www.TheMennonite.org September 6, 2005

Page 8 12 The crisis in church Web site design 14 Mercy, not retribution 18 When is a rock concert just a rock concert? 32 In the elements GRACE AND TRUTH

Jesus, the only hope in the storm

here are times for individuals, families, com- such as Sept. 11, 2001, urban and worldwide vio- munities (faith and geographic) and nations lence with disregard for the sanctity life, as well as T when the focus needs to be narrowed. This increased polarization and division in the church of narrowing may be necessary in some cases for sur- Jesus Christ—even the peace churches. However, vival. In other cases it is necessary for continuance there is hope and good news from on high. of life, as it is known. For the ancient Israelites the In Isaiah 59:19 it is written, “For he will come failure to focus on and follow God’s instructions led like a pent-up stream that the wind of the Lord to 40 years of wandering. Later the people of Israel drives on.” In Matthew 17:5 and Mark 9:7 it is again ignored the prophetic calls for focus and fol- indicated that God spoke and said, “This is my Son, low-through on God’s instruction and were exiled the Beloved; with him I am well please; listen to from the land. For the leaders and people of him!” Jerusalem at the time of the ministry of Jesus, the In light of the above, isn’t it reasonable to say failure to focus and accept his message and offer of that the Lord Jesus and his words make up the peace led to Jerusalem’s destruction and another standard that needs to be lifted up by the Spirit of time of exile from the land. the Lord through those who call him Lord? Isn’t it Elaine Bryant is pastor of The current casting off of personal or social also reasonable to say that two commands or say- Englewood moral values on the left and right, respectively, mir- ings from him are keys for moving effectively Mennonite rors the time when Jesus lived and was crucified, toward justice with shalom and de-escalation of ver- Church in as well as the times of the pre-exile prophets. The bal and physical violence in the church and Chicago. biblical examples of consequences for failure to beyond? Those sayings are the Golden Rule heed prophetic warnings point to the possibility (Matthew 7:12) and the “new commandment” of that life- and well-being-threatening consequences John 13:34. Verbalization, attitudes and deeds could continue and escalate. inside and outside the church need to reflect those In light of the claims of the Bible—especially the two commands from the Lord. Gospels and the prophetic words about the Lord Tom Beutel, chair of the peace and justice com- Jesus being the One to hear and heed—there mittee of Gilead Mennonite Church in Chesterville, needs to be a narrowing or Ohio, wrote thoughts like those above in an Aug. increase of focus on the Lord 16 article in Peace Signs: “This idea of ‘beginning in The enemy has come into our Jesus and his words. According the church’ has been growing on me for some time. to Matthew 7:24-25, the Lord … The world is a mess. Humanity is fallen, broken, time in history like a flood. himself said, “Everyone then who [and] in need of redemption. But in many ways, so hears these words of mine and is the church! … we must strive, [as] led by the acts on them will be like a wise Spirit, to obey everything” the Lord has command- man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the ed. “By doing so, God will be glorified and our wit- floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that ness will have integrity.” house, but it did not fall, because it had been found- If ever there was a time for more intentionality ed on rock.” about narrowing the focus to Jesus and following Brothers and sisters, these are stormy times, through on his words, this is it. Words from a song indeed. The enemy has come into our time in histo- by Fernando Ortega give the reason: “Jesus! … ry like a flood. Consider events and manifestations The only hope in the storm.” TM

TheMennonite Vol. 8, No. 17, September 6, 2005 The Mennonite is the official publication of Mennonite Church USA. Our mission is to help readers glorify God, grow in faith and become agents of Editor: Everett J. Thomas Offices: healing and hope in the world. The Mennonite (ISSN 1522-7766) is normal- [email protected] 1700 S. Main St. ly published on the first and third Tuesdays of each month by the board Goshen, IN 46526-4794 for The Mennonite, Inc. Periodical postage paid at Scottdale, PA 15683- Associate Editor: Gordon Houser 1999. Canada Post international publications mail sales agreement no. [email protected] phone: 800-790-2498 fax: 574-535-6050 40033185, GST no. R122192453. Subscription rates: $41.95 (U.S.) per year. Advertising Coordinator: Kristene Miller Group rates available. Scripture references are from the New Revised [email protected] Standard Version unless otherwise noted. The views expressed in this pub- Circulation Manager: Rebecca Helmuth 722 Main St., P.O. Box 347 Newton, KS 67114 lication do not necessarily represent the official positions of Mennonite [email protected] phone: 866-866-2872 Church USA, The Mennonite, or the board for The Mennonite, Inc. Editorial Assistant: Nora Miller fax: 316-283-0454 Design: Dee Birkey Postmaster Send form 3579 to: Cover and page 8: images, iStockphoto; photo Web site The Mennonite illustration, Dee Birkey www.TheMennonite.org 1700 S. Main St. Goshen, IN 46526

2 TheMennonite September 6,2005 CONTENTS

7

6 8 Crossing borders Stories of crossing spiritual, economic, linguistic, cultural and national borders—Lisa Weaver

12 The crisis in church Web site design How congregations can improve their Web site design—David Gillaspey

14 Mercy, not retribution Salvation of and in the Old Testament—Ted Grimsrud 21 19 Anniversary service brings reconciliation ‘Momentous healing’ leaves Brazilian Mennonite church leaders rejoicing.—Lynda Hollinger-Janzen

20 Mennonite chaplain in prison ministry —Brian Schlabach

21 MCC ends 33-year program in Philippines —Earl Martin

22 Partners to create online encyclopedia —Sam Steiner

23 Panel reviews Lutheran condemnations 15 DEPARTMENTS

2 Grace and truth Jesus, the only hope in the storm—Elaine Bryant

4 Readers say

6 News digest

18 Speaking out When is a rock concert just a rock concert?—Alan Stucky

24 For the record

29 Resources

30 ACHE Medical malpractice litigation—Joseph Kotva and Timothy Jost

32 Editorial In the elements—Gordon Houser

September 6,2005 TheMennonite 3 READERS SAY

Speaking to government our congregations members who have diverse call- I agree with John D. Roth (“A Deep Pastoral ings as to what constitutes faithful witness to Jesus Concern,” Aug. 9) that we as the church have Christ. allowed politics to drive us into division. I also If the current discussion continues as is, some agree with J. Daryl Byler (“Why Mennonite who have been gifted with a potent sense of Church USA Should Speak to Government,” Aug. urgency to be actively involved in larger peace and This publication wel- 9) that we need to be a voice for those who have no justice issues may rightly feel frustrated and comes your letters, either about our con- choice. However, for a people who like to herald a squelched by a churchwide call for a moratorium tent or about issues third way, I fail to see a third way reflected in either on political affiliations. Others—with valid pastoral facing the Mennonite Church USA. Please of these proposals for political involvement. concerns and a more local awareness—may feel keep your letters I propose a third way of relating to political pressured and intimidated by the sheer loftiness brief—one or two paragraphs—and issues. Why don’t we as Mennonites sign a letter of and moral power of a churchwide call to prophetic about one subject petition to Osama Bin Laden, Al Qaeda, Zarqawi statements and actions. What if the church could only. We reserve the right to edit for and anyone else who our country labels as ene- frame these discussions along the lines of “Menno- length and clarity. mies. This letter would express our desire to not nites may or can … (fill in perspective),” rather Publication is also subject to space limi- view them as enemies, let them know of our than “should”? Both prophetic and pastoral gifts are tations. Send to prayers for them and seek to open a dialogue to from God and are needed among us and through Letters@TheMenno- nite.org or mail to understand more clearly their hatred toward us. us to the world.—Randy Good, Taftsville, Vt. Readers Say, The This would be a step of faith with risks as we Mennonite, 1700 S. Main St., Goshen, IN would have no idea of the outcomes. As a people I agree with J. Daryl Byler that Mennonites should 46526-4794. Please who believe we are called to love our enemies and speak to government. I am uneasy with John Roth’s include your name and address. We will be ministers of reconciliation, can’t we agree that proposal of a five-year sabbatical from politics. I not print letters sent this is what we’re called to do, regardless of respect Roth and his concern about the deep politi- anonymously, though we may withhold whether we’re political or apolitical?—David Powell, cal divisions within the church, but if unity is names at our discre- Waynesboro, Va. bought at the expense of silencing prophetic voic- tion.—Editors es, that is too high a price. Two major perspectives—as typified by J. Daryl Many in the United States are rightly disturbed Byler (prophetic) and John D. Roth (pastoral) in at the relative silence of Islamic clerics in the face the Aug. 9 issue—can leave the impression that of suicide bombings by fellow Islamists. But as individual members of Mennonite Church USA Christians, we should be more concerned at the should ascribe to one course of action or the other. silence of Christian leaders while our nation pur- Both perspectives use similar language: Menno- sues its aggressive, militaristic agenda. Our govern- nites should … (fill in point of view). It’s as if the mental leaders would love a five-year period of church is trying to decide if it should be primarily political silence from those Americans who believe prophetic or pastoral. I don’t believe this can hap- war is not an acceptable response to terrorism. We pen. If our current emphasis on being missional is would be failing them and ourselves if we backed at all successful, we will continue to welcome into off at this critical time.—Abraham K. Gehman, Bally, Pa. IN THIS ISSUE I am troubled by John Roth’s advice (“A Deep pinions attract great attention. Annual readers’ surveys tell Pastoral Concern,” Aug. 9) to leave politics for five us that the editorial and these two pages are the most-read years. Such a plan seems to put the interests of the O sections. But there are other opinions in this issue as well. church ahead of our task to preach the gospel. David Gillaspey (page 12) opines that “most church Web sites When Jesus defines his ministry as bringing are poorly designed,” and this is a problem because excellent good news to the poor by quoting Isaiah, he is iden- Web sites can “draw non-Christians to churches.” Alan Stucky tifying with a prophetic tradition that could never (page 18) asks, “When is a rock concert just a rock concert?” be quiet in the face of governmental injustice. and says, “having fun is just as important as any Sunday morn- Amos, Isaiah, Jeremiah all spoke against a govern- ing sermon.” But we also have the usual opinion pages filled ment that put the interests of the rich ahead of with provocative voices. Five Readers Say writers respond to those of the poor. In a time when our government our Aug. 9 “Speak to Government?” issue. And associate editor slashes spending for the poor in this country (let Gordon Houser offers an editorial opinion sparked by the alone its neglect of poverty in the developing drenching he received during a Charlotte 2005 peace witness. world) so that it can give massive tax relief to the As Mennonite Church USA becomes more missional, Gordon wealthy, the church is called to remember its age- says, “we will move into the elements, into the lives of people old prophetic witness. To be silent in the face of we may have only theorized about before.”—Editor such governmental evil is to deny the very heart of the gospel message.—Mitchell Brown, Wilmette, Ill.

