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Evangelical Visitor (1887-1999) Brethren in Christ Church Archives

9-25-1972

Evangelical Visitor - September 25, 1972 Vol. LXXXV. No. 18.

John E. Zercher

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Recommended Citation Zercher, John E., "Evangelical Visitor - September 25, 1972 Vol. LXXXV. No. 18." (1972). Evangelical Visitor (1887-1999). 2181. https://mosaic.messiah.edu/evanvisitor/2181

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September 25, 1972 H. H. Brubaker CONTENTS The word honor may be somewhat suspect among us The Nature and Character of the Church 3 who stress brotherhood. As a group we have been alert to Archie Penner the peril of honor seeking and honor giving. We know Life's Twin Choices 4 that God does not read the obituaries or the tributes when He grants His rewards or makes His judgments. Sherwood E. Wirt 6 But honor is not an unchristian word nor an unchris- Religious News tian concept. Indeed the Bible calls us to give honor to whom honor is due and to elders who rule well double Reflections on the Summer of '72 8 honor is in order. J. Wilmer Heisey We would therefore be less than faithful if we neglected "Lovest Thou Me? Feed My Lambs" to recognize the contributions Brother H. H. Brubaker Mary H. Hoke 10 made to the church during his lifetime; to the Publication Evangelism Includes Fellowship Board during these more recent years; and to this editor 11 since the day our paths crossed. Henry N. Hostetter The details of his service to the church are found Church News 11 elsewhere in this issue (page fifteen). Let me here, in this column I often reserve for more personal remarks, The Multi-Purpose Program 12 express my own great love and respect for our Brother John A. Byers Brubaker. Youth Page 13 He was Secretary of the General Conference when I The Paraphrase Contest became its Treasurer. As a result our paths crossed 14 frequently. Upon his retirement from the office of Church News and Vital Statistics Secretary he became a member of the Publication Board. 16 This permitted a continuation of this fellowship and his Editorial counsel. The Spirit and the Church He was a great Christian. He incarnated sacrifice, (Note: The two-page spread on the Messiah Home referred to in the service, and commitment while most of us merely Editorial of September 10 will appear in a later issue.) verbalize these concepts. He exercised the authority of his office with Christian grace. And as he moved from one assignment to another he handed over the mantle of his office with ease and dignity for he trusted the church and his successor. His judgment was respected. He brought prestige to any office he held. He felt no need to impress people with his worth for he had that security which comes from knowing that one is a Child of God purchased at an infinite cost. We will surely miss his counsel, his warm and genuine Evangelical Visitor friendship. As when a giant oak has fallen there is an Volume LXXV Number 18 empty space against the sky so it seems to be within our church. In more biblical terms we exclaim with David, "How are the mighty fallen . . ." but we also echo the Official organ of the Brethren in Christ Church, published words of the Revelator, "... Blessed are the dead who die semi-monthly by Evangel Press, Nappanee, Indiana. in the Lord ... for their works do follow them'." Editor: John E. Zercher Editorial Council: The church is poorer because of his death but richer C. B. Byers, Eber B. Dourte, Isaiah B. Harley, E. Morris because of his life and we thank God upon every Sider, Anna Ruth Ressler remembrance of him. Page Editors: John E. Zercher Missions: Glen A. Pierce Editor Christian Service Ministries: J. Wilmer Heisey Christian Education Ministries: John Arthur Brubaker Pulpit and Pew: David E. Climenhaga STUDENT SPECIAL Brethren in Christ Publication Board: Isaiah B. Harley, Lester C. Fretz, Paul E. Hostetler, Louis O. Cober, Paul E. Witter, Dwight E. Bert, Daniel R. We would like to believe that our youth away Chamberlain from home in school would appreciate receiving the Mailing Information: Visitor. We also would like to believe that they Manuscripts and editorial correspondence should be should be receiving the Visitor. addressed to the Editor, P.O. Box 166, Nappanee, To test our belief we are offering this year a Indiana 46550. special student rate of 16 issues for $1.50. The first Subscriptions and change of address should be sent to issue will be October 10—the final issue will be Evangel Press, Nappanee, Ind. 46550. Include both old May 25, 1973, less than ten cents an issue. and new addresses with requests for change of address. Church Boards, parents, friends or students Renewals $3.50; new and gift subscriptions $3.00. themselves may wish to take advantage of this Entered as second-class mail at Nappanee, Indiana 46550. student rate. Use the insert stapled in the center of this issue to EVANGELICAL PRESS ASSOCIATION send one or more student subscriptions. The Editor

Evangelical Visitor The Nature and Character of the Church

Archie Penner rpHERE IS something incongruous, in my opinion, and mutual participation in each other's lives brings -*• when a "proclaimer of the Word," urges people to home the fuller impact of the concept of koinonia as the commit themselves to Christ, but to evade or avoid the Church (cf. 1 Cor. 10:16ff). Within the Church we are the church. Such advice is either heretical, if tested by possession of each other and belong to each other (cf. 1 Scripture, or, naive, or the use of the word "church" is Cor. 9:19). This koinonia means that our lives with our either post — or extra-biblical. In any case, to this joys, our sorrows, our weaknesses, our gifts are mutually author, it is dangerous fare. shared on the deepest personal and spiritual levels (Jno. The question of the dichotomy of the Church as visible 17:20-26). or invisible can perhaps be quickly dismissed. A purely But this koinonia is triangular. It is not only horizon- invisible Church is non-existent and a visible "church" is tal, it is also vertical. To participate in each other is to not all Church. participate in Christ and the Triune God simul- Whether the church is an institution or not is another taneously. Task and purpose and will thus are made one question which can be biblically and rationally answered in the Church in Christ (Phil. 2:1-8). in brief form. To concede that the church is human in Third, the Church is the body of Christ. (Soma tou that it exists as a group of people and functions within the Christou, 1 Cor. 12). This figure emphasizes the larger human society, is to concede that it is an institu- singleness and corporateness of the Church in communi- tion. The apostolate — a preliminary Church — was ty. This unity in community implies that what one instituted and institutionalized by the Lord Himself when member does in some real sense the whole does. It also on earth. The Church after Pentecost could not deny its suggests that the Head, Jesus Christ, is in full control of institutional character. Its organization and discipline the organism. Where this control is evaded or denied, the are eloquent witness of this. It is here argued that body has become sick and malefunctional. structure per se is not inimical to freedom or the work of Fourth, the Church is the assembly, ekklesia. It is the God and the Holy Spirit. body politic of heaven, the assembly for "state affairs" in The sometimes postulated opinion that a Christian can representation of its King. It is a theocracy with the King be either in the Church or out of the Church is here as its head. Yet it is a democracy with Christ as a brother viewed as fiction. Extra ecclesiam nulla salus — out of (cf Heb. 2:1 If, Rom. 8:29). the church there is no salvation. To be in Christ is to be in Fifth, it is the new incarnation. The Church is the the Church and outside of Christ there is no eternal life, extension of the Christ here and now. The Church for the Church is the body of Christ in union with Him. corporately, not merely the individual believer, is indwelt No option therefore exists to be in or out of the Church by the Holy Spirit (cf. 1 Cor. 3:16ff). As the Shekinah for the child of God. glory abode in the holiest place in the temple, so the Holy If we ponder these matters deeply, they should Spirit lives in the Church to carry on through "its body" profoundly affect our world-view, our ethics and the the work begun by Jesus Christ. It knows no other task performance of our task. than that for which the Holy Spirit has come to indwell First, the Church is the absolute possession of its it. "As He is, so are we in the world" (1 Jno. 4:17). "As sovereign Lord. In, fact, this is what the word "church" the Father has sent me, even so send I you" (Jno. 20:21). means. It comes from the Greek, kuriakos — which Sixth, the Church does not only have the message and means belonging to the Lord. This it is the Lord's the proclamation, it is the proclamation. This is so absolute possession must be deduced from the facts that because it itself is the mighty act of God's redemption. (1) He alone has created it, (2) He only has redeemed it, As Christ is both the revealer and the revelation, the (3) and He sustains it without help or contribution. message and the messenger, so is the Church. As the This makes Christ the sole Lord of the Church. This is miracles in Scripture is the good news of God, so the why the primary confession of the primitive church was miracle of redemption wrought among man bringing into not "Jesus is Savior," but "Jesus is Lord." (Acts 2:36, existence the Church is a proclaiming miracle. As the 10:36, Rom. 10:9, Phil. 2:11). Unconditional commit- first creation declares the glory of God (Ps. 19:1), so the ment and the faith which is obedience springing forth into new creation declares the message of God. discipleship without reservation can only be rationalized Seventh, the Church is God's mission. If the Church on the basis of the primary confession, "Jesus is Lord," merely has a mission, then it could conceivably have Mt. 28:18ff. Jno. 3:36, 20:28, Heb. 3 and 4). another task than to fulfil God's will or mission on earth. Again, the Church is a fellowship. But this English But since it is that mission, then it can have no other task. word is too bland, too insipid to translate the Greek Mission is that total sharing of our Lord and self with word, koinonia, which lies back of it. Existential sharing those not knowing Him, in (word and deed). Thus diakonia (service) is part of mission and must not be severed from it. It is not permissible to make diakonia as The writer is pastor of the Sippo Valley congregation near Massillon, a means to a higher function, that of proclamation or Ohio. He is also a teacher at Malone College and Ashland Theological kerygma. Love will give even though it has stopped to Seminary. This article is reprinted from The Messenger. verbalize. Diakonia is, then, also proclamation. September 25,1972 / would not have you pitch upon me as the man able to answer doubts .... My cracked dish and leaky vessel can hold little of Christ Jesus . ... It is no pride for a drowning man to catch hold of a rock .... Yet it pleases the Spirit of Jesus to blow his sweet wind through apiece of dry stick, that the empty reed may keep no glory to itself. — Samuel Rutherford (16007-1661)

