I I - 11111 New Series Vol . XLll No. 9 • Whole Series Vol. LXXll No. 5 • May 1982 3 Mission Memo 7 Editorials 8 Christlike Among Chaos W. Sydney Callaghan 13 Cooperation Makes Mission Possible Victor H. Nixon 16 " Light and Liberty to Korea" Patricia J. Patterson 20 Life on the Fringe-A Squatter Village in Mexico Rosamond G. Steere 23 Three Poems Marie Daerr Boehringer, Tom Richter, Unknown 26 We Write Our Church History Alberta H. Klemp 30 Golden Cross Sunday Helps People With Pain Toby Gould 32 " I Want School" Ralph E. Dodge and Shirley DeWolf 34 A Christian Ministry in National Parks Genevieve Lynn Amstutz 37 IPA-Still Serving in Panama Mary Ellen Stephenson 40 Viewpoint Sally Curtis AsKew 41 Letters 42 Books 43 The Moving Finger Writes

COVER

Arkansas Rural Scene Robyn Horn for Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Editor, Arthur J. Moore; Managing Editor, Charles E. Brewster Art Director, Roger C. Sadler; Administrative Assistant, Florence J. Mitchell

475 Riverside Drive, New York, New York 10115 Published Monthly (bimonthly, July-August) by the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church, Education and Cultivation Division. (ISSN-0048-8812)

Second-class Mail Privileges Authorized at New York, N.Y. Additional Entry at Nashville, Tennessee. Copyright 1982 by General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church. No part of New World Outlook may be reproduced in any form without written permission from Editors. Printed in U.S.A.

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PHOTO CREDITS: Pp. 9, 11 , 12, 16, 17, 18, 34, 36, RNS ; P. 10, World Methodist Co uncil ; Pp. 13, 14, 15, Three Rive rs Cooperati ve Par is h; P. 19 (top left) GBGM; P. 19 (bottom left and right), Lancaster First UMC; Pp. 20, 21, 22, Joseph Su llivan; Pp. 26, 27, 28, 29, Eastwood Memorial UMC; Pp. 30, 31, Earl H. Mil le r; P. 33, Ra lph E. Dodge; P. 35, art by Andrew DesVignes; Pp. 37, 38, 39, IPA. MISSION MEMO News and Analysis of Developments in Christian Mission

May, 1982

GBGM Executive. Board restructure, Central America, the economic cr1s1s in the U.S., and the setting of goals for the women's movement in the denomination were highlights of the meeting of the executive committee of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church at its meeting in New York March 31-April 1. About half the time was spent discussing a new structure proposal that would organize the Board into three divisions (for overseas mission, national mission, and women for mission) and four functional units (mission education and cultivation, mission personnel, health ministries, and relief and development programs) in place of the current six divisions and two work units. The proposal, developed by a joint group of 10 members from the agency and 10 from the General Council on Ministries, is in response to a directive from the 1980 General Conference of the denomination. The proposed structure would also give the Board's general secretary increased responsibility for planning, program initiation, and redeployment of staff in emergencies . A more complete plan wi l l come before the full Board at its meeting in the fall .... After hearing reports by a Nicaraguan representative at the UN and of the El Salvador left opposition as well as telephone reports from Latin American church representatives itiner­ ating in the U.S., the executive committee voted to set up a task force on Central America. Composed of board members and staff from all six divisions, it will coordinate Board programs in the area .. . . A working paper on the economic crisis in the U.S. was presented to the Board by an ad hoc working group from the National, Health and Welfare and UMCOR Divisions. At a special joint meeting of the divisions, Bishop Edsel Ammons of the Detroit Area told of 11 a growing sense of panic in Flint, Pontiac, Kalamazoo and Detroit" because of unemployment and persons working with pl an t closings on the West Coast painted an equally grim picture .... At its meeting, the executive committee of the Women's Division hammered out goals and objectives for 1982-86, placing strong emphasis on justice for women and children both at home and abroad but also pledging to observe the centennial of the founding of the women's missionary societies that are forerunners of United Methodist Women.

Argentina. Leaders of the 8000-member Evangelical Methodist Church of Argenti na have issued a statement expressing the hope that "calmness and common sense will prevail" in the current dispute with Britain but supporting their country's cla im to the Falkland Islands. A copy of the declaration was sent April 6 to the Methodist Church in Great Britain and was signed by Bishop Federico ~ · Pagura, president, Hugo Santos, vice-president and Marta de Favaro, secretary. The statement referred to the British government's "mistaken handling of this i nter­ nati ona 1 i ssue 11 and "an unexpected action of the military government of our country" which have "led us into a crisis which could have been avoided. 11 The 'II church deplored the fact that 15 years of negotiations between the two countries have not found a peaceful solution "which could be expected from two civilized nations permeated by Christian influence." At press time, no response had been received from the British Methodist Church.

Philippines. Two staff members of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines have been subjected to mental torture and are still held at the Nichols Air Base security compound, according to word received at the GBGM. They are Violeta Marasigan, director of family ministries of the NCCP, and Laura S. Ocampo, coordinator of the human rights desk and the ecumenical ministry on social welfare. Held with them is Avelina Enrile, a staff member of the Student Christian Movement, an associate member of the NCCP. No formal charges have been issued against the three, although the newspapers have insinuated they and 20 others arrested at the same time were engaged in subversive activity.

Personalia. United Methodist missionary Helen Post, who served in Japan for over 20 years as a teacher and church journalist, left Japan on March 21 to re­ turn to the U.S. At a farewell reception at the Japan Christian Center in Tokyo she was praised by, among others, the former Moderator of the Korean Christian Church in Japan for helping them realize the national and international aspects of their struggle against discrimination .... The Rev. !i_. Claude Young, a UM pastor in western North Carolina who was formerly the president of the Education and Cultivation Division, has been named the new editor of church school pub­ lications for the United Methodist Church, succeedin~ Ewart G. Watts. The position is described as responsible for the "final determination of editorial content of church school publications." .... Marian Jones has filed suit in Federal District Court in Columbia, South Carolina, charging the South Carolina Conference Council on Ministries with age, sex and racial discrimination. A 55-year-old black woman, she worked 7 years as associate director of the council until her job and that held by a white clergyman were phased out in 1980. She is asking $100,000 in punitive and compensatory damages. She is an Additional board member of GBGM for the Education and Cultivation Division ..... The Rev. Noe E. Gonzales, president of Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso, Texas, has been-elected associate general secretary for the United Methodist Board of Discipleship for program planning .... Lois C. Miller, associate general secretary of the World Division of GBGM, has announced her resignation effective at the end of this year .... The name of Harold Neel, of Elkhart, Indiana, was inadvertently omitted from a list of mission interpreters in the March Mission Memo .... Omar Hartzler, an executive secretary in the Africa Office of the World Division----or-GBGM and a long-time missionary in Africa, is retiring th i s summer and moving to California.

Communications. Twenty-seven UM annual conference and area communicators attending the Second National News Consultation in Dallas in late March signed a resolution addressed to the leaders of United Methodist Communications (UMCom) and the General Commission on Communications asking them to declare a moratorium on reductions in program and staff of the United Methodist News Service. The reductions were brought about to help repay debts incurred in financing the denomination's National Television Presence and Ministry campaign. Among those affected who had many years of service with UMCom were Winston Taylor, 21 years who declined reassignment and quit, and Bruce Mosher, 20 years, who had bee n in radio news . Martha Man, head of the news service, moved up her intended res i g­ nation to July l to---sive the agency money.

Job Openings. Perhaps the highest paid position in the United Methodist Church will be open by August l, 1983. A seven member committee of the Board of Pub­ lication has begun its search for a president and publisher to succeed John E. Procter, who has announced his retirement from the United Methodist Publishing House after 40 years with the Nashville-based publisher and, since 1970, its head . At the 1980 General Conference Mr . Procter's salary was reported at $81,000 . . .. The Urban Theology Unit in Sheffield, England, which is headed by British Methodist theologian John J. Vincent, is looking for an "Ecumenical Lecturer" from the Third World who-can develop courses on practical theology and urban mission in a world-wide co ntext. Remuneration will be at the current rate for British ministers, roughly 5,000 pounds a year (roughly $8750, at current exchange rates), furnished accommodation but not including utilities . Address is 210 Abbeyfield Road, Sheffield, S47AZ, England.

Nuclear Threat. The inability of Christians in Communist countries to mount anti-nuclear demonstrations the way Christians in non-Communist countries ha ve recently was underlined by an action of the East German (GDR) government. According to a press release of the World Council of Churches, the GDR has ba nned the wearing of a patch with the biblical allusion "swords into ploughshares " and a picture of a peace monument given by the USSR to the United Nations in New York . The communist government says the patch, popular among some church youth and others, is "misused . .. to express a way of thinking hostile to the state and to participate in an illegal political movement." In response, according to the release , executive committees of eight regional GDR Lutheran and United ch urches said the patch expresses "our Christian hope that God will someday create a world in which we human beings do not need weapons to protect us. 11

Deaths. John f.. Taylor, an American United Methodist layman, an i nternati onal ly­ known photographer who worked for the World Council of Churches for 28 yea rs , died April 9 of a heart attack at his home in Geneva. He was 61 years old (see editorials) . ... Retired bishop Donald!!· Tippett, formerly resident bishop of the San Francisco Area, died March 10 at the age of 85.

Tonga. According to Dr. i.A. Havea, a Methodist leader in Tonga who has been in the United States recently, Cyclone Isaac which hit his South Pacific nati on March 3rd found the people unprepared. Practically every home in his village was destroyed. "People were streami ng by carrying the most prized. family possess ions in one arm and a Bible in the other," he said, speaking at Hawaii Loa College in Oahu, Hawaii. The official estimate of value for damage and export loss i s $40 million, and damage to churches and other property is extensive. The Uni teo Methodist Committee on Relief has sent help and Church World Service has made a special appeal for help to Tonga . Dr . Havea reported that within ho urs of the cyclone, aid started to pour in from other Pacific i slands , the U.S . and from the World Council of Churches, greatly encouraging the people who had suffered the worst di saster in living memory in Tonga . •

Latin America. Latin American Chr i stian s who recently made a three-week swing through the United States, visiti ng UM churches in all five jurisdictions to ihcrease knowledge of the contemporary Latin American situation, have issued a letter to Christian brothers and sisters i n the U.S . , Latin America and the HE Caribbean. In it, they call on the Un i ted Methodist Church i n the United States Arn to "increase and seek new way s to fulfill its role of a moral conscience within e P1 the North American society", to be 11 a constant, living expression of the identi­ dti fication and solidarity wi t h t hose who suffer persecution and oppression in reac ather parts of this earth", to be "one of the voices and interpreters in the n. midst of the United States society of the dignity and the right of all people e E to be themselves in freedom and i n justice" , and to seek to find a global strategy ay 1n its work with the Hispanic communities and other minority groups "who are rsr 11 lwa ma~ginalized within the Uni ted States . They also asked Christian communities eat! ih Latin America and the Cari bbean to "increase the ability to understand the oss tlHtoric process", to "recover the dimension as well as the courage" to proclaim oor tbe Gospel where "denunc iation of the injustice in the society as an expression ncr of human sin should not be absen t ", and to "promote a new evangelizing dimension "T 11 i~ Our churches ... to become a church of the poor . In an accompanying evaluation egi1 bf their trip, spons ored by the Counc i l of Evangeli cal Methodist Churches (CIEMAL) ve lnd the Council of Bishops of the UMC, they noted a receptivity and disposition fin to dialogue by U.S. church people but were critical of a lack of historical is t perspective, a "triumphalistic co ncept of l i fe" , a l i fe style oriented toward old cdtisumerism, identif ication of the Gospel as the North American way of life, and urs ~~velopment of a paternal istic and protect ive spi rit. Nevertheless, they affirmed hie or! the experience as "hi ghly sati sfactory." risE H or Nestle Boycott. In a meet ing in early Ap ri l, United Methodism's Infant Formula ii Ta~k Force commended Nestle , wo r ld ' s largest supplier of infant formula, for con ~nnouncing policies and guidelines t o compl y with the World Health Organization's op~ Code of Marketing of Breast-Mi l k Substitutes . The task fo rc e has been talking kill with Nestle for almost a yea r and said the guidelines announ ced by the company hur Ori March 16 express clearly "the company ' s respect for the WHO code." The task eve force also said the company's publicly annou nced decision regarding formation of re has a~ independent commis sion to audit its observance of the guidelines "is an exi! especially welcome development." In other action, Bishop James Armstrong, who doo in January became President of t he National Council of Churches, which has eve supported a boycott of Nes tl e, resigned from the task force, which has not taken ha a position on the boycott. He ci ted a conflict of interest. The task force is the chaired by Dr. J. Philip Wagaman, professor of ethics at Wesley Theological spe Setninary. Go des rair Postal Crisis. An amendmen t whi ch would have offered some postage relief to Sin religious and other non -prof i t publ i cations lost out during a last minute move an~ the to rush the stop-gap spending bi ll t hrou gh Cong ress. The amendment was offered le by Senator Quentin Burdick (D- Mi nn .), who still hopes to add his postal funding so amendment to Another urgent sup pleme ntal app rop r iat ions measu r. e. It there is no relief many religious and other no n- profit publ ications face ext i nc t ion thi s year .... NWO Managing Editor Ch arles f . Brewst er i s scheduled to appear May 23 on the NBC-TV program "The First Estate: Religion in Re view " to discuss the impact of the postal increases. WI in gn lif1 gil things are not getting worse. W ell, things have been getting a lot worse lately and we ca n only hope that they do not get even worse in the nea r future. At this writing, Muslims are on strike ~ EDITORIALSbJ against the shooting at Jeru salem's Dome of the Rock by an American -born THE NUCLEAR THREAT that we each have it but once, not again Israeli , West Bank Arabs are rioting and aga in. That all human life is of against what they see as creeping Among the sudden rash of books on ultimate concern and that no life is more annexation of that territory by Israelis the proliferation of nuclear armaments precious in the si ght of God were and Israeli soldiers are shooting down and the potential of a holocaust one is inevitable corollaries of the Christian Arab rioters, intransigent Jews are re­ already commanding a special atten­ doctrine of Creation. fusing to evacuate the Sinai which is tion. It is Jonathan Sc hell's The Fa te of Thus, at heart opposition to the scheduled to be returned to Egypt under the Earth. O ne striking example of the nuclear threat on the part of Christians the Camp David agreements, and the way hell puts the problem into springs out of more than a vague desire Reagan administration has sent a high per pective is this quote: " W e have for " peace," or an abhorrence of war State Department official to prevent a always been able to se nd people to their killing. It springs from a recognition of feared Israeli invasion of Pa lestinian death, but only now has it become this new situation in which all future life settlements in southern Lebanon. And possible to prevent all birth and so is threatened. Bibl ically, the pa ss ages of these are only the highlights. doom all future human bei ngs to greatest importance are not simply Since this kind of thing keeps hap­ uncreat1on . Genesis 4 and the first murder or pening, it is very tempting for the rest of " The threat of the loss of birth- a Genesis 3 and the first sin, but the first the world to throw up its hands in begi nni ng that is ove r and done with for chapter of Genesis, the creation of disgust and impatience. Christians in every living person--cannot be a source human life ("Eve" means life in He­ particular may ask the famous question of immediate, selfish concern ; rather, brew) and the all important reflection on of the late U .S. Ambassador to the UN th is threat assails everything that people the meaning of that event: God saw that Warren Austin, " Why can't Arabs and hold in common, for it is the ability of it was " good." Jews get together and settle their differ­ our species to produce new generations ences like good Christians?". w hich assu res the continuation of the JOHN P. TAYLOR It is true that the outlines of a world in which al l our common enter­ settlement of the Arab-Israel i question What an artist does is to show us how prises occur and have their meaning." are wel I-known and have been for some to look at the world. By that definition, Here perhaps is the source of the time: recognition of the State of Israel by John P. Taylor was a true artist. For worldwide anti -nuclea r outcry to which the Arab states; establishment of a nearly 30 years as a photographer, millions in the churc hes have become Palestinian state in the West Bank and designer, and film maker for the World committed. The nuclear threat is to be Gaza; a return to pre-1967 borders; Council of Churches before his sudden opposed not solely because war and some form of joint sovereignty in death on Good Friday he did just that. killing are wrong and signs of our Jerusalem; and international guarantees His travels around the world, photo­ human sinfulness. It is wrong for an al l around. graphing Christians at work and wor­ even more fundamental theological No one pretends that such a settle­ ship , undoubtedly showed many reason (if such is possible), namely, it ment wi 11 not be painful to all sides . And church people the variety of their fellow has the potential for threatening the very one can only hope that the settlement of bel ievers. Readers of this magazine, as existence of all future generations, of this central dispute will se rve to calm well as many others, formed their dooming all "future" hu man beings the situation in Lebanon and other pictures of such disparate groups as the even before they come into being. We inter-Arab conflicts. Orthodox in Russia and the Kimban­ have never been in a situation like th is in Still, no other solution even minimal­ guists in Zaire from John Taylor photo­ the history of the w orl d, biblically ly acceptable to both sides seems in graphs. This is not even to mention his speaking, not since oah, at w hich time prospect. The current outbreaks are informal portraits of church leaders God promised he would never agai n only forerunners of the bloody horrors from W . A . Visser 'tHooft and Martin destroy life on the ea rth and gave the that may be in store if this situation is Niemoller to Philip Potter. rai nbow as the sign of that promise. allowed to continue to fester and fear Among the many awards he received Since then, the importance of life itself and suspicion continue and grow. w as the Human Rights Award of the and its creation by God has been one of There is enough blame to go around Netherlands Fi Im Festival in 1969 for his the central pillars of religious faith in the for all parties in this situation, including fi lm, Homo Homini. The citation read : Jewish and Christian trad itions. And the United States. Whichever side " Although this film is made by the some sc holars have suggested it is the seems momentarily the stronger tries to church, it is not an old style sermon and single most important religious convic­ squeeze out a bit more advantage for it is open ended . In the beginning was tion Christianity has spread around the itself and thus postpones a settlement. the word, and in the end is the vision." world, together with the savi ng message The only outside power with any It is that vision for which John Taylor of Jes us Christ itself. Indeed, there is leverage in the region, the U .S., keeps w ill be remembered and it is that vision reason for believi ng that much of what trying to juggle things for its own that will be sorely missed . we have known general ly as " progress" advantage. Only w hen every one in­ in the world owes its genesis to the STILL, THE MIDDLE EAST volved admits that a real solution is to growth and expansion of the idea that the advantage of all is there any hope life itself is dea r, not cheap, that it is a It has been said that the only good that the Middle East may emerge from its gift of God and not the re sult of chance, news about the Middle East is when current ongoing agony. CHRISTLIKE AMONG CHAOS