4 TheMennonite September 6,2005 READERS SAY

John D. Roth rightly perceives the danger of our would promote the well-being of all.” Recently, the congregations becoming divided along party lines. Chicago Sun-Times wrote about him: But his proposal for a five-year moratorium on par- http://www.suntimes.com/output/elect/cst-nws- ticipating in elections or political parties seems cong31.html—Todd Friesen, Lombard, Ill. both unrealistic and perhaps inappropriate. As J. Daryl Byler noted in the same issue (“Why Encouraged in Lebanon Mennonite Church USA Should Speak to We had to miss Charlotte 2005 this year—the first ONLINE POLL Government,” Aug. 9), speaking to government is time to miss a Mennonite convention in more than RESULTS not the primary task of the church, but it is still a a decade. So it was good to receive the July 26 biblical and important task. And Everett Thomas’ issue reporting on the convention. We were sorry Does your editorial (“Join the Party,” Aug. 9) makes a strong not to be in on the launching of the hymnal supple- congregation have case for political party participation. ment. We’re glad the rain didn’t stop the peace a Web site? Perhaps Roth’s main concerns would be walk. According to Everett Thomas’ editorial, “a Yes (77%) resolved if church leaders frequently said from the noisy, missional church” is doing well. That speaks No, but we hope pulpit: “The kingdom of God does not belong to hope and confidence as we represent that church to soon (14%) any nation or political party and so the church is no through Mennonite Central Committee and its No and we don’t place for partisan politics. We do not endorse politi- peacemaking mission here in Lebanon.—Ken Seitz, plan to (9%) cal parties or candidates, but we support church Beirut, Lebanon Don ‘t know (0%) members who seek to pursue God’s justice and peace through the political process.” I would Lift the moratorium Check out the new encourage congregational leaders to select appro- I agree with the letter from Donald and Elsie poll question at www. TheMennonite.org priate political actions consistent with Mennonite Steelberg (Readers Say, Aug. 9) noting that, faith, for the congregation to participate in, while at although we were instructed by the Saskatoon (’86) the same time giving all members the freedom to and Purdue (’87) statements to remain “in loving make their own decisions without pressure or dis- dialogue” concerning homosexuality and the crimination.—Ryan Ahlgrim, Indianapolis church, The Mennonite refuses to print articles attempting to promote such dialogue. It appears Running for Congress there are many readers who want their thoughts to I am the lead pastor at Lombard (Ill.) Mennonite be heard. Church in the western suburbs of Chicago. One of It’s been nearly 20 years since we were given our members—Lindy Scott—has decided to run for this directive. Wouldn’t The Mennonite be an ideal Congress as a Democrat in Illinois’ sixth District. forum in which such issues could be discussed, This is the seat that has been held for many years providing we all agree to participate in “loving dia- by the soon-to-retire Henry Hyde. Lindy has been a logue” and not “heated debate”? By truly listening member of our church for several years and is our to each other, perhaps we can together discern lay minister of missions. He’s a man of integrity how the church can minister to those who are dif- and deeply committed to the way of Christ. As a ferent, such as siblings, parents, children, cowork- result, he plans to run a different kind of campaign. ers, pastors and best friends. As he says on his Web site: “My goal is to serve in I suggest The Mennonite lift the moratorium and the House of Representatives as Jesus himself allow people to speak, so we can hear what they would serve. If Jesus were in Congress, he would have to say. And remember, dialogue doesn’t end be just and compassionate. He would listen to peo- with winners and losers—just more enlightened ple from all sides of an issue and take action that participants.—Ken Roth, Harrisonburg, Va. Pontius’ Puddle Joel Kauffmann

September 6,2005 TheMennonite 5 NEWS DIGEST

IN BRIEF Marjorie Shantz, ‘MennObits’ site available for obituaries long-term mission GOSHEN, Ind.—A research site for those interest- worker, dies ed in Amish and Mennonite families will now auto- Marjorie Shantz matically receive obituary information when that Martin, 90, died Aug. 19 of cancer in information is submitted to The Mennonite at Orrville, Ohio. She www.TheMennonite.org. Sponsored by Mennonite was born March 9, Church USA’s Historical Committee and called 1915, in Freeport, “MennObits,” the research site already contains Ont., to Bishop obituaries from Herald of Truth (1864-1908), Gospel Benjamin B. and Mrya (Snyder) Witness (1905-1908) and Gospel Herald (1908-1998). Shantz. She married Obituaries from The Mennonite (1998-present) have Phares D. Martin May been added as well as a few from Mennonite Weekly 2, 1970, in Orville. He Review. A new form developed by The Mennonite died Dec. 8, 1978. allows more information about the deceased to be

She was a missionary Jason Harrison with Mennonite included than is currently published in “For the Board of Missions Record.” That additional information (Part 2 of the Youth witness Colombian Mennonites’ faith and served in Puerto new form) will be posted at MennObits.—Everett J. Youth Venture participants Christina Massey (left) and Leah Rico from 1947 to Thomas Roth find joy and hope for the future while visiting the 1970 and from Feb. Colombia Mennonite Church. This summer, five Youth Venture 14-March 14, 1994. Prothro named creative manager for MC USA participants were witness to Colombia’s dichotomies of conflict She served as a mid- and peace during a 12-day learning trip. There they found, wife in the moun- NEWTON, Kan.—It’s not every child who refuses throughout the city and further into the mountain countryside, tains and, according to say the Pledge of Allegiance because it doesn’t small pockets of Mennonite believers holding fast to a faith to co-workers, was fit with her Christian priorities as a 9-year-old. But with the power to forgive.—Mennonite Mission Network well-loved by the that was only one of many Puerto Rican church.—Mennonite times in her life that Martin, a psychiatrist known for his ministry to Mission Network Marathana Prothro, new cre- homosexuals, recovering substance abusers and ative manager for Mennonite prisoners, believes Mennonite Church USA repre- CPT joins witness Church USA, has demonstrat- sents a “toned-down” gospel that will spread to charging Alliant ed a strong commitment to Lancaster Conference, which joined the denomina- Techsystems with God and the church. tion in 2004. war crimes Prothro made her most “I am committed to a ‘militant/presence-based’ Members of recent commitment in that vision of Christianity,” Martin wrote in a statement Christian Peace- Marathana Prothro direction when she joined about his decision. “I want to be part of a new wine- maker Teams and Mennonite Church USA’s skin where this militant gospel is front and center other peace activists put Alliant Techsys- Executive Leadership in Newton. She replaces in our homes, our schools, our publications, our tems on trial for the Cindy Snider, who resigned July 29 after five years congregations and our conferences.” production of to pursue writing children’s books based on such Martin, a 17-year member of the Lancaster bish- depleted uranium topics as peacemaking. op board, from which he retired recently, believes weapons. Members Prothro, former news editor for The Newton continued membership in Mennonite Church USA of the summer train- ing group and other Kansan, began her new post as part of the commu- would lead to an eventual loss of this spiritual CPT staff and sup- nications team July 25. She will lead and coordinate vision. porters staged a the writing, graphic design, print production and Lancaster Conference moderator Keith Weaver mock hearing at the media creation functions for the denomination. said he was disappointed Martin is leaving the con- entrance to ATK’s —Mennonite Church USA ference and his district. “We simply wish him the corporate offices in Edina, Minn. The Lord’s blessing in his pursuit,” Weaver said Aug. 17. Aug. 8 witness coin- Lancaster bishop leaves to start new group Weaver said Martin’s leaving was not acrimo- cided with the 60th LANCASTER, Pa.—A longtime bishop in Lancaster nious. “The dream we have is that we can all work anniversary of the Mennonite Conference is leaving to start his own together instead of carving out … infinite little U.S. dropping of the congregation and a “network” outside Mennonite pieces,” he said. “I wish we could go in the other first atomic bombs on Japan.—CPT Church USA. direction.”—from Mennonite Weekly Review Enos Martin, 61, of Elizabethtown, Pa., recently started New Name Christian Fellowship, which MCC seeks volunteers to help Congo elections meets in a community center in Elizabethtown. The AKRON, Pa.—Mennonite Central Committee network he hopes to establish with others will be (MCC) is seeking volunteers and providing funds called New Testament Fellowship of Mennonite/ to help churches in the Democratic Republic of the Anabaptist Churches. Congo do public education about democracy and

6 TheMennonite September 6,2005 NEWS DIGEST

IN BRIEF mediate conflicts in advance of national elections in Magazine ranks Mennonite colleges 2006. Mennonite Church USA four-year colleges and uni- The Democratic Republic of the Congo is in the versities appeared in the annual rankings of best midst of voter registration for its first democratic colleges published Aug. 22 in U.S. News & World elections in decades. The nation is still in disarray Report. following the Second Congo War (1998-2002), Goshen (Ind.) College and Eastern Mennonite which caused an estimated 3.8 million deaths, University, Harrisonburg, Va., both ranked national- mostly through starvation and disease. Despite a ly in the Best Liberal Arts Colleges category. peace agreement that officially ended the war, fight- Goshen ranked in the third tier of the category for ing and deprivation continue. the fifth straight year, while EMU ranked in the Mason appointed MCC is seeking applicants immediately for one- fourth tier. Menno Haven CEO month positions in the capital, Kinshasa, to train Bethel College, North Newton, Kan., and Rodney Mason has mediators who will be present at voter registration Bluffton (Ohio) University attained top-tier place- been appointed and voting centers. MCC is also seeking applicants President and Chief ments in the category of Midwestern Compre- immediately for a six-month position as a conflict Executive Officer of hensive Colleges offering bachelor’s degrees. mediation trainer and a one-year position on a coor- Menno Haven Bethel ranked 29th and Bluffton 34th out of 54 col- Retirement dination team for election observers through the leges in the top tier.—Mennonite Weekly Review Communities in Church of Christ in Congo. Franklin County, Pa. MCC also invites volunteers to serve as interna- Hispanic degree program ends Since 1995, Mason tional election observers for terms of approximate- has served as presi- GOSHEN, Ind.—Mennonite Education Agency, ly 10 days when elections are scheduled in 2006. dent of the Peter with the General Board of Iglesia Menonita Becker Retirement French proficiency is required for these posi- Hispana (IMH or Hispanic Mennonite Church), has Community in tions. All applicants may contact Prem Dick at announced that the four-year Hispanic Education in Harleysville, Pa. [email protected] or 717-859-1151. Menno Haven serves Theology and Leadership (HETL) degree program, MCC is contributing $25,000 to the Church of about 1,100 housed at Goshen College, has ended. Christ and $12,000 to Mennonite and Mennonite residents and The end of the program is in part due to an employs about 500 Brethren churches to support public education unsustainable level of enrollment, yet also prepares employees.—Menno about democracy.—Mennonite Central Committee for continuing a process of envisioning the next Haven phase for leadership training with IMH’s Comisión U.S. obesity rate de Educación in partnership with MEA, which is climbs higher committed to identifying and providing for the edu- Americans continued cation needs of people throughout the church, to gain weight last including people of diverse racial/ethnic groups. year as the adult “This program in leadership training was created obesity rate inched for a particular need at a particular time in the up to 24.5 percent church’s history,” says Juan Montes, IMH execu- from 23.7 percent in 2003, a new report tive director. “As we look to the future, leadership says. The new report training remains key, and we are looking at new made numerous rec- ways of meeting that need in today’s context.” ommendations, chal- —Mennonite Education Agency lenging individuals and families to make Historic Hebrew scroll loaned to Hesston even small changes in diet and physical HESSTON, Kan.—A historic Hebrew scroll more activity and urging than 300 years old has been loaned to Hesston communities to offer College by Melvin and Vivian Eyster of Thomas, free or low-cost fit- ness programs and

Matthew Lester Okla. The ancient scroll scribed in a Jewish scripto- provide healthy food rium in the mid-to-late 17th century by Moroccan Children sing at Kenyan Mennonite school at community Jews has been appraised at $92,500. It will be on events.—Wichita Students Harun Bumbe (left) and Geoffrey Matiko display in Smith Center for special occasions. Eagle sing at Menno Kids Academy, a school supported by Mennonite Central Committee’s Global Family pro- The manuscript is in Hebrew, on sheepskins that gram at Mathare North Mennonite Church in are sewn and scrolled on two wooden rollers. It is Nairobi, Kenya. The school serves 85 children from approximately 23 inches tall, 92 feet long and kindergarten to sixth grade in a low-income neigh- weighs some 40 pounds. The scroll contains the borhood where many families cannot afford school Torah, or Pentateuch, the first five books of the uniforms or books. MCC’s Global Family program provides funds for food, teachers’ stipends, supplies Jewish Bible and the Christian Old Testament. and school maintenance.—MCC —Hesston College —compiled by Gordon Houser September 6,2005 TheMennonite 7 8 TheMennonite September 6,2005 Stories of crossing spiritual, economic, linguistic, cultural and national borders

by Lisa Weaver

esus walked into the land of Samaria and shared words and water with a woman at a well (John 4). Though a simple exchange, this revolutionary act shattered a host of precon- ceived ideas about interactions between Jews and Samaritans—people who regarded each other with enmity. JAs detailed by Willard M. Swartley in his essay “Peace and Mission in John’s Gospel,” Jesus reached across a political and cultural divide as well as across the line between men and women. He did so with courage, compassion and integrity, and she responded in kind. This “border crossing” by Jesus helps shape the lens through which I view the world. I see the example of Jesus as an invitation to cross boundaries in both religious and secular contexts. It is a calling to apply the Bible to life. The example of Jesus I am a fourth and fifth grade ESL teacher in a public school. ESL stands for English as a Second Language, which means the students I is an invitation support speak a language other than English at home. A significant part to cross boundaries of my job is to connect with those who have come from different places and experiences, to welcome them into my world (the world of an in both religious and American school) and to cross deliberately though carefully and respect- secular contexts. fully into their worlds. Here are stories from my 13 years of teaching that represent my own border crossings—over spiritual, economic, linguistic, It is a calling to apply cultural and national boundaries. the Bible to life. Green branches: Early last fall, our school’s Hmong bilingual resource specialist (a linguistic and cultural liaison between families and school) invited me to go with him on a home visit. We went to the apartment of a new Hmong student whose family had just arrived from a refugee camp in Thailand. When we arrived, my colleague motioned me to stop, then pointed at two small branches with green leaves, one taped to each side of the door frame. He explained that this meant we needed to ask specific permission before entering the house; the branches with green leaves were a sign to visitors that a cleansing ceremony has been performed for someone in the apartment who was unwell. If a visitor stepped across the doorway without permission, he or she may unwittingly carry harmful spirits back inside. When our knock was answered, my colleague ges- tured to the branches and asked permission for both of us. We were warmly welcomed in. I was thankful for my colleague’s knowledge and wisdom, and I was honored to be a guest in the home of my student. Continued on page 10