Life's Twin Choices

Sherwood E. Wirt

IFE offers us two package arrangements for our time Jesus' teaching persuaded many of his hearers, but not L on earth: Plan A and Plan B. Under Plan A (which all. In some cases confusion resulted from a misunder- Jesus warns against) we go for the top and end up on the standing of his attitude toward power. His own disciples bottom. Under Plan B (which is his plan) we line up last found it hard to believe him when he told them in effect, and wind up first. "The big wheels run over everybody in their path, but it Plan A calls for the seizing of power and holding it. It shall not be so among you." The multitudes did not was a plan apparently first devised by Satan and it led to believe him when he declared, "Whoever wants to his expulsion from heaven. Adam adapted the plan to become great among you shall be your servant, and human purposes and turned it into a power play in the whoever wants to be first shall be your slave." Garden of Eden. His gamble did not pay off; he lost Peter did not understand. When Jesus predicted his everything and became a frustrated wanderer on the face own coming suffering and rejection and death, Peter of the earth. But he continued to work at Plan A because, protested, saying he would not allow his Master to go like a hooked plunger, he was never convinced that he through such an ordeal. Jesus rebuked him sharply. He had really lost the power game. As Machiavelli once said, told Peter his thoughts were of the things of men, not the "The desire to acquire possessions is a very natural and things of God. ordinary thing." James and John did not understand. They got into an Plan B works on a different basis. It calls for the argument one day over priority of position in the future renunciation of human power rather than its acquisition. Kingdom of Heaven — much to the disgust of the other Jesus set up the plan and furnished the potential to make disciples. Even Jesus found it hard to conceal his it work; but he refused to allow his fuel to be mixed with annoyance at their jockeying. Jesus told them he could do any other kind — and for a very good reason^ Leon nothing for them as he was not in charge of the seating Morris remarks, "When we know that the power that arrangement in glory. However, he could promise them a comes into our hearts and lives is not the power of any baptism of fire. creature, but that of none less than God himself, it makes The rich young ruler did not understand. Jesus told all the difference." him to get rid of the trappings of the power game and he Jesus Power is given to us not for our own use, to went away sorrowing. He had been struggling to keep the augment our own situation; it is given only for God's use, commandments of God under Plan A; when Jesus offered to accomplish his purpose. God's purpose is to bring men him a simpler plan he passed it up. to himself— not into this or that church, or this or that The brothers who asked Jesus to settle a family movement or school of thought, but to himself. As argument did not understand. The dispute was over Samuel Chadwick says, God does not let out his inheritance, which is another name for human power. attributes. His power cannot be detached from his Jesus refused to touch the matter. presence. Jesus Power is inseparable from Jesus. God is Pontius Pilate did not understand. His career operated simply the giver of power, he wields it. And since it is his under Plan A and he knew nothing of Plan B. Jesus told power that is at work, we dare not touch it; we might him that even Plan A lay under the overarching better touch forked lightning. J. Stuart Holden, the sovereignty of God; that he, Pilate, would have no British preacher, writes: authority at all unless God had given it to him. So much God does not invest a man with power for any other work than for the validity of the Roman Empire. that of the Kingdom, and no man who does not renounce all Herod Antipas did not understand. He thought that forms of leadership other than spiritual can ever know the political power was all there was, and that the way to it enduement of a personal Pentecost. There must be a complete was through political intrigue. Jesus called him a fox. separation to the divine purpose for which power is bestowed. The religious authorities of Israel did not understand. The writer is the editor of Decision magazine and the author of seven To them, as to religious hierarchies generally, Jesus was books in addition to Jesus Power from which book this article is taken. a maverick. He showed no interest in gaining Copyright 1972 by Sherwood Elliott Wirt. Reprinted by permission of ecclesiastical power by going through the rabbinical Harper and Row. chairs. He expressed contempt for religious types who Evangelical Visitor used their piety to claim status and authority among of literature. Job gets his only answer out of the men. whirlwind: "Where wast thou when I laid the foundations The mob at Golgotha did not understand. Jesus had of the earth?" At the end of the lengthy divine soliloquy, already said that if he chose he could call upon his Job makes his response, and the Christian believer Father, who would furnish him with twelve legions of recognizes it as authentic: "Behold, I am vile; what shall angels. The mob wanted him to "save himself and come I answer thee? .... I know that thou canst do down from the cross." All that would have been Plan A. everything .... therefore have I uttered that I un- He chose Plan B. derstood not ... . Wherefore I abhor myself, and Today's man of the world does not understand. He has repent in dust and ashes." The Almighty responds in turn one great aim in life: to join the power elite. To arrive at and gives Job twice as much as he had before. that plateau he may stoop to guile, cheating, and Moses is a fugitive from justice roaming the "back side grasping in the Machiavellian tradition. Jesus warned of the desert" with a price on his head and saddled with a however that the power game would destroy a man. He criminal record, a speech impediment, an unpleasant said, "Unless you repent, you will all perish." disposition, and a bad reputation with Egyptian and God's alternative to the power game is Plan B. It calls Hebrew alike. Shorn of the royal authority he knew in for the depowering of man but it goes further. As I Egypt, he meets the holy God in the burning bush. understand the meaning of Christian experience, each of Equipped now with the divine power, Moses is a loser no us has to recapitulate in a sense what the disciples did longer; he becomes the emancipator of his race and the between the Ascension and Pentecost. Before we can greatest lawgiver in human history. receive power, each of us has to "go to Jerusalem" and David hides from King Saul in the cave of Adullam wait for Deity to act. God keeps his own time; he and gathers to himself every bankrupt malcontent in maintains his own schedule; and there is nothing Palestine. Because they are powerless these men are automatic about his giving of power. When we have ready for anything, even for God. David emerges as emptied ourselves he will come in; but at his discretion Israel's king and greatest hero. and pleasure. That is why "tarrying" is important. As Jonah finds himself pitched overboard in mid-ocean, Ralph W. Harris says, "Tarrying is an attitude of the two fathoms under water, with seaweed wrapped around heart, will and mind, rather than certain actions." As we his head. With his last breath he prays. God sends power. wait upon the Lord, we adjust to his schedule, and when Jonah is rescued and becomes the instrument to bring we do, we shall be baptized by the Holy Spirit. "You will revival to a great city. receive power," said Jesus. There will be no slipup. John the Baptist is a nobody who spends his days Why do we have to go through all the embarrassment wandering in prayer in the desert near Jericho. He is and humiliation of being depowered before God will reduced to wearing animal skins and catching and eating route his power through us? Paul gives the best answer: locusts. Yet this man knows his Scripture, and God sends "We have this treasure (the treasure of the Gospel) in power. Crowds flock to hear John at the Jordan. He earthen vessels (bowls of clay, or better, mud), that the identifies Jesus as the Messiah and attacks the sins of the excellency of the power (dunamis) may be of God, and nation. Jesus praises him as the greatest of the prophets. not of us." God will not give his glory to another. He The friendly Roman centurion, seeking healing for his maintains the royal prerogative. Then when the power slave, places the spiritual authority of Jesus over his own comes, when the Holy Spirit enters a man and takes up "unworthy" power. Roman power submits to Jesus his dwelling place there, it becomes the most exciting, Power; the slave is healed. elevating experience known to mortals. A young man Mary is a provincial peasant girl living in the hills of recently testified in church regarding his conversion: Galilee, far from the seats of the mighty; yet she is the one divinely chosen to give birth to the Son of God. She I had to take that pride and move it aside, destroy it, forget it, then prophesies that the mighty will be pulled down from before I could find Jesus Christ. For without God we're nothing, their seats, that those of low degree may be exalted. nobody is anything. For this last month I have felt a joy, a happiness, an exhilaration, and a new kind of 6utlook on life. I Concerning Jesus she tells the servants at the Cana see things that I never saw before. I can't possibly tell you how wedding, "Do whatever he tells you." great it is to be a member of Christ's church, just to love God. A wise Scottish woman once told me, "A saint is a It's so exciting that I just wish you yourself could find this true person who knows how to get out of God's way." The happiness that comes when you put your own pride, your own statement is not definitive but it will do for a start. We ego, into perspective with your own life, and with God, and come have seen that the Bible is filled with illustrations of as a child to meet Jesus Christ and be born again. people who have chosen either Plan A or Plan B. Peter tried to choose both and consequently fell between two Amazing? Yes. Exceptional? No. I have seen hundreds stools, and the Gospel writers record that he "went out of similar letters from new Christians, and the process is and wept bitterly." Similar tears have been shed by many always the same: first the emptying, then the filling. First Christians who have tried to keep a mailing address on the confession of sin, then the experience of the new birth Straight Street while conducting a business on and redemption through Jesus Christ. Broadway. It won't work. No one can operate Plan A Earlier I mentioned a number of people in the New and Plan B simultaneously; one of them has to be Testament who did not understand Jesus' teaching about abandoned. Yet to give up the power game is difficult; power. I do not imply that such misunderstanding was like Peter, we are tempted to think we can do God more general, for many who listened caught the Master's good if we are in his way than if we are out of it. meaning. God's truth is not all that obscure. Scripture Campbell Morgan says, displays its essential unity to the inquiring mind as it treats the power question. Book after book in Old and It is easy to speak of abandonment, and yet it is the one thing New Testament alike attests to the same truth: "The race from which all men shrink. They are quite prepared to sign is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong." pledges and even cheques, and to do any amount of work, if only God will let them have their own way in some part of their lives. Job, a man of means and power, encounters a series of If only God will not bring them to the cross, they will do personal disasters and begins tossing hard questions at anything; but they draw back from the place of death. Yet it is the Almighty. He is slapped down by a magnificent only in that place that the Holy Spirit is able to flow out into delineation of God's power — perhaps the greatest in all every part of the life and energize it. September 25,1972 Harvard Prof. Measures Contempt Many Anglican Pastors In TV-Jaded Children Die in Burundi Harvard Business School Professor Scott The exact number is not known, but the Ward, testing the beginnings of cynicism Anglican Church in Burundi has lost at least a Religious News through measuring youngsters' exposure to TV, third of its ministers in the recent war that swept finds that by the second grade a great many the East Africa state. children have begun to develop cynicism. By the Also missing are many male nurses, male sixth grade, he says, in many of their reactions teachers and evangelists. Some who were they respond with declared distrust and con- spirited away by soldiers were shot, others temptuous rejection. driven off in trucks. Their families do not expect Taylor writes that the TV mayhem our young to see them again. people watch has grown so immense that in one The victims are among the educated Hutu week, in one city, TV stations monitored by the tribe, the majority peasant people of Burundi, FCC showed nearly 800 acts of violence. Many who have been the object of reprisals since an TV stations are doing much to correct this, uprising at the end of April against the ruling Taylor states, but before the average youth Tutsi minority. reaches 16 he or she witnesses an estimated The attacks, according to the reports, have 12,000 TV deaths. "Repetition, repetition, not been directed against Europeans, and the 30 repetition." missionaries of the Church Missionary Society's Ruanda Mission are all safe. "Decision" Hits 4.5 Million, Stanford Professor Says Reaches for 5.2 Proposed Law Would End Parents Are To Blame With the 4.5 million circulation mark at- Need For Wedding Ceremony For Youth Drug Use tained, "Decision" magazine hopes to reach 5.2 If a proposal to alter marriage laws is passed million by November. in the state of Washington, a marriage By observing family practices and The monthly periodical of the Billy Graham ceremony would be optional. background, a Stanford University professor Evangelistic Association would then surpass the The proposed measure wants to bind man and says he can predict with 90 percent accuracy circulation of "Life" magazine, say Managing wife together by a simple signature on a public whether youngsters will become "high risk" or Editor George M. Wilson. He said the 4.5 register and thus "take the church out of the "heavy" drug users. million figure is the count only for the North business of the state." It terms useless a law It's not the generation gap, says Dr. Richard American edition. which now requires the church to "monitor" H. Blum which is to blame when white, middle The announcement was made at "Decision's" facts that are worthless. class teenagers become heavy drug users. 10th annual School of Christian Writing begun The plan has been set forth by Ivan Merrick, The key factors, he said in an interview at the by charter editor Sherwood E. Wirt. Jr., in a message to the Council of Planning Stanford Institute for Public Policy Analysis, Affiliates. Merrick is a former Episcopalian are family income, political and religious priest currently a Seattle attorney. He claims to beliefs, attitudes toward authority and toward Church Contributions Up have heard "only approval" for the proposal youthful rebellion and self-expression, and Contributions to some of the nation's major that solemnization of marriages be optional and parental use of alcohol and drugs. Protestant churches continued to rise in 1971, that "certification be in the hands of civil God-fearing, church-attending families are even though membership was declining. This authorities." low risk, he said. Strict religions were cited as according to statistics compiled by the National having even lower incident of waywardness. Council of Churches. Dr. Blum said the richer the family the higher Combined figures for nine churches showed Jehovah's Witnesses Will Publish the risk. A mother's sedative and medication use reported contributions of $2,282,628,529, an "The Bible In Living English" and the parent's use of alcohol, he said, is copied increase of $63,433,445 over 1970. Membership The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, by kids. He said high risk homes also had an for the nine, however, declined by 266,750 to a publishing agency for the Jehovah's Witnesses, outright derogative attitude toward cops and total of 25,583,882. has announced it will publish a new Bible decided what laws they would obey. Correlated The churches selected by NCC officials for Translation call "The Bible in Living English." with the use of drugs also was parental accep- making the comparison were the American tance of youthful self-expression and rebellion The initial print run of 100,000 copies is now Baptist Convention, Christian Church in progress. It will not replace the New World and the goals of spontaneity, self-expression and (Disciples of Christ), Lutheran Church in individualism for children. Translation of the Holy Scriptures as the official America, Presbyterian Church, U.S. Witness Bible, but will serve as a supplement to (Southern), Reformed Church in America, it. Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, United "The Bible in Living English is the result of Global Chess Campion Adherent Church of Christ, United Presbyterian Church To Worldwide Church of God 45 years of work by the late Steven T. Byington and United Methodist Church. (1868-1957). Although he completed the work in The new chess champion of the world, Bobby 1943, he was unable to find a firm interested in Fischer, follows the teachings of Herbert W. Jews Hail Supreme Court publishing it. After his death, the Watch Tower Armstrong's Worldwide Church of God, Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania ob- although Fischer is not officially a member Ban On Capital Punishment tained publication rights, and turned the work because he has not been baptized in the church. The American Jewish Congress and the over to the New York headquarters for publica- A spokesman for the sect at its international Synagogue Council of America have hailed the tion. headquarters here said the church welcomes Supreme Court's decision barring capital Mr. Byington was not affiliated with the Fischer's allegiance, but that the church con- punishment as "consistent with Jewish Jehovah's Witness movement, according to a siders chess and other games to be frivolous tradition" and "clear triumph for the stand- biographical sketch in "The Bible in Living pursuits, unworthy of the attention of the ards of civilization and humaneness" inherent English." He was, rather, a communicant of a followers of the group. in the U.S. Constitution. Congregational church which later merged into The young chess champion's observance of The Jewish leaders, representing major the United Church of Ballard Vale, Mass. the Saturday Sabbath is consistent with Orthodox, Conservative and Reform rabbinical Armstrong's teachings, with Fischer's earlier and congregational bodies in the U.S., said they interest in the Seventh-day Adventist church, have "long and consistently believed . . . that Watchman Nee Dies and with his Jewish heritage. capital punishment represented a violation of Watchman Nee died June 1 at the age of 71, Fischer, the challenger, wrested the victory the Eighth Amendment's prohibition against in Anhwei Province of China, his British from Russia's Boris Spassky in 21 games, 'cruel and unusual punishment.'" They said the publisher reported. The noted Chinese Christian ending a 24-year dominance in chess by the court's action supported the Talmudic concern who wrote The Normal Christian Life was Soviet Union. The match was held in Reyk- with human fallibility and the irreversible nature serving a 20-year prison sentence imposed by javik, Iceland. of capital punishment. the Communists in 1952. Evangelical Visitor Half Of Collegians Used "New International Bible" Church Backs End To Pot—Gallup Poll Hailed At Florida Dinner Capital Punishment In Canada . The number of college students in the U.S. Honoring Scholars The practice of capital punishment must be who have used marijuana is increasing, accord- In 1976 a new translation of the Scriptures abolished permanently, the United Church of ing to the Gallup Poll which sets the current called the "New International Bible" will Canada urged in their sessions in Saskatoon. percentage at 51 among those who have used the appear, according to sponsors of a dinner in Only a handful of the 450 delegates at the drug once. Palm Beach, Fla., to honor five scholars 25th General Council meeting of the church Only 5 percent of all college students said working on the new version. opposed the resolution, a change from meetings they tried marijuana when the Gallup college Why a new translation? Dr. Larry Poland, of 10 years earlier when the council had been drug survey was started in 1967. By 1969, the president of the Miami Christian University, almost evenly split. figure had climed to 22 percent. Between 1969 one of the hosts, said there is no single transla- A closer vote came on an amendment asking and 1970, percentage almost doubled, from 22 tion in existence which is in language that is the federal government to provide an alternative to 42 percent. understandable to today's young people yet is to capital punishment to help police maintain Latest findings showed that the great majority fine enough to be used in public worship ser- law and order. The amendment was carried. of marijuana "triers" were recent users. Of the vices, and which is faithful enough in rendering The resolution said there was no indication of 51 percent who tried marijuana, four out of five the Hebrew or the Greek into English so that any change in the number of murders during the had used the drug within the last year; three out you can rely on it alone for private Bible study. term in which capital punishment was not used. of five within the last 30 days. The latter groups Poland was one of some 40 educators and said they used the drug an average of nine times Christian business men from South Florida who a month. attended the dinner at the Palm Beach Bath and Okinawa Saturation Evangelism The survey results are based on personal Tennis Club. Campaign Pressing On interviews conducted in November and Other manuscripts have been a-preparing in An evangelistic mission to save the entire December with 1,063 college and university other parts of the world. They will all get a final million on the island of Okinawa reports that students on 57 campuses. review in Germany this summer by a 14-man 400 converts have been won. since January and central committee on translation and the New that the mission is going ahead. Testament will be published early next year. A simultaneous evangelism program carried Report Psychiatrists The Florida scholars, who have been working out by 30 churches was largely responsible for Usurping Church Role in Boca Raton, include Dr. Edwin H. Palmer, the conversions, a report in Japan Christian Mental health centers and trained psy- professor at Westminster Seminary who serves Activity News stated. chiatrists are seizing traditional church roles in as executive secretary of translation^ for the The Rev. Seijin Higa, pastor of Central American society, two psychiatrists reported at New York Bible Society which is sponsoring the Church in Naha, Okinawa, said the campaign a professional convention held in Dallas. new work; Dr. R. Laird Harris, dean and has included lay training, prayer cells, visitation, Dr. Scott H. Nelson and Dr. E. Fuller professor of Old Testament at Covenant team evangelism, and an All-Okinawa Christian Torrey, nationally known psychiatrists, told Theological Seminary; Dr. G. Henry Water- Retreat in which 1,000 people took part. colleagues present at the 125th annual meeting man, professor of New Testament at Wheaton of the American Psychiatric Association that Graduate School; and Dr. Donald Burdick, Says Candidates Reflect "Priestly," many of the qualities once attributed to rabbis, professor of New Testament at the Conservative ministers or priests by persons seeking "a Baptist Theological Seminary. "Prophetic" Tensions mediator with the unknown" are now attributed The two men seeking the U.S. Presidency to the psychiatrist. reflect long-time tensions in Christianity, "The conferring of magical qualities onto the World Vision Korean Children's according to a minister who has made a special person of the psychiatrists is such a common Choir Returning to U.S. study of the current campaigners. The Rev. Charles P. Henderson, Jr., sees occurrence that it has given rise to a whole body The popular Korean Children's Choir is being President Nixon as manifesting the personally of literature," the men said in a paper. brought to North America by World Vision focused religion, linked to revivalism and International, marking the Oriental choir's fifth Americanism. Senator George McGovern, he visit to the United States. 524.2 Billion Cigarettes Smoked says, views religious principles as standing in In U.S. Last Year Acclaimed by critics as the "world's most criticism of the nation and demanding its outstanding children's musical group," the 30- The Federal Trade Commission says reform. voice ensemble will appear in major cities in the Americans smoked 27,360,000 packs of In an interview with AP Religion Writer U.S. and Canada. cigarettes in 1971. George W. Cornell, Henderson added that Sponsoring the visit is World Vision Inter- The cost of the tobacco was $10 billion, McGovern combines the "prophetic and national, a Christian humanitarian organiza- roughly half the expense of exploring the moon. patriotic" while Nixon blends the "pious and tion. The choir will thank people of North If placed end to end, the cigarettes consumed patriotic." America who had aided needy and orphaned would stretch 29 million miles! Despite the children through the 20-year-old agency. dangers advertized, authorities say, U.S. "Old Lighthouse" Celebrates citizens in increasing numbers seem to need the nicotine tranquilizer. 95 Years On Chicago's Skid Row Clerics From Six Continents Sept. 15 is the 95th anniversary of Pacific In L.A. To Plan World Congress Garden Mission, Chicago, a haven for derelicts U.S. Justice Is Expensive, Six Christian leaders from as many con- which has never closed its doors even for a day Presbyterian Notes tinents met in Los Angeles Aug. 25 to plan an since its founding in 1877 — six years after the A spokesman for the Emergency Fund for International Congress on World Evangeliza- great Chicago fire had sent most churches to the Legal Aid of the Presbyterian Church says his tion. outskirts. agency exists because justice in the United Emphasizing ministries toward the third The mission has welcomed an estimated six States "is an expensive process." world—Asia, the congress will be convened in million people, says Superintendent Harry G. Because of that, says the Rev. Wilbur Cox, 1974 by approximately 200 leading churchmen Saulnier. In its 95th year, some 2,578 persons associate chairman for operation of the spon- from all points of the world at a site yet to be made professions of faith in Jesus Christ as soring United Presbyterian Council on Church picked. Saviour. and Race, the fund is often criticized. Evangelist Billy Graham, who was named Today the mission, serving as an example of The national legal-aid fund triggered a storm Honorary Chairman of the Congress, said more evangelical Christian social concern, ministers of protest a year ago when it offered $10,000 to than 100 have already accepted invitations to to hungry hippies, homeless women and the legal defense fund of Angela Davis, black serve on the convening committee. children, GIs and the sick and injured, as well as California militant since found innocent of "Since the Berlin Congress on Evangelism in to derelicts. murder charges. 1966," Dr. Graham said, "many church The anniversary will be officially observed at He said the furor might have been "one of the leaders—pastors, evangelists, and mis- a rally Oct. 29 at the Conrad Hilton Hotel. The most extensive adult education programs" in the sionaries—have urged that there be another speaker will be Dr. Robert A. Cook, president life of the United Presbyterian Church. World Congress on Evangelism." of The King's College. September 25,1972 "It's difficult to really love a stranger." Deny that? Then define "love." There's been a lot of strangeness and estrangement Reflections on t among us in the Christian community. Activism, bustle and noise go on . . . while is6lated, lonely people crave for understanding and the sensitivity of acceptance. For Summer of '72 many, acceptance by God has been hard to comprehend J. Wilmer Heisey since acceptance has scarcely been experienced among Executive Secretary, Board for Mission men. The General Conference Program Committee did an imaginative thing in giving the church the last year's theme, "Fellowship in the Gospel." This phrase points to mechanics and crowds of people were observed, but they something we all need. Perhaps the theme was stimulated were not as impressed by these as they were by those by the contemporary breaking out of this primitive brothers and sisters who felt deeply enough to speak what Christian grace all around. And what each of us sees this they felt was truth, in love. fellowship to be may vary considerably. The real point is that no one can deny that our attraction toward each Visitation other and our enjoyment of one another in fellowship is a God-idea. At a time when "missions" (and everything associated with that concept) is under close scrutiny, the presence of To suggest that our attraction or fellowship somehow six national church leaders and several furloughing removed all the itching and soreness being suffered by the missionaries moving throughout the church did much to body would be an overstatement. But let's not miss the put flesh and blood into the "fellowship" them of this point that "the imagination of the thoughts of our season. No one could be oblivious to the fact that hearts" is a key factor in our health. As the summer of fellowship of the brethren is not solely for the Engles, 1972 reaches the climax, don't we feel an increased desire Ginders, Brubakers, Climenhagas, Mussers, Zooks and to be healthy ... in every sense of the word? Berts . . . but is also greatly enjoyed by the Silvers, From the world perspective of the Brethren in Christ, Kumalos, Pauls, Mudendas, and Nishimuras. who pray to God in ten languages, there have been at If conversations between the brothers and sisters this least four happenings this summer that deserve note. summer were not entirely spontaneous, this should not Undoubtedly there were many other spiritual landmarks obscure the fact that, when an openness to learn which are unrecognized and unidentified here. prevailed, they were probably more sincere. Running at the mouth is not the highest form of fellowship. The very General Conference fact that this summer many of us had to work at Delegates' reports to their home congregations this expressing our love and friendship to each other was a year were woefully inadequate if they didn't pulsate with most useful exercise. Those of us who only communicate a reflection of live interest and evident concern for the in mid-American English will never quite understand the Church. It was a "feeling" conference. Delegates could amount of energy expended by our overseas represen- feel and hear the "rutching" and the "groaning" on item tatives, who allowed themselves to be exposed to the after item. More noticeable than in any other recent American church . . . largely for "our" good. How conference was the concern about issues. Actually, the many of us recognized the visitation ministry to us? moments were rare when everyone was pleased or satisfied. But the fact should not be overlooked that this Mennonite kind of wrestling dramatically demonstrates life rather than death. World Conference Some people thought we were on the wrong agenda; While only six Brethren in Christ delegates were at others thought the delegates were not listening to the Curitiba, Brazil in July, something happened there that speakers in the debate; and others thought the chair was was an important part of the summer of '72. Gathered somewhat insensitive to the needs of the conference. But from thirty countries around the world, we participated it is interesting to notice the reaction of overseas in a week of exposure to the truth that "Jesus Christ representatives to the Conference. They were much Reconciles." impressed by the willingness of our people to confront Meeting in an environment removed from the North head-on very difficult issues. Skill in management of American Anglo-Saxon Protestant sanctuaries, this con-