(On trying to be a man of God in the midst of one hell of a mess)

W. Sydney Callaghan

traight away exception wi 11 be taken times. Noted for its fighting prowess size of Connecticut-declared their Sby some to the subtitle. Those who and the fervor of its faith-seeming desire to retain their links with the feel the speech of the market-place contradictions-it has hit the head­ United Kingdom. This may have been should never be used when writing for lines of the world's press in the past because two-thirds of the mi Ilion and a a religious journal will already have decade because of its bombs, bullets, half population had links with Protes­ taken up their pen to cancel their bigotry and bloodshed . tant churches with a strongly Calvinis­ subscription despite the fact that the The Island is divided into two tic Puritan emphasis, due historically language of the New Testament was politically. The larger part is the to the influence of the Ulster Planta­ very much that of ordinary people. Republic of Ireland with its cosmopoli­ tions in the 17th century whose settlers Those who are strong on sexist lan­ tan capital, Dublin. It is an indepen­ came mainly from Scotland. That guage will see in it an anti-feminist dent state, having broken away from atmosphere and the attitudes it prod­ bias, although none is intended or Britain after centuries of strained and uces have impinged deeply on the implied. If both protestors will read often conflicting relationships in whole community, including the one­ through to the end they may realize 1920. The predominant religious th i rd Roman Catholic population that living in the midst of conflict tends community in the Republic today is which have more in common with to sharpen the mind and bring into the Roman Catholic Church, consist­ their Protestant neighbors than with focus the real issues of our ti mes just as ing ofover 95 % of the population. The their Southern co-religionists with it causes one to contemplate what is majority church clearly influences the whose political aspirations they would the greatest need of the hour. It is ethos and stances of the society and nevertheless, in the main, identify. surely how to be Christlike amid has a direct bearing on morals and These different cultural identities and carnage and chaos. social practice. The small and declin­ sets of political stances have been ing but very significant Protestant ingredients in the upheavals which Ireland-An Island in the Rain community has always been said to have captured the interests of journal­ make an impact on the commercial ists and students of political science. Ireland-an island in the rain rather and cultural life of the nation out of We must have been the basis for more than in the sun-has been a mixture of proportion to its numbers. There is a in-depth studies (usually done after a tranquillity and trauma for much of its pleasant relaxed atmosphere in which weekend trip) and provided more history. It is about three hundred miles good community relations prevail material for theses of one sort or long by about two hundred miles with little to cause tension or upset. another than any other similar land­ wide. It is America's nearest European This is partly because of the numerical mass of its size . neighbor and to both continents it has ratio (a tiny minority does not pose The complexities of Northern Ire- made a considerable contribution. To much of a threat and to see this one as America we have given presidents, such would be ridiculous) and partly The most famous man of God in Irish prelates and policemen. To Europe, because both groups are affable and history has been St. Patrick. Here his sanctity and scholarship in the Dark easy-going by nature. statue looks out over Armagh in Northern Ages and some of the most widely read When the country was divided, si x Ireland. Armagh is the ecclesiastical capi­ Engl ish literature and drama in modern of the Northern counties-about the tal of Ireland.

8 [200) New World Outlook • May 1982

land's problems, with cultural, eco­ them nomic, historical and sociological hi11if factors involved, are not the subject of never this article but they must be acknowl­ heare edged because they partly explain the tion i ''To live in the midst mess we find ourselves in right now. any o of upheaval ... enables This is the sad face seen on TV screens centuj across the world. It is a fact of life there gr app one to see what is although it must not be thought it is all and e like that. Is life ever altogether like within central and essential. ..." what the media makes it out to be? Lord". Amidst the abnormalities there is If o much that is noble and creative. There proph are exciting ventures in fellowship and the efforts for reconciliation in a province Biblic where working standards are of the the P highest and productivity well above andt the average in the rest of western he le Europe. There is the bloodshed and the tension . There are the seemingly irreconcilable groups, some of whom ~:~~behinii engage in violence of speech and than I action. The will to find political even solutions is not so strong as it could or pre acl should be. Both factions feel that com~ compromise is betrayal and so solu­ perso ~ tions sadly seem as remote as ever. If have I anything, they now seem more remote little I with the polarization exacerbated by dange the events of the past year. whoj but pr The Role of the Man of God old dedic How does the man of God fit into God , this scene? What is his role? relate When writing of God's man it is not day. 1 meant to have any sexist connotation. we ~ The term is used generically. In meas practice, it does tend to mean what it these says. Irish society, North and South, is still male dominated~oubtless some T will see in this the explanation of our ills. The ministry is predominantly Liv male although this is changing, to our mess enrichment. The change still meets dilem with some resistance, more among the stated laity than the clergy. The place that twog women play in the life of the church is who of great importance and their contri­ cryin1 bution cannot be over-estimated . In­ areal· creasingly they will ta.k:e an even theyfi bigger place in its leadership. All this any le being said and using the term Bibli­ touch cally, what is the task of the man of himse God today? "no-r He-or she-must be a prophet may 1 voice. most Any examination of the prophet's like ti position in Biblical times leads to the to go conclusion that he was a man of his ty an age but one who spoke the word of the main Lord to his own day. What he had to A say was related to the contemporary one 0 but it had an eternal dimension to it. Was b He was not a prisoner either of his own leavir history or heritage but rather related ment. 10 (202) New World Outlook • May 1982 the message which was delivered to here w e w ere limited in our v1 s1on, Varying aspects of Ireland: him from an external authority and narrow in our outlook and restricted in (opposite page) worship service at never questioned its validity just as his our thinking. Now you are leaving. Dublin's St. Patrick's Cathedral hearers never had any cause to ques­ We have wider horizons, a deeper during the World Methodist tion its relevance. Look for example at faith and a greater awareness and we Council Assembly; (below) children any of the preachers living in the 8th in Londonderry play "stickies and had not realized it had happened ." provos" (two factions of the century before Christ and you see them This was quite some tribute. He had l.R.A.); bottom, the enduring grappling with contemporary events led them. They had followed . Now beauty of the countryside in and everyday occurrences but all they were in new positions but they County Kerry. within the framework of " thus saith the had taken them up of their own Lord" . choosing and made them their very If one is to be loyal to the great own. A very strong personality can prophetic tradition it is required that impose his wishes on his followers. It the modern prophet must be both takes a much greater and stronger one Biblical and contemporary. He enters to be able to present the challenge, the pulpit with the Bible in one hand stimulate the mind and activate the and the daily newspaper in the other. If will. Some leaders so dominate that he leaves the paper behind he can they obtain little more than reflex become so heavenly minded he is no actions. Significant leadership brings earthly use but if he leaves the Bible the followers to the place where they behind he can become nothing more have made it all their very own. than a commentator on contemporary Wanting to do this and attempting to events . God has chosen to use do it creates the dilemmas and prod­ preaching as one of His means of uces the difficulties. communication. It is " truth through personality" . There are some who have hold .of the truth but they have little personality. Possibly a greater danger for the church today is those who have a great deal of personality but precious I ittle truth . The prophet of old was one who felt called of God, dedicated his talents to the glory of God, articulated the truth of God and related it all to the world of his own day. We can possibly begin to see why we make so little impact when we measure what we say, do and are by these criteria.

The Dilemmas of Leadership

Living and working in one hell of a mess brings into sharp focus the dilemmas of leadership. It has been stated that the world is divided into two groups-those who lead and those who follow. The latter are always crying out for leadership; the former are always trying to give it. In doing so they find the difficulty of providing it. If any leader goes too far ahead he loses touch with his people. He can find himself killed in the cross-fire in a "no-man's land". There are some who may desire this sort of martydom but most normal people do not operate like this. They enjoy life and they want to go on living. How to retain credibili­ ty and one's personal integrity while maintaining contact is the problem. A distinguished churchman said one of the greatest tributes he was paid was by one of his officials when he was leaving to take up another appoint­ ment. He was told " When you came great price" but al I of that can become an end in itself rather than a means to an end . The Christ Himself is the One who matters, not our perceptions about Him or even our awareness of Him. He must be central. Thefaiththat is not Christocentric is eccentric, which means literally off the center.

To See What Is Central

To live in the midst of upheaval has this advantage: it enables one to see what is central and essential and what is peripheral and not so important. When death and destruction are daily possibilities it gives sharpness to the perspective and enables a rejection of the trivia. Reality is not an academic pursuit but becomes the very stuff of life. It is this point which Herbert H ~h• The Irish love of learning is illustrated by these students at Dublin's Trinity College. Butterfield, the Cambridge historian, force is making in his Reith lectures entitled minis! The Need to Care loving sympathy more than compen­ Christianity and History. He makes a hunge sated for the lack of oratory. There was survey of the impact of the Christian gatio~ The third factor which emerges is a woman who said , " I never knew faith on historical events. He con­ the et the need to care. This must always be how much my minister cared until one cludes his panoramic sweep with simult an expression of ministry. It is even day I saw the tears in his eyes when he these words, " I have nothing to say at tion o more essential when people are in was trying to help me through a the finish except that if one wants a Imp need and in distress . Baron Von breakdown." permanent rock in life and goes deep ley U1 Hugel, a distinguished Roman Catho­ The most signficant realization is the enough for it, it is difficult for historical memb need for a faith that is Christ-centered. lic layman, in his letters to his niece events to shake it. There are times the A said , " Nothing matters, only caring. The early disci ples displayed a great when we can never meet the future Confe Caring matters." This possibly re­ diversity of disposition and reflected a with sufficient elasticity of mind, adjac quires qualification but it is essentially variety of personality. They had one especially if we are locked in the atio true. It is true because when folk are thing in common, however. They all contemporary systems of thought. We The " at risk" they feel particularly vulner­ loved Jesus and were loyal to Him. It is can do no worse than remember a invol able. To know that somebody cares true that their love was nothing like principle which both gives a firm rock mini1 gives some sort of security and enables what it could or should have been and and leaves us with the maximum more them to go on . It is true because this is their loyalty did not always stand the elasticity for our mind: Hold to Christ Ho ultimately how God responds to peo­ test but Jesus Christ was at the center of and for the rest be totally uncommit­ the fi ple. He cares . It is also true because it their lives. The early church showed ted ." That's it-" Hold to Christ and for ershi1 is one of the ways the long-term the same stance in the creedal affir­ the rest leave yourself totally uncom­ mem effectiveness of a ministry is remem­ mation-Jesus Christ is Lord. The mitted." This may not be full enough com bered . It gains added depth in its Apostle Paul with his oft-repeated or satisfactory enough for some but tive r capacity to care. Reflect on what phrase "in Christ" expresses the same living through and in the midst of Sor people have to say about the ministers thought. Unfortunately, church his­ upheaval and disruption one can but deve they have known. They wil l tell you of tory did not always follow that em­ bear witness to the fact that this is a safe Coni the great preachers there were in the phasis. Some things which were im­ and secure rock on which to build and ish days gone by (ever notice they were portant became all-important and , on every other rock is, forgive the pun enab always in the past?). As k them, howev­ occasion, it almost seemed as though from Ireland, a sham rock. er, to recall any of their sermons and Christ was subservient to them . Ini­ Christ must be everything. That and ed ag geogr they rarely can-perhaps an outline tially it was the church-the institu­ that alone is sufficient to sustain when shi p here or a story there but generally not a tion-which was made supreme. But a the storms come and al I hel I is let great deal. Then they will speak of person can be wrapped up in the loose. Never to have been there means resul gra others and with deep emotion they wi 11 church and still fail to be " in Christ". it can become a subject for debate. To appr speak of somebody who related to Subsequently it was the Bible which at live in the midst of it is to know what it them in a ti me of bereavement, the Reformation took the dominant means to be sustained by the constan­ and somebody who stood with them in the place. Without any diminution of the cy of His care, the sufficiency of His L crisis, somebody who cared enough to authority of the Word of God it is strength and the ultimate perfecting of greg be available and accepting, who obvious that there are those who His plans. • Thr listened and befriended. They will say, " know the Book from cover to cover" nam " He or she couldn't preach for peanuts but who do not know Him who is the grap Rev. W. Sydney Ca llaghan is a former the but w hen I needed a friend she was living Word. There are others who pres ident of The Methodist Church in there." The caring spirit mattered make of "experience" --either evan­ Ireland (1980-81 ) and the author of a me more than the purple passage . The gelical or charismatic-the " pearl of recent publication , The Agony of Ireland. ex pie the I 12 [204] New World Outlook • May 1982 ffiAY 16 IS RURAL LIFE SUNDAY Cooperotion ffiokes ffiission Possible

Victor H. Nixon

ow can a rural congregation of less churches. Some of these are the scope of any one congregation's abili­ Hthan 35 members become a vital following: ty. Merely because a child happens to force in the formation of innovative Team Ministries . The five pastors, attend a small membership church is ministries for children, youth, world two full time and three part-time, no reason for that child to be deprived hunger, spiritual formation, congre­ serving individual charges meet regu­ of the benefits of quality Christian gational development, strengthening larly to coordinate the work of the nurture or opportunities for faith de- the ethnic minority local church, and parish , share ideas and dreams, and simultanemisly, influence the direc­ develop ways in which they can assist tion of an entire annual conference? each other as pastors. Through period­ Impossible? On the contrary, Lang­ ic pulpit exchanges and shared pasto­ ley United Methodist Church, a small ral responsi bi I ities, the clergy have membership congregation located in developed a team identity under the the Arkadelphia District, Little Rock leadership of Parish Director Keenan Conference, in west central Arkansas Williams, pastor of Glenwood-Grant's adjacent to the beautiful Ouachita Chapel Charge. National Forest, has done just that. "Before the parish developed we The Langley congregation has been only had one pastor part of the time, " involved in the creation of ambitious one member observed, "but now we ministries usually reserved for larger, have five pastors serving our church." more affluent congregations. Parish Newsletter. "Three Rivers How does a congregation lacking Methodist", the parish newsletter, the financial, human, space and lead­ serves an important function in an area ership resources accomplish what the where sixty miles separates the farthest members of Langley UMC have ac­ two churches by informing members complished? The answer is Coopera­ of upcoming parish events and ac­ tive Parish Ministries. quainting the people with each other. Sometimes referred to as " parish Only two of the churches previously development," the 1980 General had a newsletter. Conference defined Cooperative Par­ Youth Ministries. Few of the ish Ministries as " an intentional plan of churches have enough youth, 12-18 enabling congregations, church-relat­ years of age, to have a viable youth ed agencies, and pastors in a defined program. Cooperation has increased geographic area to develop a relation­ the youth constituency to more than ship of trust and mutuality which sixty, thus providing opportunities for results in coordinated church pro­ youth ministry that did not exist prior grams and ministry, supported by to parish development. The Three appropriate organizational structures Rivers Youth Council, composed of and policy." two youth and one adult from each Langley UMC is one of nine con­ charge, administers youth ministries gregations working together in the for the parish. Three Rivers Cooperative Parish, a Children 's Ministries . The " summer name drawn from the distinctive geo­ day camp", an innovative approach to graphy of the region encompassed by vacation church school, enables the the parish . Since 1980, the pastors and churches to combine capable leader­ members of parish churches have ship, adequate facilities, and available explored ways in which to strengthen children for a highly successful edu­ the ministries and mission of local cational venture that is far beyond the

