstone God's word commands us to make disciples of all ner daily. Bible study offered as an option. Only and Mt. Rushmore. June 30-July 14. For addition­ people, we seek God's help in reaching out in first-class accommodations used. Phone 814- al information please write to J. Kenneth Kreider, Jesus' name to this large and growing group of 444-8800 for details. Discover His world while 1300 Sheaffer Rd., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or people in our district. You can send notes of studying His word! kreiderk@etown .edu.

Messenger March 2003 ■ Is there an ALTERNATIVE Please send information to be included New Hope, Stuart, Va.: Larry Rakes, Ranck, Eugene and Audrey, in Turning Points to Jean Clements, Kasi Rakes, Jesse Morrison Lewistown, Pa., 50 to war? 1451 Dundee Ave, Elgin, IL 60120; Olathe, Kan .: Rebecca Jane Dilley Richard, Eva and Harry, 800 323-8039 ext. 206; Bowman, Brandon Jeffrey Gumm Port Republic, Va., 55 jclements_gb @brethren.org. Pine Creek, North Liberty, Ind.: Rohrer, James and Eleanor, Information must be complete in order Emory Kertai, Shannon Kertai, Harrisburg, Pa., 50 to be published. Information older Jonathan Fluckey Sohn, Ed and Nona, than one year cannot be published. Plumcreek, Shelocta, Pa.: Helen Severna Park, Md., 60 Brumbaugh, Janna Scott, Brandi Wollam, Bob and Pat, New Members Orr, Elinor Hawk, Lindsay Kimmel Continental, Ohio, 55 Poplar Ridge, Defiance, Ohio: John Stauffer, John and Bessie, Dunlap, Julie Dunlap, Nedra Pike Trotwood, Ohio, 60 Blissville, Plymouth, Ind.: Tammy Quakertown, Pa: John Dotterer, Lisa Beere, Jeff Beere, Bob Olejniczak, Zitta, Tony and Irene, Dotterer, Douglas Graham, Karen Sandy Olejniczak, Mike Dault, Spinnerstown, Pa., 60 Graham, Tony Zitta, Irene Zitta, Mirna Dault, Jennifer Pulluaim, Harold Dieterly, Ann Dieterly Dwayne Wilson, Blaine Mikel, Richmond, Ind.: Jennifer Faus Velma Phenis Deaths Ridge, Shippensburg, Pa.: Bridgewater, Va.: Danielle Burrell, Mark Vaughn Alt, Devin Lee, 18, Dorcas, Ruby Garber, John Mark Logan, Smith Mountain Lake, Wirtz, Va.: Cheryl Logan, Karen Mell, Janet WVa., Aug. 4 Chris Morris, Ed Updike Sohn, Pat Taylor, Fred Wampler, Angle, Bertie Mae, 76, Jo Wampler, Eleanor Weaver Uniontown, Pa.: Mark Galand, Jeri Huntley, Ill. , Dec. 13 Cabool, Mo.: Mary Richards, M'Lea Galand, Kendal Galand, Willi am Armstrong, Bryan T., 94, Rigdon Galand, Robert Haragos, Harrisonburg, Va., Nov. I 0 Chiques, Manheim, Pa. : Noah Jeremiah Means, John Means, Arnold, George M. , 69, Shaffer, Joshua Haldeman, Randy Juanita Means, Judith Means, La Verne, Cali f., Jan. 16 Groff, Lynndon Groff, Zachary Gwen Widdowson Aurand, Marjorie, 54, Wolgemuth, Annie Wolgemuth, White Oak, Manheim, Pa.: Tanya Lewistown, Pa., July 3 Tim Fisher, Diane Fisher, Mary Crouse, Joshua Diffenderfer, Lisa Baker, Richard L., 62, Swope, Kelly Wolgemuth, Fetscher, Sabrina Heller, Hannah Goshen, Ind., Aug. 18 Stauffer, Brian Weaver, Katrina A must-read for anyone Josephine Davis Barghahn, Virgil, 