www.TheMennonite.org March 17, 2009
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12 A life lived for the poor, 18 What’s a leader to do? indigenous and disabled 32 An inspirational leader 15 Humbly walking the road with God GRACE AND TRUTH
The generosity of Jesus
he economic crash of 2008 was essentially a Philippians 2:7 says Jesus took “the very nature spiritual problem of unregulated greed and of a servant.” Slaves were common in Jesus’ day. T uncontrolled selfishness—the dark side of They cleaned up the messes free people made. free market enterprise. The antidote to the poison Jesus cleaned up, set things right in the house of of greed is generosity, says Paul in his letter to the God. In Jerusalem, Jesus went to the center of reli- Christians of Philippi caught in a downward spiral gious power and staged a symbolic, nonviolent of “selfish ambition or vain conceit” (Philippians protest in the temple against the merchants using 2:3). Paul challenges the Christians to get into the the prayer area for Gentiles as an open air market. mind of Jesus, an incredibly generous Jesus. Jesus said, “My house shall be a house of prayer; Jesus was generous in coming to live with us but you have made it a den of robbers” (Luke “in human likeness” (Philippians 2:7). It’s hard for 19:45-46). What would Jesus say to Wall Street? me to imagine moving from my comfortable home Jesus generously risked his life for the sake of in Newton, Kan., to a Muslim village in northern God’s kingdom of justice and righteousness on Africa, living in a one-room, mud-plastered house earth as it is in heaven. He risked his life for God’s with a dirt floor and cooking over an open fire. I’d redeeming work in the world in obedience to Clarence Rempel is feel I had given up a lot to be with people who God’s call on his life. The consequence of boldly pastor of First weren’t even interested in the message I had. Our confronting evil was “death on a cross.” Mennonite Mennonite mission workers have done that. That’s Let’s not confuse Jesus’ death with the ultimate Church in what Jesus did, but at an even more intense level. sacrifice language used in American civil religion. Newton, Kan. Jesus gave up the comforts and joys of triune Soldiers die risking their lives for freedom, com- eternal companionship to enter into the messiness rades and the honor of their nation. I respect their of living with sinful, broken humanity—the courage and sacrifice. But their mission is not hypocrisy, violence, sickness and greed. Jesus God’s, and their methods are not God’s. Soldiers came to share a new vision for living with humility, die trying to kill enemy combatants. Jesus died compassion and mercy. because he refused violent self-protection. He was Jesus demonstrated his generosity by getting committed to overcoming evil with generosity, involved in making things right here on earth. hatred with love, absorbing violence in a non- Wherever Jesus encountered human need, people resistant martyr’s death on a cross. received more than they hoped for. The disabled Because Jesus was obedient to the Father and paraplegic received restored mobility and a rela- was willing to die while being true to God’s way, tionship with God. The hemorrhaging woman was Jesus’ death became the pivotal saving event for all healed in body and restored to dignity in commu- humanity for all of history. nity. Jesus did more than expected. When he put Jesus lived generosity in his incarnation, his on a feast of fish and chips, there were seven don- ministry and his death. Paul says, Let this generos- key-cargo baskets of leftovers. Why so much? At ity of Jesus soak into your mind and permeate another meal, Jesus not only acted as Passover your worldview. Let it transform your selfish and host but took the role of household slave and greedy behavior. Be generous like Jesus was gen- washed the disciples’ dirty feet. erous (Philippians 2:1-11). TM
TheMennonite Vol. 12, No. 6, March 17, 2009 The Mennonite is the official publication of Mennonite Church USA. Our mission is to help readers glorify God, grow in faith and become agents of Editor: Everett J. Thomas Offices: healing and hope in the world. The Mennonite (ISSN 1522-7766) is normal- [email protected] 1700 S. Main St. ly published on the first and third Tuesdays of each month (except only one issue in August) by the board for The Mennonite, Inc. Periodical Associate editor: Gordon Houser Goshen, IN 46526-4794 postage paid at Goshen, IN 46526. Subscription rates for one year: $43.95 [email protected] phone: 800-790-2498 fax: 574-535-6050 to U.S. addresses and or $51.45 USD to Canadian addresses. Group rates Assistant Editor: Anna Groff available. Scripture references are from the New Revised Standard Version [email protected] 722 Main St., P.O. Box 347 unless otherwise noted. The views expressed in this publication do not Advertising, subscriptions: Rebecca Helmuth Newton, KS 67114 necessarily represent the official positions of Mennonite Church USA, [email protected] phone: 866-866-2872 The Mennonite, or the board for The Mennonite, Inc. Bookkeeper: Celina Romero fax: 316-283-0454 [email protected] Postmaster Editorial Assistant: Nora Miller 801 N. Negley Ave. Send form 3579 to: Design: Dee Birkey Pittsburgh, PA 15206 The Mennonite phone: 412 894 8705 1700 S. Main St. Web site: www.TheMennonite.org fax: 412-363-1216 Goshen, IN 46526
2 TheMennonite March 17,2009 CONTENTS
7
6 8 Jesus, go before us How Mennonites in Paraguay gathered, prospered and gave back—Edgar Stoesz
12 A life lived for the poor, indigenous and disabled Helga Dueck and the School for the Deaf in Filadelfia, Paraguay—Katherine Arnoldi
15 Humbly walking the road with God Ernesto Unruh: Enlhet leader, pastor, counselor, world traveler, 25 writer and scholar—Katherine Arnoldi 16 Have a question about the Chaco? Ask Gundolf Niebuhr when you visit the Jacob Unger Museum in Filadelfia, Paraguay.—Katherine Arnoldi
19 Committee looks for new MC USA leader Wants counsel about job description; invites nominations for top staff position
20 Some stores in the West resist contract —Anna Groff
21 Indiana and Brooklyn churches connect
17 22 Five churches to fund MWC delegate
DEPARTMENTS
2 Grace and truth The generosity of Jesus—Clarence Rempel
4 Readers say
6 News digest
18 Leadership What’s a leader to do?—Iris de León Hartshorn
26 For the record
30 Mediaculture Be aware of technology’s influence—Gordon Houser
32 Editorial An inspirational leader—Everett J. Thomas
Cover: Indigenous Nivacés at a common bike race in the Efeso village in the Chaco in Paraguay. Photo by Egon Rempel March 17,2009 TheMennonite 3 READERS SAY
Linking homeless with churches think that a correction needs to be made, perhaps We applaud Jan Johnson’s article, “Friends in even to save my skin. In the quote of me, the arti- Need: Preventing Homelessness Before It Starts” cle says, “[Robb] says many teachers in his dis- (Feb. 17). Jan’s approach is respectful and honor- trict—in a Mennonite community—lead the Lord’s ing of Carol, the friend she is helping stay out of Prayer after the Pledge is recited. ‘Some places homelessness. that wouldn’t fly,’ he adds.” As staff and board members of Bridge of Hope While it is true that this wouldn’t fly in many National, we hear many Christians in churches districts; it actually doesn’t fly in ours either. I across the country asking questions such as, What believe what I said—it could have been due to if I don’t know a “Carol” in my circle of friends, poor cell phone reception that we miscommunicat- This publication neighbors or acquaintances? How do I best welcomes your ed—was that many sports teams say the Lord’s letters, either about befriend “Carol” and not overwhelm her or engage Prayer before or after competition. None of the our content or about in unhealthy “helping.” issues facing the teachers in the district use the Lord’s Prayer in the Mennonite Church Today, in 16 communities across seven states classroom. I’m sorry if there was some misunder- USA. Please keep (with a new location opening in Harrisonburg- your letters brief— standing in our conversation, but it is definitely not one or two para- Rockingham County, Va., this month), Bridge of true that teachers say the Lord’s Prayer in class. graphs—and about Hope affiliates are linking churches in mentoring one subject only. We I do appreciate you taking the time to consider reserve the right to friendships with homeless and at-risk single moth- a correction. My school district and community edit for length and ers and their children (www.bridgeofhopeinc.org). clarity. Publication is will appreciate it. And it will help me feel a bit also subject to space So often we in the church want to reach out in more comfortable about any possible ramifications limitations. Send to friendship, want to be supportive in a way that Adam Robb, Moundridge, Kan Letters@TheMenno- from the district.— . nite.org or mail to brings life, dignity and hope, but we don’t always Readers Say, The know how. At Bridge of Hope, we have found that Keep Communion understanding Mennonite, 1700 S. Main St., Goshen, IN one of our unique roles is in helping equip and Eleanor Kreider’s article in the Feb. 17 issue pro- 46526-4794. Please nurture church folks in this path of friendship and include your name poses a new understanding of Communion and address. We will support. (“Communion Questions”). What is wrong, howev- not print letters sent Thanks, Jan, for your words that echo with a anonymously, er, with our current understanding? Article 12 of though we may with- rich wisdom and sensitivity to the homeless or at- Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective hold names at our risk single mother in our lives, who can also be discretion.—Editors states, “We believe that the Lord’s Supper is a sign our friend.—Edith Yoder, Wendy Hoke Witmer, by which the church thankfully remembers the Leslie Homer-Cattell, James M. Lapp, Larry new covenant which Jesus established by his Massanari, Joy Swartley Sawatzky, Diane Tihansky, death. In this Communion meal, the members of Ruth S. Weaver, Joan Gotwals Yoder the church renew our covenant with God and with each other.” Lord’s Prayer not in classroom We Mennonites do not have a corner on the This is Adam Robb from the Pledge of Allegiance truth. But God has entrusted us with some partic- article (“Mennonite Teacher has Personal Pledge,” ular understandings: “blessed are the peacemak- Feb. 3). I really enjoyed reading the article. Anna ers” as a rule for life; baptism as a courageous Groff did a nice job of writing it up. However, I adult decision; the church as a gathered communi- ty of baptized believers; believers’ Communion as IN THIS ISSUE the symbol of our continued commitment to that community. en days after our Delegate Assembly concludes at the This solemn understanding of Communion is Mennonite Church USA convention in Columbus, Ohio, what Jesus demonstrated when he instituted the T Mennonite World Conference’s Assembly Gathered begins practice among his closest followers. It is certainly July 14 in Asunción, Paraguay. In this issue we provide some what Paul understood when he wrote in his letter historical background to the Mennonites who established the to the Corinthians that “whoever eats the bread or church there (pages 8-17). We also focus on an important drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner search process in our denomination; on page 19 the committee will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood that will choose the next executive director for Mennonite of the Lord.” Church USA lays out a tentative job description and asks for We have never understood the concern that counsel as well as names. In other news, Anna Groff reports believers’ Communion is offensive to those who on the difficulties experienced by some Ten Thousand Villages have not yet joined the community of believers. As stores as a new contract requires 80 percent of all products to Mennonites, we should be openly, enthusiastically be purchased from Ten Thousand Villages (page 20).—Editor invitational. But the invitation is to join in our wor- ship and potlucks and Sunday school classes—and
4 TheMennonite March 17,2009 READERS SAY
ultimately to come to faith and join our community Holy warmth amid wild whimsy through baptism. Let’s not denude Communion of Some months ago after noticing that the novel The its deepest significance. We have so few rituals— Shack had kept its spot high on the reading charts, and fewer that express the passionate communitar- I decided to see why it had such appeal—truly ian life that is the jewel of lived Anabaptist faith. expecting little more than another popular Let’s keep believers’ Communion.—Timothy and “Christian fiction.” Instead I found this a novel fol- Ruth Stoltzfus Jost, Harrisonburg, Va. lowing a whimsical, even puzzling path to a God I enjoyed getting to know better. This was a God Church has opportunity with veterans actively caring for me as I deal with doubt, loss I appreciate Everett Thomas’ editorial, “Damaged and disappointment. This God delights in and hov- Veterans Need Healing” (Feb. 17). I had been ers over the varied creations—many wondrous ONLINE POLL doing some thinking about this problem of return- and good, some turning horrible and perplexing— RESULTS ing veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder but all blest with God’s constant love and amazing for some time because it was in the news. Then I grace. Soon several friends confided that this story Re the Mennonite read the “Wounds of War” article in July 8, 2008, gave them comfort and a new awareness of God’s World Conference issue. I followed that up by contacting the author, presence in their world. assembly in Carolyn Heggen. Interestingly, she was planning a I remember wondering if The Mennonite would Paraguay: workshop at Eastern Mennonite University in bother to give it recognition—I must have antici- (42 votes) Harrisonburg, Va., sponsored by the Center for pated what Gordon Houser wrote in the Jan. 20 I am not Justice and Peacebuilding, and a second workshop Mediaculture column (“The Shack: Simplistic, attending (88%) in Williamsburg, Va., in November 2008. I attend- Didactic and Wildly Popular”). Reviews there have I am attending ed both. often guided my choices to read or view. But this (10%) The problem is much larger than I imagined, was a surprisingly snobbish put-down. I did smile Not sure (2%) and it’s quite complex. It is so large that the U.S. when I read the stated “rules” for fiction writing. Check out the new military and the Veterans Administration are So, “beginning with a description of the weather” poll question at unable to meet all the needs of the returning sol- is a no-no? I discover in the novel an extremely www. diers. I really don’t know how to approach this varied and individual writing form. And that final TheMennonite.org huge problem locally, but along with some inter- sniff, “I prefer the Bible,” suggests that those who ested people, we have made some contacts; hope- find this a beguiling tale of a lost and reimagined fully, some leadership and direction will emerge. faith also consider it divine revelation. We as a church do have an opportunity here— The Shack cannot appeal to all, but those who through the guidance of the Holy Spirit—to allow read it guided by an active imagination will discov- God’s healing and hope to flow through us to this er holy warmth amid the wild whimsy—as well as part of our world. I would repeat Thomas’ second- a refreshed faith. Many will benefit by discussing to-last paragraph for emphasis, “This call is too the novel in a group kept lively with questions important to fade into memories of good ideas. We raised and insights received.—Helen Lapp, hear again and again from Mennonite Church USA Lansdale, Pa. leaders and others that a missional church dis- cerns where God is at work and then joins in that Editor’s note: In our March 3 issue we announced work.” that we would discontinue responses to Gordon This is a compassion, mercy and justice Houser’s Jan. 20 review of The Shack. This letter issue.—Richard Alderfer, Waynesboro, Va. arrived before the announcement.