September 6,2005 TheMennonite 9 Continued Cold feet: When the morning bell rang at 8:30, I The tables turned: I arrived at a local refugee from page 9 was at my hallway post, greeting children in center for an evening dinner for the new Hmong English (Good morning.), Spanish (Hola. Como families in the area. I was the only Caucasian there. esta?) and Hmong (Nyob zoo.). I helped with zip- I towered over those around me, and I was con- pers and laces or gave a thumbs up for homework scious of how different I looked. I understood only lifted triumphantly from the backpack. I kept a a little of the Hmong language swirling around me. lookout for little hands that arrived without mittens I did not know the social protocol of where to wait in the bitterly cold Wisconsin weather, but one day, or what to do. I spotted one of the families from my I noticed cold feet—sockless in a pair of worn-out, school; their faces lit up in surprise, and I was sure too-big, only partially laced hiking boots. I whis- mine registered gratitude. I ate supper seated pered to the little boy’s teacher that I would bring between two of my students, their parents across him right back, then I took his hand and we walked the table from me. As the program for the evening to the nurse’s office, where we kept extra clothes. I progressed entirely in Hmong, I didn’t know if we knelt in front of him, helped him slip on a pair of were at the beginning, middle or end of the agenda. thick, brand-new, tube socks. Then we laced and I simply clapped when others clapped, stood when tied his boots so they fit better. The 9-year-old eyes others stood, sat when others sat. I watched every- smiling back at mine were brown, but they looked thing and everyone for clues as to what to do. I remarkably like the 9-year-old blue eyes that smiled realized my senses had been hyper alert for two at me that morning at home. hours, and I was physically tired. I stored my reac- As if on cue: My fifth grade reading group con- tions and emotions to bring out in days to come, for sisted of four students who spoke conversational I knew this was how my students’ parents often felt English fine but who all scored well below grade in America. level at the beginning of the year in reading fluen-

cy, comprehension and vocabulary. Partway iStockphoto through the fall, we were joined by a new Hmong student who was mostly a silent observer in the group. That day in our group, we were sharing

These children,representing three continents and cultures,labeled “at risk”themselves,were jubilant in the triumph of the most vulnerable among them.

book reports we had worked on during the previ- ous week. I was pleased with all of them, and the students were pleased with themselves. But the crowning moment came as the final student pre- sented his report. It was our new student, who three months earlier did not know the letters of the English alphabet and was just beginning spoken English. Yet that day he had the courage to read, in chorus with me, three simple sentences I had helped him write. What struck me most was the subconscious movement of the other children. As if on cue, they leaned forward as he spoke, their faces alert, waiting with bated breath, then erupt- ing into spontaneous applause when he finished. These children, representing three continents and cultures, labeled “at risk” themselves, were jubilant in the triumph of the most vulnerable among them.

10 TheMennonite September 6,2005 There was no time by Steven R. Cope

There was no time until a voice said May I help you? I was rounding the corner by the front office door on my way to a classroom when I noticed a man hovering around the in the beginning, entrance to the school, looking back and forth nor was there an end. skittishly. I approached and asked politely, “May I help you?” He took a step back, shook his head Grass upon a seedless plain and raised one hand in gentle protest. I tried, did not grow before it had a name. “Habla usted Espanol?” and relief flooded his face. He stepped forward, and we shook hands as I So works a word explained in Spanish that I was one of the English teachers there. He told me, also in Spanish, that upon a formless thing, he needed to pick up his kindergarten daughter for a doctor’s appointment. I walked with him into the unlovely and unblessed, the office, showed him how to use the student the child to whom is said sign-out book, then chatted with him while the secretary called his daughter’s classroom. When this is what you are: his little girl popped into view, it was the scene of loved, needed, longed for. every parent and child—he picked her up, she hugged him, happily told him what they were doing in class, and off they went. The father and I Steven R. Cope lives in waved goodbye like old friends. Winchester, Ky. Invisible lines: The staff had invited all our ESL families to school for dinner. We had a world map and thumb tacks, and everyone marked countries of origin as they arrived—Thailand, Laos, Liberia, Ethiopia, Colombia, Peru, Honduras, Puerto Rico and Mexico. We passed out magnets with the phone numbers of our school translators and ESL teachers and explained some of the standard school systems, such as how to call in to the office when a child stayed home sick and how to sign up for after-school clubs. We thanked the parents for coming for the evening, for sharing their children with us during the day and for giv- ing their children the gift of their home language. All evening I had in my mind the vision of lines stretching out—almost invisible yet strong, like a spider’s web—lines that went out from this school, back across oceans and continents to other places and people that I could only imagine yet were present here in people’s hearts and souls. I was awed and humbled. With God’s grace, may we all look for and cross carefully the borders that separate us from those who walk beside us. May our eyes see ever farther and our hearts reach ever deeper.

Lisa Weaver is a member of Madison (Wis.) Mennonite Church. iStockphoto

September 6,2005 TheMennonite 11 The crisis in church

design by David Gillaspey

Most church Web sites launched Great Church Websites (www.greatchurch- today are poorly designed. websites.org) in April 2004 to find and showcase exam- Primarily this is because ples of well-designed church Web sites. I believe excel- lence in church Web site design serves the kingdom of most still use outdated God by helping draw non-Christians to churches. For Web site design techniques thisI reason, I want every church to develop a great Web site— that were “cutting edge” no church left behind, so to speak. only a few years ago. A great Web site is achieved not just through excellence in graphic design but also through excellence in other areas, including content, navigation and accessibility. Finding even well-designed church Web sites turned out to be difficult, however. Since April 2004, I have been reviewing the Web sites of churches located around the United States on a state-by-state basis. To date, I have reviewed 9,000 church Web sites in a handful of states, with many states yet to go. I discovered that most church Web sites today are poorly designed. Primarily this is because most still use outdated Web site design techniques that were “cutting edge” only a few years ago. These include such techniques as using animated gifs and tiled or patterned backgrounds. But Web site design has changed dramatically from its early days. The secular world kept up (or led the way); church Web sites, by and large, did not. Most will appear to unchurched visitors as stuck in time. I created on my Web site a searchable “virtual gallery” of the best of the church Web sites I found in my research, as screen shots of home pages. As I reviewed more and more church Web sites, the percentage I could include in this online gallery remained remarkably stable: about 5 to 6 percent. A similar percentage of church Web sites I reviewed were satisfactorily designed, but did not quite make the cut for the virtual gallery. Another 5 percent of church Web sites were ineligible because they used predesigned templates. Thus I can estimate that the remainder—about 85 percent—of church Web sites are poor- ly designed or dated in their appearance. That’s troubling to me because I believe a poorly designed or dated-looking church Web site reflects badly on a church and on the kingdom. Terrell Sanders, writing about technology in the January issue of Church Executive mag- azine, talks about the importance of a church having a Web site. Speaking of young fami- lies (because they’re a primary target for churches), he says, “If you’re not on the Web, you don’t exist.” He adds, “A poor Web site can actually deter visits from young families.” Conversely, a well-designed and implemented church Web site has the potential to attract people to a church. Consider the words of Jon S. Trainer, pastor and teaching elder of New Hope Bible Church, New Albany, Ohio: “In the last three to four months, fully 100 percent of visitors either found our church via the Web or visited the Web before they visited the church. Our site has been an amazing tool.” If you are a church Web master, you can improve the design of your church’s Web site by implementing the suggestions I list below. These tips address the worst prob- lems I have found in my research, including a number of outdated Web site design tech- niques. Visit my site for more explanation about these suggestions.

12 TheMennonite September 6,2005 How congregations can Web site improve their Web site design

For design inspiration, browse the virtual gallery of nearly 500 (to date) church home pages on my Web site, a resource available nowhere else. Also consider joining The Church Webmasters’ Forum that I host on my site. And pastors, if your church lacks the resources to develop a great Web site on its own, consider using one of the many CMS (content management systems) solutions I list on my Web site.

A well-designed and implemented church Web site has the potential to attract people to a church.

Here are the top 10 Web site design tips for church Web masters: 1. Make sure your site loads quickly in browsers. 2. Don’t include a splash screen or an intro page on your site. 3. Don’t use frames. 4. Don’t use patterned or tiled page backgrounds. 5. Don’t use animated gifs, rainbow colors or visitor counters on your site. 6. Don’t put a photo of your church building on the home page; use photos of people instead. 7. Don’t fill your home page with ads for ministries or church events. 8. Include on your home page the following, in easy-to-find locations: church address (including city and state), phone number, weekend service times and email link to Web master. 9. Make sure every graphic has an “alt” text description for it in the underlying HTML code. (This helps blind people browse your Web site.) 10. Make sure users can access every link on your Web site, including links in drop-down menus, by using a combination of the tab key and up and down arrow keys. (This helps motion-impaired people browse your Web site.)

David Gillaspey is president of Great Church Websites, a not-for-profit corporation he founded to promote excel- lence in church Web site design. This article originally appeared in the Christian News Northwest newspaper Screen captures www.greatchurchwebsites.org captures Screen of Portland, Ore.