New World Outlook • May 1982 [205) 13 from a stance of mere survival to active miss ion in their communities and around the world . " To see our sa nctuary fi lled to overfl owing by people from the par­ "Cooperative worship services is h," obse rved one lay person, " is to and bible studies are experience a new vitality and hope born out of our relationship in Christ. " occasions for spiritual The purpose of the Church is not survival, but to be the people of God in renewal and development." missi on in the world. Cooperative Pari sh Ministries provides the enabling ingredient of hope for that mission. Three Ri vers Cooperative Parish represents " a new style of being the Church" that has begun to shape the future of United Methodism in Arkan­ sa s. Beginning with the creation of an Office of Cooperative Pari sh Ministries in 1980 by the Little Rock and North Arkansas Annual Conferences, that administers, researches, and tra ins clergy and laity, cooperation has now become an operational style for over 300 churches in 37 different geogra­ phic clusters. Cooperative parishes are not creat­ ed by hierarchical fiat, but emerge voluntarily as congregations and cler­ gy work together. No church is re­ quired to join a cooperative parish, but must elect to do so after a careful consideration that is based upon coop­ erative experience. Furthermore, Cooperative Parish Ministries is not just for the small rural church with limited resources; it pro­ vi des opportunities for outreach for velopment or access to children of the World Hunger. Each year the con­ large congregations in county seat, same age . gregations ofThree Ri ve rs assemble for urban and suburban areas as well. Congregational Development. Nor­ a " hunger gathering" . Contributions A case in point is the Metropolitan man United Methodist Church, one of of cash, cattle, blankets , grain and United Methodist Committee on Relief the parish congregations on the verge health kits des ignated for a variety of (MUMCOR), a cooperative enterprise of closing prior to parish development, missional projects at home and abroad composed of representatives from pri­ has now experienced new vitality and are dedicated in a se rvice of Thanks­ marily larger membership churches in appears to be on its way to becoming a giving. the Little Rock-North Little Rock area. to ass strong rural church. The people of the Spiritual Formation and Develop­ MUMCOR developed in response to res id parish and a dedicated clergy team ment. Cooperative worship services the human need vacuum created by worked w ith the few remaining mem­ and bible stud ies are occasions for federal funding cutbacks in social and churc bers to revitalize the congregation. spiritual renewal and development. human servi ces. Working in tandem wea The new life at Norma n was ce lebrat­ Usually led by one of the clergy team , with state agencies, the Committee sons ed at a parish rally that featu red Bis hop each of the churches has an opportuni­ coordinates and provides ba si c neces­ worl( Kenneth Hicks, one of the initiating ty to host the event while others sities-food, shelter and clothing-to other forces behind Cooperative Pari sh contribute music and food for the destitute persons who can no longer cies, Ministries, as the inspirational speak­ fe llowship hour that fo llows. depend on government services . more er. Slated for future exploration are According to Coordinator Linda than The Missional Priority. The onl y mi nistries with older pe rso ns, summer White, " MUMCOR enables churches Whil ethnic church in the parish , St. Pa ul vacationers w ho inhabit the lakes, and to participate in meeti ng real human UMC, was founded in the 1880' s and Christian education . need at a loca l level ." MG1 has been an important part of the She cited one rece nt exa mple of a region's history-history that was incl ~ A Sense of Hope woman w ith two small children who shorl largel y unknown until the parish came escaped from a burning house with Th into being. In cooperation with the 13 Perhaps one of th e most significant only th e clothes they were wearing at MU~ members of St. Pau l, the pa rish has by-products of cooperation has been th e time. Churches associ ated w ith initiated restoration efforts to the differ the se nse of hope that congregations M UMCOR res ponded with contribu­ can church's historic structure. receive that enables th em to move tions of cloth ing, furn iture and money both 14 [206] New World Outlook • May 1982 f

"Cooperative parishes ore not created b.Y hierarchical fiat, but emerge voluntoril.Y os congregations and clerg.Y work -- together."

to assist the woman in reestabli shing a tab I ish cooperation as the " norm" for residence to begin life over again . ministry in Arkansas. As one lay " We have discovered that one person aptly put it, " cooperation puts church's strength is another church' s the connection in the connection. " weakness and we benefit other per­ Writing to the Church at Rome, St. sons by pooling our resources. By Paul sought to establish such a vital working in cooperation with each connection realizing that congrega­ other and with appropriate state agen­ tions can derive encouragement and cies , we assist a lot more people in strength from one another that wi 11 more effective and responsible ways shape the present and future mission of than we could individually," said Ms. the Church : White. " For I long to see you that I may Emergency relief is only a portion of impart to you some spiritual gift to MUMCOR efforts . Long term projects strengthen you, that is, that we may be include day care, housing and job mutually encouraged by each other's shortages. faith, both yours and mine." (Romans Three Rivers Cooperative Parish and 1:11-12) • MUMCOR are two examples in totally different settings of how cooperation can empower for mission and why Rev . Victor H. Nixon is Arkansas Area both conferences have sought to es- Director of Cooperative Parish Ministries. '' LIGHT AN D LIBE:RTV TO l

MTRICIA J PATTERS-ON

enry and Ella Appenzeller, arriving Appenzellers and us the currents of 1979 when he was assassinated. Hin Korea on a cold drizzly Easter history have swirled with intensity 6. The spring of hope in 1980 Sunday, April 5, 1885, prayed as they around Korea : crushed by General Chun Doo Whan, landed, " May He who this day burst 1. The 36 years of brutal Japanese who seized power through imposition the bars of the tomb bring light and colonial rule with Korean Christians of martial law, the massacre of peace­ liberty to Korea." This prayer for " light part of the independence movement, ful demonstrators in May, 1980 in and liberty" continues to be a tie that including the memorable March 1st, Kwangju, and the establishment of an binds United Methodists in the U.S. 1919 movement which resulted in ever more control led and repressive and Methodists in Korea . death and imprisonment for many society. God works in wondrous ways and Korean patriots. In South Korea this is an era of pain, certainly no more amazingly than 2. The liberation from Japanese of dashed hope, of exile from aspira­ through us as God's people. Thus, out colonialism in 1945 and a new begin­ tions of democracy, unification, and of a close-knit rural family with ning for national independence. freedom . After a period of rapid Mennonite and German Reformed 3. The division of one country and economic development, it is a time origins, out of the spiritual vigor and one people into two by the Soviet characterized by inflation, unemploy­ warmth of the worshipping fellowship Union and the United States, with the ment, broken unions, workers unpro­ in First Methodist Church, Lancaster, continuing pain of separated families tected either by law or protest. The Pa. , out of the intellectual stimulation without contact, while hostility and democratic opposition has been im­ and Christian witness of academic life military might have increased on both mobilized. Kim Dae Jung, former at Franklin and Marshall College, out sides of the 38th Parallel . presidential candidate and Catholic of theological study and corporate 4. The erosion of democracy in layman, is serving a life sentence worship at Drew Theological Semi­ South Korea under Syngman Rhee , (recently reduced to 20 years) in nary came Henry Appenzeller, the which led to the student uprising in the solitary confinement. Many other leading Methodist mission pioneer in spring of 1960. leaders are imprisoned or have been ence• Korea. Of this fellowship, also, were 5. After a brief period of democratic prohibited from engaging in politics. two Ella Appenzeller and Alice, their development, the repressive dictator­ Christian family members of prisoners activ daughter, pioneers, too, in the witness ship of Pak Chang Hee from 1971 until are even prohibited from gathering for Chur to Christ in Korea. prayer meetings at the Christian last But there were also Koreans working Building in downtown Seoul. Ho), with China missionary John Ross on the Northern border near Manchuria The Spirit Moves translating and bringing the Bible to their brothers and sisters in Korea, and In the midst of these historical Koreans studying at the Anglo Ameri­ circumstances, where can we per­ an so can Institute, a mission school in ceive the Spirit of God moving over the reacH Tokyo, who were part of the working face of the flood? Chr of God for the Gospel in Korea . And 1. The Christian Church in South not o there were Catholic missionaries and Korea is growing and vital. throu . believers who had suffered persecu­ Korean churches are among the medi~ tion, including martyrdom, who are fastest growing in the world. Approxi­ ance, part of the story. In 1984-1985 Chris­ mately 20 percent of the South Korean the tians in Korea will be celebrating two population is Christian. Churches are pa tie centuries of Catholic mission and a marked by warm fellowship; deep co lie century of Protestant witness in " the prayer life with daily prayer meetings educ land of the morning calm," Korea . at 4 or 5 a.m. ; active youth, women, youn choir, and other groups. In a time of versi The Currents of History spiritual exile many Koreans turn to the cont church for comfort, inspiration, and a all-w But what is the context in Korea caring community. and today which leads us to continue to Looking to the Centennial Celebra­ ers. pray " May He who this day burst the tion, the Korean Methodist Church has Taejo Korean Christian reads her Bible. bars of the tomb bring light and liberty set a goal of one million members and the d to Korea ." Between the time of the 5,000 churches. The report of the last nally l Rain does not dampen the spirits of the huge crowd attending an evangelism rally in Seoul.

"Koreon churches ore omong the fostest growing in the world."

four years shows the church reaching Korea and the U .S., reach out to their their concrete society. 166 percent of its annual membership surrounding communities in Seoul , 4. Women are seeki ng ways to be goals and 74 percent of its new church Taejon, Pusan , Konju, and Inchon more fully en gaged in church and objectives. The KMC has been a fully with child care, clinics , study and society. autonomous church since 1930; it has recreation programs. On October 4 I was privileged to be also ordained women since that date. 3. Difficult min!stries connecting present in Seoul fo r the 25th an niver­ The church has five annual confer­ Gospel witness and social justice sary of the Korea Legal Aid Center fo r ences, each with a bishop elected for a continue in spite of persecution. Family Relations. The Center was two year term . Church schools are The concerns of workers and poor founded by Dr. Lee Tae Young, a active, and at one of the Methodist people in both rural and urban areas Methodist woman and Korea 's fi rst Churches in Seoul where I worshipped are shared by Christian groups who woman lawyer. Dr. Lee and her last October, Mrs. Kim Dae Jung (Li Hi seek to understand their situation and husband Dr. Chung, a fo rm er foreign Ho), wife of the imprisoned democrat­ support their struggle for a decent life . minister and elder statesman, were ic opposition leader, was gi ven recog­ Urban Industrial Mission workers live gi ven honorary doctorates at Drew nition for ten years of service as a in laboring communities. They join University last May for their excep­ Sunday school teacher. with poor women and men in Bible tional leade rship, especially for 2. Christian institutions serve Kore­ study, community health and child human rights. The Korea Legal Aid an soci~ty through meaningful out­ care programs. Their effective labor Center for Family Re lations has pion­ reach. education programs to help workers eered in challenging fam ily and di­ Christian witness in South Korea is understand their rights under the law vorce law w hich has treated women as not only through churches but also have now been prohibited by the property or severel y disc riminated through education, social work, and government. Many U IM workers have against them. The Center has wedding medical services. Hospitals like Sever­ been imprisoned during the pa st dec­ ceremonies for poor couples, counsels ance, Wonju, and Inchon minister to ade. The Rev. Cho Wha Soon, a families in trouble, advocates changes the physical needs of thousands of Methodist woman minister who heads in discriminatory law, and does public patients. Schools at the secondary and the Inchon UIM and spent 13 months education on women's and family college level particularly offer qua I ity in solitary confinement w ith only her rights. Through church women's or­ education to tens of thousands of Bible, seems to have so threatened the ganization s l ike t he Methodist young people. Ewha Women's Uni­ Korean military government that she Women's Society and Korea Church versity, to which Alice Appenzeller has not been given a passport to come Women United, women worship and contributed so much, is the largest to United Methodist Women's meet­ work together on iss ues of the day. all-women's university in the world ings in the U.S. Student groups, both Participation of women in the leader­ and has produced outstanding lead­ Methodist and ecumenical, have also ship of the church is stil l very limited in ers . Methodist seminaries at Seoul and sought to combine Bible study and spite of their making up as much as Taejon train the future leadership of work with farmers and fa ctory workers 60-70 percent of the membership in the church. Six social centers, origi­ in order to learn about and practice many churches. nally begun by Methodist women from Christian discipleship in the midst of 5. Through suffering, torture, and

New World Outlook• May 1982 [209) 17 " The firm foundation of our words and suPP0 deeds is our faith in God the Lord of Korea history, in Jesus the proclaimer of the goverr Messianic Kingdom, and in the Spirit the n who moves vigorously among the Korea "Through torture, people. We believe that God is the We ultimate vindicator of the oppressed, gaged suffering ond imprisonment the weak, and the poor; He judges the tion "" evil forces in hi story. We believe that Korea on beholf of their Jesus the Messiah proclaimed the prayeri coming of the Messianic Kingdom, to protest people, o unique, be subversive to the evil powers, and cominl interdenominotionol that his Messianic Kingdom will be the Korea haven of the dis possessed , the rejected 2mong fellowship ond theology and the downtrodden. We also believe you an • t t that the Spirit is working for a new Christ ore emerging. creation of history and cosmos, as well for as for the regeneration and sanctifica­ Christi tion of individual man." (Theological brews Declaration of Korean Christians, pionef 1973) especi 6. Christian mission related to Kore­ "An an people is more and more an would international and multilateral move­ Samsol ment. muel a Because of political and economic faith q forces Korean people are scattered justice around the globe. There is a large the mo community of 700,000 or more in fire, es Japan . Korean nurses work in West wonstr Germany. Korean laborers are on mighty work contracts in the Middle East. The flight. fastest growing Asian immigrant group res urre in the U .S. is Korean . In the past the fusing missionary movement was largely might from West to East. United Methodist suffere missionaries working in Korea today even c number approximately 38-40. But were! Korean Christians are coming to our they U.S. churches in a reverse flow of went< mission. goats, A new richness of sharing is possible of whc between Korean and American Chris­ wande tians . We have Korean missionaries tains, among us now. New insights about the earth. Gospel, new opportunities in cooper­ "An ative mission are opening up. In bythei Among these wives of South Korean dissidents, holding a silent demonstration, is September, representatives from the prom is (left) the wife of Kim Dae Jung. National and World Divisions of the somet General Board of Global Ministries us th e\ imprisonment on behalf of their pea- on every side. Here are women met in Seoul in a historic consultation Therefc pie, a unique, interdenominational praying together, women who once a with the Korean Methodist Church to so grea fellowship and theology are emerging. month meet their husba nd s for 10 discuss how to share jointly in mission also la The struggle for human rights and minutes through several layers of thick among Koreans in the U.S. The Korean which democracy has brought Presbyterians glass in prisons five or more hours Methodist Church will send mission­ With PE and Methodists, Protestants and Cath- away by bus and train and then try to aries as requested to work in immi­ befor olics, Christian and non-Christian fam- help their children understand why grant communities here. and ily members of the imprisoned togeth- their fathers are in solitary confine- Mission is also increasingly multi­ joy tha er for prayer meetings, demonstra- ment for caring about justice. Out of dimensional, and one dimension is the cro tions, and as a supportive community. such experience is coming a uniquely working together internationally on seated The Galilee Church, w here family Korean theology, Minjung Theology. issues of democracy and human rights. God." members of the imprisoned meet to "Minjung" means the common peo- A number of Christian groups in the worship in a home on Sunday after- pie, the downtrodden and oppressed U.S. and Canada have joined together noons, is a moving fe llowship. Like the masses of Korean people. It is among to form the North American Coalition earl y Christian church, here are pea- these people that Christ comes to save . for Human Rights in Korea . Through Patric theW01 pie hunted, persecuted, and pressed In the words of Korean Christians: education and advocacy we strive to Korea . 18 [21 O] New World Outlook • May 1982 support our brothers and sisters in Korea and seek to change our own government's policies which support the military dictatorship in South Korea . We as United Methodists are en­ gaged in substantial mission coopera­ tion with Korean Christians and the Korean Methodist Church. Our prayers, our gifts of money, our protests, our missionaries, our wel­ coming fellowship to Christians from Korea who now live and witness among us-these are some of the ways you and I witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord. For both Korean and American Christians that great passage of He­ brews outlining how through faith the pioneers of old served God seems especially appropriate: " And what more shall I say? Forti me would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, First UMC, Lancaster, Pa., (above, right) is celebrating its 175th anniversary this Samson , Jephthah, of David and Sa­ year. From this church came the first Methodist missionaries to Korea-Henry G. muel and the prophets, who through Appenzeller (top, left) and his wife, Ella, and their daughter, Alice Appenzeller faith conquered kingdoms, enforced (above, left). justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging ------175 years ------fire, escaped the edge of the sword, The First United Methodi st Program." won strength out of weakness, became Church, Lancaster, Pa. , from which The first major event of the cele­ mighty in war, put foreign armies to the Appenzel lers went to Korea, has bration was a Korean Festival on flight. Women received their dead by embarked upon its 175th Anniver­ January 31 . First Church has had a resurrection . Some were tortured, re­ sary Year which will be celebrated major interest in Korea for many fusing to accept release, that they throughout 1982. years . might rise to a better I ife. Others The Church was founded on or Homecoming will be observed on suffered mocking and scourging, and about 1807 when the Rev . Henry September 19th, with the guest even chains and imprisonment. They Boehm organized a class of si x preacher being Bishop F. Herbert were stoned , they were sawn in two, members from which grew the pres­ Skeete, resident Bishop of the Eastern they were killed with the sword; they ent church. On December 17th , Pennsylvania Conference. Former went about in the skins of sheep and 1807, a church building was dedi­ members will be returning for the goats, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated­ cated . milestone celebration and former of whom the world was not worthy­ The growing church required new choir n embers w ill supplement the wanderi ng over deserts and moun­ facilities by 1842 and in September choir for musical presentations. tains, and in dens and caves of the of that year a new building was On October 17th, the Sunday earth . dedicated. In 1889 a new church was nearest to the October 14th founding " And all these, though well attested begun at the site of the present date of First Church, Rev . Robert H. by their faith did not receive what was building and w as completed at a cost Wright, Lancaster District Superin­ promised, since God had foreseen of $87,000. tendent, wi 11 be the preacher of the something better for us, that apart from On September 21st, 1946, the morning. A major part of that Sun­ us they should not be made perfect. sanctuary of First Church was de­ day's activities will be the honoring Therefore, since we are surrounded by stroyed by fire. Under the leadership of those persons who have been so great a cloud of witnesses, let us of the Rev. Dr. Luther H . Ketels, the members of First Church for fifty also lay aside every weight and sin rebuilding was completed at a cost of years or more. which clings so closely, and let us run $750,000 and was consecrated De­ The church's Historical Commit­ with perseverance that race that is set cember 13 , 1953. tee is not only researching church before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer Additional land for parking was history but is planning for historical and perfecter of our faith, who for the purchased in 1964 and a new edu­ displays on a rotating basi s through­ joy that was set before him, endured cational building was constructed out the year with a full disp lay of the the cross, despising the shame, and is and consecrated in 1966 at a cost of entire collection on September 19th, seated at the right hand of the throne of $300,000. During the summer of the day of Bishop Skeete's visit. God." (Hebrews 11 :32-12:2) • 1975, renovations and additions A historical brochure is being provided two new classrooms, a assembled and a commemorative complete office suite in the educa­ plaque will be made available to the Patricia J. Patterson is a staff member of tional wing, a new conference room congregation an d friends of Fi rst the World Division with respons ibil ity for and a room for the " We Care Food Church. Korea .

