N E W S M A G A Z I N E 0 F FHE B A P T I S T G E N K K A I. C 0 N F E R E N C E

MARCH 1989

The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; He sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake.

World Missions Sunday—March 12

The BGC Goes Around the Globe

Keys to Powerful Parenting PA

Teaching Your Kids the ABCs of Sex P.13 FROM THE PRESIDENT

Three Things on My Heart First, Countdown to Freedom is returns more to our students than gaining momentum, but we are still a received in contribution income from miracle away. On page 49 you will our churches. see that we have $643,475 in cash President George Brushaber is and pledges. We have two months to committed to Bethel being the servant reach our goal of being debt free by of the BGC with an untarnished evan­ April 30. Many of you have told us of gelical theological position. He is an gifts that are coming. Thank you! exceptionally gifted college and What joy it will be to eliminate this seminary president. He and his debt and have $200,000 in additional Robert associates at Bethel deserve our funds annually for evangelism and Ricker undivided support. Perhaps this is the church planting. Please pray. year for your church to add Bethel to Second, the March 31 overseer justly proud of our schools. Bethel's your church budget, or to increase board meeting will be a historic occa­ evangelical and academic posture is your giving to Bethel. sion for the BGC At the 1987 annual crucial to our world and to the BGC. True Christianity is not practised in meeting you voted for a structure The training of Christian leaders is at the easy chair. The Bible likens the that would allow for more aggressive the hub of global impact. As we fly Christian's work to a farmer tilling growth. Now it's action time. The the banner of "aggressive evangelism the soil, a soldier fighting a war, an plan—our plan—will be presented, and church planting," we look to athlete running a race. Paul said, "I intended for immediate Bethel for training and trained people. press on to take hold of that for implementation. For 118 years the BGC and Bethel which Christ Jesus took hold of me" Can you imagine the significance of have been inseparable. Bethel is (Phil. 3:12). This is for us, too! The implementing a plan that affects an worthy of our support. demands on us will not be less; they entire denomination? Hundreds of However, while in 1952-53 Bethel will be more. I'm looking forward to churches, tens of thousands of mem­ received 30.65 percent of the BGC it. From what you tell me, you are bers, 12 world mission fields? Again, budget, this percentage has eroded too! please pray. over the years to a projected 14.26 The third issue on my heart is the percent this year. matter of BGC contributions to Bethel Further, with the financial aid College and Seminary. We can be Bethel gives to BGC students, Bethel

Home Missions Pastors' Retirement Plan Directory Clifford E. Anderson, Executive Director 2002 S. Arlington Heights Rd. Baptist General Conference Victor Winquist. Associate Director, Arlington Heights. 1U. 60005 Home Field Missionary Ministry All correspondence related to the educational program Letters relative 10 missionary matters and all contri­ Robert M. Boyd, .•\ssociate Dirtctor, or financial contributions to it should be addressed to: butions designated (or missionary purposes should be Home Field Cultural Ministry addressed to: Mahlon Hillard. Assistant Director. Bethel College Education/Promotion 3900 Bethel Drive. St. Paul. Minn. 55112 Baptist General Conference J. Fred Hickman. Assistant Director, Phone (612) 638-6400 2002 S. Arlington Heights Rd. .Asset Management/[joan Senves (ieorge K. Brushaber. President Arlington Heights. 111. 60005 H. David Brandt. Provost Phone (312) 228-0200 WATS (800) 323-4215 World Mluloiu Herbert H. Skogtund. Executm Director Bethel Theological Seminary Board of Overseers Reynold Bohleen. Associate Director, 3949 Bethel Drive. St. Paul. Minn. 55112 Robert S. Ricker. President Finance and Management Phone (612) 638-6400 Carol Enckson. Administrate Assistant to President William Grant. Associate Director. George K. Brushaber. President Robert Fraruen. Administrator of Public Affairs Promotion and Education Millard J. Erickson. Executive Vice President and Dean Robert C. Daley. Director of Planned dicing John H. Marrs. Associate Director, Gary Marsh. Director of Promotion/Production Bethel Theological Seminary—West Campus Overseas Programs James DeWitt, Administrator of Business Affairs 4747 CoUege Ave.. San Diego. Calif. 92115 Calvui Kemlund, Director. Conference Center Sennces Church Ministries Phone (619) 582-8188 Donald E. Anderson. Editor. THE STANDARD L. Ted Johnson. Execulue Director George K. Brushaber. President C Herbert Hagc. Associate Director, Millard J. Enckson. Executive Vice President and Dean Regional Representatives Development and Training Clifford V. Anderson. Associate Dean and Director of Bertrand D. Gilbert. Western Dorothy Dahlman. Director of Women's Ministries West Campus Dennis R. Smith. Sortk Central Tom Ruby, Director, Harvest Publications Wallis A. Turner. Pacific Clarence Wood. Eastern

2/The Standard THE STANDARD OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE BAPTIST GENERAL CONFERENCE

MARCH 1989 Articles VOLUME 79, No. 3 4 Keys to Powerful Parenting What are the secrets to raising godly children? Robert Merritt 9 Home-Grown World Christians Establishing a world vision in your child. Noel Piper 13 Teaching Your Kids the ABCs of Sex When, what and how to tell your children the facts. /. Carl Laney 18 Responding to the Occult How do we cope with occult influence in society and in our churches? Roger E. Olson 22 The BGC Goes Around the Globe From Japan to Ethiopia, the BGC is reaching the world for Christ. Florence Jacobson 28 Coming Full Circle in Inner-City Ministry Pa*e28 Share the vision of reaching Black America. Clifford E. Anderson Departments From the President 2 Letters to the Editor 52 Church Ministries 34 In Memoriam 52 Baptist Heritage 36 President's Progress Report 53 Spiritual Discipline 40 Book Review 54 BGC Prayer Commission ... 42 Religion in the News 55 District Ministers 44 Family Relationships 59 Bethel College & Seminary.. 47 Nuggets of Truth 60 Overseers 48 Church Directory 61 Church News 50 Editor's Notebook 63

Patfc36

Next Issue (Almost) Everybody's Doing It, So Why Wait?

THE STANDARD Stall: Donald E. Anderson, editor: Tilt STANDARD (ISSN 0038 9382) is published monthly ftunaiitty SharylL Ginn. managing editor: Pamela Ndscn. August/September) by the Baptist Genera) Conference. 2002 S. designer, editorial assistant, production manager. Aiungton Heights Rd . Artngton Heigh'.*. II. 60005. Subscnpoon pore: one year n t' S.A. Of (of eign countries. $10.35. Single copy, Sharon Nelsen. typographer, assistant in production. SI.25. Printed n I'.S.A. Second-class postage paid at Arlington Department Editors: Shene Ijndvall (Bethel): Robert Hnghu. II.. and at adduweal muling onVes. £) Copynght Bapust Putman. 1. Ted Johnson (Church Ministries): Mahlon General Conference 19S9. HUiard. Clifford E. Anderson (Home Missions): Florence POSTMASTER: Send address cnanges to THE STANDARD. 2002 S. Jacobson. Herbert Skoglund (World Missions): Robert S. Ariuuriue. Heqdi'.s Rd.. Artngtoe, Heights. IL 6O0O5. Ricker (Overseers)

Carer IMsum Ray Halting Photo Credits pp 6 7 -Jim Wtatxner :....:<.:: ..i pp 28-31-MahMiHUia.-d pp 9.15 Ray Haring p. 36 WdbamE. Parlec Center (or p 60 Pamela Nelsen Baptist Htstoncai Studsrs. WLLamJrwcilCotegr. Liberty. Mo.

March 1989/3 Keys to

A son reflects on why his parents succeeded at raising four children to love and serve God. By Robert Merritt

4/The Standard ike father, like son," was the theme of an anti-smoking TV commercial several years ago. A father saunters down the road while his little blonde-haired boy tries to imitate his every move. The message, "Like father, like son," is heard. Then the father stops and throws a stone into the lake, and the boy, intent on modeling his dad, picks up a stone and throws it with all his might into the lake. "Like father, like son." The father sits down under a large tree and his son settles in beside him. The father reaches into his pocket for a pack of cig­ arettes, lights up, and lays the pack down. His little son picks up the cigarettes, looks inside the pack and then up at his dad— the sobering message remains engraved in my mind, "Like father, like son."

March 1989/5 I don't know how many smoking tucked into bed with my mother or very different matters. These offenses fathers quit their habit as a result of father kneeling over me in prayer. (I were promptly rewarded with a that commercial, but I do believe in grew up thinking all parents tucked spanking or an evening alone in my the basic principle of the message: their kids in with a prayer and a kiss.) room, or both. For children with the children model their parents in vir­ Christianity was never crammed kind of tendencies I had, restraint tually every way. Now that I have down our throats, but there was no was the best form of love, lest I two children of my own, I often find doubt that it was important in our destroy myself and everyone in my myself reflecting on how my parents home. My parents lived the life of wake. raised me. Certainly their parental Christians and Jesus was real to model was not perfect, and neither them. I was so impressed with this, Old-Fashioned Values are their children by any stretch of that I at least had to stop and ask Many parents are concerned about the imagination. But all five of us are myself, "Is Jesus real? Is my the drug and alcohol problem that is responsible citizens who have made parents' faith something that I should so common among today's youth. Jesus Christ the center of our lives. adopt for myself?" Had my parents' There are many theories on how I cannot speak for the other four faith been tentative and uncertain, Christian parents should prepare their children in our family, and I cannot chances are their children's faith children to face such pressures. My identify any magical formula my would be tentative and uncertain. parents were somewhat like Smith parents used in raising us, but I can Though my folks never had the Barney in how they handled it with offer some observations that were professional wisdom child psycholo­ us. They did it the old-fashioned instrumental in our development. gists can offer today's parents, they way, and I think I know why they In his book Straight Talk to Men seemed to be able to strike the earned dividends. and Their Wives, James Dobson necessary balance between con­ My parents taught us that it was quotes his father, ' 'The greatest delu­ straints and freedoms. They also had wrong to use alcohol and that it sion is to suppose that our children the ability to fit the proper discipline would never be permitted in or out­ will be devout Christians simply to the right offense. side of our home. I am fully aware of because their parents have been, or the theological debates over when it that any of them will enter into the The Tale of the is biblically permissible for Christians Christian faith in any other way than Stripped Birch Tree to have an alcoholic beverage. I through their parents' deep travail of When I was 6 I playfully stripped believe such contexts exist. I also prayer and faith." the white paperlike bark off our believe, however, that parents have More than anything else on earth, I neighbor's newly planted birch tree the right, given to them by God, to want my children to know and trust saplings. When Mr. Fry discovered determine what is wrong and what is Jesus Christ. I desire this for their that someone had maliciously defaced right for their children based upon eternal destiny, but also because his trees he took a chance and called their family values and beliefs. when a child is under the lordship of our house first. My father received We children were made aware of Christ, he or she has a standard from the call that evening and was told the destructive force of alcohol in our which to base every thought, decision that if the trees died, the person society. The negative side of alcohol and action. responsible would have to pay for was never hidden from us and we I cannot pinpoint exactly how my them. could easily cite three reasons why parents accomplished this in my life I was in bed when Mr. Fry called, people should not drink, for every and the lives of each of my sisters so the next morning my father calmly one reason they should. and brother. But I do know this: my inquired about my activities the pre­ Undoubtedly, there are parents parents believed in Jesus with all vious day. Quite honestly, I expected who have tried a similar approach their hearts. Daily we observed them to be disciplined harshly. However, with their children only to find that it in prayer. Regularly we watched knowing that 6-year-old boys do those backfired. Obviously, there are many them read the Bible. Going to church kind of things with no intent to factors that enter into why certain was as natural and as important as destroy or harm, he gently told me children respond differently to parental going to school Monday morning. why what I did was wrong and why I guidance. What works in one home Every night of my young life, I was should never do it again. Dad ended may not work in another. What works up shouldering most of the blame and with one child may be completely Robert Merritt was pastor of First Baptistall o f the embarrassment for that one. inappropriate with another. There are Church of Falun, Wis., and is now Willful disobedience, however, or two reasons, however, why I think pursuing his doctorate at Pennsylvanialying , talking back to my parents in my parents' approach was effective. State University. defiance, or hitting my sisters were First, my parents regularly encour-

6/The Standard aged the development of each child's them. They need to be accepted too listen to our gibberish and answer special abilities so that each of us much to say no. When we were our questions. Of all the information would grow in self-confidence. I pressured by our peers to "party," available concerning mothers of adhere strongly to James Dobson's the rule from home was no, and that young children working outside the wisdom of teaching your children to was OK with us because we had home, the balances invariably tip in do at least one thing well. Dobson's other things with which to identify. the direction of doing more harm dad taught him how to play tennis. A second reason why 1 think my than good for the children. He spent many laborious hours hit­ parents' directives worked is because As one who can remember his ting the ball back and forth with there was a pervasive security within childhood, I sensed in our home a young Jim, sometimes despite Jim's our home. There was a basic feeling loyalty to family life which affected complaints. But eventually Jim became that this family was important and no our lives outside the home. Because a competitive tennis player, beating matter what happened outside the Mom and Dad were that committed most of his opponents in high school. home, this family would always be to the home and to us, we became Some of my siblings were oriented together and nothing would be committed to the values and expecta­ toward music, debate and scholastics, allowed to threaten that bond. tions of the home.

'My parents seemed able to strike the necessary balance between constraints and freedoms. They also had the ability to fit the proper discipline to the right offense.'

and they were encouraged to excel in Probably the most prominent factor "No, This is My Daddy!" those areas. For me, it was basket­ which created this sense of security- Several months ago our family was ball. And though I was competing in was that Mom was always home for in a very large grocery store in the relatively small junior and senior high us. Never did we have to wonder if Twin Cities. It was one of those schools, that was my world and I felt somebody would be there. We took stores where customers bagged their on top of it. for granted that one or both our own groceries. My 2-year-old When a young person is able to parents would be home to prepare daughter Megan and I are the official point to one or two things he does lunch, fix the scratches, protect us, baggers in our family. So we posi­ especially well, he gains confidence. tioned ourselves at the end of the Parents need to offer every oppor­ counter, waiting to receive the gro­ tunity to their children so they can ceries. At about the same time, a develop their own special skills. mother and her little girl moved in It is the same in our adult life. Our beside us to bag their groceries. ability (or lack of ability) to exude Almost immediately Megan forgot confidence and feel good about who about her job and began watching the we are is directly linked to what we little girl next to us—and that was can or cannot do. Without exception, fine. But then something happened those who succumb to the pressure that was rather a shock for Megan. of doing things they really do not With sober expression the little girl want to do are those with low self- pointed at me and said to Megan, confidence. They have a need to "That's my daddy!" Meg quickly identify with something or someone. responded by moving closer to me If it is not sports, scholastics, and said, "No, this is my daddy." music or a number of other activities, Bob and Laurie Merrill, and Megan Again the little girl responded with they will probably identify with and David. a little more assertiveness and anyone or anything that will accept volume. "That's my daddy!"

March 1989/7 Even as I write this manuscript, transferred from truck to car. We my 1-year-old son is pulling on my went into the station to get an item sleeves, wanting to be held. There or two, and when we walked out I felt are times when I simply cannot be a surge of emotions well up into my interrupted. But more times than throat and eyes. Sensing the mood of not, 1 pick him up, toss him high in the moment, Dad grabbed hold of the air to make him laugh, and put John and me and pulled us close to him down again. Usually, he gets his sides and said in a soft and down and waddles off to play as if to affectionate voice, "God has given communicate, "I just wanted to know me two wonderful sons. I really, if you're still with me. Dad." really love you guys." It must have been a strange sight: Calvin and Barbara Merrill, parents of Powerful Parenting Leaves two adult men in their 30s walking the author, are pastor and wife at Lasting Results arm-in-arm with a 56-year-old man. Brooklyn Center Baptist Church, One of the lasting benefits of sound Only we could know that it was just Minneapolis, Minn. parenting is the relationship parents two boys and their dad returning Not to be outdone, Megan grabbed and children share as adults. A home from a fishing trip. hold of me and said, "No, this is MY scenario I hope to duplicate with my My father began his journey down daddy!" children happened last year with my the ramp that would take him south I pulled Megan into myself, as a brother, my father and myself. We to Minneapolis while we crossed the mother hen would pull her chicks into had just spent four glorious days bridge that would take us east. the safety of her wings. I assured canoeing and fishing together in Watching that lonely white pick-up her that I was indeed her daddy and Canada, but what I remember most merge onto the freeway, all we could that I loved her, thinking all the about the trip were the few moments do was stare out the window and feel while, "Why doesn't this irrespon­ at the end when we said good-bye nothing but admiration and love for sible mother control her little brat!" and went our separate ways. the one who helped bring us into the After the third barrage of verbal The three of us had traveled south world and loved us half to death all jabs from Megan's taunter, I stepped on Interstate 1-35 in Minnesota in his life. We slowed down to watch in and said for both mother and Dad's pick-up truck. He would drop his truck disappear into the flow of daughter to hear, "Megan, don't pay- John and me off at a gas station on traffic. He was just one person in a any attention to her. She doesn't Highway 70 where we would pick up world of millions. But he was the one know what she's saying." The mother John's car and travel east to our person, along with my mother, who pulled her daughter around and said, homes. captured our hearts as little tots and "Lizzy, stop that! That is not your The sun was setting when we fin­ continues to be today what Dad and daddy. You don't have a daddy." ished sorting out the gear to be Mom were meant to be. This mother was not being rude. In fact, her manner was rather apolo­ getic. I began to feel a little flushed, as if someone had just turned up the heat. And I bowed my head in sad­ ness and shame, for here was a child who so desperately wanted a daddy, but for whatever reason, did not have one. Here was a child who longed for a friendly response from a father figure, only to be denied— perhaps like a thousand times before. I knew I could do precious little to solve her problem that day in the store. What I could do, however, was commit myself once again to always be available for my kids, no matter what sacrifices would need to be made. Two sons and their dad return from a fishing trip. (L.-r.): John, Cal and Bob.

8/The Standard *9 • he world came early into my life. On rainy days Mother let us dig through attic baskets filled with •%• , mementos of her college summer in Mexico. My parents' table and guest bed were open to visitors from many places. Our mailbox saw many exotic stamps. On the back wall of our "vacation" church was a huge world map. A cousin went to Indonesia. Daddy told us stories of his days as ship's doctor on a Navy tanker, docking off Saudi Arabia, Burrha, Japan, and other ports of call.

Home rown World Christians By Noel Piper 'Our prayer for our children is that God will move them toward Himself. That they will be His people. That they will become men of God. And then our prayer is that they will be aware of the world that needs Him too.9

Unfortunately, in my childhood fascinated by the variety of people The Baptist General Conference is church in Georgia, missionaries were and customs next door and all over rapidly becoming an exciting cross mainly unnoticed pictures in denomi­ God's wide world. He yearns for the section of cultures worshiping the national publications. Although family Malinke of Guinea to be his brothers same great God. Cross-cultural min­ influences left me friendly toward and sisters just as he desires spiritual istry and experience do not have to missions and open to learn and feel oneness with his best friend. But that be in another country. Are there more, for a long time there was little will happen only if he's exposed to a international students or Asian emi­ active result—dormant years in my broader world than what he finds grants or American Indians or elderly world awareness. naturally. East Europeans in your vicinity? Probably most of us blossomed into Of course, our most basic prayer Nor does a cross-cultural experience world Christians as adults. We took for our children is that God will move have to be only with foreigners. classes or heard speakers, or read them toward Himself. That they will Let's say you live in a somewhat articles and books that opened our be His people. That they will become isolated setting and have to make an eyes and hearts to the immensity of men of God. effort to gather playmates for your the world and God's work in it. And then our prayer is that, as child. Who are the children you'll But many of us can also find signifi­ they focus on God, they will be aware invite? A migrant farm worker's cant roots from our childhood. These of the world that needs Him too. child? Someone who is a different roots may have been lying dormant David Howard, of World Evangelical color? The poorly dressed little guy until the warmth of grown-up experi­ Fellowship, says his mother used to with the runny nose? ences caused the sprouts to flourish pray for missionaries to be raised up. Continuous contact with people of and grow. Then God moved in her: "Will you other cultures and circumstances My husband and I often ask our­ pray for your own children to be prepares our children to be open to selves about our four sons: Can we, missionaries?" She saw that she and comfortable with people anywhere. with God's help, raise world Chris­ must, and an amazing family of God's Our boys' world is broadened when tians who don't have to go through a workers is the result. the doorbell rings at 2 a.m. and an dormant period? Can we intentionally intoxicated acquaintance wants a ride provide an atmosphere where "ever­ Foster the Belief That home; or a lonely man who drools green" world Christians will flourish? Different Is OK and weeps is invited home for A world Christian sees beyond his We purposely foster the assumption Sunday lunch; or a Cameroonian neighborhood friends, his school, his that many people are different from family of five spends Christmas everyday life and experiences. He'll be us. We live in a downtown neighbor­ vacation with us. hood, which helps. Our children play We assume aloud that many people Noel Piper is wife and mother of four with children from welfare families don't know God. In every place boys. Her husband fohn is pastor of and with others who attend private we've lived—suburbs or city—our Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, schools. One best friend is Viet­ children have had playmates with Minn. This article is adapted with per­ namese and two others are of mixed unmarried parents living together. mission from Partnership, races. They have learned early that many September/October 1986.

10/The Standard doctor? He wants to do something important and fulfilling. He will learn that God's mission in the world must be important if his parents are giving so much prayer to it, talking so much about it, spending so much time with people who are involved in it, and giving so much to support it—by writing letters, by sending packages and by giving money. Thirteen-year-old Benjamin has assumed for five years that he will live in China someday. He'll hardly read English, unless driven to it, but once he arranged for weekly Mandarin lessons from a friend. When he's due for a special treat, we choose something Chinese—a map, tour books, a folder to keep his Chinese items in. Chopsticks and Oriental food are often on our table. We dream aloud with him, "What might you be in China? A journalist? An engineer? An English teacher?" And I've begun "Benjamin's China Journal." I record in it all the signs of his growing interest. Only God knows if China is in Ben's future. But I know that wher­ ever God puts him, this present longing and interest will strongly effect Ben's outlook on the world and John and Noel Piper and their sons (oldest to youngest): Karsten, Benjamin, his support of God's work. Abraham, Barnabas. Foster a Wider people don't go to church and many family are missionaries. The more World Vision get drunk and smear God's name contact our children have with these Will these efforts really work? with filth. And those are just the people, the less missions will seem Ultimately, God will decide that. But outward signs of what's inside even like an unreachable ideal. I am doing only good for my children more people. Give your child the chance to grow by pursuing their wider world vision And, we tell them, if people close into the assumption that if family and desire for God's working in the to us are living without God. just friends are doing it, maybe he will world. think how much worse it is in places too, someday. I've already mentioned Ben's plans where no teachers of Jesus have come Why does a 3-year-old want to be to live in China. A world Christian and where there are no churches? a firefighter or a garbage collector? prepares himself to be ready for wher­ Because it looks so interesting and ever God moves him. If you ask Foster a Desire for exciting! If we're excited about what 5-year-old Barnabas about his future, Career Missions our friends are doing, it becomes an he'll tell you he's going to China with Missionaries are in and out of our attractive future possibility for our lien. Benjamin is his hero. A world house just like our other friends are. children. Christian uses the lives of godly fore­ Some members of our extended Why does a teenager want to be a runners as examples and models.