Pontius’ Puddle Joel Kauffmann
March 17,2009 TheMennonite 5 NEWS DIGEST
IN BRIEF Steeler crossways Paraguay 2009 registration numbers climbing Mennonites say town holding up construction If you watched the STRASBOURG, France—By late-February, CICERO, Ill.—After what it says were two years of Super Bowl game Mennonite World Conference had processed more fruitlessly waiting for Cicero to act on its building between the Pittsburgh Steelers than 1,500 international registrations for Assembly application, a growing Hispanic Mennonite church and the Arizona Gathered to be held in Asunción, Paraguay, in July. has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the town of vio- Cardinals, you could These registrations included 150 from Latin lating its religious rights. not miss seeing American countries other than Paraguay. Paraguay Sonido De Alabanza, Spanish for “Sound of Steelers safety Troy 2009 registration fees were set more than one year Praise,” has occupied a former American Legion Polamalu, a Samoan with hair that hasn’t ago—before the economic crisis sent the Euro, Hall in Cicero for about 13 years. been cut in seven Canadian dollar and Paraguayan Guaraní into a Nearly 1,000 people now attend Sunday servic- years. You may have downward spiral, thus reducing the value of regis- es, says Pastor Esdras Ferreras, and the congrega- also noticed that he trations paid in those currencies. As a gesture of tion needs more space. often crosses himself solidarity with members of the global faith commu- So in December 2006, Sonido purchased a cor- while on the field. He crosses himself from nity in a time of financial stress, MWC officials ner lot and two vacant buildings 400 feet to the right to left because decided to waive the late registration fee. west that it planned to convert into a 1,580-seat that’s how Orthodox Registrants who have already paid the late fee auditorium and more. Ferreras says town officials Christians do it (the may redirect the fee as a contribution to the Travel said beforehand that a church would be permitted opposite of how Fund or have the fee credited toward their final there under zoning laws. many Western Christians do it). billing. Registrations from Canada, now at about But the church says it encountered only delays Polamalu and his 500, and Europe, slightly less than 300, are strong, and obstacles over the next two years, culminat- wife are members of which is no surprise, given the many family con- ing, according to the lawsuit, last August, when a a Greek Orthodox nections and migrations to and from Paraguay. town secretary allegedly told the church that the church.—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Registrations from the Unites States stand at 535; procedures city officials had asked it to follow this is about 75 percent of the 700 MWC projected. were incorrect. The church in its lawsuit alleges Text reliance Germany has passed the 100 mark; the that one town official pledged not to allow a • Average number of Netherlands and Switzerland are well beyond 50 church in the building, and another said Cicero monthly text mes- registrants, with France just shy of that number. doesn’t want churches to expand and remove sages by U.S. wire- Registrations from Africa are ahead of projections, property from the tax rolls. less customers ages 13-17: 1,742 but “the painful reality,” says Ray Brubacher, inter- Sonido filed its final architectural drawings last • Percentage of teen- national coordinator for Paraguay 2009, “is that August, says its attorney, Jeff Schwab. According agers who say their many of these registrants will need travel subsi- to the lawsuit, the plans should have been social life would end dies to make the trip.” All registrants are invited to reviewed within four weeks; when the congrega- or suffer without make a contribution to the international Travel tion received no response, it took Cicero to court. text messaging: 47 • Percentage of teen- Fund to assist those in lower income countries to Cicero spokesman Dan Proft says the town agers who can text attend.—MWC never received the final architectural drawings last blindfolded: 42 August and is still awaiting Sonido’s response to a —YES! magazine March 2008 letter listing a dozen items the town Arson fire prayers wanted addressed, primarily dealing with parking On Feb. 21 and 28 and traffic issues.—Chicago Tribune Coatesville (Pa.) Mennonite Church provided photo CMU reaches milestone enrollment of 500 partnered with an- WINNIPEG, Man.—Canadian Mennonite Univer- other church and sity (CMU) reached a milestone in January, when held prayer break- fasts in light of this it passed the 500-student mark in its undergradu- year’s arson fires. ate programs. A total of 506 students are enrolled “There have been 67 for the winter semester, an increase of 18 students arson fires in over the fall semester. Coatesville and the Altogether, 630 students are studying through surrounding comm- unity since Feb- the Shaftesbury campus during the winter semes- ruary,”said Leonard ter, including 32 graduate students and 92 stu- Groff, assistant pas- Falcon provides fresh meat for camp staff meals dents in the Outtatown adventure and discipleship tor. “Most of the fires Jana Atwell of Spruce Lake Retreat in Canadensis, Pa., program. destroyed homes. Together with more than 1,000 students at The worst was a fire was featured on WNEP TV’s “Pennsylvania Outdoor Life” that destroyed 15 program Feb. 15. Jana is a licensed falconer. She occa- Menno Simons College, CMU’s campus at the row houses.”—Anna sionally offers rabbit caught by the falcon at the camp University of Winnipeg, nearly 1,700 students are Groff staff potluck meals.—Mennonite Camping Association taking courses at CMU.—CMU
6 TheMennonite March 17,2009 NEWS DIGEST
IN BRIEF
has received from more than a dozen constituency Ryan Beiler Ryan groups and stakeholders in AMBS. The committee will continue seeking input and nominations, even as it moves into a public advertising phase of the search. In March, the committee will publish a candidate profile and position announcement. Current president Nelson Kraybill steps down this summer, and George R. Brunk III will serve as interim president.—AMBS Kniss named new EMU provost Veteran missionary surgeon dies at 88 Fred Kniss, currently LITITZ, Pa.—Not many people serve over 40 years of Chicago and a 1979 honors graduate of in Africa while also excelling in both medical and Eastern Mennonite pastoral ministry. But that is what marked the life University, of J. Lester Eshleman. Eshleman died Jan. 18 at Harrisonburg, Va., will MCC continues to support families in Gaza Strip age 88 at Landis Homes, Lititz. Lester and Lois return to his alma Eshleman first went to Tanzania in 1951, serving mater as the new Suha Namrwouty, 6, learns letters and sounds from Ifidal Abu provost July 1. Kniss is Madil at Al Shroq Wal Amal Children’s Center in Khan Younis, as a doctor and nurse anesthetist, respectively, at chair of the depart- Gaza Strip, in this 2004 photo. The center is supported by Shirati Hospital until 1966. Then Lester completed ment of sociology at Mennonite Central Committee’s Global Family education spon- a residency in urology at the University of Loyola University, sorship program.—MCC Pennsylvania. During this time he also co-pastored Chicago, where he at Parkesburg Mennonite Church. They also spent has been a faculty member since 1991. 20 years in Moshi, Tanzania and six years in the During his tenure he OurFaith Digest goes paperless this spring Congo.—Eastern Mennonite Missions was interim dean of GOSHEN, Ind.—The free magazine OurFaith The Graduate School Digest will cease to be a paper magazine after the CPT reports humanitarian law violations at Loyola, 2004-05, Spring 2009 issue is mailed to Mennonite/ COLOMBIA—Christian Peacemaker Teams in and graduate pro- gram director in the Anabaptist congregations later this month. The Colombia has released its compilation of sociology depart- economic recession is the reason for the change. International Humanitarian Law violations wit- ment, 2000-04. He is “This is a bittersweet moment,” says editor Joe nessed by or reported to the Colombia team in the married to Rosalyn Miller. “The team at The Mennonite was unstinting calendar year of 2008. The full report is available Myers Kniss; they are in their help with OurFaith Digest, and the maga- at www.cpt.org. Three principal actors in members of Chicago Community Menno- zine had really turned the corner. Thanks to all Colombia’s armed conflict committed the IHL vio- nite Church. Lee F. the churches and individual supporters, we fin- lations this report covers: the Armed Forces, with Snyder is serving as ished the year in the black. But when we called on 20 violations documented; the paramilitary groups, interim provost dur- advertisers for the spring issue, fully three-quar- with 21 cases documented; and the guerrilla ing the 2008-09 aca- ters of them had to pull out because of the bad groups, with five cases documented.—CPT demic year.—EMU economy. There was really nothing we could do.” Bethel young OurFaith Digest, published three times each Reaching the Philippines’Deaf community alumnus awarded year, needs about $9,000 in advertising in each PASIG CITY, Philippines—Julia Bange, a deaf Jennifer (Scott) issue to remain viable. The Spring 2009 issue will Eastern Mennonite Missions-associated mission- Koontz, a 1998 gradu- have only $3,400 in advertising. An online version ary working with DOOR (Deaf Opportunity ate, received this year’s Young Alumnus of OurFaith Digest is currently posted on the Web OutReach) International in training with Wycliffe Award at Bethel (www.OurFaithDigest.org) and is updated weekly. Bible Translators, is working on translating the College, North The Internet version includes many of the same Bible into the Filipino sign language. Newton, Kan. Sports features as the print version, including the popular The sign language Bible translation team, medicine, health care crossword puzzle. OurFaith Digest is a sister publi- which consists of three Filipino deaf men, is also for the uninsured and community service cation to The Mennonite and is published by The working on getting Scripture into signs. Although are her ongoing inter- Mennonite, Inc.—OurFaith Digest sign language is a universal language, it is differ- ests. Koontz now has ent in every country. “In Africa alone, for example, a sports medicine fel- AMBS presidential search committee meets there are 50 different sign languages,” Bange says. lowship at Via Christi GOSHEN, Ind.—The Associated Mennonite The Bible translation work in the Philippines in Wichita, Kan., and will begin practicing Biblical Seminary presidential search committee began in November 2007, and it is hoped that the family and sports met Feb. 19-20 in Goshen to continue its work of 32 studies for evangelism are finished by March medicine in Newton selecting a candidate to serve as the next presi- 2010.—EMM in August.—Bethel dent of AMBS. The committee reviewed input it —compiled by Anna Groff College
March 17,2009 TheMennonite 7 The story of Mennonites in Paraguay is a marvelous example of God’s leading and human ingenuity and perseverance. Jesus, go How Mennonites in Paraguay gathered, prospered and gave back.
by Edgar Stoesz
ince the first exploration in 1921, Paraguay has become a kind of city of refuge for Mennonites. In 2008, the entire multiethnic Courtesy University of Texas Libraries | University of Texas-Austin of Libraries | University Texas Courtesy of University Mennonite population, including the indigenous and Paraguayan Latinos, was around 60,000. This ranks it in the top 10 countries in Mennonite World Conference and exceeds the Mennonite population of either Holland or Switzerland, usually regarded as the cradle of the Mennonite movement. The story of Mennonites in Paraguay is a marvelous example of God’s leading and human ingenuity and persever- ance. This moving story is told in more detail in Like a Mustard Seed: Mennonites in Paraguay (Herald Press, 2008) from which this abbreviated version is drawn. How they gathered: Old Colony Mennonites from Canada were the first of four separate movements. They arrived in the Paraguayan Chaco in 1927, taking the name Menno Colony. Another group followed in 1948, establishing Bergthal and Sommerfeld colonies in East Paraguay. They had emi- grated from Russia to Manitoba and Saskatchewan in the 1870s. After 50 years, they felt threatened by the encroaching world and Canadian laws that forbade them to conduct their schools in the German language.