New World Outlook • May 1982 19 Life On The Fringe- A Squatter Village in Mexico Rosamond G. Steere

ur first priority is to build our the day of our visit, the mayor of La Between the tracks, shacks have next P cover I Oschool!" Marcelina gestured with Estacion was meeting with Jose been built out of scraps. Metal sheets, both arms to emphasize her words. Lopez-Portillo, President of Mexico, discarded by the affluent of Cuernava­ ce\i na . Ever Her eyes flashed , and enthusiasm to ask for title to the land for his ca, are particularly prized. In spite of spoke from every line of her face . community. The three thousand in­ holes rusted through, they are dura­ squatt1 A group of twenty-one gringos from habitants are trying to be responsible ble-much better than plastic or card­ the le the United States and Canada were citizens, running their own affairs, board. Scraps of wood are limited in peasa visitors at La Estacion, (the Station), a although they pirate electricity. (The usefulness because nails cost too to sel squatter village on the outskirts of city looks the other way). Previously, much. Rope and string are used urban Cuernavaca , Mexico. We were the President had expressed interest in instead wherever possible. Looking at cast-a church leaders, working in offices of La Estacion. Mexican law provides these homes, a visitor begins to grasp Uni socia I concerns, who had come that if people I ive in peace for ten years the enormity of the undertaking for the ment (through a program of Cuernavaca on public land, they qualify to receive people of La Estacion of building even Wage Center for lntercultural Dialogue on title to it. a one-room school. perd< Development) to see what life is like Green plants in old tin cans decorate Open sewage ditches surround that t for the grass roots people of this third the entrance to many shacks. It is each clump of homes. Box-like struc­ suppo world country. We asked ourselves if handy to have them close to the tures suspended over the ditches serve thoug the church is making any difference. outdoor box that serves as a wash as outhouses. During times of heavy thefal We wondered how the U.S. should stand. When the dishes or laundry are rain , the ditches threaten to overflow. keep relate to the poverty of Mexico. finished, some of the water can take Children chase each other along the chanr There was seating space for a few of care of the plants. That means carryi ng narrow paths. Since they don't have In us in this dilapidated classroom . The one less bucket of water each day from bal Is, they don't have to worry about some crude desks and benches were made the communal spigot. retrieving them from the ditches. "Our hop c out of scrap lumber. A blackboard was orthE perched on two boxes. Litter from the Som1 last dance given here to raise money Sund for the new school had not yet been they swept from the dirt floor. Gaps be­ soap tween the scraps of corrugated metal goo forming the roof and walls seemed Ma~ unimportant, because at the open end wor of the room a cinder block wall was com rising, block by block. From contribu­ per tions from their meager wages, the atter people of La Estacion were building a ofte1 school. thei Gerardo, a priest, teaches young chi ldren here in the morning, and workers in the evening. He has been a great stimulus to the community. Using the Paolo Freire method of teaching, he has helped the people discover their own ability to improve their situation. First, they banded together to rid the vi I Iage of trash . La Estacion has been a squatter village for thirty years. The old station building was unused . Side tracks on crisscross the land which is owned by by the government. In the twenty-four WI years that Marcelina has I ived here, there have been many times when the WQ community was threatened with evic­ th tion. Sometimes it was the rai I road that job tried to acquire the land, sometimes it This scene at La Estacion includes an open sewage ditch and a log bridge as well as ho was a wealthy business man, but on laundry outside the makeshift huts. U.

20 [212) New World Outlook • May 1982 "Often children are the only ones who can read ."

next project after the school, is to income for Mexi co. gated metal roof is in good cond ition . cover the sewage ditches," .said Mar­ Angela's one-room home (about Here Angela lives with eight of her celina. 15 'x25 ') is larger than most in La children (three of her eleven ch ildren Every city in Mexico is ringed by Estacion . It contains three double are married ) and two friends of her squatter villages. Unable to survive on beds, a table, chairs, treadle sew ing sons . the low wages paid farm workers, machine, radio, and tiny TV. The For the births of three of her peasants have left the farms in droves immaculate gas stove is obvi ous ly a children, Angela had the he lp of a to set up cardboard dwellings near prized possession . Along with these midwife. For the others, she just called urban areas . Here at least there are items that are lu xurious in this commu­ a neighbor to come in. There are no cast-offs from other people to salvage . nity are the usual dirt floor and rafters doctors accessible to La Estacion, but Unemployment and underemploy­ tied together with string. The corru- there are two doctors w ho say they wi 11 ment in Mexico run 40-50 percent. Wages for sugar cane cutters were 50¢ per day for a ten hour day in 1969. At that time, the minimum wage was supposed to be $1 .50 per day. Al­ though the wage may have changed , the fact that the daily earnings will not keep one from starving has not changed . In La Estacion, most people find some way to earn money. Young boys hop on buses to hawk chewing gum, or they shine shoes in the town square. Some earn a few pennies from the Sunday crowds by selling small bottles they had scavenged and filled with soap solution. A twist of wire makes a good loop for bubble blowing. Noemi, Marcelina' s teen -aged daughter, works from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. cleaning a construction site. She earns $10 (U .S.) per day (1981 ). In the evening, she (Above) Scene inside the school room. (Below) Children in the kindergarten class. attends school . Domestic workers often spend fourteen hours a day in their employer' s home. Unskilled men , working at heavy jobs, earn $20 per day. More highly skilled jobs bring $30. Most of the earnings go for food. Forty percent of the Mexican popula­ tion never taste milk nor fish , and rarely chicken . Tortillas and beans have been the staple foods for genera­ tions, but now many cannot afford beans every day. In the dry southern parts of Mexico, one finds whole villages inhabited just by women, children, and elderly. When asked why there are no men, the people reply, " They are in the States, working. " One to three million cross the border each year in search of jobs. Next to tourism, the wages sent home from Mexicans working in the U.S. provide the greatest sou rce of

New World Outlook • May 1982 [213) 21 come to a clinic if the community can people ask, " W ho is Pharaoh today?", " Th e Christ ian communities in Nic­ get med ici nes . Donations from other " W here does God stand? ", " W hat are ara gua brought about the revolution," dispensaries are a possibility. the causes of poverty?", " How ca n we says Sister Sa ndra, a nun who organ­ Angela rises at six and prepares improve our situation?" ized a number of the communities in snacks to sel I at a construction site. " Our children are our treasure," Morelos . Father Fern ando Cardenal , Her only daughter prepares breakfast said Sister Delores. This lively woman w ho led the highly successful literacy for the rest of the fami ly. After se lling at radiated warmth and caring, especial­ ca mpaign in Nicaragua, sa ys, " It is the construction site, she returns home ly w hen she tal ked about her Chri stian more revolutionary to teach a peasant to prepare more food to sell at a education classes for child re n. The to re ad than to gi ve him a gun ." school. That job is done by 4:45 p.m . It is beautiful to see the pride of the Then she goes to the supermarket to Mexica n people in their community buy food for the next day. From 6 to 8 "It Is beautlful life. There are plenty of problems w ith in the evening, she goes to sc hool to so many people living in crowded, learn to read and write. By this time tQ see the pride miserable conditions with malnutri­ she is exhausted. If she can ma nage, ti on and health problems prevalent, she sews in the evening, by the light of of the Mexican but the wi 11 i ngness to care for home­ the one bare bulb hanging from the people In their less people is a strong facet of Mexican middle of the roof. Angela works hard life. Taking in extra ch ildren as Angela to give her fa mily a better life than she community llfe." did is very common. It is the miracle had as an illiterate child in the country. that makes it possible for submarginal Vatican II gave the impetus to form people to survive. It is the miracle that small communities of the faithful all magic of her perso nality plus her great holds Mexican society together. over the world. Under the progressive fai th in the unl imited abi I ity of ch ildren With practically no resources, La leaders hip of the Bis hop of Morelos, turns them on. Estac ion and other Mexican commun­ the state in which Cuernavaca is The children talk about their com­ ities are making progress in organizing located, about four hundred Christian munities and their lives. Then they go for community decision making, in communities flourish. Grou ps of to the Bi ble to fi nd out how Jesus working for sc hools, in improving their twenty or so meet regularl y to read the would deal with si milar si tuati ons. surroundings, and in working toward Bible and refl ect on its meaning for That puts a new ligh t on the discu s­ health care. Progress ive Catholic their lives. Often children are the only sion. " Li fe with light (from the Bible) Christian communities and literacy ones who can read. Good News Bibles equals lea rni ng," says Siste r Delores. education are a major impetus in these are used because they were readily Enthusiastic ideas and dreams pour developments. available in Spanish and were inex­ forth from th e children . Sister Delores Nevertheless, with poverty so wide­ pen sive. Th e Pope did not object. guides them into thinking about what spread, millions of Mexicans will The great movement of the theology they ca n real isticall y accomplish . continue to come to the United States of liberation which originated in Lati n Soon enthu si astic groups are read y to to seek jobs. People w ith Christian America stirs the lives of the peasants. clea n up the tow n or ca mpaign for a commitment need to work for U .S. Th ey begin to realize that the Exodus playgrou nd or for a pure water supply. immigrati on pol icies that require hu­ event was not only a thing of the A young American woman, who is mane treatment, work toward unifica­ ancient past, but has releva nce today. studyi ng to be a Lutheran minister, tion of families, avoid racial discrimi­ Christ came to li berate the oppressed works with Sister Delores so she can nation, and outlaw exploitation. now--not just in the hereafter. The bring back these methods to the States. In addition, we need to promote U .S. business practices that lead to Tbe • uthor, second from left, with members of her study group. independent bus iness development in Mexico rather than dependency on U.S. firms. That will help the job si tuation and the standard of living. We need to promote land use policies that feed Mexican people rather than producing strawberries, melons, and other lu xury foods for export to the United State s. The Christian fa ith and caring for each other are strong elements of Mexican culture. Strengthened by the theology of liberation, the Christian communities are becoming the seeds of liberation and the germ of a better life. •

Rosa mond G . Steere is a sem inar design­ er for the United Methodist Sem inar Program . She has recently spent a stud y leave in Mexico, Nicaragua , Costa Rica, Texas , and Californ ia, studyi ng po litical and economic refugees.

22 [2 14] New World Outlook • May 1982 O'hree Poems

IDENTITY

What else could love be but a rose Which scorns to give itself half-way, But feels each blood-red petal owes LIGHT OF OUR LORD Its beauty to the summer day? No bud holds back, no scent is spared. You, for whom the stars were made, Each proud leaf-cluster adds its green Dwell now ... . dwell To make the bloom with which it's paired Within their amber flames, The loveliest thing the eye has seen. Rocket with them across the vastness Starting its task at morning's light, That is time and space. It labors on unstintingly To reach perfection before night You, who will not be denied, Shall shade its flawless symmetry. Fling the barriers to love aside What else could love be but this flower And shine, shine, and shine. That builds from selflessness such power?

Tom Richter Marie Daerr Boehringer

IN THIS WAITING EN EST A ES PERA

Mother, not Don't look Madre no mires, no Where I die. donde me muero Look at the sky. mira el cielo, es mas lindo It is lovelier than any burial. que todo entierro

Without weeping, Sin llanto, aunque en el lodo Even though you are living in mud, este viviendo Look and see that in that mud ve que en pantano hay Flowers are growing. flores creciendo

Those flowers will live Viviran esas floras No matter what happens, por sobre todo, Even though they lack aunque de agua carezcan Any form of water. de cualquier modo.

Even though the sun has gone, Aunque el sol se les vaya And even If the air dies tambien el aire, And the earth seems completely barren y sientan que la tierra They will bloom. venclda, se les abre.

They will stand tall Seguiran sf, de pie, And on their petals y sus colores Bright colors will be unfurled. al petalo aferrados; They are conquerors! 1los vencedores!

A lightning bolt Un rayo enloquecido Might crazily strike, caer podrfa Leaving the flower carbonized, la flor carbonlzada But it will not diet 1no morirfa.

Mother, no! Don't cry! Madre no llores, no ; There is no wounded child . no hay hijo herido. There is the joy Exlste la alegrfa de haber nacido Of having been born. Madre, rfe conmlgo, Mother, laugh with me. muestra los dientes. Even though you cry Inside, Afmque dolido llore Smile a big smile. iasf he de verte. This is the way you should be seen.

Written by a young man in prison for many Published In the bulletin of the Ecumenlcel Movement for Human Rights years In Argentina; translated by Joyce Hill

New World Outlook • May 1982 (215] 23 " Turn once again our fortune, Lord, as streams return in the dry south. Those who sow in tears shall reap with songs of joy. A man may go out weeping carrying his bag of seed; but he will come back with songs of joy, carrying home his sheaves." Psalm 126:4-6 New English Bible c: · ~ 8 lJ u c: .c: .Q, >­ .0 g 0 .c: 0.. c 0 ·-(I) ·-> Q·- -d c 0

·­..,, -(I) ·-c E·- -d .D 0 ~- ~ 0 "t) -d 0 m d Cb -c Cb ~..,, (I) "t)·- . 0 ~..,, Cb E "t) ·-..,,Cb sued wast days.

B()(l Methfj of the zealoL their ~

The1 circuit their throu@ Meth ness They whic home their 1 The vicinit March er, th thens cu it, a1 the lo Girard New Madri On Scri pR Samue started ly 300 setting dwell great I prayer "j erks few e We Write Our Church History the be Jaco Presidi Alberta H. Klemp jou rna form at this ar In 1 church history is not a matter of First, the search for records. East- gave representative detai Is of the I ife of were ij Astatistics and dry bones. It is the wood Memorial had few. Early records the church during colorful years. A few and tli living story of a Christian fellowship, had been destroyed in a parsonage fire books of minutes of the women' s split, tt their faith and their works through the in 1927. Attempted re-recording had societies I secured from the secretaries bec a111 generations of the church's existence. some members baptized in the wrong of our two groups; a large book of I Chu rd As a member of the Commission of year. Like many other churches, East- baptisms, weddings, and funerals is Car Archives and History of the East wood Memorial lost most of its kept in the church office-these give ing w1 Missouri Conference, I was requested records of the ensuing years to good written specifics during a few periods, frame to write a history of our church in housekeeping-women of the church, including the present. The rest had to "see Caruthersvi I le, Missouri, the East- possibly ministers-" cleaning that old be filled in by interviews. And here lies churc wood Memorial United Methodist junk out of the closets." The bit of the richest part of the history research . ' overt! Church. I found myself ducking the material I found on shelves in the To meet with the veterans of the but al job. Then two years later, our minister pastor's study (now simply an ante- church was to live with them the norni asked me to write such a history as one room): two old notebooks of Board of thrilling days of its growth. Even a Metha part in our forthcoming celebration of Stewards meetings and Quarterly Con- reach into the days before their own churc the fiftieth anniversary of our present ference letters covering the years of the they supplied by means of old pro­ classes church building. I agreed. Great Depression, the 30's-these grams, bulletins, and pamphlets is- The 26 (218] New World Outlook• May 1982 sued for special occasions. Best of all building, erected on a lot on Ward was their oral account of their church Avenue given the church in 1852 by days. James S. Eastwood, was named after the donor of the ground : Eastwood Early Methodism Memorial Methodist Ep iscopal Church, South . The bu ild ing was Conference minutes Books written on the history of dedicated in January, 1901 . The Meth­ Methodism in Missouri give a picture odists had not built on the land sooner denounced of the life of early Methodists and their because it was a graveyard . By 1900, zealous itinerant preachers plus lists of however, bodies were no longer bei ng "aimless automobiling", their names. buried there, and the land was avail­ These rugged , dedicated men , the able for building. When worke rs were ice-cream parlors circuit riders, rode the rough trai Is of excavating to lay the foundations for their wide territories on horseback the new brick church, they di scovered and Sunday baseball. through all kinds of weather, starting the cast-iron coffins of Span iard s. Methodist life in the tangled wilder­ ness which was Pemiscot County. Aimless Automobiling They organized church " societies," which met in the one-room farm A bit of the tone of life in the homes of the area pioneers or, later, in Pemiscot area and in all M issouri can their small schoolhouses. be gathered from some of the ru Ii ngs The real history of Methodism in the printed in the 1910 Minutes of the St. vicinity of Caruthersville began on the Louis Conference: March day in 1810 when Jesse Walk­ " ... We must cry aloud for the er, the historically vivid circuit rider redemption of the Lord 's day from the then serving the Cape Girardeau Cir­ desecrating influences that th reaten its Opposite page, Eastwood cuit, and a follower, John Scripps, took destruction. Witness promiscuous and Memorial UMC, the long, difficult hike from Cape aimless automobiling by people w ho Caruthersville, Mo. Below, Girardeau through the swampland to should be in their pews on the Lord 's An artist's drawing of the New Madrid and so initiated the New Day; but who multiply infinitel y the first church building. Madrid Circuit. On Good Friday, Walker and Scripps, assisted by Presiding Elder Samuel Parker and by Thomas Wright, ,,.,,...... started a camp meeting. Approximate­ ly 300 people from the area attended, setting up tents for their temporary dwellings. The worshippers were greatly moved during the long hours of prayer and exhortation; some had the "jerks" , throwing themselves about, a few even injuring themselves against the benches. Jacob Lanius and Jerome Berryman, Presiding Elders of the district, wrote journals which contain valuable in­ formation about early Methodism in this area . In 1846, when the North and South were bickering over the slavery issue and the Methodist Episcopal Church split, the church in nearly all Missouri became the Methodist Episcopal Church, South . Caruthersville's first church build­ ing was erected in 1881. The white frame church was so small that it " seemed more like a home than a church." Its one room was crowded to overflowing, not only with Methodists but also with members of other de­ nominations, since for some time the Methodist was the only Protestant church in town. All Sunday school classes met in the one room. The second Methodist church

New World Outlook • May 1982 [2 19) 27 rural pastor's problems, while the city When asked , " Why aren't you going stood in the small space allotted them pastor's burdens enlarge proportion­ to the dances any more?" she ans­ in the front room, facing as much of the ately, and the Son of God is crucified wered, " I've joined the Methodist crowd as possible, and sang a duet, afresh ... Ice-cream parlors kept open Church. " sometimes accompanied on the and patronized by church mem­ Tent revivals were held yearly on the piano, sometimes not. They put their bers ... Perhaps no one form of Sabbath church lawn, converting many resi­ hearts into their singing and were a desecration is productive of a more dents. great comfort to the bereaved-and to widespread, and exerts a more debas­ Many today delight in recounting the preacher." ing influence upon young men of the high points of Methodist church life in "The women of the church wel­ communities in which we labor than those colorful days. The church filled comed each new minister and family Sunday baseball. " social as well as spiritual needs. with more than words; they gave the The W.C.T.U. was zealous in its Dinners given by the Women's Socie­ parsonage a thorough freshening, work, as was the Anti-Saloon League. ties were well-attended, the line of even taking down and cleaning the At a special church program, standing people sometimes extending a city drapes; and they took food to the new on a chair, three-year-old Hattie Cun­ block. The Women's Missionary So­ family." ningham sang this song: ciety "baked all the pies for Van In 1923 the Young People's Mis­ Johnson's City Pig. Each member was sionary Society was formed. By that The ~ Missouri's going dry. assigned her own two days a week to time, the Methodists were already Missouri's going dry. bake two pies, at 25¢ per pie. " outgrowing their second building and Vote for Local Option. "Funerals were held in the homes. were planning a new one. The young Missouri's going dry. The crowds of friends and relatives sat society chose the organ as their project Co A church member has a friend who and stood in the house, spilling over toward the future church. They gave went weekly to a dance at Cottonwood onto the front porch and into the yard. dinners, put on plays, had rummage Point. Suddenly she stopped going. Music: Mrs. Bennett and Mrs. Tinsley sales.

rec ore gle. such owe! presia treas must Th until interE years fl o was were kins took

cau~ wea that E low war sch /ear Wor Church members at the printers, assembling the pages of the church history. Proj 28 [220] New World Outlook• May 1982 touches were an old film and a memorabilia room . Last April 26 the Eastwood Memori­ al United Methodist Church celebrat­ ed the 1 OOth anniversary of their first church building by having John Wes­ ley (the Rev . Charles Caldwell) as guest speaker. Church members and visitors were given a leaflet which contained a drawing of the little white frame church and a few paragraphs of its story.