September 6,2005 TheMennonite 13 Mercy not retribution by Ted Grimsrud

e live in punitive times. Our nation, the understanding what it actually says about salvation. world’s one great superpower, exerted its This is an important way to come to appreciate the military to attack, first Afghanistan and Old Testament as a peaceable book, not a “bloody then Iraq, in part because people wanted book.” wretaliation for Sept. 11, 2001. The Old Testament is pretty big. It contains Our criminal justice system follows a lock ’em some difficult passages. My friends offered some up and throw away the key philosophy. Between great proof texts during our debate. 1924 and 1975, we imprisoned about 100 prisoners My response to those passages is to say we need per 100,000 population. Since 1975, the rate has a reading strategy when we take up the Old Testa- increased to more than 500 per 100,000. ment. It is just like life, like human history. What One more way we practice retribution; following kind of reading strategy do we have for life? What child-raising “experts” advocating spanking as a do we see as the most basic truths? core element of “raising kids God’s way.” James Do we center on the evil in the world, seeing it Dobson, for example, writes that “we have a God- as our natural state, and define life in terms of that given responsibility as parents to shape the will. evil? Or do we center on the good, seeing it as nat- That Jesus When a youngster [acts out with] stiff-necked ural, and define life in terms of that good? Is the rebellion, you had better take it out of him, and world a place of abundance or of scarcity? was an pain is a marvelous purifier.” I believe with my whole heart that Jesus took an Old Testament All three types of violence often have theological abundance approach to life. Not coincidentally, bases. It is no accident that in the United States Jesus understood himself as a biblical person—in person is to me those identifying themselves as Bible-believing our terms, an Old Testament person. In fact, that the clearest Christians are much more likely than the rest of Jesus was an Old Testament person is to me the the population to support retributive acts. clearest refutation of those who see the Old refutation Many who are troubled by seeing Christians so Testament (either in rejecting it or embracing it) as of those who supportive of the punitive mindset blame the Bible, a “bloody book.” especially the Old Testament. Jesus said this about the Old Testament when see the I once led a long-term Bible study group. When he was asked to identify the greatest command- Old Testament someone suggested something from the Old ment. “You shall love the Lord your God with all Testament, another member, a frank woman in her your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your (either in early 80s, declared, “I don’t want to spend any mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. rejecting it or more time with that bloody book.” And a second is like it: You shall love your neigh- More recently, I had an argument with two bor as yourself. On these two commandments hang embracing it) friends about the Old Testament. They both dis- all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40). as a missed it as hopeless—too violent, “and look at I don’t think the cultured despisers of the Old Bible thumpers today,” they said. I argued that the Testament take this statement seriously enough. “bloody book.” Bible thumpers are misreading the Old Testament. On these two commandments stand all the law and Dutch restorative justice advocate Eugene the prophets. This is what the Old Testament is Bianchi says we maybe should apply “homeopathic about—love God and love neighbor. theory” to our situation. It will take a dose of what We may, if we choose, seek to read life itself in made us sick to cure us. Since a certain biblical terms of the expressions of love and creativity, then theology got us into this illness in the West, he seek to understand the bloodiness in the light of argues that it may well take a dose of biblical theol- these truths. Jesus challenges us to read the Old ogy to free us of it. Testament in this way. We may put the love of God When I refer to Old Testament Salvation, I mean and neighbor front and center, then read the bad it in two senses. One is the salvation of the Old stuff in light of that centerpiece. Testament, that is, that the Old Testament is an Jesus did not create his summary of the law and essential friend of peacemakers who work in prophets out of thin air; he quoted directly from the Christian contexts. It can be saved. books of Deuteronomy and Leviticus. Underlying The second sense is salvation in the Old these commands are certain beliefs about the char- Testament. We may save the Old Testament by acter of God. Why is it reasonable to call people to

14 TheMennonite September 6,2005 Salvation of and in the Old Testament love God with all their hearts, souls and minds? ing them out of slavery Because, according to the story, God loves first. in Egypt. “I loved him, God’s love for God’s creation rings throughout … I called them, … I the Old Testament, beginning with Genesis 1—as taught [them] to walk, … does God’s love for God’s people. The biblical I healed them, … I led sense of chosenness does challenge today’s read- them with cords of human ers. God’s love for God’s people at times seems to kindness, with bands of love. justify hostility toward those who are outsiders. I was to them like those who lift However, the Old Testament’s overall message infants to their cheeks. I bent affirms that God makes the chosen people God’s down to them and fed them.” own in order to bless all the families of the earth, Then the test of this love comes. The as Genesis 12:3 says. When God’s people are not people “are bent on turning away from me.” living as a blessing, they are told they risk reaping God then speaks of the people suffering as a conse- some bad consequences. quence, seeming to point toward the stereotypical The overall message tells us that the God of the retributive justice. The people hurt God, so God Old Testament is a God of love, a God who seeks to hurts back. But no: “How can I give you up!” God bring salvation to the whole world. cries. “My heart recoils within me; my compassion The Old Testament God saves straight out of grows warm and tender. I will not execute my God’s love. The Old Testament does not, in its over- fierce anger; I will not again destroy [Israel]; for I all message, tell us that God’s holiness and perfec- am God and no mortal, the Holy One in your midst, tion prevent God from simply offering forgiveness and I will not come in wrath” (11:1-9). and salvation; neither does the Old Testament in its God does not come in wrath in the end. God overall message portray God as a God of wrath comes in suffering, persevering love. Justice for who requires sacrificial violence to balance the this God is about healing, not about retribution. scales of justice in order to save. When the human race seems at a dead end, symbolized by Abraham and Sarah’s barrenness in The Old Testament does not,in its overall message, Genesis 11, God intervenes to give them children, to make them a blessing for all the families of the tell us that God’s holiness and perfection prevent earth. When the children of Abraham are trapped in brutal slavery in Egypt and cry out in their mis- God from simply offering forgiveness and salvation. ery and despair, God intervenes to set them free. When the freed slaves wander in the wilderness This God responds to wrongdoing by seeking to for 40 years, in part unprepared to construct a soci- repair, not by seeking to punish. ety that would serve long-term human well-being, Jesus draws directly on the Old Testament when God intervenes to give them the commandments. he rejects retributive justice. “You have heard that These commandments are a gift, meant to foster it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate societal wholeness and justice. They are not your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies requirements that must be met in order to gain and pray for those who persecute you, so that you God’s acceptance; they are directives given may be children of your Father in heaven; for he because of God’s acceptance. makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and When the people are given the land and prove sends rain on the righteous and on the unright- unable to sustain wholeness and justice, they reap eous” (Matthew 5:43-45). the consequences, but God does not abandon God loves everyone and treats everyone with them. Rather, God intervenes to offer hope and care. This is the God of the Old Testament; this is empowerment, sustaining the people of the prom- the God of Jesus, and this is the God we should be ise and giving them a future. worshiping today. For one short Old Testament passage that por- trays what God and salvation actually are like, con- Ted Grimsrud teaches theology at Eastern Mennonite sider Hosea 11:1-9. God loves God’s people, bring- University, Harrisonburg, Va.

September 6,2005 TheMennonite 15 Women’s retreat

Pastors Jim Brenneman and Jennifer Davis Sensenig pray Dorothy Smoker for Ben Lehman (our first turns 89. graduating senior).

16 TheMennonite September 6,2005 Photos by Kimberly by MedendorpPhotos

Thirteen new Church members take part in the third annual Palm Sunday Peace Parade. members join in June.

Pasadena Mennonite Church, Pasadena, Calif., celebrated its 19th birthday on Pentecost. The church’s senior pastor is Jim Brenneman, and the associate pastors are Jennifer Davis Sensenig and Bert Newton. The church has around 120 adults on a Sunday, with about 45 in children’s programming and nursery.

People pose at the annual all-church retreat.

Luke Cameron is held by sister Madeleine as he is dedicated by his parents, Scott and Margie.

September 6,2005 TheMennonite 17 SPEAKING OUT

When is a rock concert just a rock concert?

n the world of popular Christianity these days, In contrast to this, my home church is a wonder- the catchword is “Purpose Driven.” We have ful old building with great acoustics. We have had I purpose-driven churches, purpose-driven youth many different choral groups come through from ministry, purpose-driven evangelism, purpose-driv- various colleges and high schools. At no time in my en meetings. It feels like everything down to the years of attending these concerts do I remember kitchen sink is purpose driven. the choir members stopping the concert to give Don’t get me wrong, I believe we need to be ask- their personal testimony. ing ourselves constantly why we are doing what we I point out this story not to chastise but to show are doing. It’s not good enough to simply do things that we as a church are missing a couple of impor- because they’ve always been done. The thing I tant things. First, the irony of preaching at a rock wonder about in all of this purpose-driven stuff is concert is that most of the people who need to hear what purposes are acceptable ones. Is simply pro- the message of the gospel the most will be com- viding an event so that already pletely turned off if you preach at existing members can have fun them. It’s a rock concert; there’s an acceptable purpose for a a reason they are here and not in Alan Stucky is At the end of the day, youth pastor at church function? I think the the pew on Sunday morning. Buhler (Kan.) answer is usually yes but only if we need to recognize that Second, we are missing church Mennonite it’s a potluck or something of that having fun as a church is just as being simply fun. Enjoying life Church. nature. with other Christians is one of Being a youth pastor and, important as any Sunday the things God wants us to do. more importantly, 24 years old, I morning sermon.In fact,it’s Having a good time with a group feel like I’m aware of some of the of your friends and fellow up and coming youth movements probably more important. Christians is being in the pres- and feelings within the youth and ence of God, whether you have a young adults of the Mennonite sermon or not. Church. I can tell you that most Mennonite church- More importantly, I point this out so that we can es aren’t overly willing to sponsor big events for the be aware of what we are telling our youth, without younger crowd that don’t fit into “normal” ideas of words, mind you, that the church is supposed to fun, unless there is a “purpose.” be. Basically we bore the pants off every high- Case in point. About four years ago I put togeth- schooler in Sunday school, we don’t say anything er an outdoor Christian rock ’n roll concert at my that pertains to their lives in a worship service and home church in Kansas. (And yes, rock ’n roll and more often than not we don’t take them seriously Christian can go in the same sentence.) We invited when they have something new to offer. Subcon- three bands; one from Bethel College, one from sciously we are telling the younger generations two Tabor College and one from Hesston College, all things: (1) What you like doesn’t matter or isn’t nearby. The members of all the bands were worth doing and (2) church is not supposed to be Christians who liked to play music on the loud side, fun. At best these messages are not helpful; at all of them had clean lyrics, and one of the bands worst they are slowly choking the life out of the later worked for Mennonite Mission Network. church of the future. Nevertheless, when I proposed the idea to the dea- At the end of the day, we need to recognize that con board of our church, I got a clear message. having fun as a church is just as important as any “Yes, you can do this, but only if it is used as an Sunday morning sermon. In fact, it’s probably more evangelism tool.” They wanted the band members important. Now I know I’ve made it seem as to preach between songs. I assured them the bands though Mennonites don’t know how to have fun. In would share some of their testimony, and we were reality I think we do know how to have fun as a allowed to move forward with our plans. church, and we’re already doing it. It’s called fel- lowship. Now all we have to do is add 800 watts of IN THE NEXT ISSUE screaming guitars. TM

• Masculine spirituality—Alan Kreider The views expressed in this publication do not necessar- • On men searching for God—David Boshart ily represent the official positions of The Mennonite, the board for The Mennonite, Inc., or Mennonite Church USA.

18 TheMennonite September 6,2005 Anniversary service brings reconciliation ‘Momentous healing’ leaves Brazilian Mennonite church leaders rejoicing.

hen the congregations of the Associação Stanley W.Green Evangélica Menonita (Evangelical W Mennonite Association) celebrated their 50th anniversary July 21-23 at Camp Gileade, near Brasilia, Brazil, they didn’t whitewash the tragedy and pain running through AEM’s history. Growing out of acknowledged brokenness, including murder, suicide and various forms of seduction, a church of 2,500 members flourishes. The 36 congregations of this association have recently established nine church-plants in Brazil and created their own international mission agency in 1998. During one anniversary celebration message, João Fernando Andrade, vice president of AEM, invited people desiring healing to come forward for a prayer. Among the many who responded was a pastoral couple that had broken away from AEM following a conflict with another pastor and his wife. The pastor who left AEM described the pain of the separation with sorrow. He and his wife Portuguese-speaking communities in 1975. Members of the desired reconciliation, he said. Today the German-speaking Mennonite church- national board of “The room [full of people] was rapt with atten- es and the Portuguese-speaking Mennonite church- the Evangelical Mennonite tion,” said Stanley W. Green, Mennonite Mission es work closely together, a collaboration that, Association of Network’s executive director, who attended the cel- according to Glenn Musselman, has strengthened Brazil ask for ebration with Ursula, his wife. “There was sobbing both groups spiritually and financially. God’s guidance across the auditorium.” AEM ministries have included church planting, and receive the When the second pastoral couple came forward overseas mission, community development, book- blessing of the church’s General to extend forgiveness, AEM church leaders sur- stores, elementary schools, remedial school pro- Assembly during rounded the estranged foursome with prayers and grams, day-care centers, a clinic, literature and pub- the 50th anniver- embraces. The assembly erupted in joyful dancing. lishing programs and a women’s organization. A sary celebration. “According to AEM church leaders, this was a decentralized seminary program provides leaders From left: Abraão momentous healing—a miracle. People remained for AEM congregations. Reis, Nelson Torres, Carlos talking late into the night about what happened,” The most recent Mennonite Mission Network Carvalho, Green said. missionaries working in Brazil, Betty and Otis Amadeu Coimbra, The first Mennonites arrived in Brazil in 1637 as Hochstetler, retired in 2004. Although they contin- João Fernando part of a Dutch settlement. These Mennonites were ue to live in the country near their children and Andrade and forced to leave when the Portuguese took control grandchildren, they relate to AEM fraternally Hans Peters 17 years later. In 1930, southern Brazil became rather than in leadership positions. home to 160 Mennonite refugee families from While leaders from the five regions that make up Europe. AEM gathered to celebrate the church’s anniver- One of Mennonite Mission Network’s predeces- sary, they also conducted business meetings. They sor agencies, Mennonite Board of Missions, sent or proposed a name change to Alianca Evangélica related to more than 70 mission workers in north- Menonita (Evangelical Mennonite Alliance) ern and central Brazil from 1954 to 1975. Their because a current law places difficult financial obli- ministries helped to establish the congregations gations on associations. that make up AEM. The name change also identifies a movement Four of these early workers attended the 50th toward decentralization of AEM, with more admin- anniversary celebrations: David and Rose Hostetler istrative functions being transferred to regional and Glenn and Lois Musselman. governing bodies. Another predecessor agency, the Commission Original music written by AEM member Paulo on Overseas Mission, sent missionaries in the mid- Henrique Souza beautifully summed up the spirit of 1960s to work among the German-speaking the first 50 years of the Brazilian Mennonite Mennonites in the area around Curitiba in southern Church’s life, said Rose Hostetler, who made Brazil Brazil. her home for 14 years.—Lynda Hollinger-Janzen of This agency also sent its first workers to Mennonite Mission Network

September 6,2005 TheMennonite 19 Mennonite chaplain in prison ministry Bill Hartwell preaches ‘what’s beyond the grave’ to men on death row.