8 TheMennonite March 17,2009 A second grouping of Russian Mennonites small groupings of Swiss Mennonites immigrated immigrated to Paraguay in 1930, establishing to East Paraguay. This included an Old Order Fernheim Colony. These Mennonites had suffered Amish and a Beachy Amish group, both from through the Russian Revolution. Later the way Ohio, and a conservative group that split from beforeopened for them to leave. After a brief stay in Lancaster (Pa.) Mennonite us Conference. Germany, approximately one-third of them got The fourth and last mass migration of German- their wish to go to Canada, some occupying farms speaking Old Colony Mennonites immigrated to left behind by those immigrating to Paraguay. East Paraguay (and Bolivia) from Mexico in four Another third pioneered a settlement in Santa groups, beginning in 1969. Katarina, Brazil, but most later resettled in While the Old Colony families that came from Curitiba, Brazil. Mennonite Central Committee Canada and Mexico—along with the Swiss (MCC) helped the remaining third settle in Mennonites—came voluntarily and managed on their Paraguay, neighbor to Menno Colony. own, those who came directly from Russia came as The largest group (5,616 Mennonite refugees) refugees, with substantial assistance from MCC. came to Paraguay in 1947. Their dramatic story is The indigenous (First Nation people) also found told in Up from the Rubble by Peter J. and Elfrieda themselves in a Chaco they had never known, Dyck. Half went to the Chaco, where they formed without having left it. The 1932-35 Chaco War and Neuland Colony. The other half went to East the coming of Mennonites created a whole new Paraguay, where they formed Volendam Colony. reality for them. There was still room in the vast They were assisted by Friesland Colony, which had Chaco for them to relocate, but they elected to stay. broken off from Fernheim Colony 10 years earlier. And many were attracted to join this unplanned, Continued Beginning in 1967, the first of three unrelated bicultural experiment with few equals anywhere. on page 10
A burden to witness: Elenita, Liliana and Doreen, former students at Instituto Biblico Asunción, a Bible school in Asunción. Teresa López López Teresa March 17,2009 TheMennonite 9 Continued How they prospered: When from page 9 Fernheim Colony celebrated its silver anniversary in 1955, it did so not knowing if it would sur- vive. One of its leaders said, “We knew we would be poor; we did not know we would be poor so long.” This was also true of the other colonies. Many who could have left for better prospects, mostly to Canada and Germany. As a new generation took the reins, a series of innovations began to have a positive effect. • Colony cooperatives made Called to mission: The ordination service of four pairs of deacons in a church in quantity purchasing of essentials Filadelfia, June 8, 2006. and the marketing of surplus products in Asunción possible. At their first harvest festival in the Chaco, • MCC and the U.S. Government helped build Fernheim churches called for workers to initiate a a 300-mile road connecting the Chaco to Asunción, mission to their unexpected neighbors. The Chaco reducing isolation and the cost of transport. War between Paraguay and Bolivia intervened, but • Robert Unruh, an MCC agronomist, discov- on the last day of the war, 97 Mennonite families ered buffelgrass, which gave rise to the burgeon- began Licht den Indianern (Light for the Indians). ing of ranching. After 10 years they did not have one convert, • Twice Paraguayan Mennonite leaders came to but in 1946, Sepe Llama, an Enlhet, requested bap- get loans from brothers and sisters in the United tism. That developed into a network of 39 indige- States and Canada. Then came a $1 million devel- nous congregations with 9,100 members served by opment loan from the U.S. government, followed more than 300 indigenous pastors. by substantial loans from Germany. With this cred- In the 1950s, the indigenous families demanded it, Mennonites bought equipment to process raw land to create their own chacras (farmettes). Over milk into cheese and later yogurt and ice cream, the years, more than 12,000 indigenous people logs into lumber, peanuts into cooking oil. have been assisted, with help from MCC and The second generation learned how to farm in European organizations, to occupy 300,000 acres tropical Paraguay. They also learned how to navi- (460 square miles). They have more than 13,000 gate the Latino culture in the Spanish language. head of cattle. Today the third generation of German-speaking Education was one of four original mission Mennonites have, with diligence and God’s bless- objectives. There were no schools, and the indige- ings, plus some help from the outside, progressed nous population was illiterate. Slowly the indige- beyond the subsistence level that plagued them so nous languages were alphabetized, basic primers long. Some have ventured into business, with written and printed. After some years, indigenous annual revenues in the millions of dol- teachers replaced German Mennonite teachers. By lars and hundreds of employees. A few 1985, 95 percent of the children living in communi- have ventured into politics, occupying ties served by the Mennonite mission had access positions of influence in the recently to at least three years of classroom learning. In ended administration of President 2006, just under 4,000 indigenous children were Niconor Duarte Frutos. Paraguayan enrolled in a network of schools with more than Wikimedia Commons | wikipedia.org Mennonite names will soon appear on the 190 indigenous teachers, while 150 were enrolled list of Paraguay’s 100 wealthiest families. in a high school in Yalve Sanga. How they gave back: Mennonites did not come Improved health was a second mission objec- to Paraguay to do mission. They came seeking a tive. Mennonite hospitals served indigenous place to live in accordance with their religious con- patients, but to serve them better, Mennonites victions. But a missionary spirit lay dormant in constructed a hospital in Yalve Sanga in 1953. In their souls. In the words of Gerhard Hein, a life- 1968, Dr. Hans Epp was appointed the first full- long missionary to the indigenous, “When we saw time physician serving the indigenous population the Indians, we said, ‘Is this what God had in mind in Yalve Sanga and in 16 scattered village clinics. when he directed us to Paraguay?’ ” Dr. Epp also introduced a public health program to
10 TheMennonite March 17,2009 address tuberculosis, worms and childhood dis- employees and families. eases. As a result, infant mortality has decreased The story of Mennonites in Paraguay is replete dramatically and life expectancy has increased, but with partnerships. First it was MCC and the tuberculosis remains a public health problem. North American and European mission and serv- Mission-minded German Mennonites also had a ice agencies. More recently, 110 business and pro- burden to witness to their Spanish and Guarani fessional people organized a chapter of Mennonite neighbors. Among the early pioneers were Hans Economic Development Associates. To assist poor and Susana Wiens and Albert and Anna Enns. rural families, they established a plant to process After some years of Bible training in Argentina, casava. In 2006, they returned $3.5 million to they began evangelistic activities in Paraguay. 1,800 member families. The program was so suc- Others joined them, and North American mission cessful that another plant is under construction. Ronald Unruh organizations offered support. By 2008 there were In 1994, Mennonites helped begin an affiliate of 126 churches in eight of Paraguay’s 17 depart- Habitat for Humanity. By 2008, 568 deserving fam- ments (provinces), with a combined membership ilies had been helped to own and occupy decent of 5,300. A 24-hour radio ministry also serves houses. Asunción and surrounding areas with Christian programming, now expanded to include television. To thank Paraguay for receiving them, as they Paraguayan Mennonites are on were, no questions asked, Paraguayan Mennonites a journey with an outcome known in 1953 initiated a mission to serve people suffering from leprosy. Clara and John Schmidt pioneered only to God. this work, which continues under Paraguayan direc- tion, with limited outside financing. Known by the road marker at its entrance, Km 81, more than Nevertheless, Paraguayan Mennonites face 15,000 names appear on the leprosy register of this some steep challenges as they prepare to host the world-renowned oasis. Mennonite World Conference Assembly in July. A voluntary service program, Christlicher Economically they are positioned to become Dienst (Christian Service) also began in 1953 to increasingly wealthy, in contrast to their neigh- staff the new leprosy mission. The focus broad- bors, many of whom live in abject poverty. This ened to address a variety of needs. This included a increased wealth brings increased secularization. major role in the rehabilitation of the national psy- Some decry that the saying “the common good chiatric hospital in Asunción. Now in the third gen- ahead of personal gain” is being inverted. eration, more than 6,000 youth have served in a Personal gain is winning at the expense of the variety of ministries, including child care, prisons common good. The remarkable partnership with and help to the aged destitute. their indigenous neighbors is far from over. Following the expulsion of President Alfredo Finding Christian solidarity with the emerging Stroessner (1954-1989) were reports of as many as Paraguayan Latino church is a constant challenge. 30,000 children on the streets of Asunción. Relationships with the Catholic Church are poten- Paraguayan Mennonites did not walk by on the tially fragile as Mennonites come out of their other side. A large-scale program began and con- colony enclaves and compete with them for mem- tinues to serve this need. At the same time, the bers. Political stability is not assured. Mennonite Brethren, with financing from Europe Paraguayan Mennonites are on a journey with and Canada, built two large schools in Asunción an outcome known only to God. Their Russian with a combined enrollment of almost 2,000. experience is a reminder of threats beyond human As Mennonites became more proficient in control. Were it possible to gather this multiethnic Spanish, they were increasingly attracted to busi- community, speaking 10 languages, brought ness opportunities. In 2008, there were more than together by God’s leading, under one tent, their 30 German Mennonite-owned businesses in prayer would doubtless be, “Jesus nos guia, Jesu Asunción. Six of the largest firms had sales in geh voran” (Jesus, go before us). excess of $140 million and 2,300 employees. To meet their moral responsibility to their employ- Edgar Stoesz is author of Like a Mustard Seed: ees, these business owners initiated a service pre- Mennonites in Paraguay (Herald Press, 2008). viously unknown in Paraguay. Starting with one This article is adapted from his article “Mennonites part-time chaplain, Capellania Empresarial now in Paraguay: A Brief History” in the Mennonite has 13 full-time and seven part-time chaplains Central Committee Peace Office Newsletter, serving the spiritual and social needs of 3,200 January-March 2009.
March 17,2009 TheMennonite 11 A life lived for the poor, Helga Dueck and the School for the Deaf in Filadelfia, Paraguay
by Katherine Arnoldi
Friends for life: Helga Dueck and Arnoldi Katherine students at the School for the Deaf in Filadelfia, Paraguay.
elga Dueck had no idea, when she started out for the Mennonite World Conference in Winnipeg in 1990, how much her life was about to change. She traveled from Filadelfia, Paraguay, on her crutches and her one leg, eager to meet new people, reunite with old friends and attend a special session for people with disabilities. She brought with her an open mind and an open heart. She came away with a new direction that would lead to a new dream.
God calls a person, and if the person is willing to obey, then they can continue to pray, continue to go forward and not fear but to have confidence in God.—Helga Dueck
“God calls a person, and if the person is willing to obey, then they can continue to pray, continue to go forward and not fear but to have confidence in God,” Helga says as she stands, surrounded by adoring children, in front of the place that started as a dream and is now Rayito de Luz, a school for the deaf in Filadelfia that everyone told her was “too big of a project.”
12 TheMennonite March 17,2009 indigenous and disabled
The journey from the dream to the reality was During her employment at the Gospel Light not easy but was far from the first challenge that Hour she learned something from Neil Klassen Helga has faced in her 66 years of life. that she carried with her the rest of her life. She Her parents had been refugees from Siberia, noticed that sometimes he went into his office and Russia, and arrived in 1930 in the inhospitable closed the door for long periods. Chaco, a place called the Green Hell, with 120- “He is not to be disturbed,” another worker told degree heat, impenetrable thorn bushes, no water, her. and soil made of clay and sand. In 1931, her par- “What is he doing?” Helga asked. ents married and over the years had 10 children, “There is a problem he must solve. He is pray- including one they adopted, the daughter of her ing,” she said. father’s sister, who had died in Russia. Helga Helga followed this example when she returned developed polio as a small child, and a botched to Paraguay and worked four years as the director operation at age 12 created even more problems. of a dormitory of the school at Yalve Sanga, the Still the indefatigable Helga continued her studies, Indian settlement supported by the Mennonites entering the Mennonite Biblical Seminary in not far from Filadelfia, four more years as a Montevideo, Uruguay, despite the condition of her teacher and one year as the principal of a school leg and back pain that developed as a result of her she founded that served nine villages. use of crutches. The director of the school, Nelson In 1989, Henry Enns of Mennonite Central Letwiler, offered to pay for an amputation, but Committee came to Paraguay, looking for some- Helga resisted, until a lack of circulation made the one who was disabled who could speak German, amputation unavoidable in her second year of Spanish and English and could work for MCC in school. Her leg was severed at the hip. Nonethe- South America as a spokesperson for disability less, Helga successfully graduated. Her parents awareness. Everywhere he went, people recom- offered to give her a salary if she came home, but mended Helga to him, and soon Helga was on the Helga told them, “I did not learn all I have learned way to an orientation and training for this job at for that,” and she found employment at the the Mennonite World Conference in Winnipeg. Mennonite Leper Hospital 81 kilometers from Asunción. There, despite severe pain, she taught for four years at a school for 100 students that had Helga thought often about the Scripture been started by Dr. John and Clara Schmidt. and its meaning for her: ‘Open your mouth A doctor told her she would be paralyzed in a few years unless she could get an artificial leg, an for the speechless.’ impossibility in Paraguay. Nelson Letwiler invited her to come to the United States, but no help was Then her life changed. available, so she found her way to Dr. Helmut As Helga traveled from 1991 to 1995 throughout Huebert in Winnipeg, who managed to arrange for Paraguay, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Chile, an artificial leg. visiting centers for the disabled, giving speeches But all did not go smoothly. After much strug- about disability awareness and chronicling the gle, Helga realized she would not be able to use conditions and needs of the disabled, she was the leg, so, once again on her crutches, she set out always moved by the conditions of the deaf chil- to find employment, only to discover how difficult dren she saw. She often saw deaf children who it was for a disabled person to find work. She faced were given no opportunity to realize their poten- rejection after rejection. Finally, Neil Klassen at tial, who were sometimes treated no better than the Mennonite Brethren Gospel Light Hour hired pets. She felt she could do something to help her, and she proved to all that her disability did them. not impair her ability to be an asset to the organi- And something else kept appearing to Helga. zation. Ten years later she learned that her boss Everywhere, it seemed—in magazines, newspa- had put his own job on the line to defend his deci- pers and books—Helga noticed over and over sion to hire her. Even today this story brings tears Proverbs 31:8-9: “Open your mouth for the speech- Continued to her eyes. less.” on page 14
March 17,2009 TheMennonite 13 Continued But what could she do? at the government school. But soon from page 13 She dreamed of opening a another problem presented itself. The school for the deaf. students came from distant towns and She continued to pray stayed with relatives or host families and about her concerns and her were often in unsafe or unstable living dreams and continued to situations. Again Helga traveled the move forward, to not fear roads to ask for a building for her school and to have confidence in so she could have dormitory facilities.