Values of the History

What has the Eastwood Memorial The Women's Missionary Society, 1906-7. United Methodist Church gained through the writing of its history? The The Great Depression tian membership-all both rich and veterans of the church have experi­ typical . enced the warmth of reliving past days Consecration services were held for The Pemiscot Larger Pari sh was of sharing and working together, of the beautiful, large new church May introduced during the pastorate of the comparing their recollections with 26, 1929. Long before the church was Rev. Floyd Brower, 1946-1954.Each those of friends, of helping the endeav­ paid for, the Great Depression hit. The minister in the county se rved a large or with the material they have kept Minutes of the Board of Stewards and two or three small churches, and through the years. Newer members record years of heart-breaking strug­ all worked together. Like his early have learned through the history, have gle. They contain many paragraphs predecessors, Mr. Brower set up a huge become acquainted with the personal­ such as this: " Treasurer's report-we tent in the churchyard annually and ity of their church in past days, have owe the pastor $348.42; this includes held a Festival of Faith , a two-week found that they can take pride in their presiding eider's salary. We have in community eva ngelistic series. During local church heritage, have become treasury $42 .31-Past due coal bill these years, the church population more aware of what a church can be must be paid in near future." was overflowing, and the pastor pro­ and do. The building debt was not satisfied moted an educational (Children's Me­ I, as an interviewer, felt the thrill of until 1943. Members have many morial) building. And the chu rch recal I with the veteran members, interesting stories to tel I of those harsh reached into the community, helping reliving their rich experiences with years : " In 1937, the year of the big the poor. them. Also, I learned of a need which flood, the Methodist Church basement Marvin Niblack, 1964-1972, added was highly important to them: an was made into a hospital. Three babies a lovely small chapel, which he and elevator. I was able to promote a small were born in the church. Mrs. Haw­ his official board planned and had elevator with the help of my husband, kins' Class made layettes for them . We built from the front classroom in the then turn the planning over to our very took cloth for the women to sew on, to Children's Memorial Building. capable property committee and later give them so mething to do while they Eastwood Memorial continued to be the financing to a committee headed waited for the water to go down. We an active interested church fellow­ by a dynamic chairman. Most mem­ all took cookies and drinks, and much ship. Nevertheless , a slack in the bers were enthusiastic, and the eleva­ of their food was cooked right there in attendance had set in. The minister tor was installed in record time. Now the church kitchen-a lot of stew and studied the situation and found that members can come who would find it gingerbread. We were all so anxious, much of the membership dropoff was difficult or impossible to climb the with water nearly to the top of the due to a considerable emigration of stairs. levee, that helping flood refugees was Caruthersvi I le residents to other parts Another unexpected reward for me a help to us too. " of the country. Some dropoff, it lay in the new understanding I gained " For a number of yea rs the Julia became increasingly clear, was in of our national church's institutional Hawkins Class brought their portable keeping with a national trend toward organizations and the changes they machines to the church when they membership loss in The Methodist underwent on each unification with came for their monthly meetings, and Church. another ·church. they made clothing for needy children The Allen Vancil years, 1972- , One cannot give without receiving, who could not come to school be­ have been and are rich in all areas of and for the eleven solid months of cause they did not have anything to Christian fellowship, worship, and work I did I was richly rewarded. wear. The government ha s taken all attention to the needs of the church We ofourchurch through reviewing that out of our hands." building. A high point in the Vancil and assessing and reliving past days Ensuing years saw continuing fel­ years has been the 1979 celebration of have gained a wider understanding of lowship, evangelistic series, weekly the present building' s fiftieth anniver­ ourselves as a church of God. • worship in the sanctuary and Sunday sa ry. Preparatory to the big day were schoo l c lass rooms; teaching and the months of redecorating. The occa­ learning, and building improvements, sion itself brought many visitors, Alberta H. Klemp is a member of the women's societies' money-raising mostl y former members from other Commi ss ion of Archives and History of the projects-the growing life of a Chris- cities and states . Among the nostalgic East Missouri Conference.

New World Outlook • May 1982 [221] 29 "In this desperate time, we can help to save programs which help people."

The ~ Mc Ki' Hope Mille Sha rt Golden Cross Sunday talen Helps People With Pal

Toby Gould ll of the national rhetoric concern­ time, we can help to save programs Aing the necessity of increasing the which help people. Golden Cross is response of the voluntary sector to one United Methodist way of express­ human need will remain so much hot ing concern for persons in the places air unless we, as church people, take where they feel pain. Most of the matters in our hands. Only very naive programs and institutions which pro­ or politically devious people can think vide health and welfare ministries to that billions of dollars of entitlement persons in our communities will be and other service programs can be looking to Golden Cross Sunday with replaced by voluntary giving. Our concern and hope. On May 2, 1982, efforts must be directed to ensuring United Methodists in many local that our society does not turn its back churches, in many annual confer­ on people in need . Our voices must be ences will be given an opportunity to heard in state capitals and in Washing­ respond . ton so that elected officials learn that One annual conference voted to ' we care about the needs of people. begin Golden Cross offering during While our gifts are overshadowed 1982 during their session last Spring. by congressional actions, still we can The Rocky Mountain Annual Confer­ make a difference. In this desperate ence has selected a growing field of

30 [222] New World Outlook • May 1982 se rvice and concern to rece ive the gifts Where does the money go? Over thi s M ay. For the past few years, two three hundred health and welfare camps have served the needs of institutions and programs serve more persons with handicapping conditions than three-and-a-half million people and their fam ilies at Camp Bu ckhorn in each year, 365 days a year and 24 the foothills of the Rockies. hours a day, providing over $122 Camp Hope has been an expanding million in free and reduced cost camping experience for persons w ith services. O ften, annual conferences handicapping conditions. Thi s sum­ desi gnate that the Golden Cross offer­ mer, there will be four weeks to ing be used to provide free or reduced include worship, fellowship and out­ cost care for persons who cannot door living for persons all too often afford to pay . There will be more excluded from church camping pro­ people need ing this help as cutbacks grams. Last year, the Reverend Earl in social wel fare and health funds Miller, the founder of Camp Hope, trickl e dow n to programs and institu­ initiated Camp Share, a program to tions which help people. include persons with and w ithout Some annual conferences have in­ handicapping conditions. This pio­ stituted a check-off system w here you neering effort allows all campers to decide which programs wi ll receive learn the gifts and needs of each other. support. The traditional health and A week like this breaks down fears and wel fa re institutions such as hospitals, barriers which many of us have carried nursi ng faci liti es for older persons and for a lifetime. services for children, youth and fami­ Each week at Camp Hope and Camp lies are often listed on Golden Cross Share ends with a barbecue donated envelopes. by a pork producer, whose child has a In add ition, Golden Cross offering handicapping condition. This farmer's may be used by annual conferences to offering provides a chance for campers provide sc holarships for young people and their families to share in the entering nursing or other socia l ser­ closeness and Christian community vices, to pay for emergency medical that has been built at camp. care, to operate an outpatient dialysis Such camping experiences need unit, to help fi nance day care for many counselors and resource per­ young children and to extend the sons in order to have a successful ministry of the church th rough cha­ program. Additionally, camp fa cilities plaincy programs. St udent loa ns, The Rev. Ross Kershaw and camper Sean need to be modified to give access to community hea lth and day care are McKim became good friends at Camp persons with handicapping condi­ among the programs most severely Hope (above). Mike Kaump and Kirsten Miller have a happy moment at Camp tions. Often year-round expenses for slashed in the budget reductions. Share (below). Mike, who is blind, is a families of persons with handicapping Where there is no ann ua l confer­ talented violinist. conditions would not allow for camp­ ence Golden Cro ss program, the local ing, so scholarships are necessary. church has the opportun ity to deter­ Golden Cross will help make this mine ho its offering will be used to summer experience possible. extend its ministry. Some examples The past few years have show n are : Mi Iler and other concerned persons -to help supplement the cost of the need for a residence for adults who " meals on w heels" program for aging are mentally retarded. They are plan­ and convalesci ng persons. ning to use the acreage provided at -to support a foodbank or emer­ Camp Buckhorn to establi sh the gency aid center. Triangle Cross Ranch, a residence with - to provide transportation services a Christian foundation. Golden Cross for older perso ns and persons with can help to make thi s Rocky Mountain handicapping conditions. hope a reality. - to support existing community Golden Cross is unique among services and programs. general church offerings. All of the Golden Cross is a traditional offering funds collected are kept within the fi nd ing a stronger voice asking for aid annual conference or local churches among those w ho feel deserted by to use in supporting local health and thei r society. Golden Cross is an welfare work. While many churches offering w hich can open new doors for u se the Golden Cro ss materi a ls living among those ignored for so (guides, poster, bulletin covers and long. • inserts and offering envelopes) avail­ able from the Service Center, none of Toby Gould is executive secreta ry, the proceeds go to general church Office of Ministries w ith Per ans w ith programs, unless that is decided lo­ Handicapping Conditions, Health and cally. Welfare Ministries, GBGM.

New World Outlook • May 1982 (223] 31 OldU confli( near I which ly. ASI denorr "I Want School" Muzo( These both t~ Ralph E. Dodge and Shirle~ De Wolf and t ~ dire co borateG altingly, cautiously, the barefoot Amon must have been a responsible the church." govern Hnine-year-old African lad made his herdsman for, at the end of the first The following year Mr. Dan­ with th way to the home of the principal at the year, his wages were increased to garembga married Susan Ngonyama, death. Old Umtali Mission in Southern Rho­ seven shillings, six pence ($ 1.00) a the daughter of an early Methodist tionw· desia (now Zimbabwe). That house month in cash. He recalls, "For me preacher and the first African woman bring looked very imposing to him and that was a lot of money. My father college graduate in Rhodesia . The two five added to his nervousness. With each came and received it each month." of them taught in Mrewa for four years, walkec step he repeated the one English His work as shepherd took care of then went to England on a church school sentence he had been taught, " I want his fees during Standards Three and scholarship. With two children to care most school. " As he approached the office Four (fifth and sixth grades) . Then for, Mrs. Dangarembga accompanied closed door, he clapped his hands, and in a when his studies demanded more of her husband to the University of deli ca shrill voice called out, " Go-Go-Go," his time, Amon's father sold some London, Institute of Education. After terly s the Shona form of knocking. The door cattle to pay for his son's fees until he earning two degrees each, they re­ the gue opened and there stood what seemed finished primary school. Because of turned to Rhodesia in 1965. Amon was of the to him a giant of a man . In a slow but his academic record Amon received a appointed principal of Hartzell Sec­ day. E distinct voice with soft Alabamian church scholarship for the two-year ondary School at Old Umtali with schools accent, Dr. M . J. Murphree spoke, post primary Teacher Training Course Susan an important member of the near " Good morning, my lad , what can I do at Old Umtali. Then in 1944 he was staff. Recently arrived from England, Hartze for you?" given an appointment as a teacher in a Amon was shocked at the physical Dangar " I want school," came the hesitat­ rural church school at Muziti, some condition of the secondary school. prepare ing reply. fifty miles away. "The floors were coming apart. Every­ in the " What's your name?" questioned Two years later the first government thing was in bad condition. I was tion. Dr. Murphree. secondary school for Africans opened depressed. I remember saying to Miss Folio "I want school ." at Goromonzi. Amon was interested in Marguerite Deyo, the Mission Board lions, Now, even more distinctly and attending. He recalls, " My superin­ Secretary who was visiting us, " This is Prime slowly Dr. Murphree inquired, "How tendent, the Rev. Per Hassing, gave not the type of school to prepare young the 10 .. . old ... are .. . you?" me a good recommendation. I attend­ people for Christian service. You must at the After a pause came the well-re­ ed Goromonzi fron 1947 to 1950. My not let money stop because you have giving hearsed sentence, " I want school." principal at Goromonzi told me I an African in charge." enting Forty-five years ago the small Meth­ could get a government scholarship to Ever since Mr. Dangarembga took Danga odist primary school was full but there go to Fort Hare University in South over, the school has been kept in good new g was still room in the supplementary Africa so I applied and received the condition. When I visited Old Umtali "First, night school . Dr. Murphree saw pos­ scholarship. Completing the universi­ last year, the secondary school was in pende sibilities in the clean-cut, earnest lad ty course I was offered another schol­ excellent condition in spite of the bringin standing before him. He also needed arship to do Honors (Post Graduate) general war conditions. Flowers lined land; another boy to help herd the sheep. but I chose to come back home and the pathways between the buildings. rec one Motioning with his finger for the lad to teach . I was offered a post at the The lawn was a luscious green, well govern follow, the principal led the way to the Goromonzi Secondary School. " mowed and trimmed . Flowering rem in boys' dormitory and assigned the new For two years Mr. Dangarembga shrubs added to the attractiveness of policy lad a place on the cement floor for his taught at Goromonzi, one of four the place. Then there was a block of that h sleeping mat and blanket. Africans in a teaching staff of 18. Then new permanent buildings for Forms V the U Amon Dangarembga was happy. in 1956 his former principal at Old and VI, the gift of European benefac­ In h' He was fulfilling the deep-seated Umtali, who had been transferred to tors. remind desires of his parents to have a son in Mrewa, urged him to leave govern­ When Mr. Dangarembga became visited school. Dr. Murphree was satisfied. ment employment with al I its prestige principal there were about 250 stu­ was a He had another herd boy. and security and be the first African dents. Today the enrollment stands at tribute Mr. Dangarembga remembers vi­ headmaster in the Methodist school 605 students, of whom 221 are girls. Sec one vidly those early days in Old Umtali. "I system. At that time Mrewa was the The current staff numbers 28, of whom that had only the shorts and shirt I was largest rural primary school in South­ only one is a missionary. Am err wearing and a single blanket. To pay ern Rhodesia, a distinction which the The real test of Mr. Dangarembga's Bishop my school fees I had a job looking after secondary (high) school there now leadership ability came during the war the mission sheep. But while herding holds. Mr. Dangarembga remembers, for majority government. Conditions missio~ stupenc the sheep I had my books with me. I " It was a hard decision. I was happy at became so tense that all missionary make i was very interested in learning. " Goromonzi, but I decided in favor of staff was withdrawn from rural areas. advanc 32 (224] New World Outlook • May 1982 Old Umtali was especial ly in focus as a conflict area because of its location near th e Moza mbique border from which the guerrillas emerged regular­ ly. A second reason for tension was its denominational ties during Bi shop Muzorewa's tenure as Prime Minister. The school was visi ted pe riodica lly by both th e government security forces and the guerri ll as, each threatening dire consequences if the sc hool co lla­ borated with the other group. Under government martial law any co ntact with the guerrillas could mean instant death . On the other hand, collabora­ tion with the government forces might bring even more drastic repri sa l. For five yea r s Amon Dangarembga walked that knife edge, keeping the sc hool operating at full capacity when most rural mission sc hools simply closed down for the duration. It was a delicate operation that required mas­ terl y skill adjusting to the demands of the guerrilas by night and the scrutiny of the government sec urity forces by day. Even after two other Methodist schools, Nyamuzuwe and Sunnyside near Mutambara, were destroyed, Hartzel l at Old Umtali with Amon Asked about hi s relationship to Amon Dangarembga in the Dangarembga at its head continued to Christ and the church, Mr. Dan­ classroom at the Hartzell prepare young men and women for life garembga responded, "My parents Secondary School at Old in the postwar period of reconstruc­ were strong churchmen so it was Umtali. tion. almost automatic that I would become Fol lowing the March, 1980 elec­ a Christian. Also I was exposed to the tions, Mr. Robert Mugabe, the new Christian faith by missionaries. How­ Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, honored ever 1 it was in a revival conducted by the 1 000 Hartze l I students and guests Dr. M. J. Murphree that I made a at the Founder's Day ceremonies by personal commitment and became a givi ng the principal address. In pres­ real Christian ." Then he added , enting the new Prime Minister, Mr. " During the time I was at Goromonzi Dangarembga thanked him and his we did not have a Christian influence. new government for three things: That was one re ason why I wanted to " First, for achieving sovereign inde­ teach in the mission." pendence for our country; second , for The Dangarembgas have both been bringing peace to our war-ravaged "The polic~ of very active in church matters. Since land; and third, for the noble policy of returning from studies in Europe Amon African reconciliation which you and your has represented his local church at the government are pursuing." He then annual conference level and both in advancement reminded the Prime Minister that " The 1968 and 1980 was an active delegate policy of African advancement is one is one that has at the Africa Central Conference. that has been vigorously pursued by Currently he holds the very responsi­ been vigorousl~ the United Methodist Church." ble positions of Education Secretary of In his remarks the Prime Minister pursued b~ the Zimbabwe Annual Conference as reminded the audience that he had last well as continuing as Principal of the LTnited visited Old Umtali in 1958 when he Hartzell Secondary School . was a young teacher. Then, payi ng For the small boy who wanted Methodist Church." tribute to the contribution of Hartzel I school, his cup has overflowed. In the Secondary School, he said , " When process he has helped scores of other that adventurous, phi !anthropic youth find that more abundant life Ameri ca n Methodist churchman, promised by Christ Jesus. • Bishop Hartzell, first set up this Ralph E. Dodge, now retired , is the mission in 1899, he did not see the former Bi shop of the Rhodesia Area . stupendous strides it was destined to Shirley DeWolf, an ordained minister, is a make in charting the path of African missionary at Old Umtali and the grand­ advancement." daughter of Dr. M . J. Murphree.