March 1989/11 When Abraham (now 9) was 4, missionaries through encouragement I heard Ralph Winter, founder of Harvey and Barbara Esplund were and prayer. the U.S. Center for World Mission, moved to tears when he ran up to And Karsten, 16, has already spent say that 80 percent of today's mis­ them and said, "I know you. You're two summers as a missionary. At 13, sionaries caught the vision when they the Esplunds from the Philippines." he was in the Dominican Republic were children. I expect it would also He had never met them, but recog­ helping to construct a church build­ be true to say that most of today's nized them through our family prayers ing. The next summer he was part of world Christians began to see the and because he loved to look at the an evangelistic team in Hong Kong. world when they were children. pictures in the Daily Prayer Calendar. A world Christian moves when God Lord, cause the vision to burn so A world Christian supports God's pushes him—anywhere in the world- strongly in us, that our children ignite for you! • Creating World Christian Kids Here are some easy-to- * Read together the Global Prayer * Put missionary do suggestions for help­ Digest (published by U.S. Center for pictures on the ing your children become World Mission) and pray for the day's bulletin board along­ world unreached people group. Your minds side your other Christians: will be sent daily to a different part favorite friends. Your child will grow of the world. Your children up knowing, "Some friends live far * Read National Geographic. will learn what kinds of away in Nebraska, some live far away words to use when they in Liberia. It's all in the same world * Check out library books about hear you praying for God's that's on my map. Who knows where countries or regions of the U.S. will to be done in the I might live when I grow up?" where you have friends or special SUL world- interest. * Go to the airport to send off * Include children in conversations missionary friends. When you gather * Take and make with foreign students, missionaries, in a circle for one opportunities to hear world travelers and emigrants to this last song and prayer and learn different country. together, you give older children a languages. sense of the importance of aligning * Use the BGC Daily with God's purposes in the world. * Read aloud together missionary Prayer Calendar as a A younger child will grasp that it's biographies and stories with foreign family prayer guide great fun to go to the airport, and settings. and let the children this must be some­ enjoy looking at the thing special because * Keep a globe or pictures. we don't usually sing large world map handy and cry at the airport! for easy reference. * In conversation, assume a future anywhere in the world for your * Most of all, help your children * Mark the locations of friends on children, not just the U.S. learn that the U.S. is not the only the map—Detroit, Argentina, country God made, our ways are not Madison, Japan. * Read letters from necessarily the best ways, and English is ^ missionaries as per­ * Notice aloud news­ sonal letters, not as not the only language. casts or articles about mass mailings—children love to get distant countries. mail.

12/The Standard first learned about sex on the school playground. I will never forget the shock and disbelief I sensed as a fourth-grader when an older classmate told me how babies are made. I was convinced that he was making up a dirty story, but just to make sure, I went home and asked my mom. She was unwilling to confirm or deny what I had heard. But she did say that my father would speak to me about the Subject in the evening. (continued on next page)

March 1989/13 After dinner, my little brothers and information which they deem harmful But again, simplicity is the key. It sister were hustled off to bed, and —the death of a loved one, a divorce is easy enough to explain that God Dad invited me to sit with him on the or financial crisis. has made it possible for the sperm to family-room couch. He had a "little For a Christian parent, there is no pass from the father to the mother book" he wanted to read to me. choice but to tell the truth. Paul through the penis. These are very Dad began reading some rather exhorts, "Therefore each of you must loving and special times that husbands complicated, scientific material about put off falsehood and speak truthfully and wives share. And out of that sperm and ovum. There were illus­ to his neighbor ..." (Eph. 4:25). loving act a baby's life begins. trations. The room felt quite warm, If we want to maintain our reputa­ There is a time and place to discuss and I started to blush. tion for truthfulness in the eyes of erections, orgasms and ejaculation, Then he got to the part about our children, we must tell them the but these are details which need not fertilization. So, what my playmate truth about sex. be told a young child. These are had reported was true! Dad was issues which will have more rele­ uncomfortable but kept on reading. I Keep It Simple vance as the child reaches puberty was embarrassed, especially by the But telling the truth doesn't mean and should be addressed then. drawings, and I started giggling. I that parents should tell their children kept up that childish giggle for the everything about sex in the first Keep It Illustrated rest of the evening. lesson. We must strive to answer Scientific descriptions of human Mom and Dad improved their sex simply and truthfully the specific anatomy and sexual reproduction may talk a great deal over the next few question the child is asking without suffice for medical doctors and nurses years. Dad became more familiar going into unnecessary or complicated in training, but it won't do for kids. with the book and introduced it to details. It is important for a parent to Like most of us, they need the truth my brothers and sister at an earlier listen carefully to the questions and to be visualized or illustrated in the age. Mom became pregnant again and make sure that it is understood what natural world. was a living illustration of the things the child is really asking. Children growing up in the country we had been learning. My son asked his first questions have a distinct advantage in seeing Now I am a dad with three children about sex when he learned that his sexual reproduction illustrated with of my own. And like many parents, mother was going to have another farm animals. But even city children my wife and I have struggled with child. As Nancy's abdomen began to have dogs, cats, guinea pigs and the matter of telling our children swell, he asked, "How did the baby flowers. Talking about the sexual about sex. get in there?" "Where is it going to reproduction of plants and animals We have discovered some guide­ come out?" rather than humans is easier because lines that have helped. They have He was quite satisfied to learn that it is less personal. been gathered from the Bible and the baby came from an ovum or seed A parent can identify for a child the pounded out in the crucible of family that had started to grow inside of reproductive organs of an animal or experience. I hope you will find these Mommy. It was enough to learn as a plant and explain how they repro­ principles useful in developing a plan 3-year-old that there was a hole that duce. Then the parent can explain to tell your children about one of would enlarge for the baby to come that the same thing happens with God's most beautiful yet misunder­ out. Mommy and Daddy when they have stood gifts. Later John had more questions. a baby. Yet, unlike plants and animals, "How did the ovum start to grow?" when human mothers and fathers Keep It Honest Then we told him that a sperm from create a baby, they are sharing a Parents make a serious mistake Dad made it start to grow. That very special relationship. when they tell their children anything satisfied him for a time. Eventually For those without pets or plants, but the truth. Some parents tell their he became curious to know the spe­ How Babies Are Made by Andrew C children things that are untrue in a cific details of how that sperm got Andry and Steven Schepp (Time-Life sincere attempt to protect them from inside the mother to fertilize the Books, 1968, 1969) is a splendidly ovum. illustrated book showing the sexual Carl Laney is professor of biblical litera­ That question tends to frighten reproduction of a flower, a chicken, a ture at Western Conservative Baptist parents, because they often take it dog and then a human being. We Seminary, Portland, Ore. This article personally. Now their child is going have read this book again and again originally appeared in the March 1987 to know about this very private area to our children. issue of Virtue magazine. of their life together!

14/The Standard Keep It Coming habit of reading our children a b(x)k The other four books in this series I keep a note card near my desk on sex about every' three months. It are prepared specifically for children that says, "Repetition with variety is serves to reinforce what they have ages 6 to 8, 8 to 11, 11 to 14, and the key to learning." already learned and gives them an 14 and up. Correlated filmstrips are Rarely do I come to a full grasp of opportunity to ask further questions. also available from Concordia. a new truth or concept the first time I don't always read the same book. I Perhaps the finest book I have I encounter it. I need to read about have found several others that have come across is Larry Christenson's it, talk about it, hear it from some­ proved quite helpful. The Wonderful Way That Babies Are one else. Only then do I begin to get Each One Specially by Carol Greene Made (Bethany House Publishers, a meaningful grasp on the new idea. (Concordia Publishing House, 1982) 1982). This book tells the story of Kids are no different. is the first in a fine sex education human sexuality and reproduction. It From the time that our children series published under the auspices is beautifully illustrated by Dwight could sit in our lap, Nancy and I have of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Walles, a free-lance artist and illus­ been reading to them. Applying the Synod. This series deals with sex trator for many children's books. principle of repetition, I have made a from a biblical approach. Two sets of type—large and small

March 1989/15 —are used for the written portion. from its divinely designed context in The large print contains material marriage. appropriate for small children, ages 3 I am grateful for my mother who to 8. The small-print paragraphs faithfully taught me and my brothers present additional information for and sister biblical morality. She older children, ages 9 to 14. emphasized over and over again One special feature of Christenson's childs through my teenage years that sex book is that it introduces the subject was to be saved for marriage. of adoption. This section may provide Even though I wearied a bit from adoptive parents a place to begin, fascination her continual reminders, when faced should they desire to explain this to with the inevitable teenage tempta­ their children. with the subject of tions, her words rang in my ears, protecting me from sin. Keep It Biblical As parents, we must present a Unfortunately, in the history of the sex will height biblical view of human sexuality, church, the issue of sex has not emphasizing the beauty and purity of always been treated biblically. God's special gift and instructing our Augustine wrote that marital inter­ as he reaches children that the marriage union is course for the sake of mutual enjoy­ the divinely approved context for the ment constituted a "venial sin." joyful expression of physical love. In an attempt to discourage pre­ puberty and marital sex, often Christian parents Keep Responding, Not Reacting will deal with the subject of sexual begins his One time while reading a book intercourse as if it were naughty and about sex to my children, I was asked to be disdained. Often those attitudes the inevitable question by my 5-year- are carried into adulthood, resulting transition into old daughter: "How does the Daddy's in a poor sexual adjustment in sperm get to the egg to fertilize it?" marriage. When I answered the question deli­ In discussing sex with children, adulthood. cately, simply but with honesty, my parents must maintain a biblical point daughter remarked with barely a bat of view. As in the Song of Solomon, created is good ..." (1 Tim. 4:4). of the eye, "Oh, sick!" parents should help children come to His gift of sex may be among His After fighting hard to restrain a appreciate the dignity and purity of greatest blessings to us. chuckle, I explained that while this human love and its physical expres­ 3) God's good gift of sex was would be unpleasant with someone sion in marriage. designed for marriage. Unfortunately, you didn't know, when it is with the Yet parents must also warn children we often take the best of God's gifts one you deeply love and are married against a misuse of their sexuality. and use them in opposition to His to, this experience is very special The following points would be will. As a result, we miss out on the and pleasing. appropriate to emphasize: very best that God intended. In His Our tendency as parents is to 1) God created sex. God created wisdom and love, God designed sex overreact when our child brings up a male and female (Gen. 1:27), literally to be the expression of love in sexual issue or uses a sexual term. A the "piercer" and the "pierced." In marriage. more healthy response is to simply His infinite wisdom, God determined I recently saw a TV special which recognize that the child is curious and that it should take a male and a showed some very unusual animals trying to learn. By overreacting to female to propagate a child and that that had been discovered in the children's questions and remarks, we conception would take place through depths of the ocean near a mineral- tend to discourage them from contin­ the most intimate of human acts. laden hot springs. The creatures uing to communicate with us on this It pleased the Creator to make man were beautiful as seen in pictures important matter. and woman in such a way that sexual taken in their natural setting. But As a child matures, it is even more intercourse would be a pleasurable once removed from their habitat, the important, as a parent, to keep these experience, enhancing and deepening delicate creatures turned into ugly communication lines open. When they their love relationship. masses of jelly. reach puberty and begin their transi­ 2) God's gifts are good. Paul wrote So too, sex is beautiful. But the tion into adulthood, their fascination Timothy, "For e.verything God beauty is lost when it is removed with the subject of sex will heighten.

16/The Standard As parents, we want our children intended as a joke. Instead of dis­ big deal," I added, "I know you are to come to us with their questions ciplining him, I recognized that he just learning." about sexual relations, menstruation enjoys jokes and was "testing the And I too am just learning. I don't and "wet dreams." If they are going waters" to see if this kind was have fancy answers to all the ques­ to try a new word, it is best to try it appropriate. tions my growing children may ask in at home and learn from Mom and I explained to John that sex is coming years. But I am confident Dad whether or not it is appropriate. something for married couples only that the Bible presents guidelines Not long ago my 10-year-old son and that because it is so special, it that will serve as a solid foundation made a remark about two unmarried isn't a good thing to joke about. He for continuing one of the most people going to bed together. It was knew this in his heart and said he challenging of parental duties, telling made in a light-hearted manner and was sorry. I gave him a hug. "No kids about sex. •

Oex LLducation—I he C)tate of the Art Recently, while reading an article in and program. Two or three other responsibility, the vast majority of Christianity Today (February 5, 1988) students recalled some sex education these students surveyed would not on "AIDS in Your Church," I took efforts, but believed it to be the have had any formal sex education special note of the question posed, undertaking of an individual Sunday from any source. "Is your church's policy toward sex school teacher or youth leader rather While I am not suggesting that education adequate?" than the product of the church's these students lack exposure to This question triggered a reflection ongoing policy. informal sex education via movies, on my recent experience with social In both classes only two students TV, written media and their peers, it work majors at Bethel College. Dur­ had received no formal sex education is indeed interesting to observe that ing two consecutive school years from school, church or parent. There students who came from the most (1986-87 and 1987-88), while study­ was a common denominator—both controlled social environments had ing such issues as teenage pregnancy had attended a Christian high school the least formal sex education. and related social problems, I have with conservative church sponsor­ Where parents had almost total asked my class to recall where they ship. Interestingly, a church and control over who taught and what received their sex education. school over which their parents had curriculum materials were used in The vast majority credited the significant and direct influence and both the church and school setting, public school. Surprisingly, many had control. there was not even an attempt at good things to say about the instruc­ Informal and admittedly impression­ providing formal sex education. tion they received, although a few istic data such as this probably raises Maybe the AIDS crisis will finally had some caustic comments about a more questions than answers. But stimulate parents, churches, Christian course or a particular teacher. even with the data coming from such schools and even Bethel College to What about parental input? Less a limited population base, one is take seriously the task of sex educa­ than a third recalled any formal faced with an interesting irony. tion of our children. I will add a attempt by parents to provide sex Nearly all these students are from closing by-the-way and personal education. And parents' efforts fell very conservative (evangelical) back­ opinion: If young people come to off precipitously during the teen grounds, with parents who tradition­ Bethel without having had formal sex years when sexuality issues really ally proclaim that sex education must education, there is no guarantee that become a concern to young people. take place within a value context with it will happen here either. Most of these parent/child "sex edu­ which they agree and, better yet, After all, we assume that tasks like cation" conversations had occurred control. Yet in most cases, parents learning basic reading, writing, arith­ while the students were very young. appeared to have had little to say metic and "the birds and the bees" "Is your church's policy toward sex directly to their children, and most have already been adequately accom­ education adequate?" In my classes assuredly their churches had little to plished at an earlier time and in covering two years with about 20 do with the process. another place. • students in each group, only two One can quite easily conclude that students identified a church program if it were not for public schools Dr. John Bower is director of Bethel that had a formal sex education policy accepting sex education as their College's social work program.

March 1989/17 Responding New Age spirituality is making inroads into the church at an alarming rate.

By Roger E. Olson

^H Wi^^^centiy I spoke to an adult Sunday school class fl I ^^ on the New Age movement. It was a fairly JAm* ^P^ large suburban mairiline church with an evangelical reputation in the community. The class con­ sisted primarily of middle-aged men and women who had been Christians for many years. As I discussed typical New Age experiences such as cosmic consciousness, astral projection (out-of-body experiences) and candle meditation for "self-realization," I began to sense some concern on the part of the class. During the discussion time I discovered the source of the concern. One by one each student began to share his or her own occult experiences. A young mother and housewife was trying to overcome tension and stress through guided visualization and candle meditation. She was being told by her "spiritual coun­ selor' ' to listen to inner voices which would guide her to peace. A middle-aged woman told of leaving her body and hovering above it during an operation. She also shared her experiences with clairvoyance (fortune telling) and astrol­ ogy. A man told of encounters with alien beings and UFOs.

18/The Standard :o the ©ccult

By no means is this unusual. The Scripture which condemn sorcery— —this is the practice of manipulating occult in all its forms has subtly infil­ the practice of communicating with supernatural powers for one's own trated the church. Seances are being spirits to discover information not purposes) arts of sorcery, divination held in the basement of a large ordinarily available through natural and wizardry. It also includes esoteric downtown church in a Midwestern means. Deuteronomy 18:9 calls the philosophy and spirituality which claim city. A church in Minneapolis allows a occult arts "abominable practices" to teach secret "ancient wisdom" local coven of Wiccans to use its and forbids them among the children which can lead one to a higher, even facilities for their sabbats and festi­ of Israel. 2 Chronicles 33 recounts divine, level of existence. vals. A pastor of a church in Iowa is the evil reign of Manasseh, king of The New Testament shows evi­ in regular conflict with his congre­ Judah, who ritually sacrificed his dence of such occultism within the gation over his use of Transcendental sons, and practiced occult arts (33:6). early Christian church and condemns Meditation and New Age music in The apostle Paul lists sorcery it. These early "Christian" occultists worship services. among the works of the flesh in were the Gnostics—people who con­ Occult religion is making inroads Galatians 5, and Revelation 21:8 sidered the physical, material into mainstream and evangelical relegates sorcerers, murderers and universe, including the body, to be Christian churches. It is giving rise to idolaters to the lake of fire and evil. They also denied the resurrec­ new churches and denominations brimstone. tion of the body, preferring instead which preach the metaphysical gospel some kind of spiritual evolution after of New Age spirituality. What does Gnostics—Ancient Occultists death—perhaps even reincarnation. the Bible say about occultism? What These explicit biblical denunciations They taught salvation through should the Christian's response be? of occult practices do not provide the knowledge of esoteric or secret It is easy to find specific texts of only material in Scripture related to truths about other worlds and super­ occultism, however. In the first natural beings between God and Roger E. Olson is assistant professor ofarticl e we saw that occultism includes humans. Their worst heresy was that theology at Bethel College, St. Paul. Thismuc h more than just the magickal Jesus Christ was not really human at article completes a two-part series on the(spelle d with a "k" to differentiate all. They denied that Christ really occult. between illusion, sleight-of-hand magic became flesh, and some of them even

March 1989/19 cursed Jesus, thereby claiming to Christian Response to Occultic Christians can take is to put pressure show that they followed a purely Practice in Society on bookstores and other businesses spiritual "Christ," not the earthly, How should Christians today which begin to cooperate with occult human, historical Jesus. respond to occultism in their midst? propaganda. Many bookstores are The Gnostics were occult Chris­ First of all, they should carefully stocking more and more esoteric tians. They were a plague on the distinguish between occultism outside literature—including Satanic bibles early church, and much of the New the church and occult influence within and manuals on sorcery such as Testament seems to have been writ­ it. The proper response will be dif­ modern versions of the grimoires, ten to combat their evil influence ferent in each case. Occultism outside the medieval books of theurgy which among the gentile converts in the the church is a flourishingmovemen t purport to guide the reader through Roman Empire. Paul condemns their which is quickly gaining social the practice of evoking and invoking proud boasting about their elite status respectability. Christians need to demons. Christians can let the as spiritual ones and their claims to understand this new phenomenon and owners and managers of such stores knowledge and wisdom. He warns the reasons for its rise. know that they are offended by such the Colossian Christians about the Many observers of American reli­ books and may have to take their Gnostics' "hollow and deceptive gion note that the growth of occultism business elsewhere.

'The most effective response to occultism is to hold forth the good news of Jesus Christ with vigor and appeal so that people will turn to the light and not the darkness when they sicken of the foggy dimness of secularism.'

philosophy" which they based on in America has corresponded to the Recently an occult bookstore in the human tradition and the basic princi­ increasing secularization of society. Twin Cities arranged to use a room ples of this world rather than on As G.K. Chesterton said, when peo­ in a local YWCA to hold a conference Christ (2:8). ple stop believing in God they don't on witchcraft. Christians called the John is probably writing about the believe in nothing, they believe in YWCA in such large numbers that the Gnostics when he emphasizes that everything. In the face of secularism, organization withdrew permission to Jesus came in the flesh, and that this which provides no meaning for life, use the room. Unfortunately some confession reveals who is really many people turn to a new kind of overly zealous Christians made speaking by God's Spirit (1 John 4:2). paganism. threatening phone calls to the book­ There are many other possible The most effective response Chris­ store which was to sponsor the event. New Testament references to Gnos­ tians can make to occultism in The phone calls were what received tics whose belief system we know society, then, is to hold forth the the most media attention—not the most clearly through the writings of good news of Jesus Christ with vigor witchcraft conference which was held the church fathers of the second and and appeal so that people will turn to quietly somewhere else. third centuries. Their beliefs closely the light and not to the darkness Christians should be as "wise as paralleled modern-day occult religion, when they sicken of the foggy serpents and harmless as doves" in and many occult groups and teachers dimness of secularism. their response to the rise of occultism today hark back to the Gnostics as Another response to occultism in society. their true fathers in the faith.

20/The Standard Christian Response to Occultic kind of music in order to help their Above all, in responding to occult­ Practice in the Church Christian young people avoid coming ism of all types, Christians need to How should Christians respond to under its spell. remember that they struggle not perceived occult influences within the In dealing with this musical genre against flesh and blood but against church? Unfortunately there are the focus should not be on the highly powers and principalities of a spiritual writers and speakers in evangelical debatable issue of "backmasking," nature. Prayer and education are the Christian circles who wish to lead a but rather on the blatant and undeni­ twin keys to a strong offensive witch-hunt against any and all whom able symbolism of evil it proudly against the gates of hell. D they perceive as influenced by esoteric displays. philosophy—however subtle and unconscious that influence may be. Like the Inquisition of the Middle Ages, this will result in more harm than good to the body of Christ. Conversation With Christians should avoid "seeing demons on doorknobs" or in the every word and idea of sincere K g£irit-6uide brothers and sisters in Christ. Some years before my conversion, ences she had correctly predicted, On the other hand, there is no in a state of spiritual bankruptcy, I I realized that this woman did question that occultism in many forms was seeking answers to the empti­ indeed possess a power. But it is making inroads into American ness in my life. A high-school wasn't from God! I subsequently church life. The best antidote to this acquaintance came back into my learned that many local profes­ is education. Pastors and Christian life briefly, and she had undergone sionals and business people, as educators in the church need to experiences similar to mine. well as devotees from other areas, explain carefully to their congrega­ She urged me to see a "won­ consulted this medium before tions why reincarnation, out-of-body derful Christian woman" who was making any major decisions. experiences, astrology and occult a "prophet of God" and had Commonly practiced in the New philosophy are not compatible with helped her greatly. Had she been Age movement, this is generally Christianity. They should not take for called a fortune teller I wouldn't called "channeling" or "automatic granted that this is already well have been so gullible. Instead, I writing." The spirits guiding those known. visited her cozy, old-fashioned involved in such practices are Some studies indicate that up to 20 home decorated with bric-a-brac extremely intelligent demons, of percent of Americans believe in and classic pictures of Christ. The course. This woman died recently; reincarnation. From my personal woman was old, wrinkled and she was an active member of a experience as a Christian education comfortably grandmotherly in local mainline church. director and professor of theology in appearance. In no way did she If that seems disturbing, even Christian colleges, I believe many resemble danger—hardly the ficti­ more so is the fact that the woman Christians have been seduced into tious description of a witch. who suggested I go to see her was this form of life after death. We chatted about nothing in then and is now active in a local Just as Christians sometimes particular for several minutes, and evangelical church! In He Came to become involved in alcoholism and she asked nothing about my per­ Set the Captive Free (Rebecca drugs, so it is not unusual for them sonal life. Then, without warning, Brown, Chick Publications) the to dabble in or even become obsessed she began a jerky writing motion author explains how satanists are with occultism. on the pad in her lap. She told me planted in Christian churches to One way this happens to adoles­ later that God had given her the destroy them from within. Surely cents is through heavy metal rock spirit of a dead Indian to help her my high-school chum wasn't and music. Some bands have consciously foresee the future, and he had told isn't a satanist, but the adversary adopted an occult image to appeal to her what to write. That seemed made good use of ignorance and the natural rebellion in the adolescent. quite preposterous to me, so I fin­ curiosity. The result for some teens who listen ished the session tongue in cheek. Isabelle Smith to this music can be devastating. Much later, when I knew better Hillcrest Baptist Church Churches—and especially youth min­ and could look back upon experi­ Jamestown, N.Y. isters and counselors—need to become thoroughly familiar with this

March 1989/21 WORLD MISSIONS

BGC Goes e Globe

Five new missionary units will go to five different continents! By Florence Jacobson

the four dist pastor finally succeeded in get­ In Iowa City the Conners attended couples and the single missionary ting Lynn to attend a summer Bible Bethany Baptist Church, where Pas­ pictured on these pages reach their camp. It was there Lynn began to tor Robert Anderson discipled them fields, not only will they be in dif­ find answers and invited Jesus Christ and encouraged them to consider full- ferent nations, they will be on into his life. time ministry. It was at Bethany that different continents. These new BGC Bent on becoming a cartoonist, they heard about Bethel Seminary. missionaries—all appointed last Lynn says, "The great change in my Barb taught in the Minneapolis public November—will literally go to the life caused me to desire the oppor­ schools while Lynn earned his M.Div. ends of the earth with the gospel. tunity of telling people about Jesus at Bethel. Christ." While studying at the After graduation, Lynn became Ministry in .Mexico University of Iowa, he became active associate pastor of Grace Baptist Gateway Baptist Church of Helena, in Campus Crusade for Christ and Church, Waterloo, Iowa, where he Mont., is just 5 years old, but met Barbara Mohn. They were was ordained. Since 1983 he has already they are sending two of their married December 23, 1972. pastored Gateway. own to the mission field—their pastor Barb grew up in a devout Lutheran "We have thought of going to and his wife, Lynn and Barb Conner. home, but it wasn't until she was at another culture to serve Christ ever Both Lynn and Barb were bom and the University that she heard she since seminary," says Lynn. They raised in rural Iowa. The accidental could have a personal relationship have been to Germany to see Free death of Lynn's father when Lynn with God through Christ. "I relin­ Church missions, and they took a was 12 caused him to withdraw. Hurt quished control of my life and was group of students to Mexico to work and angry, he felt he couldn't discuss set free to be what I was created to with the Albrights one summer. his problems with anyone. After two be—God's child, living to glorify The Conners look forward to join­ years of encouraging him, his Metho­ Him." ing the Conference team in Mexico,

22/The Standard where their goal is "to win new people to Christ, disciple them to spiritual maturity and at the same time train them to lead their own people."