God. She thought often Arnoldi Katherine She sent a fax to Kinderwerk in about the Scripture and its Filadelfia, an organization in British meaning for her: “Open your Columbia that helps children in mouth for the speechless.” Paraguay, and heard back from Uwe and “God, if it is only me that Hedy Stahl. wants a deaf school, let me Moved by Scripture and prayer: “We will buy you a building,” they know,” Helga prayed. “I can- Helga Dueck in front of the School said, and soon a perfect building was for the Deaf in Filadelfia, Paraguay. not do it alone.” found. In 1994, Helga was invited Now the students come because the to attend the Lobetal Institute, a center with 900 police have picked up a homeless boy who was patients in Celle, Germany, where she received sleeping with dogs and discovered he was deaf. training about disabled people and was given The students come because a mother, having boxes of supplies and teaching materials to begin heard of the school, arrives with her child and her deaf school. In 1995, she visited an MCC-spon- eyes of hope. They come speaking many lan- sored deaf school in Recife, Brazil, with 100 stu- guages but learn international sign language. They dents, where she furthered her studies. come to find friends for life. They come to find Encouraged, she continued to pray. Helga and the teachers, who believe in them and their abilities. They come to find confidence, pride The students come speaking many languages in their accomplishments, hope, fun and inspira- tion. Graduates of the school are working in the but learn international sign language. They local bakery, working in the supermarket, working in a tile factory. One graduate married a hearing come to find friends for life. man and has two hearing children she clearly loves. And to open her mouth. She visited local And the community that told Helga it was too churches, government offices and social organiza- big of a job? tions asking for support. While many agreed about At a recent ceremony marking the end of the the need for the school, she was told over and over school year, the yard of Rayito de Luz is filled to that it was “too big a project at this time.” capacity with the people of Filadelfia, the alumni of Then, miraculously, an opportunity appeared. the school and dignitaries from far and wide. The She was urged to run for the Concejal or City children sit in their starchy, pressed white shirts Council of Filadelfia, and she won. With that and blouses, their dark pants and skirts. They sign salary she began her school, first in a Sunday songs together, put on a skit, read the lips of Helga school room at a Native Mennonite Church, then while she asks them questions, and they speak aloud their names, beaming with love in their eyes at the woman who started from nothing, nothing Want to know what you can do to help? but faith, this opportunity to shine. More money is needed to support Rayito de Luz for teachers’ After the ceremony, an auction of donated items salaries, teacher training, building expansion and books and sup- offers everyone a chance to support something plies. “One March,”Helga Dueck says, “I had to gather the teachers that all of Filadelfia now points to with pride, their and tell them I did not have the money for their salaries for that school for the deaf, Rayito de Luz. month. Then I explained that my experience with God was that it will come.”Send donations through MCC to: Deaf School, Rayito Katherine Arnoldi, Ph.D., is a member of de Luz, Helga Dueck, Filadelfia, P.O. Box 630, Paraguay, 9300. Manhattan (N.Y.) Mennonite Fellowship and a —Katherine Arnoldi Fulbright Fellow in Paraguay for 2008-09.
14 TheMennonite March 17,2009 Ernesto Unruh: Enlhet leader, John Mosesso | nbii.gov pastor, counselor, world traveler,
writer and scholar Katherine Arnoldi Katherine by Katherine Arnoldi
f you are looking for Ernesto Unruh, you just ers from many different places. I saw people of may find him on his hands and knees with many different colors who are part of the other members of the congregation, painting Mennonite family. I learned about all the diverse the floor of the church in Yalve Sanga, the Chaco, Mennonite churches that are equal. I met many Paraguay. If you have the honor of speaking with people, and we discussed many themes, studied him, which you can do at Mennonite World much and thought much together about Christ.” Conference 2009, you will find he will humbly In 2003, he attended the Mennonite World speak of working together with others, of coopera- Conference in Zimbabwe. “I saw the African peo- tion and harmony. ple walking together, singing on the way to Yet Ernesto Unruh is an Enlhet indigenous church, and we at the conference also walked and leader, a man of great stature, dignity, poise, grace sang together the song, ‘Walking in the Light of and diplomacy. A pastor at one of the largest God.’ ” Ernesto learned about the devastation of churches in Yalve Sanga, he served for 13 years as AIDS in Africa and saw many people suffering president of the Conference of Enlhet Brethren from this disease. Also he was moved by the diver- Mennonites, an organization of seven churches sity of the Mennonite congregations. “I met and with 2,700 members. A graduate of the Bible talked with Africans from many countries.” Institute of Yalve Sanga, he continued his studies for six years after graduation. He has co-written The community must face these issues many books, including Ya’alva Pangcalhva II, a together.—Ernesto Unruh collection of stories from Enlhet elders, the 903- page Enlhet Dictionary and Lo Que Cuentan los Back home, Ernesto, now 55, continues his Enlhet, Stories of the Enlhet, a book published in work as pastor, traveling long distances to speak both Enlhet and Spanish. He has traveled to with people, offer solace, advice and marriage Europe and Africa as a representative of his counseling. He does this work, as he has always church, his people and his country. done it, without pay. “When we walk on the road Ernesto’s father, Francisco, an Enlhet, was given with God, we must do it with or without pay.” the name of his boss, Mr. Unruh, the owner of a Elsa, Ernesto’s wife, works with women’s large farm. “My father attended a fiesta and there groups at the church and sings in the 80-member met my mother, a Nivaclé. I am the third of their 12 women’s choir. She organizes activities, including children,” Ernesto says. “As a boy, I sang in the preparations for Christmas celebrations. They local choir and at 18 came to the Bible Institute have four children: one daughter and three sons. back when the classes were held in a barn.” During While Ernesto sees that the problems now for his years of study he helped build a new building the Enlhet in Yalve Sanga are basic—food security for the institute and began his work with the local and water—he sees that in the future, as the popu- church, where, after 10 years, he became a pastor. lation grows, they will need more land to sustain It was in 1984 that he, along with two other their needs. Unfortunately, all the land around Enlhet and two Nivaclé, was invited to the Yalve Sanga is owned by others. “The Cooperative Mennonite World Conference in Strasbourg, of the Enlhet must work together to buy land.” France. “I saw a different world on that trip,” Ernesto says, “The community must face these Ernesto says, “I saw many new ideas and activities. issues together.” I saw people living in big buildings, which is not our custom. We like to live out in the open air, free. I Katherine Arnoldi is a member of Manhattan saw people hang gliding, flying in the air great dis- (N.Y.) Mennonite Fellowship and a Fulbright tances.” But, most importantly, he met Mennonites Fellow to Paraguay 08-09. Melvin Warkentin assist- from all over the world. “I saw my Mennonite broth- ed with this article.
March 17,2009 TheMennonite 15 Have a question Ask Gundolf Niebuhr when you visit the Jacob
by Katherine Arnoldi
His own story is as interesting as the museum and as varied, with one culture shock after anoth- er. Gundolf’s grandfather worked in the very build- ing that now houses the museum back when it was the Administrative Center of Filadelfia. His mother was 9 years old when her family came to the Mennonite colonies in the Chaco in 1930 from refugee camps in Germany. His father came two years later, part of the Harbiner group that had fled toward China from the Ukraine and central Siberia, crossing the Amur River, then passing though France. “When I was young, we used to go to the Indian Village on Sunday to the soccer games, and as a family we spoke with many of the indigenous, who spoke Plautdeutch. I saw many attractions in their way of life and looking at the world.” When Gundolf was 12, the family moved Katherine Arnoldi Katherine from small town, subarid, tropical Filadelfia, where he was born in 1957, to urban life in temperate Vancouver, B.C. After high school, he returned to Filadelfia with his family and worked as an electri- Varied experiences: Elizabeth and Gundolf Niebuhr cian for four years. During this time he was bap- tized at the General Conference Mennonite Their happiest times were yet to come Church and felt called to the ministry, so he stud- ied at the Mennonite Bible Seminary in San in a place where they would experience Lorenzo, close to Asunción. There he met and soon married Elizabeth Funk, who was in the their greatest culture shock. church music program and whose family had been refugees from the Ukraine during World War II, helped by Peter Dyck to make their way to ant to see specimens of 210 species of mam- Paraguay, where they settled in Volandam. She mals in the Chaco? Or 250 species of birds? graduated in 1980 but stayed on studying piano Art objects from the many indigenous tribes? and working at the semi- Artifacts from the pioneer days of the nary’s library while they Mennonite colonies? How about bones of a lived in a small apartment. Mastodon? Or a coin from the 15th century, proba- “We have fond recollections bly dropped by conquistadores on their way to the of this time in our lives,” Inca Empire in search of gold? When you come to Gundolf says. “The entire the Chaco, before or after the Mennonite World operations at the seminary Conference, your first stop will most assuredly be were small then, and even the Jacob Unger Museum in Filadelfia. San Lorenzo was much There to guide you on your discoveries will be smaller, more tranquil.” Gundolf Niebuhr, curator of the museum and But their happiest times director of the Archives of Fernheim Colony, who were yet to come in a place will soon impart to you his love of the Chaco, its where they would experi- people, history, cultures, flora and fauna. ence their greatest culture
16 TheMennonite March 17,2009 about the Chaco? Unger Museum in Filadelfia, Paraguay.
shock. In 1984, Gundolf graduated, and they set In 1995, Gundolf off for Yalve Sanga, the settlement of Nivaclé and experienced yet Enlhet indigenous tribes just south of Filadelfia, another culture where Gundolf taught at the Bible school and shock as he moved Elizabeth led a music program. “It was a fruitful back to the town of experience to be asked questions about myself his birth and child- from a completely different cultural perspective,” hood, and began Gundolf says. “As long as you move in your own working at the context, you are never really aware of your own archives and then conditioning.” the museum. Now Ready for yet another culture shock, Gundolf, he is busy with now an ordained minister, and Elizabeth wanted to plans to expand the keep growing and learning. In 1986, they and their museum to a now- new daughter moved to Elkhart, Ind., where he vacant school build- attended Mennonite Biblical Seminary while | nbii.gov Grosse Andrea ing close by. “I Elizabeth studied the organ. “Although I had stud- would like to see the ethnological section enlarged ied the piano for many years, studying the organ and for the natural history section to include with Orlando Schmidt was exciting because it was botany and more animals from the Chaco,” a different method.” She often stole away to the Gundolf says. Another project is the excavation of chapel at midnight in order to find time to prac- a precolonial indigenous site on the estancia of tice. The couple spent their summers on pastoral Fritz Hoeck, who has carefully protected the site. internships in Newton, Kan. “I noticed quickly that seminary studies were demanding,” Gundolf says. Thanks to Mennonite World Conference, “The time at the seminary was intense.” The cross-cultural experience at Yalve Sanga motivated the museum is about to host visitors him to study anthropology at Notre Dame for one summer, too. from the four corners of the earth. Next it was back to Yalve Sanga, where, from 1989 until 1995, Gundolf again taught school, this “This would entail an archeology department at time at the new Teacher’s College, which he a major university undertaking the project,” began along with Carlos Giesbrecht. Today, Gundolf says. He now greets 2,000-3,000 visitors because of this school, nearly all the elementary a year at the museum from as far away as New school teachers in the native settlements are Zealand and Australia, although most visitors indigenous, as are many of the secondary school are from Brazil, Argentina, North America and teachers. “Due to the new constitution in 1992, Europe. there was a new openness at the time for new Soon, thanks to Mennonite World models of teaching,” Gundolf says, and they invit- Conference, the museum is about to host visi- ed elders in the community to come to the class- tors from the four corners of the earth. And, by room and share their stories and theories on the the way, when you are at the Jakob Unger education of young people. “It was a time when the Museum, be sure to look at the heavy wool entire community participated in education.” coat with its fur collar and fur hat the unsus- Discussions took place around fires on weekend pecting Mennonite refugees brought with them Andrea Grosse | nbii.gov camping trips, where students felt free to question, to this, the Torrid Weather Zone, in the Chaco. explore and debate pedagogies they were studying in the classroom. He began with Carlos Katherine Arnoldi, the author of two books, is a Giesbrecht an NGO called Communidad de member of Manhattan (N.Y.) Mennonite Fellowship Indigenous, which Giesbrecht still facilitates. and currently a Fulbright Fellow in Paraguay.
