1999-2000 General Mission Study: Mission in the 21st Century v e NEW WORLD OUTLOOK Editor's Column: Talking About Time P11 blis/J er 1999-200 Ra ndolph Nugent Editor _Ylission Alma Graham It was near unset on Palm Sunday Eve during the last year of the Associate Editor 1900s when Bishop Alfred Johnson of New Jersey, bearing a shep­ 4 Miss hristie R. House herd's staff and leading a red-robed children's choir, emerged from by Ra Ari Director Lnyo11t/Desig11 the Asbury Park United Methodist Church into the street. After bish­ Roger C. Sadler Emily Grote op and choir came several hundred of the faithful-weary people 5 Histo Production Mminger who had met all day to learn how to be holy and bold enough to bring byD;; ancy Quigley shalom to God's people in the city. Administrative Assistant Now, at last, finding new energy for this end-of-day procession, Pa tri cia Y. Bradley they came forth singing hymns and waving palms-handing palm 10 Chris byS. Editorial Offices branches to pedestrians, to passing motorists, to people coming out Alma Graham onto porches, to patrons of a fast-food restaurant. As twilight 475 Ri ver ide Drive, Room 1476 New Yo rk, NY 10115 approached, they turned into a street where they'd been told drug 16 The I 212/ 870-3765 deals took place after dark. But they came openly, not furtively, with by Jo E-mail: [email protected] songs of praise on their lips and palm branches in their hands, turn­ ing the puzzled expressions that greeted them into smiles of surprise Website: http://gbgm-umc.org/ nwo/ and delight. 19 lnte Advertising/Pro111 olio11 Director This was mission in action-John Wesley's style of mission, taken Ru th Kurtz out of the church walls into the places where people live and work 20 Case 475 Ri verside Dri ve, Room 1472 New Yo rk, NY 10115 and gather. It was mission for any time, any place, any century. For it by Jo 212 / 870-3784 was a witness to joy, an expression of inclusive love, a celebration of Published bimonthly by the General Board of salvation. Global Ministries of TI1e United Methodist 26 Trani Church. (!SSN-0043-8812) As we consider what Christian mission has been in the past and byR Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY, might become in the future, let's pause for a moment in the here-and­ and additional mailing offices. Copyright © 1999 by the General Board of Global now to talk about time. The time we measure out with clocks and cal­ Ministri es of The United Methodist Church. endars-the time we divide neatly into hours and days, years and 30 Rest No part of New World Outlook may be repro­ duced in an y fo rm without written permis­ decades, centuries and millennia-is human time, not God's time. byP i sion from the Editors. Even as human time is measured, the second millennium after Printed in U.S.A. Christ's advent on Earth has already ended-somewhere between 34 Mod New World Outlook editoria ls and unsigned 1994 and 1997. We are already in what might be 2003 or '04, '05, '06 articles reflect the views of the editors and had the B.C.-A. D. calendar system devised by Dionysius Exiguus in 525 signed arti cles the views of authors onl y. 38 Orth Unsolicited manuscripts will be acknowl­ not been four to six years late in its dating of Christ's birth. edged only if used. Otherwise, the editors Even if we could pinpoint Christ's time of birth to a millisecond, by A cannot be responsible fo r returning them. what would it signify? In the beginning-before time, before space, Report change of address to: Magazine before the universe was created-was the Word, and the Word was Circulation, Service Center, 7820 Reading umw Road, Caller No. 1800, Cin cinnati, Ohio with God, and the Word was God. 45222-1800. Also send old address, enclosing if possible address label. Allow at least 30 It is the Holy Spirit working in us that moves our mission for­ 40 Idea days notice. ward, not a mystical trio of zeroes at the end of a date. We can analyze byB POSTMA TER: Send address change directly where we've been in mission; look at where we are now-moving out to New World Outlook, Service Center, 7820 Reading Road, Ca ller No. 1800, Cincinnati, into new places, doing new things; and ponder prayerfully over what Ohio 45222-1800. Subscriptions in the United our understandings and our actions in the future need to be. But what DEPARl States and Possessions: One year $15.00 (com­ bination with Response, $25.00). Single copies moves us out of the church doors-what propels us into streets and $3.00. Two years $26.00 (combination with fields, over oceans, and across continents-is the creative power of Res pon se, $45.00) . A ll fore ign countries: One 2 Edi I yea r $20.00. God, the redeeming love of Jesus Christ, and the sustaining breath of by1 Photo/ Art Credits: page 47 the Holy Spirit, which bid us to bring the gifts of God to the people of God, everywhere, now and forever. Cover Photo: by Linda Rhodes. Alice 15 Misl Saperau, a lay pa tor of the United Methodist I Church in Senegal, holds a worship service in -Alma Graham a house church, 1998. 45 Bull

2 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 New Series Vol. LIX No. 5 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK Whole Series Vol. LXXXIX No. 3 ew World Outlook MAY-JUNE 1999

999-2000 MlfflON JTUDIEf ~ission in the '[wenty- !First Century 4 Mission in the New Millennium by Randolph Nugent

5 History's Lessons for Methodism in Mission by Dana L. Robert

10 Christian Mission: The End or a New Beginning? by S. Wesley Ariarajah

16 The Russia Initiative by John Lovelace l 19 Interview With Bishop Ruediger R. Minor I I

20 Case Histories: Partner Churches by John Lovelace

26 Transforming Destruction to Healing in Kazakhstan by Robert 8. Howerton, Jr.

30 Restoring the Church in Cuba by Philip Wingeier-Rayo

34 Models for New Mission: Cambodia and Senegal

38 Orthodox and Wesleyan Spirituality by Alma Graham flumanity Comes of;flge 40 Ideas for Ministry With Older Adults by Brenda Connelly

DEPARTMENTS

2 Editor's Column: Talking About Time by Alma Graham

15 Mission Memo 44 Wireless Worship by Charles Cole

45 Bulletin Inserts on Mission

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 3 Mission in the New------. us reach a larger, Though we recognize that more technologically the need for relief and develop­ Millennium sophisticated popula­ ment will grow incrementally, tion. New strategies we should understand that pe

4 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 History's Lessons for Methodism in Mission by Dana L. Robert

elo ! ~ Is f lo

A kindergarten class of a bygone era in Bareilly, India.

rfl. we sit on the edge of a new millennium, it education. Ironically, a denomination that began in ~~ves us to ask if past experiences can help us revivalism became one of the greatest sponsors of edu­ understand our present, despite profound changes in cational missions in the world. both the church and the world. Can the missionary tra­ Another feature of Methodist mission has been its dition of American Methodism put into perspective the pragmatic patriotism-a willingness to work within changing structures for mission, or divisions in the existing sociopolitical structures to spread the Gospel. church, or the relationship of our missionary calling to Methodist missions have usually sought change from fhe global dominance of Western culture? How does within rather than supported revolutionary action from where we have been affect where we are going? without.

Lessons From the Past Expansion and Consolidation Methodist mission has flourished when there has been American Methodism has always lived in the tension a healthy balance between expansion and consolidation, between expansion and consolidation, between indi­ between individual initiative and corporate follow­ vidual creativity and corporate regulation-or, to put it through. History tells us that, just as stability requires in theological terms, between the moving of the Holy good organization, creative expansion relies on flexible Spirit and human systems. The watchcry of nineteenth­ risk-taking and mobilization of individuals with vision. century Methodism was expansion undergirded by Methodist mission has also flourished when evan­ careful organization. Under Bishop Francis Asbury, gelism has been coupled with strong support of higher Methodism spread across the United States so quickly

N EW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 5 • ' ,_ • • ~ • ' ·- .~ >• ,_. .~ •• oi!1 f 4 !• ,,. ); , .. "' •> ... I_."''"',_. ... • • • • • I • , ' ,, I• 1 l ,

John Stewart and the Wyandots tional The mystical voice of God heard by nsand a descendant of slaves catalyzed process the founding of the Methodist issions Missionary Society in 1819-1820. John Stewart (1786-1823), of mixed African and European descent, was born free in Virginia. After joining a Methodist camp meeting in Ohio, ·ssion he heard God calling in a vision, in ethodis the voice of a man and a worn~ telling him to preach to the Indians. Setting off in a northwesterly direction, Stewart sang and preached first to the Delawares, then to the Wyandots. His ministry resulted in the conversion of chiefs, leading women, and others. Rival missionaries quickly appeared on the scene. They accused Stewart of Missionary John Springer (seated) in the Belgian Congo, 1907. He and his wife, Helen, were founders of Methodism in that land. having no credentials from an organized group of Christians. and effectively that, by 1850, it com­ United Brethren in Christ; and the Supported by his q.mverts, Stewart prised 34 percent of the church­ Evangelical Association opened approached the Ohio Annual going population. A brilliant mis­ missions in the nineteenth and Conference and requested formal sion strategist, Asbury perfected a early twentieth centuries. credentials. system in which young, itinerant What reads in the history book Today, John Stewart probably ministers worked the margins of like a clear path from Maine to wouldn't pass through an ordina­ the American population, seeking Liberia, or from New York to India, tion committee. But in 1819, the out the poor, the immigrants, and or from Kentucky to California was Ohio Conference recognized his the frontier folk. All preachers were in reality contested and confus­ call from God as part of the divine considered to be missionaries. ing-and always marked by ten­ plan for the expansion of Methodism was a highly effective sions between grace and order, or Methodism. The conference imme­ missionary movement. between individual innovators and diately licensed him, collected From the 1840s until World War the mission board, or between calls money for his work, and appointed I, the largest Protestant denomina­ to honor the Spirit and references to a regular missionary to follow with tion in the United States went glob­ The Book of Discipline. The people a circuit. al. The most important "foreign" whom we honor today as pio­ Back in New York City, the mission before the 1840s was a neers-the "saints" of Methodist leading Methodists heard of struggling presence in Liberia, expansion-were always stretching Stewart's success and organized established by antislavery senti­ the system. On the other hand, the Methodist Missionary Society ment and the appeals of African without organizational support for to raise money for missions and American Methodists who had the experiments of Spirit-led enthu­ book publishing. Leading women emigrated there. In 1847, the siasts, there would be little sus­ founded the New York Female Methodist Episcopal Church tained work for us to remember Missionary Society, which assisted entered China and Argentina; today. the missionary outreach through Germany in 1849; India, 1856; Japan Two specific illustrations of this fundraising-an idea that quickly and Mexico, 1873; Korea, Angola, creative though stressful dynamic spread to Methodist women in and Singapore, 1885; Zimbabwe, between expansion and consolida­ Albany, Boston, and other 1898; the Philippines, 1899; and tion are the mission of John Stewart Methodist centers. Congo, 1911. Similarly, the Meth­ to the Wyandots and the mission of It was in 1844 that the General odist Episcopal Church, South; the John and Helen Springer in the Conference founded a General Missionary Committee to provide Methodist Protestant Church; the Belgian Congo. Fonner

6 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 national oversight of appropria­ conviction and entrepreneurial suc­ the anti-intellectual climate of ard tions and other matters. This began cess-undergirded by grassroots revivalism. Hostility against formal }'2 a process of stabilization whereby support-permitted individuals to education for clergy continued on a hod missions related to the entire impact the twentieth-century mis­ popular level well into the twenti­ ·18 denomination. The most effective sion bureaucracy. The noteworthy eth century. Yet by 1844, American mD. period of Methodist expansion fol­ successes of Methodist missions Methodism had established 13 col­ t,11· lowed the founding of permanent have often relied on a healthy, if leges; and by 1897, the Methodist centralized structures. Board of uncomfortable, tension between Episcopal Church alone was spon­ Mission secretaries oversaw Spirit inspiration and disciplined soring 54 colleges and universities Methodist work around the world. follow-up. If we heed the lessons in the United States. By the tum of from our history, we must expect the century, American Methodists Tht Springers' Work in Congo missions to be messy, with individ­ were busy establishing nascent col­ Jn a twentieth century of fixed ual initiative often outrunning the leges in China, Japan, Korea, Latin bud.gets, pioneers fought to keep support structures. In many cases, America, and India. expanding the Methodist missions. iconoclastic individuals have left In addition to concerns for the John (1873-1963) and Helen (1868- the church. In other cases, denomi­ education of clergy, Methodism 1946) Springer were founders of national structures managed to committed itself to liberal arts edu­ Methodism in the Belgian Congo. channel the creative energy of pio­ cation for broad segments of its tar­ Called by the Holy Spirit to found a neers like the Springers. get populations. Methodist identity chain of mission stations across cen­ has rested on an optimistic view of tral Africa, the Springers traveled Mission Education human capabilities combined with &om Zambia to Angola, scouting A second enduring theme in the faith in the democratic potential of ~ible mission locations, despite history of Methodist missions is educated people. By the 1880s, the disapproval of the mission support for higher education. A there was a core group of Methodist board. Returning to the United connection between evangelism missionaries in Asia who had them­ States, they raised so much support and education is precisely what selves been educated in Methodist and money for a mission in the fueled Methodist expansion in the colleges. These missionaries natu­ Congo that the mission board late nineteenth and early twentieth rally saw education as a source of capitulated to public sentiment. centuries. At first glance, support of their own advancement, and they In John and Helen Springer's educational institutions seems a began working toward founding struggle to establish the Congo peculiar emphasis for a movement colleges in Asia. Mis,gon, we can see how spiritual whose strength was drawn from Another r·eason for the strong Methodist support of higher educa­ tion in foreign missions was the active women's movement in the church. Since women typically could not be ordained, unmarried women became missionary-teach­ ers, founding schools for girls in which they hoped to convert them as well as advance women's place in society through education. Methodist women founded the first colleges for women in Asia, includ­ ing Ewha Women's University of Korea, now the largest woman's university in the world. By 1910, the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church was supporting the largest number of teachers and more schools and colleges than any other Former students and faculty of Isabella Thoburn College in Lucknow, India. women's missionary organization.