Evangelical Visitor Howard Landis, assistant chairman of the Mission Board and chairman of the Personnel Committee, "lived" with the group for the entire week. By his own testimony, he loved the group more at the end than at the beginning. For those missionaries who had not yet gone to the field, some of the workshop seemed "deep." For some of the veterans there was the temptation to disassociate from certain issues which, by tradition, are normally dealt with by the "intrenched missions leadership." For some there was a new awareness of how much there is to learn by people who are too near the trees to see the ference was caught up in some of the realism about the forest. pressures which come when Christians submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Those influences of our culture and environment which make us different are all subject The Missions Workshop this summer has been to the power of a Christ who removes barriers which a real advance, and should be a milestone for separate us. With a touch of the unexpected in nearly us. We can't afford to take any short cuts in our every activity, this world gathering felt the wind of the training program, as so much of our direction Spirit ... in such a way that no individual or party overseas depends on the missionary having a could dominate or control. The diversity of the disciples clear concept of priorities and best methods in who met at the Lord's table at Curitiba was a powerful missions. I hope we can continue to move reminder of the environment around the throne of the ahead in providing Church Growth Seminars, King of Kings. linguistic training, and Bible Study for all our As Burkholder, Kumalo, Mudenda, Nishimura, Paul, personnel going overseas. and Heisey dispersed in the Rio de Janeiro airport, it was Appreciation expressed by missionaries for the with a new sense of the dignity of redeemed children of special courses indicate their readiness to be God. Apart from Jesus Christ no people is really involved in such training, in order to be better attractive. But with Him, we adventure together into a servants for Christ. fuller meaning of our true relationships as brothers in —EARL MUSSER Christ. Director of Missions Overseas Missions Workshop What do missionaries need most? Sympathy? Love The underlying call throughout the summer of '72 gifts? No, they need new adventures into the meaning of seems to be for the people of God to become sensitive to the relationships that are possible through Christ. Christ's interest in and respect for all men. In the context The idea that the Christian worker who is constantly of the Brethren in Christ fellowship, this means that we giving out needs periodic opportunities to be "refilled must learn how to relate to those whom we wish to call and/or recharged" has some truth in it. But he needs "brother." Perhaps the love of Christ will take us down much more than that. Nothing is more damaging for the to where we can meet one another on the plane of true missions cause than for the missionary to become fellowship in the Gospel. "professional" in attitude. In an effort to create an environment for missionaries FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: to "loosen up" a bit, and to get some new input, this Earl Musser, director of missions overseas, speaks on the future of year's orientation was moved from Roxbury to Messiah missions. Other speakers included Wilbert Shenk (Secretary for College. Speakers with resources unique to the needs of Overseas Missions, Mennonite Board of Missions), Anthony Compolo missionaries were engaged. To further enlarge the input, (Chairman of Sociology Division, Eastern College), Paul Washington, Willie Richardson, and Raymond Jackson (Philadelphia pastors), Alden the workshop started at the Temple Campus in Long, Howard Landis, Wilmer Heisey and Glen Pierce. Philadelphia over the first weekend. Lois Jean Sider "puts something into the circle" as Dr. Landis, Results: a different kind of experience! For seven days, discussion leader for this session, watches. missionaries, speakers, and administrators worked A volleyball tournament gave opportunity for working off energy, and for . . . and played . . . becoming alive to oppor- observing the presence (or absence) of teamwork. tunities of our times. Personal and interpersonal re- Brethren from thirty countries gathered at Curitiba, Brazil, exploring lationships were brought into sharp focus as Dr. the meaning of the Conference theme, "Jesus Christ Reconciles."