March 17,2009 TheMennonite 17 LEADERSHIP
What’s a leader to do?
ennonite Church USA has committed itself across the street. I thought, Wow, he must be cold. to being “missional.” What does that mean? His clothes were tattered, and he was coatless. All M And what is the responsibility of leadership of a sudden, the woman in the Cadillac jumped in leading the church into being missional? out, took off her full-length fur coat and gave it to A simple explanation of being missional is this: the man. That was a learning event of my heart As the church, we join God in reconciling a bro- and soul. How do we share stories of what God is ken world. It’s about God’s activity, not ours, and doing and learn as a community? How do we God is leading. So what’s a church leader’s respon- engage learning events together? sibility? It is to create an environment for discern- The third element is imagination. Being mission- ment, learning, imagination and risk taking to al means being able to imagine what we think is empower the church to engage not possible. God does the with God in reconciling a bro- impossible and has given us the ken world. It’s easier said than Leaders must ability to imagine so we can done, but it’s possible. engage in the work of the impos- Discernment takes time, and encourage taking sible. I have learned that I have Iris de León Hartshorn is it’s an important practice for risks and assure to exercise my imagination. I do director of inter- church leaders, even with our this by setting my mind on Yes, cultural relations busyness. It takes a commitment our agencies, that is possible, and avoid saying for Mennonite to pray together and listen to no. Saying yes to our imagina- Church USA each other. It also takes time for tion allows God’s creativity to Executive conferences and Leadership. paths to appear in the direction flourish in our minds and in our God is calling us. I look to the congregations God faith communities. When some- way leaders in my home congre- one shares an idea that we first gation have led through difficult will be there want to oppose with, That’s decisions. Answers haven’t come impossible, what if we said, quickly, but I feel confident God through success Wow, that’s great. How can I has led the process. Discern- and failure. help you? We could unleash ment may mean meeting in God’s power in a dynamic way. small groups so people can Leaders need to say yes to cre- speak more comfortably. There may be times of ative, imaginative ideas, even when they seem prayer and fasting, times that create spaces for impossible. people to process what they’ve heard and be still, Risk goes hand in hand with discernment, listening to God. Other times it may mean just tak- learning and imagination. The permission and sup- ing a walk to discover what God is doing. port to take risks are crucial for the missional We often think of schools as the place for a church. Risk involves success and failure. My learning community. We should also see our faith youngest daughter never wanted to take risks as a community as a learning community. In listening child. When she was learning to skate or ride her to God and connecting with each other, we learn bike, she wanted me to promise she wouldn’t fall. and discover together. It’s not just about head She wanted success without failure. My husband learning but also heart and soul learning. We need and I had to do a lot of convincing that it was OK to engage in the world and see how God is being to fall, and we would be there with her if she did. revealed. One day on my way to work in Houston, Leaders must encourage taking risks and assure a pink Cadillac was in front of me. In the nearly our agencies, conferences and congregations God freezing weather a homeless man was walking will be there through success and failure. From our failures, we’ll create learning opportunities IN THE NEXT ISSUE that give us a chance to exercise our imagination and discern where God is leading. Being missional is messy and risky, but it’s also • Green shoots rising in a resurrection garden a wonderful opportunity “to be followers of Jesus —Marlene Kropf Christ and, by the power of the Holy Spirit to grow as communities of grace, joy and peace so that • Once for all—Darrin Belousek God’s healing and hope flow through us to the world.” TM
18 TheMennonite March 17,2009 Committee looks for new MC USA leader Wants counsel about job description; invites nominations for top staff position
he search committee for the next executive bers are making phone contact with people across director of Mennonite Church USA is making the church. These include young adults and peo- T progress, having held three meetings so far. ple in the pew who are not in churchwide or con- To date, the committee has developed positive ference leadership positions. working relationships, adopted a checklist of steps A flexible timeline has been adopted; the com- to guide its process, issued a call to prayer, mittee is working to move as quickly as possible reviewed the compensation package and devel- while assuring adequate process and discernment. oped a preliminary job description for testing and Although naming the new executive director by feedback across the church. A commitment has the convention in Columbus, Ohio, in July would been made to provide discernment materials in be “terrific,” the committee says, finding the right both English and Spanish. person for this position is top priority. The committee is asking for comments and sug- “These are difficult times in many ways, and yet gestions for the job description and is inviting the this is a time for Mennonite Church USA to shine entire church to assist with the discernment even more brightly than it has before, and we process through prayer, feedback and by suggest- will,” says committee chair and Mennonite Church ing candidates who could provide dynamic and USA moderator-elect Ed Diller. “The search com- Spirit-filled leadership for the denomination. mittee is confident that God will lead us to the According to the job description being created right person to assume the significant role of exec- by the committee, the new executive director will utive director and that that person will find his or lead Mennonite Church USA toward a Christ-cen- her way to us.” tered spirituality and missional calling and will do Other committee members are Glen Guyton, the following: Charlotte Hardt, Sue Miller, Juanita Nunez, Dave • inspire Mennonite Church USA through a Sutter, Patty Shelly, Dick Thomas, Keith Weaver compelling articulation of the vision, mission and and Sharon Waltner.—Mennonite Church USA priorities of the church; • form and lead an Executive Leadership team that empowers Mennonite Church USA to join in Executive Director of Mennonite Church USA God’s activity in the world and achieves outcomes established by the Executive Board; Essential qualifications for success are: • serve as the chief executive officer and pri- mary public spokesperson of Mennonite Church • Spiritual maturity and a pastoral presence USA; • Commitment to Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective • Understanding of Mennonite Church USA theology, history, cultures • ensure strategic alignment in denominational and demographic trends (cultural competence) efforts on the churchwide priorities of witness, • Demonstrated effectiveness in developing an antiracist corporate antiracism, leadership development and global culture connections; • Pastoral experience or clear capacity for church leadership • perform such other responsibilities as • Strong relational skills and a collegial style of leadership • Optimism and a sense of humor requested by the Executive Board. • Strong oral and written communication skills that inspire others A form has been developed to guide individuals • Willingness and ability to travel or groups to provide feedback to the committee, • Ability to connect with people of all ages including responses to the proposed job descrip- • Commitment to the whole church at all its levels tion. In a memo distributed on Feb. 27 to area con- • Ability to work out of the Elkhart, Ind., or Newton, Kan., office ferences, agencies and constituency groups, the Additional gifts/abilities that are desirable: committee also invited respondents to make nomi- nations for the position. The memo lists four chan- • Ability to initiate and lead sustainable change nels for communicating with the committee via • Experience in developing relationships/communication with multiple member Richard Thomas: racial/ethnic groups (perhaps in languages other than English) • History of connection with youth and young adults • regular mail to Richard Thomas, 2176 Lincoln • Theological studies Highway East, Lancaster, PA, 17602; • Ministerial credentials • email at [email protected]; • Organizational, management and administrative skills • fax to 717-299-0823; • Business or nonprofit leadership experience • the following link and form at www.menno- • Leadership in advancement activities for the church niteusa.org/Default.aspx?tabid=891. Source: Search Committee for Mennonite Church USA Executive Secretary To ensure broad conversation, committee mem-
March 17,2009 TheMennonite 19 Some stores in the West resist contract Forty-nine Ten Thousand Villages stores have already committed to signing. hree stores in the West are not willing to sign directors for each store decides what to do with Ten Thousand Villages’ new contract; two oth- the profits.” T ers are deciding whether they will comply. Martha Detweiler, a member of the board for The new contract requires 80 percent of each the gift and thrift store in Lebanon, Ore., said the store’s purchases to come from the company’s Lebanon store will not sign the contract as it cur- product line—along with requiring other computer rently stands; she said their refusal is an act of sol- software upgrades and remodeling requirements. idarity with the other stores that oppose the new In an article entitled “10,000 Villages’ New contract. Contract Causes Difficulty for Some Stores” pub- Detweiler said on Feb. 24 that the financial lished in the Winter 2009 issue of Evangel, Susan requirements were not the problem—as joint gift McCarthy Palmer writes: “[The stores not signing and thrift stores have lower profit requirements, will] still carry crafts from artisans represented by and the Lebanon. Ore., store meets them. Also, Ten Thousand Villages, they say, but the require- the store needed to be remodeled anyway, so they ment to buy more than 80 percent of their product decided to follow many of Ten Thousand Villages’ … has made it impossible for them to afford carry- requirements. ing the Ten Thousand Villages name and remain She said it’s the implications of the contract. viable as businesses.” “I don’t want to be like a franchise store,” she Evangel is the quarterly newsletter published said. “I don’t think that’s the goal of what Ten by Pacific Northwest Mennonite Conference. Thousand Villages is … that’s the reason we “We wanted to have a uniform contract for all haven’t signed it. We really prefer to stay a Ten our stores,” said Kristen Jenkins, media relations Thousand Villages store. We are really hoping that for Ten Thousands Villages on Feb. 20. Currently some changes can be made, that they can become Ten Thousand Villages has contracts that vary more flexible with the stores and listen to us. Our from 70 to 85 percent in their requirements for preference would be to stay with them and not just stores’ purchases to come from their product line. become a wholesale account.” But the new contract now requires all Ten Ellen Chambers, a member of the Salem, Ore., Thousand Villages stores to purchase 80 percent. store board, said they tried to communicate with Jenkins said the intent of the new contract is to Ten Thousand Villages’ national office in Akron, support artisans who make the products. Pa., to negotiate the contract but had to focus on According to Craig Schloneger, CEO of Ten keeping their own store viable. At this point, the Thousand Villages, there have been varying store plans not to sign the contract and will be- responses to the new contract. But 49 stores have come a wholesale account. signed or have given a verbal commitment that “The contract expectations were very challeng- they will sign the new contract. ing for us to work with,” she said on Feb. 25. “We felt that the process was not collaborative.” We really prefer to stay a Ten Thousand Villages store.We are In addition to supporting the artisans, Chambers said they have a commitment to paying really hoping that some changes can be made. their own staff fairly. —Martha Detweiler “We have always been very proud to be part of Ten Thousand Villages,” she said, “and would “We are pleased that the vast majority of stores never have made the choice to no longer carry the have signed the contract as this helps us strength- name except for the changes that were coming as en our relationships with artisans around the shown in the contract. If we could have remained world,” said Schloneger on March 4. part of Ten Thousand Villages, we would have Schloneger said the stores in Boise, Idaho; La been most happy to do that. There’s certainly Junta, Colo., and Salem, Ore., have indicated they some sadness.” will not sign the contract, and two others are unde- “Although the 80 percent requirement is a prob- cided. lem, the main issue is the new corporate retail This article is available as a Stores must sign the contract by April 1 or they direction that Akron management is imposing,” podcast at will be classified as wholesale accounts with Ten said Russ Buschert, board member of the Boise www.The Thousand Villages. That means they cannot use store on March 5. Mennonite.org Ten Thousand Villages in their name. Buschert also invites people to visit this blog: “There is no requirement for profits to return to http://concernedvillagers.blogspot.com.—Anna Ten Thousand Villages,” he said. “The board of Groff
20 TheMennonite March 17,2009 Indiana and Brooklyn churches connect Both congregations send members on trips to serve and learn from each other. hat began as a connection among youth at Similarly, the visits to Brooklyn have helped a Mennonite Church USA convention has educate Clinton Frame members about the reality W turned into a relationship of equals for of city life and realities within the congregation. Iglesia Unida de Avivamiento (United Revival Clinton Frame representatives say they learned Mennonite Church) in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Clinton about faith and focus from their Brooklyn friends. Frame Mennonite Church in Goshen, Ind. The “We’re being stretched when we see their con- connection has helped both churches consider gregation and the vision that they have,” says their mission to one another and to the world. Terry Diener, lead pastor at Clinton Frame. Over the last two years, one set of Brooklyn Angustia was equally impressed with Clinton Mennonites from Unida de Avivamiento has spent Frame. “The Latino church has heard that faith time in Indiana while two Goshen groups from can get you the documents or a better job posi- Clinton Frame have visited the city. The Clinton tion,” he says, “Faith can get your relatives out of Frame groups left home intending to focus their their country and bring them here for a better job labor on Unida de Avivamiento’s building. They possibility. What we learned from Clinton Frame returned speaking the language of relationship. [was] the faith of kindness and generosity.” “They thought they were going to raise a barn Sara Yoder of Clinton Frame visited Brooklyn in in an empty lot,” says Moises Angustia, one of the late 2008 with her women’s accountability group ministers at Unida de Avivamiento. “They found a and has this observation: “I think we always think ministry running full-tilt.” when we get more money, then we can get a big- We always In both locations, locals prepared and shared ger house or a nicer car. Their focus is more on meals; visitors and hosts communed around building up their church and reaching out to the think when tables. Angustia says the conversations became unsaved, especially to their local community.” we get more intimate. Danny Angustia of Unida de Avivamiento trav- “We saw them for who they were. They saw us eled to Indiana in 2007. money,then for who we were,” he says. “I saw their humbleness,” he says. “You have to we can get a The trips did allow some work to be done, espe- always serve. That’s something I learned from cially in Brooklyn. Volunteers painted rooms for Clinton Frame.” bigger house youth and children, cleaned up an empty lot now Diener says Clinton Frame, due to its size and or a nicer car. being used as a community garden, and worked location, has more resources to draw on than on an Unida de Avivamiento building project that Unida de Avivamiento, but it does not serve as a Their focus is has been growing for eight years. benefactor. Mennonite presence in urban commu- more on The point, however, was less about the labor nities is vital for the future of the church, Diener than the learning. says, but it is out of rural Clinton Frame’s reach. building up Angustia says the trip to Indiana helped dispel This partnership allows its members to be in- their church. some of the stereotypes church members had volved in a vibrant urban ministry. developed from hearing news reports on issues The Goshen church also talks about reaching —Sara Yoder and violence in suburban and rural areas. out in its own area. Connecting with Unida de “We must build the bridges from inner city to Avivamiento energizes them for local action and suburban areas,” Angustia says. allows them to support urban outreach. Moises Angustia says money is not the main mark of min- istry. Unida de Avivamiento, 350-strong, has bal- anced its $300,000 budget for five consecutive Canadian School years thanks to God’s provision. of Though its eight-year building project is still Peacebuilding ongoing, strong support from the congregation, with backing from MMA, Eastern Mennonite Missions and others, is helping it near completion. June 29 to The church’s volunteer leaders not only survive but thrive. The congregations exchange bulletins July 10, 2009 and prayer requests. And because of the connec- tion, Clinton Frame is interacting with True Vine For more information, please visit: Tabernacle in Elkhart, Ind., led by former www.cmu.ca/csop Brooklynite Nancy Rodriguez-Lora.—Laurie Oswald Robinson