78, Coventry, Pottstown, Pa.: Kenneth Wenger, Ellie Copenhaver, Goshen, Ind., Feb. 13, 2002 concerned about the endless cycles Bertolet Dustan Rohrer, Austin Sensenig Bergdoll, Delsie Margaret, 80, Winter Park, Fla.: Dave Hall, Peggy of wars and violence. Curryville, Pa .: Stacey Dick, Kyle Bridgewater, July 20 Dick, Keith Dick, Rodney Hall, Vistor Wade, Tabitha Bowen, Blazevich, Joseph D., 70, Richard Wenzel, Susie Wenzel Is there an alternative to our Brumbaugh, Terri Brumbaugh, Claysburg, Pa. , Nov. 7 society's current answers? What do Tom Fedesco, Lynne Emig, Blosser, Lavon 0., 81 , Charlotte Foor Wedding Goshen, Ind., Jan. 4 we mean when we say that God's Danville, First, Danville, Va.: Anniversaries Blouse, Viola R. , 87, love is stronger than our fears? Richard D. Pennington York, Pa., Dec. 31 Dupont, Ohio: Carrie Ellerbrock, Bodkin, Charles Allen, 58, Wally Relyea, Pat Relyea Baer, Edgar and Madelyn, A new book by a leading writer Sugar Grove, WVa., Oct. 21 English River, South Engli sh, Iowa: Hagerstown, Md., 60 Bowers, Carl McRoy, 69, and thinker. In fresh, confessional Robert Caswell , Theresa Caswell, Cheuvront, Clair and Phyllis, Petersburg, WVa., Oct. 27 Patricia Fisher, Angela Weber Broadway, Va. , 55 language, Roth shares his Bowman, Ruth Elaine, 64, Glendora, Calif.: Myrna Gordon, Clark, Keith and Evelyn, Kansas City, Mo., July 21 convictions about Christian Ariel Gabucan, May Gabucan North Liberty, Ind., 50 Boyers, Leo Victor, 81, pacifism, inviting all Christians to Highland Avenue, Elgin, Ill.: Joel Crider, Abram and Lowe Mae, Kline, Janice Kline Shippensburg, Pa. , 50 Harrisonburg, Va. , Aug. I consider this possibility. All the Hollins Road, Roanoke, Va.: Diehl, Vernon and Pauline, Broadwater, Howard Wilson, 85, while humbly admitting the Charles Booth, Patsy Booth, Lucas McGaheysville, Va., 65 LaVale, Md., Jan. 3 Graham, Brittany Landreneau, Dieterly, Harold and Ann, Brumbaugh, Donna Jean, 59, difficulties. George Fulk, Maxine Fulk, Trumbauersville, Pa. , 55 New Enterprise, Pa., Dec. 2 Winnie Huffman, Sharon Ayers, Dorsey, William and Jan, Buckwalter, Gerald, Sr., 64, Jennifer Goldsmith Hagerstown, Md., 55 Spring City, Pa., Jan. 19 Choosing Against War: Linville Creek, Broadway, Va.: Duffey, Ellis and Peggy, Calhoun, Ethel Virginia Crist, 76, Taylor Fulk, Robin Hottinger, Hagerstown, Md., 50 Timberville, Va ., Nov. 22 A Christian View Kasey Keller, Heather Lutz, Fletcher, Ralph and Hazel, Campbell, Thelma, 91, Krystal Reid, Katie Satterfield, Eldersburg, Md., 50 Naperville, Ill., Dec. 30 ':4 love stronger than our fears" Katie Spitzer, Dwayne Hottinger, Gibson, Desmond and Lois Marie, Cassel, Nettie, 91, by John D. Roth Tim Kennedy, Anneke Martin, Lincoln, Neb., 55 Manheim, Pa., Nov. 6 Lenwood Sacra, Donna Gail Hamilton, Dave and Velma, Cline, Ronald, 58, Paperback, $9.99 • 206 pages Sacra Virden, Ill., 74 Frederick, Md., Dec'. 