/.«iP

September 25,1972 'Lovest Thou Me? Feed My Lambs''

Mary H. Hoke

After His resurrection, Jesus was Only one family remained. Of all talking with Peter — the same Peter the Christian families in the area, this who in the difficult hour had so mis- one was financially the least capable of erably denied His Lord. Most of us assuming the responsibility of caring also could think of some time when we for the child. In desperation the mis- failed . . . were ashamed . . . and sionary asked them. To her amaze- perhaps even wept bitterly. But as with ment the reply came, "Yes, we'll take Peter, Jesus came to us and asked, him." studies and I was blessed in them. "Lovest thou Me?" With our affirm- At first they gave the baby goat's Following this I worked with the ative answer He commanded us, milk, but this was expensive. Then pastor and in the Christian "Feed my lambs and feed my sheep." someone told the foster mother that hospital. Since being in Landour during the there was a medicine which would Then my summer vacation soon summer, I've thought much about cause the milk to return to her breasts. passed and now I am back at this. There a missionary inquired She purchased some and from then on Allahabad Bible Seminary. about Samuel Nand, one of the young she was able to nurse the child. Her One wonders what would have hap- men in my second year English class. love caused her to feed this "little pened if that poor Christian family Then she told me this story. lamb" and to continue caring for him, would have refused to accept and to even after her husband died when the feed that little lamb? One morning, very early, a man boy was only nine years old. arrived at the missionary's door carry- Today Samuel, though a student, is ing a basket on his head. This was not himself "feeding Christ's lambs and unusual, since the fruit and vegetable sheep." I discovered this when reading sellers came early with their baskets a paper he wrote as part of English Another Chance on their heads as well. As she was class assignment. To Serve telling him that she did not wish to buy anything, the man placed the basket During the summer vacation I "This is the Rhodesia Broad- on the ground in front of her and went to my home to work. The casting Corporation. The time is 5 removed the grimy cloth covering it. leader had a program to go out and minutes past 7:00." To her amazement, beneath the cloth preaah God's word in the villages. I "Bulawayo—Two men of was a scrawny baby boy, about two was one of the eight members of the were brought into Bulawayo Cen- weeks old. team. We had a seven day camp tral Hospital in serious condition, "Please, Memsahib, will you please and sold Christian literature. but no longer on the critical list. take my baby son? His mother died a A t Surgujia, I taught the children They were transferred from Fatima week ago and he too will die. I'm a in DVBS for fifteen days. It was an Mission Hospital near Lupane on poor man and can't buy milk to feed under-privileged area, but good the Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road. him." people. I like them. The men owe their lives to vol- The missionary looked at the weak I got a chance to go to my real unteer blood donors stopped along little form and answered, "We have no father's home to stay for seven days the road." orphanage here." and had a good time. [His father is The names of the donors were not "But Memsahib," he entreated, still a Hindu]. announced on the radio, but in- "my son will die. Can't you find Then again, with a Yoetmal cluded were Ray Shelly and Merle someone that will take him and feed Seminary student, I went and Musser, VSers at Macha Mission. him so that he can live?" taught in another Vacation Bible They were returning from a long His pleading caused the missionary School. There were forty-four weekend in Bulawayo when they to go from one Christian home to the students. Twenty-five of them were were stopped by Catholic nuns next, inquiring if anyone was willing to from non-Christian homes. It was flagging down passersby, pleading take the baby. But each family had a not a good place, and I don't know for blood. Providentially, both similar answer, "We have all that we why the parents allowed the fellows were universal donors. can manage." children to come. This is really a There's more than one way to reason to give thanks to God. serve. As I am preparing to be a Chris- tian minister, I was invited to at- —Edith Miller The writer with her husband are teaching at the tend the Pastors' Meeting in my Macha Mission Allahabad Bible Seminary, Allahabad, India. Church. There we had good Bible 10 Evangelical Visitor Homecoming—Nov. 4. The date for Homecoming at Messiah College has been set for Saturday, November 4. The change from the usual October date should be noted. On Saturday evening the Alumni Banquet will be followed by a concert by college music groups. Additional music will be given by three alumni: Loine Bert, John Eaken, and Richard Evangelism Includes Crist. On the same day the dedication of the new Jacob F. Eisenhower Campus Center will take place. Mrs. Mamie Doud Eisenhower plans to be present for the dedication ceremony. The newly constructed covered bridge will also be Fellowship dedicated.