“I asked him who Jesus spent his time with—tax collectors, prostitutes, murderers,” Hartwell says. “Jesus stayed with the worst of the worst, too.” Courtesy photo Hartwell says working with prisoners has shaped the way he preaches. Bill Hartwell, a former war “I have to preach to men on death row,” he says. photographer, “I have to preach what’s beyond the grave. I can’t now serves as a sugarcoat this stuff. They don’t want to be made to Mennonite feel better, they want to be saved. We are living chaplain at the men dying. We have to die to live. I could never Tecumseh (Neb.) State Correctional preach the same way in a church environment.” Institution. Prison ministry is not an easy task. Hartwell describes his work as a thankless job: it is both or Bill Hartwell, church is a maximum security mentally and physically draining, but the men are prison and most of his congregation is in for worth it. One of his main concerns is financial sup- F life. Hartwell, 61, is an ordained prison chap- port. Hartwell’s ministry extends far beyond the lain at Tecumseh State Correctional Institute in prison walls. Every week he receives about a dozen Tecumseh, Neb. He makes the 90-minute trip from letters from prisoners who are or have been in his his home in Omaha to preach to inmates twice a program. He gets letters from prisoners from week. throughout the Midwest. “Our prisons are full, the men hunger and thirst “I answer them all by postcards mailed to me by for spiritual truth,” Hartwell says. “This is where relatives from out of state,” he says. “These post- I can’t sugar- God wants me. I look at the men through the eyes cards allow the inmates to see outside while of Jesus” inside.” coat this stuff. After 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as a war pho- The inmates aren’t the only ones who receive They don’t tographer, which included a one-year stint in guidance and counsel from Hartwell. Families of Vietnam, Bill solidified his position against war and inmates also are a priority in his ministry. want to be decided to join the Mennonites. “People are hurting inside and outside. made to feel “In the Air Force I had nothing to do with the Prisoners’ families are doing the same time outside shedding of other men’s blood, but I didn’t like the prison when their relatives are in prison,” he says. better,they principles of war,” Hartwell says. “God led me to One inmate asked Hartwell to be with his wife want to be the Mennonite church; it was what I needed.” for the birth of their baby. “That was a historic time Hartwell spent several years as a pastor at for me,” Hartwell says, thinking the doctors proba- saved. We are Northside Christian Family Center in Omaha bly mistook him for the father. living men before responding to a call for a volunteer prison At another inmate’s request, Hartwell spends chaplain in 1993. He began as part of Good News several nights a week with a 79-year-old woman in dying.… Prison and Jail Ministry at the Douglas County her hospital room. “I’m there all night; I sleep in a I could never Correctional Institute in Nebraska. Bill now works hospital bed right beside her,” he says. “I hold her at the correctional institute in Tecumseh and relies hand and read from the Bible until she’s asleep.” preach the solely on his Air Force pension and whatever dona- Hartwell also performs funerals for families of same way in a tions he receives from the church. His ministerial inmates and often relays messages of peace from credential for chaplaincy is granted by Central ex-gang members in prison to their former gangs church Plains Mennonite Conference, one of Mennonite on the outside. environment. Church USA’s 21 area conferences. “I’m trying to prevent what I’m seeing in prison,” When he was asked whether he wanted to work he says. “Men are just revolving in and out.” —Bill with misdemeanor or felony inmates, Hartwell said Because he speaks to people from a myriad of Hartwell he wanted nothing less than maximum security. He backgrounds, it’s tough to bring a Mennonite per- wanted to preach to the worst of the worst, inmates spective. “The men come from across the spec- facing life sentences or death row. trum, from all denominations and faiths,” Hartwell “No one wants to minister to ‘those kind of peo- says. “I just preach the doctrine of God’s Word— ple,’ ” Hartwell says. “I said that I would minister to Jesus. But lots of them pick up the peaceful stance other children of God, because that’s what they are. from my speaking. In 12 years, God has blessed They’re not ‘those kind of people.’ They are my over 5,000 men who have accepted the Lord Jesus brothers.” Christ as their personal Savior. Filling up that book He remembers one prisoner asking him why he of life, that’s my job.” —Brian Schlabach for would waste his time on them. Mennonite Church USA

20 TheMennonite September 6,2005 MCC ends 33-year program in Philippines Workers confronted sex trade at two U.S. military bases, worked for land rights.

ennonite Central Committee closed its pro- the U.S. Congress. Since the Philippine Congress gram in the Philippines last month after 33 voted to expel the bases in 1991, the sex bars of M years. Farewell celebrations in Manila and in Olongapo have largely disappeared, and some Davao City served as a time of celebration and Filipinos feel a greater independence. lament, with past and present MCC workers, part- MCC workers over the years have sought to ners and friends sharing stories, memories and amplify Filipino voices calling for land rights of thanks. minorities, for fair treatment of workers in interna- “Thanks so much for walking with us,” said tional mining operations and for enhancing nonvio- Priscilla Ramoso, a former Catholic sister, at a lent approaches to promoting change and fairness recent farewell celebration in the southern island of in Philippine society. Mindanao. “Your hands were empty. But you were A Muslim partner of MCC in recent years, holding our hands. You listened. You didn’t say so Guaimel Alim, from Cotabato, Mindanao, said at much. But thank you for making Jesus’ presence the recent farewell, “I bring a testimony that present with us.” Christians and Muslims can not only work and play The move is part of a larger shift of resources in together, but they can love each other.” MCC’s international programs. Recalling how he and his wife were invited into “Because the Philippines has a vital and experi- the MCC house in Manila during her medical treat- enced sector of nongovernmental organizations, we ment in the capital, he said, “I learned from that made the difficult decision to wrap up MCC’s work what is taught in the Holy Book: ‘to do to the least there,” said Ed Martin, director of MCC’s of these is to do unto me.’ ”—Earl Martin for Central/Southern Asia programs. Mennonite Central Committee MCC worked in the Philippines from 1946 to 1950 as part of post-World War II rehabilitation in Abra Province in northern Luzon. Rob Haarsager In 1975, the late William Snyder, former execu- tive director of MCC, identified Mindanao as a major flash point for conflict in southeast Asia. At the time the Philippine government, with consider- able U.S. military aid, was fighting a Muslim effort to achieve more political autonomy in that island, which had been their traditional homeland. Filipino Christian and Muslim friends in Mindanao identified for MCC the issue of land as being at the heart of the struggle. Hence, the first MCC workers in 1977, Gene Stoltzfus and Dorothy Friesen, focused their writing and public witness efforts on the impact of large multinational agri- business companies—such as Dole pineapple plan- tations—in Mindanao. Later, MCC workers lived in Muslim and indige- nous tribal communities in Mindanao to stand with the people and to share their stories through the global church and press outlets. Sudanese farmers replant with MCC help Filipinos identified another major arena of con- Teresa Othol, a farmer in the village of Papwojo in the Upper Nile region of cern for MCC attention: the presence of Subic southern Sudan, has planted a flourishing garden of corn, okra and pump- Naval Base and Clark Air Field, the two largest U.S. kin. Othol, pictured with two of her four children, fled Papwojo with her fam- military bases outside American soil. The bases ily when an armed group attacked the village and destroyed her home in spawned a dehumanizing economy of sex bars and March 2004. Armed groups have long plagued the region as a result of the sleazy entertainment for the thousands of foreign 22-year Sudanese civil war, which ended in January 2005 but left much of southern Sudan in deep poverty. Othol and other villagers returned several troops sailing in and out of those bases. months after the attack and were given basic supplies by Church Ecumenical MCC workers sat with Filipino women in those Action in Sudan, a relief and development organization of southern bars and together organized an empowerment Sudanese churches supported by Mennonite Central Committee. The seeds effort to support their entrapped friends. When for Othol’s garden were provided through an agriculture project of CEAS. Filipinos spoke out against those bases, MCC work- MCC funded the $72,000 project, which has benefitted 830 households. Later this year, as part of the project, CEAS will distribute fishing hooks and ers supported them with articles and audiovisuals lines so residents can fish the nearby Nile and Lol rivers.—MCC in the North American press and in testimony to

September 6,2005 TheMennonite 21 Partners to create online encyclopedia GAMEO wants Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia available by December.

guage-only and will focus on North American con- tent. As global partners are added to the project, the range of international subject entries and lan- Courtesy photo guage possibilities will expand. An early project, which will require numerous volunteers, will scan and upload the content of the five-volume Mennonite Encyclopedia published by Herald Press from 1955 through 1959, with a sup- plemental volume in 1990. Bert Friesen, who chaired the administrative group meeting, says GAMEO always will rely on dedicated volunteers for writing and editorial work, but the encyclopedia plans to find funding to sup- port core administrative work. Although the encyclopedia will be freely avail- able on the Internet, the partners hope to attract institutional and corporate sponsors who will sup- port GAMEO’s expansion and maintenance through an annual donation. Individual donations are welcome. GAMEO adminis- now GAMEO? The partners in an Internet- GAMEO is an expansion of the Canadian trative group (left based Anabaptist Mennonite Encyclopedia Mennonite Encyclopedia Online, a project of the to right): Bert K hope this question will become increasingly Mennonite Historical Society of Canada since 1996. Friesen, John familiar in the coming months. Sam Steiner, managing editor of the current ency- Sharp, Sam Stein- er, Abe Dueck The Mennonite Historical Society of Canada, clopedia, says the some 2,500 articles already in Mennonite Church USA Historical Committee and CMEO will provide an excellent base for the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission are expanded encyclopedia. partners in producing the online encyclopedia. In addition, 125 confessions of faith or denomina- The administrative group appointed by the tional statements are available in a “source docu- GAMEO partners met June 14 in Winnipeg to plan ments” section. CMEO can be seen at the structure and timetable for the project. The www.mhsc.ca/. goal is to launch the encyclopedia by the end of John Sharp, former director of Mennonite 2005. Church USA’s Historical Committee, says a U.S. Initially the encyclopedia will be English lan- editorial board will be established to parallel the current Canadian board. Organizers hope the two boards can meet jointly this December, but most of their work will take place by email. The appointments to the U.S. edito- rial board are incomplete. Abe Dueck, executive director of the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission, says GAMEO’s ultimate goal is to provide reliable information on all facets of Anabaptist Mennonite life, from 16th- century Europe to 21st-century Africa and Latin America. Unlike a print publication, GAMEO will continue to be updated and expanded as long as constituen- cy support continues. Those wishing to donate to GAMEO, volunteer for writing or editorial work or to stay informed on the encyclopedia progress may contact any mem- ber of the administrative group. Their contact infor- mation is Bert Friesen ([email protected]); John Sharp ([email protected]); Abe Dueck ([email protected]); Sam Steiner (mhsc@uwater- loo.ca).—Sam Steiner for Mennonite Church USA