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 7 The growth of educational, medical, $10,000 for purchasing the property cooperated with worldly powers and other social-service institutions on the condition that the college for the sake of continuing its mis­ in late nineteenth and early twenti­ teach English. Not having time to sion work. Although Methodism eth-century missions was the direct consult the mission board in New has produced its share of prophets, result of Methodist women's pas­ York, a committee of missionaries its usual stance has been to push for sionate and tireless advocacy of for­ accepted the money and formed a change within political realities. eign missions. board of trustees. This decision instantly polarized the mission Case Study: India Case Study: Fuzhou, China force, both male and female. At that American Methodists first entered Fuzhou, China, where Methodists time, the vast majority of mission­ India in 1856, founding churches,. founded their first college outside aries of all denominations in China orphanages, hospitals, and excel,. the United States, is an important opposed the teaching of English, lent schools for both boys and girls. case study of the struggle within believing it would cause the During World War I, Indian patrio~ the church over founding higher Chinese to become denationalized began agitating for home rule with-, educational institutions that offered and take jobs in the public sector in the British Empire. The colonial secular learning. Not only was rather than in the church. government reacted with brutality. Fuzhou the site of the first Chinese The recriminations between the During a protest against martial annual conference and Metho­ Chinese pastors and the missionar­ law on April 13, 1919, British troops. dism's first mission college, but the ies who opposed the college opened fire, killing 400 and wound­ first Methodist girls' boarding reached all the way to the next ing 1200. The following year, the school in Asia began there and General Conference. But the Anglo­ Hindu nationalist Mohandas grew into the first college for Chinese College had begun any­ Gandhi launched his famous non­ women in all of China. way in 1881. Methodists in Fuzhou cooperation campaign against the In 1881, Chinese pastors in the were thus ahead of virtually every colonial government. Basing his new Fuzhou Annual Conference other mission in China in the teach­ program on the teachings of Christ, petitioned for the mission to found ing of English and of advanced Gandhi steadfastly pursued a pro­ a men's college. An unbaptized Western scientific subjects. By the gram of pacifist civil disobedience. Chinese businessman donated time that the Second General From World War I on, all non­ Missionary Conference of China British missionaries were forced to met, Methodists had nearly a take oaths of allegiance to the decade of experience in the matter. British government as the price of working in India. Methodist mis­ Pragmatic Patriotism sionaries were tom between their A third enduring feature of desire for political stability in which American Methodism's approach to do their work and their belief in to missions has been its pragmatic democracy and human dignity. patriotism. Twenty years ago, I was Fearing the expulsion of the entire told that there was no use studying mission from the country, the Methodism-it merely mimicked denomination publicly maintained middle-class American culture. its loyalty to the British govern­ With other mainline churches, ment. For some missionaries, how­ Methodism stood accused of being ever, the missionary pledge created mere "culture Christianity." a crisis of conscience, as they sup­ Scholars now realize that the largest ported Indian nationalism but and most popular Protestant maintained silence on political he coul denomination in the nineteenth issues for the sake of working for overtly century helped to create middle­ change from within. pledge. class culture and form American Evangelist E. Stanley Jones was that his identity, not just reflect it. a friend of Gandhi and firm sup­ ter and Missions have extended porter of Indian independence. By lying p Bishop Bashford, Alice Lacy, and Dr. and Mrs. W. H. Methodism's pragmatic patriotism engaging in dialogue with Hindus more v Lacy: Shanghai, China, 1907. Dr. Lacy argued for the to global issues. In most situations, and Muslims and by supporting lising th teaching of English in a mission college in Fuzhou. Methodism has compromised or Christian nationalists, he did what eminent India d

8 NEW WORLD OlffLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 Another Methodist, Looking back, there is another Frederick Bohn Fisher, lesson to be learned. Mission has was elected one of four flourished when ethnic minorities, bishops for India in 1920. women, and indigenous Christians Unable to support nation­ have been initiators rather than alism publicly without objects of mission. The Ohio breaking the pledge, Conference answered the African Fisher pushed indige­ American John Stewart's call for nization in the church by help with his Wyandot converts. lobbying for the election Chinese pastors, businessmen, and of an Indian bishop. In American missionaries worked in 1930, he resigned his bish­ partnership to launch Methodist opric to make way for higher education in Asia. Meth­ Jashwant Chitambar, odist women supported missions Methodism's first Indian when they could set their own pri­ bishop. Then, orities and send their own person­ after Frederick nel, even as the first expenditures Fisher left India, made by the Woman's Foreign at last he was Missionary society in 1869 went to able publicly to support indigenous women work­ become an ar­ ers. Wherever John and Helen dent defender of Springer pioneered, they discov­ independence ered individual African Christians for India. already there who requested their By World War II, only five of assistance and became their allies. the American Methodist missionar­ The church becomes inclusive ies in India-not counting Jones when people are considered part­ and Fisher-had made public ners rather than objects. Being a stands against the British govern­ mission of the people is significant­ ment and had been expelled. ly different from being a mission to Elsewhere, too, pragmatic patriot­ the people. ism has been the chief stance of the Finally, history's lessons for Methodist missions toward world Methodism in mission show that issues. Methodism's strong sense of the greatest thing to fear is not mak­ public responsibility has not typi­ ing mistakes but losing one's cally resulted in radical action but Gospel calling. The lines of mission in solutions such as pragmatic history are messy and convoluted Advocates of Indian independence: (Tap) cooperation, education for justice, rather than pure and straight. Mohandas Ghandi. (Middle) E. Stanley and legislative initiatives. Compromises and disagreements /ones, banned from India during World abound. The "pearl of great price" War ll. (Above) Bishop Frederick Bohn has been carried in clay vessels. Yet fisher, who resigned so an Indian bishop Initiators, Not Recipients could succeed him. What are history's lessons for even when the clay cracks and Methodism in mission in the twen­ breaks, the lustrous pearl retains its he could for nationalism without ty-first century? In the past, value, radiating grace and beauty overtly breaking the missionary Methodist mission has flourished throughout the world. 0 pledge. A pacifist, Jones believed where there has been a healthy bal­ that his work in reforming charac­ ance between expansion and con­ ter and communicating the under­ solidation and where there has Dana L. Robert is Professor of J.ymg principles of democracy was been a strong commitment to high­ International Mission at the Boston more valuable than publicly chas­ er education. Another feature of University School of Theology. She is tising the British. The colonial gov­ past mission has been pragmatic author of American Women in ernment finally banned him from patriotism, a pushing for change Mission and coauthor of Christianity: India during. World War II. within current political realities. A Social and Cultural History.

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 9 To me, ntempor the East e virtua at has urches, I · d of m ghteenth ·es. Tha 0wever, I most of is an w by S. Wesley Ariarajah at

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 To me, it appear that compl confes ions and denominations. or acknowledge God's presence ont mporary de elopment , both The chief problem facing Sri Lanka except in an activity in which in the Ea t and the We t, along with is an armed conflict between the Christians ar engaged or one the irtual missionary paralysis island' two major ethnic groups. aimed at making Christians of peo­ that has befallen the mainline If one were to conduct a survey ple. The sugg stion that God may church , point to the end of the among the churche with the ques­ be calling them for a healing and kind of mis ion envisag d in the tion: "What constitutes the mission reconciling m1ss10n alongside ight enth and nineteenth cen­ of the church in Sri Lanka today,"a Buddhists and Hindus, rather than turie . That paradigm of mission, majority would no doubt answer: for the mission of making Christians howev r, has remained dominant "The church's mission is to preach out of Buddhists and Hindus, in mo t of our churches to this day. the Gospel and to bring the would offend them. It i an understanding of mis ion Buddhi ts, Hindus, and Muslims to Three factors, which have not that di ide the peoples of the Christ." However, most people are been seen in their interrelationship, world into the "saved" and the well aware that only a small frac­ thus contribute to the missionary "unsaved," that puts its emphasis tion of these Buddhists, Hindus, paralysis of the church in Sri Lanka: on the numerical increase of the and Muslims would be open to the the church's conviction that its mis­ church, and that would not make Christian message to the point of sionary task lies in making all the common cause with other peoples accepting Christ and becoming part people of Sri Lanka Christians; the and forces triving "for the king­ of the church. The history of mis­ reality that Sri Lanka, in the fore­ dom and it righteousness." This sions in Sri Lanka bears this out. seeable future, would remain a mission appears to me to be at its At the theological level, we Buddhist-Hindu country; and the end. It is, therefore, important to have to affirm that God-whom we inability of the church to affirm reconceive an inclusive mission know in Jesus Christ as one who God's presence in the lives of based on a new discussion of the seeks to redeem all of life from the Buddhists, Hindus, and others. mission of God. forces of death-is also in Sri Christians can only be engaged Lanka. We have to affirm that God in mission because of their belief An Example From Sri Lanka participates in the sufferings of the that God so loves the world that I am from Sri Lanka, a small island people; that God loves and heals God is already in a mission of heal­ outh of India of some 16 million them; and that God is working in ing and of reconciling the world people. Sixty-five percent of the them to bring about a just peace. unto Godself. Christians witness population is Buddhist and 18 per­ Most Christians in Sri Lanka, this truth because of what they cent is Hindu. The Christian minor­ however, would not readily discern have experienced of God through ity accounts for only 6.8 percent of the whole and is divided into many Opposite, p. 10: Some of the faces of religion in Sri Lanka: Christian, Hindu, and Buddhist. Below: Pulling in nets on the shore. Right: Children living in a slum in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 11 their participation in the life, death, needs to take place in a new para­ In more recent mission discus­ and resurrection of Christ. In the digm on mission-a move away sions, there is less insistence on the power of the Holy Spirit, they are from conversion to healing. unqualified affirmation that there is also called to demonstrate what a The call to repentance (to a life no salvation outside the act of healed and reconciled community oriented toward God and one's becoming part of the Christian can be and what the demands of neighbor), and to healing, teaching, community. The report of the World discipleship are in our world. and casting out evil spirits consti­ Mission Conference at San Antonio, tuted the mission and ministry of Texas, in 1989, shows some signs of From Conversion to Healing Christ. No doubt the idea of con­ a new willingness on the part of Some years ago, a Hindu in India version, through which one became Christians to do fresh thinking on told me that, while Hindus admire part of the community, is present in this issue. While affirming the belief Jesus for his teaching, life, and spir­ the Acts of the Apostles. Rightly that salvation is offered to all ituality, they have a real problem understood, conversion can have through Christ and that our mis­ with conversion. "Conversion-in rich meaning, referring to the trans­ sion to witness to Christ can never the sense of dragging a person from forming activity of the Spirit in our be given up, San Antonio confessed one community to another-is not lives. But it is misunderstood that there is a tension between our the aim of Christian mission," I among peoples of other faiths call to such witness and our affir­ said. "Most Christians believe that because of missions that place the mation about "God being at work conversion is what God does in emphasis on gathering converts. in people of other faiths." people's lives . . Christians believe The words that can truly cap­ If there is to be a genuine shift that God's forgiving love is offered ture the mission that the church in the missionary paradigm for a to all people in the life, death, and needs to engage in with God are new period ahead, it has to do with resurrection of Jesus Christ and healing, wholeness, and reconciliation. our attempt to resolve this tension. that, by believing in him and The word healing has a connotation becoming part of the community, that goes beyond physical well­ From Majority to Minority they participate in this new life." being to spiritual, social, and eco­ To some, the goal of mission is to "I don't understand this," my logical dimensions. The intention of make everyone accept Jesus Christ Hindu friend responded. "The love healing is to bring all of life to what as their Lord and Savior, because and forgiveness of God are also in God intends it to be. otherwise they would be lost. It is Hinduism. Why should one move Some would argue that the natural that this thinking persists, from one community to the other to emphasis on healing moves away because much of Protestant missiol­ receive God's forgiveness? God is from the traditional word in mis­ ogy took shape before the shift to everywhere, in everyone's life?" sion, salvation. Jesus is the Savior of the concept of the mission of God I recall this incident to the world. Conversion is necessary and within a theology that saw no indicate the second because one participates in sal­ possibility of a life in God through "shift" that I believe vation by believing in him. other faith traditions. The intention to be the majority also comes from the imperial and colonial history of the church. Political power held the possibility of Christianity's becom­ p:Terra ced 1mtryside. ) ing the religion of all people. In the Old Testament, there is Variom no anxiety that the people of God should be extended to include all nations. On the contrary, there is greater interest that the small nation of Israel should remain faith­ ful to Yahweh. Israel-despite the sionev€ fact that it is small, weak, and often ylife I overcome and scattered-is called on, how( to be a "light to the nations" and to un anya "live out the righteousness of God unity tha among the nations." Wish com

12 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 only a few would find the narrow failure of mission can be quantified. path that leads to life. Jesus also It is troubling because every spoke of the community that has Christian, at least in my part of the come under the reign of God as a world, lives and dies with a sense lamp that is put on a lampstand or of guilt for not having made a city that is set on a hill. The Christians of their immediate essence of such a community is its neighbors. It is troubling because it willingness to be a minority. Its mis­ discounts the many other ways and sionary vocation includes its will­ means by which God can and does ingness to live a vicarious life on draw the world unto Godself. behalf of others. We need to learn to be at home It is in this context that the as a minority mission community Protestant community's anxiety whose life is rooted in God and Top: Terraced rice paddies in the Sri Lankan about souls' being "lost," its whose life is lived in, for, and on countryside. Above: A Buddhist monk. activism in wanting to convert the behalf of the world. Various perspectives on mis­ world to Christ, its self-flagellation sion can be drawn from the New about the lack of interest in evan­ From Doctrinal to Spiritual Testament. The passage in Matthew gelism in its churches, its sense of Some years ago, I asked a Hindu on going out into the world and defeatism when other religions Brahmin young man for his view of making disciples of all nations increase in their numbers, and its Jesus. He wrote in answer: "Deeply (Matthew 28:19-20) confirms what triumphalism about the little attracted as I was by the ideal of the mission eventually became after the advances it is making in Africa and Hindu sannyasin (monk), I was able earthly life of Jesus. In his own mis­ Asia in adding more members for to immediately see in Jesus many of sion, however, Jesus appears to the church-let me be honest the qualities of this ideal. Here also shun any attempts to form a com­ here-is quite troubling. was a wandering spiritual teacher munity that would rival his own What is troubling is the without home or possessions, fired Jewish community. He insisted that assumption that the success or the by the true spirit of renunciation

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 13 Conclusion things of old," God says in Isaiah As part of the 43:18-19. "I am about to do a new search for a thing; now it springs forth, do you Russia Ini new para­ not perceive it?" The Russia digm on What we appear to need in our sultation in mission, I day are signposts for a new mission speaker to have sug­ that would still be a mission about pants that gested Jesus Christ and what God has don't mere four done among us in O him. Rich Goo important Conferenc shifts that S. Wesley Ariarajah, a Methodist min­ surprise to should take ister from Sri Lanka, is Professor of we went place within Ecumenical Th eology at the Drew received mainline missiolo­ University School of Theology, Billington, gy: from exclusive Madison, New Jersey. books and to inclusive, from conversion to healing, from Billington age visits t majority to minority, and from doctrinal to spiritual. A gen­ Russian le uine breakthrough would happen Iliff (vairagya) . Here al o was one who only when such shifts become part spoke with authority about the lim­ of the missionary perceptions in itations and futility of a life spent our churches. solely in the selfish accumulation of If Christian mission is about wealth (artha) and transitory sense participation in the mission of God, enjoyment (kama) ... ." perhap no other aspect of our What initially attracted him in Christian discipleship calls for the personality of Jesus, he contin­ greater discernment and greater ued, was "the embodiment in him willingness to change and to be led of what I consider to be, from my into new ways of thinking and Response Hindu viewpoint, the ideals and being. It is precisely at the time of Money to values of the authentic spiritual the restoration of Israel after the expelled fri life." To this Hindu, the challenge painful experience of exile that God ed, accordi that Jesus presents is clear. It is for also tells the Israelites not to think bishop for an authentic spiritual life that is as they have always thought or to Methodist centered in God and that moves expect things to be as they have ing to the} away from an ego-centered view always been. "Do not remember the and pursuit of life. former things, or consider the and Monte (Action by We live in a period of history in includes fo which there is an intense search for meaning and for authentic spiritual medicaJ Sl life. In a civilization that is being gifts to Ul #982450-8 built on confidence in wealth and power, one that is rife with vio­ church c~ lence, there is a quest for the forces Riverside of reconciliation at all levels of life. llMCORD The new thinking on mission can donating h never emerge and become part of mainline thinking if we seek to fit FIOOding i new perspectives into the theologi­ The worst cal and doctrinal presuppositions some toWJ of bygone centuries. New wine Clock~~se from t~p right: Dr. S. Wesley Ariarajah. A Sri Lankan woman and child. The country in1 needs new wineskins. (Luke 5:38) Kolluplt1ya Methodist Church in Colombo, Sri Lanka. pie home!E lnhambani