H. N. Hostetter Conference News

ALLEGHENY T^HE newcomer says, "I do not people. Many churches including ours CONFERENCE A know many people." The long have wrestled with this problem. The Martinsburg, W.M.P.C. sponsored an time attendent says, "I do not know One attempt at solving this problem evening of informal fellowship for Mrs. Samp- these new people." which has proved to be a great son Mudenda. The Home Builders class held a The evangelism of the early church blessing has been a monthly wedding weiner roast at the home of the pastor, Rev. took people into their circles of social anniversary or if the member is not Robert Keller, on Aug. 4. Five persons from the fellowship as well as spiritual fellow- married, a birthday anniversary congregation traveled to Kingston, Pa. to help in the flood clean up. The annual Sunday School ship very early and very rapidly. Peo- fellowship. The group includes the picnic was held at Martinsburg Memorial Park ple in sixteen regions heard the gospel above college age adults of the con- on Sat. evening, Aug. 19. on the day of Pentecost and there im- gregation. No games, no highly mediately followed the baptism of the organized fellowship, just visiting and On Aug. 20, Rev. Arnold Vander Mulen of Pacific Garden Mission, spoke during the Sun- multitude and the breaking of bread getting acquainted. One interesting day school hour at the Montgomery Church. from house to house. Maybe this was subject of each meeting has been how Two young people from the congregation went the easy path, for the opposition of the the romances began. Without excep- into special service this summer. Miss Erma gospel was such that the individual tion, after nine months it is being Hess took up her duties as a registered nurse at either chose to go with God's people or spoken of with appreciation. This one the Navajo Mission, Farmington, N. M. on July not to be a Christian. and one half hour to two hours social 1. Eddie Myers has left for a two-year term of Today some of our evangelism sets fellowship plus a snack has done Christian Voluntary Service at Montreal Lake out to make converts and then lets something for our adults that Sunday Children's Camp in Canada. At the mid-week them remain in the circles of their old school classes and other meetings have service, Kenneth Engle, assistant pastor at not been able to do. It has been Hollowell, shared in word, sound, and pictures, friends. Even worse, we make it his experiences as a delegate at Explo '72. Rev. difficult for them to make new friends instrumental in mixing the senior Paul Hess is pastor at Montgomery. and acquaintances. The clannishness members and the younger adults in a of many churches has developed tight very satisfactory manner. circles that do not readily absorb We are planning another step ATLANTIC CONFERENCE during the next year that we hope will mix our senior and younger adults in The Youth Fellowship of Silverdale Church total for the year, rather than just on a sponsored a gospel concert featuring "The The write is pastor of the Manor congregation, Gospel Travelers" and "The Ridge Valley near Columbia, Pennsylvania. monthly basis. Singers," on July 23. The proceeds went to help pay for the piano the Youth Fellowship has presented to the congregation. Rev. Fred Geib is the pastor. The Skyline View Church held a radio rally on Sept. 10. The program featured most of the staff Registration will begin the day's activities at on the radio broadcast, "The Gospel Tide 10:30 a.m. Information sessions will follow, in Hour." The choir, under the direction of Nelson which visitors will meet with college personnel Byers, other musicians and the Gospel Tide Church News for questions and answers. Hour speaker, Bishop C. B. Byers, were present. "A Day at Messiah," a program designed to give insight into a typical day experienced by a The Inner City Mission team shared in the College Messiah College student, will precede the noon evening worship service at Souderton, church on meal with professors from various disciplines. Aug. 27. This team is from Messiah Temple Senior College Day—Oct. 14 In the afternoon Messiah students will con- Campus and is composed of students enrolled in Senior College Day at Messiah College has duct tours of the campus, after which the a course, "Models of Christian Ministries in the been set for Saturday, October 14. Mr. Paul Messiah soccer team will meet Rutgers College City." The team included blacks and whites. Snyder, Director of Admissions, has announced of South Jersey on the home field. The pastor is Rev. John A. Byers. plans for a day on which high school seniors, Deadline for registration for College Day is Mr. and Mrs. Elmer M. Books observed their parents, guidance counselors, pastors, and October 7. 50th wedding anniversary on May 18. A family youth directors are invited to become ac- For more information write or call: Mr. Paul dinner was held that evening in their honor. The quainted with the campus and program at Snyder, Director of Admissions, Messiah Messiah. College, Grantham, Pa. 17027 to page fourteen

September 25,1972 // there is an ever increasing number of Sunday School persons whose work schedule does not permit them to attend on Sunday morning. They have needs and the Sunday school has something to offer them. Why not start an extension class? It can meet anytime at any place. If you do, you will increase your ministry and also your attendance. The Sunday school office has informa- tion as to how extension classes func- tion. Why not write and ask them about it? History plus our own experience UTSTORY is yesterday's teaches us that the Sunday school has *• ^-newspaper. What has taken place many functions. It is not only flexible is over and done. It cannot be The in the form it takes, but it also per- changed, but it can be used to gain forms many ministries. insights that will guide us in our The Sunday school is still involved present activities. in evangelism. True, it is receiving Sunday school has had a long much needed help from lay- history. It was back in 1780 that Multi-Pur pose evangelism, but the Sunday school will Robert Raikes is credited with being continue to reach persons for Christ. the founder of Sunday school. That The Sunday school also serves as an gives us a lot of years from which to aid in nurture. With an increase in dis- observe and gain insights. cussion and group involvement there is In reading about the beginning of Program a greater opportunity for personal Sunday school it becomes evident that growth. One church conducts a class it began with a purpose. Sunday for new believers where they can deal school began because of a definite with the most fundamental issues of need. Raikes did not conduct a Sun- the Christian life. day school because there had always The Sunday school provides been one. Nor was it due to denomi- assistance to the individual, the family national urging. He saw children, on and the church. The individual benefits their one free day from work, engaged John A. Byers as the learning is related to each in degrading activities such as street person's daily living. A two year old fighting. He realized these children girl has been attending Sunday school needed to learn about the Bible and for six months. Her parents say she moral values. So he began Sunday now prays every night at bedtime and school. is a different person. Some teacher Sunday school still needs to be was aware of her as an individual. concerned with meeting people's Here is one way to help meet the needs This also shows the value of the needs. Just what are the needs of of people. There are many booklets Sunday school to the home. Such persons attending your Sunday now being published which lend them- benefits do not happen automatically. school? It is pretty certain they are not selves to discussion of various topics The Sunday school must contact and needing something to do. Activities and encourage group participation. work with the home. Parent-teacher are in abundance. However, the per- Our own Heritage Series with Adven- sessions and home visitation are im- sons of your school do have needs and ture in Discipleship is an example of portant. are interested in being helped. Take a this type of curriculum. The church is also a benefactor of sheet of paper and write down what Good curriculum is not enough. the ministry of the Sunday school. you feel your own needs are. Then see There need to be well trained Along with the work of evangelism the if you can list some of the "felt needs" teachers. It is imperative that teachers Sunday school is a training ground for of others. They will not all be the are able to communicate the message. leaders and a recruitment for new same. Certainly they are not the same An excellent article regarding members. as when Raikes began, but Sunday teachers' training appeared on this The evidence proves that the Sun- school can meet these needs. Does page of the June 25th issue of the day school is adaptable. Then why is yours offer an opportunity for these Evangelical Visitor. If you have not the Sunday school struggling? Perhaps concerns to be explored and dis- read it, dig out your copy and read we can learn another lesson from cussed? "Toward Better Teaching." Clarence Robert Raikes. He was innovative and One way the Sunday school can Benson says that one necessary factor creative, but he also believed in what speak to these concerns is through its in a successful training program is he was doing. He realized the potential curriculum. Curriculum has always "the simplicity of its requirements." of his Sunday school and was willing been a concern of the Sunday school The above article speaks of RELAY to work to make it effective. with its focus on various aspects. which is simple, practical and helpful. Although Sunday school has gone Right now the emphasis is on the Another note of interest about through some changes its potential subjects available for class usage. Raike's Sunday school is that he and value still remain. The question is conducted it on Sunday because that do we believe enough in the Sunday The writer is secretary of the denomination's was the day the children could attend. school to do what is necessary for it to Board of Christian Education and pastor of the We do not suggest a discontinuing of fulfill its multi-purposed ministry in Souderton congregation. Sunday school on Sunday. However, the life of the church. 12 Evangelical Visitor PASSAGE: Jesus and the Woman at the We// St. John 4:5-15

If Jesus were living today how might he travel? Where might he stop to USE YOUR rest or eat? IMAGINATION: Who are the Samaritans in our society? And where is Sychar in our communities? Does this woman live in our neighborhoods? Where might Jesus meet her? What might he ask her to give him? How might he talk to her? Get the idea? Incidentally, don't be too concerned about the phrase: ". . . near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son, Joseph."