22 TheMennonite September 6,2005 Panel reviews Lutheran condemnations Lutheran-Mennonite commission hopes for official declaration in three years.

he first meeting of the Lutheran-Mennonite declaration concerning the condemnations can be International Study Commission took place at made by the authoritative bodies of the two world T the Institute for Ecumenical Research in communions. Strasbourg, France, June 27-July 1. During the Strasbourg meeting, Lutherans and The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) and Mennonites, alternately, led morning and evening Mennonite World Conference (MWC) sponsor this prayers. On June 29 the commission visited the study commission, whose mandate is to consider Unterlinden Museum in Colmar with the Isenheim the condemnations of Anabaptists in Lutheran con- Altar, as well as the Bibliothèque Humaniste in fessional writings and their applicability to the Sélestat and had dinner at the Mennonite farm teaching of Anabaptists and Mennonites today. restaurant Nouveau Chemin at Le Hang. The commission heard major papers by Goshen On June 30, representatives of the French and (Ind.) College professor John D. Roth and Lutheran German Lutheran and Mennonite churches were professor Gottfried Seebass, Heidelberg, Germany, invited to a reception at the institute for mutual on “The Condemnations of Anabaptists in the exchanges on the life of the two churches and on Augsburg Confession and the Book of Concord: the work of the study commission. Their Historical Meaning, Purpose and Effect.” Rainer Burkart (Mennonite), Neuwied, Through its deliberations the commission Germany, and Seebass co-chair the commission. became more sensitive to the lasting memory of the suffering of Anabaptists at the time of the Reformation as a result of persecution by civil The commission became more deeply sensitive to authorities in Roman Catholic, Lutheran and Reformed areas. the lasting memory of the suffering of Anabaptists at the time For Mennonites, the condemnations in Lutheran of the Reformation. confessions have played a role in this regard. The commission is also aware that Christians of all con- fessions were victims of persecution in that period. The co-secretaries are Larry Miller, MWC Reflection on this matter raises serious questions Executive Secretary, and Sven Oppegaard, LWF concerning the theological rationale for pursuing Assistant General Secretary for Ecumenical Affairs. religious and social goals by violent means, includ- Other Mennonite participants are Claude ing torture and killing. Baecher (Hegenheim, France), Hellen Biseko At the national level, Lutheran-Mennonite dia- Bradburn (Arusha, Tanzania) and Roth (Mennonite logues have already been conducted in France Church USA). (1981-1984), in Germany (1989-1992) and in the The next meeting of the commission will take United States (2001-2004). These dialogues also place in Strasbourg in June 2006.—Mennonite considered the condemnations of Anabaptists in World Conference Lutheran confessions. Commission members from the Mennonite and Lutheran sides presented and interpreted the reports of the national dialogues, which were dis- cussed in detail. The outcomes of these dialogues constitute an important resource for the current, international commission. A systematic inventory of the content of the national reports will remain a working document for the commission. A common assessment of the condemnations in the Lutheran confessions will require substantial work in the commission on the historical context of the condemnations and the hermeneutics of confes- sions, reflection on issues of soteriology and eccle- siology, and discussion of the relationship between church and civil authorities. The inclusion of wider issues pertinent to the two church bodies will serve the main mandate of the study commission. At the end of its work, which will take at least three years, the commission hopes that an official

September 6,2005 TheMennonite 23 FOR THE RECORD

CALENDAR Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, Troyer, Janice, began Aug. 2 as transition- “Mediation Skills Training Institute,” Nov. al youth pastor at Silverwood Mennonite First Mennonite Church, Bluffton, Ohio, 14-18, Atlanta, Ga. Registration brochures Church, Goshen, Ind. nine-month centennial celebration, and discount coupons are available at our Weishaupt, Aimee August 2005 to April 2006. Theme: Rooted , began July 5 as coor- Web site www.LMPeaceCenter.org or by dinator of Christian education at in Love, Growing in Grace. For more infor- phoning our office 630-627-0507. mation contact Ron Geiser at Silverwood Mennonite Church, Goshen, Rainbow Mennonite Church [email protected]. , Kansas City, Ind. is dedicating a renovation of its facility on Yoder, Helen Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, , was ordained June 26 as Sept. 25, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The theme is associate pastor of West Union Mennonite “God's Own Peace: Systems Theory and “Framing the Past and Celebrating the Church, Parnell, Iowa. Spirituality,” Nov. 2, Dearborn, Mich. Future.” Speakers include past and present Registration brochures and discount community leaders. Everyone is invited. Zimmerman, John, was licensed and coupons are available at our Web site For details: http://rainbow.ks.us.mennon- installed July 17 as pastor of Pleasantview www.LMPeaceCenter.org or by phoning ite.net Mennonite Church, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. our office 630-627-0507. Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, “Charting Self: The Beliefs Chart as a Tool WORKERS BIRTHS & ADOPTIONS for Change,” Nov. 3, Warren, Mich. Boshart, Shana Peachey, was ordained Bauman, Kate Olivia, Aug. 3, to Steven Registration brochures and discount June 18 as conference youth minister of and Dana Batchelor Bauman, Elmira, Ont. coupons are available at our Web site Central Plains Mennonite Conference. www.LMPeaceCenter.org or by phoning Benner, Renae Elena, May 23, to Darin our office 630-627-0507. Martin, Gary, began July 15 as transitional and Maribeth Benner, Hatfield, Pa. pastor at Silverwood Mennonite Church, Brandenberger, Jayce Bryant, Aug. 13, to Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, Goshen, Ind. “Facilitating Healthy Pastor-Congregation Elmer and Rhoda Troyer Brandenberger, Relations,” Nov. 4-5, St. Louis, Mo. Nissley, Amy, was licensed and installed Lagrange, Ind. Registration brochures and discount June 12 as associate pastor at Bethel Byler, Sophia Elizabeth, Dec. 5, 2004, coupons are available at our Web site Mennonite Church, Mt. Lake, Minn. received for adoption June 6, to Andy and www.LMPeaceCenter.org or by phoning Stoltzfus, Eldon, ended July 31 as interim Sarah Byler, Gap, Pa. our office 630-627-0507. pastor at Bonneyville Mennonite Church, Coblentz, Micah James, July 21, to Zach Bristol, Ind. and Sarah Coblentz, Uniontown, Ohio. Swartley, Mark S., was appointed Aug. 3 Davis, Jett Logan, July 6, to Kip and Carrie as the new executive director of Spruce Davis, Normal, Ill. Lake Retreat, Canadensis, Pa.

24 TheMennonite September 6,2005 FOR THE RECORD

Fiz, Santiago Alex, July 26, to Jorge and Paul, Kaden Alexander, July 31, to Keith Heinrichs/Wong: Andrew Heinrichs III and Bertie Pfaltzgraff Fiz, Denver. and Megan Pletcher Paul, Middlebury, Ind. Sandy Wong, Sept. 4. Gingrich, Edison James, Aug. 19, to Ulrich, Brooklyn Anne, Aug. 5, to Matt Kip/Lehman: Abbi Kip, Cleveland, Ohio, Dustin and Sarah Frye Gingrich, Landisville, and Amy Ulrich, Metamora, Ill., and Luke Lehman, Orrville, Ohio, July 2 at Pa. Vasey, Timothy Mark, July 28, to John and Bible Believers Baptist Church, Madedonia, Gingrich, Owen, May 22, to Oliver and Jennifer Doerr Vasey, Harleysville, Pa. Ohio. Kirkton/Koontz Heather Gingrich, North Wales, Pa. Wahl, Andrew Leonard, July 23, to Gary : Sarah Kirkton, Goshen, Hershberger, Simon Matthew, Aug. 1, to Wahl and Ann Leonard, Denver. Ind., and Timothy Koontz, Goshen, July 23 at Silverwood Mennonite Church, Goshen. Marc and Jennifer Kuhns Hershberger, Wiens, Gavin Jeremiah, July 27, to Joe Klassen/Myert Lansdale, Pa. and Amanda Hiebert Wiens, Altona, Man. : Carl Klassen and Dawn Hochstetler, Erick Matthew, Nov. 16, Myert, July 9 in Winnipeg, Man. 2003, received for adoption July 5 by Melius/Rider: Roy Melius, McClure, Pa., Douglas and Heidi Zendt Hochstetler, MARRIAGES and Angela Rider, McClure, Pa., Aug. 6 at Alburtis, Pa. Maple Grove Mennonite Church, Belleville, Bonson/Yoder: Clint Bonson, Reedsville, Pa. Hoover, Kathryn Mary, March 8, to Brian Pa., and Kristina Yoder, Belleville, Pa., July and Heather Hoover, Souderton, Pa. 30 at Maple Grove, Belleville, Pa. Roth/Tone: Heidi Roth, Millersburg, Ohio, and Bill Tone, New Haven, Ind., July 31 at Keller, Riley Grace, Aug. 6, to Daniel C. Clyne/Wiebe: Tracy Clyne and Jeff Wiebe, and Kimberly Roth Keller, Sellersville, Pa. the home of Joe and Linda Hershberger- July 2 at St. Andrew’s, Winnipeg, Man. Kirk, Millersburg. Kozel, Jude Walker, Aug. 11, to Nick and Doell/Miller: Diana Doell, Altona, Man., Voth/Wiebe Deanna Steiner Kozel, Harrisonburg, Va. : Colin Voth, Altona, Man., and and Jordan Miller, Altona, June 18 in Carla Wiebe, Sept. 5 at Winkler (Man.) Lapp, Edwin John, June 14, to David Lapp Altona. Mennonite Brethren Church. and Amy Hochstetler, Philadelphia. Duot/Manyoun: Panther Duot, Grand McGowan, Emma Joy, July 19, to Mike Rapids, Mich., and Rebecca Kuei Mabil and Jen McGowan, Lancaster, Pa. Manyoun, Telford, Pa., July 2 at Trinity DEATHS Additional Lutheran Church, Lansdale, Pa. Moyer-Diener, Naomi Elise, May 17, to Alliman, Gilbert W., 86, Goshen, Ind., died information about the deceased may David and Johanna Moyer-Diener, McAllen, Elias/Fast: Rob Elias and Alison Fast, July Aug. 3. Spouse: Mae Richard Alliman. 16 in Altona, Man. now be submitted to Texas. Parents: Daniel and Sarah Wyse Alliman. The Mennonite at Children: Kirk, June A. Yoder; three grand- Nuzum, Kaitlin Renee Falk/Friesen: Kim Falk and Shane Friesen, www.TheMennonite. , Aug. 14, to Jeremy children. Funeral: Aug. 6 at Greencroft and Cecilia Lambright Nuzum, Lagrange, Sept. 3 at Assiniboine Park, Winnipeg, Man. org. We will forward Meetinghouse, Goshen. all information to Ind. MennObits, the Blauch, Edna Waneta Moreland, 88, research Web site Harrisonburg, Va., died July 27. Spouse: sponsored by the Ralph Blauch (deceased). Parents: Historical Committee Benjamin Cleveland and Anna Pearl Culp of Mennonite Church Moreland. Children: Nancy Reinhart, Kay USA. To receive the Grubb, Jackie Deputy; seven grandchil- new obituary form dren; 14 great-grandchildren. Burial: July as an MS Word docu- 30 at Weavers Cemetary, Harrisonburg. ment, email Editor@themennon- Detweiler, Dorothy Bishop, 73, Telford, ite.org. To receive a Pa., died Aug. 11. Spouse: Willard paper copy of the Detweiler. Parents: Russell and Jennie new obituary form, Andrews Bishop. Children: Gary, Gail Krady; please call 574-535- 6053. four grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Funeral: Aug. 15 at Grace Mennonite Church, Lansdale, Pa. Franz, Leonard, 84, Spokane, Wash., died July 30. Parents: Julius A. and Agatha Dyck Franz. Funeral: Aug. 5 at Menno Mennonite Church, Ritzville, Wash. Gerber, Bonnie Jean Payne, 92, Waynesboro, Va., died July 18 of pancreatic cancer. Spouse: Irvin Daniel Gerber (deceased). Parents: James Absolom and Maggie Mashburn Payne. Children: Daniel, David, Carolyn Martin, Rosemary King, Barbara Tapping, Nancy Ross, Bonnie Bennett; 18 grandchildren; 13 great-grand- children. Funeral: July 25 at Martins Mennonite Church, Orrville, Ohio. Hooley, Donella Yoder, 80, Hubbard, Ore., died Aug. 5. Spouse: Edwin Hooley (deceased). Parents: Christian G. and Mayme Hostetler Yoder. Children: Kenneth, Ed; two grandchildren; four great-grand- children. Funeral: Aug. 6 at Zion Mennonite Church, Hubbard.