New World Outlook • May 1982 [225] 33 Ae~ eatre a.m. ber,; a fe few low ~ serv ~ Tetor w most wast char! workl and and vice~ park natio othe outd Tn alw< pro 193 teno Yell) den War stud Faitt initi Do non poi n R cou itw too Witr Par of C of

co~ WO pro Co A Christian Ministry In National Parks Genevieve Lynn Amstutz

handful of campers and park "A Christian Ministry in the Nation­ and Margaret, a student worker, who Aemployees gathered in the ampith­ al Parks" (ACMNP) was the name had been the guitarist at the service I eatre at Colter Bay, Wyoming. It was 8 selected by the Church Committee, attended. a.m. on a Sunday morning in Septem­ and the purpose of the movement was "What," I asked, "are some of the ber, and the crispness of the air caused "to give a Christian interpretation to opportunities offered the 'worker­ a few shivers . In the next hour these the awe that the miracles of God's priests' who live and work in the park few strangers shared in Christian fel­ creation inspire in the visitors and each summer?" They threw out several lowship in an interdenominational employees in our national parks. " answers. service beneath the towering Grand Since the ministry developed in "Playing for a wedding." Tetons. Yellowstone, it became the model for "Praying with someone anxious to What differentiated this service from ministry in other parks. Students who accept Christ. " most across the country that morning qualify are assigned secular jobs as "Witnessing to non-Christians." was that the speaker and the others in bellhops, waiters, laborers, maids, "Singing solos at worship in the charge were college students. They and store clerks, which keep them shadow of the Tetons. " worked in the park during the week busy 40-48 hours, six days a week. "Meeting people curious about and on Sundays provided employees This writer asked Warren Ost how Christianity." and park visitors with religious ser­ the seminary and college students who "Preaching in the snow." vices. Grand Teton was not the only serve become aware of this program. Of course, there are always some park to offer this service. At various "Students across the nation," he unpleasant duties. Cookie voiced this national parks throughout the country replied, "and some from other coun­ dislike: "I don't care for three services other students were sharing in this tries hear about the ministry through each Sunday. They are scheduled for 8 outdoor ministry. our recruiting visits to seminaries and a.m., 10 a.m., and 7:30 p.m. " Though the national parks have colleges, through friends who have "These are about the only times, always had some form of religious served with us, or through visiting or though," Margaret countered, " that programs, it was not until the fall of working in a national park." the ministry staff is together. We really 1939 that David del Condon, superin­ Fron Warren Ost, I went to Denny don't get to know each other until the tendent of the Church Committee of and Cookie, the student ministry team, end of the summer." Yellowstone, helped develop a " stu­ dent ministry. " In conversations with Warren W . Ost, a Princeton seminary student working as a bellhop at Old Faithful Inn, a trial program was initiated. That next summer Ost and Donald Bower conducted interde­ nominational services at various points throughout Yellowstone. Response to the program was en­ couraging, and the following summer it was continued. Eventually it spread to other parks. Warren Ost, together with representatives of the National Park Service and the National Council of Churches, met to discuss the future of the program . From the National Park Service only cooperation could be expected. They would neither sponsor nor fund the program. That duty fell to the National Council of Churches. The Joint De­ partment of Evangelism became the administrator of the program, and the Rev . Warren W . Ost became the director.

New World Outlook • May 1982 (227) 35 Cookie nodded, and continued . between June 1 and IS , and are and share it with others," Margaret " Also, I had camp-ground calling. expected to stay u nti I after Labor Day. began . " To have the opportunity to Each Saturday evening I made the How did the other workers feel about share my music with others," Margaret rounds through the campground to tell the worker-priests from the ACMNP continued . "To get away from my the visitors about our services. Many program? hometown for a summer, " Margaret people rejected me, and I didn't like " I think they respected us ," Cookie concluded. that. " and Denny decided, and Denny con­ " This ministry is an excellent learn­ Her husband , Denny, chimed in . tinued. " Working alongside them put ing experience, and I would encour­ " We had a very hectic and busy us on a common ground . I developed a age anyone to try it," Margaret added. schedule. It was like doing two jobs a sense of trust, but was also challenged " Would you participate again?" I week. " about my faith. It was a good growing asked . I nodded in understanding. " Was experience." Margaret was thoughtful a few there anything worthwhile about your " Many were fairly indifferent. minutes. " Perhaps . One can only experience?" Others were curious about Christian­ learn so much in such an experience. " Everything was worthwhile, " ity, but also criticized it, " Margaret The change-over of new worker­ Margaret rep I ied . " Through al I the recalled. "Almost a form of subtle priests every summer keep the pro­ good, and all the bad , working here persecution!" gram fresh . It requires a spontaneous was a joyous way to share the love of " The effectiveness of this program is reaction . To participate more than two God." two-fold," said Cookie. "While it is summers would bring about a dull­ "Let me tell you about a co-work­ very uplifting and nice for tourists and ness, or a sameness of routine. I'd er, " Cookie said quietly, and contin­ campers, it also reaches out to the rather treasure my experience, and ued without hesitation . " I became employees. After several weeks they move on to something else." very close friends with a girl who opened up to the ministry we were The future ministry is an investment worked with me. She was very open providing. " many Christians take part in. Two­ and curious about Christianity . "Why did you want to be a part of A thirds of the budget is raised from Through our services she was able to Christian Ministry in the National various sources; one-third comes from grasp some aspects of Christianity, and Parks?" I asked . This is also one of the worshipers in the park and other was very close to accepting Christ." questions included in the application interested persons. " Did she?" I wondered. form al I prospective worker-priests Each summer hundreds of worker­ " I'm still keeping in touch with her. receive. All three agreed that the priests share in this ministry. From I' m not sure, but I hope she eventually experience offered, and a chance to Yosemite to the Everglades, the Great will." see another part of the country, were Smoky Mountains to the Grand Can­ Talking about co-workers opened a the two highest reaso ns . yon, Carlsbad Caverns to Mount new avenue of discussion. Approxi­ " Also," Denny added, " being a McKinley, the glory of God is celebrat­ mately 275 young men and women in seminary student, it gave me the ed with those who vacation in God's the Christian ministry program work chance to share Jesus Christ and great gardens of creation. • partic alongside other park workers whose provided practical experience for my and backgrounds vary. Most are required own ministerial training." Genevieve Lynn Amstutz is a free­ asks to report to their assigned national park " To grow in my own Christian faith lance writer from Bryan, Ohio. youn Un iti they A summer scene in Montana's National Glacier Park. ree k scho Missi has 1 teac posi of th

ist thr and

nes begu Students at lnstituto Panamericano dancing in national costumes.

IPA- Still Serving In Panama

ffior.Y Ellen Stephenson

n a Latin American world which Canal. The history of the lnstituto Iopenly resents the power and wealth Panamericano parallels the history of and language of the " Colossus Of the Methodism itself: it went to the com­ North"; in Central America, and mon people where they were, it ra ised particularly Panama, where hatred their goals, it insisted on morality and and resentment have run deep, one integrity among them, it reached for asks why it seems so important that the forgotten and overlooked (the "The first young people learn the language of the lnstituto was the first school in Panama United States, a superpower which to accept Cuna Indians from San Blas motivotion they all wish they did not have to as students), and it has grow n in both reckon with . Yet, the Methodist size and course offerings to keep pace of this methodist school, first founded near the Seawall with the rising Panamanian middle Mission in downtown Panama City, class . IPA has not added notably to the school hos has always been recognized for its number of Methodists in Panama, but teaching of English . The geographical its graduates are serving with integrity olwoys been position of Panama as the Crossroads and efficiency everywhere in this to serveond of the World, and its natural endow­ " Crossroads of the World." Important ments that keep it from being self-suf­ to international relations, because it help Ponomo, ficient in providing for its own domes­ could try to interpret Latin American tic needs, make the knowledge of feelings to fellow-Methodists in the under the English imperative. The first motiva­ North, and vice-versa, it has soothed tion of the lnstituto Panamericano, this and explained relations w hi ch have guidonce of God." Methodist school , has always been to been strained and ugly between Pana­ serve and help Panama, under the ma and the United State s. IPA has guidance of God. al w ays quietly been an oasis of toler­ Seventy-five years ago the Method­ ance, kindness, and understanding. ist Church looked closel y at the In the turbulent and troubled Carib­ three-year-old Republic of Panama, bean area the Evangelical Methodist and asked, "How can we serve?" The Church in Panama (IEMPA) is makinga answer found led to the establishment unique experiment. Now separated of the lnstituto Panamericano, called from the paternalism of the United IPA everywhere here, to train young Methodist Church, and numbering Panamanians in English and in bu si­ only 500 members in eight churches, ness for work, at first in the new ly in a total Protestant minority of 5% of begun construction of the Panama the predominantly Roman Catholi c

New World Outlook • May 1982 [229) 37 The night school for adults, Educacion Laboral, offers classes in such things as social science (right), typing (below), and home economics (bottom).

population of Panama, it decided in Oft 1979 that all its pastors should earn rated their livings by secular employment, schoc and give their services to the churches. being In October 1981 IEMPA elected its first work, Panamanian-born Bishop, IPA's Chap­ in bu! lain and a religion teacher, the Rev . sci en Secundino Morales, to serve the bish­ In opric without salary. IEMPA also now Rev. totally carries the running of the man lnstituto Panamericano. name Since 1974 the lnstituto Panameri­ tion, cano has run without contributions the h from the Board of Global Ministries. It sch has its own management, based on the attao tuition from its 3500 students. One th rm Methodist missionary, Walter K. at ni Reitz, who with his wife is completing the his twenty-eighth year here in Pana­ bare ma, still keeps intimately in touch with scho IPA, though his main work is else­ with where. This writer, in post-retirement imm teaching in IPA for a limited time, was Lab

38 [230] New World Outlook • May 1982 ] Tral High school students at IPA enjoy sports such as basketball (right, below) and classes such as science (right, bottom).

"Everyone in the Republic recognizes IPA's distinctly ChristiQn service."

Of these first nineteen, sixteen were underway for a year and a half. More rated " best students" of the medical than thirty young people from the school. IPA's excellent reputation was churches of Panama have enrolled, to being established in a new field in the study to make themselves better lay­ workaday world of Panama-not only men and church school teachers. in business and commerce now, but in Classes are offered in Bible, theology science, too. and philosophy, psychology, Panama­ In 1972-74 the Director of IPA, the nian culture and folklore, language and Rev . Hugo Ortega, served on a Pana­ communication including the use of manian Government committee, audio-visual aids, history of the named by the then Minister of Educa­ church, and special classes in games tion, now President of the Republic, and camping for youth leaders, in the Hon. Aristides Royo, to set up a pedagogy for Christian educators, and school for the laboring classes, to homiletics for preachers. The staff attack illiteracy and to give training members are the best to be found in through primary and secondary school Panama, including the scholarly at night for those that had never had director Hugo Ortega, an ordained the opportunity to study beyond the Methodist minister, and ten others. barest beginnings. In 1974 the night Classes are offered three times weekly school was opened in IPA's buildings, throughout these three months. Other with about fifty students enrol led . An similar sets of courses , already immediate success, today this Escuela planned, will be offered in each Laboral , under the direction of IPA's quarter next year. Some students find daytime Academic Director, Mrs. Lilia problems producing even the bus fare Carrion, and with many of the more to class; the lnstituto makes it as easy than two dozen staff members from as possible for them. IPA's daytime faculty, serves more In the writer's short ti me in Panama, than a thousand students each trimes­ she has seen repeated evidence of ter, from literacy classes through high IPA's concern with the rising sense of school graduation, in commerce, let­ nationhood of the Republic, its atten­ ters, and sciences. Many heartwarm­ tion to the suffering of Central Ameri­ ing stories attest to the success of these can neighboring countries, its help students from late teen age to the offered to flood victims in Panama middle sixties. One worker improved City, its insistence on excellence and so much that his company sent him as integrity among its students. IPA is not a representative to Japan. Last year's making many new Methodists, but top graduate, a housemaid, had start­ everyone in the Republic recognizes ed in the Escuela Laboral's literacy its distinctly Christian service. John classes . Her mistress came to applaud Wesley would be very proud. The her being valedictorian. Methodist Church of Panama both gives Last fall the lnstituto Panamericano support to IPA and draws strength from opened a Night School in Religious it. It is no exaggeration to state : so does Training, plans for which have been the Republic of Panama. •