March 17,2009 TheMennonite 21 Five churches to fund MWC delegate Indiana and Michigan churches each gave $500 for Congolese leader’s trip. dandula Vincent, a Mennonite leader from The other four churches who joined Forks in this the Congo, will go to Mennonite World Con- sponsorship are Emma Mennonite Church in N ference’s (MWC) Assembly 15 in Paraguay Topeka, Ind.; Locust Grove Mennonite Church in in July this year. Sturgis, Mich.; Pleasant View Mennonite Church Five churches in Indiana and Michigan each in Goshen, Ind., and Shore Mennonite Church in contributed $500 toward making his trip possible. Shipshewana, Ind. Ndandula is the coordinator of education and Several men from these churches also served schools for the Mennonite Churches of Congo. with Pax in areas where there are now Congolese Eldon Stoltzfus, pastor of Forks Mennonite Mennonite churches. Church in Middlebury, Ind., says he is delighted The sponsorship plan began with the Forks the money will help a Congolese Mennonite. Missions Committee when information from MWC Stoltzfus served in the Congo from 1969 to 1971 presented the challenge to assist someone unable with Pax, a Mennonite Central Committee pro- to attend Assembly 15 without help. gram that provided alternative service opportuni- After prayer and reflection, the church asked ties for young conscientious objectors during the the four congregations to join them so together Korean and Vietnam wars. they could raise $2,500 by September 2008. All Stoltzfus helped in the technical services de- agreed to do so. And they did. partment of the Universite Libre du Congo in How did Forks meet its $500 challenge? The Kisangani. congregation invites neighbors, family and friends to an annual missions fund-raising dinner and evening of music, where they also set up displays National identity issue of missions projects and organizations the church supports. Copies of the Feb. 3 issue of Currently the projects include work in South The Mennonite are still available for Africa and in French-speaking countries as well as small group and congregational study. ministry in Moldova, a former Soviet state in This special 40-page issue was created Eastern Europe, and local food and shelter min- by Executive Leadership to help prepare istries. The church decided to designate $500 from delegates for the Delegate Assembly in the proceeds of the 2008 fund-raiser for an MWC Columbus, Ohio, June 30-July 5. registrant for Assembly 15. To order copies call 800-790-2498 or email your order to Forks also hoped to help one of its members [email protected]. attend Assembly 15 in Paraguay, but the economic downturn in the United States has now put that plan in jeopardy. Plans for Ndandula’s trip may include a visit to An invitation from northern Indiana and Michigan after the Paraguay assembly. It is hoped that additional congregations in the area with ties to Congo will assist the five congregations in planning and funding this part of the visit. Mennonite World The collaboration of these five churches is a Conference model that other congregations may still adopt to Pax send someone from their area to Paraguay, since tough economic times may make it difficult for Come to Paraguay 2009 and a Pax reunion one church to fund a delegate. Between 1951 and 1976, more than 1,100 young men chose to build Registrations for Assembly 15 continue to be peace through MCC Pax alternative service. Mennonite accepted and will be for the next several months. Central The Pax alumni reunion during MWC’s Paraguay 2009 welcomes all who However, participants’ preferences for lodging and Committee served with Pax in more than 40 countries. Come for a workshop, time to visit and a trip down the trans-Chaco highway, built with the help of other services are more likely to be accommodat- Pax men. Come for MWC’s world assembly, a unique experience of the ed if they register as soon as possible. Visit Register now! global Anabaptist church coming together. mwc-cmm.org www.mwc-cmm.org or contact any MWC office for God is calling us to Paraguay... 14-19 July 2009 information.—Ferne Burkhardt of Mennonite World Asunción, ¡Vamos! Conference Paraguay “Come together in the way of Jesus Christ.” —Philippians 2:1-11
22 TheMennonite March 17,2009 Health-care workers to gather ealth-care workers from around the world will gather July 15-16 in Paraguay in conjunc- Group H tion with Paraguay 2009, Mennonite World Conference’s (MWC) Assembly 15. Health care was among the earliest services developed by Mennonite immigrants who settled savings in Paraguay. The renowned leprosy hospital east of Asunción has gained respect throughout the coun- try for its innovative treatment of victims of lep- We are rosy, reinstating them into their communities. studying the “We in the Mennonite Medical Association,” says Sam Showalter, executive secretary of possible Mennonite Medical Association, “believe this will formation of a be a very important opportunity to interact with our peers from many cultures as we, along with larger the Mennonite Nurses Association, are studying organized the possible formation of a larger organized fellow- ship of Anabaptist health-care team members.” fellowship of The meetings, from 1-4:30 p.m. on both days, Anabaptist are open to anyone in health-care professions. The meetings will be held at the Hospital of Foundation health-care Vision at Fernando de la Mora. Spanish will be the team primary language, with English translation avail- able. members. Key planners, along with Ray Brubacher and —Sam Albert Lobe from MWC, are Wilhelm Schröder and Wesley Schmidt, both doctors in Paraguay; Showalter Carlos Wiens a health administrator in the former Duarte government in Paraguay; and Art Friesen from Abbotsford, B.C., who represents MMA. They hope for 50 or more registrants. www.TheMennonite.org For more information, go to http://www.mwc- cmm.org.—Ferne Burkhardt of Mennonite World Conference 800-790-2498.
800.222.6695 www.mennohaven.org Menno Haven is committed to providing equal housing for all.
March 17,2009 TheMennonite 23 MCC faces global economic downturn International program-spending cut by $2 million in upcoming fiscal year.
ennonite Central Committee (MCC) may working to invite people to contribute to the work have been “cash rich” last June, but that of MCC. The second is reassessing budgets, re- M statement is no longer true. Amid the glob- ducing expenditures and deferring expenses that al economic crisis, the organization is reducing its can be deferred. The third approach is using re- budget in the coming year. serves when necessary. The budget for MCC’s international program, “Through a combination of those three will be reduced by about $2 million, and adminis- [approaches], we think we’re sitting on a stable trative expenditures are also being cut, according stool,” Peters said. to the organization. Overall, the total budget for MCC Canada has committed to sending $12.5 MCC Binational, which runs international pro- million Cdn to MCC Binational during MCC We’re all grams, will shrink by 10 percent. Canada’s current fiscal year, not including the frantically “I think we’re all frantically busy trying to funding it receives from Canadian International rearrange budgets that we thought were in order Development Agency, a federal government pro- busy trying [at] Christmas,” said Arli Klassen, MCC’s gram. It is behind in revenue compared to last to rearrange Binational executive director at the end of January, year, but it still expects to meet its commitment to “and doing it quickly without as much consultation MCC Binational by the end of August. budgets that and discussion as we’d like. But I think people are “We’ve got challenges ahead of us, but we have we thought working together as a strong team and [are] com- eight months to address this situation, so I’m cau- mitted to finding ways to move ahead.” tiously optimistic,” Peters said. (In its last fiscal were in MCC U.S. and the regional MCCs in the United year, MCC Canada committed to sending just over order [at] States are facing a 9 percent reduction. “All I can $11 million Cdn but sent over $12 million Cdn.) say is that we’re cutting $2 million out of interna- While more people are giving money to support Christmas. tional programming, and that is going to affect our MCC’s work than in previous years, the average —Arli Klassen partners,” Klassen said. contribution decreased in 2008. Peters said the va- MCC Canada and provincial MCCs are also fac- lue of contributions from Canada was reduced be- ing budget cuts. However, because the fiscal year cause of the recent sharp drop in the value of the for MCCs in Canada ends Aug. 31, as opposed to Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar. Nearly March 31 in the United States, it is not yet clear half of MCC Binational’s funding for its interna- what the size of the budget cuts in Canada will be. tional program comes from Canadian contributions “We’ve developed a threefold approach to this, made in Canadian dollars, while MCC Binational’s or, if you want, a stool with three legs,” said Don budget and spending is in U.S. dollars. Peters, MCC Canada’s executive director, in Feb- MCC’s financial reserves were also reduced by ruary, when asked how MCC Canada expects to losses in financial markets. MCC’s investments weather the economic storm. The first approach is have been made in accordance with a policy rec- ommended by the audit and finance committee of Pastors should tend their the MCC Binational board, which the board ap- proved, Klassen said. flocks, not their health bills “On the whole, MCC is known for being more As many as 100 pastors in Mennonite Church cautious than aggressive in how we use the money USA have little or no health care coverage. Together, that has been given us,” she said, adding that each we can do something about this crisis. MCC has its own reserve. MCC Binational started The Corinthian Plan is a new employee benefit its fiscal year with 3.8 months worth of average program for Mennonite Church USA congregations. spending in reserves; it hopes to end this March It can ensure that all pastors and church staff have access to health coverage and other benefits, with 2.5 months left. regardless of their congregations’ financial situations. Peters also commented on MCC Binational Congregations have until Oct. 1, 2009, to board member Ryan Showalter’s comment at last decide whether to participate. Don’t delay. Visit Juanita and Eligio Nuñez, June’s board meetings: “We are cash rich but peo- www.CorinthianPlan.com co-pastors of Ebenezer Christian Church, Apopka, Fla. Neither Juanita ple poor.” nor Eligio, have health insurance. The “MCC is now in a situation where we are no Corinthian Pl longer cash rich, and we hope that we have T enough reserves to make it through,” Peters said. “And we’re counting on the constituency to make sure the work of MCC continues.”—Aaron Epp of the Canadian Mennonite
24 TheMennonite March 17,2009 School a seedbed for doctors in India Mennonite partners hoped for 85 students at new school; 140 enrolled.
the same holds true for the hospital. Jagdeeshpur students who are taught in English will have opportunities to continue to college and postgradu-
Tushar Kanti Naik Tushar ate work, which is primarily taught in English, Naik says. Ideally, he says, these children will become the next generation of Indian doctors to work at Sewa Bhawan Hospital, where Naik and his wife, Kanchan, are the only two full-time physi- cians. The Jagdeeshpur area already has a strong liter- acy rate, compared with other parts of the country, Naik says. An improving local economy means more and more students are ready for additional educational opportunities. Lubna Khatri and Asutosh Agrawal during a performance at The school offers an optional course that teach- St. Stephen’s Model School inauguration. es stories about Jesus as well as morale-building ennonite partners who organized a new stories from other faiths. In general, Naik says, English-language school in Jagdeeshpur, students learn more about Christian belief at St. M India, hoped for 85 students in the first Stephen’s than in other schools. Assemblies year. More than 140 enrolled. include Bible verses, Christian songs and the The new St. Stephen’s Model School that began Lord’s Prayer. on the ground floor of Sewa Bhawan Hospital in “As the teachers are from all faiths,” Naik says, the 2008-2009 school year is more than an educa- “it is not a practice to preach the faith of any reli- tional facility; it is a ministry. Leaders from the gion. But all the teachers are repeatedly reminded area church, school and hospital hope English and encouraged to practice Christ’s love to chil- instruction prepares students both for higher edu- dren and others. God started something wonder- cation and more prestigious careers and for learn- ful here.” ing a bit about God. The wonders may expand. Bharatiyah General The school is a combined effort from Sewa Conference Mennonite Church has proposed Bhawan Hospital and Emmanuel Hospital starting another St. Stephen’s school at a church Association; Bharatiyah General Conference complex in nearby Saraipali for next school year. Mennonite Church; Evangelical Trust Association Sewa Bhawan Hospital sits just yards away from of North India; Menno Christian Education Society; and St. Stephen’s Group of Schools (part of the Church of North India). It is not a practice to preach the faith of any religion.But all the For the first year, classes are offered from nurs- ery classes through fourth grade. Administrators teachers are repeatedly reminded and encouraged to practice hope to increase the grades over time. Christ’s love to children.—Tushar Naik Tushar Naik, Sewa Bhawan Hospital director, says English education is now optional in the Chhattisgarh province, which means anyone want- Jansen Memorial School—another Mennonite ing to learn or perfect their English-language school started by local leaders and former General skills must pay for the instruction. St. Stephen’s, Conference Mennonite mission workers, now run Naik says, offers a sliding scale based on income by MCES for students in upper grades. Menno- so that English is offered both to those who can nites also started the hospital. afford to pay for it and those who cannot. Menno Christian Education Society, Emmanuel The response from the community, Naik says, Hospital Administration and Evangelical Trust has been inspiring. More than 500 people attended Association of North India are trusts that adminis- an inauguration ceremony in the fall. ter former North American Mennonite mission “There is no other alternative for our children,” schools, hospitals and land holdings in the area. he says. The Rev. P.K. Bagh, chairman of Mennonite Mission Network is a partner to the Bharatiyah General Conference Mennonite Mennonite organizations involved in the school Church, says the school and partnership are collaboration.—Ryan Miller of Mennonite Mission important for the future of the church. Naik says Network
March 17,2009 TheMennonite 25 FOR THE RECORD
CALENDAR Rosenberger, Phil, was ordained as pas- Nickel, Corynn Jade, Dec. 15, 2008, to tor at Light of Life Mennonite Church, Kevin and Yvette Peters Nickel, Newton, The 7th Annual Regional Men’s Chorus Farmington, N.M., on Feb. 8. Kan. Celebration will be held at the , was ordained as pastor at , Feb. 14, to Weaverland Mennonite Church, 210 Roth, Brad Schmidt, Natalia Kathryn Weaverland Valley Road, East Earl, Pa., on Warden Mennonite Church, Warden, Wesley and Laura Bergey Schmidt, March 29. Wash., on Jan. 18. Perkasie, Pa. , Dec. 23, 2008, to Sound in the Lands 09 at Conrad Grebel Schmidt, Trevor Dean Van and Brenda Graham Schmidt, University College in Waterloo, Ontario, BIRTHS & ADOPTIONS June 4-8, 2009. A sequel to the acclaimed Newton, Kan. music festival and academic conference Alderfer, Isabel Marie, Feb. 17, to Dale Short, Bennett Cole, Feb. 9, to Jonathan held at Grebel in 2004. This year’s festival and Mary Schmidt Alderfer, Newton, Kan. and Angela White Short, Fresno, Calif. celebrates and explores Mennonite-relat- Crouse, Bridget Grace, Feb. 4, to Kevin Spohn, Jacob William, Feb. 4, to Scott ed music across borders and boundaries. and Rebecca Kane Crouse, Gordonville, Pa. and Katie Kastanek Spohn, Friend, Neb. Discounts will be applied to those who register for Sounds in the Lands 09 before Fielitz, Mia Grace, Feb. 25, to Dan and May 4, 2009. Registration information can Melissa Cuenot Fielitz, Dalton, Ohio. be found at grebel.uwaterloo.ca/sound- Gouldey, Eden Savannah, Feb. 6, to DEATHS inthelands. Bruce and Rhonda Leatherman Gouldey, Brallier, Mary Knepp, 103, Goshen, Ind., Green Lane, Pa. died Feb. 24. Spouse: Loren J. Brallier (deceased). Parents: Peter and Mary Hiebert, Jackson Jon, Jan. 16, to Bradley WORKERS and Sara Unruh Hiebert, Newton, Kan. Gingerich Knepp. Funeral: March 3 at North Goshen Mennonite Church. Ebersole, Phil, ended a term as pastor at Litwiller, Joseph Duane, Feb. 10, to Jason Peace Mennonite Community Church, and Angela Tackett Litwiller, Hopedale, Ill. Buckwalter, Galen N., 77, Chambersburg, Aurora, Colo., on July 21, 2008, and is pas- Pa., died Feb. 21. Spouse: Gladys Lehman tor of a church start, The Bridge, in Denver, Martin, Miriam Noelle, Dec. 23, 2008, to Buckwalter. Parents: Park Leroy and Colo. Alan and Christiane Haroun Martin, Melinda Smoker Buckwalter. Child: Gregg; Waterloo, Ontario. three grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. 28 at , was ordained as associate pas- Epp, Amy Marion Mennonite Church, tor at Seattle Mennonite Church, Seattle. Miller, Preston Eigsti, Feb. 17, to Brian Chambersburg. Wash., Feb. 22. and Janice Eigsti Miller, Goshen, Ind. Estrada, Victor, was ordained as pastor at Nafziger, Adelynn Grace, Jan. 9, to Steve Iglesia Menonita Roca de Salvacion, and Laura Kauffman Nafziger, Wauseon, Aurora, Ore., Feb. 1. Ohio.