28 Maple Grove, Lexington, N.C.: Michael Hottinger, Leonard and Dolores, Cook, Duane Edward, Sr., 71 , McDani el , Antrionette McDaniel Mount Crawford, Va., 50 Dayton, Va., Oct. 13 Marsh Creek, Gettysburg, Pa.: Kerschensteiner, Ed and Anna Lou, Cornwell, Maywood, 85, Levato Chrismer, Kyle Anschuetz, Boise, Idaho, 50 Luray, Va. , Aug. I 0 Good.Books Donald Kane, Cindy Kane Landis, Menno and Virginia, Craun, Roy, 94, At local bookstores or directly &om the publisher. New Enterprise, Pa .: Darwin Chambersburg, Pa. , 55 Reading, Pa., Nov. 7 Call toll-free 800/762-7171 Russell, Julie Russell, Mardella Mahaney, Calvin and Betty, Cripe, Audrey, 84, P.O. Box 419, Intercourse, PA 17534 Lesher, Kaye King, Kelly Baker, Fairplay, Md., 50 Goshen, Ind., Nov. 26 Mastercard, V tsa, Discover, and AmEx accepted. Beth Hull, Crist King, Andrew Mclucas, Lloyd and Doris, Diehl, Loretta, 90, Shipping/Handling, add 10% ($3.00 minimum). Sollenberger, Caleb Hagelberger, Chambersburg, Pa. , 55 Lancaster, Pa., Dec. I V1Sit our secure internet store: www.goodbks.com Darrin Troutman, Suzette Miles, John and Josephine, Ditmars, Lloyd, 85, (check our weekly specials-35% offi) Troutman, Dalton Troutman, Hagerstown, Md., 55 Washington, Kan., Dec. 23 Dillon Troutman, Chelsea Miller, Melvin and Hilda, Dove, Curtis Lloyd, 78, Troutman Harrisonburg, Va ., 65 Fulks Run, Va. , Sept. 28

Messenger March 2003 TURNING POINTS I

Dove, Lucy Mae, 93, Helsley, Gladys Marie Cook, 88, Mitchell, Irma Amelia Hepner, Strawderman, Mary Ethel, 92, Mount Pleasant, Mich.), Fort Seybert, W.Va. , Sept. 30 Woodstock, Va. , July 22 85, Woodstock, Va., Oct. 14 Harrisonburg, Va. , Aug. 15 Dec. 15 Dowty, Mary Elizabeth, 91 , Hess, Ira, 90, Monn, Myra M., 83, Summers, Helen Lee Berry, 85, Eberly, Karen C., S/ C Ind. Dist. Wheeling, Ill ., Oct. 23 Lititz, Pa ., July 18 Waynesboro, Pa., Jan. 1 I Harrisonburg, Va., Sept. 1 (Manchester, North Eaton, Helen A., 89, Hickey, Ruth, 90, Murrey, Pearl Crumpacker, 96, Suter, Ralph, 93, Manchester, Ind.), Jan. 12 Goshen, Ind., Nov. 2 Mount Morris, Ill ., Nov. 12 McPherson, Kan., Dec. 12 North English, Iowa, Sept. 22 Healton, Val eri e, SIC Ind. Dist. Ebersole, Belva L., 7 1, Hilliards, Loll ie C., 84, Myers, Evelyn Mae Stultz, 91, Swenson, Isabelle, 84, (Nettle Creek, Hagerstown, Lincoln, Neb., Nov. 17 Wildwood, Fla. , Jan. 2 Stanley, Va. , Dec. 11 Bridgewater, Va., Sept. 23 Ind.), Jan. 5 Swoveland, Devon, 55, Edmonds, Betty Jane Hoke, Anna Jane, 8 1, Myers, S. Ruth, 80, Hoyle, Steven S., Mich. Dist. Goshen, Ind., May 2 Gochenour, 70, Maurertown, Goshen, Ind., Sept. 9 Chambersburg, Pa., Aug. 12 (New Life Christian Va., Nov. 18 Hoke, Steve n, 58, Myers, William, 85, Taylor, Chiquita Ellen, 45, Fellowship, Mount Pleasant, Elliott, Glen, 92, Goshen, Ind., July 2 Hendersonvill e, N.C., Dec. Keezletown, Va., Nov. 25 Mich.), Dec. 15 Fredericksburg, Iowa, July I l Hoover, Keith K., 77 , Netzley, Arthur, 81 , Thomas, Walter R. , 95, Iseman, Michael J., Mich. Dist. Elliott, Mildred, 91, Lombard, Ill ., Jan. 16 Covina, Cali f., Oct. 7 Ringgold, Md., Jan. 15 (New Life Christi an Fredericksburg, Iowa, Jan. 25 Huffer, Mattie Lucille Nifong, Cyrus, 89, Toms, Ida P. , 87, Fellowship, Mount Pleasant, Engle, Sara C., 93, Howdys hell, 92, Mount Plymouth, Ind., Dec. 23 Roanoke, Va., June 15 Mich.), Dec. 15 Waynesboro, Pa. , Jan . 