Accuracy in interpreting the meaning of the passage. WILL BE 1 Effectiveness in rewriting the passage using a present day setting and JUDGED ON: 2 contemporary language. 3 Originality and creativity. a Grammatical construction. All Brethren in Christ youth groups are eligible and are urged to INSTRUC- 1 participate. TIONS: Involve your entire group — discuss the whole passage together; then (Read carefu//y) break into small teams. To develop ideas, bring the results together and 2 smooth it out. You may need several sessions. 3 Type or write your completed paraphrase on the entry blank on the back of this sheet. 4 Mail to your Regional Paraphrase Director listed below. 5 Entries must be postmarked by November 15,1972.

REGIONAL PARAPHRASE DIRECTORS

Allegheny Atlantic Canadian Rev. Eugene Heidler Rev. Jesse Dourte Mrs. Mary Fretz R. 2, Box 151 R. 2, Box 315 Quarry Road Mifflintown, Pa. 17059 Manheim, Pa. 17545 Beamsville, Ontario Central Midwest Pacific Rev. Eugene Wingert Rev. Henry Landis Mr. Curtis Byer P.O. Box 127 706 W. Orient 1028 W. 13th St. Nappanee, Ind. 46550 Thomas, Ok. 73669 Up/and, Calif. 91786

THIS COIMTEST SPONSORED BY: BOARD OFCHR/ST/AN EDUCAT/ON Brethren in Christ Church

13

September 25, 1972 CHURCH NEWS PACIFIC CONFERENCE Nix: Michael Andres, born June 29 to Mr. from page eleven and Mrs. Herbert Nix, Mt. Pleasant congrega- The youth of the Ontario congregation held a tion, Pa. following Sunday, May 21, an open house social banquet on Saturday evening, Sept. 2, at the Reily: Dixie Lee, born Aug. 4 to Mr. and was held in the fellowship room of the Fairland Upland Church. They had for their speaker, Dr. Mrs. Billie Reily, Carlisle congregation, Pa. Dave Breese, who is former director of Greater Brethren in Christ Church. Scott: Tessa Lyn, born Aug. 7 to Mr. and Mrs. Books is the former Carrie A. Light, Chicagoland Youth for Christ. The pastor of Ontario is Rev. Aaron Stern. Mrs. Raymond Scott, Cross Roads congrega- daughter of Menno and Elizabeth Light. He is tion, Pa. the son of Rev. Jacob and Leah Books. They are member's of the Fairland Brethren in Sider: Bradley Allen, born July 2 to Mr. and Christ Church where Mr. Books is a retired Mrs. Ralph Sider, Wainfleet congregation. Smeltz: Rebecca Ann, born Aug. 6 to Mr. Mennonite and Mrs. Edmond Smeltz, Free Grace con- Central Committee gregation, Pa. Stone: Cathy Lyn, born Aug. 8 to Mr. and MDS Totals 37,000 Volunteer Mrs. William Stone, Carlisle congregation, Pa. Days in Agnes Cleanup Mennonite Disaster Service coordinators and Tarasi: Lee Ann, born Aug. 16 to Mr. and directors have logged 37,000 MDS volunteer Mrs. Joe Tarasi, Skyline View congregation, days in Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Penn- Pa. sylvania, and New York following Hurricane Walters: Karen Marie, born July 26 to Dr. Agnes. and Mrs. Charles A. Walters, Navajo Mission, The largest MDS operation was in Penn- Bloomfield, N. M. sylvania which was hardest hit by the storm, and deacon, having served the congregation in this where the largest settlements of Mennonites and Wolgemuth: Roger Allen, born Aug. 10 to office for 20 years. He has been a teacher in the Brethren in Christ are found. A total of 24,485 Dr. and Mrs. John M. Wolgemuth, Lancaster Sunday school for many years. volunteer days were invested in the state. Crews congregation, Pa. Their family consists of a daughter, Gladys, worked out of seven centers and into 16 general wife of Wilmer Lehman, Carlisle; two sons, areas at the height of the operation. Wilkes Curtis and Elmer L., both of Cleona, and nine Barre and the Wyoming Valley area, where WEDDINGS grandchildren. A daughter, Irma Mellinger, is approximately 11,000 volunteer days were in- deceased. vested, suffered the greatest damage. Stinson-McDonald: Patricia, daughter of Mr. Harrisburg and other nearby towns suffered and Mrs. Arlo McDonald, and James, son of next and received approximately 6,500 MDS Mr. and Mrs. Dale Stinson, both of Waynes- CANADIAN CONFERENCE volunteer days. boro, Pa., Aug. 4 in the Hollowell Church with Region I director, LandisHershey, announces Rev. P. W. McBeth and Rev. Kenneth Engle The Wainfleet congregation held a Kid's that repair operations are now continuing in six officiating. Krusade this summer instead of the regular locations. Four more projects should be Bible School. Misses Ruth Groh and Harriet operating in the next several months prior to the Mininger-Light: Kathy, daughter of Mr. and Wallace from the Children's Bible Mission of November chills and December snows. Projects Mrs. Carl Light, Souderton, Pa., and Brian, Canada, were the leaders. The total enrollment are being planned to help the elderly and the son of Mr. and Mrs. Mininger, Sellersville, was 92; Bible verses memorized were 63; and 24 minimal income families secure their homes by Pa., July 29 in the Silverdale Church with Rev. decisions for Christ were made. The right of general repairs of doors and windows. MDSers Fred Geib officiating. baptism was given to 12 and 11 were taken into also help improve safety by repairing steps, church membership. Rev. Ronald Lofthouse is porches, and floors. the pastor. OBITUARIES Kratzer: Irene F. Kratzer, born Feb. 16, 1923, in Bucks County, Pa., died June 13, 1972, in CENTRAL CONFERENCE BIRTHS Sellersville, Pa. She is survived by her husband, i Bream: Daniel Alan, born Aug. 15 to Mr. and James, and four children. The funeral service Mrs. Marvin Bream, Waynesboro congrega- was held at the Silverdale Church with Rev. tion, Pa. Fred Geib officiating. Interment was in the Chestnut Hill Cemetery. Carbaugh: Michael Shane, born July 26 to Mr. and Mrs. Amos Carbaugh, Montgomery Martin: Jacob Z. Martin, 61, of congregation. Elizabethtown, Pa., died Aug. 17, 1972, at Union Hospital, Elkton, Md. He was born in Flowers: Bradley Scott, born Aug. 4 to Mr. West Donegal Twp., Pa., and was the son of and Mrs. Bradley Flowers, Elizabethtown, Pa. Abner and Fannie Zercher Martin. He is sur- Forbes: Jay Harold, born July 8 to Mr. and vived by his wife, Mary E. Wolgemuth Martin Mrs. Charles P. Forbes, Star Lake, Wis. and five children: Mrs. Henry B. Hess; Carl W.; Roy W.; Mrs. Harry K. Alwine; and Mrs. Hostetter: Brian Clifford, born July 14 to Mr. Rodney E. Miller. He is also survived by one On Sept. 4, 1972 Rev. & Mrs. Joseph and Mrs. James Hostetter, Cross Roads con- sister; one brother; a step-sister; and nine VanderVeer celebrated their sixtieth wedding gregation, Pa. grandchildren. He was a member of the Conoy anniversary. They have given a life time of Hummel: George Steven, born Aug. 15 to Brethren in Christ Church, Elizabethtown. service to the Brethren in Christ Church, serving Mr. and Mrs. George Hummel, Cross Roads as pastor, evangelist, mission workers, and Miller: Ira E. Miller, 77, died July 31, 1972, congregation, Pa. builder. at his home in Des Moines, Iowa. On April 21, Presently Sister VanderVeer is in a rest home Jackson: Robert William, born July 25 to 1972, he was married to Vivian Miller who at Alpena, Michigan, and Brother VanderVeer Mr. and Mrs. James Jackson, Wainfleet con- survives. He is also survived by two sons: is in their home at nearby Hillman, Michigan. gregation. Kenneth, and Eldon; one daughter, Mrs. Gladys Batten; and two stepsons, Ronald and Rodney Mummau: Keith Allen, born July 8 to Mr. The Phoneton congregation held a special Miller. He is also survived by two brothers; nine and Mrs. Clair Mummau, Mt. Pleasant con- dedication service for the Junior Church piano grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. The gregation, Pa. on Aug. 13. Hymns were sung by boys and girls funeral service was held at Dunn's Funeral of the Junior Church. Rev. Elam Dohner is the Negley: Jesse Phillip, born July 19 to Mr. and Home, Des Moines, with Rev. Robert Bushnell pastor. Mrs. Jesse Negley, Silverdale congregation, Pa. officiating. 14 Evangelical Visitor Henry H. Brubaker Missionary * Christian Gentleman * Church Statesman 1900-1972