14 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 MISSION MEMO ro Russia Initiative Consultation Bishop Joao Machado reported that mosquitoes and The Russia Initiative held its seventh international con­ the lack of clean drinking water are causing outbreaks sultation in Dallas, Texas, February 25-27. Speaker after of malaria and cholera. The bishop has requested speaker told the 250 American and Russian partici­ $25,000 from UMCOR for food, shelter, medicines, and pants that United Methodists from other countries road repairs. Donations can be designated to UMCOR don't merely go to Russia once-they go back. The Rev. Advance #156500, "Mozambique Emergency." Rich Goodrich, who heads the Texas Annual Conference work in Tomsk, Siberia, said: "The biggest DEATHS Uniola Adams, retired Women's Division surprise to the people in Tomsk was not the first time missionary with 33 years of service in China and we went but the second." The Russia Initiative Liberia, died November 3, 1998 ... Burr H. Baughman, received the blessings of keynote speaker James H. retired missionary with 43 years of service in Malaysia, Billington, US Librarian of Congress and author of died December 3, 1998 .. .Elizabeth Bandel, retired books and a TV series on Russian history and culture. Women's Division missionary with 17 years of service Billington suggested that United Methodists encour- in Japan, died December 7, 1998 ... Evelyn McClean, age visits to the United States by the new generation of retired Women's Division missionary with 16 years of Russian leaders. The Rev. Donald Messer, president of service in China and Malaysia, died December 17, Iliff Seminary in Denver, was another key speaker at 1998 .. .Tae Young Lee, the first female lawyer in Korea, the consultation. Iliff is the central link between the 13 winner of the World Methodist Council's Peace Award, United Methodist-related seminaries in the United died December 17, 1998 .. .lvan H. Nothdurft, retired States and the Russia United Methodist Seminary in missionary with 12 years of service in Peru and Bolivia, Moscow. The Russian seminary now has 16 graduates, died December 31, 1998 .. .Marian F. Weppler, retired 24 current students (two-thirds of them women), and missionary with 5 years of service in Bolivia, died the hope of finding a permanent home. Messer urged January 8, 1999 ...Rose Waldron, retired Women's United Methodists to petition General Conference to Division missionary with 43 years of service in Japan, adopt a special quadrennial emphasis to raise $21 mil­ died January 18, 1999 .. .Frederick Maitland, retired lion for the Russian church and seminary. missionary with 20 years of service in Brazil, died January 19, 1999 ...Bess L. Persson, retired missionary Response to Kosovo Emergency with 16 years of service with the Women's Division Money to help feed and shelter ethnic Albanian refugees and 2 years of service with the World Division in South expelled from Kosovo is desperately and quickly need­ Africa, died January 20, 1999 ... Cora Lee Glenn, retired ed, according to Heinrich Bolleter, United Methodist deaconess with 42 years of service in the Southeastern bishop for Central and Southern Europe. The United United States, died January 24, 1999 ...Arthur L. Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is respond­ Mansure, retired missionary with 8 years of service in ing to the Kosovo refugee crisis in Macedonia, Albania, Zimbabwe, died February 5, 1999 ...Leah I. Hattrick, and Montenegro through an ecumenical partner, ACT retired missionary with 5 years of service in Korea and (Action by Churches Together). Immediate assistance the Philippines, died February 6, 1999 .. .Bethany E. includes food, water, cooking utensils, bedding, tents, Routh, retired Women's Division missionary with 13 medical supplies, and sanitation facilities. Designate years of service in Brazil, died February 9, 1999 .. .Vema gifts to UMCOR's International Disaster Response, W. Willis, retired deaconess with 15 years of service in #982450-8, for "Kosovo Emergency." Place checks in the United States, died February 9, 1999 ... Fred C. Wray, church collection plates or mail to UMCOR, 475 retired missionary with 39 years of service in India, Riverside Dr., Room 330, NY, NY 10115. Call the died February 10, 1999 ... Eunice W. Duncan, retired UMCOR Depot at 1-800-814-8765 for information about missionary with 12 years of service in the Philippines, donating health kits and Medicine Boxes. died February 12, 1999 ... Elizabeth L. Roby, retired missionary with 4 years of service in Nigeria, died Flooding in Mozambique February 16, 1999 ... Florence R. Ford, retired Women's The worst flooding in Mozambique in 40 years turned Division missionary with 17 years of service in Brazil, some towns in the central and southern parts of the died March 1, 1999 ... Deena M. Umbarger, consultant country into virtual islands and left about 40,000 peo­ for UMCOR in Kenya, was shot and killed on the ple homeless. The main route to Chicuque Hospital in Kenya-Somalia border on March 20, 1999, a week lnhambane ,was closed because of road damage. before her 36th birthday. 0

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 15 elief (U The World Almanac and Book of Facts ad mcli identifies the chief religions of Jllanent c Russia as "Russian Orthodox, gry, fea1 Muslim, and others." 990s. Since 1991, United Methodists Base• have been a lively and growing part of the amorphous "others." The Russia United Methodist Church­ officially registered by the Russian government in 1995 and re-regis­ tered in January 1999-is part of the church's new Eurasia Area, which has its own episcopal leader, Bishop Ruediger R. Minor. The Russia UMC has provi­ sional status as the Russia Annual ve us a ct Conference, giving it certain rights Sin of self-determination, such as ordi­ .... nation of clergy, as it moves toward permanent status in the global United Methodist Church. It has about 60 congregations slated to · trave register with the government by the end of 1999. United Methodist con­ gregations and fellowships are found in at least 22 Russian cities, with several sites for new develop­ ment having been identified. In eewa fact, the Russia UMC plans to pur­ the Ui chase and refurbish a building in involved Moscow to house the Russia United Supporti Methodist Seminary, which the Churche church supports and which is assis­ ted by an advisory committee that Sun represents the 13 United Methodist vidually seminaries in the United States. provide And it has hosted some 3500 United program Methodists from the United States-­ some dt many more than once-for endeav­ Methodi ors ranging from prayer vigils to The Rusi sweat-labor construction projects. the US a The main propulsion for these Supporti and other successes in a land where ed to 01 .. Methodism had been forced under­ ment to ground for seventy years by the support Communist regime is a unique pro­ church d gram named the Russia Initiative. Part A Call to Action Methodi In 1992, the Rev. R. Bruce Weaver distri cts, wa on the road to retirement after theUnitt a stint as interim director q( the in a re, Belarus i United Methodist Committee on I Relief (UMCOR). That as ignrnent i as yet no United Methodist pres­ eager to return. "Methodists have had included four trip to the "per­ ence. The purpose of the Partner always responded to Matthew 25 manent di aster" that was the hun­ Church program is the development and 28 to serve human need and gry, fearful Russia of the early of personal relationships, cultural make disciples of all nations," 1990s. exchanges, and humanitarian aid Weaver noted. "Those verses have Based partly on tho e experi­ projects-and, if feasible, the estab­ meant more to me than any other ences, Weaver was asked to delay lishment of a United Methodist during my years with the Russia retirement and to head hi church's church. In most Partner Church Initiative. We respond out of a new Ru ia Initiative. His job linkages, Russian citizens also visit sense of being a part of the global de cription from the General Board the United States. church. of Global Ministries (GBGM) "The problem was to move amounted to a clarion call for action United Methodist Volunteer-in­ from the novelty of just going to in response to need. Deputy Mission teams (UMVIMs) find work Russia to being there as witnesses for General Secretary Robert Harman opportunities in orphanages, clin­ Jesus Christ. So our ministry was told him essentially: "Go do it and ics, hospitals, and other ministry transitional, ranging from mass give us a report each quarter." sites. They may make one or more efforts at evangelism to the quiet, Since then, Weaver has made trips to the same site. compassionate witness of sharing 23 more trips to Russia and has spo­ bread, thanks to millions of dollars ken about the Russia Initiative in 36 The Russia Initiative Begins in humanitarian aid." of the SO US states. But the Russia What, Weaver was asked, moti­ Initiative grows not so much out of vates United Methodists in the Partnerships Develop his travels or his speeches as out of United States to enter into partner­ In 1992, Bishop Minor and Weaver his uncompromising insistence on a ship with Russians? He dates his met in Samara (in southwestern commitment to mission and a time­ answer to 1991, the year the Russia; see map, p. 21) with pastors specific volunteer response by par­ GBGM' s two top officials-Bishop of 13 Russia United Methodist ticipating United Methodists. J. Woodrow Hearn, then Board churches and fellowships. Most of The Russia Initiative offers President, and the Rev. Dr. the pastors were young, newly con­ three ways that United Methodists Randolph Nugent, the General verted to Christianity, and without in the United States can be directly Secretary-conducted a fact-rind­ financial support. involved in hands-on ministries: as ing tour of Russia and concluded "I approached them with the Supportive Congregations, Partner that there was both the need and Supportive Congregation idea," Churches, and Volunteers in Mission. the opportunity for United Weaver recalls. "I said: 'You name Methodist mission there. the churches needing help, and I'll Supportive Congregations (indi­ "The Berlin Wall had fallen," find a partner.' This would address vidually or in clusters) covenant to Weaver says. "The Cold War had the financial need. But it didn't provide $300 in salary and $200 in ended. The Communist govern­ address another concern. People program expenses each month for ment had decayed, and the country had been calling me wanting to do some designated Russian United was collapsing from within. The hands-on ministries in Russia. Methodist churches and pastors. people were bereft and emotionally "From Samara, I made an The Russia Initiative office connects bankrupt, hungry, and cold. eight-hour trip to Saratov, where the US and Russian churches. Each "Many American Christians, there was no Methodist presence. I Supportive Congregation is expect­ including some Methodists, viewed met with the local branch of the ed to make a three-year commit­ this as an opportunity to 'convert Russian Peace Foundation and ment to the program, including those Communists to Jesus,'" offered them the Partner Church support for evangelism by Russian Weaver added. "But Jesus was idea. 'What if teams from the church districts. already in Russia. In fact, the United States came to your city,' I Russian Orthodox Church had cele­ asked, 'and together you and they Partner Churches are United brated its first millennium in 1988." decided on the needs in your city? Methodist congregations, clusters, In 1991, the time was ripe for a Then a covenant to work together districts, and annual conferences in rebirth of Christianity in Russia. could be arranged for several years. the United States that agree to work And Methodists, whose ancestors The visiting teams could also invite in a region of Russia, Ukraine, in faith had been there in the nine­ you to the United States, because Belarus, or Kazakhstan where there teenth century, were ready and mission is a two-way street.' And I

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 17 Distinctive Contributions Re-registering in Russia Bi hop Minor has identified the The Russia United Methodist Russia Initiative's distinctive con­ Church was re-registered in tributions in this way: "Groups January, allowing it to continue to from Supportive Congregations have open local congregations in all strengthened the ministry to our parts of the Russian Federation as local congregations. Partner Church well as to use the word Russia in teams have continued to build an its name. Re-registration, made atmosphere of friendship and of necessary by a 1997 Russian law, better understanding between our affirms that the Russia United nations. The UMVIM teams have Methodist Church is a centralized shared their skills-and, most religious organization, with full importantly, have shared the love of rights to conduct public activities. whit God in social projects. Please pray By contrast, members of a reli­ freec for and help us in this new branch gious group have only the right of CO!ll of the Methodist movement." private exercise of their faith. Bisi With Bishop Minor, the three What separates one category Cen GBGM officials who are closest to from the other, explained Bishop Wlu the program-General Secretary Ruediger R. Minor, is the require­ c01y Top: Bishop Ruediger Minor ordains Randolph Nugent, Deputy General Cou Russian pastor Elena A. Stepa11ovn (1995). ment that a religious organization Above: Associate pastor Elena Tisc/1enko Secretary Robert Harman, and Dr. has to have been in existence in heli; (left) and the Rev. Betsy Bauer of Little Weaver-celebrated the Russian Russia for at least 15 years. The Met Rock, AR, with a model of the now com­ government's re-registration of the 1997 law also restricts the use of fr on pleted Return to Christ UMC in Russia United Methodist Church in the words Russia and Russian to the Ekaterinburg. Page 16: The Orthodox January. This re-registration, they Cathedral in the Kremlin, Moscow. organizations that have existed in said, provides unlimited opportu­ Russia for at least 50 years. said other teams of volunteers nities for the denomination's eight­ The United Methodist appli­ Me might come for short periods and year-old Russia Initiative to expand cation for re-registration included Rw repair local orphanages, clinics, and its model for future ministries else­ documentation from archives in ear other facilities. They were interested. where in the world. St. Petersburg citing the existence retl1 That was the start of the Partner The Global Ministries officials of Methodism in Russia in the WO Church program. also recognized supportive efforts nineteenth century. A Methodist, late "The idea of people coming as by other United Methodist agencies B.A. Carlson, organized a small the volunteers was hard for the that participate in the Russia congregation in St. Petersburg in wa Russians to comprehend. They had Initiative. Among them are the 1889. In 1907, the Rev. George A. is ti been brought up to believe that the Council of Bishops; the general Simons was appointed pastor. cor state told people what to do. But boards of Higher Education and Police informers came to Simons' al1i1 they were intrigued." Ministry, Church and Society, and sermons and lectures as spies. In 1993, a team from Highland Discipleship; the General Council They also arrested Methodist lay tha Park UMC in Dallas made the first on Ministries; the General Com­ preachers for their supposed sag Partner Church trip to Saratov. This mission on Christian Unity and "propagandistic" work. Even so, die was an interesting test, Weaver Interreligious Concerns; the 13 by 1909, the Methodist Church in the says, in linking affluent United United Methodist seminaries; the Russia had won legal status. Methodists in the United States United Methodist Publishing Ironically, the "sufferings and ch with Russians in dire poverty. But House; and United Methodist hardships of those mothers and pe1 together they proved that partner­ Communications. 0 fa thers in the faith turned out to shi ship is a sharing. In 1995, a United be a blessing for their spiritual Ru Methodist church in Saratov was grandchildren," Minor pointed to! John Lovelace is Editor Emeritus of organized. Highland Park contin­ out, for early records of police grc ues as a Supportive Congregation The United Methodist Reporter. In harassment "gave ample proof of ers to that church and as a Partner 1998, he was inducted into the United Methodism's existence [in Russia] Methodist Communicators (UMAC) Mt Church to the Saratov Russian more than 90 years ago." un Peace Foundation. Hall of Fam e. WE