September 6,2005 TheMennonite 25 FOR THE RECORD

Kratz, Eva L. Ruth, 96, Souderton, Pa., died Ross, Daniel Webster, 74, Sarasota, Fla., Tisdale, Viola Brydge, 98, Stuarts Draft, Aug. 18. Spouse: Irvin L. Kratz (deceased). died Aug. 4 of cancer. Spouse: Velma Ross. Va., died June 4. Spouse: David Tisdale Parents: Henry and Mary Landes Ruth. Children: Janet Miller, David; two grand- (deceased). Parents: Edward and Isabelle Children: Ruth Long, Mary Swartley, children. Funeral: Aug. 7 at Bay Shore Brydge. Funeral: June 7 at Lynside Robert; five grandchildren; 13 great-grand- Mennonite Church, Sarasota. Mennonite Church, Lyndhurst, Va. children. Funeral: Aug. 22 at Souderton Stauffer, Florence Christophel, 87, Wyse, Olive G., 99, Goshen, Ind., died Aug. Mennonite Homes Chapel. To submit event Wakarusa, Ind., died June 25. Spouse: 12. Parents: Amos and Luvina Gerig Wyse. information to The Krueger, Jacob J., 84, Altona, Man., died Elmer Stauffer. Parents: Ira and Emma Funeral: Aug. 16 at College Mennonite Mennonite, log on at July 2. Spouse: Anne Hamm Krueger. Loucks Christophel. Children: Joan Chupp, Church, Goshen. www.TheMennonite. Parents: John and Margaret Hamm Kenneth, Clari; six grandchildren; two great- Yoder, Charity G., 92, Belleville, Pa., died org and use the “For Krueger. Children: Carol Thiessen, Verona grandchildren. Funeral: June 28 at Yellow the Record” button to Aug. 1. Parents: Ezra M. and M. Malinda Thiessen; two grandchildren; three great- Creek Mennonite Church, Goshen, Ind. access our on-line Kauffman Yoder. Funeral: Aug. 5 at Maple forms. You can also grandchildren. Funeral: July 5 at Bergthaler Stoltzfus, John Reuben, 32, Charlottesville, Grove Mennonite Church, Belleville. submit by email, fax Mennonite Church, Altona. Va., died July 12 in an automobile accident. or mail: Mabe, Esther Wyse, 96, Wayland, Iowa, Spouse: Rosemary Shenk. Parents: Allen •Editor@ died June 14. Spouse: William Mabe and Anne Stoltzfus. Children: Christian, TheMennonite.org (deceased). Child: Mildred Wolfe; two Andrew, Daniel, Jacob. Funeral: July 24 at •fax 574-535-6050 grandchildren. Funeral: June 16 at Gay and Lindale Mennonite Church, Linville, Pa. Ciha Funeral Home, Iowa City, Iowa. •1700 S. Main St., Goshen, IN 46526- Marshall, Edgar, 81, Centennial, Colo., 4794 died July 30 of cancer. Spouse: (1st) Winnifred Marshall (deceased), (2nd) Rachel Driver Marshall. Parents: George and Jeanette Gordon Marshall. Children: Phyllis Shung, Robert, Joycelyn Dookwah; 15 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. Funeral: Aug. 6 at First Mennonite Church, Denver. Maust, Viola Tressler, 87, Springs, Pa., died Aug. 11. Spouse: John E. Maust (deceased). Parents: John and Annie Eichorn Tressler. Children: Dale, Karen; one grandchild; two great-grandchildren. Funeral: Aug. 14 in Springs, Pa. Nolt, Mervin H., 87, Lititz, Pa., died July 12 of cancer. Spouse: Susan M. Buckwalter Nolt. Parents: Harlan G. and Nettie Hess Nolt. Children: Rachel Ann Rensberger, Jack, Linda S. Helmus, Joe E.; eight grand- children; eight great-grandchildren. Funeral: July 18 at Landis Homes Retirement Community, Lititz.

26 TheMennonite September 6,2005 CLASSIFIED

Having served a distinguished 10-year tenure as president of Director of libraries. Provide leadership and coordination to plan- Bluffton University, Dr. Lee Snyder has indicated her desire to ning, budgeting, organizing and staffing the library. MLS required. retire, effective June 30, 2006. Bluffton University is inviting nomi- A graduate degree in another discipline preferred. Theological nations and/or applications for the position of president, expected studies essential. EMU seeks people who are supportive of to assume office on July 1, 2006. Bluffton University is a fully Anabaptist-Mennonite Christian faith practices. Candidates send accredited four-year, liberal arts university, affiliated with letter of application, vitae, transcripts and three references to Beryl Mennonite Church USA and located in Bluffton, Ohio, with a stu- Brubaker, Provost, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA dent body of approximately 1,200. The university offers academic 22802 or email to [email protected]. Position open immediately. study in 39 majors and more than 30 minors, an adult degree com- People who bring gender, ethnic and cultural diversity are encour- pletion program, and master’s degrees in education, organizational aged to apply. For more information, visit our Web site at, management and business administration. Additional information www.emu.edu/humanresources/vacancy/allopen.html. about Bluffton University is available at www.bluffton.edu. Desired leadership qualities for president include: the ability to communicate Bluffton’s mission, vision and uniqueness to diverse audiences; respected and known in the Mennonite Church; com- mitted to Anabaptist faith, identity, values and mission, but open to other faith traditions; a commitment to the liberal arts, academ- ic excellence and the qualities of good teaching, but also commit- ted to faculty research, writing, performances and professional development; a gifted administrator with the ability and willing- ness to empower staff through delegation within a system of accountability; able to administer and manage fiscal resources; effective in fund-raising and willing to devote significant time and energy to securing financial resources; innovative, creative and able to continue the university’s growth with pragmatic planning; a “people person” comfortable in interacting with the campus and all constituent groups. A terminal degree from an accredited col- lege or university is required. Bluffton University is an equal-oppor- tunity, affirmative action employer. Nominations and/or letters of application with resumé may be submitted by email to [email protected] or sent to Presidential Search Committee, Bluffton University, 1 University Drive, Bluffton, OH 45817-2104. Mennonite Church Saskatchewan (MC Sask) is seeking a full- time conference minister. The conference minister gives overall leadership and direction to the mission, ministry and well-being of MC Sask with particular focus for pastors and congregations. Qualifications include an understanding of and commitment to Mennonite-Anabaptist theology and a preference for education and training in a Mennonite-Anabaptist institution, significant pas- toral experience within the Mennonite Church, well-developed lis- tening and communication skills, ability to relate to theological diversity and demonstrated administration and organizing skills. The successful candidate will exemplify boldness and creativity in implementing and building on the vision set by the conference. Willingness to travel throughout the province is a necessity. A detailed job description is available on the Web site www.mcsask.ca. For more information and to apply, contact Henry Block, Search Committee, 3214 Milton Str., Saskatoon SK S7L 3X4; 306-933-4660 (day), 683-0524 (evening); email [email protected]. The appointment will commence mid- February 2006. Applications will be considered until Sept. 30. Spruce Lake Retreat, a dynamic, multi-faceted camp ministry affiliated with the Mennonite church, seeks mission-minded, visionary person for full-time program director position. This per- son develops, plans and leads programmed events geared toward families and adults (currently about 25 events per year), and also serves on Spruce Lake’s Leadership Team. Applicant should have experience in church and/or retreat leadership, possess strong communication skills and be committed to an Anabaptist faith perspective. Entrepreneurial skills are also desired, for the purpose of developing new programs designed to equip leaders to encour- age others to embrace God’s mission. Salary and liberal benefits package provided. On-camp housing may be available. Position open fall 2005. Spruce Lake Retreat is located in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. Visit www.sprucelake.org. Send resumé to Personnel, RR#1, Box 605, Canadensis, PA 18325; phone: 800- 822-7505; fax: 570-595-0328; email: [email protected] Half-time pastor needed at Light of Life Mennonite Church, Farmington, N.M., in a cross-cultural congregation of two-thirds Native American and one-third Caucasian. Small congregation located near mountains and desert canyons. Contact conference ministers, Ed and Katherine Rempel, 303-347-9266, or committee chair, Arnold Miller, 505-564-3266.

September 6,2005 TheMennonite 27 CLASSIFIED

Dec. 1, 2005. Penn View Christian School is seeking an enthusiastic full-time MMA: insurance and financial services sales director of advancement beginning in December 2005. Are you looking for a career that combines your professional Responsibilities include organizing a comprehensive development skills and your Christian faith values? program, coordinating public relations activities, marketing, over- If so, MMA wants to talk with you. We are a church-related seeing all fund-raising events and building relationships with con- organization whose primary mission is to help people manage stituents, churches, alumni and donors. Ideal candidates will have their God-given gifts. MMA is seeking sales professionals to help five years of experience and a bachelor’s degree in a related field of provide insurance and financial solutions to individuals and busi- Advertising space in The Mennonite is study. Penn View offers a Christ-centered, academically excellent nesses, primarily associated with Mennonite and other Anabaptist- available to congre- education for 660 students in preschool through eighth grade. related denominations. gations, conferences, Please send your resumé to Robert Rutt, Executive Director, Penn Openings in Pennsylvania, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, businesses, and View Christian School, 420 Godshall Road, Souderton, PA 18964. Oregon and other states. Excellent compensation and benefits churchwide boards Phone 215-723-1196; email to [email protected]. packages. To learn more, visit www.mma-online.org/careers. Fax or and agencies. Cost for email résumé to 574-537-6635 or [email protected]. one-time classified Conference minister for new Mountain States Mennonite placement is $1.15 Conference: 22 churches in Colorado, New Mexico and north Holy Rood Mennonite Church, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is per word, minimum Texas. Position available Jan. 1, 2006, one FTE to 1) provide overall seeking a full-time senior pastor and possibly a half-time associ- of $30. Display space conference leadership, 2) facilitate care for pastors and other lead- ate pastor. Consideration will also be given to hiring a pastor cou- is also available. ers, 3) tend to corporate spiritual formation of conference and 4) ple where the spouse would serve as the associate pastor. Tentative To place an ad in encourage passion-driven ministries. Candidate will have a mini- starting date is Jan. 1, 2006. We are members of Mennonite Church The Mennonite, call mum of five years experience in an Anabaptist congregation, Alberta and Mennonite Church Canada. Average attendance is 80- 800-790-2498 and ask for Kristene Anabaptist theology promoting evangelism, peacemaking and 100 in a congregation diverse in cultures, ages and walks in life. Miller, or email service, an ability to lead others toward visionary results, a commit- See www.holyroodmennonite.ca for further information about the Advertising@ ment to disciplines of spiritual formation personally and within the congregation. Interested applicants please contact our Alberta TheMennonite.org. conference and a desire to promote Spirit-driven ministries with a Conference minister, Jim Shantz, at 780-485-2518 and Guenther sensitivity to expanding multiethnic outreach, and completion of Toews, Chair of Pastoral Search Committee at 780-458-9358. the Ministerial Leadership Information form from Mennonite CD recordings of the youth and adult programs from Charlotte Church USA. For more information, send inquiries by Oct. 1, 2005, 2005 are still available for purchase and immediate shipping from to Don Rheinheimer at [email protected] 719-481-3155, P.O. Box Precision Audio, Inc. Orders can be placed on our Web site at 502, Palmer Lake, CO 80133. www.precisionaudio.com, by fax 574-522-1369, or by phone 574- Mennonite Central Committee is recruiting for the position of 295-7493. MCC liaison to the United Nations in New York . This is a three- Drift Creek Conference and Retreat Center, located in the beau- year, full-time, salaried position. The liaison’s assignment is to foster tiful Coastal mountains,13 miles from Lincoln City, Ore., seeks a Christian pacifist vision in the conduct of international affairs at administrative director for full-time position beginning Feb. 1, the UN, interpret MCC to the UN and advocate relevant policies on 2006. Exciting opportunity to provide leadership, passion and behalf of MCC. vision in Christian Camping Ministries for children and adults. Significant experience outside North America and Europe or Commitment to Anabaptist beliefs and values required, College other highly industrialized areas of the world is important. Training degree and related experiences expected. Responsible for adminis- in international relations, law or theology is preferred. Self-motiva- tration, development, staffing and programming. Reply by Nov. 3, tion and skill in cross-cultural communication are required. 2005. Contact: Ken Snyder at [email protected], 503-362-5535 Relating to UN diplomats, hosting MCC workers, overseeing the or Gwen Peachey at [email protected], 541-754-6336. work of office interns and maintaining regular contact with MCC offices defines the routine work of the MCC UN Liaison Office in Test your drinking water for under $20. Bacteria, lead, pesti- New York. Candidates of a gender or ethnic group typically under- cides, nitrates and more. Results on the spot. Visit our Web site represented in this type of MCC assignment are encouraged to today www.watercheck.biz or call 888-222-0840. apply. Contact Prem Dick for a copy of the job description and send a letter of intent and a resumé by email to [email protected] or by fax at 717-859-2171 by Sept. 1, 2005. The position is scheduled to begin