10 Solon, Va. , July 15 Pate, Paulyne, 8 7, Tribby, Maggie Shull, 82, Mackie, Brian J. , Mich. Dist. Estep, Harry W il son, 83, Hulke, Delbert, 79, Elgin, Il l. , Dec. 10 McGaheysvill e, Va. , Oct. (New Life Christian Dayton, Va. , Oct. 25 Elgin, Ill., Oct. 28 Ramey, Leon Lester, 90, Trumbo, Nell ie May Gordon, 88, Harrisonburg, Va. , Dec. 6 Evans, Betty Louise Whetzel, 70, Jensen, Virginia Wi ne, 95, Stanley, Va ., Oct. 29 Fellowshi p, Mount Pleasant, Vinson, Kathleen N., 86, Maysvill e, W.Va. , Nov. 16 Benkelman, Neb., Ja n. 4 Redifer, Edna Virginia Gaines, Mich.) , Dec. 15 Waynesboro, Pa., Dec. 4 Fahnestock, Ruth, 90, Jones, Gloria, 64, 86, Waynesboro, Va., Sept. 3 Marosi, Shannon Christine, Wade, George, Jr., 76, Lancaster, Pa ., Nov. 11 Continental, Ohio, Dec. 18 Reel, Geraldine Whetzel, 76, Mich. Dist. (New Life Elkhart, Ind., July 17 Fahnestock, Vernice, 85, Jordan, Cletus Robert, 79, Christian Fellowship, Mount Petersburg, W.Va., July 18 Wade, Mary Grace, 78, Palmyra, Pa. , Jan. 16 Pagosa Springs, Colo., Dec. I 3 Pleasant, Mich.), Dec. 15 Replogle, Violet Irene, 89, Elkhart, Ind., Feb. 22 Fitzwater, Ju lia Isabel Loving, Joyce, Estes M., 84," Niecko, Ian J., Mich. Dist. (New Goshen, Ind., Jan. 9 Wagenschein, Minnie Roller, 86, 93, Harrisonburg, Va., Sept. Roanoke, Va., Oct. 29 Life Christian Fellowship, Reynard, William Wesley, Sr., Bridgewater, Va. , Dec. 1 13 Kagarise, Ross W il son, 89, Mount Pleasant, Mich.) , Dec. 51 , Woodstock, Va. , Nov. 16 Waggy, Claude, 88, Forren, Earnest Lone, 5 7, Martinsburg, Pa., Jan. 5 Reynolds, Paul N., Jr. , 7 1, Franklin, W.Va., Dec. 12 15 Free Union, Va., Aug. 13 Kehr, Lillian, 8 1, York, Pa., Dec. 3 I Walker, Joey, 17, Spence, Ryan Christopher, S/ C Foust, Charles Emerson, 85, Goshen, Ind., Dec. 27 Rhodes, Jean V , 83 , Lewistown, Pa ., Aug. 9 Ind. Dist. (Living Faith, Flora, Dayton, Ohio, Feb. 27, 2002 Kiracofe, Clifford, E., 85, Johnstown, Pa. , Nov. 20 Ward, Carl, 84, Ind.), Dec. 8 Foust, Roberta, 83, Alpena, Mich., Dec. 25 Richards, Pearl, 85, Dayton, Ohio, Dec. 28 Dayton, Ohio, Sept. 1, 2001 Kiracofe, Rachel, 86, Brookville, Ohio, Nov. 20 Weimer, Merle, 88, Frye, Albert Leon, 78, New Haven, Ind., Dec. 19 Ringer, Robert L., 81, Mount Morris, Ill ., Oct. 28 Ordinations Timberville, Va. , Nov. 25 Lambert, Syvil Elva, 78, Waynesboro, Pa. , Nov. 5 West, Joel Dan, 68, Frye, Lola Alice, 93, Mount Crawford, Va., Dec. 3 Rinker, Grethel Virginia Susan, Harrisonburg, Va., Oct. 3 1 Criswell, Scott William, Mid. Pa. Baker, W.Va ., Sept. 27 Lehman, Harvey, 99, 74, Toms Brook, Va., Nov. 2 Whetzel, Luvada Mae, 63, Dist. (Claysburg, Pa.), Dec. 8 Fulk, Maxine W. , 73, McPherson, Kan., Jan. 1 Ritchey, Lucretia M., 68, Broadway, Va., Nov. 4 Lauer, Thomas R. , S. Pa. Dist. Roanoke, Va., Sept. 30 Lentz, Maude, 94, Chambersburg, Pa., Dec. 20 Wieand, Martha