New World Outlook • May 1982 [231] 39 areas. These churches face a very charges are far better than very weak different situation from those churches station churches, but it seems that few in areas of declining population. They others share my feelings on this. need help in dealing with the chal­ When churches are to be grouped lenges of growth rather than decline. together, careful attention needs to be The potential for growth in these given to the way it is done. Distance is places is rarely realized because nei­ not the only thing to be considered. ther pastors nor church leadership are Such things as telephone boundaries, trained in dealing with growth. Ways school districts, occupations of the of helping these churches to meet the majority of residents, and natural needs of population growth need to be - barriers must be considered. Most "I found. importantly, the feelings of church The]a The whole matter of pastoral leader­ members must be listened to and Charles ship in churches of small membership considered . Week c needs to be carefully considered by Sally Curtis AsKew Members of churches of small mem­ idioms1 annual conferences, bishops, and dis­ bership frequently feel no one cares to inclu trict superintendents. There is no about them or what they think. They give the About two-thirds of single best way to provide good have a big inferiority complex about how to United Methodist pastoral leadership in these churches, their potential. I find this sad . Often, Just 1 Churches have two hun­ but they certainly deserve considera­ these churches do proportionately interest' dred or fewer members; tion at appointment making time. more than the larger churches of the to you. yet, the image of these Many of these churches have a long denomination. Yet, that i:; rarely re­ "Befc churches is almost totally history of having a student or lay cognized by either the churches somethi negative. They are viewed pastor. While these two groups of themselves or the denomination. though These 1 by persons outside as pastors provide excel lent pastoral These churches must be helped to editors largely do-nothing congre­ leadership in some situations, there understand that the United Methodist remove gations, and they view are situations where a seminary­ Church could not do much of what it Great f themselves as having little to offer. In trained, full member of an annual does if they did not participate. God is an era when big is often equated with conference can render better leader­ Helping these churches to have a we alv better, can this negative image be ship. There are some churches which more positive image of themselves wi 11 Living reversed? because they cannot afford to pay the be a long struggle. It will mean that Comm1 It seems to me that in order to do this minimum salary set by the annual they have to be taken seriously as a womer the needs and the potential must be conference have never had a pastor vital part of our denomination. They Liberat addressed in new ways. In the 1980 who was a fully-trained annual confer­ will need to be seen as congregations - W Book of Discipline, churches of small ence member. That doesn't seem fair with unrealized potential-not just as out, I thanks membership are given some options in to me. another set of problems for the church laugh ways of organizing themselves to carry Minimum salaries are a means of hierarchy. The future of the church of eultun out their ministry. To me that seems providing basic salary guarantees for small membership should be very they\, backwards. The suggested structure pastors. The need for them is obvious; bright, especially in many rural and words for local churches shou Id be tailored to however, the rapid rise in minimum small town areas. As a person who has "Ge meet the needs of the majority of salaries in recent years means that few spent her entire life as a member of a go Ol congregations with provisions for ex­ churches of small membership can rural or small town church of small th inki r pansion of structure for larger congre­ afford to pay these salaries. One result membership, I am committed to your S gations. My hope is that in 1984 the of this is that they sometimes have working to help these churches realize Do ye General Conference wi 11 take action to either a student or a part-time lay their potential. • togeth do just this. pastor. In other cases, groups of small way? Many churches of small member­ get a membership churches are put together Sally Curtis AsKew, who lives in rural ship are in areas that are growing in in multiple-church charges or cooper­ li nes1 White County, Georgia, in a community others population for the first time in dec­ ative parishes with little regard for the called Mossy Creek, is a member of the withe ades. They are on the fringes of feelings of the churches about this. Board of Directors of the General Board of until . metropolitan areas or in growing rural Personally, I feel multiple-church Global Ministries. barrie We but d1 way, luxur abou1 TWO SPECIAL ISSUES "D April-The Annual Report 1981 June-Pilgrimage of Faith: Oneness in Christ food A complete account of the work of the General Board of Global A useful resource for use with the 1982-83 miss ion stud y. Articles it rea M inistries for the past year. Included are a report by President Jesse R. include: Why Christian Unity?, by Bishop James Armstrong; excerpts they DeWitt and General Secretary Randolph Nugent, the Treasurer's Report from the recent worldwide document on Bapt is m, Eucharist and M inistry ; complete w ith charts sh owing income and expenditures, and easy-to­ a look at the Consultation on Church Union today; the ro le of the Black "[ read accounts of each of the six divisions and two work units of the Board . churches in church un ion; some barriers to Christian un ity; three stories nuelE An ind ispen si ble tool for year-round use in any local church. of ecumenism in action, and much more. An invaluable he lp fo r your one mission stud y. rnar ii Russi Extra Copies of Each Issue May Be Ordered at 751{. Each . Special Bu lk Rates Are Available. so th, destr 40 [232] New World Outlook • May 1982 destroy ten Ru ssia ns, or perhaps to destroy "Gandhi Not a Brahmin" ourselves? In the February, 1982 iss ue of NEW " Do you condone our lack of concern WORLD OUTLOOK, the article entitled for the fa mily, our freedom to do our own " Forty-two yea rs in Retrospect-A Mis­ thing regard less of what affect that has on sionary Remembers" by Ro setta G. Bell , our homes? states on page 20 that Mohandas Gandhi " We say so easily, forgive us , but can was a high caste Brahm in. Th is is incorrect. you forgive us unless we repent? He was of the Kshatriya or merchant caste . " O God, bring us closer together, with His colleague, Nehru, was a Brahm in. humor and laughter if you will, that we Brian R. Marshall might see ourselves and each other more Ontonagon, Michigan LETTERS clearly, and having found our home in You , we will search together for a deeper "Week of Prayer Materials" Dubious About Logic understanding of Your way for us . Amen." The January issue included an article by I recently read with some concern your (Rev .) Marion Kl ine Charles Angell , which gave the origin of editorial, " When Rights Collide," in the Olympia, Wash ington Week of Pra yer materials . Some of the February issue of NEW WORLD OUT­ idioms deleted were so del ightful I wanted LOOK. to include them-but I had been asked to Dangers in Theology I understand and share your concern give the opening prayer. The problem was Dr. Tracey Jones' book review, Toward about religious freedom. However, if a how to share those along with the prayer. A World Theology, by Wilfred Smith, private, religious institution wishes to Just on the chance that you might be March, 1982, should be a concern of all discriminate on grounds of race-whether interested in the resu It, I decided to send it serious minded Christians. in regard to dating and marriage or by to you . During our first fifteen years of work in maintaining segregated institutions for dif­ " Before we pray, let me share with you Africa I embraced the dangers in my own ferent races-and th is is regarded as something about the written service, even theology that Tracey Jones warns us about. contrary to public policy, then I see no though we are not using all the materials. I assumed that man is not bas ically sinful reason why the government should ass ist it These were written in Kenya. One of the but basically good . I equated other world in maintaining such po licies by providing editors says: 'I must reveal that I personally religious leaders with the person of Jesus tax exemption. removed such local references as " God is a Christ. It wasn't until I dried up spiritually I realize what this can mean, but it seems Great Hen" (sy mbolizing, I suppose, that that God finally turned me around. to me that tax exemption is related to the God is the source of all blessings); " May His instrument was a small group of lay question of what are the purposes and we always be in communion with the persons in Kinshasa , Zaire. Through the functions of government and also what has Living Dead (I assume they mean the laying on of hands, I was able to capture the support of public consensus . Let me Communion of Saints) and " May our the importance of daily Bible discipline, acknowledge that these are not immuta­ women be as fat gourds" (The Women's prayer took on a new meaning, and I ble, but certain to change from time to Liberation Movement would kill us)."' experienced the power we read in the New time, as they have in the past. -When the laughter had almost died Testament Church. There is certainly room for disagree­ out, I continued-" God , we give you When we share with people of other ment, but I'm ve ry dubious about the logic thanks for laughter and humor. As we religions that God is the Father of us all, of your ed itorial position. laugh at the figures of speech of another hopefu I ly they wi 11 discover that the only Herman Will culture, help us to accept their laughter as true revelation of God is found in Jesus Gaithersburg, MD they laugh at us because of our strange Christ. words and ways . Wendell L. Golden He is a long-time staff member of the " God, do you laugh at us , too, when we Bloomington, Ind iana General Board of Church and Soc iety in go our own narrow ways, each one the area of Peace . thinking that we know the truth about what He is a UM Missionary in Zaire, Africa your Son taught us when he was with us? More on this subject wi 11 appear in the next Do you laugh as you see how little all issue.-Ed. together we know about you and your way? Do you laugh at us, or perhaps you get a bit irritated, when you see that the lines we draw to distinguish ourselves from others become high walls that interfere with our communication with each other, until our denominationalism becomes a barrier to doing your work. We know that you forgive us our sins , but does that mean that you condone the way we live, often in what seems like luxury to most of the world, and forget about the mill ions who are hungry? " Do you condone the necessity for the 13Et-\OL...'D WE. food bank, when the people who must use it really want jobs so they can buy the food S\-tovJ Yov they need? A '°EA'!CGiAIN ~ " Do you condone the building of a nuclear arsenal-when we know that the one bomb that was sent from the sub­ marine last week could destroy all of Russia-yet we cut programs for the poor so that we can buy ten of those bombs-to destroy Russian ten times over, or to

New World Outlook • May 1982 (233] 41 "Masculine Pronouns" dead . He killed himse lfonly moments after Because, for the most part, the excellent looking in quietly on his you ng sons in their article, " My Power is Made Perfect in room early one morning. Speaking of the Weakness," by Gerald F. Moede (Febru­ chi ld ish fear that temporarily departed ary, 1982) is very carefully crafted to avoid parents would never return , he writes, " I the use of the mascu Ii ne pronoun for God, I had never lost anything that I was not sure suspect that it was in the adapting by one of would be replaced if I really needed it by your staff that the use of " his" and " he" THE llOYIM the people I loved, and I had never been accidently sneaked in . hurt beyond the power of a word of I refer to the title of Part I, " The God who FINGER WRIT comfort to heal. But whenever my father suffers in His Servant" and to the use of and mother left, taking home with them , I " he" on page 11 in the statement by Hans knew that hurt, loss, darkness, death cou Id Kung. flatten that house in seco nds. And to a For some of us this is important. I almost BILLY GRAHAM TALKS Union degree that I had no way of knowing, and did not even read the article when I saw the PREPARED FOR MOSCOW went to in ways that I could not possi bly foresee , I title of Part I. I am glad that I did, because it was right. " The boy shut his heart against The talks that Billy Graham will give the Sov is a message that needs to be said and pain and yea rs later learned that only by in Moscow in May are already written. Anatol heard . opening it to the pa in of others could he "He Lo is C. Seifert, While his acceptance of invitations live. Mr. Gn Claremont, California to speak in the Soviet Union was " To journey for the sake of saving our announced only recently, the evange­ easy pE own lives is little by little to cease to live in list was fairly certain even then what as a pE any sense that really matters, even to he would do. Mr. ourselves, because it is only journeying for About four or five weeks ago, he got "qu ite the world's sake-even when the world regardi sickens and scares you half to death-that out of bed around midnight and wrote believe little by little we can start to come alive. It out the speech he wi 11 give to an was not a conclusion I came to in time. It anti-war conference of religious lead­ the hur was a conclusion from beyond time that ers being convened by Patriarch greates came to me. " His journey takes him from Pi men, primate of the Russian Ortho­ facing the two different grandmothers who pro­ dox Church. race. " foundly influenced his boyhood (his moth­ " The Lord seemed to give me what I "If s BOOKS er remains as shadowy as the young was to say," Mr. Graham said in a negotia self-slain father), his efforts at poetry at telephone interview from his home in blow it school , to his experience at Princeton and Montreat, N.C. " I wrote it out." about · the Army. Highly praised for a novel he about r THE SACRED JOURNEY, by Frederick now considers artificia l and highly man­ He said he wouldn't divulge what he Buechner, San Francisco, 1982: Harper nered , A Long Da y's D ying, started while will talk about except that he will be Mr.C and Row, 112 pages, $9.95. sti 11 a student at Princeton, he tasted " speaking from the Bible on the congre! Frederick Buechner is the only writer I success early. Christian' s understanding of peace in a freeze regard as both a first-rate " devotional" The journey from novelist to Presbyteri­ nuclear age." deploy writer and a serious novelist. It is more an minister has been told before. It is a While in Moscow, he will also observ difficult to find satisfying books on ·the tribute to the power of the pulpit fo r it was preach twice on May 9 in Moscow's develo spiritual life than it is to discover a full while listening to a sermon at New York's Russian Orthodox Cathedral about "lw blooded novel written with grace and wit. Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church that "The Cross" and a Moscow's Baptist bioche Buechner's score is eleven (secular) to George Arthur Buttrick powerfu lly moved Church on "the person of Christ. " medial eight (s acred) but his re li gious works are the young man by saying that Jesus is rooted in the stuff of daily life and his crowned in the hearts of people who Since he is not a consecrated priest, ans no novels deal with divine mystery and grace. believe in him, and that inward coronation his message in the cathedral is being Mr. The founder of the Holy Love Church, takes place among confession and tears regarded as extended fraternal greet­ nuclea evange list, international president of the and great laughter. It was the phrase " and ings rather than a sermon, he said . He ixon Gospel Fa ith College which offers ordina­ laughter" that did it, a phrase which, he thinks he may become the first person given < tion through the mail and an ex con, one discovered later, was not in the original not an consecrated priest to speak from terns t Leon Bebb, is the protagonist of three of his text. Buttrick's glorious ad lib led the young the cathedral pulpit. drawin novels, Love Country, Open Heart, and man to consu It the famous preacher on Mr. Graham confirmed a report in "Thi Love Feast . While he has been w riting entering seminary. And Dr. Buttrick did Newsweek Magazine that Vice Presi­ telling these funny devout books, Buechner has more than advise. He put on his hat and dent George Bush had telephoned him also been producing his fine meditations coat and drove him 47 blocks up to Union linetha such as "The Magnificent Defeat" and Theological Seminary to register. while he was in London urging him not speak o " The Hungering Dark." Last Year he Buechner ends hi s tale with an admoni­ to go to the Moscow conference for to say. published that unique novel of a medieval tion never to question the truth beyond all fear the evangelist would be manipu­ Mr. sai nt, Godric. understanding and surpassing all other lated for propaganda purposes. He cussio So who is this versatile writer and how wonders that in the long run nothing, not said he also had " a couple calls" from meeti did he get that way? Buechner has given us even ourselves, can separate us from " that State Department people, who felt that i autobiographical glimpses before in The last and deepest love that glimmers in our there might be a risk " but they did not Hunga Alphabet of Crace and other non-fiction dusk like a pearl , like a face." Lovel y tell me not to go." to ta~ works, but this time he lets us come really words ending a lovely book. He consulted friends in Europe and 1 close in his spi ritual memoir, Th e Sacred Betty Thompson CBS this country, including Senators Mark Journey. In this sp lendid volume Buechner Betty Thompson, associate general secre­ With~ lets us in on the terrifying truth : the tary of the Education and Cultivation Hatfield of Oregon and Jesse Helms of that itl moment when a smal l boy and his little Division of CBCM, edited The Healing North Carolina, and practically with­ Euro~ brother heard a shot and look down to the Fountain, writings se lected from contem­ out exception he was urged to accept the ho garage driveway where thei r father lay porary Christians . the invitation, Mr. Graham said . to a n1

42 [234] New World Outlook • May 1982 In a consen sus statement, the partic­ ipants said the issue is not "them" with problems, and " us" without. " We are all activel y involved in perpetuating the injustices w hich presently en sl ave rural America," the participants de­ clared. The consultation w as sponsored by the General Board of Church and Society and the N ational and Women's Divisions of the General When the invitation for the Soviet take a new view of arms in the world. " Board of Global M inistries. Union came recentl y, Mr. Graham In that interview, Mr. Graham re­ Participants included representa­ went to Washington to discuss it with ferred to the $400 billion arms race as tives of a National Network on Tow n the Soviet ambassador to this country, " insanity!" and " madness! " and Country Ministries (related to the Anatoly Dobrynin. In his latest statement, Mr. Graham Board of Global M inistries), farmers " He and I have become friends," said he feel s the time has come to and persons in other rural occupa­ Mr. Graham said . " He is a very open, " move into the spiritual dimension" in tions, rural and cooperative parish easy person to talk to. I really like him relations with the Soviet Union. pastors, district superintendents, an­ as a person ." " My purpose in going to the Soviet nual conference staff members, gov­ Mr. Graham said he had been on Union is spiritual, and it is not my ernment officials, general agency staff, " quite a pilgrimage" in his thinking intention to become involved in politi­ rural self-help group representatives , regarding nuclear weapons. Now he cal or ideological issues," he said . semi nary faculty and representatives believes that " next to the problem of Mr. Graham's status at the anti-war of ecumenical groups such as the the human heart, which is sin, the conference will be as an observer. He Commission on Religion in Appala­ greatest social and political problem will address it May 11 but will have to chia (CORA). All regions of the coun­ facing the world is the nuclear arms leave before it is over. try were represented . Most were Unit­ race." He wi 11 be going to London to ed Methodist, although there were " If something isn't done at the prepare for events surrounding the members of the Roman Cathol ic, negotiating table, the world could presentation of the $200,000 Temple­ Presbyterian, Church of the Brethren, blow itself up, and I am not talking ton Foundation prize to him. He will United Church of Christ and Assembly about 20 years hence. I am talking have to speak several times at the of God churches. about now." events, including one major address. Participants agreed on a list of Mr. Graham said he had endorsed a Mr. Graham sa id he will gi ve away recommendations aimed at construc­ congressional resolution calling for a all the prize money-a third for world tive change and directed them to freeze on the testing, production and relief, a third for education of Third various places in church and society. deployment of nuclear arms, but World students and a third for evan­ Among those were: observed it could take several years to gelism in England . (RNS) * Have the church start a fund to aid develop one. new, young farm fa milies and he lp " I would like to have all nuclear and UM CONSULTATION farmers in danger of losing the ir fa rms ; biochemical weapons destroyed im­ LOOKS AT RURAL LIFE *Include small farm (low capita l) mediately, as well as the laser weap­ technological ass istance in volunteer ons now being developed," he said . Issues facing rural America-in­ programs such as United Methodist Mr. Graham said his concern about cluding the decline of the fam ily farm, Voluntary Serv ice (UMVS), Volunteers nuclear weapons started during the delivery of services, special concerns in Mission (VIM), US-2s, chu rch and Nixon administration when he was of women, and the impact of industri­ community workers, returned Peace given a briefing about weapons sys­ alization-were on the agenda of a Corps workers and retired farmers. tems being developed and on the national consultation in Mt. Sterling, Said one participant: " Let's use the drawing board . Ohio, Feb . 22-25 sponsored by two knowledge, skills and compassion of "The lord seemed to speak to me, agencies of the United Methodist our retired farmers ." telling me that somewhere along the Church . *Reinstate Rural Li fe Sunday on the line that as a Christian, I would have to The 9.4 million member denomina­ church calendar: speak out and I didn't know what I was tion has about 40,000 local congrega­ *Emphasize ethn ic minority ru ral to say ." tions, 88 percent of which are in rural issues, such as loss of ethnic minority­ Mr. Graham recalled " quite a dis­ or small towns. owned farm land, through the denomi­ cussion" about the problem at a Purpose of the consultation, attend­ nation's missional priority " Ethn ic meeting in Mexico in 1977 but said ed by 85 person s, was " to bring Minority Local Church" and tow n and that it wasn't until he had been to together rural and urban representa­ country channels; Hungary in 1977 that the media began tives and leaders to develop within the *Request the National Division of to take notice of his position . .. . church a greater awareness of and the Board of Global Ministries to add a CBS Evening News, in an interview response to farm and other rural issues full-time staff person on fa mily farm with Mr. Graham in 1979, reported in the U.S." It was also expected that and related issues; that it was on a crusade in Eastern out of the consultation would develop *Sen sitize clergy and others to rural Europe that the evangelist, " shaken by " an expanded network of concern and women's issues t hrou gh pastors' the horror of Auschwitz, compared it action for agriculture and other justice school s, conti nuing education, publi- to a nuclear holocaust, and began to issues ."