28 TheMennonite September 6,2005 RESOURCES The Faith of the Outsider: Exclusion and Christianity and the Postmodern Turn: Six Passions and Fulfilling Your Purpose by Inclusion in the Biblical Story by Frank Views, edited by Myron B. Penner (Brazos Judy Rushfeldt (Castle Quay and Augsburg Anthony (Eerdmans, 2005, $16) highlights Press, 2005, $19.99), involves six contribu- Fortress, 2005, $17.99) helps women uncov- seven biblical stories that treat nonelect tors who address topics such as the nature of er their passions and define the barriers that people positively and, even more, as strate- rationality and biblical faith, the relationship have held them back, providing practical gically important participants in God’s plan of language to reality and truth, ethics, and tools for identifying their purpose, expand- of salvation. apologetics/theological method from a vari- ing their vision and conquering fear. ety of positions and in dialogue with each Anxious Souls Will Ask … : The Christ- other. School(s) for Conversion: 12 Marks of a Centered Spirituality of Dietrich New Monasticism, edited by The Rutba Bonhoeffer by John W. Matthews Meeting Islam by George Dardess (Paraclete House (Wipf and Stock, 2005, $22), is a col- (Eerdmans, 2005, $13) shows that the prison Press, 2005, $16.95) challenges Christians to lection of essays by 14 writers, including four reflections of Dietrich Bonhoeffer contain understand their Muslim neighbors. Dardess Mennonites, who are following a call to live profound inspiration for all who desire to explores some of Islam’s key beliefs and in communities much like monastic ones. walk more closely with Jesus in today’s trou- practices, using his own failings and success- bled and often troubling world. es as a guide. To Baghdad and Beyond: How I Got Born Again in Babylon by Jonathan Wilson- Why Psychology Needs Theology: A Judgement Days: Lyndon Baines Johnson, Hartgrove (Wipf and Stock, 2005, $16) is the Radical-Reformation Perspective, edited by Martin Luther King Jr. and the Laws That story of a young evangelical couple who fol- Alvin Dueck and Cameron Lee (Eerdmans, Changed America by Nick Kotz (Houghton lowed the conviction of their faith into a war 2005, $24), shows how Christian insights into Mifflin, 2005, $26) focuses on the high-water zone and discovered an alternative to the human nature can be integrated with psy- mark of the civil-rights movement: 1964-65, violence of empires and the complicity of chological theory and suggest ways that a when much of the legislation that shaped quietism in the “third way” of Jesus’ beloved basic understanding of faith might positively today’s society was passed, including the community. impact the therapeutic process. Voting Rights Act, Medicare and Medicaid, among others. This legislation succeeded Prayer: The Cry of the Kingdom by Stanley Cents and Sensibility: How Couples Can largely because of the uneasy alliance J. Grenz (Eerdmans, 2005, $14) is a revised Agree About Money by Scott and Bethany between Johnson and King, Kotz argues. edition that offers practical guidance on Palmer (Cook Communications Ministries, praying effectively and challenges the con- 2005, $14.99) addresses money arguments, Making Your Dreams Your Destiny: A temporary church to recapture what it the number one cause for divorce. Woman’s Guide to Awakening Your means to be a church that prays.

September 6,2005 TheMennonite 29 ACHE

Medical malpractice litigation

wo months ago, Mrs. Miller went to the hospi- And, contrary to popular opinion, malpractice pre- tal to give birth to her first child. Sadly, after a miums account for little of U.S. health-care costs, T long and difficult delivery, the baby was still- only 1 to 2 percent. born. Worse yet, the last-minute cesarean section We also know that malpractice litigation func- seriously damaged her uterus, making it unlikely tions poorly as a system for compensating victims. she will ever bear a child again. After reviewing her Few victims collect anything. Most of the money records, two physicians told Mrs. Miller that her paid in premiums goes to lawyers, insurers, experts obstetrician was negligent in several respects. Yet and others. When damages are awarded, the typical three different lawyers have declined to represent payout comes almost five years after injury. Worse her in a malpractice lawsuit. The lawyers say that yet, malpractice caps on noneconomic losses, a her state imposes severe “caps” on judgments for solution to the malpractice crisis favored by many, “noneconomic” loss. Her injuries—the dead child, is often unfair in that it reduces recoveries most for loss of reproductive capacity and the severe depres- people with the most serious injuries, as well as for sion she now suffers—are all “noneconomic,” and people with primarily noneconomic losses, such as the amount they could recover under the state’s Mrs. Miller or retirees and homemakers. Moreover, Joseph Kotva cap will not cover the costs of bringing a long and while such caps clearly reduce payouts, they difficult malpractice suit. reduce the number of lawsuits only marginally. Dr. Yoder has been delivering babies for 30 The system likewise does not work well for the years. Yesterday he received his malpractice premi- many physicians who pay steep premiums, espe- um bill for next year—$160,000. cially those in high-risk locations His premiums have gone up 50 and high-risk specialties such as percent over the past three years. obstetrics. Premiums increased He considers himself lucky— Malpractice litigation rapidly in the early 2000s in most some of his colleagues have lost functions poorly as a system states. States that have capped their insurance altogether when damages seem to do better at their insurer left the state. for compensating victims.Few attracting doctors than those that Nevertheless, he is thinking victims collect anything. have not. about retiring early or moving to Many other contentions are another state with lower insur- less clear. Lawyers assert that the Timothy Jost ance rates. But who will deliver threat of malpractice suits make This monthly col- his patients’ babies if another obstetrician leaves physicians more careful and patients safer, but umn, called ACHE their area? there is no systematic evidence to back up this (for Anabaptist After 30 years of controversy, issues surrounding assertion. Lawyers also say that “individualized jus- Center for Health- medical malpractice are highly partisan. Trial tice” best serves injured patients, yet studies find care Ethics), looks at issues of lawyers and many consumer groups support large variations in recovery for similar cases. health-care ethics. Democrats, demanding unlimited rights to sue. Recent studies show that malpractice payments If you have issues Medical interests, insurers and other business have grown only moderately in recent years, at you want to see defendants support Republicans, seeking limita- about the rate of growth of medical costs generally, addressed, write tions on lawsuits. As both patients and health-care but advocates of malpractice reform contest these Joseph Kotva, 3003 Benham providers, Mennonites are affected by both mal- studies. Physicians say their legal fears lead to Ave., Elkhart, IN practice and malpractice litigation. This month’s higher costs because they must adopt defensive 46517-1999, or column describes what we know about medical practices of little benefit to patients. But again there [email protected]. malpractice. Next month’s column will discuss what is little evidence that such fears, rather than factors Also go to we as Mennonites have to offer in the midst of this such as economic incentives or patient expecta- www.anabaptist- ethics.org. complex situation. tions, actually motivate extra tests. Proponents of Some facts about malpractice are recognized by tort reform often blame the legal system for sud- most observers. For example, medical injuries are den premium increases, but insurance market fac- common. The Institute of Medicine estimates that tors also plainly influence those increases. up to 98,000 people die in hospitals each year from Surely there is a better way to address malprac- medical errors, many more than die from highway tice and compensate injured patients. Mennonites accidents or breast cancer. Many errors are pre- do not believe in litigation as a means to settle dis- ventable, and many result from negligence. The putes. Perhaps our experience in peacemaking vast majority of victims of medical error do not sue, efforts such as conflict transformation and victim- and fewer than half of litigants recover damages. offender reconciliation can help us find a better way.

30 TheMennonite September 6,2005 September 6,2005 TheMennonite 31 EDITORIAL

In the elements

early 300 of us stood across from the military Mennonite was among the first English-language recruitment center in Charlotte, N.C., July 7 Mennonite papers.) N when the rain began. (See July 26, page 23.) During World War II, Civilian Public Service Dick Davis, pastor of Peace Mennonite Church in workers encountered horrible conditions faced by Dallas, Texas, and a former military chaplain, told mental patients. Their concern led to changes in us that, like soldiers, we were “in the elements.” mental health treatment in the United States. As members of Mennonite Church USA make a The work of Mennonites overseas has contrib- concerted move to be missional, to no longer be uted to changes in the U.S. Mennonite community, Gordon Houser quiet, we will move into the elements, into the lives making us more aware of the needs of our sisters of people we may have only theorized about before. and brothers around the world. These workers who And while we may go there to change them, to lived in those elements also made us more aware of offer our answers about the gospel and the world, how our consumeristic ways contribute to environ- we will find ourselves changed and encounter ques- mental degradation and poverty elsewhere. tions we have not considered. As we learned that afternoon in Charlotte, being Like the vast majority of people in his day (and in the elements is not always pleasant. While I felt a today), Jesus spent most of his time outside, certain invigoration walking the mile or so back in exposed to whatever weather happened to occur. a downpour, soaked to the skin, I also looked for- He mixed with people others considered outside ward to the comfort of my hotel room. the community. He changed many of them, and he As we seek to not be so quiet and get to know was changed as well (see Mark 7:24-30). people outside our usual circles, we may find our- We are used to physical comfort. We are also selves needing to listen as much or more as to talk. used to a certain comfort in our faith. Are we will- That afternoon we heard from Tim Coil, a veter- ing to risk that comfort by becoming involved in an of the Gulf War, who suffers from the effects of the lives of others who may question things we’ve depleted uranium used in U.S. weapons. He talked taken for granted? Are we willing to change the about the horrible effects of war on the troops sent nature of “We” some wore on buttons at Charlotte? to fight it. He derided the simplistic “support our troops” stickers that do nothing for troops once they come back from war, broken and alone. As we seek to not be so quiet and get to know people Victor J. Hinojosa (Aug. 9, page 12) writes about outside our usual circles,we may find ourselves needing a group of churches in northern Indiana working with veterans returning from Iraq, listening to their to listen as much or more as to talk. stories and building relationships. He calls on peace churches to offer “a grace that redeems … that says violence is never justified but is never the This is not new for Mennonites. Throughout our final word.” history, we have changed as we encounter new sit- Going into the elements and becoming involved uations. The early Anabaptists moved throughout with new people may not change our faith, but it Europe being unquiet about their faith. And while will change us. Last winter a family with no Menno- for most of them the essentials of their faith did not nite connections began attending our congregation. change dramatically (see the Schleitheim Confes- Later they became part of our small prayer group. sion), their practices differed some between those We learned that the church they attended earlier in Holland or Germany or Switzerland. pretty much ignored them. We have learned much Look at the changes that occurred once Menno- from this family and received much from each nites in North America began speaking and writing other. We all have grown in our faith as we’ve in English. A missional desire led to forming talked and listened to one another. schools, mission agencies and publications. (The Being in the elements may not always be com- origins of this magazine go back to 1885, when The fortable, but it can be enriching.—gh

32 TheMennonite September 6,2005