18 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 INTERVIEW WITt1 DIJt1017 R\JEDIQER R. MINOR Bishop Ruediger Minor is the episcopal Wh re the Lutherans say with Martin Luther, "Here I leader of the Eurasia Area of The United stand," we say with John Wesley, "Here I stay." Methodist Church . Based in Moscow, he One basic principle of witness and evangelism for oversees United Methodist work in the me is freedom. The basic difference between genuine Commonwealth of Independent States, evangelism and proselytism is this: Proselytism is try­ which includes most of the former Soviet ing to win followers for my cause. True evangelism is Union. Born into the winning of disciples for a Methodist family in Jesus Christ. It is not that we East Germany, are recruiting people but that which enjoyed greater religious the Lord gives grace to help us freedom than other Communist bring this person into a rela­ countries, Minor was elected tionship with God. Bishop of the East Germany There are a lot of issues that Central Conference in 1986. we should address together-a When the two Gennany central lot of possibilities for partner­ conferences merged in 1992, the ship and sharing. What hap­ Council of Bishops invited him to pens between the United help in the redevelopment of Methodists in the United States Methodism in Russia. Excerpts and other Western countries from my Januan; interview with and those in Russia is not char­ the bishop follow. ity-not giving from the sur­ -Alma Graham, Editor. plus. It's really sharing. People are giving from what they Methodism did not go into could use themselves. Russia in the late 1980s and The Finnish United Methodist early 1990s, but Methodists Church had started some returned to Russia. Methodist humanitarian work in north­ work started in Russia in the west Russia among the Vepsa. late nineteenth century when Bishop Ruediger Minor at the Orthodox and Weslei;an Elderly members of this ethnic Spirituality consultation at St. Vladimir 's Orthodox the Russian Orthodox Church Theological Seminary, Crestwood, NY, fanuan; 1999. group speak a Finno-Ugric was even more visible than it language, but the younger is today. So it was a que tion of coexistence of Christian ones don't. The Finnish Methodists said: "We would communities. I personally believe that the church like not only to give them charitable goods but to share always has existed in plurality. the Gospel with them. But most people there speak The Russia United Methodist Church is convinced Russian." So they invited the Ru sia UMC to join them. that it has a mission and that it owes the Christian mes­ People from the United States gave money so that sage to all the people, including the Russian people. We church people from St. Petersburg could travel to the did not come to compete with the other group but with Vepsa's region. When these Russians came back to their the concept of working alongside other groups. churches in St. Petersburg, they said: "Friends, our lives My goal is not to have as many United Methodist are not very nice, but it's much harder there." And they churches or members as possible but to have as many collected money to buy food and collected toys for the people as possible who have found a personal relation­ children. They went back, sharing the Gospel and shar­ ship with the Christian faith. In my conversations with ing their earthly possessions in an area where, for miles Russian people, including local authorities, I've been around, there are no churches. And people accepted the told: "There is something pecial about your Methodist faith and were baptized. This spirit of haring is one of groups. First, these people are ready to listen. The oth­ the most hopeful signs. ers come and tell us what we have to do, but the One of the ways to share is through the Millennium Methodists listen. And secondly, they come back­ Fund. It was set up to celebrat the church' great his­ unlike the many "hit-and-run" evangelists. Methodism tory of mission. Buildings for worship and education went back to Russia with a determination to stay. can bee tablished with this created fund. 0 Opposite, P (lister Road children at 6 Below:Some "I look an indige Methodist said. "! thi could rein' Methodism

WestVugii The We~ Conferenc1 involved w the Rev. T1 organize a lowing sw Ives not on but he an among 43 worked th projects in "In fiv, have sent involving 1fl s United Methodist congrega­ trips to Russia. In 1997, two mission study and monthly birthday parties lllJ tions, districts, conferences, teams-including one made up of for women incarcerated there. We and clusters in at least 26 states older youths-helped to construct a have also recently expanded our have discovered, linking into the multipurpose building for the support to the juvenile detention Russia Initiative can stimulate a Return to Christ congregation. The unit at Alexander. And we are IORWA church's local ministries as well as building happened to be in front of working with the ecumenical its global outreach. Russian Men's Prison #2, a primary Kairos-Torch, a pilot program for recipient of the Return church's spiritual retreat weekends (like Arkansas Area mission work. On Sundays, the Kairos, Cursillo, and Emmaus) for Pulaski Heights United Methodist building is a church sanctuary. juvenile offenders." Church-a congregation of 3100 in During the week, it's a rehabilita­ Arkansas Area Bishop Janice Little Rock, Arkansas-became a tion center for prison inmates. Riggle Huie recently signed a part­ Supportive Congregation in 1995. In 1998, the Rev. Elena nership agreement for evangelism It covenanted to provide about Stepanova (the Return church's and church development with $6000 in program and pastoral sup­ pastor when the partnership Stepanova, who is now superin­ Baltic Sea port per year for the Return to began), her associate, Elena tendent of the Russia UMC's Ural­ Christ United Methodist Church in Tischenko, and Men's Prison #2 Siberia District. In May, the Ekaterinburg, Russia. The cov­ Warden Sergei Vetoshkin visited Arkansas Area task force for the enant is renewable every three Pulaski Heights UMC in Little Rock Russia Initiative-which Bauer years, and the Arkansans are in and toured Arkansas prisons. chairs-was scheduled to go to their fourth year of support. The Today, the Rev. Betsy S. Bauer is Ekaterinburg to explore sites for Return to Christ UMC grew out of the Pulaski Heights staff member church growth and mission. Also in First UMC in Ekaterinburg, a long­ related to the Russia Initiative. May, a group from St. Paul UMC in time partner with the Louisiana "Because of the Return to Christ Little Rock was scheduled to deliv­ Annual Conference. prison ministry," she said, "we now er the first stained-glass windows it Since 1995, the Pulaski Heights work at the women's prison in cen­ has designed and made for the UMC members have made five tral Arkansas, offering weekly Bible Return church.

20 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 Opposite, p. 20: Bob Kirkpatrick fro m we have worked exclusively with turn, they will teach our youths Custer Road UMC in Plano, Texas, with Russian orphanages, believing that much about soccer. children at a helter in Torjok, Russia . they are the most needy. Our latest "The emotional ties that we Below: Some Partner Church locations. project was construction of play­ have at the Bykovo orphanage run "I look forward to seeing what grounds at three orphanages last deep," Clark continued. "It is a an indigenous Russian United year." The playgrounds were con­ painful place to work, but it is also Methodist Church will be," Bauer ceived and the sites selected at a a place where we have formed pro­ said. "I think its power and spirit meeting with representatives of the found and lasting relationships could reinvigorate other parts of Russian Peace Foundation. with the administration, the staff, Methodism." Clark and 15 others were and especially the children. My vis­ scheduled to take a weeklong trip its have shown me that many chil­ West Virginia to Russia in March to examine the dren are destined to live unfulfilled The West Virginia Annual newly built playgrounds and to lives because they are physically, Conference VIM program got visit eight more orphanages as pos­ psychologically, or situationally involved with Russia in 1993, when sible sites for playgrounds and limited. My dream is to take them the Rev. Tom Clark was asked to other VIM projects. Clark said he the care they need or to have them organize a work team for the fol­ has 16 West Virginia VIMs going to brought to centers here in West lowing summer. Bishop S. Clifton Russia in May, and 50 more have Virginia where they can receive the Ives not only promoted the project, signed up for the summer. A new proper care that will set them free." but he and his wife, Jean, were twist to this year's trip to the among 43 West Virginians who Bykovo orphanage will be the Texas Conference worked that summer on housing introduction of a sports component In 1994, nine people from the Texas projects in Russia's Orel region. for the playground. "The adminis­ Conference (Houston Area) rode "In five years," Clark said, "we tration asked that we teach the chil­ the Trans-Siberian Railroad for have sent nine teams to Russia dren American softball, volleyball, three and a half days to Tomsk, involving 167 people. Since 1996, and basketball," Clark said. "In Siberia, 2000 miles east of Moscow. \

KAZAKHSTAN

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 21 We are all God's children. As we worked o realize this, barriers start to come housingfoi down. Sharing the love of Christ Orthodox with those who are hungry and about one­ ready to hear-giving them an sponsored example of that love in action so and collegE that they have a chance to respond "WhiJE -is the greatest hope of all." faith called completely Volunteers in Mission Russians," The Rev. Stephen Darr of friendsanc Blacksburg, Virginia, who coordi­ ily identif nates the Volunteer-in-Mission por­ interests of tion of the Russia Initiative for the means of ! GBGM, said the first VIM team to through se Russia-26 volunteers from all "Our ' across the church-went in August been recei1 1993. Since then, he said, demand great enth A mission tenm from Custer Rand UMC in Plano, Texas, outside a Russian Peace has been steady, with a list of 26 on both si Foundation office, ready to march in the Tver Cihj Day Pnrnde. locations where teams are needed these woni Each summer since then-now "In reaching out to the Russian and with groups scheduled into the tinue--bot traveling by air-teams from the people with love and faith through year 2000. Most of the VIM projects the person conference have gone to their the Rus ia Initiative," Zimmerman have involved renovations and out­ some mea Partner Church site to work on observed, "we have continually reach with Russian orphanages, keep the s orphanage facilities and teach Bible had to answer the question: 'Why though some groups have also between t schools. For example, the Texas are you doing this?' Our answer in nations .." Conference raised over $140,000 to both words and deeds is to share construct a two-story masonry the love of Christ with all persons building to house 25 children at the who have needs, especially the orphanage in Bakchar, 200 miles Russian people, as we reach out north of Tomsk. The conference also through this program. celebrated the formation of a "Both Americans and Russians United Methodist fellowship in who have interacted on the trips Tomsk and plans to help that fel­ have suddenly found that people lowship purchase a building. whom we have been taught to mis­ trust and even hate are just like us. North Texas The Paris-Sulphur Springs District, a predominantly rural unit of the North Texas Annual Conference, got involved in the Russia Initiative in 1996. Then, the Rev. Scott Jones asked District Superintendent Walter Zimmerman if he could invite other congregations to become Partner Churches. The District Program Council resound­ ingly adopted the Partner Church program districtwide, and about 30 congregations have raised money or gathered items for the Russia Top: The Rev. Elena Stepanova with Sergei Vetosl1kin, warden nt Men's Prison #2. Above: Initiative. About a dozen have sent Inmates worship nt the United Methodi t Chapel in Men 's Prison #2. Chaplain Maxine people on trips to Russia since 1997. Allen of Philander Smith College is seated in their midst.

22 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JU E 1999 worked on hospitals, churches, Louisiana grant from the GBGM, with con­ housing for the elderly, and Russian Connections betw en the Louisiana struction scheduled for completion Orthodox monasteries. He said Annual Conference and First in July. They have also delivered about one-fourth of all teams were United Methodist Church in critically needed food and medical sponsored by campus ministries Ekaterinburg, Russia, date to 1991. supplies to Russia and have hosted and college-chaplain programs. Trips have focused on Vacation many visi ts by Ekaterinburg mem­ "While the brand of religious Bible Schools, teacher training, spir­ bers to Louisiana churches. faith called United Methodist was a itual seminars, and Bible studies for Dr. James Gillespie, who coor­ completely new concept for most Russian church members. dinates Louisiana Conference Russians," Darr pointed out, "our Louisiana United Methodists involvement in the Russia friends and partners in Russia read­ have provided their Russian coun­ Initiative, said: "The Russian ily identified with the volunteer terparts with relief support and Christi ans have a deep and pro­ interests of the VIM teams and their financial aid, along with opportuni­ found faith. The years of persecu­ means of sharing the Good News ties for personal contact and educa­ tion have created in them an through service. tion. For example, they provided admirable sense of resiliency. Their "Our volunteers have always financial support for three young belief that God is faithful is a lesson been received with open arms and members of First UMC, Ekaterin­ that they live. My hope for the great enthusiasm. The main hope burg, to attend and graduate with Russia Initiative is that we will con­ on both sides of the ocean is that honors from United Methodist­ tinue to develop and help Russian these wonderful relationships con­ related Centenary College in congregations grow. My dream for tinue-both the mission work and Shreveport. And they received a the Russian people is they will be the personal contacts-and that, by special offering of $100,000 toward able to experience the religious free­ some means, we find the way to construction of a sanctuary and dom they so strongly desire." 0 keep the spirit and the hope alive multipurpose building for the between the peoples of our two Ekaterinburg church. This gift has John Lovelace is Editor Emeritus of nations .." been combined with a $350,000 The United Methodist Reporter.

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 23

IT IS DIFFICULT TO FATHOM Overall, in an area of about 4 1/2 In fact, all the data collected during United Meth The United ~ the traumatic situation of the peo­ acres, a total of 346 underground, the Soviet era has not been made ple of southeastern Kazakhstan in 87 atmospheric, and 25 surface public. Even so, ample evidence the tragedy ir the 40-year period from 1949 to nuclear explosions occurred, some has been found about the continu­ 1991, when 1989. During that time, 467 nuclear involving multiple weapons. ing negative impact the slow-onset Hearn of Ho devices were detonated in the semi­ disaster has had on the lives and of the Gene desert region around the city of The Disaster's Magnitude livelihoods of entire villages. Ministries, Semipalatinsk, an area that served As a result of the nuclear tests, 1.2 Alarming end-stage phenomena­ Randolph ~ as the nuclear-testing ground of the million people--over 7 percent of such as a massive out-migration, general sec1 TRAHSFORHIHG DESTRVCTIO /HTC

Left to right: A hospital in Kazakhstan; Soviet Union. What happened there Kazakhstan's total population-are Semipalatinsk; a Russian Orthodox child; the river Irtish in Semipalatinsk. there. Than is a reminder of a literal "Hell on affected today, directly and indi­ GBGM, al1 Earth" that all the world could rectly. Of these 1.2 million, about rising infant mortality, and stress­ Health Can experience if we are not willing to 100,000 were affected most directly: related family breakdowns-are Texas, and hear the message of love exempli­ the 27,000 people immediately continuing to occur. Medicine, e fied in Jesus Christ. exposed to radiation during the There is a complex and still ship sponsc After the four decades of earth­ testing; their offspring, a second unfolding interplay among the var­ lntemationa shaking explosions finally ended, generation of 39,600; and a third ious demographic, psychosocial, erallyfun de Kazakhstan's Minister of Health generation of 28,900. Affected com­ economic, and health effects of the 1997, the GI referred to the Semipalatinsk region munities are located in the oblasts nuclear testing in Semipalatinsk. ences in Ka as "our place of weeping and our (administrative divisions) of East Many local and international efforts consequenc1 place of sorrow." (See New World Kazakhstan: Karganda (with 48,000 have been made to alleviate the suf­ and a thirc Outlook, March-April 1994, pp. 4-9.) people) and Pavlodar (with 52,000). fering of affected individuals and requested fc This was the supposedly "uninhab­ The military nature of the communities. But there is still an ited" place chosen by Stalin to be nuclear testing shrouded it in secre­ urgent need to provide more com­ The Social the Soviet Union's nuclear-testing cy, with a resultant lack of informa­ prehensive assistance-help that ~e presen t a t range, or Polygon. The first atomic tion on the nature and extent of can preserve the glimmer of hope 1 mvited by test there in 1949 exposed more contamination and on the preven­ that still remains visible among the Program tc than 25,000 people to radiation. tive measures that might be taken. affected and suffering population. ducting fc