New World Outlook • May 1982 [235] 43 cations and other channels, with an live any place on God's earth," the ty health care faci I ities. They also chur initial goal of train ing at six pastors' consu ltation noted " there is a vast asked that churches continue to pro­ and 0 schools in 1983; difference in the service people re­ vide emergency services of food, rnent *Focus attention at the 1984 General ceive living in rural areas in contrast to clothing, shelter and utility bill assis­ and P Conference on rura l issues, including persons living in urban areas , includ­ tance to people in need . Chura 11Th industri alization of rural areas and its ing hospitals, doctors, health centers Addressing a problem alluded to by critici! implications for congregational devel­ and services, mental health and coun­ several speakers, the consultation said opment and other ministries. seling services, housing (low cost), " We must create an awareness that accor Before recommendations were pre­ legal services, transportation, schools large tracts of land are owned by Robb, pared and strategies developed, the child/spouse abuse, women in crisis absentee landowners (who) provide Unite participants were informed, inspired and child care." little or no tax base for delivery of reason and sti rred by addresses, papers, The group pledged to " communi­ services." rnore statements by "witnesses, " sma 11 cate special conditions, concerns and A specific task was reworking a churd group participation and audiovisual needs" of migrant farmworkers to statement on agricultural and rural life possi~ presentations. appropriate places such as church and issues adopted by the 1980 General ascaPi Affirming " the choice of people to governmental agencies and communi- Conference. tion t Among changes suggested were: direct1 the addition of a statement on "our great responsibi lity to work in harmony with selves ''Lord, God's creation" to the theological In preamble; a section on rural women; rep re~ and statements encouraging alterna­ sembl when did tive agriculture marketing facilities Gener such as church parking lots, concern Methe for rights of migrant farm workers, use the e ~ we see you of renewable energy resources and de le g< placing church investments in co-ops appoi to support family farms. intere hungry ... '' Among other recommendations vestec were: identifying a coalition of general servi FAMINE WORLD HUNGER agency staff related to rural issues; comrr sons 1 Kevin M. Cahill, M .D. , ed. The Responsibility of strengthening churches in rural areas enc es In Famine, the most comprehensive Christian Education and equipping them to deal with the book on the subject, experts from vari­ dynamics of rural industrialization; he sa by Suzanne C. Taton Bis ous disciplines consider the history of "Suzanne Toton has brought together utilizing communications media to dent famine, the economics of famine, the in this one volume all of the resources sensitize on rural issues; encouraging reality of famine, the response to on this topic that are useful for an church leadership to study rural issues Chur famine, and the ethical aspects of educator. She has analyzed world and take "appropriate political ac­ op o famine. hunger as a moral problem in the first tion"; working toward " peer counsel­ meet Contributors include: Dennis G. world rather than an economic problem ing training" for rural women with one and Carlson, Victor H. Palmieri , Lillian M. of underdevelopment in the third world. model training event in each jurisdic­ evide Li, John Bongaarts, Mead Cain, Kevin Religious educators will be especially in­ tion in 1983; asking clergy to have lists the M. Cahill, M.D., William J. Byron, terested in the third part of the book of places where rural women can get as th S.J., Mark Perlman, D. Gale Johnson, which critically examines educational help; preparing a list of United Meth­ Harvey Leibenstein, Sudhir Sen, Eileen practice and describes some of the be ~ odist farmers who could be "a support point Egan, Stephen Green, Arthur Simon. things which the author has done with cloth $15.95, paper $8.95 this issue in her own classes." group in the legislative process"; own GABRIEL MORAN, New York University creating radio/TV spots on the family mon paper $7.95 farm. ed ei WORLD CITIZEN The consultation closed with con­ whor Action for Global Justice Also of interest: fession and commitment: " We deeply chur by Adam Daniel Corson-Finnerty feel our need for a continual repen­ Ot "Out of his personal involvement in HUNGER FOR JUSTICE tance and empowerment by the Holy working for social justice, Finnerty The Politics of Food and Faith Spirit to act both individually and as gives us tangible answers to the recur­ by Jack A . Nelson the body of Christ to become the ring question, 'But what can I do?' He paper $5.95 unified world which God intends. " surveys global problems in human PARENTING FOR PEACE AND (UMNS) terms. Then he guides us to further JUSTICE reading and to a wide choice of organ­ by Kathleen and James McGinnis IS GENERAL CONFERENCE izations through which we can act. paper $4.95 CONTROLLED BY LEADERS? This impressive compendium of con­ cern will help empower all those who Two United Methodists differed want to live out their faith in this Write for new catalog sharply on the representative nature of troubled world .,, OLCUTT SANDERS, Friends Journal denominational leadership at a debate paper $6.95 ORBIS BOOKS in New York March 24. Fe Maryknoll, NY 10545 Billed as a discussion between p leaders of the National Council of

44 (236] New World Outlook• May 1982 Churches and the Institute on Religion w ere Lutheran pastor and author totalitarianism" and anti -Comm u­ and Democracy, much of the argu­ Ri chard John Neuhaus, author of the nism . ment focu sed on the denominations IRD theologica l statement " Religion " We Christians should not allow and particularly the United Methodist and Democracy"; and the Rev. Arie ou rse lves to be defined by our oppo­ Church . Brouwer, general sec retary of th e nents in terms of what we are aga inst " The NCC is a favorite target of Reformed Church in America and a . . . (but define ourselves) in terms of criticism of the grassroots today," member of the NCC's executive com­ whatwearefor," he said . " !t w as , after according to the Rev. Edmund W . mittee. Mr. Neuh aus charged that a all, the people of God w hom Moses Robb, chairman of the IRD and a pattern of leadership in th e NCC and led through the Red Sea-not the United Methodist minister, " but the its dominant member churches has anti-Egypti ans." Noti ng that the IRD reason is not that the NCC has been " betrayed Ii beral is m, abandoned the has declared its goal that the churches more ex treme than its member ecumenica l ta sk , and compro mised be open churches , he told th em, churches. . . . Indeed, there is the the gospel of Christ. " He also clai med " Deal w ith us as we are. Away w ith possibility that the NCC could become that " the NCC has become an agen cy the masquerade of straw men .. . . " a scapegoat for an anger and disaffec­ not of reconciliation but of aliena­ M r. Robb said , " I be lieve there is a tion that more justifiably should be tion ." profound need today for an organiza­ directed against the bureaucracies of " An obsess ion w ith th e allegedly ti on like the National Counci l of great mainline denominations them­ systemic and inherent injusti ces of Churches . Bu t I mea n the NCC as it selves." America at home and abroad pre­ was inte nded to be-I' m afraid not as it In repl y to a question about the cludes the affirmative, even patriotic, is today." Contendi ng that " in the representati ve nature of church as­ vision that is required if criti ca l judg­ mid-1 960s th e NCC took a sharp lurch semblies Mr. Robb charged that the ment is to be meaningful and effec­ to the left," the Texas evange list General Conference of the United ti ve," Mr. Neuhaus sai d. alleged that " today the core of the Methodist Church is " controlled by Mr. Brouw er charged the IRD's NCC is overwhelmingl y leftist, dis­ the establishment. " One-half of the " Religion and Democracy" paper se ntin g voices are few, and the tone delegates are ministers who owe their w ith an " obessi on w ith th e threat of and sty le is often adversarial and appointments to the bishops and " are interested in protecting their own vested interest," and the ministers, serving as chairpersons of nominating committees, determine what lay per­ sons will be elected to annual confer­ ences and to the General Conference, he said . Bi shop A. James Armstrong, presi­ dent of the National Council of Churches and United Methodist bi sh­ op of the Indiana Area , cited hi s meetings w ith local church members and w ith pastors in hi s area as evidence of openness to the people of the U .S. While wel coming the debate as the kind of disc uss ion necess ary between Christians of differing view­ points, he challenged the IRD on its own accountabil ity. " You w ho would monitor the church have a sel f-select­ LET'S HAVE LUNCH ed executive committee of six, tw o of Many children in Latin America never hear the words vamos a almorzar whom have no previous re cord of (let's have lunch) because all too often there is no food to offer them . The church activity," he noted. United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), through a network of Other participants in the debate denominational and ecumenical channels, provides pure water, balanced diets and many other services. Because many children have been up­ rooted from their homes, assistance with clothing and school fees are needed, too. Special care for children in Latin America is a primary concern of UMCOR.

• Large 10 Inch gold­ bordered plates. r ------,Buy lunch tor a ch ild today! UMCOR 70/ 225-6 I • Orders filled for 25 or more plates. I· • We also make ce­ I ramic tile, church note I paper, Church bulle­ I tins, Post Cards and I Clip thi s coupon and Christmas Cards. mail it with your check to: CITY ______STATE ---- ZIP ___ I UMCOR I Room 1439 For sample and Illustrated literature write: CHURCH ----- ANNUAL CO NFEREN CE ----- I 4 75 Riverside Drive I New York, NY 101 15 The u n1 1ed Method1s1 Child Suppon Program is a part or 1he worl d wide m1n1s 11 y o l ;.J PRESTON-HOPKINSON CO. The Boa rd ol Global M in1s1r1es all with child care 1ns11tu11ons aooroved as Advance Soec1als Dept. NW, Appomattox, Virginia 24522 L ------New World Outlook • MayApril 1982 [237) 45 arrogant. " He quoted from various sive. Fifteen years after the denomina­ communication." NCC publications to illustrate his tion's black caucus was founded, it is Another leader of those turbulent point. attempting to recapture the fire under years, the Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell, In reply, Bishop Armstrong said , which it began . says one problem with the confronta­ " you don't know us very wel I. " He At a recent meeting in St. Louis of tions of 15 years ago is "some people peool• noted that he had questioned an NCC Black Methodists for Church Renewal are reaping the benefits of confronta­ prepar9 General Board statement attacking the (BMCR), several speakers compared tion without reaffirming that confron­ pacifJC Reagan administration " and I' m the the turbulence of the group's begin­ tation .. . If there is no struggle there is peoPit 0 president now." While saying the nings with the present. no progress." throu9h council should always listen to According to a staff executive for the He added, " We need to take We 1ea1 charges of imbalance, he pointed out United Methodist General Board of another positive look at the term black cultUre that NCC member churches had just Global Ministries, black people need power. There is theological content to importar observed Afghanistan day and that the to evaluate ground covered and create the term black power. Powerlessness guide'SC NCC had cried out aga inst the situa­ plans for future strategies. breeds a race of beggars. " and chi tion in Poland and the fate of political " BMCR should no longer accept a In attempts to become a more prisoners behind the Iron Curtain and piece of the pie, but a different kind of "viable" organization, BMCR has charged the IRD with a worse pie," said the Rev . Negail Riley. " As sometimes concerned itself with El Sal imbalance. " What is your word about black church persons our work is not things outside the church that impact (;"4094 Chile, where a democratically elected done. The church of Jesus Christ is the lives of black people. It has tragic s government was overthrown with the being corrupted by so called Chris­ adopted policies on such topics as the filmstrip help of the CIA," he asked . " What is tians." resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan , the prepare your word about Argentina and the The chairperson of BMCR, the Rev . Voting Rights Act and black family life. ftrsthan< disappeared persons there?" Vance Summers, Cincinnati, Ohio, A resolution adopted at the recent interviS'I Questioned as to whether he meant agreed with Dr. Riley. While acknow­ meeting called on black churches to rnassac to claim that United Methodist minis­ ledging a lot of gains for black people become extended families in their lion Mo ters are so bound by self-interest that in the denomination over the last 15 communities as people suffer from program they cannot be independent, Mr. Robb years, he said, "a lot of things haven't severe economic and social condi­ said he admired the polity of the changed. " tions. denomination and no one had ever Mr. Summers said his organization " Although some of our churches told him what to preach . He insisted, was founded because black leaders have non-community resident con­ - however, that "what I said is partially were convinced that there was hope gregations, our churches need to be I true" and that the General Conference for the black United Methodist the center of the communities in which does not accurately portray the grass Church. The group is still convinced they reside," the resolution stated . roots of the denomination. there is hope and has a responsibility Churches were called on to provide Despite the sharp tone of the ex­ to " carry out and assure the continuing support to families in need, " teaching changes, all four participants wel­ existence of a viable black church," he values of cooperation and sharing and comed the opportunity for the debate. added. the importance of selecting family Mr. Robb called the meeting " a step in " We need to continue to ask if there priorities that wi II benefit both individ­ the right direction" and said " most is hope and seek who we are . This ual families and our larger family." evangelicals do not want out of the brings us full circle to where we Churches are also encouraged to I NCC. We want in." Bishop Armstrong began ." educate in workshops the importance called the event " the very kind of According to Dr. Riley, when the of keeping real estate in black owner­ conversation that must take place" United Methodist Church was created sh ip. " We (black people) are fast and reminded both sides that " there is in 1968, black membership within the becoming a land-less people and this a common enemy out there bigger denomination was above 500,000. must be prevented," said the state­ I than any ideology." Today it is near 350,000. ment. The debate took place at a luncheon " In the 70s regression was very BMCR also adopted a policy sup­ in the lnterchurch Center. It was serious," said Dr. Riley. " There has porting extension of the Voting Rights sponsored by the Information Com­ been a perception that black advance­ Act of 1965, which comes up for a mittee of the NCC and attended by ment becomes self-sustaining. If that is senatorial vote this August. The state­ about 250 church leaders and media true then why has there been so little ment says extension is needed " be­ ,,_ representatives. The luncheon speaker support for strengthening the ethnic cause of the long and tragic history of - - . was television producer Norman Lear, minority local church?" voting, particularly as it relates to SERVI founder of People for the American As a result of BMCR's " confronta­ black people." Way and producer of the recent tion" with the 1968 General Confer­ The caucus intends to impact legis­ 7820 f television special, " I Love Liberty." ence, the denomination created an lation through a letter campaign to Cinc1n (UMNS) agency to monitor the inclusiveness Congress and to encourage United within the church, the Commission on Methodist bishops to support a Voting Rights Act extension. BMCR MEETING Religion and Race . Dr. Riley and Mr. Summers suggested that " confronta­ The caucus also went on record in HEARS CHALLENGES support of black colleges and request­ tion" may again be necessary. NAM! The Central (black) Jurisdiction of "The priority of the church is to ed the 1984 General Conference to the United Methodist Church was serve people," said Mr. Summers. " In support black colleges as a line item of abolished 14 years ago as a result of a the early days of our organization the World Service apportionment. ADDI group of black people who confronted confrontation was a means of commu­ (UMNS) the denomination to be racially inclu- nication. It is still a means of effective 46 [238] New World Outlook • May 1982 - People of the Sliver Sea . (#4077) Prepared for the mission study, "People of the Pacific Islands," this vivid filmstrip introduces people of Micronesia, Melanesia and Polynesia through their own stories and indigenous music. We learn of the conflict between traditional culture and modern ways. We sense the importance of faith in their lives. Includes guide/script and cassette for both youth/adults and children. $18.95.

El Salvador: Via DolorosaNla Vlctorlosa. (#4094} Launch a study and discussion of the tragic situation In El Salvador with this color filmstrip. The cassette and leader's guide were , prepared by a Presbyterian minister who sought firsthand information by conducting on-the-spot Interviews with civilians who lost family in massacres and interviews with National Libera­ tion Movement soldiers on their goals and program. $18.

RETREATS An Introductory Manual Things Hoped For- Meditations on Oneness (¥4090) By Missi on Interns 1980-83. Poetry, art , short stories, essays and prayers com­ prise these moving meditations out of the experiences of young peo­ ple whil e living in Third Wo rld countries. Guidance is included for using the book in wors hip . Id ea l for the "Oneness in Christ " theme. II Two pieces relate to the Pacifi c Island theme. $2.50.

Retreats: An Introductory Manual (#3849) By Mary Lou Van Buren. In this 40-page booklet the author has brought together all the gu id ­ ance needed for setting up a retreat. Excerpts from insp iring wri ters Mary Lou Van Buren and practical planning ideas add to the book's quality . $1 .50 .

SERVICE CENTER Please send me : 7820 Reading Road People of the Silver Sea. (#4077) Film strip, cassette, gu idance. $18.95. Cincinnati, OH 45237 El Salvador: Via Dolorosa/Via Victoriosa. (#4094) Filmstrip, cassette. $18. Things Hoped For·-Meditations on Oneness. (#4090) $2.50. Retreats: An Introductory Manual. ( #3849) $1 .50 . TOTAL

NAME Postage Required. Add to order: $3 .00 or less, add 75 cents ADDRESS $3 .01 -$1 0 , add 15% of order $ 10.0 1-$25, add 10% of order ZIP Over $25, add 5% of order NWO/ My If bi ll ing is re quested, $ 1.50 billing fe e is added. A NEW BIBLE STUDY OF HEBREWS

Outside the Gate: A Study of the Letter to the Hebrews ( #4061) by Roy I. Sano is the basic book for a stirring spiritual growth study of Hebrews in 1982-83. The letter to the Hebrews deals with the nature of Jesus Christ and Christian identity. It was written in a time of rapid change. Christians seemed to be drifting from Jesus Christ back to earlier revelations of divine action in the Jewish tradition. According to the Letter to the Hebrews, Christians are always to be on the move ... going voluntarily into a kind of exile . .. becoming strangers and sojourners while 8:oyl.Sano doing God's will "outside the gate" of the mainstream of society. Roy I. Sano examines this theme and its meaning for the original audience and for Christians today. Hebrews 13:12-14 inspired the title. The author is an ordained minister of The United Methodist Church and teaches theology and Pacific and Asian American ministries at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Cal ifornia. Available in April ; sale price, $1 .50.

Hebrews Slide Set (#4083). 20 color slides and script. The theme is the nature of faith as it is described in the Letter to the Hebrews. Included are slides of traditional and modern art of Jesus, Moses, Abraham and Sarah and contemporary situations. $7.50. ------, I SERVICE CENTER, I I 7820 READING ROAD I CINCINNATI, OHIO 45237 I I I Please send me: I I _Outside the Gate (#4061 ) by Roy I. Sano. $1 .50 . _Hebrews Slide Set (4083). $7 .50 . _How to Study the Bible (4035) By K. H. Ting . $1 .95. __ Total BIBLE S UDY FROM CHINA

Postage end hand/Ing required. Add to order: Sale Items, total order: $3.00 or less, add 75e; $3 .01 -$10, add 15% of order; How to Study the Bible (#4035) by K. H. Ting helps us $10.01 -$25, add 10%; Over $25 , add 5% of order; If billing Is requested , $1 .50 billing fee Is added . view the Bible through non-western eyes. K. H. Ting is president of the newly-formed China Christian Council and Name ______president of Nanking Theological Seminary. He wrote his book to introduce and popularize Biblical study among a Address------younger generation of Christians in the Peoples Republic ------Zip---- of China. Bishop Ting takes a devotional approach and writes with a simplicity of expression. His perspectives on NWO/Mr Scriptures can deepen our understanding of the Bible. A Friendship Press book. $1.95.

GENERAL BOARD OF GLOBAL MINISTRIES