G., 89, (Pieasant View, Red Lion, Funk, Savilla Beatrice, 82, Palmyra, Pa., Dec. 3 1 Goshen, Ind., Dec. 22 Ritchie, Beverl y Eugene, 56, Pa.), Dec. 8 Romney, W.Va., Aug. 10 Lewis, Wayne L., 80, Wilkins, Delia M. , 87, Criders, Va., Oct. 22 Runkle, Bradley Ray, S. Pa . Dist. Fyock, Lottie A., 98, Council Bluffs, Iowa, Jan. 7 Wardensvill e, W.Va ., Nov. 10 Ritchie, Gary W., 56, Davidsvill e, Pa., Jan. 3 Lewis, Alvin R., Sr., 6 1, Wilkins, Violet May, 73 , (Pleasant View, Red Lion, Jonestown, Pa ., Jan . l Galand, Mark, 49, Oakland, Md., Dec. 10 Harrisonburg, Va., Dec. 2 Pa.), Dec. 8 Ritter, Marguerite, 93, Uniontown, Pa., Nov. 29 Link, Leona Beatrice Wine, 92, Williams, W. Jones, 88, Quakertown , Pa., Aug. 27 Gale, Opal Sull ivan, 89, Mount Sidney, Va., Nov. 15 Martinsville, Va. , Dec. 25 Rorrer, Mozell e, 81 , Girard, Ill., Dec. 24 Longenecker, Mary M., 86, Wilson, Dorothy Plowman, 85, .Placements Stuart, Va. , Oct. 12 Garber, Ernest Cline, 93, Lancaster, Pa. , Aug. 11 Mount Morris, Ill., Oct. 13 Sager, Lizzie Ella, 92, Bretzinger, James Frank, pastor, Petersburg, W.Va ., Nov. 2 Ludwick, Melva S. Boone, 96, Wilson, Leora E., 84, Woodstock, Va. , Aug. 5 Burnettsville, Ind., Jan. 2 Garrett, Mary Ell en Berry, 79, Quakertown, Pa ., Sept. 26 Johnstown, Pa. , Oct. l Sauder, Ruth, 82, Comer, Charles, from interim to Bridgewater, Va ., July 21 Lyons, Edward E., 82, Wine, Newell , 94, Manheim, Pa. , Oct. 2 Gesford, Wil li am C., 74, Federal Way, Wash., Hanover, N.H., Dec. 22 pastor, Flat Rock, Forestville, Schefft, Carrie Virginia, 91 , Palmyra, Pa. , Oct. 9 Feb. 2, 2002 Wine, Virginia Elizabeth, 8 1, Va ., Jan. l Luray, Va., Nov. 3 Gift, LaRue A. , 83, Mantyla, Sandra Jean Martin, New Market, Va. , Dec. 1 Fleshman, Greg, pastor, Mount Schwenk, Fern, 77, Chambersburg, Pa. , Nov. 23 57, Ephrata, Pa., Nov. 1 Winfield, Kenneth, 77, Union, Bent Mountain, Va., Jan. Lebanon, Pa. , Dec. 9 Gindlesperger, Dorothy, 72, Martin, Ray, 87, Roaring Spring, Pa., Dec. 29 I Sellers, Harry E., 81, Hooversvill e, Pa ., Jan. 14 Orrville, Ohio, Dec. 24 Wolf, Claude A. , 89, Haberzetle, Kristin Sue, pastor, York County, Pa. , Jan. 1 Glover, Harley E., 81 , Martin, Tonia Sue Wegman, 27, Sacramento, Calif., Dec. l 7 Lafayette, Ind., Jan. 6 Sharp, Lucille E., 85, Elkton, Md., Aug. 27 Broadway, Va. , Sept. 2 Woody, Marie, 64, Haines, Frank D., pastor, Boise, Idaho, Oct. 20 West Plains, Mo., Dec. 13 Grady, Effie Luella Zimmerman, Mays, Nell ie N., 75 , Elbethel, Mount Pleasant, Pa. , Shifflett, Cli fto n Benjamin, 8 1, Wratchford, Benny Muntzing, 83, Mount Solon, Va., Aug. 1 Roanoke, Va., Nov. 26 Jan . 