26 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 United Methodists Respond Semipalatinsk region in June 1998. All residential-care institutions The United Methodist response to From a focus group of local women visited were overcrowded and pro­ the tragedy in Kazakhstan began in in the village of Znamemka, we vided limited services. Yet more 1991, when Bishop J. Woodrow learned that five out of thirteen families are bringing children or Hearn of Houston, then president households contained at least one adults to these institutions because of the G neral Board of Global disabled child or adult. More than the families are migrating or can no Ministries, and the Rev. Dr. 60 percent of the women inter­ longer afford to provide custodial Randolph Nugent, the GBGM's viewed had seven or more children care at home. Despite the increasing general secretary, first traveled at home. More than 30 percent of demand for these government HTO HEAL/HG IH KAZAKHSTAN by Robert B. Howerton, Jr.

there. Thanks to their efforts, the these women had lost the jobs they institutions, they actually receive GBGM, along with Methodist once held in farming or at the only 40 percent to 80 percent of the Health Care Systems of Houston, nuclear-testing site. budgets they are allotted. Texas, and the Baylor College of All the villages and towns vis­ In a 1977 survey funded by the Medicine, entered into a partner­ ited in the region have experienced Japanese Red Cross, 2791 house­ ship sponsored by the American closure of in-patient health-care holds were interviewed in seven International Health Alliance, a fed­ facilities, kindergartens, primary regions of Kazakhstan, including erally funded program. In 1995 and schools, and boarding schools. Semipalatinsk. The survey showed 1997, the GBGM conducted confer­ Thus households with children or that almost 11 percent of children ences in Kazakhstan on the social disabled adults who require resi­ aged 7 to 15 were not attending consequences of the radiation issue, dential care or daycare can no school. Among families with four and a third conference has been longer access these services. In or more children, 15 percent of the requested for 1999. Kurchatov, seven of eight kinder­ children were chool dropouts. gartens are now closed, as is the Reasons given by parents for taking The Social Impact only primary school in Agzharski. their children out of school includ­ Representatives of the GBGM were Several households faced the ed lack of winter clothes (cited by invited by the UN Development prospect of spending their meager 37 percent) and lack of shoe (cited Program to serve on teams con­ resources to send their children to a by 44 percent). During the winter ducting foc\ls groups in the primary school 37 miles away. months, the temperature can drop

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 27 to minus 40 degree in areas such as and also of household heads in The Health Impact Semipalatin k. The worst situation Znamemka concerned the constant In comparison with other parts of was among multichild families, delays in receipt of pensions or Kazakhstan, the Semipalatinsk where often none of the children other social allowances that are region has alarmingly high rates of went to school. The young ones their only source of income. diseases, disorders, and abnormali­ stayed at home and the older chil­ In addition to the economic ties related to nuclear exposure. As dren looked for temporary jobs. decline of the Semipalatinsk region, early as 1997, a UN Development Most vulnerable families have the fear of irradiation has clearly Program report identified the to rely on irregular state pensions contributed to the massive out­ Semipalatinsk area as having the or social-welfare payments, which migration of able-bodied adults­ second-lowest life expectancy in are typically delayed for more than particularly adolescents and young Kazakhstan. The region has higher six months. During a meeting at adults who fear the negative effects rates of cancer-particularly of one city's social-welfare depart­ on their fertility and health. In turn, breast cancer-than other parts of ment, a severely distressed young out-migration is very often the the country. In one affected district mother of two anxiously asked for cause of widespread disruption in close to the nuclear-test site, there the state child allowances that had families, including the abandon­ were 1730 cancer cases per 100,000 not been paid to her for nine ment or institutionalization of chil­ people. months. Similarly, the most com­ dren and the elderly. Almost every A survey by the local Union of mon complaint of village elders family interviewed by the UN Nuclear Testing Victims, a non­ Development Program reported at governmental organization (UNTV least one family member who had IRIS) showed that 98 percent of RJJbert B. H Tllmenova in migrated to another region of women in two districts immediate­ Kazakh tan, to Russia, or to other ly adjacent to the testing site (Abai Seeking G parts of the former Soviet Union. and Abraly) were affected with var­ The level ious cancers and blood disorders. tionatthe More Economic Effects Given the low occurrence of other Semipalati The 1997 Japanese Red Cross sur­ risk factors for such cancers-such threat to K vey conducted in seven regions of as smoking, an unhealthy diet, alco­ neighbors, Kazakhstan determined that one in hol abuse, or pesticide pollution­ China. Cit seven respondents earned less than the organization concluded that nuclear t $13 per month-only one-ninth of nuclear testing was clearly impli­ began in the $111 per month determined by cated as a causal agent. The same national the government to be subsistence study showed that, for at least one Once Kai income. More than 400,000 jobs of the districts immediately adja­ pendent iI were lost in the region after closure cent to the testing site (Abraly), the first count of the nuclear-test site in 1991 . With infant mortality rate in 1996 was 64 of its nucl1 6.4 percent of its workforce unem­ infant deaths per 1000 live births­ But th ployed, the Semipalatinsk region much higher than the rate for of nations has the highest rate of official Kazakhstan as a whole. far greate unemployment in Kazakhstan. This Extreme poverty, chronic mal­ national t amounts to 27,968 people registered nutrition, and lowered immunity Kazakhpe as unemployed. But the actual rates are indirect pathways through tests. It is r and numbers of unemployed peo­ which the nuclear testing is report­ lenge ol ple are probably 50 percent higher ed to have caused an alarming rise humamtai than the e official numbers show. in tuberculosis (TB). Deaths from off enviro TB over the past five year in the Indeed, 25 percent of working-age the whole respondent in the seven surveyed Abraly district, adjacent to the test­ The C regions of Kazakhstan were found ing site, were twice the national Minis mes to be unemployed. Other negative a erage in Kazakhstan. Be ides pie of Kaz socioeconomic effects of the nuclear immune deficiencie , other effect neects of ti testing include the considerable on health include blood di orders, the buil

28 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 based primary-health-care program community health care, many peo­ to serve about 80 small villages in ple in Kazakhstan-which is 45 Pavlodar. percent Muslim and 45 percent There is a great need in Orthodox-have asked to have a Kazakhstan for properly function­ United Methodist church estab­ ing and cost-effective integrated lished there. As a result, a pastor health-care facilities. The long-term from Russia has been assigned to consequences of people's weak­ the Pavlodar region. In this way, ened immune systems are of major working together in faith and hope, concern to the physicians in the we continue to transform the rubble Semipalatinsk region. A full under­ of destruction into gifts of healing standing is needed of the relation­ that exemplify the Gospel in action. ship between radiation exposure In Kazakhstan and in the wider and the development of disease. world, this is a time for the church Early and improved diagnosis, to proclaim a message of holistic treatment, and rehabilitation for redemption. We can truly say with people with post-radiation condi­ the psalmist: "O Lord, how mani­ tions is also essential and can be fold are your works! In wisdom aided by the modernization of you have made them all; the earth equipment, the updating of profes­ is full of your creatures ... .When you Robert B. Howerton , Jr. and Dr. Bakhyt sional education, and the increased send forth your spirit, they are cre­ Tumenova in Kazakhstan. availability of medical supplies. ated; and you renew the face of the A community-based health ground." (Psalm 104: 24, 30) 0 Seeking Global Solutions program will be of great help in The level of environmental pollu­ small villages of 300 to 500 people. Robert B. Howerton, Jr., is assistant tion at the nuclear-testing site in the A community health worker from general secretary for Health and Semipalatinsk region is not only a each local group will be sent abroad Welfare Ministries in the Health and threat to Kazakhstan but also to its for training and then will bring the Relief program unit of the General neighbors, notably Russia and village knowledge and basic skills. Board of Global Ministries. Before join­ China. Citizen protests against the ing the GBGM, he was senior vice pres­ nuclear testing in Kazakhstan Calling for the Church ident for Health and Welfare Ministries began in 1989 and soon led to a Having come to know United for a 15-hospilnl system in Memphis, national antinuclear movement. Methodists through their work in Tennessee. Once Kazakhstan became inde­ pendent in 1991, it was one of the first countries to initiate the closing of its nuclear-test site. But the issue facing the family of nations in the third millennium is far greater even than the scale of national tragedy suffered by the Kazakh people as a result of nuclear tests. It is nothing less than the chal­ lenge of undertaking global humanitarian tasks in order to head off environmental catastrophe for the whole planet. The General Board of Global Ministries is working with the peo­ ple of Kazakhstan in addressing the needs of the area. Our plans call for the building of a primary-health­ care facility in Kurchatov and the development of a community- Children at a Russian Orthodox Bible-study class in Ka zakhstan.

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 29 day and tol away the !

security agent visited my home ....& ..., _ . lllertiful b da and told me to hide or give turned their backs on God. He the Word was proclaimed. Former awa the fa mily Bible," Angela asked God to touch th li ves of the members shared memories and said, lowering h r voice. "When I f rmer church members, to remove young people shared dreams. a ked why, h aid that the Bible their fear, and to open the hearts of Together, the two generations could cau problems for me and the young people to receive the would again become the church. my family." Enoc responded with love of God. As he opened his eyes As the congregation began to youthful e uberance: "Those day to begin the service, the young sem­ grow, it became obvious that the have passed, Angela, and the inary student saw 19 people who church must undertake the difficult church has urvived. Jesus Christ is had come to take part in the first task of relocating the single mother alive and love you just a much worship service in the Dubrocq and three children who lived in today as before. Will you help us Chapel in nearly 40 years! their building. After several meet­ reopen the church?" Angela Juana and Angela were stand­ ings with the local authorities and a answered with a tear in her eye: ing right in the first row. Tears were lot of red tape, a small dwelling in "Reopening the church would be shed that evening as the old hymns poor condition was finally made the happiest day of my life." were sung, the Bible was read, and available. Enoc Rodriguez and the

Reaching a New Generation So Enoc continued to visit around the neighborhood. He announced that the grand reopening service of the Dubrocq Methodist Church would be on Saturday. Besides the former members, Enoc found many children and youth who were not old enough to remember the church. They had been raised in schools which taught that God did not exist. They had come after the revolution and had been led to believe that the church was an out­ dated institution. Yet, between 1989 and 1991, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union caused Cubans to question many Communist dogmas. As Enoc talked to the young people, his enthusiasm was conta­ gious as he explained that God loved them and wanted them to live abundant lives. Although their Communist government had pro­ vided education, health care, and the basic food staples, the youth knew that there was something mis.5ing in their lives. There was a deep spiritual void to be filled.

A Chapel Is Reborn When the day of reopening arrived, F.noc came early to set an altar table and a small aoss in the vacant altar. He prayed and asked God to be Allow: The Dubrocq Methodist Chapel in Matanz.as, Cuba, has been reopened. Opposite, merciful toward those who had p. 30: 1Wo original members of the Dubrocq congregation worship together.

NEW WORLD OUfLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 31 congregation purchased some sup­ Methodism Is Reborn in Cuba There are approximately 10 plies and fixed up the shack until it The story of the Dubrocq Methodist occupied buildings that will be dif­ was adequate enough to house Church in Matanzas is an illustra­ ficult to recover, even though Cuba Jasmine and her family. tion of the rebirth of Methodism in recognizes the church as their legit­ Then Enoc and the small con­ Cuba. While the Methodist Church imate owner. The real challenge is gregation turned their sights on in Cuba never disappeared, its con­ to relocate the families currently repairing the old chapel. They had gregations dwindled down to a living in the church buildings. This to replace the roof on the Sunday­ handful of faithful believers. Some is a very costly process and one that school room, to repair the broken churches were closed entirely. requires good stewardship of windows, and to paint. However, Even though the Methodist church resources and sensitivity there was still one important item Church in Cuba retained the major­ toward the inhabitants. missing: the pews. Worship servic­ ity of its properties throughout Certainly, the Methodist Church es were held for several weeks with Communist rule, the lost properties is growing and is in need of church the worshipers standing up! will be difficult to recover. The buildings in order to assemble its The congregation continued to schools and clinics were national­ congregations. Statistics show that, work and pray to improve their ized by Cuba and, for the most part, over the last decade, the Methodist worship setting. However, the are being used for their original Church in Cuba has grown in atten­ humble offerings of the people purposes. The churches and par­ dance from 10,000 to 40,000 wor­ were barely enough to make minor sonages were retained through the shipers. Many believers crowd into repairs, and the lumber needed to courageous efforts of many clergy private homes, backyards, and tin­ make pews was available for pur­ and laypeople who sacrificed to roofed shelters. Since the Cuban R! chase only in US dollars. By the keep the church alive. After the rev­ government is not yet permitting w grace of God, the district superin­ olution, all but eight of the 70 the Methodist Church to build new tendent, moved by the rebirth of ordained elders fled the country, buildings, the restoration and pa Dubrocq Chapel, brought a visiting leaving a great shortage of clergy. maintenance of existing buildings Jul United Methodist caravan from While appointed to oversee large takes on a heightened significance. up Tampa, Florida, to worship with the circuits, day in and day out, the We can all be thankful for the congregation. Moved by the Spirit, laity retained church ownership of enthusiasm of young Cuban the caravan left a love offering to be many properties only through their Christians like Enoc Rodriguez. He M employed for a few pews. own heroic efforts. had an appreciation for the past Re and a vision for the future. He believed in God's promise that the at dry bones would dance once again Ct (Ezekiel 37:1-14). If you are inter­ m ested in helping the Methodist Church in Cuba work toward this dn vision by helping to repair its build­ tn ings, please contact the office co: Mission Volunteers, General Boanl of of Global Ministries, 475 Riverside'.l th1 Drive, Room 330, New York, Cz 10115, and inquire about Volun~ th1 in-Mission teams to Cuba. a pc Tr. The new congregation at the re Ai Dubrocq Methodist Church in Ma isl Cuba, with student pastor Enoc Rodrl ie1 (far left, back row). m, Cl Philip Wingeier-Rayo is a Uni C1 Methodist missionary who served Cuba 1991-1997. I!\ th