France—Open Door Of Opportunity Columbia Conference is giving up another of its pastor families to BGC world missions—David and Margie Parker of Sylvan Way Baptist Church, Bremerton, Wash. Dave grew up in California and was led to Christ by his mother when he was 7. During high school Dave entered into a spiritual tailspin from Lynn and Barb Conner, Daniel, Michael and Laura which he did not recover until his sophomore year of college. A serious 1974 to 1976. On vacations they Dave and Margie became involved at motorcycle accident landed him in the traveled to Africa, Europe and Asia, Temple Baptist Church, and Dave hospital and his Kawasaki in the junk­ "enjoying the two best years of our was part of Pastor Fred Prinzing's yard. Slowly Dave realized the Lord lives." They helped a Southern Bap­ internship program. was trying to get through to him. He tist missionary' start a church and Upon graduation, Dave and Margie returned to Seattle Pacific College, Dave was finally immersed—in the were appointed to Ivory Coast. Their "remet a cute young lady named Red Sea. year of language study in central Margie Quirk," and together they In Yemen, Dave began to study France opened their eyes and hearts studied to become teachers. the Scriptures in earnest. Through to the needs of the French people, They became active in Sylvan Way this the Lord laid on his heart to especially the growing number of where Margie had grown up, and enter full-time service, so when they Muslims there. became "Mr. and Mrs." June 13, returned to the U.S. he enrolled at After 15 months of church planting 1970. Western Conservative Baptist Sem­ in Ivory Coast's capital, they returned The Parkers seized an opportunity inary, Portland, Ore., where he to the U.S., and Dave was called to to teach overseas—in Yemen from earned his M.Div. While at Western pastor Sylvan Way. While leading an enriching ministry, Dave couldn't get away from the desire to be in cross- cultural ministry. Last year the Park­ ers reapplied and were reappointed— this time for France. Realizing that the evangelical com­ munity in France is less than 1 percent of the nation, Dave says, "French Baptists are begging for help to evangelize one of the most pagan, humanistic societies in the world. With our tools and calling, how could we in good conscience refuse such an open door of opportunity?"

Equipping Brazilians To Make Known the Gospel Michael Borstad accepted Christ as a child, after hearing a hell-fire-and- damnation message at a revival meet­ ing. Sherryl (Lancaster) accepted the

March 1989/23 Called to Serve in Japan Have you ever met someone who joined a Conference church "because the Conference has missionaries in Japan"? Meet Raymond Isleib (Is-lib). Strongly interested in serving in Japan, Ray and his wife Marleen spent 1986-87 as short-termers in Japan to see if God confirmed to them His call to that nation. Four months into their short-term experi­ ence, they filled out application forms, assured God was calling them to serve Him there. Ray was bom in Connecticut, the oldest of six children. One of his Michael and Sherry Borstad, Breta and Gustav childhood joys was being an altar boy "because I felt close to God then." Lord the summer she was three, "a for Brazil" inspired the Borstads to But at the time he graduated from day that is still very vivid to me." come to grips with the place God high school he left the church. Sherry grew up in a parsonage in would have for them in missions. The desire to know God continued Bemidji, Minn., where she and her Mike received an M.Div. from to haunt him, and was finally satisfied siblings "were often privileged to Bethel in 1988. This past year he has when he was a student at North­ give our bedrooms to missionary served part-time as community eastern University in Boston. Four guests." She remembers her first resource coordinator at Central Christian friends showed him from missionary pledge—25 cents a month. Baptist Church, St. Paul, where they the Bible that he wasn't really the Missionaries were welcome in the are members. good person he thought he was. Borstad home also. Mike enjoyed They have been appointed for Realizing his need for forgiveness, their slides "because I was already- Brazil, where Mike wants "to teU Ray invited Christ in to control his interested in geography and other people about Jesus, and to teach so life May 28, 1976. His Christian cultures." In high school Mike that leaders will be theologically friends helped nurture him, showing broadened his interests to include mature and emboldened to carry the him how to pray, to study and apply international students and foreign gospel everywhere." God's Word, and to witness. Ray languages; he also established good spiritual disciplines: reading the Bible through, memorizing whole chapters, praying and witnessing. Mike and Sherry met at Oak Hills Bible College and were married June 9, 1979. Mike finished his college work at Concordia, in Moorhead, Minn. Missions was on the back burner for both of them at that time; their primary concern was to find a church that would help them grow, where they could enjoy fellowship. They found what they were looking for at Moorhead Baptist Church— their first contact with the BGC. A missionary from Alaska started them rethinking missions. Later, when Mike was enrolled at Bethel Seminary, they met Karl and Marge Lachler, whose "friendship and zest

24/The Standard next 18 years she was there almost 1973, granted her an eight-month every Sunday and Wednesday leave of absence (December 1985- evening. August 1986) so she could be part of One night Becky dreamed about the emergency medical team during heaven. Though she was only 5, she the famine in Ethiopia. She headed knew she was the only member of up the immunization campaign in con­ her family who wouldn't go to heaven junction with the distribution program should something happen. That very for which the BGC mission was night her mother prayed with her as responsible. Becky accepted the Lord as her Since 1980, Becky has been a Savior. member of Walnut Valley Baptist Shortly after she received her R.N. Fellowship, Walnut, Calif. from Mounds-Midway School of As a teenager, Becky told the Lord Nursing in St. Paul, Becky volun­ she would serve Him full time as a now feels God "has given me a life teered to go to Ethiopia where a missionary nurse. She looks forward calling of making disciples." short-term nurse was needed. She to returning to Ethiopia because she It wasn't until after she had gradu­ spent 13 months there in the early believes this is what He wants. ated from Cal State, Chico, that 1970s as a nurse and teacher at the These are your missionaries. Dave Marleen realized God wanted to be in Door of Life Hospital and Dresser Parker said it well in a letter to his control of every area of her life. School in Ambo. church: "Don't think of us as leaving Thus began a period of spiritual In 1978 she earned a B.S.N, from the church, but instead, broadening growth, learning to depend upon Azusa Pacific University. The Foothill her ministry. We are an extension of Jesus as Lord. She found she could Presbyterian Hospital in Glendora, you—your love and your concern for rely on Him while teaching school in Calif., where she has worked since the lost in this world." • California, bookkeeping in Missouri, working on a college campus in Virginia and serving with the Navigators in Massachusetts. Test Your Geography It was while working with the Match the missionary with the distance (air miles) they'll be from Chicago Navigators in Boston that she met when they get to the capital of their designated field. Ray. They were married December 31, 1981. Sensing God's leading toward min­ istry among Asians, Ray earned his M.Div. at Gordon-Conwell Seminary. Then they "tried out" their mission­ *m?Z? ary call as BGC short-termers, teach­ ing conversational English in Japan for a year. Now they've been appointed as career missionaries to Japan, a field where they already have some experience and a number of friends. The Isleibs are members of Evangel Baptist Church, Belmont, Mass.

Back to Ethiopia for The Third Time Conners (Mexico) 6286 Becky Osell knows what she's getting into, having already served in Isleibs (Japan) 4140 Ethiopia at two different times, 14 Parkers (France) 7577 years apart. Borstads (Brazil) 1687 Becky was bom in Duluth, Minn. Osell (Ethiopia) 4698

She started attending Bethany Baptist : ZBJ Church two weeks later, and for the LISL ^idonpg I98Z9 :iredEf 1869* n 8 -OVIV :»3UEJJ Ii89t -ooaayi

March 1989/25 WORLD MISSIONS

'How Majestic Is Your Name in All the Earth'

Joyce Watts and her two housemates. By Florence Jacobson Lynlie is on the right.

sister who was a nun on another Here are stories from our missionaries island. The first day there, Lynlie of God's mighty work. became frightened by a vision of being surrounded by dancing little demons. She became violent and it took 38 people to control her. When she awakened she felt weak but remembered nothing of her struggles. When the visions and violence continued, she was sent home to hen did you last see God bathed him and put him to bed. Then recover. mightily at work? Like the Maria and her sons fell on their One day a Pentecostal man heard Wconversion of someone you knees, pleading that the Lord would about Lynlie and asked if he could never thought possible? Or power for save Reinaldo. help. He prayed, encouraging Lynlie ministry you do not normally have? All of a sudden, the door to his to say, "In the name of Jesus Christ, My October 10 letter to all Baptist bedroom flew open. Reinaldo stood Satan, come out." She tried but kept General Conference world mission­ there white as a sheet, completely feeling choked as if she was on fire aries asked for "stories from your sober. He had had a very upsetting inside and outside of her body. Finally field that show our God is mightily dream: as his wife and each of his —an hour later—she was able to say at work." Here are some of their children came to heaven's door, they the words. From that day on she has answers. were welcomed. But when it was been totally free. Reinaldo's turn, the door slammed Since the Pentecostal man was not Standing Before Heaven's Door shut. Though he beat on the door, from her home town, he asked a For 21 long and difficult years, pleading to be allowed in, there was layman from the Baptist church to Maria prayed for her husband no response. have Bible studies with Lynlie. Reinaldo. A loving husband when not He awakened, found his wife, fell Through this contact, her older sister drunk, Reinaldo's sober days became on his knees before her and begged, has also come to Christ. fewer and fewer until his job was in "Maria, please pray for me. I want Lynlie is now a housemate of Joyce jeopardy. In desperation, Maria came to be with you when you enter Watts, Conference missionary to to Ruth Anderson in tears and begged heaven's gate." There in the living Masbate Island. Joyce writes, "She her to pray dally for Reinaldo. Maria room early that morning, Reinaldo brings so much joy and happiness and prayed; Ruth prayed; Reinaldo's five was bom into the family of God. fun into my life and is such a faithful children (all fine Christians) prayed. Two years have elapsed, and Ruth witness for Christ. She is another of One night a neighbor aroused Anderson writes, "What a change in God's beautiful miracles." Maria. "Don't you know Reinaldo is this man's life!" in the street? He's drunk and can't A Changed Man get up." Maria called her sons. They The Power of Jesus' Name After 23 years in the restaurant brought their father into the house, When Lynlie's father died, her business (in the Philippines), Rapheal family sent her to live with an older

26/The Standard started his own restaurant and it No longer restless, Tony cares became a family business. To make a about his family and has a purpose go of it, they worked seven days a for living. He uses his artistic talents week. Rapheal treated his family so for the church. He and his wife poorly however—swearing at the soaked up the Family Life Seminar children and beating his wife—that led by BGC missionaries. Not only is often his family would leave to avoid he faithful at church, but he's parti­ World Missions Sunday. It is a his furious temper. cipating in training classes to reach Conference-wide one-day celebra­ His oldest son had attended Sunday others. "Can we call changes like tion of a year-long partnership school long enough to learn about the this anything less than a miracle?" with Conference world missions. importance of God in one's life. As ask the missionaries who shared Through many different program he lay sick from tetanus, he told his Tony's story. styles, your church and my church dad, "I know where I'm going. But will celebrate this partnership. you, Dad, you have no time for God.'' Finding Comfort in Your Prayers Let's celebrate by learning. Use Shortly after that conversation, the Early in 1987 Mary Tillman found it the media piece we have produced boy died. difficult to sing. On furlough that May (you must order in advance). Show When the Harvey Esplunds wanted she went to a throat specialist. Find­ it a number of times. The true to begin a home Bible study, both ing her right vocal chord partially stories of how God is changing Rapheal and his wife were ripe for paralyzed, he sent her to a thyroid lives will encourage your confi­ God's Word. First his wife, then specialist, who discovered a small dence in the power of the gospel. Rapheal repented and accepted tumor. A biopsy revealed a malig­ Remind your congregation of the Christ. Now one year after their nancy, so a complete thyroidectomy ministry goals and plans of your baptisms, "the changes are so was scheduled. Doctors expressed Conference missionaries. Need evident in both of their lives. Since concern, fearing she would never additional material? Call us at they've closed their restaurant on sing again. 1 (800) 323-4215. Sundays their income on Saturdays ' 'I found myself faced with a new Let's celebrate by praying. Have and Mondays has been better than commitment to God," wrote Mary. a concert of prayer. Schedule it the other days." Recently Rapheal ' 'It wasn't easy to say, 'Your will be before Sunday school or after the told his wife to take time off to done.' I struggled and cried a lot. morning service. Serve no lunch; attend a women's retreat, then he But thanks be to God for the victory make it a time of fasting and closed his restaurant—to cook for the He brings when we surrender. My prayer. Or have a concert of retreat! doctor thought I was a good actor prayer either before, during or 'because you seem to have such a after your evening service. Cele­ A Hopeless Situation? peace about it all,' he said. It was brate the progress of the gospel Tony (not his real name) was a true, I entered surgery with a calm­ by earnest prayer and confidence restless roamer with no purpose in ness of heart and confidence in God. in God's Word. life. He often quarreled with his wife "The doctor requested that I not Let's celebrate by giving. Take and took drugs to dull his senses and vocalize for at least six months. Last a world missions Sunday offering. make life more bearable. With nothing Sunday (October 30) I sang my first If you are behind in your missions much to live for, Tony joined an solo. Though a little rusty, I really budget, catch up. If you're on organization of hired killers in the believe the full range of voice will schedule, stretch yourselves. We Philippines. return with practice. If I had not paid need an extra $500,000 in March A hopeless situation for Tony, but attention to that small problem and to fund our ministries. not for God. One day God led a sought help, it would have grown and World Missions Sunday. It's a Christian couple to befriend Tony and been more difficult to remove. I great way to say "Yes!" to his wife. Sunday after Sunday the praise God for His goodness to me. missions. two couples studied the Bible And I thank you—the family of God together. Then one Sunday both in the BGC—who faithfully prayed for Tony and his wife said "yes" to us during those days of struggle, Jesus. Tony separated from the surgery and recovery. hired-killers organization, only to find "As we return to Manila, we find 7$U-P&Q himself on their hit list. But when comfort in knowing that you continue they saw how he had changed, they to pray for us." • decided to leave him alone.

March 1989/27 HOME MISSIONS

Coming Full Circle in Inner-City Ministry

By Clifford E. Anderson

Share the vision of starting new churches in Black America.

n November 16, I grew up in the board of home inner-city Chi­ Omissions approved cago during Dr. Dwight Perry as the the violence first full-time BGC coordi­ of the civil nator of Black Ministries. rights era. I Dwight and Cynthia vowed that join the List of newly once I fin­ appointed cultural home ished high missionaries. The Pana- school, I siuks with Hispanics, the would never San Luises with Filipinos, come back to the inner city. I came and now the Perrys with to know Christ at the University of Black Americans reflect Illinois, and that redirected my think­ our growing ministry to ing about a lot of things. I had wanted other cultural groups in to be a lawyer, but in my senior year the U.S. I changed my major to begin prepara­ In December, Dwight tion for the ministry. While on the was interviewed by Dr. Champaign campus, I met my wife, Clifford Anderson, exec­ Cynthia. After completing my master's utive director of home in educational psychology, we came missions, about his back to the city not knowing what to strategy for reaching the expect, but knowing that God had 30 million Black Ameri­ called us. We began an urban ministry cans in the U.S. which eventually grew into a city church. Cynthia and I have four Tell me about your children: Dwight, David, Cynthia and background and family. DanyeUe. I thank God for my family.

28/The Standard The BGC is What are some of the major have of myself is not a racial image, committed emphases in a ministry that but a spiritual image. I base this to reaching envisions reaching 30 million Black image on the book of Ephesians various peo­ Americans? which tells me who I am and what I ple groups look like. W in this I see a four-fold focus. First, it must Second, God has placed me in situ- BT country; be a ministry that is centered on the atbns where I was the primary ethnic one of those Bible. Even more important than person. In His own sovereign way groups is what the preacher may think is right, God has placed me in these areas of the Black ministry must be based on what the leadership; I have not planned it. I American. Word of God says. feel it is very normal for me to work How are you equipped to help us in Second, there needs to be an with all types of people. this endeavor? emphasis on ministry to the whole person. In the Black community What is your vision for the future In the last 15 years God has given there are needs that people must ministry of the BGC? me some great opportunities to min­ have met in order to see that the ister to Black Americans. I completed gospel is genuine. Those needs It's my dream that the BGC become my doctorate at Covington Seminary specifically center around emotional an effective force for Christ. I see in Georgia, trained with the Naviga­ and physical wholeness. A total min­ the Conference as people working tors leadership development program, istry relates to the spiritual, emotional and pioneered a church in the inner and physical needs of people. city. When I came back to Chicago, I Third, there needs to be a revitali- saw the city as a forgotten mission zation of the family unit. Historically, field and a ministry that needed slavery and urbanization have caused special attention. a tremendous breakdown in the Black More recently, I have been min­ family. If we are going to reach istering to Blacks through Moody Blacks, there has to be an emphasis Bible Institute's evening school on reaching men as well as women. extension ministry, which has been Restoring the family is essential. significant specifically to Black Ameri­ Fourth, the ministry must address cans. God has given me a broad range the skills needed to succeed in of experiences that enable me to join society. Many Christians have had you in reaching Black America. these skills already built into their social system. But effective ministry Tell me about Cynthia's ministry. in a community where this is not the case should include tutoring, training Proverbs 18:22 says, "He who finds and job placement. We can bridge a wife finds what is good and receives some significant economic gaps with favor from the Lord." God is good this kind of outreach. It's not just and has given me a wonderful wife in giving someone a fish, but teaching Cynthia. She is a godly and kind him how to fish. woman. Thirteen years ago she said, How do you feel about working "Dwight, I feel God has called me to within a denomination that histor­ minister to pastors' wives, specifi­ ically has been a white ethnic cally in the Black community." I fellowship, but is now expanding to looked at her and said, "That's fine, include many cultural groups? but you will have to do it without me; I'm not going to be a pastor." I feel very positive. There are two Like many good wives, she knew reasons. One, I feel that I am not a even before her husband what God Black Christian. I am a Christian who was calling me to do. She believes happens to be Black. I feel God has the pastor's wife is probably the gifted me and burdened me for all most neglected person in the church. people, including Blacks. The image I

March 1989/29 sionary vision, and to be open to supporting it financially and prayer­ fully. We need these churches to «»«* refer us to other churches. We remembered that they have been desire to share the vision of reaching reared in a society that has not a significant number of Black Ameri­ necessarily affirmed their culture. cans for Christ. They are Christians in a society that side by side for positivei change, and has often been insensitive, so they How should we pray for you? I'd like to see the BGC develop a are viewing this step forward with a specific strategy to reach city careful optimism. They want to see First, pray that God will raise up a dwellers of all cultures. more than words. team of people who will labor in the When we talk about world-class city among all ethnic people, including cities, it bothers me that we often Home missions is responding to Black Americans. It's not a glamor­ think only of cities overseas. There Conference Baptists who, in a recent ous ministry and might not reap are many cities of over a million survey, confirmed this new direction. immediate results, but it is a people in this country with inter­ I am thrilled with the possibilities significant ministry. national connections: Chicago, New that await us and the leadership you Second, pray that God would raise York and Los Angeles are certainly will give us as a Conference. How up a support team, committed to the world-class cities. People from all can Conference Baptists become prayer and financial needs of this new over the world are moving into these involved in supporting you as a ministry. cities, and we must effectively reach missionary? It is also our prayer that God will them for Christ. help us build such an effective BGC Because we have been involved in a urban ministry, that it will become a You're currently in touch with our pioneer city ministry in the Black model for other denominations. We Conference Black churches. How do community for ten years, we know can pray that people who are reached they feel about the new opportuni­ what the needs are. We need prayer for Christ in this effort will use their ties that face us? support and commitments for the gifts to minister to others. As these financial support of this new ministry. new believers are trained and Some are excited, others are cau­ We specifically need churches willing equipped, they can be enlisted for tiously optimistic. The pastors I have to let us come and share our mis­ places of national leadership so that met and know love the BGC and the BGC will become a genuine reflec­ appreciate its ministry. It should be tion of the body of Christ. •

30/The Standard The rapid influx of Swedish immi­ grants declined dramatically during the Great Depression. Second- and third-generation Swedes moved to areas distant from the transitional neighborhoods where they had been reared. Church leadership attempted to become relevant to a changing neighbor­ hood. Some churches moved to conserve the numerical strength of membership, preserve what was left of a cultural heritage, and enjoy a worship style they were accustomed to. Other churches declined and ultimately died. It was a difficult time. Then new faces at home and abroad brought new life and a new identity to the Conference. The last decade suggests we are again emerging from transition to change. From mono-ethnic and mostly Anglo to multi-ethnic is no small achievement. The acceptance of other cultures and extending rights and privileges to newcomers is part of that achievement. It is happening, and I am proud of our response. One of our Hispanic home missionaries, Peter Ascanio, said it so eloquently at the midyear board of overseers meeting. I do not quote him precisely, but the Dwight and Cynthia Perry and (l.-r.) Dwight, Danyelle, David and Cynthia. impression his words left was this: The Perrys come directly from a 9523 S. Pamell, Chicago, 111. "We ethnics have for some time staff position with Moody Bible 60628, (312) 238-5819. been like a hungry immigrant boy Institute to missionary status with For more information write or outside a warm inviting home. You the board of home missions. They call Home Missions, 2002 S. have now invited us to sit at your will reside in Chicago and have Arlington Heights Rd., Arlington table and to enjoy all of the good primary responsibility to see new Heights, 111. 60005. 1 (800) things we observed from the out­ Black churches established in the 323-4215, in Illinois (312) side. You have accepted us as part leading metropolitan areas of the 228-0200. extension 325. The of your Conference family." U.S. They are currently on depu­ Perrys are anxious to share with tation and are available to minister you their vision for establishing in your church. Contact them at churches in the Black community.

March 1989/31 •

Toward the end of the eighteenth century, William Carey, a young \ \ \ preacher and shoemaker in England, felt the tug of God to take the gospel to the unreached peoples \v of the world. As he shared his con­ cerns, an older pastor spoke up. "Sit down, young man," he said. "When God wants to convert the heathen, He \ will do it without your help or mine!" That minister was wrong! God—who really does not need us—has chosen to work through us, if we are obedient children. He did it through William Carey, known as the founder of modern missions. And He is doing it today, through His obedient children in the Bap­ tist General Conference. How privileged we are!