26 TheMennonite March 17,2009 FOR THE RECORD
Burkholder, Harold E., 77, Baltimore, Md., died Jan. 15 of complications from a I live in a stroke. Spouse: Mary Jane Myers Burkholder. Parents: Clarence A. and Blanche Herr Burkholder. Children: J. Greencroft Michael, David K., Ruth Ann Gochnauer, Barbara Sue Liberto; 16 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. Memorial serv- Community ice: Jan. 24 at Catonsville, Md. Christophel, Warren H., 92, Goshen, Ind., died Feb. 16. Spouse: M. Lucille Troyer Christophel (deceased). Parents: Elmer and Mary Hartman Christophel. Children: Janice Langstaff, Joseph; six grandchil- dren; eight great-grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. 20 at Yellow Creek Mennonite “Whathat I like most about living here is theh freedom Church, Goshen. andnd independence.ce. IInstead of wowworrying about Fast, Edward Arthur, 76, Butterfield, Minn., died Feb. 20 of cancer. Spouse: doing mamaintenanceaint nce and yardd work,w rk I can volunteer, Gladys Rosella Schmidt Fast. Parents: John revisit hobhobbies,bbb make new friends and worship. and Helena and John Vogt Fast. Children: LaVonne Jungas, DeLyle, LaRoy; seven Shouould I ever need assisted living or nursing care, I grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. have priority access. That gives me and my family Funeral: Feb. 23 at First Mennonite “For the Record” Church, Mountain Lake, Minn. is available to peace of mind. Life in a continuing care retirement Goossen, Edgar Leon, 83, Windom, members of Minn., died Jan. 26. Spouse: Ione Rassler Mennonite communitycomm is very satisfying. I should have done Krause (deceased). Parents: Jacob A. and Church USA. To Helen J. Derksen Goossen. Children: submit informa- this yearsyeyeay a ago.” Nancy Sell, Neil Krause; nine grandchil- tion, log on to dren; 15 great-grandchildren; nine great- great-grandchildren. Funeral: Jan. 30 at www.TheMenno- LaCanne Family Funeral Service, Windom. nite.org and use Explore a campus today! the “For the Graber, Ryan Scott, 23, Hurley, S.D., died Record” button to Greencroft Goshen,Gosh Goshen, Ind. 574.537.4010 Feb. 12 in a farm accident. Parents: Calvin Scott and Linda Thompson Graber. access our online Located just behinbehindhi d Goshen College with access Siblings: Tracy Petersen, Kayla Graber, forms. You can to mmany activities and cultural events. Katelyn Graber. Funeral: Feb. 17 at Salem also submit infor- Mennonite Church, Freeman, S.D. mation by email, Greencroft Middlebury, Middlebury, Ind. 574.825.6756 Hershberger, Irene, 89, Walnut Creek, fax or mail: Walnut Hills Retirement Community, Ohio, died Feb. 25. Parents: Homer and •Editor@TheMen- Leora Hostetler Hershberger. Funeral: Feb. nonite.org Walnut Creek, Ohio 330.893.3200 28 at Walnut Creek Mennonite Church. •fax 574-535- A unique combination of scenery, Amish culture Kauffman, Dorothy Dick Preheim, 94, 6050 and commerce. Two true destination locations. Freeman, S.D., died Dec. 9, 2008. Spouse: Ralph Kauffman (deceased). Spouse: •1700 S. Main St., Southfi eld Village, South Bend, Ind. 574.807.8301301 Clifford Preheim (deceased). Parents: John Goshen, IN and Marie Heinz Dick. Funeral: Dec. 13 at 46526-4794 Comfort and serenity of a countryside setting,eetting,in Walter Funeral Home, Freeman. in an urban environment. Kulp, Gladys Derstine, 88, Harrisonburg, Va., died Feb. 14. Spouse: Floyd G. Kulp. Parents: Edwin A. and Elizabeth Krupp Our mission Derstine. Children: James D., Donald D., Janice Kulp Long; eight grandchildren; In keeping with our Mennonite values and high standardsdard four great-grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. 20 of care, Greencroft Communities is committed to creatingeat at Lindale Mennonite Church, Linville, Va. dynamic communities that embrace the creativity, Landes, Ruth M. Allebach, 80, Franconia, contributions and challenges of aging for all. Pa., died Feb. 13. Spouse: Curtis H. Landes. Parents: Paul and Mamie Moyer Allebach. Children: David, Jane Leatherman, Marlene Clemmer, Lisa Yoder, Alan; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. Live, Here. For the Best of Your Life. Funeral: Feb. 20 at Franconia Mennonite Church.
www.greencroftcommunities.orggrereencroftcommunities.org ACTIVE COMMUNITIESOM NITIES FOR RESIDENTS 55 AND OLDER.OLDE
March 17,2009 TheMennonite 27 FOR THE RECORD
LeFever, Lloyd K., 91, East Petersburg, Pa., Preheim, Harvey W., 94, Freeman, S.D., Smoker, Helen Buch, 92, Lititz, Pa., died died Feb. 18 of congestive heart failure. died Nov. 6, 2008. Spouse: Margaret Feb. 4. Spouse: David Renno Smoker Spouse: Miriam E. Blank LeFever. Parents: Graber Preheim. Parents: Jacob and Mary (deceased). Parents: Harvey K. and Anna Isaac H. and Anna H. Kilheffer LeFever. Waltner Preheim. Children: Janis Preheim, M. Buckwalter Buch. Children: Jane Child: Kenneth L.; one grandchild; three Arlo, Roger; four grandchildren; eight Davidson, Marie Breneman, Albert, great-grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. 19 at great-grandchildren. Funeral: Nov. 11 at Claude; eight grandchildren; seven great- East Petersburg Mennonite Church. Salem Mennonite Church, Freeman. grandchildren. Memorial service: Feb. 7 at West Bethany Chapel, Landis Homes, Lehman, Donald E., 78, Lowville, N.Y., Richenberger, Mae R., 98, Mount died Feb. 19 of cancer. Spouse: Irene Pleasant, Iowa, died Jan. 25. Parents: Jacob Lititz. Repak Lehman. Parents: Ezra and Clara Chris and Druzilla Ann Essley Stoltzfus, Myrtle Phoebe Sutter, 82, Roggie Lehman. Child: Clairon; two grand- Richenberger. Funeral: Jan. 28 at Kimzey Kalona, Iowa, died Feb. 26. Spouse: children. Funeral: Feb. 22 at First Funeral Home, Mount Pleasant. Sterling Stoltzfus (deceased). Parents: Mennonite Church of New Bremen, Daniel and Magdalena Roth Sutter. Sears, Shirley M. Swartzendruber, 77, Lowville. Tiskilwa, Ill., and Sarasota, Fla., died Feb. Children: Ruth Boller, Donna Wyse, Jane King, Philip, Barb Garber; 17 grandchil- Lehman, Elsie Elizabeth, 85, 21 of a massive stroke. Spouse: Wilmer L. Harrisonburg, Va., died Feb. 5. Parents: Sears. Parents: Herb and Fern Miller dren; 24 great-grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. Daniel W. and Ada Neff Lehman. Funeral: Swartzendruber. Funeral: March 5 at Bay 28 at Yoder Powell Funeral Home, Kalona. Feb. 8 at Weavers Mennonite Church, Shore Mennonite Church, Sarasota. Stutzman, Lela Fern Hershberger, 82, Harrisonburg. Memorial service to be held at Willow Kinross, Iowa, died Feb. 25. Spouse: Harold Springs Mennonite Church, Tiskilwa, in Stutzman (deceased). Parents: Samuel and Martin, Richard Warren, 59, St. Jacobs, Ontario, died Feb. 17 of a brain tumor. April. Mabel Hartzler Hershberger. Children: Jerry, James, Stan, John, Donavan, Mary Parents: Moses and Alice Drudge Martin. Shenk, Mabel Powell, 94, Harrisonburg, Children: Brad, Sabrina Hussey. Funeral: Va., died Feb. 14. Spouse: Amos Shenk Stutzman; 14 grandchildren; seven great- Feb. 25 at St. Jacobs Mennonite Church. (deceased). Parents: Samuel J. and Laura grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. 28 at Powell Shenk Powell. Child: Bill. Funeral: Feb. 28 Funeral Home, Wellman, Iowa. Neumann, Harold R., 75, Goshen, Ind., and Metamora, Ill., died Feb. 12. Spouse: at Strite Auditorium at Virginia Mennonite Syzdek, Debra “Debbie” Lynn, 50, Joanne E. Herbst Neumann. Parents: Retirement Community, Harrisonburg. Philadelphia, Pa., died Feb. 8 of ovarian Emanuel and Martha Springer Neumann. cancer. Spouse: Joe Syzdek. Children: Children: Laurie Nafziger, Lisa Heinz, Mark, Jason, Emily Syzdek; one grandchild. Kurt; 10 grandchildren. Funeral: Feb. 17 at Funeral: Feb. 12 at Woodland Presbyterian Metamora Mennonite Church. Church, Philadelphia.