32 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 gvf issionaries

hll!l llll le r tr. /OOt atter 1,I 11'0 The Milk family with former workers of La Escue/a Agricola. Ann Milk Klotz, Robert Milk (third and fourth irr from left), Juliet Milk, Martha Milk (fourth and first from right). tlti: luhc Robert Milk never thought he the century had been harvested by Cubans, who were ittir would return to Cuba. In 1961, when his now an autonomous Methodist Church with their own !\(' parents- longtime missionaries Richard and annual conference and bishop. Not only had the Cuban ar church survived, but it is now thriving. In 1958, before Juliet Milk-told 15-year-old Robert to gather the revolution, the Methodist Church in Cuba had 5000 up . a handful of belongings, he was deeply members. Now there are 40,000 Methodists in Cuba. saddened. He had known no other home. The Following the Thanksgiving conference and cele­ bration, missionaries were invited to travel to their old Milks began serving in Cuba in 1947 when assignments. The Milk family flew 700 miles east to Robert was just a year old. He had grown up Holguin Province. "Instead of experiencing the sadness at the Agricultural School at Playa Manteca on many had predicted, I felt thankful," said Robert's mother, Juliet. "The first thing l saw was the unparal­ Cuba's northeast coast. On that abrupt exodus leled Nipe Bay-blue, blue rippling water­ in 1961, he left his childhood behind. unchanged! True, the school was far from the way it On Monday, November 30, 1998, Robert's was 40 years ago, but there was a school with 121 chil­ dream of returning to his boyhood home came dren, 7 to 17 years old. They had learning disabilities true. The Methodist Church in Cuba organized a and were being taught employable skills. They looked conference to commemorate the lOOth anniversary happy and healthy." of the arrival of the fust Methodist missionaries on The real highlight of the visit was discovering how the island. On Thanksgiving Day 1898, Bishop the missionaries' witness had impacted the lives of Candler had led an expedition to Cuba to explore their former students. "The crowning event of the the possibilities for sending missionaries to sup­ whole trip was the Escuela Agricola student reunion," port the already existing Methodist work. Juliet recalled. "There were 52 people present. Many Traveling with him was H. W. Baker, the first North had not seen their classmates for years. Over and over American missionary assigned to work on the we heard: 'I never thought I'd see any of the Milks island. Exactly 100 years later, 27 former missionar­ again!' Some former students were active in the church. ies and their children traveled to Cuba to renew old Others were not but still had tremendous respect for memories and to share the history of the Methodist the honesty and discipline that the school had in tilled. Church and the role of mission. It was awesome!" This was the true reward of a mis­ There had been no missionaries serving in sionary: seeing the fruits of one's labor. Cuba from 1961 until the first missionary returned For all the missionaries, the week in Cuba was a in 1991. The visiting delegation was pleased to see realization that, despite setback , God alway multi­ that the seed which missionaries planted early in plies our efforts through His unending grace. O

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 33 the children in tiut this sch l((onunodate MODELS FOR NEW MISSION: \lallYchil dre l'((aine and ar CAMBODIA AND SENEGAL the Bang Tho The found asked us to New World Outlook In 1998, cov­ visitors who want to talk about the (]iristian insti ered new United Methodist mission meaning of life and their search for initiatives in Cambodia (July-August), a relationship with God. Did you and Senegal (September-October). In know such a place existed? Cambodia, United Methodists from the The Pastors' School-spon­ United States, France, and Switzerland sored in February by the General are working in partnership with mem­ Board of Global Ministries and the bers of the Wesleyan Church of Singapore Methodist Church-was Cambodia and Methodists from Korea a success. About 100 pastors and and Singapore to create a coordinated lay leaders attended the training, Methodist mission. Two Cambodian representing 61 congregations from missionary families-Pitou and Sally around the country. Lao and Marilyn and Joseph Chan­ We just returned from visiting represent the General Board of Global Prey Veng, Kampot, Battambang, Ministries (GBGM) in this effort, both Banteay Meanchey, and Poipet. In couples returning to their original Poipet, we saw first-hand what is homeland after years of service in the possible when young children United States. Before emigrating to the come together in a supportive set­ • United States, the Chans spent two ting. A gentleman had opened a years in enslavement under the Khmer small school there, near the Thai Rouge; they converted to Christianity border, to teach the Khmer lan­ after escaping to a refugee camp in guage to 400 poor or orphaned chil­ Thailand. dren. He uses his own money to pay six teachers $10 per month each • Greetings from Cambodia plus housing. More than 1000 of by Pitou and Sally Lao 11 March 1998: On February 1, we arrived from Singapore at the Pochentong International Airport, where we received a warm wel­ come from a line of old and young folks waiting for our arrival. The weather was very hot and humid. It is only 15 kilometers [9 miles] from the airport to our new home, but it takes about 30 minutes to get there because of all the traffic. There is only one main road, and it is used for all kinds of transportation. Cars, pedestrians, bicycles, motorcycles, joggers, cats, dogs-all have rights to use the same road, depending on who gets there first. People here have made us feel Top: A young lay pastor of the Cambodian Methodist Church. Above: Inside a Cambodian at home. Every day we receive new home, Takadol, Ka ndol Province.

34 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 the children in that area need help, programs for prayer, worship, and talk about establishing new congre­ but this school can't afford to Bible study to enable the children to gations in their villages. What were accommodate more than 400. explore the Christian faith. I asked the possibilities, they asked. As of Many children not in school use several small children why they today, we have established 32 new cocaine and are under the control of attended the school. They said: "I churches. the Bang Thom (big brother) gang. want to learn and listen to my We are requesting your prayers The founder of the school has teacher." We were most impressed to find 50 churches in the United asked us to transform it into a by their spirit of openness and States to sponsor 50 new churches Christian institution and to set up expectancy. in Cambodia. Besides a registration The health status of the people fee, each church will need 10 is very poor, so we are opening a K1uner Bibles, 10 K1uner hymnals, a medical clinic at the Methodist small sound system, a shade for the Church in Cambodia. We need vol­ worship area, a well for drinking unteer medical doctors and nurses. water, and a motorcycle. As of today, we have received five requests for new congregations in the provinces. Please pray for lead­ Joyful and Grateful ers to guide these new groups, by Joseph and Marilyn Chan whose members are all new in Christ. We need to recruit lay lead­ November 1998: Marilyn, our ers from the Phnom Penh Bible daughter Christina, and I are joyful School and to provide financial and grateful to the Lord for this support. great privilege to serve His people in Cambodia, in encouraging them October 1998: Praise the Lord Jesus to help and care for each other with Christ who has widely opened the Christian love. door to reach the Cambodian peo­ We participate in the monthly ple and prepared their hearts to Pastors' Meeting, where pastors receive Him as Lord and Savior. and missionaries from the different Many people are hungry for the organizations and denominations Gospel. People sent their represen­ serving around Phnom Penh meet tatives to visit us in Phnom Penh to for a time of prayer and sharing of vision and mission. We also contin­ ue to be part of the Central Committee that meets once a month to work on common proj­ ects, such as the Bible Women Conference held in October and attended by 110 women from all over Cambodia. We thank God for the Women's Division of the GBGM, which spon­ sored the Bible Women Conference. Like the earlier Pastors' School, it was a resounding success. We met the twofold objective given by the Women's Division-to train the Cambodian women to share the Gospel of Christ through story­ telling and to provide them with workshops on Christian communi­ ty, family structure, child care, and Top: The Silver Pagoda of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Above: A clean­ health and hygiene. 0 water fountain if1 Cambodia funded by The United Methodist Church.

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 35 Th e United Methodist Church in Senegal has established a Christian presence in a predominantly Muslim countn;. While forming partnerships with Muslim youth to find common beliefs and attainable community goals, the mission also supports a growing Christian community in the suburbs of Dakar. Included in this update are let­ ters from the most recently assigned missionaries in Senegal-Nkemba and Mbwizu Ndjungu, from the Southern Congo Annual Conference, and Karen r-- - The Ndjungus from Congo, shown with three of their children, are missionaries with the and Sebastine Ujereh, who have served United Methodist Church in Senegal. in both Congo and Zimbabwe-as well as updates from their fellow missionar­ the end of the fast came in the same disguised as missionaries and as ies Harold and Roberta Smith and Alan week as Ash Wednesday for us. Senegalese lay pastors announce to and Mavis Stre1Jf!eler. Thus the question of fasting as a the world: "Be not afraid; for spiritual discipline was always behold, I bring you good news of Daily Dialogue in Senegal before us. great joy!" by Harold and Roberta Smith Two months after Ramadan, Alice Saperau, lay pastor for the Feast of Tabaski was celebrated. the United Methodist Church in May 1998: To live out our Christian This is the annual commemoration Senegal, says: "We have outgrown faith in a city of nearly three million of God's providing a ram to substi­ worship in my living room. Our Muslims is to live in daily dialogue tute for the firstborn son of expectation for Advent is to devel­ with our faith story and the faith Abraham. Here in Senegal, every op two other house churches that story of our neighbors. The New Muslim household with the means meet during the week in the com­ Year began two days after the start is expected to buy, kill, and eat a munity of Parcelles Assainies. We of Ramadan-a 28-day period of sheep. In 1998, Tabaski fell on the are preparing for God's surprise to daily fasting, one of the Five Pillars Wednesday of Holy Week. Thus, us and through us." of Islam. The festival of Korite at the question of the meaning and Last night, we held the first place of sacrifice in the salvation prayer service at Ker Rammu Yalla, story took on a new power and God's House of Mercy. Upstairs, on presence. The Muslims sacrifice a the balcony roof, we have an exer­ lamb each year, while the cise area with stationary bicycles Christians commemorate "the and a makeshift piece of "step" Lamb of God given for the sins of equipment made from plywood the world." and a truck tire. When we finish exercising, we descend into the liv­ aze at eacH Joy for Surprises ing room, which has been turned ince the ele by Alan and Mavis Streyffeler into a community center. There ay. Mavis Rama, the prayer leader, teaches ome 10 mini December 1998: We live in a land of classes in microenterprise for lectricity re loudspeakers and daily announce­ women. The women have been or the surp · ments. "God is Great!" comes the working out on the blackboard all cry from the mosque at dawn's the costs of cooking a meal of fish early light. In the midst of this and rice for 20 people. Could they Church comes the announcement of the reduce their costs so that the price YNkemba a birth of a Savior, Christ the Lord. of the meal could be lowered? On noisy Dakar streets, with sheep, After they leave for their meal eceinber 199 goats, and children foraging in preparation, the room is rearranged hurch is be A member of the microenterprise group in garbage bins, and in residential for prayers. An Advent candle vithout a lo. Senegal, learning how to create a business sculpture is placed on the table. neighborhoods, where children ived in D of sewing and cooking. play soccer on sandy streets, angels Roxaya returns from changing her unday we 1

36 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 gym clothe . As a third wife and a service, not more than 15 people With each move, there are Mu lim, how will he relate to the were present. Last Sunday, we were small differences and adjushnents I witne s of our faith? Fran~oi prays more than 40. We don't have a have to make in my method of for a job. Awa i looking for just a building but have been worshiping work as a treasurer. Senegal is no in the living room of someone's exception. My plan was to arrive in house until now. We hope that, with September, train with the outgoing God's help, things will happen treasurer, and start working on my quickly here for the planting of The own and studying the Wolof lan­ United Methodist Church. guage in October. But when we Mbwizu leads a Bible study arrived, the outgoing treasurer was session every Wednesday afternoon already in the United States, so I for all the women- both missionar­ began working on my own imme­ ies and Senegalese-to empower diately. As for the Wolof lessons, I them to follow the example of some was told by two French-speaking strong women in the Bible. She also Senegalese that they did not under­ t~' teaches at a shelter for girls. This stand my English-when I was hce house takes in young girls who speaking to them in my best French! I; f have been rejected by their families So, I've decided to study French for different reasons. again to see if I can improve before Instead of six, our children are taking on Wolof. now five. Tantine, our 10-year-old Exciting things are happening daughter, is gone. On September 6, with the house church in Senegal. our dear Tantine Ndjungu Mbwizu One of the key components of our drowned in the ocean and died at mission here is church planting. l.Jiy pastor Alice Saperau at a clean-water the Principal Hospital of Dakar. We The United Methodist Church in fountain funded by The United Methodist know that she is now in the hands Senegal is growing. We've set up a Church in Senegal. of Jesus, the friend of all the chil­ committee to identify an alternative dren of the world. We know also place of worship that can accom­ room for herself, her husband, and that we shall see her one day. modate this growth. 0 her three children. Fatuu is in her Meanwhile, we shall be living with first days of being with Christians. a tearful remembrance. What does she feel about the good news of great joy? Some 15 people-adults and Economics and Growth children-make up a circle of faith by Karen and Sebastine Ujereh and friendship as we read from Scripture, share prayer concerns, October 1998. Sebastine is continu­ sing to the rhythm of a drum, and ing the Economic Empowerment gaze at each other in candlelight Program (EEP) here in Senegal. The since the electricity has been out all purpose of EEP is to alleviate day. Mavis and I return to our home poverty. We train groups of people some 10 minutes away. Behold, the and provide the seed money to get electricity returns. We feel great joy them started in a microenterprise for the surprises that God gives us. project. (Dakar has an extremely high unemployment rate, even among young people who have A Church Is Being Planted high school and college degrees.) by Nkernba and Mbwizu Ndjungu Now, Sebastine is studying the economic, social, and cultural envi­ December 1998: A United Methodist ronment in order to determine Church is being planted in Dakar, what methodology will be most without a lot of noises. When we appropriate for the EEP in Senegal. Thanks ta another United Methodist foun­ arrived in Dakar in March, the first The approach to EEP here will be tain, this young woman no longer has ta Sunday we went to the worship different from that in Zimbabwe. walk long distances far water.