'The blessed news is that the God \ who needs no one has in sovereign condescension stooped to work by and in and through His obedient children.' A.W. Tozer

MARCH 12 IS WORLD MISSIONS SUNDAY A<

4&

• 1 • I •it*. CHURCH MINISTRIES ADesgner's Guide for Creative Women's Ministries Out of the Home, ; ft*' Into the World

By Dorothy Dahlman by Dorothy Dahlman of thousands of churches in the U.S., What is happening in women's ministries today? has observed the significant contribu­ tion women's organizations have made in the growth of the church. In his seminar, "What's Happening to the Women's Organization?" Dr. Schaller made informative observa­ tions about where women are today. I believe they are true of BGC women: 1) We attend highly structured anelle was a young woman you have helped me to become what women's Bible study groups where whose involvement with drugs I am today in Christ. You have min­ there is well-trained leadership. J was rapidly driving her toward istered to me in so many ways. I feel 2) We engage in personal health destruction. She was unhappy and that I am now ready to help other activities such as jogging, swimming, didn't know what to do about it. people. I want to be part of your aerobics. Then she accepted Jesus into her ministry team." 3) We seek help with marital con­ life. As a Christian she still struggled Women's ministries is only part of cerns through mothers clubs, with some uncertainties about life. the church's ministry, but it is an marriage enrichment, marriage She came to our church and openly important part, as we see from encounter retreats and mutual expressed her needs. She sensed Janelle's story. It begins with a heart support groups for specific needs. that people cared about her. A burning to follow God's leading in 4) We get involved in society mature Christian woman became her ministry to others. You see the through lobbies, travel, professional mentor, and they studied and prayed needs around you, and you want to associations, night school, care for together. Janelle grew in her faith. reach out to people, to do something! elderly parents, self-esteem groups, The women's ministries hospitality Women of all ages and backgrounds continuing education and retreats. committee invited her to help in the want to discover purpose for life and 5) We volunteer for tutoring, nurs­ kitchen. Janelle later told us, "That a way to express it through some ing homes, music/drama groups, day­ was how I came to know the women form of ministry to people or involve­ care centers, hospitals and visiting of this church.'' She attended Bible ment in the social concerns of our and caring for shut-ins. studies where women led her on in day. I believe this can be done more Some of the taken-for-granted further spiritual growth. With new completely in the local church. values of Christians may not be con­ confidence and purpose, she gradu­ Women's ministries provide exciting sidered as normal in church-related ated from college, something she had and creative experiences for spiritual ministries today. Family life is being never expected to accomplish. growth and ministry to family, church, affected by society. Divorce is not She was invited to attend a planning community, and the world. limited to society, but finds frequency meeting for women's ministries. After within the church. The single-parent hearing the needs and possible ways Current National Trends population is booming; most are to meet them, Janelle rose to her Dr. Lyle Schaller, a noted consul­ women struggling to find balance. feet and said: "I am here because tant who has evaluated the ministries Not only are we affected by

34/The Standard changing values, but groups are opportunities, creativity and program changing as well. As Schaller possibilities and were evangelistic in observed, creative groups are more nature. prominent than in the early 1980s. As Lyle Schaller has observed in These make it possible for women to his study of women's ministries, the enjoy the freedom of developing their women's organization in the local own direction and providing church "is the best educational ven­ So much in life is seasonal. resources of their choosing. ture in the church, the best organized Farmers and fruit growers talk group, most open to new people, the about the "growing season." Trends Within the BGC most progressive, the best missions Football players look forward to There have been several basic education." I agree with Dr. "football season." Retailers are trends in the BGC during the last 20 Schaller's observation. aware that the amount of their years: The 1980s has probably been the profit—or loss—is often tied to the 1) Church women's groups have most interesting period for women's "Christmas buying season." moved from Bible study as an end in ministries. In 1984, Betty Coble, The apostle Paul challenged itself to applying it in ministry. During director of women's ministries at Timothy to "Preach the Word; be the 1970s the strong Bible study First Evangelical Free Church, prepared in season and out of emphasis of the church and para- Fullerton, Calif., said, "This is a season ... " (2 Tim. 4:2). The church groups contributed toward period when women's ministries will Amplified New Testament states it healthy spiritual growth among be explosive in the church." Over this way, ' 'Herald and preach the women. However, as Dr. Pamela the last 25 years, we have passed Word! Keep your sense of urgency Reeve, former dean of women at from an era of highly structured, (stand by, be at hand and ready, Multnomah School of the Bible, has program-to-people emphasis in which whether the opportunity seems to observed, the single extended focus women have given their time to a be favorable or unfavorable, on Bible study has prompted many very visible cause. whether it is convenient or women to ask, "What do we do In the church this emphasis focused inconvenient ... "). now?" This is the appropriate time, on missions. We are now in a day of This morning I read Proverbs 31, she says, to encourage women to creativity, of openness to many min­ that glowing description of a praise­ use their knowledge of the Word of istry options and a new awareness of worthy woman. Verse 30 says: God, applying it to meet the needs of the role of Christian women in "Charm is deceptive, and beauty people and developing a balanced society and the church. is fleeting; but a woman who fears program for women's ministries. the Lord is to be praised." 2) Evangelism is on the growing Women's Ministries It occurred to me that whatever edge. Evangelism as an intentional Are Meeting Needs else is conveyed in the concept of part of women's ministries was not Love, security, acceptance, recog­ "women's ministries," it certainly included until the last few years. nition, the need to feel useful—the involves the personal development Today we see well-articulated goals basic needs of all people are the of the person to the point where and ministries for evangelism. component parts of the motivation to she can be "praised." Women's ministries provide excellent develop ministries to people. Imagine I understand praise to mean: entry points for new people coming women of every age working to­ admiration for who the person is, into the church. gether, serving together as a team and approval and appreciation for 3) Small groups are better defined. that cares for one another and what he or she does. In the late 1970s and 1980s "interest stimulates each other toward spiritual I applaud Dorothy Dahlman and groups" were encouraged. Each vitality and maturity in Jesus Christ. BGC women's ministries for group had a specific focus: book Older women helping young women assisting women to develop and be study, prayer, book review, crafts, to develop their potential. Young women who "fear the Lord," and cooking, aerobics, homemaking/ women reaching out in ministry to therefore are worthy to be parenting skills. Interest groups pro­ others. Women teaching other women praised. vided excellent relationship-building to pray, encouraging and giving con­ It's always "in season" to give fidence where it is needed. This is that kind of praise. Excerpted from A Designer's Guide for the picture of creative women's min­ Creative Women's Ministries (Harvest, istries today, the strategy of our 1988). Dorothy Dahlman is director of denomination, which is a pacesetter C^? OJL£L BGC women's ministries. in the evangelical world. • S*

March 1989/35 BAPTIST H T A

H

'if i:

Charles Haddon Spur; Called by God *f*.

36rrhe Standard Loved and vilified, admired and disdained, there is something compelling about this man that still draws attention. By John Armstrong

nineteenth-century English orphanage" while disparaging the Spurgeon's life and ministry. schoolboy, when asked, "Spurgeon of the pulpit." Conwell called Spurgeon "the A "Who is the Prime Minister Spurgeon was both loved and vili­ world's greatest divine." He also of England?" replied sincerely, "Mr. fied, admired and disdained. But he said, "The life of Spurgeon contains Spurgeon." The lad responded per­ could not be ignored, and his influence so much that is strange, unusual, haps better than he knew. Not only as a Baptist preacher is probably wonderful and even truly miraculous, was Spurgeon's influence in the last greater than that of any in our that it will require most careful state­ century great within England, but his history. ment and most conservative reasoning life touched much of the world In trying to understand this man, to convince the reader that the beyond. This unique man, "being we must consider several facts. His record is literally true." dead, still speaks," though he died printed sermons alone number 97 years ago. between 3500 and 4000. He wrote Early Childhood Charles H. Spurgeon has been the and compiled 200 books, albums and Charles Haddon Spurgeon was bom subject of hundreds of studies and pamphlets, not including hundreds of in Kelvedon, Essex, England, June book-length biographies in the last articles in his monthly publication, 19, 1834. He was the eldest child of century. There is something compel­ The Sword and Trowel. John and Eliza Spurgeon and came ling and awesome about this man's He preached regularly (360 times into this world only ten days after life and work which has drawn so his first year in the ministry at age another famous Baptist, William many to consider him. For Baptists 17 and 18) and wrote incessantly. He Carey, left it. His father was a non­ in particular he has become a figure seems to have worked 18-hour days conformist minister of Congregational of major importance. often, reading and writing for long persuasion. For many years he was Most know him as a warm and periods. Yet for years he personally what we would call today a "bi- zealous pastor of a huge church and interviewed thousands of new mem­ vocational" minister. enterprise, the subject of humorous bers when they joined his church in When Charles was 10 months old, anecdotes and a great soul winner. London, carrying on an accessible his family moved to Colchester. These things are not to be denied, pastoral ministry. Spurgeon's mother and father were but they are only part of the story. Dr. Russell Conwell (1843-1925), wonderful influences on his life and In the words of one current study of pastor of Grace Baptist Church, character. James, a younger brother Spurgeon, we need to recover "The Philadelphia, Pa., founder of Temple who became assistant pastor to Forgotten Spurgeon." Even in University, and one of the namesakes Charles, wrote this of their mother, Spurgeon's own day the famous Dr. of Gordon-Conwell Seminary, inter­ ' 'the starting point of all greatness Joseph Parker (1830-1902), pastor of viewed Spurgeon prior to Spurgeon's and goodness that any of us by the the City Temple in London, spoke death in 1892. He wrote a biography grace of God have enjoyed was in admiringly of the ' 'Spurgeon of the which sold 125,000 copies within four her." Charles' father outlived his son months. In one month Conwell by ten years, preaching until the end, John Armstrong is pastor of Trinity Baptistreceive d personal letters from 29 and leaving this world at age 91. Church, Wheaton, III. First in a five-partyoun g men who felt called to the Spurgeon's relationship with his series on the life of C.H. Spurgeon. ministry as a result of reading about grandparents probably did more than

March 1989/37 any to prepare him for his eventual a visiting missionary, was at Stam­ or 6. We have developed a practice life's work and its effect. His grand­ bourne. After observing young of leading children "to accept Jesus father, James, cared for young Charles for some days and convers­ into their hearts" almost as if they Charles for a number of his early ing with him often, he took the lad were to repeat phrases and have the years. James, who served the Con­ upon his knee one evening. He spoke reality as a result. I believe, along gregational church at Stambourne for very plainly with words like these: with Spurgeon, that children need a 54 years, was a solid preacher and a "I do not know how it is, but I sense of sin, judgment and hell. They lover of the old Puritan writers. feel a solemn presentment that this need to mourn their sin. I realize this It was in this home that young child will preach the gospel to is done in a childlike way, but it is Charles, age 7, wandered into the thousands, and God will bless him to real nonetheless. attic one day. There he found the many souls. So sure am I of this that I fear that many Conference Baptist treasures that shaped his own thought when my little man preaches in Row­ young people have "mentally changed forever. Books, books and more land Hill's chapel, as he will one day, gears," yet have not experienced books! Especially Puritan books. He I should like him to promise me that true saving faith. We seem to think found and read Bunyan's Pilgrim's he will give out the hymn commenc­ we can substitute education and deci­ Progress. He was to read this book ing: 'God moves in a mysterious way, sion for God's work of deep and

'This man, in an uncanny and striking way gifts and personal maturity. I know of no othe) was used so extensive^

over 100 times and use it regularly in His wonders to perform. powerful regeneration. With Spurgeon his preaching. His passion, even as a Rowland Hill's church was the largest this was not the case. young boy, was to seek quiet, secret dissenting church in London in that The notable day of Spurgeon's con­ places where he could read for hours. day. version was January 6, 1850. The Charles was a precocious and This prophecy was clearly fulfilled place was the Artillery Street Chapel. thoughtful boy. Once during family years later and Spurgeon did as In his own words we hear the devotions he asked, "Grandpa, how instructed, announcing the hymn. Did account written years later: can the 'bottomless pit' be without a these words affect young Spurgeon? "I sometimes think I might have bottom? If it has no bottom where He says it did in several of his been in darkness and despair until will all those people go who drop out autobiographical references to it. In now had it not been for the goodness of the lower end?" James' reply fact, he believes it helped lead to his of God in sending a snowstorm one stayed with the young man forever. conversion as a teenager. Sunday morning while I was going to He explained that there was no depth a certain place of worship. When I to which a soul can sink that has not Teenage Conversion could go no further, I turned down a a deeper depth beyond. Spurgeon, who was the vehicle of side street, and came to a little A number of childhood-Spurgeon God's saving grace to so many, was primitive Methodist chapel. In that stories have been exaggerated, and "strangely" unconverted until he chapel there may have been a dozen uncounted false illustrations about was nearly 16. I say "strangely" or 14 people ... the minister did not Spurgeon still fill sermons. One story, because most contemporary Baptists come that morning; he was snowed however, is very true and significant. assume young children should invari­ up,I suppose. When Charles was 10, Richard Knill, ably be converted when they are 5 "At last, a very thin looking man,

38/The Standard a shoemaker or tailor, or something Called to Preach the Gospel Jesus, since I feel them in my own of that sort, went up into the pulpit After hearing Richard Knill's soul," he thought. He chose as his to preach.... His text was, 'Look prophecy Charles thought much about text, "Unto you who believe, He is unto Me and be ye saved, all the preaching the gospel. Yet he did not precious" (1 Peter 2:7, KJV). He ends of the earth.' When he had wish to run unsent by God. preached with great effect. managed to spin out ten minutes or In August 1850 he went to Cam­ From this humble and providential so, he was at the end of his tether. bridge as an assistant at a school. He beginning Spurgeon's reputation Then he looked at me under the remained there nearly three years, spread quickly. By the end of 1851— gallery, and I daresay, with so few serving without pay. It was here he still only 17 years old—he was present, he knew me to be a became active in St. Andrew's Street preaching quite regularly. Before the stranger. Just fixing his eyes on me, Baptist Church. He taught children end of the year he became pastor of as if he knew all my heart, he said, with great joy, and took an interest the Baptist church at Waterbeach. 'Young man, you look miserable.' in the lay preachers' fellowship. There he served for two years. "Well, I did; but I had not been One Saturday the leader of this When he left for London at age 19 he accustomed to have remarks made group asked Spurgeon to "go over to had preached 670 sermons at Water- from the pulpit on my personal Teversham tomorrow evening, for a beach and elsewhere. emed to enter the ministry full-grown in his fted and powerful preacher in church history who ) early in his life.'

appearance before. However, it was young man is to preach there who is This man, in an uncanny and strik­ a good blow, struck right home ... not much used to services, and would ing way, seemed to enter the then lifting up his hand, he shouted, very likely be glad of company." ministry full-grown in his gifts and 'Young man, look to Jesus Christ. The next day Charles was accom­ personal maturity. I know of no other Look! Look! You have nothing to do panied by a young man slightly older gifted and powerful preacher in but to look and live.' than himself. As he and the young church history who was used so "I saw at once the way of salva­ man prayed and talked Spurgeon extensively so early in his life. tion. I looked until I could almost assured his companion that he had But the amazing thing is that by have looked my eyes away. My spirit prayed he would realize the presence the time he went to London in 1854 saw its chains broken to pieces. I felt of God as he preached that morning. (age 19) he was already well on his that I was an emancipated soul, an The man was aghast and said that if way to a life-long ministry of such heir of heaven, a forgiven one, there were to be any preaching it effect. Many men, like meteors, rise accepted in Christ Jesus. I had would be Spurgeon who did it, for he quickly with great effect but do not passed from death to life. Simply by could not speak in this way. grow and remain powerful and effec­ looking to Jesus, I had been delivered Charles, not knowing exactly what tive over an entire life of service. from despair, and I was brought into to do, decided to give a lesson from In our next article we will consider such a joyous state of mind that, the Sunday school work he had done. Spurgeon's call to London, his 35 when they saw me at home, they "Surely I can tell a few poor cot­ years of ministry there, and the said, 'Something wonderful has tagers of the sweetness and love of truths which he so powerfully loved happened to you,' and I was eager to and preached as the most important tell them all about it." preacher in Baptist history. •

March 1989/39 SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE

his spiritual life. This could be very liberating for someone on a strict diet for health reasons. Objections to Fasting Is Fasting a Health Risk? Fasting may not be as detrimental Our excuses are all too easy to find. to health as some would suggest. Studies show that rats forced to fast every other day lived longer than By Bing Wall either rats on a junk-food diet or those permitted to eat all the healthy food they wanted. John Keith Beddow, a professor at n the Middle Ages examples plentiful, reinforcing our objections to the University of Iowa, claims fasting abound of desert mystics and fasting. increases vitality and a zest for living. Imonks taking fasting and asceti­ Jesus taught that when we fast we He advocates fasting every other day cism to abnormal lengths, even to are not to change our appearance in in order to find the elusive fountain the point of seriously injuring their order to announce to others our piety of youth {Stay Young: Reduce Your health. (Matt. 6:16-18). In Jesus' day if Rate of Aging). Practices of the day Included wall­ someone heard another was fasting, Many other books have been writ­ ing oneself up in a cave, sitting on he would be impressed. ten on the health benefits of regular top of pillars, exposing oneself to Curiously, today if someone fasts fasting: How to Keep Slim, Healthy wild beasts, and trying to remain he is considered a little strange. and Young With Juice Fasting; Miracle standing all through Lent (M.A. Fasting has become so privatized that of Fasting for Physical, Mental and Smith, The Church Under Siege, p. it is virtually unknown to the majority Spiritual Rejuvenation; Fasting Can 101). of Christians. Save Your Life and Fast Your Way to Extreme examples are not limited Some other objections to fasting Health are but a few. to the time before the Reformation. may be more selfishly motivated. We Before his conversion, George White- are so used to the American philos­ Do We Simply Enjoy field (1714-70) tried to mortify his ophy of three balanced meals a day Food Too Much? body in an attempt to find Christ. He being the only healthy way to live, If we were inclined to fast at all, practiced quietism (talking to no one, that any disruption to this sacred rite we may not because we just do not not even speaking out loud to God in is anathema. We are convinced that it feel we have the discipline to carry prayer), fasting on Wednesdays and is unhealthy to go without food for out our commitment. The hunger Fridays, bodily austerities such as any length of time. drive is the strongest of all our wearing woolen gloves, a patched drives. History has shown that well gown and dirty shoes. The Value of Partial Fasts meaning people will even resort to He quit eating fruits altogether. Many Americans are on partial cannibalism in order to stay alive. We One time during the six weeks of fasts: the heart patient on a stringent naturally fight to continue to exist. holy season, he allowed himself only diet, the diabetic who cannot eat But just because the drive is coarse bread and sage tea without certain foods, or the expectant strong, does not mean that it cannot sugar. mother who watches what she eats be controlled. We already practice He writes: "I constantly walked for the sake of her baby. Many self-control in many areas of our out in the cold morning till part of Christians abstain from alcohol. lives. Society could not function one of my hands was quite black.'' Vegetarians abound in our country, without self-control. His practices nearly killed him. He as do those who refuse to eat junk The late Walter Trobisch writes was bedridden for seven weeks dur­ food. that if one is hungry and sees and ing which time he came to understand These are examples of partial fasts. smells a loaf of fresh bread in a his salvation lay only in Christ, but They may be of no spiritual conse­ bakery window, he normally doesn't physically he never fully recovered quence, but the person involved in a smash the window and run off with (Arnold Dallimore, George Whitefield, partial fast—either by choice or by the bread. Fasting is an extension of pp. 68-77). medical prescription—can give the this self-control we feel at the bakery Examples like this are all too partial fast to God, and relate it to window.

40/The Standard Never having to wait too long for a meal or too long to get that new bike, why wait for marriage to satisfy sexual longing? Why wait to control any desire? Satisfying every whim at every conceivable moment has become a trademark of our culture, much to the consternation of the rest of the world unable to fulfill their desires at such a rapid pace.

Isn't Fasting a "Work" Versus God's Grace? Some evangelicals object to fasting because they do not believe in sacra­ ments. Fasting is seen as a "work." And we know that God would not be impressed with our efforts* since we are saved by grace, not by works. But as we have seen from the Scriptures, it can and has been used to enhance the spiritual blessings of God's people. It is no more a work than prayer is a work. We pray because we need to commune with God, to unload our burdens to Him. We do not expect God to love us more because we pray. But we do expect that we will love God more because we pray, and that God will in turn commune with us. The same could be said for fasting. We do not expect that God will love us more because we fast, but we do expect that we will love God more as we stop for a time from satisfying our most basic desire—hunger—to concentrate on what God has done for us through Christ. Fasting should be done by faith like every other activity in the Christian's life. Fasting scares us a bit because we have not had recent exposure to its Fasting encourages self-control. There is certainly room for more of practices. The idea of fasting and This has been one of the motivating this fruit of the Spirit in our culture. fulfilling our normal responsibilities of factors behind fasting through the Is it any surprise that there is a family, work, community and church centuries. The self-control learned by rise in sexually active unmarried peo­ seems contradictory. Our situation fasting extends to other areas of life. ple in recent decades, or chug abusers calls for something different than or alcoholics, when during that same Jesus' fast in the wilderness. Bing Wall is pastor of Calvary Baptist period we have increasingly satisfied How can we fast and still maintain Church, Fort Dodge, Iowa. Third in a as many desires of our children as our responsibilities? We'll examine five-part series on the discipline of fasting. possible? that question in the next article. D

March 1989/41 BGC PRAYER COMMISSION

The Most Important Conversation You Will Ever Have Learning to talk to your heavenly Father.

By William C. Larson

ow will 2 billion people who prayer, and sense no compulsion to intelligible sound. As with every have never heard the name of call on God except in time of utter child, it was months before I could HChrist discover the good emergency. even poorly imitate the patterns of news of salvation? How will 2 billion Can an army of prayer warriors be speech that I heard from my parents. others with only a minimal knowledge recruited from such feeble raw Yet what a torrent of words soon of the Savior be delivered from dark­ material? While it appears unlikely, poured from my mouth. ness? How will 1 billion nominal the answer is "yes!" It depends on There is obviously more to speech Christians discover the reality of a a willingness to leam. Prayer can and than simply repeating sounds. An living relationship with Jesus through must be learned. No mighty inter­ attitude of loving encouragement is a personal faith? cessors ever became so in an instant. great asset. Feedback—correction, And how will 200 million evangeli­ If you want to become a more faithful instruction, reinforcement—is cals—genuine followers of Jesus- and effective pray-er, you can. essential. become energized to engage in One of my first observations as a spiritual combat? teenage Christian was that group These questions are not frivolous Prayer Battles prayer seemed to be a normal part of nor merely rhetorical. If we believe the Christian life. I had not been in the great commission as a binding Hot Line raised in the church so I didn't know obligation from our Master, we must The BGC Prayer Commission has that prayer meeting was considered confront them with sober reality. established a Prayer Battles Hot optional by most believers. It was on Phrasing the missionary task in Line. BGC prayer warriors may the church calendar, so I simply such terms may arrest our attention call the Conference Center at started attending. It often seemed and drive us to the only adequate 1 (800) 323-4215 on Wednesdays, listless and mechanical, but since point of beginning—prayer. Serious, 9 a.m.-noon, for BGC ministry- some mature Christians whom I fervent, persistent, effective prayer, related prayer requests. admired made it a regular practice, I by an army of intercessors. followed their example. Sadly, the ranks of experienced and The pastor of a neighboring church committed pray-ers is woefully thin. We Learn to Pray by had a significant impact on my young The average Christian prays only two Imitating Effective Pray-ers faith. He led our high school Bible or three minutes a day. Not one In my understanding of the Bible's club and often invited me to his home Christian has ever acknowledged to teaching, prayer is meant to be as to discuss spiritual matters. We not me that his prayer life is where he natural, necessary and satisfying to only talked, but he prayed for me in thought it should be. us as breathing. I certainly haven't my presence. Hearing him converse Prayer meeting is the smallest reached that stage, but I am ener­ with God had an effect on me I could church gathering of the week (notably getically on the way. How did I get scarcely begin to discern. conspicuous for the scarcity of young where I am? Quite simply, by listen­ When I went to Bethel, a teacher to middle-aged adults) and is usually ing to and praying with other growing taught me more. The sheer novelty more occupied with Bible study than pray-ers. of Dr. Bob Smith putting his arm petition and intercession. Prayer is simply speaking to God, around my shoulder in a crowded Multitudes of believers never pray and like all speech, it must be hallway, bowing his head near mine, aloud in a group, feel no obligation to learned. When I first entered the and asking a simple prayer for my participate in occasions of corporate world, I could not utter a single needs, had a profound impact on me.