12 Charlottesvill e, Va ., Dec. 9 58, Moorefi eld, W.Va., Aug. Grosbach, Donald, 73 , McKellip, Lovell , 97, Klinedinst, Stephen L. , from Shiflet, Joseph Shirley, 85, 19 Enders, Neb., Dec. 3 1 interim to pastor, Lone Star, Nampa, Idaho, Oct. 29 Weyers Cave, Va ., Oct. 3 Wratchford, Eugene P., 68, Grove, Ronald Edwin, 58, Lawrence, Kan ., Jan. 12 Medlar, Mildred, 90, Simmons, Ray Evers, 86, Martinsburg, W.Va. , Nov. 25 Noffsinger, Bruce A. , fro m pastor, Front Royal, Va. , Oct. 27 Trotwood, Ohio, Nov. 1 7 Bridgewater, Va., Sept. 7 Wratchford, Moses Britton, 75, Blue Ridge Chapel, Halterman, Jesse Franklin, 98, Michael, Helen Virginia, 80, Simpson, Stell a, 98, Moorefi eld, W.Va., Nov. 24 Waynesboro, Va., to pastor, Harrisonburg, Va., Dec. 5 Mount Solon, Va., July 31 Harrington, Del. , Dec. 21 Young, Harold Winfred, 83, Harper, Mary Cleta, 92, Miller, Carl 89, Sipes, Cora M., l 00, Harrisonburg, Va ., Dec. 8 Salem, Stephens City, Va. , Jan. 1 Mount Solon, Va., Aug. 20 Hazel Park, Mich., April 3, 2002 Chambersburg, Pa., Dec. 1 l Rill, Jeffrey, from pastor, Hawkins, Charles, 86, Miller, Elva, 86, Smith, Betty A. , 70, Quakertown, Pa ., to pastor, Mount Jackson, Va. , Aug. 3 Hazel Park, Mich., July I Topeka, Kan., Dec. 2 Licensings Lancaster, Pa., Jan. 1 Heffley, Nathan, 83, Miller, Grover Linden, 83, Smith, Paul Vance, Sr., 69, Yoder, Gary Dean, pastor, Sparta, N.C., Dec. 23 Bracey, Va., Oct. 13 Harrisonburg, Va., Dec. 27 Burnham, Pa., Jan. 13 Abner, Marcy, Mich. Dist. (New Heisey, Frances, 79, Miller, Shawn, 20, Strangarity, Anthony, 72, Yoder, Lisa, associate pastor, Life Christian Fell owship, Columbia, Pa., Dec. 16 McVeytown, Pa ., Nov. 3 Lebanon, Pa. , Dec. 30 Burnham, Pa., Jan. 13 Messenger March 2003 II EDITORIAL-

The fear factor

he duct tape confirmed that the nation had are techniques for overcoming them. Feel the Fear become mindless and obsessive with its and Do It Anyway is the title of Susan Jeffers' Tfears. People were lining up in stores to buy book, as well as her chief recommendation. "The tape and plastic sheeting to seal their bedrooms only way to get over the fear of doing something is against a terrorist attack with chemical or biological to go out and do it," she writes. "Expand your weapons. "Your risk of dying in a car accident while comfort zone. Take a risk a day." In the face of a driving to buy duct tape likely exceeds your risk of scary decision, do your homework, she advises, dying because you lacked duct tape," said the New because education is a great barrier to fear. And ''When we York Times. While they knew it was true, and remi­ know that no matter which way you decide, you're niscent of how in the 1950s we hid under desks at going to be all right. God will take care of you. school to protect ourselves in case of a nuclear After all, God takes care of all the sparrows. "So do fear God we attack, some bought duct tape anyway, just in case. not be afraid;" Jesus says, "you are of more value We have become fearful. It is a frightening time. than many sparrows" (Matt. 10:29). trust God We are put on orange alert to worry about terrorist "Do not be afraid" is not another "should" that attacks. Family members are called to active mili ­ God gave us to feel guilty about when we fail. God to keep us tary duty, serious business. Because of call-ups, wants us to live large lives because it is the best way communities are left with