Henry H. Brubaker was born July 21, 1900, —as General Conference Secretary 1953- significant. Thank God for giving him to us for at Mechanicsburg, Penna., the son of Henry B. 1963 such a long time. and Annie Heisey Brubaker. He departed this —as Chairman of the originad Bishop's Earl Musser life August 20, 1972, at Upland, Calif. He is Nominating Committee of 1957 and again Brethren in Christ Missions survived by his wife and two children, Ronald B. in 1962. and Mrs. Lee (Edna) Schroeder. A brother —and as a member of the Ministerial Creden- He was in every respect a Christian Mervin B. of Mechancisburg, Pa. and seven tials Board and later the Publication Board gentleman and statesman. His administrative grandchildren also survive. from which he retired at the recent General duties were carried out with dispatch and While attending Messiah College in January, Conference. meticulous care. His counsel was sought and 1919, in a meeting conducted by Bishop J. R. Funeral services were held at the Upland respected. He made a valuable contribution on Zook, he accepted Christ as his Savior. He also Brethren in Christ Church, August 23, with each board and committee on which he served. realized then the early impressions which cul- Rev. Alvin C. Burkholder, Dr. Arthur The church, both at home and abroad, is in minated in the call of the Lord to missionary Climenhaga, Rev. Henry Miller and Bishop debt to his unselfish ministry. He always per- and church service. He completed his Biblical Donald Shafer officiating. Entombment at the formed with humility and dignity. training at Messiah in 1922, was ordained in Bellevue Mausoleum, Ontario, Calif. Personally, I greatly admired him as a Chris- June, and left for Rhodesia, Africa, in August of tian brother and fellow laborer in the work of the same year. the Lord. During his first term of missionary service he and Grace Book were united in marriage at Charlie B. Byers Mtshabezi Mission, Rhodesia, June 3, 1926. Moderator, General Conference Their two children, Ronald and Edna, were born Chairman, Board of Bishops in Rhodesia. Brethren in Christ Church His missionary career covered a span of twenty-nine years from 1922 to March, 1951. TRIBUTES The church is the richer for Brother During this time . . . Brubaker's services to the General Conference —he served on the Matopo and Mtshabezi following terms of labor in the Rhodesias. His Mission staffs in his first term years of ministry as General Conference Among tributes received were those from the —he was appointed as general superintendent Secretary during crucial years in the develop- Moderator of the General Conference, the to succeed the late Bishop H. P. ment of General Conference structure, were General Conference Secretary, the Board for Steigerwald — June, 1929 characterized by efficiency and dignity. As the Missions, the Canadian Conference, the Messiah —he was ordained as Bishop for the African first secretary of the Board of Administration Home, and the Publication Board. Excerpts church while on furlough in 1932 and chairman, secretary, or member of from several tributes follow: —he served as president of the inter- countless committees our brother has left an denominational Rhodesia Missionary Brother Brubaker has been one of our indelible mark upon the church for good. Since Conference for six years and on its ex- church's most distinguished and esteemed mis- then his membership on other agencies of the ecutive for twelve years sionary statesmen and himself a missionary in General Conference, particularly the Publica- —he acted as the church's representative on the most dedicated sense of the word. He began tion Board, has been a blessing to the church. the government Advisory Board for missionary service in Africa in 1922 at 22 years He ever brought to the situations in which he African Education of age. His outstanding gift for wise and com- ministered the quiet confidence of a deep rooted Also while home on an extended furlough due passionate leadership were soon recognized. faith in God. His witness and counsels among us to war conditions in the early 1940's Bishop Thus early in his missionary career the respon- will be missed. Brubaker served as General Conference sibility of giving spiritual and administrative Now our brother has completed his labors. Moderator in 1942, and as Director of a Civilian leadership to our African mission and church Our Lord and Savior, whom he loved and Public Service Camp in Northern California. was placed upon him. In 1932 he was ordained served, has called His servant home. We as the Following retirement from overseas mission- Bishop and served in this capacity until 1951 church-at-large sorrow, but not as those who ary service, Bishop Brubaker entered an active when he retired from service on the field. have no hope. Whether among the dead in program of church service in North America. Brother Brubaker's selfless devotion and the Christ or among those who are alive and remain —as President of Niagara Christian College dignity which graced his service and the love and we anticipate reunion with him among the 1953-1958 loyalty of those who worked with him bear ransomed of the Lord. —as Superintendent of Messiah Home 1958- testimony to the stature of a great man of God Owen H. Alderfer 1965 who's contribution to the Kingdom of God is General Conference Secretary September 25,1972 15 There should be those characteristics of the convert that we associate with life. The church is not only, an Editorial evangelizing community it is a discerning community and it needs to ask with evangelistic concern: Is there evidence that something supernatural has happened in the life of the one responding to the evangelistic witness that permits us to receive him into the community of faith? The ministry of the Holy Spirit is not complete with conversion. He is active in Christian growth and maturi- ty. But just as he works through and in and along side of the church in evangelism so also He works in and through and with the church in growth. The Christian graces of love, faith, patience, meekness, steadfastness are not gifts of the Spirit, they are fruit. And as fruit they are the result of care, food, and time. They are the natural and expected outcome of a new life but not immediate nor automatic. This may all seem elemental — the need of the Spirit in conversion and in maturity. But I suspect that what really happens is that we depend more upon the Holy Spirit's role in maturity than is warranted and do not depend enough upon His role in conversion. If our evangelism is to be effective — reaching that increasing segment of our society who have had little contact with the church or Christian teaching — we will need to depend more upon the Spirit to do His work of conversion and at the same time to take more seriously the church's responsibility in bringing these pagan con- "LJ ISTORIANS may well refer to the 70's as the verts to maturity. Decade of Evangelism. There was Probe and there We must discard the common assumption that the was Explo '72. There will be Key '73, with another world Holy Spirit will alone through the Scriptures lead a new congress on evangelism planned for '74. convert to maturity. The corollary to that assumption is As a denomination we are a part of this because that we do violence to the role of the Spirit when the evangelism is a part of us. It is in our theology and our church attempts to interpret the Bible and to go from history. It is on our minutes and on our agenda. We are principle to practice. committed to having a part in calling our continent and The ultimate result of this kind of thinking is a our communities to Christ. reluctance to deal with issues of every day living — In all of this we do well to recall that it is not by might ethics, morality, stewardship, separation and disciple- nor by power but by the Spirit.of God. We need to be ship — within the concept of the Christian community. alert to the temptation that if our presentation is logical As a result one finds a "Corinthian Church" — long on and biblical; if we proclaim it often enough and with experience but "babes" when it comes to their Christian sufficient relevance we can do that which will result in a growth. We will have a kind of permissiveness in the person's conversion. church which we deplore in society. The church's pur- It is the Holy Spirit that convicts of sin and of ported reliance on the Holy Spirit to lead individual righteousness and of judgment. It is the Spirit that Christians unto maturity too often is a pious way for the enlightens and frees. This should be of real satisfaction to church to renege on her own duty. The result of this is those who take evangelism seriously. We may press the that each interprets the Bible in his own way and "each claims of Christ; point out the tragedy of refusal; and does that which is right in his own eyes." stress the need of a personal response but when all is said As a church we have prepared ourselves to be a part of and done unless the Spirit of God breathes upon the a new emphasis on evangelism. We have written it into waters they will not be troubled nor will they be calmed. our programs. We have subjected our membership We, as well, need to depend upon the Holy Spirit not standards to the plumbline of Scripture so that we are only to convict but to convert. We of course know we prepared to receive members into our fellowship on the cannot do this. We teach and preach that a person cannot basis of new life rather than maturity. In this we are New do this of himself. We see this supernatural change as one Testament. of the crucial and unique characteristics of the Christian We need to be New Testament in our dependence upon faith. It is the "new heart" of Jeremiah's prophecy. It is the Holy Spirit in conversion and we need to be New the baptism by the Holy Spirit and fire that John the Testament in our understanding of the responsibility of Baptist foretold. It is the new birth that Jesus tried to the church in maturation. explain to Nicodemus. If this is our pattern there are great days ahead. If we If we take seriously the supernatural aspect of conver- reverse the emphasis our great days may well be behind sion we have a right to see evidence of new life. We us. should not expect maturity but we should expect vitality.

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