42/The Standard Not every prayer lesson came ence in my journey as a pray-er has honestly, freely and fully as you do audibly. Bethel had a prayer closet in been the privilege of praying with with your closest companions. And in _ the old seminary building, a small fellow pastors in each community your requests, bring to Him the room devoted strictly to prayer. where I have served. great, crying needs of a lost world. Inside, a single light illuminated the Sensing the overwhelming needs in You will leam. As you learned to words from Jeremiah, "Call unto each place, I sought the strength of talk to your human parents, you will Me." Only a Bible and a notebook kindred hearts, inviting other pastors leam to talk to a near, real, listening adorned the room. to join me for regular sessions of Father. Students wrote their requests on prayer for our mutual ministries. This As you talk to Him, you can engage one side of the notebook page and experience has been powerful beyond effectively in the desperate conflict, the answers God sent on the other. my ability to describe and I am asking Him to send out laborers to It was astounding. I learned that God humbly grateful to the Lord. reach the waiting millions, to liberate

'If enough of us will learn to pray, giving ourselves to intercede for the unreached multitudes, the growing movement of prayer will liberate the power of Cod as we have never seen before.'

answered prayer through the recorded These experiences did not auto­ abundant missionary dollars, to get comments of my classmates. matically make me a resolute, your own church on the move, and effective pray-er. But little by little, even to give you the joy of sharing We Learn to Pray by they have taught me the crucial the good news with a friend or Joining Others of Like Mind importance of prayer, and bit by bit neighbor. Then I learned the satisfaction and they have formed a practice of prayer If enough of us will leam to pray, strength of praying with others of in me that has grown to this day. giving ourselves to intercede for the like heart and mind. A classmate unreached multitudes, the growing helped me lead a Bible club at a Learning to Pray Takes movement of prayer will liberate the nearby high school. We prayed for A Conscious Effort power of God as we have never seen our kids three days a week in the Like the disciples, ask God to before. Will you enlist in the cause? prayer room at the old college build­ teach you to pray, and to give you a Your participation hastens the ing. God answered and several depth of commitment to do it. Read advance of the kingdom. • received Christ as Savior. Mark 9:14-29 and honestly wrestle On some occasions I prayed with a with Jesus' blunt assertion that some close friend, Emery Holzworth, who things have no human answer, that Pray for is now associate pastor at Union Park only prayer can solve some problems. Baptist Church, Des Moines. Then, get together with others for Perhaps the most formative influ- prayer, one trusted Christian friend, or at most, just a few. Listen. Try to vmsskm William Larson, a member of the BGCpra y yourself, a bit at a time, at least A Heartland Reiinion prayer commission, has resigned as pastorexpressin g thanks for God's goodness. of Union Park Baptist Church, Des Pray conversationally for one thing Moines, Iowa, to accept the position ofa t a time—then pray again for another executive minister of Iowa Baptist matter. Don't get hung up worrying 111th Annual Meeting Conference. about how you are sounding to Sioux Falls, S.D. others. Simply talk to God as June 26-July 2

March 1989/43 DISTRICT EXECUTIVE MINISTERS

Progressive Christian Leadership For the Unchurched Northwest Columbia Conference maintains a vigorous spirit for missions at home and overseas. By Roger Johnson

he Pacific Northwest has never John attended Northwestern Col­ experience John particularly enjoyed been known for its conformity lege, then in Minneapolis, and Bethel was a fishing retreat in which men Tto genteel society. In fact, it's Seminary, St. Paul. While in school from a Conference church brought been rather wild and untamed—both he was a youth pastor and then a along their unsaved friends. "Some fiercely independent and breathtak- student pastor. Quite different from guys got saved!" he exclaims. "I ingly beautiful. And what's more, the most students, John didn't go to rubbed shoulders with them through Northwest still attracts people who seminary to become a preacher, but fishing, but then I also had time to are ready for all the adventure that because he already was a preacher. present the gospel clearly in the civilized life still has to offer. "I went to Bethel to sharpen my cabins each evening. If our people In most surveys, the Northwest skills. I appreciated being able to would strategize, I think we'd see has proven to be one of the least screen things differently than some of more people saved." churched parts of our country. Yet the students who weren't serving in Sports, he suggests, can be a great Conference Baptists have the right to ministry. I think that a person who evangelistic outreach. But why a different perception. The Columbia goes to seminary without being require each basketball player to Baptist Conference is one of the involved in a ministry doesn't know already attend church? Instead, John BGC's larger districts with a vigorous what's going to be valuable and what suggests teams made up of only a spirit for missions, both at home and isn't." couple of Christians who intentionally abroad. Though many things might invite their non-Christian friends to explain this apparent inconsistency, Coast-to-Coast Pastoral Experience play. Rather than having only one one man's style, fire and commitment During his last year at Bethel, John team, a church might sponsor a whole to the gospel are reason enough. spent time traveling to Conference league, reaching out primarily to non- John Hoeldtke was raised a pastor's churches throughout Minnesota as a Christians. son in upstate New York, the oldest pulpit supply preacher. Upon gradua­ He also sees the university as an of five children. He has a brother tion he took his first pastorate at important place for the Conference to who is a pastor, one sister who is a Elim Baptist Church, New Britain, begin intentional church planting. This missionary in Ethiopia and two other Conn. During his four years there, year his dream may materialize as sisters married to Christian profes­ just as in later pastorates, evangelism Bruce and Ardi Erickson team up sional men in the East. But that's was his priority. His longest service with Mark and Diane Turnbull to about as far as traditional Christianity was at Olivet Baptist Church, Minne­ start a church on the University of goes in the life and times of John apolis, where he and his wife DeLores Washington campus in Seattle. Hoeldtke. invested 14 years. International students are one of It takes a man who doesn't care From there the Hoeldtkes moved John's biggest concerns. They give for status or propriety to be an effec­ to First Baptist Church, Ephrata, the campus ministry an additional tive executive minister where the Wash. His three years of ministry perspective. Internationals won for frontier spirit still lives. John never there completed a coast-to-coast Christ make up a new missionary thought he'd be a denominational pilgrimage which has enlightened his battalion ready to go back and wit­ executive, and frankly doesn't care overall ministry. ness in their home countries for that much about the title. What Recognizing that today's need in Jesus Christ. matters most to him is seeing lost evangelism is targeted outreach, John men and women saved by the power uses various outreach activities that of Jesus Christ. have proven very effective. One

44/The Standard John Hoeldtke is executive minister of Columbia Conference

A Lover of People While John is clearly comfortable Camp Bighorn is emerging as an John is a vibrant Christian who with his nonadministrative style, he exciting new camping and retreat loves his Lord dearly. He also loves appreciates those who handle many center in the high country of western DeLores, his wife of nearly 30 years, cf the administrative details that Montana. In each endeavor, evange­ and their four children, Debra, Nathan, make the Columbia Conference a lism is the first and highest goal. Rebecca and Sarah. John's capacity going and growing ministry. Former In hearing John Hoeldtke speak, to love people may be the ingredient missionary Gil Anderson is Colum­ it's easy to see why the number of that keeps him young—in both looks bia's business administrator, handling churches in the Columbia Conference and outlook. A love for the outdoors, many of the day-to-day office activi­ is growing. Right now it's about 70, including bow hunting and fishing, ties, and Rich Samuelson serves as but with mission works blossoming probably doesn't hurt either. director of Christian education. regularly it will soon increase. A Camping holds a high priority in hundred years ago young men were Roger Johnson is associate editor for the Columbia's design for ministry. Lake told to look west. It's clear that in BGC board of world missions. This articleRetrea t Camp in Washington has been the late twentieth century Confer­ is twelfth in a series on BGC district a fine facility for years, and now ence Baptists need to do more than executive ministers. just look. D

March 1989/45 B E G I N w I T II A Q I E S T I O N. The questions ydu'll ask during your college years reflect the deepest part of who you are. and who God wants you to bfecome At Bethel, your academic questions will be connected to spiritual ones — preparing yon to graduate propelled by what you know, motivated by what you believe. And it all begins with your questions alxiui Bethel. Call or write our Admissions Office.

Y E S, I'd like to begin by asking for more information about Bethel.

Name Social Security No

Address. Yeai >>[ ii > graduation

Cirv_ Zip S389

BETHEL COLLEGE

.VXX) Bethel Drive Si Paul. Minnesota 55112 612/638-6242 or Toll-free 800-255-8706 BcthH «Jm«* qualified soxknts regardless <* r*c color. IUIKWUI <* ethnic origin .tjcr. scat. t* hjmln.jp BETHEL COLLEGE AND SEMINARY

(BBAC)? It is a group of 392 churches Traffic on the Bridge whose purpose is to form a strong link between churches and Bethel. It is an attempt to enhance our oppor­ Bethel Founders Week. Founders Bethel Sunday. September 17 has tunities to work together in our joint Week has had a profound impact on been designated Bethel Sunday in commitment to serve Christ and each the ministry of pastors and church lay- BGC churches. The objective is other. leaders for many years. A young simple—we want each BGC church to How do you become a BRIDGE pastor reported that he accepted realize that Bethel is their school and church? The pastor, as an advocate, Christ as a young boy when he to pray for us as we fulfill the mission enrolls the church. The church then attended Founders Week with his given us by the Conference. A letter prays for Bethel on a continuing parents. Years later, at another has been sent to each pastor with basis, provides prospective student Founders Week, he responded to suggestions for the observance of names, utilizes opportunities to pro­ God's call to ministry. Bethel Sunday. Watch THE STANDARD mote Bethel, and supports Bethel in Founders Week 1989, held on the and Newsline for further information. some financial way. Bethel campus January 24-27, focused Is your church a member of the on "A Call to Holy Living," and MegaRallies a MegaHit. Three or Bethel BRIDGE? If not, contact the what more appropriate challenge in four times during the academic year, Bethel office of church relations at this year of evangelical watershed. Bethel hosts MegaRallies for junior 1 (800) 255-8706, ext. 6122. Many left our campus with a renewed and senior high youth. Between 1200 commitment to be holy. and 1800 youth pack out the gym on Some changes are in the offing. a Sunday evening. Last fall 55 kids Mark Your Calendar After reviewing evaluations of the indicated some type of decision when March 12-15—Celebration of past few Founders Weeks, gathering Buster Soaries, well-known youth Scriptures, Bethel, Bradenton, data from focus groups, and listening speaker from New York City, spoke. Fla. A time of study and fellowship to BGC leadership, the decision has In February, humorist Pat Hurley for laypeople and pastors, featur­ been made to implement some sug­ spoke on "The Five Faces of Jesus ing Bethel Seminary personnel Dr. gestions for improvement. Christ." It's exciting to watch hun­ Dan Block and Dr. John Cionca. • The dates for 1990 have been dreds of kids sing, have fun and then April 22—9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. changed from the last week in Janu­ listen seriously as the claims of Jesus Serendipity small group training ary to April 17-20, Tuesday through Christ are presented. seminar with Lyman Coleman in Friday morning prayer breakfast. The the Bethel Seminary chapel. $40 plan, in succeeding years as well, is Cross the Bridge. What is the Bethel registration fee. to have the conference targeted for BRIDGE Association of Churches pastors, pastoral staff and spouses the week after Easter. • With a change in format comes a change in name—RENEW. The 1990 conference is a joint venture with the BGC prayer commission; thus the full name is RENEW '90: A Leadership Institute of Prayer. • Dr. David Bryant will lead con­ certs of prayer. Other speakers will lead our conferees in seminars, work­ shops and practical discussions on prayer. • The goal of the planning commit­ tee, composed of seminary professors and pastors, is that we not only talk about prayer but that we pray. Much time will be given to praying together Dr. Harold Christenson (r.) was recognized during Founders Week for 18 years of in cells, in large groups, and in leadership in Founders Week planning. Joining the applause were Bethel president several prayer concerts. George Brushaber and Harold's wife, Evelyn.

March 1989/47 OVERSEERS

Contribution Income Team Players May 1988-January 1989 Americans are team players and are team conscious. It seems Annual Budget $8,960,000 we all have a team with which we identify. The American passion for spectator sports has created a market for team Projected Actual owners and the broadcast media. $6,720,000 $5,757,906 We are expert spectators. Most of us know how to coach or manage a team better than those paid to do so. Some of us even think we can play better than the team members. Too many church members carry this vicarious involvement into church life. We become spectators rather than team members in the most important contest in the world—the battle between light and darkness. Designated We Christians have the unique privilege of being both a sup­ 80.54% porter and a player. There really is no biblical job description for the spectator. Sports teams—whether amateur or professional—cannot operate without money. Neither can the church nor the larger work of God. BGC ministries are handicapped by lack of funds. Income from our churches for World Relief, Bethel and world Shared Vision and home missions are all below last year's receipts. We need |4l Goal-35% your help now. We are grateful that some BGC churches actively promote and support our ministries. April 30 ends our fiscal year. We need $3,202,094 by then. Shared Robert W. Franzen Vision 19.46% Income by Ministry

Annual January 1988-89 Year to Date Ministry Budget Budget Over (Under) Budget Over (Under) World Missions $5,003,480 $416,957 $ 58,059 $3,752,610 $-187,938 Home Missions 1,806,860 150,572 - 10,954 1,355,145 -333,628 Regents 1,210,020 100,835 - 38,429 907,515 -264,068 Church Ministries 639,640 53,303 - 5,272 479,730 -144,311 World Relief 300,000 25,000 14,939 225,000 - 32,149 Totals $8,960,000 $746,667 $ 18,343 $6,720,000 $-962,094

Income by Districts

May 1988- Over (Under) May 1988- Over (Under) District Jan. 1989 Last Year Change Mstrict Jan. 1989 Last Year Change

Columbia 464,021 $46,009 + 11.0 Midwest $ 578,100 % 4,679 + 0.8 Dakota 186,156 782 + 0.4 Minnesota 1,169,683 13,300 — 1.1 Florida 35,389 - 3,335 — 8.6 Northeast 317,099 18,709 — 5.6 Great Lakes 217,990 - 4,373 — 2.0 Northern Calif. 309,827 19,991 + 6.9 Great Plains 82,776 1,077 + 1.3 Rocky Mtn. 168,300 - 3,220 — 1.9 Iowa 186,055 11,791 + 6.8 Southwest 855,567 21,466 + 2.6 Michigan 165,157 - 2,914 _ 1.7 Non-Dist./Misc. 586,271 73,491 — 11.1 Middle East 242,664 - 4,427 - 1.8 World Relief 192,851 10,849 - 5.3

Totals $5,757,906 $-28,823 - 0.5

48/The Standard Countdown to Freedom!

Total Amount One of the hardest things for some families to do is to pay off Indebtedness PLEDCKD SI.316,564 toward debts. It is easier to spend money for entertainment or imagined debt as of necessities rather than clear up old financial commitments. Jan. 31, This year the Baptist General Conference made two financial 1989 $500,000 commitments: 1) to live within its income, and 2) to pay off the SI ,316,564 debt. We are grateful for the response from many individuals in BGC churches. Some have sent in a gift with the promise of more before the end of the Conference fiscal year, April 30. Others have made a faith promise to provide funds over the next year. More and more churches are doing what they can to meet the suggested goal ol $10 per member. We still believe our Amount PAID church goal of $600,000 will be achieved. What part would God toward have you play in our BGC commitments? debt as of Jan. 31. 1989 $143,475

Ministry Financial Statement: Church Ministries They'll Never Be the Same Again

Who? The hundreds of BGC youth and their sponsors 0) participating in SERV '89 this July. It's eight days of hands-on mission projects to the poor in Tijuana, with nightly accommodations in San Diego. It's sponsored by the youth ministries team of church ministries. Many youth leaders are excited about SERV '89. So are home and world missions leaders, Mexican mis­ sionaries and President Robert Ricker. We need your help in two areas. Please pray for God's blessing in the lives of hundreds of Conference youth and the Mexican people to whom they minister. And send a special gift to help fund this unique mission trip and outreach. Our goal is $10,000 for: • Mission project funds to purchase materials we'll use in building and repair work, outdoor children's ministries and special need ministries. • On-site mission project personnel who are arranging projects with Mexican missionaries and transportation to and from Tijuana. Designate your gift to SERV '89 and send it to Church Ministries, Baptist General Conference. 2002 S. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, 111. 60005. Thanks to you, after SERV '89, some American youth and Mexicans will never be the same again.

March 1989/49 CHURCH NEWS

New Members Received ary 5, 14 by baptism; Rich Schoenert, Filipino-American Baptist Church, (Recent baptisms tabulated. Others received pastor. Seattle, Wash., January 29 to pursue have been previously immersed as believers.) Sharon, Mass., Sharon Evangelical, church planting and further education Alcester, S.D., Big Springs, 4 12 October-December, 9 by baptism; in San Diego, Calif. December 4 by baptism; Doug Olson, Gary Mueller, pastor. Rev. Frank Doten has resigned from pastor. Thornton, Colo., Village, 25 Novem­ Central Baptist Church, St. Paul, Alexandria, Minn., 1 September 4 ber-January, 13 by baptism; Cary Minn., effective February 15. by baptism; Jim McVicar, pastor. Johnson, pastor. Rollo Entz is missions pastor at Anoka, Minn., Elim, 3 in January, 2 Worthington, Minn., Indian Lake, 3 College Avenue Baptist Church, San by baptism; John Swanson, pastor. recently, 1 by baptism; Leon Diego, Calif., effective January 1. Cambridge, Minn., 10 December 21; Andersen, pastor. Rev. Donald Fischer has resigned Daniel Block, interim pastor. Yankton, S.D., Calvary, 3 recently, 1 from Trade Lake Baptist Church, Crown Point, Ind., 2 January 1. by baptism; George Kalb, interim Frederic, Wis., effective February Edmonds, Wash., Edgewood, 5 Janu­ pastor. 26, to enter private business. ary 1 by baptism; Gerald Myatt, Baptisms recorded this issue—100 Rev. Bruce Fleming has resigned as pastor. Baptisms recorded this year—400 assistant pastor of Stanchfield (Minn.) Gering, Neb., 14 August-January, 11 Baptist Church and is available for by baptism; Larry Mead, pastor. Pastoral Changes preaching assignments after April 1. Green Bay, Wis., Bethel, 16 Novem­ Dr. Bert Anderson has resigned His address: 3236 16th Ave. N., ber 27, 14 by baptism; Richard from Trinity Baptist Church, Sun City Anoka, Minn., 55303. (612) 422-8101. Abrahamson, pastor. Center, Fla., to enter retirement. Tom Franks resigned as youth pastor Irvine, Calif., Woodbridge Com­ Brent Bailey has joined the staff of of First Baptist Church, Kingsburg, munity, 25 in December, 6 by Bay Farm Christian Fellowship, Calif., to become regional representa­ baptism; Dave Beckwith, pastor. Alameda, Calif., as part-time music tive for Compassion International. Joliet, 111., Bethel, 13 in December, director. Rev. Paul Goddard resigned from 2 by baptism; Dennis Hustedt, Rev. Nat Billings began interim Hillside Baptist Church, North Fork, pastor. pastoral ministry at East Williston Calif., effective March 31, to begin Mundelein, 111., Calvary, 4 January- (N.Y.) Baptist Church January 8. church planting. February, 2 by baptism; Daniel Rev. Reynold Bohleen has resigned Rev. Richard Hauck has resigned as Bystrom, pastor. as associate director, finance and pastor of Minnehaha Baptist Church, Muskegon, Mich., Lakeside, 18 management, BGC board of world Minneapolis, Minn., effective November-December, 15 by baptism; missions, to take the pastorate of February 1. Bryce Sherwood, pastor. Cumberland Baptist Church, Mount Rev. Bob Kenagy resigned as pastor Oscoda, Mich., 2 November-January; Prospect, 111., beginning April 1. of Berean Baptist Church, Atascadero, Royce Wolden, pastor. Rev. John Breitholtz is interim Calif., to become a protestant chaplain Rockford, 111., Elim, 2 in January; pastor at Fosston (Minn.) Baptist with the California Youth Authority in Dean Parker, pastor. Church. Whittier, Calif., effective February 1. Roseville, Minn., Calvary, 22 Febru­ Jeffrey Caliguire is youth pastor at Rev. Cecil Lindblom is serving as Valley Community Church, Avon, interim pastor at Grace Baptist Conn. Church, Worcester, Mass. Rev. Moises Cuaresma, pastor of Rev. Theron Livermore resigned as Cornerstone, was installed as pastor pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, of the merged Filipino-American Bap­ Caruthers, Calif., December 31. tist Church and Cornerstone Bible Rev. Calvin Newberry is minister of Church, Seattle, Wash., effective youth and C.E. at Cedarhome Baptist January 29. Church, Stanwood, Wash. Rev. Maxie Delane is interim pastor Rev. Gary Odle is pastor of First at East Grafton (N.H.) Christian Baptist Church of Falun, Siren, Wis. Union. Rev. Joel Reiter is pastor of Prince­ Bill DeVoe resigned as C.E. minister ton (Minn.) Baptist Fellowship, of Parkway Community Church, Fair­ effective January 15. field, Calif., January 1 to enter Rev. Albert Siebert is serving as retirement. interim pastor at Trinity Baptist Rev. Cirilo Doguiles resigned from Church, Sun City Center, Fla.

50/The Standard Rev. John Steer has resigned from The slogan for the building cam­ tian alternative to abortion in one of Eagle Rock Baptist Church, Los paign was "Our Next Step of Faith," the fastest growing communities in Angeles, Calif., to accept the call as and the theme of dedication week, Minnesota. pastor of First Baptist Church, January 8-15, was "Faith in Action." The center is committed to assist­ Rochester, Minn., effective April 30. Each of the youth ministries which ing women in crisis pregnancies to Rev. Bob Torosian began January 25 will use the building offered an carry their babies to term by provid­ as interim pastor of First Baptist evening program during the week: ing trained counseling, spiritual Church, New Sweden, Maine. Awana, Boys Brigade, father/son guidance and practical assistance. Rev. Nguyen Van Nang is pastor of banquet (with Ernie Harwell, voice of Incorporated as St. Cloud Crisis Vietnamese Baptist Church, Portland, the Detroit Tigers, as speaker), Pregnancy Center, the organization Ore., effective January 1. youth (with three truckloads of sand was formed principally by members brought in for a beach party), and of the congregation; however, a num­ Special Meetings nursery school (with a parent work­ ber of concerned believers from Rev. Cully Olson. Delbrook, shop on health and fitness). sister churches in the community Vancouver, B.C., March 10-12; In addition, the church choirs pre­ have agreed to volunteer their time. Deschutes Bible, Bend, Ore., March sented a drama and concert under Specialized training for counseling 19-22; Galilee, Loveland, Colo., April the theme, "Bind Us Together." and hotline volunteers will be pro­ 1-5. Rev. Bruce Allen has been pastor vided by the Christian Action Council. Dr. Warren Magnuson. First, of the 500-member congregation Terri McCaffrey, B.S.N., will serve Colrain, Mass., March 1-5. since 1985. He is assisted by Dan as interim director. Dr. Warren Magnuson's ministry is Hagmaier, minister of youth and C.E. The board of directors includes a service of the Bethel BRIDGE and Dave Girton, minister of music medical, legal and business profes­ Association of Churches. Contact and outreach. sionals from the congregation. Free church relations, 1 (800) 255-8706, downtown office space has been pro­ for further information. Bethel, Bradenton, Fla., vided, and a sizable suite of attractive Builds Family Life Center used furniture has been donated by a First, Temperance, Mich., Bethel Baptist Church, Bradenton, local bank. Dedicates Family Center Fla., anticipates completion of a The Center is a culmination of an A family activities center was dedi­ 6650-square-foot family life center in idea which had its beginnings in a cated by members and friends of April. The new building includes a sermon preached by Calvary's pastor First Baptist Church, Temperance, kitchen, gymnasium and youth room, Bill Arvan when he challenged the Mich., January 15. The building's and will also provide room for 400 congregation three years ago with appraised value is $600,000, but persons enrolled in the Winsome the idea that it's not enough for donated labor reduced cost to Seniors Program. Rev. Cornell Haan Christians simply to say they are $400,000. The first floor, 10,150- is pastor of the 390-member against abortion, they must be willing square-feet, accommodates a congregation. to do something about it. regulation-size basketball court; the second floor is 2800-square-feet. Grace, Waverly, Iowa, Dedicates Worship Center On January 8, 250 people gathered to Plan to Attend dedicate the new worship center of Celebration of Grace Baptist Church, Waverly, Iowa. Bob Johnson gave the dedicatory Scriptures address. Other speakers included Hosted by Stan Rendahl, interim executive A Heartland Reiuiion Bethel College and minister of Iowa Conference, and Seminary Bob Daley, representing the Baptist and General Conference. Bethel Baptist Church 111th Annual Meetins Bradenton, Fla. Doing Something March 12-15 About Abortion Sioux Falls, S.D. Speakers: Calvary Baptist Church, St. Cloud, June 26-July 2 Dr. Dan Block Minn., will open a crisis pregnancy Dr. John Cionca center this spring to provide a Chris­

March 1989/51 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

the Lord, even when they go against investigated that concept and I'll Second That! custom and tradition. struggled with it, I realized that for "Aggressive evangelism and church In our effort not to become divisive, Christ to be Lord, I had to submit planting should be the primary task of we forget that the Bible contains everything to Him. At 33, I did just our churches and our Conference." I radical changes in the sinful social that. was pleased to see that verbalized as order. Jesus' life and teaching stood The concept of "lordship salvation" the controlling emphasis in Dr. in stark contrast to the sinful prac­ would mean that had I died at 22, Ricker's message, "Our Ministry tices of male-dominant Judaism. before Christ was clearly Lord of my Plan" (January STANDARD). I com­ God's work is of such importance life, I would not have gone to heaven. mend the ministry boards and the that it deserves maximum use of all To me, that is ludicrous. administration for this focus. the gifts that God has given us. The As the commission on evangelism No other commission will reap such church has been handicapped because thinks about equipping our people to eternal fruit and is worthy of such of the implication that some gifts are be involved in evangelism, we must sacrifice. It is time to move ahead limited to men and others are specif­ have a concept that is transferable. If with the Lord in this vision. People ically for women. we have to develop the concept of in our neighborhoods and around the The church of Jesus Christ will "lordship salvation," the task world need to come to saving faith in never reach its full potential if we becomes impossible. It will be diffi­ Christ and be nurtured as strong continue to ordain only men. Let's cult enough to equip our people to disciples in His ways. Let's all pray recognize God's call upon the lives of communicate salvation by faith. for the working out of this great task women, too! I am presently discipling four men in our Conference, in our churches Dorothy M. Olsen who have recently come to Christ. and in each of our lives. Elim Baptist Church One of my primary objectives is to Chuck Horsager, Bethel Seminary Anoka, Minn. bring them to the point where Christ student and church planting intern, becomes Lord. That is the primary Chapel Hill, Eagan, Minn. Lordship Salvation: task of discipleship. If the evangelical community spent Ludicrous! as much time trying to reach those Disturbing Statement At 16 I accepted Christ as my Savior. outside of Christ as we do debating I found the BGC statement on the As I look back on my life, I can see theological issues, we would see a ordination of women in the December He had a powerful influence during major awakening in our churches. STANDARD (p. 29) extremely disturb­ my late teen years and early 20s. At Robert L. Jacks ing and disappointing. We must have about 28, I began to be aware of the Valley Community Church the courage to follow the teachings of concept of Christ as Lord. As I Avon, Conn.