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 37 ernigh l ead in john ethodi ~ ci I as "I'm glad I'm in this safe house," and collegiality prevailed as partic­ find common ground by going 'chard the Rev. Dr. Randolph Nugent said ipants relaxed and talked about back to their shared Christian ivinity on an icy January day as he looked what the week had taught them. beginnings. Two major splits in ad in out over the snow-covered grounds In this closing discussion, the Christendom occurred in the mil­ ebrew, around St. Vladimir's Orthodox participants were most struck not lennium now ending: the diver­ anish; Theological Seminary near New by the details of scholarly papers gence of the Eastern and Western ot, on I York City. "This is a place where we they had delivered or heard but by branches of Christianity as the mil­ d urg1 can explore things that in other set­ what they had learned about one lennium began and the Protestant­ vehow tings might be disturbing." another. "There are other people Catholic division at the millennial ading' It was the final plenary session who love their traditions as much as midpoint. Now at the close of that \ ch a1 of a weeklon g consultation en­ we love ours," said Father Thomas thousand-year period, the General phrem titled "Orthodox and Wesleyan Hopko, St. Vladimir's dean. "We Board of Global Ministries of The Spirituality." For six days, clergy tend to forget that. We need to meet United Methodist Church, St. and lay scholars from the United together and let God decide what Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Methodist, British Methodist, comes of it. " Seminary, and The Orthodox Singapore Methodist, and Naza­ "If we want to come closer, we Church in America were undertak­ rene churches had met, studied, have to go deep to our roots," said ing a small, quiet, but resoundingly talked, and shared worship with Professor Dimitar Kirov of important ecumenical initiative. Dr. Orthodox scholars from the United Bulgaria. That's exactly what the Nugent, the GBGM's general secre­ States, Russia, Greece, and consultation was designed to do­ tary, called it "Forward to the Past" Bulgaria. An atmosphere of peace to help Methodists and Orthodox because, he said, in looking back,

eritage Hie1 f Marq er. He esley' e Writ entury at the we might see "how we might move ahead in the future." John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was a voracious read­ er, as the paper given by Dr. Richard Heitzenrater of Duke Divinity School pointed out. He read in English, Latin, Greek, Hebrew, German, French, and · diver Spanish; read while traveling on Westeq foot, on horseback, or in a carriage; Opposite, p. 38: The chapel at St. Vladimir 's. Above: Jean Davis, GBGM Women's the mJI Division director; Dr. Frances Young, U. of Birmingham, England; Bishop Heinrich Bolleter, and urged all his pastors to read Central and Southern Europe Central Conference; Professor John Erickson, St. Vladimir 's. testilr\t five hours each day. Included in his llenni reading were early Eastern fathers, To Dr. S T Kimbrough, Jr., Those from the Wesleyan heritage of th such as Augustine of Hippo, music is an important part of the were especially grateful to the ~ener Ephrem Cyrus, Justin Martyr, reconciling mix. (Dr. Kimbrough, Orthodox for their willingness to Macarius, Origen, Polykarp, and associate general secretary for mis­ share their sacred space. : ~'.~ others whose works were common sion evangelism at the GBGM, was The mutual understanding that to all Christians. Other papers an organizer of the consultation, was built incrementally during the given during the week by along with Dean Hopko of St. week found a chorus of voices to Orthodox and Methodist scholars Vladimir's and the Rev. Leonid affirm it at the close. explored these common texts of the Kishkovsky, ecumenical officer of To the Rev. Loma Khoo of the lve. undivided church, tracing the influ­ The Orthodox Church in America.) Singapore Methodist Church, mov­ l seer ences of the Eastern Church on John "Sharing in one another's worship ing closer together was a step-by­ ~Pas and Charles Wesley. life is foundational to spiritual step process: "I know you exist. I ; bac Far from the Orthodox­ growth and mutual understand­ can tolerate you. I think I like you­ Protestant conflicts sometimes ing," Kimbrough said, "and music some of you. I need you." She encountered in the World Council is at the heart of the spiritual jour­ pointed out that "we can't get there of Churches, the clergy and laity ney with Christ." just by sharing papers but from who gathered together in the refuge Father Ioann Economtsev of learning from each other how to of St. Vladimir's avoided discus­ the Moscow Patriarchate was of a pray." sions of dogma and kept to the path like mind, affirming that, for him, "It's not the doctrinal questions of Christian spirituality that the "studying the poetry of Charles but the Christian life that is impor­ 'I Eastern fathers and the Wesleys Wesley had a very special personal tant," affirmed Dr. Roberta Bondi of shared. Finding "the fundamental influence." He had translated the Candler School of Theology. principles of Christian spirituali­ "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" into "We think Protestants don't ty... the same in the East and in the Russian and played for the group a regard their own traditions as being West," Dr. Petros Vassiliadis of the tape recording of that hymn sung relevant today," said the Rev. Greek Orthodox Church felt that "a by a monastic choir. On another Kishkovsky, ''but Methodists do. great deal of Wesleyan spirituality occasion, after a presentation by Dr. Finding our common ground is of is based on the Eastern Christian Carlton Young, editor of The United profound value for the whole ecu­ heritage." Methodist Hymnal, the group sang menical hope." Hieromonk Alexander Golitzin hymns and liturgical music from "I'm confident that lots of of Marquette University went fur­ Wesleyan and Orthodox traditions. things could happen from here," ther. He found in John and Charles Music was also part of the daily Dr. Nugent said as the consultation Wesley's welcoming response to worship shared in St.Vladimir's concluded with plans for a second the writings of Macarius, a fourth­ chapel-an important aspect of the gathering next year. "God has kept century Syrian, "a kind of proof weeklong consultation. Each day us open to reach to one another. that those ages of difference and participants attended morning and We'll never be the same again." 0 division can be transcended and­ evening services in the chapel, with who knows?-perhaps even the the Orthodox and the Wesleyans Alma Graham has been Editor of New hope that they can be reconciled." taking turns in leading worship. World Outlook since 1991 .

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 39 Humanity Comes of Age

here you Ideas for Ministry "I am new in fnistry, i your community llfch top and looking for a Consid With Older Adults church. What g and by Brenda Connelly would you say?" ults you I I presented this 0untbol scenario when b-old. Ari leading a workshop on older-adult ministries in a local church. "Come to our church!" was the

immediate, enthusiastic response of J some in the group. "We have a I good church-school program for our children and an active youth group." They added information on programs for young families. "Well, my children are grown and don't live near. I've recently retired and want to be active. Do you have anything for me?" "Umm.... Well, we have a lot of tive, He; volunteer work you could do in the king, Tau church office .... " t meets The leaders of this active, estab­ eks at a lished church had not considered gram n the need for programs planned by, cheon ~ with, and for older adults. This k, they unintentional neglect is typical of luding li many of our churches. If they have older-adult ministries at all, those urch befc a ministries have often simply ve fel evolved as the members of an adult d for oh Sunday-school class or fellowship y be 01 group have aged. Now, however, as ns, BiblE the median age of our society rrent iss1 increases and as a greater propor­ e. Progra tion of churchgoers become older may foa adults, we need to be intentional in as tax a~ planning and expanding older­ & or h1 ad ult ministries within churches ood-pres and communities. Most st It is important for older adults ds of to be involved in the planning and ernights. development of ministries intended 'cipate to serve them. Find out what older­ ther bec1 adult age groups are present in able then your congregation. Then, working because with seniors of various ages, find eexpense what ministries are already in place Talking in your church and community. ten divid ost meml Vigorous and physically fit adults in their sand the 50s, 60s, and 70s require ven; different ministries from those designed for older rs in thei people with physical disabilities.

40 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 new Where you find gaps in service and may be necessary to have two dif­ participants know how many cir­ )nun ministry, is it feasible for your ferent groups, meeting at different cuits equal a mile. Then make and 1king church to provide what is missing? times with different formats. But post a chart listing the names of all Consider the physical well­ don't make the groups exclusive. walkers. Open the hall during cer­ ' ~ yous being and mobility of the older There will be some crossovers who tain hours each week for people to inted adults you plan to serve, taking into will participate in both. come, walk, and record their dis­ account both the young-old and the 0 w tance on the chart. After three Ider-a old-old. Are these older people liv­ Bible Study and Spiritual Growth. months, six months, or a year, there h. ing alone or with another or others? Churches should consider a may be a party of affirmation and "was Do they serve as or are they served Sunday-school class for older encouragement. Organized exercise 'Spo by a caregiver? Today, it is not adults who have moved to the com­ groups that meet several times a e hav uncommon to find an older adult munity in retirement. The needs of week and are tailored to the needs gram providing care for an even older newcomers are different from the of older adults are another option. parent-the two having widely dif­ ve y needs of longtime members who ferent interests and needs. urrna have been together in the adult Holiday Dinner. A Christmas Day The following are models and milies class for decades. Also consider dinner at church was first proposed suggestions for ministry with older re gr holding Disciple Bible Study by a couple who were not going to rec adults-both those who are active groups, spiritual-growth studies, be with family on Christmas Day, and in good health and those who ctive. and prayer groups, tailoring the explained the older-adult coordina­ are less mobile or homebound. meeting times to the participants' tor at Vestavia Hills United needs. For example, one church had ea lo Methodist Church in Birmingham, Active, Healthy Adults its Lenten study on Wednesday Alabama. This couple suggested do in, Talking, Touring Tuesdays is a group mornings, followed by a luncheon that all in a similar situation might that meets weekly for 10 to 14 geared primarily to older retirees. come together for a festive meal. 1e, es weeks at a time. One week, their The study was repeated on Plans got underway. Some of the ns1'd I program may be followed by a Wednesday evenings with a fellow­ Sunday-school children made orna­ nned luncheon at the church. The next ship supper for younger retirees ments and decorated the Christmas Its. week, they may take a day trip, and people holding jobs. tree two weeks in advance. The including lunch, and return to the church provided the turkey and church before dark. Many churches Golden Life Circle began in 1985. dressing, drinks, place settings, and have a fellowship group of this Several churches in Murrayville, decorations. Then everyone attend­ kind for older adults. Such groups Illinois, joined together to start an ing brought a covered dish and ana may be organized around devo­ older-adults group. One of the first pitched in-as they would with any low tions, Bible study, book reviews, things this circle did was to sponsor large family dinner-setting the veve current issues, art, music, or the a health fair in the community and table, putting out the food, and soc like. Programs may be entertaining to prepare lunch for the day. The cleaning up. Upon arrival, they pro or may focus on such practical top­ circle members take day trips to enjoyed hot apple cider and hors ie ol ics as tax assistance, financial plan­ nearby places of interest in ad­ d 'oeuvres. There was taped ti on ning, or health and safety. Often dition to their monthly luncheon Christmas music in the background ol blood-pressure checks are done. and program meeting. This pro­ as they dined, and afterward they hur Most such groups organize two gram provides a good model for joined together singing Christmas kinds of trips: day trips and small-membership churches, for carols. The dinner was billed for rad overnights. Some older adults will they can join with other churches in people (singles and couples of all ing participate only in one-day trips, the community to organize such a ages) who would not be with fami­ iten either because short excursions senior fellowship group. ly or other friends on Christmas 1tol enable them to be home by evening Day. A similar event could be held or because such trips spare them The Walkers ' Club is a means to at Thanksgiving. the expense of an overnight stay. encourage physical fitness for any Talking and touring groups are age group. More active adults may Sewing for Missions is a group that often divided along age lines. If walk or run in the neighborhood, meets on Wednesday mornings at most members are in their upper while others may walk in the fel­ Grace United Methodist Church in int 70s and their 80s, not many mem­ lowship hall. Measure the distance Cape Girardeau, Missouri, to sew pen bers in their 60s will participate. It around the fellowship hall so that items for outreach ministries. The old

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 41 Humanity Comes of Age

group members make clothing and This enables the caregiver to shop, address, and phone number of each dkeeP layettes for mission projects serving visit the doctor, lunch with a friend, homebound member is put on a dhear~ 1 infants and children. They make or just enjoy some quiet time alone. card and placed on the chancel rail­ l abou wheelchair bags, bibs, and lap ing during the Sunday morning oughfi robes for nursing homes. "Two of Good Neighbor Fellowship is a pro­ worship service. At the end of the bers, us don't sew on machines," ays the gram that provides an evening of service, members of the congrega­ ople, le~ senior member of the group. "So entertainment for mentally chal­ tion are invited to come up and rkers. 1 we do the cutting and pressing." lenged adults, providing a time of select a name. For the next six at the1 Group members have been sewing respite for their caregivers. Such weeks, each cardholder will have at for missions for about 15 years­ evenings are opportunities for fel­ least weekly contact with the per­ taking off the summer months. lowship, acceptance, and enjoyable son named. A cardholder may 1 Both women and men can par­ activities for the participants and of make a telephone call, send a greet­ ticipate in groups like this-doing rest and relaxation for the care­ ing card or letter, stop by for a visit, eives a: needlework, carpentry, crafts, givers whose time they free. or take flowers and a devotional ' painting, and repairs. Many older book. At the end of the six weeks, 1rist111as adults participate on Volunteer-in­ Older, Less Mobile Adults the names of the homebound are any old Mission teams. Many also collect Homebound Bible Study is a weekly listed once again on cards and the ening di and pack needed emergency sup­ Bible study group that includes process begins anew. · tmas plies for shipment to the UMCOR homebound members by meeting d decor depot in Baldwin, Louisiana. each week in a different home. Bae-A-Family is a list kept in the d often Homebound members are called in church office of volunteers who are em. Ve Respite. Many older adults are care­ advance to ask if they want to par­ available during the day to take rmingha givers for a spouse or parent. Many ticipate and to arrange a convenient older adults to doctor's appoint­ red pre.1 times, caregivers are confined to time for the group to visit. Sessions ments. Older adults in the church their homes day in and day out. A may be recorded and taken to other who need transportation know that few hours of respite each week can homebound members who can they can schedule a ride by calling be a lifesaver for them. Respite may attend in person only when the the church office. This service fills a be provided through organized group meets in their home. major need for older adults who adult daycare centers or simply by live alone and who no longer drive. been n training volunteers in the church to Homebound Visitation. Every six Many times, the volunteer giving ewing. P go into the homes and give the care­ weeks at the Goodwater United aid and the church member receiv­ so, the I givers a morning or afternoon off. Methodist Church, the name, ing it are both older adults. urch fm Daytime volunteers might also be are coo. called upon to sit for several hours ongwith with a hospitalized adult. der prep: Other Work-study Program. "I really appre­ good 1 ciated their coming," said Mrs. 've, for E Pyles. "They helped me so much. I ees in t can't do much any more." This was urth of J in response to a summer work­ study program for youth aged 14 to 17 in Anniston, Alabama. When Con tin you talk to the youth about going to tries anc Mrs. Pyles' house, their faces light ere may up. Mrs. Pyles believes that mak­ nly fello\\ ing friends with the children keeps efoeus n them out of trouble. The ministry und and enables youth and older adults to is imp< learn from one another and come to unded rr an understanding. of youi The summer program also Residents of the Ana Gonzaga Retirement Home in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ana Gon zaga is ccommod a project of the Methodist Church of Brazil. teaches the teenagers how to get efragile

42 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 and k p j b . They vi it job sit s Brendn f. Conn elly, n Church nnd director of Older Adult Ministries, a and h ar working women and men Community Worker/Home Missionary mission agency of the North Alabama tell about their employm nt. with the Genernl Bonrd of Globn/ Annual Conference of The Un ited Through field trips, they learn from Ministries, is nssigned as executive Methodist Church. of plumber , carpenters, other crafts- 1gr . peopl , l gal secretaries, and social 'P workers. They then apply some of ~x t what th y've learned by doing repair , uch as roofing, painting, and c ment finishing, on the horn s of older adults. At the end of 15 training and work sessions, each receive a small stipend.

C/1rist111ns Lights Drive-Around. Many older adults still enjoy an nd evening drive around town before Christmas to look at all the lights and decorations. What they need m and often lack is someone to drive ho them. Vestavia Hills UMC in Birmingham has a church-spon­ sored pre-Christmas drive-around. Someone goes out a few nights in advance to find the best route for touring. Then, when the group gather around 5:15 P.M. to climb aboard the church van, the route has been mapped out for optimum 91 viewing. After touring for an hour ec or o, the participants return to the d church for a party at which they lso hare cookies each has brought, ho along with hot chocolate and spiced cider prepared at the church. Other times of year might also be good for a church-sponsored drive, for example, to see flowering tree in the spring or to enjoy Fourth of July fireworks.

Continue to evaluate your min­ istrie and to keep them fresh. There may be a tendency to provide only fellowship groups and trips, or the focus may be only on the home­ bound and those in nursing homes. It is important to have a well­ rounded ministry by, with, and for all of your older adults-one that accommodates the fit, the frail, and Artist Charles Brooks illustrates a fellow retiree weaving a basket. the fragile from 55 to 105. 0

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY-JUNE 1999 43 Yo111n faldit ......