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28 TheMennonite March 17,2009 CLASSIFIED
Stumptown Mennonite Church, www.stumptown.pa.us.men- Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) invites nomi- nonite.net, Bird-in-Hand, Pa., seeks applicants for a half-time nations and/or applications for the position of president, expect- associate pastor for summer of 2009. We envision an associate ed to assume office sometime between Jan. 1, 2010, and July 1, Advertising space pastor focusing primarily on youth and young adult ministry with 2010. AMBS is a fully accredited post-graduate seminary located The Mennonite tools of spiritual formation and leadership development. Our in Elkhart, Ind., affiliated with Mennonite Church USA and in associate pastor will be committed to the way of Jesus, with Mennonite Church Canada. Additional information about the is available to Anabaptist theology and practice, operating in a team setting. seminary and a complete description of this position can be congregations, Letters of interest and/or resumés can be sent to Ryan Ebersole: located at www.ambs.edu. conferences, Fax: 717-687-6375 or email Pastor Don Sharp: Qualifications: The ideal candidate for president will businesses and [email protected]. • be an active follower of Jesus, a convinced Anabaptist and an churchwide advocate for the missional church in a diverse theological, PULSE (Pittsburgh Urban Leadership and Service Experience) boards and denominational and faith context; seeks executive director to lead small nonprofit organization in agencies of Pittsburgh that cultivates young urban citizens. ED will manage • have ability and passion for theological education and pas- Mennonite the program, operations and fund-raising. See www.pulsepitts- toral formation that includes new models of church, ministry and pedagogy; Church USA. burgh.org for more information. Submit resumé to Cost for one-time [email protected] by March 27, 2009. • be a creative, entrepreneurial, visionary leader; • demonstrate theological depth and have earned an advanced classified place- South Hutchinson Mennonite Church (central Kansas) seeks a degree (Ph.D. or D.Min. strongly preferred); ment is $1.30 per dynamic, outgoing, Spirit-filled person to join our pastoral team • understand and be committed to the missions of Mennonite word, minimum as full-time pastor to our junior and senior high students. We Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA. of $30. Display have an active program for 85 youth; 20 percent of whom come Search process: Nominations and/or letters of application with CV space is also from families that do not attend SHMC. A passion for working or resumé may be submitted to Randall Jacobs, Chair of the available. To place with youth who are not yet Christians and a commitment to help Search Committee, c/o [email protected] or an ad in The youth grow in their relationship with Jesus are essential. Respond through postal mail to AMBS Presidential Search Committee, c/o Mennonite to Search Chair, South Hutchinson Mennonite Church, 808 S. Mennonite Education Agency, 63846 County Road 35, Suite 1, , call Poplar, South Hutchinson, KS 67505. Email [email protected] Goshen, IN 46528-9621. The search committee will begin review- 800-790-2498 or call Keith Leinbach at 620-474-9397. ing applications in Spring 2009 and continue until the position is and ask for Rainbow Mennonite Church in Kansas City, Kan., is seeking a filled. Women and minority people are encouraged to apply. Rebecca Helmuth, half-time community services coordinator, the primary link AMBS, an affirmative action employer, is committed to Christian or email between the church and the surrounding neighborhood. College beliefs and values as interpreted by the Mennonite church. Advertising@The degree preferred. Send cover letter and resumé to resume@rain- Mennonite.org. bowmennonite.org. Call 913-236-8820 or visit www.rainbowmen- nonite.org for a complete job description. Camp Deerpark is seeking to fill the positions of construction assistant and food service assistant. Salaried positions with ben- efits, including housing and insurance. Camp Deerpark is a min- istry of the NYC Mennonite Churches. Contact Ken Bontrager at 845-754-8669 or [email protected]. The Mennonite Heritage Cruise and its international resource Good work...advanced. team invites you to join the 15th annual cruise in Ukraine on the Dnieper River and Black Sea in late September 2009. This has been the ultimate 15-day roots discovery experience for 2,500 descendants of Russian Mennonites and others. For details of the cruise Google “Mennonite Heritage Cruise” or phone Marina Unger, 800-387-1488, ext. 2827. Wilderness Wind (Ely, MN) Executive director/administrator, Assisted Living Facility. Faith- based, not-for-profit organization seeking qualified candidates to contracted with AAI for a provide leadership and direction for a new Ohio, 58-unit assisted strategic visioning retreat living (AL) facility. Located near Columbus, Ohio, the position is responsible for leadership and management in all operational needs, including fiscal, staffing and resident life programs. Requires facility administrator license, bachelor’s degree and pre- vious experience in management, resident assessments and resi- dent-care programs specific to the elderly. Candidates should have a demonstrated faith dimension in life. Competitive benefits. Salary depending on qualifications. Apply online at www.green- croft.org or submit resumés to Greencroft Communities P. O . B ox 819, Goshen, IN 46527. Director of project development (new position) with a minimum of five years of supervisor/management experience, preferably in retirement services and health-related fields. Prefer experience in Consulting In development of new programs and project management. ADVANCEMENT ...... Minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Send a letter along with a Associates Strategic Visioning resumé to Steven Ringenberg, Fairlawn Haven Nursing Home, 407 ...... E. Lutz Road, Archbold, OH 43502. Fundraising 866-777-1606 Toll Free ...... Capital Campaigns [email protected] ...... www.advanassociates.com Enrollment ......
Building relationships. Advancing your mission.
March 17,2009 TheMennonite 29 MEDIACULTURE
Be aware of technology’s influence
ediaculture first appeared in the Feb. 17, He presents various technologies with under- 1998, issue of a new magazine called The standing yet cautions readers about their effects. M Mennonite. In that column I outlined the The book is not an academic treatise that deals in purposes of the column and wrote, “We swim in an complexities, however, and at times it comes ocean of media and culture without thinking about across as too simplistic. For example, he repeats it or analyzing how it might affect us.” the point that the printed word led humanity into Shane Hipps, pastor of Trinity Mennonite left-brained thinking until the image finally Church in Phoenix, Ariz., in his new book, released us to be more right-brained. Flickering Pixels: How Technology Shapes Your Faith And while I tend to agree with many of his (Zondervan, 2009, $16.99), has a similar message. warnings, I’d like to see younger readers interact He warns about the power of media and our need with him about the effects of digital social net- to be aware of that power: “Our lack of awareness working, which, he writes, “inoculates people is what empowers the media to bully us.” against the desire to be physically present with oth- In this readable and helpful book he tries to ers in real social networks” (his emphasis). increase our awareness of media’s power. He While Flickering Pixels can serve as a primer on Gordon Houser draws much on the work of media pioneer the effects of technology, Hipps goes on to point Marshall McLuhan, who made the popular obser- out its relationship to our faith and our faith com- vation that “the medium is the message.” McLuhan munities. For example, in a chapter that shows also pointed out that we need not be slaves to how “printing breeds a strong preference for cate- media as long as we’re willing to pay attention. gories,” he warns against black-and-white thinking. “Media and technology have far less power to “Jesus didn’t tell us to make believers,” he writes. shape us when they are brought into the light and “He called us to make disciples, and disciples are This article is available as a we understand them,” Hipps writes. followers and students of the way of God. podcast at Hipps, who worked in advertising before he Followers learn to change their beliefs as they www.The became a pastor, writes in an engaging style. His walk.” Mennonite.org short chapters have catchy titles such as “Mr. No- Hipps addresses areas that face Christians, Depth Perception,” “Dyslexia and Deception,” “A members of churches. He discusses how email Thousand Feelings” and “The Dimmer Switch.” leads us away from dealing healthily with conflict while Jesus told us to go to our brother or sister. FILMS BOOKS Hipps also includes insights he has gained as he moved toward the Mennonite church. He men- Revolutionary Road (R) depicts the In Pax Avalon: Conflict Revolution exhausting breakdown of a marriage by Steven “Reece” Friesen (Herald tions lessons he’s learned about humility, peace in the 1950s. The life of the Wheelers Press, 2008, $19.99), the “good guys” and community (in a chapter called “Y’all”). —skillfully acted by Kate Winslet and and the “bad guys” hold a variety of The book is full of pithy wisdom, perhaps none Leonardo DiCaprio—offers a sobering complex attitudes toward violence—a more concise and inclusive as these three sen- reminder of family life complexities major strength of this graphic novel. tences: “Stay awake. Look beneath the surface of that exist behind closed doors. Avalon City’s special operations offi- However, the story works better in the cer, Julianna “Pax” Embry, is a strong things. And learn to bend.” novel by Richard Yates, which more superhero struggling with being a Flickering Pixels would make a good focus for a adequately fleshes out the character’s Christian, pacifist and officer. Her Sunday school class or small group. It’s a book motives and desires.—Anna Groff decisions translate to real life. Pax that can help us swim in our mediaculture. TM Avalon is stereotypical and preachy at The Wrestler (R) shows the dark side times, but this does not overshadow of America’s celebrity culture with a the well-told message.—Anna Groff frank, often depressing realism. Mickey Rourke plays Randy “The Ram” Imagination and the Journey of These Are the Footings, edited by Esther Harder Robinson, a professional wrestler who Faith by Sandra M. Levy (Eerdmans, (Roaming Pen Press, $9.50), a chapbook of Jonathan is 20 years past his prime. One of the 2008, $18) argues that “we have a Larson’s writings from his experiences in Southern best parts of this film is its peek into built-in longing for Transcendence, … Africa, is named for the story about Mma Chabe, the world of professional wrestling. In to meet God … beneath and beyond “mother of the nation”—an HIV positive widow who this world, Randy is a celebrity; out- the ordinary of our everyday lives.” opened her homestead to more than 100 orphans side it, he’s a failure. The writing at She explores how imagination is and adults in need (see our Jan. 6 issue, page 16). This times borders on cliché, but the act- expressed through ritual, music, poet- story and the others demonstrate Larson’s admiration ing, particularly Rourke’s perform- ry, art and story, then focuses on prac- for those who face struggles and triumphs. His poetic ance, makes us care about this broken tices in the home and in churches. She stories illustrate the people’s strength and the beauty man and yearn for his redemption. concludes this timely book by reflect- of their surroundings. To order, contact roaming- —gh ing on the making of meaning.—gh [email protected] or 507-822-4333.—Anna Groff
30 TheMennonite March 17,2009 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER The Organization: Mennonite Savings and Credit Union is a progressive and visionary organization founded on values of stewardship, compassion, and mutual aid. From our modest beginnings as a ‘shoe-box’ operation in 1964, we have grown in size to 120 staff members who are dedicated to serving the financial needs of our 16,200 Mennonite, Brethren in Christ and Amish members, with dollars under administration rapidly approaching three quarter of a billion dollars. The Opportunity: Accountable to, and guided by the Board of Directors, you will provide leadership to MSCU, directing and managing the overall operation to ensure solid financial performance and profitability, and exceptional service delivery to our membership. As MSCU’s next Chief Executive Officer, you will articulate our vision of the future for staff and our faith- based community, bringing the credit union’s strategic directions to life and moving them forward. Advocating on behalf of our faith-based membership, you will assure an offering of ethical financial products and services that provides oppor- tunity for individual members to transform their stewardship priorities into collective healthy communities. Applying a values-centred leadership approach, the senior leadership team, and management and staff members will be empowered to accomplish the goals of the credit union. You will have a positive influence within the greater Anabaptist community and in the credit union system. The Candidate: As the ideal candidate you are fully aligned with the values of MSCU and the faith-based membership we serve. As lead strategist, you have a solid track record in planning and management that has resulted in new growth while ensuring financial stability. Your relevant post-secondary education and executive and operational experience within the credit union/financial sector provides a basis fory ou to rise to the challenge of this exciting opportunity! Your Next Step: This position has a comprehensive compensation package and relocation support. Our website Mennonite Savings and Credit Union has additional information about this opportunity and considerable information about who we are, the services we provide and the values that govern our credit union. Interested and qualified candidates can direct their inquiries and resumes, in strict and professional confidence by March 31, 2009 to Kaye Rempel, Lead, CEO Search Committee at [email protected] or 519-998-1014. Your Values Your Credit Union | www.mscu.com
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March 17,2009 TheMennonite 31 EDITORIAL
An inspirational leader
he economy is in recession. Our denomina- • The face of Mennonite Church USA: In many tion is shrinking in size; membership is aging. places, the executive director is the face of our T This is the milieu in which Mennonite Church denomination. Whether delivering a letter to USA looks for a new executive director—the top Congress or representing us in ecumenical meet- staff position in the church. As the process begins, ings, others draw conclusions about our faith, tra- however, the person leading the search is opti- ditions and values as they interact with the execu- mistic about our church’s future and has already tive director. heard one theme from those who describe the But the executive director is also the face of the Everett J. Thomas leadership we will need during the next years. denomination for us within the church. That is “A number of people said at this point we need why Schrag’s picture and writings regularly appear someone on the inspirational side,” said Ed Diller in Equipping, Beyond Ourselves and once each in a phone interview on March 3. Diller, modera- month on page 2 of this magazine. Those of us sit- tor-elect for Mennonite Church USA, is also chair ting in the pew look at the face of the executive of the search committee. director and see Mennonite Church USA. That is also the first quality the committee list- • Things are not working well: One year ago, the ed in a tentative job description (see page 19). It Executive Board said that our denominational sys- says, “The new executive director will inspire tem is not working well. At that time, the board Mennonite Church USA through a compelling said the denomination’s vision and call “is not ade- articulation of the vision, mission and priorities of quately supported by our present relationships, At this point the church.” behavior and organization.” The new executive in history, Each national church that is part of the global director will be charged with moving all parts of Mennonite family is indigenous to the country in our ungainly system toward more synergy—the we may need which it is located. The same is true for us. Just as word currently used for this is “alignment.” someone with our country has high hopes that a new president The challenge for Diller and the search commit- will lead us out of this economic depression, we tee is that the church is both an organization and a primary gift also hope for a leader who will help us grow an organism. There are some leaders in our midst for inspiring Mennonite Church USA in ways not yet obvious. with strong, inspirational pastoral gifts that can Most of us sitting in the pew on Sunday morn- lead the church body—the organism—in life-giv- others.—Ed ings seldom think about the person leading our ing ways. There are other leaders with managerial Diller denomination through the top staff position. gifts who can leave people and agencies—the Nevertheless this is a critically important role. It is organization—inspired to work better together so important for the future church that we all across church structure lines. would do well to pray for the committee in its dis- “We have both in the job description,” Diller cernment—the first request they made to us. said. “Anyone we bring in will have strengths and There are at least three reasons why this role is weaknesses. It may be that at this point in history, critical and why we should all pray for God to lead we may need someone with a primary gift for the committee to the right person: inspiring others.” • Long-term influence: Jim Schrag, the current Some of this inspiration comes from the com- executive director, and Ron Byler, associate execu- mittee itself. This article is tive director, have been involved in denominational “The search committee is confident that God available as a leadership for more than a decade. While other will lead us to the right person,” Diller said, “and podcast at leaders, such as the moderator and moderator- that that person will find his or her way to us.” www.The elect, are very public for short periods of time, The committee offers many ways for us to give Mennonite.org their influence over the trajectory of Mennonite counsel and suggest names. But the best thing we Church USA is relatively minor compared with the can do is pray that God’s leading will be clear to influence of long-term staff members. the committee. If so, inspiration will follow.—ejt
32 TheMennonite March 17,2009