IN MEMORIAM

Hannah Alma Duke Restful Beauty arrival on or around December 3. "Your eyes saw my unformed body. At her memorial service November All the days ordained for me were 6, Rev. Steven Roy, noted that her written in Your book before one of name, which means "graceful spirit," ©. £ ffiarann- them came to be" (Ps. 139:16). describes her well, for she truly is a On October 28, 1988, Hannah daughter whose spirit is full of grace. Alma Duke was welcomed into God's Though the separation is painful, Ufartuarg presence. Many relatives and friends her parents are grateful to the Lord Established 1896 were there to greet her. for preparing a place for Hannah, and 2301 Central Ave. N.E. Hannah was born November 1, for allowing them to nurture her for Minneapolis, Minnesota 55418 1988, to David and Leanne Duke, eight months. They will always Phone: (612) ST9-3571 members of Temple Baptist Church, remember their firstborn Graceful Nationally Affiliated Portland, Ore. They, their families, Spirit. and friends had been anticipating her David and Leanne Duke

52/The Standard PRESIDENT'S PROGRESS REPORT

Dreams for Aggressive Evangelism And Church Planting

s the Listening Team (Terry said, "need to be the ones who help Muck and Paul Robbins) develop the vision of the Conference A made their rounds a year and then articulate the vision to the ago, you told them your dreams for wider world.... Let's train college the future of the BGC. and seminary students to become "Pastors agreed," reported the pastors and lay leaders who are Team, "that their dreams for the reproducers—evangelists, disciplers, future of the Conference are predi­ teachers, parents." cated upon a new attitude. While the You also said that we should "bring historical attitude of irenicism has in more outside, non-BGC-raised worn thin, the good parts of irenicism pastors. Let's enlarge the 'gene' —the attitude that allows a certain pool of leadership with fresh new breath of thought and diversity of blood." ministry style—are highly valued. Perhaps it is trite to say that while the Asian, Hispanic and Black com­ "One pastor pleaded, 'We must it is Christ who builds His church, munities .... Double our world not become partisan or narrow." But He uses leaders. This has been the missions force." the bad parts of irenicism must go. A pattern throughout Scripture and The part of the dream you empha­ certain stultification has taken place. history. You are asking for an active sized over and over again was that Irenicism has become synonymous rather than passive approach to find­ "the new attitude, the energetic- with apathy and wishy-washiness. BGC ing and developing the best leaders, leaders, and the commitment to leaders don't want that anymore." and mentoring them into BGC growth all be harnessed to the Con­ We have been characterized as a ministries. ference's historic commitment to good fellowship: loving, tolerant evangelism." within reasonable bounds, irenic. I One said, "My dream is that evan­ count it an abuse of irenicism, or at Fourth in a series of gelism be seen as the reason for our least a deterioration of it, to allow commentaries on the existence. We must start new apathy and wishy-washiness to grow Listening Team Report churches in growing areas. We must in irenic soil. emphasize personal evangelism. We While continuing our good spirit must rediscover evangelistic meet­ and seeking to "live a life of love" The other dream you mentioned ings, and find and train young (Eph. 5:2) we must, in the words of relates to numerical growth in the evangelists." one of our pastors, "develop a God- BGC. While you recognize the dangers The Listening Team reported that centered vision across the board. of unchecked commitment to growth this commitment to evangelism was Let's develop a zeal for theology, a without appropriate safeguards, most mentioned often enough, and with passion for worship, an earnestness of the interviewees voiced concern enough force, to confirm that it is the about our service for Christ." that our Lord's great commission is a heart of all Conference-related min­ You took this a step further and growth-oriented mandate, and that istry. One pastor said, "We must said that you would like the Confer­ we "had best get on with it." emphasize the biblical concept of ence to have an influence on the Some of you spoke about reaching evangelism through all the Conference wider Christian community by taking the whole world by the year 2000. channels—with special emphasis on stands on issues of the day. You Others said that we should plant the poor, oppressed and broken." want us to influence American cul­ growing churches rather than small I agree! Thanks for saying it. You ture, to do our part in changing the churches, and one said we should have helped propel us in our stated world. penetrate the urban centers of the dream of aggressive evangelism and You mentioned another dream: world. "By 2000 tell me success church planting. "The raising up of a new, energetic stories of how the BGC reached three Robert S. Ricker, president pool of leaders. Those leaders," you hidden people groups.... Evangelize Baptist General Conference

March 1989/53 BOOK REVIEWS

Parents' Options in Children's Education

A Survivor's Guide to two and a former public school Seminary, speaks highly of the many Home Schooling teacher. benefits of enrolling a child in a A helpful chapter offers sample Christian school. He uses Scripture By Luanne Schackelford schedules of seasoned home verses and real-life examples to and Susan White schoolers. highlight his views. Crossway, 1988, 177 pp., $7.95 The authors have written A Sur­ Gregg Harris, the founding director vivor's Guide to Home Schooling from of Christian Life Workshops, articu­ Reviewed by Anita Armstrong a Christian perspective. The book lates the advantages of home school­ includes an excellent list of recom­ ing a child. He, too, uses much A Survivor's Guide to Home Schoolingmende d reading. I highly commend Scripture and many examples of suc­ is a conversational, frank discussion this book to anyone thinking about cessful home school experiences. of home schooling. Reading it is like home schooling in the future or those Each of these highly respected sitting across the kitchen table from who are currently involved in home authors is an expert in his particular the authors with a cup of coffee while schooling. It answers nearly every field, and fully convinced of his posi­ they recount their experiences with question anyone could ask on the tion. In Schooling Choices each man home schooling. subject, and does so in a relaxed, is given an opportunity to respond to Luanne Schackelford, mother of readable manner. the other positions; this makes for seven, displays a delightful sense of very stimulating reading and is some­ humor as she describes every area of what like a debate in written form. home schooling, from getting her Schooling Choices presents a full chores done to teaching more than picture of the three choices parents one grade level. Schooling Choices have to educate their children. Any­ Both authors suggest trying home Edited by H. Wayne House one thinking about the future of his schooling for one year and then Multnomah, 1988, 260 pp., $8.95 child's education would greatly bene­ evaluating it. They have found that it fit from reading this book. It is also is easier to home school than to help Reviewed by Anita Armstrong beneficial for those committed to one their children with homework, for view of education, as they will have they often heard, "That's not how Am I satisfied with my child's educa­ opportunity to see the value of the my teacher said to do it!'' tion? Each year at this time many other views. A Survivor's Guide to Home School­parents ask themselves this question David Smith summed up the tone ing has many beneficial chapters for to determine what, if any, changes of this book when he wrote, "The the veteran home schooler as well as should be made for the next school question is not which of the three those still considering it. It gives a year. Or perhaps a parent has a child school systems is biblical, but rather, realistic view of a father's role in who will be entering kindergarten in which learning environment is best home schooling—that he is mainly a the fall and is wondering about the for your child and your family. supporter rather than an active available school options. Whether we send our children to teacher. This book includes a great Schooling Choices is an examination public, Christian, private or home chapter on the importance of reading, of private, public and home education school, I hope we will respect and and many clever ideas on how to by experts in their own areas of support each other as Christians and make a child an avid reader whether expertise. as Americans." • home schooled or not. David W. Smith, superintendent of Another chapter offers a concise, schools for the Delphi (Ind.) Com­ Anita Armstrong, whose husband John is accurate description of various munity School Corporation, authored pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, curricula, listing the pros and cons of the first section. He strongly advo­ Wheaton, III., is a former public school each. cates the public school system and teacher who has home schooled her own Standardized testing and the inter­ offers numerous facts to substantiate two children. Son Matt was home schooled his claims. for grades six-eight, and is now a straight- pretation of scores are clearly A sophomore at Wheaton Christian High explained by Susan White, mother of Kenneth 0. Gangel, professor and School. Her daughter Stacey is currently in chairman of the department of Chris­ her fifth year of home schooling. tian education at Dallas Theological

54/The Standard RELIGION IN THE NEWS

Trends in U.S. Religious we make priests behave as if they're All 545 students in the survey Life Show Stability not healthy and normal?" were first asked the following Three long-standing Gallup trends McBrien says that within the next question in face-to-face interviews show considerable stability in Ameri­ century "people are going to look conducted during the last two weeks can religious life: church or synagog back and say ... 'Can you imagine of October: attendance and membership, and the the pope without a wife?' Or (better Have you heard or read about the importance placed on religion. yet), 'Can you imagine the pope New Age movement? Four adults in ten (42 percent) without a husband?' A total of 44 percent said they had. attended church or synagog in a typi­ "I would like to see the next guy This "informed" group was then cal week in 1988. Churchgoing has who's elected pope announce very asked: remained more or less constant since quickly that he's getting married—, In general, do you have a favorable 1969 after declining from the high with his bride up in the balcony. That or unfavorable opinion of the New Age point of 49 percent recorded in 1955 would shake things up." movement? and 1958. McBrien claims to be a conserva­ About half (47 percent) of this Two-thirds of U.S. adults (65 per­ tive, but his views have shaken up informed group said "unfavorable," cent) say they are members of a the conservatives so much that his more than three times the proportion church or synagog, as determined by major work, Catholicism, is under who said the opposite (14 percent). the 1988 audit. investigation by a Vatican-appointed However, a large percentage (39 per­ The highest figure in the half- committee. cent) said they were unable to century trend occurred in 1947 when express an opinion. 76 percent said they were church or Religious Broadcasting Rides synagog members. Today's percent­ Crest of Decade-Long Growth age is the lowest recorded. The past ten years have seen expan­ Calvary sion in religious broadcasting in both Notre Dame Prof Says radio and TV in the U.S. that is Next Pope Should Marry unmatched in media's 67-year history. A hill of scenery In the fall 1988 issue of Notre Dame Since 1978 the number of radio that resistered suffering- Magazine, Richard McBrien, head of stations carrying religious programing the theology department of Notre has grown 39 percent, from 1067 to Agony— Dame University, speaks out on the 1485. Nearly three-quarters of these "hot issues" on which the majority stations devote either all or the yet unknown to those who of Catholics choose to be silent. majority of their air time to proclaim­ Of the current pope, McBrien says, ing the gospel. Coinciding with the watched "I think he's a disaster. They [the increase in stations has been the and stood below the average Catholic] just don't like the number of religious radio program guy. If someone thinks that some of producers—a 64 percent growth rate mount- the things I write are 'pope-bashing,' over the past ten years. they ought to hear the conversations Religious television's expansion is Life would follow death; of a lot of ordinary, middle-of-the- even more remarkable. Ten years road Catholics when they're just ago, 25 stations aired sacred pro­ Hope would be eternal; letting their hair down. They don't graming. Today the number is 336, Peace would reign forever. like this pope." an 1100 percent growth rate. The McBrien thinks enforced celibacy is number of religious TV program pro­ Fellowship with God an example of the sickness of a ducers has jumped more than 400 church obsessed with power and sex. percent over the decade. would be, through Calvary, "I think celibacy is bad because it radically lowers the number of poten­ Collegians Unfavorable reachable in heaven tial priests, and also because of the Towards New Age Movement and Easter would begin theological message it sends—that Among U.S. collegians who have somehow you sully yourself by heard about the New Age movement, the heavenly sequence engaging in sex. unfavorable views of the movement "Healthy people are sexually active outweigh favorable opinion by a of undying Love. people. That's normal. So why do 3-to-l margin. This finding comes from a just-completed Gallup survey. Anne Nymann

March 1989/55 Foreigners Arrested and Mission Agencies in Britain Crusade for Christ's video cassette Refused Bail for Find It's Tougher to Get were sold in the first year, outpacing Preaching in Nepal Recruits all other video sales. David McBride, Columbia, Pa., and Missionary recruitment in Great A Hungarian translation of the Mervin Budd, London, Ont, were Britain takes more effort today than Gospel of Luke—printed with photo­ arrested last October 27 and charged it did 25 years ago. "Now we have graphs from the film—has also been a with "preaching Christianity and to beat the tree until the apples fall," huge success, with the entire first causing a disturbance to Hinduism.'' says George Verwer, international printing of 150,000 editions sold out In Nepal, this crime carries a six- coordinator for Operation Mobilization. in less than three weeks. A second year sentence. With a growing number of mission­ printing also sold out rapidly, and a Both men have been refused bail, ary societies fishing from a very third printing is planned. and sources in Nepal say that it may small pond of committed believers for A Campus Crusade for Christ take up to two years for their cases resources and personnel, they are spokesman said it is estimated that to be heard. They are being held in harder to come by. And the cost of 10 percent of the Hungarian popula­ the small district center of Phidim, a sending people overseas has sky­ tion know the gospel story in enough 26-hour bus trip from the capital, rocketed. detail to make a decision for Christ. Kathmandu. It appears McBride and Rental property is no longer inex­ Budd are being treated well while pensive, and to purchase property in World's Largest Church, being confined to a cell with 24 today's economy is very costly. "I Ivory Coast, West Africa Nepalis charged with various crimes. have been challenging British people More than 1500 workers are laying The charges against them, and the to become missionaries for 26 years," thousands of Italian marble tiles to decision to refuse bail, were made says Verwer, "but it is so hard to create a 7.4-acre esplanade for a after an initial hearing in which they keep challenging them because the structure that will hold 300,000 peo­ had no counsel for their defense. resources are so few." ple, and may be the world's largest Many Nepali Christians have been Other factors also battle against Christian church. imprisoned on similar charges, and missionary recruitment. Students are The Greco-Roman style church is have also been refused bail, but expected to enter the job market to be dedicated as Our Lady of Peace apparently this is the first time immediately after leaving school. "A of Yamoussoukro next September if foreigners have been refused bail good job is the entry point to the artisans can finish 2 acres of hand- after being charged with this "crime." other amenities the modern person blown glass windows in 4000 different Awaiting trial on similar charges, expects to accumulate during his or tints, four times the stained glass at including that of "changing religion," her lifetime," says Verwer. He con­ Chartres, the famous French are 193 Nepalis, but all but 27 of tends that these pressures are not cathedral. them are free on bail. A further being countered by an adequate When completed, a 30-foot cross, seven Nepali Christians have been understanding of the missionary atop a gold-painted globe and attached sentenced and are now serving terms enterprise. "Today's youth are more to a 310-foot steel and stained-glass in jail. Two have been jailed for six ignorant of great missionary leaders dome, will tower 489 feet over the years for preaching. and missionary facts than youth were surrounding African savannah. 25 years ago." The air-conditioned basilica, which will have more than 270 Greco- Pray for Jesus Film Bestseller Roman style columns, will cost $260 In Hungary million. Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Since its introduction there in the fall president of the Ivory Coast, who of 1985, some special things have says he is paying for the structure helped the movie Jesus climb and out of his own pocket and building it A Heartland Reunion stay at the top of the popularity on his own land, has refused to say charts in Hungary. Hungarian actors how much the project will cost. who were hired to voice the movie He has also promised to give the into the Hungarian language showed basilica to the Vatican. The Vatican unprecedented interest in how the 111th Annual Meeting has not said whether it will accept project progressed, and some of that the gift. Last year, Ivory Coast, Sioux Falls, S.D. country's most popular artists which is mostly Muslim, suspended June 26-July 2 worked on the voice-overs. payments on $10 billion in foreign More than 2000 copies of Campus debts during an economic crisis.

56/The Standard Religion, Military—Among Pharmacists, Clergy Rated with 66 percent giving them a very Nation's Most Trusted Highest for Ethical Standards high or high ethical rating. Next are Institutions Pharmacists and clergymen are per­ clergymen, with a 60 percent positive The church, the military and the U.S. ceived by the public as having higher rating. In terms of "very high" Supreme Court top a list of ten "honesty and ethical standards" than ratings—the top position on the scale selected institutions in which Ameri­ people employed in 23 other —the clergy continue to be more cans have the greatest confidence. occupations. highly regarded than pharmacists, 22 Statistically equivalent numbers Although some occupations receive percent to 14 percent. currently express "a great deal" or low ratings in these studies, it is From 1981-1985, the clergy slightly "quite a lot" of confidence in orga­ important to bear in mind that the out-ranked pharmacists, though not nized religion (59 percent), the findings reflect the public's percep­ by statistically significant margins. In military (58 percent), and the High tions and are not necessarily indica­ 1985, for example, 67 percent gave Court (56 percent). While the Court tive of the true ethical standards of clergymen a favorable grade com­ has been among the top-rated institu­ the groups studied. Nevertheless, pared to 65 percent for pharmacists. tions since the Gallup Poll began to the results suggest a need for Collectively, the occupations that monitor the public's confidence, the remedial efforts on the part of pcxirly receive the lowest scores for honesty latest results mark the first time the rated professions and occupations. and ethics are those that involve Court has ranked squarely in the For the first time since pharmacists sales. Only about one person in ten most respected group. have been included in the audit, they rates the ethics of real estate agents, From 1973 until 1985, organized come out at the top of the scale, stockbrokers, insurance salesmen, religion stood alone as the nation's advertising practitioners or car sales­ most trusted institution, losing that men in positive terms. distinction to the military the follow­ ing year. The military declined slightly from its high point of 63 percent confidence in 1986, but remains above its low of 50 percent in 1981. Confidence in the Supreme Court has increased by 14 percentage points since 1983, from 42 percent to 56 The Lord reigns, percent in 1985 and 1988. Let the nations tremble." SDA Lifestyle Extends Life Span See/hea«hese \ The strict lifestyle of practicing true stories: • \ 17 Seventh-day Adventists may help to • A "loser" frpmfPH extend their life spans, according to a back hills of Mexfc< study presented at the American "\becomes a vibrant <_. Public Health Association's annual • A bigoted Filipina who a yetar age meeting. would never become a Baptist {but * Practicing Seventh-day Adventists • A Cameroonian. crowned king of his^ abstain from smoking and drinking dramatically experiences that Jesus is /" alcoholic beverages. Many adopt a stronger than Satan. j r \ diet with little or no meat, and are strict on matters of weight and These are in BY MY SPIRIT, the new filmstrip <_. exercise. for your church to use on World Missions Sunday (Note: this filmstrip is free, but it must be ordered/ SDA research shows that a 35- V year-old male Seventh-day Adventist Phone immediately: 1 (800) 323-4215.) was likely to live to age 82, nine CELEBRATE WORLD MISSIONS SUNDAY WITH years longer than the average; a OTHER CONFERENCE BAPTISTS ON MARCH 12! female Adventist was likely to live 7.6 years longer than the average. let them praise Your great and awesome name."

March 1989/57 'A Father to the Fatherless' For more information about Michael, please contact Ann Malone, Unlike most children, however, 313 White Oak, Naperville, 111. Michael does not care much for TV 60540, (312) 420-0315. or loud noises. He is a good eater and knows how to dress himself. Michael has mild developmental Adoption Update disabilities, especially in the areas of Twelve families, including one single language, cognitive and motor skills. woman, expressed interest in the His social and self-help skills are only twins Jasmine and Jamal, who were about a year behind. He also has featured in the January STANDARD, p. some allergies, a soft palate, ear 60. One call came from Surrey, infections, a possible slight hearing B.C., from a pastor who was inquir­ loss, and flat feet for which he wears ing for a missionary family in Kenya. corrective shoes. He receives medi­ These delightful twins also caught the cation for a seizure disorder. attention of readers in Illinois, Sometimes Michael whines or Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, throws tantrums, but is usually affec­ Iowa and Washington. Their adoption tionate and follows directions. He agency is in the process of placing needs a structured, consistent environ­ them. The Lord's name was truly "A Father to the fatherless, God ment with a family who has realistic glorified as His people responded to sets the lonely in families" (Ps. expectations and is willing to continue His call. There was cause for great 68:5-6). counseling for behavior management. excitement in the adoption center. Handsome 6-year-old Michael He gets along well with children, but Many minority and special needs enjoys outdoor activities. He loves to would benefit most from being the infants and children are waiting to be swim, play in the sandbox, go boating only or youngest child in the family. adopted. Please pray that God will and sledding, ride his Big Wheel, and An Illinois family is preferred, and continue to use the STANDARD as a play ball with the dog. As with most adoption assistance may be available. channel of His love for them and for little boys, Michael enjoys playing Michael is legally free and his biologi­ the families who will be blessed by with trucks and planes. He also likes cal parents have provided no religious them. to write and color. preference. Ann Malone

Alaska Highway Tour Help Wanted Classified "Drive" the Alaska Highway with other Christians. Experienced assoc. pastor with excellence in contem­ Leave Seattle May 20 via motorcoach. Travel thru porary music or CE/children's ministries. Also to share Advertisements Canada's Yukon to Fairbanks and Anchorage. Return pastoral care in exciting innovative church start N. of Seattle via air. $999 per person, double occupancy. Seattle. Write Cross Church, Box 12222, Mil Creek, Rates Includes 11 nights hotel & all transportation. Contact Wash. 98012. Or call Paul Goddard (209) 877-7057. $2.50 per line* one issue Ken & Mary Staiff, P.O. Box 77049, Seattle, Wash. 98177. (206) 364-6972. Preschool Program Director needed to direct profes­ 2.25 per line two issues, same copy sional staff of 12, enrollment of 260 children, ages 3-5. 2.00 per line additional issues, same copy Fund Raising Program Bachelor's degree, early childhood education, super­ "One line or fraction thereof; a line is 50 letters and Easy selling CHILD SECURITY NETWORK ID Plan. visory experience required. Twelve-month position. spaces. There is an initial $3 setup fee for all ads. Pay­ Raise funds: choir trips, robes, church projects, youth Send resume and references to Chairman, Director ment should accompany order. Copy must be received groups, any purpose. Call/write: R.C. Doran, 1098 Search Committee, Wooddale Church, 6630 Shady Oak five weeks prior to the month of issue. Forest Hill, Lake Forest, 111. 60045. (312) 234-9445. Road, Eden Prairie, Minn. 55344. Full-time custodian for First Baptist Church, La Automobiles Vacationing in Door County, Wis.? Crescenta, Calif. Salary based on experience; benefits. FORD cars, vans, trucks, 4x4's. Super Low Prices! SHOP at Nelson Shopping Center. Stores in Baileys Call Dennis at (818) 249-5832. Call Ken Ray Hamen, (612) 888-9481, 457-5588. Harbor and Fish Creek-Ephraim. STAY at Open Hearth Lodge, Sister Bay, Wis. 54234. David Frykman (414) Financial Development Coordinator. Experience in one- Retreat and Conference Center 854-4890. to-one solicitation of funds, church development, public A great place in the Rockies for church groups. 180 relations and proposal writing. We are looking for a capacity. A ministry of the Rocky Mountain Baptist Retirement mature Christian with supervisory, administrative and Conference of the BGC. For information write: Meadow- Casa de Verdugo: Gracious Retirement + Christian coordination skills who is ministry- and goal-oriented dale Ranch Conference Center, Longs Peak Route, Environment, Residential Care + Retirement Apart­ and a self-starter. Pro-life, evangelical, social service Estes Park, Colo. 80517. (303) 586-4359. ments + Cottage. 155 N. Girard, Hemet, Calif. 92344. agency. Send resume to Jeanette Vought, New Life (714) 658-2274. Homes & Family Services, 3361 Republic Ave., Min­ For Sale neapolis, Minn. 55426. Two cemetery lots. Ridgewood Cemetery, Des Piano Tuning Teacher for Christian day-care center, Mon.-Fri., in Plaines, 111. $450 each (reduced 1/3 of current value). Piano tuning and repair. St. Paul-Mpls. area. Call Randy Wilmette, 111. Qualifications: two years of college, six Call BGC Planned Giving Office, (312) 228-0200. Hall, 636-6418. or more hours in early childhood education. Call Bar­ bara (312) 256-7836.