Wireless Worship 0"',.,

I was awakened by a ringing by Charles Cole last fall when the entire Scripture phone. I had gone to sleep the third reading consisted of two verses. time the preacher used the word Sometimes we seem to have a form eschatalogical and was thoroughly of rationing for Scriptures, the way enjoying my nap. we always used to skip the third This rude awakening came verse of hymns. because someone in the congrega­ Despite all these attempts to tion had a cellular phone. This per­ make the service of worship effi­ son not only allowed the phone to cient, we still can't seem to provide ring in the sanctuary but insisted on for periods of silence. A typical answering it. The ushers showed United Methodist congregation the person out, phone still held to allows a moment of silence after the the ear. call to confession. This period lasts Does this portend our future in from approximately 5 to 12 sec­ worship? Not the sleeping-that's a onds-not even half a minute. traditional right all Protestants are So while others are calling for entitled to. I mean using cellular the wiring of worship, for placing phones during church. video screens and multimedia If people are so obsessed with every time by the question: "What devices in the sanctuary, I yearn for cellular phones that they will use would Jesus do?" Would Jesus use a day when we might actually have them while driving, they would a cellular phone? If he had, I'm sure a period of silence during worship. hardly balk at interrupting wor­ he would have had more profound What, you may ask, does that ship, would they? things to say than: "Keep the bis­ have to do with mission? Cellular phones have their uses, cuits warm-I'll be on the 6: 25 If we had moments of silence, but they can also irritate. Many train." Nor would he raise his we might do some of the following. travelers have been tortured by the voice, as most cellular phone users We might contemplate how it is nearby passenger in a train or plane are wont to do. Sitting near one in a that in ours, the mightiest nation on who carries on a loud and some­ restaurant, I was assaulted by his earth, we can tolerate the produc­ times lengthy conversation. For shouting out: "JOYCE! THANKS tion and use of landmines that example, I have learned the follow­ FOR CALLING. HOW ARE destroy limbs and lives in other ing facts by being forced to listen to THINGS IN THE OFFICE?" countries. We might ponder how it cellular-phone conversations: Actually, I doubt that Jesus might be possible that, after two "Last night was bad-but not as would have used a cellular phone. entire millennia, we Christians still bad as the night before." He was nearly always accessible, cannot avoid name-calling over "The file on Fitch is in the right but he didn't have the obsession doctrines and practices. We might hand drawer of my desk." that many do today never to be out consider what would happen if, in "They're not going to get the of touch with the rest of the world. our zeal to make Christian disci­ bid. I don't care what they submit." He often went away to quiet places ples, we made a catechism dis­ "You're not gonna believe this, precisely to avoid the rest of the avowing violence, hatred of any but Wells pitched a perfect game." world. Nor was Jesus an incessant group, and self-hatred. We might "George has the body, but Alex talker. He carefully chose times and open ourselves to the possibility has the brains." places for listening and speaking. that the Spirit might so move Given the weightiness of these This brings us back to worship. among people of faith that we observations, it's no wonder that I was only joking about falling would build homes for the home­ cellular phones are spreading like asleep in church. Sermons these less, provide health care for every wildfire. days are so short you could hardly person, and accept the stranger and True, I have occasionally doze off before they are over. Nor the sojourner in our midst. thought about getting a cellular do we sing a lot of hymns or read a Silence could become the engine ' phone myself, but I am stopped lot of Scripture. I was in a service that drives mission. 0

44 NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 .g JS Ministry in Magadan on '""CS.: The United Methodist ...... <::s Russia's Pacific Coast .: by Carol Ann Seckel, United Methodist Missionary Church in Mission ~ in the Alaska Missionary Conference .E°...... E l-- This quadrennium, the Western Jurisdiction 1::>... ";fj, Debt Relief for Poor Countries ~ has prioritized work with a children's shel­ ter in Magadan, a Russian city on the Sea of by Karla Manternach, Local Church Outreach Associate, Bread for the World l Okhotsk. Magadan was the center of the -""!:::: "' former Soviet gulag system, a network of This year, Bread for the World members and .§ forced labor camps for political dissidents. churches are urging the US Congress to help 15.. . ;:::! "' It used to be served by Alaska Airlines and relieve the debt owed by the world's poorest ""C::S .E . ' ...... Aeroflot; but now, since oil has been found countries. Hundreds of millions who did not ~~ <::s ;:::! elsewhere and since no passenger ships use borrow or often even benefit from the original >:::>...~ .;!l ;::.., the port, the only way to get there is by loans are nonetheless enslaved by their coun­ ..s:: <::s ..... '1::S Magadan Air flights once a week. tries' debts. These ordinary families bear the "'0) .:;:::! 0 (./) The children's shelter is for children heaviest burden of payment. And they have ~ l-- and youth who come from homes where they are abused or where "' ;:::! paid. Because their health, nutrition, and edu­ ~~ drug or alcohol use creates problems. I first became involved with the cation take a back seat to debt payments, they .: 0 0 ...... work in 1993, after being asked to provide Christian education ·- .: continue to suffer from malnutrition, unem­ - ~ ·; resources for a school in a poor area. My first visits to Magadan led to ployment, and a lack of adequate health-care ~ - ~ ...... >:::>... jurisdictional involvement, with a focus on social ministry. In the sum­ ;:::! 0 services and affordable education. 0 u mer of 1997, work teams connected electricity and water to the site for ~ "' For example, in Tanzania, only 25 cents is <::s ..s:: the shelter. This past winter, we sent humanitarian assistance to help ...... "' ...... >:::>... spent on health care for every dollar spent on c:ul-- ·-­ with the great needs for food and clothing. More than 30 children a day the debt. Meanwhile, one child in six dies .E"' '"1::S"' have been coming to the shelter in addition to those who live there . .: .: before the age of five. Each dollar paid to ·...... - <::s. ' Magadan is so isolated that the people there go long periods without wealthy creditors is a dollar not spent on ::::::: ;:s;.:::"' .:"' receiving any pay or supplies. food, health care, schools, or agriculture. ~.!>( We have stumbled into cultural and social differences. Volunteer­ "'u In the Old Testament, God instructs Moses to celebrate each SOth <::s .s in-Mission teams often want at least six months' lead time for a project. ~ ~ year as a jubilee during which "you shall proclaim liberty throughout 0()<::s "' But our contacts are too busy worrying about how to find food and the land," forgive debts, free slaves, and celebrate the fact that all >:::>... ..s::...... l-- 0() heat in the winter months, with temperatures often lower than 40 things belong to God (Leviticus 25). Today, Bread for the World joins ;:::! .: ~..9 degrees below zero, to think ahead about summer work to be done. the worldwide Jubilee 2000 movement in seeking to enact legislation ...... <::s It is a challenge to begin ministry from the very beginning. Yet I ~ ~' based on this biblical principle. With Christians everywhere, we seek .: '"1::S discovered that many people survived their time in the gulag by their to cancel the unpayable debt of impoverished countries by 2000. "' ~ -:S ~ faith. I believe that the people in Magadan are open and ready for a Since 1990, Bread for the World has helped win legislative provi­ Russian-speaking missionary, perhaps one with a church-and-commu­ "'..s::"';:::! ...... "' sions allowing the United States to provide more than $2.3 billion in ;::.., .: nity orientation, to bring them the living Gospel and to provide a base debt relief to the poorest countries. You can support Bread for the ~:: !:: ·- for mission work to help meet their needs in the name of Christ. · World by contributing to UMCOR Advance Special #982325-3. ;:::! '"1::S ~~

NEW WORLD OtITLOOK Bulletin Insert on Mission NEW WORLD OUTLOOK Bullet:Ullnsert onNnssion 9 L~~ ~ g ~~ ~- ~~A• ~ - ~~ - ~·~ ~ ·e< .-=: "" -g = = "" ~ = 6 ·5 ~ 'B-= = ·5 ~ 0 t=\ > "" . .,., =------~ = -~ - - Q ·------~ - s ~ :: ;;-£.,s §:§~~~~:g~ ~;:§~ -_El ~::3'~ ~ ~ ~ ~ -~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ · 5 r . ~ 0 _ ~ S ~ _g ~ ~" ~ Some Tips for Visiting Russia Bible Study in Russia by Jarrell and Natalie Tyson, United Methodist Missionaries by Jarrell and Natalie Tyson, United Methodist Missionaries With the Russia United Methodist Church With the Russia United Methodist Church

Russians dress more formally than Our area of assignment covers the whole country of Russia, though we Americans do. Especially when talking work mostly in the European part, west of the Ural Mountains. We business, negotiating, or working, you are spend more time on the road than we do at home in Moscow, leading taken more seriously if you are not monthly Bible-study groups in and near the cities of Tver, Oryol, dressed casually. Jeans and T-shirts are Novgorod, Volgograd, and Tomsk (Siberia). We delight in the fact that inappropriate unless you are picnicking, the Russian groups are growing and developing their own leaders. hiking, or doing manual labor, such as Several now meet in their own study sessions between our visits. Volunteer-in-Mission work. When you Occasionally, we travel with a Partner Church team. Partner enter a Russian home, remove your street Churches work with the Russian Peace Foundation to support their shoes. Bring your own slippers for use Russian partner communities in physical, financial, and moral ways. inside. When visiting a Russian Orthodox Russians want to know about God, Christ, and the Bible. Church, don't put your hands in your Thanks to thousands of dollars contributed by United Methodists pockets or turn your back to the altar. from all over the United States, we have been able to buy and distrib­ Remember that the US dollars (USD) you take must be in pristine ute thousands of Bibles for children and adults. We are still in desper­ condition, with no marks or tears, and must be dated 1993 or later. ate need of more study materials translated into Russian. We buy Western restaurants and stores in Moscow and St. Petersburg display Russian Bibles at the Russian Bible Society in Moscow, which also sup­ their prices in "Y.E." One Y.E. is equivalent to one USD. plies the Russian Orthodox Church. These Bibles are less expensive If you need a washcloth, bring your own. We also take a travel than those sold in the United States, the translation is good, and the towel, which resembles a felt chamois. A compact mirror, lightweight purchases help the Russian economy. flashlight, and travel alarm come in handy. Carry a small plastic bag Please keep us and the Russian mission in your prayers. The eager­ to dispose of used tissues, cotton balls, and dental floss. Also, be sure ness and excitement of the Russians as they study the Bible inspires us to carry some toilet paper with you throughout your stay, especially deeply! In the face of the terribly insecure economic and political situ­ for public buildings. In homes, request the separate "toilet room," not ation, many Russians are coming to know that they can trust God. the "bathroom." After you arrive, be careful of uneven steps and flooring and of slippery entranceways. Buildings with five or fewer floors don't have elevators and often don' t have lighted halls and stairways, so carry your flashlight. And when crossing streets, don't assume that drivers will grant you the right of way. We share with Russians the custom of giving gifts to our host fam­ ily. Flowers should be given only in odd numbers, since an even num­ ber of flowers is for funerals. Russian hosts are warm, gracious, and very caring. They give gifts to their guests. This is good to remember when you host a Russian in your home.

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<"> =~ g~~ ~ s · =;; =~£?. == "E- ~ @ Si -&:t"""""--""- ;;:,iO"'Ji', l!!f. ;:... =...,..,,.. "" =- n:> ="" ~ i:::::: (""".) 0 CJ ~~;;;..,,,.~ Dl = ~ fl ~ SS'- o v;· ~ 5. ;;,g~ ~ 8-:-~ ""'O ""Tj' Cl :we ~ ~§ ~ I ~~'::f· ~~~- fi !a ~ ==- Er- !::::> ..-.=P- -- 2~ a S!2 ~- - "'" =- ~ ~\ ''WE'RE BUILDING OUR CHURCH RIGHT NOW! MISSION MAGAZINE VIDEOS

ONE-YEAR fUBfCRIPTION 4 VIDEOf - $39 f!J!J!J UtitJK .)-./v. f (30 min.) Youth testimonials from the Global Sacred Music Choir, prison ministries' initiatives, and Mozambique footag~ "Swords Into Plowshares" The preferred experts in United Methodist church financing. Churches are and have been our only bon-owers since our founding in 1960. That's why i !J !J!J Editiv x .)-.{ v. 2 we can be attentive to your particular financial needs and help you bring your plans and dreams to fu1fillment. (30 min.) More than just great rates. Because we're part of the General Board of SPARV project in Houston, Global Ministries, we are familiar with demographics and program planning, agricultural missions, the architecture, and capital fund raising, and can refer you to other members of Honduras flood, and a larger our GBGM team for assistance if desired. parish in Dallas, TX Part of a team, a link in the Connection. Church financing isn't something ORDER BY CALLING we've added on to banking in order to satisfy regulators. Congregational financ­ 1-21 2-870-3781 ing is our mission. (ELECTRONIC MEDIA OFFICE) Know where your money goes. Your interest payments go back to United Photo/Art Credits: Cover: Linda Rhodes • 4- Methodist investors who support church extension through their purchase of GBGM • 5, 7, 9 (top)-New World Outlook UMDF notes. UMDF expenses are paid fro m interest income as well; we receive Archives • 6, 8, 9 (middle and bottom}-GeneraJ no apportionment dollars. Commission on Archives and History • 10 (mid­ dle)-David Williams • 10 (top and bottom), 11 (left), 12-13, 14 (top left, bottom right)- Miriam A. We finance new construction, renovations, Young, Asia Pacific Center for Justice and Peace • 11 (right), 14 (bottom center)- Toge Fujihira • 14 additions, relocations, and parsonages. (top right)-Dan Hugos, GBGM • 16, 20, 22 (top)­ jennifer Goodrich • 18 (top)-Courtesy Bruce Current mongage rates:* Weaver • 18 (bottom), 22 (middle and bottom ri ght), 23-Courtesy Pulaski Heights UMC, Little First units 7. 50% per year Rock, AR • 19 (center)-Alma Graham • 21- map All other projects 8.00% per year art: Emily Grote • 26 (left), 29 (top)-Courtesy Hea.lth and Welfare Mini tries, GBGM • 26 (right), *Rates are subject lo change al any lime. 27-28, 29 (bottom)-Le ley Crosson, GBGM • 30- 32-Philip Wingeier-Rayo • 33-Courtesy Robert Call, write, or visit our website. Begin a relalionsbip with UMDF, /be preferred fender lo United Melbodisl churches. Milk • 34 (top) Alva Cox, GBGM • 34 (bottom), I (212) 870 3865 35-Richard Lord • 36 (top)-GBGM • 36 (bottom), Suite 1519, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115 United Methodist 37-Linda Rhodes •38-39-Alma Graham • 40- ht1p:!!gbgm-umc.017Y'11nils/evgrowth/11mdf.btml Development Fund Courtesy Clarice Cole • 42-Christie R. House • 43-art: Charles Brooks; photo: Brenda Connelly • 44-art: Roger Sadler.

NEW WORLD OUTLOOK MAY- JUNE 1999 47