inadequate police and fire to live. Freedom from fear makes us happy. "Peace safe, and protection. The stock market is tanking. State gov­ I leave with you; my peace I give to you," Jesus told ernments are reeling. Fuel prices are soaring. his disciples as he prepared to leave them for the Churches are hurting. uncertain future. "Do not let your hearts be trou­ we work "Do not be afraid," the Lord tells us, over and bled, and do not let them be afraid." over again. The angel said to Zechariah, "Do not But it is not just for our own peace and happi­ on being be afraid" (Luke 1:13). Gabriel said to Mary, "Do ness that God fights our fears. The Song of not be afraid, for you have found favor with God" Zechariah recalls God's holy covenant that he less afraid of (Luke: 1:30). To the shepherds watching over their spoke to the prophets of old, that we would be flocks by night, the angel of the Lord said, "Do not saved from the hand of all who hate us, "that we, everything be afraid, for I bring you good tidings of great joy" being rescued from the hands of our enemies, (Luke 2:10). might serve him without fear" (Luke 1:74). else. ,, Easy for the angels to say. How, practically, do We are protected in order to serve. We are given we walk courageously through a storm? There was courage so that we might speak truth to power. We thunder and lightning and a thick cloud on Mount are freed from fear to preach the gospel of peace. Sinai where God was. From the mountain a trum­ We are assured safety so we can love enemies. We pet blasted so loud that all the people trembled. are given security beyond our needs so we can "Moses said to the people, 'Do not be afraid; for share with those who need more. God has come only to test you and to put the fear So let us make each Church of the Brethren a of him upon you so that you do not sin. Then the Department of Homeland Security, and each people stood at a distance, while Moses drew near Brethren home a branch office. Let's equip them to the thick darkness where God was" (Ex. 20:21). with the essentials for survival-a basin and towel, It is a double message: Do not be afraid; fear God. and the Bible, the light of the world. We'll put on, Like cholesterol there is good fear and bad fear. not a gas mask, but the armor of God. Unsealing "'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and duct-taped doors, we'll walk out, like Moses, into grace my fears relieved ...." the world's thick darkness where God is. We will be When we fear God we trust God to keep us safe, fearless and unafraid.-FLETCHER FARRAR and we work on being less afraid of everything else. We start with personal fears large and small. Everybody has them. Fears of illness or death, fears Correction: The December editorial incorrectly id entified Nancy Ha nks of social situations, fears of financial ruin. There Lincoln as Abraham Lincoln's stepmother. She w as his mother. I Messenger March 2003 Caring :Ministries Jlssem6{y

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