58/The Standard FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS

Battle of the Wills!

You prompted me to respond to Your God teaches me submission through unconditional love. I didn't know how to get results when my love was my two-year-old daughter. conditional. By Joan Olson "Lord, today I desire that my will and the wills of everyone in our family will be captive to Your will. It is certainly my make-up to be inde­ hatter, shatter!" It had to be Warm sunshine poured in the pendent. However, to be stubborn is two-year-old Sara in the nursery window. I knelt down in the to be selfish and sinful. Teach me the Oibathroom . She had grabbed sunbeams and began to cry. I was difference. the family's collection of sand dollars frustrated. I confessed aloud to God "Amen for now, Lord, but as I and thrown them on the tile floor. my impatience and my ignorance. I pick up the sand dollar pieces, keep Sara knew she was not allowed to needed wisdom. Even though Sara me conscious of how You were the touch them. was our fourth child, I obviously did solution to my no-win situation. I'll With the reassurance that I loved not have all the answers. I began to glue the sand dollar pieces together her, I calmly asked Sara to tell think about what my heavenly Father to remind me of this experience and Mommy that she was sorry. No feels when His child will not choose that stubbornness in me that refuses response. Sara's lips tightened, as if to communicate with Him. Minutes to communicate with You. to say, "I'm not talking, Mommy." passed. "Why can't I learn that even if I It became evident that we were Clearly from behind me a little don't feel like taking time with You, engaging in a battle of the wills. The voice spoke up, "I sorry, Mommy." that the fact of the matter is, I broken sand dollars weren't nearly as It was beautiful. Tears of surprise better, for Your enjoyment and my important as the rebellious spirit. and joy rolled down my face. own, and for everyone else in my I spanked her and tears came to God's Spirit helped Sara to respond; family. Sand speaks of time and her eyes over the sting of it. I tried my spirit didn't. I hugged Sara, dollars speak of wealth. May my to coax her to simply say, "I'm handed her the bottle and told her wealth be the time You give me to sorry, Mommy," which she knew that I was wrong, too, for being so love and learn." • how to say. She wouldn't. I thought angry. I prayed for all four of our that the request was simple enough. children by name, and asked God to Joan Olson and her husband Dave are She put her little arms around my continue to melt rebellious spirits day members of First Baptist Church, neck and I enticingly whispered, by day. Yucaipa, Calif. Dave is a flight instructor "Say sorry." I told her that we • • • for Missionary Aviation Fellowship. would then go find her bottle and "Lord, my child taught me precious read books in the rocking chair. Sara things today. I just wanted to compel loved her bottle and she showed her to communicate with me. She Plan to Attend signs of interest with her eyes. I was would not. I kept wondering what I hopeful, but I was becoming exas­ could do to get the results I wanted. perated. I knew that I should follow My perseverance led to a spirit of through on what I had started. exasperation, and that is sin. I was Ten minutes and two spankings huffy and demanding in my tone of A Heartland Reunion later, I set Sara in her crib without voice. her bottle. "No sorry, no bottle." "Today's sunshine reminded me Much to my amazement my little one that Your warm Spirit wanted to melt put her head on her pillow and and direct wills. As quickly as I m 111th Annual Meeting covered her eyes with her fingers submitted to You, my child seemed spacing them widely to peek at me. to be freed up to respond to me. Sioux Falls, S.D. Why wouldn't the bottle enticement Your forgiving love poured through June 26-July 2 work? What was this mother to do? me and touched my child's spirit.

March 1989/59 NUGGETS OF TRUTH

Disturbing My Peace By Fred W. Prinzing

late the message into her language. She could not understand the message until he translated it. The woman would have been unable to respond to the invitation unless my whispering adversary had shared the gospel with her. Ironically, I was the one who had received nothing from the message. What a difficult, but important, lesson for me to learn. It is easy to ne of my pet peeves is people thought. I was wrong judge other people's actions and who whisper during the wor­ again. The man continued motives. Oship service. Whispering is whispering throughout the entire ser­ This does not excuse people who disrespectful to God, disturbing to mon. I resisted the urge to turn whisper about other things during the those seated nearby, and distracting around and say, "Would you please worship service. However, all of us to the preacher. stop talking so that I can hear the need to realize that many people I recently attended a worship sermon?" (Preachers don't cannot hear the message unless service where a well-known preacher say, "Why don't you someone explains it to them. Such was speaking. I looked forward to shut up?") ^,/p people include those who cannot hearing the message. The service Not only had he dis­ understand the language, those who began with singing. It was obvious turbed my peace, he had are hearing impaired, and those who that the person directly behind me stolen my blessing. How could anyone are mentally handicapped. was not aware the service had begun. be so inconsiderate? I was angry. Before condemning someone for He was whispering, not loud enough Although I did not hear very much disturbing my peace, I should ask for me to hear what he was saying, of the sermon, I heard enough to myself, ' 'Am I guilty of doing the but loud enough to disturb me. Not know that the preacher was same thing? Do I condemn others for only did he disturb my ability to hear, speaking about surrender­ what I do myself?" he disturbed my peace of mind. ing our lives to Christ. When I hear someone whisper, my My initial reaction was to ignore When the invitation was first reaction should be to pray. I his whispering (like trying to ignore a given people began to should pray for my attitude as well as dripping faucet). When I realized it move forward. As I for the person who is whispering. My was going to be impossible to ignore glanced around to see who prayer should be that God's message him, I decided to look back over my responded, I couldn't believe my will be heard, either in spite of the shoulder at the disturber to register eyes. Both the whisperer and his whispering or through the whispering. my displeasure. Had someone else companion stood at the front. What God is able to penetrate even the made this gesture, I would have were they doing there? more distracting noise with a still labeled it a "dirty look." (Preachers Neither of them had heard small voice. Let us thank God for don't give "dirty looks," we give the sermon! those who have dedicated themselves "disapproving glances.") To my amazement, the to proclaim the gospel message to My disapproving glance did not halt man was still whispering. those who would otherwise not be the whispering; in fact, it continued Suddenly it dawned on able to hear. throughout the singing and the me. The reason he whis­ prayer. Surely he would stop when pered was because his Dr. Prinzing is professor of preaching at the preacher started preaching, I companion needed someone to trans- Bethel Theological Seminary, St. Paul.

60/The Standard CHURCH DIRECTORY

(These paid advertisements make only NAPA, GRACE, 3765 Solano Ave. Ph. 2554033-Dick Delaware HOMEWOOD. HOMEWOOD, 183rd St. and Gover­ a partial list of Conference churches.) Hall, pastor. WILMINGTON, BRANDYWINE VALLEY, 7 Mt. Leba­ nor's Hwy. Ph. 799-9360—William Ankerberg, NEWHALL, GRACE, 24736 Quigley Canyon Rd. Ph. non Rd. Ph. 4784255—Harry Kilbride, pastor. pastor. 259-1640—Tom Givens, pastor. WILMINGTON, GRACE, 116 W. 41st St. Ph. 76M226 LNGLESIDE, Fox LAKE, 27430 W. Nippersink.- OAKLAND, LAKESIDE BAPTIST CHURCH AND —John A. Cerrato, Jr., pastor, 412 S. Lynn Dr. Jim Hanna, pastor. CANADA ETHNIC MINISTRY CENTER, 3rd Ave. at E. 15th JOLET, BETHEL, 714 Bethel Dr. Ph. 7254422- British Columbia St. Ph. 4444990—Dick Day, pastor-administrator. Florida Dennis Hustedt. pastor. REDDING, REDDING AREA BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP, MARKHAM, GRACE M.B., 16650 S. Crawford Ave. NORTH VANCOUVER, DELBROOK, 515 W. Wind­ BRADENTON, BETHEL, 1805 30th Ave. W. Ph. 5221 Cedar Rd. Ph. 246-3494-Michael Tesauro, Ph. 339-2060-Robert Patten, pastor. Ph. 339-2066. sor. Ph. 9854011—Randy Berg, pastor. pastor. 746-1936—Cornell Haan, pastor. MOLLNE, BETHANY, 70138th Ave. Ph. 764-3041- VANCOUVER, MOUNT PLEASANT, loth Ave. and RESEDA, FIRST, Sherman Way and Yolanda Ave. FORT MYERS (Cape Coral), CALVARY, 1059 Pine Quebec St. Ph. 87M525-Gordon Shreeve, pastor. Wayne Fritzinger, pastor. Ph. 881-3651-Waiiam Bjork, pastor. Island Rd. Ph. 574-3337-John McGillicuddy, pas­ MOUNT PROSPECT, CUMBERLAND, 1500 E. Cen­ tor. Ph. 574-2514. Manitoba RIVERSIDE, GRACE, 8223 California. Ph. 688-3460 tral Rd. Ph. 296-3242-Reynold Bohleen, pastor. -Jim Eller, Jr., pastor. Ph. 359-1593. GAINESVILLE, UNIVERSITY, 3401 N.W. 34th St. NAPERVILLE, CENTRAL, Ellsworth at Van Buren. Ph. 378-1395—Bruce Tucker, pastor. Ph. WINNIPEG, GRANT MEMORIAL, 877 wakes Ave. SAN BERNARDINO, CRESTVTEW, 6245 Palm Ave. Ph. 420-1200-Steven E. Boothe, pastor. Ph. 477-5320—Grant C. Rkhison, pastor. Ph. 887-2125—Gregory Langley, pastor. Ph. 371-3824. ORLAND PARK, SALEM, 15500 S. 73rd Ave. Ph. INVERNESS, VICTORY, meeting on Independence 429-7090—Ronald Saari, pastor. Hwy. at Rt. 41. Ph. 726-9719-Carey Kirkley, SAN DIEGO, CLAIREMONT EMMANUEL, 2610 PALOS HEIGHTS, MORAINE VALLEY, 6300 W. 127th UNITED STATES Galveston. Ph. 276-1922—Steven Walker, pastor. pastor. Ph. 344-2549. St. Ph. 389-1268-WiIliam G. Johnson, pastor. Alaska SAN DIEGO, COLLEGE AVENUE, 4747 College Ave. JACKSONVILLE, FIRST COAST FELLOWSHIP, 3900 QULNCY, FAITH COVENANT, 2705 S. 24th St. Ph. Ph. 582-7222—J. Daniel Baumann, pastor. Main St., Middleburg. Ph. 282-2600-Robert L. 228-1780—Cliff Phillips, interim pastor. ANCHORAGE, MOUNTAIN VIEW, 302 N. Bragaw. Hart, pastor. Ph. 279-4316-John M. Beyers, pastor. SAN DIEGO, EASTGATE COMMUNITY, 4377 Eastgate ROCKFORD, ELM, 5500 E. Newburg Rd. Ph. Mall, La Jolla. Ph. 453-3944-James D. Young, OCALA, BETHEL, 4400 S.W. 145th PI., Marion Oaks. 399-1388-Dean Parker, pastor. Ph. 347-0888-Perry Shenk, pastor. Ph. 347-0251. Arizona pastor, 3286 Wellesly Ave. Ph. 453-6694. ROCKFORD. TEMPLE, 3215 E. State St. Ph. SAN DIEGO, VISTA GRANDE, 10881 Tierrasanta ORLANDO (Apopka), LAKESIDE, 9635 Bear Lake 399-2665. EL MIRAGE (Sun City Area), LIBERTY CENTER (Joy Blvd. Ph. 560-9350. Rd. Ph. 295-7645-Robert Weiss, pastor. Ph. ROLLING MEADOWS, MEADOWS. 2401 Kirchoff Baptist Fellowship Extension Mission), 11922 W. SAN JOSE, EAST VALLEY, 2827 Flint Ave. Ph. Rd. Ph. 2558764—David Brown, pastor. Thunderbird Rd.—Michael Green, director. Ph. 238-0231—Lloyd Nordstrom, interim pastor. ORLANDO, GRACE, 6912 Lake Underhill Rd. Ph. SCHAUMBURG, CALVARY, 1000 S. Springinsguth. 977-2959. SAN JOSE, WILLOW GLEN, 1292 Minnesota Ave. 277-7051-Gerald Wahr, pastor. Ph. 859-0268. Ph. 894-7686—David Skelton, pastor. GILBERT, DESERT VIEW, 950N. Greenfield Rd. Ph. Ph. 280-0611-Steve Welling, pastor. ORLANDO, OAK RIDGE, 3833 W. Oak Ridge Rd. VERNON HILLS, BELIEVERS, P.O. Box 214. Ph. 926-8230—Richard Daniels, pastor. SANTA BARBARA, TRINITY, 1002 Cieneguitas Rd. Ph. 351-5719—Richard Anspach, pastor. 949-8622—Steve Eddy, pastor. LAKE HAVASU CITY, LAKE HAVASU, 2101N. Palo —Ron Walters, pastor. ORLANDO (Winter Springs), NEW LIFE FELLOWSHIP, WAUKEGAN, BONNIE BROOK, 12085 W. Yorkhouse Verde Blvd.—Donald D. Peterson, pastor. 970 Tuskawilla Rd. Ph. 699-1000-Jim Barclay, SANTA CLARA, HOMESTEAD BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP, Rd. Ph. 662-8058—Kevin Krass, pastor. PEORIA, WEST VALLEY, 14120 N. 79th Ave. Ph. 3090 Homestead Rd. Ph. 248-0700-James Meyer, pastor. WAUKEGAN, IMMANUEL, 1016 Grand Ave. (near 878-0818-Carey Olson, pastor. PALMETTO, PALM VIEW BIBLE, 611 Palm View Rd. pastor. Ph. 554-1152. Great Lakes Naval Station and Fort Sheridan). Ph. PHOENIX, JOY BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP, mtg. Urban —Al Lint, pastor. Ph. 684-0585. SIMI VALLEY, FIRST, 2000 Royal Ave. Ph. 526-8075 336-4800—Joseph Boerman, pastor. SARASOTA, SARASOTA COMMUNITY, meeting at 838 League Manor, 4343 W. Thomas St.—Ed Berghind, —John Ortberg, pastor. WHEATON, EVANGEL, 201 S. Shirley Ct. Ph. pastor. Ph. 245-0046. N. Tamiami Tr.—James Bailey, pastor. Ph. SPRING VALLEY (San Diego Area), CASA DE ORO, 668-3225—Paul Stenstrom, pastor. Ph. 653-1385. PHOENIX (Paradise Valley), ECHO MOUNTAIN, 10195 Madrid Way, #94 East and Sweetwater 3551772. WHEATON, TRINITY, 25 W. 741 Jewel Rd. Ph. 19050 N. 19th St. (20th St. and Union Hills Dr.). SUN CITY CENTER, TRINITY, 702 Del Webb Blvd. Springs Blvd. Ph. 469-3196-J. Gordon Piatt, 653-8400—John Armstrong, pastor. Ph. 6534144. Ph. 867-7118-William Hutchinson, pastor. Ph. pastor, 10003 Canyontop St. Ph. 464-0098. Ph. 6344228—Albert Siebert, interim pastor. WILMETTE, SKOKIE VALLEY, 1050 Skokie Blvd. Ph. 971-2727. TAMPA. COMMUNITY, 1234 S. 82nd St. Ph. 6266958 THOUSAND OAKS, BETHANY, 200 W. Bethany Ct. 256-1050—Norman McLean, pastor. SCOTTSDALE, SUN VALLEY, 3543 N. Granite Reef —George Rutenbar, pastor. —Robert Burns, pastor. Ph. 626-8920. Rd.—Dan King, pastor. TORRANCE, PACIFIC VIEW, 4345 Emerald. Ph. TAMPA (Lutz), FATTH FELLOWSHIP, 18202 Livingston Indiana TEMPE, COMMUNITY, 1137 E. Warner Rd. Ph. 371-1274—John Sanders, pastor. Ave. Ph. 949-6277-Kurt Wolfe, pastor. Ph. CROWN POLNT, FIRST, 5201W. 109th Ave. (Rt. 231, 730-5371—Bill Hadeen, pastor. TRACY, GRACE, 1330 Tracy Blvd. Ph. 836-1900- 949-8523. near Oak Knoll Golf Course). TUCSON, Fooranxs, 480 E. Ina Rd. Ph. 742-6222- Garvin McGettrick, pastor, WEST MIAMI, SYLVANIA HEIGHTS, 5859 S.W. 16th LA PORTE, GRACE, 2502 Monroe St. Ph. 362-8229 Leonard Karlberg, pastor. TUJUNGA, KOREAN L.A., 7242 Valmont St. Ph. St. Ph. 266-3015—Douglas Johnston, pastor. Ph. —Donald Kakavecos, pastor. Ph. 324-7034. 352-7727-John Lee, pastor. 661-9454. California TURLOCK, CALVARY, Monte Vista at N. Olive (3 ALAMEDA, BAY FARM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP, 801 blocks east of Cal. State). Ph. 632-2391-James Hawaii-Oahu Iowa Island Dr. Ph. 769-2002—Andrew Acquistapace, Gabor, pastor. AIEA, CALVARY CHURCH OF THE PACIFIC, 99400 BETTENDORF, PLEASANT VIEW, 6400 Crow Creek pastor. VISTA, PALOMAR COMMUNITY, 2128 Thibodo Ct. Aiea Heights Dr. Ph. 488-6825-Gregory Dim- Rd. Ph. 332-5233-Douglas Baltz, pastor. ALTADENA, ALTADENA, 791 E. Calaveras St. Ph. Ph. 727-380O-Chartes Ivans, pastor. CEDAR RAPIDS, EDGEWOOD, 621 Edgewood Rd. 797-8970—George Van Alstine, pastor. WALNUT, WALNUT VALLEY BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP, N.W. Ph. 396-8222—Mark Larson, pastor. ANTIOCH, GOLDEN HILLS COMMUNITY, 913 Sunset 20505 E. Valley Blvd., #105. Ph. 598-7995-Brian Dlinois CEDAR RAPIDS, VALLEY VIEW, 5555 Mount Ver­ non Rd. S.E. Ph. 364-6267-Paul Widen, pastor. Dr. Ph. 757-HOPE—Larry Adams, pastor. Larson, pastor. Ph. 594-3750. BIG ROCK, FIRST, BOX 198. Ph. 556-3535-Eugene BONITA (San Diego Area), BONITA VALLEY, 4701 WHITTIER, WHITTIER AREA BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP. Frost, pastor. DAVENPORT, GRANDWEW, 4316 Ripley St. Ph. Sweetwater Rd. Ph. 4794155—Larry Dean, 8175 ViHaverde Dr. Ph. 9453921-Leland EBason, BLOOMNGTON, IMMANUEL, 1601 S. Oak. Ph. 3914308—Thomas McDermott, pastor. pastor. pastor. 827-0060—Scott Harrison, pastor. DES MOINES, UNION PARK, E. 9th and Arthur. Ph. CHULA VISTA, SOUTH BAY, 960 5th Ave. Ph. YUCAIPA, FIRST, 34784 Yucaipa Blvd. Ph. 790-1971 2655258—William Larson, pastor. 422-0105—Norman E. Johnson, pastor. —John Dickau, pastor. CHICAGO FOREST CITY, FIRST, 1015 Hwy. 9 E. Ph. 5824171 CITRUS HEIGHTS (Sacramento Area), SUN OAK, ADDISON STREET, 1242 Addison St. Ph. 935-2357— —Terry Port, pastor. 7227 Canelo Hills Dr. Ph. 725-7600-Jim Roven- Colorado Mark Johnson, pastor. IOWA CITY, BETHANY, 3001 Muscatine Ave. Ph. 354-3118-Robert Petersen, pastor. Ph. 338-8547. shne, pastor. AURORA, AURORA BAPTIST FELLOWSHIP, meeting BELLEVUE, 107th and Emerald Ave. Ph. 568-3200— WAVERLY, GRACE, Highway 218 S. Ph. 352-1464 CONCORD, FAIR OAKS. 1925 Risdon Rd. Ph. at Horizon School. Lucious Fulhvood, pastor. or 352-1303—James Clark, pastor. 6874810—Steve Korch, pastor. BAILEY, ROCKY MOUNTAIN BIBLE CENTER, Box 970, BEREAN (Spanish), 3301 W. Fullerton Ave. Ph. WEST LIBERTY, WEST LIBERTY CHRISTIAN FEL­ COVLNA (Glendora, San Dirnas), NEIGHBORHOOD, Conifer. Ph. 838-7934—Ken Evans, Jr., pastor. 342-1555. LOWSHIP, 919 N. Columbus Rd. Ph. 6274858- 21329 Cienega Ave. Ph. 599-2208-Dana Hofseth, COLORADO SPRINGS, SALEM, 3195 Airport Rd. ELM, 10835 S. Pulaski Rd. Ph. 239-2396-Frank Mario Padilla, pastor. pastor. Ph. 592-3168. Ph. 473-7365-Terry Foust, pastor. Evans, pastor. EL CAJON (San Diego Area), GRACE OF FLETCHER DENVER, IMMANUEL, E. 4th Ave. and Garfield- NORTHWEST, Peterson and Francisco Aves. Ph. HILLS, 2321 Dryden Rd. Ph. 469-0217-Lee Kenneth Evans, pastor. 338-1111-David Clark, pastor. Maryland Greene, pastor. DENVER, NORTHWEST, 7300 Zuni St. Ph. 429-7109 SOUTH SHORE, Coles Ave. and Cheltenham PI. Ph. ANNAPOLIS, COMMUNITY, meeting at W. Annapolis ESCONDIDO, LINCOLN AVENUE, 1717 E. Lincoln. —Frank Cook, pastor. 734-2933—James Ford, pastor. Elementary School—Dennis Rigstad. pastor. Ph. Ph. 746-0370-Craig Harrison, pastor. ESTES PARK, FIRST, S. Hwy. 7 at Peak View Dr. WESTTOWN, 1909 N. Fairfield Ave. Ph. 252-3333- 266-7517. FRESNO, NEW COVENANT COMMUNITY, 1313 E. Ph. 586-3395-Tom Weitzel, pastor. Luis R. Scott, pastor, 2716 W. Cortland Ave. Ph. Hemdon. Suite 205. Ph. 439*222—Jan van Oosten. EVERGREEN, CONFERENCE, 27154 N. Turkey 489-2278. Massachusetts pastor. Creek Rd. Ph. 6744312—Keith Kraakevik, pastor. DARLEN, DAREN-GROVE, 1501N. Frontage Rd. Ph. BELMONT, EVANGEL, 300 Pleasant St. (by Hwys. FRESNO, NORTHWEST, 5415 N. West Ave. Ph. Ph. 670-0614. 9851500-R. Kenyon Haring, pastor. Ph. 759-7783. 2 and 60)—Paul Maffin, pastor. 435-2200-Bufe Karraker, pastor. Ph. 431-8191. LITTLETON (Denver Area), MISSION HILLS. 5859 DEERFIELD, Wmnor ROAD, 1558 Wilmot Rd. Ph. BEVERLY FARMS, NORTH SHORE COMMUNITY, 9 GARDEN GROVE, NUTWOOD STREET, 12291 Nut­ S. University Blvd. Ph. 794-3564-Clyde McDowell, 945-0010—Gordon Anderson, pastor. Hart St. Ph. 927-2014—Kurt Busiek, interim pastor. wood St. (between Chapman Ave. and Garden pastor. DE KALB, BETHANY, Bethany Rd. Ph. 756-9020- BOSTON, (Dorchester), CALVARY, 286 Ashmont St. Grove Blvd.). Ph. 530-7441-Tony Brirtin, pastor. PARKER, FAITH, 11150 Hilltop Rd., Ph. 841-CARE Daniel Penn, pastor. Ph. 825-7832-JohnEnsor, pastor. Ph. 288-7934. GROVER CITY, BETHEL, 1935 Newport Ave. Ph. -Byron MacDonald, pastor. Ph. 841-2923. ELK GROVE VILLAGE, ELK GROVE, 801 Beisner BROCKTON, TRINITY, 1367 Main St. Ph. 5884668 4894668—Neil Flippin, pastor. THORNTON. VILLAGE, 4550 E. 128th Ave., Ph. Rd. (one block north of Alexian Brothers Hospital). —Charles Stevens, pastor. HEMET, WESTSIDE, 375 N. Sanderson Rd. Ph. 452-3169—Cary Johnson, pastor. Ph. 593-8337—Norman Anderson, pastor. COLRATN, FIRST, Foundry Village Rd. Ph. 624-8886 925O038-Paul Ethington, pastor. ELK GROVE VILLAGE, NORTHWEST FILIPINO, 801 —Ivan Crossman, pastor. IRVINE, WOODBRTDGE COMMUNITY, 5000 Barran­ Connecticut Beisner Rd.—Godfrey Catanus, pastor. DUXBURY, FIRST, 2 Tremont St. (jet. of Rts. 3 and ca Pkwy. Ph. 552-1101—David Beckwith. pastor. EVANSTON, CALVARY, 1431 Elmwood Ave. Ph. 3A). Ph. 934-6095; 585-8441-Robert C. White, KINGSBURG, FIRST, 1733 Draper St. Ph. 897-3310 AVON, VALLEY COMMUNITY, 590 W. Avon Rd. Ph. 864-1248—Arthur Barber, interim pastor. pastor. Ph. 5853912. —Russell Lyon, pastor. 673-6826. GALESBURG, BETHEL, 1196 N. Academy St. (at GARDNER, BETHANY, 72 Ryan St. Ph. 632-5097- LA CRESCENTA, FIRST, 4441 LaCrescenta Ave. BRISTOL, GRACE, 736 King St. Ph. 582-3840- Fremont). Ph. 342-3166—Lee Johnson, pastor. Dan Meiners, pastor. Ph. 249-5832-David Murdock, pastor. Darrell Benhardus, pastor. GENEVA, FIRST, 2300 South St. (1 block east of NEW BEDFORD, ELM. 205 Middle St. Ph. 99341% LAKE ARROWHEAD, COMMUNITY, 1103 N. State FAIRFIELD, TRINITY, 300 N. Benson Rd. Ph. intersection of Randall and Kaneville Rd.). Ph. —Louis Parascand, pastor. Hwy. Ph. 337-8409—David Farmer, pastor. 255-3977-David J. DeVries, pastor. 232-7068-Bob Gray (Ph. 232-6030), Michael NORFOLK, EMMANUEL, Rockwood Rd. (Rt. US- LOMPOC, CALVARY, 3355 Constellation, Vandenberg KENSINGTON, KENSINGTON, 222 Lincoln St. Ph. Nelson, pastors. Gary Morris, pastor. Village—Gary Stubblefield, pastor. 2250661—Rick McKinniss, pastor. GRAYSLAKE, FAITH (Lake County), 954 Brae Loch NORTH EASTON, EASTON, Bay Road at Rockland LONG BEACH, FIRST OF LAKEWOOD, 5336 Arbor MERIDEN, CALVARY, 262 Bee St. Ph. 238-1114- Rd. Ph. 223-6249—Zack Turner, pastor. Ph. St. Ph. 238-7467. Rd. Ph. 420-1471—James A. Borror, pastor, 4438 Wayne A. Detzler, pastor. 223-8270. QULNCY, CENTRAL, 65 Washington St.—Gerald Graywood. NORTH HAVEN, EVANGELICAL, 161 Mill Rd. Ph. HARWOOD HEIGHTS, BETHANY, 6700 W. Gun­ Fisk, pastor. LOS ANGELES, BALDWIN HILLS, 4700 W. Martin 239-0314—Douglas Gleeson, pastor. nison Ave.—Bernard Tanis, pastor. SHARON. EVANGELICAL, 152 S. Main St.-Gary Luther King Blvd. Ph. 294-3200— Ronald Roberts, SOUTHLNGTON, FAITH, 243 Laning St.. P.O. Box HILLSIDE, HILLSIDE, 5152 Butterfield Rd. Ph. Mueller, pastor. pastor. 404. Ph. 628-8147-Ronald Hardy, pastor. 449-8717—John Nemecek, pastor. SOUTHBORO, CHAPEL OF THE CROSS, 9 Cordavilk- LOS ANGELES, EAGLE ROCK, 1499 Colorado Blvd. TRUMBULL, LONG Hnx, 100 Middlebrooks Ave. HINSDALE, HINSDALE, Fuller and Oak Sts. Ph. Rd.—Paul Hubley, pastor. Ph. 2554611—C. John Steer, pastor. Ph. 268-6545-Robert Swanson, pastor. 323-1023—Dean Monkemier, pastor.

March 1989/61 SOUTH YARMOUTH, EVANGELICAL, 1240 State NEW BRIGHTON, SALEM, 2351 Rice Creek Rd. Ph. WARREN, WARREN, U.S. Hwy. 30 and Church Rd. RENTON, FAIRWOOD, P.O. Box 58454. Ph. Hwy. Ph. 398-3531-Ronald Wolfe, pastor. 633-7515-Robert Brunko, pastor. Ph. 633-7515. Ph. 397-1005—Gene Moniz, pastor. 631-5520-Win Van Pelt, pastor. SPRINGFIELD, EAST SPRINGFIELD, 1430 Carew St. OWATONNA, BETHEL, 1611 Hemlock Ave.-Steven SEATTLE, DUNLAP, 8445 Rainier Ave. S. Ph. Ph. 739-5053. Anderson, pastor. Pennsylvania 723-2676—Claude Collins, pastor. WEST BOYLSTON. BETHLEHEM, Mixter Municipal PILLAGER, FIRST. Ph. 746-3768-Bob Osell, pastor. SEATTLE, ELM, N. 46th St. and Sunnyside Ave. AUDUBON, FELLOWSHIP, 778 Sunnyside Ave. Ph. Bldg., PrescottSt. Ph. 8354979-RobertBowman, ROCHESTER, ELM, 1815 38th St. N.W. Ph. 631-9327-Mark Headland, pastor. N. Ph. 6324354-Mick Berberian, pastor. pastor. 289-8596—Daniel Meyer, pastor. ERE, GRACE, 3902 W. 38th St. (Office address: 3722 SEATTLE, HALLER LAKE. 14054 Walingford N. Ph. WORCESTER, BELMONT STREET, 25 Belmont St. ST. PAUL 364-1811—John Yonkers, pastor. McCreary Rd.) Ph. 833-5384-A1 Detter, pastor. SEATTLE, McMlCKEN HEIGHTS, 3754 S. 172nd St. (corner Fountain St., one block from Lincoln BETHANY, 2025 W. Skillman Ave. (near Cleveland). FAIRVIEW, NEW LIFE COMMUNITY, 7686 Main St. Square). Ph. 753-7989, 753-0312-Schuyler V. Ph. 631-0211—Bruce Petersen, pastor. Ph. 474-3386-Mark Sistek, pastor. (near Sea-Tac Airport). Ph. 248-3340—Lamar P. Buder, pastor. CALVARY, 2120 Lexington Ave. N. Ph. 487-2855- F1NLEYVTLLE, BEULAH, R.D. 4. Ph. 384-9278- Vincent, pastor. WORCESTER, GRACE, Sterling and Harlem Sts. Ph. TACOMA, CENTRAL, 5000 67th Ave. W. Ph. Richard Schoenert, pastor. Kurt Francis, pastor. 7574851—Cecil Lindblom, interim pastor. CENTRAL, 420 N. Roy St. Ph. 646-2751. MCKEESPORT, RrvERVTEW, 1911 Soles St. Ph. 5656500—Ronald Blomberg, pastor. VANCOUVER, NEW HEIGHTS, 7913 N.E. 58th Ave. NORTH ST. PAUL, 2240 E. 15th Ave. (1/2 mile north 672-8215-Ken Hart, pastor. Michigan of Rt. 36 on McKnight). Ph. 777-1384-Dave NEW CASTLE, FIRST, W. Maitland Ln. Ph. 658-2507 Ph. 6944985 or 694-6039-John A. Anderson, ANN ARBOR, HURON HILLS, 3150 Glacier Way. Ph. Wicklund, pastor. —Arthur Lane, pastor. pastor. Ph. 892-2669. 769-6299—James Gurley, William Meier, Mark TRINITY, Hwy. 36 and Edgerton. Ph. 774-8609- Struck, pastors. Wade Mikels, pastor. South Dakota Washington D.C DETROIT. ELM, 19333 Lahser Rd. Ph. 533-7253- RESTON, VA., CHRIST, 1700 Reston Ave. Ph. SAVAGE, CORNERSTONE CHURCH, 4225 W. 142nd RAPID CITY, GRACE, meeting at YMCA, 815 Kan­ Charles D. Oliver, pastor. St. Ph. 894-7710-David R. Johnston, pastor. Ph. sas City St. Ph. 343-0111-David Glader, pastor. 4374900-Jack Kewley, pastor. Ph. 4354435. ESCANABA, CALVARY, 2000 11th Ave. N. Ph. 894-0068. SIOUX FALLS, CENTRAL, 8th St. and Spring Ave. 786-6323—E. Bradford Canterbury, pastor. TWO HARBORS, FIRST, 15th Ave. and 6th St.- Ph. 336-3378—James Spickelmier, pastor. Wisconsin GRAND RAPIDS, FAIR HAVEN, 2328 Richmond N.W. Daniel Versaw, pastor. AMERY, FIRST, 131 Broadway. Ph. 268-2223. Ph. 453-3482-AUen Ruhlandt, pastor. BALSAM LAKE, EAST BALSAM, E. Co. 13'k miles. GRAND RAPIDS, SOUTH KENT, 280 60th St. S.E. Texas Missouri Ph. 857-5411. Ph. 532-6445—Bob Hails, interim pastor. FORT WORTH, FAITH FELLOWSHIP, 4801 Wheelock CHESTERFIELD, BETHANY, 13250 S. Outer 40. Ph. GREEN BAY, BETHEL, 1601 Libal. Ph. 437-2040- HASLETT (Lansing Area), HASLETT, 1340 Haslett Dr. Ph. 346-7121. 434-5963—Jerry Marshall, pastor. Richard Abrahamson, pastor. Rd. Ph. 339-8475—Steven Cardona, pastor. KLMGWOOD, GRACE, meeting at North Harris Coun­ KANSAS CITY. NORTH HILLS COMMUNITY, 600 N.E. KENOSHA, THE BAPTIST TABERNACLE, 795136th LIVONIA, FAITH BIBLE, 34541 Five Mile Rd. Ph. ty College-east campus. Ph. 358-5109,358-8683 113th St.-John Russell, pastor. Ph. 734-5224. Ave. Ph. 694-0320. 464-7990—Gordon Sanders and Archie Gitbhs, —Dan Peterson, pastor. ST. CHARLES, IMMANUEL, 2320 Old Hwy. 94 South MILWAUKEE, (Brown Deer), DEERWOOD, 8710 N. Ph. 441-6000—James Beard, pastor. Deerwood Dr. Ph. 354-7650-John E. Skanse, MARQUETTE, BETHEL, 829 W. Grove St. Ph. Washington pastor. 228-7589—Tim Haugen, pastor. Montana BELLLNGHAM, NORTHWEST, 3545 Northwest Ave. SISTER BAY, FIRST, 954 S. Bay Shore Dr. Ph. MUSKEGON, LAKESIDE, Denmark and Miner. Ph. Ph. 733-3620-John Bush, pastor. HELENA, GATEWAY, 2410 Belleview Dr.-Lynn 839-2544—Scott Johnson, pastor. 7551718—Bryce Sherwood, pastor. BOTHELL, NORTHSHORE, 10301 N.E. 145th St. Ph. STEVENS POINT, COMMUNITY, 2740 Stanley St. MUSKEGON. MONA SHORES, 3800 Lake Harbor Rd. Connor, pastor. 821-5252—Jan Hettinga, pastor. Ph. 341-8811—Raymond Haas, pastor. Ph. 780-2476-Tom Siefert, pastor. BREMERTON, SYLVAN WAY, 900 Sylvan Way, Ph. STURGEON BAY, FIRST, 5th Ave. and Georgia St. PENTWATER, FIRST, Ruttedge at 1st. Ph. 869-5149 Nebraska 373-5025—Gordon Hanstad, pastor. Ph. 743-5058-Cory Dahl, pastor. —David Lloyd-Jones, pastor. OMAHA, CENTER, 2111 S. 41st St. Ph. 558-1252 CUSTER. SUNRISE, 2480 W. Badger Rd. Ph. SUPERIOR, OGDEN AVENUE, Ogden at 20th. Ph. PONTIAC, COMMUNITY BIBLE, 210 Hughes St. Ph. —John Collins, pastor. 366-5700-Jon B. Aldrich, pastor. 394-6002—Leonard Carlson, pastor. 332-5663—Warren H. Lawrence, Sr., pastor. OMAHA, HARVEY OAKS, 14515 Harvey Oaks Ave. EDMONDS, EDGEWOOD, 20406 76th Ave. W. Ph. WEST ALLIS, BELOIT ROAD, 8319 W. Beloit Rd. ROCKFORD, ALGOMA, 10504 Grange Ave. (one- Ph. 333-7333-James Battey, pastor. 776-5104-Gerald Myatt, pastor. Ph. 543-0655—Daniel Gonzales, pastor. fourth mile south of 13 Mile Rd.). Ph. 866-1274. FEDERAL WAY, OUR SAVIOUR'S, 701S. 320th. Ph. ROYAL OAK, FATTH, 3118 Greenfield. Ph. 2886415. New Jersey 839-6822-Richard F. Massey, pastor. Ph. SAWYER, SAWYER HIGHLANDS, Red Arrow Hwy. 927-5325. LIVINGSTON, WEST ESSEX, 222 Laurel Ave. (Box (south of Sawyer Rd.). Ph. 4264466-David KENT, FAITH, 25636140th Ave. S.E. Ph. 631-0990 VIRGIN ISLANDS 256). Ph. 992-2828—Darryl Knappen. pastor. Moorhead, pastor. —Philip Russell, pastor. St Croix TEMPERANCE, FIRST, 9875 Lewis Ave. Ph. New York MOUNT VERNON, EMMANUEL, 1515 E. College CHRISTIANSTED, ALTONA, 20 Montpellier, North- 847-6784-Bruce Allen, pastor. Way. Ph. 424-1173-Jack DeWolfe, pastor. side Rd. Ph. 778-1331—Will W. Woods, pastor. FREEPORT, (Long Island), FIRST, 195 Pine St. (15 PUYALLUP, BETHANY, 519 3rd St. N.E. Ph. Ph. 773-3240. Minnesota miles east of Kennedy Airport). Ph. 379-8084— 848-3556 -Keith LaGesse, pastor. Dwight Campbell, pastor. ANOKA, ELM, 5th Ave. and Polk St. Ph. 421-8124 JAMESTOWN, HIIXCREST, 40 Hallock St. Ph. —John Swanson, pastor. 483-3331 —Ronald Ekerholm, pastor. CHAMPLLN, GRACE FELLOWSHIP, Oxbow Creek LONG ISLAND, EAST WBJJSTON, 65 E. Williston Elementary School, 6050 109th Ave. N. Ph. Ave. Ph. 747-5385—Nat Billings, interim pastor. 427-0193—Dave Reno, pastor. NEW YORK CITY, TRINITY, 250 E. 61st St. Ph. CIRCLE PINES, GALILEE, North Rd. at Lexington 838-6844-Gordon MacDonald, pastor. Ave. N. Ph. 784-1760—Linden Magnuson, pastor. REXFORD, FAITH, Glendridge and Bradt Rds. Ph. Ph. 784-1762. 399-2220-Douglas Fornix*, pastor. Ph. 399-2371. COOK, FIRST, Rt. 1. Ph. 666-5979-Philip Lutz, pastor. DULUTH, TEMPLE, 22nd Ave. W. and 3rd St. Ph. North Dakota 7224141-Peter Kolb, pastor. MINOT, GRACE, 435 21st St. N.W. Ph. 8394824 EAGAN, CHAPEL HILL, 4888 Pilot Knob Rd. Ph. —Charles McClain, pastor. 681-1658—John Peterson, pastor. EDEN PRAIRIE, WOODDALE, 6630 Shady Oak Rd. Ohio Ph. 944-6300—Leith Anderson, pastor. AVON LAKE, CALVARY, 32607 Electric Blvd. Ph. FERGUS FALLS, FIRST, 629 E. Charming Ave. Ph. 933-8828-Gary Schroeder, pastor. 739-3391-Bruce Nelson, pastor. CANFIELD, OLD NORTH, Rt. 46 and Skyline Dr. GLENWOOD, FIRST, 515 N.W. 2nd Ave. Ph. Ph. 533-6848— Brent Allen, pastor. 6344344—Merrill Olson, pastor. CINCINNATI, FIRST OF GREENHILLS, Winton and GRAND MARAIS, FIRST, 300 W. 3rd St. (2 blocks Sharon Rds. Ph. 8253722—William Hamren, eastofGunfintTr.). Ph. 387-2090-Dan Freeburg, pastor. pastor. CLEVELAND, NORTH SOLON, 30149 N. Miles Rd.- HOPKINS, CROSS OF GLORY, 4600 Shady Oak Rd. Harvey Clark, pastor. Ph. 9353696— William Malam, pastor. CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, BETHEL, 2706 Noble Rd. ISLE, ISLE, 1 block S. of high school. Ph. 676-3171 Ph. 381-5501-Mike Peterson, pastor, 5229 Thom- —Randy Brodeen, pastor. bury Blvd., Lyndhurst. Ph. 449-5197. LAKELAND, VALLEY, 200 Quality Ave. S. Ph. MANSFIELD, BEREAN, 248 Abbeyfeale Rd. Ph. 436-5278. 756-1215-David J. Pound, pastor. SYLVANIA, BETHANY, 5757 Flanders Rd. Ph. MINNEAPOLIS 882-7979—Mitchell Clark, pastor. BETHLEHEM, 13th Ave. S. and 8th St. Ph. 338-7653 YOUNGSTOWN, EVANGEL, 5248 Southern Blvd. Ph. —John Piper, pastor. 782-1151-Richard Olson, pastor. BLOOMINGTON, 4300 W. 98th St. Ph. 831-5046- YOUNGSTOWN, MILL CREEK, 2007 S. Schenley Richard Ottoson, pastor. Ave. Ph. 799-9976-Ronald Shipley, pastor. BROOKLYN CENTER, 59th and Humboldt Ave. N. Ph. 561-3120—Calvin Merritt, pastor. Oregon EDGEWATER, 5501 Chicago Ave. S. Ph. 827-3803— BEAVERTON, SOUTHWEST HILLS, 9100 S.W. 135th Edwin Lindquist, pastor. (Brockman at 135th)—Rick Elzinga, pastor. ELM, 685 13th Ave. N.E. Ph. 789-3591-James D, BEND, DESCHUTES BIBLE, 2525 N.E. Studio Rd. Smith, pastor. Ph. 389-2170—James Wright, pastor. GRACE, 2120 E. 38th St. Ph. 721-6271-Leo Reck, ELKTON, KELLOGG BIBLE FELLOWSHIP, Hwy. 138. pastor. PORTLAND, AMERICAN FILIPINO, 10708 N.E. Fargo MINNEHAHA, 41st Ave. S. and E. 42nd St. Ph. St. Ph. 2552905—Agapito Bernardo, pastor. 724-6000. PORTLAND, BETHEL, 7807 N. Fessenden St. (St. OAK HILL, 4141 University Ave. N.E. Ph. 7894337 Johns)—Walter Wilson, pastor. —W. Karl Smith, pastor. PORTLAND, GUSAN STREET, 104th and N.E. Gtsan. "Yeah, I'm hiding in the garden. OLIVET, 3415 Louisiana Ave N. (Crystal). Ph. Ph. 252-2648—David Lake, pastor. 5358765— Robert Jonsson, pastor. PORTLAND, TEMPLE, 7th Ave. N.E. and Clackamas PHTLIPPI, 2742 15th Ave. S. Ph. 724-7040-James St. Ph. 233-5953-Steven Roy, pastor. And turn off that light! I just wanted Brown, pastor. Ph. 7224734. PORTLAND, VIETNAMESE, 3635 S.E. 72nd Ave. Ph. MINNETONKA, MINNETONKA, 4420 Hwy. 101 S. 620-1557—Philip X Ho, church representative. one Sunday night at home!" Ph. 474-0858-Paul Evan, pastor.

62/The Standard EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK

The Servant's Towel and A Dirty Diaper By Al Detter

hursday morning of Holy Week predicament. I had a few years ago I learned a seen this sort of Tlesson I'll never forget. problem, but had Members of our church had worked always left the situation hard on a dramatic presentation of to my wife. My busy day flashed DaVinci's Last Supper. The dress before me, and a busy pastor needs rehearsal on Tuesday night was very an early start. impressive. I surprised even myself with the We planned to hold a voluntary quickness with which I could make footwashing service immediately an important decision and spring following the Last Supper drama—an into action. "Don't move!" I unusual event for Baptists. What a commanded Ben. I bounded lineup for the promise of blessing: a down the stairs into the re-enactment of the Lord's Supper, kitchen, greeted Marie followed by a footwashing service on with a smile and broke the news. Thursday night of Holy Week. "Honey," I said, "I hate to tell Ironically, for me the greatest you this, but there's an awful bad busy wife with an unpleasant task lesson was not in these events. mess in the baby's room. Could you you should have done." For some time I had been mulling take care of it? I have to get going.'' Tears filled my eyes, goosebumps over in my mind how best to accom­ She eked out a smile and retorted, rose on my flesh. "I get the point, plish the footwashing experience. "Great." And in no time I was in Lord." Such an event was unknown, or at the shower. I got dressed and found my wife least infrequent, for our congregation. It's amazing how well I use the and son, the environmental problem Some details were still unsettled, but time in the shower: planning, sermon fully solved. I had to speak with time was short and I had to make preparation, singing, even devotional Marie. With a contrite spirit, I some decisions. meditation. With a flash of inspiration recounted the lesson learned in the I arose a little earlier that Thurs­ and creativity, I had in mind the plan shower. day morning with a lot to get done. I for the footwashing service. I was Most of us don't have footwashing had a quick breakfast with the older pleased and excited. services in our churches. Yet every children before school, then excused Without warning, the lesson hit me day there are more than enough myself for a shower and an early harder than a blast of cold water. It opportunities to serve. Too often we start at the office. couldn't have been more real had the are blind to our responsibility; we At the top of the stairs an offen­ Lord spoken audibly. ' 'You have just deceive ourselves with "valid" sive but familiar odor greeted me. figured out the plan for tonight, but excuses. Our two-year-old's door was open. your footwashing service was this Servanthood is more than symbol­ The child needed immediate atten­ morning. Your opportunity to be a ism; it's a way of life. I still don't tion. But there was more. humble servant in your home was a delight in the servant's towel, but I I entered the bedroom. Ben was few minutes ago, and what did you think I'm more willing to take it. • enveloped in a colossal mess: entire do? You got within 6 feet of your diaper, entire child, entire bed. I son, you left him and you stuck your Al Detter is pastor of Grace Baptist immediately processed the uninviting Church, Erie, Pa.

March 1989/63 tf>e rois- of

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